A petition calling on the state government to make immediate safety upgrades to Leakes Road and the Western Freeway interchange in Rockbank has received majortractionacrossthecommunity.
The petition is currently before state parliament and has received backing from Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming, and has attracted more than 3500signaturestodate.
It’s calling for the installation of traffic lights on freeway ramps, improved street lighting, road surface repairs, and the fast-tracking of the interchange as a stage one priority of the $1 billion Western Freewayupgrade.
Everyone has a tale to tell about Leakes Road. There are countless near misses ... an incredible number of people have witnessed serious collisions
- Donna Southern
Donna Southern continues to head the campaign for the complete revamp of Leakes Road, beginning her campaigning back in February last year after calling for lightstobeinstalledattheinterchange.
During said time, Ms Southern said road safety at the interchange has become far worse than when campaigning first started.
“Since starting the Leakes Needs Lights campaignandlaunchingourpetition,road safety at the Leakes Road interchange has definitelybecomefarworse,”shesaid.
She recalled changes made by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP),includinga10km/hspeedreduction and the installation of stop signs along the interchange.
“The Band-Aid fixes put in place by the Department of Transport and Planning in October 2025 such as a reduced speed limit, and stop signs replacing give-way signs have had no impact on reducing collisions.”
In light of this, Ms Southern said community support for the petition has grownmassively.
“We are half-way through our campaign timeline and community support has taken the shape of many ‘hands on deck’,” shesaid.
“It has been nothing short of amazing to see the community spirit and the passion forsomethingthatwereallyneedhere.”
Ms Southern explained she had spent a great deal of time out in the community hearing from locals’ experiences at the interchange - an eye opener to the impacts ofitsrisksandhazards.
“The greatest number of signatures is when you are able to speak to people in personandlistentotheirstories,”shesaid.
“Everyone has a tale to tell about Leakes Road. There are countless near misses
while driving. An incredible number of peoplehavewitnessedseriouscollisions.”
She said the impacts extended further than just on the road itself, causing commuters to take different routes just to avoidthedangerousstretchofroad.
“The impact on [commuters’] mental health is evident and they will drive up to 30minutesoutoftheirwayinabidtoavoid theintersection,”sheexplained.
Donna Southern with fellow campaigners Robyn Kennedy and Stacey Fraser. (Damjan Janevski) 562966_01
Call for better bus links
Melton council will formally lobby the state governmentforsignificantimprovementsto the municipality’s bus network after unanimously backing a motion calling for more frequent services and new north-south connections.
At its 22 June meeting, councillors endorsed a notice of motion from councillor John Verdon requesting council write to Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams, seeking a comprehensive upgrade to local bus services to better meet the needs of the municipality’s growing population.
The proposal calls for longer operating hours on existing bus routes, with services
running from 6am until 10pm.
It also seeks buses every 20 minutes during peak periods and at least every 40 minutes during off-peak periods and on weekends.
A key feature of the request is the funding of new direct north-south bus routes in an attempt to improve connections between residential areas and major destinations, including town centres, railway stations, religious and cultural venues, and other community facilities.
Council is also calling on the state government to ensure bus services expand alongside new infrastructure projects and population growth across the municipali-
ty.
The motion specifically highlights the need for routes which connect with key developments across the municipality, including the Fraser Rise aquatic centre, the future Melton Hospital, Melton TAFE, and established and emerging town centres.
Council is also advocating for improved coordination between bus services and metropolitan and regional train timetables to reduce waiting times and make public transport more convenient for commuters.
In addition, the motion also requests that future bus network planning be undertaken in consultation with Melton council in mind to ensure routes, service
The goals is to drive down road trauma
Victoria’s grassroots football and netball clubs are being enlisted in the fight to reduceroadtrauma,withthelaunchofthe 2026TACClubRewardsProgramaimedat driving safer behaviour on local roads.
For the Hillside Football Club, the program has become much more than a funding opportunity –it has helped the club turn road safety into a lasting community commitment.
The club has participated in the program since its inception, using every dollar received to expand initiatives which encourage players, families and supporters to make safer choices on the
road and behind the wheel.
Committee member Anne-Marie Mason said the club saw sport as a powerful way to influence behaviour beyond the playing field. “We pride ourselves on developing good footballers but even better community members and believe strongly that sport can be one of the best social workers available to a community,” she said.
The Sharks embraced the TAC’s 2019 Towards Zero campaign by appointing one road safety ambassador from each of the club’s 19 teams, rather than a single senior captain.
Ms Mason said every ambassador had a personal story of a near miss, serious injury, or road fatality, highlighting how deeply road trauma affects local communities.
Since then, the program has supported a range of practical initiatives, including driving lessons for best on ground award winners, handheld breathalysers for P-plate drivers, road safety workshops, discounted zero-alcohol drinks for designated drivers and “get home safe” programs after club events. . Details: https://play.afl/victoria/tacclubrewards
Griffith Street in Maddingley closed for upgrades, plan ahead
Motorists are being advised to plan ahead, with Griffith Street in Maddingley closed for two weeks as part of the major Bacchus Marsh intersection upgrade.
Transport Victoria has closed Griffith Street between Franklin and Grant streets until 6am on Monday 13 July to allow crews to carry out significant upgrade works during the school holiday period.
A signed detour is currently in place via Franklin and Libilliere streets while crews work day and night to complete improvements to the Station Street/Griffith Street intersection and the Grant Street/Parwan
Road roundabout.
The works include drainage upgrades, installation of new traffic signals, pavement and kerb construction, site investigations, and the relocation of utility services.
The temporary closure forms part of the broader Bacchus Marsh Intersection Upgrade being delivered by Big Build to improve traffic flow and safety through the busy corridor.
Preparatory works for the project have been underway at the Main Street and Grant Street roundabout since early
May, with site investigations, installation of safety barriers, temporary pavement construction, utility relocations, environmental monitoring, removal of some trees and demolition of existing traffic islands already taking place ahead of major construction.
Transport Victoria is advising motorists toallowextratraveltimeandfollowsigned detours while the works are completed.
For details and information, visit: https://transport.vic.gov.au/ news-and-resources/projects/bacchus-marsh-intersection-upgrades.
frequencies, and timetables reflect the municipality’s current needs while also accommodating future growth.
The proposal comes as Melton continuestoexperiencerapidpopulationgrowth, increasing demand for reliable public transport connections between suburbs and essential services.
Council will write to Ms Williams outlining its requests and advocating for increased investment in Melton’s bus network to improve accessibility and connectivity for residents across the municipality.
Ms Williams was contacted for comment.
The library shortfall hitting Melton
Melton council is advocating for more public libraries across the municipality, followinglittlechangesincebeingidentifiedasthe area with the worst library access in greater Melbourne in 2023.
As Australia’s fastest-growing area, Melton’s population is set to almost double to 456,000 by 2046, yet it is served by just two public libraries.
Melton’s two libraries and four access points equates to one library per every 90,000 residents, well below the metropolitan average of one per 35,000, and even worse than the average of one per 30,000 people living in Melbourne’s more established suburbs.
“With our community experiencing some of the lowest literacy levels in the state, and many of our library programs already at capacity, including Baby Bounce and Toddler Time, demand for services is only increasing,” mayor Lara Carli said.
Cr Carli said council was trying to keep up with limited resources in an attempt to service a population so large it could more likely justify two to three more libraries.
“Currently our operational funding is not increasing in line with our population growth, so we are pressured to deliver more services with the same amount of funding,” she said.
“Planning shows we will need at least two to three additional built form libraries over the next decade to keep pace with growth and ensure equitable access to services. This would also bring us in line with other comparable growth areas.”
Council is seeking implementation of Infrastructure Victoria’s Strategic Plan recommendations and the Outer Metropolitan Council’s pool and libraries campaign, as well as a funding model for building community infrastructure that shares investment equally between the federal and state governments and local councils.
A state government spokesperson said the government would always back library services Victorians rely on.
“... We have invested more than $567 million to build new libraries, upgrade existing ones and make sure our growing communities have access to the free resources they need,” the spokesperson said.
The Hillside Football Club used funds through TAC’s Club Rewards Program to turn road safety into a lasting community commitment that extends beyond the club and into the community. (Jack O’Shea-Ayres)
Clean-up support explored
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
Community groups who help protect Melton’s natural environment could receive additional support under a new proposal unanimously backed by council.
At its 22 June meeting, Melton council endorsed a motion requesting a councillor briefing on options to better assist community organisations who carry out landcare and environmental maintenance across the municipality.
The motion calls on council officers to investigate ways to reduce the financial burden associated with rubbish removal
and clean-up efforts undertaken by volunteer groups caring for landscapes of environmental significance.
It also expands the scope of support to include potential grant opportunities for eligible organisations.
Under the motion, councillors have requested officers to explore options to lower the cost of waste disposal for these groups, which often spend considerable time removing illegally dumped rubbish from parks, reserves, and other public spaces as part of their conservation work.
The briefing will also examine opportunities to expand anti-dumping technol-
New station taking shape
Melton’s new train station is taking shape.
The new elevated station is being built with four platforms, including two extended platforms ready for longer ninecar VLocity trains to run from next year, working to boost passenger capacity by up to 50 per cent on peak services.
The new station will have two entrances either side of the rail line and feature accessible, modern facilities, including lifts, stairs, shelter from the weather, a waiting room, toilets, and bicycle facilities, with walking and cycling connections and landscaping across the station precinct.
A new 16-metre-wide station underpass will connect both entrances to the
platforms and provide pedestrian access from Staughton Street in the south to Brooklyn Road over in the north.
The station is also being built to house a total of 940 car parking spaces, with improved lighting and CCTV being installed to address safety concerns.
A new seven-bay bus interchange will also be located in the north eastern car park.
The new, fully accessible, elevated Melton Station is scheduled to open to passengers later in 2026, two years ahead of its original schedule.
A new train stabling yard capable of holding nine-car VLocity Trains for the Melton Line is coming together in Cobblebank.
Construction is ramping up as works get underway to deliver the new stabling yard next year.
Being delivered as part of the Melton line upgrade, the new stabling yard is expected to help in boosting passenger capacity by 50 per cent on peak services by enabling longer trains to run on the line.
Located east of Melton Station, the new stabling yard will have a direct connection to the Melton line, enabling available trains at Melton station for the first service each day.
The project is being delivered in two major stages, starting with ground preparation and installation of essential services, followed by construction of the tracks and facilities required to safely store trains. When completed, the stabling yard will
ogies and initiatives across the municipality, with a particular focus on locations that are regularly targeted by illegal dumping.
As part of the investigation, officers will identify the potential financial safety challenges for councils and volunteer organisations, with clean-up costs often placing pressure on limited community resources.
Illegal dumping continues to pose massive environmental, financial, and safety challenges for councils and volunteer organisations across the state, with clean-up costs often placing pressure on limited community resources.
Cr Verdon’s motion was amended during the meeting to specifically include grants as a form of additional support before being put to the vote, as suggested by councillor Kathy Majdlik.
The officer briefing is expected to provide councillors with further information on the feasibility, costs, and potential benefits of introducing additional assistance for local landcare organisations while strengthening council’s response to illegal dumping across the municipality.
Any future funding or policy changes would be subject to further council consideration following the briefing.
be powered by a 46kW solar system made up of 110 solar panels, and landscaped with 300 native trees and approximately 20,000 native shrubs and grasses.
The Melton line upgrade is being delivered through joint funding by the state and federal governments and will also include platform extensions at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs, and Deer Park stations to accommodate the longer nine-car trains.
The project is being delivered alongside other major transport infrastructure upgrades at the same time including the building of a larger Melton station, set to open to passengers later this year.
The modernised new Melton station will include four platforms, including two extended platforms in a bid to accommodate Ballarat and Melton services, as well as the nine-car VLocity services to and from Melton from next year.
The proposal involves starting Stage 3 earlier than originally planned. There is no change to the site footprint, waste volumes or truck movements. The changes aim to improve rehabilitation, groundwater protection and site operations.
Community feedback is invited on aspects such as landscaping, monitoring and reporting,
You can learn more about the plans at: We are also hosting two community information sessions for you to learn more.
Melton Station signage. (Supplied)
A view of works from Creek Street to Coburns Road. (Supplied)
Moorabool a top destination
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
Moorabool has cemented itself as one of Australia’s most desirable regional destinations, ranking among the nation’s top five locations attracting people making the move from capital cities.
The latest Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Regional Australia Institute (RAI)RegionalMoversIndex(RMI)ranked Moorabool fourth nationally for total net internal migration over the 12 months to March 2026, accounting for 3.5 per cent of all net migration to regional Australia.
The municipality also ranked fourth for attracting those moving directly from regional cities, capturing 3.6 per cent of Australia’s net capital-to-regional migration.
Only the Sunshine Coast, Greater Geelong, and the Fraser Coast recorded a greater share of new regional residents, with Moorabool overtaking Lake Macquarie to move into fourth place nationally during the quarter.
The figures come as regional migration across Australia reached record levels, with the March 2026 RMI recording its highest-ever level of movement from capital cities to regional communities.
The index was shown to rise 20.1 per cent compared with the December 2025 quarter and was 4.7 per cent higher than a year earlier.
Capital City residents moving to regional Australia outnumbered those relocating in the opposite direction by 29.7 per cent,
continuing a long-term trend towards regional living.
RAI chief executive Liz Ritchie said the figures confirmed regional Australia continued to attract new residents despite changing economic conditions.
“This is the highest level of capital-to-regional movement the RMI has ever recorded. Australians are continuing to choose regional life in greater numbers, even as economic conditions shift.” she said.
“Across COVID, inflation, housing pressures and tight labour markets, the trend has been remarkably consistent – people are leaving capital cities for regions, and they’re doing so at increasing rates.”
While Sydney accounted for 55 per cent
Steve Venditti-Taylor at MARC Stadium in Bacchus Marsh, where works will begin on the new indoor aquatic centre
Janevski). 561455_02
Pool to support health and wellbeing
The proposed indoor aquatic centre for Bacchus Marsh is expected to play a pivotal role as a vital health and rehab facility for Moorabool.
Aiming to provide more than just a spot for recreation, the indoor aquatic and leisure centre for Bacchus Marsh’s MARC Stadium is currently in its design phase and is being planned to support health, rehabilitation, and wellbeing outcomes for residents of all ages and abilities.
Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens Club president and Positive Ageing Advisory Committee member Hope Mann said
the new local access to aquatic programs could make a significant difference for many residents.
“Aquatic facilities can support gentle exercise, rehabilitation and confidence building in ways that are difficult to replicate elsewhere,” Ms Mann said.
“An added bonus is that we won’t have to travel out of the Moorabool Shire to access the facility.”
Mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor said the project would create new opportunities for local residents to stay active, recover from injury and participate in programs closer to home.
“This project will support so many different parts of community life,” Cr Venditti-Taylor said.
“For some people, it will be about learning to swim. For others, it will be about warm water exercise, rehabilitation, fitness or simply having an accessible place to connect and stay well.”
Work on the new indoor aquatic centre is expected to begin later this year, after Moorabool council secured funding from both the federal and state government to bring the project to life.
Coaches replace evening trains on Friday and Saturday
Weekend commuters using the Ballarat line are being advised to plan ahead as coaches replace trains for all or part of the journey from the night of Friday 10 July to the last service on Saturday 11 July.
A temporary timetable will be in place while coaches replace trains for the entire journey between Southern Cross and Wendouree.
On Friday 10 July, coaches will replace services travelling towards Southern Cross from 10pm through to the last service, while
coaches will replace services heading from Southern Cross starting from 11pm until the last service.
On Saturday 11 July, coaches will replace trains between Southern Cross and Caroline Springs, with trains running between Caroline Springs and Ballarat, Ararat, and Maryborough.
To account for the disruptions, coaches will depart from Southern Cross up to 30 minutes earlier than usual train times and will include a mix of express and stopping
of all net capital outflows and Melbourne another 36 per cent, the report found movement away from metropolitan areas is becoming increasingly widespread, with Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide also recording growing numbers of residents relocating to regional Australia.
Commonwealth Bank Regional and Agribusiness Banking executive general manager Kylie Allen said the continuing population shift was creating opportunities for regional economies.
“For many regional businesses, this creates opportunities to respond to a larger and more diverse customer base,” she said, with businesses investing to support larger populations and increased economic activity across regional communities.
Lifeline for Liberal MP
By William Ton, AAP
A Liberal MP who sued her party to stave off a meeting that will determine her political future has been handed a temporary lifeline.
Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming launched an eleventh-hour Supreme Court challenge against Victorian Liberal Party president Brian Loughnane and the party on Friday morning 3 July, seeking a temporary injunction to stop the meeting.
Party executives, including Mr Loughnane, were set to gather on Friday evening to determine Mrs Deeming’s candidacy after she made an unsubstantiated assault allegation against former leader Matthew Guy.
On Friday afternoon, the party accepted an undertaking “not to take any step that will render this proceeding inutile”
“We give the undertaking not to take any steps to disendorse the plaintiff until the hearing determination of this proceeding,” Marcus Clarke KC, representing Mr Loughnane and the party, told the court.
The party issued a statement after Friday’s hearing, saying the state executive meeting will be adjourned until the matter can be determined.
Justice Kerri Judd had earlier asked Mr Clarke whether his clients were prepared to give an undertaking.
“Given the court has been accommodating in terms of providing such an early hearing date, I don’t want any step taken that will mean if Mrs Deeming succeeded (in this case), the relief that she is seeking would not be granted,” she said.
all stations services.
With disruptions also occurring on the Geelong, Warrnambool, Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines as well as the Sunbury, Werribee and Williamstown lines throughout Saturday 11 July, Transport Victoria has advised commuters to allow extra time for their journey as the replacement coach terminal at Southern Cross Station is expected to be extremely busy.
For details and updates, visit: https://tinyurl.com/4ah9uwk8.
The judge said accepting the undertaking “does not necessarily mean the 6.30pm meeting could not still go ahead”
Justice Judd acknowledged the need for an expedited hearing, saying she was “not here to review the decision of Victoria Police not to charge Mr Guy”
Mrs Deeming’s barrister Ganesh Jegatheesan said the evidence he relied upon would be “of a very narrow scope”
The trial is set for 17 July for a one-day hearing.
Mayor
later this year. (Damjan
Western Metropolitan MP Moira Deeming.
Water grants boost education and restoration efforts
Community groups across Melbourne’s westarereceivingafundingboosttodeliver watereducation,environmentalrestoration and community support projects, with almost $180,000 awarded through Greater Western Water’s Thriving Communities Program.
General Manager Strategy and Partnerships, Kessia Thomson said this year’s program saw a record number of applications focused on water education, waterway health and environmental sustainability.
“Thisyearwearepleasedtobesupporting a large number of initiatives that promote grass roots programs around water literacy, sustainability and environmental stewardship,”shesaid.
Finance stance still strong: Council
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres
Melton council has continued to report a strong financial position following its latest quarterly finance report tabled at council’s22Junemeeting.
Melton continues to remain in a strong financial position despite forecasting an operatingdeficitbytheendofthefinancial year, with its latest quarterly finance report highlighting continued investment in infrastructure for the municipality’s growingpopulation.
Councillors tabled the 2025-26 finance report for the nine months to 31 March at their 22 June meeting, with the report showing council remained well placed to continue delivering services and major capitalprojects.
The report found council recorded an adjusted operating surplus of $48.8 million, compared with a budget surplus of$57.8million.
The $9 million shortfall was reportedly driven by lower than anticipated operating grant income due to timing differences, and reduced interest earnings as investments were transferred into the Victorian Funds Management Corporation and cash balances declined throughouttheperiod.
Impacts were partly offset by the unbudgeted sale of land at 218 Ferris Road in Cobblebank, along with lower materialsandservicesexpendituredueto thetimingofcontractpayments.
Overall income for the period totalled $390.5 million, while expenses reached $218.5 million, resulting in an overall accounting surplus of $171.9 million before adjustments for growth-related funding.
Thereportnoteddevelopercontributions and capital grants, which are reserved for future infrastructure such as roads, parks, sporting facilities, and community centres, can distort council’s underlying operating performance as funds cannot beusedforday-to-dayoperations.
Capital expenditure reached $138.7 millionbytheendofMarch,exceedingthe year-to-datebudgetof$108.4million,with the increase largely driven by $33 million inlandacquisitionsbroughtforwardfrom future budget years to secure sites for essential community infrastructure at currentmarketprices.
As of 31 March, council held $499.8 millionincashandinvestments,including funds set aside for future capital works, employee entitlements, and developer contributions.
The report attributed the forecast deteriorationofthetimingofgrantfunding and rising operating costs, including increased spending on information technology projects, waste and cleaning services, parks maintenance, road infrastructureandcouncilfacilities.
“It was fantastic to see more groups than ever with applications focused on water educationandcaringforlocalwaterways.”
She said community support and education on water preservation was important now as the state experiences drierthannormalconditions.
Across Melton and Moorabool, Beremboke based charity group Sanctuary of Sentient Beings received funding for its Sanctuary Rewilding & Living Habitat Restoration Program, which will be used to restore native habitat, protect waterways and strengthen biodiversity through revegetation, weed control, fencing and off-stream watering systems, helping
landscapes,waterwaysandwildliferecover andthrive.
The Nappy Collective also received fundingforRelievingCostofLivingPressure for Families with Young Children, helping provide essential nappies to families experiencing hardship and supporting the health and wellbeing of young children acrossthewesternregion.
Celebrate Diversity Inc. received funding in support of Water Stories to Water Wise, a multilingual water awareness program which works to engage culturally and linguistically diverse seniors through storytelling, practical water-saving education and information about GWW services.
A range of community groups, sporting clubs and volunteer organisations across Moorabool are set to benefit from more than $71,000 in council funding following recommendations endorsed through the March 2026 round of the shire’s Community Grants Program.
Moorabool council approved the allocation of $71,669 to 11 community projects at its 3 June meeting, with projects aimed at strengthening community connections, supporting local events, and improving community infrastructure.
The grants program provides funding to not-for-profit organisations and community groups to deliver initiatives that help build healthy, inclusive and connected neighbourhoods throughout the shire.
A total of 17 applications were received during the funding round, which opened 1 March and closed 31 March, with one application withdrawn before the closing date, leaving 16 eligible submissions for assessment.
Applications requesting a combined $87,669.91 were considered by a Community Grants Assessment Panel made up of eight council officers from a range of service areas. The panel recommended funding for 11 projects.
Among the largest recipients was the Mount Egerton Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, which is set to benefit from $25,000 through Moorabool’s Community Development Fund.
The Ballan Football Netball Club was also awarded $13,478.
Several sporting and community organisations secured grants of up to $5000, including the Bacchus Marsh Netball Asso-
ciation, BM Sports Club, Navigators Community Connect, and the Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball Club.
Other successful applicants include Soul Food Program Inc., Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society, UNITE Foundation INC, CWA Ballarat District Group, and GrowWest,supportedbyMelbourneWater. Council also approved an additional $5926.91 for the Community Development Fundstream, transferring unspent allocations from other grant categories to ensure all recommended projects could be funded.
Join us at the Lower Power Bills Expo in Melton on 16 July and discover smarter ways to power your home and cut electricity costs.
Get practical advice on solar, batteries, efficient heating and cooling, induction cooking, heat pump hot water and more, plus find out what rebates and support may be available.
This event is organised by the Smart Energy Council, with support from Melton City Council.
Thursday, 16 July 2026
Time: 4:30pm to 7:30pm
Location: Melton Community Hall, 238 High Street, Melton.
The March round had $119,952 available across five funding streams, including Community Strengthening, Community Events, Community Arts and Culture, Community Development, and Sustainability and Environmental Engagement Grants.
The recommended projects are expected to contribute to community initiatives with a combined value of almost $197,000 when applicant contributions are included.
Successfulapplicantswillbeformallynotified this month, while unsuccessful applicants will be offered feedback and support to strengthen future funding applications.
Ferris Road closure
Ferris Road is set to close until 15 July whilecrewsgearupforafinalconstruction blitz ahead of next month’s opening of the new Ferris Road Bridge.
Ferris Road will be closed between Abey Road and Hollingsworth Drive from Tuesday 23 June until Wednesday 15 July, while crews work day and night to complete the new road bridge over the rail line.
Detours will be in place via Abey Road, Exford Road and Mount Cottrell Road, with motorists advised to allow extra travel time.
Crews will connect the new Ferris Road Bridge to the existing road and complete asphalting and line marking ahead of opening the bridge to traffic.
Crews will also continue landscaping, drainage and utility works in the area, with traffic management in place where required to keep workers and road users safe.
The new road bridge is set to feature a walking and cycling path and will permanently remove the existing Ferris Road level crossing which is expected to improve safety for the more than 160,000 drivers who use Ferris Road each day.
Melton will be level crossing free as works come close to an end on road bridges along Ferris, Coburns, and Exford roads.
561738_02
Big questions brew in Bacchus Marsh
A local philosophy club which began with a question about magic has grown into a regular community gathering where residents come together to think deeply, listen carefully and talk about what matters.
The Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club began at Bacchus Marsh Library on a sunny Saturday in 2024, with the opening question ‘Is there any magic in the world today?’
“The idea had been sitting with me for about six years before that,” said Andy Vaszolyi, the club’s founder.
“Even in that first session, what struck me was the depth and diversity of people’s thinking. A question that might sound simple or playful can open into all kinds of experiences, viewpoints, explanations, and disagreements.”
Since then, the club has blossomed into a community driven group attracting close to
30 people at some meetings.
“I think people value having a space where they can talk seriously about questions they may have thought about privately, but do not often get to discuss with others,” Mr Vaszolyi said.
“The philosophy club gives those questions somewhere to go.”
New participants can expect an open, guided discussion where they will hear a range of perspectives and have the chance to explain their own. Sometimes their thinking may be confirmed, sometimes challenged, and sometimes they may leave with a question they had not considered before.
The group meets every second Saturday between 10am and 1pm at the Lerderderg Library, located at 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh.
Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society received a grant from Moorabool council in the latest round. Members John Spain (left) and president Tim Hogan (right). (Damjan Janevski). 560054_01
Andy Vaszolyi is the founder of Bacchus Marsh’s unique Philosophy Group. (Damjan Janevski)
The11.1-hectare landholding at 2331 Western Highway, Rockbank, where the 257-lot community is being planned. (Supplied)
New community for Rockbank
A 257-lot residential community spanning 11.1hectaresisplannedforRockbankwith thearea’spopulationpredictedtosurge.
TWProjectssecureditsfirstmetropolitan development site with the landholding at 2331 Western Highway in Rockbank, valuedat$100million,whereitwillpartner withMonarktodeliverthenewcommunity development.
Located within Melboiurne’s rapidly expanding western growth corridor, the Rockbank project is in response to the area’sprojectedpopulationsurgetoalmost 465,000by2046.
Thesitesitswithintheurbangrowthzone and is surrounded by already established and emerging residential communities, withdirectaccesstotheWesternHighway, Rockbank Train Station, Woodlea Town Centre, and a growing network of schools, parksandcommunityinfrastructure.
TW projects director Albert Weddell said the new community would benefit
both existing Rockbank residents and new homebuyers.
“Rockbank continues to emerge as one of Melbourne’s most important growth fronts,“hesaid.
“It benefits from valuable existing amenity,strongtransportconnectionsand a level of housing demand that we expect willunderpintheproject’ssuccessoverthe longterm.”
The project will deliver 257 residential lotstargetingamixofbuyers,includingfirst home buyers, young families, upgraders andinvestors.
The acquisition follows several months of negotiations and secures a strategically located site capable of delivering housing at a price point expected to appeal to a broadcross-sectionofthemarket.
The partnership will now progress planning, design and approvals with construction expected to commence in 2028.
Open day at Early Learning Victoria Murrum in July
Early Learning Victoria Murrum is hosting an open day on Saturday 25 July, 11am – 3pm at 17 Pegasus Drive, Weir Views (co-located with MurrumPrimarySchool).
The open day will provide an opportunity to tour the centre and meet the skilled and experienced educators.
If you are looking to enrol your child, you can find out more about Early Learning Victoria’s high-quality childcare and integrated kinder programs. If you are looking to grow your career as a qualified, skilled or new early learning or support professional by working in an organisation where children’s needs come first, you can speak to our friendly team to learn more.
Government-run, Early Learning Victoria Murrum offers welcoming and inclusive spaces that support learning and development for all. The staff can’t wait to meet you and showyouaround!
Find out about enrolling your child at earlylearning.vic.gov.au/ murrum.
If you have any questions, please callEarlyLearningVictoria’sgeneral hotlineat0390574444oremailelv@ education.vic.gov.au (for workforce enquiries, general hotline option 2 or elv.workforce@education.vic.gov. au).
A lacklustre action movie and a fun watch
Romsey movie buff Evan Turok is Star Weekly’s film reviewer. Each month he shares his take on recent releases, cult classics, modern favourites and everything in between.
Star
Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (M)
Too many times, my brother and I turned to each other in silent disbelief, and shared a knowing smirk of hopelessness, directed at the soulless, senseless trainwreck of a film that was Jon Favreau’s ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu,’
A good fantasy or sci-fi movie should leave you with a sense of wonder and inspire you to let your imagination run wild with the possibilities of the world youhavepaidyour$18toenter.
So, with that said, I give full credit to ‘TheMandalorianandGrogu’formaking mewishIhadthepowersoftheForce,if onlyfortheabilitytoforcemyeyesopen duringthetedioustwohours-plusofthis mind-numbingfilm.
From the story to the dialogue, the writers served up a course each of dull predictability and cringe-inducing conversation.
The character of the ‘Mandalorian’ wears a helmet for almost the entire film, so it made complete sense to learn that during the filming of these scenes,
so-called ‘lead actor’ Pedro Pascal was not the one inside the armour. Instead, heonlyprovidedvoice-oversforthefilm. That alone should be enough to show you the level of passion put in by Pascal, whichfurtherreflectsinhisconsistently monotone and blasé performance. A poorly paced film that sadly slammed to a grinding halt with any scene featuring the little green Grogu and his occasionally cute, but always dull shenanigans.
Ludwig Göransson has quickly becomethemostsought-aftercomposer in Hollywood. He provided The MandalorianandGroguwithafantastic, futuristicspace-westernsoundtrackthat waswellandtrulyabovethestandardof thefilmasawhole.
Topairwiththemusicwasahandfulof exciting, explosion-filled action scenes thatarewellshotandgenuinelyexciting whether you are a Star Wars fan or not. Therewasalsoafunnyandrandomvoice cameo from the great director Martin Scorsese, which was unexpectedly fittingforthismonth’sreviews.
If you are headed to the theatres for this film, try to treat it as a lacklustre action movie rather than an extremely lacklustreStarWarsmovie.
The Color of Money (M)
Cinema is exciting when the touch of a director’s inimitable style can be seen crafting the shots and using the camera in creative ways, creating memorable scenes that, if nothing else, were certainly ‘cool’. The Color of Money (1986) follows Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) as an experienced pool hustler trying to wrangle in the proud, young, unbeatable player Vincent Lauria (Tom Cruise) and teach him that the way to make money isn’t always to wineverygame.
There is also a modern tendency to make a movie colourless. The soulless corporations releasing endless still-camerated grey sludge onto your Netflix accounts is almost enough to make you want to read a book. Don’t giveuphopejustyet,becausetheworks of Martin Scorsese are not yet lost to time. Scorsese puts on a master class in shotstylingandcolouringascene.
To make a movie colourful, you can’t just saturate each frame with every shadeandtoneunderthesun.
Giving life to a scene comes from
Faces of the west
a contrast of colours and sticking to a conscious palette that can act as a canvas to stand behind the rest of the film, accentuating the conflicting colours.
The green felt coating a pool table leaks out into the frame but doesn’t become plain or repetitive. The dingy, smoke-filled pool halls are hazy but not grey; ironically, The Color of Money earnsitsname.
Moving from gangster heists to the limitedscaleofsmall-timepoolhustling, outstretchesabranchofrelatabilitythat drags us deeper into the world of the film, but runs the risk of stripping away that classic Scorsese edge that always keeps me engaged. Unfortunately, the grounded scale offered no crutch to support the film’s final scenes, and just like following in the white ball after the black,theendingfellflat.
The Color of Money isn’t the most revolutionaryfilmofalltime,butinstead a simple story with memorable scenes and characters with genuine depth and coherently written motivations, all directed by one of the greatest of all time.Afunwatchrightfromthebreak.
Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s north-west.
Moorabool mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor. (Damjan Janevski) 561796_01
Raymond Rowe and David Hoare are opposing a proposed childcare development in Sunbury. (Damjan Janevski) 560713_04
The Bacchus Marsh District & Historical Society president Tim Hogan and secretary Barb McMillan. (Damjan Janevski) 561101_04
Farzad Ihaab Ahmad, 17, has been named co-chair of the 2026 Victorian Youth Congress. (Damjan Janevski) 560705_03
Macedon Ranges Further Edcuation Centre manager Pauline Fyffe and admin support Caitlyn Sinclair. (Damjan Janevski) 561133_02
Salesian College students Ethan, Leo, Caity and Maggie prepare for the school production. (Damjan Janevski) 559782_04
School holiday fun across the west
Duringthewinterschoolholidays, kids in the west were hard at work building their very own bird feeders at the Taylors Hill Youth and Community Centre. Then, they drove in and parked up at the Eynesbury Discovery Centre in their very own handmade “Box Cars” to settle in for a movie. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevskiwastheretocaptureall thefunonThursday2July.
More Australians are choosing life beyond the big cities
Australiansaremovingtoregionalcommunities in record numbers , with new data showing the shift away from capital cities continues to gather pace.
The latest Regional Movers Index found the number of people moving from capital cities to regional Australia reached its highest level since the index began. In the March 2026 quarter, people moving to the regions outnumbered those heading back to the cities by almost 30 per cent.
Regional Australia Institute chief executive Liz Ritchie said the result reflected the growing appeal of regional living.
“This is the highest level of capital to regional movement the RMI has ever recorded,” she said. “Australians are continuing to choose regional life in greater numbers, even as economic conditions shift.”
While Sydney and Melbourne continue to account for most people leaving capital cities, the trend is becoming more widespread, with increasing numbers of movers also coming from Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
The Sunshine Coast remained the most popular destinationforcitymovers,whileGreaterGeelong, Fraser Coast, Moorabool and Lake Macquarie were also among the leading destinations.
Thedataalsoshowsgrowthisspreadingbeyond established regional hotspots.
Toowoomba recorded the strongest year-onyear increase in people moving from capital cities of any local government area in Australia. Other locations attracting growing numbers of residents included Broome, Townsville and the Mid-Coast region of New South Wales.
Ritchie said the data helps identify emerging growth areas and gives communities an opportunity to plan for future housing, infrastructure and services.
For regional businesses, population growth can create new opportunities as communities expand and local economies grow.
Read the full story at CommBank Newsroom.
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Mayor’s message
Cr Lara Carli
At the June Council Meeting we adopted the 2026/2027 Council Budget. Centred around a $258.7million capital works program
– one of the largest undertaken by any local government in Victoria –this Budget aims to ensure we are keeping pace with our City’s growth while delivering the services our community rely on every day.
It’s exciting to see continued investment in the Cobblebank Community Hub and the new Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Fraser Rise, important projects that will create welcoming spaces, bring people together, and help our community grow stronger. Also included are key community projects including construction of Diggers Rest Community Centre, Rockbank East Children’s and Community Centre and the construction of the Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve.
It’s pleasing to see that 64 initiatives identified through community consultation have been funded, reflecting our commitment to listening and responding to what matters most to our community. We know cost of living pressures are impacting households, which is why we’ve taken a careful and responsible approach, delivering essential investment while managing costs within the rate cap. Council is also expanding its customer hardship program to support residents in genuine need. This Budget is about investing in the places where people connect, the places that support daily life, and the services that help our residents grow and thrive. I look forward to its delivery and the outcomes it will deliver over the next 12 months 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
Council 2026/27 budget adopted
To view the budget in full visit melton.vic.gov.au/budget
KEY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
$106.45 million for the construction of aquatic and leisure centre in Fraser Rise $10 million to complete construction of the Cobblebank Community Hub
Children’s and Community Centres
$6.36 million for the Diggers Rest Community Centre
$6.1 million for the Rockbank East Children’s and Community Centre
Our capital works program will include $128.6 million for recreational and leisure facilities; $29.4 million for roads; $28.3 million for community facilities; $11.9million for parks, open space and streetscapes; and $5.7 million for footpaths and cycleways.
Playspace and Open Space upgrades
Recreation Reserves
Road and Transport Upgrades
We will also continue to invest in more than 100services that support residents of all ages. The average rates increase is 2.75 per cent, in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap for this financial year.
$1.27 million for Boathouse Reserve Lake Caroline $735,000 for Taylors Hill Sports Park playspace upgrade $720,000 for Springlake Village Park playspace upgrade
$481,100 for the reconstruction of the pitches at Blackwood Drive Recreation Reserve
$5.82 million to commence upgrades to Taylors Road, including duplication between City Vista Court and Westwood Drive.
Coolibah Ward with Cr Brandi Morris
It was pleasing to see the 2026/2027 Council Budget adopted at our June Council Meeting and I’d like to share what it means for Coolibah Ward residents.
Council is investing in upgrades to the Exford Road and Greigs Road intersection, with $777,604 allocated in this year’s budget for a new roundabout, along with bridge widening and strengthening works over Toolern Creek and the Werribee River. These works will improve safety and traffic flow, with construction expected to begin in 2027. Around Exford Primary School, further works
will improve the car park, and surrounding roads, supporting safer school drop-off and pick-up.
In Weir Views, we are planning enhancements to parks and open spaces. Council has allocated $400,000 to upgrade the Marriott Boulevard Playspace, as identified in the Melton Weir Parkland strategy and will undertake design of a viewing platform north of the playspace. The design phase for the future Weir Views Recreation Reserve on Kingdom Boulevard is also underway. Funding has also been included for the design of additional cricket nets for the Eynesbury Cricket Club.
$3.06 million for Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve
$1.28 million for the upgrade of Boundary Road from The Mall to Hopkins Road, Mount Cottrell
$1.6 million for two new tennis courts at Melton South Recreation Reserve
$1.78 million for the construction of a roundabout at Leakes Road and Westcott Parade, Rockbank
The Budget reflects Council’s continued focus on delivering projects that help people move, live and connect more easily across our City.
Finally, it was wonderful to attend the official opening of the Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre last month. Located at 23 Pegasus Drive, the facility brings together kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health services, and community spaces under one roof, providing families with essential services close to home.
Feel free to contact me regarding Coolibah Ward or our City more generally on 0418 999 577 or email brandi.morris@melton.vic.gov.au
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 John Verdon
The world is their stage
BoilOver Ensemble fills an important niche in the performing arts scene. The inclusive performance group has been creating opportunities for local artists for over 16 years, becoming a household name and performing on some of Melbourne’s biggest stages. Georgia Tacey caught up with the performers, artist support and creative director of the Sunbury-based performance troop, as they gear up for their next big performance, Glimmer.
For BoilOver Ensemble’s five current performers—Savannah,Jaymie-Lee, Brendan, Andrew, and Conor— there is no greater joy than being centre stage. Their infectious energy and natural stage presence have made the ensemble a local favourite, with performances ranging from SunFest in Sunbury and The Bowery Theatre in St Albans all the way to the MelbourneFringe.
Creative producer Carmen Maddison said the idea for BoilOver was sparked in 2009 after Sunbury local Bernadette Hetherington noticed a lack of creative opportunities for adults with disability in the community. The group is now supported by Omnia Health (Sunbury CobawCommunityHealth).
“Bernie recognised that there were no creative opportunities for adults with disabilityinthecommunity,”MsMaddison said.
“Bernie will always laugh and say she doesn’t have a creative bone in her body, butshedidinitiateBoilOverforthatreason, because she recognised there wasn’t that opportunity.”
A play on words from Sunbury’s other performing group, Boilerhouse Theatre Company,BoilOvercreatedamuch-needed spaceforadultswithdisabilitytocreatively expressthemselves.
Performances are adapted to their abilities with help from artist supporters KarenCleurandJacquelynHughes,making it an inclusive, welcoming environment for adults with a disability to explore their creativesides,MsMaddisonsaid.
“Often not everyone can read, not everyonecanwrite,soweareheavilybased in movement, and physical storytelling is whatwekindofcallit,”shesaid.
“It’s a cross between dance and performance and a bit of text but not like setscenes.”
Ms Madison said this helps fill a gap in theperformanceindustry.
“It’s all stories that have come from the artists themselves, and that’s always been a tradition of the Boilover practice of devised works, finding creative expression because we’re also adapting and working withindifferentabilitiesanddifferentways peoplecommunicate,”shesaid.
“Some people who have performed here have been non-verbal … we have really diverse artists and we need to meet the needs of everybody and that work is adapted and evolves from their stories and theirabilities.”
Ms Cleur said she found it inspiring to see the ownership the artists take over eachproject.
“That was the beauty of seeing the works when I first came and volunteered, thinking to myself that this is really their work,” she said. “When it becomes their work,there’sacertainprideandownership aboutit…andIjustlovewatchingthatsort ofdevelopment.”
Each performance is an original piece created for and by the performers, Ms Hughes said, keeping the performers includedineverystepoftheprocess.
“We always make our own works and that’s the thing I love, is that it comes from the artist, and then it’s just built upon. What they come up with is just magic,” she said.
Last year’s performance, Meet Me at the Disco,wasalovelettertomusicanddance.
Andrew played the lead role in the show. Afterfindinganoldrecordplayerunderhis grandparents’ bed, his world transforms
Humecouncil.
We always make our own works and that’s the thing I love ... What they come up with is just
into a classic ‘70s and ‘80s disco fever dream.
“We did that at the Fringe Festival,” Andrew explained. “It was full of energy, thecrowdwaspumpingmeup.”
Jaymie-Lee said she played a Dancing Queen,andlovedsinginginherreddress.
Savannah said the troop took the performance to Sunbury’s SunFest earlier thisyear,andthatshelovedperformingfor herlocalcommunity.
“Ithasreallygoodsongsanditwasreally good to perform at SunFest in our own community.Wetrulylovedit,”shesaid.
“The audience got out of their seats and joinedus.”
Ms Maddison said the idea for Meet Me at the Disco came from the performers’ ownexperiencesandconversations.
magic - Karen Cleur
“That show came about during Covid, becausealotofourartistsusedtogotothe social discos here, and they were all closed down,” she said. “So Meet Me at the Disco was kind of born out of that, being isolated andfindingyourselfonthedancefloor.”
Anothericonicshowthetroopperformed across Melbourne was The Birds, an hour-long interactive performance that blended dance, physical performance, circus arts and AI technology to create a compellingaudio-visualexperience.
Later this year, BoilOver will perform on Sunbury’sneweststageatthenewJacksons Hillartprecinct,Artrise.
Glimmer will help activate Artrise with threeperformancesslatedforInternational Day of People with a Disability, in a performanceaidedbya$15,000grantfrom
Andrew’s artwork will be featured throughout, and interactive sounds by collaborators The Sonic Rats will be featuredaswell.
“We’ve been making the show for a little while, so there’s these little snippets of scenes that we can just marry up and story and how lovely it is for them now I think particularly is these artists have been here much longer they’ve developed a real interestinstorylinemaking,setdesignand lighting and all the back stage aspects as wellasperforming,”MsCleursaid.
Ms Maddison said while the full performance was still taking shape, it will beonenottobemissed.
BoilOver is on the hunt for more performers to join the troop. It is open to anyone over 18 with an NDIS plan and an interest in performing or working behind thescenes.
Conor: It’s like a family here. I wake up and I want to come back here, it’s my dream job.
Savannah: It gives me freedom and helps me get out of my comfort zone. I want to open my heart to the audience. I want the audience to feel the art we have created.
Andrew: I’ve been with BoilOver for a long time because I love performing. I love doing things like stage managing.
Brendan: It’s good, I like to do singing.
BoilOver Ensemble members Conor O’Keefe, Sarah Ellis, Savannah Coots, Andrew Nicoladies and artist support Karen Cleur. (Pictures: Supplied)
A performance of Meet Me at the Disco.
Brendan King with Andrew Nicoladies performing Meet Me at the Disco at Federation Square
Jaymie-Lee McMahon (front), Conor O’Keefe, artist support Jacquelyn Hughes, Brendan King, artist support Karen Cleur and Andrew Nicoladies. (Damjan Janevski) 558064_03
MY PLACE
Sunbury Toy Library stay and play coordinator Kirsten King is a friendly face helping parents find the right toys for their children. She recently caught up with Georgia Tacey to chat about being born and raised in Sunbury, her volunteer work and how the community has evolved over time.
What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west?
IwasborninSunburyandhavespentallof mylifeonthissideofthecity.It’swhereI’ve grownup,gonetoschool,workedandeven volunteered. My sisters are also raising theirfamiliesinSunbury.
IwasbornatSunburyPrivateHospitalin 1984andhavelivedinSunburymostofmy life. My parents have been here since 1983 andit’salwaysbeenmyhomebase,despite afewyearsspentclosertothecity.
What do you like about where you live?
I love the balance of natural spaces and native wildlife with the convenience of suburban living. Sunbury also has a great community spirit, whether it’s people stopping to chat on a walk, in line at the supermarket, there seems to be genuine connectionsbeingmade.
Is there anything about Sunbury you’d change or like to see?
I’d like the friendly, community feel to continue on. As Sunbury grows, it’s importanttomaintainthosevalues.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
Despite volunteering at the Sunbury Toy Library, I don’t have any children myself. I’m a proud aunt of five, who love testing outnewtoysbeforetheyhittheshelf!
Tell us a bit about your involvement with the Sunbury Toy Library.
I am the stay and play coordinator. Stay and play is a fantastic initiative where members and their families are able to
connect. We are lucky enough to have access to the playground at Dobell Avenue Kindergarten on Sunday mornings. It’s a lotoffun!
I’m also on the committee and am often helping at open sessions, preparing toys andfacilitatingloans.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors
30 years ago 3 July, 1996
A heroin addict’s mother has slammed rehabilitation services and pleaded for somethingtobedoneforher27-year-old sonbeforeitistoolate.
20 years ago 4 July, 2006
Blackwood and Barrys Reef residents no longer need to boil their drinking water, after the townships became the first in Australia to be connected to a newultra-violetfiltrationsystem.
Why do you like volunteering with the Sunbury Toy Library?
I love the variety, flexibility and inclusivity. The toy library is entirely volunteer run and there’s always something to do. It’s a great way to stay connected to the local community and
has brought a lot of joy to my life. I love that I’m able to play all day, or work on the website catalogue from home. The best part is connecting with the other volunteers and members, and the friendship and laughs we share. We’d love for you to join the fun!
10 years ago 5 July, 2011
Diggers Rest residents fear for the future of their town following a fire which razed the general store and post office.
10 years ago 5 July, 2016
Michael Garang has witnessed the crippling effectsofconflict.
Kirsten King. (Damjan Janevski) 562348_04
Airport encounter takes
By Glenn Fisher
Who does one turn to when things don’t quitegotoplanatMelbourneAirport?
WhenJudeTroyaccidentallyleftherbags in the back of an Uber just before a flight back to Sydney, airport chaplain Martyn Scrimshawwasthereforher.
Three years after that interaction between Scrimshaw and Troy, who is a partner in independent television and film production company Wooden Horse, SBS is about to premiere a new series, The Airport Chaplain, starring Hugo Weaving asthechaplain.
Co-creator and executive producer Troy said The Airport Chaplain was inspired by that ‘unforgettable encounter’ she had with Epping resident Scrimshaw, who has been the Melbourne International Airport Chaplainforthepastnineyears.
Everyone rushing around in an airport has selfish pursuits, whereas the airport chaplain sees people in need - Jude Troy
Losing her bags was stressful at the time, Troy said, but that Scrimshaw and his team dealt with events of varying levels of stress, whether it’s with a family of refugees who can’t speakEnglisharrivinginthecountry, a wedding dress that has been loaded onto the wrong flight or the tragic passing of a relative on a plane landinginMelbourne.
“Dashing to make a flight back to Sydneyafteraworktripanddistracted byaneventfulday,Ijumpedoutofan UberandalltoolaterealisedIhadleft mybagsinthebackseat.Insidewere my phone, laptop, and my identity. I couldnotboardwithoutit!”shesaid.
“Throughthekindnessofstrangers, I was introduced to someone I never knewexisted:theairportchaplain.
“Over the next few hours, Martyn took meonaneye-openingadventuredeepinto thebowelsoftheairport,sharingstoriesof humanityandconnectionthathavestayed withmeeversince.”
Scrimshaw told Star Weekly that Troy and the writing team had been in regular contact with him throughout the process, and he had acted as their guide when they visitedtheairportformoreinspiration.
WhenTroyandherteamarrivedoneday with Weaving in tow, Scrimshaw said that wasthemomentherealised‘theseguysare serious’.
“MeetingHugowassuchahighlight,and we spoke at length. He’s not only such a wonderful actor, he’s an incredible human being.”
Scrimshaw said he was able to give the writers and actors an insight into his job, dealing with all types of emotions and situationsonadailybasis.
“IlovemyjobandIvaluemyrole.Thereis griefandloss,andsometimesI’mspeaking with people in their darkest moments,” he said.
Led by a cast including Weaving, Shabana Azeez and Claudia Karvan, The Airport Chaplain’s first season of eight
episodesisnowinpost-production following two months of filming at numerous locations across Victoria, including Melbourne Airport.
Written by Elise McCredie, Sarah Bassiuoni, Mithila Gupta and Thomas Weatherall, with 78 speaking roles and more than 300 extras involved, Troy said the project had given a sizable injection into thestate’sfilmandTVindustry.
SBS publicity describes The Airport Chaplain as an ambitious, bold and big-hearted workplace drama that dives into the high stakes inner workings of a bustling international airport, seen through the struggles and triumphs of the workerswhokeepitrunning.
Leading the charge is airport chaplain Tobias Wallace, played by Weaving, who races through unmarked doors with a constantly ringing phone, pockets stuffed with donated cash and a decidedly unorthodox approach to solving the daily
crisesofanairport.
Troy said the team had plans for a long-running series, which had already garnered plenty of interest around the world.
“Everyone rushing around in an airport has selfish pursuits, whereas the airport chaplainseespeopleinneed,”shesaid.
“The more we researched, the more we realised what a great world of emotions an internationalairportis.
“And from that experience with Martyn, we then delved into the daily ups and downs of other airport staff such as baggage handlers, security, cleaners and flightcrews,”Troysaid.
“In these times of uncertainty in the world, we believe this series full of humanity and kindness and drama and lightnessisreallyneeded.”
The Airport Chaplain will hold its world premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival, running from 6-23 August, andwillscreenonSBSandSBSOnDemand laterthisyear.
Above: Melbourne Airport chaplain Martyn Scrimshaw is the inspiration for the new SBS series, The Airport Chaplain. (Damjan Janevski) 562094_06
Left: Hugo Weaving and Shabana Azeez in The Airport Chaplain. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Christ Church Melton
There will be a Morning Tea for all those involved in Christian Ministry in the Melton area to meet and connect on Saturday 25 July between 10am-noon at the Melton Christian College, 152-156 Brooklyn Road, Melton.
Lower Power Bills Expo
Melton residents can learn how to reduce their electricity bills at the free Lower Power Bills Expo on Thursday 16 July. Hosted by Melton council in partnership with the Smart Energy Council, the event will run from 4.30 to 7pm at the Melton Community Hall. Energy experts, community organisations, State Electricity Commission representatives and local solar companies will offer practical advice on cutting energy costs, improving efficiency, accessing rebates and exploring solar and electrification options. Open to homeowners, renters and small business owners, the expo also includes guest speakers, information stalls, refreshments and a chance to win an induction cooker. https://tinyurl.com/2u6v5bby.
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 Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, 10am-1pm. Andy, 0498 549 177, andy@p4e.au, Hillside Probus Club
Membership is open to retired and semi-retired professional and businesspersons and others with a similar background. The group meets from 10.30am-12.30pm every first Thursday of the month at the Watergardens Hotel, 431 Kings Road Taylors Lakes. There are no upper or lower age limits and the club is for men and women, couples and singles. hillsideprobus@gmail.com
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,
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of artist Justin Enrico Legaspi. (Damjan Janevski) 562213_01 pictur
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, Vera, 0406 493 734
Over 50s games and cards
Melton Club 50+ runs a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 33 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. Join this friendly group and make new friends over games and a cuppa.
Denise, 0403 840 241, Sharon, 0407 461 069
Women’s Support Group
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8 pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre at 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join them for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including, carpet bowls, pool, table tennis, cards and chess.
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.
Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.
Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
9747 8576
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. 0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. 9746 0271
Community singing group
If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.
Val, 0418 667 150
Melton Trauma Teddies
Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. Jean, 0412 931 498
Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh
Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market its bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm. https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/
This Le
Trees focus of art
Nature has inspired a local artist’s latest exhibition at Mount Macedon’s The Gallery.
MacedonbasedartistandmemberofThe Gallery Yvonne O’Connell is the featured artistforJuly,withamonth-longexhibition celebratingherobsessionfortrees.
O’Connell said she was inspired locally andbyhertravelsforherart.
“During my travels last year to various European destinations, I was inspired by the majesty of the broad leaf trees in summer,”shesaid.
“I was entranced by the dappled sunlight dancing and creating patterns on woodland floors as well as admiring
the gnarled and knobbly textures of the ancientoaks.”
O’Connell said she was deeply saddened by the felling of the Sycamore Gap Tree in Northumbria.
OnherreturntoAustralia,sheturnedher attention to the beauty of our Australian trees realising they were equally impressive, beginning her obsession with trees.
O’Connell’s work aims to capture the essence of those observations through various mark making techniques using charcoal and acrylic paint, exploring a whole range of possibilities when she works.
She said she doesn’t visualise an end result rather she takes an explorative journey,constantly reflectingandadjustingherprocesses.
O’Connell said she hopes viewers to her exhibition will take a moment to pause and appreciate the magnificence of the natural world and the complex beauty of Australian trees because they are fundamentally important to the future of our planet as well as our own physical and mentalwell-being.
The exhibition will run at The Gallery fromTuesday7JulyuntilSunday2August.
Families can enjoy a captivating introduction to live classical music, storytelling and contemporary First Nations creativity at Wyndham Cultural CentreonSaturday11July.
Musicians from the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra (MCO) will perform Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love with the Sky, based on Tylissa Elisara’s multi-award-winning children’s novel of thesamename.
NarratedbyElisaraherselfandfeaturing a quintet of MCO string players, the story follows Wurrtoo the wombat on his daring quest to marry the sky in a heartwarming taleofcourage,imaginationandbelonging.
Charming for all ages but especially suited to children aged seven-12, the book was inspired by beloved classics such as Winnie-the-Pooh and Blinky Bill while drawing on stories from Elisara’s own Narungga, Kaurna and Adnyamathanha heritage.
A new music score by acclaimed Noongar, Yamatji and Wongi composer Aaron Wyatt, brings Wurrtoo’s journey to life.
Curated by MCO education manager Dr Emma Sullivan, Wurrtoo opens with an introduction to string instruments, followedbydemonstrationsandinteractive activities designed to guide listening, encourage participation and help young audiences connect with the story through sound.
Elisara said it was deeply meaningful to see her story brought to life in a new creativeform:
“Thisisawonderfulopportunitytoshare Wurrtoo’s story with more children and families in a completely new way, which will introduce audiences to contemporary First Nations storytelling matched with contemporary First Nations classical music,”shesaid.
Sullivan said she was excited to bring WurrtootoaudiencesacrossVictoria:
“When I first came across Tylissa’s book, I was struck by the way it tells a timeless tale of adventure and friendship through a distinctly Australian lens. Aaron’s score beautifully compliments Tylissa’s story and brings her characters to life in a really engaging way. It is particularly special to have Tylissa joining us as our narrator, offeringaudiencestheuniqueopportunity to hear the story of Wurrtoo directly from the author. It feels especially fitting to share this exciting collaboration of a First
Roll back the years with
Fans of classic rock are set to roll back the years when Creedence Chronicles Revived brings the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival to Stoney’s Club in Maddingley laterthismonth.
The high-energy tribute show will take to the stage on Saturday 25 July, promising an evening dedicated to one of the most influential rock bands of the late 60s and early70s.
Billed as Australia’s newest Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute act, Credence Chronicles Revived celebrates the unmistakable sound which made CCR a household name, recreating the band’s
Substation to host South Asian sounds
Kerfew, a collective of South Asian artists, musicians and DJs founded in 2022, will take over The Substation in Newport on 11 July with their new programTesting.
Described as Kerfew’s most ambitious program yet, Testing showcases South Asian artists and performers who bridge and probe between classical, contemporary and experimentalmusic.
Curated and produced by Kamna Muddagouni and Saieesh Shanmugarajah,theprogramfeatures a line-up that includes a solo set from AartiJadu,anartistknownforcreating cinematic compositions through voice and entrancing electronic compositions.
Among the other performers on the bill is Bengali born and Sydney basedDJArsonistwhowillbemaking his Melbourne debut, violin and mridangam duo Bhairavi Raman and Nanthesh Sivarajah, renowned percussionist and sound artist R Rebeiro, and the theremin-controlled modular synthesisers of Vijay Thillaimuthu.
Nations author and composer during NAIDOCWeek,”shesaid.
Wurrtoo: The Wombat Who Fell in Love withtheSkywillbepresentedatWyndham Cultural Centre on Saturday 11 July, from 2-2.50pm.
signature blend of swamp rock, blues, and country-infused rock with powerful vocals, soaring harmonies, and authentic musicianship.
Audiences can expect to hear a string of timeless hits which have remained fan favourites across generations, including Fortunate Son, Proud Mary, Born on the BayouandHaveYouEverSeentheRain.
The show aims to capture the spirit and energy of the original band, delivering the songs with the raw intensity that helped CreedenceClearwaterRevivalbecomeone ofthebiggest-sellingrockactsinhistory.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan who
remembers the songs topping the charts or a younger music lover discovering the greatness of CCR for the first time, the performance promises a nostalgic journey through one of rock’s most enduring catalogues.
The Swamp-rock hits kick off at 9pm and will roll on through to 11.30pm at Stoney’s ClubonSaturday25July.
With a setlist packed with singalong classics and unforgettable guitar riffs, Creedence Chronicles Revived is inviting music lovers to relive the soundtrack of a generation and get ready to “roll on the river”foranightofclassicCreedencehits.
Beginningat7pm,thosewhoarrive early can enjoy South Asian food while taking in live instrumental performances steeped in classical andcontemporarypractices,andthen settleinastheperformancesgetmore experimental, electronic and moody asthenightprogresses.
Discounted early bird tickets have already sold out, but cheaper tickets forHobsonsBaylocalsandconcession car holders are still available, as are thoseforgeneraladmission.
First Nations people can attend for free.
Kerfew:TestingisatTheSubstation, Newport from 7pm-1am on Saturday 11 July. For more information and to book, go to: https://thesubstation.org. au/program/kerfew-testing
Author Tylissa Elisara. (Supplied)
South Asian sound collective, Kerfew, will take over The Substation in Newport on 11 July.
(Sulaiman Enayatzada)
Yvonne O’Connell. (Supplied)
A PERMIT IS REQUIRED TO CREATE, VARY OR REMOVE AN EASEMENT OR RESTRICTION.
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This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority.
An objection must:
• be sent to the Responsible Authority in writing.
• include the reasons for the objection, and • state how the objector would be affected.
The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.
THE RESPONSIBLE AUTHORITY WILL NOT DECIDE ON THE APPLICATION BEFORE: 21 July 2026
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SPORTS QUIZ
1. NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was recently traded to which team?
2. In diving and parkour, what is a gainer?
3. Which cricketer announced his retirement while England was taking part in the recent third Test versus New Zealand?
10. Dan McKellar last coached which Australiabased Super Rugby Pacific team?
4. The Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens played against each other in the 2026 Grand Final of which competition?
11. During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi broke a record by scoring a hat trick – how many goals is this?
Which famous sisters are competing in women’s doubles at Wimbledon, their first tournament together since the 2022
12. What colour are all the soccer cleats at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
South Korean golfer Hae-ran Ryu recently won which tournament?
Which former Illawarra Hawk was recently traded from the Charlotte Hornets to the Minnesota Timberwolves?
Which country's men's national soccer team is known as Los Cafeteros?
And what does Los Cafeteros mean in
13. Which Belgium and Manchester City winger temporarily left the World Cup camp for the birth of his first child?
14. Which NBA team was the inaugural winner of the in-season NBA Cup tournament?
15. Who did Mirra Andreeva beat in the 2026 French Open final?
16. Australia advanced to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing second in which group?
17. Which sport features the least amount of balls: billiards, pool or snooker?
18. The FA Cup final has been played at which stadium every year since 2007?
19. Which team selected Canadian Gavin McKenna first overall at the 2026 NHL draft?
20. Which football confederation does Australia compete in for World Cup qualification?
21. The Illyria Armadillos are a fictional soccer team from which movie?
22. In handball, how many players are on the court at once?
23. And in which year was handball first played at the Olympics?
24. Lucy Cronin has joined the leadership group of which AFLW team for the 2026 season?
25. What is the nickname of Australia’s quadball team?
26. True or false: one of the six ‘colour’ balls in snooker is pink?
27. ‘Next Stars’ is a player development program in which league?
28. Who is the current WWE Women’s Champion?
29. Which AIHL team plays their home games out of the Hunter Ice Skating Stadium?
30. The Pittsburgh Pirates play which sport?
Mirra Andreeva
1 Melodies (5) 4 Valuation (9) 9 Reddish purple (7) 10 Of that (7) 11 Dare (9) 12 Fancies (5) 13 Common viral infection (3)
25 City in southern France (7) 26 Late (7) 27 Secretions (9) 28 Eyelid inflammations (5)
1 Impersonate (5) 2 Characteristic (9) 3 Waterway (5) 4 Versus (7) 5 Model (7)
6 Facilities of a building (9) 7 Colander (5)
8 Way of living (9) 13 Bewitch (9) 14 Artworks (9)
15 Unhurriedly (9)
17 Launch a tirade at (3,4)
18 Times of the year (7)
21 Excuse (5)
23 Shoals (5)
24 Lees (5)
3 LETTERS
5 LETTERS
apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
Today’s Aim:
7 words: Good 11 words: Very good 15 words: Excellent
Canadian actor Catherine O'Hara (pictured) played Moira Rose in which comedy series? 2 Winter athletes Jakara Anthony and Matt Graham both compete in what sport? 3 What is the world's fastest bird?
Australia's largest prison, the Clarence Correctional Centre, is located in which state? 5 True or false:
It’s all about style for GR
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Great to finally catch up with the Toyota C-HR GR Sport.
We missed out on driving this car the first time around when it just got the suspension job.
But it was worth the wait because the GR Sport now gets some extra power, with a larger 2.0-litre based hybrid system. And it shows, remaining responsive to the throttle even with two adults and a couple of kids on board – although we weren’t surprised when they complained about a lack of legroom in the back.
More on that in a minute.
Styling
Launched in late 2016 and now in its second generation, a rationalised lineup seesthreemodels,allofthemhybridwitha choice of two powertrains and either frontor all-wheel drive.
Adopting Toyota’s new ‘Hammer Head’ design language, C-HR is distinguished by 17- or 19-inch alloys, LED lights with automatic high beam, a rear spoiler plus a grained pattern for the front grille, black bumpers and pillar trim.
Originally priced from $29,990, the price has grown, with the GR Sport added in 2019.
Standard kit includes heated sport front seats with combination suede-like and fabric upholstery, powered driver seat with memory, dual-zone climate air with nanoe Xaircleaningtechnology,ambientlighting with colour selection and privacy glass for the rear and rear-side windows.
Unique to the GR Sport is combination suede upholstery with leather accents (both synthetic), GR-branded aluminium scuffplatesandfloormats,andaperforated GR Sport steering wheel with heating functionality.
There’s also adaptive cruise, a digital rear-view mirror, keyless smart entry and start, auto LED lights and wipers, auto-levelling bi-LED headlights, electronic parking brake, front and rear parking sensors, and a 4.2-inch colour driver display and a powered-operated tailgate.
Koba and GR Sport both get a tyre repair kit in lieu of a spare.
C-HR is offered with the Toyota Warranty Advantage, consisting of a five-year/unlimited kilometre term with capped-price servicing for the first five years/75,000km (whichever comes first) and each 12-month/15,000km service costs $250.
Infotainment
Infotainment comes in the form of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth,
RATINGS
Looks: 8.5
Performance: 7.5
Safety: 8
Thirst: 7.5
Practicality: 5
Comfort: 7
Tech: 7
Value: 6
7.1
O
voice recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based satellite navigation, and AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio.
Both Koba and GR Sport score premium, nine-speaker JBL audio.
There’s also wireless smartphone charging, USB-C and 12V charging ports and a rear USB-C accessory port.
Cloud-based navigation requires a network connection for the latest map, traffic, and routing information.
When connectivity is limited, it uses previously downloaded info to maintain coverage across the entire route.
Specifically, the cloud feature requires an active Drive Connect subscription.
A complimentary one-year subscription includes Safety and Security features, Remote Connect, Multimedia Connect and Driving Insights, accessible through the myToyota Connect app.
Safety
Comprehensive five-star safety includes 10 airbags, panoramic view camera, colour head-up display and forward collision warning, brake assist and autonomous emergency braking.
The Toyota Safety Sense suite includes the pre-collision safety system, active cruise control, lane trace assist, parking supportbrake,roadsignassist(speedsigns only), safe exit assist and more.
Engines/transmissions
Initially the GR Sport was all show and no go, but the previous 1.8-litre hybrid has been replaced by a larger more powerful 2.0-litre unit that produces a substantial 146kW of power in total – 43kW more than before.
That’s a significant increase and, even betteranditisimpressivethatthishasbeen achievedwithoutanyadverseeffectonfuel consumption, which remains 4.1L/100km for this model.
Witha43-litretank,itstilltakesstandard 91unleadedtoo.CombinedCO2emissions are listed at 94g/km.
Overseas, Toyota offers a 164kW plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.
As is always the case Toyota does not
supply a combined torque figure for its hybrids.
If it helps, the petrol engine produces 188Nm at 4400 rpm and the two electric motors chime in with a combined 290Nm.
Driving
In a nutshell, C-HR priorities form over function.
While it’s a great looking car that has stood the test of time, the design demands compromise.
For a start, although marketed as a five-seater, rear legroom is tight and it is betterviewedasa2+2(part-timebackseat).
Even then it’s a bit of a squeeze and the plunging roofline is problematic. It means youneedtoduckwhengettinginandoutof the car – or pay the penalty (ouch).
Indeed, at 4362mm in length, the Euro-designed C-HR is actually 28mm shorter than before, although the wheelbase remains the same 2640mm.
But it’s 37mm wider than its predecessor which means more shoulder room, but you’ll still find yourself fighting over the centre armrest.
Settling into the driver’s seat it becomes clear it was designed to accommodate a smaller, younger frame – so older drivers take note.
The back seat meanwhile is claustrophobic, lacks legroom, doesn’t have any air outlets and there’s no fold down armrest.
Further, there aren’t any door bins to be found in the back and only one seatback pocket on the passenger side, with one USB-C port for those in the back to share.
Thankfully, Toyota has dispensed with theawkward,concealedreardoorhandles, which have been replaced by pop-out handles.
Theprivacyglassalsomakesitdifficultto see out of the back.
The boot is on the smaller side and conceals a tyre repair kit.
However, the cabin has a premium feel and as before it’s worth taking a minute to check it out.
Check out the textures, finishes and the way panels flow into each other – it’s really something.
Though, closer inspection reveals much of it is hard plastic.
The infotainment screen is angled towards the driver, but remains separate units to the instrument cluster.
Adigitalrearvisionmirrorisfitted,butis a waste of space. It’s difficult to bring into focus and liable to make you carsick – we’d ask if it could be deleted?
None of the cupholders will accommodateasportsdrinkbottleandthe small centre cupholders will not accept a thermal mug for tea or coffee.
There’s a single USB-C port at the front of the console, with another USB-C port and 12-volt outlet inside the console.
GXL and Koba are front-drive while GR Sport is all-wheel drive.
Theextrapowershowsbehindthewheel, with greater electrical assistance where it is needed around town.
The car also spends more time in EV mode, thanks to the better battery and electric motor combination.
But this is offset to some extent by the extra weight of two electric motors and all-wheel drive, which pushes the weight up to 1575kg – 85kg more than Koba and a whopping 120kg more than GXL.
The eCVT transmission provides seven steps or simulated gears that provide a sportier drive, but it lacks any way to change gears manually.
There are three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – along with a Custom mode that allows drivers to set up things the way they want it.
That said, you can’t change modes quickly and certainly not on the fly.
The only way to do so seems to be via the touchscreen and that requires the car to be in Park.
There is however an EV or stealth mode button located in the centre console, but this is restricted to low speeds.
The petrol engine will kick in if you punch the accelerator too hard.
Based on a revised version of Toyota’s TNGA-C platform, suspension is Mac strut at the front and double wishbones at the rear across the lineup.
OverseastheGRrideson20-inchwheels, but Toyota decided to with 19s here – no doubt in recognition of our crappy roads.
Ride and handling are very good however, even on said roads, with grippy Bridgestone Turanza rubber.
Don’tgogettingthewrongidea,however, because the C-HR even in GR form is still no sports car.
The steering feels rubbery at times and the drive experience is far from engaging. You need to push it hard to get the best out of the car, but the CVT’s ability to deliver the goods is limiting.
Under hard acceleration, the engine becomes harsh and noisy, and sounds a bit like a lawnmower about to run out of fuel. In the end you’ll run out of power before you run out of grip.
We were getting 5.7L/100km after more than 300km behind the wheel, including some quick corners, which is still pretty good.
Summing up
Damn. The C-HR is a car I like the look of but one that always seems to fall short. It’s a hybrid clad in a sporty disguise, short on power, short on space and short on practicality.
Maybethefully-electricC-HRwillbethe one that does the trick when it arrives around the middle of 2027?
The letters C-HR stand for Compact High Rider, Cross Hatch Runabout or Coupé High-Rider – in case you’re wondering.
The previous 1.8-litre hybrid has been replaced by a larger, more powerful 2.0-litre unit. (Pictures: Supplied)
Playing hard for big wins
There was plenty of action on the court and on field as the sun shone brightly on Saturday.StarWeeklyphotographerLjubica
Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.
Westmeadows’ Ryan Capron. 561969_12
Keilor Park’s Nicholas Nesci. 561969_27
Braybrook’s Mason Jacob and North Footscray’s Loki Baker-Radford. 561962_01
North Footscray’s Jarrod Johns tries to break Braybrook’s Aidyn Bartolo tackle. 561962_12
West Footscray’s Kailey Roberts. 561964_20
Epping City’s Marcus Tavolaro and Hoppers Crossing’s Chukwuemeka Ekwo. 561957_02
Sunshine Heights’ Arian Sarandis. 561964_02
Sunbury Jets’ Benjamon Robertson. 561956_22
Epping City’s Samuel Kotronis. 561957_07
Wyndham basketball. .561956_07
Big night for the Warriors
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors produced one of their best ever wins, in what turned out to be a massive night for the club in the Victorian Netball League.
After a number of close misses, the Warriors finally got over the line against the North East Blaze.
There was no close result this time, as the Warriors won, 68-55.
Backing it up, the Warriors 23 and under side pulled off an upset win against the Blaze, 57-53, to keep their finals hopes alive.
Warriors’ coach Kim Bailey was ecstatic with the wins
“It was the best game that we [champi-
onship] have ever played,” she said.
“It was phenomenal and everyone clicked at the right end.
“The attack end was insane and the defence was really strong too.”
Bailey said the Blaze had been their nemesis since they entered the competition, with all previous matches between the sides decided by three goals or less.
While they had shared the points, the Warriors had never got over the line before Wednesday night.
The Warriors led by three goals at quarter time, before the margin increased to seven goals at the main break.
It was 13 goals at three quarter time before the Warriors finished it off as they won the last quarter.
“Ellie [Bird] was a target and the work rate of Mia Lavis, Ruby Shannon and Kali Dolphin was just insane,” Bailey said.
“The pressure valve might have come off a little bit.
“Megan Allan had her best game for the club and Eliza Gollant, who had struggled for a few weeks, has hit her straps.”
Bailey said with Lavis and Shannon having the chance to recover after a few hectic months, they appeared refreshed.
The other key area of the win was the Warriors tidying up their turnovers with the side having changed their mindset.
Normally averaging in the 20s for turnovers, they had 15 against the Blaze.
Bailey said their conversion from turnover was at 81 per cent as well.
Centrals find a way securing a fourth win
By Tara Murray
Melton Centrals got some reward for effort as they returned to the winners list in the Riddell District Football League on Saturday.
After pushing a couple of the top sides in recent weeks, the Blues were able to stay in control on Saturday against Woodend-Hesket to get their fourth win of the season.
Blues’ coach Ben Chapman said they had been building towards that win.
“It was good for the boys to get back on the winners list,” he said.
“We’ve played some good footy the last couple of games. Riddell after half time, we didn’t adapt to the conditions.
“Macedon we were super for three quarters but ran out of interchange 10 minutes into the third quarter and couldn’t stop them in the last quarter.
“We had nothing more to give. We took some positives out of it that our best is competitive with some good sides.”
Chapman said on Saturday against the Hawks the focus was to get off to a strong start.
They did exactly that as they kicked seven goals to one.
The Hawks were never able to come back from that as the Blues were able to hold them off as they won, 12.10 (82)-6.11 (46).
“We were down to two rotations at three quarter time,” Chapman said.
“We found a way to play the game on our terms for large portions of the final quarter.
“It showed how much we have matured this year as we controlled the game when we needed to.”
Chapman said it was one of their least experienced sides they had put on the park this year, with their leaders really stepping up.
Dylan Jobson, Fabian. Brancatisano and Dylan McDonald kicked two goals each for the Blues.
Evan Donoghue and Jake Armistead were named their best.
The Blues sit in seventh spot, but are two games and a lot of percentage outside the top six.
Chapman said while they were still mathematically a chance of playing finals, it would take a lot to go their way.
“We have to make up three games in six games which is not totally impossible,” he said.
“We’ll continue to be better every week.
“Our aim is to beat a side that is above us. We have not been able to do that.
“We’ve made that a focus point and the last three games we face Riddell, Macedon and Wallan and hopefully we can get a win against one of those sides.
“We want to finish the season as positively as we can.”
The Blues face the Gisborne Giants this Saturday.
Evan Donoghue. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 409292_25
Elsewhere, Diggers Rest was too good for Melton South as it won, 12.13 (85)-8.10 (58).
Marcus Calvaresi kicked six goals for the Burras. In other matches, Lachie Smart kicked 10 goals for Wallan as it accounted for the Gisborne Giants, 23.10 (148)-12.11 (83).
Bird finished with 48 goals, while Lavis scored 20.
The Warriors sit 11th on the ladder with five wins, and are six points outside the top six with two rounds remaining.
The group knows a number of losses have hurt them.
The Warriors 23 and under side sits in eighth spot, two points outside the top six with two rounds remaining.
On Wednesday night, they beat the Blaze, which was sitting second.
Bailey said the shooting combination of Ella Closter (41 goals) and Leona Hristovska (16 goals) were sensational.
The Warriors face the Geelong Cougars on Wednesday night.
Panthers’ milestone
Melton South got its first win of the Riddell District Netball League season, as it upset Diggers Rest on Saturday. With the Panthers only win last season being taken off the side due to player points, the win sits in the record books as the side’s first in the RDNL.
On Saturday, it was a battle between the bottom two sides, with the Burras coming off a win the previous week against three-time reigning premier Woodend-Hesket. It was a close match all day, with the Panthers winning, 53-48.
Nathalia Jenkins shot 39 goals for the Panthers in the win, with Meleane Jackson-Mounga shooting 14 goals.
Kalley Tukaokao shot 26 goals for the Burras, while Isobel Robertson with 22 goals as the Burras were missing Leona Hristovska.
The Panthers remain on the bottom of the ladder, but are now one game behind the Burras.
In other matches, Melton Centrals lost to Woodend-Hesket, 8149.
Imogen Sexton shot 26 goals for the Blues, while Naomi Parker shot 22 goals.
The Blues sit eighth on the ladder with three wins.
In other matches, Wallan and Gisborne draw 34-all.
Riddell beat Lancefield in a thriller, 39-35 with Shelby Holter showing 28 goals for the Bombers and Shanae Brundell shooting 21 goals for the Tigers.
Melton Centrals got the win against Woodend-Hesket, 12.10 (82)-6.11 (46).
Riddell was too strong for Lancefield, winning 19.12 (126)-5.5 (36) with Mark Kovacevic named the Bombers best with six goals.
Kyneton got an important win against Macedon winning, 10.13 (73)-9.9 (63).
Kyneton got another win in its quest to play finals for the first time, beating Macedon, 50-48.
Ellie Bird shot 46 goals for the Tigers, who used three different goal attacks in the circle with her.
Claire Oakley shot 37 goals against her former team.
Casey Smart. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 469990_06
BFLW dominate from start
By Tara Murray
The inaugural Ballarat Football League women’s interleague side shone as it took centre stage against the Central Victoria Football League on Saturday.
While AFL Goldfields had an interleague side in 2017, Saturday was the first time there was a standalone women’s team for the BFL.
It was a winning start, with the BFL dominating the contest as it won, 5.9 (39)-2.1 (13).
BFLW coach Danyel Waters said it was such an epic win from the group.
“We didn’t know what to expect,” she said.
“I had seen half the Bendigo team play the previous week and was really impressed by their game style and how clean they were with their skills.
“I brought that back to the team and we slightly adjusted our game plan at the last minute.
“We dominated from start to finish.”
Waters said she didn’t realise it was the first BFL women’s interleague team.
She said it was not only amazing for the league, but women’s football in general.
Waters said those involved in the process really brought into what they wanted to do.
“I’d seen every player play at local level and knew what their capabilities were and how well they trained.
“Applying their individual strengths as one team, blew me away. The actual play was amazing.”
Emily Van Egmond was named the BFLW’s best.
Waters said while Van Egmond played centre half back, she was like an extra midfielder for them doing a crazy amount of
work.
Wedge-Tailed Eagles Teagan Ainslie was named the CVFL’s best in the loss.
Melina Ciavarella, Leivi Lane, Emmerson Hitch, Sarah Tabone, Charlee Hill, Trinity Skenderis and Tayla Debono all represented Darley in the BFL team.
Hitch was the side’s co-captain.
Waters, who coaches Darley, was supported by another Devil in Ben Skinner as
Michael Tzoutzidis. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 534346_02
Georgies fight back to share the points
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs George Cross fought back to push ladder leaders, the Oakleigh Cannons, but had to settle for sharing the points in the National Premier League.
After trailing 1-0 at half time on Saturday, the Georgies took the game on in the second half and levelled the scores through Josh Whiteley in the 55th minute.
Neither team was able to find a winner, with the match finishing 1-1.
Georgies’ coach Eric Vassiliadis said there were lots of positives out of the match.
“There was a positive mentality in the second half to have the aspiration to win and push the league leaders,” he said.
“It was not good enough, but it’s another strong foundation for us. At this point of the season we’re in an OK position.
“It’s now up to us whether we look up or look down.”
Vassiliadis said they were flat footed in the first half against the Cannons and they were lucky that the top side didn’t take the
game away from them.
He said they looked to address three things at half time and were able to get back into the game, which they were able to do.
“We wanted to focus on our mentality and how we wanted to defend and how we wanted to attack,” he said.
“We pushed Oakleigh in the second half. It was a transition game and I’m proud of the group.
“We played with intention.”
The Georgies sit seventh on the ladder, three points outside the top six, but they’ve played one more game than sixth placed Preston Lions.
Vassiliadis said there were two clear things that were their focus going forward.
“The first thing is that the aspiration and desire to have success doesn’t waiver,” he said.
“Success is measured in different ways and understanding where we are.
“We want to push really hard and have a big mentality and desire to push forward.
“We’ve had some good young players come up and step up and had career defin-
assistant coach.
Bacchus Marsh’s Ella Bradbury was also apart of the team.
Waters said they wanted this to be the start of something special.
“There’s no stopping now,” she said. “We want to keep building on this for the rest of the up and going forward.
“We’ll take some feedback back to the league to hopefully do it again.”
While interleague is finished, Waters’ attention turns back to Darley’s end of the season.
The three-time reigning premier sits on top of the ladder, a game ahead of Bacchus Marsh.
The Devils face East Point on Saturday when the season resumes.
Waters said they would be missing a couple of key players with some of their under-19s set to get a run.
Thoroughbreds fall short
The Melton Thoroughbreds fell short at home against the Warrnambool Seahawks on Saturday night in the Big V men’s division 2 competition.
Aiming to continue to move up the ladder, the Thoroughbreds faced a travelling Seahawks sit looking to cement its finals spot.
It was the visitors that led by three points at quarter time, before a 29-17 second quarter gave the Thoroughbreds a nine point lead heading into the main break. The margin was increased to 11 points at the final break.
The Seahawks came home hard in the final quarter. They hit the lead in the final quarter for the first time with 44 seconds left on the clock.
ing seasons.
“The club is pushing they support the senior group and there is the willingness and commitment to go to a higher level next year.
“We’re focusing on a strong finish.”
Vassiliadis said they had a three year plan in place and they were slightly ahead of that at this stage of the season, their first season back up in the top flight.
Meanwhile, the Georiges picked up three players in the transfer window as they looked to replace three that departed.
Jack Pope and Hassan Jalloh both started on Saturday.
Vassiliadis said it was about adding some more depth to its squad especially in the attacking end having added two strikers.
The Georgies are back in action on Sunday against the St Albans Saints at Churchill Reserve.
In state league 1 women’s north-west action, the Georgies beat the Saints, 5-0, on Friday night.
The Georgies sit atop the ladder after 10 matches with eight wins and two losses.
The Thoroughbreds weren’t able to score again as the Seahawks claimed the win, 86-81.
Calvin Jazmin top scored with 18 points off the bench, while captain Owen Stephens scored 17 points.
After 14 games, the Thoroughbreds sit seventh on the ladder with four wins. The Thoroughbreds face the Wallan Panthers this Saturday in the next round.
Meanwhile the Thoroughbreds youth league 3 men’s side had a big road win down in Gippsland.
Facing Gippsland United, the Thoroughbreds won, 92-66.
The second and the fourth quarters set up the win for the Thoroughbreds, outscoring Gippsland 57-31 in those two quarters.
The Thoroughbreds sit second n the ladder with 10 wins and five losses from their 15 games. This weekend, the Thoroughbreds on are on the road Saturday night against the Surf Coast before at home against Gippsland United on Sunday.
Darley’s interleague contingent. (Darley FNC)
Eli Davy. (Meagan Verstappen)
Vasconcelo stands down
By Tara Murray
Westside Strikers coach Simon Vasconcelo has made the decision to step down at the FV state league 4 north-west club.
The Strikers announced on social media that Vasconcelo had made the call to step away.
“Today [Wednesday] we acknowledge and thank senior men’s head coach Simon Vasconcelo for his contribution to the Westside Strikers FC over the past nine years,” the club said.
“Joining Westside Strikers FC in 2018 as one of our inaugural senior men’s players, he also began his coaching journey with the club.
“Across five seasons, he led teams from under-12 through to under-16s, fostering
the growth, confidence and development of countless young footballers.
“Progressing to the reserves coach position before stepping into the role of senior men’s head coach, leading the program for the past three and a half years.
“As he now steps away from his coaching role, we would like to sincerely thank him for his years of dedication and commitment to Westside Strikers FC and wish him every success in the future.”
Johnny Cvetanoski has been named the Strikers new coach.
The Strikers said he brings a wealth of experience, having played at the highest levels in Victorian soccer and trained at the AIS.
“His coaching experience includes leading both junior and senior programs,
most recently as head coach of the Keilor Wolves’ senior men’s team.”
Cvetanoski said his coaching philosophy is that he’s a fighter and wants to win.
The Strikers currently sit 10th on the ladder with three wins, four draws and seven losses.
They faced Barnstoneworth United on Saturday in round 14 action, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
The Strikers gained an early lead in the 28th minute through Kouadio Ouattara converting a penalty.
Barnstoneworth was able to level the scores in the 55th minute, before Kouadio Ouattara gave the Strikers a lead again with his second.
Barnstoneworth was able to find a late equaliser to take a point from the match.
(Stuart McCormick)
Premiership chase tightens among drivers
By John Dunne
Mark Pitt has emerged from the ruck to give chase behind runaway leader James Herbertson in the Metropolitan Drivers Premiership.
In recent weeks Pitt has made Melton his own playground following last week’s quartet of wins with another four race successes on Saturday night.
Pitt opened his account partnering the Kylie Sugars trained heavily backed Ijustcalledtosayto an emphatic victory in the Hip Pocket Castlemaine Trot with the four-year-old holding a nine-metre margin on the line in a mile rate of 1:56.3.
“He’s run a pretty good mile and he buzzed up strong late, I think he’s got a pretty good motor this guy,” Pitt said.
“We saw him win last week off the pace so I think he can race both ways, either up the front or off the pace,” he said.
Pitt then joined forces with Emma Stewart for the remainder of the night as the pair chalked up a trio of winners Cigano, Apollostorm and Fairplay. Sent out the favourite, Cigano made it
back to back wins at headquarters when he unleashed a slick sprint from the one out one back trail reeling off a 54.6 last 800 metres to score from Sweet Ideal and stablemate Let Her Roll.
Pitt said he was initially going forward from the wide barrier but decided to take the perfect sit when a gap appeared.
“Once I lobbed there it was just a matter of when I was going to pull the trigger and once the three wide train came it set him alight and he did it really easy,” he said.
“He was just cruising and I never pulled the ears (plugs) and I only just clicked him up but I’m sure he’d go real fast if you asked him to.”
Apollostorm completed a hat trick of wins at Melton when he led all the way in the IRT Pace.
Hoorah Philtra closed the margin late however Apollostorm appeared to have plenty in reserved holding on to score by two metres on the line in a mile rate of 1:54:1.
“He’s always had good ability, he’s probably come up against some that have been better early days so it’s taken a little
The Strikers are at home in round 15 against Point Cook.
In other matches, Melton Phoenix had a 2-0 to Keon Park.
Keon Park scored either side of half time to seal the win.
The Phoenix sits in ninth spot with four wins, two draws and eight losses.
The Phoenix faces Sebastopol Vikings on Saturday in round 15.
Meanwhile in state league 3 northwest women’s, the Strikers beat Melbourne Knights, 4-0 on Sunday.
Bethannie Lazic scored twice in the first 15 minutes to give the Strikers the lead, before Ivana Cuic added two of her own goals to get the win.
The Strikers sit atop the ladder with eight wins from their 10 games.
Big week for Shannon, Lavis
Western Warriors pair Ruby Shannon and Mia Lavis have been selected in the Australian pathways team to play in the Samoa International.
Netball Australian announced a group of 12 athletes aged 23 and under who will contest three matches against Samoa’s invitational team.
Shannon and Lavis are two of the three Victorian athletes picked in the squad.
Lavis recently made her SSN debut with the Melbourne Vixens, while Shannon played big minutes for the Melbourne Mavericks in the SN reserves competition.
while for him to hit his straps,” he said.
“He’s getting up in grade now but he’s been pretty dominant and could go a long way this bloke.”
Despite not having raced for more than 12 months, Fairplay was installed a favourite on the back of two impressive recent trials at Melton and Ballarat.
Pitt was content to let Fairplay lob along in the running line towards the end of the field before pulling out to stake his claim with 400 metres to travel and the son of Rock N Roll Heaven quickly had the race in his keeping.
“He had been out for quite a while and I was in two minds what to do early so I just sat and let him rip up for 400 (metres),” he said.
“He’s got his fair share of ability but he’s got a few tricks that may stop him from going right to the top.”
The 32-year-old Pitt has now registered 22 metropolitan victories this season while Herbertson sits clear on 32 wins.
Pitt currently boasts a stunning strike rate of 35 per cent winners to starters in his 71 wins statewide thus far this season.
In partnership with the Australian government through PacificAus Sports, the tour will comprise three matches from 17–20 July at the Tuanaimato Multipurpose Sports Complex in Apia, Samoa.
The tour will build on recent international opportunities for Australian pathway athletes, as part of Australia’s long-standing partnership with Pacific Netball Federations through the PacificAus Sports program.
Led by coaches Anita Keelan and Michelle Wilkins, the Australian pathway squad showcases emerging talent from across the country.
The week then got even bigger for Shannon and Lavis at the Mavericks and Vixens awards nights on Sunday respectively. Shannon was named the Mavericks reserves best and fairest for her performance in the SN reserves competition.
Lavis won the Vixens Academy most valuable player award for her performances in the reserves competition.
