Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 25th August 2026

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25 AUGUST, 2026

Green space fight By Jack O’Shea-Ayres The Melton Weir family picnic area faces an uncertain future as residents fear the ageing facility is edging closer to being decommissioned. The future of the family picnic area, which is managed by Southern Rural Water (SRW), has been in limbo since June 2024, when Melton council adopted the Melton Weir Parkland Strategy, which included a recommendation to decommission it. Melton South resident and longtime advocate for the weir family picnic area under the Greening Melton-Bacchus banner, Ivan Pollock, said concern had grown for the picnic area’s future since about 140-metres of fencing was installed around it. “A slow tightening of the noose,” Mr

It illustrates how state government appointed land managers can quickly lose touch with a local community. Residents were absolutely gutted - Ivan Pollock Local resident Ivan Pollock is advocating for the beloved Melton Weir family picnic area. (Damjan Janevski) 572547_06

toilet facilities as well as its much loved playground.” Melton MP Steve McGhie, previously showing support for the family picnic area, said he continues to advocate for upgrades. “I believe the site could be brought back to an appropriate state for the community to use,” he said. “There is no doubt with the growth within Melton that recreational facilities are important and we have the fundamentals here that just need some upgrading.” Although managed by SRW, the recommendation to decommission the existing facilities comes from Melton council. An SRW spokesperson said the picnic area currently remains open to the public, but that SRW fully supports council’s recommendations to decommission and “transform” the area.

“The picnic area remains open to the public,” they said. “We are supportive of Melton City Council’s Melton Weir Parkland Strategy, which aims to improve access and transform it into a drawcard for Melton and the wider region.” Star Weekly understands SRW believe the existing park and its facilities are no longer fit for purpose, since rapid development in the area has seen housing expand into the abutting escarpment along the eastern side of the corridor. However Mr Pollock said this made preserving the area even more important. “Melton needs every scrap of green open space available within a rapidly expanding area,” he said. “While it appears basic compared to today’s multi-million dollar playgrounds, it has provided a much loved venue for

generations of Melton families.” The Melton Weir Parkland Strategy lists several developments to be constructed over time, including a continuous shared path along the eastern edge of the reservoir, viewing platforms, new play areas, outdoor gyms and fishing platforms. However they are all in conjunction with plans for a decommissioning of the current recreational facilities. Mr Pollock said he had sought support from Water Minister Michaela Settle to have SRW restore the existing toilet block and barbecue facilities, while also encouraging the authority to work with Greening Melton-Bacchus on revegetation and improvements to native vegetation across the reservoir park. Melton council and Ms Settle were contacted for comment.

Helloworld Travel Bacchus Marsh

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Pollock called it. Although public access is still available to the picnic area and surrounding facilities, Mr Pollock believes the fencing, topped with barbed wire, implies a decision has already been made by SRW. “Th is allows them to block off the traditional open space areas and restrict fishing from the Weir Wall area,” he said. “It illustrates how state government appointed land managers can quickly lose touch with a local community. Residents were absolutely gutted.” Mr Pollock believes the area’s rich history as a longstanding family gathering place meant it should be saved, upgraded, and restored, rather than slowly closed off to the public and decommissioned. “Th is is a park with a long history within our Melton community,” he explained. “Many, many older residents recall spending family time there, due to the combination of fishing, picnic and

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2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS

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Forum kicks off campaign By Jack O’Shea-Ayres Campaigning for this year’s state election got off to a start in Melton on Wednesday 19 August, as candidates faced the community at the Metropolitan Transport Forum (MTF). Residents heard from candidates as they expressed their biggest concerns over issues being faced by the Melton electorate. Residents were introduced to Labor candidate Broden Borg, Greens candidate Veronika Levchenkova, and One Nation candidate Matthew Katselis who are all running for the seat of Melton. Dr Joe Garra representing The West Party for the Western Metropolitan region and retiring MP David Ettershank of the Legalise Cannabis party also spoke. The event covered the issues at the forefront of most Melton community members’ minds, including the electrification of the Melton line, road infrastructure upgrades, the implementation of additional train stations, and a better bus network and public transport system. Dr Garra said he believed Melton’s transport solutions lied in an obvious revamp of its public transport system. “No-one should be hesitant in getting an electric trainline out to Melton. There’s no argument against it … but we also need more stations,” he said. “You can see where the stations are going to be but there’s no talk of doing any of them. Just do it.” As a long-time resident, Mr Borg said he knew the municipality’s issues first-hand. “Investment is being made, however the level of investment and the rate of the investment aren’t keeping up with the amount of growth we’re experiencing here in Melton,” he said. Mr Borg said he wanted to see electrification of the Melton line happening as early as possible. He said he wants to deliver a full review of Melton’s bus network, better connections across suburbs, and the investment needed for major roads, including the Western Freeway and Melton Highway. Ms Levchenkova said her campaigning centred around getting people off the roads through free public transport. “It encourages transport use, reduces pressure on roads, and makes public transport more accessible,” she said.

Candidates Dr Joe Garra (The West Party), Matthew Katselis (One Nation), Veronika Levchenkova (Greens), David Ettershank (Western Metropolitan MP), Broden Borg, (Labor), and ABC journalist Margaret Paul. (Supplied)

However she said it couldn’t be done without first implementing an overhaul to the network. Mr Katsellis, in his first day on the job since being announced, had one message to share about the state of Melton’s transport infrastructure. “It’s not good enough,” he said. Mr Katsellis said he believed upgrades to Melton’s road infrastructure was the answer, seeking a Western freeway on-ramps

at Bullmans Road and for Mount Cottrell, and an off-ramp onto Clarkes Road. He said One Nation also sought to duplicate multiple roads across Melton, including Ferris Road. However he had his own questions surrounding Melton’s electrification project. “We’re $200 billion in debt in this state,” he said. “Yes, we do deserve electrification out here …but where’s that money going to

come from?” Mr Ettershank stated public transport was “clearly” the answer. “The reality is the west is growing far, far faster than we could possibly keep up with with road building.” He pointed to the implementation of a grid-system bus network to ease congestion and traffic woes. The forum was jointly hosted by MTF and Melton council.

New station edges closer as work blitz gets underway By Jack O’Shea-Ayres More than 750 workers are gearing up for a three-week construction blitz to remove the Coburns and Exford roads level crossings and complete the new Melton Station. Works began on the evening of Tuesday 11 August, with crews working around the clock to build the elevated station and rail bridges as part of the level crossing removal project. Buses are replacing trains on sections of the Ballarat, Ararat, and Maryborough lines until Monday 31 August while major works take place across the rail corridor. Exford Road will also be closed to vehicles between Staughton Street and Brooklyn Road until 7am on Monday 31 August. During the closures, crews will dismantle the existing boom gates, crane large concrete beams into place, and lower and resurface the road beneath the new rail bridge. Work will also continue at Rockbank and Cobblebank stations, including platform extensions and track upgrades. At Rockbank, up to 70 car spaces will be temporarily unavailable during construction.

Four tracks near Melton Station. (Supplied, Level Crossing Removal Project)

The new Melton Station has its name up in lights. (Supplied, Level Crossing Removal Project)

When trains return to the Melon Line on Tuesday 1 September, up to 70 temporary car spaces will open west of the existing car park and remain available until the end of the year. Once the boom-gate free Exford Road reopens, Coburns Road will then close at the level crossing from 1am on Sunday 6 September until 7am on Thursday 24 September, for road and footpath reconstruction.

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

Drivers have been urged to allow extra travel time and plan ahead while works continue. Customer service and toilet facilities will remain at the temporary station while work continues across the station precinct. Upon its opening on Tuesday 1 September, passengers will have access to the brand-new and modern Melton Station featuring two entrances, with lift and stair ac-

cess via a 16-metre wide through link. The new station has been future proofed for electrification of the Melton Line, enabling Metro services to use 2 of the platforms in the future and electric trains to be housed at the Cobblebank stabling yard being built east of the station. Finishing works across the precinct will continue until early next year, including construction of the new seven-bay bus interchange, station facilities, car parking, forecourts, and landscaping. Details: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/ news/level-crossing-removal-project/getting-ready-to-open-the-new-melton-station.

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Melton roadworks update By Jack O’Shea-Ayres Motorists across Melton and surrounding suburbs are being encouraged to allow extra travel time as a series of road closures and lane restrictions continue into September. Banchory Avenue in Hillside will remain closed at Melton Highway until Friday 11 September after the Department of Transport (DTP) approved a one-month extension to allow developer works to install traffic lights at the intersection. In Truganina, Kilpatrick Boulevard between Hopkins Road and McKinley Drive has also had its closure extended by a week until Friday 4 September.

Drivers are advised to detour via Clara Avenue and Grand Boulevard, or use an alternative route via Mt Atkinson Road. Boundary Road will be temporarily closed between Hopkins Road and Tarneit Road from 24 August to 14 September for developer works, with motorists directed via Hopkins Road, Dohertys Road, and Tarneit Road. Banks Drive in Diggers Rest will also remain closed between Vineyard Road and Ellis Drive until Tuesday 8 September, as part of construction works for a new supermarket. Night-time closures will also affect the Taylors Road and Sinclairs Road intersection.

Taylors Road at Sinclairs Road will close between 8pm and 6am from Sunday 23 August to Thursday 27 August, while gas lines are relocated. Exford Road at the level crossing in Melton currently remains closed until 7am Monday 31 August, as crews complete works on the new elevated Melton Station and rail bridge, with detours available via Richard Road to the north and Wilson Road to the south. Several lane closures are also continuing throughout the month, with Hopkins Road in Deanside set for a shuttle-flow arrangement between Brimba Road and Neale Road until Friday 28 August while drainage works continue.

Boundary Road between Hurst Drive and Woods Road will also have one lane closed until 18 September, with traffic controlled by signals. The Taylors Road and Plumpton Road upgrade in Fraser Rise is also entering its next stage, after the project passed a Powercor audit. Drivers are urged to plan ahead and check council’s website for updates and changes. Details: https://www.melton.vic.gov. au/Services/Building-Planning-Transport/Roads-and-traffic/Road-worksand-closures.

Bridge Road closure

Budding conservationist Aarin. (Damjan Janevski) 572089_01

Young Aarin takes a stand for wildlife Meet the extraordinary young Australian from Fraser Rise who is making his voice heard for those who can’t - Australia’s wildlife. Aarin is just 15 years old, but he’s already made moves at a national level for animal welfare and conservation, raising important issues with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Aarin pointed to his grandfather Rajesh Bedi, a well-known wildlife photographer and conservationist, as his biggest inspiration, who gave him the opportunity to address a large audience about the impor-

tance of protecting elephants last year. “The response I received was incredibly meaningful and made me realise that my voice could be heard and could inspire others to care about wildlife,” Aarin said. Aarin wants to see conservation and environmental science readily celebrated and encouraged for young Australians. “Environmental science — despite Australia being home to unique ecosystems and species found nowhere else on Earth — can remain a marginal subject that students may not even have the opportunity to study,” he said.

Joining Zoos Victoria’s Youth Conservation leadership program this year, Aarin has taken part in practical conservation work and learned directly from those working in the field. “I saw first-hand how human activity can alter and fragment natural habitats and make it harder for native species to survive. It made me realise that conservation is not always about dramatic actions but how something as simple as planting the right tree in the right place can contribute to rebuilding an ecosystem over time.”

Melton council is seeking community feedback in the leadup to the temporary closure of a section of road in Strathtulloh. A section of Bridge Road outside Strathtulloh Primary School will be temporarily closed during the September school holidays as Melton council works to improve pedestrian safety. The closure is scheduled for between Monday 21 September and Friday 2 October and will allow crews to install underground drainage and power connections for a new raised pedestrian crossing with traffic lights. Council said a full closure was considered the safest option, with about 14,000 vehicles travelling along Bridge Road each weekday. Traffic will be diverted via Diamonds Parade, Stonehenge Drive, and Alabaster Avenue, while bus route 454 will also use the detour, with Bridge Road stops temporarily relocated to Diamond Parade. The works are being timed for the school holidays in an attempt to reduce impacts on students, families, and other road users, and have been coordinated with level crossing removal works at Exford, Coburns, and Ferris roads. Once Bridge Road reopens, temporary lane closures will operate between 9.30am and 2.30pm from 5 October to 16 October while works are finalised. Council is seeking community feedback on the proposed traffic management arrangements until midnight on Sunday 30 August. Residents can provide feedback through Council’s website or contact its Traffic and Transport team on 9747 7200. Details: https://conversations.melton. vic.gov.au/springbank-way-footpath.

Moorabool refreshes its disability plan Moorabool residents living with disability, their families, and carers will soon be asked to help shape a new plan aimed at making the shire more accessible and inclusive. Moorabool council unanimously approved a community engagement plan at its Wednesday 5 August meeting for the development of its Disability Action Plan 2026-2029. The new plan will replace council’s Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2021-2024 which has reached the end of its implementation period. The proposed plan will focus on enabling people with disability to participate fully in community life and access equitable opportunities across council services, programs, and infrastructure. Community and stakeholder engagement will take place throughout August and September, with feedback sought through

Council’s Have Your Say portal, hard-copy surveys, phone feedback and in-person sessions. Drop-in sessions will be held at shire libraries and The Village shopping centre in Bacchus Marsh, while postcards, posters, social media and other communications will promote opportunities to participate. Council will also consult disability service providers, advocacy groups, inclusive programming organisations and the Central Highlands NDIS Local Area Coordinator. The Disability Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee will support development of the plan and provide ongoing input. Following consultation, Council officers will prepare a draft plan for consideration. Subject to Council support, it will then be released for public exhibition before a final plan is presented for adoption. 12849128-EB11-26

Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

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Plan for reserve adopted By Jack O’Shea-Ayres Moorabool council has adopted a master plan for Elaine Recreation Reserve after community feedback prompted changes to the proposed layout. Councillors unanimously voted at their 5 August meeting to adopt the final Elaine Recreation Reserve Master Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for improvements to the community sporting and recreation facility. The draft plan was put on public exhibition between 11 March and 11 April,

with twelve submissions received by council during the consultation period. Feedback centred around the proposed pavilion, oval dimensions, lighting, walking paths, play areas, and the overall condition and management of the reserve. Council overall moved to make several changes to the plan, including relocating the oval and adjusting its dimensions to ensure it meets minimum standards. As part of the new master plan, the existing oval will be relocated southwards in the reserve, with the report noting the shift would ultimately incorporate more

of the reserve land to the south which remains largely underutilised, while also creating open space in the reserve’s north. The shift was also noted to help create a larger footprint for the new pavilion, while also enabling additional car parking at the reserve. The walking path has also been shifted to accommodate the revised oval location. The master plan also included support for new facilities including a new gravel pedestrian path network throughout the play space area and around the oval, the installation of outdoor exercise equip-

ment along the new pedestrian path, and the installation of a basketball backboard and ring at a location inside the tennis court perimeter fence. Projects identified as priorities in the master plan will be considered for inclusion in future Capital Improvement Programs, meaning implementation will depend on future funding and council decisions. The plan was presented to council following an earlier meeting in March, where council endorsed releasing the draft for public comment.

Melton council’s iPlay participants Nate, 17, and Ayush, 17, with youth mentors Raelyn-Margueritte Ofoia-Wales and Aida Mercedes Aguirre. (Damjan Janevski) 569774_04

Mentor program shapes future

Melton RSL president Reginald Cooke with member Eric Philpot where the stolen plaque used to sit. (Damjan Janevski). 572864_01

RSL disgust after plaque goes missing Police are seeking the assistance to identify those responsible for the theft of a brass plaque marking the refurbishment of the Toolern Vale cenotaph carried out by the Melton RSL Sub-branch The plaque was last seen on Monday 10 August at the cenotaph, located at 1492 Coimadai – Diggers Rest Road in Toolern Vale. The theft of the plaque, which also commemorates fallen soldiers at Toolern Vale’s cenotaph, has left Melton RSL members feeling “disgusted” and “disrespected.” Melton RSL Sub-branch president Reginald Cooke was notified of the theft

by Melton council, and said the theft had left veterans angry and disgusted. “It’s just disgusting, to put it bluntly,” he said. “The other veterans that I’ve talked to, they’re angry and they’re disgusted. It’s an emotional thing. It just feels like an absolute hit to the guts.” He said the plaque would need to be replaced at the RSL’s expense, which he hoped could be achieved through fundraising efforts. “We take that out of our own funds to replace it through fundraising,” he said. He said the theft was particularly hurtful given the significance of the cenotaph and the sacrifices made by veterans.

Mr Cooke said the theft represented a lack of respect for those commemorated at the site. “It’s just the loss of respect for the people that have died in the various wars, so that these clowns can just come by and rip off pieces of brass,” he said. “I think the community will be generally mortified.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable O’Brien at Melton Police on 9747 7999 or lynn.o’brien@police. vic.gov.au. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Quote incident number 260338424.

State government offers gig support to Melton musicians Melton’s musos are being encouraged to perform with a funding boost aimed at supporting live music. Melton MP Steve McGhie announced the latest round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund on Thursday 13 August, aimed at helping venues host paid performances by talented Victorian artists. The 2026 program has opened for applications and will be delivered through Music Victoria. Licensed live music venues and other

spaces across Melton are eligible to apply for funding of up to $11,000 to stage up to 20 gigs from 1 December, 2026 through to 30 June, 2027. Since being launched in 2024, over 7600 gigs by local artists have received support statewide, with the latest grants announced back in the 2023-24 Victorian budget in an attempt to support the live music industry at all levels across the state. Mr McGhie said the grants support opportunities for both artists and supporters.

6 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

“The Fund helps the Melton music community host live music gigs, offering more paid performance opportunities for artists and more choice for music lovers,” he said. “...we’re serious about supporting Melton artists, businesses and venues that turn up the music for us all.” Applications for the 2026 round of 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund are open until 2 September. To apply, visit musicvictoria.com.au.

Melton council is paving the way for the next generation of youth mentors. Young people involved in Melton council’s youth mentor program are gaining work experience, confidence, and pathways into employment all while supporting the municipality’s next generation. The Young Communities program provides graduates with opportunities to take part in paid mentoring or volunteering, with funding provided through the state government’s Engage! program. Thirteen youth mentors have completed the program and transitioned into casual employment as youth workers through an external employment agency. Youth mentor Raelyn-Margueritte OfoiaWales said she was encouraged to join after hearing about the opportunity from a youth worker at the Young Communities Centre. “I couldn’t have been happier to become a part of the project meant to engage with the youth,” she said. While she initially found the role nerve-wracking, Ms Ofoia-Wales said she had grown to love connecting with young people in the community. “Getting to interact and personally know some of the youth in our community has become a great deal to me,” she said. For Ms Ofoia-Wales, mentoring is about providing young people with the support she felt she lacked while completing school. “Although becoming a youth mentor simply means to interact and engage with young people, this job for me means showing the youth that you care and that you are there for them,” she said. She said some of the most rewarding moments were small interactions, including when young people remembered her name or conversations they had shared. “I’ve learnt what it means to provide a safe space, and I’ve discovered the importance of creating a safe space for the youth,” she said. She encouraged young people considering the program to “go for it.“ “If you’re a young person in our community who is looking for a pathway to help build a safer and improved environment for other young people, this job and program is most definitely for you,“ Ms Ofoia-Wales said. Details: https://www.melton.vic.gov.au/ Services/People/Youth

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(Damjan Janevski) 572479_03

Learning festival returns The Melton community is being invited to expand its horizons at this year’s annual Learning Festival. Melton residents of all ages and abilities are being invited to discover something new, spark their curiosity, and embrace the joy of lifelong learning as the 2026 City of Melton Learning Festival returns over two weeks this month. Returning for its eighth year, the Leaning Festival is set to run from Saturday 29 August to Saturday 12 September, with this year’s theme, Expanding Your Horizons, encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones, explore new interests, and develop new skills. Over two weeks, Melton council will offer an exciting program packed with free activities, workshops, and events at local libraries and community centres across the municipality. From inspiring author talks and hands-on

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workshops to creative DIY activities and interactive classes, council promises there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Melton mayor Lara Carli encouraged everyone from the local community to get involved and potentially discover something new. “This year’s theme, Expanding Your Horizons, encourages people to step outside their comfort zone, discover new interests and build skills that can enrich their lives,“ Cr Carli said. “Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill, explore a creative hobby, meet new people or simply try something different, the Learning Festival offers something for everyone.” The festival will begin with a free community celebration event at Melton Library & Learning Hub on Saturday 29 August from 10am, featuring a range of fun activities for the whole family. Bookings for festival activities are now open.

A 42-year-old Melton man has been charged with more than 50 offences following an alleged carjacking in Diggers Rest on 15 August. Police allege the man attempted to stop vehicles on the Calder Freeway using a roadworks sign. When a Horsham man stopped to offer assistance, the offender allegedly pulled him from the vehicle and drove away. The stolen vehicle was later found in Melton. Detectives arrested the man at a Melton West address on 18 August. Police allege he was also involved in a series of incidents across Melton, Harkness, Kurunjang and Diggers Rest between 3 and 14 August.

Toolern Vale plaque the Police charged a Gisborne South man with dangerous driving after a pursuit in Fraser Rise in the early hours of the morning of Saturday 22 August. Officers detected a Volkswagen Golf allegedly driving at 193km/h in a 60km/h zone in Caroline Springs about 12.20am. Air wing units followed the vehicle, before the offender dumped the vehicle in Keilor Downs and fled on foot. The 19-year-old Gisborne South driver was arrested a short time later and charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police.

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Committee secretary Bill Meeker. (Damjan Janevski) 571340_05

The 2025 Grand Parade. (KDAF)

Daffodils. (KDAF)

The scarecrow trail will return this year. (KDAF)

Kyneton blooms The weather’s warming and the daffodils are blooming, which can only mean one thing – it’s almost time for the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival. The 10-day event will transform the streets of Kyneton into a springtime celebration, culminating in a grand parade held on Sunday 13 September. Georgia Tacey caught up with some of the community members involved in the festival, who are helping breathe new life into one of the town’s oldest traditions.

F

or more than 50 years, Kyneton has found new ways to keep the daffodils blooming. The Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival is getting ready to spring into action this September, for a community celebration hosted by a dedicated group of volunteers. The 10-day event will welcome the start of the new season to the town, with a diverse schedule of arts, culture, gardens, entertainment and more full of country spirit. The festival continues to bring new and old events to Kyneton each year, with much-loved traditions returning alongside a host of new additions. Past committee secretary Marg Dearricott, who helped run the festival for close to 20 years, said it dates back well into the ’70s. “It hasn’t really had any ups and downs, every year people have continued it with great faith in the daffodils,” Marg said. “Right back in the 1970s and ‘80s, it was pretty lively and over the years, the only hiccups have been the Covid years, those two years where we couldn’t do very much.” While the festival’s events may have changed over the years, some traditions are still held tightly, like the crowning of the Daffodil Royal Family. Each year at the opening night, a King, Queen, and four junior royals are crowned, with the community able to nominate those that embody the spirit of the festival and the community. A former queen herself, Marg said the royal honour is very special for the Kyneton community. “I’ve got a list of all the kings and queens for 40 years, and the children that were involved,” Marg said. “It gives people, the kids particularly, a great boost to be involved in it.” Other events have come and gone, she said, but not without something new fi nding its place. “We used to have a Daffodil Ball, but the people that were involved, some of them have passed on and it stopped, but

Kyneton’s emergency services are joining the Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival. (Damjan Janevski) 571342_01

It’s always been a vibrant festival, and a great drawcard for Kyneton - Marg Dearricott a new event took its place,” she said. “It’s always been a vibrant festival, and a great drawcard for Kyneton.” Current secretary Bill Meeker said this year’s festival will keep its country festival roots while debuting new events as well, all under this year’s theme of ‘The Bulb and the Beautiful’. “It has a pretty eclectic range of events, from people showing their open gardens to ferret racing, the bull boar sausage eating competition, an art prize,” he said. Fan favourite events, like the Dog Dash,

8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

Festival of One Act Plays, the Scarecrow Trail will return once again, as will the annual Grand Parade through Mollison Street, before the celebrations continue with a fair at the Old Kyneton Primary School “What’s pretty exciting is that there’s about 10 brand new events, which take heaps of work to get off the ground,” Bill said. “There’s roller skating, and the BloomBox Open Mic and Flower Power, which are both live music events. “And one I’m really proud of is I’ve organised a fun run within the festival.” The Daffodil Dash, where walkers or runners can take part in a 5km or 11km fun run throughout Kyneton, is a new event to the line up, inspired by Bill’s own love of running. All events are also put together by the small team of volunteers, but also part

of the festival are ones hosted by other community groups, businesses and organisations across Kyneton. One event included for the very fi rst time will be the Emergency Services Open Day, where Kyneton Police, CFA, Ambulance and Woodend SES are joining forces together for a special community day for the festival. Taking place on the fi rst weekend of the festival on Saturday 5 September, Kyneton Police will open up their station for the very fi rst time for tours, inviting the community into parts of Kyneton’s history they haven’t had the chance to see. “We’ve got a bit of history at the Kyneton Police Station with the Ned Kelly cells, where he was housed for three weeks in 1870,” First constable Josh Craik said. “Because that’s in the confi nes of the station, the public generally doesn’t get to see the Ned Kelly cells, so we thought we’ll open it up in conjunction with the Daffodil Festival, invite people through the station to have a look at the cells, have a look through our custody areas, and see some specialist policing.” Kyneton CFA will also have the station open, conducting tours and activities. Community safety officer Angelica Fox said there will be operational equipment on display, live demonstrations, hands-on activities with water, hoses and radios, as well as a recruitment drive. Kyneton Ambulance and Woodend SES will also have displays in the area as well. The Kyneton Daffodil Festival will officially begin with the Opening Night on Friday 4 September, where the Daffodil Royal Family will be crowned, the Art Prize winners will be announced alongside plenty of local live music at the Old Action House. The festival will conclude with the Grand Parade on Mollison Street and the Fair at the Old Kyneton Primary School. A full list of all events, ticket details and registrations are available on the website. Details: kynetondaffodilandartsfestival. com.au

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MY PLACE Julie Mason has been a Rotarian for three decades. A former teacher, Julie explains to Narelle Coulter why she loves the Wyndham community. What’s your connection to Wyndham? I moved to Wyndham over 40 years ago and with a background in education, I have worked as a teacher and educational leader in Werribee Primary School, Derrimut Heath Primary and Baden Powell College. My sons went to a local state school with one completing his education at MacKillop College. As a principal I had opportunities to represent local education working with Wyndham Council and Victoria Police in matters related to youth. Over time I have had the privilege to engage with hundreds of students, colleagues and families. I have always believed that it takes a village to raise a child so Wyndham is my village and my absolute delight happens when people speak to me out in the community and I realise that, even though times could be tough in education, teachers really do make a difference in the lives of so many people. What do you like about where you live? I live at Sanctuary Lakes overlooking the golf course with wonderful neighbours and I really do love the serenity! I have made friends with the magpies and various other creatures that visit my backyard. To see gorgeous black swans strolling past your front door is amazing. I love the proximity to shops and restaurants. I see it as my big park to enjoy. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? I have always wanted to live in a place where I woke up each morning to see the sea. But I realise that you cannot have everything in

Wyndham Rotary club service director Julie Mason. (Damjan Janevski) 568929_04

life. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I enjoy spending time at Wyndham Harbour. A leisurely wander around looking at the wildlife and the boats followed by a coffee and cake reminds me that we really do live in the lucky country. How and when did you become involved in Rotary and what do you love about being a Rotarian?

I was asked to join Rotary 33 years ago. Three years before that I learnt a little about Rotary from both a neighbour and a principal colleague and was so impressed with the projects that they were talking about that I said I would like to join only to discover that women could not join. I guess that made me even more interested in joining. My time in Wyndham Rotary provided an alignment to support young people in many ways. Arts scholarships, leadership development camps, the Wyndham Rotary Run/ Walk providing much needed support to

the Mercy Hospital Paediatric Ward, food, clothes and sleeping bags for the homeless are just a few ways that Rotary makes a difference in the Wyndham Community. I love the fact that Wyndham Rotary provided heart surgery for children in India, knitted jumpers and beanies for newborn babies in Nigeria, and eye surgery for six hundred people my age, again in India, who can now see and have a better quality of life. Rotary is all about service above self and I especially love the kindness and care shown by my friends at Wyndham Rotary.

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Long-term solutions needed As part of an ongoing series on the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Sebastian Conidi spoke to community organisation WEstjustice about the drivers of youth crime. WEstjustice is a community organisation at the forefront of providing fairness, safety and justice in the west. Director of policy, impact and engagement Owen Virtue said approaching the issue of youth crime from a holistic viewpoint was the best means of tackling root causes. “Government investments in new PSOs and police is a good thing if it makes people feel safe, but it’s only one side of the effort. We need to spend time addressing the root causes,” Mr Virtue said. “We might be able to catch it when it happens, but that won’t necessarily stop it from happening in the future.” When examining causes, Mr Virtue spoke of the trauma of the pandemic lockdowns. “Young people are finding it as hard to manage life after a two year lockdown as adults are.” He said other causes of youth crime include financial security, housing insecurity, family violence and mental health challenges. Combined these factors have lead to “social challenges across the board“. “People are really struggling. Those are the things we need to start tackling to address the issue long term.” Mr Virtue said there needed to be more emphasis on community infrastructure as opposed to simply imposing harsher legislation. “Heading towards November, there is a race to introduce new sentencing things that might lock people up for longer or punish them more. That makes sense in the context of a political environment, but we’ve known for a long time that tougher sentencing does not stop crime.” Mr Virtue called for broader investment in social issues that extended beyond political debate and election campaigns.

“It’s common in a political context for people to suggest all these legislative changes to fix things, but it won’t work in isolation. As soon as the political context changes, we see closures of schools, hospitals and health services. All things that actually support the root causes of these issues.”

Mr Virtue said a good starting point would be an assessment of services that are lacking in the west. “If we know the root causes of offending, which are also the root causes of homelessness and economic challenge, then we know the services we need to deliver. That will address concerns about crime as much as any investment in

Teacher strike pay deal with government By Jack O’Shea-Ayres Victoria’s school teachers will become the highest paid in the country following an acceptance of the state government’s latest pay conditions by members of the Australian Education Union (AEU). AEU members voted 79 per cent in favour of the latest offer on Monday 17 August, after a year-long bargaining process. The new pay deal will deliver total pay rises between 28.3 per cent and 32.4 per cent over four years for teachers, assistant principals, and principals, plus a $2000 bonus at the start of the agreement. Under the new deal, an early career teacher’s salary will rise by $12,343 by October this year, bringing their pay in line with their New South Wales counterparts. An experienced teacher’s salary will rise from $118,063 to $151,419 by 2029, including a $15,393 increase this year, which puts them ahead of New South Wales teachers. The offer also includes improvements to working conditions, including reduced meetings and four professional practice days each year. AEU sub-branch president and Melton Secondary College teacher Abanob Saad called the state government’s latest offer a step in the right direction. “This deal puts fuel back in the tank – fairer pay, better conditions and the respect educators deserve,” he said. The agreement brings an end to months

Australian Education Union members from Melton Secondary College. (Supplied)

of prolonged disputes between members of the AEU and the state government after teachers, principals, and education support staff rejected a pay offer of a 17 per cent increase over three years proposed in March, a revised 28.3 per cent increase over four years made in April, an improved offer in May, and another just last month. The acceptance also came just days before a third planned 24-hour strike was due to be held on Wednesday 18 August, which the AEU cancelled. Mr Saad said the deal reflected members’ refusal of current poor working conditions. “This deal is the result of thousands of

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

educators refusing to accept poor quality work…[it] is the first that shows genuine improvement,” he said. AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly said the outcome was thanks to the powerful campaign of tens of thousands of public school staff, rather than the state government. Mr Saad said AEU members would continue fighting for commitment from the state government to bring funding for schools in line with other states. The agreement will now proceed to a vote of all employees as required under the Fair Work Act.

police. We need to do both.” Mr Virtue stressed the best response was one shared between the community, social organisations and the government. “If we are going to do this properly, it needs to be in partnership with the local community. We all need to work together. It can’t be done alone.”

Maddingley Park plan under review Moorabool council’s Maddingley Park Master Plan is set for an overhaul. Moorabool council will embark on a review of its Maddingley Park Master Plan to consider a broader precinct incorporating the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC) and vacant land through to Fisken Street. Council unanimously voted in favour of a review at its Wednesday 5 August meeting, following concerns the existing 2023 Master Plan no longer fully reflects changing community needs and opportunities across the area. The original plan focused on Maddingley Park and excluded the secondary grass sports field known as Siberia, which is used for both cricket and football. The review will consider the relationship between Maddingley Park, MARC Stadium, the proposed indoor aquatic centre, and the land between the facilities and Fisken Street. The Maddingley Park Advisory Committee unanimously supported broadening the plan’s scope at a February meeting, identifying challenges with implementing the existing plan. Council will also consult with representatives from MARC Stadium, the Leisure Centre, Bacchus Marsh College, and the Department of Transport and Planning.

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Paramedic boost for Hillside Hillside will gain extra paramedic skills as Victoria’s emergency health workforce continues to expand. The state government has announced 24 graduate paramedics and four new Mobile Intensive Care Ambulance (MICA) paramedics will join Ambulance Victoria. The new recruits were welcomed by Premier Ben Carroll and Ambulance Services Minister Ingrid Stitt on Tuesday 18 August, with the graduate cohort beginning a four-week induction program. The Hillside posting is just one of 20 graduate placements across metropolitan Melbourne, with other new paramed-

ics set to be stationed at Moonee Ponds, St Albans, Caulfield, Eltham, Rosebud, Ferntree Gully, and Werribee. Four graduates will also be placed at regional branches across Geelong, Kilmore, and Gisborne. The latest intake brings more than 80 graduate, qualified, and MICA paramedics into the Ambulance Victoria workforce since July. The state government said 294 additional graduate paramedics had been recruited over the past year. The new graduates will undertake training in clinical education, driving, manual handling, and occupational vi-

olence, building on the skills developed during their three-year university degrees. They are expected to begin working on the road from Monday 14 September. Four qualified MICA paramedics have also joined Ambulance Victoria from New South Wales, the United Kingdom and, for the first time, Vanuatu. The specialist paramedics will be based in Wonthaggi, Mildura and Horsham, strengthening critical care capabilities in regional Victoria. MICA paramedics receive advanced intensive care training and are equipped to manage critically ill and injured pa-

tients, including complex airway management, head and chest trauma and cardiac emergencies. Mr Carroll said the government was continuing to invest in the state’s emergency services. “Our paramedics are world-class – and we’re supporting them with more resources and record funding,” he said. Ms Stitt said the workforce expansion was necessary as demand for paramedic services increased. “Our paramedics are busier than ever, that’s why we’re making sure our on-road workforce continues to grow to meet demand,” she said.

Springbank Way footpath proposal

The lift shafts in construction at Melton Station. (Supplied, Level Crossing Removal Project)

New Melton station connects to country A culturally significant collaboration has shaped design features at the new Melton station and Ferris Road bridge in Melton. Inspired by Gurborra, the Koala, the new designs reflect Melton’s landscape and heritage, acknowledging the ongoing culture of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people. A large graphic mapping Melton’s natural landscape, reflecting on themes from the Gurborra story, where the selfish Gurborra was taught a lesson about community care after hoarding water, will soon find its home in the new 16-metre-wide pedestrian through link. The designs have been planned out as a

nod to the importance of community, caring for country, and respecting waterways. The Melton Station colour palette has also been designed to connect with geological formations and features in the local area, including the water-stained natural rock, the earthy brown of waterways and the natural timber tones of tarnuk– a wooden vessel made from bark of the River Red Gum. Symbols will be etched into concrete paving around the station forecourt representing meeting place, journey, water, and mountains, while graphics representing the Gurborra story will feature on the lift shafts and in the sky lights.

The Ferris Road retaining wall panels feature designs representing baan (water), flowing through wurun (trees) and the concrete barrier along the road bridge also represents the tarnuk (vessel) which all feature in the Gurborra story. A resting space next to the road bridge will offer seating, native planting and motifs etched into the ground representing Gurborra, wurun, tarnuk, and baan (water). The designs were shaped through a Collaboration between the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Elders and Cultural Consultation Unit. Details: https://tinyurl.com/5x9jkse9.

Melton council is seeking community feedback on a proposal to improve pedestrian safety along Springbank Way in Brookfield. The street currently has no dedicated footpath along most of its length, with council investigating an on-road pedestrian path separated from traffic through line marking and raised reflective markers. The proposed path would run along one side of the relatively wide, low-traffic street, providing a defined space for people walking, jogging and travelling around the neighbourhood. The proposal aims to reduce the road space available to general traffic from 7.1 metres to 5.9 metres, but ouncil said there would remain sufficient room for larger vehicles, including trucks and trailers, as well as residents accessing their properties. Council previously considered a conventional concrete footpath but determined it was not feasible without filling the existing open drain, installing underground drainage, and relocating services, which would come at significant cost. The project is currently at the concept stage, with no funding allocated for construction. Council is seeking feedback to gauge community support before considering detailed design and potential future construction. Residents can complete the online survey by Sunday 30 August, with feedback to be evaluated from August 31 to September 27. Details: https://conversations.melton. vic.gov.au/springbank-way-footpath.

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Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

NEWS

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago

20 years ago

15 years ago

10 years ago

21 August, 1996

22 August, 2006

23 August, 2011

23 August, 2016

A major Australian automotive components maker will be the fi rst business to set up base in Melton’s new 600-hectare Toolern Vale Village.

Angry residents in the north-west of the shire are circulating a petition to split up Moorabool Shire.

Melton remains among Melbourne’s most affordable suburbs, with new figures revealing that fi rst-home buyers face the second-shortest wait when saving for a deposit.

Rising floors, split floorboards and lifting walls – that’s how Melton Basketball Club senior men’s head coach Julie McCallum describes the Melton Recreation Reserve.

Melton Librarian Camie Wu. (Damjan Janevski) 571635_05

Seddon Deadly Sins owner Chris Gooden promoting the Snapshots of Seddeon competition. (Damjan Janevski) 570693_03

Faces of the west Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and Abi Bradbury was awarded silver with distinction at the International Pet Photography Awards. She is pictured with her dog Abraham. (Damjan Janevski) 571044_01

people across the western suburbs. St Albans children’s librarian Sarah Gardiner with her favourite children’s book. (Damjan Janevski) 571438_03

Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group volunteers Lisa Hutchison, Fiona Lawford and Nadine Hartnett. (Damjan Janevski)

Maribyrnong local Simon Banks is swimming in some of Australia’s coldest waterways to help children living in poverty.

570427_03

(Damjan Janevski) 571440_03

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

Jeannie Murray, Vicki Maquignaz and Victoria Whitelock making handmade cards for aged care residents at Woodend Neighbourhood House. (Damjan Janevski) 570976_04

PUZZLES 5 10 11

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9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.

C

Today’s Aim: 18 words: Good 28 words: Very good 38 words: Excellent

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acne, cairn, cancer, cane, chain, chance, chancery, chancre, chicane, CHICANERY, chin, china, chine, cinch, crane, cyan, cyanic, cynic, earn, enrich, henry, hernia, hyena, inch, nacre, nary, near, nice, nicer, niche, rain, rainy, ranch, rani, rein, yarn, yean, yearn

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No. 304

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ALTER AMPLE APING AROSE ARSON AURAL BOXER BROKE DEALT FAILS FAKES FATES ICIER IGLOO IRATE LACES LATHS LEAPT LOAFS LOSES LURES LYRIC

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SENSORY SIESTAS STIRRED

TILDE TREAT URGED YARDS 6 LETTERS BLASTS HUGEST LABOUR STAPLE

8 LETTERS DENOUNCE DYNAMITE LITERALS RELEASES

7 LETTERS ABSTAIN ASTRIDE RECLINE

28-08-26

No. 411 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

H U R T S U S U A L M A N I A A G E N T N E S T S

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QUICK QUIZ

1

In the Ice Age movies, what is the name of the woolly mammoth?

2

Which character did Maggie Smith play in the Harry Potter movie franchise?

3

The 2016 film Anthropoid, starring Cillian Murphy (pictured) concerns the assassination of which member of the German high command?

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Which English king commissioned the 11thcentury record known as the Domesday Book?

5

What is the name of the gang’s van in Scooby-Doo?

6

What burrowing animal is also known as the sand puppy?

7

In which decade did Australia introduce decimal notes and coins?

8

In which city were the 2012 Summer Olympics held?

9

True or false: a slug’s blood is green?

10 The germ, endosperm and bran are parts of a what? ANSWERS: 1. Manny 2. Professor Minerva McGonagall 3. Reinhard Heydrich 4. William the Conqueror 5. The Mystery Machine 6. Naked mole-rat 7. 1960s 8. London 9. True 10. Cereal grain

20

22

5 2 6 9 4 9 2 8

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4 3 2 1

Life simulation series developed by Maxis, The – (4) Southern Spanish region (9) Between heaven and hell (5) Black stone (8) Body of troops (7) Certain cuts of meat (5) Genuine (9) Strikebreaker (4) Philoshoper, René – (9) Exaggerated theatre (9) Line of descent (8) A hinged altarpiece (7) Spine (5) Pursue (4) Perpendicular (5) Smutty (4)

1

DECODER

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Acute viral disease, now largely eradicated (8) Region of Southern Italy (6) Internet connection device (5) One who believes in sharing evenly amongst the community (9) Nut (6) I don’t know (coll) (5,2) Removal (8) Free from an obligation (6) Bleachers (6) Government by the populace (8) In respect (of) (7) Obstruct (6) Ursine bed companion (5,4) Custom, practice (5) Stew (6) Organ or laptop component (8)

1

F A T E S P L A N E S A L T Y A L I G N R I S E R T I A R A I G L O O O T T E R A L T E R B O X E R S A P H A D L A D S E E P L Y R I C B L A S T S A N D A D O S E C A M P L E L E A P T T O I L R E L E A S E S T O A D P R O S I E S T A S S T I R R E D O R E S N I P D Y N A M I T E N E S T S T O R E L A C E S W H O T E N I T S L A B O U R S C O U R H I S S O U R G Y M L U R E S C H I A P I N G O N I O N A R O S E F A K E S P E N C E P E E V E S L E E T S P E E D S T R E W

ACROSS

No. 304

B E R W P K T O I

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD

14

No. 304

S M A L L P O X A P U L I A I N I B S H O U S O C I A L I S T M O D E M A B I A L N H S A L M O N D B E A T S M E U I N N E X E M P T D I S P O S A L I N P E I E S T A N D S R E P U B L I C C I D O A P R O P O S I M P E D E R I T E G L R L T E D D Y B E A R U S A G E E G C K E M M W S E E T H E K E Y B O A R D

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMUNITY

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication. Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show Save the date for a local family event on the weekend of 24 and 25 October. Flowers, Produce and Photo Competitions, Plant Sales, Children’s Activities and more! ■ https://www.bmflowershow.org/ Menopause Support Group A welcoming space where women can connect and share experiences, and explore practical ways to navigate this stage of life with confidence. The group meets weekly on Mondays from 1pm – 2.30pm. ■rebeccah@djerriwarrh.org or call 03 8746 1000 Origami Club Discover the art of transforming simple paper into beautiful shapes and designs. A welcoming group to slow down and craft with others. The group meets fortnightly on Fridays from 10am – noon. ■ rebeccah@djerriwarrh.org Melton Over 50s Social Group Join a friendly group of people aged 50 and older who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you. ■ Marlene, 0498 329 290 Rose carers of Maddingley Park The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join. ■ Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538 Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club Meet on the first Thursday of every month from 10am-noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. ■ Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com Melton Valley Ladies Probus Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meet every second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members are welcome. ■ Ann, 0425 705 150 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 7.309.30pm 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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Cassandra Connolly with her dog Frank. (Damjan Janevski) 572149_01

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 Friendship Group For all aged 60 and older – are you looking for some new friends? Then this group is for you. The Melton and Surrounding areas Friendship Group meets fortnightly for a coffee and chat night and organises affordable outings such as dinners, movie nights and many social events – plus occasional weekends away, and local or overseas holidays. ■ Shirley, 0419 006 525 or Vera, 0406 493 734

Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets every Wednesday from 5-8 pm at Melton Senior Citizens and Community Centre at 1 McKenzie Street, Melton. 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 and cards and chess. ■ Trevor 0404 494 649, https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/ Parkinson’s support group The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Women’s Support Group Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at the Melton Library. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

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

Caroline Springs Rotary The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm. ■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Melton 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.

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

■ 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 Melton Singers 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 our bags. The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House, 2-5pm. ■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

ENTERTAINMENT

Closer brings tangled relationships to St Albans stage St Albans community theatre company Powderkeg Players will bring Patrick Marber’s acclaimed play Closer to the stage in September, offering audiences a sharp and emotionally charged exploration of love, loyalty and betrayal. Set in late-1990s London, the Olivier Award-winning play follows four strangers whose lives become intertwined through chance encounters and shifting relationships. Out-of-towner Alice, photographer Anna, obituary writer Dan and dermatologist Larry meet, separate and reconnect over several years, with each encounter changing the balance between them.

Directed by Del Jordan and assistant directed by Jarrod Hawn, the production stars Jordyn Grubisic as Alice, Wayne Gleeson as Larry, Tully Jones as Anna and James Hammond as Dan. Powderkeg Players, whose motto is ’theatre that lights a fuse’, promises a fast-paced production spanning 12 interlocking scenes and several years. Bright projections will help transport audiences between locations, while a 1990s trip-hop soundtrack featuring artists such as Portishead and Massive Attack will complement original jazz-inspired music created specifically for the production. The play premiered at London’s Royal

National Theatre in 1997 and was later adapted into the 2004 Oscar-nominated film starring Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen. Closer will run from Friday 4 September to Saturday 19 September, with Friday and Saturday evening performances at 8pm and matinees on Sunday 13 September and Saturday 19 September at 2pm. A special VIP performance featuring a cast and crew Q&A will be held on Friday 11 September. Performances will be held at St Albans Senior Citizens Centre, 171 William Street, St Albans. Bookings are available through Powderkeg Players’ website.

Actors in rehearsal for Closer. (Supplied)

Line dancing with Marcia

Jimeoin’s Altona show

Jimeoin. (Supplied)

Jimeoin is the latest comedy luminary coming to Hobsons Bay, with the celebrated Irish-Australian stand-up headlining the Altona Sports Club on 2 September. Born James Eoin Stephen Paul McKeown in Northern Ireland in 1966, Jimeoin moved to Australia in the late 1980s and began performing on the local comedy circuit, quickly building a reputation for his sharp timing and everyman perspective. His breakthrough came in 1992 when he won the Best Newcomer Award at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, launching him into national prominence. During the 1990s, he became a familiar face on Australian television, appearing on sketch comedy program Full Frontal and later starring in his own series, The Jimeoin Show. His television work, combined

with relentless touring, cemented his status as one of Australia’s leading comedians. His comedy focuses on the humour found in everyday life, relationships, social awkwardness, and the absurdity of ordinary situations, often delivered with expressive facial reactions and subtle physical comedy. Jimeoin will be joined on the night by comedians Tilahun Hailu, Rachael Hornbuckle, Nadun Hetti, as well as a mystery special guest. Presented Comedy House Au, the show is an adults only event, with photo ID required for entry. Doors are at 8pm, with pre-show early dinner available at the Altona Sports Club Bistro. Tickets are expected to sell out, so early bookings are recommended. Details: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1628295

Dane Simpson heads to Kyneton for night of laughs Dane Simpson is set to take over Kyneton Town Hall for a night of laughs. The comedian, as seen at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala and on Have You Been Paying Attention?, Guy Mont-Spelling Bee and more, is set to bring his show ‘Always Was, Always Will Be… Funny’ to Kyneton in September. Simpson comes from a long line of comedians, with a wisecracking dad, cleverly cutting mum, hilarious grandparents and generations of jokers,

pranksters and yarnspinners. With a string of sold-out live comedy shows across Australia and in the UK, he’s heading to Kyneton on his latest tour with a whole lot of gutbusting jokes and hilarious stories for a show that can’t be missed. In a video shared to the Macedon Ranges Arts and Culture Facebook page, Simpson gave Kyneton a shoutout to encourage the community to book tickets to his show. “Grab some tickets, it’s really silly and

Get ready to pull on your boots for a full day of fun as the Countryholic Dance Crew welcomes special guest instructor Marcia of Marcia’s Linedancers to Bacchus Marsh for a day of line dancing workshops and social dancing. On Saturday 26 September at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, dancers from across the region will be given the opportunity to learn new moves, sharpen their skills, and spend the day surrounded by fellow country music and line dancing enthusiasts. The morning workshops, running from 10am to 12.30pm, will introduce a range of new dances under the guidance of Marcia, one of Victoria’s most respected line dance instructors. After the workshop, the fun will continue with an afternoon social dance from 1pm to 5pm, giving participants the chance to put their new moves into practice while enjoying hours of classic country music. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer looking to expand your repertoire or a newcomer keen to give line dancing a go, organisers promise a welcoming atmosphere, plenty of laughs, and a dance floor filled with friendly faces. With flexible ticket options available, you can attend the workshop, the social dance, or make a day of it and enjoy both. Workshop and social tickets cost $45, while the workshop alone is $30 and the social dance is $18, while non-dancers are welcome to attend the event for free. Countryholic Dance Crew is encouraging attendees to round up their dance partners, shine their boots, and make the trip to Bacchus Marsh for a day centered on learning, dancing, and having fun. So get ready to scoot on down to the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall on Saturday 26 September from 10am. Details and tickets: https:// w w w.t r y b o o k i n g .c o m /e v e n t s/ landing/1612318.

really fun. You’re going to have a great time,” he said. Dane Simpson will be at Kyneton Town Hall on Thursday 3 September at 7.30pm. Tickets are $35 for adult and $32 for concession, and are on sale now online, and will also be available for purchase at the box office. The show is rated 15 plus, with some course language and adult themes. Details: mrarts.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/salesevent/161522 Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

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Hobsons Bay City Band members (L-R) Queenie Lim, Wayne Bowden, Murray Smith and Robin Zakharov are preparing for their annual concert on 23 August. (Damjan Janevski) 568810_06

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION ON EXISTING LATTICE TOWER AT MELTON 1. Optus is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station on Existing Lattice Tower at 4-6 Grant Court, MELTON VIC 3337 (M0052 Melton). 2. In summary, the upgrade will comprise of: Removal of one (1) existing panel antenna, Installation of three (3) new antennas, Installation and relocation of ancillary equipment and Installation of temporary antennas to be used during construction. 3. We invite you to provide your feedback or request further information by contacting us at: Wannan Bao, Indara, 02 9495 9000, community@indara.com or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065. We will accept submissions until 5pm on Friday, 11 September 2026. 4. For more information, please visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3337010

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16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

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The owners of a Footscray record store have defended the suburb after the previous occupant of their shop released a T-shirt emblazoned with ‘Footscray is a Shithole’ and claimed he had to close due to the area becoming an “absolute dumpster fire”. Kynan O’Meara and Jason Richmond opened their record store and cafe Coco Bananas in Chambers Street, between the Nicholson Street Mall and Maddern Square, in October 2023 after the closure of Counterweight Vinyl and Espresso. On Saturday 25 July, a picture of a white T-shirt splashed with dark blue, baseball-style font denigrating Footscray

Team Wonderland captain Elizabeth

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Hobson Bay City Band has been going strong for 30 years and will mark the milestone its annual concert on Sunday 23 August with at the Altona City Theatre. Billed as ‘Light and Colour’, the concert promises a big afternoon of exciting live band music ranging from popular artists such as Adele, Beach Boys and The Doors to classic and evocative band music.

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“There’s every reason to be proud to do business in Footscray,” he said, adding that he and Mr Richmond held no hard feelings

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“I do believe that he gave it a really good shot and he was believed by the people of

Nearby venue Pride of Our Footscray Bar has since launched T-shirts with a Porter, Elizabeth locals positive Bacchus Marshmore spin on the suburb such as Barby, and Elizabeth Renee Pedretti,“Footscray is Character will Building,” and better known as Team Wonderland, on take off on this year’s Variety Bash Tuesday 18 August, raising vital funds for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage, or are living with disability. The 10-day, 5200-kilometre journey will take them from Halls Gap in Victoria to Exmouth in Western Australia, featuring a colourful convoy of classic visit vehicles and inviting participants to schools and community organisations along the way. “Every dollar raised helps create it brighter futures for children who need most,” Ms Porter said. “Participants experience the incredible landscapes of Australia while seeing has firsthand the impact our fundraising on families and communities.” Since its inception in 1985, the Variety for Bash has raised millions of dollars children’s programs across Australia. This year marks Team Wonderland’s eighth event in its ‘85 Mercedes Benz 280SE sedan, with hopes of raising

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landfill Landfill operations at Sunshine walk away from the site and leave after the are set to permanently cease (EPA) taxpayers to foot the bill Environment Protection Authority licence. Victoria revoked Barro’s operation - Joss Crawford on The EPA announced its decision Monday 27 July . However, Barro Group said the decision and was to cease operations was voluntary that it driven by the community’s message at the doesn’t want operations to continue landfill. said it In a statement, Barro Group it had notified the EPA on 3 April that accepting cease voluntarily to decided landfill waste on a permanent basis at the its and wished to voluntarily surrender operating licence for the landfill. been Underground landfill fires have , burning since 2019, with residents calling Brimbank council and local MPs of years. for the site’s closure for a number strong In December, the EPA took the duty regulatory action and notified the holder of its intention to suspend Group licence because it believed Barro risks was unable to effectively manage landfill to the community arising from operations at the site. The EPA said through this process, the Barro Group failed to demonstrate to risks the manage it could effectively landfill the community from ongoing to the operations and did not respond would be permanently closed. were delighted to hear that the landfill notice of intention to suspend. Siovhon Brister and Nicole Power its right Diane Capelli, Noelene Wattie, “Instead, Barro Group conceded and (Damjan Janevski) 568522_03 to work to continue the landfill operations Barro has stated it will continue where we have been the EPA has revoked its operating licence,” with EPA and Brimbank council to foot the bill. We Sunshine community than 50 years,” he said. closely a direct site and leave taxpayers and ultimate remediate the operating for more EPA said. “[Monday’s] outcome is our in regards to remediation EPA have directed them to fully “Having a strong relationship with operation. result of the strong regulatory action community, the closure of the landfill intends to continue and as a landfill site,” she said. been neighbours, the broader commenced in December 2025 Barro Group said it “We know local communities have and the EPA is and toll the Brimbank City Council result, the landfill will never reopen.” operating its concrete batching plant frustrated and understand the to us. and Rock The EPA said Barro Group must continue landfill has taken on community members. extremely important large resume operation of its Concrete “Last year we conducted a in (CRF) at its Sunshine site left us in no Recycling Facility The community can now take comfort being again community survey which subject to necessary permissions the and knowing that Barro Group will never doubt our surrounding neighbours EPA. did not want obtained from the operate a landfill at the Kealba site. EPA’s hotspot local community in general Residents have welcomed the “We look forward to the day the the landfill to continue operations. while Brimbank council is out, and the landfill is remediated.” decision for us and decision, important an for the is win” “This “significant Barro Group managing director we hope the community see it for what described it as a took its in rebuilding community. Raymond Barro said the company in it is – a show of good faith the responsibilities to all the communities our relationship with our neighbours, 4. Page seriously. coverage: More extremely which it operates of the community and stakeholders.” “Barro Group is a proud member

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for an urgent council’s has Hawke MP Sam Rae has called secretary Tash Wark condemned A council spokesperson said, “Council and the ASU. with affected meeting with council decision. any away maintained communication “While I have not received “Melton council has decided to walk work groups and union representatives communication from Melton Council on Established care in our in community, 1981 as theand it’s and does not from aged processSunbury the serving proudly first,” she throughout and Macedon matter, I was concerned to hear these thisRanges breached workers who are paying the price accept the allegation that it has said. 4 AUGUST, 2026 said. the Enterprise reports,” Mr Rae with days its obligations under “I have sought an urgent meeting “Around 95 people who spend their ASU to discuss on their Agreement”. was both Melton Council and the caring for older residents, checking Mayor Lara Carli said the decision detail.” at home receiving these matters in more wellbeing and keeping them safe made in the best interest of those Council reassured residents currently are now facing an uncertain future.” personal leaving care. receiving CHSP services, including Ms Wark slammed the council for “This change will ensure our community care, respite care, meals, social support flexible out of the decision-making process. before can continue to access appropriate, under and domestic assistance, will continue to “Council didn’t consult the union available care 2027. comprehensive June, 30 and a clear receive services as usual until making this decision, and that’s she said. the to under the new aged care system,” Ms Wark said the ASU would fight lightly breach of what they’ve committed “This decision has not been taken review decision. the enterprise agreement,” she said. by our council, and follows a detailed reversed. We’ve be to the on needs were jobs decision their “This out “Workers found in an increasingly this.” did, after of our ability to operate raised a dispute with the council over line the same way everyone else complex and changing aged care system.” the fact.”

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Voluntarily plunging into an Nick Danoucaras and Sam Robertson ice bath, reservoir and the ocean in the middle Kathy Danoucaras, 192 Main Road East, St Albans 9364 3677 of KND Denture Clinic, 8361 9722 winter just once sends a shiver down the Also at: Suite 8, 242 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs. spine of most of us – but how about 70 such dips in 70 days? That’s the challenge Sunbury woman Brigid Evans set herself as part of this year’s 40th anniversary of Daffodil Day on 20 August, a fundraising event to support life-saving cancer research and stand alongside those affected by cancer. And Brigid, 36, has a very personal reason for immersing herself in cold water 70 times as she edges closer to her goal of raising $7000 for the cause. On 18 August last year, her “incredibly fit and healthy” father, Les, suddenly died after battling through a bowel cancer diagnosis he received just before his 70th birthday.

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There just has to be a better way. My goals in all this are to help research for better treatments and support - Brigid Evans Brigid was in hospital herself at the time, having just given birth to her and her husband’s first child, Melody, three days earlier. “Dad was usually the person looking after everyone else,” Brigid told Star Weekly . Brigid Evans is dipping in cold pools “He had been declared cancer-free, and ice baths 70 times to raise money for Daffodil Day, in memory of her but dad, Les. (Damjan Janevski) 566309_01 the chemotherapy treatment proved too Brigid, who has a doctorate harsh on his body, and he had in philosophy. “Melody is such a livewire now, and a sudden “My goals in all this are to help research she sailing spot, Lake Eppalock. downturn, then a heart attack after adds another layer into all this … more for better treatments and dad only While there will no doubt be tears support.” gastro-intestinal issues,” she said. got to meet his first grandchild over mixed After launching her Daffodil Day a video in with the cold winter An avid sailor on Lake Eppalock quest phone call just before he water of Eppalock near with her first dip on 31 May, passed, but I’m when the final Bendigo who also kept fit on Brigid is due sure he would be proud dip is done, Brigid says she a rowing to notch up dip number of me.” will not be done – she not only 50 as Star Weekly machine every day, Les had also As the 2026 Daffodil Day date gets plans to donated went to press – dips closer, continue cold water dipping that have included Brigid said his plasma hundreds of times and, after Daffodil she had some special dips Day at the many 6C ice baths at Thrve because of the health benefits, time of his diagnosis, wasn’t even in Sunbury, planned for the last but due for in the ocean down the week, when she will has promised coast, in Macedon take annual his routine colonoscopy to check to also shave her hair if she leave from her Disabilities reaches for bowel Reservoir and during swimming lessons Victoria policy her $7000 fundraising goal. problems. and research role. for herself and Melody at Sunbury Donations to Brigid Evans’ 70 In the end, Brigid said, it wasn’t Aquatic A group dips in of her close friends will join her the and Leisure Centre. 70 days winter challenge can cancer that took her dad’s life on the weekend of 15 and 16 August be made and she “I’ve found the ice baths good for a at https://www.daffodilday.com.au/ believes the harsh concoction of chemicals for my dip in Macedon Reservoir, mental health and learning to swim while mum fundraisers/brigidevans/da as part of his treatment was a major has Leonie – who recently moved ffodil-dayfactor. been a positive out of a to Sunbury dip-2026 dark period,” she from Bendigo “There just has to be a better way,” – will be by Brigid’s side on 22 70-dip and you can also follow Brigid’s said journey at www.instagram.com/

Star News Group is an independent, Australian, family-owned media company and a leading provider of trusted local journalism. We publish newspapers and digital news services across Melbourne’s south east, the Shire of Yarra Ranges, Melbourne’s west and north, as well as selected regions in Queensland. Our network also includes a growing portfolio of niche and specialist titles. With a strong commitment to digital innovation, Star delivers news across multiple platforms – print, ePapers, websites aligned to each masthead, newsletters and thriving social media channels. As a progressive publisher, we continue to invest in quality local journalism and products that strengthen community connection. About the Role A rare opportunity exists to join our newsroom as either an experienced journalist or a graduate/cadet entering the industry. These positions are based at our Keilor Park office and form part of a broader network of newsrooms producing weekly newspapers and daily digital content. Our journalism is hyperlocal – focused on the stories, people, issues and decisions that shape the day-to-day life of our communities. You will work within an experienced independent publishing team with strong editorial leadership and a commitment to publicinterest reporting. What We’re Looking For We are seeking motivated and community-minded reporters – from experienced journalists to high-potential cadets – who can demonstrate initiative in news gathering and a passion for storytelling. Key duties include: • Reporting on general news, community issues, local government, sport and events • Producing engaging digital and print editorial content • Supporting special features and sponsored editorial as required • Covering events across the region (including occasional after-hours commitments) • Meeting deadlines and working within weekly production cycles • Assisting with proofing and preparing content for print Qualifications & Experience • We’d love to hear from applicants who have: • A tertiary qualification in journalism, communications, media, marketing or similar (or currently completing) • Strong writing skills and excellent command of the English language • A news sense and curiosity about local people and issues • The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a busy newsroom To apply please send your resume and cover letter to Laura Michelle: laura.michell@starweekly.com.au

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Teams including the Snags, Prawns and Fizzies feature in which arcade-style Australian rules football video game? 2. Manchester City recently agreed to sell Rodri for €76.5M to what club?

3. Which new Victoria-based field hockey club is set to debut in the 2026 Hockey One season? 4. Cooperstown, New York, is home to which sport's National Hall of Fame and Museum? 5. Which Panthers NRL player is featured on the Australian cover of the Rugby League 26 video game? 6. And which Sharks NRLW player is featured on the same cover? 7. Record-breaking teenage swimmer Johannes Liebmann represents which country? 8. Is Australian prop Massimo de Lutiis the 800th, 900th or 1,000th player to play for the Wallabies? 9. Who captained Bangladesh in their recent two-Test series versus Australia?

Rodri

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11. What is the name of Kelly Slater’s apparel brand, which sponsors the Tahiti Pro surfing competition? 12. Tottenham spent a club record-high 100 million pounds to secure which player from Newcastle United? 13. Which former Adelaide Crows captain will retire this year after 19 years with the club? 14. Sports Illustrated was first published in which decade? 15. Name the two major tennis stars that withdrew from the Cincinnati Masters due to injury. 16. US basketballer Ish Smith holds the record for playing for the most NBA franchises, with how many? 17. Named after an MLB legend, ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction is more commonly known as what? 18. How many wickets did Bangladesh beat Australia by in the recent Darwin Test?

19. Which entertainmentfocused exhibition team is known as the baseball equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters? 20. The Callaway company manufactures equipment for what sport? 21. The Razorbacks are the sports teams from which popular TV show? 22. How many points is the green ball worth in a game of snooker? 23. Who is the team principal of Triple Eight Race Engineering?

25. In which year did Carlton last win an AFL premiership? 26. From which sport is the ball that Tom Hanks’ character in Cast Away befriends? 27. Which sport would you be playing if you ‘dropped the gloves’? 28. And what would you be doing? 29. Who are the captains of Geelong’s AFLW team? 30. What are the wrestling first names of WWE tag team the Bella Twins?

24. Sports and Holy Ghost are albums by which band with a sports-related name?

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1. Pro Jank Footy 2. Barcelona 3. Melbourne Cobras 4. Baseball 5. Nathan Cleary 6. Tiana Penitani 7. Germany 8. 1,000th 9. Najmul Hossain Shanto 10. Springfield 11. Outerknown 12. Sandro Tonali 13. Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker 14. 1950s 15. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz 16. 13 17. Tommy John surgery 18. Nine 19. Savannah Bananas 20. Golf 21. Buffy the Vampire Slayer 22. Three 23. Jamie Whincup 24. Modern Baseball 25. 1995 26. Volleyball 27. Ice hockey 28. Engaging in a fight 29. Becky Webster and Nina Morrison 30. Brie and Nikki

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10. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is located in which Massachusetts city?

Tuesday, 25 August, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

Hyundai sedan hot to trot By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Talk about icing on the cake. First it was the Hyundai i20 N, next we slip behind the wheel of its big brother the i30 Sedan N. Th ink the same idea, just larger and more luxurious, with an auto for those who would rather not change gears manually. Like the i20 N it’s probably on a short leash as the company continues its shift to fully electric vehicles, with cars like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 N variants.

Styling i30 N comes as a hatch or sedan, with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged power plant. The third-generation lineup included a ’fastback’ but this disappeared with the arrival of the 2020 facelift. The five-door hatch is priced from $52,000, the Premium version from $55,500 before on-roads. The sedan is available in Premium form only, priced from $53,000. An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, a six-speed manual is a no cost option. It’s an all-inclusive package, with premium paint ($595) and a sunroof ($2000) the only options. Can’t say we even looked to see whether our test vehicle had a sunroof fitted – it wasn’t a primary concern. The i30 Sedan N was last updated in early 2024, with an aggressive exterior restyle and new 19-inch forged alloys, revised suspension and steering tuning, plus additional tech features, including Bluelink connected services. The edgy styling may not be to everyone’s liking, but it’s certainly eye-catching. Sitting low and poised with an equally low roofl ine, the i30 Sedan N (note it is written in this order), it’s designed to slice through the air and hug the road in equal measures. At the front, there’s a lower and wider split grille, which also serves to improve engine cooling, and channels cool air to the front brakes through racecar-style guides. New 19-inch black forged alloy wheels are lighter than those fitted previously, and bring better handling and a more aggressive look. A deeper and more pronounced rear bumper design features a wrap-around lower red strip, or grey strip when teamed with Ultimate Red. Aluminium badges are now flat and black. It’s available in seven, including N-signature Performance Blue which along with white are no cost options – the rest as mentioned add $595. Inside, the updated sedan gets an N-specific steering wheel and shift knob, instrument cluster and infotainment systems as well as N light sport bucket seats with illuminated logo. With two-zone climate air, the part leather sports seats are both heated and cooled, plus a heated steering wheel and three personalised user profi les. Other new kit includes Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) which uses navigation data and road sign recognition to inform the driver of the speed limit. There’s also a revised wireless charger designed to accommodate larger mobile phones, additional USB-C outlets (one front and two rear) and Bluelink connected car services. Cruise control is old tech and not adaptive. i30 Sedan N is covered by a seven-year/

brakes, steering and handling – even ride comfort is streets ahead. Depending on what drive mode is selected, there’s a real bark from the exhaust on throttle overrun. Reading the fine RATINGS print though, it’s artificially enhanced. Launch control is part of the deal, Looks: 7.5 but only really used when it comes to Performance: 8 impressing your mates. Like the i20 N, the Hyundai i30 Sedan N represents excellent value for a performance Safety: 5 The bad news is that you have to wait machine. (Supplied) three minutes between launches for Thirst: 7.5 the powertrain to cool off. Geeks will love the race computer unlimited kilometre warranty provided a short-throw, six-speed Practicality: 7 that allows you to customise just about the car is serviced with Hyundai, manual is available at no Comfort: 7.5 every aspect of the drive experience. otherwise it reverts to five years/unlimited extra cost. Tech: 7.5 But all you really need to do is select kilometres. Value: 8 Driving Infotainment N mode, hold on tight and enjoy the Infotainment comes in the form of a The i30 Sedan N is powered Overall: 7.3 best bang for your buck money can buy 10.25-inch touchscreen, with a second by a 2.0-litre turbocharged at the moment. 10.25-inch screen for the instrument cluster. petrol engine, with drive to the front Don’t get caught up in pointless It all looks very much like the setup in the wheels via a six-speed manual tranny or discussions about whether the brakes are eight-speed dual clutch auto, together with up to it or not – just enjoy the hell out of the smaller i20 N. There’s Bluetooth with multi-connection, an electro-mechanical limited-slip diff car. natural voice recognition, built-in with two modes – Normal and Sport. There’s no turbo lag, power delivery is It adds up to a 0 to 100km/h time of 5.8 extremely smooth and linear, gear changes navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio seconds for the manual and 5.3 seconds are a snap, the steering is pin-sharp, there’s and Bose premium eight-speaker sound. It also supports Apple CarPlay and for the auto, with top speed electronically plenty of bite from the brakes and plenty of Android Auto, but neither are wireless – you limited to 250km/h. mid-corner grip from the Pirellis. Our test vehicle was the slick, need a cable. Rev matching blips the throttle There’s also wireless phone charging, with fast-changing auto, which is right on the automatically on gear changes and also USB-A and -C ports and a 12-volt socket in money and perhaps a better proposition as sounds great. a daily driver, especially in traffic. front, plus two USB-C ports in the rear. After a few corners, you’ll love it – this car We can still remember cramping, is that good. We were however disappointed The system also displays track maps with lap times, personalised throttle response stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway to find it misses out on some of the advances settings, exhaust note and stability controls. manual HSV Holden with a heavy clutch in car safety. Hyundai Bluelink connected car services action. A form of auto emergency braking (AEB) Chassis upgrades include a reinforced is fitted, but it’s not as sophisticated as the provides access to a variety of services along engine mount membrane, for reduced system in the standard i30 and it doesn’t get with over the air updates. There’s automatic collision notification, vibration and improved agility, G-bushing adaptive cruise control. The system lacks emergency call (SOS) function, connected reinforcement for improved yaw response pedestrian detection and cyclist detection. routing with live traffic updates, alert and steering precision, and a new rear There’s also no blind spot monitoring, services including geo-fencing, valet, speed suspension S/ABS insulator on the rear rear cross-traffic alert, and the auto braking and time alerts, remote control of climate support – now made from urethane rather doesn’t work in reverse. and vehicle functions, navigation send to than rubber for improved damping and The one notable inclusion is Lane Keep car, voice recognition for POI lookup, vehicle yaw response. Assist, but it is so annoying that like us you’ll The Electronic Controlled Suspension probably end up turning it off. controls and vehicle settings management. (ECS) hardware and software have been With a 47-litre tank, the car takes premium Safety further optimised to deliver enhanced 95 RON unleaded, with fuel consumption In terms of safety, the i30 looks even worse body control. rated at 8.3L/100km. on paper than the i20 which gets a four-star The motor-driven steering system We were getting 7.7L/100km after close to safety rating. benefits from a gear box yoke revised 400km with a bit of hard driving thrown in. The i30 Sedan N remains unrated for to enhance feedback and directness, a The long-term average however for more safety, while other variants of the sedan low-friction universal joint that increases than 6000km was 11.1L/100km. Looks like receive just three stars. Someone’s dropped steering precision, and software optimised someone has been tracking it. the ball. to make the most of the chassis and steering And, on that note, it’s interesting to There are six airbags, a reversing upgrades. note the seven-year, unlimited kilometre camera with guidelines and the Hyundai In addition, braking performance and warranty extends to track use, including Smartsense system that comprises auto fade resistance has been enhanced with the fitting of semi-slick tyres – but you’re emergency braking (car, motorcycle, upgraded Electronic Stability Control only covered for untimed, non-competitive pedestrian, cyclist), along with auto (ESC) software and a new thermal protector events. high beam, blind-spot collision avoidance, on the front brake hoses. lane following and lane keep assist (line/ Needless to say, the i30 Sedan N is a Summing up road-edge), rear cross-traffic collision thrilling car to drive, as quick as it is nimble, Like the i20 N, the i30 Sedan N represents warning, driver attention warning, and rear whether it’s shopping or fanging from excellent value for a performance machine. It’s not as good looking as the Fastback, occupant alert. corner to corner. It’s right up there with the GTI, WRX, but you get over it soon enough. After all, it’s Engines/transmissions Type-R and Renault Megane RS, and it is the performance that you’re buying it for. The four-cylinder engine produces 206kW worth pointing out the WRX is the only one One note of caution. The car sits very of power from 5500-6000 rpm, and 392Nm that’s all-wheel drive. Surprisingly, the i30 low with a low roofline and this can make of torque from 2100-4700 rpm, with is the easiest and most comfortable to drive getting in and out problematic – more so the 213kW and 378Nm of torque available on and this fact should not be overlooked in the older you are. And watch out for that boot over-boost for 20 seconds. lid. Unless you push it all the way up, it’s decision-making process. The eight-speed wet clutch style auto The car delivers extremely high levels going to come crashing down on the back of with paddle shifters is standard, while of performance when it comes to power, your head. Ouch!

18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Point Cook Centrals’ Nya Chuol. 573281_06

Williamstown’s Braydon Preuss. 573282_02

Yarraville Seddons’ Rachel Culvenor. 573281_01

Westmeadows’ Jacinta Scott. 568731_14

Finals joy and heartbreak There were plenty of scenes of celebration and there was also plenty of heartbreak as finals action continued on the weekend. Star

Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting the action.

Williamstown’s Josh D’Intinosante. 573282_07 Fans watch the EDFL division 1 grand final. 568731_17

Westmeadows celebrates. 568731_47

Caroline Springs George Cross’ Otman Benhaddou. 573285_03

Hume City’s Godfrey Debele. 573285_14

Westmeadows’ Gemma Wright. 568731_61

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Centrals eye women’s team By Tara Murray Melton Centrals is aiming to bring back its women’s football team next season The club is aiming to field a side in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition next season to complement its junior girls program. The club has called for expressions of interest from players and coaches for both women’s and youth girls’ teams. Football director and head of development James Di Pretero said they wanted to build on their successful junior program. “We’ve spent the last two to three years on the girls’ sides and there’s nowhere for them to go and some want to stay at the one club with their friends and family,” he

said. “We don’t want to lose them and we want them to stay at the club and we want to give them something.” Di Pretero said there had been a lot of support from the league to try and get a women’s side back up and running. He said now was the right time to reestablish their senior women’s team. A few would age out of the youth league girls this season, while the following year half the squad would age out. “Instead of waiting for them to come through, we want to get a team up now so it’s ready for them. “We want girls to play their whole career here.” Di Pretero said there had already been

more than 30 people expressing their interest in being part of the women’s side. Shane Fletcher, who coaches the youth girls side, said it was an exciting time for the club. “It’s definitely exciting,” he said. “The main reason we have some youth league girls age out and we don’t want them to have to leave to play football. “There’s been a couple leave before this year and there’s a few more age out this year. “They seem excited to be around the club with their friends and family. “The main thing is for them.” Fletcher said the club wanted to have a pathway matching the boys’ pathway throughout the club.

He said it’s still early days but there was excitement to see where they could go with it. The club has had a strong youth girls program. They made the preliminary final this year after making the grand final last year and have been in finals for the past four years. “We’ve seen the success of the youth girls and we want to bring back the women’s side,” “Ä lot of the under-19s, reserves and seniors have partners and sisters that could play, we want to get them on board.” Centrals last had a senior women’s side in 2021 when it played in the Ballarat Football League.

Sports shorts Ballarat FL Darley and Melton will enter the finals on the back of losses in the Ballarat Football League. With both sides already knowing who they would play in elimination finals the following week, the result didn’t matter much. Darley lost to North Ballarat, which sits second, 12.17 (89)-8.5 (53). Melton lost to ladder leaders Sebastopol, 9.16 (70)-8.9 (57). The Devils will the Sunbury Lions in the first week of finals, while the Bloods will face Ballarat. Elsewhere, Bacchus Marsh finished the season with a big win against Lake Wendouree.

EDFL

Melanie Freeman and Trinity Skenderis. (Red Onion)

Skenderis claims top BFLW honour By Tara Murray Darley’s Trinity Skenderis was left shocked when she was announced the winner of the Ballarat Football League women’s best and fairest award. The Devils gun finished on 25 votes, to finish eight votes clear of Bacchus Marsh’s Melanie Freeman. Speaking the next day, Skenderis was still stunned that she had been crowned the league’s best player. “Honestly, I can’t believe it,” she said. “Going up there on stage, my body went into full shock and nerves were stacking up. “I was in disbelief, I felt I was going to throw up.” Skenderis was up the top of the count for most of the night. After round 10 she led by one vote and after round 13 the margin was up to five votes. Skenderis polled in each of the last three rounds to take out the medal. Skenderis said while she was happy with her season, she felt there were plenty of others who could have easily won the medal.

“I think I was a little surprised as I have so much faith in my teammates,” she said. “Anything can happen. “I went out there and played every game how I could. As a team we are still alive and in a preliminary final and we’re happy with that.” After playing 13 games in the past three seasons, including none last year, while juggling Victorian Football League women’s commitments, Skenderis committed to playing with the Devils full time. The Devils’ captain said she loved playing back home. Skenderis hasn’t ruled out going back to the higher level in the future. “I chose to come back and it was a good chance to come back and see what my propositions were,” she said. “I was having fun in the VFLW and I created such good connections to the Doggies [Western Bulldogs]. “It was a big decision I made as I wanted to see what I wanted with my life and next chapter. “I started my own business. VFLW is such

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

a big commitment.” Skenderis, who played in the second of Darley’s three premierships in a row, said it was exciting to see how the group refocused and grew each season. She was one of a number of Darley players recognised at the BFLW awards night. Sarah Tabone, Ruby Thomas, Leivi Lane, Kim Bessell and Charlotte Hill were all named in the team of the year. Bessell won the leading goalkicker award while coach Danyel Waters was named coach of the year. “Everyone deserves to be up there,” Skenderis said. “They should be recognised for their efforts.” Joining Freeman in the team of the year were her Cobras teammates, Ella Bradbury, Jamie-Lee Speakman, Isabella Faralla and Amy Garafolo. It’s a second straight season that Freeman has finished runners-up in the best and fairest. The Cobras’ Emma Stewart won the Amy McDonald under-19 best and fairest award.

Caroline Springs women’s coach Mick Gerada is stepping down after one year in the role, but isn’t going anywhere. Gerada stepped up to coach the Lakers as they made the move into the Essendon District Football League. The Lakers announced that Gerada next season would hold the role of general manager of football (women) next year. “After leading our senior women through their inaugural season in the EDFL premier division, Mick has decided to step down from his role as head coach and move into this new position,” the club said on social media. “Mick brings a wealth of experience from across the local football scene and has played an integral role in our female program for a number of years.”

Ballarat NL Darley finished the season with a win against North Ballarat in the Ballarat Netball League. WIth the two sides already locked in to face each other in the first week of finals, the Devils were able to come away with a 64-44 win to finish the season undefeated. Olivia Cawthray shot 50 goals for the Devils. Elsewhere, Bacchus Marsh and Melton finished the season with losses.

Talent League The Western Jets finished the regular Talent League boys and girls seasons with wins on Saturday. Both sides beat the Greater Western Victoria Rebels. The girls finished with eight wins, while the boys finished the season second of the Victorian sides. FOR MORE SPORT VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklysport @star_weekly

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Marshall steps up at Lions By Tara Murray New Bacchus Marsh Lions women’s coach Bec Marshall wasn’t planning on stepping into the role for the Country Basketball League season. Marshall was looking to be an assistant coach for a second straight season having transitioned out of playing. But when Monique Caparello stood down from the role, the question was poised to Marshall. “It was a bit of a whirlwind,” Marshall said. “I was fully planning to come back as an assistant coach. “I got back from overseas and a couple of days later, sort of encouraged to think about it.

“Quickly jumped on board and had tryouts a couple of days later.” Marshall said having been part of the group firstly as a player and then a coach, made things a lot easier. She has also been a director of coaching at Bacchus Marsh. “I captained that team for a few years,” she said. “Most of the team from last year look to be coming back for next season which makes it a little bit easier. “Most of the returning group I’ve either played with or coached before. A few young girls, development players, I’ve coached or as director of coaching had contact with. “It should be good.”

Marshall has coached plenty of junior teams, but being head coach of a senior side wasn’t on her radar. She said there was no better opportunity to take on the challenge with a group of players that she already knows. The Lions made finals last year before falling short of an inaugural women’s grand final appearance. Marshall said they have always been thereabouts. “We know we’re right there,” Marshall said. “Having the continuity of the group is helpful and we don’t have to go all the way back to square one with a new group. “We had competitive games against the team that won it last year and we beat

the runners-up. “On paper we are right there, we know it’s on the table.” Marshall said they felt pretty eager and optimistic of what they can achieve this season. She said she was keen to bring more of their under-20s players through and she had reached out to some of the younger juniors to get involved and be around the team. Director of coaching Jayden Geary will continue on as the men’s coach. He took over the role last season and wants to continue to provide a pathway for local athletes. Marshall said the pair had worked together a lot the past two years and were keen to continue to do so.

Manning big opinion By John Dunne

Sharni Battye. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 548526_04

Devils into granny to face crosstown rival By Tara Murray Battle lines will be drawn this week with crosstown rivals Darley and Bacchus Marsh to face off in the Ballarat Football League women’s grand final. While the Cobras had already secured their grand final spot, the Devils needed to do it the hard way. Facing Redan on Sunday, the threetime reigning premiers won through to a fifth straight grand final. Devils’ coach Danyel Waters said it doesn’t come much bigger than facing Bacchus Marsh in the grand final. “This one is big, cross town rivals, it’s going to be huge,” she said. “The calibre of athletes that we have been able to produce in this tiny town.” To make the grand final, the Devils had to get past Redan on Sunday in the preliminary final. The two sides had played off in the past four grand finals. Redan had beaten Darley in the first week of finals and the sides were facing each other for a fifth time this season.

The Devils led at every break and were able to extend the margin on the way to a 5.14 (44)-4.1 (25) win. Waters said Redan pressured them through the match. She said they came in with a similar mindset to the week before and they stuck to it. “The behinds on the scoreboard were more reflective of Redan’s pressure in our forward half as opposed to missed goals,” she said. “It was more about pressure than accuracy. Redan they had nothing to lose and they gave it all they had. “As opposed to the last time we played them, we were able to absorb the pressure so much more this time. “We used the ball so much better and used the width of the ground. It all worked in our favour. Leivi Lane kicked two goals for the Devils. Sarah Patte, Tayla Debono and Ruby Thomas were named the Devils best. Waters, who took over as coach this season, said from a club perspective to

win through to another grand final was a pretty significant achievement. “Less than half the team have played who are going for the four-peat,” she said. “The rest of the team, 14-16 players that have either never won a grand final or are brand new to footy. “It is huge for them. They may not get the historical significance of it, but it’s just being able to take half the winning team from the previous few years and being able to develop these new ones to come along with them this season and still make it to the grand final is phenomenal.” Waters said going into the grand final that it could go either way. She said she was just hoping for a really good match for such a momentous occasion for the town. “Provided we bring our A game we stay connected and stay composed like we did today [Sunday] I think we can give them a run for their money.” The Devils under-14s will also play in the grand final on Sunday. In other grand finals, Bacchus Marsh will play in the under-19s.

With almost 4500 wins in the sulky beside her name, champion reinswoman Kerryn Manning is more qualified than most in assessing the merits of an emerging star on the racetrack. So, it’s worth noting Manning’s reaction after she was the pilot in Fighter Command’s dominant win in the Swift Signs Free For All at Melton on Saturday night. The lightly raced Jess Tubbs trained five-year-old gathered up his rivals in a few strides when asked to extend by Manning around the home turn and arrogantly put a nine-metre margin on a gallant Catch A Wave on the line in a mile rate of 1:52.0. Manning, who was having her first drive on Fighter Command, was effusive in her praise after the race. “It’s nice to drive a horse like him, I haven’t driven one with a motor that feels that big for quite a while,” Manning said. “He doesn’t even feel like he accelerates, he just gets past everybody like they are standing still and to run past those horses of that calibre tonight is a bit scary,” she said. Tubbs believes Fighter Command has thrived since his recent Inter Dominion campaign in Brisbane where he won a heat on the opening night. “Based on that performance tonight where he has run his last 800 in 53.3. I would have to say that he’s come back from the trip a better horse for the experience,” Tubbs said. “The thing is he has incredible acceleration for such a big horse, he doesn’t need to wind up so if he’s close handy then he is always going to be in any race he goes in. The Victoria Cup is eight weeks away so we will just keep him ticking over,” she said. Manning completed a driving double when she steered the Kylie Sugars trained Ijustcalledtosay to victory in the Vale Ian Caruana Trot. Ijustcalledtosay made a sweeping run three wide on its own for the final 800 metres to grab the verdict by a neck from Aldebaran Abel as both horses went stride for stride over the last 400 metres of the race.

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Panthers knocked out By Tara Murray Melton South will lick its wounds after letting slip the opportunity to come away with a Riddell District Football League finals win. The Panthers found themselves in the same position as last year, playing in an elimination final in the opening week of finals. While last year was a free hit, this year the Panthers had expectations. For much of Sunday’s game against Riddell, the Panthers had control of the match. But when the Panthers left the door open, the Bombers came through as all good sides do. The Bombers kicked the only four goals of the final quarter to come from behind to win, 12.11 (83)-10.12 (72).

Panthers’ coach Travis Hodgson said they would rue some missed opportunities. “We felt like we had opportunities to really extend and it felt like we had control of the game,” he said. “We had opportunities to put almost a margin that was big enough and we didn’t. That kept them close enough and credit to Riddell, they’re proven winners over a period of time. “When it comes to the crunch, we’re still trying to find our way in terms of winning important games as a club. “They’ve been doing it for a long time. When it came down to the wire as it did, most people who have seen enough local footy would think that Riddell would be very hard to beat.” The Panthers suffered a blow on the

morning of the match with their best player, Sam Darley, pulling out through illness. Despite that, they led by 21 points at quarter-time and 15 points at half-time The margin was still 13 points at the last break. Hodgson said had they scored early in the last quarter, it would have put the pressure back on the Bombers. Trent Angwin, Jordan Miller, Leigh Spiteri and Riley Theo kicked two goals each for the Panthers. Spiteri and Joel Hodgson were named their best. The coach said they felt they had made a lot of inroads in their second season in the competition. “We’re a better side than we were 12 months ago,” he said. “I think last year was almost like a free hit to play a final and see

how we go. “Today [Sunday], we feel like we’ve made a lot of progress. We won more games in the home and away season. “It was a tougher draw and we beat everyone but Diggers [Rest]. “It does sting more this year than last year because I felt like we weren’t ready last year and we were this year.” Hodgson said he felt like the experience was what they missed out on by not progressing further into finals. It would have been the club’s first finals victory in 25 years. Hodgson, who is out of contract, said he was still in discussions with the club about coaching next season. He said while he loves the club, increasing work commitments was something he was considering.

Moseley joins Storm

Austin Cicero. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 550551_31

Burras break hoodoo with strong showing By Tara Murray The monkey is off the back for Diggers Rest as it started the Riddell District Football League finals with a strong performance. After going out of finals the past two seasons in straight sets, there was plenty of pressure on the Burras heading into the qualifying final with Wallan. While Wallan finished on top, it was the Burras that were able to come out on top in an 18.17 (125)-11.10 (76) win. Burras’ coach Shaun Campbell said there was some relief to get the first-up win after the past couple of seasons. “Definitely some relief not to be going out in straight sets,” he said. “To get the chance to get the double chance from here on in is really good. “It was really good to get the win.”” The Burras led by 10 points at quarter time before the margin increased in to 38 points at the main break Campbell said it was a tough start from

both sides. “Both sides were going hell for leather,” he said. “We hit back in the second quarter and were able to put our foot down in the third quarter with good execution and good momentum.” Campbell said the Magpies came at them in the third quarter but they were able to stick to their guns to maintain the lead. He said to finish it off in the final quarter and make sure they got the win was important. Callum Moore kicked eight goals for the Burras in a best on ground performance. Campbell said the Magpies struggled to stop their star forward. “He’s a really strong physical presence and his speed is an asset,” he said. “He’s hard to match up with and they tried a few on him. “It was nice for him to kick a few.” Jaidyn Caruana and Dylan Stone were

22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 25 August, 2026

among the other standouts for the Burras. Campbell said they got through the game unscathed which was another positive and there was still some other depth that could come in. The Burras’ reserves kept their season alive with a 42-point win against Riddell. They will also have two shots at making the grand final. The Burras will face Riddell in the main semi-final in the seniors with a grand final spot on the line this Saturday. Wallan will play Kyneton in the knockout semi-final on Sunday. Campbell said with how close the competition is, the double chance was really valuable. “There’s some good sides playing some really good football,” he said. “We have to be on our best behaviour and hopefully get the job done.” The Bombers beat Melton South in their elimination final, while Kyneton upset Macedon to keep both their seasons alive.

Sydenham-Hillside has received a massive boost for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division, signing a former West Indian test player. The Storm announced on Wednesday that Shayne Moseley had signed for the 2026-27 season. Moseley played two tests for the West Indies in 2021 and has also played 52 first class matches across his career. He most recently played for Barbados in the West Indies Championship, which finished in May. Moseley, who is 32, averages 30 with the bat across his first class career with four 100s and 11 50s. He has a highest score of 155 not out. “The 32-year-old left-handed opening batsman brings an outstanding level of experience to the Storm, having represented the West Indies at test level, as well as West Indies A and Barbados Pride,” the Storm said. “Shayne joins his good friend and our senior coach Anthony Alleyne, along with fellow recruits Dan Lincoln and Isaac Bird in our top order. “Adding that experience and quality to our talented existing crop gives the Storm what we believe will be a formidable batting lineup heading into the new season. “More importantly, having a former international cricketer around our club will be invaluable for our senior players and the next generation coming through our junior program.” As announced in April, Bird joins from New Zealand and is a genuine allrounder. Jurgen Andersen also joins the Storm having come across from New Zealand but lives locally. Lincoln brings experience to the Storm, having played county cricket with Middlesex and Kent, while also captaining England in the European Championship,” The Storm is aiming to return to finals after finishing fifth last season, three points outside the top four. It had played finals every season in the top grade before last season. The VTCA season will get underway in October.

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Women’s football for Burras By Tara Murray Diggers Rest feels the time is right to have a women’s football side in the Riddell District Football League. The Burras announced on social media that they were looking for a passionate and driven leader to coach the inaugural side and help build something. “As we continue to grow our thriving junior youth girls program, the time is right to establish our first senior women’s football team,” the Burras said on social media. “This is a unique opportunity to build a program from the ground up, create a strong culture, develop players and leave a lasting legacy at our club.” Speaking to Star Weekly, Burras’ pres-

ident Shane Bishop said they wanted to make sure they did this right. The club had previously looked at getting a women’s side, but not at the level they are this year. “We really want to make sure when we decide to make the jump and get a women’s side we are able to do it sustainably,” he said. “If we do it right, we’re confident we can get a side up and get more girls involved at the club. “We want them to stay around the club long term.” Bishop said the club’s youth league girls program had been strong and they wanted someone for those girls to continue to play. He said they would look to build their side around them.

“Last year we weren’t quite ready,” he said. “We didn’t have the mature age pathway to be competitive. “The junior club has done a mountain of work with the youth girls pathway. “This season we have quite a few youth girls getting permits to keep playing youth girls, but enough of the group is aging out this year and we don’t want them to make the move away.” Bishop said that if they didn’t look to get a women’s side next season, it would be another three to four years before the next group of players would be coming through. “The group we have we want to keep at the club,” he said. Bishop said the early interest from a playing and coaching perspective had been sur-

prisingly high. He said they had received interest from prospective players within hours of the club announcing it was aiming to have a women’s side. “There’s been some really positive expressions of interest,” he said. “Some experienced coaches have put their hands up. We want the person we put into the seat to be in it for the right reasons and on the same page as us. “We want it to be there for the long term.” Anyone interested can contact the club through their Instagram page. The coaching role closes on 31 August. Details: riteupinstallations@outlook. com or https://www.instagram.com/diggersrestburras/?hl=en

Hume City’s Alex Saniel, and Caroline Springs George Cross’ Zahi Addis. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 573285_05

Season on the line

Yanah Cini. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 568731_20

Heartbreak as the Bears go close again By Tara Murray It was a case of so close but so far for Burnside Heights in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 grand final. Playing off in a third straight grand final, the Bears were hoping to make it third time lucky. Facing Westmeadows, both sides were going for their first senior women’s premiership. The Tigers were favourites, but the Bears had pushed them in the qualifying final two weeks earlier. For the first half, it was all the Tigers but they failed to make the most of it on the scoreboard. They led by 10 points with the Bears not having a scoring shot. The Bears finally got on the board in the third quarter and reduced the margin to two points heading into the final quarter, with the side full of confidence. The Tigers got the all important first goal of the last quarter before kicking a sealer late to win, 3.4 (22)-1.2 (8). Bears’ coach Michael Davis said it hurt to come so close again. “They were just the better side for the day,” he said. “They controlled the first 40 minutes when it needed to be more controlled then slowed it down.

Burnside Heights players share a moment after the game. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 568731_54

“They did an outstanding job.” Davis said their workrate and the belief within the group was what kept them in the game. He said the belief in each other was evident when they kicked the goal, through Tayla Iglesias, in the third quarter. “We’re like all young groups, when excitement and adrenaline kicks in the run comes back and the heads get lifted,” he said. “And we work together.” The Bears’ cause wasn’t helped with several injuries throughout the game. Co-captain Kiara Asani-Davis hurt her ankle in the first quarter and it had swelled up post game. Her leadership was missed. Anj Singh and Aarzu Mavi also came off at times before coming back on. Davis said injuries weren’t an excuse and they were close enough to get the job done.

He said the Tigers’ experience was the difference. “You have to develop a squad to win and we’re not quite there yet,” he said. “They had tall targets and Gemma Wright, she’s a gun, that’s the difference, Gemma.” Sarah Poni, Jorgia Redmond and Iglesias were named the Bears best in the loss. While the loss hurts, the Bears know they are in a good spot for the future. “We’ve got an outstanding bunch of girls,” he said. “We’ve got a 15-year-old who played her second game. “Up to a 34-year-old, we’ve got a massive upside. They’re just an exciting bunch of girls, they really are. “The squad will go from being 20 in round one this year, this year probably have 30 available for round one for next year. “We have so many under-19s coming up. Seven under-19s are coming up and seven under-16s are coming up into under-19s. “Our future is bright and we just have to get one and build the framework around it to play premier league footy.” The Bears announced during the week that Davis had re-signed for 2027. “I’ve got to get one,” Davis said. “They give you the pleasure. Why would you not come back, they’re enjoying it. “My two girls enjoy it and the club loves the girls, so why not?”

Caroline Springs George Cross will need things to go its way if it’s to play finals in the National Premier League. In their first season back in the top flight, the Georgies entered the second last round in sixth spot. A win against Hume CIty, which was aiming to lock in a top two finish, would have given the side its fate in its own hands. The two sides traded early goal with Luke Johnathan Lofts equalling the score in the 13th minute. Hume retook the lead just before half time. The Georgies again levelled the scores after the break through Yagoub Mustafa in the 63rd minute. The game was headed for a draw before Hume scored the winner in the second minute of injury time. Hume won 3-2. With Heidelberg United beating South Melbourne 2-1 on Sunday, Heidelberg moved back into the top six heading into the final round. It sits two points clear of the Georgies. The Georgies finish the regular season against South Melbourne on saturday, while Heidelberg United faces Bentleigh Greens at the same time. Meanwhile in FV state league Melton Phoenix and Westside Strikers are still in the relegation conversation with two rounds remaining The Phoenix, who sit ninth on 21 points, had a 2-1 loss to Watsonia on Saturday. One position below them are the Strikers, who are one of two teams on 19 points. The Strikers won 2-0 against West Preston to move above Point Cook and keep their hopes of staying up alive.

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