Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 3rd November 2026 by Star News Group

3 NOVEMBER, 2026

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2W MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

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Support when it’s needed Keeley’s Cause has launched Be Understood, an innovative online platform providing real-time support for people with autism and disabilities. Created by Keeley Johnson and Sharon Murphy, the app complements traditional healthcare services, particularly benefiting those who struggle with conventional support systems. It addresses a significant gap in immediate, tailored mental health resources. “We’ve created the Be Understood app for understanding, support, and guidance,” said chief executive Sharon Murphy. “It was created for people who are too often misunderstood… we want people to feel that they can be their authentic selves.” The platform offers dual functionality: users can access online resources for managing distress and self-reflection, while registered members connect directly with healthcare professionals throughout Australia. This eliminates lengthy, frustrating searches for appropriate care. The launch extends Keeley’s Cause’s mission supporting Australian families raising children with autism and intellectual disabilities.

Keeley’s Cause chief executive Sharon Murphy at the official Be Understood app launch. (Damjan Janevski) 585064 01

Road cash déjà vu The Liberal Party has promised to deliver upgrades to the Western Freeway if elected on 28 November – but the project is already funded and underway. On Tuesday 27 October, opposition leader Jess Wilson announced a Liberal and Nationals government would provide $550 million – in addition to $1 billion in federal funding – to deliver approximately 30 kilometres of additional lanes along the freeway. The pledge included a commitment to widen the busy freeway to three lanes each way from Ferris Road to Hopkins

Road, and four lanes from Hopkins Road to Ballarat Road, as well as upgrades to key interchanges including a new half-interchange at Mt Cottrell Road. It also includes a consistent 100km/h speed limit change for the whole stretch of freeway from Ferris Road to Ballarat Road. “Victorians can’t trust Labor to deliver these vital road upgrades, but we will,” she said. “Only a Liberal and Nationals Government has a plan to get Melbourne’s west moving and deliver a fresh start for Victoria.” But seven weeks ago on Sunday 6 September, Premier Ben Carroll announced the state government would provide $550

million for the Western Freeway upgrade. The Liberals’ announcement mirrors that made by the state government – right down to the dollar amount. Star Weekly understands the project was announced as a government commitment, not an election commitment, with pre-construction works taking place. Regardless of the election result, the project has already been budgeted for, the state government told Star Weekly. “The Liberals have announced something that is already happening – it is underway right now,” a Labor spokesperson said. Liberal candidate for Melton Jarrod Bingham took to social media on 28

October to claim that online commentary stating the state government had already committed funding for the project was “incorrect”. “They have made a promise. Two completely separate things,” he wrote on Facebook. Melton council has long been pushingfor the freeway to be upgraded betweenMelton and Caroline Springs. The Liberal Party did not respond toStar Weekly’s question about how itsannouncement differs from the projectunderway. Instead, a party spokespersonquestioned whether Labor could be trustedto deliver the upgrade.

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Trio charged in cocaine bust A Rockbank man and Cairnlea man are among three people charged for their alleged involvement in a plot to import 120kg of cocaine into Melbourne. The trio was arrested on Tuesday 20 October and charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of an unlawfully imported border-controlled drug, by the Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (JOCTF). An investigation commenced on 9 October after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers detected anomalies in a consignment from Greece consisting of two cabinets that had been declared as household furniture. ABF officers X-rayed the consignment and located 120 packages of suspected drugs concealed in the furniture, which po-

lice said presumptive testing identified the substance as cocaine. The detection was referred to the Victorian JOCTF, which removed the illicit drugs and conducted a controlled delivery of the consignment to an Essendon storage facility. Police allege a 49-year-old Pascoe Vale South woman was the consignee of the shipment, after she allegedly attended the storage facility on Tuesday, where she coordinated the collection and movement of the consignment. During their controlled delivery, police identified a 31-year-old Rockbank man and 40-year-old Cairnlea man as being allegedly involved. Police allege the Rockbank man drove the consignment from the storage facility to

an address in Keilor, where it was opened and separated. Part of the shipment was transferred to a second vehicle, which was driven to an address in Glenroy, where the 40-year-old Cairnlea man was arrested. It is alleged the 31-year-old Rockbank man drove the other vehicle to an address in Rockbank where he was intercepted by police and also arrested. JOCTF members subsequently arrested the woman at a Pascoe Vale address later the same day, Tuesday 20 October. The trio appeared at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, where the two men were formally refused bail, and the woman was granted conditional bail. All three will next appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 10 February

2027. Victoria Police detective superintendent Dave Cowan of the organised crime division said the arrests disrupted significant drug trafficking, preventing dangerous drugs from reaching Victoria’s streets. “Illicit drugs continue to be a key driver of organised crime in Victoria, generating profits for criminals that enable them to expand their offending in the community,” Det Supt Cowan said. “We are taking every opportunity to dismantle the organised importation of drugs, regardless of the concealment methods offenders use to get them here.” The charges of importing and attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Electrification timeline in doubt

Jan Bulmer. (Supplied)

Exhibition tells powerful stories through art An inspiring new art exhibition celebrating the voices, experiences, and creativity of older women is now on display at the Melton Civic Centre. The Noisy Older Women (NOW) exhibition features artworks created by 10 local women who participated in a series of workshops exploring what it means to be heard, or silenced, as an older woman. The project aims to raise awareness of gendered ageism while providing participants with opportunities to express themselves creatively, build friendships, and strengthen their confidence to advocate for issues affecting older women. Research shows older women are more likely to experience poverty, workplace discrimination and elder abuse, while also making

Robyn Brooks. (Supplied)

up the majority of unpaid carers and the fastest-growing group experiencing homelessness. Participant Jan Bulmer said her artwork was made to represent a sense of hope and direction. “The North Star in my artwork represents

the meaningful aspects of my life now as an older woman and gives me a sense of hope and direction,” Bulmer said. Another participant, Robyn Brooks, said being part of the project gave her an important sense of purpose. “It has also helped me reflect that growing older doesn’t mean giving up or settling for less. Sharing parts of my story has brought up a lot of inner turmoil for me; and the making of my artwork has helped me heal some of that ‘noise in my head’ and reawakened my creativity.” The exhibition will be on display in the Civic Centre exhibition space until mid-December 2026, after which it will move to the Melton Library and Learning Hub where it will be exhibited until the end of April.

Funding for food relief as the cost of living continues to bite Local community groups Melton South Community Centre and Amazing Church have received funding to continue providing vital food relief to the local community. Melton MP Steve McGhie announced funding for the local community organisations and food relief hubs on Tuesday 13 October, among growing concerns surrounding rising costs of food, fuel, and bills for local families. Melton South Community Centre Inc will receive $14,700 to purchase cultur-

ally appropriate food and pantry staples such as Halal friendly food and deliver food literacy activities. Amazing Church Inc will receive $83,500 to expand capacity to source, store and distribute fresh and culturally appropriate produce. Local food relief organisations and neighbourhood houses are embedded within the community, often serving as the first place people go when they need support. Mr McGhie praised the community

2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

groups for their vital work supporting those doing it tough. “Melton South Community Centre and Amazing Church do great work, delivering food to those doing it tough. I’m proud that our government is backing their important work,” he said. Minister for carers and volunteers Luba Grigorovitch said both organisations delivered vital work for those in the community who needed it most. “Local food relief organisations deliver food to those who need it most,” she said.

Melton council is calling for greater certainty surrounding the long-promised electrification of the Melton rail line, following a state and federal government announcement of a preferred bidder chosen to transform Sunshine Station into a ‘transport superhub’. Both governments confirmed on 21 October that The Network Integration Program Alliance, comprising CPB Contractors and SMEC, had been confirmed to deliver the works, along with a timeline of staged works. The stage one works include two new platforms for regional trains, an extended concourse, new forecourts on both sides of the station and an upgraded bus interchange. The governments said the upgrades will transform Sunshine Station into a six-platform superhub and untangle six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion, creating capacity for 1000 trains a day. Due for completion in 2030, stage one is promised to enable an increase in trains and frequency of trips on the Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo lines, and pave the way for future electrification of the Melton and Wyndham Vale Lines. However the newly announced plans contradict Melton council’s calls for a duplicated and fully electrified rail line by 2030. Mayor Lara Carli said the Melton community had been waiting for electrification since an original commitment was made almost a decade ago in 2018, and deserved a firm timeline for delivery. “The Sunshine Superhub is an important enabling project, but we want a clear commitment that electrification of the Melton rail line will be delivered in line with the Sunshine works, so our community is not left waiting beyond 2030.” But with the Melton population projected to reach more than 300,000 residents by 2030, Cr Carli said the community could no longer afford to wait. “Our residents have waited long enough,” Cr Carli said. “They need certainty and they need a modern metropolitan rail service that keeps pace with the extraordinary growth of our city, regardless of who forms government.” The state and federal governments have committed $152.7 million to development work for Melton Line electrification, including designs, scope, costing, planning approvals and power supply investigations. The development phase is expected to be completed in mid-2027, but a construction delivery date has not been specified in the current state government project information.

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New TAFE breaks ground A world-class training facility has begun construction in Melbourne’s west. The sod was officially turned on Kangan Institute’s new construction-focused campus in Melton by Skills and Training Minister Gabrielle Williams and Melton MP Steve McGhie on Friday 23 October. The TAFE is expected to open in 2028. Kangan Institute is projected to deliver training for building and construction, plumbing and electrical trades to 800 students every year from the new site, with the facility expected to help meet

demand for skilled workers to build more of the state’s homes and infrastructure. The campus is set to feature flexible spaces to support trades training, fit with new facilities including workshops for construction, gas fitting, welding, refrigeration, and plumbing. The new site has also been planned with an emerging technologies lab and a cybersecurity simulation space. Hutchinson Builders have been selected to build the campus, with the new campus designed by design firm Archi-

tectus, with input from the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation. While the new campus is being built, Kangan Institute will deliver a range of TAFE courses in Melton in partnership with Western Business Accelerator and Centre for Excellence. Melton sits as one of Australia’s fastest growing, with its population forecast to grow by around 215,000 people by 2046, but residents currently have no TAFE campuses close to home.

Mr McGhie said once completed, the new campus would aim to fill that gap. “As our community continues to grow, access to quality local training has never been more important,” Mr McGhie said. Kangan Institute chief executive Laura Macpherson said the start of construction represented an important step forward in local access to education. “Construction means we’re now building a campus designed around practical, local access to skills training for the local community,” she said.

Still hooked after 40 years of fishing

Cash flows for outdoor learning

Melton’s premier fishing and angling club has just celebrated its 40th birthday. The Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton was established in 1986, when a small group of local council workers decided to get together and go for a spot of fishing in their spare time. Forty years later, that small bunch of anglers has evolved into the group it is today - a bustling and welcoming community all brought together for the same love and purpose of simply wetting a line with their mates. The club celebrated its special milestone with an annual gettogether in Bacchus Marsh on Saturday 17 October, which invited members past and present to come together and appreciate all the memories the club now has to look back on. Club president Andrew Levett said he couldn’t believe how much the club had grown over the years. “Who would’ve thought that a small group of local council workers who decided to get together and do a spot of fishing in their spare time would lead to this,” Mr Levett said. “The club has survived through some tough times, surviving through drought and Covid restrictions.” Members that joined as youngsters are now adults bringing their own children along to a club that is inclusive and open to all. Mr Levett said the club travelled far and wide in search of good fishing, developing its own dedicated championships to encourage participation and growth. “The club is always looking for new members to see them through the next 40 years,” he said. To get involved, contact Mr Levett on 0407 303 438.

Two Melton kindergartens have received a major funding boost to support learning in nature. Greenfield Early Learning Centre and Little Stars Childcare & Kindergarten Melton will both receive a new Bush Kinder program with a one-off $6000 grant. Bush Kinder is an early childhood educational experience which takes learning outside of the classroom, where children learn, play, and explore outdoors in natural settings like local parks, bushland, creeks, or beaches The program aims to build children’s confidence, curiosity, and a love for the outdoors while boosting kids’ physical health and wellbeing and also improving their endurance and co-ordination. It also aims to help build new skills and hands-on knowledge of science, technology, engineering and mathematics from an early age. The grants are expected to help the local kindergartens buy the equipment they need to run guided activities and nature play. Mr McGhie said every child deserved the chance to learn, play, and socialise amongst nature from an early age. “Every child deserves the chance to learn in nature, to climb, explore and discover,” he said. “Bush Kinder gives them that freedom – and we’re proud to help more kinders take learning outdoors.” Minister for children Lizzie Blandthorn said the program helps to engage children with nature and the great outdoors. “Bush Kinder builds confidence, curiosity and a life-long love of the outdoors,” she said.

Didyabringyarodalong Club former presidents Wayne Shields, John Saltmarsh, current president Andrew Levett, and also former presidents Dean Yeomann, and Peter Mooney came together in Bacchus Marsh on Saturday 17 October to celebrate the club’s 40th birthday. (Supplied)

Modular classrooms for west’s schools Students across the growing west are being given more modern and flexible spaces to learn, following the announcement of new modular buildings for two Melton schools. Melton MP Steve McGhie on Tuesday 20 October announced that Murrum Primary and Thornhill Park Primary will both receive new bodular buildings in a bid to support the growing needs of the school’s students and teachers. Murrum Primary will receive one triple storey modular Building including six general purpose classrooms. Thornhill Park Primary will receive one art classroom, two music classrooms, and two double storey Modular Buildings, including four general purpose classrooms in each. The projects form part of 27 state schools set to receive new double or triple storey buildings under the state government’s

2026-27 Modular Classrooms Program. The buildings are scheduled to open early next year, adding 204 classrooms and capacity for an extra 5,031 students statewide. The new buildings are expected to give students and teachers more modern and comfortable spaces designed around each school’s needs, from art, science, and technology, to administration and other facilities. Mr McGhie said the new classrooms would act as a fast solution to the growing needs of schools in the west. “These new classrooms will provide these schools with a fast, flexible and stateof-the-art space to keep up with the growing needs of local schools,” he said. For more information about the program, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/ modular-school-buildings. 12849128-EB11-26

Tuesday, 3 November, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

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A family legacy Fred Ackerman and Susan Jennison from Keilor Historical Society. (Damjan Janevski) 584169 01

It is easy to overlook the rich history that lies around the corner of our suburbs. Sebastian Conidi spoke to Fred Ackermann and Susan Jennison from the Keilor Historical Society about the immense family legacy behind the Keilor Hotel.

he Keilor Hotel has long been a landmark of the Keilor community, with a history stretching back to 1849. Promoted as Australia’s oldest family-owned hotel, the pub has been owned and operated by the Dodd family and their ancestors since 1862, making it one of the country’s longest continuously family-run pubs. Much of the hotel’s history has been compiled by Susan Jennison, vice-president of the Keilor Historical Society. With a background spanning librarianship, history, research and writing, Ms Jennison has dedicated decades to documenting the people, places and stories that have shaped the local area. The hotel was first established as the Galway Arms Tavern in 1849 by James Mitchell. Following several changes of name, it became known as the Keilor Hotel in the 1860s. The venue rose to prominence during the gold rush era, when travellers from across the world passed through the area in search of gold, particularly in Bendigo and Castlemaine. As a key stopping point for those leaving Melbourne, the hotel witnessed a period of significant activity and growth. In the 1860s, the hotel was purchased by Matthew Goudie for £1000, and he renamed it the Keilor Hotel. Its connection to the Dodd family began when John Dodd, son of George Dodd, married Goudie’s daughter, bringing the hotel into the family. George arrived in Australia in 1840 and eventually settled in Keilor, where he played an important role in the development of the community. He oversaw the construction of St Augustine’s Church and established the area’s first school. The name Brimbank is also linked to George, who named his farm after its location on the brim of the riverbank. The hotel’s history is closely intertwined with that of the Dodd family, most notably Ray Dodd, who ran the pub from 1974 until 2025. The hotel recently commemorated the first anniversary of his death, recognising his longstanding stewardship and commitment to preserving its legacy. For Ms Jennison, documenting the Keilor Hotel’s history was a natural extension of a lifelong passion for the past and decades of research into the local area.

A young Ray Dodd. (Supplied)

“I had been writing about the history of the area for decades in other books,” she said, explaining how her previous work provided a foundation for the project. With a bachelor of arts and a master’s degree, Ms Jennison said her interest in history stemmed from the opportunity to uncover forgotten stories and understand the people behind them. “I have always been interested in history,” she said. “It’s the fascination of uncovering things and learning about the people who might be affected.” A key focus of her research was the hotel’s relationship with the gold rush and the development of Keilor as a village. She reflected on the people who lived and worked in the area during the gold rush, including the many blacksmiths who supported the influx of travellers and prospectors. Her approach to research is driven by a strong sense of commitment and a desire to ensure local stories are recorded for future generations. “Once I’m committed to something, I just do it,” she said. “If I decide I’ve got something I want to write down, I just do it.” Beyond documenting the hotel’s past, Ms Jennison emphasised the importance of preserving historical records and ensuring that community knowledge is not lost. “We must realise the importance of the physical record,” she said, warning that people often underestimate the value of

4 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

documenting their own experiences and information. While digital documents and photographs captured on mobile phones have become commonplace, she said it was essential to record details such as dates to ensure the material remained useful to future researchers. “The importance is to get the date and record it,” she said. Ms Jennison also stressed the need for ongoing financial support and greater awareness of the administrative processes involved in preserving historical documents. “It always needs financial support,” she said. “We need to be conscious of the bureaucracy and the importance of keeping documents.” Her comments highlight the broader challenges faced by historical societies and community organisations working to protect local heritage, often relying on dedicated volunteers, funding and the careful preservation of records. Fred Ackerman, general member of the Keilor Historical Society, said the hotel remained an important part of the community’s identity and heritage. “As a Keilor community, we recognise and appreciate the Keilor Hotel for its

history and contribution to the community over hundreds of years,” he said. He pointed to other surviving heritage landmarks in the area, including Overnewton Castle, Christ Church and Arundel Estate Farm, which together help tell the story of Keilor’s development. Reflecting on Ray’s contribution, Mr Ackerman said he had a deep appreciation for the hotel’s history and took great pride in continuing its traditions. “Ray Dodd personally understood, appreciated, respected and carried that mantle forward in terms of the history that he so proudly nurtured around the hotel,” he said. For Mr Ackerman, the Keilor Hotel represents more than a historic building. It remains a vital gathering place and a symbol of the community’s enduring character. “Every community should have a hotel,” he said. “Keilor is so fortunate to have an iconic and wonderful hotel, standing today as an icon.” With its origins in the early days of colonial Victoria, its links to the gold rush and its longstanding association with the Dodd family, the Keilor Hotel continues to embody the history and identity of the community it has served for generations.

Fred Ackerman and Susan Jennison from Keilor Historical Society and Dhenai Veale manager Keilor Hotel. (Damjan Janevski) 584169 03

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Shooting hoops, scoring futures As part of an ongoing series on the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Jack O’Shea-Ayres spoke with the team from Airtime, a youth development and high-performance basketball program in Cobblebank, about how it gives young people a positive place to connect, and has led to international success for its participants. Cobblebank’s Airtime Basketball Program supports young people through sport to develop life skills, build routines, and access opportunities in a bid to enhance their academic, vocational, and sporting outcomes. The program was created from a desire to support at-risk young people to access their potential both on and off the court, responding partly to the tragic death of 15-year-old Dau Akeung, after he was killed in an alleged group machete and knife attack in Cobblebank last year. Airtime’s coaching facilitator Manny Hendrix Jr, who knew Dau personally, said he wanted to see a positive change for youth in the west. “Dau and I had a close relationship going back many years, both through Airtime and previous programs I ran in the area of Yarra,” Mr Hendrix explained. “We knew at those programs that kids such as Dau were going to be positively engaged before and after school, fed and dropped back safely at their doorstep at night.” Airtime director Michael Houben said the program aims to create positive pathways for young people by engaging them in

Athiei Magok, Aduto Chipuowuop, and Goch Ayiik have received full athletic scholarship opportunities to schools in the United States through the Airtime Program. (Supplied)

activities they are passionate about. “With Airtime, our goal is to provide consistent basketball engagement, teaching routine, discipline and other transferable life qualities through a sport so many young people are passionate about,” Mr Houben said. “We try to educate and inspire through sport, providing pathways through basketball as well as opportunities in education and jobs.” He said Airtime aimed to fill a gap in op-

Aduto Chipuowuop, close friend of late Dau Akueng, is currently undertaking his sports scholarship at the University of South Carolina (USC) Salkehatchie. (Supplied)

portunities for young people living in the western suburbs. “When there’s a lack of structured opportunities for young people to engage in their interests outside of school hours, that’s when anti-social behaviour tends to appear,” he said. “Airtime offers structure, consistency and aims to break down barriers to access so that participants have a safe space to develop positive relationships with their peers and learn to dream big.” For participants, the results are already

leading to worldwide success, with four of the program’s recent participants receiving full athletic scholarship opportunities with schools in the United States. Through Airtime’s coaching and guidance, Aduto Chipuowuop, Athiei Magok, Goch Ayiik, and Poth Machar, are receiving free tertiary education while furthering their dreams as basketball players in the US. Aduto, who was a close friend of Dau Akueng, said the Airtime program kept him focused and on the right track, leading to his success through a University of South Carolina (USC) Salkehatchie scholarship. “It’s a blessing,” Aduto said. “There were a lot of distractions along the way…I put my head down, I stayed on the right path.” Mr Houben said the program aimed to equip young people with the discipline, accountability and sense of belonging needed to succeed both on and off the court. “We are all about inspiring the mind, whether that’s on the court or outside of it,” Mr Houben said. “When young people are exposed to opportunity, mentorship and a healthy group identity, you address anti-social behaviour at the root before it ever becomes a problem for an individual.” In September, the state government announced funding to support Airtime for its success as an early intervention program. The funding announcement was made in response to a rise in crime across the western suburbs, and in a bid to tackle the drivers of serious offending at a community level. Details: https://www.airtimebasketball. com/pages/about-us-new

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Tuesday, 3 November, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 5

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Aquatic centre incident

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Police have charged a man with producing child abuse material following an incident at an aquatic centre in Keilor Downs on Sunday 25 October. The 62-year-old Caroline Springs man was charged with one count each of producing child abuse material and producing intimate image. He was arrested after it was alleged he filmed several people in a change room cubicle at an aquatic centre on Taylors Road about 11.10am. He has been bailed to appear before Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 23 March.

EDITORIAL

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Moorabool councillor John Keogh with mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor, Eureka MP Michaela Settle, and Cr Moira Berry. (Supplied)

Promise to improve Darley The state government has promised to invest $5 million in improving Darley, if it is re-elected. The investment, part of the Doing up Darley project, will fund small, local improvements to amenity and safety, including new footpaths. Community members, residents, and stakeholders will be consulted on priorities for the town. “We will listen to the community to deliver the local amenity improvements,” the state government said. “That means Darley locals will help shape the future of their own neighbourhood.” Eureka MP Michaela Settle said the initiative builds on pre-existing infrastructure upgrades and projects across the Darley area.

“Darley locals know what Darley needs,” Ms Settle said. “This initiative builds on recent local projects at Darley Primary School, the Early Years Hub and Darley Park.” Moorabool mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor said council welcomed the investment. “We welcome investment via election commitments in Moorabool from all parties, so fully support the $5 million ‘Doing up Darley’ funding if Labor win the state election,” Cr Venditti-Taylor said. “The growing area of Darley requires funding to deliver new and improved local amenities so we are definitely pleased with this announcement, and if Labor do win, we look forward to seeing more details on what this funding would entail.”

A 15-year-old boy has been charged after two cars were allegedly firebombed in Taylors Hill, leaving a 13-year-old boy with life-threatening burns. Detectives arrested the Hume teenager after executing a search warrant in Craigieburn on 22 October. Police allege the teenager coordinated the incident, which occurred on Woolwich Street about 5.10am on Monday 5 October. Emergency services arrived to find two vehicles engulfed in flames and a 13-year-old boy nearby with severe burns. Police believe the younger boy was attempting to flee in a stolen vehicle before crashing into bushes. He suffered burns to more than 90 per cent of his body and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Regional migration reaches equal-record June quarter high as Northern Queensland emerges as a growth hotspot Regional migration reaches equalrecord June quarter high as Northern Queensland emerges as a growth hotspot. The latest Regional Movers Index reveals a northerly trend as Queensland’s Burdekin, Tablelands and Douglas regions attract some of nation’s strongest growth in net internal Migration. Australians are continuing to embrace regional living, with the latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) showing capital-to-regional migration reached its equal-highest June quarter on record, matching levels last seen in 2021. The RMI is a partnership between the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) and Regional Australia Institute (RAI), and tracks population movements between Australia’s capital cities to regions, and region-to-region migration. The latest results show capital city residents moving to regional. Australia continued to outnumber those moving in the opposite direction by 30%.

While established destinations continued to attract the largest share of movers, this quarter also points to a broader spread of migration into more regional communities as the benefits of regional living draw people further afield. Northern Queensland was particularly prominent, with the LGAs of Burdekin, Tablelands and Douglas among the nation’s fastest growing destinations. RAI CEO Liz Ritchie says movement typically eases during the June quarter as fewer Australians tend to relocate in the cooler months, which makes this result particularly noteworthy. “The Regional Movers Index recorded its equal highest June quarter on record, matching the height of migration reached during the pandemic in 2021. This tells us the appeal of country living remains incredibly strong all year round, even outside the traditional peak moving periods,” Ritchie said. CBA Regional and Agribusiness Banking Executive General Manager Kylie Allen says Northern

Queensland’s growth comes alongside broad industry investment helping generate diverse local economies. Burdekin is supported by agriculture, manufacturing and renewable energy, while the Tablelands is strong in both agribusiness and tourism benefiting from its proximity to Cairns. Douglas is backed by a vibrant tourism economy and continued investment in local Infrastructure. “Across Northern Queensland, local investment is helping regions capitalise on their distinct strengths and drive broader economic growth. When local businesses invest and expand, the benefits flow through the wider economy, creating jobs, attracting skilled workers and strengthening the services and supply chains that help regional communities thrive,” Allen said. Not to be outdone by the Sunshine State, Central Goldfields in Victoria took out the number one spot for the fastest growing destination in the country. “As more Australians embrace regional living, sustained migration is

strengthening local economies while underscoring the need for services and infrastructure that keeps pace with growing communities,” Allen said. Find out more at CommBank Newsroom 12909190-JO45-26

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Greg Lynn remains in jail By Tara Cosoleto, AAP Accused killer Greg Lynn will remain in custody after a judge found there were no exceptional reasons to release him on bail. Lynn, 60, formerly of Caroline Springs, denies murdering Carol Clay, 73, who went missing from Victoria’s High Country while camping in March 2020 with her friend Russell Hill, 74. The former Jetstar pilot was granted a retrial in December after an appeal court found he had suffered a substantial miscarriage of justice in his first trial.

He made a bid for freedom in the Victorian Supreme Court, where he testified about his “disgusting” conditions in custody. Lynn said he had been assaulted with faeces and placed in the “dungeon”, or solitary confinement, because it was not safe for him to be around other inmates, who had identified him as “Greg Lynn from TV”. He also claimed he was assaulted a second time in July, when an inmate poked and spat on him after Lynn accused the man of being a police informer. “He confronted me and was just ready to explode, like Vesuvius ready to erupt,” Lynn

said in evidence during his bail application. “He mentioned he had killed before and he would kill again ... and then he made an insult that I was a killer of old people. “My response was that I hadn’t killed anyone.” Prosecutors opposed bail but Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann KC argued his client’s vulnerability in custody and the long time he had spent on remand were exceptional reasons for him to be released. Chief Justice Richard Niall disagreed, finding Lynn’s circumstances were not exceptional as he refused bail on Tuesday

morning. The chief judge accepted there would be a significant period of time between Lynn’s successful appeal and his retrial, which is due to start in May. But a delay of 12 to 18 months was not outside the usual range for a murder case, Justice Niall said. He also did not regard Lynn’s conditions in custody as exceptional, although he did accept the accused killer’s time behind bars had been difficult. The judge remanded Lynn in custody ahead of his retrial in May.

Cobblebank Hub takes shape The Cobblebank Community Hub is one step closer to opening its doors, with construction completed and the Hub on track to be tenanted with organisations from early 2027. Once open, the five-level Hub will be home to a range of services including allied health and social support services under one location, which are expected to help meet the needs of Melton’s fast-growing community. With major construction works complete, attention is now turning to the finishing touches, including landscaping, car park works,, and signage, followed by internal office fit-out by tenants ahead of services in the Hub being available to the community. Mayor Lara Carli said once completed, the new community hub will bring a

range of needed services together all under one roof for the growing Cobblebank community. “It’s incredibly exciting to see the Cobblebank Community Hub reaching this major milestone and to know we’re getting closer to being able to welcome tenants who will provide a range of services to support our fast-growing community,” Cr Carli said. “This facility will have a range of important health and support services together in one place.” The approximately $72.6 million project was brought together by a mix of council, state, and federal government funding, with council contributing around $53 million, along with $15 million through the federal government’s Thriving Suburbs Program and $4.6 million from the state

Melton MP Steve McGhie, Melton councillor Brandi Morris, Deputy mayor Dr Phillip Zada, mayor Lara Carli, Melton council chief executive Roslyn Wai, Cr Sophie Ramsey, Cr Julie Shannon, and Hawke MP Sam Rae. (Supplied)

government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. “Together with council’s major investment, this partnership is helping create

an important community asset that will support our residents for years to come,” Cr Carli said.

Grant Lodge nurse Manpreet Kaur with resident Myrtle Kidd. (Supplied)

A new age for aged care in Bacchus Marsh The $10 million refurbishment of Grant Lodge, Western Health’s dedicated aged care home in Bacchus Marsh, is now complete. Staff and residents are this month celebrating the completion of the renovation, which features 30 single rooms with ensuites, quiet sitting areas for residents and families, and therapy services. Landscaping works for a sensory garden and an activities area are also underway. Operations manager Andrea Locke said Grant Lodge had been transformed into a modern and welcoming home for residents. “This is our residents’ home, and that has been at the heart of every decision throughout the refurbishment,” she said. “We wanted to create spaces where people feel comfortable, have privacy and can continue to enjoy the things that matter to them. Seeing residents enjoying their new surroundings is what makes all the work worthwhile.” 12912111-AM45-26

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Residents were closely involved with the planning and design process, with excursions sending them out to select their own paint colours and blinds. Ms Locke said despite the excellent new facilities, people still remained the key to making Grant Lodge into a home. “While the refurbishment has created beautiful new spaces, it is our staff who bring those spaces to life through their care, compassion and commitment to residents every day,” she said. “Together, the environment and the people who work here create a place where residents feel safe, supported, respected and truly at home.” The latest refurbishment was brought to life by funding from the state government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund and Significant Refurbishment Initiative, as well as $900,000 from donations and Western Health contributions.

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New sports hub takes shape

Labor candidate and current Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle, Liberal candidate Emma Muir and One Nation candidate Paul Ballinger. (Supplied)

Candidates grilled More than 100 local farmers and residents filled the Ballan Recreation Reserve’s function room on Tuesday 27 October to put their questions to this year’s candidates for the seat of Eureka. The State Election Forum, hosted by the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), heard from Labor candidate and current Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle, Liberal candidate Emma Muir, and One Nation candidate Paul Ballinger. Questions from the floor centred on the Western Renewables Link, protecting local farmland, the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF), the state of local roads, and making sure farmers and rural communities have a genuine voice in the decisions that affect them.

VFF vice-president Scott Young said the turnout represented a community coming together under one purpose. “More than 100 people turned out in Ballan because farmers and rural communities want to hear exactly what candidates for Eureka will do on the issues that affect their livelihoods,” Mr Young said. The forum formed part of the VFF’s Back Victorian Farmers campaign, a fivepoint plan with 15 commitments the VFF is seeking from every party and candidate at the 28 November state election. On the issues raised in Ballan, the VFF is calling for the Western Renewables Link and VNI West to go back to the drawing board, a Land Use and Food Security

Commissioner to track and report on farmland loss, and mandatory agricultural impact assessments for major projects. The VFF is also calling for the ESVF to be scrapped, and no new taxes targeting farmers and farmland, an extra $2 billion for roads over four years, with road condition data released every year and a clear plan to clear the maintenance backlog. As the country’s largest exporter of food and fibre supporting more than 150,000 jobs, the VFF claimed state government policy hadn’t kept pace, leading to farm businesses carrying new taxes, compliance written without reference to the farm gate, and freight routes that no longer work.

Mt Atkinson’s new sports and recreation hub is beginning to take shape. Construction is progressing on the new Mt Atkinson East Recreation Reserve in Truganina, with the 10-hectare site on Kirkpatrick Boulevard taking shape as a new destination for sport and recreation. Once complete, the reserve will feature natural turf soccer pitches, an AFL-sized oval, synthetic cricket pitches, practice nets, and a pavilion intended to support sporting and community activities. Landscaped gardens, walking paths, and a playspace are expected to provide further opportunities for recreation and community connection. Works currently underway include construction of the new sports fields, underground services, and a car park. Construction of the pavilion is planned to begin in 2027, with general landscaping and the playspace also scheduled to commence later next year. The project is being delivered with support from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund and is expected to be completed in 2028. Mayor Lara Carli called the project a major boost for the local community. “Once complete, the reserve will give local families and sporting groups more opportunities to get active,connect and come together as the Mt Atkinson community grows to ultimately more than 20,000 residents,” Cr Carli said. “Projects like this are important for building a healthy, connected community and ensuring residents have quality sport and recreation facilities close to home.”

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Mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor with the newly installed specialised lighting at McLean Reserve in Ballan. (Damjan Janevski) 584966 02

Lighting brings McLean to life New lighting was recently installed at McLean Reserve in Ballan, which is also home to new public art, as part of a broader revitalisation project to bring the community space to life. The creative additions build on a broader project which aims to create a more welcoming and accessible central space in Ballan for recreation, community gatherings, and local events. The upgrades include a new sheltered stage area, playground improvements, public toilets, lighting, landscaping, drainage, interpretive signage, and restoration of the historic horse trough. They also enhanced the Moorabool Art Pathway Program (MAPP) Up in Lights outdoor gallery through the installation of specialist lighting for illuminated artworks. The gallery is designed to put local artists on the MAPP, supporting artists to exhibit in

lightboxes in various dimensions. The light boxes are double sided and are used for small 3D works, or back to back 2D displays. Exhibitions have a duration of two to three months, with the MAPP Up in Lights displays lit at night, creating the ultimate allaccess galleries, open 24 hours a day. The upgrades were launched by Moorabool’s councillors on Thursday 15 October and currently feature artwork developed by Blackwood artist Kathy Holowko with year six students from St Brigid’s Primary School, drawing on local flora and fauna to celebrate the region’s unique ecology. “The upgrade strengthens this important gathering place, creating a safer, more accessible and welcoming space for recreation, community events and everyday connection,” Mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor said.

Have your say on the draft Westcott Parade Urban Design Framework Residents are invited to have their say on a draft Urban Design Framework (UDF), which will help guide the use and development of land in the Westcott Parade precinct in Rockbank. The proposed plan outlines a vision for a vibrant residential precinct with a mix of housing choices, retail opportunities, and safe walking and cycling links to Rockbank Station and the future Major Town Centre. What is a UDF? A UDF is a detailed planning and design document that sets a vision for an area to guide its development and provides the framework for assessing future planning applications.

Drop-in Sessions Saturday 14 November, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Thornhill Park Children’s and Community Centre, 97 Murray Road, Thornhill Park Wednesday 25 November, 5pm – 8pm Rockbank Community Hall, 24 Old Leakes Road, Rockbank Complete the survey Survey opens: Friday 6 November 2026, 6pm Survey closes: Sunday 6 December 2026 Visit: conversations.melton.vic.gov.au

9747 7200 | melton.vic.gov.au

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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

30 October, 1996

31 October, 2006

1 November, 2011

1 November, 2016

Melton will have its own premier soccer league team, the Melton Reds, next year.

The State Government has dismissed proposals for Bacchus Marsh irrigators to access recycled water, adamant the plan is “too expensive“.

Vulnerable young adults will be taught vital life skills as part of an innovative mentoring program starting in Kurunjang next month.

Five fresh faces have been elected to Melton’s newly structured council.

Pavement artist Ulla Taylor. (Damjan Janevski) 585157 05

Romsey/Lancefield Red Cross, fashion show organisers Debby Teskey, Leeanne Eames, Dianne Irvine and Karen Hermann. (Damjan Janevski) 584923 03

Faces of the west

Glenda Johns at Wyndham Community Garden swap. (Damjan Janevski) 584956 05

Father Michael Kalka has retired as parish priest at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Altona. (Damjan Janevski) 584885 06

Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Vince Byrne, Greg Petterson and Elwyn Randall at Anzac Park, Craigieburn, ahead of Remembrance Day. (Damjan Janevski) 585161 03

10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

Werribee Craft Festival participants Penny Clausen, Anne Marshall and Carmen Littley. (Damjan Janevski) 585118 04

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Boost for regional jobs Rural and Regional Development Minister Michaela Settle has announced co-contribution funding through the state government’s Trunk Infrastructure Fund to support critical potable water infrastructure at the Parwan Industrial Precinct. Announced at Parwan’s Industrial Precinct on Friday 16 October, it includes $15 million in new Trunk Infrastructure Fund projects, as well as a further $12.5 million for the Trunk Infrastructure Fund, in a bid to boost more businesses and create more regional jobs across the state. The Trunk Infrastructure Fund supports co-funded projects that are designed to establish or expand industrial

sites to drive jobs and economic growth. It includes establishing water and/or power supplies, sewerage facilities, road networks, and technologies, such as NBN connections. The potable water project is being jointly delivered by the state government and Parwan Protein & Tallow (PP&T), and is expected to improve water supply for agribusiness, food processing, manufacturing and logistics businesses, building on an earlier investment in gas connection. The potable water project is the latest step in the progressive development of critical enabling infrastructure at Parwan,

building on earlier investment in gas infrastructure and, more recently, recycled water through the Western Irrigation Network. The upgrades are being delivered with L&G Meats, Honed Projects, Greater Western Water, REEDS Consulting and Moorabool council. Ms Settle said the project encouraged further business investment and expansion across the state. “Strengthening regional Victoria’s enabling infrastructure means strengthening business investment, savings and growth across the state,” Ms Settle said. Failli Group owner and director, who

operates PP&T, Pietro Failli, welcomed the investment. “Each piece of infrastructure opens up new opportunities for businesses to invest, grow and create jobs.” With an established anchor operation, access to agricultural supply chains and improving enabling infrastructure, Parwan has the potential to attract industries and services that complement existing strengths. The longer-term vision includes truck and transport infrastructure, an industrial service centre and expanded truck fuelling facilities, further strengthening Parwan as a location for industry and investment.

Pathway support

Louise Mayall, facilitator from MecwaCare running Victorian Seniors Festival: Ageing Well at Home practical workshop in Bacchus Marsh. (Damjan Janevski). 587551 02

Advice on ageing well in Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh’s older residents were invited to learn about the support available to assist them in remaining independent at home during a practical workshop at Lerderderg Library on Thursday 29 October. The Ageing Well at Home workshop, presented by MecwaCare as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, provided information on navigating My Aged Care, understanding available home support options, and planning for future care needs. MecwaCare is a leading not-for-profit, non-denominational charitable organisation that provides aged care, home care, retirement living, disability services, and

affordable housing. The organisation was founded in 1959 by a group of volunteers who wanted to redefine ageing by creating communities where people could live with choice, connection, and purpose. The workshop aimed to help attendees gain a clearer understanding of where to begin when seeking aged care support and the services available to assist them to continue living independently. The event formed part of Moorabool’s Seniors Festival Program, which has offered activities and opportunities for older residents to connect with their communi-

ty, while accessing information, resources, and support throughout the month of October. The event was facilitated by MeccaCare Ballan’s healthy ageing advisor Louise Mayall, a position made possible by a program funded by Western Victoria Primary Health Network concentrating on the health of farmers, as well as the holistic health of older community members. Working as a registered nurse for 42 years, Ms Mayall said she loves her job assisting older community members with finding their way living independently and healthily with a passion.

Two Melton schools have been announced as successful recipients in the latest round of Future Ready Grants. The grants program aims to support young people in employment, education pathways, leadership opportunities, and mentoring opportunities. Melton MP Steve McGhie announced on Thursday 22 October announced that both Melton Secondary College and Kurunjang Secondary College will receive funding to deliver career and job readiness programs for students. The Ubuntu Project will deliver the Better Outcomes Program at Melton Secondary College, a culturally responsive mentoring, leadership and career readiness initiative for African Australian secondary students over the 2027–2028 school years. The Future Gen Pathway program at Kurunjang Secondary College will be delivered by Youth Projects in partnership with the state government, with the project to provide weekly, schoolbased group sessions for students in Years 10 to 12. The program will use practical activities that aim to build confidence, identity, teamwork, communication, local pathway knowledge, job readiness, leadership, student voice and next-step planning. Mr McGhie said the programs aimed to support students in receiving the guidance needed to succeed and reach their fullest potential. Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said both programs aimed to support secondary students in achieving their goals. “Young people are our future. Through the Future Ready program, we are backing them to achieve their goals,” she said.

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Advertising feature

What benefits could downsizing unlock for you? Downsizing can be about so much more than changing where you live. It can be an opportunity to unlock more possibilities from your home, simplify the everyday and create more freedom for the things you want to do next. At Lifestyle Communities Deanside, that next chapter comes with a vibrant community and plenty of ways to spend your days on your terms. You can own your home in a secure neighbourhood designed for people over 50, with friendly neighbours, shared amenities and less upkeep—giving you more time for the things you enjoy. For homeowners considering downsizing, there may also be a financial benefit. Deanside homeowners had a median $297,000 difference between the sale price of their previous home and the purchase price of their home at Lifestyle Communities Deanside.^ With two-bedroom downsizer homes from $499,000* and a range of homes available, now is a great time to discover whether a move to Lifestyle Communities Deanside could be right for you. With household budgets under pressure, downsizing could mean less money tied up in your home and more flexibility for everyday expenses, time with family, hobbies or whatever matters most to you. Located at 85 Mushu Street, Deanside, the community offers a convenient setting for a simpler, low-maintenance lifestyle. Making your move could be simpler than you think. Secure your new home with a total deposit of just $5,000, with nothing more to pay until settlement and no stamp duty to pay. Ask about our current settlement offer and discover how it could make your move even easier. Speak with a

Lifestyle Consultant today to find out more! Less tied up in your home could mean more for what comes next. Book a visit to experience Deanside for yourself, or ask about receiving a free, independent Financial Insights Report to see how downsizing could stack up for you. Visit lifestylecommunities.com.au or call 1300 50 55 60 to speak with the Lifestyle Communities team.

With 25 Lifestyle Communities across Victoria, you have even more choice when it comes to finding the community, home and location that feels right for you. Disclaimer: *Price excludes ongoing site fees and other charges under a separate site agreement. Subject to availability, see lifestylecommunities.com.au for full details.

^Based on homeowners who sold their previous home and purchased a home at Lifestyle Communities Deanside, using recorded sale and purchase prices as at October 2026. The $297,000 figure is the median difference between those prices. It does not take into account transaction costs associated with selling or buying. Individual circumstances and outcomes vary.

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Sign up for cell study By Glenn Fisher Joining up to take part in a study may or may not pique your interest. But how about getting fitter, providing research results for the medical field and receiving rewards for taking part? Accredited exercise physiologist Zena Zaki and Sebastian Paul (Master’s degree in Sports Science) are PhD candidates from Professor David Bishop’s Exercise Prescription Lab at the Footscray Park campus of Victoria University, conducting a study on physical activity and ageing and how this influences the mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Mr Paul told Star Weekly that mitochondria are double-membrane-bound organelles involved in numerous cellular processes. Most notably, they use substrates from food and convert them into chemical energy to fuel bodily functions, which is why they are commonly referred to as the “powerhouse of the cell,“ he said. Mr Paul said previous research suggested a decline in mitochondria from around age 60. They hope to sign up 96 participants for their study to examine the contribution of physical activity and ageing to changes in a person’s mitochondria. “We’re looking to recruit four separate groups of people,” he explained. “We are seeking young men and women aged between 18 and 28, and older men and

Volunteer Victoria Haritos with PhD candidates Sebastian Paul and Zena Zaki. (Damjan Janevski). 585913 01

women aged 65-plus, who will be tested and divided into physically active and physically inactive groups.” If you sign up for the study, you will attend the laboratories in Footscray Park for four visits over about three weeks. During some of the testing and training, Ms Zaki and Mr Paul will take blood samples and muscle biopsies to analyse various metabolic markers and mitochondrial characteristics. Following the testing, if a participant is assigned to an inactive group, they will complete eight weeks of supervised, high-intensity interval training at the Footscray Park

campus before completing some of the baseline tests again. The researchers hope to be training the inactive group by the start of 2027, and all results and data summaries will be shared with each individual. “In the past, research has shown changes in the mitochondria when people were consistently active,” Mr Paul said. There was also the negative side of being inactive, which could lead to mitochondrial disease, he added Mitochondrial disease is a group of chronic genetic disorders that occur when mitochondria fail to produce enough ener-

gy for normal cell and organ function. “This study is the groundwork for the future, for what hopefully will help give us more answers about mitochondria and being active,” Mr Paul said. Study participants will also be rewarded, apart from receiving valuable information regarding their cardiorespiratory fitness and health. Those completing all the baseline testing will receive a $100 e-gift card and another $100 for completing the post-training testing. To register your interest, email Mitochondria.Study@gmail.com

Sunbury United Soccer Club. There are pieces of my life all over this town. Are you part of any groups locally? I started the Sunbury Residents United – Our Town, Our Voice community group, and I’m currently involved with the Let Sunbury Stand on Its Own – A Fair Go for Sunbury petition. For me, it’s about giving ordinary residents somewhere to have a voice, share their concerns and become

involved in conversations about Sunbury’s future. What are you passionate about locally? I’m passionate about Sunbury – its people, history, heritage and future. I want to see growth managed in a way that protects the character and identity generations of people have built here. Most of all, I want local residents to feel heard and to have a genuine say in what happens to their town.

MY PLACE Long-time Sunbury local and campaigner Samatha Dutch caught up with Georgia Tacey to tell her all about why she loves her town and why she’s pushing to see change locally. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? I was born and raised in Sunbury, and my connection to the town goes back my entire life. My family, work history and many of my strongest memories are connected to Sunbury. I’ve watched the town grow and change enormously over the years, but it will always be home to me. What do you like about where you live? What I love about Sunbury is its strong identity and sense of community. It has such a rich history and heritage, and despite all the growth, it still has that country-town character that makes it different from surrounding suburbs. Is there anything you’d change or like to see locally? I’d like to see Sunbury’s growth matched with the infrastructure, services and local representation the community needs. Most importantly, I’d like residents to have a stronger voice in decisions affecting the future of the town. That’s a big part of why I’m involved with the Let Sunbury Stand on Its Own – A Fair Go for Sunbury petition, which calls for a separate Sunbury Shire and greater local decision-making. Where’s your favourite local place to spend time? The Nook. It’s peaceful, familiar and has always had that real Sunbury feel to me. It’s a

Samantha Dutch. (Damjan Janevski). 581251 06

beautiful part of the town and somewhere I’ve always had a soft spot for. What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? Probably how far back my connection with Sunbury goes. My first job was at Bi-Lo in Sunbury when I was 16, I later worked in finance at Hume City Council, and my family has longstanding connections with places including St Mary’s Anglican Church and

14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

Questions: In which year was the Melbourne Cup first run on a Tuesday?

Which jockey became the second woman to ride a Melbourne Cup winner in 2025?

Which 1987 Melbourne Cup winner became the first commercially syndicated horse to win the race?

Which horse caused a major upset by winning the 2024 Melbourne Cup at starting odds of $91?

Which jockey won consecutive Melbourne Cups aboard Gold Trip in 2022 and Without A Fight in 2023?

24. At just 24 years of age, which Irish trainer prepared Rekindling to win the 2017 Melbourne Cup?

16.

Who became the first Indigenous Australian jockey to win the Melbourne Cup, in 1973?

25. Which horse won the Melbourne Cup in both 1932 and 1934, but missed the 1933 race?

17.

Which Australian-bred horse defeated a strong international field to win the 2019 Melbourne Cup?

26. Which horse completed the famous Caulfield Cup–Melbourne Cup double in 2023?

18.

Which champion carried the heaviest winning weight in Melbourne Cup history, in 1890?

19.

Which Irish-trained horse became the first European-trained winner of the Melbourne Cup in 1993?

What is the official distance of the Melbourne Cup in metres?

Which father-and-son training partnership prepared the 2025 Melbourne Cup winner?

20. Which famous Italian opera singer made his final Australian performance at Flemington in 2005?

Which horse became the first Japanesetrained winner of the Melbourne Cup in 2006?

21.

Which horse won the 1982 Melbourne Cup after a famous battle with champion Kingston Town?

10.

Which horse gave Michelle Payne her historic Melbourne Cup victory at odds of 100-1 in 2015?

11.

Which river Racecourse?

12.

The 1888 Melbourne Cup was known as the Centennial Cup. Which horse won it?

13.

Which horse gave international racing powerhouse Godolphin its first Melbourne Cup victory in 2018?

14.

In which year was the Melbourne Cup run without spectators because of COVID-19 restrictions?

runs

alongside

How did you score?

Flemington

27.

28. In which year was the first Fashions on the Field competition held at Flemington? 29. Which celebrated Australian trainer claimed her first Melbourne Cup victory with Fiorente in 2013? 30. Which horse finished runner-up in the 2025 Melbourne Cup?

Which Melbourne Cup winner was named after a laneway behind Melbourne’s Australian Club?

22. Who became the first female jockey to ride in the Melbourne Cup, in 1987? 23. Which horse became the first Germantrained winner of the Melbourne Cup in 2014?

0–9: Back to the mounting yard! 10–19: Making up ground

How much was the 2025 Melbourne Cup winner purchased for at an online auction?

Lyndon

15.

20–29: You're a serious contender! 30: Melbourne Cup champion!

Answers 1. Half Yours 2. 1875 3. Jamie Melham 4. Kensei 5. Knight’s Choice 6. 3200 metres 7. Tony and Calvin McEvoy 8. Delta Blues 9. G u r n e r ’ s Lane 10. P r i n c e Of Penzance 11. Maribyrnong River 12. Mentor 13. Cross Counter 14. 2020 15. Mark Zahra 16. Frank Reys 17. Vow And Declare 18. Carbine 19. Vintage Crop 20. Luciano Pavarotti 21. Gurner’s Lane 22. Maree (later Maree Davey) Protectionist Joseph O’Brien Peter Pan Without A Fight $305,000 1962 Gai Waterhouse Goodie Two Shoes

Which horse won the 2025 Melbourne Cup?

23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30.

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Tuesday, 3 November, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

COMMUNTIY

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-forprofit 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. Reverse Advent Calendar boxes St Andrews Uniting Church in Bacchus Marsh is again coordinating the distribution and collection of Reverse Advent Calendar boxes for this area. A Reverse Advent Calendar begins as an empty box. For 20 days in the lead-up to Christmas, you place one item (non-perishable food, toiletries, or a Christmas treat) into the box. After 20 days, you return your filled Reverse Advent Calendar box to the church, where we will give it to food relief agencies to distribute to people in our immediate community experiencing food insecurity. Boxes will be available for pickup on Sunday mornings, from November 8, between 9 and 11.30am. ■ St Andrews Uniting Church Bacchus Marsh, 12 Gisborne Road Ladies Lounge Looking to connect, relax and enjoy some great company? This friendly social group is for women aged 50+ who want to get out, have a laugh and make new friends. Each week is a chance to chat, play games, share ideas and enjoy good company. Whether you’re new to the community or just looking for something fun and social, you’re warmly invited to join. Every Wednesday from 1pm. ■ 8746 1000 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. Every Wednesday from 1pm. ■ 8746 100 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 Sew Creative Group The Melton Sew Creative Group meets at the Arnolds Creek Community Centre every second Wednesday from 10am to 2pm. People can come along to socialise with like minded people for a chat while doing their own craft work over a cuppa. You can bring along your own machines and equipment to make something creative. Participants can learn from each other whilst making new friends in a relaxed setting at Arnolds Creek. ■ meltonsewcreative@gmail.com Zonta Club of Melton Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support women & girls in the Melton area. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers, projects on the go and other social events. ■ Jane, 0447 291 049 or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club Bacchus Marsh Philosophy Club is a welcoming discussion group exploring life’s big questions in a

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of West Footscray’s Lindy O’Brien with her ‘House of Abandoned & Dismembered Dolls’ for Halloween. (Damjan Janevski). 586623 01

thoughtful, relaxed, and respectful way. No background in philosophy is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to listen, reflect, and share ideas. These facilitated sessions encourage people to think more deeply about topics that matter, hear a range of perspectives, and enjoy meaningful conversation in good company. They take place every second Saturday at the Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, 10am - 1pm. ■ Andy, 0498 549 177 andy@p4e.au Hillside Probus Club Hillside Probus Club is currently open to new members. Membership is open to retired and semi-retired professional and businesspersons and others with a similar background. The group meets from 10.30am-12.30pm every first Thursday of the month at the Watergardens Hotel, 431 Kings Road Taylors Lakes. There are no upper or lower age limits and the club is for men and women, couples and singles. ■ hillsideprobus@gmail.com Lawyer appointments Melton South Community Centre is offering free lawyer appointments for immigration, family law, or Justice of the Peace matters every Tuesday at 2.30 or 3.10pm. ■ 9747 8576, msccentr@bigpond.net.au North Western District Pipe Band The North Western District Pipe Band meets every week at the Diggers rest Bowling Club and are looking for any pipers or drummers out there retired or beginners for social play outs.

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

■ Hank, 0412 169 576 Volunteer with L2P Help a disadvantaged young person gain essential driving hours by becoming an L2P Volunteer Driving Mentor. A few hours a week can make a life changing difference. Full training and support provided, with the car and all expenses covered. ■ 8746 1000, L2P@djerriwarrh.org. Computer Classes Computer classes are available at the Melton South Community Centre. From absolute beginners, to being safe online, Canva and more. ■ 9747 8576 Sewing in Melton If you love sewing, head on down to the Melton South Community Centre. Bring along your machine and materials and make new friends as you swap tips and work on your own projects. 9.30am–3pm every Tuesday. Each session costs $5. ■ 9747 8576 Melton South Community Singers Singers of all levels are welcome at the Melton South Community Singers. This free and friendly group meets at the Melton South Community Centre and rehearses to perform at local venues and events. The group meets from 12.15-2pm on the first and third Tuesday of every month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413 Community band The Greater Western Community Band

meets every Thursday from 7.30-9.30pm. Located at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Strathtulloh (Melton South). The band is available for events. Brass, woodwind and percussion players are always welcome. ■ Sally Hamond, 0401474582 Lights of Wisdom The Bahá’ís of Moorabool invite you to Lights of Wisdom, a tranquil space to share the insights from the great spiritual traditions of mankind. Sessions are held at the Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh, every first Friday of the month, 7.30pm. Next session on 4 September 2026 on the theme of Peace. Entry is free. Melton Valley Ladies Probus Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meet every second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. ■ Ann, 0425705150 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 Fishing club Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities. The club holds monthly competitions. ■ Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

ENTERTAINMENT

Salon offers a poetic night Better Off Said, a spoken-word art salon from members of the team behind Women of Letters, is coming to Bacchus Marsh Town Hall for an evening celebrating words, stories, and the things we sometimes wish we’d said. Join Emilie Zoey Baker and Marieke Hardy from 7pm at the Bacchus Marsh Town Hall on Friday 20 November for an entertaining poetry salon featuring poetic duets, live music, and literary performances. Four writers - Thuy On, Gurmeet Kaur,

Clare Wright and Eloise Grills – will respond to the theme “The words I wish I’d said”, sharing thoughts, reflections and stories that might otherwise have remained unspoken. Cate Kennedy will deliver the evening’s Living Eulogy, celebrating someone or something still here to hear it. Hosted by Emilie Zoey Baker and curated by Marieke Hardy, the salon concludes with live music from The Darlings Family Trust, rounding out an evening of storytelling,

reflection and celebration. In this special event, presented as part of Moorabool council’s Hide + Seek Festival, live music and thoughtful reflections are presented by exceptional writers and storytellers, with the salon serving as a celebration to usher in renewal as the seasons change. Hide+Seek Presents is an all-ages series of high-quality music, literature and storytelling experiences presented across Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Blackwood

throughout November. Featuring acclaimed touring artists alongside local creatives, the program encourages audiences of all ages to connect, participate and engage with the arts. Better Off Said kicks off at the Bacchus Marsh Town Hall from 7pm on Friday 20 November. Details: https://welcometomoorabool. c o m /e v e n t s -b a c c hu s m a r s h-b a l l a ngordon-black wood-g reenda le/ better-off-said.

Historical drama comes to the west

Salesian prepares to host Harvest Festival Salesian College Sunbury students are getting ready to celebrate the school’s Harvest Festival. The annual event brings together students, families, local businesses and community organisations, transforming the college grounds into a vibrant community atmosphere. Principal Mark Brockhus said everyone’s invited to come down and see what students have been working on. “Harvest Festival is a wonderful opportunity to bring the college and wider

Sunbury community together in a relaxed and welcoming environment,” he said. “It’s not just about entertainment, it’s about connection, and showcasing what makes our community so special. “From our agriculture program through to curriculum showcases, visitors can see firsthand the opportunities our students experience every day and it’s open to the whole local community, not just Salesian College students and families.” From 4.30pm to 7.30pm on Friday 6 November, expect to see a wide range

of attractions, including food vendors, market stalls, live music performances and interactive activities for all ages. The school said a key event will be the Agriculture Showcase, where visitors can view the award-winning Corriedale sheep and Hereford cattle, cared for by students as part of the school’s hands-on agricultural program. Produce made on site will also be available for purchase. Details: salesiansunbury.vic.edu.au/ hidden-pages/harvest-festival

Nothing to worry about during Substation show Sick of surprises? Craving a day, a week...a life where there is nothing to worry about, no problems, no dramas? Is this even possible? Is that what we want? No Dramas, a new stage work being performed at The Substation in Newport from 18-21, attempts to answer these and other existential questions about life. Starring Mish Grigor and Brigid Gallacher, No Dramas follows two women through a series of games, tasks and social encounters as they attempt to keep things aggressively chill. They smile with tears in their eyes and push their feelings down, down, down. Into the sock drawer. Never seen again.

No Dramas is on at The Substation in Newport from 18-21 November. (Lauren Dunn)

Along with starring in No Dramas, Melbourne based Grigor also wrote the play and will co-direct alongside Zoe Coombs-Marr. Grigor is no stranger to The Substation,

with her 2024 work Class Act premiering at the Newport venue, while her plays have also been presented at venues across Australia and overseas, including the Sydney Opera House, Malthouse Theatre, Adelaide Biennial,Hong Kong Rep Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre in the UK and La Mama in New York. While the opening night performance of No Dramas on Thursday 19 November is now sold out, tickets are still available for the preview performance on Wednesday 18 November, as well as shows on Friday 20 November and Saturday 21 Novemer. All shows are from 7.30-8.30pm. For more information and to book: https:// thesubstation.org.au/program/no-dramas

(Supplied: Ben Andrews)

Salesian College Sunbury students Maison (front), Alex, Declan, Grace and Oliver are gearing up for Rupertswood Harvest Festival. (Damjan Janevski) 540998_03

A gripping new Australian play exploring the human cost of war, love and betrayal will make its world premiere in Melbourne’s west this December. Fall, written by award-winning Australian-Hmong playwright Michele Lee and directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Beng Oh, will open at The Bowery Theatre in St Albans on 5 December before moving to Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray for a four-day season from 9-12 December. Set in Northern Laos in 1975, during the final days of the Secret War, the intimate three-hander follows Paul, an Australian teacher preparing to flee the country as the Communist takeover unfolds. His plans are disrupted by the arrival of Mai, a young Hmong woman and former student who is escaping persecution and determined to say goodbye. As the two confront their shared past over a single night, Fall examines the difficult choices, unspoken truths and uncertain futures shaped by conflict. The St Albans performance on Saturday 5 December begins at 7pm at The Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, and includes an opening-night question and answer session and reception. The Footscray season features an opening-night question and answer session and drinks reception on 10 December, with shows running on 11 and 12 December. Presented by Wit Incorporated Theatre Company, Fall continues the company’s commitment to culturally diverse stories and theatre that connects with local audiences. Tickets and bookings are available at witinc.com.au/shows/fall The 75-minute production is recommended for audiences aged 15 and over.

Tuesday, 3 November, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

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Jason Statham

12. How many players per side are there in beach volleyball? 13. How many different strokes are there in competitive swimming? 14. What does a yellow card mean in soccer? 15. A pentathlon consists of how many sporting events? 16. What is the highest score you can achieve in tenpin bowling? 17. In basketball, what is the rule violation where a player moves without dribbling the ball called? 18. To the nearest kilometre, how long is the Melbourne Cup race? 19. Which Australian featherweight defeated Russian mixed martial artist Movsar Evloev at UFC 333?

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0611

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Tuesday, 3 November, 2026 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

PUZZLES

OZ CROSSWORD 1

No. 218

7 8

9 11

12 13

15 16 20

23 24

26 28

28 Bottlebrush genus (11) 29 Boxer and actor, – Mercurio (3) 30 Titans halfback, Lachlan – (5) 33 Peters ice creams varieties (10) 36 Be suave, turn on the – (5) 37 TV airing list (8) 39 Actress known for Netflix’s Heartbreak High reboot, – Madon (6) 40 Confronts (5) 42 Climbing plant (3) 43 Valley in the Hume region (8) 44 Tasmania FC coach formerly with Port Adelaide, – Hinkley (3) 45 Sprint record-holder, Lachlan – (7) 46 Paul McDermott hosted this satirical show, Good – – (4,4)

25 26 27 31 32 34 35 36

37 38 41

20th-century painter and etcher, Sydney – (4) Hit an unreturnable serve (4) Former Sydney Swans player, Michael – (1’8) Sydney Roosters NRLW captain, – Kelly (8) Sunrise weather presenter, – Mac (3) Tool brand stocked at Bunnings (7) Come back (6) Reno show host on 19-down’s network, Scott – (3) The Chats’ viral hit (5) Put in credentials to surf the web (3,2) Fire (a coach, say) (4)

DOWN

40 42

5 6

7 45

9 10 11

Like Gina Rinehart or Clive Palmer, e.g. (8) Aussie actress in The Pitt, – Azeez (7) Longest-serving politician currently in parliament, – Katter (3) Aboriginal people of the Newcastle area (8) Rocky hill (3) Entice (5)

WORDFIND

No. 218

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

JUMBLE

Advance token to the nearest railroad

SECRET MESSAGE:

NRLW Sharks prop, Filomina – (6) Rugby term (4,4) Golfer, Harrison – (5) Australian supermodel, Elle – (10) Troye Sivan’s 2018 album (5) Plugs (3) Media personality and co-star of 39-across (5,6)

15 16 18 19 21

Can you find all the words listed below in the grid? The remaining letters will spell out a message.

SUDOKU

13 14 15 17 20 22 24

OLD MAID PINBALL POKER PONG POOL PYRAMIDS RISK SAMBA SHOGI SIMS SKAT SNOOKER SPADES SPORE TAG TETRIS TWISTER WII YAHTZEE

ALL FOURS BATTLESHIP BELOTE BINGO BOARD BOGGLE CANASTA CASINO CHESS CRIBBAGE DARTS DICE DOOM FIFA GOLF GOOSE GRAND THEFT AUTO HALO MONOPOLY

No. 218

Can you unscramble the words below? The circled letters will create another word.

nnlnn T E A D G nlnln nnnnn nnnnn K I N C L llnnn nnnnn U O B N D nnnln nnnnn EO H N D nnnll nnnnn llllllll MSOSY

ANSWERS: MOSSY, CLINK, HONED, GATED, BOUND (CLEANSED)

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

6 9 1 3 5 6

P I

6 7 4 9 1

4 3 7 9 9 6

WORD STEP

No. 434

E O

1 3 1

Can you work out what the missing letter is that spells an 8-letter word? It could read either clockwise or anti-clockwise.

No. 568

EIGHT AROUND No. 433

ANSWERS:

03-11-26

4 8

ANSWERS: COTTONED, CAMPSITE

ACROSS 1 4 8

8 12

CLIME

_____ _____ _____ _____ IRONY

HOW TO PLAY: 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.

ANSWERS:

No. 218 Complete the list by changing one letter at a time to create a new word at each step. There may be more than one possible answer.

ANSWER: CLIME, CLINE, CLONE, CRONE, CRONY, IRONY

Mum’s sister (4) Former Dragons secondrow, Tyrell – (8) Test cricket vice-captain, – Head (6) Marvel or People First, e.g. (7) Lightweight wood (5) 2007 Australian Idol winner (7,5) Physical novel alternative (1-4) Fierce verbal attack (9) Aussie drama with Anna Torv, – Newsreader (3) Young Scouts member (3) Aboriginal group in WA (7) Exact (7) Media company (4) Kochie’s Sunrise host partner (7,5) Call supposedly from the ATO, say (4)

1 2

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

Quick, but you pay a price By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring It’s the IM5 and if you’re wondering who or what that is, so were we. IM stands for Intelligence in Motion and it is the upmarket division of MG (like Lexus is to Toyota), with vehicles that have been developed jointly with the likes of SAIC Motor and the Alibaba Group. In Australia, the brand is known officially as IM Presented by MG Motor. Most punters however refer to the car as the MG IM5. Good luck with that. The all-electric IM5 sedan/coupe appears to be targeted primarily at the Tesla Model 3. The IM6 SUV at the Tesla Model Y.

Styling There are three grades from which to choose: Premium, Platinum and Performance. Premium is priced from $60,990, Platinum from $69,990 and Performance from $80,990 – all plus on-roads. At a glance, the three appear to be almost identical. You need to dig a little deeper to work out the differences, most of which are confined to the drivetrain department – rather than the equipment list. Premium is powered by a single electric motor that delivers 217kW of power and 450Nm of torque to the rear wheels, with a 75kWh battery and range of 490km. Mid-range Platinum is also rear-wheel drive, but with a more powerful 300kW/500Nm electric motor, and a larger 100kWh battery and range of 655km. Range-topping Performance adds all-wheel drive to the equation, with two electric motors that offer 200kW/320Nm at front and 372kW/500Nm at the rear, with a 100kWh battery and range of 575km (it takes more effort to drive four wheels). Of note Premium is built on 400-watt architecture, while Platinum and Performance share the more advanced 800-watt format that in theory means faster charging, providing you can access a compatible charger. Those range figures by the way are under the newer, more realistic WLTP testing procedure. Our test vehicle was the Performance model, apparent from the 20-inch wheels and P-Zeros plus the fact it blazes out of the gates like a Space X rocket. Creature comforts include synthetic leather, two-zone climate air with rear vents, an air quality system, heated seats front and back, plus cooling for the front, heated steering wheel, heated/cooled console box, a full-length glass roof and power operated tailgate. There’s also air suspension, LED lights front and back, push-button hands-free parking. IM5 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus eight years on the battery, with service due every 20,000km or 12 months.

Infotainment Infotainment comes in the form of dual 12.3-inch screens, with a third 10.5-inch screen that sits in the console. There’s Bluetooth, Hello IM voice control, satnav, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, CarPlay and Android Auto. Sound comes from a 20-speaker audio system that includes four small roof-mounted speakers. It’s described as a 7.4.1 setup based on the fact it has 7 x ear-level channels, 1 x subwoofer channel, and 4 x height/ overhead channels.

Iron out the niggles and MG could be on to a good thing. (Pictures: Supplied)

There’s also wireless phone charging, a card reader, three USB-C ports (2 x front and 1 x back) and a 12-volt outlet virtually hidden at the rear of the lower console.

Safety IM5 scores a full five stars for safety, with dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags standard. A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard. Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and a speed sign recognition system, are standard equipment.

Engines/transmissions Performance model boasts two electric motors, with a total 572kW of power and 820Nm of torque on tap, with drive to all four wheels via a reduction-style single-speed transmission.

Driving The IM5 is quick, that’s for sure. But it’s not the most practical car we’ve ever driven. With pop-out door handles and a key fob with a complete lack of labels, the first task is to work out how to get in and out of the thing. Sitting low to the ground, with an equally low roofline, that can require some athleticism. Rather than stick your foot in first, it’s more a case of pivoting 90 degrees and planting your bum on the seat, then swivelling sideways and swinging your legs in – being careful to duck as you do. Once in, there’s no starter button, the system is live from get-go and so it is simply a matter of moving the column-mounted gear selector up or down to select drive or reverse.

And a word of caution here. Mistaking the gear selector for the indicator stalk can send the car shooting forward, scaring the pants off you – because this engages cruise control. This oversight is not confined to the MG or IM and is really something that needs to be addressed. IM5 is 4931mm in length, 1960mm wide and 1474mm high with a 2950mm wheelbase, and weighs in at 2300kg in top spec. There’s 457 litres of luggage space in the boot with another 18 litres under the front bonnet where you’ll find the tyre repair kit secreted. Rear storage expands to 1290 litres with the second-row seats folded. A 12V outlet for that fridge is provided in the back. Depending on what grade you go for dictates the drivetrain supplied. Premium sits on 400-watt architecture with a 75kWh battery, Platinum and Performance boasts an 800-watt figure, with a larger 100kWh battery to boot. Premium and Platinum are rear-wheel drive, Performance is all-wheel drive. The easiest way to tell them apart is by the wheels. Entry Premium sits on 19s, while Platinum and Performance score 20s (the latter fitted with expensive Pirelli rubber). IM5 is equipped with what the company describes as revolutionary bi-directional rear-wheel turning technology, offering up to 12 degrees of rear-wheel articulation. First off, it’s been around off and on for almost 40 years, since its introduction with the third-generation Honda Prelude 4WS in 1987. Mazda also offered it at one stage. An industry-leading feature, MG says this advanced system dramatically reduces the turning circle and transforms the driving experience, making it comparable to that of a compact hatchback. It helps, but let’s not get carried away – if the effect was that dramatic it would be standard on just about every car.

The 10.5-inch touchscreen in the centre console is better described as the control screen, because just about everything is operated from here. That wouldn’t be so bad if the controls and their locations were more intuitive. Two roller buttons are also provided on the steering wheel but are not labelled. We were unable to find a control for something as simple as resetting the trip computer which says a lot. Shaped like a car, the key fob has no attachment points, so can’t be added to a key ring and runs the risk of ending up in the wash. At times, it simply refused to work. Every time we got into the car, we were accosted by a privacy nag that required ticking a box and hitting another button before control screen access was granted. Then there’s the satnav. To get it working you have to pull over, put it in Park, tick another box, scan a QR code, then read and sign off on a privacy statement – we just couldn’t work out how. Most of the time we also had to manually reconnect our phone because the system simply ignored it. Talk about frustrating. Rear and over-the-shoulder vision is a challenge, particularly through the tiny rear window, which is better described as a porthole. Then there’s the incessant bings and bongs from the various driver warning systems. As a temporary fix, put a band aid over the camera that is mounted on the driver’s side roof pillar. Buy the car and we’d recommend surgery. The dash from 0-100km/h can be dispatched in a Ferrari-quick 3.2 seconds, with a top speed of 268km/h. Energy consumption is a claimed 19.7 kWh/100km (we were getting 20.5 kWh after more than 350km of mixed driving). While ride quality is impressive thanks to adaptive air suspension and continuous damping system fitted, the car feels more at home on the super smooth pavement offered by the motorway. This despite the staggered, ultra-low profile 245/40 and 275/35 series Pirelli P-Zeros. It’s also incredibly quiet in the cabin thanks in large part to noise cancelling technology. Like other high-performance EVs, the IM5 is almost unbeatable off the line, making short work of all comers. On the rise and fall of country roads, however, it feels disconnected and unpredictable at times, lacking the connection between car and driver. Cornering as such is not the problem, it’s setting up the car for the corners that is the challenge. Braking is a bit of a lottery, not so much in effect but more in application – sometimes they bite hard, sometimes they don’t. It’s problematic. Sure, the IM5 goes fast, not so much around corners but in a straight line – but at the end of the day is that enough?

Summing up The IM5 is a lot of cars, it’s just not the car for us. We’d also consider the Platinum variant, which is also pretty quick and has the advantage of greater range at 655km. Iron out the niggles, make the info system more intuitive, get rid of the constant driver warnings and MG could be on to a good thing. By the way, we’re still waiting to hear why the doors on the Cyberster won’t open when the car is parked on a slope.

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Newport Rams’ Aaron Robson. 587538 04

Werribee Centrals’ Luke Simpson. 587529 01

Sunshine Heights letting the clothes dry out following rain. 587527 05

Footscray’s Ben Roonsenboom. 587518 08

Avoiding the spring rain Wet weather again marred weekend sport, with several games not going ahead having disruptions. Star Weekly

photographer Ties Urie was able to find some of the action that went ahead on Saturday.

Williamstown Imperials’ Callum Herron. 587526 05

Sunshine Heights’ Chien Mayoum and Noah Ramsey. 587527 06

Footscray Angliss’ Hugo Wozniak. 587529 18

Gellibrand’s Will Espley. 587526 02

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Dylan Brasher helps dry the pitch. 587518 12

Seddon’s Adrian Neill. 587523 01

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Titans starting to grow By Tara Murray North Western Titans’ new direction is playing off in the Baseball Victoria summer league so far. After having just one men’s team and one junior team last season, the Titans have seen an influx of numbers this year which has seen the club have massive growth in its sides. “We’ve now got four junior teams and three senior teams, including a women’s side,” men’s coach Nick Conroy said. “We’re building up and it’s extremely exciting. “We have a lot of first year players who we are teaching the fundamentals and

we’re helping them grow and love the game like us who have been there for a while.” Conroy said seeing their women’s program return this season, along with the growth in the juniors showed they were going in the right direction. “The committee has changed the direction with the way we’re going and it looks promising,” he said. “The juniors are doing really well. We’ve had some tied games and we’ve had some losses. “Everyone is hitting the ball, which is great. We need to tighten up our defence but it’s still early days.” Wet weather has limited the action so far for the Titans, with some matches called

off due to rain in the first month. There was again rain on the weekend which played havoc. The club’s top men’s side has gone up a division this season and is playing in state 3 west, after making a grand final last season. Conroy said it was exciting for the playing group. He said they want to build on last season. “We’ve moved up to state league 3 and 4,” he said. “It’s most definitely exciting. “As much as last season hurts, it was a good achievement for everyone in the club. “We want to bring home a flag, but we want to celebrate the small wins as well. “The returnees from last season, it lit a bit of a fire under them to keep doing the

Chan reaps the rewards

Baker stands down

By Tara Murray Taylors Hill volleyball player Denise Chan has a new found love of spending time on the court. After a back injury ruined a lot of her 2025 season, Chan has found her way back to the court and started to show why she is one of the best young talents in the country. “It was really tough, mainly mentally tough,” she said. “No matter what I did physically I just couldn’t get back on the court which was really hard. “I got through it, and it’s really great now.” Chan said her weekly rehab routine included pilates, swimming and going to the gym three times a week. Once she was back on court it was slow going. “When I was trying to get back on the court it would be 30 minutes of volleyball and that wouldn’t even be on the court,” she said. “It would be easy touches.” Chan, who has already played for Australia, returned to the court in November last year and was quickly back winning gold, helping her school, the Maribyrnong Sports Academy win a competition. She admits to being rusty, but had a good team around her. Chan’s focus then turned to making the Victorian squad for the national championships in September. She didn’t know what to expect. “I was really hoping to,” she said. “I just did a lot of training and had to focus throughout training as I couldn’t fully train, I could only do two a week. “I had to make the most of what I had. “I was honestly really stressed out and worried if I would get in, but I did and it worked out and I’m really happy about that. “I wasn’t fully expecting it, but I was trying my best.” Chan said it was special to play with all of her friends at the national championships. Victoria won gold but it wasn’t without drama for Chan. “I had a flare up on my back,” she said. “During warm up I went to pick up a ball and I bent over and had a spasm in my back and I felt like I couldn’t move. “I had to sit out two games and work with the physio, do pool recovery. “I ended up getting to play the semis and final for a little bit and won gold which was great.” Chan, who is currently doing rehab, knows that she will have to continue to watch her back throughout her career. She’s now turned her attention to year 12

hard work.” The Titans men’s state league 3 west side had a bye on the weekend. After four rounds, the Titans sit ninth without a win. It will face Footscray this coming Sunday. On Saturday in the women’s regional west competition, the Titans had a 13-10 loss to Ballarat. Ballarat scored three runs in the first innings before the Titans led by one run after six innings. A 7-2 sixth innings guided Ballarat to the win. After four rounds, the Titans sit in ninth spot with one win.

Denise Chan. (Supplied)

exams. Then she’ll start thinking about what comes next. “I’m getting back my full fitness,” she said. “I’m just trying to improve and see where I can go to. “I’m looking at US colleges potentially,

or trying to get to the highest level again. “I’ll do whatever makes me the best player I can be. “Whether that’s in the US, trying and playing at the highest level in college or back in Australia and representing Victoria and Australia in the future.”

Melton Wolves coach Brad Baker has stepped down, ending a legacy that has lasted more than 10 years at the American Football Victoria club. The Wolves announced that Baker had coached his final game as head coach on 24 October as he embarks on a new journey with his family. “After 11 years of being part of our club, including approximately nine years leading our team as head coach, Brad leaves behind something far greater than wins, losses or championships,” the club said. “He leaves behind a family, a brotherhood and a legacy that will forever be part of who we are. “Brad, how do you begin to thank someone who has given so much of themselves to a club? “For over a decade, you’ve given us your time, your knowledge, your passion and, above all else, your heart. “You’ve been there through the victories we’ve celebrated, the defeats that have tested us and the difficult times when walking away would have been the easier option. “But you never stopped believing in the Wolves.” The Wolves said that Baker believed in what the club could become and the people involved could do. They said he was more than a coach, he was also a mentor, a role model, a friend and someone people could turn to both on and off the field. “Some of the greatest things you’ve achieved at this club will never appear on a scoreboard,” the Wolves said. “They’re found in the confidence you’ve given a young player, the lessons you’ve taught, the friendships you’ve created and the lives you’ve helped shape. “Throughout your journey, you’ve helped shape the culture, the values and the identity of the Melton Wolves. The loyalty, resilience, respect and brotherhood that we pride ourselves on today are all part of the legacy you leave behind. “Our boys had the privilege of sending Brad off with one final victory at the Bendigo Show. But as special as that win was, the greatest victory was seeing the love, respect and appreciation surrounding a man who has given so much to our club.”

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Ozzie Tart and Douglas strike By John Dunne In just 30 seconds during the running of the Logical Staffing Solutions Tatlow Stakes on Saturday night, Daryl Douglas reminded racegoers that he sits comfortably among the premier reinsmen in the country. Douglas was aboard the Julie Douglas-trained Ozzie Tart, who settled three horses back along the pegs behind Catch The Captain, who worked to the lead with 1600 metres to travel. Douglas somehow extricated Ozzie Tart from the pegs at the 400-metre mark before running up behind the leaders around the home turn. Douglas then veered back to the inside,

where a gap appeared behind Catch The Captain, and he was able to secure a run back along the inside. Ozzie Tart charged through to grab victory by half a head. After the race, Douglas revealed the filly overcame difficulties to win. “She did a good job as she carried a flat tyre for the last 1000 metres of the race,” Douglas said. “I had a bit of luck on the home turn when the gap opened up, when I really had nowhere to go, and then was able to get up along the inside,” he said. With 4753 career wins beside his name, including 16 Group 1 victories, the 53-yearold Douglas has opted to combine his driving duties with full-time work for the past 10

years. “It works for me and besides, I don’t get as many speeding fines these days,” he quipped. The Steven Loftus-prepared Ghost Of Time firmly entrenched himself in the state’s open-class ranks when he scored an upset win, accounting for several multiple Group 1 winners in the Hygain Edge Free For All. Sent out an outsider of the field behind the favourite, Bulletproof Boy, Ghost Of Time settled three back along the pegs before Ryan Sanderson eased into the clear around the home turn. Ghost Of Time produced a slick turn of foot in the home straight before getting the verdict on the line by half a head from Hes

From Heaven, with Bulletproof Boy four metres away in third in a mile rate of 1:55.2. Sanderson said the breaks went his way for a change. “He probably hasn’t had a lot of luck in transit in his past few runs and things haven’t gone his way, but tonight, with the tempo that was on, with a nice pegs run and one last crack at them, he really swelled up nicely and gave it his best run,” Sanderson said. Ghost Of Time was unplaced in two runs at Albion Park during a brief stint in Brisbane in August. “He had a big trip to Queensland, so to see him come back and win and get back to the form that he was in last year is good for Steve and the team,” he said.

WFL female comps grow

Isaac Bird. (Valerius Boenawan)

Storm slowly building, new players settle in By Tara Murray Sydenham-Hillside is hoping that things are starting to come together in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division. Having a number of new players this season, the Storm has only one win on the board from its first three matches which includes a disappointing loss to Craigieburn. Coach Anthony Alleyne said they felt they had been a bit unlucky with coin tosses and the weather so far. “The new guys that have come in have been great to have around the club,” he said. “It’s only a matter of time before we start to get the results.” Isaac Bird, Dan Lincoln and Jurgen William Andersen are three experienced players that have come into the side while Shayne Moseley is another player with first class experience. “They have been great so far,” Alleyne said. “They’ve come from really high levels and it’s good to have that experience as we have a lot of juniors around the club.”

On Saturday, the rain and weather again played its part with the Storm hosting Airport West St Christopher’s. The match got underway and the Storm finished the day at 9-201 off 68 overs. Isaac Bird top scored with 49 while Agamjot Sandhu scored 36 not out coming in at number nine. “At times we get control and then lose wickets at key times,” Alleyne said. “We had a few starts but we lost a few wickets at the wrong times. “We were on the wrong side of some decisions and sometimes they go your way and other times they don’t.” The Storm can bat on day two and Alleyne said they would look to put as many runs on the board as they can. Sandhu will be the key as the Storm tries to push the total towards 250. “We’ll see how much we can put on the board and then see what we can do with the ball.” A win here would bring the Storm back to 2-2 for the season. Alleyne said while it was still early in the season, they were hoping they could kick

24 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 November, 2026

on their season from here. “We’re more than happy with the players we’ve got,” he said. “We’re all training together and growing as a group.” In the McNamara Shield, Caroline Springs finished day one against PEGS, 8-223 from 76 overs. Ashen Abeykoon finished with 77 off 83 balls after coming in at number eight. Flynn Rice finished 46 not out. The two sides both entered the match undefeated. In the Roy Picone Shield, Melton South Royals have a big run chase on their hands if they are to remain undefeated. Point Cook Centrals finished day one at 6-317. Sameera Vithana took four wickets for the Royals. In the Clark Shield, Burnside Springs United are 5-21 in reply to Sunshine YCW’s 88. Meanwhile, Melton Centrals are 0-12 in reply to Glenroy’s 155 in the Russell Pollock Shield. Chris Willoughby took 6-36 for Centrals.

The Western Football League is set to expand its female football programs, with under-19 and under-8 girls competitions to be launched for 2027. The league plans to field a standalone under-19 women’s competition, after struggling for teams in that age group the past two seasons. Western teams have played in the Essendon District Football League under-19 girls competition the last two years, with not enough sides to have a WFL competition. Caroline Springs and Point Cook have both won premiers in the EDFL the past two seasons. The WFL competition is intended to provide more playing opportunities for participants across the west and strengthen the pathway into senior football. In 2017, the league fielded a standalone under-18 girls competition for the first time, which grew to 10 teams in 2019 before it dropped two six or less teams in the seasons following Covid until 2024. Altona, Caroline Springs, Manor Lakes, Point Cook, Werribee Centrals and Yarraville Seddon are intending to field under-19 teams in 2027. The under-8 girls competition is designed as an entry-level pathway supporting girls transitioning from Auskick as well as girls brand new to the game. The competition will focus on delivering an enjoyable match-day experience, with smaller team sizes compared to under-10 girls footy, which will maximise involvement, along with no tackling to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for players of all abilities. Currently, Point Cook, St Bernard’s and Williamstown Juniors have expressed interest in having under-8 girls teams. “The Western Football Netball League is committed to continuing the growth and development of women’s and girls’ football across our region,” the league said. “The league has renewed its commitment to the women and girls community football charter and adopted the WFNL women and girls growth strategy, which aims to create more opportunities for women and girls to participate in football. “Being able to field these two age groups will complete the female football pathways from Auskick to senior women’s and reinforce the WFNL’s dedication to growing, supporting, and celebrating female participation across all levels of the league.”

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Strong start for Mustangs By Tara Murray Melton is working on the small things as it aims to take the next step in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1 competition. The Mustangs last season finished top before exiting finals in straight sets in a disappointing end. With a few changes and even more motivation, coach Matt Blackburn says they feel they are in an even better position. “The motivation is high,” he said. “We’ve made a few changes to last year’s team and I think they have been some really good changes. “Everyone is hungry to get better this year.”

Blackburn said they had a mixture of new faces and returning players this season. He said there had been five or six changes to the top side. The return of former Mustangs coach Todd Trewarne was one of the biggest additions for the side. “He’s come back from Deer Park where he was playing premier league,” Blackburn said. “Luke Hoskin from Bendigo has also come across, and he has fitted in really well. “They’ve been good in key moments and the experience of these guys when we need to put the foot down, they have helped with that.”

The Mustangs made it three wins in a row to start the season as they beat Craigieburn 93 (18)-64 (0). Blackburn said it was good to get the 18 points away on grass, which they don’t play often on. He said it was something that they couldn’t do last season. Blackburn’s rink had a 27-16 win, Trewarne’s rink won 25-18, while Todd Blackburn’s won 20-15 and Hoskin’s won 21-15. It was a second straight 18-0 win for the Mustangs. Blackburn said the focus for them this season was to ensure they’ve got consistency across the whole match. “The first 10 ends are important for us,” he said. “Last year at times we were in the

game or leading, and they dropped off like we did in finals. “We have to get a lead and keep it or even extend it. “In the key moments we need to know when to go or not to go.” Blackburn said they were keen to get as many wins on the board early as they could to put themselves in good position come the Christmas break. “We have a lot more to give,” he said. “We’re still getting used to a few people and we’ll look to get that sorted before Christmas.” Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh is the other undefeated team, beating Club Sunbury 2 in a thriller. Bacchus Marsh won, 79 (14)-78 (4).

SPORTS SHORTS EDFL A Hillside premiership hero will return to the field in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division next year, but with a different team. Thorneycroft was the hero for the Sharks in 2025, when she smothered a shot on goal from Oak Park after the siren to win the premiership. Thorneycroft didn’t play this season. Reigning premiers Strathmore announced that Thorneycroft, who had previously been at the club, was returning in 2027. “Ash joins our program as both a player and backline coach, bringing an incredible wealth of experience from her VFLW [Victorian Football League women’s] playing and coaching career,” the Mores said.

Ballarat FL

Alex Porter. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 462439_07

Bulls finding form as they look for early wins By Tara Murray Bacchus Marsh showed some positive signs as it has an early crucial season match against Napoleons Sebastopol in the Ballarat Cricket Association. Sitting 1-2 after the opening month of the season, the Bulls are well aware that early season wins are important as they try and return to the top four after missing out last year. The Bulls find themselves in a solid position after day one of their clash, bowled out for 241 in the 78th over. Coach Sam Crea said they had made a real focus of trying to bat out their 80 overs and they just about completed that. “At the start of the day, I would have been happy with it,” he said. “We were 2-200 and then to be bowled out for 241 was not ideal. “Looking at the glass half full, it’s a pretty competitive score.” Alex Porter set up the innings as he made 105 at the top of the order. Crea said he showed why he is a superstar of the competition.

He said they had told the top order that at least one of the top four had to go on and make a big score. “You know what you’re going to get from him,” Crea said of Porter. “He is phenomenal for us. He could have gone and played at a higher level, but he loves Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club and we’re fortunate to have him.” Match day wasn’t without drama for the Bulls, with fellow opener Jayden White-Powell withdrawing with Covid. It left Crea scrambling for an opener on Saturday morning. With not a lot of options, Crea, who is more known for his bowling, came in and managed to score 49. “I’m not meant to be playing properly until Christmas with a sore ankle,” he said. “We didn’t have a lot of choices and I thought I would have a crack at the role. “That’s all I ask for the boys and that is what I did.” Crea said they would have a challenge on their hands on day two of the match. He said this match was pretty important. “We are 1-2 and played some pretty good

sides in the first two games,” he said. “We want to be around the mark and if we can go 2-2 we will be back around the finals hunt. “Napoleons are a competitive side and they look like they have improved and bat super deep. “Bowling is one of our strengths and we back ourselves to be as competitive as we can.” In a positive for the Bulls, they have an under-18 turf side for the first time which is playing in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association. Crea is also coaching that side. “Playing in the BCA, you don’t get a lot of opportunities to play on turf, so we jumped at the opportunity,” Crea said. “Turf cricket is the pinnacle of playing cricket. It will help them as cricketers and as a club.” The match was the only one in the top flight to get underway on Saturday due to the rain. All the other matches, including Darley’s match with Buninyong, are now one-dayers this Saturday.

Reigning premiers have received a boost with a two-time league best and fairest winner returning to the side for next year’s Ballarat Football League women’s side. Having announced that 90 per cent of their premiership team has recommitted, the Devils announced that Lilli Condon is returning to the club. Condon had this season off while travelling. Condon had won the league best and fairest in 2024 and 2025 and received one of the best on ground medals in the 2025 grand final despite carrying an ankle injury.

Ballarat NL Darley has locked in its coaching panel for next year’s Ballarat Netball League season. Coming off back-to-back premierships, Shannon Blackman has bee reappointed head coach. A-grade players Olivia Cawthray and Jaimee Smith will also b e part of the coaching panel. “All three of these women have been staples in building the strong and much envied netball department the Devils operate today, dedicating countless hours and pouring extensive netball knowledge into building skilled and talented netballers,” the Devils said. Shannon is set to lead the A, B, C and D Grade sides, with Olivia heading the under-19s and assistant coach of the C-grade. “Jaimee Smith has been appointed coach of the E Grade and Assistant Coach of the D-grade.”

VSDCA Melton lost a thriller against Ivanhoe in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west. The Lions made 9-194 from 37 overs, with the innings shortened due to rain. Ivanhoe made the runs with one ball remaining, finishing 9-197.

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Saturday 14th November - 11am to 3pm