Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 8th July 2025

Young triple-0 hero

By Oscar Parry

When Harkness resident Emelia Jenkins’ mother Kristina Parkhill fell unconscious, Emelia sprung into action, called triple-0, and remained calm to follow instructions before the ambulance arrived.

Now, she is one of 19 young people across the state who received a Triple Zero VictoriaJuniorTripleHeroAwardthisyear.

Ms Parkhill, who has type one diabetes, became unconscious due to low blood sugar.

She just got more brave and did everything that the dispatcher told her to do

- Kristina Parkhill

She said that as she had taught Emelia the actions to take in an emergency since she was 4.

Emelia, who was nine-years-old at the time of the call, tried to remain calm and knew exactly what to do.

According to Triple Zero Victoria, Emelia told call-taker Laura Bennett that her mother was unresponsive – painting “a really clear picture of what was happening withhermum”aheadofambulancearrival – and followed all instructions to perform a breathing check.

“[I] taught her how to unlock my phone, call triple-0, [and] how to open the front door with keys to let in paramedics and to let them know what my medical condition is,” Ms Parkhill said.

“I listened to her call [recording], and at the start of the call, she sounded … really

scared and like she was about to start crying, but then as the call progressed, she just got more brave and did everything that the dispatcher told her to do – like check mybreathing,”shesaid.“She’sverymature for her age and quick-thinking. Her little brother was there at the time, he would have been six … [she] said he did nothing … he was watching Peppa Pig!”

Ms Parkhill said Emelia was proud and very excited to receive the award, counting downthedaysuntilshereceivedhermedal and bringing it to school to show other students on Friday, July 4. Emelia received her medal at the Melbourne Museum on Wednesday, July 2, with all recipients receiving their awards alongside the triple-0 call-takers who responded to the young heroes’ calls.

“She really wanted to meet Laura [Bennett] — Laura was the dispatcher who took the call and nominated Emelia,” she said.

Ms Parkhill said Emelia wanted to encourage other students at her school that “they can do the same thing – they can be brave too.”

Emelia Jenkins with Triple Zero Victoria call-taker Laura Bennett. (Gavin Blue Photography)

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Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

Council 2025/26 budget adopted

A $225.8 million capital works program is at the heart of Melton City Council’s 2025/26 budget, delivering additional leisure facilities, new community buildings, major road upgrades, increased pathway connections, and more to support our growing community.

We will also continue to invest in more than 100 services that support residents of all ages – from waste collection and libraries to community events, and more. The average rates increase is 3 per cent, in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap for this financial year. A $90 pensioner rebate is again available to eligible property owners.

To view the budget in full visit melton.vic.gov.au/budget

Key highlights include:

Major Projects

$45.3 million for construction of Cobblebank Community Services Hub

$27.8 million to commence construction of Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre

Playspaces

$11.17 million to upgrade 26 local playspaces

Cambrian Ward with Cr Bob Turner

The winter school holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time for families across the City of Melton to connect, explore, and make special memories together.

This year’s school holiday program is bursting with activities designed to bring joy to children and young people of all ages. From crafting and cooking, to storytelling, sports, or simply making new friends, there’s something for everyone. Our local libraries are cosy hubs of creativity with free events like Storytime, games, arts and crafts, and even boxing to keep the kids active indoors.

Children’s and Community Centres

$8.4 million to complete construction of Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre

$7.6 million to commence construction of Deanside Children’s and Community Centre

Recreation Reserves

$5.9 million for the redevelopment of the sportsground at Taylors Hill Recreation Reserve

$3.8 million to complete the Macpherson Park Rugby Pavilion

$2.5 million to reconstruct the Arnolds Creek tennis courts

Road projects

$9.7 million towards Taylors Road corridor upgrades

$2.8 million for turning lanes at Exford Road car park and Murphys Road

$1.9 million to upgrade the Exford Road/ Wilson Road and Exford Road/ Northcott Street intersection

Last edition I mentioned our 2025/26 Budget had been endorsed with an ambitious capital works program of a $225.8 million, our largest yet. You can see the key projects and budget areas in the article on this page.

One of the projects included in this year’s budget is Deanside Children’s and Community Centre. In exciting news, we recently received confirmation of $9 million in Victorian Government funding for the construction of the facility, as part of the Building Blocks Partnership Fund.

Once complete, the new centre will deliver vital early childhood and family services, including 3- and 4-year-old funded kindergarten and maternal child health services. It will also be a community hub where residents will be able to participate in a range of programs and events.

We are very appreciative of this generous contribution from the Victorian Government to help deliver this vital project for the fast-growing Deanside community and ensure some of our City’s youngest residents have access to the early childhood supports they need to thrive.

Young people aged 12 to 25 can join our Youth Holiday Program for exciting outings like ice skating and escape rooms or get hands-on with tie-dye workshops and cooking classes.

Community spaces like Cobblebank Stadium and Caroline Springs Leisure Centre are buzzing with energy too.

Our much loved Get Activated program invites local kids to try their hand at a range of sports, supported by our fantastic local clubs. Meanwhile, little ones can climb, dance, and play in our pre-school play areas.

We’re also proudly celebrating NAIDOC Week (Sunday 6 July

– Sunday 13 July) with family-friendly cultural activities. Share in the stories, song and dance of First Nations culture with Didgeridoo Australia, get creative with a boomerang art workshop, and help paint a community mural that reflects our shared values.

Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays and melton.vic.gov. au/NAIDOC

You can contact me regarding Cambrian Ward or Council related issues by calling 0412 584 224 or emailing bob.turner@melton.vic.gov.au

Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors

This week, I’m looking forward to welcoming over 500 new Australian citizens in three special citizenship ceremonies. With more than a third of our residents born overseas — representing 160 nations and speaking over 167 languages — we are privileged to live in a wonderfully diverse community where we can learn from each other’s unique experiences and traditions.

For all of you taking a break for winter school holidays, enjoy and stay warm!

You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic.gov. au or on 0437 231 680.

Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli Cr Kathy Majdlik Cr Brandi Morris Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Cr John Verdon Cr Dr Phillip Zada

Servo application lodged

A real estate agent is concerned an application for an independent service station in Melton is not getting “priority”, with MPs backing the establishment of an independent service station in the suburb.

Star Weekly understands that a planning application for an independent service station at 136-144 Coburns Road, Melton, was submitted to Melton council April 25, with the site sold by Pear Real Estate agency.

Pear Real Estate commercial real estate agent Adam Gill said he began looking for sites in Melton suitable for an independent petrol station after speaking with Hawke MP

Sam Rae.

“He suggested that we need an independent petrol station to bring the prices down to create competition, so that’s what led to me looking for sites and seeing the opportunity – because all these petrol stations in Melton seem to have these [high] prices,” Mr Gill said.

He said that as soon as one discount fuel retailer comes into Melton, others will be forced to reduce their prices due to competition.

Mr Gill feels the planning application submittedtocouncilisnotbeingprioritised.

“I would say that this application – given the unjust petrol prices that people are facing – should have been a priority for the council staff …. It’s having a devastating effect on disposable income … in Melton. The staff need to explain why this isn’t a priority,” Mr Gill said.

Melton MP Steve McGhie said he encourages Melton council to approve permits for independent operators to enter the fuel market in Melton.

Star Weekly understands Mr Rae has also advocated to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to in-

St Bernard’s Parish Primary School Bacchus Marsh teacher Nathan Williamson and a group of students who participated in the school’s Great Shave 2025 fundraiser. (Damjan Janevski). 488004_01

St Bernard’s Great Shave for a great cause

A group of students and staff from a Bacchus Marsh primary school have shaved their heads to raise funds for cancer research and are calling on the community to consider making a donation.

Students from St Bernard’s Parish Primary School took part in a ‘Great Shave’ fundraising event at the school’s gymnasium on Wednesday, July 2.

St Bernard’s school captain and grade six student Talisha said she and another school captain, Tom, got the idea for the Great Shave when discussing ideas of initiatives they could organise to help others.

“We decided on organising a fundraiser, we listed different ideas on what we could

fundraise for and chose to raise money for cancer and leukaemia. We liked the idea of a head shave,” Talisha said.

“For me personally it is very close to my heart and I wanted to raise money to help those affected and to raise awareness,” she said.

Talisha also made a speech at the event.

“In my speech I talked about the difference between cancer and leukaemia, that it was close to my heart and losing my nan, grandma, another grandparent and a family friend and that I want to be an oncologist when I’m older,” she said.

Her brother, Jaxon (grade 5), also took part in the fundraiser as one of the shavers.

“My favourite part about being involved in the great shave was helping to raise money for people affected by cancer. I also did it for my nan and grandma who I lost to cancer,” Jaxon said.

“The community can help support our great shave by donating big or small. Every little bit helps. If they can not donate they can help by sharing our fundraiser with family and friends.”

Funds raised will go towards Cancer Council Victoria for cancer research, support, and prevention activities.

Details: fundraising.cancervic.org.au/ fundraisers/StBernards/st-bernard--sgreat-shave-2025

vestigate fuel prices in Melton and has written to the relevant minister to flag the issue.

A Melton spokesperson said the council understands the community’s interest in this application and its outcome.

“Council has clear and thorough processes for reviewing all planning applications to make sure we have all of the information we need to make an informed decision and ensure we are complying with any legislative requirements,” the spokesperson said.

“This application is currently within the 60-day statutory assessment period.”

New program to prevent crime

A new community initiative targeting youth disengagement and crime prevention has launched in Melbourne’s north-west.

The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is designed to support 10 to 17-year olds who are at risk of, or currently engaged in, the justice system.

Over two years, up to 100 young people will participate in the program delivered by Saints Education in collaboration with Brimbank council, neighbourhood houses, Victoria Police, the Department of Education and The Youth Junction Inc. Saints Knowledge Institute director Dr Karen Hart said the organisation is seeing the program as a “soft re-entry back into education”.

“There are concerningly high numbers of primary school children who are just attending school spasmodically, or not at all,” she said.

“The intention is to reintegrate [children and young people] back into their mainstream school, another education environment or to Saints College …What we want is a tangible outcome.”

The YEP consists of five Intensive Mini-Projects (IMPs).

Sessions are scheduled outside school hours – afternoons, evenings, and weekends – when young people are most vulnerable to risk-taking or criminal activity.

After completing an IMP, young people receive an additional six months of ongoing monitoring and support.

To

A call to donate life

A Taylors Hill resident, whose late husband donated his corneas after his death, is urging the community to consider registering as an organ and tissue donor this month.

DonateLife – Australia’s national program aimed at increasing organ and tissue donation – hosts an annual awareness raising week to call on Australians to consider registering as organ or tissue donors. This year, DonateLife Week runs from July 27 to August 3.

Melissa Garwood’s husband Lynden Thorogood donated his corneas to two recipients following his death from terminal bowel cancer in 2023 at age 33 after a diagnosis in mid-2022.

Prior to his diagnosis, Lynden had expressed to Melissa his wish to donate his organs and was a registered organ donor.

Due to his diagnosis, Lynden was informed that he was ineligible to donate, but Melissa said it was through a conversation with one of his childhood friends who worked for DonateLife that they discovered he could still donate his corneas.

“He was an organ donor – that was something he wanted to do as a person,” Melissa said.

“[It was] the last time he was really happy about anything. There was so much obviously to be sad about at the time … his face lit up … that was the last time I would see he was happy.”

Donating through The Lions Eye Donation Service, Melissa said a representative from the organisation contacted her to let her know that two transplants to two younger men were successful.

“The only way that he was [able] to donate his corneas is because I knew his

wishes so clearly … we’d talked about organ donation when he was well enough,” Melissa said.

“Having the discussion about organ donation with family is really important, and really considering and registering for or-

gan and tissue donation – it’s a wonderful thing to be able to give life, or something almost equally as important like eyesight, to another individual like what Lynden did.”

Details: donatelife.gov.au

Heritage study panel requested

A proposal to apply a heritage overlay to 106 individual places and seven heritage precincts across several towns in Moorabool received 12 submissions, with council requesting consideration by an independent planning panel.

At Moorabool’s July 2 council meeting, councillors voted in favour of requesting the planning minister to establish an independent planning panel to consider the 12 submissions received to a planning scheme amendment to apply a heritage overlay to 113 places of cultural significance across Moorabool. These include 106 individual places and seven heritage precincts across Ballan, Blackwood, Bungaree, Gordon, Lal Lal, Millbrook and Wallace.

The amendment would also include removing the heritage overlay from three individual heritage places that are to be included in new precincts. It implements the findings of a stage of the West Moorabool Heritage Study review by Plan Heritage in May 2021.

A total of 12 submissions were received during the exhibition period from March 13 to April 30.

Once the submissions have been considered by the independent planning panel, the planning scheme amendment will be reported back to the council for consideration.

Lynden Thorogood and Melissa Garwood. (Supplied).

A creative way to fundraise

A Melton primary school was recognised by theGoodFridayAppeal,followingaseriesof fundraising events involving students, staff, andparents.

On Thursday, June 12, student leaders and staff from Arnolds Creek Primary School in Melton were invited to the Good Friday Appeal Impact Celebration in Southbank, which was aimed at recognising the contribution and fundraising efforts of schoolsovertheyears.

According to the school, the event organisers were impressed by the creative ways Arnolds Creek Primary raised money.

Delivering a cheque of about $4000 for this year’s appeal, the school community raised funds through a series of initiatives including a fundraising ‘thermometer’, where each donation through the school’s fundraising link would advance the thermometer to unlock rewards at certain increments.

Some of the rewards, selected by students,

included a teacher shaving their head and then being bedazzled with glitter and beads and a day where teachers would come to schoolwearingcolourfulandcomicaloutfits.

The school also hosted a disco with a gold coindonationentry.

ArnoldsCreekactingprincipalKimGomez said that the school was “very grateful and fortunate”tobeabletodeliverthefunds.

“IknowhowclosetheGoodFridayAppeal is[totheschool],becauseweknowwe’vehad families who have gonethrough thehospital … [we] know the funds will be put to good use to continue to support families … in providing medical treatment and facilities,” MsGomezsaid.

“The process that we use is a great way to engage the community, because we really wantittobeacommunityapproach…we’ve workedtogethertoraisethefunds.

“I just feel like we were happy to get any amount … purely because we know how people in the community are struggling at themoment.”

Bacchus Marsh Intersection Upgrades

Major Road Projects Victoria is upgrading two major intersections in Bacchus Marsh on behalf of Transport Victoria.

–Main Street and Grant Street/ Gisborne Road

–Grant Street/Parwan Road and Station Street/Griffith Street.

The intersection upgrades will improve road safety, enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and provide better crossing opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Main Street and Grant Street/ Gisborne Road Intersection Upgrade will:

–replace the existing roundabout with traffic lights

–remove the existing pedestrian crossing on Gisborne Road, north of the Main Street and Grant Street/ Gisborne Road intersection.

The Grant Street/Parwan Road and Station Street/Griffith Street Intersection Upgrade will:

– replace the existing single lane roundabout with a dual lane roundabout

–add pedestrian crossings at Griffith Street and Parwan Road

–introduce a right turn ban for vehicles travelling from South Maddingley Road onto Parwan Road.

Next steps

Detailed planning and design work is currently underway, as the intersection upgrades move towards construction.

At times, there may be temporary lane closures and reduced speeds while we undertake site assessments. Traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum and busy periods will be avoided, where possible.

Planning and early works for the intersection upgrades are expected to be completed in late 2025. Major construction is expected to begin in 2026.

Briefs

Witness appeal

A 22-year-old Melton West man was seen allegedly driving and behaving erratically in Eynesbury last week, with police appealing for witnesses. Police officers were called to Wangaratta Street following reports of erratic driving, causing several near misses, about 5.50pm on Monday, June 30. The man allegedly attempted to ram and damage vehicles, before passersby – including an off-duty police officer – intervened. A scuffle ensued and it is alleged the off-duty member was assaulted. The man was restrained by good Samaritans and arrested shortly after, charged with assaulting police, resisting police, reckless conduct, unlicensed driving, and criminal damage. Police are asking drivers in the area at the time of the incident to review their dashcam. It is also understood a number of people were seen filming the incident on their phones.

Melton ward talk

Three Melton councillors – Coolibah ward councillor Brandi Morris, Mount Atkinson ward councillor Phillip Zada, and Watts ward councillor Sophie Ramsey – will be available to hear local voices a ‘Ward Talk’ from 12–1pm on Sunday, July 27 at the Bridge Road Children’s and Community Centre.

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Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Year 6 students Parker, Imani and Mauie (front) with wellbeing leader Morgan Abela, acting principal Kim Gomez and Good Friday Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan. (Supplied)

Objections to rezoning bid

By Oscar Parry

A proposal to rezone about 155 acres of farmland in Hopetoun Park for residential use received 32 submissions, with three speakers having their say at the Moorabool council chamber last week.

At the July 2 council meeting, council acknowledged the submissions to a planning scheme amendment for the Hopetoun Park north precinct and will ask the state to establish an independent planning panel to consider them.

Theamendment,exhibitedfromMarch 21 to May 4, proposes to introduce and

apply planning controls to manage a master-planned community of about 400 new lots for 1200 residents and facilitate open space and community infrastructure.

Hopetoun Park North includes land on either side of Hopetoun Road between the Western Freeway and the existing Hopetoun Park residential estate.

According to council, issues raised in the submissions included opposition to any form of residential development, requests for lot sizes to be consistent with existing lot sizes in Hopetoun Park, concerns about the loss of native habitat and impacts on local fauna, and potential

Paws, claws, and Christmas

A free Christmas in July event in Melton will unite paws, claws, and people for a family-focused community day.

Hosted at Hannah Watts Park from 11am–3pm on Saturday, July 12, the children and pet-friendly event will include free activities and food – such as a barbecue, popcorn, fairy floss, entertainment, face painting, balloons, and an animal farm.

There will also be a dog obstacle course and awards offered across the categories of ‘best-dressed’, ‘floppiest ears’, and ‘prettiest pooch.’

The event is an initiative of Melton West-based non-profit organisation the Rehmat Sandhu Foundation, which was formed in 2015 by Ravinder Kaur in honour of her son, who died in December

2014.

The organisation is an NDIS-registered provider of support services for people living with a disability and mental illness.

“Christmas in July holds a special significance in Australia, serving as a delightful way to celebrate the festive spirit during the winter months … our pets offer companionship and comfort, especially during challenging times,” Ms Kaur said.

“I have myself experienced the love of a pet – I have a cockatiel, and after Rehmat passed away, I had lost my voice, and none of the speech therapists could help me – but my cockatiel Bennu, he got my voice back,” she said. Details: tinyurl.com/mvbvjya7

negative impacts on residential amenity –particularly increased traffic.

Submitter Clare Mizzi, who spoke at the council meeting, said they opposed the amendment for multiple reasons, both personal and environmental.

“The proposed property has been used for agricultural purposes for the last … 20 years or so,” Ms Mizzi said.

“Having urban blocks so close to acreage will create an [incompatible] lifestyle. If this development is to go ahead, I urge you to consider protecting the land for future generations by amending it to mirror the surrounding area with at least three-

acre blocks dropping down to one-acre blocks.”

Hopetoun Park resident Elley Camilleri said she was disheartened by the responses to submissions, “lacking in real solutions for the residents most affected.”

Ms Camilleri said her key concerns were around removal of native flora and fauna, increased traffic entering and existing Cowans Road, and reduced privacy due to homes overlooking her property.

One of the site’s developers Ross Closter said some of the issues raised in the submissions have been resolved and some remain unresolved.

Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement (EES)

Western Renewables Link Environment Effects Statement (EES)

How to access the EES,

The Western Renewables Link’s Environment Effects Statement (EES) and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) will be available for viewing and public comment for a period of 40 business days from Monday 30 June 2025 until 22 August 2025.

AusNet will host a series of community information events throughout the exhibition period to help you understand the project, the EES process, and how to access the information that matters to you. These drop-in sessions are open to everyone; no registration is required.

The Western Renewables Link’s Environment Effects Statement (EES) and draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) will be available for viewing and public comment for a period of 40 business days from Monday 30 June 2025 until 22 August 2025. AusNet will host a series of community information events throughout the exhibition period to help you understand the project, the EES process, and how to access the information that matters to you. These drop-in sessions are open to everyone; no registration is required.

� Where to view the EES

� Where to view the EES

The EES is available on the project’s website at: westernrenewableslink.com.au/ees

The EES is available on the project’s website at: westernrenewableslink.com.au/ees

Or can be viewed in person at the following locations until 22 August.

Or can be viewed in person at the following locations until 22 August.

• State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne

• State Library, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne

• Stawell Town Hall, 59-69 Main Street, Stawell

• Stawell Town Hall, 59-69 Main Street, Stawell

• Beaufort Community Resource Centre & Library, 72 Neill Street, Beaufort

• Beaufort Community Resource Centre & Library, 72 Neill Street, Beaufort

• The Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat

• The Phoenix Building, 25 Armstrong Street South, Ballarat

• Creswick Hub, 68 Albert Street, Creswick

• Creswick Hub, 68 Albert Street, Creswick

• Daylesford Library, 33 Albert Street, Daylesford

• Daylesford Library, 33 Albert Street, Daylesford

• Ballan Council Office, 15 Stead Street, Ballan

• Ballan Council Office, 15 Stead Street, Ballan

• Lerderderg Library (Bacchus Marsh), 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

• Lerderderg Library (Bacchus Marsh), 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

• Melton Library & Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

• Melton Library & Learning Hub, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

Information sessions View the EES documents and speak with project staff and technical specialists. Feel free to drop in at any time during the times scheduled.

staff and technical specialists. Feel free to drop in at any time during the times scheduled.

Shaheen Perwaze, Divijay Singh and Simone Holdsworth and her dog Penny, and Ravinder Kaur. (Damjan Janevski). 487978_01

Information sessions View the EES documents and speak with project

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By Oscar Parry

Illegallydumpedrubbishwasagainthetalk of Melton councillors, with the council set to write to the state requesting prioritised clean-upongovernment-ownedroads.

AttheJune23councilmeeting,councillor Bob Turner called on the council to note the “ongoing and increasing community concerns and amenity impact of illegally dumped rubbish on roadsides of Victorian Government-managed roads” in Melton, andsignificantdelaysintherubbishbeing removedfromroadsidesbythestate.

It also called for the council to write to Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa

Horne to outline these concerns and request that the state prioritises funding for the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) to ensure timely removal ofillegallydumpedrubbishontheseroads inMelton.

“We have our own trouble within the [Melton municipality] cleaning up rubbish, but a lot of the major roads are run by VicRoads or the Department of Transport,”CrTurnersaid.

“It lies for weeks and months, and our community is so sick of it – and we as councillors get the backlash all the time andit’sreallynotinourjurisdiction.

“We need to be more vocal, especially

regarding other levels of government where they’ve got responsibility in these areas.”

CouncillorJulieShannonsaidthatthese state-roads are “so busy and are gateways to our beautiful city,” and supported anything council could do to “rattle the cage”inregardstotheDPTcleaningupthe rubbish“waymoreoften–orevenatall.”

Echoing these sentiments, councillor Sophie Ramsey said the rubbish takes away from the beautification of the municipality.

“I don’t know how many dumped mattresses are too many dumped mattresses,”CrRamseysaid.

‘Fantastic’ Moorabool walking and cycling trail unveiled State urged to take action

The fourth section of a proposed 5.4 kilometre walking and cycling path in Mooraboolwasopenedlastmonth.

The path now spans from Darley to the Bacchus Marsh Train station in Maddingley.

Officially opened on Saturday, June 29, the fourth stage of the Aqualink Cycling and Walking Corridor – titled Aqualink East – means that residents and visitors can now travel from Darley to Maddingley usinganon-cartransportroute.

Moorabool mayor Paul Tatchell said that the event was a “fantastic opening of this greatasset.”

“We received very positive comments at the finish line from walkers, runners, cyclists and scooters who walked

DISABILITY SERVICES

the length of Aqualink and enjoyed a sausage and a hot drink at the end,” CrTatchellsaid.

“If you didn’t have a chance to attend the opening but you’re keen for a great walk/ride from Darley to Maddingley, hit the track and schedule some stops at our exercisenodesalongtheway,”hesaid.

According to Moorabool, the Aqualink will provide better access to Bacchus Marsh’s main attractions and services and was enabled by Southern Rural Water’s recentupgradeandmodernisationproject, where new underground piping and the removal of the channel provided an opportunity to build a proposed off-road walking and cycling access and linkages throughDarleyandBacchusMarsh.

Creating positive change

Everyday Independence is helping people with disability in Melton and across Australiatolivemorefulfillinglives.

As a registered NDIS provider, Everyday Independence offers evidence-based therapies that empower children, teens, and adults to participate more fully in everyday life and make NDIS funding go further.

Thelocalteamofoccupationaltherapists, speech pathologists, physiotherapists, key workers and behaviour support practitioners delivers therapy where it counts — at home, school, work, or out in the community. By meeting people where they are, the Everyday Independence experts help them build skills and confidencetoachievetheirgoals.

Whetherit’spreparingachildforschool, supporting a teen to become job-ready, or helping adults reconnect with community life, the Everyday Independence team is passionate about lasting, meaningful change.

ThisistheEverydayWay—ateam-based, community-focused approach grounded in inclusion and real-world outcomes. For over 25 years, Everyday Independence has championed what’s possible, helping people broaden their horizons and live withgreaterindependence.

To learn more about how Everyday Independence is supporting the Melton community to create lasting positive change, visit everydayind.com.au or call 1300179131.

It will also link to an upgraded shared path from Bacchus Marsh Train Station to MainStreet.

The fifth stage of the project – Aqualink WestfromMasonsLane,BacchusMarshto Werribee River, Maddingley – is currently unfunded.

According to the council, this final stage isahighpriorityinitsadvocacyprospectus.

The finished Aqualink will connect the Lerderderg River and Werribee River corridors.

The Aqualink project has involved collaboration between the Department of Transport, Southern Rural Water and Moorabool, and a further $4.1 million grant was received from a federal road safetyprogram.

Councillor Phillip Zada said that it is quite surprising how many reports the councilreceivesaboutdumpedrubbishon assetsthatdon’tactuallybelongtocouncil. A DTP spokesperson said that the department urges everyone to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and be mindful of the impacts that roadside dumping has ontheenvironment.

Star Weekly understandsthedepartment inspected the Melton municipality boundary on June 1 with rubbish removal works scheduled to be completed by mid-this month, and $976 million was includedinthisyear’sstatebudgettowards roadmaintenanceacrossthestate.

Moorabool councillor Steve Venditti-Taylor and mayor Paul Tatchell walking on the Aqualink. (Supplied)

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ENTERNOW foryourchancetowinan8-day“RhineGetaway”cruisefortwo,departingBaselon 22November2026,includingreturnflights.Therivervoyagewilltakeyouthroughfourenchanting countries,offeringsixguidedtours,allonboardmeals,andenrichingculturalexperiences.

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MY PLACE

Audiologist Peter Vuong has worked in Melton for the past six years and enjoys working with the local community. Oscar Parry spoke with Peter about his role and his connection to the local area.

What is your connection to Melton?

I’ve been working in Melton for six years as the audiology director at Specsavers Melton,andI’mnowintomyninthyearas aqualifiedaudiologist.Overthistime,I’ve developed a strong connection with the local community, working closely with individuals and families to support their hearingandeyehealth.

What do you like most about working in Melton and with the local community?

I truly enjoy being part of a vibrant and diverse community that values health and wellbeing. Working in Melton has given me the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals in a multidisciplinary team focused on delivering accessible, high-quality care. I also appreciate the chance to engage directly with the community through educational presentations and outreach initiatives, helping raise awareness about hearingandeyehealth.

Tell us a bit about your job and what you find most interesting about audiology. As audiology director my role involves both clinical care and community health promotion. What I find most rewarding about audiology is the ability to make a

meaningful difference in people’s lives by improving their hearing and overall quality of life. I love getting to know each of my patients on a personal level ... having both audiology and optometry in one clinic offers real convenience for our patients. It allows them to manage their hearing and eye health in a single visit, whichisespeciallyhelpfulforolderadults orthosewithbusyschedules.

What are some basic things people can do to protect their hearing?

There are a few simple but important stepspeoplecantake:getregularhearing checks – especially from age 50 or if there is family history of hearing loss ... avoid prolonged exposure to loud noise and always use hearing protection when operating loud machinery ... manage your health – conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of hearing loss, so staying on top of your general health and scheduling annual hearing checks is vital. Consult [a] GP to gain better understandingofsideeffects–whichmay include hearing loss – of any prescribed medication.

FEATURING ... BACCHUS MARSH

Local, fresh and trusted

At Bacchus Marsh Local Butcher, we’re more than just a butcher shop — we’re your neighbours, your farmers, and your go-toforqualitymeatsyoucantrust.

We pride ourselves on offering traditional service with a modern touch. Whether you’re after a juicy steak for the grill, a slow-cook roast for the weekend, or something quick and tasty for a busy weeknight, we’ve got the perfect cut ready for you. Explore our value meat packs, house-made sausages, and barbecue-ready selections — all prepared fresh, in-house, by our skilled butchers includig our shazam lamb which is locally grown, family farmed, andfullofflavour.

Lookingforsomethingspecial?Justask! We’re always happy to help with cooking tips,portioning,orcustomorders.

Bacchus Marsh Local Butcher is proud to support the Ballan and Bacchus Marsh communities with seven day service, includingSundaysfrom10am–2pm.

Free Delivery to Melton on Tuesday, ThursdayandSaturday.

You’llfindBacchusMarshLocalButcher at208MainStreet,BacchusMarsh. Phone 5367 2251 or shop online at ballanlocalbutcher.com.au

Support local. Eat better. See your butchertoday.

BACCHUS MARSH LOCAL BUTCHER

We're proud to support the Ballan and Bacchus Marsh communities with 7-day service, including Sundays from 10am–2pm.

Store manager Jay Derby with a range of fresh dinner options available at Bacchus Marsh Local Butchers.

Audiologist Peter Vuong. (Supplied)

Set on just under 4 acres in a premium pocket of Strathtulloh, this breathtaking Victorian-style residence at 49 Strathtulloh Circuit combines timeless charm with modern comfort. Ideally located near Melton Reservoir, Cobblebank Station, and Eynesbury’s golf course, it offers the perfect lifestyle retreat with city convenience.

Beyond the electric gates, a grand tree-lined driveway leads to the beautifully detailed home, showcasing 11ft ceilings, hardwood floors, ornate cornices, fireplaces, and luxury brass fittings. The expansive master suite features a clawfoot bath, walk-in robe, and open fireplace. Three additional bedrooms plus a formal lounge (optional 5th bedroom) are serviced by a stunning central bathroom and powder room. The heart of the home is a designer kitchen with stone benchtops, ILVE appliances, farmhouse sink, and a butler’s pantry with a second oven.

Overlooking the spacious dining and living areas with Cheminees Philippe fireplace, this zone is ideal for family life and entertaining. Outdoors, enjoy a wraparound veranda, beautifully landscaped gardens, a four-car garage with VJ panelling and its own toilet, and a huge 25x12m shed with high clearance, 3-phase power, and its own roundabout driveway. The shed also features a self-contained 5x12m mezzanine with bedroom, kitchen, living, bathroom, and laundry—ideal for guests, business, or extended family.

Extras include: refrigerated heating/cooling, electric gates, dual garages, upgraded lighting, stone throughout, Colourbond roof, multiple living areas, and breathtaking sunset views.

A true lifestyle property with space, quality, and flexibility that’s rarely available—this is your chance to secure something special.

Sale $2,999,000 - $3,199,000 Inspect Open Time For 12th July: 2-2:20PM

Shane Spiteri 0488 980 115

9 Mia Bella Drive, Hopetoun Park

STUNNING HOME ON OVER AN ACRE WITH HUGE SHED

Located in sought-after Hopetoun Park, 9 Mia Bella Drive offers modern family living on over an acre, with easy access to Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, and Melton.

• Spacious home features a luxurious master suite with

• Walk-in robe and double vanity ensuite,

• Three additional bedrooms, multiple living areas, and a study or 5th bedroom.

• Stylish kitchen boasts 40mm stone benches, 900mm appliances, walk-in pantry, and glass splashback.

• Enjoy year-round entertaining with a large decked alfresco and expansive backyard— perfect for kids, pets, or even farm animals.

• A massive shed with high clearance and wide side access is ideal for tradies, caravans, or machinery.

• Extras include ducted heating, split system cooling, ceiling fans, walk-in linen, large laundry, double garage, and Colourbond fencing.

Private Sale: $1,539,000-$1,639,000

Contact: Shane Spiteri – 0488 980 115 OPEN TIME FOR 12TH JULY:

9 Mia Bella Drive, Hopetoun Park 10-10:20AM

Located in the sought-after Hopetoun Park Estate, this stunning home on approx. 1.25 acres offers luxury living with space to match. Perfectly positioned between Melton and Bacchus Marsh with easy freeway access, it’s ideal for families, entertainers, or hobbyists.

• Featuring a renovated master suite, multiple living areas including a theatre room, and

• A designer kitchen with 900mm appliances and walk-in pantry,

• This home blends style and function.

• Enjoy year-round entertaining with a huge alfresco, spa, pizza oven, and wraparound pergola.

• Extras include side access with electric gates, large sheds, ducted heating, evaporative cooling, solar panels, electric blinds, landscaped gardens, and more.

This is the ultimate lifestyle property— ready to move in and enjoy!

Private Sale: $1,449,000-$1,499,000

Contact: Kate McGlone – 0401 853 244

OPEN TIME FOR 12TH JULY:

53 Riverview Drive, Hopetoun Park 10:40-11AM

24 Hopetoun Park Road, Hopetoun Park

FAMILY HOME WITH SHEDDING & SELF-CONTAINED UNIT ON 1.2 ACRES

Set on 4,953m² (approx.) in popular Hopetoun Park, this versatile property offers peaceful living with easy access to Melton, Bacchus Marsh, and the freeway.

• Main home features 4 bedrooms, multiple living zones,

• A spacious kitchen with butler’s pantry, high ceilings, slate flooring, and a cozy sunroom.

• A separate 2-bedroom self-contained unit is perfect for extended family or rental income.

• Extras include a large workshop with bathroom and bedroom,

• Open-bay shed, solar, refrigerated heating/cooling, roller shutters, and a double garage.

• A rare lifestyle opportunity with space for family, work, and play!

Private Sale: $1,299,000-$1,399,000

Contact: Shane Spiteri – 0488 980 115 OPEN TIME FOR 12TH JULY: 24 Hopetoun Park Road, Hopetoun Park 11:20-11:40AM

LIFESTYLE CHANGE ON 50 ACRES?

Set on 50 acres with sweeping views, this solid 4-bedroom double brick home offers the perfect rural escape just 8km from Melton and under an hour to Melbourne CBD.

• Featuring slate flooring, a spacious timber kitchen, multiple living areas,

• And a large wraparound veranda,

• The home is designed for comfort and space.

• The master includes an ensuite and WIR,

• While the versatile 4th bedroom suits use as a studio, rumpus, or home office.

• Ideal for horse enthusiasts or business use, the land includes six paddocks, a two-sided shed, and ample water storage. Extras include town water, split system cooling, carport, and more.

A rare opportunity with lifestyle, business, and future potential.

Private Sale: $1,999,999-$2,199,000

Contact: Kate McGlone – 0401 853 244 OPEN TIME FOR 12TH JULY: 1798-1828 Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, Toolern Vale 12-12:20PM

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Melton South Community Centre

Melton South Community Centre’s term 3 program of courses is now available, with class options for all the family and all walks of life. View the program on the community centre’s website, or pick up a copy from the centre at 41 Exford Road. For enquiries and bookings, call the centre.

 meltonsouth.org.au or 9747 8576

Melton CFA

Melton CFA was formed in 1935, and this year marks its 90th year of volunteer service to the community. The brigade is looking for past members to join celebrations on the evening of Saturday, August 23, with a function at Melton Entertainment Park, 2 Ferris Road, Melton. If this is you, contact the brigade by email for more details.

 meltonfb90@gmail.com

Movie night

A free screening of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe will be hosted at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall on Friday, July 11 from 10am. A free community event, the screening of this film with spiritual themes will be followed by discussion. All thoughts are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sandwich. Tea and coffee will be provided. The Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall is located at 19a Gisborne Road, Bacchus March.

 facebook.com/BacchusMarshAnglican

Ladies Probus

The Probus Club of Melton Ladies meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Melton Country Club. It is a social club where all ladies are welcome.

 Glenda, 0418 504 616

Grief Education Group

Described as “a group of people grieving the death of a loved one,” the Grief Education Group provides grief education, discussion and support at Melton Health on Wednesdays for six weeks from August 6 to September 10. If interested, please call Melton Health Intakes.

 9747 7609

Flower and Garden Show

Save the date for a local family event on the weekend of October 25 and 26 for the Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show. Flowers, produce, crafts, photo competitions, plant sales, children’s activities, and more!

 bmflowershow.org

Women Working Together

A program connecting women aged 50 above in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Melton.

 9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au

Over-50s Sunday games

Life Activities Club Melton is running a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. A newly-created friendly group which enjoys sharing a laugh and making new friends. Everyone is welcome because “life is better together”.

 Denise, 0403 840 241

Darley Neighbourhood House

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

 www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 5367 4390

Zonta club

Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers.

 Janet, 0421 080 923, or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au

Melton Over 50s Social Group

Join a friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.

 Marlene, 0498 329 290

Rose carers of Maddingley Park

The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .

 Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538

Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club

Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

 Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com

Melton Valley Ladies Probus

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.

 Ann, 0425 705 150

Sewing in Melton

If you love sewing, head on down to the Melton South Community Centre! Bring along your machine and materials and make new friends as you swap tips and work on your own projects. 9.30am-3pm each Tuesday. Each session costs five dollars.

 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 each month and no bookings are required.

 Sue, 0400 082 413

Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens

The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens looks forward to meeting up with new members 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 to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.

 Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366

Melton Concert Band Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community

Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who are able to read music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.

 0401 474 582

Cancer Support Group

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

 Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chatty Cafe Melton

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

 https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

Melton Men’s Group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre at 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join them for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including, carpet bowls, pool, table tennis, cards and chess.  Trevor, 0404 494 649 or meltonmensgroup.home.blog

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Emmanuel College students: Sam, Maja, Matthew and Kayleigh who took part in a winter sleepout. (Damjan Janevski) 487099_01

Two worlds, one life

Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Nga Matai Purua Inc. (NMP) proudly bring audiences a gripping new work inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison, now set to closein2025amidmajorprisonreforms.

Based on NMP president Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience, at the heart of The Yellow Line stands Jordan - a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. As Jordan walks the metaphorical (and literal) yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, this compelling new Australian work asks ’What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justiceonyourshoulders?’

Co-written by Berne-Lee ’Nana’ Edwards, Alaine Beek and the ensemble cast - which includes first-time performers with lived experience - The Yellow Line delivers visceral honesty, unforgettable performances,anddeepemotionaltruth.

importantinsightintotheVictorianjustice systemthroughaMaori andPasifikalens,delvingintothesystem and its impact within these communities. It shines a crucial spotlight on the human storiesoftenburied behind headlines - particularly for communities disproportionately impacted byincarcerationinAustralia.

“The experiences that shaped The Yellow Line come from a part of my life I never expected to revisit - let alone reimagine for the stage,“ said NMP president Tyson Tuala.

“This show is not about me. It’s about all the people - seen and unseen - who carry their culture with them into places that were never built for it. It’s about Maori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concreteandsteel.“

Art explores impacts of colonialism

A story of humour, vulnerability, and connection, The Yellow Line also shares

“Even though the focus is Maoriculture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, adds co-writer/co-director Alaine Beek.“It’sbasedonaspecifictruestoryand audienceswillbeimmersedintotheMaori culture in a thought-provoking way. Each character is based on a real person and although dealing with a very significant topic, so much comedy shines through in theproduction.”

The Yellow Line will run for three performancesonlyatthenewlyrefurbished Wyndham Cultural Centre on July on 26 and27.Tobookgotowww.essencetheatre. productions/the-yellow-line-1

Museum treasures for children to explore

Take a deep dive into the wonders of the oceans and beaches at the fun and informative pop-up museum coming to Whittleseafortheschoolholidays.

Museums Victoria will be staging the pop-museum at two locations on Friday, July11calledtheOceanWonders.

The first of of those is Riverside Community Activity Centre in South Morang, from 10.30-11:30am and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre,from2-3pm.

The pop-up museum will showcase real objects from the Melbourne Museum, helping kids learn all about incredible marine creatures while getting a close-up look at shells, sharks and ancient sea animals.

Highlights include a taxidermied green sea turtle and seagull, a tiger shark jaw and whale vertebra, as well as a tooth from a Megalodon, one of the largest sharks to everexist.

Thepop-upmuseumisfree,butbookings areessential.

Themuseumisforchildrenagedbetween threeand13.

Other school holiday activities happening in Whittlesea include youth taking over Mill Park library, girls day out, NAIDOCyoutheventand2000’sNostalgia.

To book tickets to the muesum: https:// tinyurl.com/3pee4476

Exhibition delves into concept of nature as home

Is caring for the Earth and caring for each other any different? It’s an existential question which is explored in a new exhibitionthatopenedinHobsonsBaylast week.

Nature is a Home is an exhibition at the Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre in Altona from June 28 to July 16 and features artworks that question our relationshipwithnatureandresponsibility tonurtureit.

CoincidingwithLJAC’s20thanniversary, NatureisaHomefeaturesartworkinarange a mediums like ceramics, photography, paintandpainting,sculpture,writtentext, film, paper and found materials which artists have used to to give voice to their artisticexpression.

ThoseartistsareallbasedinMelbourne’s west and include Ariana Lim, Augustine Ang, Elijah Cristiano, Dovey Dee, Julee Latimer, Lan Pagliaro, Fatima Measham,

Petra Tomecko, Nandita Nadkarni and JennyRütsch.

Also from the western suburbs is the exhibition’s curator, Jasmeet Kaur Sah, a writer, editor and arts programmer who has previously worked at Footscray Community Arts, Melbourne Writers Festival and Science Gallery at the UniversityofMelbourne.

Kaur Sahi and LJAC manager Karen Ingramareinvitinglocalstocomeandview the exhibition, particularly on Saturday, July 12 when a special public program will beheldattheLJACgalleryfrom11.30amto 1pm.

The public program features a range of free events, including floor talks, a workshop and exhibition prize announcements.Entryisfreebutbookings areencouraged.

Details: https://www.ljac.com.au/ natureisahome/

An art exhibition examining the impacts of colonial land and water management across Victoria has opened at the Brimbank Gallery and BrimbankProjectionGallery.

InOccupationStudies:Agriculture Exhibition, Tahlia Palmer — an artist of Yuwaalaraay and European descent — explores the environmental damage caused by industrial farming and colonial land use, as well as the suppression of local Indigenous knowledge systems in relation to land and water management.

The exhibition features field recordings, historical footage, abstract imagery and AI-generated soundsandimages.

Palmer said the research process for the exhibition began during her creative residency with the Public RecordsOfficeofVictorialastyear.

“I spent four months looking through the archives for information about land and water management in Victoria, and conducted field researchbasedonsitesandsituations Iwasdrawnto.”

Palmer then travelled to different Countries across Victoria where she conducted field recordings above and below different bodies of water including in dams, reservoirs, old mine sites, river revitalisation sites, and logging and plantation sites as wellastheocean.

“Because of the emotionally confronting nature of this research, and my acknowledgement of the sensitivities and protocols around speakingaboutCountrythatisnotmy own,myintentionwastomakeworks that speak to broader environmental impacts of the European invasion of thiscontinent,”shesaid.

Through her art, Palmer said she would like audiences to reflect on how colonial land was not managed with the best interests of Indigenous peoplesinmind.

“...those choices were made in the context of land theft. I want audiences to understand how much was lost because of those choices, and I want them to think about how hard Aboriginal people have had to fight to maintain our relationship to Country… the scale of violent disconnection that was forced,” she said.

Occupation Studies: Agriculture Exhibition is a free event at the Brimbank Gallery and Brimbank Projection Gallery, and is supported byCreativeBrimbank.

The exhibition will run until August29.

More info can be found on the CreativeBrimbankwebsite.

Artist Tahlia Palmer. (Supplied)

A pop-up museum is coming to Whittlesea. (Melbourne Museum)

Louis Joel Arts and Community centre manager Karen Ingram and curator of the Nature is a Home exhibition Jasmeet Kaur Sahi. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484023_04

Jordan is a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. (Supplied)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which 17-year-old Australian sprinter beat his own 200m national record by 0.02 of a second at his first senior international event?

2. In which year will the Tasmania Devils AFLW team enter the women’s

3. How many consecutive cricket Tests did Marnus Labuschagne play before being dropped for the series against West Indies?

4. Which Australian golfer won the 2025 Women’s PGA Championship in

What is the name for the main body of riders in a bicycle race, meaning

Filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, who made Top , directed which much-hyped, recently released sports

Which Richmond player was given a courtordered curfew of 10pm to 6am due to an assault conviction?

What is the name of the Nike sports brand logo?

Who was man of the match in England’s First Test win over India in the fivematch cricket

10. In rugby union, the British & Irish Lions were defeated by which country at Aviva Stadium, Dublin?

11. The British & Irish Lions tour only happens once per how many years?

12. Which NBA star tore his achilles in game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals?

13. In gymnastics, is parallel bars a men’s, women’s or unisex event?

14. Which premier league club is nicknamed The Bees?

15. How many forwards are in a rugby union team?

16. What is WWE wrestler John Cena’s catchphrase?

17. How many holes of golf are played in a Masters Tournament?

18. What informal animal name is also used for a beginners ski slope?

19. Cristiano Ronaldo recently commited to a £492 million contract extension with a club in which country?

20. Which Aussie recently became the holder of the most X Games Skateboard gold medals won by a woman?

21. Who was picked first in the 2025 NBA draft?

22. Test cricketer Steve Smith recently used facilities associated with what other sport to help recover from a finger injury?

23. In basketball, how many points is an alley-oop worth?

24. Which Richmond AFL player was recently given a suspension following a hit on Adelaide player Jordan Butts?

25. Which two former players recently became the first AFLW players to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame?

26. AFL players Joel Amartey and Isaac Quaynor both have heritage from which African country?

27. Gehamat Shibasaki plays for which NRL team?

28. In which state have the Matildas recently played four friendlies against Panama and Slovenia?

29. The French alps are set to host which 2030 sporting events?

30. Who was player of the match in the recent first cricket Test between the West Indies and Australia?

for

C243melt to the

has

Amendment comes into

on the

this notice is

in the Victoria Government Gazette. The Amendment applies the Specific Controls Overlay (SCO8) and RDAV Melton and District Riding for the Disabled Facility Incorporated Document (Urbis, May 2025) to land in Bonnie Brook and amends associated schedules to Clause 45.12 (Specific Controls Overlay), Clause 72.03 (What does this planning scheme consist of?) and Clause 72.04 (Incorporated documents). It also amends a site-specific control that applies to land in Aintree by amending the RDAV Rockbank Facility Incorporated Document (Urbis, July 2024) and associated schedules to Clause 51.01 (Specific sites and exclusions) and Clause 72.04 (Incorporated documents). These changes allow for the relocation of a horse riding school in the Rockbank North growth area.

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Transport and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the Amendment. A copy of the Amendment can also be inspected, free of charge, during office hours, at the offices of the Melton City Council, 232 High Street, Melton and on the Council website atwww.melton.vic.gov.au

BANJANIN,

- 1.7.2025

funeral for Mr Toma Banjanin will be held on Tuesday 15th July 2025 at St George Serbian Orthodox Church, Kate Street St Albans at 12.30pm and will then leave for burial at Keilor Cemetery.

Jensen Funerals Western Suburbs 9364 3466

SUREWAY

column or box.

ACROSS

1 Infatuated (8)

5 Portable computer (6)

10 Separately (5)

11 Authorise (the use of) (9)

12 Colour points of a digital image (6)

13 Area of level high ground (7)

14 Death notice (8)

15 Seas (6)

18 A sheep’s coat (6)

20 Calamity (8)

21 Water well (7)

24 Clamour (6)

27 Arranged (9)

28 Silly; pointless (5)

29 Formally inspect (6)

30 Vegetation (8)

DOWN

1 Prejudice (4)

2 Keep steady (9)

3 Heading (5)

4 Revelation (8)

6 Old (7)

7 Doubly (5)

8 Forerunner (9)

9 Aid (4)

14 Obtrusive; meddlesome (9)

16 Sub (9)

17 Unruliness (8)

19 Purify (7)

22 Sucrose (5)

23 Bird’s bed (4)

25 Strong thread (5)

26 Refute (4)

1 In which decade was Tutankhamun's tomb discovered?

2 Approximately how long does it take for the moon to orbit the earth: 18, 27 or 40 days?

3 Which two TV personalities were Australia's commentators for the Eurovision Song Contest from 2017 to 2024?

4 Name the Japanese shrine famous for its rows of red torii gates.

5 Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding dress, is the creative director of which

6 True or false: horses can't breathe through their mouths?

7 To which demographic is the annual Stella Prize awarded, and for which sector of the arts?

8 The pasta dish cacio e pepe translates to what?

9 In which Australian New Wave film did Jacki Weaver (pictured) appear as maid Minnie?

10 What is the chemical symbol for lead?

Elite package but pricey

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Launched by Hyundai in 2017, the second-generation Kona was revealed in December,2022.

It is available with petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, while the earlier diesel engine option is no longeroffered.

Unlike the first version Hyundai claims second-generationKonawasdesignedfirst and foremost as a battery-electric vehicle before it was then adapted for use as other variants.

Whichever way it swings, it has been designed to blend in with the current environment, with no discernible radiator grille regardless of what’s under the bonnet. Still, accommodations must have been made during the design process whichmeanssomecompromise.

Styling

In effect, there are three electric versions of this car, Kona Electric Standard Range ($54,000), Kona Electric Extended Range ($58,000) and Kona Electric Premium Extended Range ($68,000), all of them front-wheeldrive.

The basic version comes with a 99kW electric motor and 48 kWh battery, with a rangeof370km.

The extended range is $58,000 and has a 150kW motor, larger 64kWh battery and range of 505km. Premium extended range with the 150kW motor and larger 64kWh battery as standard has a range of 444km, duetothefactithaslarger19-inchwheels.

You can’t get the Standard Range in Premiumtrim.

ThesportyNLineoptionpackbringsthe priceofthebasicversionto$62,000andthe Premiumto$71,000.Anycolourotherthan white or green adds $595. The optional Meta blue of our car appears mauve in some light. N Line includes body-coloured cladding, exclusive bumpers, skid plates and side effects, wing-type rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels and N Line badges/ wheelcentres

Our test vehicle was the top of the line Kona Electric premium with 19-inch wheels, premium paint and optional interior trim, priced at $68,890 plus on-road costs. Standard features include 17-inchalloywheels,LEDheadlights,DRLs and tail lights, dual-zone climate control, interior Vehicle To Load (V2L) power outlet, heat pump cabin heating, battery conditioning and a wireless smartphone charger.

Premium adds 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, powered, heated and ventilatedseating,aheatedsteeringwheel, headupdisplay(HUD),Boseeight-speaker premium audio, remote smart parking, wide glass sunroof and a power operated tailgate.

Onanothernote,KonaElectricisthefirst EV in its segment to come standard with a spare tyre, which is comforting when it comestolongerjourneys.

Kona Electric is covered by a five-year/ unlimited-kilometre warranty, with a separate eight-year/160,000km warranty on the battery. Service is due every 24 monthsor30,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of 12.3-inch touchscreen together with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that sit behind a single seamlessglasspanel.

It has a long list of features including Hyundai Bluelink and Over-the-Air update capability, improved natural language-based voice recognition, and a

dedicatedEVuserinterface.

Other features include Bluetooth with multi-connect, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, along with wirelessAppleCarPlayandAndroidAuto.

A240-voltthree-pinsocketcanbefound at the rear of the centre console, which we usedtopoweracarfridge.

There are two USB-C ports in the front andanothertwointheback,butthere’sno poweroutletintheactualluggagearea.

Safety

Despite an extensive list of active safety and driver assistance features Kona scores onlyfourstarsforsafety.

It falls short in two key areas: safety assistandvulnerableroaduserprotection, achieving only an adequate result in the performanceofitsautonomousemergency braking system in tests with pedestrians andcyclists.

Powertrain

The electric powertrain in the extended version produces 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

Driving

Second generation Kona Electric is bigger and roomier, 18cm longer with a 6cm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. This means a bigger boot and more legroom, with 7.7cm more legroom and 1.5cmmoreheadroomintheback.Seating is comfortable without being inviting and perhapsabitnarrowerthanbefore.

Heating comes from an energy-saving heat pump, with physical temperature controlsbelowthetouchscreen.

Up front you get two retractable cupholders, a 1.5-litre drink bottle holder in each door and generous centre console storage. In back there’s 700ml bottle holders in each door and a fold-down centrearmrestwithtwocupholders.

The luggage area has grown by 33 litres to407litres,witha27-litreplasticfrunkup front which is handy for stashing charge cables.

Never quite rising above its humble origins, hard plastic abounds in the cabin, disguised by soft touch material in such places as the armrests. Lifting the tailgate exposes a luggage area that looks

oh-so-averageingenericgreyfelt.

The look is distinctive with a long thin light bar that spans the breadth of the bonnet, matched by a tail light strip at the rear, which together give the car a space-agedappearance.

Both strips of lights are underpinned by large separate head and brake light assemblies. Studded, pixel-like inserts at the front and bottom of the rear bumper underlinethefuturisticlook.

But to get the cooler, high-flying rear spoiler you need to shell out for the N Line kit.

Someiterationsofthecarlookabitgoofy, butfromHyundai’spointofviewthere’sno mistaking the Kona for anything else on theroad.

An ‘active’ air flap opens and closes to reduce wind drag at the front and, believe it or not, extended range versions are pre-wired for towing and can pull a 750kg brakedtrailer.Evenmoreincredibleisthat this EV actually comes with a spare wheel, albeit a space saver - unlike the rest of its kind.

On a lesser note, Kona Electric is built on 400-volt architecture, so it does not offer the faster charging speeds of other HyundaiEVs.

Therearefourdrivemodes-Eco,Normal, Sport,Snow-plusiPedalone-pedaldriving (noneedtobrakeseparately).

With395Nmoftorquethefirstgeneration could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.Heavierandwithlesstorque,this onedoesitinaslower7.9seconds.

Steering wheel mounted paddles can be used to control the level of regenerative braking (lesser or greater brake drag). There’salsoasmartmode.

With a DC fast charger, Hyundai claims 10-80 per cent charging can be achieved in 41 minutes, compared to 18 minutes for someofits800-voltmodels.

The liquid cooled, high-performance lithium-ion battery is incorporated in the floor plan, maximising interior space and providingaflatfloor.

Putting the battery down low gives the car a lower centre of gravity which enhancesrideandhandling,andseesitsit flatterthroughcorners.

The charge port is located at the front of the car where it is arguably more convenient to use. The capacity of the onboard AC charger has been boosted

to 10.4kW, compared with 7.2kW in the previous generation. But that requires a home with three-phase power and higher charging rates are really not required for overnightcharging.

With single phase power and a 7.2kW EVSE, the 48W standard range version can be fully charged in 6.75 hours, while the 64kW extended range will take up to 9.0 hours.

Plug it in when you get home and it will bereadytogoagaininthemorning.

Topping up the car from a 300W Tesla Supercharger took much longer than expectedandneverevencameclosetothe promised100kWlevel.

Konaalsoprovidesvehicle-to-load(V2L) support, but leveraging the full capability meansbuyinga$600V2Lconnector.

Energyconsumptionforthisspecversion ofthecarisaclaimed16.7kWh/100km. Our test vehicle was showing the long-term equivalent of 16.1 kWh after 2480km. We say equivalent because the tripmeterwassettokm/kWhnottheusual kWh/100km, and we could not find how to changeit-notforlackoftrying.

Moving from the Ioniq 5 straight into the Kona Electric was enlightening. They share the same twist-style transmission lever which is located on the right of the steeringcolumnandsamebasiclayout. The big difference is in the way Kona rides and handles. Although tuned for Australian roads, the ride is noticeably harsher and it is less able to absorb road shock,duemostlytoitssmallersize.

ThebouncethatcharacterisesEVsisalso present and sees the car bob up and down when it encounters a large bump such as a speedhump.

Rather than sporty the Kona Electric is easy and relatively comfortable to drive around town, but we suggest it is better suited to shorter trips. Its size will make it tiring to drive over longer distances and country roads are likely to produce a choppy ride. It’s quiet inside, but there’s some wind noise, even at lower speeds. Head-up display is almost invisible to thosewhowearpolarisedsunglasses.

LiketheIoniq5,theover-speedwarnings are often wrong and can be annoying, but arereportedlyquieterandcanbeswitched off - though they must be disabled each time.

A ‘Virtual Engine Sound’ (like a Tesla) is emitted from a front-mounted speaker to warn pedestrians of the car’s approach, andaddstothespaceypersona.Itwasloud enoughtodrawanaudiencewhilewewere doubled-parked, and trying to load some gearintotheback.

AndroidAutothrewusacurveballwhen we were unable to navigate back to the car radio screen and select a band and station tolistento.

Summing up

Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. But the result of this strategy is an unexpectedly high price tag,perhapstoohigh.

Tick all the boxes and the Kona is just over $77,000 by the time you put it on the road. And that’s before you start thinking about installing a Wallbox at home which is really the only practical solution to charging.Itmeansyouwon’tbeconstantly worrying about when and where you can chargeyourshinynewtoy.

At this point thoughts will probably turn to cheaper Chinese alternatives. Kona’s MainrivalistheBYDAtto3whichtopsout at$47,499pluson-roads. Overtoyou.

Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. (Supplied)

Sporting around in the sun

There was plenty of action across the north-west on Saturday from the footy fields to the soccer pitch and basketball court. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out in the winter sunshine shooting the action.

Epping’s Marc Tartaglia and Mernda’s Declan Felle. 488180_19

Rupertswood’s Jackson Cardillo. 488178_09

Rupertswood’s Clayton Bonello. (488178_08

Keilor Thunder’s Adetomi Ayilara. 488186_01

Bernie Harrower in the coaching hot seat. 488185_09

Epping’s Corey Middleton. 488180_04

Lalor United’s Diego Miranda Ciudad Real and Whittlesea Rangers’ Nuoman Aliy. 488179_17

Whittlesea Pacers’ Chloe Crompton in defence mode. 488181_02

Keilor Thunder’s Daniel Foster. 488186_13

Lalor United’s Deon Roumeliotis. 488179_02

Whittlesea Pacers’ Isabella Ryan goes up for a shot. 488181_15

Keilor Thunder’s Penina Davidson. 488185_20

Warriors’ finals hopes dashed by third quarter let down

It was a case of deja vu for the Western Warriors as a poor third quarter proved costly against the Bendigo Strikers in the Victorian Netball League.

The Warriors have been plagued from inconsistency within matches and from week to week this season.

Several matches they have lost after one poor quarter.

On Saturday, they produced some of their best netball of the season to lead by one goal at half time against the finals bound Strikers.

A 23-7 goal third quarter put paid to the Warriors’ hopes of an upset and their small finals hopes.

While they were better in the last quarter, the damage was done with the Strikers winning 70-51.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said it was disappointing to see the same thing happen again.

“It was really disappointing to give up

a 23-7 quarter after being up by a goal at half time,” she said.

“Their intensity lifted and we didn’t respond. It was really disappointing.”

“We were able to recoup something

back in the last quarter even though we didn’t win it.”

Bailey said they knew that the Strikers were a really good side and one that will contend in the finals.

She said they took it on in the first half and had some really good ball movement, with the two shooters in Kim Borger and Poppy Douglass working well together, Jasmine Fraser was also doing a good job on Gab Richards.

Bailey said they struggled with their second phase passes in the second half and they weren’t able to fix it.

She said the absence of Ruby Shannon really hurt, while Rebecca Hicks missed through illness which limited their shooting options.

Borger shot 37 goals for the Warriors.

Bailey said until they fix their consistencyissuestheywillstruggletoget the results they were after.

“We’re really out of finals contention

Relief for Centrals

By Tara Murray

There would be no repeat of the previous week as Melton Centrals broke through to get its second win of the Riddell District Football League season.

AfterlosingafterthesirentotheGisborne Giants, Centrals found themselves in a battle on Saturday heading into the final quarter against Lancefield.

Scores were locked at 73-apiece with both sides desperate to get a rare win.

The message from coach Damien Zanic and the leaders were clear heading into the final quarter.

“Themainthingwespokeaboutatthree quartertimewaslearnfromlastweek,”he said.

“There was a reserves premiership reunion as well. We didn’t want to fall away, we wanted to finish off strongly which was terrific.”

Centrals kicked six goals to two in the final quarter to come away with a 17.8 (110)-13.8 (86) win.

Zanic said the group never dropped their heads after the result against Gisborne and took a lot of lessons out of that game.

“Wehadn’tbeeninthatposition[towin] and we have come up against some good sides,” he said.

“This time we were able to make it count.”

Hisham Kerbatieh kicked nine goals to take his tally to 17 in the past two weeks.

Zanic said he had been sensational.

“He is one of those players that you can put one-on-one in the goal square and there’s not many in the competition who are quick enough to go with him,” he said.

“He could have had 10 last week and 10 this week. He’s a smart footballer and we have to get it down to him as quickly as possible.”

Zanic said the move of Kerbatieh into the forward line came after they lost Brad Layton through injury.

The move is likely to remain permanent for the rest of the season.

Taygen Dennison and Karl Ullrich were among the other standouts for Centrals. With its second win on the board, Centrals have another winnable match thisweekagainstWoodend-Hesket,which also has two wins for the season.

Zanic said they were focused on other things than wins for the last part of the season.

“It’s about having fun,” he said. “We wanttoenjoyourfootyafteratoughyear,” he said.

“The fixture didn’t help us early when we played a lot of the finalists in the first

James Roberts. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 409292_29

part of the year..

“We have Woodend at home having learned a lot from the first time. We’ll look to get together and enjoy our footy as much as we can.

“We’ll do some team bonding in the next few weeks.”

In other matches, Diggers Rest proved too strong for Melton South, 11.13

now,” she said.

“It continues to happen.

“We have two games to finish off the year in a positive way.”

The Warriors 23 and under side lost 59-54.

Bailey said they did a really good job in that match.

She highlighted the performance of Sadie Cheeseman saying that the midcourter has had a remarkable season.

The Warriors will be at home at Cobblebank Stadium in Melton against the Boroondara Express on Sunday.

Baileysaidtheywerehopingtheywould have a big crowd out there.

“We want to get as many of the community and around the matches and put out a performance that will get us the win.”

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

EDFL

Hillside proved way too strong for Keilor in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division on Saturday. The Sharks started the better of the two sids and were able to build a lead throughout on the way to a 7.11 (53)-2.1 (13) win. Caitlin Sargent kicked three goals for the Sharks, while Mia Spiteri was named their best. Olivia Castello was named the Blues best. In division , Burnside Heights had a big win against Westmeadows.

Western FL

Caroline Springs had to fight hard to get the win against Altona in the Western Football League division 1 competition. The Lakers led at every break, but the Vikings wouldn’t allow them to break the game open. The Lakers did enough to win, 10.5 (65)-5.9 (39). Steven Kyriazis kicked five goals for the Lakers in a best on ground performance. The Lakers remain fourth on the ladder. In division 2, it was a tough day for the Western Rams, who lost to North Footscray, 27.18 (180)-8.10 (58).

FV

Melton Phoenix continued its good form with an important win against Melbourne City in the FV state league 4 west competition on Saturday. The Phoenix scored once in either half to come away with a 2-0 win. The Phoenix sit atop the table, but have played an extra game than the teams in second and third. Westside Strikers slipped back with a 1-0 loss to the Keilor Wolves.

AFL Victoria

(79)-7.7 (49).

The Burras did the damage in the secondquarterwhentheykickedsixgoals to none.

Brad Sluggett, Hayden Davis and Nathan Aidonis were named the Burras best,whileJakeThornton-Gielen,Lachlan Pritchard and Riley Theo were the Panthers best.

Victoria’s 20 state and metropolitan football governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future. The newly established Victorian Community Football Charter is a culmination of more than two years of collaboration. It marks the first time the state’s football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.

Western Warriors’ Kim Bailey. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)

Patience pays off as Surfingmakescents claims victory

KerrynManninglandedarewardingvictory with her talented mare Surfingmakescents in the Hygain Victory Mares Pace at Melton on Saturday night.

The five-year-old showed a brilliant turn of foot to flash home and defeat Wings On The Line and Sweet Ideal, clocking a slick 1:54.6 mile rate with a sharp final quarter of 27.4.

It was a satisfying result for Manning, who trains and drives Surfingmakescents and has dealt with a number of setbacks throughout the mare’s career.

“It was terrific, a big relief and a big thrill,” Manning said.

“She’s had a lot of problems. She was pretty much sold to America last December and then she broke her pastern three days later and had surgery and screws. This win will help pay for some of that.”

Manning was pleased with how the mare stuck to her task on the night.

continue on without further hiccups.

“Hopefully she can go on with it now and hopefully nothing else goes too wrong. She will be competitive in good races, she just needs to learn to race better.”

The win formed part of a training-driving double for Manning, who also scored with Vera Lane in the Hertz Melton 3YO Trot.

Saturday night also featured a series of standout performances from other drivers and stables.

Jordan Leedham enjoyed a winning double for trainer Andy Gath, taking out the Benstud Standardbreds Free For All aboard Yambukian in a dead heat with Sahara Breeze, before returning to win the final event of the night with Alrighty.

“I am really proud of her. She is a good horse and it’s good to get a win with her.”

Surfingmakescents has had a stop-start career, but has always shown ability.

“In the Oaks heat, she came out of the gate, galloped and fell over, broke my wrist

“She’s very good, she’s just not the best racehorse. But tonight she was pretty good. I thought she was going to knock off right at the end there, but she managed to stick her head out,” she said.

and hurt her knee and shoulder. She had a bit of time off after that. She came back and won a couple of races and then again hurt the leg last time,” Manning said.

“She’s been in the wars. She has a lot of talent but doesn’t have the brain to match it sometimes.”

Manning hopes the mare can now

Taranto is a Matilda

By Tara Murray

Western United’s Adriana Tarnanto thought a message that would lead to one of the biggest phone calls of her life was spam.

The message was anything but as she soon found out and the phone call would take her a step to achieving a dream.

Taranto was left shocked by the news she was selected for her first Matildas squad.

“It was pretty crazy,” she said. “I had finished doing a gym session and was going home in the car, got a little Whatsapp message from the team manager, asking for a call.

“I thought, is this a scam? What is this? I said sure and got the call and they said on behalf of Joe [Montemurro] we would like you to come into camp.

“I was a bit like, why? Are you sure? I was absolutely stoked.”

Taranto said she didn’t even realise on the radar of the new Matildas coach. She only returned from an ACL injury in January.

“I think this year for me I was really focused on my rehab,” she said. “Just getting myself back to playing and the way I was pre-injury.

“Tryandgetmyconfidenceback.Ididget quite a few games in with Western which I was really happy about.

“In the end, I did feel a lot more confident in playing in my body, but I didn’t really think Joe was maybe taking note.

“I just think for me, in my head I was building back up season and see what happens.

“It was a very, very nice surprise.”

Taranto, who is now in camp with the Matildas, said it was slowly settling in that she is part of the environment.

She is part of the squad that will play two games against Panama, which started on Saturday.

“Sometimes I walk out to training and I look around and think what am I doing here?” she said.

“Once we got that first session out of the way, I settled in a bit more.

“You do all the introductions and once that is all out of the way, it has been pretty smooth, I would say that it is getting there [in believing it].”

Tarantobecomesthefirstplayerfromthe Calder United pathway through to Western United to be selected in a Matildas squad.

Shesaidthatwasaprettyspecialmoment with both clubs having a big impact on her life.

“Those two clubs, Calder and Western, have been a big part of my career and who I am as player. Everyone there

Mark [Toscano], Amanda [Stella] and the coaches have been there have really helped me get to this point.

“The success we’ve had at Calder and even at Western, as team, has allowed me to build my game and learn, definitely helped me get to this point.

“Very proud to have played at both of them.”

Taranto said she has come into the camp trying to soak in as much as she can from the coaches and the staff.

She said she was loving the camp so far and being in the that professional environment.

“I want to show off a little bit of what I have got, and why I was bought in,” she said. “Just enjoying the camp and if I get to get on the pitch, it will be the cherry on the top.”

Taranto is one of two Western United players in the squad with Chloe Berryhill getting recalled.

She has taken Taranto under her wing and that they are so proud of each other to be in the spot they are.

Glen Craven also scored twice, partnering the in-form Jilliby Ballerini to her fourth-straight win for Marg and Paddy Lee, andguidingHesAllTorquetovictoryforPeter Manning. The result lifted the five-year-old’s earnings past the $100,000 mark.

Burras dig deep to score first win

Diggers Rest finally got some reward for effort as it got its first win on the board in the Riddell District Netball League.

It was a battle of the bottom two sides on Saturday, with the Burras taking on Melton South.

The first time the teams faced each other back in round one and it ended in a draw.

There would be no thriller this time, with the Burras putting out a dominant performance.

A 20-6 first quarter set the tone and the Burras were able to build the lead in every quarter on the way to a 67-23 win.

The three Burras shooters shared the load around with Leona Hristovska finishing with 25 goals, Olivia Marris with 22 and Isobel Robertson with 20.

Lexie Lieschke, Alicija Marko RawlingsandHristovskawerenamed the Burras best.

Sarah Missen was among the standouts for Melton South.

The Burras now have one win and two draws for the season.

Elsewhere, Melton Centrals got an upset win as it tries to ensure a spot in the top six.

Facing Lancefield, Centrals were able to lead at every break in the 48-36 win.

The margin was four goals at quarter time and then five goals at the next two breaks.

A 13-6 final quarter sealed the win. Imogen Sexton scored 35 goals for Centrals in a shooting rink of youth and experience with Rebecca Morabito stepping up for the match.

The win moves Centrals into sixth spot, percentage ahead of Romsey in the fight for the last finals spot.

Other winners on Saturday were Woodend-Hesket, Riddell and Gisborne Giants.

Bronte Nieuwenburg

Surfingmakescents. (Stuart McCormick)

Adriana Tarnanto. (Football Australia)

Isobel Robertson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 469990_08

Cobras are focused on acheiving a rare finals path

Bacchus Marsh has exceeded expectationssofarintheBallaratNetball League but has its sights set on bigger things.

After returning to the winners list for the first time since 2019, the Cobras have six wins on the board at the interleague break.

Coach Nichole Gleeson said they had come together quicker than what she had expected them to.

“I think the way we started we were finding our feet and it came together quickly,”shesaid.“Ithasbeenamazing,I didn’t expect to have these results.

“We’ve had a lot of near misses and a couple of games that we could have won.

“The second half of the season we are excited to see what we can do, especially against the sides above us.”

Gleeson said their biggest challenge in the first half of the season has been

running out games.

With players out and limited players on the bench due to player points, the side hasbeenrelyingonthecoregrouptoplay the whole game.

“A lot of the close losses we’ve got girls playing out full games,” she said. “While they’ve had rolling benches.

“We’ve been restricted with player pointsthisseasonandithasbeendifficult to run out 60 minutes of solid game.

“Towards the end we had burned out. The girls fitness has improved and we’ve been strategic with trying to rest them a bit while they are on court.

“We think we are starting to be competitive for 60 minutes.”

With some player outs, the Cobras have been able to bring in Melissa Prismall to play some games and add some experience in the midcourt.

Gleeson said she had been a big asset in the midcourt with her experience and knowledge and had helped gel combinations.

The Cobras had the weekend off due to the interleague bye.

Investing in cricket

Plenty is happening behind the scenes in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association off season.

Coming off its biggest season, the competition is set to increase again for the 2025-26season.

All top grade sides will return this season, with Glenroy making a return to thecompetitionafternotbeingabletofield asidelastseason.

Itwillresumeindivision5.

VTCA president Zoran Havranek said they were investing in the association in a numberofdifferentways.

He said they’ve had to knock back some clubs increasing the number of sides that haveduetonothavingenoughgrounds.

“We are landlocked and don’t have the grounds,”hesaid.“Cricketistheloserhere.

“We haven’t had one side drop off. We don’tlikehavingclubsfoldanddon’tliketo seemergerseither.

“For that reason we are doing what we can to accommodate them. We’ve worked closely with clubs before on the brink to makesureitdoesn’thappen.”

Havranek said there were clubs in

the growth areas that could join the competition in the coming years as they wanttomoveontoturf,

He said they had changed their points system in recent seasons to try to attract players from other competitions, rather than take from other sides in the competition.

“There’salotofoverseasplayerswhowant toplaygivenhowgoodthecompetitionis,” hesaid.

“The points are in place to ensure clubs gooutsidetogetgoodtalenttocomein.

“It’sthebeautyofagoodcompetition.”

Having formed a partnership with Vanuatu cricket last season, they will continue that as well as having formed a newpartnershipwithJapanesecricket.

Havraneksaidimprovingtheirumpiring hadbeenafocusthepastfewseasons.

“We’re doing a lot of training with our umpires,” he said. “It used to be when you went to an umpires meeting there were only 15 people attending, now there are over60.

“With Frogbox we are getting footage of our umpires and they can see

Gleeson said the break for interleague had come at a good time.

“We can rest and reset for the rest of the season,” she said. “We’ve got some players out and one that has just come back from injury.

“We’ll have a full side back after the break to challenge for the second half of the season.

“It looks like it will be good.”

Focus when they return is on trying to lock up a finals spot, something they haven’t done very often.

The side currently sits in sixth spot.

“It’s really exciting,” she said. “We’re having a lot of success at the lower lears as well so we might so a few teams participate in finals.

“This year has been a massive achievement for the club.”

Tara Murray

Three in a row for

Ballarat league

The Ballarat Football League’s young gunsagainshowedwhattheycando, as they helped the league to another interleaguewinagainsttheHampden FootballLeague.

The best under-23 players from both leagues did battle for a third straight year and it was a dominant performancefromtheBallaratleague atMarsStadium.

Aftergettingouttoagoodstart,the Ballarat league continued to build and were able to come away with a 22.15(147)-9.9(63).

Bacchus Marsh’s Josh Huxtable was named best on ground, which includedtwogoalsasheplayedinthe midfield.

Bacchus Marsh’s Isaac Nixon finished with four goals, while it was three to Sunbury Lions Jake Egan, two to Melton’s Kyle Borg, Sunbury Lions’ Ben Cameron, Cobras’ Jack KovacevicandCooperLittlehales.

Others who played in the match included Sunbury Lions’ Mitch McLean and Jack Newitt, Melton’s AdrianMonittoandConradFarrugia, Darley’s Adam Azzopardi, and BacchusMarsh’sRyePenny.

whatishappening.

“We’vehadmoreumpiresrotatethrough the senior division. They’ve been able to educatecaptainsofthestandardsofsenior cricket and it’s kept them on their toes as well.

“The senior players have given good feedback and it’s one way to improve the gameoverall.”

Havranek said they were looking at having umpires for second grades this seasonaswellthisseason.

Oneareatheyarelookingatisimproving theslowoverrate.

The association’s junior academy has continuedtogrowinthepasttwoyears.

A coaching academy is now being put in place as well in partnership with the WesternRegionSportsClub.

“It’s three to four weeks with some coaches from the senior division to help division 2, 3, 4 and 5 coaches with planning, what the season looks like, how to recruit and running training drills,” Havraneksaid.

“There will be some sessions before the seasonandfollowupsintheseason.”

The BFL now has a 3-0 record since the two competitions started the under-23matchupafterCovid-19. In other matchups, the Hampden league won the under-19 girls match, 7.10(52)-4.1(25).

Bacchus Marsh’s Ella Bradbury, Keily Salisbury, Matilda Rawlings, OliviaDigles,RemyVeith,Sarah-Rose Horsey and Summer Marchewka werenamedinthesquad.

In the under-17 mens, Hampden won,8.6(54)-6.12(48).

The Bacchus Marsh boys at interleague. (Bacchus Marsh FNC)

Bacchus Marsh continues to build. (Supplied)

Trent Lawford. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465587_22