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Edging ahead in life A Melton-based community organisation is giving people the edge in making the most of their lives. EDGE Community Services, an NDIS provider that began in Geelong in 2017 and opened in Melton last November, has been providing a range of services and activities to people living with a disability. Client Stephanie (Stephen) McKinley was identified as having borderline personality disorder along with an intellectual disability, making it difficult to make new friends. “Coming to EDGE has helped me get out of my comfort zone and try new things,” he said. “My new friends and the staff have been extremely friendly and accepting of the LGBTQIA+ community.” Chief executive Margie Thorpe said EDGE offers centre-based activities six days a week, including a free breakfast and lunch program. Details: 9749 0000 or edgecs.com. au Staff and participants at EDGE Community Services in Melton.

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Toxic soil investigation By Benjamin Millar The state’s public sector watchdog is investigating the Environment Protection Authority’s handling of approvals for sites to receive contaminated spoil from the West Gate Tunnel Project. The EPA last year approved environment management plans for sites in Bacchus Marsh, Ravenhall and Bulla to receive the spoil generated from tunnel boring machines, but revoked the decisions in December following Supreme Court challenges from community groups fighting the proposals. New environment management plans for all three sites were approved earlier this year before the project’s builder John Holland CPB

Joint Venture chose the Hi-Quality Quarry site in Bulla in June to receive the spoil. Victorian ombudsman Deborah Glass said her probe would investigate the adequacy of the EPA’s decision-making throughout the process. “I am concerned without the actions of the community groups, the deficiencies in the EPA’s decisions may not have been identified,” Ms Glass said. “The community deserves to know if correct processes were followed when it came to deciding where tonnes of spoil could be disposed of, especially given the proximity to homes.” The investigation will consider the EPA’s decision-making and approvals for sites operated by Maddingley Brown Coal in Bacchus Marsh, Cleanaway Operations in

Ravenhall, and Hi-Quality Quarry Products in Bulla. Ms Glass is seeking submissions from identified community groups for the investigation, expected to be completed by the end of this year. Although aware of the strength of some community feeling over the projects, Ms Glass warned her investigation cannot stop the construction of the West Gate Tunnel nor can she make binding orders about where the spoil should go. EPA chief executive Lee Miezis said the EPA will fully co-operate with the investigation. “The ombudsman can expect the EPA’s full collaboration and we will share all necessary information,” he said. “As this investigation is now under way,

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EPA has no further comments at this time.’’ Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the council welcomes the investigation as it is clear there are serious doubts around the EPA process. “This was a project that required the strongest possible rigour in assessing the environmental impacts,” she said. “We look forward to the ombudsman’s review and learning more about the process that was undertaken.” Moorabool council chief executive Derek Madden said the council welcomes the ombudsman taking into account community concerns about the EPA process around removing spoil from the West Gate Tunnel project. Brimbank council said it could not comment on the investigation.

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Moorabool is back in lockdown By Benjamin Millar Moorabool has joined metropolitan Melbourne in lockdown after a surge in regional COVID-19 cases triggered statewide restrictions over the weekend. Premier Daniel Andrews announced the snap lockdown on Saturday morning, citing the ongoing level of community transmission, the large number of mystery cases and a surge of new cases and exposures sites in regional Victoria. Mr Andrews said the number of coronavirus

cases infectious in the community over the last few days and the number of mystery cases emerging in different areas across Victoria is extremely concerning. “It shows the incredible speed at which this Delta variant is spreading,” he said. “With the number of positive cases this high and so many Victorians still to be vaccinated, we cannot afford to let this virus run free – our hospital system would be overrun, our frontline staff would be placed under huge pressure and quite simply, people will die.” Victoria now has more than 500 active

COVID-19 cases, including 24 in Melton but zero in Moorabool. There were 71 new local cases reported on Monday, 49 linked to known outbreaks and 22 still under investigation. Regional Victoria is now under all of the metropolitan Melbourne restrictions except for the curfew until at least September 2, with the the five reasons to leave your home in force and workforce permits required to leave the house for authorised work. A package of automatic cash grants will be provided to 20,000 regional Victorian

businesses. Jointly funded by the federal and state governments, grants to be paid through the new $146.6 million initiative will be made automatically without regional businesses needing to make an application. Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas said the package will provide assurance to businesses in regional Victoria. “No-one wanted to be in this position, but the rapid spread of the Delta strain and the emergence of cases in regional Victoria meant there was no choice,” Mr Pallas said.

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to what we’ve seen before, with about four in five cases aged below 40 and about one in four under the age of nine. “This is not where we wanted to be as a community, it’s not a decision we wanted to make after Victorians have sacrificed so much, but we have no other option,” he said. “Cases need to be lower and vaccination rates need to be higher. “There’s a million things that we miss about life before the pandemic and a million things we’re looking forward to doing again once we’re through this outbreak – each of those is a reason to get vaccinated.” Benjamin Millar

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regional Victoria and primary school aged children urged to wear a mask when away from home. Health Minister Martin Foley said the high rate of transmission among young people had forced the state government to take the latest precautionary steps. “We know having childcare centres closed will be difficult for parents who are already juggling so much, but with so many young children in this outbreak contracting the virus, we need to do more to protect them and their families,” he said. Premier Daniel Andrews said the age demographic of this outbreak is very different

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Playgrounds have been declared off limits and childcare centres closed to most families under the most drastic tightening of COVID-19 restrictions since Victoria’s second wave last year. The high rate of transmission in young people and the number of childcare centres now designated as exposure sites has forced the closure of childcare services across Victoria to children other than those who are vulnerable or with at least one parent who is an authorised worker. All playgrounds, basketball hoops, skate parks and outdoor exercise equipment have also been closed across Melbourne and

Melton council is working to keep people connected during life under lockdown by running a series of activities online. With Melbourne’s lockdown restrictions extended by another fortnight, the council has responded by moving several of its free face-to-face learning and fitness programs online. People are encouraged to join live classes in everything from dancing, singing and yoga to art, Zumba and fitness for beginners. A suite of online classes and activities is also available to access any time via the Melton Learning YouTube channel. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said lockdown was a good time to try out a new activity remotely. “These are the same high-quality programs we’d usually deliver, and now you can access them easily from home,” Cr Majdlik said. “It’s a good opportunity to learn something new or improve your health and wellbeing. “Whether you’re into cooking or dancing, want to increase your fitness, or try some arts and crafts with the kids, we have just the thing to keep your mind and body active during lockdown.” Visit: meltonlearning.com.au. To view existing classes visit: youtube.com/c/ MeltonCityCouncilLearningDirectory

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Car impounded A Werribee man will face court on a number of driving charges after he was found driving whilst disqualified on High Street in Melton last Thursday. The 44-year-old stated a false name and resisted arrest before testing positive to a prescribed illicit drug but refusing a further test. His vehicle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1006 and he will receive a summons to attend court to face a total of eight charges.

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Another 100 car spaces are under construction at Melton railway station. (Supplied)

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More station parking The battle for parking at Melton station will be eased with 100 new and upgraded car spaces under construction. Upgrade works will take the number of car parking spaces at the station to 980, helping to free up space in nearby streets. The project is being delivered via the state government’s Car Parks for Commuters program. The Melton station upgrade also includes new lighting and CCTV to improve security, a new Parkiteer secure bicycle cage and 52 bike hoops to make it more convenient for people to ride to the station. More than 1.6 million passenger trips are taken to or from Melton railway station each year, with commuters often parking their cars in streets surrounding the station. Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said the upgrades will help free up those streets

and provide safer parking for thousands of commuters. “Quicker and easier travel for thousands of commuters is around the corner as we get on with the job of boosting car parking at Melton station,” he said. Melton MP Steve McGhie said he welcomed the carpark upgrade on top of other recent works at the station. “It’s great to see passengers enjoying the comfort and convenience of the new entrance on platform one and the other station upgrades that were recently completed,” he said. Other recent upgrades at Melton railway station include recent platform and access improvements by V/Line as part of the government’s $2.7 billion Building Works stimulus package.

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a woman and three men following an incident in Melton last weekend. Witnesses reported the woman was involved in an altercation with the men at Navan Park around 9.45pm on Saturday, August 14. The men were travelling in an early model silver sedan with a sticker with the word ‘transport’ on the driver’s door. The car was last seen travelling Centenary Avenue towards Coburns Road. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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Pricing under the pump

Pricing under the pump By Benjamin Millar

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‘‘

strongly encourage residents to complain to the ACCC

’’

- Steve McGhie

Mr McGhie said he has taken the issue up with the Consumer Affairs Minister Melissa Horne and will be contacting federal Gorton MP Brendan O’Connor to discuss this issue soon, as fuel prices are regulated by the federal government. “In the interim I strongly encourage residents to complain to the ACCC [Australian Competition and Consumer Commission]” he said. The ACCC’s latest petrol monitoring report showed that average petrol prices rose in the 2020 September quarter after a record low earlier in the year. Although the ACCC does not set fuel prices, it does monitor retail fuel prices on a daily basis. A spokesperson said it has the power to investigate where it sees issues of concern. “Where we find sufficient evidence we will take action to protect consumers against misleading and anti-competitive conduct by fuel retailers.” Mr McGhie’s promise to take action was widely welcomed on social media, where some residents said they had seen price differences of up to 50 cents per litre between Melton and Watergardens.

Fuel prices at Melton petrol stations last week. (Damjan Janevski) 226880_01

Melton’s Andre Peters said the lack of independent competition makes it easier for the major fuel companies to keep prices inflated well above those in neighbouring suburbs. “Sadly there is no competition in Melton as there are no independents,” he said. “Generally we pay at least 20 cents a litre more at times in Melton.” A BP spokesman said petrol prices at the pump can be impacted by a number of different factors.

He said while there are currently about 1400 BP branded sites across Australia, about three quarters are owned by independent business partners who set their own retail pricing. “When it comes to retail fuel pricing, our aim is to be competitive and attract customers to our sites,” he said. “Generally speaking, the price at the pump is impacted by a number of different factors. In particular, international product prices and competition between service stations in a local

area. There are also other factors including exchange rates, taxes and local operating costs.” On Monday, unleaded 91 pump prices at Melton’s BP, Coles Express and 7/11 Mobil were all at 155.9 cents per litre, according to price comparison website Petrol Spy, with Woolworths Caltex at 168.9. Meanwhile Bacchus Marsh BP, Coles Express and 7/11 Mobil prices were 129.9 cents per litre – 26 cents less per litre – and independent outlets were just 119.9 cents per litre. 628174

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By Benjamin Millar

Melton’s petrol prices are coming under greater scrutiny with a local MP vowing to help take action to bring prices in line with neighbouring areas. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the area’s families are being unfairly hit with higher prices than people in neighbouring suburbs, often paying more than 20 cents per litre extra at the pump and spending at least $10 more every time they fill up. “I have had many constituents raise concerns regarding the prices of petrol in Melton being noticeably higher than in other areas,” Mr McGhie said. “I am deeply concerned that families in Melton are paying more than they should be.”

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Record drug users seeking help By Alesha Capone The nation’s highest number of drug users seeking help for amphetamine, cannabis and heroin use has been recorded in Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs, new data reveals. Figures from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) recorded the most people seeking assistance for drug-related issues in the nation in the year to July, 2020. The NWMPHN covers 13 municipalities including Wyndham, Hobsons Bay,

Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Melton, Moorabool, Hume and Macedon Ranges. A total of 6077 people from these areas sought treatment for amphetamine use in the 2019-2020 financial year. South-east Melbourne recorded the second-highest number of people seeking treatment- 3710. The north and west also recorded the most people seeking help for alcohol (5725), with the Northern Territory coming in second (5268). Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs topped the list for those wanting help for cannabis use (3110 people) and heroin (1534 people).

Out of the 19,863 people who received treatment for drugs in the north and west, almost 30 per cent asked for support and case management, 25.9 per cent requested an assessment and 22.6 per cent obtained counselling. A Coroners Court of Victoria report released earlier this month revealed 4551 Victorians died by overdose in the past decade, with 183 deaths in Brimbank, 106 in Maribyrnong, 101 in Wyndham and 93 in Hume. IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said the organisation provided free services for those in Melbourne’s west struggling with addiction.

Ms Nelson said this included counselling for alcohol, other drug or gambling problems; a needle and syringe exchange program; and GP, medical and allied health services. “Drug overdose is a devastating problem,” Ms Nelson said. “As the population grows rapidly in the west of Melbourne, there are more people in need of local community-based health and wellbeing services. “IPC Health is actively advocating for more services to be provided in the west, and in particular the need to address addiction.” For assistance, visit www.ipchealth.com.au, call IPC on 9296 1228 or email your referral to AODServices.Intake@ipchealth.com.au.

Pharmacy jab option People in Melbourne’s north-west have more places to get their COVID-19 vaccines, with TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies now administering the jab. TerryWhite and Chemmart last week started administering the AstraZeneca vaccine in more than 400 of their pharmacies across the country. TerryWhite Chemmart chief pharmacist Brenton Hart said as of last Monday, only 26 per cent of Australians were fully vaccinated meaning more had to be done. “We expect pharmacists will drive uptake and improve vaccination rates as one of the most accessible health professionals in the community,“ he said. “Our experienced pharmacists have been at the frontline of the pandemic since its beginning. Our pharmacists have been trained to administer the COVID-19 vaccine

in anticipation of this day and are eager to start vaccinating Australians with what is our best defence against the virus. “We all have a job to play in protecting ourselves, our families and others to get through this pandemic,” Woodend, Woodlea, Watergardens, Sunshine, Sunbury, South Morang, Maddingley, Kyneton, Keilor Village, Greenvale Lakes and Brimbank Shopping Centre are among the pharmacies rolling out the vaccines. Bookings: www.covidlive.com.au Tara Murray

TerryWhite Chemmart pharmacies are now offering COVID-19 vaccinations. (Supplied)

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Amazon’s artistic touch By Benjamin Millar Taylors Lakes artist Mandi Barton has worked her colourful magic to create a giant platypus mural at Amazon’s new fulfilment centre in Ravenhall. Amazon recently opened the centre with a Welcome to Country, traditional smoke ceremony and unveiling of the mural by Barton, a proud Yorta Yorta woman. Barton, who has been an artist for more than 20 years, said the mural is part of her move into the “wellbeing” space over recent years, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Last year was just that turning point where I just needed to put my art in the wellbeing space, trying to find a way to create an impact on people’s wellbeing without them having to participate too much,” she said. “It’s about having artworks which communities can resonate with.” Barton said the platypus mural is symbolic of the role Amazon plays in the distribution of goods over a vast area. “What I do as an artist is I look at what the platypus represents and how that aligns with Amazon,” she said. “And so throughout the story there is connections and having relationships and collaborations and engaging with others, and the travel across land and communities. “It’s me telling that story of that how that aligns with them and how it creates that feeling … I really just like finding ways to make people feel good and safe in a space.” The new fulfilment centre in Ravenhall is more than doubling Amazon’s footprint in Victoria, providing about 300 new jobs. Critical role trainer Nick Carroll said after no longer being able to work as an airline pilot due to the pandemic, he was given the opportunity to work at Amazon’s first Melbourne fulfilment

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8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

Main: Yorta Yorta artist Mandi Barton creating the platypus mural at Amazon’s new fulfilment centre in Ravenhall. Above: Amazon workers celebrate the centre’s opening. (Pictures: Supplied)

centre in Dandenong South. “With the launch of Amazon’s second fulfilment centre in Ravenhall, I’ve been able to be promoted from an associate role to my permanent current role as critical role trainer,“

he said. “Working at Amazon has been rewarding, being able to work as part of a team that ensures we can make lots of Aussies happy when they receive their packages.”

Nature strips in spotlight Moorabool nature strips are under the spotlight with a new policy to guide landscaping and maintenance outside people’s properties. A draft Nature Strip Policy and Guideline has been prepared following community consultation earlier this year, with feedback on both documents now being invited. The new policy and guidelines have been produced in response to requests from residents wishing to install landscaping items such as crushed rock, edging and plantings along strips in front of their homes. They aim to provide the community with an overview of where responsibilities fall between council and residents, as well as outlining what is and isn’t permitted by way of landscaping of the nature strips – the strips of land located between a property boundary and the adjacent roadway. Nature strips are used for a range of purposes including vehicle access, pedestrian movement, collection of household bins and street tree planting. While the council manages the road reserve, the owner or occupier of the adjacent land is expected to keep the nature strip area to maintained in a neat and tidy condition. Permits are currently required to undertake any landscaping works on a nature strip. Details: moorabool.engagementhub. com.au

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Creek searched for missing man By Benjamin Millar Police are scouring the Jacksons Creek area in Diggers Rest for the body of Adelaide man Kerry Giakoumis amidst fears of foul play in his disappearance. Investigators believe the 29-year-old has been murdered, with no trace of the man since he was last seen at the Hells Angels club house in Thomastown in the early hours of June 10 last year. Divers from the Search and Rescue Squad have joined other police in searching Jacksons Creek and surrounds this week after new information came to light during the

investigation into the mystery disappearance. Mr Giakoumis had travelled from Adelaide to Melbourne on June 5 with two associates who police believe are members of the Hells Angels. He had told family that he intended to work in Melbourne as a concreter. Mr Giakoumis’ mother had booked a flight for him to return to Adelaide on June 10, but her son never boarded the flight and his family has not heard from him since. They reported his disappearance to police, who established a taskforce to investigate. Detectives believe a dispute took place on the night Mr Giakoumis was last seen, possibly connected with other members or associates of

the Hells Angels. Detective Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said the Victoria Police investigation into the disappearance has been significant. “We’ve created a taskforce involving specialist detectives with experience in the investigation of missing persons, murder and outlaw motorcycle gangs because we believe this gives us the best opportunity to solve this case,” he said. Police have released a new image of a man they are trying to identify as part of this appeal. This man was seen in a group of men who were in the company of Mr Giakoumis on the night of his disappearance.

Police would like to speak to this man in relation to the disappearance of Adelaide man Kerry Giakoumis. (Supplied)

Massive logistics hub Japanese tool giant Makita is just one of the major companies to secure a site at the new Melbourne Business Park in Truganina, set to become one of the largest logistics precincts in Victoria. Stockland and joint venture partner Mt Atkinson Holdings are launching the first 95-hectare stage of the 260-hectare logistics precinct, eventually expected to include about one million square metres of warehouse space – the equivalent of 50 Melbourne Cricket Grounds. Stockland workplace and logistics general manager Tony D’Addona said that 21 businesses and investors have now committed to purchase lots, attracted to the $2 billion precinct’s strategic location on Hopkins Road and proximity to significant planned future infrastructure. “Makita, the Japanese tool giant, will base

its primary Victorian distribution and service centres at Melbourne Business Park, anchoring the site with a six-hectare land acquisition and plans to initially employ approximately 70 people,” he said. “Melbourne Business Park will provide employment to thousands of Victorians and, with early works now started, the project will be a significant contributor to Victoria’s employment and economic growth as we recover from COVID-19.” Makita Australia director Nick Poulos said the company has chosen Melbourne Business Park to position its Australian business for further growth. “Our investment alongside Stockland demonstrates our confidence in Melbourne’s western corridor to provide superior connectivity to the port and our customers,” he said.

An artist’s impression of the new Melbourne Business Park on Hopkins Road in Truganina. (Supplied)

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Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

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Boundary changes on the cards By Benjamin Millar

to Bunninyong while Plumpton, Bonnie Brook and Deanside would shift from the Kororoit electorate into Sydenham. Melton council officers reviewed the proposed changes in consultation with councillors, hatching a number of recommendations based on achieving a better strategic alignment for electoral divisions within the municipality. A report to the recent ordinary council meeting noted that this will also achieve a consolidated and more geographically centred state representation, by recommending the removal of Melton municipal areas from electorates with significant rural populations.

Melton council has called for Bacchus Marsh to be dumped from the state seat of Melton and replaced with Toolern Vale as part of sweeping boundary changes ahead of the state election. The Electoral Boundaries Commission (EBC) is conducting a redivision of Victoria’s state electoral boundaries, recommending a number of changes to ensure the number of voters in each seat remains within 10 per cent of the average. In proposed changes recently released for consultation, Bacchus Marsh and Darley would move from the Melton electorate

It notes the removal of the Bacchus Marsh area from the electorate of Melton would give the local member, currently Labor’s Steve McGhie, a greater focus on the Melton area. The report also seeks the area of Toolern Vale being moved out of the neighbouring Macedon electorate and into Melton. “Incorporating Toolern Vale into the Melton electorate is considered a better alignment of the electorate given the Melton electorate is now largely a metropolitan electorate and Macedon District a rural one,” it states. The report notes the MacPherson Park sporting precinct is currently within the

Buddhist temple given green light A new Buddhist complex will be built in Mount Wallace to provide Melbourne’s growing Karen population with a place to hold weekly meditation and a celebrate annual festivals. The Melbourne Karen Buddhist Association (MKBA) lodged plans last year for the $2 million complex on a 32-hectare site on Geelong-Ballan Road. Featuring a new meditation hall, dining hall and pagoda, the project also includes longer term plans to process the site’s existing blue-gum plantation and convert the land to food production. Moorabool councilors unanimously voted to approve the plan at last week’s development assessment committee meeting. The MKBA intends to use the monastery complex to assist with teaching people more about the Karen Buddhist faith. The existing three-bedroom dwelling on the property will be used as a residence for two Karen Buddhist monks and a temporary place of assembly for weekly meditation sessions while construction of the larger complex takes place. The proposed pavilion-style dining hall will have seating capacity for 200 people and be used for up to six annual festivals. The meditation hall will be used for weekly meditation for up to 30 people. A 15-metre tall pagoda is planned, as well as a 60-space carpark. A council report on the proposal recommended the project be supported. “The development is of suitable design and scale for the rural setting, whilst the use is limited in its intensity and subject to permit conditions relating to ensuring suitable control of the use and its amenity impacts, would ensure avoidance of detriment to this rural locality,” it stated. “The proposal is appropriately compliant in respect to traffic and parking requirements, and environmental impacts.” Victoria is home to a growing Karen community, an ethnic minority group from Burma that has arrived in Australia as refugees from camps on the Thai border. More than 3000 of the 5600 Burma-born people currently residing in Australia are in Melbourne, almost half living in the Wyndham area.

Macedon District boundary despite being used primarily by sporting groups in the Melton catchment. “It would therefore better align within the Melton electorate and ensure advocacy and funding submissions are directed through the local member whose constituents make the greatest use of this precinct.” The report also suggests the proposed expansion of the Sydenham electorate to Kororoit Creek will provide improved clarity in the council’s advocacy efforts for the upgrade to the Melton Highway.

Youth urged to speak out Young people living in Melton and Moorabool are being urged to raise their voice as part of the Victorian Youth Congress. The Victorian Youth Congress is an advisory group of young people aged 12 - 25 who work with government to identify and advocate for issues that matter to young people. Applications are now open to join the 2022 Victorian Youth Congress and get involved in the implementation of Victoria’s new youth strategy, due to be released later this year. The strategy has been informed by extensive consultation with young people, including the current Victorian Youth Congress and the youth sector, and will set a long term vision to make Victoria the best place to be for all young people. It comes as young people in Victoria face unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting many aspects of their lives including education, employment, health and wellbeing. The Victorian Youth Congress is a project of the state government’s Office for Youth, which sits within the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Young people from diverse backgrounds, ages and from across regional, rural, outer suburban and metropolitan Melbourne are encouraged to apply. Applicants do not need previous experience working with government. Successful applicants will gain insight into how government works, how policies get made and what you can do to influence the process. Applications close September 13. Details: youthcentral.vic.gov.au

Main: Plans for the new Buddhist complex in Mount Wallace. Above: The proposed meditation hall is to be modelled on this Karen Buddhist temple in Burma. (Pictures: Supplied)

Planning protection for flood-prone land in Moorabool Flood-prone land in Moorabool is one step closer to being protected from overdevelopment after a planning panel recommended new overlays be added to the local planning scheme. Planning panel chair Chris Harty and member Michael Wheelahan have released a report recommending the state government sign off on the amendment, which proposes new development permit triggers in land identified as subject to inundation within the catchments of the Werribee River, Lerderderg River and Little River. The amendment includes land in Blackwood, Ballan, Greendale, Darley, Bacchus Marsh, Maddingley and Balliang identified in various 10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

flood mapping studies. Changes would introduce the Land Subject to Inundation Overlay (LSIO) and the Special Building Overlay (SBO) to the Moorabool Planning Scheme, meaning the impact of flooding would have to be considered as part of any future development in the identified flood-prone areas. The proposal attracted 41 submissions when advertised last year, 35 of which opposed the changes. Key issues raised in submissions included whether the amendment was necessary, the appropriateness of the proposed planning controls and the accuracy of the flood extent mapping.

Other concerns raised in submissions included flood mitigation including drain maintenance and the potential effects on property values and insurance. However the planning panel found the amendment is “overwhelmingly supported” under relevant planning laws and policies and has “sound strategic justification” given the nature of the flood risks identified in the flood studies. “An important feature of the application of the LSIO and SBO is that they do not prohibit development,” the report stated. “The overlays will provide for the identification of land subject to flood risk

within the eastern portion of Moorabool Shire and establish a process through the permit system that allows development of affected land to be assessed to determine if it would impact on or be impacted by flood processes.” The panel found the amendment is needed to fill an existing gap where the council does not have the tools to manage growth and flood risk. It also found the amendment will not result in any increase in bushfire risk, as it only seeks to manage flood risks. “The amendment does not involve, nor facilitate, any on-ground works (such as revegetation) which might lead to increased bushfire risk.”

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Call to plan for hamlet’s growth By Benjamin Millar A boost to community connection is on the cards for the tiny Moorabool hamlet of Dales Creek. Woodlands ward councilor Ally Munari moved a motion at the recent ordinary council meeting calling for a report to be prepared into the needs of the Dales Creek community to meet the area’s recent population growth. Cr Munari said the report should consider improvements to the area such as a picnic

area and seating to encourage community relationships and installation of climbing frames and play equipment to promote active play for children in a central location reachable by residents travelling by foot or bike. She would also like to see a central gathering point created for high bushfire danger periods. Cr Munari said the Dales Creek township, nestled in bushland between Greendale and Blackwood, has notably grown in population over the last 10 years due to an abundance of homes being built on vacant lots.

“With so many families building in the area and with the 2016 Census data quite outdated, I would like to request a report into the population growth and needs of the Dales Creek community which will complement and help with plans for this area into the future,” she said. Cr Munari told Star Weekly that a lot the people living in the area are young families drawn to the bush setting. “It’s a small hamlet that needs a bit of love,” she said.

“If they want to do anything, there is nothing in that area.” Cr Munari said Dales Creek will be under the spotlight as a test case for what might also work in other areas across Moorabool. “Once we get some sort of report back and a bit more of a detailed look into it, then we can move on and look at other hamlets too,” she said. “I want to make surethis is a very liveable shire and one people want to continue to live in.”

Clarity call on forestry policy

Stewy the Snake Catcher. (Damjan Janevski). 247224

Warning as snake season warms up Stewy the Snake Catcher has warned residents across the west that with spring approaching, snake season is about to start. The Wyndham-based snake expert, whose name is Stewart Gatt, is the official snake catcher contracted to Hobsons Bay and Brimbank councils. Mr Gatt said he usually attended 20 to 30 call-outs during the last fortnight of August. “We’ve already had two dozen calls in the last two weeks, so they (snakes) are out and about,” he said. “As the weather heats up, they wake up and go looking for food, for water and for a mate.” Snake season officially begins on September 1, the first day of spring. Mr Gatt said in the past two weeks he has attended call-outs in suburbs including

Wyndham Vale, Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Albion and Deer Park. Mr Gatt said the calls have mostly been related to tiger snakes, plus a couple brown snakes and whip snakes. He said that as more houses are built on the fringes of Melbourne, in municipalities such as Wyndham and Melton, snakes are driven further out into paddocks or back towards suburbia. “We are getting lots of calls at the moment from people who are walking their dogs or because their dog started barking in the backyard,” he said. “I do recommend snake-aversion training for dogs, I don’t do it personally but it does seem to help. “If you hear your dog barking in the

backyard, go out and check on it, don’t just yell at it.” Mr Gatt said he was keen to remind people that snakes were protected by law across Australia. He said it was important for people who see a snake on their property to contact a licensed snake catcher and not try to deal with the reptile themselves. “Ring a snake catcher, even if it is just to get advice, they’re happy to help,” he said. “Around 95 per cent of people who are bitten are usually trying to catch or kill a snake.” Mr Gatt said people should brush up on first aid related to snake bites “as it may save your life”. Alesha Capone

Victoria’s peak local government body on forestry policy is calling for greater certainty for the industry ahead of the state government’s review of the Timber Code of Practice. Timber Towns Victoria, which represents 10 Victorian councils with local forestry industries, including Moorabool, wants “clarity and certainty” for the timber industry, workers and communities. President Karen Stephens said the existing Timber Code of Practice has been problematic due to its lack of clarity about the future of the industry. “We trust this review will close existing loopholes and give thousands of workers the certainty they need for their jobs, families and communities,” she said. Timber Towns Victoria has previously called on the state government to reconsider its plan to shut down the state’s native timber industry by 2030, with the phase out of the industry due to start from 2025. Cr Stephens said Victoria’s native timber industry employs about 2500 people directly, supports thousands of indirect jobs, and adds almost $300 million value to regional communities, underpinning the entire economies of many small regional towns. She said it is still unclear as to why the government is phasing out the native timber industry. “We have not seen any economic or environmental data to support this,” Cr Stephens said. Cr Stephens said if the native industry shuts down, timber will need to be sourced from overseas to feed high demand from construction and furniture manufacturing industries. “We need a genuine plan to guarantee adequate timber supply, protect regional economies and jobs, and provide certainty for native timber communities across Victoria,” she said.

Horse doping ban upheld as trainer’s appeal is rejected A horse trainer disqualified from racing for three years over a doping scandal has lost his bid to have his ban overturned. Joseph Bajada was disqualified by the Victorian Racing Tribunal (VRT) last September following eight charges including attempting to stomach tube a horse on the day it was due to race at Tabcorp Park Melton and giving false or misleading evidence. He took Harness Racing Victoria (HRV) to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal seeking a review of the ban and thousands of dollars in fines that had been imposed.

But VCAT senior member Anna Dea this month upheld the VRT’s decision to disqualify Mr Bajada for three years over the breaches of Australian Harness Racing Rules. He must also pay a $1350 fine and faces a further $4500 fine for any further breaches within two years of becoming relicensed. VCAT heard the breaches were discovered when HRV stewards attended Mr Bajada’s property on June 20 last year and saw him with a piece of tubing inserted into a nostril of a horse called Upanatom and the other end in his mouth. A blue bucket contained liquid was seen

beside Mr Bajada, which he kicked over in an attempt to spill the liquid while the stewards were questioning him. Mr Bajada was also found to have administered an alkalinising agent within a day of the commencement of a race and not keeping proper log books. The (VRT) upheld the breaches in a hearing on September 7 during which Mr Bajada pleaded not guilty to all alleged breaches, except that in respect of the log book. The VRT did not accept Mr Bajada’s explanations for his conduct and found his explanation as to why he was seen with the

tubing inserted into the horse’s nostril and the other end in his mouth to be ‘fanciful’. It found other statements he made to the stewards at the time of their attendance at his property and later that day to have been false and misleading. In the course of the interviews, Mr Bajada made admissions about administering an alkalinising agent to two horses within 24 hours of race day via their feed. Mr Bajada’s disqualification period will end on June 19, 2023. Benjamin Millar Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

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Staying healthy during lockdown COVID-19 lockdowns have closed gyms, cancelled group fitness sessions and put community sport on hold, disrupting everyday routines and impacting the health and wellbeing of many. Oliver Lees finds out how you can care for your physical and mental health while at home.

ince the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic in January last year, lockdown restrictions have impeded our ability to continue the routines that define our lives. These everyday routines of going to the gym, seeing friends and family, or playing community sport, carry a range of benefits for our physical and mental wellbeing. But with these patterns disrupted, many have lost those moments that we could rely on to keep us feeling healthy. As the co-owner of Change It Up Training, a health and fitness business located in the Macedon Ranges, Louise Moss says many of her clients have expressed their frustration at having to change their regular workout habits. “That’s the hardest part, because many people build their exercise time around their day, like after dropping the kids off at school or before going into work,” Ms Moss said. “I know people feel like that is completely lost, but you can apply the same precedent to your life at home. It’s as simple as setting an alarm and committing to an online workshop before you start the day. “If before lockdown you were getting to the gym four day a week, it’s possible to keep that going.” Ms Moss and her business partner, Kelly Nicholas, have remained in constant contact with their clients throughout each of the state’s lockdowns. Previously they only conducted in-person training sessions such as yoga and strength and conditioning classes, but early last year the pair sprung into action and made their teaching available online. This includes an active blog with information on the benefits of exercise, how-to stretching guides, as well as tips for injury recovery and nutritional guides for cooking. Ms Moss said it had been a long journey to working out what people want out of their home workout experience, but can now see that the service is providing more than just physical health benefits. “When we get on Zoom, we like to say hello before the class starts and quite often will sit there and just let anyone have a chat and throw out any questions they may have. We 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

Main: Louise Moss and Kelly Nicholas. Above: Before the pandemic, Change It Up Training conducted all of their classes in-person; Change It Up Training’s new online fitness classes. (Pictures: Supplied)

know that people miss that face-to-face, so we like to have a bit of an open forum,” she said. “We found in the first lockdown when everyone was working out how to do Zoom, all our clients could see each other and it wasn’t really the best. “Now we have it so that that’s not the case, because we wanted the focus to be that people feel safe and comfortable in their own home. That way if you want to roll out of bed at 8.15am for an 8.30am class, you’re not going to get judged for being in your PJs.” Across Melbourne’s six lockdowns, Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health (SCCH) saw an increase in demand for their mental health counselling sessions. SCCH mental health manager Adam Stefano said lockdown affects everybody differently, but that finding ways of remaining physically and socially engaged is crucial. “We all need different amounts of contact with others and lockdown can take away that choice of how much time we spend with others,” Mr Stefano said. “This can lead to feelings of either

isolation or feeling overwhelmed. Months of homeschooling and lack of organised support have had a significant impact. “Exercise is so important for your mental health and there are many ways you can keep your fitness up during lockdown with a number of guided classes available for free online. “Technology has enabled us to keep connected during these periods at home so find what works best for you – a group text chat with friends, a video call or a simple phone call.” SCCH recommends practicing ‘digital distancing’ by limiting news and social media usage to a couple of times a day. The same message of routine rings true, as SCCH outlines the importance of making sure you take time to eat lunch each day, enjoy a walk or have some quiet time in the garden. For parents, the challenge of working from home is made more difficult by obligations to supervise home learing. Current restrictions in metropolitan areas have reduced suitable options for parents to

keep their children active as well, with no local sport, and access to public playground equipment prohibited. As a mother of three, Ms Moss understands the burden of being responsible for finding ways to keep the family active. Her advice: find a way to make it fun by including the whole family in an active routine. “I know if I don’t exercise, I will become a little crazy. And kids need to move just as much as adults,” she said. “I would suggest get them to join in whatever it is you’re doing. Put the iPad in front of them with exercise, or choose something they can do. “Not being able to go outside makes it really quite tricky. So make it fun by dressing up as superheroes and do a superhero workshop, or My Little Pony. “Even if you get them moving for 15 minutes each morning, that’s a great start.” To explore Change It Up Training’s full range of classes, visit: www.changeituptraining.com If you need mental health support, contact Lifeline on: 13 11 14

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COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Singing group Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

Melton South Knit & Natter All welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Tax return help Melton South Community Centre is now booking appointments for members of the community wanting help with their 2020-21 tax returns, as well as eligible households wanting to claim the $250 Power Saving Bonus. ■ 9747 8576.

Sewing classes in Melton South Intro to Sewing is now open for enrolments at Melton South Community Centre. Beginners can learn how to use their sewing machine and work on some simple projects. Weekly classes run on Tuesdays until September 14 or on Thursdays until September 16, 9.30am to noon. The cost is $50.00/$30.00 concession. ■ 9747 8576.

Mahjong group Interested in learning to play Mahjong? U3A Melton has a group who play on Tuesdays at 10am. ■ https://u3amelton.com or 0419 563 016

First aid courses Melton South Community Centre offers a number of first aid courses for people wanting to learn or renew these valuable skills. One-day classes are held on Saturdays throughout the year. ■ 9747 8576

Melton Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63A Reserve Road, from 9.45am. New members and visitors are most welcome. ■ 9746 0271

Deer Park probus The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

Knitting and crochet group A keen knitter and want to find some people to knit with? This is the group for you. The social group meets on Tuesdays between 10am and 12pm at the Keilor Community Hub. The group will run until September 14. ■ keilorcp@brimbank.vic.gov.au

LEGO Challenge Brimbank libraries are holding an online LEGO challenge in August. Participants are encouraged to design their own world and alternative universe using LEGO and send through a photo to enter the competition.

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is Lola, 6, at the new skate park at D.S. Aitken Reserve in Craigieburn. (Picture: Damjan Janevski) 247429_01

Sewing group The Sunbury Neighborhood House Social Sewing Group meets on the first Saturday of each month to chat, share ideas and sew. Beginners through experienced welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury 12.30-3.30pm.

support group for parents and carers of children with additional needs. The group meets each Friday at 10am during term three in the community room at Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, 51 Maddox Road, Newport. ■ kim.mace@tweddle.org.au

The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Senior citizens club Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. Lunch subsidised. If you’re over 55 years of age and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

MS volunteers The Multiple Sclerosis Community Visitors Scheme is seeking female Maltese and Italian volunteers to make a weekly visit to aged care residents in Altona Meadows and Point Cook. ■ Sue, 9845 2744 or volunteer@ms.org.au

Bridge lessons Williamstown Bridge Club is offering lessons in learning to play bridge from September 3. Lessons are on Fridays from 10am-12.45pm at Hobsons Bay Sport and Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Altona. First two lessons free. For those wishing to continue for a further six weeks, the cost is $80 and includes a workbook. ■ Serita, 0410 599 323 or seritamudford@hotmail.com

Additional needs support MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer

Altona Day View Club (Voice Interest Education of Women) meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. ■ Janet, 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

AL-ANON meets Diabetes support group

Garden club

Friendship Group

The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Free computer workshops Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running free computer workshops on how to use Zoom (September 7), internet banking (October 6) and setting up a MyGov account (November 7). Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168

Hobsons Bay band Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join the community band. Rehearsals are held every Monday evening from 7.30pm at Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough. ■ 0412 432 760

Conversation class Is English your second language and wishing to improve your conversation skills? The Altona Conservation Class can help. The group meets Mondays during the school term, 1-3pm. Sessions are free. ■ Joe, 0431 915 970, or Jill, 0439 994 705

Laverton Community Choir All welcome for a friendly singing get-together, suitable for all ages and abilities on Thursday nights from 7pm during school term at the Laverton P-12 College, 91 Bladin Street, Laverton. ■ Ada, 0419 116 013

Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 9369 1785

Women’s choir The Willin Wimmin choir meets Wednesdays during school terms at Church of Christ hall, corner John Street and Douglas Parade, Williamstown, from 7.30-9.30pm. There are no auditions and you don’t need to be able to read music. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

Rotary club Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. ■ Pam, 0418 347 691or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. New member welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190 or ymob1933@ yahoo.com.au Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

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Illustrations light up library

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An exhibition by one celebrated childre of Australia’s most n’s lighting up Melton book authors is library. Never be late for a a striking series of Parade includes book illustrations by award-winning author and illustra tor Shaun Tan (inset). Featuring a collect ion of illustrations from Tan’s best-kn own including The Arrival picture books , The Red Tree, The Lost Thing, Rules Singing Bones, Cicada of Summer, The and Tales from the Inner City, the showcase celebra tes Tan’s unique approa ch As well as being an to storytelling. acclaimed writer and internationally illustrator, Tan has branched out into theatre design and concept art for ﬁlms Horton Hears a Who and Pixar’s WALL-E . He directed the Academ y Award-winning short based on his winning ﬁlm The Lost Thing, picture book of the same name. Never be late for a Parade is showing at Melton Library and Learning Hub until March 7.

Nursing boss ba nned

Benjamin Millar

By Benjamin Millar

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The Victorian Civil and Administrativ The director of nursing e The allegations at Djerriwarrh Health Tribunal last week returned a Service during a included inadequ ruling disqualified Ms cluster of perinat ate formal reviews Meek from applyin that education and training al deaths registra at Bacchus Marsh of overall clinica l practic for nursing and g for midwifery tion for a period of Hospital has been perinatal deaths as e and staff and that 10 years. banned from working as they occurred. The ruling been aware of deficien Ms Meek should have a nurse or midwif Ms Meek ceased workin e for a of former follows last year’s disqualification decade. cies in midwifery skills. g at DjHS in 2015 maternity “She failed and surrendered The Nursing and her Little for a 10-year services manager Mary the deficien to take adequate steps to ensure Midwif and midwife in 2016. registration as a nurse cies period ery were identified and Board of during for her failures Austra lia sought a remedied,” the same period. 10-year ban for Julia the tribunal found. Djerriwarrh Health Meek in the wake of reports Services chief executi A 2015 review by identify ing “catastr Presiding VCAT membe professor Euan Wallac ve ophic” identified failings behind a r Wendy Boddison Belinda Scott said while she was e and series of “avoidable” “catastrophic and unable to comment deaths systemic and other adverse unprecedented Hallymembers Pamela Barry and Bernad patient outcomes ette Djerriwarrh on individual practitioners, also found Ms Meek at DjHS obstetric governance failings” with the from 2013 to 2015. has implemented failed to ensure shift by shift presenc services at DjHS during e of a midwife compet the change” across the health service “profound External reviews identifi the period. Ms Meek, 63, faced in foetal surveil ent since 2015. ed that the perinatal “It has robust clinica allegations in the tribuna lance monitoring mortality rate was that she had failed l govern l in birthin ance significantly higher the process g suite. systematic trainin to take adequate the state average and than deliver effectiv g, continued profess es, The tribuna much higher than e systems and process steps to ional be expected for a low would in her role es at DjHS for ensurin l found there was no clear criteria development and strong leaders as director of nursing risk unit. hip that ensures Djerriwarrh g only maternity , which she had the cases suitable held since 2005. is a safe, level of the capacit y of DjHS were accepte to fully-functioning health service secure and There was also found to be inadeq d. of Bacchus Marsh, Melton for the people and Caroline uate Springs,” she said.

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Melton Woodgrove Shopping Centre 533-555 High Street

Melton South Station Square Shopping Centre 25 Station Road

•

Melton Woolworths Supermarket 523531 High Street (Coburns Shopping Centre)

Melton South Coles Express Shop 1-9 Station Street & Brooklyn Road

•

Rockbank Rockbank Newsagency 1157 Leakes Road

•

Melton Woolworths Supermarket 533555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

•

Melton Coles Supermarket 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre)

Rockbank Sundowner Rockbank Caravan Park 2057-2083 Western Highway

•

Toolern Vale Toolern Vale General Store Lot 23 Diggers Rest Road

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14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 043

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

easy

3 4 4 9 5 2 1 2 9 9 1 4 8 7 3 7 2 2

6 2 4

5 8 3 9 7

1 5 6 9

9 7

5 4 3

ACROSS

24 26 28 29 30 31

No. 043

DOWN

Entry (6) Grow rapidly (8) Collision of vehicles (5) Able (9) Leaves (5) Oslo resident (9) Flank (4) Tractable (6) Commercials (3) Video recorder (abb) (3) Expenditure (6) Small bit of land surrounded by sea (4) Alaska’s largest city (9) Weak (5) By law (9) Humble (5) Outfits for actors (8) Counsel (6)

1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 20 21

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 18 19 22 23 25 27

5 medium

QUICK CROSSWORD

Tolerates (7) Seat (5) Division (6) Labeller (5) Any place (8) Citizens of the US (9) Women with South American heritage (7) Associate (7) One of the two major US political parties (9) Visuals (7) Hawaiian capital (8) Definitive (7) Very (7) Craven (6) Sundried brick (5) Baghdad citizen (5)

DECODER

No. 043

1 8 5

7 6

3 7

5 3 7

3 9 2 8

1 hard

5 9

5 4 9 4 6 9 2 7 4 8 5 1 3 4

6 8

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

U D F Z B H OMA L E G C U D 15

2 1

QV R J S P T YWKN I X 1

9-LETTER WORD

easy

medium

8 1 3 2 9 6 5 7 4

1 7 2 9 6 8 5 3 4

8 5 4 3 7 1 2 9 6

6 3 9 5 2 4 1 8 7

3 6 5 8 9 7 4 1 2

9 2 1 4 5 3 7 6 8

7 4 8 6 1 2 9 5 3

2 9 7 1 3 6 8 4 5

4 1 6 2 8 5 3 7 9

5 8 3 7 4 9 6 2 1

9 7 5 3 1 4 8 2 6

2 4 6 8 7 5 9 3 1

3 9 2 1 5 8 6 4 7

4 5 1 9 6 7 3 8 2

6 8 7 4 2 3 1 5 9

5 3 9 7 4 1 2 6 8

1 6 4 5 8 2 7 9 3

7 2 8 6 3 9 4 1 5

hard 6 5 3 8 4 9 7 2 1

1 8 2 7 3 6 4 9 5

9 7 4 1 2 5 6 8 3

2 3 6 4 1 8 9 5 7

7 1 5 9 6 2 8 3 4

4 9 8 3 5 7 1 6 2

5 6 9 2 7 1 3 4 8

8 4 7 5 9 3 2 1 6

3 2 1 6 8 4 5 7 9

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

4 LETTERS ACED CLOD EARL GONG HOST KEEN KNEW MINE ODDS PAST PEST RAPT SLOT STEW TEEN

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

Today’s Aim: 11 words: Good 17 words: Very good 23 words: Excellent

C I

3 LETTERS ACE ARM AWE BRA EAR EGO GAL HOE ICE ILL IRE LAD LAX MAR MES MOP ONE PEA PEG RAG RED RUM SEW TAP TEA UGH

No. 043

THEE TREE WANT 5 LETTERS ACRES ADEPT AGREE ALPHA ALTER APPAL APPLE ASHED ASKEW CAROL CLUED DATED DIETS DRAIN DREAM EATEN

ENDOW ENEMA EXULT GENRE GNOME HYMNS LANCE LEACH LEAST LOCAL MEMOS NIECE OASES OASIS OBESE OPERA PLIES ROGUE SEDAN SEEMS SELLS

SIEGE SIGMA SPILL SPIRE STEAL THUGS WHEEL 6 LETTERS SLEWED TRENDS 7 LETTERS ADMIRAL AWESOME

PRUDENT REWRITE SCRAWLS SELLERS 8 LETTERS AWAKENED GUERILLA HOLINESS STRONGLY 10 LETTERS TRANSIENTS WATERSHEDS

code, coin, coined, conduce, CONDUCIVE, cone, coned, conic, cove, coven, dice, dunce, iced, icon, induce, nice, novice, once, ounce, unvoiced, vice, voice, voiced

8 2

WORDFIT

27-08-21

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Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

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networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

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Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds. 16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

CALL 1300 666 808

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Who was Australia's national cricket coach previous to current coach Justin Langer?

7. The world's largest rugby union stadium Twickenham Stadium is in which country?

2. Football star Lionel Messi recently joined which French football club?

12. The United Arab Emirates and which other country will host the 2021 ICC Men's Twenty20 World Cup?

8. How many teams does the AFLW plan to have in the competition by 2023?

13. What was the nickname of the now-defunct NBL team based in Geelong?

9. Australian-born punter Arryn Sipos is currently with which NFL team?

14. Ange Postecoglou coaches which Scottish Premiership football club?

10. Named after someiyoshino, a type of cherry blossom, what is the name of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games official mascot?

15. Moses Mbye signed with which NRL team for the 2022 season?

3. How many medals did Australia win at Tokyo 2020 in total? 4. USA athletes Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda won individual Tokyo 2020 gold medals in which sport? 5. Which Cronulla Sharks player recently underwent surgery for a fractured larynx?

11. Which AFL legend who played 350 games for Carlton and Adelaide retired at the end of the 2021 season?

6. Which Asiabased basketball club competed in the NBL from 2006 to 2008?

Primož Roglic

16. The NHL team nicknamed the Sabres is based in which city? 17. Major League Baseball recently staged a game in rural Iowa inspired by which 1989 movie? 18. How many Super Rugby teams are based in Australia? 19. The Red Bull Ring hosts which country's MotoGP event?

30. In which year did the Melbourne Demons AFL club last win a premiership?

Massage Therapists

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Buy, Rent & Sell in our

Real Estate

section of Network Classifieds.

Garage Sales

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PLACE YOUR

BAKER WANTED In Deer Park area

Training Consultant Construction Industry

Ready for take-off? Our industry is commencing its recovery from its longest ever shut-down, so there has never been a better time to start your career in aviation. Swissport, the world’s leader in airport ground handling services, some of the biggest names in aviation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Carpenter to join a National Training Organisation. This is a unique opportunity to work with an established RTO who is committed to the training and development of its staff and the provision of quality training outcomes. The majority of the work would be carried out in the Western Suburbs growth corridor region.

If you have dreamed of working on the airport, working with Swissport is the opportunity you have been waiting for. From working in the baggage sorting room to driving baggage tractors, from pushing back aircraft to supervising teams, Swissport will provide you with comprehensive training to do these roles and more.

Swissport has been committed to delivering safe and high-quality services in Australia since 1992. If you want to be part of Swissport’s growth in Australia and take part in the nation’s recovery from COVID, as our border restrictions are removed and the industry ramps up, there has never been a better time to join the Swissport team.

To be considered for the role you must have CPC30211 – Cert III in Carpentry or equivalent, and either hold TAE40116 or TAE40110 – Cert IV in Training and Assessment, or be willing to complete this course as an urgent requirement to be considered for an interview.

If this sounds like you, and you’re looking for a new challenge, rewarding new career, lots of training and development opportunities, then don’t miss out APPLY NOW! www.swissport.com.au/work-with-us/

Closing date for applications is the 3rd September 2021

section of Network Classifieds.

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Required to work full time in a cheese factory from 2.00am till 10.00am. Fast paced environment. Some heavy lifting involved. Must be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work unsupervised, and keen to work. EARLY MORNING START

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Phone only between

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Motoring

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We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds, particularly people with experience in operating vehicles and supervising teams and offering accelerated advancement opportunities for people with the aptitude and the drive to fast-track their career in aviation.

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To apply please forward your resume to mjennings@mmtc.com.au Conﬁdential enquires can be made to Mark Jennings on 0427 369 799

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AIRLINE BAGGAGE HANDLING AGENTS

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Adult Services

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27. Before 2021, when was the last time a Dutch Formula One Grand Prix was held?

25. Shooter McGavin is the name of a character from which ‘90s sports comedy movie?

21. Who did France defeat in the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup?

General Classifieds V

23. Which former Tongan-born Wallaby rugby union player was reportedly attacked in his home in Brisbane on August 16?

1. Darren Lehmann 2. Paris Saint-Germain 3. 46 (17 gold, 7 silver, 22 bronze) 4. Golf 5. Andrew Fifita 6. Singapore Slingers 7. England 8. Eighteen 9. Philadelphia Eagles 10. Someity 11. Eddie Betts 12. Oman 13. Supercats 14. Celtic 15. St George Illawarra Dragons 16. Buffalo 17. Field of Dreams 18. Five 19. Austria 20. Ten 21. Croatia 22. Aspley Hornets 23. Toutai Kefu 24. Slovenia 25. Happy Gilmore 26. True 27. 1985 28. India 29. Tennis 30. 1964

2708

26. True or false: Australia has finished fifth in the medal tally at the last four Summer Paralympic Games.

24. The winner of the 2020 Vuelta a España cycling race, Primož Roglic, is from which country?

20. How many frames are there in a standard Ten Pin bowling game?

Lionel Messi

22. Which Queensland-based club has decided to withdraw from the VFL competition after just one season?

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0435 904 818 Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Mazda MX-30 MHEV Evolve: $33,990 Mazda MX-30 MHEV Touring: $36,490 Mazda MX-30 MHEV Astina: $40,990

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Mazda dealer for drive-away prices.

MX-30 takes Mazda into the future By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Released here in January 2021, the MX-30 is the latest model in the continually expanding Mazda SUV range. The name is a bit confusing given that previous cars with the MX prefix have been sporty coupes or convertibles, most notably the iconic MX-5. In this case it stands for Mazda’s new Skyactiv-X M Hybrid technology with the M indicating that it is a mild hybrid or MHEV. It joins the Mazda3 hatch and CX-30 SUV in offering the MHEV option. In April this year the MX-30 MHEV was joined by the MX-30 EV, the first ever pure electric vehicle from Mazda. Only 100 units have been allocated with delivery expected soon. Three variants of the MX-30 MHEV are offered: Evolve, Touring and Astina with prices ranging from $33,990 for the entry-level Evolve through to $40,990 for the top-of-range Astina. On-road costs need to be added.

Styling The first thing you notice about the MX-30 is its narrow grille, a big change from the large Mazda-family grille that’s been a feature across the Mazda range for some time. More of a grin than a guffaw this time. The profile follows similar lines to the CX-30 but with a slightly more coupe-like dip towards the rear. The most dramatic feature by far is the reverse-hinged rear doors. Called ‘freestyle’ by Mazda, but more colloquially ‘suicide doors’ by their critics, they were last seen here in the Mazda RX-8 sports car. The rear doors can only be opened when the front ones are open to provide a large single opening. However, we didn’t find any practical benefit from the format with access to the rear seats quite awkward especially in cramped parking areas. Likewise, the ability to open the front doors to almost 90 degrees is useful but again care needs to be taken in tight areas. The top-spec Astina comes with a glass sunroof with power tilt and slide.

Powertrain The MX-30 combines a 2.0-litre 114kW / 18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 24 August, 2021

Headlamps; Cruising & Traffic Support; Driver inattention monitoring; Front Cross Traffic Alert; and front parking sensors. These are optional in the Evolve and Touring models with the $1500 Vision Technology Package.

Driving

New narrow grille identifies the Mazda MX-30 Hybrid. (Pictures: Supplied)

200 Nm petrol engine with a 24-volt battery sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission. As with other hybrid systems regenerative braking recharges the battery for improved fuel efficiency, although at 6.4 litres per 100 km it’s only 0.1 litres lower than the identical engine in the petrol-only CX-30.

Interior The overall interior design of the MX-30 is fresh and attractive with a functional layout to the dashboard. There are three screens, one behind the steering wheels with driver information, an information screen at the top centre of the dash, and a touchscreen at the front of the floating centre console specifically for air conditioner and seat heating controls. Eco-friendly sustainable material is used including a cork surface on the large storage space beneath the floating centre console and on flip caps on the two centre drink holders. The upper door trims are finished in a breathable fabric made from recycled PET bottles while the seat trim fabric uses up to 20 per cent recycled thread. Evolve gets black and grey cloth seat upholstery; Touring upgrades to Pure White

Maztex faux leather with grey cloth; while our test Astina came with a Vintage Brown Maztex with black cloth. Rear seat space is limited in all directions with a large ‘transmission’ tunnel below the centre seats. Together with the two small windows and the absence of air vents it feels a bit claustrophobic. There is a fold-down armrest with two cupholders, but no USB ports. Boot size is a disappointing 311 litres with the rear seats in place expanding only to 876 litres with the seatbacks folded.

Safety Standard equipment in all models includes 10 Airbags; Blind Spot Monitoring; Driver Attention Alert; Emergency Lane Keeping with Road Keep Assist and Blind Spot Assist; Emergency Stop Signal; Forward Obstruction Warning; High Beam Control; Hill Launch Assist; Lane Departure Warning; Lane-keep Assist System; Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go; rear parking sensors; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; reversing camera; Smart Brake Support; Rear Crossing; Turn-across Traffic; Traffic Sign Recognition; and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Extra features in the Astina includes 360-degree View Monitor; Adaptive LED

Apart from the extra torque the performance of the MX-30 is much the same as its CX-30 sibling. There’s nothing exciting about it but town it’s smooth, comfortable and quiet while it cruises easily in motorway conditions. Out on the open road ride quality and interior sound levels are excellent while coarse-chip surfaces do increase noise levels although not to the same extent as in others in this class. Handling is accurate and the steering wheel provides the right amount of feedback. Cornering is accurate enough, but this is not a sports sedan, and is certainly not planned to be one. Overall fuel consumption during our week of testing averaged 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres, quite above the factory-tested 6.4 L/100 km although we did manage to get it down to The low sevens during easy motorway cruising.

Summing up The Mazda MX-30 MHEV is the latest in a growing number of vehicles with mild hybrid powertrains on the Australian market and, as far as we’re concerned the jury is still out on whether they justify their higher prices. While the battery does provide some extra torque in the MX-30 it’s certainly not dramatic and, as mentioned previously, the fuel saving is minimal. So potential buyers need to decide whether they are willing to pay the extra $2400 for an MX-30 Evolve over the CX-30 Evolve. Alternatively, at around the same prices for the MX-30 Touring and Astina variants they could get the equivalent CX-30s but with a 2.5-litre engine and around 25 per cent more power and torque. Others may be happy to pay extra for the ‘EV’ badge on the number plates and Mazda’s commitment to environmentally-friendly components.

Wenzel-Halls strikes out west By Tara Murray Western United has got its man, with striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls making the move down to Melbourne to continue his A-League career. After speaking to Wenzel-Halls 12 months ago about joining the club from Brisbane Roar, the club has secured his signature for the next three seasons. Wenzel-Halls played 67 games across three seasons at the Roar, scoring 14 goals including seven last season. He said he was excited by the new challenge ahead of him. “It’s a really exciting and aspiring club,” he said. “There are a lot of good players at the club. The foundations are there with the board and staff. “The biggest thing for me was how ambitious the club is and that they wanted me to be part of it.” Wenzel-Halls said the fact that the club had been keen on him for more than 12 months was a major factor in his decision.

Dylan Wenzel-Halls is getting used to life as a Western United player. (Supplied)

He said he saw himself fitting in well with the United squad. “Western United has had interest in me for

a while, they valued me and made me feel like they wanted me to be a part of their team,” he said. “They valued me when I was going well and scoring goals and they were still interested in me in the back half of the season when I wasn’t scoring goals. “They’ve got world class players like [Alessandro] Diamanti and [Víctor] Sánchez. “I think I’ll benefit from the service I get from them and I think it will help me improve my game.” Wenzel-Halls and his girlfriend have already made the move to Melbourne, settling in Yarraville having done 14 days’ quarantine. He said he loves Melbourne and is looking forward to exploring it once the lockdown ends. Wenzel-Halls has been able to head to the club and get pre-season under way. “Training by yourself is not fun,” he said. “I feel for everyone in Melbourne who have been through all the lockdowns. “It was a really welcoming reception [at the

Ham keeps on kicking goals Montana Ham grew up in the backyard of her family home in Hillside playing kick-to-kick, tackling and wrestling with her two older brothers and her father. She loved playing in the mud and the rain but most of all she loved footy. Today, she is still living with that passion and doing everything possible to realise her dream of playing in the AFLW competition. “I love football it’s in my blood,” she said. “My teammates are my extended family. “If I am having a bad day or a rough time, I get out with my footy family and escape it by having a kick and training hard.” The tall midfielder started footy when she was four, going to AusKick at Hillside. She was soon devastated to learn she had to wait another three years before she could tackle. Her late father, who died six years ago, was her biggest supporter. “My father Roy was my mentor and responsible for developing my love of football,” Ham reflects with pride. “His love of football lives in me.” Ham moved up the ranks playing for the Sharks’ under-10s and under-12s in the Essendon District Football League. She was the only girl in those teams, but it mattered little as she won a league best and fairest award in under-10s. “My teammates loved me because opposition players thought I was the easy beat and wanted to play on me,” Ham laughed, “That didn’t last long once the game started.” Ham moved to Keilor in 2013 to play in the first season of the Western girls under-13 competition, run by the EDFL and the Western Region Football League. Ham’s talent was quickly identified and she was selected in the interleague teams starting when she was 12. She made State Schools Victoria teams in both cross country and football. She was vice-captain and captain in her two years in the under-15 state football team, winning Victoria’s best player the first year and named all-Australian both years. Having established herself as one of the stars of junior football, Ham was selected for the Western Jets’ NAB League girls team. She has been part of the program the past three years and will be a top age player next year. Jets regional talent manager Luke Williams believes that Ham could be a high draft pick in next year’s AFLW draft. The 17-year-old said the training and hard

club]. The boys in the team have gotten around me and I’m going into a team with nice guys and nice footballers.” Wenzel-Halls already has experience of working with new coach John Alosi having worked together at the Roar. He said Aloisi brings a lot of professionalism and a clear idea of how to play. “He was one of the best strikers and I’m excited to get to work with him.” Wenzel-Halls said he was expecting the club to have some success. “We’ve got a good team, a lot of good players and looking to play a good brand and style of football. “I’m expecting to do well and have success. I think that is achievable next season.” United head of A-League operations Mal Impiombato said club was delighted to sign Wenzel-Halls. “He is an exciting young talent with great experience in the A-League and he possesses the attributes and characteristics that align with our club values.”

Sale stars do it their way By Michael Howard

Montana Ham made the Vic metro side this year.

work to get there doesn’t faze her. “I have two strength and conditioning sessions to complete each week away from football training. My brother and I head to the gym in Derrimut focusing on overall strength including, upper body and core. I also complete three running sessions a week, again with my brother.” Hams’ form with the Jets resulted in her being selected in the Vic Metro under-19 squad, just one of four bottom age players. She played two games for her state. “Forty girls were selected in the original training squad, thirteen were told they were certain starters in the team. I wanted to make the team so badly, I just put my head down and worked hard. I was stoked when I was selected.

(Supplied)

I had achieved my goal.” With the NAB League season now finished, Ham has returned to play with Keilor, making her senior women’s debut. Ham is the August winner of the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club Don Deeble Sports Star award. Her award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club and Star Weekly. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, please contact the club by emailing swrsportsclub@gmail.com or SMS 0408 556 631.

One was a war of attrition and the other a frenetic final dash, but the commonality was that the first TAB Australasian Premier Trotting Sale Group 1s delivered worthy champs on Saturday night. Banglez was extraordinary in getting up off the canvas to win the three-year-old fillies edition for trainer Emma Stewart and reinsman Greg Sugars, overcoming an early break to win a dramatic war with Aldebaran Ursula. It was a more gentle affair in the three-year-old colts and geldings’ class until the final sprint for silverware up the straight, when leader Aldebaran Zeus held the challengers at bay to score for the Chris Alford-Brent Lilley combination and owner-breeder Aldebaran Park. They came on a night when trotting was king, with Im Ready Jet putting in an extraordinary performance to crush an outstanding field in the Garrards Maori’s Idol Trotters Free For All and justify trainer Anton Golino’s long-held faith in the four-year-old mare. Aldebaran Tess and Majestic Courtney were among other impressive winners as Victoria’s squaregaiting depth was to the fore. The night’s first Group 1 final was a wild ride for Sugars and Banglez’s big group of connections, the $1.50 favourite looking to have blown her chance when she galloped at the start, gifting her rivals about 50 metres. Despite the early misstep, Sugars never lost faith and after recovering the lost ground quickly set out after the leader, Banglez clawing her nose in front in the closing stages to salute. By contrast, the final 100 metres was the first time Aldebaran Zeus was challenged in the Group 1. Alford said there were great signs for the winner of six of his 16 starts, who claimed his first Group 1 after placing twice at the top level as a two-year-old.

Peter Howe Tuesday, 24 August, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

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