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Help for the homeless Victoria University and Hope Street youth homelessness service have partnered together in a bit to prevent young people becoming homeless in Melbourne’s north-west. The program is spearheaded by Peter Gill, a senior lecturer in VU’s College of Health and Biomedicine who has spent nearly two decades researching homelessness. Under his direction, VU has partnered with Hope Street Youth & Family Services to implement the Homelessness Prevention Program in Melton and other hotspots. Full story: page 5

Peter Gill has spent nearly two decades researching homelessness. 252448 (Damjan Janevski)

Melton’s growing pains By Benjamin Millar Melton’s booming population growth is rapidly outpacing the capacity of vital social infrastructure, according to a new report by the state’s independent infrastructure advisory body. Infrastructure Victoria’s ‘Social infrastructure in Melbourne’s growth areas’ study has found Melton is one of seven growth areas where government’s need to boost spending to stop residents being left behind. Infrastructure Victoria chief executive Michel Masson said Melton currently has about one library per 90,000 residents,

compared to the state average of one per 41,000 persons. “Rapid urban expansion means social infrastructure has failed to keep pace with population increases in the new growth areas of Melton, Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Mitchell, Whittlesea and Wyndham,” he said. “It’s not enough to just plan and build housing in greenfield suburbs, all levels of government need to better integrate social infrastructure so that everyone has access to similar services, regardless of postcode.” More than one in three Melbourne children aged four years and under live in these local government areas, with the research showing

the trend set to continue as young families flock to the growth areas. Victoria’s population is projected to surge by 20 per cent in the next 15 years, with trailing investment in vital social infrastructure further widening the disadvantage gap. According to the authority’s report, Melton will need both a new library and new aquatic and recreation centre in the next five years, ideally located in growth areas to the east of Melton. Mr Masson said the benefits provided to communities and businesses of building such infrastructure far outweigh the costs, with every dollar invested in libraries earning

$4.30 in economic and social benefits and each swimming pool visit generating $26 in health benefits to the community. “Both libraries and aquatic centres provide essential services to the community and in many cases act as a community hub, improving physical and mental health and supporting productive and engaged communities,” he said. Mr Masson added that visitors also spend money at nearby local businesses, supporting local economies and jobs. “Co-locating facilities with other services such as primary health care, allied health or aged care services can provide additional community benefits.”

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STAY INFORMED Council services and facilities: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19 COVID-19 restrictions: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

New oval and lights in time for cricket at MacPherson Park COVID-19 restrictions permitting, cricket season is set to get underway on the new oval at MacPherson Park Recreation Reserve next month. Grass on the new oval has had five months to establish, and preparation of the turf wicket has begun. The $2,400,000 project includes the new grass oval, entry road and sports field lighting, and will support the growing demand for participation in cricket and Australian rules football. FOR MORE INFORMATION on this and other major projects in your area visit melton.vic.gov.au/majorprojects

Mayor’s message

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

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Explore your care options online Carers, older people and people with disabilities will have the chance to talk directly with service providers about enhancing their wellbeing at Council’s online CARE Melton Expo.

Workshops include cooking with Carly, learning how to draw and shade, Millions of Reasons to Care: self-care workshop, laughter yoga, gentle exercise with Adrian, mandala drawing and African dancing. One lucky participant at each workshop will receive a great giveaway.

Over forty exhibitors from the City of Melton who deliver care and support services to carers, people with a disability and seniors, will be available for either a video or text chat on Thursday 14 October from 10am – 2pm.

To attend the fun and interactive online workshops, carer’s can register at melton.vic.gov.au/CARE

Get vaccinated

Get tested

There are now even more places to get your COVID-19 vaccination in the City of Melton. Find out where your nearest vaccination centre is at health.gov.au/vaccine-clinic-finder

If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, have been in contact with someone who is unwell, or have visited an exposure site, get tested. Drive-through testing: Djerriwarrh Health Service, Barries Road, Melton West.

Coburn Ward with Cr Bob Turner I hope everyone is staying safe and well during these testing times. While I encourage everyone who is able to get vaccinated, to get vaccinated, I’d also like to offer my support to those in our community who, for their own personal reasons, are unable to get the vaccine at this time. Please have a discussion with your doctor for personal, individual advice and ensure you’re making informed and appropriate decisions not only for your wellbeing, but also for the wellbeing of others. On a different note, I’m pleased to advise that Council adopted its Council and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025, Financial Plan 2021-2031 and Asset Plan 2021-2031, following an extensive community engagement process.

To attend the expo, visit virtual.melton.vic.gov.au and click CARE Melton Expo.

The Council and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025 sets out Council’s strategic directions for the next four years and was informed by a range of key documents including the community vision, Melton City 2041: The City We Create and the COVID-19 Social and Economic Impacts Report.

Following extensive community engagement, we recently adopted our new Council and Wellbeing Plan for 2021-25, as well as our 10-year Financial Plan and Asset Plan, all of which will help us deliver the key programs, services, and infrastructure you need to thrive in the City of Melton. Most importantly, these plans were informed by you, our residents, through the community vision, which was also developed earlier this year, so I’d like to thank you for your input and encourage you to take a look at the plans can be found on our website. At our recent Council meeting, we received a report on how the organisation has responded to the COVID crisis by providing support and relief initiatives to members of our community doing it tough. As a result of the great work that’s been already done, I’m pleased to advise that Council has extended these initiatives, by allocating a further $100,000 to our COVID-19 Relief Fund, and supporting the extension of our Community Connector Hub food relief program. In addition, to help our hospitality businesses, Council has worked to expand available outdoor dining space in the City and has also waived outdoor dining permit fees until June 2022.

In closing, I’d also like to take this opportunity to encourage residents to support our local businesses as retail and services begin to open up. Our local traders have done it tough during lockdown and need all our support to help recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

And finally, it’s a pleasure to let you all know that Maurie Heaney has been appointed as our Acting CEO, following the announcement that our current Chief Executive, Kel Tori, would be retiring after 10 years of service. Council wishes Kel all the best in his future endeavours and we look forward to working with Maurie until our new CEO is appointed.

I am available to meet with residents most Saturday mornings from 9am, by appointment. Please contact Barb McKenzie on 9747 7200 to book a time, or contact me on 0412 584 224 or bob.turner@melton.vic.gov.au

You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

If you’d like to view any of these important documents, please visit our website at melton.vic.gov.au/councilplan

Your Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors to find your ward Councillors and their contact details

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all 2 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

Cr Moira Deeming

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

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Sports stadium is a step closer By Benjamin Millar Construction of a new multipurpose indoor stadium in Bacchus Marsh is one step closer with Moorabool council putting out a public tender for the project. The stadium project, part of the Taverner Street Sports Precinct development, will include four sports courts and change facilities as well as meeting rooms, an administration office and a cafeteria. The council has set aside funding for the project in this year’s budget, topped up by $1.9 million through the state government’s Local

Sports Infrastructure Better Indoor Stadiums grant program. Mayor Tom Sullivan said it was exciting to send the multi-million dollar project to tender stage. “We’re very excited to deliver this much-needed stadium, part of a much larger investment in sport and recreation in Moorabool to cater for our population growth,” he said. Cr Sullivan said the four indoor courts should be enough to meet current shortfalls and encourage participants from a variety of sports, including basketball, netball,

volleyball and futsal (indoor soccer). Bacchus Marsh Basketball Association (BMBA) president Wayne Slack said the basketball community is extremely excited about the opportunities the new stadium will bring the sport in the region. “As an association, we have grown well beyond the capacity available with the existing basketball facilities available to the BMBA,” he said. “So we are excited that the new four court facility will enable increased volumes for training, playing and also representative basketball, whilst ensuring the very best in

game day conditions for all senior and junior players, coaches and spectators alike.” Bacchus Marsh Netball Association’s Andrew Burr said the association looks forward to construction starting as soon as possible. “The new Bacchus Marsh indoor stadium will be a welcome addition to the sports facilities in the town and will contribute to the growth in our sport,” he said. “Having access to a high-class stadium will enable us to attract more participants across all age groups and help showcase netball to the Bacchus Marsh community.”

Start getting fire ready now

Berhan Ahmed.

247675 (Damjan Janevski)

Call for homeschooling volunteers A Footscray-based organisation supporting African Australians is seeking teachers and volunteers to support schoolchildren during the COVID-19 pandemic. Africause founder Berhan Ahmed said his organisation had been working with Victoria University to support disadvantaged children with homeschooling. He said pre-service teachers who will soon graduate had been supporting the initiative and now more volunteers were being sought for families across Melbourne’s north-west. “We are approaching schoolteachers and volunteers to help kids from refugee and migrant backgrounds,” Mr Ahmed said.

“Before COVID, they were suffering attending class. “According to statistics, they were three years behind their class in most cases. “Now, with COVID, given the COVID challenges of isolation and homeschooling, these kids have lost the connection to school.” Mr Ahmed said that as restrictions eased, many children returning to school would be trying to catch up. He said one of the barriers was internet technology, which many took for granted. “We take it for granted because we use it every day but there are people who have never used this,” Mr Ahmed said.

“That has created a lot of children with so many crises now. “When the schooling starts, these kids will be far behind everyone in the class. “So, the way we’re looking at it, as Africause, we’re organising volunteer teachers [to] assist with the kids for at least one year to bring them up to speed. “Through Africause, we are working with families and that will give a child a chance. “That volunteerism is something to get that child up to speed.” Details: africause.org.au Goya Dmytryshchak

People are urged to start preparing for the upcoming fire season by completing fire prevention works around their regional properties. With the fire season fast approaching, concerns are growing about the safety risk posed by the lack of property maintenance in areas like Moorabool during the lengthy lockdown period. Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes has announced a new permit system to help ensure people from metropolitan Melbourne or any other restricted regions are able to leave their area to undertake the necessary fire preparedness activities at a second property in regional Victoria. “We know how important it is to be prepared for the upcoming fire season – this system allows for this vital work while keeping regional communities safe,” she said. “Our emergency services agencies are preparing for the upcoming fire season and we’re asking all Victorians to do their bit to prepare in a COVID-safe way.” Regional property owners from metropolitan Melbourne or other restricted regions can now apply to the relevant council where their second property is located for written formal approval to undertake fire preparedness of their properties. For residents traveling from metropolitan Melbourne or any other restricted regions, the chief health officer directions that apply to their primary residence will travel with them. Local councils will continue to issue Fire Prevention Notices where it is deemed necessary to place an obligation on property owners. Residents issued with a Fire Prevention Notice are legally bound to comply and can travel to their property to clean it up. Details: coronavirus.vic.gov.au.

Melton COVID cases top 1100 and creep up in Moorabool The Melton local government has soared past more than 1100 active COVID-19 cases while numbers continue to creep up in neighbouring Moorabool. Melton cases reached a new third wave high of 1114 on Sunday, as Moorabool cases climbed to 48. Victoria recorded 1612 new local cases of COVD-19 statewide on Sunday, with 73,138 test results received and 34,279 vaccines administered. Lockdown restrictions in Moorabool Shire lifted at 11.59pm on Friday night when a snap seven-day lockdown ended, restrictions reverting to those in place in the remainder of

regional Victoria. Although new cases are still being detected in Moorabool, public health officials are confident that both the lockdown and the commitment of the community have slowed the potential growth. Victoria’s chief health officer Brett Sutton said thousands of locals got tested while the lockdown has been in place, and first and second dose vaccination rates in the area have continued to grow. According to most recent available data, in the Moorabool Shire more than 91 per cent of the population have had their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 58 per cent

have had both. “This short lockdown has worked to slow the growth in cases and buy more time for locals to get vaccinated – and I really thank everyone in the community for staying safe, staying apart, and doing the right thing,” Professor Sutton said. While lockdown is lifting, masks must still be worn indoors and outdoors and you can’t socialise inside a home. Moorabool residents cannot travel to Melbourne or any other area in regional Victoria that’s in lockdown other than for limited reasons, such as getting a COVID-19 test, authorised work and permitted

education, care and compassionate reasons, visiting an intimate partner, and necessary goods and services. Porfessor Sutton said locals should stay on high alert for symptoms and get tested if any develop. “If you have symptoms in the coming days, make sure you still get a COVID-19 test – and if you haven’t already, then getting vaccinated is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself and your family.” Visit www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine for links to state-run, pharmacy and GP booking systems. Benjamin Millar Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 3

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Landfill breaches EPA has laid eight charges against the operators of the Melbourne Regional Landfill at Ravenhall over a failure to meet its licensing conditions. Landfill Operations Pty Ltd, a division of the Cleanaway group of companies, is being charged under the Environment Protection Act 1970 following a comprehensive investigation into licence breaches. The charges allege that the company failed to meet licence conditions including limiting the size of the tipping face and requiring all dumped waste to be covered with a layer of soil at the end of each day. The company have also been charged with failing to report the breaches to EPA Victoria.

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EDITORIAL

CFA theft

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The Draft Darley Park Master Plan.

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Darley Park upgrades

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Moorabool council is putting the final touches on a plan to revitalise Darley Park. The Draft Darley Park Master Plan has has been developed by consultant @leisure Planners in partnership with Moorabool Council staff and the Darley Park Recreation Reserve stakeholders. The draft plan provides a blueprint for development and investment at the Reserve over the next 10 years. A report on the draft presented to the recent council meeting noted that the priorities have been identified by the reserve’s user groups to assist with club sustainability in the short to medium term, while also accommodating future uses of the reserve by the broader

Darley community. The draft plan includes a review of current facilities and usage as well as analysis of future population growth to understand the role of the reserve within the community. It considers the requirements of sport specific playing surfaces, investigation of site services and playground infrastructure and play spaces, as well as lighting, toilets, walking paths, fitness stations and car parking. Council’s 2020-21 budget has allocated $200,000 towards implementing the most urgent aspects of the master plan. The council will seek further funding opportunities through Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV) grant programs.

Detectives from the Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit are investigating a burglary and theft that occurred at the Millbrook CFA building between the September 9 and 11. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers via www.crimestoppersvic. com.au or by calling 1800 333 000, or Bacchus Marsh Police Station on 5366 4545.

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Arrests after brazen crime spree By Benjamin Millar Police have arrested three people from the Melton area over a brazen crime spree targeting commercial businesses that caused more than $250,000 in damage. Police allege offenders broke in to 13 small businesses throughout Melton and the Macedon Ranges between September 5 and 28, stealing or attempting to steal ATMs and safes using cutting equipment. The group is alleged to have stolen around $70,000 and caused extensive damage in a series of locations. Police believe they stole an ATM from a general store in Eynesbury and a standalone

ATM in Hillside. The same group allegedly made several other attempts to steal ATMs from businesses at Woodend, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Cobblebank, causing considerable damage to properties. Businesses in Romsey, Weir Views, Riddells Creek, Lara and Hillside allegedly had nearby broadband cables cut prior to burglaries or attempted burglaries, causing about $250,000 worth of damage to telecommunication lines. Police raided three properties in Melton and Melton South last Friday, resulting in the arrest of three people. A 28-year-old Melton South man was

charged with multiple offences including 11 counts of burglary, nine counts of theft, 19 counts of criminal damage and commit offence whilst on bail. He was remanded to face the Geelong Magistrates Court on January 11. A 45-year-old Melton man was charged with multiple offences including 10 counts of burglary, 9 counts of theft, 18 counts of criminal damage, possess steroids and possess cannabis. He was remanded to face the Geelong Magistrates Court on January 11. A 29-year-old Melton South woman was charged with eight offences including burglary and theft. She was bailed to face

court at a later date. Western Region Crime Squad detective senior sergeant Matthew Kershaw said the offences are serious and concerning offences, with police willing to go to great lengths to catch anyone who threatens the livelihoods of small business owners. “These burglaries were brazen and low acts, which have not only caused considerable damage to small businesses, but extensive damage to telco company data lines,” he said. “Small towns may be quiet as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns, but that certainly hasn’t stopped police from keeping a close eye on criminal activity.”

Tackling homelessness at school Victoria University has partnered with Hope Street youth homelessness service to roll out a school-based homelessness prevention program in Melbourne’s north-west. Peter Gill, a senior lecturer in the College of Health and Biomedicine has spent nearly two decades researching homelessness. Under his direction, VU has partnered with Hope Street Youth & Family Services to implement the Homelessness Prevention Program in Melton, Maribyrnong and Footscray. North-west Melbourne has the third highest number of homelessness service use in Australia. A similar program in Geelong resulted in a 40 per cent drop in homelessness. Dr Gill, a western suburbs resident, said the program worked by identifying issues before they become situations that were hard to

reverse. “It’s a high school-based prevention or early intervention program, so we go into schools and we have a survey and we give it to the teachers and the teachers give it to the students. “They’re questions about how they’re going at school, if there’s any issues at home and there’s also a mental health screening questionnaire as well in there. “It’s fairly short but it does cover school, home and mental health.” Dr Gill said vulnerable students could then be connected with the relevant support they needed. “If it’s a mental health issue, we’ll bring in headspace or a mental health service or if it’s homelessness we might bring in a housing support service,” he said. “We have brokerage funds if there’s a

shortfall in rent for that month or something like that.” Dr Gill said they help people connect and work better together to support young people, with a very community based focus. “We’re able to address small problems before they become big problems because once people become homeless and have dropped out of school, it’s very hard to turn those situations around,” he said. “If you can pick up something very early then we can keep people on track and prevent them from going down those paths, and that has so many flow-on effects - education, employability, housing and homelessness, family, harmony, crime. It has so many flow-on community effects.”

Goya Dmytryshchak

Peter Gill has spent nearly two decades researching homelessness. Picture: Damjan Janevski 252448_05

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Jail after twice driving at police A man who twice drove at police at high speed while being pursued has been sentenced to more than three years in prison. Matthew Ennis, 30, pleaded guilty in the County Court last month to charges of dangerous driving in the course of a police pursuit, conduct endangering life, reckless exposure of a police member to risk by driving and possession of a drug of dependence, as well as summary offences including drive whilst unlicenced. The court heard police observed Ennis driving along Gibbons Road near Lara at 3.28

am on December 30, 2019, behind the wheel of a silver Commodore wagon with false number plates and one of the headlights not working. Police activated their flashing lights and their siren and Ennis performed a U-turn to face the stationary police car. He drove towards the police car, which was forced to take evasive action to avert a collision, then fled the scene. In the next incident around 12.15am on January 1, he was driving the same car with different ‘homemade’ registration plates and with his girlfriend also in the car. Ennis drove through a red light in Sunshine,

speeding away from pursuing police and turning off his lights. Judge Michael Tinney said the driving over the course of the pursuit was “just ridiculous”, including hitting speeds of 180 kilometres per hour in an 80 zone and veering in and out of traffic and driving through multiple red lights at high speed. “You endangered the life of your passenger who was pleading with you to stop, as well as many other road users,” he said. The court heard Leading Senior Constable Craig Gibson attempted to deploy stop sticks

on Somerville Road in Sunshine West when Ennis drove at him at high speed. “You braked heavily and swerved in an arc towards him and he leapt to the right and rolled on to the road surface to try to avoid impact and he succeeded,” Judge Tinney said. About 2.45am Ennis drove over stop sticks on the Melton Highway, yet continued to drive before abandoning the car and hiding behind a hedge in a garden at Hillside. Ennis was sentenced to three years and four months in prison, with at least 19 months before he is eligible for release on parole.

Taylors Road upgrade A key stretch of Taylors Road in Fraser Rise will be upgraded to provide better lighting and safety. Following a request by councillor Steve Abboushi in February, council officers reviewed street lighting along the Taylors Road corridor, considering both interim and permanent arrangements. A road safety audit and public lighting assessment of Taylors Road was undertaken, with a report presented to the recent council meeting highlighting interim or permanent options for better lighting along the road. “The road safety audit identified two intersections and the consideration for lighting improvements, comprising of an upgrade of the existing lamps,” the report stated. “This, together with a range of other improvements including linemarking, signage and delineation works, have been scheduled to occur over the coming months.” A public lighting assessment conducted

by Traffics Works in August identified an ‘interim’ option featuring nine new lighting poles between Plumpton Road and City Vista Court, costing about $150,000, or an ‘ultimate’ option with 45 new lighting poles, costing about $900,000. The review found despite the increasing traffic on the road, Taylors Road does not currently provide formalised kerb, channel, footpaths, or underground drainage. Street lighting has been provided where the road is formalised with footpaths, pedestrian facilities, traffic islands and key intersections but the remaining sections of Taylors Road is considered rural in nature and no street lighting is provided. The ‘Taylors Road Corridor Study’ includes planned signalised intersection upgrades at the intersections of City Vista Court, Sinclair’s Road and Plumpton Road, all due to be completed by June 2023, including street lighting.

Taylors Road in Frasers Rise.

(Damjan Janevski) 252443_01

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Traffic is a key Melton concern By Benjamin Millar Melton residents have highlighted traffic management as their key concern in the latest survey of residents measuring the council’s performance. The Annual Community Satisfaction Survey gauged the current levels of satisfaction with the council’s performance across a number of areas, as well as identifying key issues and concerns for the council to prioritise. Normally conducted door-to-door, this year’s survey was conducted by Metropolis Research as a telephone survey due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.

A total of 800 households participated in the survey between June and July, providing a sample representative of the demography of the municipality. The key issues in the municipality identified by survey respondents remain traffic management, road maintenance and repairs, safety, policing, crime, parks, gardens, open spaces and parking. Satisfaction with the council’s customer service delivery remains at a “very good” level, dropping slightly from the previous year to an average score of 7.59 out of 10. The average satisfaction with the 38 included services and facilities was 11.3 per

cent higher than satisfaction with council’s overall performance, the same result as recorded last year. A report on the survey noted the services with the highest levels of satisfaction this year included the local library (8.75), green waste collection (8.67), regular garbage collection (8.65), regular recycling (8.62) and health services for babies, infants, and toddlers (8.01). “Satisfaction with all but four services and facilities recorded satisfaction scores higher than the overall satisfaction with council this year, suggesting most services and facilities are a positive influence on satisfaction with council’s overall performance,” it stated.

The four services and facilities to record satisfaction scores lower than overall satisfaction include maintenance and repair of sealed local roads (6.39), public toilets (6.62), local traffic management (6.65), and footpath maintenance and repairs (6.72). Satisfaction with planning for population growth by all levels of government decreased significantly this year, down 6.6 per cent to 6.04, but remains at a “solid” level. The result now sits marginally lower than the metropolitan Melbourne average of 6.14.

Talking about start-ups Victoria University and Startup Victoria have launched a podcast in which they interview start-up founders about the realities of growing their businesses in a global pandemic. The Duct Tape mini-series features 10 episodes in which co-hosts Lara Chan-Baker, Hannah Gee, Jordan Gianfrancesco Judy Anderson and Poppy Trewhella talk to the founders. Duct Tape began as a magazine and its podcast series is being referred to as “issue two”. The podcast talks to people from a wide range of start-ups including Mindset Health, a business producing hypnotherapy programs to manage a number of health issues like including anxiety and Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Swoop Aero, which works with partners such as non-government organisations to deliver medical supplies using drone technology.

Startup Victoria chief executive Judy Anderson said that each Duct Tape episode told a unique and inspiring story. “The interviews capture the true spirit of tenacity as start-up founders share insights into how they tackle the unique challenges that arise when you’re building a business from the ground up,” she said. “Collectively, the founders featured in Duct Tape issue two have generously shared an enormous amount of invaluable insight and along with Victoria University, we are extremely proud to have been a part of their journey.” Details: https://ducttaped.co/

Yarraville resident Lara Chan-Baker is a co-host, producer and narrator of Duct Tape. (Supplied). 253307_01

Feel the warmth of friendship Enjoy the comfort of living in your own home within our welcoming independent seniors rental community. Take a virtual tour today or call our friendly Community Managers on 9747 9778 or 9746 8441 and discover why our residents feel so secure and connected.

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An organisation providing free legal help for people in Melbourne’s west is calling on the state government to provide school and TAFE-based education on work rights. WEstjustice has released a report, Ignorance is NOT bliss, which also calls on the government to make available free legal advice to all Victorians aged under 25. Report author Francesca Lai said a need for more local education and legal support on work rights and responsibilities had been identified in the west, leading to the Youth Employment Justice Program. “This program ran for the last two years and we recently launched our report detailing the positive outcomes it has enabled plus recommendations for government,” she said. “The program ran 37 education sessions to over 1800 local young people in Melbourne’s west. It also provided free legal advice and assistance to 110 clients over two years. “This empowered participants to exercise their rights at work and led to over $150,000 owed to young people being repaid by employers. “We found that young people are often locked out of work, exploited by employers and fired unfairly or unlawfully for questioning their pay or conditions. Lack of knowledge combined with insecure and poorly paid jobs was driving this.” Stephanie, a young person supported by the program, said her employer had been systematically underpaying staff for many years and ignoring requests to discuss entitlements under the award. “I approached WEstjustice to get information on what my legal rights were and they gave me a clear picture of my situation,” she said. “They also helped me formally approach my

WEstjustice lawyer Thea Debler-Depold and Francesca Lai.

employer and seek over $2000 in wages owed to me for the previous four months. “In the end, I was repaid over $2000 and the information WEstjustice provided led to others getting back pay as well - almost $20,000 in one case. “Many people don’t really understand their work rights and what to expect from employers, especially young people who are often just grateful to have a job.

(Damjan Janevski) 252447_01

“If we learned about employment issues at school then at least we would go into jobs with our eyes open. “Having legal support to resolve problems and make sure we are not being ripped off is the other half of the problem. “Right now, many jobs for young people are more about exploiting them than giving them a chance to learn skills and start a career and that needs to change.”

Where to pick up your FREE MELTON & MOORABOOL Bacchus Marsh 7/11 Service Station 28 Baccus Marsh Road Bacchus Marsh Foodworks 1 Bennett Street Bacchus Marsh Coles Supermarket Cnr Bennett and Young Street (The Village Shopping Centre) Bacchus Marsh My Little Mates Convenience Store 151 Gisborne Road (Darley Plaza Shopping Centre) Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Newsagency 138 Main Street Bacchus Marsh Arbee Real Estate 140 Main Street Bacchus Marsh Sweeney Real Estate 164 Main Street Bacchus Marsh Stockdale and Leggo Real Estate 191 Main Street Bacchus Marsh Moorabool Shire 182 Halletts Way Bacchus Marsh Milk Bar the Avenue 208 Main Street Bacchus Marsh Bacchus Marsh Information Centre 215 Main Street Bacchus Marsh The Village Shopping Centre Main Street Bacchus Marsh Bellbrook Gardens Country Club 168 Underbank Boulevard Ballan Ballan Newsagency 133 Inglis Street Ballan IGA Plus Liquor - Ballan 135 Inglis Street Ballan Moorabool Shire - Ballan 15 Stead Street Brookfield Lifestyle Brookfield 111-139 Coburns Road Darley Champions IGA Bacchus Marsh Grey Street Diggers Rest FoodWorks 22 Glitter Road Diggers Rest Diggers Rest Post Office 76 Old Calder Highway Gordon Gordon Post Office 65 Main Street Harkness Foodworks 17 Claret Ash Boulevard Hillside Foodworks 595 Melton Highway Kurunjang Kirkton Drive Milkbar 203 Gisborne - Melton Road Melton E-View Real Estate Suite 10, 3 Alexandra Street Melton Blue Nile Groceries 39 Bakery Square Melton Melton Milkbar 44 Burleigh Road Melton Melton Waves Leisure Centre 206 Coburns Road Melton TAB Corp Park 2 Ferras Road Melton Melton Shire Council Offices 232 High Street Melton Sweeney Real Estate 266 High Street Melton Barry Plant Real Estate 273 High Street

Published Tuesday - weekly Melton Advance Stationers 283 High Street Melton Raine and Horne Real Estate 289 High Street Melton Melton Lotto 293 High Street Melton Harcourts Real Estate 306 High Street Melton Professionals Real Estate 317 High Street Melton MGS Grocery Store 358 High Street Melton Freddy's Fruit & Veg 393 High Street Melton YPA Real Estate - Melton 272-274 High Street Melton Morgans Supa IGA 335-345 High Street Melton Foodworks Shop 1, 415-429 High Street Melton Woodgrove Shopping Centre 533-555 High Street Melton Woolworths Supermarket 523-531 High Street (Coburns Shopping Centre) Melton Woolworths Supermarket 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre) Melton Coles Supermarket 533-555 High Street (Woodgrove Shopping Centre) Melton Kurunjang Village Store 51 Kurunjang Drive Melton Melton Library 31 McKenzie Street Melton Melton Country Club 28-30 Reserve Road Melton Melton Indoor Sports Centre 65 Reserve Road Melton Coles 11 Station Street (Melton Station Square) Melton Lee Merchants 29 Wallace Square Melton South Station Square Shopping Centre 25 Station Road Melton South Coles Express Shop 1-9 Station Street & Brooklyn Road Rockbank Rockbank Newsagency 1157 Leakes Road Rockbank Sundowner Rockbank Caravan Park 2057-2083 Western Highway Toolern Vale Toolern Vale General Store Lot 23 Diggers Rest Road

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8 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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NEWS

Powerline protestors all fired up By Benjamin Millar Protests against high-voltage transmission lines running through properties have heated up, with hundreds of landowners fired up about the plans joining the latest action against the project. Community members along the proposed Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP) transmission corridor recently lit up the skies with bonfires in a joint stance against the proposed 190-kilometre transmission line stretching from Bulgana near Stawell through Moorabool and Melton to Sydenham. Community alliance Stop AusNet’s Towers spokeswoman Emma Muir estimated more than 460 landowners lit up bonfires as part of the COVID-safe protest. Ms Muir said the community demonstrated a united stance “against this appalling and ill-conceived project” and showed they are prepared to stay the course. “AusNet’s continued absence of genuine community consultation and its recent stand over tactics and bullying as they attempt to gain access to private properties across Western Victoria has a community ready to boil over,” she said. “It was amazing to see a line of 460 plus fires along the line, the community really came together. We could see bonfires all around our property for miles.” A community campaign backed by Moorabool council has been pushing for the lines to be buried underground, a proposal AusNet says remains on the table. Ms Muir said Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio must be held accountable and send the project back to the drawing board. “Victorian’s deserve a renewable energy future that is founded on innovative, reliable

Community members along the proposed Western Victoria Transmission Network Project (WVTNP) transmission corridor light up the skies with bonfires in protest. (Pictures: Supplied)

and scalable technology, because we do not want to see our energy future disabled with outdated and dangerous technology like the WVTNP,” she said. Bunninyong MP Michaela Settle recently

added her voice to calls for a rethink, writing to Australian Energy Market Operator Daniel Westerman demanding a complete redrafting of the plan. AusNet argues the selection of the preferred

corridor route takes into consideration the location of private residences, the surrounding landscape, the environment, cultural significance and the agricultural use of land.

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Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 9

Warning issued after slurry leak By Benjamin Millar Concrete companies have been warned to take steps to keep waste from their sites polluting the environment after a Ravenhall company was fined more than $8000 for allowing concrete slurry to escape its premises. Environment Protection Authority has fined Economix Pty Ltd $8261 after EPA officers spotted slurry and turbid liquid that had left the company’s Ravenhall site to leak out into gutters on Fuller Road.

EPA regional manager Stephen Lansdell said the leaking slurry and contaminated water was easy to spot and the concrete batching company should have taken action without EPA’s intervention. “It went as far as 50 metres, and was found around a stormwater drain, which means it could easily have polluted the nearest creek,” he said. “Chemical testing found it was alkaline, which is consistent with the presence of cement.” The liquid and slurry was found flowing

through gaps in bunds that should have kept it contained on the Economix site for proper re-use or disposal. EPA has issued the company with a regulatory notice, requiring it to repair the concrete hardstand at the premises so that no further waste or liquids can escape. “The liquid discharging from the premises is from industrial activity, which makes it Priority Waste under the Environment Protection Act 2017,” Mr Lansdell said. “The new act, which came into effect on 1 July 2021, requires duty holders to eliminate

or reduce risk of harm to human health and the environment.” Mr Lansdell said duty holders are expected to identify potential risks and implement the necessary controls. “Controls include waste reduction, re-use, and proper containment, transport and treatment or disposal, you can’t just let it flow into the street,” he said. Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24 hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov. au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution

Help avoid a seed storm

Receiving your COVID vaccine can be a daunting experience when you are needle-phobic.

253386 (Shutterstock)

Star Weekly reporter Michaela Meade has never been a fan of needles. She shares her experience of getting the COVID jab.

How a needle-phobic faced the jab I’m one of those people who has always dreaded needles. Despised them, even. Get that sharp, pointy thing away from me, please. Logically, I understand that what’s in them is helping me to stay healthy and safe. But emotionally speaking, it’s a really sharp thing being poked into my arm. No, thank you. That’s why I was very surprised to find myself excited when they announced all the developments for a new vaccine last year. The COVID-19 vaccine. This new virus has upheaved a lot of people’s lives over the past 22-plus months. And sadly, it’s taken people’s lives. I count myself as very lucky to have not lost a loved one due to COVID-19. But I read all the stories. I sat in front of my laptop every day last year listening to Premier Daniel Andrews report the amount of cases we had that day, and how many people lost their fight. I isolated myself from friends and family,

which was made even harder this year when I moved out of home. I obeyed all the rules, did all the hand washing, and wore the mask required. I still do, because Victoria is still getting this thing under control. And unfortunately, it’s not over. It’s a nasty virus, and being an asthmatic, I don’t want to risk contracting it. So I also waited patiently for the chance to book in for my jab. The pointy needle. That dreaded thing. I’ll have you know that no amount of logic can outweigh the anxiety a needle-phobic person feels when they’re waiting for their name to be called to receive an injection. But I distracted myself with some social media scrolling, took some deep breaths to calm myself, and focused on what I was going to gain from this little sting. When I’m fully vaccinated, I’ll be able to see my grandparents again, for the first time in so many months. I’ll be able to see more than one friend at

once, including those outside a 15-kilometre radius I had never pondered before 2020. I’ll be able to have my mum over for dinner to meet my kitten. I’ll be able to see my dad when he can come down from Sydney, so we can finally celebrate both of our birthdays, plus Father’s Day. But it’s only possible if I get the vaccine. If you’re also needle-phobic, it helps a lot to tell the person that you’re petrified. My nurse, Jane, was very lovely about it. Talked to me throughout, made me laugh, and told me to take a deep breath in - “a little sting here” - and a deep breath out. And that was it. She gave me a lollipop and I was on my way. I understand being hesitant to get an injection. I also know the frustration of having an appointment snapped out from under you. But please persist. To my fellow needle-phobics: it’s a small, two-second sting, but I promise it’s worth it. Bring on the second dose.

Landholders are being asked to carry out serrated tussock control to prevent a seed storm impacting agricultural and residential properties in the Plumpton and Hillside areas. Serrated tussock is a prolific seeder and flowering stems containing seed may be blown up to several kilometres. Considered one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts, serrated tussock can spread rapidly across urban areas, causing significant disruption to neighbouring residential areas when large amounts of seed blow across the landscape. Leading biosecurity officer Drew Bateman said the window for land managers to undertake serrated tussock control and prevent a seed storm event is now. “Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, all land managers have a responsibility to prevent the growth and spread of serrated tussock,” Mr Bateman said. The stems emerge from August and take eight to 10 weeks for seed to mature. Flowering stems can build up against housing, sheds, roadsides and fence-lines, particularly in the rural/ urban interface of outer west Melbourne, causing significant disruption and clean up requirements. Control measures include the application of a registered herbicide, soil cultivation, or the removal of the entire weed from the soil. Depending on the chemical used it can take several weeks after application for it to take effect. Land managers can obtain control advice on the Agriculture Victoria website or by speaking to a biosecurity officer by contacting the customer contact centre. Details: agriculture.vic.gov.au or 136 186.

Music partnership hits right note and showcases talent Moorabool’s music sector is set to come alive with a new partnership aiming to develop and showcase the region’s best talent. Moorabool council has partnered with the Live Music Office to deliver Live and Local, a series of micro-festival events, professional development workshops and a local industry forum. In the latest step towards delivering the recently adopted Arts and Culture Strategy, expressions of interest are now open for local musicians, producers and venues to join the Live and Local working group.

The group will provide input into how the project can support new opportunities for community groups and businesses to program live music on an ongoing basis. Council’s arts, culture and events officer Bec Carey-Grieve said Live and Local will provide an excellent opportunity for the area’s musicians. “We’re hoping to hear from musicians and venues throughout the shire who want to participate in helping boost our local music industry,” she said. “This process will provide valuable

opportunities for locals involved in the music scene.” The council is also looking for a local curator who is well connected to the local live music scene to lead the engagement and programming of local musicians and businesses to participate in events, workshops and an industry forum, as well as assisting in community mapping as part of strategic planning for the growth of the local live music community. Local musician and Regional Women in Music Network member Jen Hawley said the

network is very excited about the upcoming launch of the Live and Local Moorabool Initiative. “We are all about supporting grassroots musical projects to support women and girls in our region and this will be a wonderful pathway to create opportunity to perform and build community.” Applications and expression of interest close October 22. Details: www.moorabool.vic.gov.au Benjamin Millar

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NEWS

MY PLACE Rebecca Light is a Diggers Rest resident and a proud bee lover. Along with her husband, Shane, the pair run BeeResponsible. Their business promotes sustainable beekeeping, educates the community on honeybee health, and advocates for the increase of bee populations around the world. Oliver Lees spoke with Rebecca to get an insight into the wonderful world of beekeeping. products include lip balms, creams, hair wax and much more.

What is your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? I grew up in Victoria and spent much of my childhood in the Macedon Ranges and my parents owned a property in Ashbourne. Upon moving out of home, I lived in Gisborne for many years and after meeting my now husband, we have settled in Diggers Rest.

How can people in the community make a contribution to safeguarding bee populations? We encourage anyone who has any problems with bees moving in and making a home where the residents may not want them to contact us prior to any exterminator. We can safely remove them and provide them with a nice new home – a hive on a local property. One key message I would like to get across is the need to reduce pesticides. Local councils, hardware stores and the general population, still haven’t managed the ability to reduce their reliance on these products. Bees forage on poisoned clover and much more and bring it back to the hive. Ultimately, this could lead to a total collapse of a hive, hence contributing to the low numbers already present. This needs to be changed. More importantly is our ability to build relationships with anyone out there who is also interested in re-homing a hive or two either in their own backyard, or situated in a paddock. These hives can add value to the communities who are needing more of these little pollinators around.

How did you first become interested in beekeeping? My husband and I owned one hive for many years as we have always found it hard to ensure all our fruit and vegetables are pollinated successfully. Since the one hive swarmed, our love for the bees and their protection grew. Over the years we have built many relationships with those that own large land and are very happy in supporting our growth in hive numbers. This has allowed us to move them on and off their properties as the flow of honey and seasons change. This process, and our ability to document this via social media, has already increased the local community’s education on the importance of bees and pollination of all kinds of species in the local area. Rebecca Light at home with a hive.

What would you like people to know about sustainable beekeeping? As keen gardeners and lovers of nature and bees, the area provides a great opportunity to build up the bee population. We try to educate people on the importance of bees and their value to the local ecosystem . We also move the hives around to areas which contain a variety

(Supplied)

of tree species, farming crops, from wattles to gums plus much more. Our home, which doubles as the business operations, is 100 per cent powered by solar with a 13.5kw system. This means we have very little carbon footprint. In addition to this, by working with locals and their available land,

we try to reduce our use of trucks by moving hives locally. All our products that are produced are 100 per cent natural and sold directly into the local areas. Our honey is raw extracted and hand spun, while the candles are made from wax capping from filtering the honey. Other

If anyone is interested in learning more about bees and owning a hive, BeeResponsible will be looking at running sessions over the course of spring and summer with the ability to jump in a suit and experience beekeeping firsthand. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok: @beeresponsible

Lockdown adventures Set in a natural creek landscape rich in history, Melton’s Hannah Watts Park is a popular destination for locals looking to get in touch with nature in their neighbourhood. The precinct, which includes Melton Recreation Reserve and The Willows Historical Park, underwent redevelopment in 2019 to make it an ideal destination for people of all ages. With plenty of open space to stretch out and explore, attractions for the young and young at heart include a tall slide tower, in-ground trampolines, a flying fox, swings and natural play features including a dry creek bed for tactile and imaginative play. Those looking for a slower pace can while away the day by the pond with the resident ducks and other birdlife.

1/ Hannah Watts Park. 2/ Maddie, 7. 3/ Cathy McIntosh and Steph Bowdn. 4/ Siblings Jack, 12, Maddie, 7, and Sam, 9. 5/ Robert and Isobel Muse. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 252444 Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

Patchworkers Inc, which will host its 25th Anniversary Quilt In on November 6 from 10am-3.30pm at the St James the Apostle Catholic Church, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing. The event will feature a guest speaker, a raffle, door prizes, morning and afternoon tea, a show-and-tell and local traders. Entry: $15. BYO hand stitching, mug and lunch. Pre-booking mandatory. ■ www.trybooking.com/BRGRN.

Community visitors The Office of the Public Advocate is seeking volunteers in the Melton area to become Community Visitors, upholding the human rights of people with a cognitive disability who are living in supported care. Community Visitors monitor and report on the adequacy of services being provided to residents, talk to residents to identify issues of concern and write a brief report at the conclusion of the visit. Training and reimbursement of expenses are provided. ■ opavolunteers@justice.vic.gov.au or 0418 931 247

Dads’ playgroup Tarneit Community Learning Centre hosts a dads’ playgroup every week on Thursdays. The morning starts at 9.30am and promises to be a chance for male caregivers to connect with each other and form new friendships. ■ Shaun, 0455 521 154

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

Diabetes support 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

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

Wicking garden workshop Learn how to make a wicking garden bed system in a raised container. Come along to Sunbury Community Garden on Saturday, October 30, from 10am to 1pm, to learn how to turn a raised fruit crate into a water saving wicking system. Bring your gardening gloves, enthusiasm and desire to learn. This event is free but a light lunch and tea or coffee will be provided for registered participants. ■ bit.ly/3tlRZsH

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

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

Sewing group

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

Photographer’s choice pic of a baby goat taken at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary. (Damjan Janevski) 252588_01

Garden club John Safran

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

Join writer John Safran and host Tony Wilson for this special digital event where John and Tony will take a look into the tobacco and vaping industry. The event will be run online in partnership with the Wheeler Centre on Wednesday, October 13, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Tickets $10. ■ www.wheelercentre.com

Plant sale The first New Gisborne Scouts Annual Tomato Sale is happening on October 30 and 31. All plants will be sold at $5 and are to be collected from the Church of Christ 31 Saunders Road, New Gisborne between 10am and 1pm. ■ 0400 140 630 Join Macedon Ranges council and Dr Jim Radford from La Trobe University for this talk on compost use in agricultural settings. Dr Radford will share his local research insights and promote farming practices that have positive outcomes for agriculture. The event will be held on Tuesday, November 9 from 7.30pm to 8.30pm. ■ 0455 210 436

Hannah Gadsby Hannah Gadsby, world class, award winning funny person has a brand new live show Body of Work, showing at the Kyneton Town Hall. She will be performing on Saturday, November 13, at 5pm and 8pm. ■ 1300 888 802

seniors, which will cover using open-ended questions to elicit goals from young people or students and other topics, on Wednesday, October 20 from 10am – 1.30pm at The Grange Community Centre, 260-280 Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing. ■ eventbrite.com.au/e/lunch-andlearn-about-goal-setting-strategiestickets-164272773287

AL-ANON meets Players wanted Keilor Park Cricket Club is on the lookout for senior men and women’s players, along with junior players for the upcoming season. Interested players can contact the club via the club’s Facebook page.

Deer Park probus Compost research webinar

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.

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

Sunshine United Cricket Club Selwyn Park-based Sunshine United Cricket Club is looking for junior boys and girls to play in its under-11s, under-13s Friday night and under-15s Saturday morning teams. Juniors learn and enjoy the fundamentals of cricket, taught by experienced coaches. ■ Terry Nichols, 0418 392 180

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

Fibro/CFS Support Expressions of interest to start a Fibromyalgia and CFS Support Group in Manor Lakes and surrounding areas. Connect with real people and share information, experiences, problems and solutions. ■ wyndham.fibrogroup@gmail.com

12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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

Additional needs support MyTime at Tweddle Newport is a peer 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

Free computer workshops Love Our Street 3029 Come join the volunteer community litter clean-up crew in Hoppers Crossing, which meets on the third Sunday of the month, 10.30am-noon. ■ Karen, 3029@loveourstreet.com.au

Goal setting for seniors EdConnect Australia, with support from Wyndham council, will run a free lunch and goal setting strategies workshop for

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

Quilt In People of all ages and cultures are welcome to join the Wyndham

Williamstown Community and Education Centre is running free computer workshops on setting up a MyGov account (November 7). Workshops are at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Renee, 9397 6168

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Planting program branches out From little things, big things grow. Efforts to turn the western suburbs green are picking up pace with thousands of trees to be planted this spring as part of the ‘More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West’ initiative, as Benjamin Millar reports.

rawing together Parks Victoria, local government and community groups already working on the ground, ‘More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West’ is part of a concerted campaign to help Melbourne’s west catch up on the historically greener canopy enjoyed in the ‘leafy’ east by planting 500,000 new trees. From street tree planting across St Albans to creating new woodlands at Cherry Lake in Altona, planting will begin this spring and continue next autumn and into the years beyond. In 2018, Melbourne’s west had just 5.5 per cent canopy cover in urban areas compared to 17.4 per cent in the inner south-east and 25.9 per cent in the east. The western suburbs therefore experience the greatest urban heat island effect across metropolitan Melbourne. Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the new trees in the project’s $5 million first phase will provide more shade and green spaces, drive down pollution, improve air quality and build the city’s resilience to climate change.

Park Victoria will be planting trees across locations throughout the western suburbs.

(Pictures: Supplied)

‘‘

The increased plantings will help create more green canopies and cooler outdoor spaces - Michael Clarke

’’

“We are planting more than 30,000 trees across six local council areas in Melbourne’s west this spring and next autumn in the first phase of our More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West initiative,” she said. “Under the initiative, 500,000 new trees will be planted across the western suburbs – on residential streets, outside schools, in parks and along trails including in the Organ Pipes National Park, Maribyrnong Valley Parklands and Werribee River Regional Park.” Tree planting will take place on public land around parks, rivers and creeks across Maribyrnong, along Little Blind Creek Reserve in Kurunjang and at Toolern Creek Regional Park in Strathtulloh. There will be extensive street tree planting across Hobsons Bay and in Melton suburbs including Hillside, Taylors Hill and Caroline Springs. Parks Victoria will focus on providing more shade for park visitors at Brimbank Park, Werribee River Regional Park and Organ Pipes National Park. More shade will also be provided in local streets around schools and throughout parks and reserves in Wyndham. As well as adding to the enjoyment of the areas being targeted, the new trees will also contribute towards meeting Victoria’s goal of halving emissions by 2030. Maribyrnong mayor Michael Clarke said a $250,000 state government grant will help fast track greening efforts with more mature trees. “The increased plantings will help create more green canopies and cooler outdoor spaces across the municipality,” he said. “Increased tree plantings contribute to an improved environment and healthy outcomes for our community – I look forward to joining our ‘Friends of’ groups to help in the upcoming community planting days.” Hobsons Bay council received $221,500 in funding and plans to kick the project off by planting 200 advanced trees along the Skeleton Creek Trail in Altona Meadows in coming weeks. Two tree planting events with 750 new trees will be held at Kororoit Creek and Newport Lakes next year in partnership with The Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek and The Friends of Newport Lakes. Hobsons Bay mayor Jonathon Marsden said increasing the area’s tree canopy has

Melton Council is boosting tree planting along Little Blind Creek Reserve in Kurunjang. (Damjan Janevski) 253076

Werribee Park. (Supplied)

many benefits including improved air quality, reduced ground temperature, enhanced liveability and more shade on buildings and open spaces. “The funding from the state government will help us towards achieving our target of increasing our tree canopy from 7.5 per cent to 30 per cent by 2040, contributing to the health and wellbeing of our community,” he said. “As a council, we’re also providing initiatives to residents to help green Hobsons Bay and plant trees on their private property.” Brimbank council will be putting its $250,000 towards projects including planting almost 600 street trees in St Albans and Kings Park as an extension of the council’s Street Tree Planting Program. It will partner with the Department of Transport in tree planting along Sunshine Avenue in St Albans, while the Department will also plant more trees along the shared user path on the Deer Park bypass freeway reserve in Derrimut. Mayor Ranka Rasic said delivering a greener, cooler Brimbank remains a key priority for the council. “Council is working hard to ensure we plant more trees to increase our canopy coverage and

Organ Pipes National Park. (Supplied)

create greener, cooler and more sustainable spaces for our community,” she said. “This planting will help provide greener streets and spaces and supports council’s long term effort to create a cooler greener Brimbank.” Wyndham climate futures office manager Peter McKinnon said planting will begin later this month with 130 mature trees in streetscapes and reserves near Manorvale Primary School, Truganina South Primary School and Tarneit P-9 College, after the council received $250,000. “Wyndham City thanks the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for investing in a greener and cooler future for our community,” he said. “We are pleased to be planting more trees across Wyndham to create healthier, happier and more liveable spaces for our residents.” Planting of 13,000 tubestock will get underway next year across nine locations, including waterways, conservation and nature reserve areas and other open spaces to help expand the area’s urban forest and biodiversity. Melton council’s city design and strategy manager Darren Rudd said the funding will provide additional trees at Little Blind Creek

Brimbank Park.

(Supplied)

Reserve in Kurunjang, Toolern Creek Regional Park in Cobblebank and street tree planting along sections of the Melton Highway, Calder Park Drive and Westwood Drive. He said tree planting will commence this month and then continue after summer in the cooler weather, to optimise planting conditions. “The City of Melton experiences a number of environmental challenges with low annual rainfall, reactive soils, strong winds and rising temperatures, however, with careful tree species selection, soil preparation, passive irrigation and maintenance we are gradually increasing and improving tree canopy quality,” he said. “Last year, council planted around 3000 trees through its annual Street Tree Planting Program and over 6000 street trees, as part of greenfield development works, as well as additional trees through new and upgraded park projects.” Like other western suburbs councils, Melton is keen to participate in Phase 2 of the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West project in coming years. Phase 2 will begin next year, with all projects due to be completed by June 2023.

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 050

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

9 8

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

QUICK CROSSWORD 3 4 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 25 26

ACROSS 1 Support for a column (8) 5 US state (6) 10 Happen (5) 11 Emplaced (9) 12 Nobel Prize-winning nun (6) 13 Sketch (7) 14 Abnormal conditions or infections (8) 15 Time of the year (6) 18 Entice (6) 20 Spacious and sumptuous (8) 21 Requiring (7) 24 Plaster ingredient (6) 27 Heights (9) 28 Shrink with fear (5) 29 Roving adventurously (6) 30 Iterated (8)

No. 050

Start of tennis point (5) Brings to life (8) Flow from (7) More competent (5) Of the stomach (9) Employed (4) Release (9) Invigorating drug (9) Liberality (8) US president, Bill - (7) Come in (5) Divine beings (4) Provoke (5) Trudge (4)

DOWN Forepart of a ship (4) Reduced (9)

1 2

DECODER

No. 050

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

5 8 7

4 1

9 2

10 11 12 13

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

D Y 22

4 LETTERS DYES ELSE GASH GUYS HEAR LASS PANE PENS RAGS REAR SWAM SWAP TILE WOVE

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

Today’s Aim: 15 words: Good 23 words: Very good 31 words: Excellent

T U

No. 050

5 LETTERS ABODE AFTIE AGREE AMBLE ANNUL ARENA BADGE CASTE CLEAN DRUMS DUNNO ENACT FISHY FUSES GROSS INLET IOTAS IRATE LEACH LISPS

MANIA OCTAL PANEL PASTA PATES PUREE RELIC ROAMS ROSES SEEDS SLAMS SLEDS SLEEP SNEER SNORE SNOWY SORES STALE STORE STRAW SUITE

TENDS TESTS TORSO TREES UNTIE USURP VERSE WHINE WISPS 6 LETTERS REPAIR RESIST STEREO YESMEN

7 LETTERS ENCORES INSPIRE LEOPARD POSTING RIBBONS SOMEONE 8 LETTERS ENLARGES INSANEST SUBURBAN TRIANGLE

acute, cattle, celt, cleat, cleft, cult, cute, cutlet, eclat, facet, fact, fate, faucet, fault, feat, felt, flat, FLUCTUATE, flute, late, left, lute, tact, tactful, talc, tale, taut, teal, teat, tuft, tutu

6 2 4 7 8 5 9 3 1

3 6 4 8 7 5 9 1 2

8 1 9 3 2 6 7 4 5

7 5 2 9 1 4 6 3 8

4 7 5 2 6 9 1 8 3

2 3 6 1 4 8 5 7 9

9 8 1 5 3 7 2 6 4

5 2 3 7 8 1 4 9 6

6 9 7 4 5 3 8 2 1

1 4 8 6 9 2 3 5 7

3 5 9 4 1 6 2 8 7

8 1 7 3 2 9 5 6 4

9 3 6 8 5 7 4 1 2

4 7 5 2 6 1 8 9 3

2 8 1 9 3 4 7 5 6

7 6 8 5 4 3 1 2 9

5 4 3 1 9 2 6 7 8

1 9 2 6 7 8 3 4 5

6 4 8 7 1 2 9 5 3

3 5 7 4 8 9 6 1 2

9 2 1 3 6 5 8 4 7

1 6 4 5 3 7 2 8 9

5 8 9 6 2 4 7 3 1

2 7 3 1 9 8 5 6 4

7 9 6 8 4 3 1 2 5

4 1 2 9 5 6 3 7 8

8 3 5 2 7 1 4 9 6

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

medium

easy

8 3 1

1 2

1 4

3 LETTERS ARE ATE BOY DDT DIE EAT EEL ELF ERR FLU FRO GOD HE'S HIM ICE INN INS IRE MPS OHM OUR PEP RIM WED

C S Z N R I H WMQ F G U

2 9

OA K X V J E L B P T D Y

WORDFIT

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14 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

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ANNUAL REPORT/REPORT OF THE AUDITOR In accordance with Section 134 (1) of the Local Government Act 1989, notice is hereby given that Melton City Council will consider the Annual Report for the year 2020/2021 at its Meeting to be held on Monday 25 October 2021 commencing 7pm. This meeting will be livestreamed with a link available on Council’s website. Notice is also given that the Melton City Council has received the Auditor General’s Report on Council’s Financial Statements and the Performance Statement for 2020/2021 year. The Auditor General’s reports are incorporated into the proposed Annual Report. Owing to the current Covid restrictions, the documents can be inspected by appointment at the Melton Civic Centre, from 11 October 2021 to 25 October 2021, during business hours or online at https://www.melton.vic.gov.au/ Council/Publications/Annual-report. KELVIN TORI CHIEF EXECUTIVE 12516584-NG42-21

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CALL 1300 666 808 Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 15

SPORTS QUIZ 1. What is the current nickname of the prospective new NRL team based in Redcliffe?

7. What is the nationality of the two players Ash Barty has defeated in Grand Slam Singles Finals?

2. What NRL team recently launched a new logo?

8. What is the nickname of the NBL team based in Adelaide?

3. Former Richmond player Mabior Chol recently joined which AFL team as a free agent? 4. What ground is currently scheduled to host the first Ashes Test in December?

14. By what name was the Red Bull Racing F1 team known as before being associated with the drinks giant? 15. Which former Brisbane player is the new coach of the Collingwood Football Club?

9. Jane Saville was famously disqualified from what event in the 2000 Sydney Olympics?

16. The Caulfield Guineas horse race is run over what distance?

10. What country won the 2021 edition of the America's Cup?

5. What professional US racing competition began in 1949?

17. How many Australian men's tennis players are currently ranked inside the world's 100?

11. Who is the coach of the Australian women's cricket team?

6. Wallabies player Andrew Kellaway scored how many tries in their recent clash against Argentina?

Mabior Chol

18. Which major sporting event was recently held at a venue called Whistling Straits?

12. Who won the Clive Churchill Medal for being voted the best player in the 2021 NRL Grand Final?

19. Spaniard Diego Castro is the captain of which A-League Men's club? 20. Which Australian middleorder batsman recently scored three consecutive fifties in the IPL?

13. For which EPL club does English soccer superstar Harry Kane play for?

21. Who recently became the first female Australian cricketer to claim 300 wickets and score 5000 runs at international level?

27. New Carlton coach Michael Voss won three consecutive premierships playing for which VFL/ AFL team?

22. By what score did Penrith defeat South Sydney in the 2021 NRL Grand Final? 23. Urban Meyer most recently coached which NFL team?

28. Benji Marshall last played for which NRL team?

24. Liz Watson was recently officially named the captain of which Australian national team?

29. American golfer Bryson DeChambeau is set to compete in a 12-hole head-to-head match with which fellow professional?

25. Woodville-West Torrens Eagles won the 2020 and 2021 premierships in which Australian Rules football league?

30. What jersey number will Australian basketballer Josh Giddey wear during his rookie season with the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder?

26. The 2021 United States Grand Prix is set to held in which American city?

Harry Kane 1510

1. Dolphins 2. Wests Tigers 3. Gold Coast Suns 4. The Gabba, Brisbane 5. NASCAR 6. Three 7. Czech 8. 36ers 9. Race walking 10. New Zealand 11. Matthew Mott 12. Nathan Cleary 13. Tottenham Hotspur 14. Jaguar Racing 15. Craig McRae 16. 1600m 17. Six 18. Ryder Cup golf tournament 19. Perth Glory 20. Glenn Maxwell 21. Ellyse Perry 22. 14-12 23. Jacksonville Jaguars 24. Australian Diamonds (Netball) 25. South Australian National Football League (SANFL) 26. Austin, Texas 27. Brisbane Lions 28. South Sydney 29. Brooks Koepka 30. 3

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DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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MOTOR

Sedan has a sting in its tail By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring The Stinger GT has a new spring in its step and added sting in the tail, thanks to a new factory-developed exhaust system and LED combination tail lamp layout, plus upgraded safety tech. The Kia MY21 sports sedan flag bearer heads a rejigged range, with a choice of a four cylinder or V6 engine, driving the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The twin-turbo V6 powered Kia has forging a strong link with police services around Australia as an operational intercept and road command vehicle. Buyers can get to experience the Stinger’s gran turismo personality with the entry-level 200 S and its turbo-charged 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor for a drive-away price of $53,090, while the much heralded 3.3 litre twin-turbo V6 GT, at $67,690 drive away, garners little touches that add greatly to the appeal. Then there’s the Kia seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty.

Styling Kia says designers toned down any brutal characteristics, combining elegance with an athletic look. Not that everything is soft and gentle. There is still the Kia signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille, bold LED headlamps and two twin oval exhaust pipes with larger tips than previously, while the clever dynamic bending headlights are retained. A flat underbody and rear diffuser enhance aerodynamics. A new alloy wheel design has thinner spokes than before to further highlight the high performance Brembo brakes. Indeed, the Neon Orange Stinger GT test vehicle was a sight to behold, a fact that did not go un-noticed on the street.

Interior Upgrades are led by a dash-mounted 1.25-inch touchscreen, with in-built satellite navigation and smartphone connectivity, allowing monitoring and control of a range of vehicle systems at the same time. Cabin ambience can be subtly controlled by a choice of 24 colours in a mood lamp. The steering wheel now features a metallic finish, while dashboard and doors are trimmed with a new stitch pattern. The seats of the GT were dressed in black Nappa leather.

The upgraded Stinger GT has taken on a greater ‘heroic’ mantle for the Kia sports sedan range. (Pictures: Supplied)

Infotainment Technology upgrades are led by Bluetooth multi-connection, which allows multiple smart phones to be paired simultaneously for greater convenience such as communicating on one phone while streaming music on another. A harman/kardon 15-speaker Premium sound system also does the honours here.

Engines / transmissions Kia Stinger GT’s engine basically remains unchanged, the Lamda 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 still winding up to 510 Nm of torque across a wide rev range, but the addition of a factory-developed bi-modal exhaust stumping up an extra 2 kW of power, boosting output to 274 kW. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor is carried over with its 182 kW of power and 353 Nm of torque. Both are mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Safety Improved autonomous emergency braking now has cyclist detection and junction assist, the latter using a camera and radar to apply the brakes if danger is detected while turning across oncoming traffic. Road edge detection has been added to lane keeping assist, if the car is heading off the road and lane following assist uses a camera to keep the vehicle out of the weeds. Rear cross-traffic

AT A GLANCE MODEL LINE-UP Kia Stinger 200 S $53,090 Kia Stinger GT-Line $60,690 Kia Stinger 330 S $56,890 Kia Stinger GT $67,690

*All prices drive away

collision avoidance brakes to avoid traffic from either side when reversing.

Driving With 510 Nm torque topping out at a low 1300 rpm and sticking around until 4500 revs the Stinger GT is not shy on showing its versatility – on the one hand a grand tourer, on the other an out-and-out sports sedan. Then, there’s the 274 kW of power, peaking at 6000 rpm, with a nod to the racetrack with launch control. Left foot on the brake and gearshift in drive; flatten the accelerator pedal and release the foot brake, and whoosh. The drivetrain goes ga-ga with an accompanying turbo-boosted engine / exhaust noise. There’s a firm shove on the back as the car takes off and I couldn’t argue with the claimed zero-to-100 kilometre time of less than 5 seconds. With official combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 10.2 litres per 100

kilometres, the test car came up with 13-plus around town and 6.2 on a motorway run. There are five different dial-up driving modes – Sport, Comfort, Eco, Smart and Custom – the last had the car coming to terms with the highly variable road conditions found in Australia, while Sport produced a rough ride more suitable for the smoother racetrack surfaces. Eco held little attraction. Worth a mention is the blind spot monitor, which projects a camera image from the mirrors in the driver’s display as soon as the turn indicator is activated. The blind spot collision avoidance assist produces a warning and automatically controls the car to help avoid a collision. A steeply-sloped rear window presents a limited view for the driver and misses out on a rear wiper, which just about wipes out a clear view behind in wet weather. The smart key offers the chance to remotely start the engine and have the climate reach the optimum settings before getting into the cabin. Also smart is the power tailgate that can be set to four pre-determined opening heights from an in-car menu.

Summary The Stinger GT gives full vent to the sports sedan fan’s every wish … at a somewhat steep price. The cheaper alternative is to become a highway patrol police officer!

Tuesday, 12 October, 2021 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 17

Max Delight triumphs with late dash to the line By Michael Howard Max Delight has produced a stunning turnaround to win the Pryde’s EasiFeed Victoria Cup, nabbing Australia’s leading pacer King Of Swing on the line to capture the prized silverware. Chris Alford shot Max Delight to the lead from gate two before handing up to Amazing Dream, then lay in wait while the leader battled with King Of Swing, producing a late dash up the Bendigo sprint lane to score in the $300,000 classic. It was a triumph for trainer David Aiken, who just a week prior scratched Max Delight from the TAB Smoken Up Sprint owing to a foot abscess, only to have the five-year-old recover to nab the victory. “It’s pretty amazing,” Alford told

TrotsVision. “It could have been a blessing in disguise not having a tough run and going into tonight fresh.” Alford and Aiken combined to win the Victoria Cup twice with Lennytheshark in 2016 and 2017 and the pair added a third on Saturday night, orchestrating what would prove a decisive move by crossing the polemarker Torrid Saint from the gates. “When we talked before the race I said I don’t really think we can cross the one horse (Torrid Saint) and I don’t think he’d be happy to sit on us … but Max had different ideas,” Alford said. “He got up on that gate, he was nearly eating it he was that hard up on it. Shot out really good the first 100 and just settled beautifully. “Off the back I was just pinching myself going they’re all off the bit here and I’ve still

got plenty of horse. I knew we were rolling. Ants had to keep the foot down to make King Of Swing work.” And the rest took care of itself, delivering Aiken a third Victoria Cup and Alford a fourth, with the latter having also won in 1995 on Golden Reign. It was initially mixed emotions for Aiken after Malcolms Rhythm had a frightening fall with about 100 metres to run, but both the reinsman – his son Josh – and horse rebounded. “Everything’s good,” he told Trots Vision, “so that’s a relief, horse and driver are good”. And it meant he could enjoy the Grand Circuit win with a horse who had emerged from his injury cloud to soar in the spotlight. “I said to Chris before the race, we’ve had a disrupted week, but we’ve also had plenty of

Paterno simply the best By Benjamin Millar and Tara Murray Hillside footballer Emily Paterno has capped off a stellar season in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division by sharing the league best and fairest honours. The Sharks senior women’s captain and Westmeadows’ Gemma Wright both polled 15 votes to share the coveted award. Paterno started the season on fire, with four successive best on ground performances, while Wright came home strongly in the back half of the season. Both polled votes in the final round to finish one vote clear of Keilor’s Kaitlyn O’Keefe. Paterno, who finished second in the league for goalkicking and was named in the team of the year, was quick to praise everyone at Hillside in another frustratingly COVID-19 curtailed season. “I’m obviously disappointed that we didn’t get to finish off how we started in the first half of the season,” she told Star Weekly. In a video on the league’s social media page, Paterno was quick to downplay her own personal achievement. “While this is recognised as an individual award, I don’t see it that way,” she said. “I would firstly like to thank all my teammates down at Hillside, I was lucky enough to run out alongside a champion team every single week and all their work up and round the ground is what has afforded me this opportunity.” Paterno started her career at the Sharks before going on to play VFL, returning to the Sharks in 2019. She told Star Weekly she couldn’t be happier to be part of such a tight-knit group. “I’ve made the decision to not play VFL at the moment or pursue AFL, I think that comes down to my club and my team mates,” she said. “I think any local team especially has that tight community bond, that’s what we love about it.” Paterno said having two seasons hit hard by COVID-19 restrictions has been frustrating, but hasn’t dampened her passion for the game. “As long as they’re around I will be out there, obviously there is unfinished business,” she said. “Everyone wants to get back out there next year, if we don’t have hope what have we got?”

Max Delight streaks for the winning post with Chris Alford at the reins. (Stuart McCormick)

miles into his legs,” Aiken said. “He’s been to Sydney, he’s had some hard racing, he’s just missed that one run. It’s a big relief, it’s great.”

Grants open to Moorabool sporting clubs Moorabool football and netball clubs are being urged to put up their hand for a new round of grants to help refresh ageing sporting infrastructure. Community Sport Minister Ros Spence has announced the next round of the Country Football and Netball Program, with grants of up to $200,000 available to deliver projects such as redeveloping and building new ovals and netball courts, installing sports lighting, and building new and redeveloped pavilions. Ms Spence said the extra financial support will help sporting clubs meet the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide better facilities for when play resumes next year after two heavily interrupted years. “Regional clubs are the heart and soul of communities and they deserve modern and safe facilities they can be proud of,” she said. “Clubs have persevered to keep seasons going throughout the pandemic and I hope potential new facilities encourage more participation in the years to come.” The latest round of funding will again focus on supporting communities that are experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, strong population growth or other economic challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. A partnership with Netball Victoria, the AFL, and AFL Victoria, the program was established in 2005 to help netball and football clubs across the state to meet growing demand and welcome even more members. The program has so far delivered more than $30 million to more than 500 projects. AFL Victoria head Brad Scott said the latest funding round was welcome news for regional and rural communities. “Grant programs like this play an important role in helping communities benefit from new and upgraded facilities, which helps local sporting clubs thrive,” he said. Applications for the next round of the program close on December 1. For further information or to apply online, visit sport.vic.gov.au/ grants-and-funding

Emily Paterno. 18 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 12 October, 2021

(Shawn Smits)

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