Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 9th January 2024

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STORIES OF THE YEAR Galactic Dance are teaming up with other dance schools to host a fundraiser dance performance to raise money for Exford Primary School after the bus accident. (Damjan Janevski) 351231_01

A year of pains and gains For Melton and Moorabool, the year 2023 was defined by governments, including a freshly elected Labor state government working to make good on promises and deliver vital infrastructure projects for fast-growing areas amid the cost of living crunch.

While many projects faced delays, Moorabool had the completion of the West Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub, stage one of Bacchus Marsh $17 million indoor stadium, the Ballan Sports and Community Pavilion, and completion of the new $5.5 million Darley Sports and Community Pavilion.

While Moorabool lost its beloved Strawberry and Cherry Festival, others filled the gap including the first Bacchus Marsh Cup Day Festival in years.

Moorabool council cried out for federal funding this year, yet remained unable to secure the cash to build the Bacchus Marsh indoor swimming pool.

Community advocated for their area, with the fight against the Western Renewables Link continuing and the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance battling to have pollution in the Werribee River addressed.

In Melton, multiple children’s and community centres were built, the town came together to celebrate during Djerriwarrh and the Melton Lifelong Learning festivals.

More than 4000 new citizens were welcomed to the municipality and 19,825 community members participated in 393 community programs.

The Eynesbury community was left

shattered when truck hit a school bus, injuring 10 students badly. The community got behind the school and the students, with fundraisers held across Melton and Moorabool.

Transport infrastructure was a big issue Melton residents wanted addressed, whether it was pot-holes, congested roads, or better buses.

Melton council continued to run advocacy campaigns including the award-winning Moving Melton transport prospectus and Fix Our Roads to seek funding for transport infrastructure projects.

The state and federal funded business case into upgrading the Western Highway began and $14.9 million in state funding to duplicate the Melton Highway between Crown Drive and The Regency in Plumpton was secured

Maternal child health services in Melton continued to struggle and provide limited services, with Melton’s MCH staff even going on strike in March, and then the wider council staff walking off the job in May. A former Melton councillor, Moira Deeming, had her first year in the Victoria senate embroiled in drama, being expelled from the Liberal Party and now suing the opposition leader for defamation.

The president of Malta paid a visit to Melton to the Maltese-associated Caroline Springs George Cross F.C in Caroline Springs in October.

Looking ahead to 2024, the Melton and Moorabool region can expect to continue its unprecedented growth and face more successes and challenges that come along with it.

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Berry festival buried by costs August 1 Bacchus Marsh’s annual Strawberry and Cherry Festival has been cancelled for 2023 due to costs rising to almost $100,000.

The three-day festival typically happens in November and draws more than 35,000 visitors.

The festival usually has 200 market stalls, carnival rides, entertainment and firework displays.

Felicity Ashman has been helping to organise the event since 2015, and ran it in 2022 through her company Urban Markets following the closure of the Bacchus Marsh Tourism

Association in 2021.

Ms Ashman said hosting the festival has become unfeasible this year, mainly due to rising costs.

“We are heartbroken to cancel our beloved large-scale family favourite event for the community this year,” she said.

“Despite our efforts, unforeseen challenges have made it unfeasible. We ... hope to return stronger next year.”

Ms Ashman said a traffic management planning company quoted at least $34,000, up from the $24,000 last year, leading her to consult with council about changing the event location

from Main Street to a private block, however, it got too late in the year to be able to prepare.

The other large increase was a new weight requirement for market stalls, with the council requiring marquees to be held down by 240 kilograms each.

Ms Ashman said the typical requirement for previous years, as well as at events she has organised in four nearby councils, including Djerriwarrh Festival, is 20 kilograms. She estimated the weights would cost about $40,000.

“The logistics alone of hiring weights for 180 marquees, plus getting them up and down the street, plus taken off at night, and taken back

to marquees the next day … That amount of weight is excessive,” she said.

A Moorabool council spokesperson said council’s building team was in discussions with the organisers to provide options regarding the weights, however, the progression of that conversation was dependent on the final location of the event.

The spokesperson said the council is looking forward to work with the festival again in the future.

Ms Ashman said stallholder fees would have covered just about half of the festival’s projected cost for this year.

Union dispute May 30

‘Fired up’ farmers rumble into town August 28 Fired-up farmers rumbled into Melbourne to take their fight against two contentious transmission projects to the front steps of Victorian Parliament.

Tractors and trucks rolled up for the “stop the towers“ protest on Tuesday, August 15, over the proposed VNI West and Western Renewables Link projects.

Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) chair Emma Muir said she was there with supporters from Melton, Bacchus Marsh, Darley and Myrniong.

“It’s going to have a huge impact on our food supply, and in Melton it will impact where people are living around MacPherson Park and the pony club,” she said.

“I think there’s a better way to transport

renewable energy cheaper and more efficiently without impacting communities, food supply and jeopardising our safety.“ VNI West has been billed as a second transmission link between Victoria and NSW that will harness renewable energy zones and increase network reliability as coal-fired power stations are retired.

The Western Renewables Link would also carry renewable energy from Bulgana in Victoria’s west through Moorabool and Melton to Sydenham through 190km of overhead transmission lines.

The Australian Energy Market Operator’s preferred route option is to link the projects at Bulgana. In February, the state government flagged farmers with transmission easements on their land would receive standard payments of $8000 a year for 25 years.

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But landowners remain concerned about construction disruptions, health and biosecurity risks, environmental impacts, the bushfire threat from high-voltage power lines and towers.

“I know it’s disruptive,“ Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters on Tuesday before the protest.

Mr Andrews insisted an environmental assessment process must run its course and farmer’s views would be heard through that.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano addressed the crowd, accusing the government of failing to adequately plan for the renewable energy transition.

“Farmers and regional communities have been taken for a ride since these projects were announced and I’m not surprised that frustration led directly to Spring Street,“ she said.

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Stop the Towers protest at Spring Street on August 15. (Supplied)

Melton council employees stepped up their industrial action by walking off the job on Wednesday, May 25.

Since March, Australian Services Union (ASU) members who work for the council have been protesting wages and staff shortages by stopping school-time parking patrols, issuing notices to comply, and after-hours stray dog pickups, as well as attaching union campaign materials on walls, shelves, and in areas normally used for council signage.

According to ASU, council has offered a “modest” pay increase since the action began, but offset the offer by reducing parental leave by 13 weeks.

The union said Melton council employees earn about 7 per cent less than their counterparts at other growth area councils.

ASU branch secretary Lisa Darmanin said “all Melton staff are asking is for a pay increase to stop rapid rates of staff attrition”.

An staff member, who wanted to remain anonymous, at the walk-off said, “Some might think of us as working for this community but we are in fact of this community … and we want it to prosper”.

“We’re feeling tired, we’re feeling disrespected, and we’re feeling a lack of hope for a brighter future,” the worker said.

“But what we know is that if the community of staff crumbles, the community out there suffers, they will lose the services and supports they rely on and deserve. Today and every day, we fight for us. Today and every day we fight for them.”

A Melton council spokesperson said council has engaged with the workforce and the “revised offer has been strongly informed by consultation with our staff”.

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Teen’s turn stuns on The Voice August 15

performance had impressed.

Sebastian called her audition “incredible”.

“What on earth just happened?” he remarked.

“You look so sweet, and then that thing comes out of you that is so big and strong.”

Judges clamoured to be selected as the one to coach Mamalis throughout the show, with Derulo even “blocking” Sebastian , a tool each judge can use once per season. In the end Mamalis selected American singer-songwriter Derulo to be her coach for the show, who said when he was coming to Australia he was promised there was going to be “amazing

A Caroline Springs teenager has left judges enamoured on season 12 of The Voice Australia, soaring through her live audition that aired on Tuesday, August 8. Maree Mamalis took to the stage on national TV and performed a rendition of the Billie Eilish ballad, Listen Before I Go. Within 13 seconds judge Rita Ora spun her chair to audience applause and by the end of the song the other judges, Guy Sebastian, Jason Derulo and Jessica Mauboy had done the same, making it clear her powerful vocal

talent”.

“I have been blown away so early in the show and I think you are a shining light that needs to be shown all over the world, and I’d just love to be a part of that journey,” he said.

The 17-year-old began singing in 2017.

Mamalis said she has always been a fan of The Voice.

“As a little girl I would pretend I was a coach and I would sit on a swivel chair with my back to the tv and turn for those I wanted on my team so it was a full circle moment when I was approached to audition for the show,” she said.

“I love that singing makes me feel free and like I can just be myself.”

Mamalis said the response to her performance was gratifying after having her confidence in her abilities shaken by some of her school peers.

“Unfortunately my confidence was brought down by people at school who would bully and would make fun of my singing and mimic me,” she said. “It really hurt me, but over time I rebuilt my confidence. I wanted to do this and be an example to others who have experienced the same treatment I did.”

Farrugia in at Melton Council January 31

Phonsy Mullan and his son Bastian. (Damjan Janevski) 319818_02

Superboat crash can’t stop Phonsy February 21

take home Mullan’s ninth Australian title.

During the qualifying rounds Ramjet left the water at over 120km/ph, and spun into a wall.

Phonsy said the pair were “extremely lucky” to only suffer minor injuries.

With just 45 minutes to patch the boat up, the team were back in the water to finish the qualifiers.

Phonsy said after passing, they had the night for more extensive repairs and took out the final heat with a winning time of 36.8 seconds.

“It was a pretty awesome feat, it was a big comeback. We were basically down and out,” he said.

The Griffith round was sixth out of seven

A Melton family are continuing their reign as Australia’s top V8 Superboat dynasty, cementing back to back victories in the Australian Championship, after winnings in each of their divisions in Griffith.

Bastion Mullan, with navigator Tahleah Mullan took out first in the LS division, securing their second consecutive Australian Championship on the weekend of February 11 in their boat, Ripshift.

Current world champion Phonsy Mullan raced in Ramjet with navigator Leigh Stuart, the pair came back from a dramatic crash to

for the championship, but with Phonsy and Bastion both being undefeated all season, the titles are theirs.

The final heat will be at the Keith Diesel and Dirt Derby in March, where Phonsy said he doesn’t plan to take it easy after securing the win.

“I’d like to cement my victory, in Keith there’s a lot of spectators that come and see us so we want to put on a show… we’re not going to lay over,” he said.

Other drivers under Melton’s GM-Motorsport banner Jody Ely and Nate Mullans will be fighting to secure their own victories in Keith.

Justine Farrugia will be Melton’s newest councillor after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) announced the results of the countback following Moira Deeming’s departure from council.

Ms Deeming was elected to the Watts ward at Melton’s 2020 council election, and in December 2022 was elected to Victorian Parliament as a member of the Legislative Council for Western Metropolitan Region for the Liberal Party. Her departure resulted in an extraordinary vacancy in Melton council, requiring a VEC countback of the 2020 election results. Ms Farrugia was declared the successful candidate on Monday, January 23 following the countback. She will be officially sworn in as a councillor representing the Watts ward at a date yet to be disclosed by council. Councillor-elect Justine Farrugia said she is “delighted” to be elected councillor for Melton council.

“I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and officers to deliver for our community,” she said.

“My priorities this term are delivering safer streets, better infrastructure, and more services for our growing population, and I’m excited to work with a team all laser focused on delivering this.”

Melton mayor Lara Carli said council is “pleased” that Justine has “accepted the opportunity to represent our community and specifically residents in Watts Ward.”

“Justine joins us at an exciting time as council plans for our city’s future,” she said.

“We welcome Justine to council and look forward to working together for our community.”

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Partnership to tackle nurse need June 6 Melton council hopes promoting free nursing and midwifery study initiatives will help address the municipality’s shortage of maternal and child health nurses.

As reported by Star Weekly, the staffing shortage has forced council to limit maternal and child health nurse appointments to babies aged up to eight weeks old and vulnerable families.

At a council meeting on Monday, May 29,

councillor Ashleigh Vandenberg called for council to work with tertiary education sector to promote free nursing and midwifery study initiatives, which are both prerequisites for MCH nursing.

She also called for council to advocate to the state government to provide extended and diverse funding opportunities to support residents to study in a health field including maternal and child health qualifications.

“Currently the City of Melton has a shortage of maternal and child health nurses and the

purpose of this motion is to alleviate that need by raising awareness of the current free nursing qualifications that may allow residents to secure their dream career and help us in closing the health gap that Melton is facing,” Cr Vandenberg said.

Melton council employs 17.4 equivalent full time maternal and child health nurses. On average 58 babies are born in the municipality each week.

Council aims to have 27.9 equivalent full time nurses to meet demand.

Cr Kathy Mjdlik said that maternal and child health nurse shortage is sector-wide for local governments, “but none more so than ours”.

“Being a growth council and having so many babies being born, and obviously it taking a lot longer to become a midwife because of the qualifications that are required, it is really imperative that we encourage our residents to take up this free service,” she said.

“I hope that there’s some movement in this sector Victoria-wide because we are struggling in every council and every hospital as well.”

Melton hospital a step closer with milestone met July 4 The state government has shortlisted two consortia featuring construction companies, sponsors and facilities management providers, vying to deliver the new Melton hospital.

Health Infrastructure Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the shortlisted consortia have been invited to develop proposals to design, construct, finance and maintain the hospital.

The shortlisted consortia are Exemplar Health, comprising Capella Capital, Lendlease, Honeywell and Compass Group, and Wilam Marrga, comprising Tetris Capital, John Holland, ISS and Cushman & Wakefield.

With construction set to begin next year, the shortlisted consortia have begun preparing detailed proposals to deliver the new hospital in 2029.

Ms Thomas said today marks an “important milestone to deliver one of the most significant new hospital projects in Victoria”.

“We are excited to see a strong response

from consortia for this new project and I look forward to seeing their innovative proposals for the Melton community,” she said.

The government has invested more than $900 million to deliver the new Melton Hospital which will be Victoria’s first fully electric hospital, providing 24-hour emergency, at least 274 beds, an intensive care unit, maternity and neonatal services, mental health services, radiology services and outpatient care.

The hospital will be designed in a way to allow for future expansion to ensure it can grow with the community and will create more than 700 direct jobs and 1700 indirect jobs during construction.

Once completed, the new hospital will have capacity to treat 130,000 patients each year and see almost 60,000 patients in the emergency department.

The state government said community feedback will help shape the development of the new hospital, with more than 1000 pieces of feedback captured.

The future site of the Melton hospital. (Damjan Janevski) 284021_01.

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Melton man charged Police have charged a Melton man with 15 offences following a series of stabbings in Melbourne’s inner-city suburbs on the weekend. It will be alleged the 31-year-old Melton man stabbed five people in four separate random attacks over a three-hour period. He has been charged with, two counts of intentionally cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, two counts of recklessly cause serious injury in circumstances of gross violence, five counts of intentionally cause injury, five counts of recklessly cause injury and a count of possessing a controlled weapon.

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Dancing traces a fight for equality The Western Ballet Project has announced its latest youth ballet production, the Suffragettes.

Featuring talented dance students from 22 schools in Victoria, ranging from Bendigo and Ballarat to Wyndham Vale and Clayton South, the performance promises to be a celebration of unity, strength, and the journey towards equality.

Rehearsals for the production will be held at Galactic Dance and Events, Melton from January 15-19, with 40 dedicated young dancers honing their skills to bring to life the inspiring story of the Suffragettes.

Artistic director Sophie O’Donnell said it

was very important that all the dancers learnt and understood the history of the suffragette movement.

“All the dancers have been sent material and podcasts to educate and inspire them for the story and roles they must play,” she said.

“Although this part of history is over 100 years old, the fight for equality is still going on today.”

The culmination of these efforts will be a performance at The Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds on Saturday, January 20 at 6.30pm.

Details: https://ow.ly/m1kB50QoA6T

Police detected almost 500 traffic offences in Melton and Moorabool during Operation Roadwise which ran over Christmas and New Year from December 15 to January 1. In Melton, 265 driving offences were detected, while 224 were recorded in Moorabool. Nine drink drivers and five drug drivers were detected in Melton, with eight and five respectively in Moorabool and one drink and drug combined as well. Melton recorded 23 unregistered drivers and 19 unlicensed drivers, while Moorabool only had seven combined. Melton also recorded more than double the amount of unregistered vehicles, with 48 compared to Moorabool’s 22.

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Plea to keep look out for riders August 22 Just before 5pm on Friday, August 11, Mario Attard set out for a fairly standard ride on his motorbike to Supercheap Auto in Melton, unaware that the journey would change his life forever.

Mr Attard said he remembers coming through an intersection on High Street, when he was struck.

“I remember being hit,” he said.

“I remember the car hitting my ankle and jamming it into my engine, because as I went flying the bike went with me.”

From there, he said he remembers images of people, paramedics and friends “coming in and out like picture frames”.

“I knew I was in a serious way… I knew that my life was going to change forever,” he said.

Mr Attard’s riding friends happened to be setting out for a trip nearby and became some of the first responders to the incident.

Sarah Whyte said it was heart-breaking finding Mr Attard hurt.

“When Mario went into shock an adrenaline rush came over him, I wanted to assure him people he knew were there for him,” she said.

“It will stick with me for the rest of my life.”

That weekend, Mr Attard had his leg amputated below the knee as a result of the accident.

Following surgery, Mr Attard floored friends and doctors with his positivity. Within days he was getting himself out of bed and around his room under doctors’ supervision, and he is even planning his next bike ride.

“I’m going to remain positive … If there’s something wrong and there’s nothing we can do about it, well let’s look forward,” he said.

“I am going to get back on the road, my brothers will be picking me up from the hospital and we’re going to be riding back

Sarah Whyte has started a gofundme for her friend Mario following a motorbike accident. Sarah is pictured with Mario’s wife Michelle Attard and Damien Spiteri (front) and at the back are Mario’s friends. Damjan Janevski. 354109_03

home.”

For Mr Attard, getting back on the bike is about freedom.

“When you’re riding you forget about the world. It’s a different feeling and you have to have a passion for it,” he said.

“Am I excited? Hell yeah. Am I scared? F**k yeah. Of course I’m scared. But am I going to let it worry me? No, I’m not. Life is too short.

If he wanted to take me, he would have taken me there and then.”

Mr Attard’s biggest takeaway from the incident is a message for the wider community

Swan hits Rockbank April 4 AFL Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan was the star of the show as the Riddell District Football League kicked off on Saturday.

Swan pulled on the jumper for the Western Rams for their season opener against local rivals Melton Centrals. The match was played as a standalone game, with a big crowd to watch Swan and the Rams.

While known for his inside work, Swan spent most of the game in the back half, finding plenty of the ball. He was named in the Rams best as the side proved no match for Centrals.

Swan then stayed at the club for a sold out sportsman’s night, which the club was hoping

- drivers watch riders.

“I just want everybody to be aware of who is on the road - from cars to buses to trucks to bikes,” he said.

“I forgive this guy. But ...... I’ve got to live the rest of my life with no leg. Is that really fair?”

Mr Attard is the sole income earner of his household, which consists of himself, his wife, and two grandchildren.

Ms Whyte said friends have come together to set up a GoFundMe page to cover rent for the household while Mr Attard is out of work.

“The biking community is quite close …

If we can take that pressure off over the next couple of months then that’s what we’ll do to help,” she said.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the High Street collision and officers have spoken with a 46-year-old Harkness driver who stopped at the scene and rendered assistance until paramedics arrived.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Details: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ mario-and-michelle

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would help them raise funds for the season ahead.

Centrals coach Matt Sproule in his return to the role said for then they didn’t really worry about Swan.

“We didn’t really worry about it, he’s a champ of the game,” he said. “The Western Rams wanted him to play and we were more than happy to accommodate that… hopefully they made a bit of money.

“It didn’t affect us, he would have worried us more if he had played out of the square, but he didn’t.”

Sproule said they were happy with the result and getting the first game under their belt.

He said windy conditions didn’t help with scoring though.

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Dane Swan in action for the Western Rams. (Jacob Pattison) 323330_24 Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 7

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Planned civic plaza in ‘jeopardy’ December 12 A failed funding application for the civic plaza at the future Ballan Library and Community Precinct may see that portion of the project delayed or altered.

The new $7.5 million Ballan Library and Community Hub is one of Moorabool council’s flagship infrastructure projects and is planned to include a modern library, community meeting rooms, visitor information, a Maternal and Child Health Centre and an outdoor space.

The library portion of the project was due to commence mid-year, however design

delays and the volatility in the construction market pushed the tender date back.

The tender is open until January 31, with council expecting work to begin in May 2024.

In a new blow to the project, a federal funding application for the outdoor plaza, which is to be tendered separately, has been rejected.

Council applied for $851,000 from the federal government’s Growing Regions Program to fund the outdoor plaza with courtyard seating and gardens. The other sections of the library precinct project are being funded with $5 million in state

government funding and $2.5 million from council.

Mayor Ally Munari said the lack of funding could mean the plaza component of the project may be delayed or not proceed as originally envisaged.

“It’s so disappointing the plaza component of the project is in jeopardy,” she said.

“The civic plaza is a place for the community to gather and a connection point to the other components of the precinct- the library, Maternal and Child Health Centre, exhibition spaces and community rooms.

“If you look across the shire, we have

attracted a lot of state government funding for our projects and we continue to struggle to secure federal government for our major projects. To continue to deliver on much needed infrastructure we will need both levels of government to contribute to allow us to meet the needs of our current and future communities.”

A Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts spokesperson said round one of the Growing Regions Program had received a large number of expressions of interest (EOIs) seeking funding worth significantly more than what is available.

Stonehill estate sites August 10 More than 200 new residential lots could be created on the fringe of West Maddingley under a proposal recently lodged with Moorabool council.

Property developer Devine Limited is seeking to subdivide 22.5 hectares of land along McCormacks Road for another 235 lots in the growing Stonehill estate near Bacchus Marsh West Golf Club.

A planning assessment report by SJB Planning notes the proposal includes the creation and delivery of a 1.2 hectare park, but requires the removal of 1.5 hectares of native vegetation, including plains woodland with several patches of native grasslands.

The new park will be located adjacent to the Buloke Conservation Area to the west and

Quartzite Quarry site to the east, both of which will be protected.

A mix of conventional and large residential lots have been flagged, ranging in size from 262 square metres to 2079 square metres on the steeper parcels of land. The average lot size is 682 square metres.

Vehicle access will be via McCormacks Road and Government Road and new roads to the east and north.

“The proposed subdivision is supported by the zoning controls that encourage residential subdivision at a range of densities capable of supporting a range of dwelling types to meet the housing needs of all households and encourage residential development that respects the neighbourhood character,” the report states.

Moorabool Council is yet to announce a decision upon the application.

An aerial view of the land earmarked for subdivision. (Image supplied)

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10 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

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Djirra service opens in Melton July 4 Renowned Aboriginal community controlled organisation Djirra has celebrated NAIDOC Week by launching a new service in Melton.

Djirra in the West officially launched on Tuesday, July 4, marking a turning point for the organisation as it expands its delivery of holistic and culturally safe family violence services to Aboriginal women across the western region.

A crowd of about 300 people gathered in

the new facility on Gisborne-Melton Road for a Welcome to Country by Wurundjeri elder Aunty Joy Murphy, speeches by Djirra chief executive of 20 years Kuku Yalanji woman Antoinette Braybrook, Treaty and First Peoples Minister Gabrielle Williams, and Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins, and music by singer and activist, Mutti Mutti man Kutcha Edwards.

Ms Braybrook began her speech by acknowledging First Nations women. “[Those] who are here, and those who cannot

be here, because they are not permitted to leave the house because they have to account for every minute of their day, because they are behind bars for being homeless or having no money, behind bars for fighting back for that of their own safety and that of their children,” she said.

Djirra in the West is a full-circle moment for Ms Braybrook, bringing the service she has spearheaded for two decades to the area in which she was raised.

Ms Braybrook said that despite the

challenges and “hostile encounters” she faced as being a part of the “first Aboriginal family in Melton”, it’s where she belongs.

“The west is in my blood. Djirra is in my blood. So, expanding across this way has always been a longstanding vision of ours,” she said.

Ms Braybrook said as well as having a fast growing Aboriginal population, Melton has the highest rate of family violence incidents in Melbourne’s north-west, and the most common offence people are charged with in Melton is breaching an intervention order.

Fifty years of service May 9 In the mid 1980s a major bushfire ripped through Melton that destroyed 14 homes. CFA captain at the time Stephen Hirt described it as being like “the gates of hell” had opened.

Melton SES volunteer Robert Trott recalled witnessing the disaster.

“I was in the garage pottering around, I heard sirens and smelt smoke - I decided to see if anyone needed help and drove up High Street and all the gum trees were just glowing,” he said.

It was this event that inspired him to join the Melton SES, and as the unit celebrates its 50th anniversary he is the team’s longest currently-serving volunteer.

Since signing up Mr Trott said he has been on about 100-200 callouts a year.

“I try and get out there and do the best I can… my main thing is just to help the community at times when they need the help,” he said.

A stand-out memory for Mr Trott was helping out in Sydney in the wake of a large hailstorm incident.

“Four of us drove up and were there for four days, tarping and repairing roofs,” he said.

“It was hard work, but the night before we were leaving we were having a pub meal and everybody in the pub stood up and gave us a round of applause for the help, it hit the heart a little bit.”

On Thursday, May 4, the Melton SES unit celebrated 50 years of emergency service to the community.

To mark the occasion, the team held a barbecue at the branch’s high street location with current members.

On Thursday, May 4 the Melton SES unit celebrated their 50th anniversary. (Provided).

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Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 11

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Mixed infrastructure news after spending review November 21 A business case investigating upgrades for the Western Freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs will go ahead, while a separate Western Freeway upgrade has had federal funding pulled following the Australian government’s infrastructure spending review.

The federal government on November 16 released its review of major infrastructure projects slated for the next 10 years which had previously received funding commitments, with 50 projects across the country to lose funding.

One cut was the Western Freeway Upgrade from the M80 Ring Road to Ferris Road, however, this will not affect the $20 million Western Highway business case that is

already underway.

Federal Hawke MP Sam Rae said in a statement the M80 to Ferris Road project was a “zombie project” promised by the Liberal party on the eve of the 2019 election.

“In the years following that announcement they made no progress to deliver it,” he said.

“Our project is a comprehensive business case to upgrade the freeway between Melton and Caroline Springs. It’s a project that will get people home to their families quicker and safer, and will create a lasting legacy for our community.”

Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said that it was disappointing to lose funding that could improve Melton’s road network, although council welcomed the business case that is underway.

The business case into upgrading the

Western Highway between Melton and Caroline Springs is open to community consultation until December 3.

The infrastructure review also raised questions about the The Western Rail Plan, which includes the electrification of the Melton train line.

Although the federal government has kept $30 million for “further planning” for the train line, the Geelong Fast Rail project had it’s funding pulled, which the state government had previously indicated needed to happen before the Melton line’s electrification.

According to the state government a number of options for further improvements on the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines are under consideration once the $650 million Melton Line Upgrade has been delivered.

Cr Majdlik said Melton council is concerned

that the Western Rail Plan will be further delayed and will advocate for its timely delivery.

“Having electrified rail will support private investment and a diverse mix of jobs for the outer west which is vital to our city’s future,“ she said.

A state government spokesperson said it accepts the federal decision to not proceed with 12 projects in Victoria which were initiated by former Coalition governments.

“But funding for Victorian projects the Commonwealth has cancelled must stay in Victoria,” they said.

Meanwhile funding allocated to the Calder Freeway was also stripped as part of the review.

Details: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/ roads/western-freeway-upgrade-melton-tocaroline-springs

Liberals expel Deeming May 12

Emergency Services at the scene of a bus crash at the intersection of Exford Road and Murphys Road at Eynesbury. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Flood of love, support May 23 When Exford Primary School principal Lisa Camp spoke outside of the school the day after a tragic bus collision involving her students, she said the school had been “inundated with messages of love and support and food and flowers”.

“It’s just lovely to know that our community is right there with us,” she said.

In the week following there has been an outpouring of support from Eynesbury and surrounding communities, with multiple fundraisers and donations of food and toys to support those affected by the incident.

A GoFundMe page, which had raised more than $30,000 when Star Weekly went to print, was set up by Jessica Hodges, Pam McGuire, Sam Bonnici and Shanny Fiteni - parents of Exford Primary School students.

Ms Hodges, who has a nine-year-old and a five-year-old enrolled at Exford who were not involved in the accident, said the aim of the fundraiser was to help with immediate and unexpected costs parents are dealing with while children are in hospital, from having time off work to parking fees.

“The school is run off their feet, we want to help start the fundraising process to eliminate some of the work that the school 12 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

would need or want to do,” she said.

“There’s a lot of stressed out parents and families at the moment … Most people are trying to come together, we’ve opened our arms …

“I did not come close to expecting anything like $25,000. It’s been incredible, it just shows the support that we’ve got around our community.”

The Eynesbury Eagles Football Netball Club has also rallied around the students and their families.

On Friday, May 19, the Eynesbury Eagles Football Netball Club brought together more than 1000 community members to raise funds during its Riddell District Football Netball League Club 18 match against Wallan.

As of Monday morning, club president Peter Berry said the money raised was at “$25,000 and counting”.

“The community came out in droves to support the fundraiser,“ he said.

“The way the community rallied together was amazing. People are still saddened and shocked by the event that felt so close to home for everybody, many of us had kids attend the school or currently at the school, so we have a very close connection with Exford Primary School.

“We hope for the the children and the families a speedy recovery.“ The Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Bacchus Marsh has donated almost 40 hand-knitted teddy bears to the school.

CWA president June Webb said everybody feels for the children after the “dreadful” incident.

“When kids are upset and hurt they need something to cuddle,” she said.

Combined Caring Churches Melton (CCCM) have also put their hands up to act as a centralised drop-off point for people wanting to donate food to the school.

CCCM’s Michelle Retimana said that rather than having lots of individual drop offs to the school, CCCM has the facilities and capacity to store food people would like to donate, until the school is ready for it to be dropped off in one go.

“It’s impacting the whole community, everyone is shaken and Melton is a very tight community … when things like this happen we all rally together as a family,” she said.

In her address outside of Exford Primary, Ms Campo also thanked the “amazing staff” of the school, passers-by who stopped to help, and the “emergency services who turned out in full”.

Banished Western Metropolitan Region Liberal MP Moira Deeming has been expelled from the parliamentary party for good after threatening to sue state leader John Pesutto.

Liberal MPs voted on a motion to expel Ms Deeming for “bringing discredit“ to the party, at state parliament on Friday morning.

Ms Deeming was a no-show after lawyers served Mr Pesutto a defamation concerns notice, threatening court action if he did not immediately withdraw the motion, publish an apology to her on his website and pay her compensation and legal costs.

Mr Pesutto entered the party room flanked by Cindy McLeish, Roma Britnell, Georgie Crozier, Michael O’Brien, David Southwick and Matt Bach.

“The party needs to move forward,“ Mr Pesutto told reporters.

Ms Crozier, the opposition’s upper house leader, said Ms Deeming’s threat to Mr Pesutto was “extremely disappointing“ and wouldn’t be drawn on whether she should be booted from the party altogether.

“There is enormous disappointment from the parliamentary MPs, my colleagues ... and many many Liberal Party members who have contacted me,“ she said.

Backbencher Beverley McArthur, a conservative factional ally of Ms Deeming, was one of the only Liberal MPs willing to publicly say she would vote against the motion.

Upper house MP Renee Heath was also removed as party secretary Ms Deeming last week demanded the Victorian Liberal leader agree to issue a media statement exonerating her of being a Nazi or Nazi sympathiser or face legal action.

She appeared to back down from the ultimatum on Saturday, saying she never considered suing the Liberal Party and instead contemplated legal mediation as a way to settle on the conditions of her suspension.

It is the second time the Liberal party room has considered expelling Ms Deeming after she attended an anti-transgender rights rally earlier this year in Melbourne where neo-Nazis performed the “heil Hitler” salute.

The upper house MP will remain on the crossbench as an independent.

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Top citizens recognised January 31 Moorabool council celebrated January 26 with an Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony at the Mechanics Institute in Ballan.

Moorabool chief executive Derek Madden was the master of ceremonies on the day, and began by acknowledging that the event was taking place on the land of the Wurundjeri and Wada Wurrung people.

Ophelia Fernando and Daniel Webb received Certificates of Achievement, the Mayoral Award went to Glenda and Jeff Jones, and Community Event of the Year was awarded Brendan Hehir and Darren Lynch on behalf of the Blackwood Woodchop and

Easter Carnival.

Young Citizen of the Year was awarded to Noah Barlow. Noah is an advocate for young people with disabilities who has raised over $100,000 as the captain of Noah’s Ninja’s for the Mito Movement in The Bloody Long Walk.

There are currently 791 Noah’s Ninja’s who have raised more than $236,000.

Noah is also the co-founder of Voices podcast, was instrumental in setting up the first ever junior wheelchair AFL team, and has contributed to a book by Melissa Doyle called “15 Seconds of Brave: The Wisdom of Survivors”.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to Judy D’Attoma. Ms D’Attoma is the driving force

behind Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward, which has set up a food voucher service that has raised over $25,000 for people experiencing food insecurity, a community pantry, has provided 30 fruit trees to two primary schools, and has set up a community garden.

Ms D’Attoma said receiving the award was “a bit overwhelming”, but was “happy” for the opportunity to “draw more attention to the charity”.

Hawke MP Sam Rae said it was an “honour” to be at the event.

“It was fantastic to see so many people from our community come down and celebrate Australia Day but also celebrate our newest Australians,” he said.

Donald and Jennifer Rickerby. (Damjan Janevski) 339542_03

Green-thumbed couple honoured June 13 A Bacchus Marsh couple have each been awarded Order of Australia Medals for service to horticulture.

Donald and Jennifer Rickerby have been married for 60 years, and have dedicated a great portion of that time together dedicated to horticulture.

The Rickerby’s became involved in the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria in the 1970s.

Mr Rickerby is a past society president and Ms Rickerby has been secretary since 2008.

The pair work in a variety of volunteer roles together including as display organisers for the Melbourne International Flower Shows Great Hanging Basket Competition, members of the Australian Horticultural Judges’ Association, roles in the Royal South Street Society, and volunteers at the Ballarat Lyric theatre.

The pair have also assisted in disaster relief through the Loddon Region flood recovery effort in 2011, and the Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria, Disaster Fund in 2012.

Ms Rickerby said the couple are “joined at the hip”.

“We’ve done it all together,” she said.

Mr Rickerby said the couple are “very pleased someone thought to say ‘well done’”.

“Like many volunteers we live and breathe it … I don’t know if it’s passion or mania.”

He said the pairs “prime focus” through the society is to support and give an environment for other people and groups to succeed.

“Gardening is a very positive thing, during COVID gardening was a real bright spot, people found something they could do while locked up, and it’s still going. People are pretty enthused, and we want to keep that up.”

Community achievers named November 14 Clare Mouser was named the 2024 Melton Citizen of the Year at the 2024 Melton Community Achievement Awards on Thursday, November 9.

The annual awards recognise the outstanding contribution of community members who dedicate their time to making a positive and lasting impact on individuals, groups and organisations within the city and making life better for others across five categories.

Ms Mouser contributes through her work with the 1st Caroline Springs Scout Group and partnerships with multiple local organisations.

She has been the community development manager at Woodlea for more than five years and has been responsible for developing effective relationships with community members, agencies, retailers and sporting groups.

She developed connectedness and improved wellbeing by organising events, fundraisers and art murals for the Walk of Honour.

Comfort Kennedy was named Young Citizen of the Year for her passion for teaching and empowering all generations and cultures in the community.

She is a highly active volunteer community leader with several organisations and an English tutor at the Djerriwarrh Community and Education Services. Comfort has had a tremendous impact on the lives of migrants and refugees in Melton through her teaching.

Mollie VanDer Linden was also named Young Citizen of the Year.

She has been involved with Specialist Hoops Basketball for more than four years. She has an aptitude for helping others, whether coaching, providing support at tournaments or school holiday programs, or as part of the Student Leadership Team at her school.

Other award recipients were Lucas Murana for Disability Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year, Kirisome Ronick Jnr Lam for Gender Equity Leader of the Year and Mashair Mohammed Abdalla for Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year.

Farewell to business pioneer Keith Harrison May 16 Melton council’s flag flew at half-mast after local business pioneer Keith Harrison died in his sleep on his 80th birthday on May 4.

Fifty years ago Mr Harrsion sold his first car, a yellow Toyota Crown to Melton’s local post mistress, and spent the next half-century as the head of what is now Melbourne’s oldest family-run car dealership.

The Rockbank-born man’s journey into the motor industry began at 21, when after completing a motor mechanics course he opened a motor car repair business that would later become the Shell Service Station on the Western Highway. It was located across the road from the site that was to become Melton Toyota and Harrison Ford.

In 1973 Mr Harrison opened Melton Toyota with help from his wife Joan. In the years that followed the successful endeavour he would also open Harrison Ford, Melton Suzuki, and Harrison Hyundai under Harrison Motoring

Keith Harrison in his later years. (Supplied)

Group.

Mr Harrison took great pride in having almost 100 employees, who are primarily Melton residents.

Having been raised in the Melton

community, Mr Harrison was aware of its needs and was always prepared to help a plethora of organisations and clubs whether in person or via sponsorship.

Outside of his work, Mr Harrison was a gilded

circuit-boat racer, having won Australasia’s most prestigious speedboat racing event, the EC Griffiths Cup, three times, and overseeing his team win eight more and two world titles.

In his final week, Mr Harrison was still at the boat shed helping his son, Grant, tinker on the race boats.

Melton Toyota dealer principal Grant said his father left a “lasting legacy for the family – for my brother, my sister, and myself”.

“And also for so many staff and managers that he employed over the last 50 years, some of whom have gone on to manage and even own Toyota dealerships,” he said.

“Also for the people of Melton for his support with sponsorships and charity donations, people will be forever grateful and appreciative.

“He is a man that had no real ego or self promotion, he was there to be successful, but also very very humble and never forgot his origins from a service station in the late 1960s.”

Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 13

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‘Princess on Skates’ Belle Hadiwidjaja ahead of the Winter Community Festival in Yarraville.

Sunflowers were coming into bloom at Bolwarrah Springs which were enjoyed by Kiara, 10, and Bridie, 8.

2023 through Star Weekly’s lens Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janveski shares his favourite pictures from 2023.

Meditation teacher Ananya Tomar.

Five-year-old Liahona, and organisers Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden.

Bill Marshall as ’Captain Fish’, who is a producer of a surrealist festival.

Patrick Blume in front of his Halloween decorated house.

Scotty So was part of an exhibition in Footscray.

Max Augoustakis and Zac Main at the radio station where they do a weekly segment called ’Self-Titled’ and they play ‘underground’ music.

Point Cook personal trainer Chevy Lowndes who collects sneakers and gives them to homeless people.

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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

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

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

Women’s Support Group Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help ■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

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

■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Melton Ladies Probus Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome.

■ Dianne, 9743 7446

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings.

There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old.

■ Val, 0414 769 605.

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

■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Take weight off naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere?

Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.

■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Parkinson’s support group The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am-12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.

■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting.

16 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of sisters Emily and Sally Anglin getting their car ready for shitbox rally this year. (Damjan Janevski) 371717_01

If you like playing cards this is for you.

■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group.

Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events.

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club.

New members welcome.

■ Ann 0425705150

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

■ 9747 8576

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

■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.

■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am.

■ 9746 0271

10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience.

■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857

each month except January, from 7.30pm, at The Laurels, 229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Guest speakers and supper provided. Yearly membership $15. New members welcome.

■ Michelle, 0421 106 268

Community Band Melton Cycling Club Melton Cycling Club meets for regular Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa.

■ 0403 057 003

Community singing group If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities.

The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.

■ Val, 0418 667 150

Rotary Club of Melton The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park, Melton.

■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Melton Trauma Teddies Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need.

■ Jean 0412 931 498

Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh Boomerang Bags Bacchus Marsh make reusable shopping bags from rescued fabric. They need people to cut, sew, iron and market our bags.

The group meets on the first Sunday each month at Darley Neighbourhood House 2-5pm.

■ https://63ec55b8628d6.site123.me/

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park

Bacchus Marsh and District Garden Club

The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from

The club meets on the second Tuesday of

The Greater Western Community Band holds rehearsals on Thursdays, 7.30-9.30pm, at Blackwood Drive Hall, Melton South.

The group welcomes musicians young and old to come along and join in with the band. Also available to perform at events and festivals.

■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

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

■ Marlene, 0498329290

BusyFeet Hillside BusyFeet is a dance and movement class for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Classes create a fun and inclusive environment for kids aged six to 16 to try new things and build social skills, as well as giving a chance for parents’ respite. It’s held from 11-11.45am Saturday mornings.

■ Ross, 0411 228 311

Sunrise Social Groups GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised

by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

PUZZLES No. 167

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 7 8 9

8 4 3

5 4 5 1

8 2

2 4

3 4 9

5 6

2 6 8

2 3 8

9 5 5 7

4

9 3 7 2 1 5 8 4 4 2

1 6 3 9

8 7 5 6 9 8 7 4

DOWN

26 27

Courier (9) North African country (7) Delete (5) Approximately (10) Blemishes (4) Sudden violent invasion (9) Fantasise (7) Sibling’s daughter (5) Process of turning on (10) Specify (9) Athlete (9) Cyclone (7) An addition (7) Crawl (5) EU currency units (5) Historical alcoholic drink (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 16 18 19 20 22 23

Mother (3) Deportation (11) Family name (7) Deliver commentary (7) Abstained from (8) Positive aspect (6) Earth (prefix) (3) Members (11) Punishment (10) State of agitation (3) Body (6) Shoeless (8) Exude (7) Arabic derivative of Abraham (7) Series of events (11) Sprinted (3)

9 medium

7

ACROSS 1 3 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 24 25

No. 167

3

DECODER

No. 167

7 hard

9

7 4

3 9

9 1 6 3

6 7

4

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

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

W L

3 LETTERS AGE ANT AWE DOE EBB ERA FBI FUN ILL INN IRE LEE LEG NOD OKS ONE PEN RAT SOB TEN UPS UTE

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

ARMED AROMA AVAIL BELOW CIDER CREPE DETER DITTO DOONA ENVOY ERODE GLOVE HERDS INERT LOCAL MACED MESSY NOBLE NOOSE OATHS OMEGA

5

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8

9

10

11

12

13

Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good

D

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No. 167 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

L O S

B A R D S A W A R E S A L O N

E

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5 LETTERS ADORE AFOOT ALIBI ALONE ALTER

QUICK QUIZ

1

Marmosets are native to which continent?

WOMEN 6 LETTERS BAMBOO CAGIER INHALE KOALAS RELAYS SILENT 7 LETTERS AMMONIA ATLASES BLISTER

BRITTLE LIAISON RENEWAL 8 LETTERS CLEAVERS CLENCHED CRITERIA TORTILLA 10 LETTERS DISPENSING HINTERLAND

2

7

True or false: Kevin Costner (pictured) has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Which country led the medal tally at the 2012 London Olympic Games?

8

Walt Whitman died during which century?

3

Harissa is what type of food?

9

4

The mausoleum of Madghacen is located in which African country?

Actor Andy Griffith received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from which US president?

5

Does Ben or Fred Savage play Cory Matthews in Boy Meets World?

6

Manama is the capital of which country?

K

N

M

4 LETTERS BEEF ENDS GAIT GOSH MOTH PEWS SLAP STEM THUS TRIM

PASTY PIANO PLATE PURSE REAPS REEDS RINSE ROSES SCENE SCRAP SCRUB SLAIN SNEER STABS STALE SWATS SWEET TAPED TASTE TESTS WADES

12-01-24

E

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H

T Y L

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clod, coal, coda, coil, cola, cold, coma, domicil, halo, hold, holm, HOMICIDAL, idiom, idol, lido, load, loam, loch, loci, macho, milo, mocha, modal, moil

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

S

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

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

R

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4

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

I

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”.

24 words: Excellent

hard

S

3

medium

W

2

9-LETTER WORD

5

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1

9

No. 167

* $ , 7

T O R XN P CMF DH E Z

2 3 easy

5x5

16

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15

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1

WORDFIT

10 A coati is what type of animal?

ANSWERS: 1. South America 2. True 3. Chilli paste 4. Algeria 5. Ben 6. Bahrain 7. The US 8. 19th 9. George W. Bush 10. Mammal

9

QUICK CROSSWORD

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SUDOKU

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. How many Grand Slam singles titles has former world No.1 Boris Becker won?

4. Which basketball legend might be making a career return to the Opals at the Paris Olympics?

2. How many NBA teams currently don't have a team mascot?

5. Which Melbourne venue is set to host an AFC Champions League game?

3. Brisbane AFLW star Ally Anderson won which accolade for the third time?

12. The Sharks play which sport for Australia?

13. Who is the current captain of the England Test cricket team?

14. The Barton Oval is the home of which AFL team?

15. How many legs are there in a darts set?

6. The terms gutter, frame and foul line can be applied to which sport?

16. In which year did canoeist Jessica Fox make her Olympics debut?

7. In which Australian state does the annual Santos Tour Down Under take place?

17. And how old was she?

18. In which sport would you find a Michigan goal?

8. Renowned springboard diver Greg Louganis represented which country in competition?

19. What is the nickname of the team that plays NFL out of Tennessee?

9. Which arena in Melbourne Park was formerly known as Hisense Arena and Vodafone Arena?

20. How many AFL games did Brent Harvey play for North Melbourne?

21. What is the only NRL team nickname not to end with an S?

10. What is the national sport of Germany?

11. The Stoke Mandeville Games were a precursor to which event?

David Warner

Jessica Fox

24. Who won Man of the Match in the second test in the current Australia v Pakistan series?

25. In what year did David Warner make his international cricketing debut for Australia?

29. The 2024 Dakar Rally will be held in which country?

30. What famous Australian yacht race was first held in 1945?

26. AFLW player Monique Conti also plays in what other major Australian sporting league?

22. Which US city’s four major sporting teams all use the same colours?

27. Kelly Ryan resigned as chief executive of which sporting body in December?

23. What was the nickname of the NBL team that was based on the Gold Coast in the 1990s?

28. What sport will make a return to the Olympics after only previously featuring once in 1900?

1201

1. Six 2. Four 3. Best and Fairest Award 4. Lauren Jackson 5. Ikon Park 6. Bowling 7. South Australia 8. US 9. John Cain Arena 10. Soccer 11. The Paralympics 12. Lacrosse 13. Ben Stokes 14. Adelaide Crows 15. Five 16. 2012 17. 18 18. Ice hockey 19. Titans 20. 432 21. Melbourne Storm 22. Pittsburgh 23. Rollers 24. Pat Cummins 25. 2009 26. WNBL 27. Netball Australia 28. Cricket 29. Saudi Arabia 30. Sydney to Hobart Race

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0435 904 818 Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 19

YEAR IN REVIEW ... MOTOR

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Taskmaster of huge proportions

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Question: does the Navara PRO-4X Warrior, a latecomer to the ranks, have enough to take on the army of talent in one of the most closely fought contests in the Aussie automobile market?

With fully armed dual cab pick-ups the likes of the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota HiLux Rugged, Mazda BT50 Thunder, Isuzu’s D-Max and the US Ram holding the line, the Navara Warrior has its work cut out.

Not that Nissan isn’t out to giving things a shake, calling on input from local specialist engineer Premcar, to light the fuse. The result is the range topping Navara PRO-4X Warrior

by Premcar, tipping the scales at $68,265, plus on-road costs.

Premcar has put in its bob’s worth with up-specced suspension, wider track and greater ground clearance, plus a 100kg addition to gross vehicle mass and aggressive new exterior. All were tested in Victoria to meet demands of real off-roading in varied bush, beach, desert and mountain terrain.

Premcar has also matched Nissan’s five-year warranty, the latter featuring capped price servicing at 12-month 20,000 kilometre intervals, whichever comes first.

Styling Tough guy trappings are not only for show.

They are worn to take on the harshest driving conditions, featuring unique Warrior 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in larger, wider Cooper Discoverer All Terrain tyres.

A redesigned towbar is built to carry a full-size spare, and a premium body coloured bulbar with integrated LED light bar, plus tub liner go beyond their good looks with premium practicality.

The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar has had the benefit of input by some of the best Aussie engineers in the business.

Interior With upgrades to chassis and suspension weighing in with ride comfort in the toughest going, it’s only natural to complement this with an eight-way power driver’s seat, with lumbar support, and heated front seats.

With space for five adults, premium leather accented PRO-4X seats sport Warrior stitching on the front headrests. Dual zone climate control incorporates rear air vents.

The back seat base folds up to expose storage spaces underneath.

The Navara is well-equipped to carry loads up the back, with four robust tie-down loops low in each corner of the tub and adjustable Utili-Tracks running lengthways along the upper tray. A plastic tub liner completes the cargo carrying set-up.

Infotainment The Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar is equipped with an 8-inch colour touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in situ for connectivity to a smartphone. Bluetooth hands free is on tap too via steering wheel controls.

AM/FM radio with AUX and USB connectivity is run through a six-speaker sound system.

There’s one USB-A in console tray, one USB-A and USB-C in the centre console, one USB-A in the rear of the centre console, which is charge Only, plus two 12V Outlets in the console tray and centre console.

A 7-inch instrument cluster display includes instant and average fuel economy, distance to empty and average speed.

Safety There’s a full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology with off-road innovation creating a 360-degree ‘shield’ that detects, warns, and intervenes in potential danger in varied driving conditions.

Advanced safety systems include blind spot warning and Intelligent blind spot intervention, which alerts of any detected vehicles and actively guides the Navara back into its lane to help prevent a collision.

An all-round view monitor with moving object detection presents a 360-degree view of the vehicle when reversing and rear parking sensors pick up any problems in tight spots.

Seven airbags - front side seat, curtain and driver’s knee - are fitted.

Engines/transmissions Under the bonnet of the PRO-4X Warrior is the 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine found in all 4x4 models in the Navara range, producing 140 kW of power at 3750 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm.

The Renault common-rail motor is mated either with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic, driving through a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Our test was the latter.

Driving Remote keyless entry and practically placed grab handles make access to the cabin comfortable, while cruise control, high beam assist, rain sensing wipers and a UV and heat rejecting windscreen ease the stress of everyday driving.

Needless to say, the performance of the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder twin turbo-diesel motor mated with its seven-speed automatic transmission was more than able to carry the ute’s aggressive appearance, turning heads

20 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Nissan Navara 2.3 SL $47,350 Nissan Navara 2.3 ST $52,455 Nissan Navara 2.3 ST-X $55,945 Nissan Navara SL Warrior $58,750 Nissan Navara PRO-4X $58,905 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior $68,265

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

time and time again.

The maker’s fuel consumption claim is 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the combined urban/highway cycle. Over a week of non-stressed testing on the bitumen the PRO-4X Warrior averaged 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres.

It’s not the best in class, but it’s worth remembering the vehicle’s raised ride height and larger, heavier light truck tyres fitted to improve off-road performance, will be detrimental to fuel consumption.

A Drive Mode selector allows easy

switching between four modes – normal, sport, off road and towing, while off road, hill descent control and hill start assist adjusts speed on steep inclines, the rear diff lock provides extra traction in challenging going.

The innovative Off-Road Monitor presents a clear view of each wheel when taking on tough terrain.

The Warrior turns in a towing capacity of 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked. Off-road stats include 260mm ground clearance and a wading depth of 600mm.

Summary The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar puts me in mind of HSV and Tickford who raised the popular Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, respectively, to iconic status.

Say no more.

Ratings Looks: 8/10 Performance: 6/10 Safety: 8/10 Thirst: 5/10 Practicality: 8/10 Comfort: 7/10 Tech: 8/10 Value: 5/10

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

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Storm holds on to win another premiership March 21 There was a sense of disbelief after Sydenham-Hillside claimed the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1 premiership.

The grand final against St Francis de Sales was ones of ebbs and flows, which could have easily gone either way.

But the experience of the Storm, which have now won four premiership in five seasons, showed through to seal the premiership.

Coach Geoff Pretty said there was a numb feeling after the game.

“I’m really happy for the boys, they’ve worked hard and they deserve it,” he said.

“St Francis were sensational. We were a lucky winner and they were an unlucky loser.

“They took it to us all day and I can’t give them enough praise.”

St Francis batted on day one of the match, making 9-230 from its overs. Aaron Maynard top scored with 64.

Anthony Allleyne took four wickets for the Storm, while Damith Priyadarshana took two wickets.

“They are a really disciplined side and I said to the guys before the game it will be a tough run chase.

“We thought on our ground that it wasn’t the highest score that we should be able to chase it down, but they took it right to us.”

The Storm started well and was 0-56. It lost two quick wickets, before going from 2-108 to 5-108.

Skipper Dylan Knight stepped up along with Stefon King to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

But at 8-192, another premiership didn’t look likely.

“I’ve played and coached enough sport that I know it’s not over until the last wicket or the last run,” Pretty said.

“We said at tea to just get a partnership and change the momentum. We were able to put the pressure back on them.”

The Storm hit the winning runs in the second last over, finishing 8-233. King made 45 not out, while Knight made 40.

Ishan Peiris top scored with 50 at the top of the order.

King was named player of the match.

Pretty said King made the most of his chance to show what he can do with the bat.

“He hasn’t had much chance to bat,” he said.

“He wanted a chance earlier in the season and Dylan was similar.”

Sydenham-Hillside’s premiership side. (Supplied)

‘Right time’: Burras back on top September 19 Diggers Rest capped off an almost perfect season with not one, but two premierships in the Riddell District Football League on Sunday.

Grand final day started well for the Burras with their reserves winning their fourth premiership early Sunday afternoon.

The seniors were soon on the field, hoping to follow suit.

After losing just one game all season, the Burras entered the grand final as favourites against a Woodend-Hesket side playing in its first grand final since 2007.

The Burras had won the two match ups between the sides during the season, with the Burras the only side that the Hawks hadn’t beaten.

It was a high scoring start to the game with 10 goals kicked in the opening quarter, with the Burras leading by 13 points at quarter time.

The margin grew to 34 points at the main break, with the Burras in control of the game.

The Hawks started the second half the better of the two teams and had their chances to bring the game back within two goals.

But the Burras had the answers and had extended the margin to 38 points at the last break to all but have secured the win with one quarter to go.

The Burras won 16.9 (105)-9.8 (62).

Burras coach Jamie Lobb said it was an amazing feeling to be at the back of the top of the table.

“It’s definitely a different feeling to this day last year,” he said. “We definitely deserved and earned this one.

“It was a completely different path to last year when we did it the long way, battling to get guys up each week.

“This year we finished on top and earned the right for the week off and won the first final and the boys were cherry ripe today.”

The Burras had just about a whole list to pick from, with only two players not available for selection.

Lobb had said throughout the back end of the season and finals that they believed they were peaking at the right time.

He was exactly right.

The start was a key for Lobb in trying to get the game on their terms.

“We knew if we were in it at half time that they would fade away a little,” he said “They’ve had hard games every week.

“They’re a bit more bigger bodied than us and we knew that we would get them on the

Jamie Lobb and Mitch Jensen. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 360899_78

outside eventually.

“We had to stick to our guns and not panic and the guys executed it pretty well.”

Lobb said he would have taken the half time margin if it had been offered to him at the start of the day.

He said they had to grind out the win in the second half and the guys really committed to everything that they were trying to do.

Marcus Calvaresi kicked four goals for the Burras, while Mitchell Day kicked three, Mitch Jensen and Josh Flower two apiece.

Jaycob Hickey was named best on ground, awarded the Doug McIntyre Medal.

Lobb himself picked that Hickey was set for a big game.

“He’s a big time player and superstar,” he said. “What he did today was one of the reasons we were so keen to get him over.”

Calvaresi, Jaidyn Caruana and Mark Orr were also named in the best.

Taylor Hine, Matthew Krul, Cole Laurie, Tom Evans and Josh Wallace became three-time senior premiership players with the club with Sunday’s win.

Lobb played in the first premiership, was a playing-coach in the second one, and now coach for the third one.

Lobb said it was special for the club that both their teams were able to come away with premierships.

Each time the seniors have won the premiership, the reserves have also won it that year.

“It’s amazing,” Lobb said.

“If we’re going well it feeds down. There’s some good players, playing in our reserves that would play seniors in most other clubs in our areas, credit to them they stick at it, credit to them and we’re winning flags like today.

“We’ll enjoy this one for a bit longer than most, refresh hopefully go again.”

Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 21

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

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Devils’ dramatic flag finish September 26 Darley has claimed its third Ballarat Football League premiership in the most dramatic of ways.

The Devils took on North Ballarat at Ballarart’s City Oval on Saturday afternoon in the decider.

Darley walked into the clash as red hot favourites, knocking off minor premiers, Melton and the Roosters in convincing fashion just weeks ago to book them into the big dance.

The Roosters then through to the decider, beating East Point in the preliminary final.

The Devils won Saturday’s epic clash 11.5 (71)-10.10 (70).

The Devils trailed the Roosters all day, unable to work their way into the game, however, always remained close enough to remain a threat.

The Roosters’ inability to shut the door on the Devils premiership aspirations came back to hurt them.

Late in the game, Joel Cadman converted a set shot, directly in front from 20 metres out to put the Devil’s just five points down to give the supporters some hope.

The drama continued when the Devils were awarded a controversial holding the ball free kick deep in their forward line.

Billy Myers slotted a goal from the kick to put the Devils up by a point with under 10 seconds of game time left on the clock.

The ball went back to the middle with the siren going not much later, much to the delight of Devils fans.

It’s the fourth premiership cup to arrive at Darley Park this season with the Devils’ women’s team also taking out the flag a couple

Dan Jordan and Brett Bewley. (Jamie Morey Photography)

of weeks ago and two netball sides also winning on Saturday.

Two best on ground awards were handed out at the end of the game with Myers winning the AFL Victoria best on ground medal, voted on by the officiating umpires. The Rooster’s Riley Polkinghorne won the Roy Edwards Memorial trophy, voted on by the league’s directors.

Darley president Mark Shelly said it was an unbelievable feat.

“No discredit to North [Ballarat] but I don’t think we played really good footy at all,” he said.

“But when the big moments were there to be won, we were lucky enough to win a couple of the big moments.

“That was the fairytale in the finish.

“It was just incredible, that last two or three minutes.”

The last few minutes of the game were blockbuster, the twist no one expected.

The final result surprised many in the end, including Shelly, considering the way the game played out.

“I was resigned to the fact that we probably weren’t going to get over the line,” he said. “[In the last few minutes] there was stoppage after stoppage, and a lot of strong work around the football, you just needed to be able to get one of those clearances and get some space which we were lucky enough to do.

“When Mace Cousins looked inboard, lowered his eyes and found Joel Cadman, as opposed to just blazing away, was real footy

smarts. So for someone like Mace to look and chip it inboard was really good.

“And then we got the holding the ball decision late in the game, and it’s interesting not too often those ones are paid, even though it was certainly there, just late in the game, and then obviously Billy went back and slotted it.

“At the end of the day, we certainly knew we had the ball in the right bloke’s hand, Billy Myers, having that last shot.

“We were lucky enough to come out on the right side of the ledger… we were lucky we were in front when the siren sounded.”

This is the Devils first premiership since 2017, after winning their first BFL premiership in 2015.

It caps off a stunning rebuild that started under coach Dan Jordan last season.

The Devils failed to win a game 2021, after the season was cancelled in 2020, meaning it went two seasons without a victory.

Last season they made finals before getting the ultimate success this year.

Speaking on the stage after the game, Jordan said they used last year’s finals loss as a motivator heading into this year.

“To our boys we didn’t play great footy, but we hung around we hung around but that’s always been the spirit you blokes have had from the very first time I stepped in the door,“ he said. “I just had to refine a few of you.

“To the wider football club we started a journey about 23 months ago coming off the back of not winning a game of footy for three years. It was about returning this club to what you belief what was your rightful place at the top of the ladder.

“Darley footy club your road to redemption is over.”

Determined Devils are premiers in second try September 12 Darley is premiers of the Ballarat Football League women’s competition.

After losing in last season’s grand final the Devils were determined to do this year what they couldn’t last year.

The Devils were dominant all season, losing just one game and boasting a percentage of 921.16.

Their dominance grew as the season wore on, cruising through the first two games of the finals, with respective 78 and 63 point wins.

In the grand final it was more of the same against Redan, the side that broke their hearts just twelve months ago.

It was a dream start for the Devils on Saturday, taking a 20 point lead into the first break.

The lead only grew from there with the Devils booting three unanswered goals to three quarter time, giving them a 44 point lead and a stressless last quarter.

In the last the Devils added another two to Redan’s one, giving them the 9.11 (65)-2.3 (15) win.

“From where women’s football has evolved from and to now have a premiership cup in the trophy cabinet is phenomenal,” president Mark Shelly said. “We played Redan a number of times throughout the season and I think both home and away matches there was a point of difference, one game went one way and one game the other way.

“The qualifying final when we were at full strength and beat them convincingly, so without getting ahead of ourselves we were thinking the same thing was on the cards yesterday.”

Goal kicking superstar Kim Bessell booted three of the nine majors, stretching her goal kicking tally to 122 for the season.

Star skipper Lilli Condon continued her incredible season, with three goals in a best on ground performance, which has her as one of Darley’s best in all but one game this 22 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

Darley premiership players celebrate.

(Jamie Morey Photography)

season. She finished in the top three of the competition best and fairest medal too.

Tamara Henry, Alyssa Humphries, Ella Tyson were all single goal scorers for the Devils.

“Phenomenal Lilli, really just exceptional, exceptional skills and her leadership is obviously first class,” Shelly said.

“The other major standout alongside Lilli was Madison Lister, they were clearly the two standouts for sure.”

Lister kicked 28 goals from her 16 outings, in 14 of which she was named as one of the best players.

Redan’s Jess Bokma and Jenna Burke kicked two each, making up their four goals.

Darley has one of the strongest women’s footballing programs in the BFL and it is something the whole community is proud of

said Shelly. “At this level the women’s league is still evolving, but we’d like to think that our women’s football program can only get better and better,” he said.

“We’ve only had a couple of junior teams involved, our under-14 girls played in the grand final on Saturday, and unfortunately didn’t come away with a prize.

“But there’s certainly a lot to look forward to going forward and hopefully this type of success helps to foster that growth from the young girls coming through.”

Earlier in the season, Shelly thought the Devils could face Redan in the big dance, and that the side were capable of doing what they did.

“The coaches and support staff around the women have been fantastic this year,” Shelly said.

“Redan has been the benchmark for women’s footy for a period of time now, but we think our best is well and truly up with them.”

The success of the women’s side has been a whole club achievement, and will continue to be so.

“The credit goes to the people around the women’s team itself,” Shelly said after their qualifying final win.

“In particular our senior coaches here… but there’s also people around the team, and I think there’s one guy that deserves a special mention is Ben Skinner, who has stepped up to become the team manager.

“I think that sort of stuff goes a bit unrecognised at this level of football.

“One thing that we’ve noticed as a club this year is that there’s been a massive buy-in from this group of girls.”

YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

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Not quite a fairy tale for United May 5 Western United’s amazing debut A-League Women’s season didn’t get the fairy tale ending the club and its supporters had hoped for.

After exceeding all expectations and making a grand final in its first season, United’s first grand final appearance ended in tears on Sunday.

Sydney FC, a side that had suffered grand final heartache the previous three seasons, scored twice early on from set pieces to put the pressure back on United.

United then had its chances, but weren’t able to convert.

A controversial penalty in the 63rd minute was the dagger in the heart for United fans and players.

While United played out the game well, Sydney found a fourth goal in the first minute of injury time to seal a 4-0 win.

United coach Mark Torcaso said he was so proud of the group and what they had been able to do.

“I spoke to them right after and literally said this has been a remarkable season,” he said in the post game press conference.

“In our first year to be in a grand final, you should be extremely proud to be out there, your families should be proud and the whole club should be proud of them. Their spirits are quite high and they’ve said they’ll be back and back even better.

“We’ve already signed up 13 of that group which is really good. We’ll look at bringing in one or two more if there’s other girls looking to move onto other clubs or situations overseas.

“We’re happy and satisfied with our group of players and we’ve got a pathway and we’ve got some good players coming through in our feeder as well.”

Torcaso said going down 2-0 wasn’t ideal and meant they were always on the back foot.

He said after being so good at defending set pieces, it was disappointing to let two go through in the decider.

He said the group continued to have belief in what they were doing in front of a record

Main: Hannah Keane and Natalie Tobin fight for the ball in the A-League Women’s grand final. Left: Western United’s starting line up.

Right: Alana Cerne and Madison Haley during the A-League Women’s grand final. (Pictures: AAP Image/James Gourley)

A-League Women’s grand final crowd.

“We actually came into half time and girls absolutely believed we could get something out of it, especially the last 20 minutes,” he said. “The way we played in that first half, we gave a little bit of hope in the way that we approached that last little bit and the girls worked really hard.

“We showed some fight and showed some character and I guess that is what we’ve pretty much done all season, really proud of the girls, can’t fault them.”

Torcaso said the third goal via the penalty was a bit tight and in other games that wouldn’t have been called.

He said it was the final straw for them.

Torcaso said the playing group was okay after the result, with the likes of Jess McDonald, Chloe Logarzo and Angie Beard consoling them.

McDonald, who played for United early in the season, flew out from America to watch the game.

Torcaso said not having those three out there wasn’t ideal, but said the rest of the group had stood up.

He admits Logarzo was close to getting

picked.

“Chloe trained yesterday [Saturday], she has a World Cup to play for,” he said.

“I don’t’ think it’s fair to put her in a position that might jeopardise that. We had a really long discussion about that, just proud to have her part of our change room, be involved “Yesterday and this morning I thought I was going to push her, but thought I probably shouldn’t.”

While United didn’t come away with the trophy, the group are still winners in a lot of ways this season.

Torcaso said the United program was more than just about the group of players on the pitch.

“It’s been unbelievable,” he said. “It’s been a brilliant ride, some girls up there had never been exposed to an A-League environment.

“I take a huge amount of enthusiasm going into next season, some of these girls outshone what I believed that they could do they’ve been amazing, “It’s something quite emotional for me, I’ve had an attachment to some of these girls for many, many years, ever since some of them were 14.

“One message from the start [for us] was to set the tone for the next player that wants to play the game or wants to wear a Western United top. I think we’ve done that.

“Being located out in the west, it’s a growing area and there’s a lot of young people for us. It’s about creating the next young girl who wants to put on a Western United shirt or a Matildas shirt and that’s the exciting part for us.”

Torcaso said he would have a break now, after he and many of the group came straight out of a National Premier League Women’s season into the A-League season.

He said some of the girls would play some NPLW in the off season and he would spend plenty of time watching that competition.

Then it would be time to go again next season.

“I think they’ve got enough belief in each other to come back next year and have a really good year,” he said.

“I don’t want to be the team that comes out in the following season after having a good season and not performing. That is my expectation and my players will also feel that way, we’ll make sure we put the right belief in them to come out in the right way next year.”

Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 MELTON & MOORABOOL STAR WEEKLY 23

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