Pushing for reconciliation
Organisations across Melton and Moorabool hosted events marking National Reconciliation Week, with this year’s theme focusing on the connection between past, present, and future.
One of the several organisations marking the week was Melton council, which hosted a series of events throughout the week – including a community and flag raising event that featured human rights advocate, author, and signatory of the Uluru Statement from the Heart Thomas Mayo on Friday, May 30.
Moorabool council also hosted an Acknowledgement of Country on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country and Flag Raising ceremony on May 27 in Bacchus Marsh, and a Welcome to Country on Wadawurrung Country, Smoking Ceremony and Flag Raising event at the Ballan Council Chambers.
Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation hosted a flag raising, smoking ceremony, and barbecue lunch event in Melton South, with speakers including chief executive Graham Briggs and Elders Program community facilitator and Elder Brenda Faye.
Budget bonanza
By Oscar Parry
Melton council’s proposed $225.8 million capital works program for 2025-26 is “one of the largest“ undertaken by any Victorian council,accordingtomayorSteveAbboushi.
Council endorsed its draft 2025-26 budget during the May 26 council meeting, releasing it for community consultation for twoweeks.
The draft budget proposes an average rate rise of 3 per cent - in line with the state government’s cap on rates increases. Council said this equates to about $1.05 extraperweekperratepayer,andmorethan
half of residents will see an increase less thanthat.
Highlights of the proposed capital works program include $45.3 million for the construction of the Cobblebank Community Services Hub, $27.8 million to startconstructiononthePlumptonAquatic and Leisure Centre, $8.4 million for the Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre and $7.6 million for the Deanside Community Centre and Neighbourhood House.
The draft budget included $35.8 million towards road and bridge infrastructure, $95.7 million towards building
improvements, $15.2 million to footpaths and cycleways, and $12.3 million to parks, openspaceandstreetscapes.
Cr Abboushi said the budget was grounded in extensive community consultation, and included 17 initiatives, totalling $3.6 million, from community submissions.
“With a bold $225.8 million capital works program – one of the largest undertaken by any local government in Victoria – this budgetdeliversrealandlastingvalueforour residents,”hesaid.
Cr Lara Carli said the draft budget responds to “unprecedented growth” of the
municipalitywith“qualityserviceprovision andmajorprojectdelivery”.
Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg requested the addition of traffic treatments, such as a roundabout, at the intersection of Taylors RoadandBarnardsRoadinBonnieBrook. This addition was declined by Cr Carli whomovedtheadoptionofthedraftbudget, with the council then voting in favour of Cr Carli’soriginalmotion.
The draft budget forecasts a surplus of $302.2 million dollars, but according to the council, this amount is already allocated to future projects. The final budget is set to be adoptedattheJune23councilmeeting.
Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Graham Briggs and Elders Program community facilitator and Elder Brenda Faye. (Damjan Janevski) 480767_01 For more see page 7.
Road safety calls continue
By Oscar Parry
A call for Melton to investigate advocating for safety improvements to the “very dangerous” Vineyard Road and Plumpton Road corridor was knocked back last week by a majority of councillors.
AttheMay26councilmeeting,councillor JohnVerdonrequestedthatcouncilofficers prepare a report looking into expanding council’s advocacy priorities to include upgrades to this corridor “as soon as practical.”
This was requested to include TAC data and the rate of development and types of development along this corridor.
Cr Verdon said that it is “very clear” that Vineyard Road “hasn’t been getting the attention it needs.”
“I note that the Star Weekly reported on [April 11, 2025] that the Melton Highway, which is part of our advocacy priorities, has recorded 83 injuries in the past five years, 29 of those injuries being serious,”
Cr Verdon said.
“I’ve got the TAC data myself recently … which highlights that in the same five-year period, the Vineyard Road-Plumpton Road corridor[had]92peoplesustaininjuries,32 were seriously injured, and 60 had minor injuries,” he said.
He also said that according to another
Tips on conflict resolution
More than 560 students at a Caroline Springs school took part in an initiative aimed at curbing violence and promoting conflictresolutionandangermanagement, where the story of Pat Cronin was shared.
On Wednesday, May 28, Brookside College students from years 5–8 took part in the Pat Cronin Foundation’s Be Wise Education Program.
The foundation was formed after the death of Pat Cronin, 19, in 2016, who died after being struck in the back of his head with a coward punch while trying to pull hisfriendawayfromafight.Hisstoryforms theheartofthefoundation’spresentations, which aim to illustrate the devastating impacts of social violence.
Sessions in the program explore emotional awareness and triggers,
highlighttheconsequencesofchoices,and provide practical strategies for defusing confrontational situations.
College counsellor Valentina Zevallos said that it was the third year in a row the school has booked the foundation to present and she would “absolutely recommend [it] to any other school.”
“Thestudentshaverespondedreallywell to the program … it perfectly complements ourRespectfulRelationshipsProgram,and each time we notice a change in student attitudes,” Ms Zevallos said.
Matt Cronin – Pat’s father – said that the foundation never imagined how far the education program would go, with about 60 per cent of schools taking part, “which demonstrates the demand for evidence-based education in this space.”
newspaper article, road deaths by suburb from 2010–2024 showed that Diggers Rest had the highest rate of road deaths in the state per capita, with five of the ten road deaths occurring in the Vineyard Road-Plumpton Road corridor.
While acknowledging the tragedies of vehicle accidents, councillor Kathy Majdlik said that she agreed with council officer’s comments and would “like to wait untilthenewcouncilandwellbeingplanis endorsed.”
“I would also like to see the advocacy priorities, in this case roads … holistically, andlookatthedataandstatsforallthemajor roads that are under the responsibility of
the state or federal government that will then become council’s next group of road priorities over the next term,” Cr Majdlik said. “It’s way too late in the piece to be expanding advocacy priorities at this stage,” she said.
Deputy mayor Lara Carli agreed with Cr Majdlik and said that waiting could mean more data and road use projections would be available to consider.
Cr Verdon disagreed with this sentiment and stood firm that “any accidents or road deaths are unacceptable and we need to get the ball rolling.”
When put to a vote, the majority of councillors voted against the proposal.
Burnside College Year 6 students Isaac and Bianca, Pat Cronin Foundation facilitator Blaine Healy, and Burnside College Year 5 student Willow at the event. (Supplied).
Support for machete ban
By Cade Lucas
The Les Twentyman Foundation has welcomedthestategovernment’sdecision to fast-track a ban on the sale of machetes, arguing it’s something the late youth worker would’ve wanted.
The state government brought forward the ban after a brawl between machete-wielding teens forced the evacuation of Northland shopping centre in Preston on Sunday, May 25.
The interim ban on the sale of machetes and dangerous knives came into effect at midnight on May 28 in an effort to dry up
the market ahead of a legislated ban on machete possession coming into effect on September 1.
“The incident at Northland is terrifying, families should be able to go about their Sunday shopping without fear that they may find themselves in the middle of youth violence,” said Les Twentyman Foundation chief executive Paul Burke.
“The late great Les Twentyman campaigned for over 30 years for the sale ofdangerousedgedweaponstobebanned and whilst we are pleased that such a ban is now finally being enacted, it is only a small step in the right direction.”
Mr Burke said preventing young people from arming themselves with machetes and other weapons required more than simply banning them.
“Most of the kids carrying weapons see them as a shield not a sword, and they are arming themselves as they think everybody else is carrying. Incidents such as Northland only further entrenches that belief – that is the mindset we need to tackle,” he said.
“We need to approach this problem from two-sides – one being preventative, through reaching kids ‘at risk’ of sliding into a negative pathway as early as
Friendship group united for local fun
Friendship and low-cost fun are two aspects enjoyed by members of the Melton Over 50s social group.
Forming in March 2022, the group unites local residents aged 50 and older to enjoy activities including dinners and lunches at local restaurants, shows at local venues, afternoon teas at members’ houses, and occasional trips to the city.
Founder Marlene McBain said that members are all after the same thing – “meeting new friends [and] enjoying ourselves in the company of other
people.”
“The amount of friendships that have formed out of the group,“ she said. “It’s a great atmosphere … I love doing it.
“Usually, it’s a bit hard to start up with to go into a group of people where you don’t know anybody … we all had the same reservations about joining a new group but once they join, [they] realise that they’re making new friends and we’re all easy to get on with, they wish they’d joined in earlier.“
Ms McBain said that many of the
Writing talents recognised
Moorabool council is just weeks away from namingthisyear’sbestentriesintheannual PeterCareyShortStoryAwards. Runninginitsninthyear,thecompetition accepts short stories between 2000–3000 wordsandisopentoallAustralianresidents. Awards will be offered to the best local entryalongwithfirstandsecondplace,and according to the council, it has received about 300 stories submitted from writers all across the country since entries opened in February.
A longlisting panel of writers Brooke Dunnell,EugenBacon,andGillianHagenus narrowed the submissions to 15 entries, then narrowed to seven by head judge and writerAndrewRoffonMay29.
The shortlisted titles are Body Pillow by Jane O’Sullivan, City of Light by Rebecca Burton, Lymets! by Hugo Mathers, Pulau Berhala by Omar Musa, The Book of Empirical Observations by Amanda
Hildebrandt, We Won Tickets to the Waterpark in a Radio Competition by Jamie Castellas, and Well Past Milking Hour by PatrickEades.
The awards ceremony will also coincide with the Moorabool Young Writers Awards – a local competition that aims to promote aloveofwritingintheregionandrecognise writingprodigies.
In its seventh year, the Young Writers Awards will be judged by local writers Jem Tyley-MillerandWayneMarshall.
Thisyear’sawardceremonyandafternoon teawillbeheldattheLerderdergLibraryon Saturday, June 14 in Bacchus Marsh, where therewillalsobeanannouncementrelating toanupcomingartexhibition.
Bookings for the event are essential. Details: moorabool.vic.gov.au/ Events/2025-Peter-Carey-Short-StoryAward-and-Moorabool-Young-WritersAwards-Ceremony
group’s activities are low-cost, such as a communal afternoon tea where each member brings a plate of food or a monetary contribution of about five dollars.
She said that she initially formed the group as she wanted to gather a group of people in a similar age bracket who enjoy going out and felt there was a lack of social groups – solely for going out and enjoying activities together – in Melton.
The group hosts activities at various times depending on the event.
possible – which will help ensure that they do not pick a weapon up in the first place – this is best done through placing an outreach youth worker in schools.
“The other is through intensive and direct intervention by a youth worker when kids are engaged with police or the courts – 80 per cent of young people we work with in that setting do not engage further with the judicial system.”
Mr Twentyman, who died in March last year aged 76, spent decades working with troubled youth in the western suburbs using this same approach.
The state government has hit pause on its plan to increase the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) contribution of farmers.
On Friday the government announced all Victorian primary producers would pay the same rate of ESVF as they paid in 2024/25.
This means the ESVF variable rate on primary production properties will remain at 28.7 cents for every $1000 of a property’s capital improved value –the same as it was in 2024-25 – for the duration of the 2025-26 financial year. This reduced rate will be applied to rates notices for primary production properties automatically.
This is the second cut to the levy this year for farmers. The government had originallysetthelevyat83centsforfarms, before reducing it to 71.8 cents earlier in May.
The issue has caused political pain for the government with angry farmers and CFA volunteers protesting on the steps of Parliament house on budget day.
Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes said “By capping the rate of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for primary production properties, we’re ensuring farmers can remain fully focused on their drought response and recovery.”
The government also announced a new DroughtResponseTaskforcetobechaired by Premier Jacinta Allan.
The taskforce will provide advice on furtherhelpforfarmers,aswellasbroader support for impacted businesses and communities.
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A group of Melton Over 50s Social Group members and founder Marlene McBain. are looking for new members. Pic of president Marlene McBain. (Damjan Janevski) 479269_03
Recognising excellence
Applications for Melton’s annual Business Excellence Awards are now open, and Melton council is encouraging local businesses to apply.
With applications closing on Thursday, July 10, the awards aim to recognise local businesses that provide exceptional service to residents of the Melton municipality and demonstrate outstanding performance, leadership, and commitment to their industry and community.
This year’s awards categories include Health, Wellness and Care, Professional Services, Visitation and Hospitality, Retail Services, Industry and Trade Services, Sustainability Excellence, Disability Inclusion Initiative, Workplace Engagement and Emerging Leadership.
The Business of the Year Award will be decided by the judging panel from the
individual category winners.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the awards “are a fantastic opportunity for our local businessestoshowcasetheirtalentstothe community and raise awareness of what they do”.
“It’s important we as a community support our local businesses to thrive, so if you know of a business that is doing amazingthings,makesureyouencourage them to apply for this year’s awards,” Cr Abboushi said.
All winners will be announced at an awards night in September.
Council is also inviting businesses interested in sponsoring the awards to submit an expression of interest.
To submit an application or find out about sponsorship opportunities, visit the council’s website.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/MBEA.
Briefs
Diggers Rest road bridge named Announced on Friday, May 30, the name for the new road bridge created as part of the level crossing removal project will be ‘Golden Way’. According to a Facebook post by Sunbury MP Josh Bull, Golden Way was chosen as a nod to the area’s gold rush roots and the township’s establishment as a resting point for diggers heading to Victoria’s goldfields. Community consultation revealed that Golden Way was the preferred choice of the five names shortlisted for their connection to the area’s history and geography. The road bridge will open on Wednesday, 18 June, taking vehicles from Old Calder Highway over the rail line at Stan Payne Reserve and connecting to Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road, with the level crossing gone for good.
Creative Kids
Moorabool council is hosting a free six-week Creative Kids Art Club for children aged 6-12, offering new skills and techniques in an after-school program. Expressions of interest can be made for the following school term. The club runs from 3.45-4.45pm each Thursday, and children are invited to come along and learn various art techniques while exploring their imagination and creativity. Bookings are required and can be made by contacting Moorabool Libraries on 5366 7100.
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2024 Melton Business Excellence Awards winners. (Supplied)
Creating inclusion
One of the local organisations marking National Reconciliation Week was Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation, hosting a flag raising, smoking ceremony, and barbecue luncheventinMeltonSouth.
Speakers at the event included chief executive Graham Briggs and Elders Program community facilitator and Elder BrendaFaye.
Mr Briggs said this year’s National ReconciliationWeekthemeofBridgingNow toNextisdeeplypersonal.
“Itspeakstotheunbrokenthreadthatlinks ourculturalheritage,ourlivedexperiences, and our hopes for the generations to come. For me, it’s about honouring the sacrifices
of those who came before – our Elders, our trailblazers – and recognising that their courage and resilience laid the foundation foreverythingwedotoday,”MrBriggssaid.
“Reconciliation is not just a week – it’s a lifelong journey … we’ve seen the kind of damage racism and ignorance can cause, especially during the Voice referendum … reconciliation is more than a checkbox or campaign; it’s about the majority standing upforthemarginalised,aboutcreatingreal inclusion.
“Whether you’re the only Aboriginal councillor in the room or the only boy playing in a netball team – it’s about visibility,voice,andvaluingdifference.”
Mr Briggs also spoke about the significanceofidentity.
“Identity is everything. The fact that so many Aboriginal people are told ‘you don’t lookAboriginal’isadirectresultofcolonial policies – assimilation, dispossession, forcedremoval.Thesewoundsrundeep.But ourprogramshelptoheal.Weteachthatour identity isn’t up for debate. Reconciliation begins when the broader Australian public understandsthattoo.”
Mr Briggs spoke about the legacy and inspirationdrawnfromhisownfamily,and saidhecallson“Aboriginalfamiliestostep forward,getinvolved,andbringtheirvoice tothisspace”atKirrip.
Draft Local Law out for comment
Melton residents will be able to have their say on the proposed Local Law 2025, with details on its purpose and the consultation process to be publishedonthecouncil’swebsite.
According to a report tabled at the May 26 council meeting, the purpose of the Local Law is to provide peace, order, and good government in the municipality; provide for matters which require a Local Law under any act,andprovideforadministrationof councilpowersandfunctions.
It also prohibits, regulates and controls activities, events, practices or behaviour in places across Melton to avoid detriment to amenity or property, public nuisance or danger, or free and safe movement by any person – especially a person with a disability.
The Local Law covers areas such as traffic, roads, events, protection of amenities, building, animal control, waste management, enforcement andpermits.
In a community survey, more than 80percentofrespondentssaidthwey felt there was a local law that should bechangedorupdated.
Survey responses reflected that areas residents wanted to see prioritised in local law included public safety, traffic, roads, and rubbish.
Penalty units applicable to Local Law offences are now the standard penaltyunitvalue,whichiscurrently $197.59.
Kirrip Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Graham Briggs, Kelly Bolis, Cherryn Briggs, Alex Osborne, Emma Roehrs, Shaygne Hamilton and Elders Program community facilitator and Elder Brenda Faye. (Damjan Janevski) 480767_03
Truckie found not guilty
By Melissa Meehan, AAP
A truck driver was not driving dangerously when he rammed into the back of a school bus, seriously injuring seven children, a jury has found.
Jamie Gleeson was on Wednesday 28 May found not guilty of seven counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury by a jury in the County Court of Victoria. Gleeson was accused of failing to maintain a proper distance from the bus or paying significant attention before crashing into the back of the vehicle on May 16, 2023.
A total of seven students were seriously injured in the crash 900m from Exford Primary School, west of Melbourne.
The 50-year-old denied the allegations, maintaining he was not driving dangerously.
Gleeson told police he did not see the brake lights or indicator of the bus until thelastsecondanditappearedasifthebus had forgotten to turn.
Bus driver Graham Stanley previously told the court he began tapping on the brakepedal,activatingtheretardersystem, about 100m before the crash.
He was unaware if the brake lights
Art group breaks barriers
When Neha Gupta moved to Aintree in December, she knew very little English or other local residents.
That all changed when she joined Welcome Studios, an art group in Aintree hosted by Edmund Rice Community Services that aims to provide a social art group for all abilities.
MsGuptaisnowleadingasustainableart workshopandsaidthegrouphasimproved her English speaking confidence.
She moved from India to Aintree in Decembertobeclosertoherdaughter,who encouraged her to join the group to help improve her English.
“Before this art group, I used to spend time playing [mobile] games, but when I came here, [I] [now] spend time doing research about art, what I can make,” Ms Gupta said.
She said that the group has helped her to gain English speaking confidence and she can now communicate what she is looking for when shopping at a local supermarket, for example.
MsGuptasaidtheideaforhersustainable art workshop came from looking for a way to reuse paper waste and create pieces without needing to spend too much on other material.
She suggested the idea of using recycled magazine pages – which are then cut into strips and painted – as part of Welcome Studio’s month of upcycled art to celebrate Earth Day on April 22.
Welcome Studios Aintree meets each Wednesday from 10am–12.30pm at The Scout Hall, 15 Elmhurst Drive, Aintree and the sessions are free.
Details: ercs.org.au/welcome-studios/
remained on throughout the entire slowing-down period but maintained his right-turn indicator was also on at the same time.
Gleeson’struckhitthebackoftheturning bus, causing the vehicle to spin and roll on its side.
The jury was told the truck skidded for about 25m before the collision and was going 67km/h at the point of impact.
A later assessment of the truck found its brakes were faulty, although Gleeson was unaware of the issues and the truck had been regularly serviced.
Gleesondidnothaveanydrugsoralcohol
in his system at the time of the crash and there was no evidence of speeding or that he used his phone before the collision.
In a statement, a representative from Mr Gleeson’s legal team said the driver still feels the impact of the crash.
“Mr Gleeson remains completely shatteredbytheincidentthatoccurredand hisinvolvementinit,hefeelsimmenselyfor the children involved and their families,“ they said.
“Heexplainedhowthecollisionoccurred to the police the morning following and he isgratefultothejuryfortheirconsideration and attention in determining his case.”
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Welcome Studios Aintree artist Neha Gupta with one of her works, made from upcycled magazine pages that were cut into strips and painted.
Garden centre plan
By Oscar Parry
An architect-designed botanic garden visitorcentreinMeltonisonthecards,with a revised draft master plan for the Melton BotanicGardensadoptedforconsultation.
Tabled at the May 26 council meeting andnowopenforcommunityconsultation, the draft master plan outlines the ongoing development of the botanic garden and maintenancerequirements.
With the first master plan for the site createdin2009,thenewdraftplanactsasa review now that the garden is about 80 per centcomplete.
Ahighlightofthedraftplanisafeasibility study to consider a botanic garden centre that would be used to promote education, host events and seminars, and provide a meeting venue for Melton community groups – especially environment groups including the Friends Group, Eynesbury Environment Group, Melton Garden Club, Australian Plant Society (APS) Melton and BacchusMarsh.
The centre could also be leased or hired forspecialfunctionsorseminarsfacilitated bycouncil.
Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden president John Bentley said the garden has gone through “youth” and “infancy,” with the updated draft master plan now setting thedirectiontowards“adulthood.”
“The garden has been developed and planted by the Friends, and we’ve nearly gone as much as we can do … the next phase really involves the botanic garden centre and what council needs to do to get the garden … to completion,” Mr Bentley said.
“That’s quite exciting … we’ve worked in
a good partnership with council over the years to get the botanic garden to where it is and it sets the direction for activities of the garden to involve guided tours and educational activities and community activities … and we’re looking forward to basing those around the botanic garden centre.
“One of the key things we would like to see as the partnership advances is three garden staff based at the botanic garden – we’ve suggested a hands-on curator, a gardener, and an apprentice gardener …
andtoworkhand-in-handwiththeFriends inthegarden.”
Mr Bentley said the garden has become well-known in Australia and beyond –especiallyforitseucalyptusarboretum.
He said that the garden’s plants are well-documented in botanical collection management database IrisBG, featuring a mapofspeciesatthesite.
“The comments we get is [that] the botanicgardengetsbetterandbetter.”
The draft master plan will be open for feedbackfromJune2to27.
Services hub a step closer
The Cobblebank Community Services Hub is another step closer to construction after Melton awarded thecontractforitsdelivery.
Contracted to Kane Constructions, the approximately $72 million project isthecouncil’shighestvalueprojectto date.
Construction is scheduled to start in June, with the hub expected to be operationalbylate2026.
The hub has received $15 million of federal government funding through itsThrivingSuburbsProgramfunding and $4.6 million of state funding through the government’s Growing SuburbsFund.
Thesix-level,5GreenStar-ratedhub isaimedatprovidingsupportservices to the fast-growing community in the Melton municipality and opportunitiesforlocalemploymentin thecommunityservicesarea.
Services will include employment support, family violence prevention, disability, mental health, family support, drug rehabilitation, refugee support and other culturally specific services for Indigenous and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities.
Mayor Steve Abboushi said the contract was awarded following a “verycomprehensiveandcompetitive tender process,” and the hub will provide “important health, wellbeing and education services for our growingcommunity.”
Details:melton.vic.gov.au/CCSH
Friends of the Melton Botanic Gardens president John Bentley with some Mexican sage in the Californian, Central and South American section of the Melton Botanic Garden. (Damjan Janevski)
What a bloody good idea
By Cade Lucas
Free period products should be made mandatory at all community sporting facilitiestosupportpeoplewhomenstruate and play sport, according to new Victoria University (VU) research.
A collaboration between VU’s Women in Sport team and Share the Dignity, an Australian charity working to end period poverty, surveyed 330 women across the country finding 68 per cent skipped sport due to their period, 90 per cent worried about leaking, and 72 per cent felt anxious about their period when playing sport.
To encourage participation in sport, the final report ’Bloody good idea: Free period products at sports and leisure facilities’ released late last month, recommends free access to period products at all sports facilities.
“This is not a big ask but the impact is huge,” said project lead and VU’s Susan Alberti Women in Sport chair, Professor Clare Hanlon of the recommendation
“Providing free period products at sport facilities could remove a barrier to play sport and help drive membership.
“Wemustmakesportsafeandaccessible, so everyone is given a fair go to be active and engaged.”
The majority (87 per cent) of respondents to the survey agreed that sport facility
policies need to recognise menstrual health as a fundamental right and provide free period products. Respondents also felt less confident managing their period in a
sports facility than they did at school, their workplace or at home.
Professor Hanlon said the vast majority those who did have access to period
products used them because they had to, not to stock up.
“Over 90 per cent used them because their period arrived unexpectedly,” she said, adding that the impact on female athletes who didn’t have access to period products in such situations, was severe.
“What we’ve found is that a number of thesegirlsandwomenweresoembarrassed that they had to leave the grounds and go home and they haven’t gone back.”
To further reduce the potential for embarrassment and shame, Professor Hanlon said free period products such as tampons and pads, should be made available through dispensing machines so womenaren’tforcedtoaskothersforthem. Easy access to disposal bins should also be provided.
But the fact such basic products and facilities, which cater for half the population, are still not freely available in 2025, begs the obvious question: why?
Afterall, while women’s sport has exploded in popularity in recent years and football codes like Aussie Rules and Rugby League that were once off limits to female athletes, now run high profile competitions, other sports such as netball, basketball, soccer and cricket have had female participation for decades.
Professor Hanlon said sheer ignorance was mostly to blame.
“It just hasn’t been considered as a need,” she said of the importance of period products to female athletes.
“What we’re showing is the opposite.
“If sports want more members in their clubs, this evidence shows that providing period products will help attract girls and women.”
Victoria University Susan Alberti Women in Sport chair, Professor Clare Hanlon. (Supplied)
A new VIEW on friendship
When Joy O’Callaghan moved to Whittlesea, she was seeking connection and purpose. What she found at the VIEW club was strength in numbers and an avenue to help others. With clubs in Whittlesea, Sunbury, Taylors Lakes, Keilor, Craigieburn, and Melton, VIEW is creating safe spaces for women to give back and be heard. Tom Ingleton spoke with Joy about friendship, community and the momentous power of women supporting women.
For many women, community isn’t something they stumble across. They seek it out – sometimes in the quiet moments after a big life change, sometimes in the wake of a growing sense of isolation.
When Joy O’Callaghan walked into her first meeting at VIEW Whittlesea, she was nervous – not because she was new to the organisation, but because she didn’t know a soul.
“Although I had been a member of VIEW previously, I still felt a little nervous but excitedtobejoininganotherclubknowing that I would not know anyone in the club,” Joy recalled.
“It certainly didn’t take long to make friends – the members were all extremely welcoming and so friendly.”
Joy had recently moved to the area, and after many years as a VIEW member elsewhere, she craved the connection she had once known.
“I missed the friendship and the interactionwithotherlike-mindedwomen, to make a difference to underprivileged children by raising funds for the Smith Family Learning for Life program.”
VIEW– an acronym for Voice, Interests and Education of Women – isn’t just a club. It’s a lifeline, a safe space, and a purposeful movement that’s quietly empowering women across Australia, one meeting at a time.
And in Whittlesea, it’s truly blossoming. The local branch began with just 25 members. One year on, numbers have doubled.
“That growth showed us there really was a need,” Ms O’Callaghan said.
“Women wanted to come together, enjoy each other’s company, and share in the VIEWmotto.Wehaveinterestingspeakers, outings, coffee mornings – it gives our members food for thought and the opportunity to access education. Without that, many students wouldn’t have the tools they need to become well-educated youngpeopleinthisever-changingworld.”
The Smith Family Learning for Life program provides long-term educational support for children in need.
VIEW clubs like Whittlesea’s, fund-raise to sponsor students through their schooling and the results speak for themselves.
“As we are a new club with two Learning For Life students, and have just applied
It’s a completely safe environment–no judgement, just support
for two more, we haven’t yet seen direct impactfromthosewesponsor.Butwehear from the Smith Family about students reachingYear12,gainingapprenticeships, and even going on to university to become engineers and doctors. That’s the reward of being part of VIEW.”
It’s not just the students who benefit. Joy has found her own sense of purpose and recognition.
“During our first year of operation, I was asked to be vice president, which was a real honour for me. This is now my second year in the role, and I have the pleasure and privilege of communicating with our Learning for Life students.”
This amazing Bluey Wooden Puppet Theatre is perfect for your little performer to showcase their talent. Starring Bluey and Bingo, the adorable plush puppets and fabric interchangeable scenes included will excite your little one for hours of fun, whether they brave a solo performance or play with friends. When the show is over, children can simply roll down the curtain and take a bow. The Bluey Wooden Puppet Theatre is made from responsibly sourced materials, the wooden products are certified by the FSC.
But beyond the titles and fundraising, Joy speaks passionately about the unspoken role VIEW plays in women’s emotional support and mental well-being.
This support is vital, especially considering the broader mental health challenges facing women and girls in Australia.
AccordingtotheNationalMentalHealth Commission, around one in six women in Australia will experience depression, and one in three will experience anxiety during their lifetime.
Postpartum depression impacts one in six women during their first year after birth.
Women also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders at higher rates than men.
In this context, clubs like VIEW are not just about charity or companionship –they’re an essential social lifeline.
“Mental health support is incredibly important,” Joy said.
“While we don’t run formal sessions on it, we do sometimes have guest speakers who bring up the topic. And any member who wants to talk is encouraged to find someone they’re comfortable with. It’s a completely safe environment– no judgement, just support.”
As Australia reckons with a national crisis of violence against women, safe community spaces like VIEW are more crucial than ever.
“It is extremely important that clubs such as VIEW make it known that they are safe spaces,” Joy stated firmly.
“We will always be here to listen, value them, and protect them. And if needed, we can assist them in finding the right avenues to feel safe and supported.”
Therehavebeenmomentswherewomen have opened up in confidence, sharing personal experiences they might never have voiced elsewhere.
It’s not at meetings, Joy notes, but in those quieter conversations, over coffee, during a walk, or after an event, that trust is built and hearts are heard.
“There’s a real power in volunteering,” Joy reflected.
“‘Pay it forward’, as they say. If you can give back or belong to a group that helps the community, that’s a remarkable achievement– and it can be so vital for a woman’s well-being.”
For Joy O’Callaghan, that first step into the room wasn’t just the start of another clubmeeting–itwasthestartofsomething life-changing.
AndformanymorewomeninWhittlesea and the wider north-west, it might just be too.
Asked what she’d say to another woman feeling isolated, uncertain whether to reach out, Joy doesn’t hesitate.
“We would just emphasise how safe the VIEW club environment is, and how non-judgemental.Womenwithdoubtscan justcomealong–therearenoexpectations. Don’t struggle and feel isolated. Join with other women who may have felt like you and have now found a new purpose.”
Top: Joy O’Callaghan and other members cook up a storm to help support underprivileged students. Left: The VIEW ladies on a social outing. Right: Whittlesea VIEW president Julie, vice president Joy, secretary Judy, fund-raising Helen, delegate Maggie, treasurer Fay, program officer Sue and welfare Marilyn. (Pictures: Supplied)
Warm up with a steaming bowl of hearty winter soup
Here are five of the best winter soups to make at home or enjoy while you are dining out — hearty, nutritious, and perfect for warming up on cold days.
1/ Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
Why it’s great: A timeless favorite, it’s soothing, easy to digest, and packed with protein and vitamins.
Ingredients: Chicken (preferably bone-in for richer flavor), egg noodles, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, herbs like thyme and parsley, and chicken broth.
Tip: Simmer the chicken with aromatics first, then shred it and add the noodles toward the end to keep them from getting soggy.
2/ Butternut Pumpkin Soup
Why it’s great: Velvety, slightly sweet, and full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C.
Ingredients: Butternut squash, onion, garlic, carrots, vegetable or chicken broth, and a splash of cream or coconut milk.
Tip: Roast the squash before blending for a deeper, caramelized flavor. Serve with a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.
3/ Beef and Barley Soup
Why it’s great: Hearty and filling, this soup is ideal for colder days and provides protein, fiber, and rich flavor.
Ingredients: Stewing beef, barley, carrots, celery, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and beef broth.
Tip: Cook low and slow — this soup gets better the longer it simmers, letting the beef become tender and the barley absorb all the flavors.
4/ Lentil and Vegetable Soup
Why it’s great: Budget-friendly, high in fiber and protein, and entirely plant-based if desired.
Ingredients: Green or brown lentils, carrots, celery, tomatoes, spinach or kale,
onion, garlic, and vegetable broth.
Tip: Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to brighten up the earthy flavors.
5/ Creamy Potato Leek Soup
Why it’s great: Comforting, creamy (even without much cream), and subtly flavored — perfect with crusty bread.
Ingredients: Potatoes, leeks, garlic, butter or olive oil, broth, and cream or milk (optional).
Tip: Useanimmersionblendertogetasilky texture. Add herbs like thyme or chives for a fresh touch.
Potato and leek soup is comforting and creamy.
Beef and barley soup is ideal for colder days.
Car rebirthing crackdown
Three men have been charged and a range ofstolenpropertyseizedaspartofaVehicle Crime Squad investigation into a car rebirthing syndicate.
On Wednesday, May 28, police executed three warrants at residential properties in Caroline Springs, Meadow Heights and NarreWarrenSouth,aswellastwofactories in Laverton North and Brooklyn.
Police seized a range of allegedly stolen items from across the five addresses, including two stolen cars; range of false, cloned, stolen and home made number plates; false VicRoads transfer papers and false identification documents; log books from rebirthed vehicles, vehicle parts, a largequantityofcash,drugsandelectronic equipment.
The vehicles will all be forensically assessed and police are hoping to return them to their rightful owners as soon as possible.
A 31-year-old Caroline Springs man, a 24-year-old Meadow Heights man and a 25-year-old Narre Warren South man were all arrested and interviewed by police.
The Caroline Springs man has been charged with 39 offences including handle stolen goods, deal property suspected of being proceeds of crime, obtain property by deception, theft of motor vehicle, theft, use false document and use identification information.
The Meadow Heights man has been
charged with 15 offences including handle stolen goods, deal property suspected of being proceeds of crime, obtain property by deception, use false document and use identification information,
All three men have been bailed.
The arrests are part of a Vehicle Crime Squad investigation that commenced in May looking into rebirthed vehicles then being sold online via Facebook marketplace, primarily in Melbourne’s north and north-west suburbs.
Policewillallegethesyndicatewasselling stolenvehicleswithclonedidentifierstaken from online advertisements for legitimate vehicles, as well as placing trackers in stolen vehicles and re-stealing them in
Drummers encouraged to join the beat
Young drummers in the western suburbs are being encouraged to hone their inner rhythmatLittleBeats.
The free workshop will be held at the Manor Lakes Community Centre on Saturday, June 21 to celebrate global Make MusicDay.
This energetic, hands-on session is designed for kids aged older than five and theirparents.
The workshop will run by kids for kids, andalocaltalentwillbeleadingthecharge.
Vivaan,7, a passionate young drummer, will perform a short set and then guide
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participantsthroughafunrhythmsession.
Thedaywillreachitspercussivepinnacle when the session ends with a group jam to afullsong.
Vivaan is no slouch with the sticks, regularly competing in competitions at his schoolinBacchusMarsh.
He has achieved a distinction rating within grade four of the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) and is preparingtoreachgradefive,withsevenof theninesongstobecovered.
The prodigy earned second place in the Victorian State Instrumentals
Championshipin2024andwasafinalistin the Cresc National Competition in Sydney lastyear,too.
His father Vivek Agarwal is organising thesession.
“Music is really important for kids, because it’s like a new language that they learn and it helps them de-stress a lot,” Mr Agarwalsaid.
“They can transfer the creativity skills theygainintootheroutlets.”
The event is capped at 30 children so get in quick. Details: events.humanitix.com/ little-beats-a-free-drumming-workshop
order to fraudulently sell them again.
Detective Inspector Julie MacDonald said vehicle theft can have an enormous impact on people’s lives, not only the financiallossesassociatedwithhavingyour car stolen but also losing the freedom of movement for things such as employment or family responsibilities.
“We know that with the cost of living that people are looking to get a great deal, but it’s important that deal doesn’t result in people losing their hard earned money,“ she said.
“The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to target those contributing to organised motor vehicle crime in Victoria and shut down any illegal activity of this nature.
New fresh market brings global flavours to Burnside Hub
Shoppers in Burnside have a fresh reason to smile with the grand opening of Byblos Market, the newest addition to Burnside Hub Shopping Centre.
More than just a grocery store, Byblos Market is a vibrant celebration of fresh, high-quality produce, diverse culinary offerings, and community connection.
Stepping into Byblos Market is like entering a world of colour, aroma, and flavour. From farm-fresh fruits and vegetables sourced daily, to premium deli selections and pantry essentials, the store offers everything needed for healthy everyday meals. But what truly sets this market apart is its remarkable range of multicultural food products. Whether you’re after Middle Eastern spices, Asian cooking staples, or hard-to-find European treats, Harvest Market is bringing the world’s kitchens to your doorstep.
Thestore’sknowledgeable,friendlyteam, led by Saad the owner, is passionate about helping shoppers discover new ingredients and prepare meals with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your food journey, there’s something for everyone on the shelves.
Morethanaplacetoshop,ByblosMarket is a place to connect—with food, with culture, and with the local community. It promises to be a hub where fresh ideas and fresh food come together.
Byblos Market invites everyone to come explore, taste, and enjoy.
Discover freshness. Discover flavour. Discover the world—right here at Byblos Market, your new go-to destination for quality produce and global at Burnside Hub Shopping Centre, located at 15-25 Westwood Drive, Burnside. Byblos Market is open seven days a week.
The owner of Byblos Market, Saad Kamar El Dine, prides himself on the store’s fresh fruit and vegetables. (Damjan Janevski)
Vivaan, 7, is leading Little Beats. (Supplied)
Marly rides to Sydney
By Georgia Tacey
AToolernValestudenthasbeenselectedto represent Victoria in a prestigious sporting event.
Marly Wright, a student at Haileybury Pangea,wasoneoffivestudentsselectedto beapartoftheVictorianEquestrianSquad, who will compete at the prestigious 2025 Australian Interschool Championships in SydneyinSeptember.
The competition demonstrates the showing, dressage, jumping and eventing skills of up-and-coming riders from across the country, with plenty of future Olympiansinthemix.
Marly has been riding for the past seven years,andespeciallyenjoystheconnection shehasbuiltovertheyearswithherhorses.
A dedicated horsewoman, Marly trains seven days a week while attending HaileyburyPangea,theonlinecounterpart oftheprivateschool.
Before competing in the national competition in Sydney, she is heading to competitionsinMexicoandFlorida.
“I love being around animals and once I had my first riding lesson, I knew it was something I wanted to keep doing,” she said. “The connection with the horse and thethrillofridingdrewmein.Everyrideis different and competing gives me a goal to worktowards.”
Marlycompetesonher18-year-oldhorse calledThat’sLimo.
“He has a heart of gold and always tries hishardestforme,”shesaid.
“He isn’t always the most conventional horse – he has his quirks – but that’s what makes him so special. He knows when it’s gametimeandalwaysstepsup.
“I want to keep improving and learning, to enjoy every step of the journey with my horses and to one day represent Australia inshowjumpingaroundtheworld.”
AlongsideMarly,OliviaCurtain,Queenie Kerr, Pearl Hodson and Zara Woods from Haileyburywillalsobecompeting.
Thegirlswontheirstatesquadspotsafter success at the recent five-day Interschool StateChampionships.
Haileybury deputy head of equestrian
Nicole Turner congratulated the girls on theirefforts.
“Each of our young riders have worked veryhard,”shesaid.
“They juggle schoolwork, homework, caringfortheirhorsesandtheyspendhours eachweekpractisingtheirequestrianskills –inallweathers.
“Their commitment and dedication are admirable, and we wish them all the best inthenationals.”
Energy bill help extended
The state government is investing a further$600,000toexpandtheEnergy Assistance Program which has saved 13,000 Victorians almost $2.5 million ontheirenergybills.
The Energy Assistance Program offers free one-on-one assistance for customers having trouble paying their energy bills. Customers can contact the program via phone or at an in-person event and talk with a trained energy advocate who can help them access the support they are entitledto.
The Energy Assistance Program helps customers access Victoria’s energy concessions. They include a 17.5 per cent discount off annual electricity and winter gas bills for concession card holders or Utility Relief Grants of up to $650 per utility every two years to Victorians unable topaytheirbills.
The program also reinforces the PaymentDifficultyFramework,which requires energy retailers to provide payment assistance to households who are behind on their bills, includingfairpaymentplans.
The budget also invests $50 million to deliver a $100 Power Saving Bonus forhouseholdswithaconcessioncard.
All Victorians are encouraged to visit the free and independent Victorian Energy Compare website to shop around for a better deal on theirenergy–lastyear,userstypically saved $240 per year on their energy billsbyswitching.
Year 10 Haileybury Pangea student Marly Wright. (Supplied)
Police out in force over the King’s Birthday long weekend
Victoria Police is launching a major road safetyoperationfortheKing’sBirthdaylong weekend.
Operation Regal will run from Friday 6 June to Monday 10 June. It aims to increase driver awareness and journey planning, whilereducingroadtrauma.
FocusonRoadSafety
Police will target high risk driving that has been identified as the main causes of lives lost and serious injuries in crashes, including:
•Excessivespeed
•Driverdistraction
•Vulnerable road users (cyclists, solos and pedestrians)
•Restraintandseatbeltnon-compliance
•Fatigue
•Impaireddriving(alcoholand/ordrug)
“We’ll be out in force to educate drivers and enforce the rules,with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries”
said Road Policing Advisor Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson. “Our goal is to prevent tragediesandkeepeveryonesafe.”
Senior Sergeant Pearson said the operation will be conducted throughout all operational Police Regions and Police ServiceAreasduringthefourdays,usingall availablepersonnel..
Speedsters and other drivers flouting the road rules have been put on notice ahead of theroadpolicingblitz.
“The King’s Birthday holiday period provides an opportunity for families to free themselves from their usual commitments and it is anticipated that large numbers of people will use Victorian roads, often drivinglongdistancesinunfamiliardriving conditions,”hesays.
Police will be out in force both to educate
drivers and to enforce road rules, with a view to preventing lives lost and serious injuries.
We’rewatchingyourspeed.Areyou?
Motorists are requested to stay within the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol or take drugs and drive, leave your mobile phone out of reach, wear your seatbelt, and make sureyouarewellrested.
Speed Cameras will be rostered in known highcollisionlocations.
Fatigueisoneofthemajorcausesoflossof lives on Victorian roads according to Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson. Drivers are requested to plan their trip, be patient and ensure that you take at least a 15-minute break at least every two hours and don’t driveifyouaretired.
Drivers planning to travel during this period can expect to see an increase in
vehicles on major freeways and highways throughoutthestate.
Road trauma isn’t just about the lives that are lost – it’s about the enormous impact on the community from the family members to the emergency services workers who must deal with these tragedies daily, and the police who must deliver the devastating newstolovedones.
All the community has a responsibility andaroletoplayinreducingroadtrauma.
RoadSafeWestgateCommunityRoadSafety
Council Chairman Jim Giddings said it has been demonstrated time after time that speed is a contributing factor in most road crashes. Therefore, stay within the speed limit and drive to suit the conditions you face.
Speeding affects both the risk of a crash happening and the severity of injuries
sustainedwhenacrashdoeshappen. Mr Giddings said the work of his group along with initiatives like Operation Regal would hopefully reduce the number of seriousroadcrashes.
Road safety is not everyone else’s responsibility.Itisyours!
Heaskedthecommunitytoreportspeeding driverstoCrimestopperson1800333000. Here are some key tips for a safe long weekend:
•Plan your trip: Check traffic conditions andplanreststopstoavoidfatigue.
•Stick to the speed limit: Every km/h over thelimitincreasesyourcrashrisk.
•Don’tdrinkanddrive:Ifyouplantodrink, arrangealternativetransport.
•Put down your phone: Distracted driving isdangerous.
•Wear your seatbelt: It’s the law and could saveyourlife.
•Get enough sleep: Fatigue impairs your drivingability.
•Check your vehicle: Ensure tyres, brakes, lights, and windscreen washers are in goodcondition
Holiday driving has its challenges and drivers should drive in the hours they are normally awake, take regular breaks to reducefatigue.
Drivers need to adapt to the conditions of the road, the onus is always on the driver to suit the conditions they are facing, and that includesthequalityoftheroad.
If you plan to have a drink, then plan not to drive. Taking a big risk like drinking and driving is just not worth endangering your lifeorthelivesofotherroadusers. Remember, travel so that you arrive at your destination safely and enjoy your King’sBirthdaylongweekend.
DRIVING IS NOT A GAME!
KILLS!
First Constable Bobby Dzodzadinov and Road Policing Advisor Senior Sergeant Fletcher Pearson. (Ljubica Vankovic) 476674_07
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
Rotary Art Show
Bacchus Marsh Rotary is hosting an art show at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall over the King’s Birthday Weekend. There will be a gala opening on Friday, June 6 from 7–10pm, where upper, drinks, and live music from the Baccbeat Jazz Band will be provided. Preview and purchase of artwork will be available at the gala opening, and tickets will be $45 per person. This is an 18 years and over event. Then, the art show will be open from 10am–4pm on The King’s Birthday Weekend – June 7–9.
Peace ceremony
A peace pole ceremony, a free outdoor event, will be held at Caroline Springs Library on 13 June at noon. The event is being staged by Rotary Caroline Springs. Rotarians will also be sizzling sausages at Bunnings on 8 and 22 June.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Confident, resilient men
What does it mean to be a masculine man in 2025? How do you men survive in an everchanging social landscape? Should I be tough, or cool, or rebellious, or sensitive and emotional? Conversations with John Toomey at The Club, Caroline Springs, on 4 June at 6.15pm presented by the Rotary Club of Caroline Springs
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Melton South Community Centre Women and girls (12 plus) have the chance to learn vital skills and make new friends in Melton South Community Centre’s popular self defence workshop, 12.30-1.30pm, Saturday 14 June. Develop confidence and self-protection techniques in this one hour class, facilitated by Harmonious Dojang, and walk away empowered. $20/$15 concession.
9747 8576
Probus Club of Melton
The Probus Club of Melton Ladies meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 10am at the Melton Country Club. It is a social club where all ladies are welcome.
Glenda, 0418 504 616
Grief Education Group
Described as “a group of people grieving the death of a loved one,” the Grief Education Group provides grief education, discussion and support at Melton Health on Wednesdays for six weeks from August 6 to September 10. If interested, please call Melton Health Intakes.
9747 7609
Flower and Garden Show
Save the date for a local family event on the weekend of October 25 and 26 for the Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show. Flowers, produce, crafts, photo competitions, plant sales, children’s activities, and more!
bmflowershow.org
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 above in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Melton.
9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@cotavic.org.au
Over-50s Sunday games
Life Activities Club Melton is running a games and cards afternoon every Sunday from 2-4pm at Kurunjang Community Hub, 35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. A newly-created friendly group which enjoys sharing a laugh and making new friends. Everyone is welcome because “life is better together”.
Denise, 0403 840 241
Darley Neighbourhood House
The Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre is at 33-35 Jonathan Drive, Darley. It offers free and low-cost activities for all. There is a monthly repair cafe, a community pantry, a fortnightly chatty cafe and venue hire is available. www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 53674390
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets atthe Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Zonta club
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. Meetings include guest speakers. Janet, 0421 080 923, or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au
Melton Over 50s Social Group
Join a friendly group of people aged over 50 who enjoy each other’s company while attending events such as dinners, shows, dancing, cinemas and more. If you live in the Melton area and would like to
meet new friends, in a welcoming group environment, this is for you.
Marlene, 0498 329 290
Rose carers of Maddingley Park
The group meets every Wednesday from 10am-noon at the Commemorative Rose Garden, Maddingley Park on the corner of Taverner Street and Grant Streets, Bacchus Marsh. They maintain the two rose gardens at the park. Volunteers are welcome and no experience is necessary to join .
Elaine, 0400 052 857 or Judy, 0428 463 538
Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club
Meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10am to noon at the Avenue Bowling Club on 254 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com
Melton Valley Ladies Probus
Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Friday each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome.
Ann, 0425 705 150
Fishing club
Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing
abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.
Andrew, 0407 303 438, or Wayne, 0414 785 366
Melton Concert Band
Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who are able to read music are welcome to come along with their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.
0401 474 582
Cancer Support Group
MelMarsh Prostate Cancer Support Group is for prostate cancer patients and their carers and meets on the first Thursday of the month, from 12.30-2pm, at Melton South Community Centre. Attendees are encouraged as members share their journeys through what could be a very traumatic time of their lives. Explanations of medical terminology used in the treatment of this cancer are given in this group.
Grenville, 0412 741 865
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Whittlesea Men’s Shed members Eric Gunstone, Prakash Dhana and Phil Berchdolt who helped renovate the spectator benches at Whittlesea Eagles Football Club. (Damjan Janevski)
Comedy shakes things up
By Georgia Tacey
Overthreeweekends,abelovedAustralian playwillbemakingitswaytoMacedon.
The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race, an uplifting and big-hearted comedy about equality, community and shaking things up in the country will be showing over threeweeksattheMountviewTheatre.
Written by Melanie Tait, the play follows Penny Anderson, the town’s new GP who returnstoherchildhoodhomeofAppleton and is shocked to find the local potato race prize still sits at $1000 for men and just $200forwomen.
Determined to change this outdated
tradition, she sets out on a mission to even the playing field, but not everyone is quite onboard.
Director Mark Constable said the show promisesanall-starcastwithamixoflocal andnationaltalent.
“It’s a wonderful cast, all at the top of their games with years and years of experience and all doing it because they love the play,” he said. “Rehearsals are a scream and we are having a ball. We can’t waitforeveryonetoseeit.”
Macedon Ranges locals Sophie Cleary and Sharni Page have joined renowned Australian actors Shayne Francis, Sheila KumarandindustrylegendMargotKnight.
“The show has been a smash hit across Australia and it’s such a coup to be able to bring it to our home town up here in the MacedonRanges,”Constablesaid.
“It’s also the debut for our wee local company Constable Productions, so it’s a veryexcitingtime.”
The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race will be showing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with a matinee performance at 2pm, and an evening performance at 8pm fromJune13untilJune29.
TheshowswillbeheldatTheMountview Theatre, 56 Smith Street, Macedon, with ticketsgoingfast.Details:trybooking.com/ events/landing/1378319
No horsing around at Werribee Park
Every King’s Birthday long weekend, the finesthorseridersinAustraliatrot,canter andgallopovertoWerribeePark.
Why do they do that? To participate in the Melbourne International Three Day Event.
Running from June 5-9, the event will showcase the best men and women on horseback.
First held in 1957, the Melbourne International Three Day Event has become an anticipated feature on the equestriancalendar.
The cross country course winds its way past the Werribee Park, Werribee
Open Range Zoo, the beautiful Werribee Mansion,throughthestunningStateRose Garden, across the Werribee Park Polo fieldsandtheNationalEquestrianCentre.
Complemented by a large, undercover, winter trade village and with evening entertainment, there is something for everyone,youngandold.
Event director Janet Houghton explained why the event is such a hot ticket.
“It is the biggest event of its kind in Victoria– riders come from all over Australiatocompete,”shesaid.
“We have trade stands, everything
equestrian including Olympic riders, fun events like hobby horse as well as the Olympic disciplines of dressage, cross countryandshowjumping.”
Giddy-up for plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, including pony rides, guided cross country course walks, equestrian education and entertainment aswellasatradeexhibition.
There will be a range of items going under the hammer to raise money in support of building the cross country course. So get back in the saddle, and get downtothemainevent.
More:https://m3de.com.au/
Birdwatching bliss in Melton
Looking for an interesting way to spend your Saturday morning? Grab your best pair of binoculars and head to Hannah Watts Park on Saturday, June 21, as the Eynesbury Environment Group hosts its nextbirdwalk.
This two-hour avian expedition will takeattendeesthroughthisMeltonparkto watch and count bird species, enjoy some fresh air, and appreciate the local area’s floraandfauna.
Long pants, walking shoes, water, binoculars, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended.
Youcouldalsobringacameraalongand capture a few wildlife shots to share with friends.
At the group’s last bird walk in Melton Botanic Garden on May 17, 10 attendees from Melton, Staughton Vale, Eynesbury and Bacchus Marsh spotted 15 species, including a brown goshawk flying above the trees, a flock of red-rumped parrots, andthreerainbowlorikeets.
According to the Eynesbury Environment Group, it was formed to allow like-minded flora and fauna lovers a placetocometogether,hostingbi-monthly birdwalksandsellinglocalnativeplants. The group is also looking for volunteers, with those interested encouraged to email eynesbury.environment.group@gmail. com.
Come and enjoy nature and company at theJune21birdwalk,runningfrom9amto 11am at Hannah Watts Park, 183-225 High Street,Melton.
Contact:jenniferkayakers@outlook.com
A New Holland honeyeater spotted at the group’s last bird walk in May. (Supplied)
Icon of Australian comedy offers lots of laughs at Newport show
His comedy career might’ve taken him from Scotland, to Singapore and from Hong Kong to Hobart, but next week Chris Franklin will be performing in Newport for the first time.
Described as a true icon of Australian comedy, Franklin will bring his laid back ocker persona, complete with flanny and thongs, from his home in Tasmania to the inner-west on Friday, June 6 for a performance at the Newport Comedy Room.
During his illustrious career, Franklin as performed with Australian stand-up
luminaries such as Jimeoin, Dave Hughes and Carl Barron and shared stages with Santana and Elvis Costello.
He’s also been on five ‘Tours of Duty’ to entertain Australian troops in places like Afghanistan and East Timor.
It’s the comedy fans of Hobsons Bay and the western suburbs he’ll be entertaining next week though as part of a trip that also involvesashowinBarwonHeadsthenight before.
Supporting Franklin will be Luke Benson,describedasasharp,shrewd,take no prisoners comedian.
Also on the bill is the ever reliable, ever fresh, evergreen Evan Hocking and the man regarded as the comedian’s comedian, Billy Stiles.
The show runs from 8pm to 10pm at the Newport Comedy Room at the Newport Bowls Club and is presented by Stellavision.
Tickets are on sale now and bookings can be made at: https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1373379
For more information on other shows coming up at the Newport Comedy Club, visit: https://stellavision23.com.au/
Comedian Chris Franklin will bring his quintessential Aussie humour to Newport for the first time on June 6. (Supplied)
The cast of The Appleton Ladies’ Potato Race.
Edward Darby riding Somerset Day. (Supplied)
This
An objection must:
•Be sent to the Responsible Authority in
•Include the reasons for the objection, and
•State how the objector would be affected.
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 17
If you object, the Responsible Authority will tell you its decision.
The responsible authority must make a copy of every objection available at its office for any person to inspect during office hours free of charge until the end of the period during which an application may be made for review of a decision on the application.
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which team defeated Manchester United 1–0 to win the 2025 UEFA Europa League final?
2. Former Perth Wildcat Bryce Cotton has signed a three-year deal with which NBL team?
3. Which two teams competed in the 2025 A-League Men Grand Final?
4. What was Jelena Dokic's highest world ranking in women's singles?
5. Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins famously competed in what kind of WWE match in 2022?
6. Which country is set to host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?
7. In what year did Super Netball introduce the two-point Super Shot to the competition?
Which AFL club was recently referred to by a rival coach as the AFL's 'nepo baby'?
Which NHL team won the 2024 Stanley Cup?
Brazil-born Airton Andrioli is head coach of which A-League Men team?
11. Which former AFL player and coach has emerged as a frontrunner in the search for Tasmania’s first AFL coach?
12. Nick ‘Honey Badger’ Cummins played for which Super Rugby team from 2008–2015?
13. Who won the 2025 EmiliaRomagna Grand Prix, ending Oscar Piastri’s three-race winning streak?
14. Which two-time Paralympic gold medallist broke three swimming world records at the 2025 Sydney Open?
15. Winning the US Open in 2021, which British tennis player holds the Open Era record for fewest Majors played before winning a title?
16. Australian swimmer Ariarne Titmus publicly criticised which controversial sporting event after a world record was broken using an unapproved suit and undisclosed substances?
17. Which actor stars in the upcoming racing film F1, which was previewed to Formula One drivers ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix?
18. What term is commonly used to describe the frontrow seating area at events like NBA games, where famous and high-profile guests are often spotted?
19. Which AFL coach had a boundary-line exchange with commentator Kane Cornes ahead of the Round 11 match at GMHBA Stadium?
20. In a brutal rematch at London's Copper Box Arena, which British boxer produced a Knockout of the Year contender with a fifth-round finish to avenge his previous loss to Johnny Fisher?
21. US rugby union player Ilona Maher finished runner-up in which 2024 reality TV show?
22. The Bandits is the nickname of which Australian baseball team?
23. In which year was the first Brownlow Medal awarded?
24. Robert Toia plays for which NRL club?
25. FIVB is the governing body of which sport?
26. The two purple balls in a standard
27. In July, Netflix are set to release a sequel to which 1996 golf comedy film?
28. An eagle holding a ball is the logo of which Premier League soccer club?
29. The US men’s hockey team recently won their first world title in how many years?
30. And which country did they beat to secure the championship?
pool set are which numbers?
'Honey Badger' Cummins
'Honey
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.
ACROSS
1 Peppy (4)
3 Thin spaghetti (10)
10 Firm in purpose (7)
11 Sellers (7)
12 Very small amount (8)
13 Greek letter (5)
14 Beaten track (4)
15 Jarring (10)
18 Event (10)
20 Hideous (4)
21 Those entertaining (5)
23 Mark left by walking (8)
26 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)
27 Emit (7)
28 Restriction (10)
29 Burden (4)
DOWN
1 Male deer (4)
2 Believable (9)
4 Substantial (9)
5 Film (5)
6 Frankness (7)
7 Dissolute (5)
8 There and then (9)
9 Absurd (4)
14 Predictive (9)
16 Particle accelerator (9) 17 Total (9) 19 Esteem (7) 22 Faint (5) 23 Wildlife (5) 24 Flank (4) 25 Tidy (4)
the nine letters in the grid, how many
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 nouns ending in “s”.
1 Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman co-starred in which 1942 film?
2 Which country is the flattest on Earth?
3 What was the name of Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s wife?
4 In a 2022 biopic, Austin Butler (pictured) portrayed which musical legend?
5 Name the three zodiac signs associated with the element earth.
6 TheSecretHistory, The Little Friend and TheGoldfinch are works by which US novelist?
7 Which World War I battle was responsible for the most deaths?
8 In which part of the body is the cuboid bone located?
9 Which athlete became the most decorated Australian Olympian after competing in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics?
10 What is the westernmost county of Ireland?
No. 272
No. 240
Pathfinder squeezes value
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
There I was doing a stint of push-mower Pilates (grass cutting) in the back yard when it struck me how clever the people at Nissanhadbeencomingupwithacut-price largewagonatthistime.
With large SUV prices pushing through six figures the new ST-L Pathfinder has lopped more than $12,000 off the previous entry-level model – this trip down the road less travelled all the more prescient at a time when tariff tyrant Donald Trump is upping the ante on the cost of motoring aroundtheworld.
In close to 40 years Down Under, the Pathfinder has never gone away but has taken a back seat to the smaller X-Trail and bigger Patrol. Now, with room for eight occupants, the ST-L has squeezed in between the pair available in two- or four-wheel drive. It is joined by another returnee,theTi2WD.
Althoughcreatinganewentry-level,ST-L is far from wanting, with seating for up to eight in three rows, generous equipment and safety systems, plus powerful and efficientV6petrolengine.
And so, back to pricing. The two ST-L modelskickoffat$59,670forthetwo-wheel drive version and rise to $64,170 for the 4WD.TheTithencomesinat$67,990forthe 2WD, the range topping Ti-L tips the scales at$82,490.Allpricesarebeforegovernment anddealerdeliverychargesareadded.
All are covered by Nissan’s five-year unlimitedkilometrewarrantyandroadside assistforthesameperiod.
Styling
At a tad more than five metres in length, just under two metres wide and 1.8 metres high, the Pathfinder has every right to flex its muscle, but it doesn’t, While the latest generation Pathfinder boasts a bold,
truck-like grille with a squared-off profile like the original model, there’s nothing old schoolaboutit.
Take 18-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing LED headlights with High Beam Assist and daytime running lights, LED front fog lights, a powered tailgate and roof rails for thelatestthinking.
Interior
Heated front seats and tri-zone air-conditioning ensure comfort in every seat of which there is an eight-way power driver’s seat and six-way manual passenger’sposition.
The electric park brake works well, and an intelligent key has an inbuilt vehicle alarmsystem.
Getting into the third row is made easy withwide-openingreardoorsandasystem that allows a single button to fold the outboard seat and slide forward in a single movement.
Once in, leg room is limited without sliding the middle row forward, encroachingonlegroomthere.
With room out back for only a temporary spare, cargo space is limited to 205 litres when all three row seatbacks are in place, 554 litres when the third row is folded, and up to 782 litres with the second and third rowsfolded.
Infotainment
The Pathfinder ST-L is equipped with a 7-inch TFT Advanced Drive-Assist Display, 10.8-inch head-up display and 9-inch touchscreen with navigation, inbuilt Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, togetherwithfourUSBports.
The sound is limited to a six-speaker audio, a Bose eight-speaker jobby is reserved for Ti toffs. A crisp rear-view camera and parking assistants are exemplary,asisintelligentcruisecontrol.
almost a
Engines/transmissions
as a
Like the rest of the Pathfinder range, the ST-L is equipped with Nissan’s powerful direct-injection 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, putting out 202kW at 6400rpm and 340Nm at 4800rpm, paired with a nine-speed automatictransmission.
Safety
The Pathfinder gained a five-star ANCAP rating on 2022 testing. With nine airbags, including new far-side position, plus extensive safety upgrades from Nissan
Intelligent Mobility Safety Suite there’s littletoreasonthiswillhavechanged.
The latter includes predictive forward collision warning with junction assist and emergency braking, including for pedestrians and cyclists, driver attention alert, blind spot warning and intervention, lanedeparturewarningplusprevention. Also on offer are lane departure warning and prevention, rear cross traffic alert and back-up collision intervention, intelligent cruise control with speed limiter, traffic signrecognitionwithoverspeedprevention andrearseatalert.
Driving
Withalmosttwotonnestocartaround,the 3.5litreV6engineandninespeedautomatic transmission have their work cut out and thePathfinderisnotwinkletoes.Steadyas shegoes.Nissanputsthecombinedurban/ highwayfuelconsumptionat14.7litresper 100 kilometres. The test vehicle topped 16 litresper100kilometresatonestage.
All Pathfinder grades can tow up to 750kg unbraked, or up to 2700kg braked, the latter more than some key rivals, with most large SUVs capped at 2500kg. With a close to 12 metre turning circle, parking cantakesomecare.
Driving capability in almost all conditions is assured with ground clearance of 317mm, Drive and Terrain Mode Selector shifting between Standard, Sport, Eco, Snow and Tow modes in 2WD models, while 4WD models add Mud and Sandmodes.
Summary
Born almost a half century ago as a small SUV, the well-equipped Nissan Pathfinder has continued to grow to fit in between siblings, the neat Nissan X-Trail and big brother Patrol. The bargain-basement ST-L onlyaddstotheappeal.
Born
half century ago
small SUV, the well-equipped Nissan Pathfinder has continued to grow to fit in between the Nissan X-Trail and Patrol. (Pictures: Supplied)
As temperatures start to drop, the action on the fields and courts is starting to heat up. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Seasons are hotting up
West Footscray’s Laura Littlepage. 481362_10 Werribee Centrals’ Larissa Renaut. 481362_01
Werribee Centrals’ Lauren Basto and West Footscray’s Layla Dawkins. 481362_15
Lancefield’s Stephanie Hammond. 481365_04
Caroline Springs’ Ryan Allan and Newport’s Joshua Smith. 481369_01
Parkside Spurs’ Sheridan Casley. 481360_01
Point Cook Centrals’ Charli Sette. 481360_19
Lancefield’s Bella Collodetti and Diggers Rest’s Leona Hristovska. 481365_15
Melton supporters. 481368_23
Melton’s Blake Souter and Sunbury Lions’ Jake Sutton. 481368_07
Newport. 481369_11
Netball league rules to exclude two transgender players
TheRiddellDistrictFootballNetballLeague
has decided to exclude two transgender athletes who have been competing in their B-grade netball competition for the rest of this season.
The two players played in Melton Centrals’ B-grade side as recently as round seven.
The league has received complaints about the participation of the two transgender athletes.
In a statement on its website and a summary of what was sent to clubs, the league said the matter was discussed at an RDFNL netball coordinators meeting on May 21.
The league said after questionnaire results received from clubs, the RDFNL
board has opted to continue to adopt the Netball Victoria transgender and gender diverse policy.
“TheRDFNLhavetheoptiontoconsider the inclusion of section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act that allows exclusion on the grounds of ‘’gender identity or intersexstatusbyexcludingpersonsfrom participationinanycompetitivesporting activity in which the strength, stamina or physique of competitors is relevant’’,” the league said.
“After lengthy consideration and consultation, the RDFNL has ruled that the two transgender participants be excluded from the RDFNL netball competitions for the remainder of the 2025 season on the premise that both
participants exhibit superior, stamina and physique over their competitors deeming section 42 of the Sex Discrimination Act relevant.
“The RDFNL will continue to work with the relevant stakeholders on this very sensitive issue and offer any support that we can. The RDFNL board reserves the right to reconsider these options at a future date should circumstances change.
“The board, who are voted in as elected officials on behalf of the member clubs, wants to reiterate to all RDFNL clubs that the RDFNL board has a responsibility to act in the best interests of all our member clubs and participants to provide a safe and inclusive environment for them to
Warriors stand strong
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors showed plenty of resolve on Wednesday night to come away with their fourth win of the Victorian Netball League season.
The Warriors, who were disappointing the week before against the Wilson Storage SouthernSaints,bouncedbackwithahard fought win against the Geelong Cougars.
The Warriors led throughout the clash, but the Cougars stuck close all night and made them fight for the 60-57.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said the group had to show a lot of fighting spirit to get the job done.
“It was a tough game and we were without Poppy [Douglass] who is away for a wedding,” she said.
“Wehadtochangetheattacklineupand have the two shooters with Kim playing goal attack the whole game.
“We were a few more goals up but credit to Geelong who kept coming back.”
Baileysaidthelastfewweekswhenaside had got a run on, they hadn’t been able to halt it, but this week they were.
She said Eliza Gollant, who was playing her first game back from injury, played a big role in that.
“It’scredittoEliza,”shesaid.“Havingher in goal defence changed our structure and defensive line up
“We were hoping to have her a little bit earlierbuthadaminorsetback.It’sherfirst yearinchampandshe’sgettingusedtothe pace.”
Bailey said Tayla Honey was the other standout for them, playing her best game for the club.
Amanda Umanski stepped into the side forthefirsttimeintheabsenceofDouglass.
Bailey said she’s a training partner that had previously played for the North East Blaze and it was nice to have her there as back up.
TheWarriorssiteighthontheladderafter 11 rounds, six points outside the top six.
participate in the sport of their choice.”
One of the players, Manawa Aranui, took to social media following the decision.
She said her “identity” and “character” were attacked saying some of the accusations were “malicious”in a community and sport that she loves.
“I’ve never sought the spotlight—but I won’t sit still and stay pretty anymore,” she said.
“This is for my trans and non-binary friends, and especially for the queer kids of the future who, hopefully, will never have to go through this.
“I might not be the first, but I sure as hell won’t be the last.”
Melton Centrals was contacted.
Interleague coach named
Jake Bridges will lead the Ballarat Football League under-23 interleague squad this season.
As assistant coach the past two seasons under Anthony Koutoufides, Bridges now steps up into the head role ahead of the annual clash against the Hampden league.
Bridges’ deep connection to representative football stretches back to his junior playing days, where he represented the league after starting his career at North Ballarat in the early 1990s.
He went on to finish his junior football at North before moving to Redan for senior football and also spenttimewiththeGreaterWestern Victoria Rebels and in the Victorian Football League system.
Off field, through a decade at Leading Teams, he developed a strongfoundationinleadershipand culture, which transitioned into a successful coaching career.
After a stint assisting at Buninyong, he was appointed East Pointcoachin2017,leadingtheclub toback-to-backBFLpremiershipsin 2018 and 2019.
Bridges said his passion for development and connection within the game were key drivers behind his desire to take on the Interleague role.
“I love being around people who want to get better,”he said. “This program brings together the best young players across the league and gives them a chance to test themselves at a higher level.
The Warriors 23 and under side’s winning streak ended up two as it lost to the Cougars.
There wasn’t much in the game at half time before the Cougars shot away on the way to a 63-49 win.
EllaClostershot23goalsfortheWarriors.
Bailey said it was a disappointing performance.
“There is some work to be done there,” she said. “They had some good passages of play but weren’t able to sustain it.
“We tried to stick with them but were blown out a little bit. We have to make sure we’re playing for 60 minutes.”
TheWarriorssitinninthspotwitha3-7-1 record after 11 rounds. They are 12 points outside the top six.
TheWarriorsfacetheNorthEastBlazein the next round.
Bailey said last time in championship they had a really good game after a side that is in the top six and were hoping to have another good match up.
“I’m excited to help those who want to be here – players who are driven to improve.”
Beyond the on-field opportunities, Jake highlighted the deeper importance of community and connection.
“ThroughCovid,Irealisedjusthow important connection is. Winning is great, but the relationships we build through footy — the people we play with and against — they’re whatreallymatters. Theinterleague concept has so much history in the BFNL.
“It’s not just about the now – it’s uncles, brothers, grandfathers who’ve worn the jumper too.”
With there being so much more to life than footy, this is about belonging and community.”
Western Warriors’ Tayla Honey. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
Airborne Jordy lands another Melton winning double
Talented young reinsman Jordan Leedham continued his recent white-hot form with a winning double at Melton on Saturday night.
The 22-year-old Leedham has visited the winner’s stall on 16 occasions since May 9, which includes a double at Geelong the previous night.
Leedham’s successful pairing with the Andy Gath-trained Yambukian carried on when the seven-year-old outstayed his rivals in the opening event.
Yambukian ($14) settled down midfield before Leedham made a move to join the leader Bulletproof Boy with a lap to travel, and the son of Bettors Delight surged clear around the home turn while staving off Young Bluey by a metre and a half in a mile rate of 1:54.3.
“There was plenty of speed early off the gate and when I saw Bulletproof Boy pushingthroughtolead,IthoughtifIcould get up outside then he might be vulnerable lateafteraquickleadtime,”Leedhamsaid. Despite the win, Yambukian won’t be
joining his younger half-brother Catch A Wave in Brisbane for next month’s Inter Dominion series.
“No, I reckon he’ll be staying down here and contesting these races in which he’ll be very competitive,” Leedham said.
Leedham rounded off his night by partnering the Geoff Webster-prepared three-year-old Seathestars ($1.33 fav) to an all-the-way win in the Beraldo Coffee Pace.
Named after the champion Irish racehorse Sea The Stars, the son of Captaintreacherous is part-owned by leading horse trainer and avid harness racing fan John Hawkes.
Leedham believes Seathestars’ early speed will prove beneficial in the future.
“He’s got that good high-end speed and he’s got that gate speed as well which is a bigassetandwillhelphiminthelongrun,” he said.
Brett Bewley. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 474079_27
Devils continue winning
By Tara Murray
TheweathergodsshoneforDarleyonSaturday as it cemented its spot at the top of the Ballarat Football League ladder.
The Devils headed to MARS Stadium to face North Ballarat and were greeted by better conditions than they had faced the past few times up there.
It was no surprise there wasn’t much between the two sides with the Devils doing enough to come away with a 12.15 (87)-8.8 (56) win.
Devils coach Dan Jordan said the match was exactly what they had expected
“We’ve been chugging along alright,” he said. “We had another tough game and we were able to work our way through it.
“It was a tough physical contest which you normally get against North Ballarat.”
Jordan said some nicer conditions in Ballaratallowedthemtousethebigground well and get their running game going. He said they could have put the game to bed a bit earlier if they had been able to convert a bit better.
Brett Bewley and Will Johnson kicked four goals each for the Devils.
ItwastheskipperinBewleythatledfrom the front.
“Brett’s a great player,” Jordan said.
“There were some big moments and he stood right up and led from the front.
“He revels in these challenges and he set himself during the week.”
Billy Myers and Darcy Matricardi were other standouts for the Devils.
The Devils sit atop the table after eight rounds, one of three teams with a 7-1 record.
Jordan said they were content with the season so far, but weren’t getting ahead of themselves.
“There’s still a lot of improvement to go and a lot more growth,” he said.
“We’re on top of the ladder … Just ahead on percentage
“It can change pretty quickly.”
There’s a competition wide bye this weekend due to the long weekend.
Jordansaidhethoughtitwasagoodtime to have a break having played seven weeks
“He has competed in some of those nice three-year-old feature races, and I think he’ll come back better and stronger next season.”
Leedham, who is currently in fifth place on the metropolitan drivers’ premiership table, said he is deriving the benefits of driving high-calibre horses.
“Getting opportunities on horses like theseonesmakesmyjobawholeloteasier,” he said.
“When you are consistently driving winners,youarefullofconfidenceandyou feel like you make the right moves more than the wrong ones.”
Other winners were My Uncle Stan in he HylandRacingColoursPace,LittleLouiein the Lifestyle Communities Deanside Pace, Sir Jimmy in the Nutrien Equine Pace, and Aldebaran Zeus in the Aldebaran Park Trotters Free for All.
John Dunne
Briefs
Ballarat CA
Darley has suffered a blow with Dilan Chandima leaving the Ballarat Cricket Association club. Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division club Yarraville Club announced that it had signed Chandima for the next season. Chandima has been a star in the competition having won a competition best and fairest medal, along with coaching the Lions for one season.
EDFL
Hillside suffered its first loss of the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season. Facing Aberfeldie in a top of the table clash, the Sharks lost 9.4 (58)-5.4 (34). The third quarter was the match winning one for Abers, which kicked five goals to none to turn a one point deficit into a 30 point lead. Annalise Wilkie was named the Sharks best. The Sharks remain on top of the ladder, a game clear of Abers. In division 1, Burnside Heights suffered a 21.11 (137)-1.0 (6) loss to Strathmore.
Big V
straight and said other coaches shared the same sentiment.
The Devils then face East Point after the break. The Kangaroos also have a 7-1 record.
Jordan said they will know where they sit after that match having not played one of the top sides in a number of weeks.
“They are right up there,” he said. “They played off in a grand final that they beat us with a kick on the siren in the preliminary final.
“There’s no lack of motivation there. We really want to drill down against quality opposition.”
Meanwhile, Melton was able to finish strongly against the Sunbury Lions.
Two of the other sides in the top four, the Bloods got the win 13.10 (88)-9.11 (65).
Liam and Ryan Carter were the Bloods best.
They are equal with Darley on 7-1.
Bacchus Marsh lost its match to Sebastopol, 14.15 (99)-10.10 (70).
Luke Goetz and Jude Milburn were the Cobras best.
The Melton Thoroughbreds proved no match for the Collingwood All Stars in the Big V men’s division 2 competition on Saturday night. The Thoroughbreds trailed by 12 points at quarter time before bringing the margin back to eight points at half time. The All Stars won the second half to come away with a 96-76 win. Liam Allison top scored with 21 points for the Thoroughbreds as he played all 40 minutes.
A-League
Western United’s Angus Thurgate fell just short of his first Johnny Warren Medal days after claiming his club’s top honour. Former Western star Nicholas Milanovic won the Johnny Warren Medal on 31 votes, three clear of Thurgate who finished second. The Johnny Warren Medallist is determined every season by a voting process which occurs after each regular-season fixture in an A-League campaign. It comes after he claimed Western United’s player of the season and fans’ player of the season at the club’s gala night.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Yambukian. (Stuart McCormick)
Cobras continue to show their fighting spirit
Bacchus Marsh’s next generation is stepping up to mark with success in the Ballarat Football League women’s competition.
After the departure of some players in the off season, the Cobras have looked within to strengthen its senior squad.
It’s something coach Alan Johnson said had been working really well.
“Wehadbeenlowonnumbersbutweare working our way through it,” he said. “We had some challenges at the start.
“We’ve had some juniors come up and do a good job and the squad has a good balance.
“The collaboration between the 19s and seniors has been really good.
“We’ve got some really good groups of young girls coming through the 14s, 16s and some new ones in the 18s.
“It’s exciting to see them all.”
After making a preliminary final last season,Johnsonsaidthefocusforthegroup
this season was to again be competitive and see how they go.
He said both Darley and Redan were againthepacesettersandhadreallystrong squads.
Johnson said the group had taken some confidence out of a recent week against the Devils.
“It was a good team performance and I thoughtthateveryoneplayedtheirroleand the way they went out it was really good.
“It was our best performance of the season.”
The Cobras backed it up on Sunday as they beat Lake Wendouree.
The Cobras led early and were able to extend the margin out to 71 points at the last break having kept the Lakers goalless until that stage.
While the Lakers finally got on the board in the final quarter, the Cobras had done the damage as they won 12.15 (87)-2.3 (15).
Isabella Faralla kicked six goals
for the Cobras.
Melanie Freeman and Jacinta Reid were named the Cobras best.
The Cobras sit third on the ladder.
There is a league wide bye this weekend which Johnston said came at a good time for the side.
“It’s nice to have a bit of a break,” he said.
“With those girls also playing in under-19s it can be a bit tiring.
“It comes at a good time.”
Darley was also on the winners list on Sunday, beating East Point easily.
The Devils were able to build on the lead throughout on the way to a 14.14 (98)-1.0 (6) win.
Kim Bessell kicked eight goals for the Devils.
Charli Parsons Jones and Evie Fitzgerald were named the Devils best.
The Devils remain clear on top.
Phoenix in the hunt
By Tara Murray
MeltonPhoenixisn’ttakinganysidelightly in the back part of the FV state league 4 west season.
The Phoenix are among the contenders as the half way point of the season approaches, but there’s not much between the whole competition.
Coach Vince Massara said they were looking OK.
“Obviously, there was a stretch of three lossesinarowlastmonththatreallywasn’t ideal, but losses happen in a good league,” he said.
“There’s a lot of good teams in the league this season, and everyone has dropped points.
“We didn’t play terribly in each of those games, but sometimes you don’t get points when you play well.
“It’s hard to judge performances when it’s results that ultimately matter in a tight league, but that’s what you’ve got to do. There’s also some great players coming up through the reserves, which the coaching
team have done a great job with, so that’s on track too.”
Massara said he thinks it’s easy to get caught up with where the side is sitting on the ladder but considering everything was happy with where they are at.
He said injuries had played their part.
“We had a few injuries at key moments for starters, so not mentioning that would be an oversight - I always say injury luck isn’t if you get injuries, but when you get them.
“We played Balmoral, Barnstoneworth, and Bell Park while we were undermanned and they’re all quality sides.
“But it’s not just who is-isn’t available, the players have worked really hard on the track to get the ship back facing the right direction.
“Now, it’s all about us playing as well as we can, and getting as many points as possible; and we can see where that takes us.”
The Phoenix continued on its winning way on Saturday, beating Deakin University, 2-1.
Diggers Rest fall just short
Diggers Rest was unable to go with Lancefield in the final quarter as it fell to another loss in the Riddell District Netball League.
Playing at home, the Burras pushed the Tigers for the first three quarters with only three goals the difference heading into the final quarter.
The Tigers found another level late and finished with a 13-6 final quarter to come away with a 54-44 win.
Leona Hristovska shot 29 goals for the Burras, while Olivia Marris shot 15.
The two were among the best for the Burras along with Anica Scherer.
The Burras remain last without a win, but have two draws.
Elsewhere Melton Centrals and Wallan played out a hard fought draw.
Wallan led at each of the breaks and had a margin of two goals heading into the final quarter. In the end, neither team could be split with the scores locked at 42-apiece.
Kristian Grillo scored both goals in the first half for the Phoenix.
The Phoenix sit third on the ladder, just two points off top.
The Phoenix now face West Point before a break.
Massara said it would be a challenge in the run home.
“With the league reshuffle, every team will have something big to play for in the second half of the season,” he said.
“Thatdoesn’talwayshappeninSL4when it’s usually one team going up, and two going down.
“That means every game is going to be reallytough.Wearealsoawayfromhomea fairbitonthebackendoftheseason,witha fewback-to-backroadgames.Theplanisto focus on us, continue to improve, and see where that takes us.”
Meanwhile in the Victorian Premier League 1 competition, Caroline Springs George Cross had a 4-0 win against the Bulleen Lions.
The Georiges are now up to third on the ladder.
Imogen Sexton shot 28 goals for Centrals as they used four different goalers.
Centrals sit in sixth spot with a 3-2-2 record.
Melton South had a tough day out against Kyneton, losing 57-29 to Kyneton.
A 20-6 first quarter set up the win for the Tigers.
Helena Samardzija shot 26 goals for the Panthers.
Melton South sits in ninth spot. In other matches, the Gisborne Giants had their best win of the season as they beat Riddell, while Woodend-Hesketwastoostrongfor Macedon.
There is a competition wide bye this weekend due to the long weekend.
Tara Murray Melanie Freeman. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 470330_13
Cameron Stewart. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 479748_03
