Star Weekly - Melton Moorabool - 24th June 2025

the three teams.  For more on that game and the rest of the local sporting action, turn to page 20

Link voices urged

Theenvironmentaleffectsstatement(EES) for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) will be released to the public next week, as community stakeholders continue to express opposition to the plan.

As reported by StarWeekly , AusNet is proposing to build a 190-kilometre electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.

During the exhibition period of the project’s EES and the draft planning scheme amendment – for a period of 40 business days from Monday, June 30 –community members and landholders willbeinvitedtomakeasubmissiontothe

Department of Transport and Planning through the Engage Victoria submissions page.

People can also ask to be heard at the independent inquiry following the exhibition period.

Plumpton landholder and Western Victorian Community Alliance Melton representative Barbara Ford said “there’s still fairly united opposition up the whole line from Sydenham to Ballarat”.

“It’s five years since we would have got the first letters about this project, so from the stakeholders or landholders or other people affected, we don’t believe AusNet have mitigated a lot of the impacts which we all still believe are significant,”

Ms Ford said.

She said the scale of the project “is the equivalent of building a 26-storey building” every 400 to 500 metres “from Sydenham right through to Ballarat”.

“As effects for our property … it’ll cut our farm in half diagonally and there will be an impact on our ability to farm the property,” she said.

Ms Ford said her concerns include impacts on visual amenity of Mount Kororoit – where she believes towers will stand up to 20 metres taller than the peak – environmental impacts to vegetation near Djerriwarrh Creek and its bird life, including the swift parrot, and impacts to local sporting and aviation facilities.

“The line from us … pretty much … goes in a straight line to Macpherson Park and the current proposal they have is to construct double rows of towers right beside the football and soccer amenities … the Melton Airfield is impacted,” Ms Ford said.

“If it was an underground proposal, the opposition would be negligent … just recently, there has been an underground proposal via the Calder Highway called the Syncline Community Cable,” she said.

“I’d encourage people to make a submission … and our group believe that there is a better alternative.”

 Continued: Page 5

STAY INFORMED

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

Have Your Say on the Council Plan

Feedback is invited on the draft Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029, the draft Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2035, and the Asset Plan 2025-2035 until Tuesday 8 July.

These important strategic documents have been shaped with input from community members and will guide the work of Council into the future.

To review the documents and share your feedback, visit conversations.vic.gov.au

School holiday fun!

Council will be hosting a range of activities this winter school holidays for kids and young people. Check out what’s on offer at melton.vic. gov.au/schoolholidays

NAIDOC Week 2025

Melton City Council will host a range of family friendly events and activities across the City of Melton during NAIDOC Week from the 6-13 July.

NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.

Children can enjoy an interactive didgeridoo session or participate in a boomerang art session. Adults can try their hand at basket weaving, while families are invited to contribute to a community mural.

For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/NAIDOC-Week

Business Awards applications closing soon!

A reminder that applications for the 2025 Melton Business Excellence Awards close Thursday 10 July.

If you have been planning to apply or have an application in progress, now is the time to submit it. The awards are a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase the wonderful work your business is doing to the community.

For information and to apply, visit melton.vic.gov.au/MBEA

Stringybark Ward with Cr Julie Shannon

The issue of dumped rubbish has been front of mind, lately, not only for our City, but right across the state.

Council is taking a proactive approach to eliminating the occurrence of dumped rubbish with our new Hard Waste, Dumped Rubbish, and Proactive Litter Patrols.

Current proactive dumped rubbish patrols are conducted weekly and fortnightly across 78 roads, targeting illegally dumped rubbish between 1m³ and 6m³ in size.

From 1 July 2025, our new Hard Waste, Dumped Rubbish, and

– Visit

Proactive Litter Patrols expands on this service to include the collection of litter up to 1m³. This change means we’ll be able to remove more litter, more efficiently — helping to keep our community cleaner and more pleasant for everyone.

You may have noticed some exciting upgrades happening to our local parks and reserves. Navan Park, in Harkness, is getting a fantastic make over, with landscaping, natural play areas, and new seating around the lake to make it an even more enjoyable space for everyone.

In other great news for Navan Park users, upgrades to the dog park,

including improved paths, furniture, and sensory and exploratory activities for dogs will be undertaken in the new financial year. I’m thrilled that this much-loved space will receive this upgrade, because ensuring we have safe, well-designed, and accessible dog-friendly spaces benefits everyone – especially the 15,500 plus dogs who call our City home.

To stay updated on this and other park improvement projects, follow us on Facebook or visit our website.

Feel free to contact me regarding Stringybark Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 302; email: julie.shannon@melton.vic.gov.au

At this week’s Council Meeting the draft Council and Wellbeing Plan for the next four years, and our draft Long Term Financial Plan and draft Asset Plan for the next 10-years were endorsed for community consultation.

The draft Council and Wellbeing Plan sets out the vision, priorities, and strategic direction for our Council.

The Asset Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan will support the Council and Wellbeing Plan and outlines Council’s long-term strategic management of assets, delivery of services and infrastructure, and will guide our long term financial sustainability.

Thank-you to our 50-member deliberative community panel whose role was to help refresh our long-term community vision and to guide the development of these important strategic plans.

These three plans will help guide the work of Council and the future of our City, and it is important we hear your feedback to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community. I encourage you to review the documents and submit your feedback via conversations@ melton.vic.gov.au.

The Budget 2025/26 was also adopted at the Council Meeting, which includes a $225.8 million capital works program, and funding for the delivery of services for our growing community. A total of 17 projects that have come directly from the community have also been included in this year’s budget and I thank everyone who took the time to submit their ideas.

Finally, with the winter school holidays approaching we have lots of activities planned to keep the kids entertained. Visit our website for details: melton.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays

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

Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli Cr Kathy Majdlik Cr Brandi Morris

Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Cr John Verdon Cr Dr Phillip Zada

Crime rises across Melton

Theft and family violence-related offences drove an overall increase of crime in the Melton municipality, with a 20.4 per cent rise in total offences, latest data reveals.

In the 12 months to March, there were 15,836 total offences recorded in the Melton municipality,upfrom13,149intheprevious 12 months.

The top location for offences recorded was the house, with 6169 of recorded offences, followed by streets, lanes, and footpaths–with2245offencesrecordedatthese locations.

The top three criminal offences record-

ed in the area were ‘theft other’, breaches of family violence intervention orders and theft from motor vehicles.

Melton Local Area Commander Inspector Lisa Prentice-Evans said the total increase in offences in houses “is driven by the rates of family violence incidents,” and theincreaseinoffencesatstreets,lanes,and footpaths is due to an increase in theft from motor vehicle incidents.

Inspector Prentice-Evans said there was a 15.8 per cent increase in reported family violence incidents in comparison to 3056 at the same time last year.

“The majority of affected family members (victims) are recorded as females aged between 25-44 years. The importance of community awareness around family violence cannot be stressed enough,” she said.

“The criminal aspect of dealing with family violence is important with regards to initiating intervention order applications to protect victims and also charging and holding offenders to account. The referrals into support services for [victims and survivors] of family violence is also essential.”

She said The Orange Door Melton providessupportwiththecareandwellbeingof

Citizenship joy for Bacchus Marsh family

A Moorabool resident felt ‘emotional’ whenshereceivedherAustraliancitizenship last week, with she and her family markingtheoccasionatoneofthecouncil’s ceremonies.

About 40 new Australian citizens received their official citizenship across two ceremonies at the West Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub in Maddingley on Tuesday, June 17.

Bacchus Marsh resident Jenna McConnel and her family were some of those to receive their citizenship.

Ms McConnel said she felt “surprisingly emotional” at the ceremony.

“It really hit me how big it is to actually take on citizenship of another country … [I felt] really emotional that the kids can finally be citizens of the country that is their home, because they were born here,” Ms McConnel said.

Moving to Australia from Christchurch,NewZealandabout15yearsago, she said that she previously lived in LondonandmovedtoMelbourneasshewas not ready to settle in a smaller city and knew some people living here.

Now living in Bacchus Marsh with partner and children, Ms McConnel said she enjoys the lifestyle of the region.

“I love that you feel like you’re in a small town but you’ve got all of the amenities that you need – our children can do swimming, gymnastics, and karate –and it’s all just around the corner – but it’sstillgotthatsmalltownfeel,”shesaid.

According to the council, the Moorabool residents who received their citizenshiplastweekwerebornincountries, including Malta, North Macedonia, FYR Macedonia, India, China, England, New Zealand, Philippines, Canada, Iran, Afghanistan, Jersey, Lebanon and Pakistan.

those who are experiencing family violence – and if it is an emergency, she urges people to call triple-0.

In regards to ‘theft over’ offenses, Inspector Prentice-Evans said these include incidents such as petrol theft, theft of copper, and theft of items from properties under construction that are “not yet at lock-up stage.”

She said the most common item stolen from motor vehicles was the registration plate and urged residents to consider affixing their plates with anti-theft screws, available at hardware and automotive stores.

Coles granted permit for Diggers Rest

A Coles supermarket in Diggers Rest is one step closer to fruition, with Melton council issuing a planning permit for the site.

The development is planned for 1 Ellis Road, Diggers Rest, with the parcel of land between Aviation Drive, Vineyard Road, and Banks Drive.

According to a spokesperson for Coles, the development will deliver an “outstanding retail hub, offering local residents a one-stop shop – including a new supermarket and Liquorland”.

“We’re pleased to have received council approval, and are looking forward to this development getting underway … we know there is a lot of excitement for this development,” the spokesperson said.

“We will be sure to keep the community updated as soon as we have more to share.”

StarWeekly understands that Coles is still working through the planning process for the development, and for that reason cannot confirm specific details about the timeline for delivery of the site.

According to a spokesperson for Melton council, the permit was issued as the site was “considered to be in line with the Melton Planning Scheme”.

“It is now up to the applicant to decide whether to proceed with the project in line with any conditions specified in the permit,” the spokesperson said.

As reported by Star Weekly, community advocates in Diggers Rest have long been calling for a supermarket in the town.

To

To

Bacchus Marsh residents Jenna McConnel, Rebecca, 5, Sebastian, 7, and Richard Cleary, who received Australian citizenship recently. (Supplied).

Liberal loan to end saga

By Callum Godde, AAP

A $1.5 million loan has been granted to former state Liberal leader John Pesutto, with the fractured party desperate to draw a line under a long-running defamation saga.

The Victorian Liberals’ administrative committee met on Thursday night and agreed to lend former leader John Pesutto $1.55 million to settle his debt to MP Moira Deeming.

The Hawthorn MP was ordered to pay $2.3 million in legal costs to Mrs Deeming after the Federal Court found he defamed her by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis.

It left him facing bankruptcy, which would have triggered his exit from parliament and a subsequent by-election in his marginalseat,unlessthedebtwaspaidback in a matter of weeks.

Mr Pesutto, who has already coughed up $315,000 in damages, had only raised about $750,000throughwealthybackersandaGoFundMe campaign.

An offer to defer some of the legal bill in exchange for Mrs Deeming’s guaranteed preselection and Mr Pesutto swearing off trying to return as leader for three years was rebuffed.

In a letter to party members on late on Thursday, Victorian Liberal president Philip

Davissaidthemoneywouldbepaiddirectly to Mrs Deeming.

Mr Pesutto will be required to repay the loan at market-rate interest.

Mr Davis said the deal would avert a by-election and allow the Liberals’ parliamentarypartytofocustheissuesthatmatter to the Victorian community.

“Settling this matter once and for all is in the interests of the party as it will see an end to the ongoing commentary that is letting Labor get away with their appalling performance,” he wrote.

“Victorians needs a change of government.”

Entering parliament on Thursday morn-

Doors open at new community centre

Doors have opened to the Plumpton Community Centre, with a celebration and community day offering residents a chance to explore the new building this weekend.

The centre includes a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, and a community space for programs and services to cater for community needs.

Officially opened on Thursday, June 12, the $17 million centre is a purpose-built facility that aims to support the needs of children, families, and the wider community of the Melton municipality.

The centre was jointly-funded by Melton council and the state government, with $10.9millionallocatedthroughtheGrowing Suburbs Fund.

The kindergarten program commenced at the centre in 2025, aiming to provide much-needed places for three and fouryear-old funded kindergarten in the local area.

Mayor Steve Abboushi said that this is “an investment in what matters.”

“Fraser Rise and Plumpton is ranked fourth in the nation for population growth

– with over 3400 new residents in just one year,representinga26percentgrowthrate,”

Cr Abboushi said.

“Servicesthatsupporttheneedsofyoung children and families to thrive in growing communities such as these are vital.”

Community members are invited to celebrate the opening of the new centre and explore the facility at a community day on Saturday, June 28, from 10am to noon. Families will be able to tour the kindergarten and meet educators on the day and bookings are not required.

Diggers Rest’s ‘Golden Way’ now road bridge ready for action

A new road bridge in Diggers Rest opened on Wednesday, with part of Old Calder Highway closing to traffic until next month.

The new road bridge named ‘Golden Way’ separates vehicles from trains by connecting the Old Calder Highway to Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road over the rail line.

The name acknowledges the area’s gold rush roots and its origins as a resting place for diggers heading to the goldfields.

Crews will now build a new community space with landscaping and pedestrian connections between the station precinct and post office and complete the bridge’s separated cycling path, which is set to open later this year.

Old Calder Highway will close to traffic between the level crossing and Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road until Monday, July 21 to enable works to permanently close the crossing.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull said that removing this level crossing will “help unlock

ing, Mr Pesutto was upbeat about the committee agreeing to his loan request.

“Tonight’s an opportunity to square (the issue) off and put it all behind us,” he said.

MrsDeeming,whowasexpelledfromthe party room before being welcomed back in December, was sceptical it would end the infighting that has engulfed the party since March 2023.

“I assume that they will continue with their quest to try to annihilate me,” the upper house MP said.

Mrs Deeming said the party could “do what they like” but she would take any support of Mr Pesutto as a “direct rebukement (sic)” of the court judgement.

Service to resolve rental disputes

Renters and rental providers can seek help from the new Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) service.

According to the state government, RDRV will help renters and rental providers settle disputes over bonds, compensation, repairs and rent increases in a more informal setting, freeing up the Victorian Civil and Administrative (VCAT) to deal with other cases.

The free service – announced as part of the government’s housing and renting fairness reforms – will give renters a fairer go without the barrier of expensive legal fees or an intimidating VCAT hearing.

Anyone involved in a residential tenancy dispute can access the free service by calling 1300 01 7378, jumping online, or attending RDRV in person.

A new team of about 40 resolution co-ordinators have been recruited and trained to handle cases, and an additional 10 staff will soon join as intake officers to support the RDRV call centre.

RDRV will be headquartered on King Street in the CBD with four community locations at Oakleigh, Bundoora, Frankston and Bendigo. It’s also a digital-friendly service that can be easily accessed and used online.

According to the government, more than 60 per cent of disputes are expected to be able to be resolved through RDRV.

Consumer Affairs Victoria will still be accessible to people seeking information to better understand their rights.

Consumer Affairs Minister Nick Staikos said, “This will be a new free, fast and fair service for resolving disputes over rent increases, damages, repairs and bonds”.

Melton MP Steve McGhie said would be beneficial for Melton locals.

even more services when the Metro Tunnel opens later this year.”

More than 8000 vehicles use this level crossing every day, facing delays of up to 36 minutes when 27 trains travel through the crossings in the morning peak, according to the state government.

The opening of the new bridge marks the state’s 86th level crossing removal across Melbourne.

Work is well under way at the other level crossing removal in Diggers Rest at Watsons Road.

“This will be a new free, fast and fair service for resolving disputes over rent increases, damages, repairs and bonds,” he said.

VCAT president Justice Woodward added, “Each RDRV application will be case managed by a resolution coordinator, who will oversee the case and be the key contact for both parties, from start to finish.”

Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins and Melton Mayor Steve Abboushi at the opening of the new centre. (Supplied).

Hobby turned career

In 1991,14-year-old Will Hodgson boarded a bus home from Fiskville after a CFA training session, unaware that over the next 34 years, the organisation would becomeacentralpartofhislife.

What began as a way to help his community following the Warrandyte bushfires that year has grown into a lifelongcommitmenttofireandemergency services, where he is now a full-time employee with Fire Rescue Victoria, seconded to CFA as the pad supervisor at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre Central Highlands in Ballan.

He is also the captain of the Warrandyte FireBrigade.

“During the fires in ’91, I remember feeling helpless watching the helicopters and fire trucks as smoke filled the air. I madeaphonecalltotheNorthWarrandyte brigadeandhaven’tlookedbacksince,”Mr Hodgsonsaid.

“I’ve been turning out since I was 14 years of age – the rules were a bit different backthen,”hesaid.

“I spent 16 and a half years at North Warrandyte,thentransferredtoChristmas Hills and then on to Warrandyte and moved through the officer ranks in all threebrigades.”

His professional career with CFA began in 2008 as a PAD operator at Bangholme, and over the years, he has taken on several roles – including working on the Road CrashRescueSupportProject.

He has been deployed to some of CFA’s most significant incidents, including the 1997 Peninsula fires and Dandenong RangesFires,the2009BlackSaturdayfires, 2019–20BlackSummerFires,andinterstate deployments.

“The Black Saturday fires were particularly significant for us in the Lower Yarra Group, with Kinglake and Kinglake Westbeingheavilyimpacted.”

Reflecting on his journey, he said he did not expect his involvement would become

a career, but was “lucky enough to turn a hobbyintoacareerandapassion.”

“I’d never have dreamt that the 14-year-old on a bus to Fiskville would one day be responsible for CFA’s training facility. Set yourself a dream, you never knowwhat’spossible.”

Feedback urged on power link

From page 1.

An AusNet spokesperson said the organisation recognises that “hosting infrastructure of this scale can be challenging, and that it can have real impacts on landholders and communities,” and encourages community members to read the environmental effects statement and makesubmissions.

“As ageing coal-fired power stations are retired and become less reliable, the Western Renewables Link will play a critical role in securing Victoria’s energy future,” thespokespersonsaid.

Star Weekly understands the planning minister will appoint an inquiry and advisory committee to review public submissions, expected to take place in the fourth quarter of thisyear–andfollowingthis,areport willbepresentedtotheminister.

Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre Central Highlands pad supervisor and Warrandyte Fire Brigade captain Will Hodgson. (Supplied)

Barb Ford is one of the farmers who continue to battle against power lines being built on their properties.

(Damjan Janevski) 242424_05

Warming winter coat drive

Membersofawesternsuburbschurchhave donated more than 280 items of winter clothing to help Wyndham and Bacchus Marshresidentstostaywarm.

Catalyst Baptist Church ran a winter warm-up campaign, collecting 283 coats, jacketsandwarmclothing.

The campaign rallied church members and the wider public to take part in a practical effort to ensure no one is left out inthecold.

The donated items will be distributed through Catalyst’s local support networks and partner programs to reach those most inneed.

“Every jacket represents someone who

will now feel warmer, safer and seen this winter.It’s a simple but powerful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to multiply hope.” Catalyst leadpastorStanRichey.

“We’re grateful for every person who donated, shared, or supported this effort. It’s more than just clothing, it’s dignity, hope,andpracticalloveinaction.“

This was the first year running the campaign under its new name Catalyst Winter Warm-Up, building on the momentum of previous years while expanding the initiative to now include both Catalyst’s Werribee and new Bacchus Marshcampus.

Early Learning Victoria Enrolments now open for

Briefs

Caroline Springs house fire

A person was taken to hospital after a double-storey house in Caroline Springs was engulfed in flames. Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the incident on Central Parkway at 4.29pm on Thursday, June 19, after triple-0 callers reported a house fire with smoke and flames reportedly coming from a back room in the brick house. The response was escalated with the fire predominantly coming from the second floor. The scene was deemed under control at 5.38pm.

Moorabool Youth Art Awards

Hosted this Friday, June 27, the Moorabool Shire Youth Art Awards are back for 2025, offering young artists aged 11–25 the opportunity to showcase their creativity, skill and unique perspectives. The launch of ’M’ Zine Vol. 2 will share the incredible original works from Moorabool’s emerging artists, photographers, poets, and authors. The event aims to celebrate the creativity, perspectives, and voice of young people in the local community. This year’s awards are supported by Rotary Bacchus Marsh. The Youth Art Awards and Zine Launch event will be hosted at the West Maddingley Early Years and Community Hub in Maddingley from 6–8pm on Friday, June 27. Attendance is free. Details: moorabool.vic.gov.au

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

care for young children.

• We celebrate each child’s unique strengths and interests, helping them grow and learn.

• Our high-quality programs, run by qualified staff, let children explore and learn through play and in nature.

• Our centres are welcoming, inclusive and are a part of the local community.

• Many centres also provide additional support services, like maternal and child health, allied health, and playgroups.

Catalyst lead pastor Stan Richey. (Supplied)

War on tussock weed

By Oscar Parry

The Victorian drought is ‘exacerbating’ the issue of serrated tussock spread in Moorabool, adding to the challenges faced by local landholders and farmers.

According to the Victoria Serrated Tussock Working Party (VSTWP) website, serrated tussock is a weed of national significance and is regarded as one of the worst weeds in Australia because of its invasiveness, potential for spread, and economic and environmental impacts. It can spread with ease across pastures, native grasslands, and urban areas.

Pentland Hills Landcare Group member and VSTWP community representative Joe Lesko said in Moorabool, “this last year’s been the worst year I’ve seen in 35 years”.

“The drought has actually [exacerbated] the tussock problem … they survive in the drought and everything else doesn’t … they’re actually getting a bigger stronghold,” Mr Lesko said.

“It’s stacked on top of everything else … one of the biggest tools against serrated tussock is sowing down new pastures … the costs have gone up astronomically, so unless everybody’s doing their bit, you couldbethrowingmoneydownthedrain.”

Mr Lesko said “winning the war” against serrated tussock “relies heavily on all landowners taking action to control weeds ontheirproperties,”andtheVSTWPispart of a project called Community of Practice thatisaimedattargetingserratedtussocks in the next couple of years with “new initiatives and community-based actions.”

Crossing removal makes progress

Level crossing removal works are ramping up at Ferris Road in Melton, with piling complete and concrete pouredtoformthefoundationsofthe newroadbridgesettoopennextyear.

Two piling rigs weighing up to 100 tonneswereusedtodig25pilesnorth and south of the level crossing.

More than 70 tonnes of steel reinforcement has been installed inside the concrete piles, which will act as supports for the new road bridge.

Crewshavealsobeenbusybuilding the road bridge embankments, with 12,500 tonnes of earth moved so far, and over the coming months will construct retaining walls made from reinforced soil and install more than 600 reinforced concrete panels to support the weight of the new bridge.

VSTWP community engagement officer Ivan Carter said winter is an ideal time to tackle serrated tussock in Moorabool, because the plant becomes more distinguishable from desirable pasture species during the cooler months.

He said he encourages landowners to visittheVSTWPwebsiteforcomprehensive serrated tussock identification and control resources and attend one of its upcoming local field days or workshops, along with using Agriculture Victoria and local Landcare group resources.

Mr Carter said ongoing drought conditions have placed significant stress on Moorabool farmers, making it difficult to prioritise weed management when facing water shortages and reduced pasture growth.

“Many landholders are struggling with limited time, labour, and resources to control invasive species like serrated tussock,” he said.

According to the government, removing the level crossing by building a new road bridge over the rail line is aimed at making journeys safer and providing more reliable travel times for the thousands of vehicles that travel through the crossing every day – which experiencedelaysofupto28minutes in the morning peak when 16 trains travel through the crossing.

The Ferris Road level crossing is set to be removed and the new road bridge opened to traffic next year.

Another three level crossings will be removed next year at Coburns and Exford roads in Melton and at Hopkins Road in Truganina.

Pentland Hills Landcare group member and VSTWP community representative Joe Lesko and Pentland Hills Landcare group member Peter Shilton standing in a field full of serrated tussock in Pentland Hills. (Damjan Janevski) 484728_06

Deadly roads for wildlife

A Victorian Parliamentary inquiry is delving into the impact of wildlife roadstrikes on rescuers and motorists.

In Melbourne’s outer north, Sunbury, Oaklands and Somerton roads have become hotspots for collisions between animals and vehicles, in what wildlife rescuers are describing as “absolute carnage”. Georgia Tacey reports.

Sunbury Road has turned into a graveyard.

Bodyafterbodyofkangaroos,some nothing but bones, others still clinging to life, after vehicles have collided with them.

In Sunbury, one of the highest reported suburbs for wildlife collisions across the state, the situation is well past breaking point.

Local volunteer wildlife rescuer Krysti Severi said she had been called out to the Sunbury area many times, describing Sunbury Road, Oaklands Road and Somerton Road as “absolute carnage”.

“There are definitely other rescuers that justgoforadriveouttothosespecificroads because a lot of (wildlife collisions) there aren’t called in,” she said.

“They just go out there for pouch checks and that nothing on the side of the road is still alive.”

For commuters, she said it’s become traumatic.

“Iknowalotofpeoplethatdrive(Sunbury Road) regularly, it’s a regular commute to work,” Ms Severi said.

“IspoketoaguyandhesaidhehasPTSD from driving that road to work.

“He drives to the airport every day for work. He is tailgated, he is flashed because he’s trying to drive conservatively to stop if anything comes out in front of him.”

It’s a hotspot for wildlife collisions.

In the Hume municipality, there has been a 137 per cent increase in reported kangaroocollisionsoverthepastfiveyears.

Sunbury recorded the highest number of animal collisions in Victoria and the second highest in Australia in 2023, according to analysis from insurer AAMI.

In the past five years, the reported collisions with kangaroos have jumped significantly in Sunbury, from 75 in 2019 to 203 in 2024.

In Hume as a whole, it has massively increased from 485 in 2019 to 1150 in 2024.

Metro Trains also said the Sunbury Line has the highest volume of wildlife collisions with trains across its network.

“You get to a point where you’re like ‘what is happening here? Why is this happening?’” Ms Severi said.

“There are so many bodies out here, and it’sinanareathatifyouconcentrateyou’ve got visual on both sides (of the road).”

Sunbury Road, Oaklands Road and Somerton Road are all 80km/h, which is something Ms Severi wants changed.

Hume council is also seeking to change the speed limit on these roads, with the idea part of council’s submission into state parliament’s Inquiry into Wildlife Roadstrike in Victoria.

The inquiry, chaired by Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell, will focus on the issue asawhole,throughrelevantlegislationand regulation to monitor wildlife roadstrike, promote driver education and raise public awareness.

It will also examine the involvement, training and expenditure of paid and volunteer rescue and rehabilitative organisations and individuals, as well as any new and emergency technologies and infrastructures to prevent roadstrikes.

The impact on Victorian motorists will also be considered.

“The overworked wildlife sector is burnt outandmanyvolunteersareforcedtowork multiple jobs to self-fund their transport and rescue equipment in order to perform the work,” Ms Purcell said.

“This inquiry will seek ways to support retention and mitigate obvious failings on our road networks, as well as explore new technology, to keep both animals and

motorists safe.”

The pubic, including councils, organisations, rescuers and motorists, was invited to make a submission to the inquiry.

Hume’s submission included nine recommendationsforthestategovernment toconsiderimplementingtohelptheissue.

These included establishing a centralised wildlife population and roadstrike database, the establishment of regional kangaroo management networks, and most notably, to introduce wildlife roadstrike triggers for speed limit reviews.

In its submission, council notes one of the challenges in its municipality is the rapid urban development in suburbs like Sunbury, Craigieburn, Kalkallo, Greenvale and Mickleham.

New housing estates, road networks and commercial zones are being established adjacentorbetweenhistoricalhabitatareas and conservation reserves, disrupting established movement corridors for wildlife.

This leads to habitat fragmentation and land-locking, increased contact between people and wildlife, and higher traffic volumesonnewlyconstructedorexpanded roads near habitat areas, council said.

Currently, new road projects do not have wildlife-sensitive design features, as wildlife movement corridors aren’t identified early in the planning process.

Council said reducing vehicle speed is one of the most effective and immediate measures to lower the likelihood and severity of wildlife collisions, which has formed its recommendation to implement wildlife roadstrike triggers.

Currently, speed reductions are only considered in response to repeated human

There has to be something done in that area because it is an absolute massacre out there

- Krysti Severi

crashes or fatal traffic incidents – not animal collisions.

Councilsaidinitssubmissionitisunable to implement localised speed reductions without meeting the narrow criteria set by the Department of Transport, even when supported by data or community reports.

Ms Severi said it felt like no solution would be reached, adding that she and other wildlife rescuers are fed up.

“There has to be something done in that area because it is an absolute massacre out there,” she said.

“This is getting to a breaking point for the volunteers because we could honestly go out there every single day of the week multiple times a day.”

She hopes change will come soon, so sheand other volunteers can continue the important work they do.

“It’s obviously a lot of emotional baggage we carry around every day.

“We see things that a lot of people shouldn’t have to see. We see things a lot of people wouldn’t even think an animal could suffer that sort of injury and still be alive.

“So support your local volunteers that are out there doing this out of their own pocket and out of their own mental health as well.”

Victorian Kangaroo Alliance president Alyssa Wormald welcomed the inquiry, as well as the recommendations Hume has proposed.

“We desperately need innovative strategies to keep wildlife and motorists safe on our roads, so we look forward to this inquiry producing urgent solutions that value and respect wildlife,” she said.

“We also hope for greater recognition and support for wildlife volunteers who shoulder an immense and traumatic workload responding to victims of wildlife roadstrike.”

To report a sick, injured or orphan native animal across the state, you can call Wildlife Victoria’s 24/7 emergency response service on 8400 7300.

Above: Wildlife rescuer Krysti Severi. Below: A kangaroo hit on Oaklands Road. (Pictures: Supplied)

Abbeyfield celebrates 30

Abbeyfield Melton House celebrated its 30th anniversary last week, marking the occasion with an afternoon tea onThursday,June19.Residents,staff, families, and community members gathered to enjoy an afternoon tea spread of delicious cakes, party pies, finger food platters, and more.

Operations manager Nancy Trajcevski said the organisation is “honoured to have been able to provide safe and affordable housing for the people of Melton over the last 30 years,” and the residents “have become part of our family.”

Advance Notice

Western Renewables Link

Environment Effects Statement public comment to be invited

To find out more about the project and our upcoming community information events, please visit www.westernrenewableslink.com.au or scan the QR code.

The Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the proposed Western Renewables Link project will be available for public comment for 40 business days from the week commencing Monday 30 June 2025. The draft Planning Scheme Amendment (PSA) GC209 will also be published with the exhibited EES.

During this time, members of the public can view the EES documents and draft PSA and make written submissions. Detailed information on how to make a submission using the Engage Victoria submissions page will be advertised once the exhibition period begins.

The EES and the draft PSA will be available online at the Western Renewables Link website and in hard copy at nine locations along the proposed route during public exhibition. The EES summary report and USBs containing the full EES will also be available free of charge at the public exhibition locations or directly from AusNet.

AusNet is encouraging access to digital copies of the EES as it is made up of many large documents. If digital copies are not practical and hard copies of individual chapters or reports are required, or you need other assistance, please contact AusNet as soon as possible.

� www.westernrenewableslink.com.au

� 1800 WRL WRL (975 975)

� info@westernrenewableslink.com.au PO Box 638, Ballarat VIC 3353

Request a digital copy of the Environment Effects Statement Landholders whose properties are on the proposed route for the Western Renewables Link will automatically receive a digital copy of the EES and draft PSA on a USB as well as a hard copy of the EES summary report by mail once exhibition begins.

To register for a free digital copy of the EES and draft PSA on USB, or for further accessibility support, please email info@westernrenewableslink. com.au or phone our project team on 1800 WRL WRL (975 975).

Abbeyfield Melton House residents and staff enjoy the afternoon tea spread. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 485089_01

Residents Vicki Gillingham, Robert Mae, Sharon Carovan, Brenda Fall, Claudio Petulla and Allan Whitlock.

Stay healthy this winter

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

You don’t seem to hear all that much about COVID-19 these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s yesterday’s problem.

Indeed, early in June Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Evelyn Wong, put out a statement revealing that the increase in COVID-19 cases between April and May thisyearwas2.5timeshigherthanthesame time last year. Dr Wong added that there has also been an uptick in hospitalisations of people seriously ill with the virus . Even a mild case of coronavirus is enough to make you feel crook for a few days, and a bad one can kill you, especially ifyoualreadyhavesomeunderlyinghealth concerns.

It’s true, though, that the availability of medicines called antivirals can really reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection, at least for the people eligible to receive them. These include older folk and those already battling other illnesses.

For everybody, however, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19–ordevelopingnastysymptoms if you do – is to get a vaccination.

Dr Wong points out that respiratory diseases such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 become much more common in winter. This is largely because in cold months we tend to spend more time indoors with the windows and doors shut, making it easier for germs to spread around.

The latest recommendations about COVID-19 vaccinations, issued by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, suggest pretty much everybody 18 years or older should get a jab once a year.

Some people, such as those over 65, or who have impaired immune systems, should think about getting one every six months.

Children with risk factors – basically any

medicalconditionthatincreasestheriskof severe COVID-19 illness – should also be vaccinated. (Of course, it’s very important for parents or guardians to discuss this with a doctor.)

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free, including for people without a Medicare card.

While we’re talking about vaccinations, it’s a good idea to get one for the flu, too, as we head into the winter months. Peak

Make a handy travel game

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.

Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.

JoinStephanieassheexplorestheendless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary. Thismonth,Stephanieiscreatingatravel Tic-Tac-Toe.

flu season is usually between June and September.

The vaccination is free for some groups of people , such as the very young, people over 65, First Nations members and pregnant women. Many general practices, community health organisations and pharmacies offer flu vaccinations to all other people at bulk-billed or low-cost rates.

RSV doesn’t get as much media as

the flu (possibly because it’s difficult to pronounce) but it’s still a serious matter. There is now a national free immunisation campaign toprotectpregnantwomen,and babies. People in these groups can access their jabs at general practices, community health clinics, and participating pharmacies. Protecting yourself and those you love has never been easier. Enjoy the winter wonderland!

Scan the QR code and follow the links for more creative projects.

Materials

Coloured felt (11cm x 30cm)

10 buttons in two different colours (5 of each)

Coloured sticky felt

Hook and loop spots (e.g velcro dots)

Equipment

Scissors

Double sided tape

Step 1: Cut a piece of coloured felt to measure 11cm x 30cm.

Step 2: Cut two strips of double sided tape, each 12cm long. Lay felt horizontally, then stick the tape along the top and bottom edges on one side. Fold the felt up from the bottom to create a pouch,

pressing firmly to stick it in place. The top portion should remain as a flap.

Step 3: Attach a hook and loop spot under the flap to keep your pouch securely closed and easy to open.

Step 4: Cut four thin strips of sticky felt and arrange them on the front of the pouch to form a tic-tac-toe grid - two vertical and two horizontal lines.

Step 5: Pop your buttons inside the pouch for easy storage, and you’re ready to play anytime, anywhere! The pouch keeps everything tidy and travel ready.

Tic-Tac-Toe

Stephanie Martinez.

A dedicated principal who inspires students to achieve

Kathryn Sobey is the principal of Melton Secondary College, the school where she started her teaching career. She is a passionate educator and life-long learner herself who has a special connection with her school community.

What inspired you to become a principal?

Becoming a principal was never a specific goal for me—it evolved naturally through my love for teaching and learning. I’ve always found immense joy in supporting young people as they grow, and over time, I came to see leadership as another way to contribute meaningfully to that journey. The role of a principal is a great privilege, carrying the responsibility to ensure that everystudentcanflourish.

I grew up in Geelong and developed a passion for maths and science in school, whichledmetostudyscienceatuniversity. Inmyfinalyear,Irealisedthatthemoments I valued most involved teaching others — whether in sports, school, or church. That realisation led me into education. My first teaching role was at Melton Secondary College, and although I didn’t grow up there, I felt an immediate connection. The students, families, and community have heldaspecialplaceinmyhearteversince.

What is your vision for the school?

Melton Secondary College has a strong and promising future. Our vision, shaped by our School Council, is to be a school of excellence that empowers every student to thriveinlearningandlife.

What are the school’s core values?

Our STARR values—Success, Teamwork, Ambition, Respect, and Responsibility—

form the foundation of everything we do. These are reinforced through our student badge system and symbolised by striking totems at the entrance of our school, created by local artist Simone Thompson. Every student enters and exits through these totems as part of a shared tradition thatreflectsourvaluesfromthefirstdayto thelast.

How do you support student wellbeing and inclusion?

Student wellbeing is central to our work. We focus on helping students feel seen, celebrated, and supported—not just academically, but emotionally and socially.Buildingresilienceiskey:weteach students how to navigate challenge and discomfort, and help staff identify when

students need extra support. Inclusion means ensuring every student feels they belong, and that their individual learning needs and identities are respected and embraced.

What role does the community play?

The community is essential to student success. We build on the strength and wisdom of generations of families and community leaders who have long championedyoungpeopleonthisland.

What is your approach to teaching and learning?

We are committed to ensuring every student makes at least one year of learning growth each year. We value struggle as partofthelearningprocessandencourage students to see challenge as a path to success.

How do you cater to diverse learners?

Our college offers diverse enrichment opportunities—from the Rugby Academy and school musical to clubs, leadership programs, and electives like yoga, pottery, and eSports—ensuring all students can find their place and pursue their interests.

Describe your school in three words. Excellent. Aspirational. Fiercely committed.

Melton Secondary College principal Kathryn Sobey.

Murder most foul in Werribee

Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist.

This week she tells the mysterious tale of Italian immigrant Giovanni

Giovanni Garretto, a 34 year old market gardener, lived alone in Tower Road, Werribee. His humble home was a sparsely furnished, two-roomed hut in the centre of six acres of a holding sub-leased from Mr George Abbott.

BorninVizzina,Sicily,Giovannihadbeen inAustraliaforthreeyears,sevenmonthsof whichhadbeenspentinWerribee,working from dawn ’til dusk growing cabbages, potatoes,garlicandpeas.

If he had any vices, nobody knew of them.Hisliferevolvedaroundfarmingand saving all his money to bring his wife and child to Australia. He was frequently seen showing photographs of them, exclaiming over their beauty and his love for them. If all went well, they would be joining him in early 1933. A hard worker who lived with extreme frugality, he was respected by his employer and liked by the Italian community,itcouldbesaidthathehadnot asingleenemyintheworld.

Buthedid.

On the afternoon of 4 September, 1932, a friend named Giuseppe Lentini, called in foravisit.HewashorrifiedtofindGiovanni lying near a water tank at the rear of the hut,shotdead, hisheadalmostcompletely blown off. A partly opened razor blade lay by his left foot; at his right foot stood a cup full of water. There were no signs of a struggle.

Sub-Inspector Deeley arrived with Constable Luca from North Melbourne, who was fluent in Italian. At first they pursued the vengeance theory. The local Italians pooh-poohed the idea. Sicilian feuds were settled with knives, not guns. The police tactfully made no mention that the Chicago Mafia had spawned no fewer than 90 murders in 1930, all committed by Sicilian gun-men. Constant rumours continued to swirl about the Camorra and Mafia lurking in Werribee, but the Italians were adamant: If the killer were Italian, he woulduseaknife,notafirearm.

So, if Giovanni Garretto was not known to have membership in or dealings with any secret society, what was the motive - jealousy, hatred, payback, or a woman? There were whispers of a Melbourne girlfriend whom Giovanni visited on Sundays. If she existed, whoever she was, she made no effort to come forward. Detectivessooncrossedheroffthelist.

Examination of the hut indicated that nothinghadbeenstolen; therewasnosign of ransacking, or of opening the bundle of letters from Mrs Garretto. Giovanni’s few silver coins were lying near the bed. But when the detectives reached under the pillow, they found something which demonstrated that the victim had been in fear of his life - a fully loaded automatic pistol, with seven cartridges in the magazineandoneinthebarrel.

The case became even more mysterious. The lack of any sign of struggle in or near the hut clearly indicated that Giovanni Garretto had been taken by surprise. What was truly baffling was that the killer had left not the faintest sign of his presence. In order to reach the hut, he would have had to walk over dozens of vegetable furrows yetnotasinglefootprint orevenpartofone was ever found. How did he manage on a rainy night tohaveleftnotevenone mark inthemud?

Garretto whose murder in 1932 has never been solved.

The only verifiable connection to the killer that was found at the scene was a piece of wadding from a No. 6 cartridge normallyusedforduckshooting.

Adding to that was the very strange story told by Mrs Christina Searle, whose holding adjoined Garretto’s . On the night of the murder, she put her children to bed and then stayed in her kitchen whilst her husband was with Giuseppe Lentini at a BoardofWorksdanceinWerribee.Atabout 10 pm, she heard a dog barking, and the sound of a shot coming from the direction ofGarretto’shut.

On 19 September, according to Mrs Searle, detectives from the CIB visited her for a statement and before they left, turned back her clock by several hours, with instructions not to touch it again or leave the house until they returned. No explanation for this bizarre behaviour, if indeed it had occurred, was ever supplied.

An unnamed neighbouring farmer reported seeing a well dressed “foreigner”, dark and stocky, on the Friday afternoon talking to Giovanni Garretto near the hut. They shook hands and the stranger departed. The stranger was seen again,

in the vicinity of Tower Road, heading towards Giovanni’s hut at about 8 pm on the night of the murder. Who he could be? Nobodyknew.

The inquest at the Melbourne Morgue was held on the 28 November 1932, the Coroner finding that Giovanni Garretto had died of gunshot wounds to the head, unlawfully and maliciously murdered by somepersonsunknown.

There is a faint possibility that the gardener was murdered due to jealousyperhaps a lover spurned by the woman who chose to marry Giovanni Garretto, travelling to Australia to track down his rival and wreak revenge - but somewhat unlikely, especially as nothing in her letters to her distant husband indicated anytroubles.

The most likely reason for this murder is organised crime. Then as now, crime syndicates had an interest in controlling wholesale prices, and were renown for their total lack of conscience when it came to dealing with those who refused to play their game. This was a cool, calculated execution, committed by someone who vanishedlikeaphantom,nevertobefound, after destroyingthedreamsofthewife,the

childandtheindustriousmarketgardener.

The killing was never solved. The razor and cup near the body can perhaps be explained, as some cultures believe that the dead require to be neat and refreshed during their journey into the next life. Clearly, these objects were placed there afterthemurder.

On the 15 September 1932, a sad little scene took place at Werribee Police Station. The farming implements and bay horse owned by the murdered man were auctioned off. The sale raised a paltry sixteenpounds.

The queer story of the CIB altering the clock 15 days after the murder makes no sense at all if the visiting men were really police. Possibly they were members of a syndicate, with the altering of the clock intended to give them an alibi about the time of their call. Warning Mrs Searle to stay indoors would prevent her noticing whatsortofcartheyweredriving.

But the swarthy “foreigner” seen twice in the vicinity, the insistence that a gun would never be used to settle a feud, the absence of footprints, the pistol under the pillow, and no known motive – all present animpenetrableandenduring mystery.

Barb McNeill ponders the mystery of who shot Giovanni Garretto.

Operation targets car crime

More than 30 dangerous drivers and car thieveswerearrestedduringarecentfournightoperationinthewest.

As part of the co-ordinated operation, police disrupted a hoon meet in Keilor Park, arrested an alleged drug trafficker andstoppedamachete-wieldingcarthief.

Brimbank Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Kerrie Clarke, said vehicle crime is a “huge priority” for police.

“This was a successful operation leadingto33offendersbeingarrested,but itisonlyoneexampleofthemanywayswe are constantly targeting road safety, car thefts and burglaries in our community,”

ActingInspectorClarkesaid.

Dubbed ‘Operation Ghost,’ the operation involved local police working alongside the Public Order Response Team and Air Wing to target car thieves and dangerous driving between May 28 to31.

A 32-year old Point Cook man was arrested after he allegedly drove a motorbike up to speeds of 200km/h on the Western Ring Road. Police allegedly found methyl amphetamine and $16,400 uponfurthersearches.

An alleged hoon meet in Keilor Park was disrupted on May 30, with police intercepting four vehicles as the

Fresh reserves unveiled

Taylors Hill and Burnside are home to two revitalised parks, with the transformation ofthesitesunveiledthismonth.

An official opening was held for both Barwon Street Reserve in Taylors Hill and Earlington Square Reserve in Burnside on Friday,June13.

According to the council, the Barwon Street Reserve has been transformed into a space that strengthens connections to nature, with improvements to play and kick-about spaces, shared path connections, upgraded picnic facilities, andadditionalnaturalshade.

The Earlington Square Reserve was revitalised in a way that aims to create an inclusive space with play opportunities for everyoneinthecommunity.

Upgrades include enhancements to

shared paths, additional activity areas, refurbishment of the existing basketball court, improvements to picnic facilities andplayspaces,newnatureplayelements, and additional tree planting to provide morenaturalshadeandgreenery.

The reserves received joint funding from Melton council and the state government’s GrowingSuburbsFun.

Melton mayor Steve Abboushi said the municipality’s parks and reserves “are aboutmorethanjustswingsetsandpicnic tables.”

“They’re an investment in what matters – our residents – and providing a safe, welcoming space where they can connect, enjoythefreshair,andleadhealthy,happy lives,”CrAbboushisaid.

cars dispersed, one of which had an alleged cancelled registration and was impounded.

The driver, a 22-year old man from Melton South, is expected to be charged onsummonswithseveraldrivingoffences.

In addition, a 27-year old man from Maidstonewasarrestedandchargedwith multiple offences after police recovered a stolen car and seized a large machete fromthevehicleonMay31.

Thirty-three people were arrested throughout ‘Operation Ghost’ for speeding, stolen vehicles and dangerous driving.Thirty-eightfineswerealsoissued fordrivingoffences.

Four drivers were detected speeding more than 45km/h over the limit, while seven were driving on a suspended or disqualifiedlicence.

Police also detected six unregistered motor vehicles, three drink drivers and recoveredonestolencar.

Six stolen or false numberplates were alsorecoveredduringtheoperation.

“We, like the community, are rightly concerned about dangerous driving on our roads, including those stealing cars to further their offending,” Acting Inspector Clarkesaid.

Police said more operations are plannedinthefuture.

Melton councillor Julie Shannon, mayor Steve Abboushi, Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch, Melton councillor Kathy Majdlik, and deputy mayor Lara Carli. (Supplied)

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

Produce Swap

Join Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House for its next Garden Produce Swap event on Thursday, June 26 at 10am at Djerriwarrh’s Community Garden, 239-241 Station Road, Melton. Bring your extra fruits, veggies, herbs, or seeds to share and swap, and connect with others. Plus, enjoy a live Garden to Bowl workshop by Western Health, featuring a delicious minestrone soup made with fresh garden ingredients.

 8746 1000 or rebeccah@djerriwarrh.org

Probus Club of Melton Ladies

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

Propagating workshop

Discover how to grow your own plants from seeds and cuttings in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming Propagating workshop from 10–11am on Saturday, May 31. Learn how to get the garden you want on a budget and how to get the best results. Tickets will cost $25 or $20 concession. Call the centre for enquiries and bookings.

 9747 8576

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

Zonta club

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

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

Melton Over 50s Social Group

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

 Marlene, 0498 329 290

Rose carers of Maddingley Park

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

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

Bacchus Marsh Ladies Probus Club

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

 Krystyna, bacchusmarshladiesprobus@ gmail.com

Melton Valley Ladies Probus

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

 Ann, 0425 705 150

Sewing in Melton

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

 9747 8576

Melton South Community Singers

Singers of all levels are welcome at the Melton South Community Singers! This free and friendly group meets at the Melton South Community Centre and rehearses to perform at local venues and

events. The group meets from 12.15-2pm on the first and third Tuesday of each month and no bookings are required.

 Sue, 0400 082 413

Darley Neighbourhood House

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

 www.bit.ly/DNHnow, or 5367 4390

Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens

The Bacchus Marsh Senior Citizens looks forward to meeting up with new members at the Andy Arnold Centre, 10 Bennett Street, Bacchus Marsh.

 hopem@optusnet.com.au

Fishing club

Didyabringyarodalong Angling Club of Melton and Bacchus Marsh is a fishing club that welcomes and encourages people of all ages, genders and fishing abilities to partake in enjoying the outdoors in a relaxing and friendly environment. The club holds monthly fishing competitions at various locations, fresh and saltwater. New members are most welcome. Upcoming events will be listed on this page.

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

Melton Concert Band

Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Bridge Road Community Centre, Bridge Road, Melton South. Musicians of any age who are able to read music are welcome to come along with

their instrument (oboe, bassoon, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion). Please contact the number provided if you are intending to visit.

 0401 474 582

Cancer Support Group

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

 Grenville, 0412 741 865

Chatty Cafe Melton

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

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

Melton Men’s Group

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Hobsons Bay Yacht Club skipper Sue Burke and team members Jude Blackwood, Lois Hunt, Marg Morrissey and Susan Morwood, who won the prestigious Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta Division 2. (Damjan Janevski) 484361_01

Colourful exhibition

An exhibition of works by late indigenous artist Josh Muir will become the first to feature in the newly re-opened Wyndham ArtGallery.

The gallery was temporarily closed late last year due to the Wyndham Cultural Centre theatre undergoing refurbishment andmaintenanceworks.

To mark it’s re-opening, the gallery will host JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, a touring exhibition curated by Koorie Heritage Trust(KHT)fromFriday,July11toSunday, September28.

JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, is the first major solo retrospective exhibition of Muir’s,whodiedin2022.

The exhibition is co-curated by Muir’s partner Shanaya Sheridan, his mother Justine Berg and the curatorial team at KHT.

Muir a Yorta Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Barkindji artist, was born and raised inWadawurrungcountryinBallarat.

The exhibition title is taken from an artwork of the same name – Forever I

Live (2015) – and references the ongoing legacy that continues to live in Muir’s artworkbeyondlifeitself.

His artworks draw on a range of themes including cultural identity, the impacts and legacies of colonisation, extending to more personal experiences of mental health,addiction,lossandgrief.

Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw described the exhibition, which fuses contemporary art, bold colour, and cultural resilience, as “stunning“.

The artworks in the exhibition include references to the late artist’s street art practice, colourful visuals and the use of VR/AR to tell a strong and evocative narrative.

“It is an impressive exhibition that uses colour and geometric patterning across a range of media, including painting, digital prints on aluminium, neon, animated video works and augmented reality experiences,“CrShawsaid.

Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ venues/wyndham-art-gallery

Gallery exhibits art good enough to wear

The Gallery’s beloved fashion parade is celebrating20years.

For the past two decades, every July the best display of local fashion is exhibited, with the public invited to see makers and gallery members have their creations modelledonthecatwalk.

The Art to Wear Parade will feature creative designs by 25 talented makers from across the state, with a unique collectionofhandmadeclothing,jewellery andvariousaccessories.

Alongside the parade at Juilbee Hall, the art won’t stop inside the walls, with a displayofkimonostorivaltheNGV’sinthe foyer.

To complement the parade, once again the champagne afternoon tea will be part of the proceedings, so its the perfect opportunity to gather some friends, enjoy somebubblesandenjoyashow.

Sue Anson, who handles publicity for TheGallery,saidtheparadeisamust-see.

“Itwillbequitealovelyafternoon…have a champagne when you arrive and you’ll be treated to a lovely parade of Victorian handmadegarments,”shesaid.

Ms Anson said that one of the artists featured will be local Colleen Weste, who help create the parade 20 years ago alongsidethelateJoanBurke.

All garments not sold on the day will be featuredatTheGalleryinMountMacedon duringJuly.

The Art to Wear Parade will be taking place on Saturday July 5 at 1pm to 3pm at Juilbee Hall in Macedon, with tickets costing$30andonlyavailableonline.

Tickets:www.trybooking.com/DCDAT

Fashion from last year’s show. (Supplied)

Givit to get

punk

Punk rock will come to Footscray on Saturday, June 28 to kick out the jams for charity.

ZeWisenheimer,En_ZoandDisgruntled Civil Servant will play at Givit III, an fundraising gig held at Mam Chen’s which isnowinit’sthirdyear.

Allproceedsfromthegigwillgotowards Givit,anationalnot-for-profitthatpartners directly with councils, recovery outreach teams, charities and community groups to connect those in need with generous donors, ensuring that people experiencing hardship receive the essential goods and services they need, when they need them

rock proceeds for the third year

most. Thisyear,Givitwillbepassingonmoney raisedfromthegigtosurvivorsofdomestic violence.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with Melbourne three-piece Disgruntled Civil Servant first on the bill, playing tracks from their recently released five-song EP ‘The Woke MindVirus’.

They will be followed by self described dark wave western meets post-punk queer goths, En_Zo and then headliners, noisey post-punkfour-piece,ZeWisenheimer. Ticketsare$15plusbookingfeeor$20at thedoor.

Film focuses on migrant stories

An award-winning Eynesbury podcaster, filmmaker, and musician is sharing the stories of migrants – including those living in Melton – through his latest film, set to be presented with live soundtracking in Carltonnextmonth.

Eynesbury resident Simon Reich has been touring his latest multimedia project across Australia, which includes filmed interviews with people from various European countries on one screen, migrants’ own photographs and videos on a secondscreenwithimmersivesound design complementing the touching stories.

This is also soundtracked by a quartet of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra members and live grand piano.

Reich said he was inspired by his father, who immigrated to Australia from war-torn Berlin, and his multimedia show is “nothing like a dryanddustyhistorylesson.“

“It is a multimedia presentation, and the migrants tell of their war experiences, why they wanted to travel to the other side of the world, and how they fared in their newly adoptedcountry,”Reichsaid.

“At times it’s tragic, disheartening and racist, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good story of gutsy and inspirational people who created the backbone of Australian society,” he said.

“With war in Ukraine and Israel and continuing hostility towards migrants, this project shows that Australia and the world still has a lot to learn about what happened in the past.”

The interviews featured in this show formed the basis for Reich’s documentary titled Bonegilla: The Migrant’s Journey, which was recently selected in the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival as one of 30 films from thousands of entries acrosstheworld.

The film features former migrants, some who live in the Melton municipality, and all the editing, post-production and soundtrack music recording were completed in Reich’sEynesburyrecordingstudio.

As part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival next month, Bonegilla: The Migrant’s Journey will be presented with a live piano and violin soundtrack at 7.30pm on Friday, July 25 at Cinema Nova,380LygonStreet,Carlton.

Details: cinemanova.com.au/ films/mdff-bonegilla-the-migrantsjourney

For more information and to book, visit: https://mammachens.com.au/gigs/ TolistentoZeWisenheimer,goto:https:// zewisenheimer.bandcamp.com/album/ live-live-live-bad-decisions-271122

To listen to En_Zo, go to: https:// enzopunkband.bandcamp.com/album/ nil-zero-nothing TohearmoreofDisgruntleCivilServant, visit: https://disgruntledcivilservant. bandcamp.com/

For more information on Givit, visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/ domestic-and-family-violence

Eynesbury podcaster, filmmaker, and musician Simon Reich. (Supplied).

Josh Muir, JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live will be on display at the Wyndham Art Gallery from July 11. (Supplied)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. The Magic are an NBA team based in which US city?

2. Oscar Piastri collided with which other driver in the recent Canadian Grand Prix?

3. Which South African batsman was named Player of the Match in the World Test Championship Final?

4. Aussie basketballer Shyla Heal recently signed to play for which WNBL team?

5. In addition to England, which two other men’s teams will tour Australia during the 2025–26 cricket schedule?

6. Geelong Cats player Patrick Dangerfield recently reached what milestone for games played?

In golf, what does LPGA stand for?

Blue Ribbon Sports was the original name of which athletic footwear and clothing company?

North Melbourne sold two of its home games to which state during the 2025 AFL season?

The Cy Young Award is given to the best Major League Baseball players in what position?

John McEnroe makes a cameo appearance in which 2004 romantic sports comedy film?

In which year did GWS Giants join the AFL?

Who hit the game-winning shot for the Indiana Pacers in their 111–110 comeback victory over Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the NBA Finals?

14. Which Australian NFL player remains the league’s highest-paid at his position after signing a new $25 million deal?

15. While filming the latest Mission: Impossible movie, which actor performed 16 skydives using fuel-soaked parachutes that caught fire mid-air?

16. When the Seattle SuperSonics were sold and relocated, what NBA team did they become?

17. What is the Roland Garros Slam better known as?

18. Six of the last seven Yokozuna (highest-ranked sumo wrestler) were born in what country?

19. Who is the only current AFL coach to have not played in the AFL?

20. Where is the Brumbies sports team based?

21. How many countries will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an increase from the previous 32?

22. Which Australian batting allrounder recently retired from One Day International cricket?

23. 2028 Olympic hosts Los Angeles also hosted the Games in which two other years?

24. Which NSW Blues player was man of the match in game one of the rugby league State of Origin series?

25. Which former Geelong captain has been appointed alongside CEO Andrew Dillon as the AFL’s chief operating officer?

26. How old is current Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, who debuted in 2001?

27. Name Melbourne’s second Super Netball team, following the demise of the Collingwood Magpies.

28. Australian soccer coach Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur despite winning which trophy?

30. Following his defeat in Stuttgart, tennis player Fabio Fognini called winner Corentin Moutet ‘a little’... what?

(e) Prevent and suppress nuisances which may adversely affect the enjoyment of life within the Municipal District or the health, safety and welfare of Persons within the Municipal District; and

(f) Regulate, control and prohibit certain activities of people within the Municipal District which may be dangerous, unsafe or detrimental to the quality of life of other people, it the environment of the Municipal District.

The Draft Local Law achieves the objectives by

•Regulating and controlling activities that may be dangerous or detrimental to amenity or environment within the City of Melton through education and enforcement; and

• Promoting awareness and encouraging voluntary compliance to the standards and conditions set out in the Local Law

The effect of the Draft Local Law is to replace the General Local Law 2015

The Draft Local Law will be available for inspection:

(i) At Council’s offices at 232 High Street, Melton and 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs; and

(ii) On Council’s website.

Council will complete a participatory engagement process on the proposed Local Law in accordance with its Community Engagement Policy. Feedback and submissions are now invited in respect of the proposed Local Law.

Feedback may be provided at:

•Council’s Conversations Page at the following link: https://conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/local-law-review-2025

• by completing a feedback form at Council’s Customer Service Desks; or

• attending the information session at Melton Community Hall on Wednesday 25 June 2025 4:30-6:30pm; or

• emailing your feedback to locallawreview@melton.vic.gov.au

Feedback must be provided by no later than 9am Monday 7 July 2025.

29. Which Australian cricketer opened the batting for the first time in his career against South Africa in the World Test Championship final?

Fabio Fognini Fabio

ACROSS

1 Cover (5)

4 Came into line again (9)

9 Demand as a right (5)

10 Power cells (9)

11 Religious house (6)

12 In company (8)

14 Bringing to (10)

15 Fun activity (abbr) (3)

17 Curved path (3)

19 Snakelike (10)

23 Total (8)

24 Not liable (6)

26 Point to be judged upon (9)

27 Tree (5)

28 Game birds (9)

29 Dollars (coll) (5) DOWN

1 Receive (6)

2 Conjecture (7)

3 Japanese warrior (7)

4 Red precious stone (4)

5 Allowed (10)

6 Titanic sinker (7)

7 Not one nor the other (7)

8 Preoccupy (8)

13 Severe despondency and dejection (10)

16 Encumbrance (8)

18 Unite (7)

19 Merchants (7)

20 Public conveyance (7)

21 Wandering (7)

22 Hoards (6)

25 People (4)

1 How many countries border Austria?

2 What nationality is singersongwriter Sarah McLachlan?

3 In which war did the Charge of the Light Brigade take place?

4 John Goodman (pictured) plays which character in the Monsters, Inc. franchise?

5 What type of animal is an American marten?

6 How many yellow stars appear on the People’s Republic of China’s flag?

7 The Pont du Gard is a bridge in which country?

8 Which actor played the character of President Orlean in the 2021 film Don’tLookUp?

9 Ariel Sharon is the former prime minister of which country?

10 Monticello was the primary plantation of which US president?

Ioniq 5 is well equipped

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

The Ioniq 5 is not Hyundai’s first fully electric vehicle, not by a long shot, but it was their first EV based on a dedicated battery-electric platform.

The look of the car is inspired by Hyundai’s original Pony car, a small hatch from the 1970s that was South Korea’s first mass-produced exported vehicle.

The dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform offers advantages over dual purpose vehicles such as the Kona that are marketed with both electric or internal combustion powertrains.

In the case of the Ioniq 5 it means a fully flat floor and long three-metre wheelbase that delivers plenty of legroom and a largish boot. Generous rear legroom was achieved by making the front seats about 30 per cent thinner than typical seats.

Ioniq 5 now shares a platform with the Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9, Kia EV6, Kia EV9 and Genesis GV60. Prices for the Ioniq 5 start from $69,800 before on-road costs. Our test vehicle was the top of the range rear-wheel drive Epiq with a single electric motor, extended range battery and 20-inch wheels,andarangeof530km-pricedfrom $84,300.

Ioniq 5 comes in three grades, Ioniq 5, DynamiqandEpiq,withoneortwoelectric motors and rear- or all-wheel drive along with a standard or extended range battery.

A high performance N model is now also offered priced from a breathtaking $110,000.

Styling

Ioniq 5 received a facelift in July last year, with new look bumpers, a rear spoiler and redesigned wheels etc. A windscreen wiper was also added to the rear window at this time. Inside, the centre console was redesigned to provide easier access to air and seat heating controls. The steering wheel, instrument cluster bezel, multimedia screen, and seat pattern were also updated.

Many of the interior parts are made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles.

The size of the wheels plays a significant role in the ultimate range of the car which currently varies from 440km to a high of 570km.

The N Line sports pack adds $3150 to the price. Premium paint adds $1000, the N Line Pack $2500 and the Digital Mirror Pack $3000.

You might pay for it, but the Ioniq 5 is certainly well equipped.

Standard kit includes dual-zone climate air, combination wool and leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, acoustic laminated windscreen and side door glass, proximity entry with push-button start, power adjust driver seat and two-way manual recline rear seats (fore/aft adjustment, 60:40 split/fold), LED interior lighting and adjustable ambient lighting.

There’salsoa12.3-inchdigitalinstrument cluster, LED headlights, automatic high-beam, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated, power-fold mirrors, remote smart parking and tyre pressure monitoring.

Epiq adds 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, eco-processed leather, smart LED projection headlights, rear privacy glass, rear door sunshades, power-operated tailgate, glass roof with power sunshade, front and rear heated seats, cooling for the front seats, heated steering wheel and two driver-seat

memories.

Digital side mirrors are an option, but make sure you try them before you buy them.

Standard warranty is five years with unlimitedkilometres.There’saneight-year, 160,000km battery replacement warranty.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth multi-connection, Voice control system, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluelink connected satellite navigation.

This model also scores Bose premium audio with eight speakers. There’s wireless phone charging and four USB-C ports, Vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet inside the car and the system now supports over-the-air updates.

Bluelink connected car services, complimentary for five years, includes automatic emergency SOS.

It also allows users to set charge time, monitor distance to empty and can restart charging if necessary.

The app allows the owner to find EV charging stations and send the address to the car’s sat navigation.

Atoolshowsthedriveableradiuswith80 and 100 per cent charge levels.

Safety

Ioniq5scoresafullfivestarsforsafety,with seven airbags including a centre bag in the front, 360-degree camera and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

AEB supports Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover capabilities.

There’s also head-up display, a blind spot camera with blind spot warnings, as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all variants.

Engines/transmissions

Our test vehicle is powered by a single electricmotorthatdelivers168kWofpower and350Nmoftorque,withdrivetotherear wheels through a single-speed reduction gear transmission.

Driving

TheIoniq5isbyanymeasureanimpressive car. It’s not often that my better half and I agree on a car, but we both warmed to the Ioniq.

RATINGS

plus DC fast charger.

For a car that weighs over 2 tonnes, the Ioniq gets moving. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.3 seconds and it has a top speed of 185km/h.

Looks: 7.5

Performance: 8

Safety: 8

Thirst: 7

Practicality: 7

Comfort: 7

Tech: 8

Value: 7

Overall: 7.4

Moresobecauseitperformslikethekind of cars we’re used to, even though it’s an electric vehicle.

TheIoniq5Epiq(lovethatname)isquick and comfortable with plenty of legroom front and back plus a good-sized boot - all the things one looks for in a car.

As well as the boot there’s storage under the bonnet in the form of a frunk; 57 litres intheRWDand25litresintheAWDwhich is handy for storing cables.

It’s got a decent amount of range for an electricvehicletoo,withupto570kmifyou tick the right boxes. In fact, it’s the first EV we’vedriventhatindicatedaninitialrange ofmorethan600kmfullycharged-canyou believe it?

But why you’d option the larger, 20-inch wheels at the expense of driving range doesn’t make sense. Give us the 19s any day!

Anyone with an EV will tell you, it’s all about the range (and where and when you can recharge the car).

Even though our test vehicle showed 620km when we picked it up, we’re starting to believe this must be like ‘shop mode’ for TVs (makes them brighter and more vibrant).

That’s because the real range turned out to be 530km - the claimed range anyway. You sacrifice 40km stepping up from 19- to 20-inch wheels in the rear-drive Epiq. It might not sound much, but it can make a difference when you get down to it. Further, despite the advertising, we’ve never found an EV or charge station that can deliver on the wildly optimistic promises that carmakers make of being able to recharge in less than 20 minutes.

Itjustdoesn’tpanout;despitethefactwe have a bank of 300kW Tesla Superchargers down the road.

And, when did a full charge morph into 80 per cent; keep in mind that a small portion of the battery is reserved for the system to continue functioning.

You can charge the battery to 100 per cent using a slower AC charger, but the industry has decided that 80 per cent is the mark when it comes to fast DC charging, otherwise it can shorten battery life. The chargeisstoredinan84kWhliquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack in the extended range, 80 kWh of which is useable.

Ioniq 5 has battery preconditioning to facilitate faster charging. This will take 35 hours with a so-called ‘granny’ charger (10A household power point), 11.6 hours withahomechargestation,oraslittleas18 minutes from 10-80 per cent with a 250kW

There are five selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive, Snow which have accompanying instrument themes. Adding some drama to the drive experience is a virtual sound system with a choice of artificial sounds.

They’re electronica rather than engine emulations, in case you’re interested. Not many people are.

Brakemodeoffersanothertwo settings: Normal and Sport. Regenerative braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel mounted paddles, right down to one-pedal braking which brings the car to a stop when you lift off the accelerator.

There’s also ‘Smart’ regenerative braking which is traffic and navigation based. Or youcanchoosetoignorethesesettingsand simply drive the car.

The ride is generally good but like most EVs it can become bouncy at times, as the springsloadandunload.Thelargeexternal mirrors can obscure vision, particularly thedriversidemirrorwhenyou’retryingto lookthroughacorner.Ifyou’reparkedona slope,releasingthehandbrakeandmoving off in reverse requires a dab touch on the accelerator, but just a touch.

Be ready to catch it with the brakes because the car is liable to lurch backwards. Fingers over or under? Facing the wrong direction, the pop-out handles are awkward to use.

The twist grip gear selector is present in many Hyundais and takes some mastering.

Although putting the car into park requires just the push of a button (which also engages the handbrake), we continually forgot to actually turn off the car.Automaticreverseandparallelparking are available if you feel game.

Speed sign recognition is annoying because it sounds a warning when you’re over the limit (like it is supposed to). The trouble is that it is often wrong, displaying a speed limit that does not relate to the current surroundings.

With claimed Energy consumption of 16.99 kWh/100km, we bettered that figure at 15.5 kWh after 375km of mixed driving. The long-term average showed as 15.8 kWh after close to 2000km. A quick trip down the motorway returned 13.2 kWh.

Summing up

The Ioniq 5 is an impressive car and one of thefewEVsthatwewouldconsiderbuying. It doesn’t chew through the battery too quickly and with 530km of range, more if you’re sensible and opt for the smaller 19-inch wheels, it compares favourably with a conventional car.

But at just over $90,000 by the time you put it on the road, it’s just too damned expensive, at least for the average consumer. Even the base model is $75,000 driveaway.

This from Hyundai?

We’re not rich, and we’re not poor, but we baulk at the prospect of spending this much on a car, especially one that could quicklybecomeoutdatedasthetechnology continues to evolve. Then there’s the charging infrastructure to consider, which quite frankly isn’t there yet. Remember how much we used to pay for flat screen TVs and what they cost now?

The Ioniq 5 is an impressive car. (Supplied)

The sun was out and there was no rain providing perfect conditions for football and other sports on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

A perfect day for sport

Hillside’s Annalise Wilkie. 485452_03

Essendon’s Brooke Plummer tries to escape Teagan Brett. 480511_11

Hillside’s Makaylah Brne is tackled. 485452_28 Keilor’s James Bailey tackles Deer Park’s Josh Chatfield. 485453_25

Keilor’s Josh Honey. 485453_13

Williamstowns’ Mia D’Agostino goes up for the ruck. 480511_04

Point Cook Centrals’ Charli Sette and Caroline Springs’ Nikki Perrett. 485447_17

Wyndhamvale’s Ava Strathairn. 485446_17

Suns’ Bonnie Lea Brown. 485446_01

Point Cook Centrals’ Patricia Doyle. 485447_07

Kangaroos get revenge on Hillside for round one loss

Picking a premiership favourite in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division remains a toss of the coin betweenthetopthreesides.

Hillside, Oak Park and Aberfeldie all entered the season with strong credentials and after 10 rounds all sit equal on top with an8-2record.

Eachoftheteamshashadawinandaloss againsteachother.

On Saturday, Oak Park got some revenge onHillsideforitsroundoneloss.

The Kangaroos led by seven points at quartertimebeforeincreasingthemarginto 19pointsatthemainbreak.

It was one goal apiece in the third quarter astheKangarooskepttheSharksatbay.

TheSharkshadtheirmostopportunitiesin front of goal in the final quarter but weren’t abletoconvertastheylost,5.4(34)-3.7(25).

ItwasallsinglegoalkickersfortheSharks.

Mia Spiteri, Hannah Ibrahim and Emily PaternowerenamedtheSharksbest.

The loss sees the Sharks slip to second on the ladder, percentage behind Aberfeldie andaheadofOakPark.

Hillside still has to face Aberfeldie in the runhome,whileOakParkfacesneitherside.

In the women’s division 1 competition, Burnside Heights had a big win against CoburgDistricts.

The Lions stunned the Bears early to lead bysevenpointsatquartertime.

Five second quarter goals then put the Bearsontopathalftime.

The Lions didn’t give up and reduced the margin to 15 points heading into the final quarter.

For a second straight week, the Bears finished strongly to come away with a 9.8 (52)-3.5(23)win.

KrissyTrangkickedfourgoals,whileHolly

McGregorkickedthreegoalsfortheBears. Trang was named in the best along with MarissaBirdandSinaMason. TheBearsremaininfourthspot.

In the men’s division 1 competition, HillsideprovednomatchforOakPark.

Coming off a loss, the Kangaroos dominatedthefirstthreequartersastheyled by39pointsheadingintothefinalbreak.

Hillside kicked four goals to one in the final quarter to bring the margin back, but it was too great with Oak Park winning, 11.8 (74)-7.12(54).

Josh Covelli kicked three goals for the Sharks, with Jackson McMenamin, Khalil KaakourandNoahAsciaknamedtheirbest.

The Sharks slip to fifth, only percentage aheadofStAlbansandMooneeValley.

In division 2, Burnside Heights lost to the SunburyKangaroos,16.11(107)-11.11(77).

Kaing keeps fighting

By Peter Howe

At just 13, this month’s Don Deeble nominee, Louis Kaing, is a two-time national and three-time state taekwondo champion.

Hehasjustreturnedfromthe2025World Cadet Championships in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, after securing a place on the Australian Cadet Taekwondo team. Perhapsyou’dbethinkingthatatKaing’s age he might get ahead of himself.

That couldn’t be further from the truth.

“Itwasagoodexperience,butIdidn’tget theresultIwanted,”hesaid.“Ilearnedthat I need to plan better, improve my mind set for future tournaments.

“I need to control my nerves.”

Kaing will get that chance when he travels to the Korean Open with the Victorian team in July.

The youngster followed his brother Theodore into the sport.

“I love the combat involved in the sport,” he said.

“I tried basketball and swimming but didn’t get the same buzz from those sports. Even now swimming is an important part ofmytrainingprogramtohelpmeimprove my fitness and to relax.”

Kaing trains at Convergence Combat SportsinOakleigh,coachedbyTomBurns.

He was four years old when he started to learn the movement required to rise through the ranks in the sport.

“It looked cool and I loved doing those crazy kicks,” Kaing said.

Standing at a mere 148 centimetres and weighing in at 33 kilograms, Kaing has needed to become very resilient and positive to spar and become a champion.

“Itrainfourtimesaweekfortwohoursat a time,” he said.

“Training consists of a warmup and stretching and some light sparring and thenwegointotechniqueworkandheavier sparring.

“Twonightsaweekwealsohavestrength and conditioning sessions which include running, push ups, squats and other core strengthening exercises.”

Kaing had his first official fight as an eight-year-old.

It was something different for him.

“I lost that fight, it was a really scary experience coming up against someone with more experience and who wanted to win as much as I did,” he said. “I was very disappointed I lost, but I had fun and wanted to do it again.”

Kaing’s older brother, Theodore, is also a national champion and has represented Australia. Accordingtotheirfather,David, both boys are very competitive.

“Thankfully they don’t get into combat at

home,” David said.

Kaing’s hero is American CJ Nickolas, an American champion and Olympian.

“What I like most about him is his attacking style and his ability to stay calm in a fight, two skills I want to learn and improve in my fight,” he said.

Kaing’s journey has been marked by resilience.

After overcoming significant adversity, including being unable to compete for more than eight months, his passion and dedication to taekwondo have driven an impressive return to competition.

Achieving selection for the national

his engine

Arcee Phoenix built his case for favouritism in next month’s Inter Dominion Trotting Championship with an arrogant first-up win at Melton Entertainment Park on Saturday night.

Having his first run since claiming the TAB Trot slot race in Cambridge during April, the six-year-old sat parked for more than a lap and roared away from his rivals in the home straight to claim an 8.2m victory in the Yabby Dam Farms Trotters Free For All.

Harold Smith grabbed second ahead of Im Bobby, who darted home along the inside to finish third.

Arcee Phoenix’s next appearance will be in the opening round of Inter Dominion heats at Albion Park on July 5.

“Obviously I had the option to follow Mufasa Metro early, but I was happy to do a bit of work on him and find out where he’s at. He’s probably carrying a few extra kilos, so a good hit-out will do him good hopefully,” Arcee Phoenix’s trainer-driver Chris Svanosio said.

“Touch wood, everything has just been perfect since he’s come back from New Zealand. We were able to give him three easy weeks, a bit of time at the water walker, and I was worried I was cutting it a little bit finemaybetogethimfit,buthe’sjust come up so good.

“I’m hoping he comes through that run good, and we will look to get him up to Queensland next weekend.”

Arcee Phoenix has quickly emerged as Victoria’s best chance of claiming Inter Dominion glory with news that gun trotters Keayang ZaharaandSusanIsHerNamewon’t be contesting the time-honoured series.

team was something he put down to determination and commitment.

“My goal is to be the best I can be,” he said. “I will try hard every time I compete to ensure I get better results next time.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact wrsportsclub@gmail.com or sms 0408 556 631.

“We’ve been trying to worry about our horse but obviously they’re some highly-talented horses that aren’t going to be there, so we’re hoping we’re there fit and well,” Svanosio said.

“There’ll still be some really nice horses there, but we think this bloke’s ready to take them all on.”

The 2025 Inter Dominion Trotting Championship will be contested across just two rounds of heats and then the final on July 17.

Tim O’Connor

Louis Kaing. (Supplied)

Arcee Phoenix revs

Mia Spiteri gets a kick away. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 485452_09

Western Warriors have tough night as finals hopes fade

By Tara Murray

It was the perfect storm for the Western Warriors as they failed to match the Casey Demons in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.

A win would continue to give the Warriors an outside chance of staying in finals contention, but they looked nowhere near it.

Defender Jasmine Fraser and Simona Di Filippo were both on the sidelines as they play in the SN reserves competition this week.

Tayla Honey was limited to two quarters due to illness, while their attacking end struggled to get going.

An ankle injury to Ruby Shannon in the third quarter was the icing on the cake as the Warriors lost, 74-56.

Warriors coach Kim Bailey said while they salvaged a little bit in the end, it was a hard night.

“We had so many illnesses and unavailability and that is no excuse,” she said. “It was a perfect storm of things

happening.

“We fought it out, I didn’t want the lead to blow out over 20 and we kept it under there.

“We had good glimpses and did some silly basic errors that we need to clean up, we’ll get back to training and work on them.”

With the absences, the Warriors looked to try some different things.

Molly Kennedy, who has primarily played goal defence this season, played in the midcourt, while Poppy Douglass also spent some time at wing attack.

“With the unavailability of players and the illness and some injuries, we just had to do that,” she said.

“Molly was really great in centre. She plays there in GV [Goulburn Valley] with Kim Borger’s team. Kim has been saying to me, give her a run there.

“She did really well and is a good defensive centre. Just needs to get more speed on the ball.”

Borger shot 30 goals for the Warriors.

Bailey said Shannon was in a bit of pain

after going down on her ankle and thinks she has done some damage.

Shannon, a Melbourne Vixens training partner, was meant to play in the SN Reserves finals on the weekend.

The Warriors remain in seventh spot, 10 points outside the top six.

Bailey said they look at Wednesday night’s game and think what might have been with a couple of other results in recent weeks.

“We’re still struggling to get that consistency of games and put two or three really good games together in a row.”

It was heartbreak for the Warriors 23 and under side against the Demons.

After leading at every break, including eight at the final break, the Warriors lost in the final seconds of the game.

A Millie Barrientos shot with four seconds to go, gave the Demons a 62-61 win.

Ella Closter shot 43 goals for the Warriors.

The Warriors this week face the Gippsland Stars.

Devils upset Lions

By Tara Murray

Darley has shown the Ballarat Netball League premiership is not a one horse race as it knocked off the Sunbury Lions on Saturday.

The Devils were able to shut down the Lions attacking end to inflict the Lions first loss of the season, 58-47.

Devils coach Shannon Blackman said they were really pleased with that performance.

“I know they were missing a few but I thought we did well in shutting down Becca [Rebecca Hicks],” she said.

“She only had 33 goals, which was her lowest score of the season. We knew they were really good at the shooter to shooter passes and we were able to shut that down and did quite well on the body.”

Blackmanwasfullofpraisefordefenders Matilda Elliot and Anna Lawley, saying that their partnership was something that they’d worked on over the past two years.

“They work together well and it has grown.”

An ankle injury to Elliot in the half way throughthethirdquartersawtheinjection of young Chelsea Mason into defence.

Blackman said Mason did a really good job as well.

Shesaidthisyearthey’dbeenabletogive some of their younger players some more time on court.

“It’s great to see their development and the girls have been good.”

AttheotherendofthecourtonSaturday, Olivia Cawthray scored 48 goals to be the highest scorer on the court.

The Devils, who have played in the last three grand finals, sit in second spot, now only two points behind the Lions.

Blackman said they were happy with that having kept their court group together again.

“We’re happy to be in that position,” she said. “We lost to Sunbury in round two and we’re not worried about that as we had most of the team out.”

It was a good day on Saturday for the Devils, who took five wins from the six netball games.

Blackman, who was appointed to the coaching role late in the piece this season, recently re-signed for another year. She said while it had been a lot of work with also playing in the Victorian Netball League, it had been really good for her development.

The Devils this Saturday face Melton.

Anna Lawley. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 409293_05

Bloods are aiming high

Melton is focused on claiming a top two spot in the Riddell District Football League women’s competition.

Outside of an undefeated Macedon side, there isn’t much between the rest of the sides.

Bloods coach Ryan White said there aren’t any easy games.

“It’s starting to come really close,” he said. “There’s been a few disappointing weeks for us.

“Losing to Romsey and then we were disappointed to drop the game on the weekend.

“Any team on their day can beat any team.

“We want to continue to build.”

After starting the season strongly, the Bloods faced Macedon twice in a short period of time which tested them.

They had a win against Lancefield in that period as well which showed what they were capable of doing.

White, who is in his first season as coach, said he was pleased with how things were progressing.

“The numbers at training have been great,” he said. “We had 26 last Thursday and it’s been more than a month since we’ve had less than 20.

“I wasn’t expecting these types of numbers. Early in the pre-season we had eight to 10 players.

“The culture is progressing.”

White said they were focused on improving their skills to be more consistent from week to week as part of the next step of their progress.

On Saturday, the Bloods faced Lancefield.

White said before the match that they were keen to get back on the winners list.

It wasn’t to be the case with Lancefield winning, 8.8 (56)-4.0 (24).

VivianLam,RebeccaDantonioand Danielle Roczniak were named the Bloods best in the loss.

The Cobras came from eight goals down at three quarter time to win, 38-37.

It’s the second one goal win for the Cobras against Redan this season, with the first one originally a draw before being

The Bloods enter the match off a loss to Lake Wendouree, 60-44. ShelbyHoltershot30goalsfortheBloods. Elsewhere,BacchusMarshgotaonegoal win against Redan.

changed mid week.

The Cobras sit in sixth spot. Inthefooty,Darleycameholdstronglyto beat the Sunbury Lions, 11.12 (78)-11.4 (70).

Bacchus Marsh had a 23 point win against Redan, while Melton had no issues against Lake Wendouree, winning by 96 points.

Ryan David was named the Bloods best.

The Bloods now sit a game behind the second placed Tigers.

Whitesaidwiththeclosenessofthe competition, they definitely wanted to finish in the top two.

“It’s really important to have a second chance come finals,” he said.

- Tara Murray

Western Warriors’ Poppy Douglass had a strong game. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)

Melton Thoroughbreds set the standards for the Big V

Melton Thoroughbreds have set their standard for the rest of the Big V men’s division2competition.

It’s been a tough season for the Thoroughbreds, who have struggled to get theirfullteamonthecourt.

Coach John de Jonge said it had been a toughseasonforthem.

“It’s been difficult,” he said. “It’s getting worse week by week with players unavailable.

“We’ve got three players done for the seasonthathavereallyhurtus..We’vehada couple of long term injuries and still getting someniggles.

“Wearebattling.”

While the Thoroughbreds have struggled for numbers, they’ve shown some good

signsinpatches.

In two recent games, the Thoroughbreds had strong second halves before falling just short.

“Weranoutoflegs,”hesaidofthelossesto CollingwoodandtheSherbrookeSuns.

“We could not maintain the level. We started very poorly and were down by 21 in thefirsthalf[againsttheSuns].

“The second half was everything that we had worked towards. The defensive intensity and making the extra pass to get theopenshot.

“Itgottoonepointwithafewminutesleft. I hate saying it, but it was an honourable loss.”

de Jonge said he spoke to the group after the game and said the way they played in

thesecondhalfwashowtheywantedtoplay therestoftheseason.

“Youalwaysgetsomethingoutofthegame and while it didn’t go our way, hopefully we can carry that onto the training track and tryandpickupawinthisweekend.

“I told them you know how to play when you put it together that is the formula, anything else you are letting yourselves down.”

de Jonge said they know finals are a long hope but will continue to focus on that aim inthebackpart.

The Thoroughbreds faced the Wallan PanthersandSurfcoastthisweekend.

Itwasanotherpairofcloselosses.

On Saturday. the Thoroughbreds lost to Wallan, 95-89, while they lost to Surfcoast,

Devils start to fire

By Tara Murray Darleyhassetitsstandardfortherestofthe

Ballarat Football League women’s season. It’s been a tricky few weeks for the Devils with injuries and availability but on Saturday they produced their best performance of the season against Lake Wendouree.

Devils co-coach Brett Faulkhead said while the scoreboard showed a one-sided affair, the Lakers challenged them and showed their improvement.

The Devils kicked at least five goals in each quarter on the way to a 25.19 (169)-0.0 (0) win.

“It was good to bounce back,” he said. “We have quite a few injuries and players on holidays.

“Bothteamsonlyhad16playersavailable and no benches.

“We were able to play our game. We’re doing what we can, especially with the injuries.”

Faulkhead said it was a really strong performance from the whole side, which included an under-16 player who played to give them 16 players.

He said they didn’t rely on one or two to get the job done.

“It was the best game that we had played this season,” he said. “Everything clicked.

“We’ve been working on a lot of things and in other games and training have shownspasmsbuthadn’tdoneitinawhole game.

“Everyone played their role when it was their time to go.”

“We have others who we are expecting back and they will help make the team stronger.

Madalyn Clarke kicked five goals, while Kim Bessell and Lilli Condon kicked four goals each.

Condon, Charli Parsons Jones and Evie Johnson were named the Devils best online.

Faulkhead said co-captain Chloe Oughtred told the group after the game that this was the standard they wanted to hit each week.

“She said we have drawn a line in the sand,”hesaid.“Wehavesetthebenchmark for the rest of the season.

“We don’t want to go backwards. We want to meet this level or exceed it again.”

Faulhead said they had only one long term injury and were hoping to get a few others back on the field before finals.

The Devils sit in second spot after 12 rounds, percentage behind Redan.

Faulkhead said they were focused on trying to finish as high as they could.

“In round 15 and 16 we play the Cobras

[Bacchus Marsh] and Redan,” he said.

“We’ll play to get the best position we can be in come finals.

“If we do enough to win top spot back thatgivesusabyeinthefirstweekoffinals.

I said to the players it doesn’t matter if we play the first week, if we have the bye it’s a bonus.

109-99. deJongesaidiftheymakefinals,anything couldhappen.

“With what we are gone through, it’s a feather in the cap,” he said. “Making finals, anything can happen when it’s one and done.”

“Especiallyforanunderdog.”

InanotherpositivefortheThoroughbreds youth league men got their first win of the season.

de Jonge said the whole club was ecstatic for the group to be able to come away with a nearly a 40 point win against Gippsland United, which had beaten them in their last game.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Football

Western Jets pair Kiara Boyd and Alex McBride-Loane will get their chance to shine on the national stage after being named in the Vic Metro squad for the under-18 girls national championships. The championships got underway on the weekend, with Vic Metro playing South Australia on Sunday.

Cricket

Cricket Victoria has announced its emerging boys and girls squads for the 2025-26 season. Former Sydenham-Hillside player Jasmine Kamboj has been named in the under-16 and under-19 girls metro teams, while former Caroline Springs player Mia Gordon has been named in the under-19 squad. Ballan’s Clover McIlwaine, Bacchus Marsh’s Tanae Grero and Riddell’s Tess McNair have been named in the under-16 Country squad. While former Bacchus Marsh player Shameka Grero have been named in the under-19 country squad. Darley’s Ryder O’Brien has been named in the under-17 male squad.

Western NL

The Western Netball League has announced a strong side for the Netball Victoria Association Championships later this month.

Glen Orden’s Rebecca Hicks who successfully led the WNL to victory over the Southern Netball League in its first interleague match-up in May, will again coach the league’s representative team. Eight members of this year’s Interleague squad have been included in the team for the association championships. Caroline Springs’ Olivia Craske and Emma Vitalone, Glen Orden’s Majar Hikuroa-Betham and Payton Simeki, Spotswood’s Melissa Prismall were part of the interleague side, while Altona’s Avana Hobson and Sunshine’s Casey Smart were emergencies for that team. They will be joined by Glen Orden’s Ashlee Bertocci, Aaliyah Coppins and Charlie King, Sunshine’s Dorothy Maepu and Rochelle Teiri who round out the team.

“There’s still four weeks to go plus a bye. Finals are way in the distance.”

Meanwhile, Bacchus Marsh beat Carisbrook, 16.19 (115)-0.2 (2).

Matilda Rawlings and Alyssah Whearem kicked four goals each in the win, Caitlin Mai, Rawlings and Jacinta Reid were named their best.

Lilli Condon. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 470330_15

BACCHUS MARSH