Kids across the west have been busy crafting homemade cards, shopping up a storm at the school Mother’s Day stall and putting the finishing touches to their breakfast in bed menus ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday. Among those celebrating will be Kealba’s Caterina Elzmeter (pictured), who will celebrate her first Mother’s Day with eight-month-old daughter Alara.
For Myha Le and her daughter Mikayla, life was less stressful during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020 and 2021.
While staying home during the city’s six lockdowns,theStAlbansresidentsdidn’thave as many costs and financial pressures. Post-pandemic life for them is proving to be expensive, with the rising cost of living forcing them to think “more wisely” about how they spend their money. Sometimes this means deciding whether they can afford to eat meat.
Myha said she is worried about what will
happen if the cost of living continues to rise –although she is almost certain it will. Health conditions, including two heart bypass surgeries and hip and back issues, prevent her from working. Half of her income is spent on rent leaving the other half to cover bills, food, transport and Mikayla’s school costs.
“I thought COVID was better than now because you didn’t go out and spend as much money … now it is expensive,” Myha said.
“Every time we leave the front door it costs us money.
“We used to eat out a lot but now we can’t. After the rent and bills … there is not a lot left.
[When] you don’t have much money, you don’t go out … you feel isolated and keep to yourself.”
At 14-years-old Mikayla is acutely aware of the rising cost of living.
“I haven’t been able to go out as much, or if I do,orofIbuyfoodatschool,Ihavetobudget.”
To help ease the family’s financial burdens, Myha buys as many of Mikayla’s school supplies as possible through the Facebook Marketplace.
The Smith Family also helps with Mikayla’s education expenses through its Learning for Life Scholarship.
Through the program, sponsors make a
monthly donation which goes towards school uniforms, laptops and back to school costs for students.
“The Learning for Life program gives me peace of mind knowing [Mikayla] will get those payments,” Myha said.
Mikayla said the scholarship, which she has received she 2019, enabled her to keep up with her schoolwork.
“You can’t really do all of your schoolwork without things like a laptop and internet now, that was a big help during lockdowns and has meantIcankeepupwithmyfriends,”shesaid
■ Continued: Page 7.
Rental affordability in Brimbank has fallen over the past 12 months, despite the municipality being one of Melbourne’s most affordable for households living on the minimum wage or income support payments.
According to Anglicare Victoria’s 2023 Rental Affordability Snapshot, Brimbank is Melbourne’s fifth most affordable local government area for households living on an income support payment and the third most affordable for those on the minimum wage.
The snapshot is aims to calculate the proportion of advertised rental properties that are both affordable and appropriate for different household types on the minimum wage, or on a Commonwealth income support
payment or pension. It is based on a snapshot of properties listed for rent on realestate.com. au on March 18.
Anglicare defines rental affordability as costinglessthan30percentofthehousehold’s total income.
Accordingtothesnapshot,onMarch18this year, 387 properties (55.4 per cent) advertised in Brimbank were affordable to households living on the minimum wage. In 2022, Anglicare found that 856 properties (56.9 per cent) advertised in Brimbank were affordable for this cohort of renters.
The snapshot also reveals that eight properties (1.1 per cent) advertised in Brimbank were affordable for households living on income support payments, down from 41 properties (2.7 per cent) in 2022.
“Across metropolitan Melbourne, the rate of affordability remains very low as in previous years, and strongly indicates that people on income support do not have access to appropriate and affordable properties,” the report stated.
“With very low rental vacancy rates, fewer number of properties are available in the rental market for all incomes further pushing many low-income households into housing stress.”
Anglicare Victoria acting chief executive Sue Sealey said rental affordability was disproportionately affecting young people.
“Our young people need better support to find safe and affordable housing. A quarter of Victorians currently without a home are between the ages of 12 and 24, and only three
percentofsocialhousingpropertiesareleased to people in this age group. This urgently needs to change,” she said.
“At Anglicare Victoria we’ve been receiving more frequent calls from single parents with young children who simply cannot find a home and have nowhere left to turn. The private rental market is failing these families, and the wait list for social and affordable housing is blowing out far beyond a year.
“We welcome the Victorian government’s commitment to deliver 12,000 new social and affordable housing units over the next four years, but more is needed from the Commonwealth to meet the existing shortfall after many years of under-investment. Additional reform in this space can’t be delayed any longer.”
An increasing number of women are working as rail signallers in Melbourne, with many based at the new Sunshine Signal Control Centre.
According to Metro Trains and the Metro Tunnel Project, one in three rail signallers in Melbourne are women, with 55 of the city’s 153 signallers female.
In2018,MetroTrainshad19femalesignallers out of a total workforce of 116 signallers.
The Sunshine Signal Control Centre is a purpose-built hub which will be one of the nerve centres for train services running on the Sunbury,CranbourneandPakenhamlines and through the Metro Tunnel when it opens in 2025.
Signallers in the control centre will operate
the next-generation high capacity signalling that allows trains to run safely closer together, enabling more trains, more often.
Among the women working as rail signallers is signallers manager Stacey Edwards and signaller Zeb Withers.
Ms Edwards, a former sommelier who worked at London’s renowned River Cafe, said signalling was a great career for women.
“As much as it’s a fairly invisible job to the outside world, you can’t run a train network without signallers,” she said.
MsWithers,aformerQantasflightattendant, said she applied for a signalling role on a whim and has since developed an obsession with trains.
“I personally picked everything up really
quickly and developed a passion for it. It’s been great,” Ms Withers said. “I don’t see myself leaving anytime soon.”
Metro Tunnel project director Linda Cantan said it was fantastic to see more women in the role.
“Women like Stacey and Zeb are forging a path in this highly specialised field at a really excitingtimeasweinstallanew,state-of-the-art signalling system for the Metro Tunnel.”
Details: metrotrains.com.au/metro-tunnelcareers/
Thediscoveryofacatwithapartiallyincinerated bodyinSunshineWesthaspromptedanappeal for information from RSPCA Victoria.
The cat was found on the Derrimut Trail and its cause of death is being investigated by RSPCA inspectors.
It is believed the cat was killed on or about April 7 in the Sunshine West area.
According to data recovered from the cat’s microchip, the cat’s name was Ryan and he was six years old.
Ryan was a domestic shorthair cat with a tabby and white coat, collar, and bell.
RSPCA inspectors have contacted Ryan’s owner as part of their investigations.
Ryan’sbodyappearstohavebeendeliberately incinerated at the location, while multiple broken and discarded animal traps were found near his remains, the RSPCA said.
RSPCA senioriInspector Sarah Gilbert described the situation as disturbing and malicious.
“Our current evidence suggests this is an act of deliberate, malicious cruelty towards an animal. We believe this cat had been originally adopted from an animal shelter and was put through an abhorrent amount of pain and suffering before its death. We are pleading for the public’s help to identify the person responsible for this act,” she said.
“We are confident we will bring justice for Ryan; however, we urge anyone in the area who may have seen or heard something to contact RSPCA’s inspectorate. This is a disturbing incident for this local community, and we are conducting a thorough investigation.”
It is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 to wound, mutilate,torture,abuse,beat,tormentorterrify an animal, or to take, or omit to take, an action that results in unreasonable pain or suffering to an animal.
More than 28,000 households across Brimbank have applied for the latest round of the state government’s Power Saving Bonus. Across the state, more than one million households have applied for the $250 payment via the Victorian Energy Compare website. The Victorian Energy Compare website is an independent comparison website.
St Albans households had the highest number of applications locally, with 6432 households applying for the payment. This was followed by Deer Park (3018 applications), Sunshine West (2982 applications), Taylors Lakes (2220 applications) and Sunshine North (2061 applications).
According to the state government, 40 per cent of applicants in the latest round of payments have been able to find a better energy deal.
The government said 17,000 households across Victoria have received the $250 Power Saving Bonus through a community outreach partner, with 73 per cent of these applicants receiving additional energy affordability advice.
Communityoutreachpartnersinclude Brotherhood of St Laurence, Ethnic Community Council Victoria, Good Shepherd,StateTrusteesandhundredsof Neighbourhood Houses across Victoria.
“The best way to lower energy bills is to look for a better offer – that’s why we’re encouraging Victorians to take advantage of another round of the Power Saving Bonus to make sure they are on the best deal ahead of winter,” Premier Daniel Andrews said.
Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.
Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.
At kindergarten, your child will:
• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance
• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment
• build skills and confidence before primary school.
Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024. Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder
Six young students with autism are getting an opportunity to learn new skills as part of a martial arts training program.
The Melbourne Sport and Street Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy in Albanvale has had six students with autism recently join its training program.
Maurice Novoa, who founded the club in 2011, said the students practice different movements of Kung Fu using special wooden dummies built specifically for this martial art, as well as leather wall bags filled with rice to practise blows with the fists and elbows.
He said the academy was committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students to learn
“The National Disability Insurance Scheme
(NDIS) supports the integration of people with disabilities into society by providing professional and financial help to their families,” he said.
“This includes paying for Kung Fu classes for autistic students, like those who attend Maurice’s academy.”
In addition to teaching autistic students, Mr Novoa also instructs Nicolas, a young man withAsperger’s,abranchofautismwithmilder symptoms.
“This student has been progressing rapidly in his martial arts training because he can also take classes with neurotypical students, unlike the other autistic students who do not yet have the ability to train alone or with others,” Mr Novoa said.
More Brimbank small businesses will have the mental health and wellbeing support they need to succeed and thrive thanks to the second round of the state government’s Mental Wellbeing of Business Communities Grants. Up to 45 eligible business chambers, trader groups and industry associations can access grants of $15,000 as part of the government’s $28.9 million wellbeing and mental health support for Victorian businesses Initiative, to implement a community-led wellbeing project for their local small businesses. Applications close at midnight on Friday, May 12 or when allocations are exhausted, whichever happens first.
Details: business.vic.gov.au
Biggest Morning Tea
Cancer Council Victoria is encouraging Victorians to host an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea and make a cuppa for a cancer-free future this May or June. Since 1993, passionate people around the country have raised more than $200 million for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, enabling Cancer Council to continue its vital mission of a cancer-free future. All donations fund Cancer Council’s life-saving research, prevention, screening and treatment programs, and provide support services such as the free 13 11 20 phoneline for those affected by cancer.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Werribee
Brimbank recorded the north-west’s fastest code one ambulance response times in the three months to March, new data reveals.
Ambulance Victoria’s quarterly performance data reveals that between January and March, paramedics responded to 2989 code one calls in Brimbank, with the average response time of 14:31.
Paramedics responded to 69.5 per cent of code one calls in Brimbank within the 15 minute benchmark
Ambulance Victoria defines code one cases as incidents requiring urgent paramedic and
hospital care, based on information at the of call.
Across the north-west, Maribyrnong recorded the second-fastest average code one response time (14:48), followed by Wyndham (15:02), Hobsons Bay (15:26), Hume (15:34), Melton (16:38) and Moorabool (18:12).
Brimbank’s average code one response time forthethreemonthstoMarchwasmarginally faster than the same period last year, when paramedics responded to 3157 code one calls, with an average time of 14:37.
Brimbank’s average response time for code two call-outs – calls that don’t require a lights
■ From page 1.
ArecentsurveybyTheSmithFamilyfound cost of living increases were having a larger impact on child poverty than the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seventy-twopercentofsurveyrespondents believed child poverty had worsened as a result of the cost of living crisis, up from 56 per cent in December 2020.
Eighty-one per cent of respondents expected child poverty to rise in the next year due to the rising cost of living, agreeing that cost of living increases have made it harder for students experiencing poverty to progress their education.
The Smith Family chief executive Doug Taylor said as more families are pushed to the brink, a family’s ability to afford everything needed for their child’s education will collapse due to the pressure to put food
on the table, pay utilities, and put petrol in the tank this winter.
“We’re seeing how families experiencing disadvantage are having to make difficult choices about how they spend their limited resources. Children are missing out on things like excursions, books, and digital devices and the extra learning programs and support they might need. And sadly, without the things they need for their learning, they are at risk of falling behind at school,” Mr Taylor said.
He encouraged people to support The Smith Family’s 2023 Winter Appeal to enable more children access its learning and mentoring programs to help with education costs.
Details: http://www.thesmithfamily.com. au/winter
and siren response – was 42:50, down from 44:23 12 months earlier.
Ambulance Victoria metropolitan regional director Ian Hunt said performance times had improved thanks to reduced demand and fewer staff furloughed due to COVID-19.
“This helped speed up the handover of patients at hospitals and allowed to us get back on the road quicker to attend more life-threating emergencies,” Mr Hunt said.
According to Ambulance Victoria, between January and March, an average of nearly 54 Ambulance Victoria staff were furloughed every day due to COVID-19.
As a wave of COVID-19 eased, the number of staff furloughed decreased from a peak of 112onJanuary5toalowof29onFebruary21, Ambulance Victoria said.
“However, now is not the time to be complacent. We know demand is already rising again and will continue to do so as we head towards winter,” Mr Hunt said.
“That’s why I encourage all Victorians take careofthemselvesandkeepregularcheck-ups with your GP or specialist and get your COVID-19 booster and annual flu shot. For more minor ailments, visit your local Priority Primary Care Centre.”
To book your tour date, please call:
More than 60,000 people are expected to participate in Australia’s biggest fun run and walk for breast cancer research, the 2023 Women in Super Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday.
This year there are 73 locations in major cities, metro areas and regional towns for Aussies to unite, celebrate, honour and raise awareness for breast cancer research.
Zara Lawless, Mother’s Day Classic Foundation CEO, says the foundation is thrilled with the registrations so far and expects the number to increase in the countdown to the event.
“There are just days to go until Australia comes together for the 26th Mother’s Day Classic to celebrate and honour those impactedbybreastcancer,whileraisingfunds for breast cancer research. We are extremely proud to be hosting 11 events in major cities and metro areas and 62 events in local regions around the country on Sunday, May 14,” Ms Lawless said.
“It has been an incredible response from participants this year, with communities in every corner of the nation registering to be part of this special event. We are currently 25 per cent up on 2022 registration numbers and spots are filling fast.
“With some timeslots at certain locations already at full capacity, we’ve added additional timeslots to cater for the demand.
The Mother’s Day Classic is a cherished and meaningful annual tradition for so many families and friends. After being so severely impacted by the disruptions of recent years, now is the time to get out and start your Mother’s Day with purpose, with your community. Our strong numbers nationwide are a testament to how many people will be doing just that.”
More than 1.5 million people have
participated in the Mother’s Day Classic for breast cancer research in the past 25 years, donating $41.5 million to fund game-changing breast cancer research.
There is still time to register and book your spot for the 2023 Mother’s Day Classic by visiting the event website, mothersdayclassic. com.au, where local course information,
distance options and event timing and FAQs are all detailed.
A new feature this year is the addition of longer running distances. In Melbourne, participants can sign up for the new 12km distance. There is a 5km and a 10km run in Sydney and Western Sydney (Parramatta Park), and a 15.5km distance on Victoria’s
Mornington Peninsula.
If you prefer staying local there is an option to walk or run at one of the many Local events that will be held across Australia on Mother’s Day. Or, if you’re unable to join the tens of thousands of runners, joggers and walkers on the day, you can still participate in your own way at any place with MDC Anywhere.
We all know the burden that comes with the perennial issue of deciding where to take mum for Mother’s Day.
A trip out to the country or a ticket to a show is always cherished, as is a delicious lunch or dinner.
But coming up with something new and different memorable is what mums new and old really want.
The great news is a local, well-established Broadmeadows venue has a brilliant option that needs upmost consideration.
If you’ve never dined in the The Melbourne GreyhoundsCityViewBistroatTheMeadows, Saturday, May 13 needs to be the night you head along and give it a try (with mum of course).
For those who have already dined in this elevatedbistrodiningroom,withitsMelbourne city skyline and sensational racetrack views, you’ll be pleased to learn there’s an all-new menu to try, prepared by new head chef Steve Collins.
Collins, and the the City View Bistro’s new hospitality manager, Harrison Thackeray, have both worked diligently over the last few months to take the bistro dining concept to a whole new level.
Google reviews are already singing the praises of the transformation that’s taken place and the food.
Now, in the case this dining experience alone doesn’t sound enough for that most special person we’re discussing, then don’t forget a Saturday evening at City Bistro revolves around all the fun and excitement of world-class metropolitan greyhound racing action.
A 12-race card provides a very unique night of entertainment, by where your table in the bistro remains yours for the entire evening and allows you to explore the venue and engage
in the racing on offer. Complimentary track entry and parking are provided, and the bistro diningroombarisverykindonthehippocket.
Every Mother’s Day Eve reservation kicks
mum’s night off with a complimentary glass of house wine, and for the more adventurous, a range of delicious cocktails and premium spirits can be purchased to accompany the
meal.
If this sounds like a night that the mum you know would enjoy you can make an online booking by visiting www.themeadows.org.au
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2023
Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au
Short story competition
Now in its 18th year, the competition is a great opportunity for budding storytellers of all ages to develop
Hard waste collection
If you haven’t used your waste entitlements yet, book in a hard waste collection online before 16 June or head to the Melton Recycling Facility by 30 June. You can find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/Hardwaste
Council is now seeking your feedback for the development of the Melton Weir Parkland Strategy, to help improve the parklands and connect more people with this beautiful, natural setting.
Visit conversations.melton.vic.gov. au/meltonweirparklands to complete a survey or come to our information session this Saturday 13 May 10am –1pm in Weir Views to have your say.
Carli
their creative skills, have their work reviewed by popular authors, and have a chance to win a share of $3000 in prize money.
Entries can be presented in any format including text, illustration, video, verse, voice, or a combination of any of the above.
To learn more, go to melton.vic.gov.au/MCLshortstory or visit your local library.
Mount Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre at Clara Avenue in Truganina will host a grand opening with arts, crafts, food, entertainment and more from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 27 May.
The $6.8 million hub has been welcoming kids to its kindergarten since January and now everyone can see what this amazing new centre has to offer. Learn more at melton.vic.gov.au
Melton Weir Parklands consultation
Council’s draft 2023/2024 budget is taking shape and will be out for public consultation later this month.
We pride ourselves on investing in the quality infrastructure our community needs to thrive, with roads, recreation and community facilities, and park upgrades high on our priority list in a budget that reflects community expectations for quality services, programs, and facilities.
Follow Council’s Facebook page @cityofmelton or check our website at melton.vic.gov.au for further information.
Finally, I’m thrilled with the Australian
The survey is open until 2 June 2023 at conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/ meltonweirparklands
There is also an in-person drop-in from 10am to 1pm on Saturday 13 May on Marriott Boulevard.
Another round of the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Funding was announced this week – with the City of Melton securing an additional $727,000, bringing the total funding received for this financial year to $1.98 million. On behalf of Council, I would like to thank the Federal Government for this vital funding, which will help us deliver more infrastructure such as roads, parks or bike paths for our community.
This week, we’re also launching our new FairGo4Youth program to help families afford to send their kids to extra-curricular activities.
FairGo4Youth covers membership to local sports clubs like AFL, badminton, baseball and rugby, clubs like Scouts and Guides, dance and martial arts, and hobby groups from cooking and coding to public speaking and drama.
Families will be able to apply at melton.vic.gov.au/fairgo4youth to cover up to $400 in registration costs for dozens of sports, recreation and education providers across the city.
Government’s recent changes to laws around vaping, including a ban on importing non-prescription vaping products, restricting flavours and colours, and banning all single-use disposable vapes.
I like to think I have played a small part in encouraging these changes, with my Notices of Motion and letters I have written to Ministers on behalf of Council and our community. Feel free to contact me regarding Coburn Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 302; email: Julie.shannon@melton.vic.gov.au or like my Facebook page @julieshannonformelton
This week is also Neighbourhood House Week, which recognises the important contribution over 1,000 neighbourhood houses make in local communities across Australia.
We’re celebrating with free activities including line dancing and a beeswax moulding workshop, so hop on meltonlearning.com.au to book in. Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au or visit my Facebook page at: facebook.com/Cr.LaraCarli
12587344-ET19-23
Candlepines has a reputation for providing familieswithcompassionateandprofessional care during their time of need.
With over three decades of experience, Phillip and Bronwyn Aspinall and their team have developed a profound comprehension of family’s needs and desires and offer individualised services to ensure that their loved ones receive a fitting send-off.
With packaged arrangements and pre-paid funerals, a Candlepines service provides peace of mind for both the departed and their loved ones.
One thing that stands out about Candlepines is the team’s compassionate approach to serving grieving families. They understand that the loss of a loved one can be one of the most challenging experiences of a person’s life, and they go above and beyond to provide comfort, support, and guidance during this difficult time.
Phillip and Bronwyn at Candlepines, have more than 30 years of experience in the funeral industry and provide a personalised service to every family they serve.
Another notable aspect of Candlepines is their attention to detail when it comes to funeral arrangements.
The team understand that each family has unique needs and preferences, and they work closely with family members to ensure that every detail is taken care of, from the type of service to the floral arrangements and everything in between. The Candlelight Chapel provides a peaceful and comforting atmosphere for families to say goodbye to their loved ones.
Candlepines is a highly regarded funeral service provider that offers a range of services to meet the needs of grieving
families.Withtheircompassionateapproach, attention to detail, and commitment to providing personalised service, it’s no
wonder that they have earned a reputation as one of Melbourne’s most trusted funeral directors.
Keilor Sports Club says it’s not worth doing a half job on works to upgrade facilities at Keilor Recreation Reserve, with the club having outgrown the current facilities.
With more than 1400 members using the facilities as part of the football, cricket and life activities group, the club is struggling to accommodate all its members.
Having received $700,000 state government funding last season to start the upgrades, the sporting club was hoping for funding in the Brimbank council budget.
There was none forthcoming in the draft budget which was released last month.
Sports club president Hayden Kelly said it was groundhog day for the club with the club hoping for significant funding in the council budgets each year without it coming to fruition.
“It defies logic,” he said. “The council provided $50,000 to develop a plan but they aren’t continuing on with it.
“Council staff came to us in early April, they’d had the plan since November, and said we had gone out of the scope of the plan, which was absolute rubbish.
“We drew up a plan in 2016 and we’ve since grownfrom800-1400participants.Thecurrent footprint isn’t big enough.”
As well as contributing $50,000 for the club to submit plans for an upgrade, money has been allocated to upgrade the kitchen in the 2025-26 council budget.
Mr Kelly said they had been told there would be no other funding allocated to the club for the next 10 years.
He said there was no point upgrading the kitchen, when the whole facility needs to be expanded and upgraded sooner rather than later.
“We can not fit everyone in,” he said. “We can’t hold club functions and get everyone in.
“We have to hold junior presentation days outside.”
On top of the $700,000 from the state government, the sporting club has raised $300,000.
Mr Kelly said they had concerns that if the upgrades didn’t occur in the near future that they may lose the funding they’ve received.
The club has called for the local sporting community to have their say on the budget and call for funding to be allocated.
Brimbank community wellbeing director Lynley Dumble said the council had yet to be provided with the final results and costings of thedesignworkaswellasdetailsofthefunding requirement being asked for by the club. She said funding for the kitchen was a high priority following assessment which will be provided for in the coming years.
“The council adopted sports facility development plan 2018 determines the capital works funding priorities at Brimbank sports clubs, following facility audits and the application of assessment criteria and
weightings,” she said. “Participation numbers are just one of the assessment criterion, other criteria include the inadequacy of current facility, council policy objectives and value for money.
“Council is currently reviewing the sports facility development plan, having recently undertaken audits of all Brimbank sports facilities and will update the priority orders based on updated assessment criteria and weightings prior to sending out the draft sports facility development plan 2023 for community consultation.”
Council wants funds for projects
Key projects like the Sunshine and Albion station redevelopments and the Calder Freeway have received funding in recent years, with the council saying that these projects remain the key priorities in this year’s budgets.
Cr Lancashire said Melbourne’s west had been overlooked in the past.
“Pre election 2022, we saw the state government commit to a number of Brimbank’s advocacy priorities, including the Sunshine station masterplan ($143m) and rebuild of Albion station ($80m),” he said.
“These projects, along with the Calder Freeway upgrade are Brimbank’s top priorities that we would like to see funded in the 2023-24 state budget.
“The Sunshine precinct as a whole has been added to Infrastructure Australia’s priority list of projects, making it a Federal Government priority as well.
“The Sunshine Station masterplan and
rebuild of Albion Station, are significant commitments for the residents of Melbourne’swestandwillhavealargeimpact on Sunshine’s role as the CBD of the west.
“In the past, Melbourne’s west has been overlooked and as a result has missed out on development opportunities.
“The upcoming 2023-24 budgets are an opportunity for state and federal governments to work together to redress this imbalance and reinvigorate the region as an economic and transport powerhouse in the west.”
Several other projects that have received
funding in the past few years and the council will be keeping an eye on the budget to and whether there is more funding this year.
These projects include Australia’s first centre of paramedicine at Victoria University, which the council is advocating to be in Brimbank, upgrades to both campuses at Sydenham Hillside Primary School, upgrade to University Park Primary School in St Albans, new PET scanner at Sunshine Hospital, a new dog park in the Sydenham electorate, upgrade of the 1st Deer Park Scouts facilities, upgrades to trucks in Melbourne’s west to reduce pollutions.
Kororoit Neighbourhood House has set up the new Sunshine Repair Cafe which could be the answer to reviving your old goods.
The cafe, which is funded by Sustainability Victoria, is running once a month at the neighbourhood house, where repairers will help local residents fix their broken items.
The house’s Danielle Whelan said it was exciting to have a cafe in Brimbank.
“It’s in the early stages,” she said.
“The first one was last month on a Sunday afternoon.
“It’s about repairing things and creating a community and better connection between community members.”
Ms Whelan, who runs a repair cafe in Altona, said after seeing the success of that one they wanted to bring it to Brimbank.
Shesaidmanypeoplearedoingitquitetough at the moment, so it’s a way to save money.”
On the first day, a lamp, lawnmower and blender were all repaired.
Thecafenowhassevenrepairerstohelplocal residents.
“People don’t have the skills so items like these normally end up in the tip.”
The cafe runs on the fourth Sunday of every month, with the next on May 28.
Ms Whelan said while they accept walk-ins on the door, it was preferred that people email ahead.
Detail: sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au.
YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere
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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
Sunshine Repair Cafe
Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Cafe in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.
■ sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082
Tree planting
Come and participate in family friendly activities to celebrate Reconciliation Week at the Cary Street tree planting ceremony. There will also be family friendly activities with a free barbecue and drinks. The event runs on May 27 from 12.30-2.30pm at Cary Street Pocket Playground, 86 Cary Street Sunshine North.
Craft sessions.
Rainmaker Craft Learn about the ancient musical instruments used by Australian First Nations people. These instruments were thought to bring rain to areas experiencing drought. Sessions will be held at Sydenham and Sunshine libraries on May 30 and June 1 for children aged five to 12 years.
■ https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ news-and-events/reconciliation-weekbrimbank
Dreamtime Night Light
Come and listen to First Nations stories and create your own Dreamtime night light.at Brimbank libraries on May 31. For children between five and 12 years old.
■ https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ news-and-events/reconciliation-weekbrimbank
First Nations colouring
Come and participate in a collaborative Library Art Display to celebrate Reconciliation Week across Brimbank libraries. Colouring and puzzle page activities are occurring every day between May 27 and June 3.
■ https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ news-and-events/reconciliation-weekbrimbank
First Nations Craft
Come and participate in a range of First Nations craft activities to celebrate Reconciliation Week. Activities will occur on June 1 at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre and Sunshine Leisure Centre, between 10 and 12pm.
■ https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ news-and-events/reconciliation-weekbrimbank
The Sunshine Club
Set in 1946, the joyful and acclaimed musical The Sunshine Club, tells the story of Aboriginal soldier Frank Doyle, who has a strong desire to change things for the better by setting up The Sunshine Club. It was a place where all people are welcome to come together, laugh, romance, and dance the night away. The Sunshine Club will be at the Bowery Theatre on June 8 from 7pm.
■ https://creativebrimbank.com.au/ the-sunshine-club
Card games
Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday from 7pm -10pm at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine
■ Leisa, 0425 768 808
Debt busters
Debt busters workshop will be held at Sunshine Library on May 16, from 1.30pm
to 2.30pm at 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine.
■ 9249 4640
Budget workshops
Need help planning your weekly household budget? Household budgets workshop will be held at St Albans Library on May 24 from 11.15am-12.15pm at 71A Alfrieda Street, St Albans.
■ 9249 4650
Women’s Wellbeing Program
Women’s Support Network is inviting women to join a 12-week program that will run in Sunshine. The program, Root, Moss, Blossom, Feather, includes gentle movement, short meditation and art for wellbeing activities. No art experience required. The program starts on May 4.
■ info@wsn.org.au or Ko, 0458 947 507
Vaccine hub
A new Sunday vaccine service will run at IPC Health’s Deer Park GP clinic. The clinic will be open every Sunday as a walk-in vaccination hub from 10am-2pm. No appointments are needed and clients without Medicare cards are welcome. COVID-19 booster vaccines, Novavax, Pfizer first does for children older than five and MPox for monkeypox are available.
■ 0490 745 436 or vaccinations@ipchealth.com.au
Keilor Evening View Club
The Keilor Evening View Club meets at 6.30pm on the first Tuesday of each month at The Atrium at Taylors Lakes Hotel. Come along and enjoy a meal and fun night with friendly group of ladies.
■ Robyn, 0425 387 880
Palliative volunteers needed Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.
■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au
Deer Park Lions Club
Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new
members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park.
■ Michael, 0417 307 572
Sunshine Community Brass
Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays from 7.30pm.
■ Andrew, 0419 444 620
St Albans senior citizens
St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-1.30pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.
■ Roma, 0435 991 064
Sunrise Social Groups
GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges.
■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/
The Gap on Graham
The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old.
■Val, 0414 769 605
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meet every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and
physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.
■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog
Take weight off naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere?
Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.
■Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739
Parkinson’s support group
The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers welcome.
■ Helen, 0409 186 576
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you.
■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton Friendship Group.
Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events.
■ 0406 493 734
Melton Ladies Probus Club
The Melton Ladies Probus Club meet at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Melton Country Club and are welcoming new members. Contact Diane.
■ 0438 611 552
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Fraudulent schemes (5)
4 Traditional (9)
9 Reason (5)
10 Gluttony or sloth for instance (6,3)
11 Famous people (6)
12 Guests (8)
14 Brotherhood (10)
15 Savoury cracker biscuit (3)
17 French word for “me” (3)
19 Synchronous (10)
23 Asset (8)
24 A spice (6)
26 Antiquated US car manufacturer (9)
27 Confuse (5)
28 Heights (9)
29 Dollars (colloq) (5)
DOWN
1 Pick (6)
2 Sharp-cornered (7)
3 Old type of trombone (7)
4 Give way (4)
5
Today’s Aim:
14 words: Very good
19 words: Excellent
F R S
L O E
S E
E
I I G T B
feint, fine, finite, genii, gibe, ignite, tent, tine, tinge
befit, BEFITTING, begin, being, bent, betting, binge, bite, bitten, feign,
No.
T S S S A L A D P R O S E L O O S E A S K E D T E S T S
1 Pierogi are dumplings from which country?
2 The 1850 novel TheScarletLetter was written by which American author?
3 Sterling silver is an alloy of silver and what other metal?
4 What was the first Olympics to be postponed rather than cancelled?
5 Supernatural aired its final episode in November 2020 after how many seasons?
6 The Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat are teams in which sporting league?
7 Which Chinese politician tweeted a doctored image of an Australian soldier holding a bloody knife?
8 In what year was the Australian Bureau of Meteorology first given weather recording responsibilities: 1904, 1906 or 1908?
9 Former prime minister Scott Morrison (pictured) was the inaugural director of which government agency?
10 Which of the following novels did not begin as fanfiction: City ofBones (Cassandra Clare), After (Anna Todd) or Divergent (Veronica Roth)?
1. Who won the medal for best on ground in the 2023 AFL ANZAC Day clash between Collingwood and Essendon?
2. Which English Premier League side refunded the ticket prices of fans who attended their recent 6-1 defeat to Newcastle United?
3. What sport was once
5. What mode of transport did ultramarathon runner Joasia Zakrzewski illegally use for one section of a recent event in the UK?
6. The 1994 Kevin Bacon film TheAirUpThere revolves around which sport?
7. Dolphins coach Wayne Bennett is about to coach what milestone game?
And how many NRL league teams has Bennett coached during his career?
The Major League Baseball team Oakland Athletics recently purchased land in which US city, signalling the probable relocation of the team?
How many teams will compete at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup?
Which Collingwood star was applauded for his ‘incredible’ ANZAC Day speech?
12. Which Canadian artist performed at the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show?
13. Tennis star Eugenie Bouchard reignited a long-running feud online with which other tennis veteran?
14. Which chess player currently holds the No.1 position in the FIDE world chess rankings?
15. And how long have they held the ranking?
16. What nationality is F1 legend Fernando Alonso?
17. Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler made history after scoring how many points against the top seeded Milwaukee Bucks?
18. Australia defeated England by what margin at the 2022 Ashes?
19. Which NRL forward copped a lengthy ban after executing a dangerous tackle against Braden Hamlin-Uele?
20. What is the full name of US motorsports racing driver ‘Bubba’ Wallace?
21. In what year did Serena Williams win her first Grand Slam singles title?
22.Which team did Sydney FC beat in the A-League Women’grand final?
23. And what was the scoreline?
24. The opening Ashes match for 2023 will be held where?
25. How many games were decided by a single point in round 7 of this year’s AFL season?
26. Which country hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics?
27. When will the AFLW 2023 season start?
28. Florence Pugh plays which WWE wrestler in the 2019 movie Fighting With My Family?
29. Dustin Martin has won how many Norm Smith medals?
30.In which year did Chris Goulding join Melbourne United?
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After all these years, I still think of the Subaru Outback as a wagon rather than SUV – the Forester too.
Unfortunately,youcan’tbuyadieselOutback anymore, but the latest turbocharged petrol version certainly addresses any perceived deficiencies in performance.
And, like a fine wine, Outback continues to get better with age.
Its one major gap in an otherwise impressive repertoire remains the fact that it seats only five.Infact,Subaruhasn’tofferedaseven-seater as part of its range since the propeller-nosed Tribeca in 2013.
Butyou’renotlikelytoreceiveanycomplaints from those five passengers in a car that really sets a benchmark for comfort and features, given its relatively modest price.
Styling
Prices for Outback start from $42,690. Two turbocharged versions are offered: Outback AWD Sport XT is $52,190 while Outback AWD Touring XT is $55,990 - $5000 more than their standard counterparts.
To distinguish turbo models, they feature dual tailpipes to go with the extra performance, although they are barely visible below the back bumper.
There’s also an ’XT’ badge (remember the powerhouse XT Forester) and LED fog lights that are made up of six LEDs - we’re told it’s an homage to the Subaru badge which features six stars.
Infotainment
Subaru was slow to the infotainment party, but has made up for lost time with a big, impressive system that’s dominated by a large 11.6-inch tablet-style touchscreen.
It has been redesigned to make it more user friendly, with new shortcut buttons, updated climatecontrolbuttonsandfullscreenAndroid Auto.
XT Sport features Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ Digital radio, built-in satellite navigation, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with six-speaker audio. The CD player has gone to God.
Physical buttons such as the climate control panel have been integrated into the screen, with convenience and operability prioritised
through shortcut switches for some frequently used features.
Safety
Five-star safety starts with eight airbags, a rear-view camera and Autonomous emergency braking (Car to Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover).
EyeSight 4.0 features roadside speed sign recognition, adjustable speed limiting, and intersection crash avoidance using new cameras with a wider field of view and a lower profile inside the cabin.
There’s also 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).
Driving
Apart from the turbocharged engine, the other big change is the switch to the Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which is stiffer and provides the scope to use alternative powertrains -- such as hybrid or fully-electric setups.
With maximum torque kicking in from a low 2000 revs, Subaru says the turbo does the dash from 0-100km/h about 22 per cent quicker than naturally aspirated models (but they don’t reveal what that time is).
Auto Stop-Start now incorporates “Change of Mind Control“ which as its name suggests, restarts the engine within 0.2 of a second -- if
you change your mind.
Althoughdescribedassymmetricalall-wheel drive, like most systems these days it is actually a part-time system with torque transmitted to the rear wheels as required (read the fine print).
In manual mode the CVT features seven steps or simulated gears, with the addition of Intelligent and Sport modes plus two-mode X-Mode for off-road driving.
With 213mm of ground clearance, X-Mode is designed for use below 40km/h with one setting optimised for snow and dirt and the other for deep snow and mud.
Fuel consumption from the 63-litre tank is a claimed 9.0L/100km compared to 7.3L/100km for the standard model, and it takes premium 95 unleaded.CO2 emissions are 204g/km.
The suspension has been re-tuned to accommodate the new engine, with different settings for the springs and dampers, and the result is first rate.
The extra torque of the turbocharged engine has also allowed the tow capacity to be increased 400kg, up from 2000 to 2400kg.
Outback is easy to get in and out of, with a cabinthatisaniceplacetobe.Theseatsarelarge and comfy, something Subaru has always done well, and the ride is quiet and buttery smooth (in contrast to the Jeep we drove previously).
All-round vision is excellent and you can see where the front of the bonnet is when it comes to parking.
AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE
Outback 2.5: $42,690
Sport 2.5: $47,190
Touring 2.5: $50,990
Sport XT 2.4: $52,190
Touring XT 2.4: $55,990
SPECIFICATIONS
Subaru Outback XT Touring 2.4-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon
The large physical blind spot lights that never fail to capture attention.
Elbow room is a bit snug however, so be sure to try it on for size.
The interior layout looks pretty much the same as the previous Outback that we drove a couple of years back, but the front seats have been redesigned with advanced shaping and support to reduce fatigue over longer distances. Although the infotainment system looks impressive, the instrument cluster has a bit of catching up to do.
It retains old-style analogue gauges that flank a small central driver info screen with fuel consumption figures etc.
We finished on 10.1L/100km after close to 400km of mixed driving, but expect this to be higher around town.
Summing up
The Subaru Outback is not perfect, but that is the word that springs to mind.
The turbocharged engine adds some punch and extra towing ability, but be prepared to pay a penalty in fuel consumption.
However, it’s the comfort and ride quality that leave a lasting impression -- one that you’ll want to take home.
The next step in the evolution of the wagon is a hybrid version, followed we assume by a fully-electric Outback sometime down the track.
Western United star goalkeeper Hillary Beall hasn’t ruled out a return to the A-League Women’s competition to help her side go one step further.
Beall capped off her first professional season by winning United’s female player of the season award.
Speaking after winning the award on Monday night, Beall said it was a pretty special honour.
“It’s a great honour, this whole year,” she said.
“I wouldn’t be able to do these things without my teammates and credit to them, I’m very fortunate.
“Every team that I’ve been a part of, I’ve always wanted to set a high standard. for the group. So, to make a grand final in the first year, I think we’ve set that standard.”
Beall said everyone had been really welcoming to her as she made the trek from Laguna Beach to Melbourne’s west.
She said there was a really special bond with the group, who made a grand final in their first season.
“I’ve only been in one professional environment, this is very unique in terms of
everyone looking after each other,” she said.
“Everybody takes care of each other, from having Chris [Pehlivanis] and Mal
[Impiombato] and Amanda [Stella] on every trip with us.
“Seeing them day in and day out, it really
does a lot for us as girls to see them care about us.”
Beall said there was a fight in this group which had really pushed them to that next level. United fell short in the grand final, losing to Sydney FC, 4-0.
“They love each other, work for each other every day,” she said. “I think it’s a fairy tale story. We’re proud of our group. Obviously, we wanted the result last night [but] didn’t get it, great first year”
Beall will now head back to America. She didn’t rule out coming back in the future.
“I’ve got to go home and speak with a few people, but we’ll see,” she said. “I kind of want to get redemption… might be in the future.”
Fellow American Hannah Keane claimed three awards on the night.
Keane was named the women’s fan’s player of the season, the golden boot award and club person of the year voted by the players and staff.
Alana Cerne and Kahli Johnson shared the young player award.
In the men’s awards, Josh Risdon was named player of the year.
Tara MurraySydenham Hillside is after a new coach with two-time premiership winning coach Geoff Pretty to part with the club.
The Storm announced on Tuesday that having come to the end of his two-year agreement, that Pretty will part ways with the club and depart his role as men’s coach.
“Geoff enjoyed a successful two seasons with us as our 1st XI managed to win successive premierships and subsequentpromotioninbothseasons,” the Storm said on social media.
“We thank Geoff for his contribution over his time as coach and wish him well with whatever path he chooses to take in cricket from here.”
Pretty joined the club for the 2021-22 season with the Storm in the division 2 competition.
Taylors Lakes is starting to build into the Essendon District Football League division 2 season.
After a number of close misses last season, the Lions under new coach Steve Burns were one of the big players in the off season, signing a number of key recruits.
TheLions,whohadabyeontheweekenddue to a split round, have started the season with a loss followed by two wins.
Burns said the first few weeks had been a bit mixed but they were starting to play some better football, but needed to put it together more consistently.
“The Oak Park game we weren’t great, we didn’t pick the side that we should have,” he said. “I take blame for that.
“The last two weeks we’ve been okay and done the job. It’s been nice days and fairly nice size grounds which suit us.
“We’ve had good first and last quarters, but
not consistent within games.”
Burns said they were still getting games into the younger players, which was a key focus of theirs as they added a bit of experience around them.
He said with so many new players they expected it was going to take some time.
“We’re still trying to gel,” he said. “Some of the guys who are out are new as well.
“Eventually they will come into the side and it will be more about gelling again.”
Burns said the split round probably came at a goodtimeforthem.Justtwogameswereplayed in division 2 on Saturday.
“We have a few out and I don’t think we’ll get anyone back after the bye, but it’s one less game they will have to miss,” he said.
“We haven’t been able to get anywhere near a full team. Someone comes back and then another goes out and it keeps going.
“We’ve got some long term injuries, but hopefully they’ll all be back up round nine or 10 and we don’t have any other injuries, we’ll be
close to a full team.”
There was a lot of unknown heading into the season, with Burns saying that every team was capable of beating everyone.
The Lions this week face Burnside Heights, which is 1-2, but could have won all three games.
“We have a fairly competitive side when everyone is available,” he said.
“It’s got the feel of the old division one set up which I coached in for a long time when there were no easy games.
“East Sunbury were competitive and will be better as they gel. The Sunbury Kangaroos have played three games they could have won.
“Every game is an eight point game.”
In matches that were scheduled for the weekend, Keilor was set to play Aberfeldie in premier division, while in division 1, Hillside was to play Roxburgh Park, Deer Park was to play Tullamarine, Keilor Park was to host Rupertswood and St Albans was to play West Coburg.
He guided the side to a premiership, with the club winning the best of three grand final series against Newport-Digman in the two games.
With the side moving up to division 1, the Storm continued on with its winning ways sitting on top all season.
The Storm faced St Francis de Sales with the Storm hitting the winning runs with two wickets and 1.2 overs remaining.
Pretty said after the game there was a numb feeling.
“I’m really happy for the boys, they’ve worked hard and they deserve it,” he said.
“St Francis were sensational. We were a lucky winner and they were an unlucky loser.
“They took it to us all day and I can’t give them enough praise.”
The Storm has advertised for a new coach for next season, with the side to be in the top flight, senior division.
The club is opened to a playing or non-playing coach and will be responsible for the whole senior men’s program. The club currently has six men’s sides, three in the VTCA and three in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.
Information: warren@selective.net. au
Sydenham Park needs to tighten up its defence intheFVstateleague1north-westcompetition.
One of the favourites heading into the season, the Reds sit in third sport against six rounds, having been in every match.
Coach Goran Lozanovski said it had been a solid start for the side. It could have been better had the club not been stripped points after winning in round one.
“Technically we still haven’t lost a game,” he said. “We lost round one on a technically.
“We’ve dropped a few points in the last few weeks. To win this competition we have to beat everyone around us.”
Lozanovski said that they still had plenty of areas to work on as the season progresses. He said getting some consistency in the defence end was one of those they were really focusing on.
“We’re scoring goals, but we’ve conceded
some sloppy goals in the last couple of weeks. We need to straighten up our defence.
“When we concede a goal we need to make sure that it’s not more than one. We can definitely get better, we’re getting enough scoring chances.
“There’s a lot of room for improvement.
Lozanovski said part of the defensive improvement will come as the group starts to play more games together.
He said unavailability was part of the problem when trying to get the best out of the group.
“We had three guys out last week against Corio,” he said. “They were back on board last week, but after a week and half away, you can still be a bit in holiday mode.”
TheRedsweresettobebackinactionagainst Westgate on Saturday, after deadline.
Westgate is the early leaders of the
competition, with four wins and two draws in the first six matches.
Lozanovski said before the game that they were really looking forward to challenge against a side that had got off to a flyer.
“I think the reality for us is when everyone plays Sydenham, it’s a big game for them,” he said.
“We’re up for the fight and a good game. It’s like a grand final for us every week, there’s no easy game for us.”
In other matches that were set for the weekend, Brimbank Stallions were set to host Upfield, while Keilor Park was to play Altona City under lights at Kim Reserve.
Tara Murray
The City West Falcons came out on top in a dangergameagainstMelbourneUniversityin the Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday night.
The Falcons entered the game on the back of five straight wins, but the Lightning is one side that always challenges them.
It took until half time for the Falcons to take control of the game. They were able to run away with it in the second, winning 73-51.
Falcons coach Marg Lind said they were pretty happy with that result.
“It took a while to establish ourselves,” she said. “They are pretty hard on the first ball.
“They were a danger side, as they have some big names and a fair bit of experience.
“We started to get on top half way mark.”
Despite being such an important game, the Falcons were able to rest Uneeq Palavi and Lucia Fauonuku, who had returned from national duties.
Kim Borger played a second straight match for the Falcons, while Molly Kennedy got another opportunity in the defence end.
Lind said that Borger was better for the run.
“She played both in goal attack and goal shooter,” she said. “Jane had some big volume and we were reluctant to take her off as she was matching up well, so Kim and Maddy basically played a half each at goal attack.
“Credit to our girls and Kim, they were settled a bit more after a week under the belt. We have good flexibility and some good leadership that pays off under pressure.”
Lind said Cook, who shot 54 goals and Maggie Lind were really good, while their defenders were solid.
She said they had turned their attention to the attacking end the last couple of weeks.
“During the Easter break we spent three weeks on specialist defence,” she said.
“We neglected the attack end and turned to that in the last week or so and it’s already paying off.
“We thought Sienna [Allen], Sophie [Hanrahan] and Zoe [Davies] needed some focus.
“The attack end has scored 500 goals, so we have the capacity to score in a large volume.” Lindsaidthewholeplayinggroupwasreally buying into what they were doing, with every player having individual key performance indicators that they had to meet.
The Falcons division 1 side also had a good win, to consolidate their spot in the top three.
The under-19s suffered their first loss of the season.
“They were a little complacent,” Lind said. “We were up 16-13 and then failed to score.
“Handlingerrorsandlackofconcentration. They needed it, it happened last year too.”
The Falcons are back at Altona for the
The Brimbank Stallions stunned Altona Magic to win through to the sixth round of the Australia Cup on Wednesday night.
The Stallions, an FV state league 1 north-west side, were the underdogs against the National Premier League top tier side.
But it was the Stallions that came out on top.
The Stallions took the lead in the 24th minute through Sota Adachi before doubling the margin just before half time through Aaron Smith.
The Stallions kept the pressure on in thesecondhalfandwereabletomaintain their lead to win, 2-0.
Stallions coach Andrew Marth had said before the game they would take plenty of confidence into the game.
The Stallions are one of three state league sides through to the last 10 so far. Another three are in action this week Joining the Stallions in the next round are the St Albans Saints.
The Saints won through with a 2-0 win against Whittlesea United.
United had its chances in the first half, but Saints keeper Gabriel Matti made some amazing saves.
The Saints came out the better of the teams after half time and scored two quick goals through Christopher Dib and George Ott.
United couldn’t get back into the game with the Saints holding on.
WestvaleOlympic’sruncametoanend against Northcote City on Tuesday night. ItwasacomfortablewinforNorthcote, claiming the win 3-0.
Westgate had been knocked out of the competition the previous week.
Keilor Wolves and Melbourne Knights will be hoping to move through to the next round this week.
The Wolves, a state league 4 side and the lowest ranked teams left in the competition, face NPL side Hume City in the biggest match in the club’s history.
The Melbourne Knights are on the road against Box Hill United.
Mark Jacobsen to finally join Keilor Bowls Club.
Having been approached by the club in the past, the Commonwealth Games gold medallist has signed on as playing-coach for the next three seasons.
Jacobsen,whoplayed400gamesforVictoria, said it was pretty special to be on board at Keilor.
“I go back to my mother in law and father in law who played at Keilor many years ago, both champions,” he said.
“It’s nice to come here and I always pop past, my kids play at the Keilor footy club as well.
“I’ve known the guys for a long time.
“It was nice that I got the phone call to come out and help them out. I’m really looking forwardtoit,Ithinkit’sgoingtobeachallenge.”
While having an extensive playing career, Jacobsen has also coached for the last 20 years.
He said that Keilor had some good players at the club, it was about helping them get to the next level.
“I’ve been coaching for a long time,” he said.
“It’s always nice to know when the phone keeps ringing that I’m doing something right.
“My previous club was obviously Port Melbourne and we won the division 2 flag there, we won the whole lot.
“I’d been there four years, it was time for me to move on. This opportunity came up, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Jacobsen said it was nice to be offered a three season contract, as it allowed them to really build something.
He said he was also keen to get out on the greens for Keilor.
“They certainly haven’t got me for my looks,” he joked. “I’m passionate and I had a great year last year going through undefeated in division 2.
“I want to come here and hopefully spread across the board and bring some of the good players on and the ones who are struggling a bit, to also bring them on a bit.
“Hopefully we can be competitive.”
Jacobsen said he was already on the phones trying to recruit some players to help boost the side. He said ideally they would like to add at least four or five.
Having made finals in the Bowls Victorian weekend pennant division 2 last season, Jacobsen is keen to build on that.
“I’m really looking forward to the challenge and some talent here to work on and it’s just a matter of time and effort into practice and we hopefully get to the heights we can get to.
“There are encouraging signs. Hopefully we can make finals and see what happens from there.”
Western United
Two Western United stars have been named in training squad camp for the Australian under-23 national team. All 22 members of the squad for the training camp played in the recent A-League Women’s season with nine different clubs represented from across Australia. Kahli Johnson, who has been part of the under-20 national team and Alana Cerne, have both been named in the squad for the camp.
The Essendon District Football League netball competition will take a different format this season. EDFL netball in 2023 will now be a short season social competition being played across 10 weeks. It will commence on May 13 and run through to August 5, excluding school and public holidays. Any clubs or umpires interested in joining the competition, contact netball@ essendondfl.com.au.
VTCA
Caroline Springs finally got reward for effort on Saturday night.
Caroline Springs George Cross got some just rewards on Saturday in the National Premier League 3 competition.
After promising so much in the first part of the season, the Georgies produced their best performance of the season against Beaumaris, winning 4-1.
Georgies coach Eric Vassiliadis was a thrilled coach the following day.
“I’m happy and relieved that we have got some just rewards,” he said. “It was a really good performance.
“The group has started fast and been aggressive all year. We were flat last week against Goulburn Valley, it was a unique experience travelling to Shepparton.
“This week we got what we deserved. We had to do it the hard way, coming from 1-0 down.”
Vassiliadis said it was a tough match up against Beaumaris.
They were able to find a way with Josh Whiteley, Omar Ammache, Lochie Reus and
Daniel Bramall finding the back of the net.
“We dominated possession like we try to at our ground before we copped one on the break,” Vassiliadis said.
“The boys were cleaner after the restart and we were able to find solutions to get the win.”
Thewincamedespitetheabsenceofnumber one goalkeeper Gian Tapia, who is out with a long term injury.
Matthew Sesto will get his chance to make the spot his own during the absence of Tapia.
“We got Matty from a NPL club two years ago,” Vassiliadis said. “He’s been with us for a long time.
“We’ll back him in. He was responsible for our Australia Cup journey.
“He’s a senior goalkeeper and he gets a chance to stand on his own two feet.”
Vassiliadis said this season had been a real learning experience for not just the playing group, but the whole club.
Hesaidtherewasalittlebitofunderstanding that great performances don’t always end in the result that you want.
“We have the mantra of belief,” he said.
“You have to stay the course and stay calm.
“Yesterday’s [Saturday’s] game helps with that.”
The win was the Georgies third of the season. The side sits ninth on the ladder.
Vassiliadis said they know they have their work cut out for them if they’re to be in the mix later in the season.
“There’s still a really long way to go for this year,” he said.
“We’ve made it hard for ourselves this year and we have our backs to the wall as a footy club.
“We’ll look at consolidation from here and whatever happens, happens. “
The Georgies face Doveton this week before Essendon Royals the following week to conclude the first half of the season.
North Sunshine Eagles had to share the points with the Goulburn Valley Suns, with the sides having a 1-1 draw.
In the NPL, Green Gully lost to Heidelberg United, while the Melbourne Knights beat the Dandenong Thunder, 1-0.
Burnside Springs United has announced the signing of Shohan Rangika for the next Victorian Turf Cricket Association season. Rangika joins the club from VTCA Senior division outfit Craigieburn, with aspirations of helping us build a successful culture and drive hard to pushing for and into finals. The club said Rangika is an aggressive batsmen and an off spin bowler.
Coates Talent League
Keilor’s Jovan Petric will be among those aiming to push their AFL mid-season draft claims against the state’s best under-18 boys footballers as part of the 2023 Young Guns Series. The two-game series will pit the Young Guns against Victoria Metro and Victoria Country under-18 teams. The Young Guns team has been selected by AFL recruiters, with the team made up of players eligible for selection in the AFL mid-season rookie draft on May 31. Petric’s Western Jets teammates Lucca Grego and Jake Smith have been named in the Vic Metro squad.
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