Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 13th June 2023

Elaine Dalli celebrated her 20th year of residency at the Doutta Galla Woornack aged care facility. (Jacob Pattison) 339209_01

Milestone anniversary

For Elaine Dalli, the 20 years she has lived at Doutta Galla Woornack in Sunshine have meant more to her than most.

“Woornack is home for me and will always be for a lifetime,” she said.

Mrs Dalli moved into the residential aged care facility on June 6, 2003. On the same date, exactly 20 years later, celebrations were in order to mark the milestone. Personalised chocolates, flowers and balloons were rolled out as Mrs Dalli celebrated the occasion.

“I will never leave this place,” she said. “Every staff member here is like family or friends to me.”

Overlooking the willow trees and grasslands of Kororoit Creek reserve, Doutta Galla Woornack is a community based not-for-profit organisation that has served Melbourne’s west since 1991.

Doutta Galla Woornack lifestyle and leisure co-ordinator Carina Hollenkamp said she has known Mrs Dalli for more than 10 years.

“It is important for us to look after the overall happiness and wellbeing of our residents. Elaine has lived with us for 20 years and has loved every single day that she is here,” she said.

Health champs honoured

By Hannah Hammoud

During some of Melbourne’s toughest weeks in lockdown, checking for the daily COVID-19 case numbers became a routine part of people’s day-to-day lives.

Brimbank local Anthony Macali is the founder of the CovidLive.com.au website which quickly became a trusted point of call for data and information relating to COVID-19 in Australia.

Marking the King’s official birthday, Mr Macali has been honoured for his contribution to community health and awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Landing a spot on the COVID-19 honour roll, Mr Macali was awarded the honour for his contributions during the long-haul course of the pandemic, compiling storms of data from across the country into easy to digest numbers.

As shops closed and many Melburnians were sent off to work from home, Mr Macali put his skills as a data analyst to work.

“I was worried about what was going on and just wanted to find out what the case numbers were and look for any other data that was out there,” he said.

“What I found wasn’t very much and it was really difficult to get information. All you could find was a report that came out once a day and

when it was published it was already a few hours behind.”

Mr Macali took things into his own hands and tuned in to the press conferences from each state and territory every day, tracking the COVID statistics for the country for three long years.

At its peak, Mr Macali’s website had more than 200,000 visitors a day. His advocacy for vaccination rates to be made publicly available resulted in a commitment from the federal government to publish the data at the earliest opportunity available.

Mr Macali said the website served as an outlet for people to gain a sense of control in a

time of great uncertainty. Despite his dedicated efforts, he said news of his award still came as a “big surprise” to him.

“I have always received positive feedback from users of the website, but it is nice to be recognised officially,” he said.

“We’ve all gone into a new phase of returning back to normal after the pandemic and we’ve quickly forgotten about it, but it is nice to have those difficult times acknowledged, it’s a small reminder of how tough it was and how we all pooled together to help each other.”

■ Continued: Page 6.

Men’s Health Week in Brimbank

Whether you are looking for tips on improving your exercise routine, looking for information on health matters or just wanting to build stronger connections with your family, Men's Health Week in Brimbank could be the answer. We are proud to support the range of activities and events happening from 13-17 June. The week includes cooking, exercise, social connection, family connection and art across various sites in Brimbank.

This year our main event is on Thursday 15 June at the Westvale Community Centre. Join us to celebrate Men's Health Week 2023 with guest speakers, Tom Boyd, former AFL premiership player and advocate for mental health and Brimbank Councillor, Thomas O'Reilly. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/events to learn more or book an event.

Funding flies in for sports club

Upgrades are on the way for Keilor Sports Club after landing a $200,000 sponsorship agreement with Melbourne Airport.

The funding comes as a timely boost for the club and will help enable the upgrade and expansion of ageing clubhouse infrastructure includingthekitchen,functionareaandtoilets.

As reported by Star Weekly , the club expressed concerns that its growing base of 1400 members had outgrown the current facilities.

Club president Hayden Kelly said he was delighted to have Melbourne Airport on board as a long-term sponsor over the next six years.

“Volunteer-run community clubs like Keilor rely heavily on financial support from sponsors and members to enable them to provide an inclusive, nurturing, safe and positive environment for all participants,” he said.

Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Learn more about projects that are open for comment including:

• Copernicus Way Reserve upgrade – give your feedback on our proposed park upgrade

Brimbank Community Grants Program

The Brimbank Community Grants Program for 2023/2024 is open for applications.

Community grants

The program offers one-off financial assistance to not-forprofit organisations, and incorporated community groups, to deliver projects and activities that benefit our community. Grants are available in several categories. For information on how to apply, grant categories, and eligibility, visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/grants, or call the grants hotline on 9249 4036

Winter Energy Efficiency webinar

Get great tips to improve energy efficiency for renters and home owners.

Presented by energy experts Renew, the session will be on Saturday 24 June, 10-11.30am. Visit brimbank. vic.gov,au/events to learn more. The webinar is presented on behalf of the Western Alliance for Greenhouse Action, representing Councils in Melbourne’s west.

Contact us: Telephone 9249

School holiday fun at Brimbank Libraries

Young people are sure to find something fun at Brimbank Libraries during the winter school holidays.

Activities include family film fun, video game tournaments, foosball games, sports board games, AFL handball competitions and more!

Fun activities will run at all five Brimbank Libraries from Saturday 24 June to Sunday 9 July. Bookings for these events are now open. Go to brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au to learn more.

Celebrate Refugee Week in Brimbank

We are delivering an exciting program of events to celebrate Refugee Week, from 18 to 24 June

This year’s theme is ‘Finding Freedom’ and we will host a range of events including story time, an exhibition and cultural performances. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/newsand-events/refugee-week for the full calendar of events.

Your Councillors are always happy to hear from you

Cr Victoria Borg 0429365527 CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Sarah Branton 0407836064 CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Thuy Dang 0437744803 CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Sam David JP 0429355239 CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Maria Kerr 0437796630 CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Bruce Lancashire (Mayor) 0429637689 CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Jasmine Nguyen 0437740042 CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Thomas O’Reilly 0409210431 CrOReilly@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Jae Papalia 0437838710 CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Ranka Rasic (Deputy Mayor) 0437861296 CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Virginia Tachos 0428915671 CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au

“Keilor Sports Club works hard to accommodate our 1400 participants across our life activities, football and cricket clubs and the Melbourne Airport contribution will be directed to our building fund rather than allocated to individual clubs.

“I’d like to thank Melbourne Airport for taking the time over several months and meetings to understand the contribution made to the Brimbank community by the Keilor Sports Club, and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.”

Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie

Argus said the partnership recognised the key role that both the airport and sports clubs play in creating connections that matter.

“We’reexcitedtobesupportingKeilorSports Club and look forward to helping them provide joy and connections to their community,” she said.

“Local sporting clubs are the heart of many communities, and we are happy to play a small part in seeing them flourish.”

College’s green lesson

Braybrook College has been nominated as a finalist in the 2023 ResourceSmart Schools Awards.

Braybrook College has widely integrated sustainability across the curriculum and in the wider community, under the leadership of nominated teacher Rowena Archer.

“We try our best to become more sustainable each year,“ she said.

“We have an environment committee that involvesstudentsandstaffandothervolunteers including parents who all participate.”

At the end of 2020 the team installed a 99 kilowatt solar system on the school roof which reduces its energy usage from other sources.

“The system is the largest one you can

install, so now we are producing most of our own electricity in the school which reduces the bills,“ Ms Archer said.

The school is also in the process of planning a year 7 environment day where all students will participate in sustainability workshops and activities on the day. Ms Archer said all students are really keen to be involved in any way they can.

“They do extra curricular activities and extension activities, showing us that they are alwaysreallyexcitedtobeapartoftheprocess,” she said.

This year’s winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the MCG on Thursday, June 15.

Braybrook College teachers Rowena Archer, Alex Ashley Chiew, Tessie Reinsch and volunteer Wendy-Jane D’Sylva. (Damjan Janevski) 337721_01

Keilor Cricket Club’s Russel Pollock, Keilor Sports Club president Hayden Kelly, Keilor Life Activities president Joan Ellis, Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus, Keilor Life Activities’ Kelvin Bennet and Keilor Football Club’s Rodney Callahan. (Supplied)

Flood modelling to be sped up

By Hannah Hammoud

The growing impacts of climate change, and an evolving urban landscape combined with new standards, have prompted Melbourne Water to speed up new flood modelling across Melbourne.

Working with local government area partners, the modelling work, which commenced in 2021, will re-map the Port Phillip and Western Port catchments to incorporate climate change projections to 2100

by 2026.

The October 2022 flood event impacted properties in Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Melbourne and Moonee Valley and a review of the flood models for these areas is ongoing.

In any given year, it is estimated there are over 200,000 properties across Melbourne Water’s region that have at least a one per cent chance of flooding.

The annual average damage caused by flooding in the region has been estimated at more than $735 million.

Health champs honoured

The late Nia Sims, a former Albion resident, has been posthumously awarded an OAM, in recognition of her tireless efforts to legalise voluntary assisted dying (VAD) in Victoria.

Ms Sims was an active member in the health community, serving as a registered nurse for 14 years alongside her work as a strong advocate for VAD.

Ms Sims was chronically ill, living with a rare autoimmune disease called scleroderma, a disease of the body’s connective tissue which carries a common symptom of thickened and hard skin.

At the political peak of the VAD campaign in 2017, Ms Sims worked with the team at Go Gentle Australia, a charity dedicated to achieving end-of-life choice for all Australians. Together they produced the short film ‘Stop the Horror’ based on the death of Ms Sims’ father who died after suffering in anguish for days in his hospital bed.

Ms Sims died in 2022 through VAD, and was honoured on the King’s Birthday holiday with an OAM for her service to community health. Her mother, Robyn said it was “bittersweet“ to have the medal awarded in her absence.

“I was really pleased for her but I just wish she’d been around to know about it,“ she said.

“She died on the 14th of June, it’s coming up to the anniversary. Those things will always be hard, it was a hard death, knowing what day and what time it would happen … it was not an easy thing for a parent to go through.“

Ms Sims’ devotion to the VAD campaign gained traction in the media and played a pivotalroleincreatingchange.In2017,Victoria became the first state in Australia to pass voluntary assisted dying laws which allowed people who are suffering and dying to choose the manner and timing of their death.

Melbourne Water managing director Dr Nerina Di Lorenzo said extreme flood events are expected to become more likely as the climate changes over the coming decades.

“We have an opportunity now to enhance Melbourne’s future resilience,” she said.

“This relies on having flood information that takes future projections into account, and ensuring this is readily available so authorities and communities can plan ahead.

“This is why we have been running a program to incorporate climate impacts to the

year 2100 into our flood maps and models for every catchment in Melbourne.”

Dr Di Lorenzo said building these models is a long and detailed process that Melbourne Water is working to accelerate.

“Completing this by 2026 means housing and infrastructure that is built in the coming 70 years will be more flood ready for the future,” she said.

MelbourneWateriscontinuinginvestigations into future flood mitigations where possible across the Maribyrnong catchment.

Supporting locals to flourish

Community health provider cohealth welcomed the community to drop-in to the Brimbank mental health and wellbeing local at an open day on June 7.

Brimbank locals took up the invitation to visit the new space and meet the dedicated team who operate with a ‘no wrong door’ policy to provide free mental health and wellbeing treatment, care and support for people aged 26 and over.

Community activist Sangeeta Sharma was among the many visitors in attendance. She said the opening of the Brimbank local was a direct result of genuine community consultation.

“We were listened to, and that makes a difference,” she said.

“There is a warmth and energy to the place that I like. It’s accessible and not clinical. The staff are amazing and approachable.

“The service is different from the norm.

Community members can come here and chat to health workers who are from their own community.”

Using flowers with connections to the Brimbank area, guests participated in a flower bouquet making activity centred around the idea of flourishing.

The cohealth team said the open day was a chance to celebrate the community who have contributed so much to Brimbank local, from the initial consultation stages, to the design of the building and the delivery of services.

The service is one of 60 mental health and wellbeing locals announced in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s mental health system.

The Brimbank local launched in April this year and is open from 8am-6pm, Monday to Friday at 45 Dickson Street, Sunshine.

Hannah Hammoud

Anthony Macali, and inset, Nia Sims. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison and supplied)

■ From page 1.

cohealth youth program staff, Gayle Oakley and Lucy Brown at the open day of the Brimbank Local. (Damjan Janevski) 337710_01

Cubs are pride of zoo

Staff at Werribee Open Range Zoo are celebrating the birth of three lion cubs, the first in six years.

Eleven-year-old African lion, Nilo, gave birth to the three cubs, each weighing 1.5 kilograms, on Sunday evening following a three month pregnancy.

WerribeeOpenRangeZoodirectorDrMark Pilgrim said the births were as important as they were exciting.

“It’s wonderful to have three more healthy African lions in the Australasian zoo breeding and conservation program.

“Unfortunately their wild cousins are facing increasing threats including human-wildlife conflict, poaching and habitat destruction.”

African lions are considered a threatened species, with only 23,000 to 39,000 remaining in the wild in sub-Saharan Africa.

The births are the product of a breeding pride established at Werribee in 2022 when the cubs’ father, Sheru, arrived from Sydney Zoo.

Nilo and the cubs will remain in a private area of the zoo for the next two months, something Dr Pilgrim said was similar to what occurs in the wild.

“In the wild, when it is time for a lioness to give birth, she will leave her pride to find a private shelter in the bushes or a cave.

“Thisisdonetoprotectandcareforhercubs while they are unable to defend themselves.

“Niloandhercubswillhavetheopportunity to replicate those wild behaviours here at the Zoo, too.”

Visitors can still see Sheru and adult lioness, Asali, at the zoo’s African River Trail while Nilo and her cubs bond.

A voting competition to name the three cubs will be held among zoo members and donors in the coming weeks.

For updates on their progress and when public viewings will be available, visit the Werribee Open Range Zoo website or follow their social media channels.

Visit: https://www.zoo.org.au/werribee/

Briefs

Pedestrians warning

Pedestrians are being urged to ‘Stop. Look. Live.’ as part of a new Crime Stoppers Victoria campaign delivered in partnership with Victoria Police. The campaign will focus on reducing the number of pedestrians seriously injured or killed while crossing the road in built up areas, where there is a speed limit of 60km/h. As part of the campaign, Crime Stoppers Victoria will hit the streets to actively engage with high-risk pedestrians to educate them on how they can help keep our roads incident free.

Bulldogs funding

The Western Bulldogs Foundation will continue to connect westies through sport and community programs, following a multi-million dollar cash injection. On Tuesday, May 6, a cash boost of $3.2 million over the next four years was announced by Community Sport Minister Ros Spence and Footscray MP Katie Hall. The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is the club’s community arm that delivers life-changing initiatives reaching out to more than 20,000 community members each year.

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

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Nilo and her three newborn lion cubs bond at Werribee Open Range Zoo. (Supplied)

Be part of every part of life

A career as a nurse or midwife means you’re part of an incredible workforce with all the support, training opportunities and job security you need.

Right now we’re recruiting 5000 nurses and midwives. To be part of it, start your career in nursing or midwifery now at health.vic.gov.au/jobs

Road reopens after upgrade

Mt Derrimut Road has reopened after month-long works to upgrade the intersection with Tilburn Road and Station Road.

The level crossing at Mt Derrimut Road was removed in April and replaced with an elevated rail bridge to help ease congestion and make the road safer. The removal of the level crossing means the Geelong and Ballarat lines are level crossing free between Deer Park and the city. Recent upgrades to the intersection are set to create better connections for the new bus interchange at Deer Park Station and improve station access for commuters.

Lifeline launches at VU

By Hannah Hammoud

Lifeline will open its first crisis support and suicide prevention call centre this month at Victoria University’s (VU) St Albans Campus.

Lifeline and VU recently signed a five-year partnership to establish Lifeline Western Melbourne, the first Lifeline service in the state to operate from a university campus.

Lifeline general manager Jason Doherty said there was an identified need for a support service in the region, which has experienced a 35 per cent surge in demand from residents facing emotional distress or battling cost of living pressures since the pandemic.

Nine volunteers have completed their initial crisis supporter training and are ready to take live supervised calls on 13 11 14 as part of a

12-month internship to become accredited crisis supporters. The service will aim to have 40 crisis support volunteers answering calls in the centre by the end of its first year.

Mr Doherty said it was important that Lifeline crisis supporters came from all walks of life, age groups and cultural backgrounds, including students and young people.

“Crisis supporters do not need to have experience in counselling as we provide extensive training and support to help empatheticpeoplebethereforothers–tolisten and offer hope,” he said.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said VU was honoured to support Lifeline’s critically important work.

“Wewanttobepartofasolutionthatensures ourcommunitiesdonotfacetheirmostserious

challenges alone,” he said.

“That is where the crisis call centre comes in – and we couldn’t be prouder to host it at our St Albans Campus.”

Lifeline crisis supporter training is done online alongside other trainees over four to eight weeks, before the internship stage commences at the centre.

A trained crisis supporter then commits to a minimum four hour shift per fortnight. There is flexibility in both training times and volunteering rosters.

Lifeline will hold an online information session for anyone interested in training as a crisis support volunteer at Lifeline Western Melbourne on Monday, July 3.

Details: https://bit.ly/ CrisisSupporterInfoSession.

Lighting and CCTV have been installed to improve safety around the 150 new and upgraded car parks.

The Level Crossing Removal Project team will continue working on the station precinct and landscaping over the coming months to install the lift and rampontheGeelongandBallarat-bound platform, begin building the southern car park and new bus interchange, and complete the pedestrian through-link beneath the rail bridge.

Finishing works will also continue on the station waiting room, ticketing office and a new parkiteer for cyclists to be completed, with Myki barriers now operational.

The northern car park off Station Road isscheduledtobecompletednextmonth, withliftaccesstothecity-boundplatform lighting installed on both platforms. Temporary seating on the platforms will also be replaced with permanent seats.

Tyre & Auto Service

Victoria University, Lifeline and community representatives launched the opening of a new crisis support and suicide prevention call centre in Melbourne’s west. (Supplied)

Autism centre for adults opened

By Hannah Hammoud

Victoria University’s St Albans campus has welcomed Australia’s first on-campus community centre for adults with autism.

The centre officially opened on Thursday, June 8, following a collaboration between Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) and Victoria University (VU).

The alliance pioneers a new model at VU’s St Albans campus to provide positive outcomes for both adult participants and students.

The new centre offers much needed services for Autistic adults in Brimbank and facilitates opportunities for participants to enrol in Victoria University Polytechnic courses to gain recognised qualifications.

Participantswillalsobesupportedtoacquire valuable job and independent living skills by engaging in programs and activities across the University’s facilities.

The new adult community centre caters for more than 25 autistic adults and approximately 18 staff.

The innovative model will also provide a unique opportunity for VU students who are training in areas such as speech pathology, social work and community services, to participate in placements, internships and potentially, formal employment with Aspect.

Victoria University’s vice-chancellor, Professor Adam Shoemaker, said the alliance with Aspect will dramatically increases accessible learning experiences and employment opportunities for both students and community members.

“ForVUstudents,partneringwithAustralia’s largest provider of specialised autistic services means they will have the best possible training and hands-on experience, which is as timely as it is industry-relevant,” he said.

Andrew finds freedom through work

Andrew Steel is a Melton man who is “loving” his first full-time job he found with the help of APM Employment and YMCA Rebuild.

Mr Steel, who has an intellectual disability and has found it difficult to find full time work, was referred to APM after a jarring experience with a previous employer.

APM helps people with injury, illness or disability, children and older adults, unemployed people, and those facing hardship or harm.

In January, Mr Steel was placed in full-time employment with YMCA Rebuild in

Braybrook, a paid transitional program that mentors and teaches trade and employability skills while they work.

Mr Steel said the work he’s doing is “fantastic”.

“I’m big-time loving it,” he said. I’m out of the house, working full-time, earning money … It’s made me more free.”

Mr Steel said APM “helped a lot” in helping him find work, and that he wants other people to know they can do it too.

“If people were in my shoes, I’d say to them don’t give up, try your hardest and keep on going to find a full time job,” he said.

YMCA ReBuild case manager Micheala Ralston said in the coming months Andrew willbereadytomoveontoemploymentforone of the program’s partner organisations.

“Andrew, is a complete breath of fresh air, he brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the program - he’s gone from having no experience in trade skills whatsoever to now being trusted across multiple job sites doing landscaping and carpentry,” she said.

Me Steel’s first goal with the money he’s earning to save for a car and get his L’s.

Liam McNally

“We also warmly welcome the expertise of Aspect staff to ensure VU classrooms and communal spaces are inclusive and provide autism-friendly environments. This is a truly progressive partnership, and one which gives all of us immense pride.”

Aspect participants have begun engaging in programs and activities across various areas of the St Albans campus including the aquatic centre, cooking facilities, presentation spaces, sporting grounds and general campus amenities.

Aspect will be commencing its first round of placements in mid-June, with four students studying certificate IV in disability and community services and diploma of community services, joining the new centre.

Two more charged after fatal stabbing

Police have charged two more people following the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy in Sunshine last month.

An 18-year-old Burnside Heights boyanda17-year-oldCarolineSprings boywerearrestedbypoliceonMonday, June 5.

The 18-year-old has been charged with intentionally causing injury, conduct endangering serious injury, affray and possessing prohibited weapon.

He faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on June 5 and was bailed to appear again at a later date.

The 17-year-old has been charged with conduct endangering serious injury, affray and possessing prohibited weapon.

He faced a children’s court on June 5 and was bailed to appear at a later date.

The charges are following the death of 16-year-old Melton South boy Pa Sawm Lyhym in Sunshine on May 18.

Two other 16-year-old boys were also injured during the incident, with one taken to hospital and one treated at the scene.

Last week a 17-year-old boy faced court charged with Lyhym’s murder. He was remanded in custody and did not apply for bail.

Andrew Steel at YMCA ReBuild in Braybrook. (Damjan Janevski) 338663_01

‘‘ This is a truly progressive partnership, and one which gives all of us immense pride ’’

- Adam Shoemaker

‘G’ shoots for basketball gold

By Liam McNally

A Taylors Hill teenager is on his way to Berlin to represent Australia in basketball at the 2023 Special Olympics Summer World Games from June 17 to 25.

Giuliano Maiolo, known by friends and teammates as ‘G’, will be the youngest player on his side, but he said that prospect “doesn’t phase me at all”.

“When I first received the selection in the envelope I had a massive grin knowing what wasinside.I’mreallyecstaticthatIgotselected … I’m extremely determined,” he said.

When G’s basketball journey began at eight years old with the Caroline Springs Lil Devils the Olympics wasn’t on his mind. His father, Eugenio Maiolo even said he “didn’t want to get on the court”.

Eugenio said it was forming a “very special” connection with Lil Devils co-ordinator Nathan Freeman that got G enjoying the sport, who has still been his primary coach leading up to the Special Olympics.

Nathan said he was only 19 when G joined up, and hadn’t taught anyone on the autism spectrum before, but in small steps they built skills and trust, learning how to communicate and what works best for G, until he was ready to hit the court.

“Seeinghimgofromsomeonewhowouldn’t

want to go on a court at all to the person he is today is amazing. Not just on the court – he’s open and outgoing and doesn’t shy away from being centre attention and makes others in his community feel more special, and welcomed,” he said.

“Now seeing him go play in Berlin … all

the hard work, determination that he’s shown, especially in the last eight months of training ... He has shown a lot of pride in representing his country and his community.”

G was selected for the Australian team after competing for Victoria in Tasmania last October, which he almost didn’t attend after

his mother, Grace, died of cancer just a month before the game.

Eugenio said the family were “in two minds” about whether to travel to Tasmania or not, but G formed a “strong bond” with his teammates during the experience, who all wore black armbands to commemorate the loss.

“The spirit of the games was so phenomenal that it helped us through our tough times, not only the athletes but the families and the families from the other states … Players he was opposing would go hug him before the game,” he said.

EugeniosaidG“playedoutofhisskin”atthe event scoring 102 points across seven games, the most in the B-grade men’s division, and winning the bronze medal with his team.

“He’s doing this for Mum, that’s his whole purpose … He’s putting it all out there and making her proud,” he said.

G said losing his mum has been “devastating”, but it’s given “new meaning” towards his playing.

“[I want to] win the gold in honour of what mum has done for me in the past 16 years... That is 100 per cent what I’ll try and do in the Olympics and it’s what I’ve been trying to carry throughout my past six months of training with Nathan,” he said.

“I could not be in this position without Nathan’s help and I’d like to thank him for all he has done.”

G said he wants other people with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder to “drive towards chasing goals”.

“Even if you have some sort of mental disability, try your best in any regard, in any situation whatsoever, you never know what will happen eventually, much like me not knowing I would one day be selected for Berlin,” he said.

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions

‘‘ Even if you have some sort of mental disability, try your best in any regard ... you never know what will happen ’’

- Giuliano Maiolo

Coach Nathan Freeman and Giuliano Maiolo. (Jacob Pattison) 339631_06

Donors give precious gift of life

Paul Jenkins started donating blood a few days after his 19th birthday, on February 23, 1971, and knows the process all too well. It is a routine he completes every two weeks.

“Here in Australia [you can donate] whole blood every 12 weeks… [and] every two weeks for plasma and platelets,” Paul explains.

“I used to sit with a calendar at the start of the year and I’d work it all through with the school holidays.

“I’ve even come back from holidays specifically … to donate.”

When asked why donating blood is so important to him, Paul’s eyes flooded with tears.

“Up until my 750th [donation] ... no family member of mine has ever needed blood … it’s just something I got into,” he said.

“On my 800th donation they brought a lady in … who had lost the ability to walk, but through products which are derived from blood donors … she regained that ability.

“She came in and gave me a special hug.”

The federal government reports that about one in three Australians will require blood or blood products in their lifetime, which means that it will touch almost everyone through friends or family.

Julie Seddon is one such resident from Melbourne’s north-west whose life has been impacted by blood donations.

“I started donating blood [in around 2016] when someone I knew had been diagnosed with an illness,” she said.

“Then my mum was diagnosed in February this year … with acute myeloid leukaemia.”

Julie said her mother’s life was transformed after she received blood donations.

“They call it Lifeblood and essentially that is exactly what it is … it gave her life back,” she said. “With her leukaemia she had very low haemoglobin, so [she was] very pale, very tired and breathless.

“After having some blood, immediately you could see the colour come back into her face, she had more energy, she could breathe properly.

“She was more herself.”

Julie said it was amazing to see this change in her mother, and she recommends anyone who is considering donating blood to give it a go.

“It’s something that you can do for your community, it’s selfless, it doesn’t cost you anything, [and] there’s no negatives about it, it’s all positive.

“There’s a lot of families that are in the position where someone is unwell and needs those products in order to survive.

“You just never know when it’s going to be you.

“You can walk around thinking that everything’s great and then all of a sudden somebody gets a life changing diagnosis.”

The government reports that just one in 30 Australians roll up their sleeves to donate blood, which means that 10 times the amount of Australians who donate, will require blood or blood products in their lifetime.

World Blood Donor Day, which occurs annually on June 14, aims to increase this awareness of the need for blood and blood products, while thanking donors for their life saving gift.

SunburyresidentRobertIrvineispassionate about donating blood, and achieved 196 donationsbeforebeingdiagnosedwithcancer.

“The blood bank is very, very careful, so there’s a whole range of things which will stop you donating,” Robert said.

“With cancer it’s a five year hiatus and then you can go back [in most cases].”

Robert said he felt disappointed when he found out he could not donate blood due to his diagnosis and looks forward to donating again.

“Every step of the way in my treatment I said to the surgeons ‘can I give blood now’?

“Before all of this I actually decided that I would go to the blood banks all around

Victoria, so I’ve donated in Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo.

“Ithoughtthat’sprettycool,you’recamping in Warrnambool, got some time and you can go to the blood bank in Warrnambool.”

Robert said he encourages anyone who can donate blood to go and they will also receive a health check in the process.

“One slight consequence [of donating] is you get a little health check, you find out

what blood type you are, they do a test for haemoglobin, blood pressure etc.

“You know, it’s not just about take, take, take all the time … it’s very altruistic … it’s just a good feeling.”

As Australia continues to progress further into winter, Lifeblood is also urging Australians to donate blood.

They said the cold and flu season, with ongoing COVID-19 cases, has created a perfect storm for blood donor shortage.

At the start of June Lifeblood said about 2000 donors a week are cancelling and rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it is expected to get worse.

Lifeblood donor experience executive director Cath Stone said Lifeblood data shows that higher numbers of people are cancelling orreschedulingduetocold,fluandCOVID-19 symptoms when compared to last year.

“We are expecting those cancellations to increase over the coming weeks,” Ms Stone said.

“So are asking people with O and A blood types to book a donation … [as] more than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood type.”

To make an appointment to donate Australians can call or visit the Lifeblood website.

Details: 13 14 95 or lifeblood.com.au

Julie Seddon’s mother who has acute myeloid leukaemia. (Supplied)

‘‘ They call it Lifeblood and essentially that is exactly what it is … it gave her life back ’’ - Julie Seddon

in 3 Australians will require blood or blood products in their lifetime.

Paul Jenkins has donated blood 850 times. (Damjan Janevski) 339036_06

Nestled in a black armchair at the Lifeblood Airport West Donor Centre, Paul Jenkins, 71, settles in to complete his 850th blood donation. Victoria’s highest donor and Australia’s second highest chats to Zoe Moffatt about World Blood Donor Day and the importance of donating.

SOURCE: Federal Department of Health and Aged Care.

Caring for Kororoit Creek

Friends of Kororoit Creek hosted a working bee at the Bug Rug in Sunshine on Thursday, June 8. The volunteer-run team invited the community down to the Bug Rug to plant lots of wildflowers and help keep the health of Kororoit Creek in good shape. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski visited the Bug Rug to capture all the green thumbs in action.

Richard Tregear joined the team to look after the health of The Bug Rug.

Above: Friends of Kororoit Creek is a team full of active volunteers just like Jessica Gerger. Left: Olga Krasicky helps give The Bug Rug a facelift. (Damjan Janevski) 339336

In the last six years alone, the group has planted 71,000 plants along Kororoit Creek. Pictured above is Thao Nguyen.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

35 years ago

June 15, 1988

Work on the Transport City site in Deer Park has unearthed what archaeologists hope will be the largest single collection of Aboriginal artefacts yet found in metropolitanMelbourne.

25 years ago

June 17, 1998

Abanondrinkingalcoholinpublicplaces in Brimbank is likely to be introduced following pressure from the community andpolice.

20 years ago

June 17, 2003

Chants of “out”, “immoral” and “all of you, out” erupted in the public gallery of Brimbank council chambers in Sunshine lastTuesday.

10 years ago

June 11, 2013

The attitude of lower-ranked police towards Africans and other migrant groups needs a “huge shift” says a Brimbankcommunityleader.

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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. n sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082

Street Aart youth workshop

Brimbank council is inviting local youth to collaborate and connect to create an artwork that will be displayed at Neighbour Houses. The event will run on June 16, from 12.30-3pm at the Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre. The event is free and will run as part of Men’s Health Week. n https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1061365?eid=1061365&

Dempster Park listening post

Brimbank council is inviting residents to come along to the community consultation session near the existing playground and have a chat about Dempster Park’s upgrade from a Neighbourhood Park to a Suburban Park. Will take place on June 17, from 11am-1pm at Dempster Park. Barbecue and coffee van included. Remember to bring your reusable coffee cup. n https://yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

Gym in the park

As part of Men’s Health Week, learn how to safely use the inbuilt equipment at Delahey Recreation Reserve. Free event hosted by Brimbank council on June 14 from 10am-noon at the Delahey Community Centre. Get tips on form and increasing strength, as well as information on how to avoid injury. Light refreshments provided. n https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1060739?eid=1060739&

Brimbank Men’s Health Week

Join us in this event to celebrate Men’s Health Week 2023 with guest speaker, Tom Boyd, former AFL premiership player and advocate for mental health. Free event at Westvale Community Centre on Thursday, June 15 from 11am-2pm. n https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1061227?eid=1061227&

Grant writing for creatives workshop

Are you looking to transform your brilliant idea for a creative project into a fundable concept? Join the arts community and learn how to put together a strong funding application and grant opportunities in this grant writing for creatives workshop run by Debby Maziarz. Free workshop at the St Albans Community Centre on Saturday, June 17, from 11am-1pm. n https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1054978?eid=1054978&

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.

n Leisa, 0425 768 808

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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n Roma, 0435 991 064

Men’s healthy cooking workshop

To celebrate men’s health week, Braybrook Community Hub is holding a free cooking session to make pasta or pizza. This is an opportunity for men to partake in a healthy and fun workshop and share a healthy meal together. Friday, June, 16 10am-12.30pm at 107-139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook.

n 9188 5800

Thai Vegan Cooking Workshop

Come along and create a deeply nourishing

soup. Garnish with cilantro and crispy mung bean sprouts for a delicious meal you’ll want to make again. You will get to sit down and enjoy a delicious lunch together.

Friday, June 23, 10am-12.30pm, $20 at the Braybrook Community Hub, 107 - 139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook n 9188 5800

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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 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.

n 0406 493 734

Melton Ladies Probus Club

The Melton Ladies Probus Club meets at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Melton Country Club and are welcoming new members.

n Diane, 0438 611 552

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

n 9747 8576

Zonta club meets

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

n Suzanne, 0417 512 420

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Point Cook residents Eden, 10, and Mason, 8, who are competing in the World Ninja Championships in Florida in July. (Damjan Janevski) 339089_01

PUZZLES

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Type of nut (6)

4 Country of Southeast Asia (8)

9 Cover story (5)

10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)

11 Popular aquarium fish (5)

12 Elusively (9)

13 Native American tribe (8)

15 Hang (6)

16 Hymn tune (6)

18 Fades back (8)

23 Forming a mental image of (9)

24 Used to speak (5)

26 Artworks (9)

27 Father of Beau and Jeff Bridges (5)

28 Adorn (8)

29 Suppress information (6)

DOWN

1 In a state of disorder (7)

2 Woman’s garment (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Human manifestation (6)

6 Common name for the US (7)

7 Rummaged (9)

8 Dissect (7)

10 Australian rugby league player and former Senator, – Lazarus (5)

14 Pathological self-admirer (9)

16 Broke off a small piece (7)

17 Pilot (7)

19 Spurs on (5)

20 Town in southern Spain (7)

21 Slim (7)

22 Type of finch (6)

25 Idols (5)

DECODER WORDFIT

9-LETTER WORD

20 words: Good

30 words: Very good

40 words:

U N I

I A E

A E

A

D T S E E

axed, axes, dash, date, dates, death, ease, eased, east, eats, exeat, exhaust, EXHAUSTED, hades, haste, hate, hated, hates, haute, head, heads, headset, heat, heated, heats, sate, sated, seat, seated, sedate, seta, setae, shad, shade, shea, stead, taxed, taxes, tease, teased

E T Y G U S T S U N T I E I M A G E D A R E D E N T R Y

QUICK QUIZ

1 The Scotia Sea is located in which ocean?

2 Which famous singer had the nickname ‘The Chairman of the Board’?

3 Which former PM had the nickname ‘The Silver Bodgie’?

4 What is the chemical symbol for silver?

5 Which country’s name means ‘made of silver’?

6 Which city hosts the International Court of Justice (pictured)?

7 The Yiddish language is part of which language group?

8 Which country controls the Suez Canal?

9 What kind of animal is a hellbender?

10 In Dante's epic poem Inferno which ancient poet guides the author through the layers of hell?

ADS AGE ALL APE APT BOA COD DIM ELK EVE EYE GEE ION IRE NIL ODE OPT ORE SIT TIP TON USE WIG YAK 4 LETTERS DEEP EBBS ESKY IDEA MUSS SACS SEAS SEED SODS SPED STEM SWAB TOMB TOSS 5 LETTERS ABIDE ADORE AGREE ALTOS ASSET ATONE BEANS BESET BLANK BYTES CABLE CASTE CASTS CLEAN COOED DELIS HAUNT HOSTS IRATE MEDIA MOSSY MUSED MUSTS ONION ONSET PALER PERKS RIOTS SANDS SANGS SARIS SCOPE SEATS SEEDY SIDED SLEDS SMEAR SODAS STALE STAMP STEWS STOKE TRAIT TRIPE TROOP ULTRA UNCLE UNTIE VESTS WAITS 6 LETTERS COASTS CUCKOO HAMMER REUSES 7 LETTERS ACCEDES MEMOIRS NITRATE ROOSTED STARKER TETHERS 8 LETTERS ABSENTEE ALLERGIC ARTISTIC ATTAINED 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 X T C V G P H I L U B S K A E Z W M D Y F Q O J R N Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible 16-06-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 219465387 624159738 492376851 537918264 978623145 783591426 846237519 351784692 165842973 easy medium hard 518642793 859714326 475268931 732189465 347826159 293451687 964375218 126593874 681937542 637958142 194765283 362547918 945126837 286413759 578691324 821374695 753289461 419832576 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 JN South Atlantic Frank Sinatra 3. Bob Hawke 4. Ag 5. Argentina 6. The Hague 7. Germanic 8. Egypt 9. Salamander 10. Virgil

No. 137

No. 137

No. 137

Springs Boulevard

• CAROLINE SPRINGS Professionals Caroline Springs RE Shop 16, 218-222 Caroline Springs Boulevard

• CAROLINE SPRINGS Brad Teal Real Estate Shop 4, 242-244 Caroline Springs Boulevard

• CAROLINE SPRINGS Ray White Real Estate Shop 8, 234 Caroline Springs Boulevard

• CAROLINE SPRINGS CS Square Centre

29-35 Lake Street

• DEER PARK Deer Park Club

780 Ballarat Road

• DEER PARK Bells Real Estate

813a Ballarat Road

• DEER PARK Biggin and Scott Real Estate

817a Ballarat Road

• DEER PARK Comm Unity Plus - Community Neighbourhood Centre 822-824 Ballarat Road

• DEER PARK Foodworks 803 Ballarat Road

• DEER PARK Cellarbrations Liquor Store

809 Ballarat Road

• DEER PARK Australia Post Office 827a Ballarat Road

• DEER PARK Deer Park IGA

8 Hatchlands Drive

Airport health ‘concerns’

• DEER PARK Brimbank Shopping Centre Cnr Neale Road & Station Road

• DEER PARK Derrimut Village Shopping Centre Foleys Road

• DEER PARK Coles Supermarket Foleys Road (Derrimut Village Shopping Centre)

• DEER PARK Deer Park Library 4 Neale Road

• DEER PARK Burnham Real Estate

93 Station Road

• DELAHEY Calder Real Estate 10/350 Taylors Road

• DELAHEY IGA Delahey 260 Taylors Road (Delahey Village Shopping Centre)

• DELAHEY Delahey Community Centre 80 Copperfield Drive

• DERRIMUT Sunshine Golf Club

475 Mt Derrimut Road

• DERRIMUT YPA Estate Agents Shop 9, 20 Mt Derrimut Road

• FOOTSCRAY Frank Trimboli Real Estate 169 Barkly Street

• FOOTSCRAY Wards Newsagency

100 Nicholson Street

• HILLSIDE Foodworks Hillside

49-69 Wattle Valley Drive

• HILLSIDE Parkwood Green Community Centre 88 Catherine Drive

• HILLSIDE Hillside Neighbourhood House

Recreation Reserve

• KEILOR Brad Teal Woodards

684 Old Calder Highway

• KEILOR Keilor Community Hub (Council Office ) 704b Old Calder Highway

• KEILOR Keilor Newsagent

700 Old Calder Highway

• KEILOR Keilor Retirement Village

868 Old Calder Highway Service Road

• KEILOR DOWNS Centro Shopping Centre

80 Taylors Road

• KEILOR PARK Star Weekly Office Unit 6/1-9 Thomson Road

• KEILOR PARK Frank’s Supermarket

• KEILOR PARK Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse Shop 32, 40 Keilor Park Drive

• KINGS PARK Westvale Community Centre

Kings Road

• MELTON Melton Shire Offices

• MELTON Harrison Hyundai

High Street

• MELTON Melton Toyota 143-147

NORTH Malaga Real Estate

3/23 Suffolk Road

• SUNSHINE WEST Morgan’s Super IGA Supermarket 475 Fitzgerald Road

• SUNSHINE WEST Bottler Sunshine West Drive in Liquor 79 Glengala Road

• SUNSHINE WEST West Sunshine Community Centre 25 Kermeen Street

• SUNSHINE WEST Coles Supermarket 136 The Avenue

• SYDENHAM Natalie Hutchins MP Shop 11, 28a Hume Drive (Aqua Gardens Convenience Store)

• SYDENHAM YPA Estate Agents Ground Floor, 15-17 Overton Lea Boulevard

• SYDENHAM O’Brien Real Estate 17b Overton Overton Lea Boulevard

• TAYLORS HILL Taylors Hill Land Sales Cnr Taylors & Gourlay Roads

• TAYLORS HILL Watervale Shopping Centre 2-14 Calder Park Drive

• TAYLORS LAKES Taylors Lakes Lotto Shop 8 3 Melton Highway

• TAYLORS LAKES Watergardens Hotel 431 Kings Road

• TAYLORS LAKES YPA Estate Agents Shop 5, 399 Melton Highway (Watergardens Shopping Centre)

• TAYLORS LAKES Watergardens Shopping Centre 399 Melton Highway

• TAYLORS LAKES Centrelink Watergardens 1/399 Melton Highway (Watergardens Town Centre)

•After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear.

• The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item.

• Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain.

General Notices

1. The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

•The installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length) installed onto the existing structure.

•The reuse of existing ancillary equipment including remote radio units (RRUs), antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment; and ancillary works within the existing equipment shelter.

2. Vodafone regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3.In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Ben Lavery at Service Stream Limited, 0497 833 252, TPG.Submissions@ servicestream.com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5.00pm Wednesday 28 June 2023

4.If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3036002

12613171-AA24-23

Employment

Lexus SUV shines ever brightly

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

More than 20 years ago Toyota lit up the automotive world with the introduction of the Prius petrol / electric hybrid car. The sedan’s asymmetric hybrid fuel saving system became the mainstay of the automobile maker’s electric vehicles, even becoming the power plant of choice for taxis around the world.

Needless to say, this did not go un-noticed withToyota’sluxeautopartnerLexusplugging in to the development for its range of saloons and SUVs. Latest model to take the petrol / electric path is the fifth (fourth in Australia) generation RX SUV.

Thehybrid makesupeightofthe14variants on offer Down Under and comes in front- or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $87,500, plus on-road costs, for the RX350h Luxury FWD and top out at $126,000 for the RX500h F Sport Performance AWD.

The Luxury grade as standard has bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, front and rear fog lamps, heated and driver’s side auto-dimming exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke design combining a bright machined finish and dark grey metallic surface treatment. Despite being well equipped for the price, there is a choice of two enhancement packs to add further to the ownership experience.

For example, the test vehicle, an RX 350h Luxury AWD, was fitted with Enhancement Package 1, which consists of Panoramic roof with slide, leather-accented upholstery, driver’s seat memory, easy access entry (seat and steering wheel), heated and ventilated front seats, high-grade instrument cluster and head-up displays, touch sensor-type steering wheel controls, smart key card and wireless smartphone charger. This would set back the buyer an extra $5500.

The Lexus five-years unlimited kilometre warranty applies to all RX models. Capped price servicing has been extended from three to five years and is set at $695 for each scheduled service, with intervals set at 12 months or 15,000 km. All RXs come with a three-year subscription to Lexus Encore owner benefits program.

Styling

ThetrademarkLexusspindlegrillecontinuesto evolve into a more laid-back look with removal of the chrome frame, allowing the edges of the diamond grille to integrate with the vehicle’s body.However,withamoreverticalorientation and wide air intakes flanking, the front end retains the robust theme of the original spindle

Headlight cues come from the seamlessly integrated look of NX and LX SUV siblings, featuring Lexus’s signature L-shaped daytime running lights. and a three-projector high / low-beam lamp with adaptive high-beam technology, while fog and cornering lamps are nicely integrated into the lower side air intakes.

At the rear, the new LED tail-light signature of the Lexus SUV line-up is defined by a full-width LED light along the tailgate, flanked by L-shaped tail lights. L-E-X-U-S lettering, no longer the ‘L’ badge, runs across the tailgate in keeping with the current automobile fashion, while muscular wheel arches taper towards the roof to give the new RX a sporty stance.

Interior

As well as the sophisticated cabin styling we have come to expect from Lexus, and the latest in equipment, the new RX has taken on extra width, and wheelbase has been increased, freeing up more space for occupants.

All Luxury grades include heated, eight-way adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar adjustment, synthetic leather trim, three-zone climate control with air purification, auto-dimming rear view mirror, carpetfloormats,fourcupholders,cargocover and power tailgate. As well, the driver enjoys easy access to and from a steering wheel with electrically adjustable steering column, and paddle shifters,

Infotainment

Standard is the latest Lexus multimedia system courtesy of a 14-inch high-definition touchscreen, with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, plus 12-speaker Panasonic sound. Audio aficionados need to shell out for the higher Sports grades to take advantage of 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround sound.

The info system offers in-built satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and Lexus Connected Services, providing further convenience and peace of mind. Five USB-C ports are scattered throughout the cabin, along with two 12V sockets and one USB-A port to support multimedia connection and smartphone charging.

Engine and transmission

The heart of the hybrid powertrain is the RX 350h featuring Lexus’ signature series-parallel hybrid system teaming a 2.5-litre aspirated petrol engine to either one or two motor generators, depending on front or all-wheel drive configuration.

Tuned to produce 140 kW at 6000 rpm and 239 Nm between 4300 and 4500 rpm, with the hybrid unit, maximum combined power output is 184 kW. The petrol engine drives the front wheels via an e-CVT, with a six-step sequential mode.

Safety

Lexus Safety Sense+ active safety features are included across the RX range, including the pre-collision system with intersection collision avoidance support, emergency steering assist

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE

Lexus RX350h Luxury FWD: $87,500

Lexus RX350h Luxury AWD: $92,000

Lexus RX350h Luxury FWD + Enhancement

Pack: $92,600

Lexus RX350h Luxury AWD + Enhancement

Pack: $97,500

Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury AWD: $111,900

Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury AWD +

Enhancement Pack 1: $114,900

Lexus RX350h Sports Luxury AWD + Enhancement Pack 2: $115,800

Lexus RX500h F Sport Performance AWD: $126,000

SPECIFICATIONS

Lexus RX 350h Luxury 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, electric motors, CVT automatic, AWD

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

and low-speed acceleration suppression, lane departure alert, dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, parking support brake, blind spot monitor, plus rear cross-traffic alert. New is a driver monitoring camera which keeps track of the driver’s concentration, warning of any lapse. All new-generation RX models feature safe exit assist, incorporating new electrically activated door handles which

detect cyclists or vehicles passing close to the vehicle and keep the door shut.

Driving

A lightweight permanent magnet synchronous motor is housed within the transaxle, capable of producing an instant 134kW / 270Nm, improving acceleration from rest.

A second motor generator is placed on the rear axle, providing eFour all-wheel drive in low-traction conditions. This is tuned to produce 40 kW and 121 Nm.

The RX 350h employs a newly developed nickel-metal hydride battery, placed under the rear seat, which with Improvements to motor technology, have almost doubled top speed in EV mode from 68 km/h to 125 km/h.

With the downsizing of the petrol engine from a 3.5-litre V6 to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit, fuel economy has also improved, with the RX 350h AWD claiming as little as 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 123 g/km. The test car, on recommended 95RON petrol, averaged 7.4 litres per 100 kilometres in varying driving conditions over a week.

Driving aids have been built into the body design with the front edge of the bonnet raised to make it easier for drivers to note the vehicle extremities, while the height of the bonnet bulge has been optimised to help the driver pick the right line on cornering.

Summary

Withtheadditionofworthyenhancements,the RX 350h Luxury AWD delivers everything we havecometoexpectfromasmart,sophisticated Lexus sports utility vehicle. Time to invest?

With minor upgrades the RX 350h Luxury hybrid keeps Lexus at the forefront of the large luxe SUV segment. (Pictures: Supplied)

Blues relish new opportunities to learn and grow

Keilor is enjoying the new challenges being thrown at it in the Essendon District Football League women’s competition.

The Blues, who won the last two years premierships, haven’t had it their own way this year, losing five matches in the opening eight, including a run of four matches in a row.

Coach Brooke Surgeon said it was good to see that the competition had got better and there were no easy matches.

“It’s been a good challenge,” she said. “It’s been a great season so far as growth goes, it’s been more challenging across the competition.

“We lost four in a row and that was OK. It was a real learning experience for us.”

Surgeon said losing five players who played key roles last season to Victorian Football League Women’s commitments, had meant a bit of a changing of the guard.

She said it was always going to take a bit of time to figure things out.

“It’s been about bringing us together and having players play in different positions they haven’t played before,” she said.

“We’re started to tidy things up which is good for the rest of the season.”

Surgeon said even through the tough run they showed when they play good football, they are among the best teams in the competition.

They lost by one point to Aberfeldie, which is undefeated, having led all day.

TheBluesreturnedtothewinnerslistbefore the bye, with a big win against Strathmore. The Mores had beaten them in round one.

Surgeon said the result was exactly what the group needed and solidified their spot in the competition.

She said there had been plenty of positives to come out of the season so far, including some of the individual performances.

“Jessie Cameron has been solid for us,” she said.

“Sophie Pettman is playing really well and

Tegan Matthews has come up from the 18s and has been phenol as a mid-forward.”

Surgeon said they would likely try to give some more under-18s an opportunity in the second part of the season, with some to age out into senior football next year.

There was a competition wide bye on the weekend due to the King’s Birthday weekend.

Surgeon said it came at a good time for them to rest some sore bodies.

She said the focus was to continue to grow this next part of the season.

“We play Westy [Westmeadows] the first week back,” she said. “We take that next block, the next phase of training and work on areas tat we need to and strength our strong areas.”

Tara Murray

Falcons show resilience

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons threw the magnets around as they continued on their winning ways in the Victorian Netball League championship division.

The Falcons had 12 players take to the court against the Ariels on Wednesday night, while missing one of their key defenders, but it made little difference with the Falcons winning, 82-47.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said they had been keen to get a few different players on the court this season, but hadn’t had the opportunity until Wednesday night.

“We carried 12 players last night [Wednesday] and did a lot of rotations,” she said.

“We had Soli [Ropati] back on board and she played four quarters and had Kim Borger and she was able to play four quarters.

“Charli Nicol came in and was able to play a half and it was a good experience for her. It’s been hard to give her an opportunity and we made the call with Sienna [Allen] sick and she was grateful for the experience.”

The Falcons mix was thrown around even more with Maggie Lind playing only a minute before coming off with a tight calf.

Lind said it was good to use Ropati, Montana Holmes and Maddy Gray in wing attack to change it up and give them a look at other options.

As for the game itself, Lind said they were happy with how it played out.

“All the teams sit with you for a while,” she said. “We got a bit of a gap at the end of the first quarter and we were able to build on that.

“We were unsettled at times with all the changes, but we were still able to score 82 goals which was good.”

Lind said it was hard to pick a best player with players coming on and off the court.

She said Jane Cook, who shot 54 goals, continued her solid form, while Uneeq Palavi played some smooth netball coming off the Tongan netball team camp.

Lind said it was also good to have Ropati back for the first time this season.

Lind said having had the opportunity to have that bit more depth, she said they would look to continue that as the season progresses.

“We knew that we had a plan to cover players, but we hadn’t been able to execute,” she said.

“We’ll take the opportunity to do it going into finals to make sure we have the cover.

“Olivia Cameron played in division 1 and we’re hoping to have her qualify in finals as cover for Tharjini Sivalingam.

“She’s a former championship player with Geelong and she fits in perfectly.”

It was a good night all round for the Falcons

Sports shorts

Futsal

The inaugural F-League and State Futsal League will kick off in September with hopes it will unite and elevate Futsal in the state. Football Victoria announced that the F-League will serve as top-tier competition for Open men and women, while the State Futsal League will cater for boys and girls in the under-12, under-14 and under-16 age groups. The start date for both competitions has been proposed as September 23, with a 10 round season to follow that concludes on the weekend of November 25.

Bowls

The Deer Park Club line ups for the Ultimate Bowls Championship have been revealed. The Deer Park Gold team will be made up of Jay Bye-Norris Ryan Tainton and James Pearce, while the Blue team will be made up of Aaron Wilson, Shannon McIroy and Nathan Bush. The competition will be held in August.

Cricket Cricket Victoria is making changes to the junior player pathway. In metro regions, the existing Victorian Premier Cricket representative competitions of the Dowling Shield and Marg Jennings Cup will be shifted to younger age groups. Additionally, a new Premier Cricket under-18’s competition will be created, ensuring the top age of the pathway aligns with the state’s highest level of club competition. Country regions will have a new competition called the Country Cup, catering to the same age groups as the Dowling Shield and Marg Jennings Cup competitions. The revamped Cricket Victoria Player Pathway will replace the Youth Premier League.

Basketball

with their division 1 and under-19 teams both getting wins.

Lind said they both had good wins and they were able to rotate players through despite missing players with illness.

The division 1 team sits in third spot, a game off top, while the under-19s are also in third, equal on points with the two teams above them.

The Falcons this week face the Hawks.

“It will be tough,” Lind said. “It’s a big game for all three teams.

“They are very competitive and in the top fourindivision1andonthecuspoftheothers.

“We have to continue to roll the dice with players, we’ll make sure we do it more deliberately.

“In championship we have a bit more breathing space with Geelong losing, but it’s not much.”

Keilor’s next generation were on show at the National Junior Classic on the weekend. The Thunder had three teams compete in the competition, which has the best local clubs from across three states compete. Keilor’s under-14 boys, under-18 boys and girls took part in the three day event.

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Madeline Barton has been one of Keilor’s best this season. (Joe Mastroianni) 290858_02

Montana Holmes. (Robbab Photography)

Strikers build on encouraging start

Westside Strikers know they can’t slip up if they want to consolidate their spot in FV state league 3 north-west.

At the halfway mark of the competition, the Strikers sit seventh on the ladder with four wins and three draws from their 11 matches.

The competition though is incredibly close with just seven points separating third placed Diamond Valley United and 11th placed Point Cook.

Strikers coach Simon Vasconcelo said there had been some really positive signs in their first season in this division.

“It has been a challenge, rebuilding and having a whole new team,” he said.

“The first goal was to put out a team and be competitive and we are doing that.

“Sometimes the results aren’t as good as we feel like we deserve.

“The boys are playing some good football,

we need to take a few more chances and it will create a few more points.”

Vasconcelo said they had been able to gain some respect in the first half of the season which was important for them.

He said they wanted to play in a good spirit and get some good results.

Vasconcelo said the aim for the second half of the season was to turn some of those close results into more points.

He said there were some encouraging signs for the second half of the season, but there was plenty of hard work to do.

“The pressure is on even the third placed team can not relax,” he said. “They need to look over their shoulder, a couple of wins or a couple of losses changes things.

“It’s one of the tightest leagues going around.

“It makes it exciting and you want to be part ofthecompetition.Thepressureisonthewhole

time, you’re always fighting.”

Vasconcelo, who was one of the Strikers inaugural players, said it was a different challenge stepping up into the head coaching role.

“It’s different to reserves and juniors,” he said. “You always want to win, but the pressure is on to win every game as the club depends on the senior team to get results.

“We’ve gone up a division and you don’t want to make the wrong choices and the club is down the bottom.

“You’re always thinking, it’s a 24-7 job.”

The Strikers were set to face the Sebastopol Vikings on Saturday, after deadline.

The Strikers lost the first time round with Vasconcelo saying they believed they were better prepared to take the points this time round.

Saints, Hume knocked out

St Albans Saints and Hume City’s Australia Cup campaigns came to an end on Tuesday night.

Round seven of the knock out competition got underway on Tuesday night, with the Saints facing Heidelberg United at Olympic Village and Hume City making the trip up to John McEwan Reserve to face the Goulburn Valley Suns.

Heidelberg United was the first to hit the scoreboard in their match with the Saints, in the seventh minute through Ken Athiu.

The Saints hit back through Michael Grgic in the 34th minute with scores locked at 1-1 at half time.

Heidelberg regained the lead in the 58th minute through Kaine Sheppard.

With the clock ticking down, the Saints found an equaliser in the 88th minute through Mouad Zwed.

The two teams were locked at 2-2 after the 90 minutes and injury time with the game heading to extra time.

After the first 15 minutes the score was still locked at 2-2.

Both teams started to look tired and it was the Saints that made the first mistake.

Mixed results for Lakers

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs’ up and down start to the Western Region Football League division 1 season has been reflected in the results so far.

The Lakers entered the weekend’s King’s Birthday bye with a 4-4 record and in fourth spot, after a number of close results in recent weeks had tested them.

Lakers coach Brian Lake admits that it hasn’t been the ideal start to the season.

“It has been an up and down two months,” he said. “We had three season ending injuries to key players.

“We started off well, but the last four weeks we’ve been balancing availability and injuries and what not, but that’s footy.”

LakesaidthelossesofMitchellBongiovanni, Courtenay Dempsey and Timothy Speirs, who are out for the season, hurt the side with all three senior experienced players.

He said at the same time it opened up opportunities for other players to step up.

“We played a lot of younger guys last year and they’re getting more opportunities,“ he said. “We’ve been lucky with how many guys we have. We have a thirds side as well.

“Not just in the senior side, we’ve had injuries in the reserves as well. Our depth had been terrific.

“Some clubs have been struggling since after COVID to field sides, we’ve been pretty lucky with numbers.”

Sitting mid-table, Lake knows that they still have plenty of improvement left in the squad.

He said they would hopefully get some guys back from injury, while others would start to hit form.

“It’s a really even competition,” he said.

“We played Point Cook Centrals on the weekend and they’re a side to come up to division 1, it’s a big jump and they are a really competitive side that pushed us.

“Is the competition better than last year or are we a little bit down? It’s probably a bit of both.”

Lake said the bye came at the perfect weekend for the group, with a number of sore players in need of a rest.

The coach himself is one of the most thankful for the break.

“There’s a point where I have to slow down and I didn’t expect to play that many games,” he said. “You are a long time retired and I still love footy and can’t help myself.”

The Lakers this week face bottom side Hoppers Crossing.

Lake said this was an important part for their season.

“We play Hoppers Crossing and Yarraville Seddon both at home,” he said. “It’s an important stretch and we should get some guys back and get other players into form.

“The aim is to make the top four. We’ll keep aiming for that and see what happens from there.”

Yarraville Seddon was set to host Point Cook in the only WRFL match on Saturday, after deadline.

Twenty five minutes into extra time, Saints goalkeeper Gabriel Matti dropped a ball kicked into the box and Athiu bounced to give his side the lead.

They held on to win, 3-2.

Meanwhile Hume’s trip up the highway ended in disappointment, with the Suns winning 2-0.

The Suns scored just before half time through Jamie England to give them plenty of confidence heading into the break.

Joseph Adoo-Peters doubled the lead for the Suns in the 62nd with the crowd feeling an upset was brewing.

Hume wasn’t able to get back into the game, with the Suns holding on.

The rest of the round seven matches are to be played this week.

Melbourne Knights will host Yarraville Glory, Northcote City will face Clifton Hill and Oakleigh Cannons will play Geelong, all on Tuesday night.

Tara Murray

Tara Murray Westside Strikers Caio Da Silva. (Jacob Pattison) 326659_03

Braedon Mclean. (Jacob Pattison)337307_12