Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 31st October 2023 by Star Weekly

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31 OCTOBER, 2023

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7am – 10pm, 7 Days a Week www.supavalu.com.au/catalogue Pictures used for illustration purposes only. While stocks last. Retail quantities only. No trade supplied. All prices include GST where applicable. Some products or varieties may not be available at all stores. IGA Liquor supports the responsible service of alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol not sold to under 18’s. We reserve the right to correct printing errors.

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31 OCTOBER, 2023

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Dressed to impress In the weeks leading up to the Fashion Awards Australia, students from St Albans Secondary College spent hours after school working on their gowns. The awards returned on October 13, after a four year COVID hiatus, with local students taking home a bag of awards. Fashion teacher Michael Bowden said it is a combination of talent and aspiration that drives students to success. “It means everything to me to have the kids recognised for their hard work,” he said. “The awards night was amazing, I heard students speaking afterwards describing the whole night as ‘pure adrenaline’. “All the students are very creative and it’s amazing to see that once you light the fire it just flares up and they all get really excited and focussed, working away for hours and hours on their pieces.” The 2023 Ross Weymouth Young Designer of the Year was awarded to StASC student Cynthia Dinh. The college was also presented with the John Claringbold cup, awarded to the school which amasses the most points during the competition. St Albans Secondary College students Kathy, Cynthia, Minh, Jessie and Baylul. (Damjan Janevski) 369301_02

System is ‘broken’: Cr By Hannah Hammoud Across all local government areas (LGA) in Melbourne’s west, people living in Brimbank are the most likely to be homeless. Brimbank has the highest number of people experiencing homelessness of all the west metropolitan LGAs. The 2021 census identified there were 1528 people experiencing homelessness or living in severely overcrowded dwellings in Brimbank. The municipality is also bracing for an influx of an additional 44,000 residents by 2041, and a deficit of 14,000 homes.

At the most recent council meeting in October, council endorsed a draft submission as part of the Australian Government’s National Housing and Homelessness Plan (NHHP) which will set out a shared vision over 10 years to inform future housing and homelessness policy in Australia. Council’s draft submission outlines 25 recommendations to be considered by the federal and state governments in the development of the NHHP, one of which calls on the NHHP to recognise the role of local government in the prevention of homelessness. During the council meeting Cr Virginia

Tachos read out a submission from council’s research conducted in 2019 which included a consultation with people with lived experience of homelessness, who were asked to respond to the question: What would you say if you could sit down with the mayor or councillors of Brimbank and talk about your situation? “I would ask him or her if they can help me in affordable long-term housing, so we can settle down and the children won’t ask me ‘where are we going next mummy?’ I would like things to be safe and settled for my children so they can have friends and know they are in a house that they can stay in for a

long time,” read one of the submissions. Councillor Tachos said the report is ‘heart-breaking’ to read. “Federal and state governments must partner with us in prevention strategies and programs to help marginalised people working closely with local governments to close the gap of inequality and homelessness,” she said. “Greater funding is needed for these services and the current system is broken, overwhelmed with crisis accommodation not being an appropriate or safe option for people trying to find a place to live.”

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Gangland accused faces court By Tara Cosoleto, AAP A Sydney man charged over the execution-style shooting murder of gangland figure Gavin “Capable“ Preston has been remanded in custody. Jaeden Tito, 22, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on the evening of October 26, after he was extradited from NSW earlier in the day. Tito, still dressed in the red shorts he was arrested in, remained mostly quiet throughout his brief court appearance. He only confirmed to Magistrate Julie Grainger that it was his first time in custody and he was withdrawing from cocaine and marijuana. Preston, 50, was killed and a 26-year-old

South Morang man he was dining with was critically injured after shots were fired outside Sweet Lulus cafe in Keilor Village on September 9. Security camera footage showed a hooded gunman dressed in black running from the passenger side door of a black SUV and firing several shots from a handgun at Preston, who fell to the ground. He died at the scene, while the other man underwent emergency surgery on gunshot wounds to his stomach. Tito was arrested at his Bradbury home in Sydney’s southwest on the morning of October 25, and detectives then charged him with Preston’s murder. He was extradited to Melbourne on October 26.

Police were seeking a longer time frame to compile the brief of evidence against Tito, with the prosecutor telling Ms Grainger there was 114 hours of CCTV footage to assess. Detectives were also awaiting the results of forensic testing, he said. Tito’s lawyer Talal Krayem opposed the 14-week timeline, saying it was not fair to his client in custody. But Ms Grainger said the usual maximum period for service of the hand-up brief was 12 weeks, so an additional fortnight was not unreasonable. Police will need to serve the brief of evidence to defence by Februrary 1. Tito was remanded in custody to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court on March 14 next year.

Jaeden Tito arrives at the Melbourne Magistrates Court (AAP Image/James Ross)

More trees for the west

Councillor Sam David was recognised for his 20 years of service with a Councillor Service Award. (Supplied)

Cr David is a Brimbank ‘institution’ Long-time resident and councillor Sam David has been recognised for his service to the community spanning two decades. Councillors paid their congratulations to Cr David after he received the Councillor Service Award from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) for 20 years of service as councillor. As councillors took a moment to give their personal congratulations to Cr David at the most recent council meeting - a common thread of Cr David’s commitment to the community emerged. Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire described Cr David as an ‘institution’ within Brimbank. “There is nothing worse than walking

through the Sunshine shopping centre with councillor David and it’s every second person noticing him, he has that sort of recognition amongst the community,” he said. Councillor Ranka Rasic said Cr David has been dedicated to both his community and council. “I know councillor David to be a very community orientated man who has given so much of his time and effort and attention to our area, and so many community members are grateful for this,” she said. The Councillor Service Award is conferred by the MAV in recognition of long serving councillors. MAV president, Cr David Clark, said serving the community through local government was a unique responsibility.

“Communities need dedicated individuals, like those receiving these awards, who are willing to give their time and energy to serve in the best interests of the people and their local communities,” he said. “Being a councillor can sometimes be a thankless task. We think it’s important, as the peak body for the local government sector, to provide this recognition.“ Accepting his congratulations with grace, an emotional Cr David thanked the community for allowing him to work for them over the years. “I still think it was like yesterday - 20 years ago,” he said. Hannah Hammoud

The fourth phase of the ‘More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West’ program will plant 56,000 new trees across local communities in early 2024. The state government announced a $900,000 investment to plant new trees outside schools and in parks across Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley, and Wyndham local government areas. All of the trees planted will be indigenous and sourced from local nurseries – and promise to offer more shade and cooler spaces for communities. Volunteers and locals are encouraged to take part in the program with tree planting projects being delivered by the six local councils of Melbourne’s west, Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and Zoos Victoria. Western Melbourne has the lowest tree canopy cover in metropolitan Melbourne, with just 5.5 per cent of urban tree cover in Melbourne as of 2018, compared with 17.4 per cent in the inner south-east and 25.9 per cent in the east. Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the program will encourage communities in Melbourne’s west to enjoy cooler and greener open spaces. “This is a great next step in creating greener spaces for local residents to enjoy for years to come,” he said. Since 2021, 325,000 trees have been planted as part of the program.

Princes Freeway outbound overnight closures in November In early-November 2023

The Princes Freeway outbound between Kororoit Creek Road and the M80 Ring Road is due to be closed overnight in early-November 2023.

More freeway closures will be happening over the coming months. Stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au /disruptions Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12645423-AP44-23

This is so crews can safely install an overhead gantry. Visit Big Build for the exact closure date and time and to plan ahead.

Tuesday, 31 October, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 3

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Parents awakening to sleep help Settling a newborn into a regular sleep pattern can be one of the most daunting and mysterious parts of parenting. Not-for-profit organisation Tweddle has been helping parents learn to settle and soothe their infants for over 100 years as Cade Lucas discovered.

ike changing dirty nappies or listening to nursery rhymes ad-nauseum, a lack of sleep is considered an unfortunate but unavoidable part of having a baby. Like changing dirty nappies or listening to nursery rhymes ad-nauseum, a lack of sleep is considered an unfortunate but unavoidable part of having a baby. Unless wealthy enough to farm their screaming newborn off to someone else, parents usually have no option but to suffer in silence. After all, complaining about something just about every one else has to endure is unlikely to elicit much sympathy. Which makes it all the more difficult when a baby’s lack of sleep goes beyond a mere nuisance to a serious debilitating problem. This was the situation Danielle Mannens and her partner Sean found themselves in seven years ago in the months after having their first child, daughter Harper. “She was sleeping with us for the whole first six months, we couldn’t get her to sleep in her own bed,” recalled Ms Mannens. “We were co-sleeping but not in the nicest way.” In other words, they weren’t sleeping at all. “We were lucky to be getting two hours’ sleep a night” she said. “It was bad. Like I wasn’t thinking straight, I was leaving the stove on and stuff like that. “My partner would have to check everything to make sure it was all off at night and stuff.” Family are normally the first and only source of help in such situations, but with theirs living in New Zealand, Danielle and Sean turned to the health system as a last resort. “So I went and saw my maternal health nurse and she recommended us to Tweddle.” A not for profit, Tweddle is a name unlikely to register with most readers, but has been helping sleep deprived families at their Early Parenting Centre in Footscray for over 100 years. Despite misgivings about seeking assistance for something most assume comes naturally, Danielle and Sean booked in a day session. “We didn’t know what we were walking into, but it was the most beautiful supportive environment,“ said Ms Mannens. More importantly, after taking a while to bed in, the new techniques Ms Mannens learnt at Tweddle eventually paid off. “She was sleeping in her own bed away from us and she was doing so for almost the whole night which was a huge difference.” If you’re wondering why no one recommended an Early Parenting Centre like Tweddle during your own bouts of infant-induced insomnia, you’re not alone. Despite being around for the more than a century, addressing a very common need and covered by Medicare, EPCs remain largely unknown. Along with Tweddle in Footscray, the O’Connell Family Centre in Canterbury and the Queen Elizabeth Centre in Noble Park are the only three EPC’s based in Victoria, all in Melbourne. There are only a limited number nationwide and Tasmania and many regional and rural areas have none at all. Internationally, none of the UK, US or European countries to which Australia is often compared, having anything like an equivalent. According to Tweddle CEO Umit Agis, the issue of baby and infant sleep traditionally being a family affair is why external services like EPCs can be rare or non-existent. “I think we’re learning more as a society about how important settling a child or having a sleep routine is,” Mr Agis said. “We sometimes take that for granted and also a lot of times people tend to access that from their family network.” Mr Agis said infant sleep problems can result in more than just tired parents.

Clockwise from left: Tweddle General Manager Kim Porter, CEO Umit Agis, Director of Nursing Clare Pridham, board member Annette Mercuri and Harry Flanagan at the opening of the Wyndham Early Parenting Centre. (Cade Lucas)

An outdoor play area at Tweddle Wyndham.

Parents and children singing songs at the opening of the Wyndham EPC.

‘‘

I think we’re learning more as a society about how important settling a child or having a sleep routine is.

’’

- Umit Agis “Having a settled sleep pattern is critical to a baby’s to early life development. “We know that what happens in the first 2000 days of child’s life has a major impact on their adult trajectory as well.” This is why the Victorian government is building 12 new EPC’s across the state as part of a $148 million investment in early parenting services. These will include centres in Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Shepparton - the first in regional Victoria - and an Aboriginal led facility in Frankston. The others will target Melbourne’s urban fringe, including Wyndham in the outer-south west, the fastest growing municipality in the country and where the first of these new EPC’s opened earlier this month. The $15 million Wyndham Early Parenting Centre features ten residential units that can accommodate entire families for up to four days, while also providing facilities for day-stays as well. And like the existing facility at the other end of the western suburbs, it too is operated by Tweddle. Umit Agis said it wasn’t just the amount of people moving to Wyndham, but the type of families settling in the area that meant an

4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 October, 2023

Dining area at the Wyndham Early Parenting Centre.

Living area at the Wyndham Early Parenting Centre.

wwEPC was required.

COVID -19 pandemic made the need for early parenting support even more urgent. “There’s a lot of separation anxiety, a lack of interaction with other children because they’ve been locked down for such a period of time. “So when it comes time for them to go into childcare or stay with grandparents, for example, there’s real challenges in that.” Ms Pridham said the ultimate aim was teach parents techniques that they can use at home to avoid the need for readmission. Danielle Mannens is a prime example. “I’ve even used it with my second child as well because he wasn’t a great sleeper either. It’s stuck with me, it was so helpful.” After proselytising Tweddle and Early Parenting Centres to her friends, Ms Mannens’ passion for the service saw her change careers and take it up full-time. Nearly a decade on from her visit to Tweddle, Danielle Mannens is now Tweddle’s communications manager.

“If you’re looking at Wyndham for example, you’ve got a lot of young, immigrant parents living here and so they don’t have the support system perhaps that they once did, but what we can do is that we can provide that help.” Among the providers of that help at the Wyndham EPC is its director of nursing, Clare Pridham. “We’re here to support the parents rather than do it for them,” said Ms Pridham of the type of assistance visitors receive. “If there’s a concern about behaviour, we show them how to deal with the child’s behaviour how to how to work with that child to be able to improve outcomes. “If there are sleep concerns we can be with them at three o’clock in the morning. “We can actually show them how to resettle and be alongside them when they’re having these concerns”. Ms Pridham said the aftermath of the

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No love lost on plant’s closure By Hannah Hammoud Across the road from the AkzoNobel site in Sunshine North, windows remain shut and blinds are drawn as residents attempt to stifle the noise and odour emanating from the factory. The robotic hum from across the road can still be heard inside the home of Gary Muir. Mr Muir’s parents bought the house on Barwon Avenue circa 1932. “I was born and bred here, before the factory even came to exist,” Mr Muir said. Surrounded by an impressive pile of documents, images, newspaper clippings and stacks of complaints sent to the EPA, Mr Muir said he has been living on the ‘front-line’ of the fallout from the company’s day to day operations. Since late 2019, residents have been complaining about excessive noise and odour coming from the site, with the EPA issuing several remedial notices since. “I am 78 and I have lived in this house for 78 years, and since 2019 it has been absolute shit,” Mr Muir said. Last month, AkzoNobel announced that it had made the ‘difficult’ decision to permanently close the resin plant operations at its Sunshine North facility. The company said the resin plant will cease operating within the next nine months, however Mr Muir said the plant needs to be closed immediately. “The noise from 10pm daily to 5am the next day upsets my sleeping pattern. It is a high-pitched, constant tone affecting my ears and I am awake for several hours nightly,” he said. Mr Muir has raised concerns that the remaining powder and paint manufacturing operations will continue to frustrate residents

78-year-old Sunshine North resident, Gary Muir. (Jacob Pattison) 367253_01

with the same problems. “They operate at the inconvenience of the people. I could be sitting in my house and the odour will just hit me,” he said, “People tell me that I have to accept that I live across the road from a factory but I was here first, this is not a case of ‘buyer beware’.” The EPA began its investigations into the site

in 2019 after a spike in community reports of noise and odour and said it has issued a series of notices focused on fully understanding and managing all noise and odour from the site. EPA west metropolitan regional manager Steve Lansdell said the EPA will continue to proactively check compliance and make sure the community gets the improvements

“they deserve”. “Our officers and specialist scientists have been very focussed on preventing impacts and improving the amenity for the local Sunshine North community. This has included visiting and monitoring at people’s homes and making sure AkzoNobel has regularly and genuinely engaged with their neighbours and community,” he said. Armed with a pile of hundreds of complaints sent to the EPA, Mr Muir said he feels his concerns have fallen on deaf ears. “Since 2020 I would have been complaining four to five times a week, and what have I got for it? “I would get up out of my bed in the middle of winter to complain at 1am. I got to know the people who were manning the complaints line during the night shift, they recognised my voice whenever I would call. “I don’t complain anymore, why should I bother sending these messages? It is a waste of time.” In a statement from AkzoNobel, the company said it has made significant investments in upgrades and site improvements to address issues raised by residents, and acknowledged that there is more work to be done. “... We have put in place numerous mechanisms for community members to report concerns, including a phone hotline, email address and an online form. We encourage community members to make use of these, as reports in real time give us the best opportunity to identify potential issues affecting the community, so they can be addressed,” it said. “Not all community members have chosen to engage with us, and we respect that. But if community members do have feedback or questions about our actions to address noise and odour, we encourage them to get in touch.”

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The Flip My Ride event celebrated the accomplishments of 17 local graduates. (Damjan Janevski) 367805

Glenn McGrath with graduate Faith Fuimano and Leeann Rayner. (Damjan Janevski) 367805_08

Student auction hits the stumps Legendary Australian cricket player Glenn McGrath offered some words of wisdom to a group of disadvantaged and at-risk young people as they graduated from AGA’s Flip My Ride program. A joint effort between AGA, Victoria Police, Youth Empowerment Agency and Jacky’s Gym, Flip My Ride aims to reduce the risk of 12-24-year-old marginalised youth in the Brimbank, Melton, Wyndham and Maribyrnong areas from engaging with the justice system. On October 26, 17 students graduated from the program in which participants learned how to restore a car and learn vocational and life skills along the way. The restored car, a Nissan Navara, was auctioned off on the day with the proceeds donated to McGrath Foundation, a charity of the students’ choosing. Since the program’s inception, Flip My Ride has helped 27 participants into employment or further education. Participants Laki Siloni and Sam Galiona were both referred to the program from Victoria Police’s Offender Management program. Laki said the program helped him with a sense of belonging after he moved from New Zealand to Australia, “I

have learnt new experiences on how to be a better person in society, moving forward I’m looking to get into full time employment,” he said. Meanwhile Sam said the program helped him get on the right track and with his mental health, “The mentoring in this program helped me a lot with my depression and staying out of trouble with police. I enjoy working on the cars, and the white card I have gained will help me secure employment in the future,” he said. Speaking at the event in Deer Park, Glenn McGrath shared insights to participants about why it is important to make the right choices in life. “Early intervention programs are powerful catalysts for preparing participants at a critical time in their life by giving them structure, opportunity, direction and a sense of purpose. This can positively influence their ability to make the right decisions in the future,” Mr McGrath said. Each student graduated the program with a tool kit worth $900 and since finishing the program, three students have found full-time employment in the hospitality sector. The next intake will take place on November 9, 2023.

Glenn McGrath with graduate Jacob Idane and Leeann Rayner. (Damjan Janevski) 367805_06 6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 October, 2023

Glenn McGrath with AGA chief executive Leeann Rayner and Intowork chair Elizabeth Board. (Damjan Janevski) 367805

Glenn McGrath with graduate Jace Lakeman and Leeann Rayner. (Damjan Janevski) 367805_07

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NEWS

Improving CALD talks on council’s radar

(L-R) Cr Victoria Borg, Cr Virginia Tachos, Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins, Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire and deputy mayor Ranka Rasic. (Supplied)

Paving the way to park A new shared user path at Sydenham Park has been unveiled, providing local residents with access to Brimbank’s largest green open space. The $2.4 million shared user path, includes a lookout, picnic space, seating, new signage and walking trails, creating a destination for walking, cycling and picnicking. Brimbank council officially opened the new pathway and amenities at Sydenham Park on October 20. The pathway starts at the Kings Road/ Calder Freeway Interchange and connects to a two kilometre walking circuit. Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said council is looking forward to continuing improvements to the parkland, and developing Sydenham Park as a key destination

for Brimbank. “Sydenham Park is an asset for the whole community and a magnificent landscape steeped in cultural heritage and environmental values,” he said. “This is another green space for our residents to keep healthy and active, socialise and enjoy our natural environment.” Sydenham Park is a 231-hectare reserve in Keilor North with inherent environmental, cultural and ecological values. Its distinct landscape includes river valleys with vistas across the Maribyrnong Valley and is home to kangaroos, wallabies, reptiles, birdlife, river animals, native plants and much more. Sydenham Park is also a place of cultural significance, with council plans currently

underway to rename the site to a Traditional Owner name. Council said the Wurundjeri people have been connected to this land for tens of thousands of years, caring for the park’s waterways, land and flora and fauna. The project was a joint effort from the state government and Brimbank council who each contributed $300,000 and $2.1 million respectively. The completed shared pathway is part of council’s Sydenham Park Master Plan Stage 1 works. Stage 2 works will extend the path into the valley to the Maribyrnong River confluence. These works are being investigated and will also consider a new access point for cyclists and walkers from Kings Road.

Brimbank council will receive a report at a future meeting outlining the ways in which council currently communicates with its culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) community, and opportunities for consideration as part of a future budget process. At the council meeting in October, Cr Thomas O’Reilly raised a notice of motion seeking feedback for council on opportunities that could help council improve its communication with local CALD communities. “Brimbank is one of the most culturally diverse areas in Australia, with 48.2 per cent of residents born overseas, and over 160 different languages spoken. About one in five residents either do not speak English well or do not speak English at all. I have raised this notice of motion to investigate how we can improve the way our council communicates with our non-English speaking communities,” Cr O’Reilly said. “However, we do not have information to tell us about the range of languages that people can read and write in. How can we improve our reach across our culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Brimbank? “... I look forward to council officers reporting back on how council currently communicates with its culturally and linguistically diverse community, and on any opportunities that could help us improve our communication.”

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Man charged after fatal assault Police have charged a man with murder following the fatal assault of a man in Sunshine North on September 30. Emergency services were called to reports of an altercation between two men on Albert Street around 2.30pm. A 76-year-old Sunshine North man was conveyed to hospital to be treated for critical injuries, where he later died on Sunday, October 15. A 47-year-old man of no fixed place of address was arrested at the scene and charged with numerous assault related charges.

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For many, getting a job can often be a life changing experience. Ashraf Ghattas, 57, from Taylors Lakes had been unemployed for10 years. Using a cane to help provide him with stability when getting around, Ashraf’s medical condition limited his ability to stand on his feet all day and prevented him from being able to find a job. Eager to return to work in a role that centred around helping others, Ashraf looked for assistance identifying suitable employment that accommodated for his barriers. Disability employment services provider, Advanced Personnel Management helped Ashraf find a job opening with registered

Brimbank residents can dispose of their e-waste at a designated recycling drop-off site near them. E-waste cannot be placed in household bins, especially batteries. Putting batteries in bins poses fire risks to property, neighbours and to the people who collect bins. Find the nearest drop-off site at brimbank.vic.gov.au/ewaste.

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training organisation Key Institute. Ashraf has now been working at Key Institute for more than a year and has expressed how happy and well-suited his employment is, which has been transformed into consistent long-term employment. Ashraf said he has enjoyed using both his Arabic and English language skills to help others study and obtain their training certificates. “I am enjoying my new role very much. It is a suitable job for me because I am able to sit down and be on the computer,” he said. “I’m a workaholic, I used to work for many years, and I really enjoy being able to work.”

The preliminary report for Brimbank council’s electorate structure review has been released and includes details surrounding council’s required transition to a single councillor ward structure prior to the 2024 council elections. Local residents ca have their say by making a submission to the panel in response to the preliminary report. Details: https:// www.vec.vic.gov.au/brimbank. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Tip-off leads to 87 cats seized RSPCA Victoria has seized 87 cats from appalling conditions at a Brimbank property after a warrant was executed in cooperation with Brimbank council. Concerns were raised from a community tip-off, with inspectors finding more than triple the expected number of cats at the property. RSPCA Victoria’s senior inspector Sarah Gilbert said she was shocked by the conditions the cats were living in. “The level of excrement and sanitary provisions in the property was appalling,” Ms Gilbert said. “There were high readings of ammonia that

required full PPE to be worn, along with faeces and urine covering the floors.” Of the animals seized, seven were deceased, and nearly 50 required some form of veterinary treatment – some needing treatment immediately. “Some of the cats have significant eye abnormalities, while others have bacterial infections or respiratory disease, and nearly all require dental treatment,” Ms Gilbert said. “It will be a slow process over the next few months as our vets work with each of these animals to provide the care they need.” RSPCA Victoria said this case highlights that

reports from the community are vital to ensure animal cruelty and neglect are investigated. The investigation remains ongoing. It’s an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTAA) to commit an act with the result that unreasonable pain or suffering is caused to the animal. Anyone found guilty of such an act can face fines of up to $48,077.50 or 12 months imprisonment. Anyone with concerns for the welfare of an animal, aware of illegal breeding, or suspicious animal sales is encouraged to contact RSPCA Victoria on 03 9224 2222 or submit a report at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ immediately.

One of the 87 cats seized by RSPCA Victoria from a Brimbank property. (Supplied)

Cross-cultural theatre “This has allowed us to explore the cultural differences in comedic delivery, resulting in a really engaging cross-cultural theatrical experience that’s enjoyable for everyone.” Bringing together a remarkable team of creatives and a diverse cast of actors from Hong Kong, Taiwan and China to tell this story, ‘I ME SHE HIM’ will run for seven shows at the Bluestone Church Arts Space and the Bowery Theatre from the 22nd of November to the 2nd of December, including a Relaxed and Auslan Interpreted show on Saturday the 25th at 3pm. The play will hit the Bowery Theatre in St Albans on December 1 and 2, at 7.30pm. Details: www.witinc.com.au/ shows/i-me-she-him. The play will take centre stage at both the Bluestone Church Arts Space and the The Bowery Theatre. (Supplied)

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Running this November and December across two unique arts venues in Melbourne’s west, locals can watch an exciting translation of Taiwanese playwright and director Stan Lai’s work, ’I ME SHE HIM’. Set in Hong Kong in 1999, this Australian premiere season centres on a meeting between Jing, a slick Taiwanese executive, and chief executive More to discuss a merger between their companies. However, just as negotiations are about to begin two strangers unexpectedly arrive, forcing the high rollers to confront a passionate and painful past. Threads of a forgotten history are unravelled by truths that cannot be undone... and a future that is yet to be remembered. Director Ren Ruidi said the play combines Eastern and Western architectural and social influences. “The play has a wonderful way of balancing the heaviness of the political subject matter with scenes that are very humorous,” he said.

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Respiratory clinics set to close The last remaining general practice respiratory clinics in Melbourne’s west and north are due to close at the end of October, meaning locals will no longer be able to use them to get treatment for COVID-19, flu or other respiratory conditions. The decision from the state government comes as other new medical services, such as Priority Primary Care Centres (PPCCs) and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department – now offer almost identical treatments. While many general practices continued seeing respiratory patients throughout the pandemic, some protected other patients and staff by referring them to the general practice respiratory clinics. Most are now back to offering service to everyone. North Western Melbourne Primary Health

Network (NWMPHN) said the closure does not mean residents in the west and north will find it harder to receive treatment for urgent respiratory conditions, adding that local doctors, PPCCs, the virtual emergency department, and NURSE-ON-CALL can cope with demand. NWMPHN chief executive Christopher Carter said for most matters the first port of call remains your local doctor or general practice. “But if you can’t get a timely appointment, or you feel ill after-hours or on the weekend, these other services can easily get you the treatment and support you need without you having to wait for hours in a hospital emergency department,” he said. “As a patient you will get seen by a doctor or nurse quite quickly, and you’ll be helping

hospital emergency departments to focus on truly life-threatening illnesses and injuries.” General practice respiratory clinics (GPRCs) were set up from 2020 as a rapid response to the COVID-19 pandemic. At their peak, there were 50 operating in Victoria. In recent months that number has decreased as COVID-19 cases dwindled and other services took over. NWMPHN said the closure of the last few GPRCs marks an important moment in the history of the pandemic. In Melbourne’s north and west there are seven PPCCs, located in Moonee Ponds, Maribyrnong, Sunshine, Werribee, Sunbury, Craigieburn and Epping. PPCCs operate halfway between regular general practices and the hospital emergency

department. They are set up to treat urgent but not life-threatening conditions, such as fractures, sprains, burns, respiratory conditions (including COVID-19), fainting, food poisoning, other gut issues, and urinary tract infections. They are open extended hours, accept walk-ins, have other services nearby and do not charge for their services. A Medicare card is not essential. The VVED can also be used to link patients to an emergency doctor or nurse through a smart device or computer – and can be found at, vved.org.au NURSE-ON-CALL is available 24 hours a day and can be reached on 1300 60 60 24. In the case of an emergency call Ambulance Victoria on 000.

Brimbank shows it is brimming with potential Brimbank council announced the winners of the 2023 We Are Brimbank Awards at a special ceremony hosted by mayor Bruce Lancashire on Thursday, October 26. The annual awards recognise the exceptional contributions, hard work and determination of organisations and community groups making a positive difference in the community. A panel of independent community leaders judged the nominations across five categories. Utsav Melbourne Association (UMA) took out the Arts, Culture or Tourism Award for their work in showcasing and developing the communities’ rich cultural fabric. UMA hosted a successful event as part of the annual Durga Puja Indian/Hindu festival, and organises a number of other programs that assist the community including counselling sessions, fundraising drives and food deliveries to the homelessness and others in need. Defib In Your Street won the Community Engagement Award in recognition of their contribution towards fostering a welcoming, engaging, and interconnected community. Defib In Your Street provides training programs and resources free to community groups and schools, educating about First Aid, defibrillator use and emergency awareness. This training saves lives, giving community members’ confidence when dealing with critical, emergency health situations. True to their names, the Friends of Sydenham Park and Friends of Iramoo shared the podium as joint winners for the Environment or Sustainability Award. Friends of Sydenham Park actively contribute to preservation of the natural environment, historical, and cultural assets of Sydenham Park, to encourage use and promote environmental sustainability for the benefit of future generations. Friends of Iramoo are a group passionate about native grasslands and sustainability in the west. The group is most well-known for its tireless work in restoring the Iramoo

The 2023 We Are Brimbank Award recipients alongside councillors. (Supplied)

Wildflower Grassland Reserve located on Playhouse Avenue, Cairnlea, which is home to a large population of endangered Striped Legless Lizards. The Innovation Award was granted to Auschin Group, a family run commercial Landscaping business established in 2018 to create employment opportunities for newly arrived Chin refugees. Auschin supports Chin and Burmese people with education, employment, settlement and community services and advocacy as well as preserving the culture, traditions, and values of the

Chin Community. Hester Hornbrook Academy took home the Learning Excellence Award, the academy provides free, high quality education with extensive wellbeing and academic supports to young people in the west. They provide flexible and tailored opportunities for students who have not flourished in traditional, mainstream school settings and help these students establish successful pathways into further education and employment. Councillor Bruce Lancashire said the awards pay tribute to the extraordinary groups and

organisations making a positive difference in the Brimbank community. “This year’s winners include organisations that have shared and celebrated culture, improved health outcomes and saved lives, preserved Brimbank’s unique flora and fauna, helped those newly arrived to Australia and provide alternatives to traditional education pathways,” he said. “We congratulate all the award winners and nominees, and thank them for their efforts in making Brimbank a better place to live, work and play.”

New health role for pharmacies Victorians will now be able to visit their local pharmacies for a range of treatments, including a resupply of the contraceptive pill, amid a push for more affordable and accessible basic primary care. The Gisborne Priceline Pharmacy was inundated by a flood of cameras and reporters on October 27, as Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas visited to mark the start of the 12-month pilot. Under the program, community pharmacists will be able to provide treatment and advice for a range of common conditions. These include, advice or treatment for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections or a resupply of their existing

contraceptive pill without needing a prescription. Ms Allan said increasing access to points of care is about making health care easier and more accessible to all Victorians. “Services here will be free in terms of being able to come in and get that consultation and advice,” she said. “Our pharmacists are already a trusted source for many Victroians- this pilot will expand their role providing more options for people needing quick medical advice for common ailments. “[This will also] address some of that pressure that we’re seeing on our general practitioner system.”

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 October, 2023

Broader public health vaccination offering travel health consultations and treatment for mild skin conditions are set to roll out in the coming weeks and months. To be eligible, all pharmacists must complete mandatory training and demonstrate they are well equipped to know if someone should be referred to a GP or hospital. They must also have the appropriate facilities, like a private consulting room. About 400 pharmacies across the state signed up for the pilot, with another 200 set to join in the coming weeks. Information: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ services-support/community-pharmacistpilot.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas at a Melbourne Priceline Pharmacy. (supplied)

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Keeping kids on the right TraCS Since 2019 the Alannah & Madeline Foundation has been assisting early years educators in Melton and Brimbank guide children through trauma, and it’s looking to expand its reach in the region. On 28 April 1996, Alannah and Madeline Mikac, aged six and three, were tragically killed alongside their mother and 32 others at Port Arthur in Tasmania. One year later, the Alannah & Madeline Foundation was launched in the girls’ honour by their father Walter Mikac AM and a small group of volunteers, driven by the belief that all children and young people should be able to live a happy and safe life, free from violence and trauma. Alanna & Madeline Foundation head of Trauma Consultancy Service (TraCS)

Kathy Warwick said that about 7 years ago, the organisation received a number of enquiries about its Children Ahead service from early years educators in Melton and Brimbank. “They were dealing with really complex issues related to children experiencing trauma within the community,” she said. “Managing complex trauma is something that is out of their area of expertise but it’s something they’re asked to manage all the time.” In 2019 the state government’s School Readiness Funding allowed the foundation to create a new arm of its work, the Trauma Consultancy Service (TraCS), with Melton and Brimbank being among the first areas of operation.

The program works with educators to build their capacity to understand how trauma presents in a kindergarten or daycare service through delivers trauma training and in-session coaching support. Ms Warwick said the foundation partnered with Monash University to evaluate the program, which found that 50 per cent of educators were considering leaving the workforce and 40 per cent reported exposure to children’s trauma impacted their lives outside work. However, the study found that after undertaking a TraCS program, education centres reported improvement in three key areas - strengthening attitudes of educators, increasing knowledge and strengthening practice.

“It can be really powerful… I’ve watched educators who have changed language, sense of confidence and ability to understand what they’re seeing,” she said. “Educators who are able to recognise a child’s really challenging behaviour and build confidence to engage with that child and the family differently can open up conversations about what’s needed.” The program currently services about 35 centres across Melton-Brimbank, but Ms Warick said the organisation still wants to reach further into the community. “The more we can have educators and services know we exist, the more we’re able to build stronger communities. We strengthen the whole region,” she said.

Teddy bears enjoy a Children’s Week picnic The Brimbank community celebrated Children’s Week with lots of festivities to mark the occasion. Children’s Week is a national campaign that celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It showcases their talents, skills, achievements, and rights while providing educational experiences for them and their families. Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said Children’s Week is a great way to highlight the work of communities and professionals that help children and families to thrive. “Children’s Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our children’s achievements and highlight every child’s right to play, be creative, and be themselves,” she said. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic paid a visit to Brimbank’s annual Teddy Bear Picnic in the Park to capture all the fun.

Gabrielle the Garden Fairy and Ted joined in on the jam-packed fun. 367660_25

Children’s Week took place from October 23 through to the 29th. 367660_17

Little locals also had the chance to explore Sunvale Community Park’s all ability playground, skate park, water play area and more. 367660_21

There was plenty of arts and crafts on offer to celebrate Brimbank’s youngest locals. 367660_19

There was plenty of fun for the little ones at the Sunvale Community Park. 367660_15

12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 October, 2023

The team from Drummond Street Services. 367660_23

This year’s Teddy Bear Picnic in the Park was held on Wednesday, October 25. 367660_14

Families gather around for the live concert. 367660_02

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Funds flow for breakthroughs Three research projects led by doctors from Western Health have each been awarded $75,000 as part of Western Health’s research week ceremonies. The prestigious Arlene Wake Chronic Disease Fellowships aim to support and recognise medical research and innovation that tackles chronic diseases in the community. Fellowships were awarded for a digital health project that uses AI to precisely measure chemotherapy doses, a research project on diabetes during pregnancy, and a cutting-edge diabetes management software solution for GPs. The projects are led by doctors Matthew Wei, Annabel Jones and Christopher Preston. Dr Wei’s project is a digital health solution that utilises AI to predict colorectal cancer patient response to chemotherapy. This data is then used to create tailored treatment plans, allowing Western Health staff and University of Melbourne researchers to provide individualised care with greater precision than was previously possible. Dr Wei is a colorectal research fellow at Western Health, and the funding from the fellowship will allow Dr Wei to integrate his research into surgery, which he hopes will translate into real-world outcomes and benefits for patients. Dr Jones will use funding from the fellowship to further her research into gestational diabetes, which is diabetes diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy. Western Health has one of the largest maternity hospitals in Australia with high rates of gestational diabetes and endocrine disease, and one in five women based in Melbourne’s west develop the condition. Due to the high case numbers in expectant mothers and the rising prevalence of diabetes in the population, Dr Jones’ project is anticipated to provide insight into treatment options

and prevention for the Western Health community.

or management. It is hoped that this will help GPs to more effectively diagnose chronic

Dr Justin Yeung accepting the Fellowship on behalf of Dr Matthew Wei. (Supplied)

(L-R) 2023 Arlene Wake Chronic Disease Fellowship recipients Dr Annabel Jones and Dr Christopher Preston with Dr Arlene Wake and 2022 Arlene Wake Chronic Disease Fellowship recipient, Dr Rinki Giri. (Supplied)

Dr Preston’s research will trial the effectiveness of a tool called Future Health Today. Developed as a collaboration between University of Melbourne and Western Health, Future Health Today uses sophisticated algorithms to review patient records in general practice and automate the identification of patients who require further testing, diagnosis

disease in their practices, potentially having a major impact on the health of the community. The fellowships were made possible by an anonymous donation and are named in honour of Dr Arlene Wake, who served as Western Health’s Chief Medical Officer and Executive and was instrumental in the conception of the Western Centre for Health Research and Education (WCHRE) and

Western Health Chronic Disease Alliance. Western Health chief executive Adjunct Professor Russell Harrison said Western Health is honoured to award the Arlene Wake Chronic Disease Fellowships. “The projects recognised and associated funding assist Western Health in shaping the health outcomes of our often vulnerable population, and are crucial in helping Western Health provide the best care for our patients,” he said. “These fellowships address some of the most pressing health problems impacting our community in the west, and we are thankful to have funding that focuses on specialised issues.”

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Tuesday, 31 October, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Gardening Q&A Join council for a one hour expert Q&A where locals will have the chance to have all their burning gardening questions answered by expert gardener, Karen Sutherland from Edible Eden Design. Followed by a lunch to chat with other gardening enthusiasts. The free event will take place on November 4, from 11am-1pm at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. ■ https://shorturl.at/dGJY4

Allegro Non Oppo Experience the magic of live music while discovering hidden treasures at Salvos Derrimut. Held every Saturday in November from 1pm-4pm, witness talented pianist Ania Reynolds. ■ https://shorturl.at/lmOQY

Exhibition opening Untitled: Yellow by Nisha Hunter will be opening at the Sunshine Art Spaces Gallery on Friday, November 10 from 6-8pm. The exhibition combines storytelling, textiles, and collaborative artmaking to explore themes of memories, dreams, and identity through a spectrum of yellow that unfolds and defines a space between the personal and the collective, the domestic and the public. A turmeric dyeing/collaborative art making workshop is being held on November 18, as part of this exhibition. ■ https://shorturl.at/hozN9

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Patrick Blume in front of his Halloween decorated house. (Damjan Janevski) 368862_01

Road from 4-7pm. The family-fun day will feature trick or treating, face painting, costume parade and street performers. ■ https://shorturl.at/dknIW

Live Well for Life

Sunshine Repair Cafe

IPC Health’s Living Well team is offering a new, free five week program called Live Well for Life. The program is for people who are at risk of developing a chronic health condition, who have diabetes, heart disease or would like to learn how to improve their health. The group will meet weekly on Thursdays from 10am to noon, commencing on November 2, at IPC Health Deer Park. Registration is required. ■ Call IPC Health on 1300 472 432 and ask to speak to Brodie from the Living Well program

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

Come and Try Fencing Western Swords is offering free fencing training every Thursday during school terms, from 6:30-8pm, at St. Albans Meadows Primary School. All ages from 7 on up are welcome, and all gear is there to borrow. ■ https://www.westernswords.org/

Al-Anon Family Groups Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. The group meets every Wednesday at Sydenham Neighbourhood House from 1-2:30pm. ■ New members are welcome.

the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. ■ Michael, 0417 307 572

Brimbank District Girl Guides is inviting locals to come and try Guides before committing to join. Girls aged 5 to 18 and adults over 18 are invited to enjoy the fun and friendship of guiding. ■ Carolyn 0418 536 084

Seniors lunch Deer Park Branch of National Seniors Australia hosts a lunch on the third Friday of each month at different venues. The group also arrange activities each month, sometimes to the Theatre, Morning Melodies, train or bus trip. The group also holds a General Meeting at The Club in Caroline Springs on the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm. Locals are invited to join in for lunch or just attend the meeting and make new friends. ■ Pamela, pcostello46@hotmail.com.

Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday from 7-10pm at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine. ■ Leisa, 0425768808

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

Parkinson’s support group

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-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day. ■ Roma, 0435 991 064

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

Caroline Springs Rotary

Melton Bridge Club

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

The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. 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 Ladies Probus Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome. ■ Dianne, 9743 7446

Keilor Day View Club The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies. ■ Robyn, 0425387880

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.

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

Sunshine Halloween Street Party

Deer Park Lions Club

The Sunshine Halloween Street Party will return this year on Tuesday, October 31. The event will take place along Hampshire

Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 October, 2023

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

Sunshine Community Brass

Card games Girl Guides

■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Melton Friendship Group. Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome. ■ Ann 0425705150

Sunrise Social Groups Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets 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.

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/or mental health challenges. ■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

PUZZLES 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.

3 7 2 8 1

8 4

3 6 2

9 4 5

8 6 4

4 1 8

2 9

9 7 3 medium

2 4 2 7

7 1

Dish options list (4) Soaked (9) Localities (5) US singer, Bob – (5) Japanese school of Buddhism (3)

DECODER

No. 157

1 3

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5

6 8

3 8 3

12 13 16 17 19 22 23 24 25 28

8 1 6

Condiment (7) Study of animals (7) Holland (11) The lot (3) Place of confinement (6) Wind funnel (7) Singer (4) Disinfectant (10) In peril (10) Filament (4) Means of transport (7) Lubricant (6) Variety of fish (3) ‘Tubes’ or ‘boxes’ (coll) (11) Operation (7) Jersey (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 18 20 21 23 26 27 29 30

No. 157

See (7) Japanese seaport (5) A caution in some sports (6,4) Doubly (5) Cheap books (10) Sister’s daughter (5) Convey (9) Cravat (7) Apple drink (5) Donates (5) Result from (5) Employer (4) Nonclerical (3)

6 7 8

ACROSS

easy

4 9 1

QUICK CROSSWORD

8 5

2 8 5

hard

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

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

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good 20 words: Very good

H N

1 ( 3 2 7 , 6 0

5 LETTERS AGILE ALPHA ARENA ATLAS ATONE ATTIC AVAIL BASTE BAWDY BEEFY BLESS BORNE BRAGS CANED CENTS CLIMB DANCE EERIE EMBED EVENT

4 LETTERS BASS DOME EDGE ENDS HEAR PAWS SEES SETS SIGH SNOB SONS SUBS YEAR YEWS

GEESE ITEMS KICKS MOCKS NAIVE NEEDS OILED PASTS PEARL PECKS RETRY REVUE RILES RITES SALTS SAVES SEAMS SLEDS SLEET SLOPE SNAGS

SNEER SPAYS STRAW THESE THREE TWEET UNTIL WHISK WOMEN 6 LETTERS AMIDST ARISES MADAME PAPYRI

7 LETTERS DEIGNED EMBRACE MILITIA PARSNIP SPECTRA WORSTED 8 LETTERS ATTENDED HOMELAND NEPOTISM NETTLING

03-11-23

No. 157 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

S T

N D E R

U R A L R I S E I N S E

R A R

3 LETTERS ACE AIL ALE APT DNA EKE FUN GAL GEM GIN GYM ICY IDS IMP NAY NON OVA PAN RIM SEE SPA SPY THE YET

No. 157

dethrone, enthrone, ENTHRONED, ether, heed, herd, here, hereon, hereto, hero, heron, hoed, hone, honed, horde, horn, horned, hornet, nether, north, other, then, there, thereon, thorn, three, throne

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

10 11 12 13

K P 19

N S

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

L S

R R

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

27 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

easy

ND B Y U R Z Q T G X F E

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

V H O S J M L C I AWK P

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

In what year did the Statue of Liberty arrive in New York City?

What was the first human invention that broke the sound barrier?

How many inner wire rings are there on a dartboard?

Guy Laliberté is the co-founder of which Canadian entertainment company?

Qui is a pronoun found in what Romance language?

What is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world?

Of these countries, which has the highest life expectancy for men: Andorra, Belgium or Denmark?

In which 1995 film did Russell Crowe (pictured) star with Sharon Stone and Gene Hackman?

In what month is the majority of the German beer festival Oktoberfest held?

10 Holden Caulfield is the protagonist of which classic novel? ANSWERS: 1. 1885 2. The whip 3. Seven 4. Cirque du Soleil 5. French 6. The Great Artesian Basin 7. Andorra (78 years) 8. The Quick and the Dead 9. September 10. The Catcher in the Rye

No. 157

% 5 $ * 6 7 + ( 6 ( 3 $ 6 7 6 :2 0 ( 1 $ / 3 + $ ( ( 5 , ( ( 9 ( 1 7 ( 0 % ( ' 3 ( $ 5 / ) 8 1 6 1 ( ( 5 6 3 < < ( 7 $ 7 / $ 6 $ 5 , 6 ( 6 < ( $ 5 , & < $ & ( 5 , 0 % $ 6 7 ( 1 ( ( ' 6 3 $: 6 $ 7 7 ( 1 ' ( ' 6 2 1 6 7 + ( 0 , / , 7 , $ :2 5 6 7 ( ' ' 1 $ 6 , * + 1 ( 3 2 7 , 6 0 < ( : 6 * ( ( 6 ( 3 ( & . 6 3 $ 1 $ 3 7 * ( 0 0 $ ' $ 0 ( 5 ( 7 5 < 6 1 2 % 2 9 $ , ' 6 & / , 0 % $ , / & $ 1 ( ' 8 1 7 , / $ * , / ( % 2 5 1 ( 6 $ 9 ( 6 . , & . 6 6 1 $ * 6 6 / ( ' 6 6 / ( ( 7

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 31 October, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

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Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days 12619649-FC29-23

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MOSHOUDIS, Harry

MAINTENANCE PLUMBER

Aged 65, of Sunshine West. Passed away Saturday 21st October 2023.

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Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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STREET AD

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The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

section of Network Classifieds.

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Relatives and friends of the late Mr. Harry Moshoudis are advised that his Funeral Service is appointed to take place at the Doveton Park Funeral Centre, 1251 Doveton Street North, Ballarat on FRIDAY November 3, 2023 commencing at Ten (10:00) am.

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MOSHOUDIS, Harry

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0435 904 818 Tuesday, 31 October, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘Black’ offers a light ride By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring The auto industry continues to be awash with gizmos that are increasingly taking the ‘drive’ out of driver. Sports utility vehicles – especially all-wheel drives – are particularly subject to systems that butt in. Welcome to the no-nonsense world of the Outlander Black Edition. While the mid-size Mitsubishi petrol and petrol/electric hybrid SUV, for 2024, has been given a leg-up in equipment standards – plus price rises - the former LS Black Edition has been let loose from the pack to stand on its own. Not that there’s any shortage of tech in the Black Edition, just that it seems less intrusive than that of many of the ilk. Even so, any of a stack of bells-and-whistle warnings and driver aids can be silenced simply by switches located on the steering wheel. The entry-level ES 2WD five-seater now opens the line-up from $37,740, plus on-roads, the plug-in hybrid EV five-seater from $56,490, with the top-of-the range PHEV Exceed Tourer seven-seater topping out the Outlanders at $71,790. The Black Edition seven-seater – the test vehicle - settles in the middle of the mob at $42,990. The MY24 Outlander is covered by a five-year, 100,000km warranty that can be extended to 10 years and 200,000km if serviced within Mitsubishi’s dealer network using its capped-price service program. All vehicles are sold with 12 months of roadside assist, which can be extended for up to four years when the vehicle is serviced at an authorised Mitsubishi dealer. STYLING ‘Black’ is the byword here, with a black grille, black-finish door mirrors and lower bumper treatments, B- and C-pillar garnishes, and 20-inch black alloy wheels. The bold front, flared fenders and an aerodynamic rear spoiler combine to come up with a sporty stance, as well as adding to improved performance over its predecessor. Automatic LED headlamps are newly added. Paint options are limited to Prestige Black, Prestige White, Prestige Red, and a new metallic Graphite Grey. INTERIOR Inside, one thing dominates – you guessed it - black. There’s a black headliner and pillar trims, plus Mi-Suede seat upholstery with synthetic leather bolsters. While the Black Edition, like others in Outlander range, boasts three rows of seats capable of taking up to seven ‘bodies’ Mitsubishi eschews the term ‘seven-seater’ for the more realistic ‘5+2’ definition. The rear seats are comfortable only for carrying a couple of kids, or for anyone else, on short journeys. All seats can recline for added comfort, while the slide adjustable 40:20:40 split second

The latest Outlander Black Edition now stands alone in the midst of the Mitsubishi SUV segment.

row and 50:50 split rear third row can fold fully forward to create a multitude of versatile passenger and cargo configurations. Seven-seat petrol models have a space saver spare wheel, and a claimed 163 litres with all three rows of seats upright. This goes up to 478 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 1461 litres with the second row also folded. INFOTAINMENT A 9-inch touchscreen presents information in sharp full-colour, while buttons and knobs allow for easy audio and sat nav operation. Apple CarPlay is wireless, Android Auto wired, which is de rigueur for vehicles of this standard. Power outlets include USB-A, USB-C and 12V plugs, as well as a wireless charging pad, which doubles as storage when not servicing the phone. ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS Powering the MY24 Outlander Black Edition is a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine producing 135 kW of power and 244 Nm of torque (nothing new here), mated with a continuously-variable transmission with eight pre-programmed steps a la

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 October, 2023

conventional automatic. Drive is sent to the front wheels only. SAFETY The Outlander was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating on 2022 testing. With eight airbags, the suite of active safety systems is headed by autonomous emergency braking front and rear, including pedestrian and junction modes. Forward collision warning leads in moving object detection, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist and emergency lane assist, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control is joined by driver attention alert and traffic sign recognition. There are rear-view camera and front and rear parking sensors, plus rear seat alert function. A new rear seat alert function detects rear door use on entry and notifies the driver with either an instrument cluster message or horn note when getting out. DRIVING While the 2.5-litre motor doesn’t set the world on fire with its performance, it’s possible to spin the front-wheel drive system on gravel,

especially when an incline is involved. However, the Outlander took lumpy going in its stride. Overtaking on bitumen needs some decisive work from the driver but engine and wind noise are all but absent, except when the engine is pushed. Steering, while responsive, is on the weighty side but, generally, the Outlander stays firmly to the road, even on swiftly taken bends. The whole driving experience is without fuss, which means it’s short on fun too. Occupants were far from complaining, even in stop/start city traffic. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.7 litres per 100km combined, with CO2 emissions of 185g per kilometre. The test vehicle recorded 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs, and five litres per 100km at motorway speeds. Braked towing capacity across the range is 1600kg, with unbraked towing at 750kg. SUMMARY Without trying out more members of the MY24 Outlander line-up, the standalone Black Edition has a lot going for it. Seven seats make for a rare shot at versatility despite the children’s high-chair pair out back. Pricing and warranty are a bonus.

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SPORT

Massive loss for Western United Western United suffered a convincing 5-0 defeat at the hands of Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 2 of the A-League men on Saturday night. Coach John Aloisi named an unchanged line-up from the season opener against Melbourne City, with the entire 18-man squad carrying over into this contest. That meant new signings Daniel Penha, Angus Thurgate, Riku Danzaki and Tom Heward-Belle continued in the starting XI, with youngsters Kane Vidmar and Matthew Grimaldi featuring on the bench. The match burst into life early on with a chance at both ends. Ben Garuccio’s cross was just taken off the head of Penha in the nick of time before Brook forced a good save from Heward-Belle at the other end. But it was the Wanderers that exploded into the game with a quickfire double thanks to two strikes from winger Lachlan Brook. The first was brilliant as he cut inside from the right wing and bent a brilliant left-footed effort into the far corner, while the second was a little closer to home and nestled into the bottom corner via a deflection off Tomoki Imai. With the two goals coming virtually from nothing so early on, United remained calm and began to settle in possession, with a fine team move culminating in a Josh Risdon strike that stung Lawrence Thomas’ midriff. Penha had a couple of half chances but couldn’t get the ball under control at the final moment as United looked slick in possession but exposed defensively. Western Sydney were able to break through United’s press with relative ease and had willing runners in behind to turn the visitors’ defence around and get in on goal. There was nearly a third and another spectacular strike when Jorrit Hendrix let fly from similar range to Brook’s opener, but this

Angus Thurgate of Western United and Oscar Priestman of the Wanderers battle for the ball. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

time the long-range effort rattled the post. The home side seemed to have space everywhere they went in the final third and Milanovic made it 3-0 when he headed home from Jack Clisby’s cross just past the half hour mark. The fourth came via another header, this time from captain Marcelo who leapt

unguarded at a corner to thump the ball into the net. With the damage done there is a significantly lower pace to the game following the restart, but United continued to try to find some joy in the game. In possession, the Green and Black showed flashes of quality with Ramy Najjarine

impressing off the bench as a half-time substitute. He and Penha came closest to finding a goal back for United and remained lively until the final whistle sounded. It was a night to forget for Aloisi’s men who will quickly move forward and look ahead to another trip to New South Wales to take on Macarthur FC in Round 3.

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Aussie defender has recently joined the Socceroos?

4. In which US state did the first Ironman Triathlon take place in 1978?

12. Alyssa Healy suffered an injury after a bite from which animal?

2. Who is the current president of the Western Bulldogs?

5. The team song for the Brisbane Lions is also the national anthem tune for which country?

13. The Australian Steelers represent Australia in which sport?

3. Who is the only tennis player to have won all four consecutive Grand Slam titles in a year twice?

6. Ex-Collingwood star Jack Ginnivan received backlash for attending what event the night before the Grand Final? 7. Prior to his trade to St Kilda, which club did Paddy Dow play for? 8. Australian tennis player Sam Groth broke what record in 2012? 9. For which race did iconic sprinter Cathy Freeman win gold at the Olympics? 10. How many Olympic gold medals did legendary swimmer Dawn Fraser win?

Luka Doncic

11. Luka Doncic plays for which NBA team?

Kaylee McKeown

14. How many world records did Kaylee McKeown recently set at the Swimming World Cup in Budapest? 15. Johann Zarco recently won which motorsport event in Australia? 16. Grace Harris plays for which Women’s Big Bash League team? 17. Which AFL team was known as Walyalup for the AFL and AFLW Indigenous rounds? 18. Former NBA player Alan Williams currently plays for which NBL team? 19. What name was A-League team Melbourne City previously known as? 20. And what year did the team first play in the A-League Men?

21. Which national netball team won the 2023 Constellation Cup Series? 22. Who was the overall women’s champion of the 2023 World Aquatics Swimming World Cup? 23. Which national rugby team won the 2019 Rugby World Cup? 24. How many deliveries did Grace Harris take to make the highest score (136 not out) in WBBL history? 25. Which three countries are hosting the 2023 Pacific Rugby League Championships?

26. Which team won the 2023 WNBA Finals? 27. Which former Opal is head coach of the New York Liberty? 28. Which horse won the 2023 Caulfield Cup? 29. Brad Dubberley is the current head coach of which Australian sporting team? 30. Which national team did Australia defeat to win the 2023 International Wheelchair Rugby World Cup?

0311

1. Alessandro Circati 2. Kylie Watson-Wheeler 3. Rod Laver 4. Hawaii 5. France 6. Moonee Valley races 7. Carlton 8. Fastest tennis serve 9. 400 metres 10. Four 11. Dallas Mavericks 12. Dog 13. Wheelchair Rugby 14. Two 15. MotoGP Grand Prix 16. Brisbane Heat 17. Fremantle 18. South East Melbourne Phoenix 19. Melbourne Heart 20. 2010 21. Australia 22. Kaylee McKeown 23. South Africa 24. 59 25. Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea 26. Las Vegas Aces 27. Sandy Brondello 28. Without A Fight 29. Australian Steelers 30. Canada Tuesday, 31 October, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

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Opal legend set to lead Keilor Thunder women An Australian basket-balling great is set to lead Keilor Thunder for the 2024 season. Thunder announced Kristi Harrower as their National Basketball League 1 South women’s head coach for the upcoming season back in August. The Basketball Australia Hall of Famer and four-time Olympic medallist is one of the most decorated Opals in history. Harrower’s illustrious playing career includes four Olympic appearances from 2000 to 2012, claiming three silvers and one bronze as well as a gold medal in the 2006 FIBA World Championships. Her coaching journey includes serving as the assistant coach for the Opals and is currently an assistant coach for the Melbourne Boomers. The former WNBA player, WNBL MVP and two-time champion will now take her expertise to Keilor in what she said is the perfect fit. “I did um and ah about it to be honest,” she said. “But I knew it was the perfect situation for me, I live in Keilor, so it meant I didn’t have to

drive 45 minutes to training. “So it was the perfect situation for me to apply for the job. I went through the process and I was lucky enough to get it, so I’m really excited.” While it is an exciting journey Harrower has embarked on, it has not come without its challenges. “There’s a lot that I need to learn, in personnel and individuals within the club,” she said. “It’s hard because I didn’t watch much NBL1 this season and I knew they had a bit of a different team. “So I still need to learn a lot on who’s who and what they do and what they’ll bring to the team. “We’re still going through the recruiting process at the moment and trying to get the pieces in place. “It’s an adjustment, it’s not easy, I’m sure every coach would say the recruiting process isn’t easy, but I’m enjoying it so far.” A resume such as Harrower’s doesn’t come without a determined work ethic, something

that she said she will demand of her squad. “I was super, super competitive, I had that ‘white line fever’ and I was somebody that always worked hard,” she said. “I expect that from whatever team I ever coach, I’m going to expect that from my group. “We’re not going to come to training and be blase, even if you’re not a WNBL player, I want you to be training at that level, the intensity needs to be that high. “I’ll be firm on my players, firm but fair and I also want to get the best out of my players and get the best out of the personnel that I’ve got.” Thunder finished the season in 16th last season, although Harrower is bullish of her team’s finals chances. “My expectation is that we make the finals, I want to climb the ladder and be top eight somewhere,” she said. “I want to be top eight and when we make top eight then we can refocus on where we should be at.”

Kristi Harrower in action for Australia at the Olympic Games in London in 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

Vonja sticking in the west

Shrey Dhand (Supplied)

Badminton’s rising star By Peter Howe Sunshine Western Region Sports Club’s Shrey Dhand has just returned from the USA after representing Australia in the under 19 World Junior Badminton Tournament during September. The old African saying, iIt takes a village to raise a child,” is working in the 15-year-old’s growth in his chosen sport. “I have many personal coaches and mentors, including my father who all play a part in my development in my sport,” he said. Dhand played soccer, tennis and cricket but settled on badminton more to keep his social contacts with his friends in the beginning. “As my friends and I got older we started to play tournaments and became quite competitive. My long-time friend Om Neelam and I have now won Australian junior doubles titles together,” he said. Dhand has had a dramatic rise in the sport that started when he was eleven years old and has taken him to many Victorian and Australian junior titles. He first represented Australia at the same age in the Singapore Youth International. This is his third tournament representing Australia. “Australia had a very tough draw at the championships. We drew defending champions Korea, recent world title holders China and the Netherlands,” he said. For the record Australia finished the team’s event in 25th place. Dhand was the youngest Australian representative.

“There wasn’t much difference between our skills, we are very good technically but lack experience in tactics and accuracy under pressure,” he said. “For me it was an amazing experience and will drive me to improve my tournament play. Watching and mixing with players from other countries enabled me to see how other countries play.” Dhand has a gruelling training and playing timetable. A strength and conditioning program that includes weight sessions, core strength exercises, endurance running, skipping, and jumping to improve his strength, a vital component of any badminton player. “I train at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre with the Victorian team, at Maribyrnong Sports Academy with other Australian Falcon players which includes match play, two versus one and specific skill drills designed by my coaches and mentors to improve my skills and match play,” he said. “On Friday morning I train with the Senior Victorian team. On Sunday I train with my personal coaches. I have Saturday off when we don’t have tournaments to play, it is the only day I don’t train.” Dhand’s “village” include his father Gaurav, once a junior state badminton player in India and now an accredited coach, who assists with his son’s skill drills. Ben Walklate, a teacher at MSA himself an ex Australian Badminton player spends many lunchtimes at school, working with Dhand on match analysis, tactics, and technique. He also spends time

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 October, 2023

with Dhand in his sports psychology sessions so he can understand what he needs to work on. Dhand’s long-time coach is Paul Lee from Malaysia, previously a junior champion in Penang, who has coached him since he was 12. Among the many titles Dhand has won, one stands alone. In June this year he competed in and won the Protech Elite Series Open Men’s singles as a 15-year-old. This win stamped his credentials in the sport. Dhand lists his strengths as his speed, movement, and the power of his shots. Dhand, who attends Maribyrnong Sports Academy has singled them out for their phenomenal support. “My teachers spend extra time with me so I can attend tournaments all over Australia. I would like to follow a career in the financial industry after completing year 12 and university,” he said. So what about your sporting ambitions? “Badminton players mature in their early to mid 20’s which will be me in Brisbane Olympics in 2032. Los Angeles in 2028 isn’t out of the question either,” he said Dhand is the October nominee for the Don Deeble Sports Star Award which is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bendigo Bank, the Deer Park Club, Medway Golf Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and The Star Weekly Newspapers. To nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, contact the club by emailing swrsportsclub@ gmail.com or sms 0408 556 631.

Joeys goalkeeper Michael Vonja will continue his outstanding career progression in the west, signing his first professional contract with Western United. The 17-year-old has been a standout in the Western United Academy and has earned multiple selections for the Joeys in 2023. Domestically, Vonja enjoyed a breakout season in the National Premier League 2, winning the club champion award in the Under 21’s and featuring prominently for the Under 23’s. Like many of Western United’s young talents, Vonja is born and bred in the West and played his junior football with the likes of Caroline Springs George Cross and Green Gully. On signing a professional deal with his hometown club, Vonja said it was a dream opportunity and highlighted the progression of a number of young players from the Western United Academy. “I’m really excited to sign my first professional contract, I’m grateful for the opportunity the Club has given me and I will continue working hard,” he said. “Working with Michael Theo as well as the senior team goalkeepers has really helped me mature and learn from their experiences and qualities.” Western United Head Coach John Aloisi said Vonja’s well-rounded qualities as a goalkeeper and his strength of character made him an exciting prospect for the Club. “Michael has taken big steps in his game in our Academy set up, and a lot of credit must go to our coaches in that space who have done a fantastic job with all of our young players,” he said. “We are proud to have Michael in our ranks as a promising young player from the West who embraces our values, and we are looking forward to pushing him onto further success.” Vonja is the first goalkeeper to come through the Western United Academy with a scholarship deal and will complement Tom Heward-Belle and Matt Sutton in the first team. The youngster will continue his growth on and off the pitch with more opportunities at club and international level on the horizon.

SPORT Surey takes charge at the Knights Melbourne Knights have announced Ben Surey as coach ahead of the 2024 National Premier League season. Surey replaces Ben Cahn who has moved north to take on the role of youth technical director at A-League side Brisbane Roar. Surey played for the Knights for nine seasons before serving as the club’s under 20’s coach, as well as being caretaker coach on two occasions. Now as coach, Surey is looking forward to the next challenge. “It’s been a busy week or two, but I’m definitely looking forward to getting started again,” he said. “The boys are excited and I am as well. “I’ve been there a long time, I’ve probably done every other role at the club. “I know the club, I know what it means to people, what a hub it is to the community.”

The club enjoyed one of its more successful seasons in recent times, finishing fourth in NPL, and making the semi finals of all three competitions, including the Australia Cup in front of over 5000 Knights fans. “Last year things went quite well, without winning anything we did make massive strides,” Surey said. “We had an exciting season and I think it’s definitely a good time to have a crack and see if we can go one better.” “We built some momentum at the end of the season, and maybe got some people back in the crowd and back in the stands that hadn’t been around for a while. “It just shows what the club could be and how big the club is and how exciting it could be if we could sustain some success.” Sustaining success is what Surey’s goal is for his first season at the helm.

“We certainly don’t want to go backwards… we’re definitely looking to improve,” he said. “We’re in it to win it and we want to get some silverware for sure. “We want to build on that and we’ve got a good base, hopefully we retain most of the squad and all of the boys that we want to keep, which is a working progress at the moment, as well as adding a bit more quality as well. “There will be a few changes which are either out of our control or out of choice, in areas we think we can improve. “There are not many players that we want to move on or lose, it’s just about adding the quality that we need. “We’re working on it now, we’re definitely looking to act fast but we have time and we’d rather wait for the right players.” Harper Sercombe

Manfre proud to fly flag

Sports shorts WRFL Albion has announced a couple of key signings on the back of a Western Region Football League division 2 grand final loss. Joshua Bench is returning to the Cattery for the 2024 season. A reigning Altona division 1 back to back club best and fairest winner, via social media the club said Bench is going to be an electric addition to their midfield in 2024. He comes back to Albion with a great resume and career to date, including being a division 1 premiership player, a three time team of the year player and three time Williamstown development premiership player. Darcy McPherson has re-signed at the Cats. McPherson is the back-to-back best and fairest and the club and was third in the leagues best and fairest this season, as well as being named in the division 2 team of the year.

By IFAF media Keilor’s Olivia Manfre was born to become an AFL player. Now, the 20-year-old finds herself in Malaysia, poised to proudly make her debut for the Australian women’s flag football national team. Manfre recently completed a season in the Victoria Football League with Essendon, a team she joined at least as a registered supporter the day she was born, such was her parents’ passion for the sport. She began playing at the age of 12 and progressed to fulfil a destiny of representing the team she supports in the VFL, one step below the elite AFLW level she one day hopes to reach. Like many athletes, Manfre sought out an off-season sport to help maintain her fitness and that’s when she caught the flag football bug. “I played in some training sessions with a team called the Northern Raiders and absolutely fell in love with the sport,” she said. “I was really intrigued to learn more, so I watched Mexico against the USA at the World Games and I knew straight away that I would have to give this a go. That led me to representing Victoria at the national competitions in July and as a result of that I was selected for the Australian team. “It’s something I’m really proud of and I’m really excited about and it’s all quite surreal that I’m about to represent my country.” Manfre trained with Australian men’s national team coach Jamie Stafford and some of the men’s team players based in Victoria, as well as with the Melbourne Mets in preparation for this weekend’s tournament. Under head coach Paul Manera, Australia’s original gridiron export to the United States and an experienced coach in both tackle and flag, Manfre joined her nation’s squad that arrived in Malaysia several days ahead of the upcoming International Federation of American Football Asia Oceania Flag Football Championship to acclimatise and hold a pre-tournament camp. “I haven’t been overseas before so that in itself is going to be an exciting experience,” she said before the team headed for Kuala Lumpur. “I’ve come from a team sport and love that environment, so the pre-camp gives us a great opportunity to get to know each other. In my experience a team that’s really connected is better able to face adversity and to bounce back if they’re losing and I think that’s really important. We’re all going to work really hard and that’s going to give us that edge if we really need to step up to win.” Australia are newcomers to the international flag football arena, but several of Manfre’s

Ben Surey (supplied)

EDFL Along with a new coach for Hillside’s Essendon District Football League women’s team, a flurry of player announcements have been made. Those signed to play in recent times include Emma Picone, Keilor best and fairest Brooke Kerrigan, Beejay Johnson and Chanel Caruso.

Basketball

Olivia Manfre (Jack Foley Photography)

teammates and those on the men’s roster boast experience of playing in IFAF World Championships in the tackle discipline. ‘Quarterback Casey Cubis played at the 2017 IFAF Women’s World Championship in Canada, while fellow signal caller Danielle De Groot represented her nation in Finland last year. Kodie Fuller, Dania Herdman and Pier Pritchard have similar experience. “I’ve been trying to get as much information from them as possible,” Manfre said. “They have so much knowledge of the sport and learning from them is really going to help me, not just with football skills but also playing for our country. “You can tell when we’re training who the experienced players are and I’ve been asking them questions to make me better as an athlete.” Manfre believes her success playing Australian Rules Football will translate to flag football, where she lines up as a wide receiver.

She hopes that with one season ending just before the other begins will not cause future conflicts, though her VFL season ended slightly prematurely as the Bombers failed to advance to the Grand Final. “This year the two sports never crossed,” she said. “As soon as I finished the footy season, I found myself in Sydney a week or two later. I didn’t have to worry about the crossover and in terms of fitness I transitioned over straight away. “As a receiver in flag football it definitely links with the position I play in the VFL where I’m a forward. I do a lot of marking, so that’s my style of play which one hundred percent definitely helps. “One thing I’ve been working on now is my route running. It’s very different from the leading patterns we run in footy. I love playing them both so much and hope there’s no clash next year.”

Three Keilor Thunder women players have been selected for Victoria’s under 20 team, Zoe Shaw, Erin Green and Eric Brkovic were selected for the 2024 Victorian Under-20 State team for the National Championships which will be held at Ballarat in January and February of 2024. After trials over the past few weeks, all three were selected in the development under 20 Victorian Navy team. Via social media the club said: “A massive achievement and reward for effort put in over the past 12 months. Congratulations to Zoe, Erin and Eric, we can’t wait to see you representing Victoria and the Keilor Basketball Association on the national stage! Good luck!”

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