Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 6th February 2024 by Star Weekly

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Preps start school life Class is back in session for students across Brimbank as they return to their desks to take on the 2024 school year. Armed with heavy school bags and crisp uniforms, it was a milestone day for some of the littlest learners at Sunshine Heights and Albion North primary schools. ■ Story: Page 5

Prep students Rosie, Menna and Zarah are right at home at Sunshine Heights primary school. (Damjan Janevski) 386014_01

Grassroots youth support LGBTIQA+ youth in Melbourne’s western suburbs will soon have access to a new Queer Psychosocial Outreach Program (QPOP). Youth Projects received a $239,968 grant from the state government to expand support for LGBTIQA+ youth living in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Youth Projects is an independent, registered charity providing front line support to young people and individuals experiencing disadvantage, unemployment, homelessness, alcohol and other drug issues. The new QPOP initiative is aimed at providing essential support to LGBTIQA+

youth aged 12-24, specifically those with varying abilities such as autism, ADHD and psychosocial challenges. The charity has a number of sites throughout Melbourne including in Footscray, Hoppers Crossing, Melton, Point Cook, St Albans, Sunshine, Taylors Lakes and Werribee. The QPOP program, scheduled to commence in March 2024, aims to initially support 80 young people with plans to evaluate, scale and increase this support in coming years. Youth Outreach coordinator Maddy Bieleny said the program will provide tailored and individualised support to each young person.

“Across all the regions that we work in, we see young people everyday who are looking for support, particularly with their mental health. At the moment about 60 per cent of the young people who access our youth outreach program identify as LGBTQIA+ and all of them have identified mental health concerns,” she said. “... We know that LGBTQIA+ youth have a variety of different challenges and barriers that they face, but regardless of how the young people present, we work collaboratively with them. They could be facing barriers like employment or education, mental health,

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family violence etcetera. “Our holistic outreach model means that we can meet young people where they’re at. We not only work alongside young people to support them to identify the goals they want to achieve, but we meet them in the community wherever they’re comfortable, whether that be the home, school, park or at a cafe, to provide that wrap-around holistic support to focus on the whole person within their whole context.” In 2023, Youth Projects canvassed 20 key mental health service providers across ■ Continued: Page 3.

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Your say on reconciliation action Brimbank council has opened community consultation for residents to share their thoughts on the draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-26. The plan is part of council’s commitment to reconciliation and is said to pave the way for greater respect, inclusion and equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the community. The plan lists the actions council will take to nurture its relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, value the knowledge and expertise of Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander peoples, seek ways to enhance the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Islander peoples to the community, ensure it’s programs and services are accessible and culturally safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and manage and administer the plan the next two years. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the council will continue to work actively in partnership with the Traditional Custodians of our land, as well as other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who call Brimbank their home.

“Brimbank council understands that our reconciliation journey requires a willingness to listen, acknowledge, and ensure a whole-of-community approach to achieve the best possible outcomes,“ she said. “Reconciliation is a continuous process that requires ongoing commitment to build long-term relationships based on mutual respect through collaboration, ongoing dialogue and meaningful action. “Brimbank is a place of diverse cultures, languages, and histories, and within this tapestry, we find strength.”

On Wednesday, February 14, council will host a yarn about reconciliation in Brimbank for Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members about the steps council will take to pave the way for greater inclusion and equity The yarn will take place from 11.30am-2.30pm at the Cooinda Community Hub, 43 Furlong Road, Sunshine North. Registration is required. Community consultation on the draft plan will close at 5pm on February 29. Details: https://shorturl.at/kOWX8

Improving care in Brimbank

Step into the world of culinary delights at SalamaTea in Sunshine on March 19. (Supplied)

Westside wanders into Brimbank Eat Drink Westside is on again to satisfy the western suburbs’ growing appetite for good food and wine. The event is a unique collaboration with Melbourne’s western region councils and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival (MFWF). Eat Drink Westside has become a regular feature of the MFWF, shining a light on the west’s enviable gastronomic heritage and diverse food culture. The 2024 program includes 19 events involving 46 venues in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Wyndham and Moonee Valley. The two core elements of the program are Westside Wanders and Special Events. Westside Wanders are a special series

of 12 moveable feasts or ‘wanders’ across Melbourne’s west. Each wander takes intimate groups of food lovers to three venues, with a MFWF host leading, on a mini tour, stopping for a bite, a drink or a snack at each spot. The wanders are similar to a progressive dinner, with a short walk between spots, celebrating the eating and drinking culture of the neighbourhood. Well-known food-media personalities will host each event. The Eat Drink Westside program unleashes eight one-off Special Events as part of the MFWFs main program. These curated experiences “broaden horizons and your palate”, and delve beyond the plate, offering kaleidoscopes of flavour, artistry, and unexpected delights.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to be working with the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in developing the Eat Drink Westside program, to showcase the food and hospitality culture that defines our region,” said Western Melbourne Tourism chair Scott Chapman. Brimbank will host three local wanders, one in Big SAM’s St Albans Market on March 16, another at SalamaTea in Sunshine on March 19, and finally at Izumi in Caroline Springs on March 21. Locals can also discover the hidden fresh food gems at ‘Scrumptious St Albans: Twilight Market’ at the St Albans Market on March 22. Tickets are now on sale. Details: https://www. melbournefoodandwine.com.au/event-series/ eat-drink-westside/

Brimbank council has opened up a community consultation process to help improve ageing and disability care in Brimbank. The delivery and funding of support services for older people and people with disabilities is changing. With the Australian Government moving to reform the aged care service system as well reviewing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). With these upcoming changes, council is looking to find out how it can better support its current clients, their carers and families as well as older people and people with disabilities in the future. At the moment council delivers selected aged care programs to approved people over 65 years of age. As well as selected aged care programs to approved Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people over 50 years of age. Both of which are funded by the federal government. Council also delivers a small range of services for people with disabilities under 65 years of age who are ineligible for NDIS services, funded by the state government. Council will undertake engagement with existing clients and networks from February 12-19. Open community consultation sessions will run in person on February 19. Sessions are limited to 20 people. Registration is required by Monday, February 12. Community consultation closes on Tuesday, February 20. Details: https://shorturl.at/dvAI5

‘Stimulates body and mind’: Getting active in Sunshine Kids and kids at heart can look forward to ramping up the fun at Sunshine West’s newest play space and outdoor court. The new Noble Court Reserve facilities were officially opened on January 29, with Laverton MP Sarah Connolly, Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic and the local community all in attendance to mark the official opening. With more and more families moving into the western suburbs, the new areas feature a combination of sport and play elements catering for all ages and abilities. A swing set, climbing frames, sand play unit and nature play elements make up the new play equipment that’s complemented by nearby seating, barbecue, landscaping,

and paths. Upgrades to the space also included the delivery of three new outdoor fitness stations, installation of a new multi-use court marked for basketball, with soccer, netball and cricket play opportunities. Together the upgraded facilities make for a perfect spot for the community to come together to play, get fit, stay active or re-energise. Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said local parks and reserves give both children and adults the chance to play, develop skills and connect in outdoor settings close to home. “From shooting hoops to having a swing, this space stimulates both the body and mind,

2 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 February, 2024

providing a dedicated outdoor area for all ages to enjoy,” she said. “We’re giving communities like Sunshine West the facilities they need so more locals can tap into the health benefits of active play.” The new reserve facilities was funded by Brimbank council and the state government. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said local parks play an important role in supporting the community’s physical and mental health. “Improving open spaces and promoting physical and mental health is an important focus for creating a better Brimbank,“ she said. “Brimbank’s parks play an important role in supporting the community’s physical and mental health.”

The new Noble Court Reserve facilities are officially open and ready for action. (Supplied)

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Paramedicine investment boost Victoria University has promised its own multi-million dollar investment to deliver a new cutting-edge training facility in the heart of Sunshine. Visiting the site of the future Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine on February 2, Ambulance Services Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced Victoria University (VU) will invest an additional $10 million, bringing the total investment into the centre to $20 million. The centre will provide paramedics with quality training to ensure they can meet the

needs of the Victorian community in the face of record demand. On track to open in 2026, the Australian-first centre will feature high-tech training equipment, life-size replicas of environments for paramedics to practice simulated emergencies - with the first of these set-ups, a replica ‘on the road’ ambulance already installed and being used by trainees to practise for real-life conditions. The new centre will also serve as a hub for paramedics already working with Ambulance Victoria to improve their skills,

learn new techniques, and stay up to date with the latest in best practice. VU chancellor Steve Bracks said the new centre will further ‘turbocharge’ VU’s joint training, research and real-world emergency simulations. “We are excited to announce our co-investment for Australia’s first Centre of Excellence in Paramedicine, a unique place of learning that will support, encourage and generate a skilled and resilient workforce to meet the needs of our community,” he said.

The boost to the future paramedic workforce comes as the state government releases the latest health performance data which shows demand on Victorian paramedics remains high. This quarter the number of Code 1 call outs rose by 3.4 per cent to a total of 99,833, making it the second busiest quarter in the history of Ambulance Victoria. Despite this increased demand, the average Code 1 response time is now 14 minutes and 58 seconds down from 15 minutes and 12 seconds last quarter.

Demand for emergency relief triples Grassroots Demand for the Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) has more than tripled in the last eight years, and it’s asking for extra support to help vulnerable members of the community. WERN is a volunteer-run organisation that provides emergency relief and assistance through its Member Welfare Agencies. Its primary service is providing material aid including furniture, appliances and bedding to people in need. WERN administration manager Ross Butterworth said that when WERN launched in 2015 it helped three to four families a week with an average of 11 items per order, but today it’s supporting 10 to 12 families per week with an average of 35 to 40 items supplied per order. Since December, wait-times for an appointment with WERN have blown out to almost a month, where they used to be almost non-existent. “I was part of the working party charged with setting up the WERN program and I have never experienced the level of requests we have today,” Mr Butterworth said. “The obvious impact is the cost of living and the increasing number of families in crisis, together with the impacts of the floods in October 2022 starting to impact on services such as ours as families are recovering to resettle their lives after the battles with insurers, financial institutions, and in some cases councils.” Mr Butterworth said to help meet rising demand, WERN is seeking more volunteers and donations. “Supply and demand has always been challenging… as the demand surges we have struggled to get sufficient numbers of required items into stock for clients. “Whitegoods and beds are always a problem in attracting sufficient numbers. WERN is very fortunate to have two volunteer technicians repairing broken or damaged whitegoods so we can accept fridges, washing machines and dryers whether they are working or not,” he said. “WERN is supported with some fantastic donors and incredible donations but is always in need of more. “More Volunteers will provide WERN the

youth support ■ From page 1.

Youth Projects chief executive Ben Vasiliou said in the face of the ongoing youth mental health crisis and prolonged waitlists for support services, Youth Projects is scaling up accessible and impactful programs at a grassroots level. “This grant will allow us to expand our reach, find young people who are not connected with the service system, intervene early, and address the specific needs of LGBTIQA+ youth in Melbourne’s west, creating a supportive and validating environment for young LGBTIQA+ folk,” Mr Vasoliou said. “What we know is there is not sufficient support in community, or even for those in acute distress, to learn how to manage their mental health. We’re going to do just that, whilst also building self-esteem, confidence, independence and provider pathways to greater social and economic inclusion.” The QPOP program can be assessed in a number of ways, youth can drop-in to the Youth Projects Werribee Youth Hub and speak with the staff there. Alternatively the Youth Outreach team can be contacted directly on (03) 9304 9100 or a refferal form can be submitted through https://www.youthprojects.org. au/forms/find-support.

WERN Wednesday shift supervisor Geoff Coates readying furniture to be donated. (Damjan Janevski) 386245_02

opportunity to increase appointment times and access, to operate our Collections Team more frequently to increase the numbers of donations collected and to handle the increased volumes of donations needed.

“All volunteers and support is welcome and there are many different roles available.” Details: warehouse@wern.org or 8372 4110.

Youth Projects staff Taulante Bytyci, Natalie Jaap and Maddy Bieleny at the Sunshine Hub. (Damjan Janevski) 386337_02

Liam McNally

Pressure mounts on Brimbank council for Gaza motion Pressure is building on Brimbank council to address calls from residents imploring council to take a stand in favour of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. In recent weeks, a number of councils have tabled motions calling for an immediate ceasefire of the war in Gaza. These include Wydnham, Merri-bek, Maribyrnong, Darebin, Yarra, Hume and Greater Dandenong councils. Local pro-Palestine advocate - Brimbank Solidarity Group for Palestine - is driving the pressure, calling on Brimbank council to formally position itself on the issue by passing a motion in support of Palestine. As it stands, Brimbank council has not issued any public statement regarding the matter.

On January 20, the group organised a rally outside the council chambers. Brimbank Solidarity Group for Palestine said the motion would symbolise the council’s commitment to social justice and equality. “The rally is in line with local actions taking place across Melbourne in support of Palestine. Brimbank residents are joining the movement to highlight the deep resonance of this cause within their community. This underscores the need for the council to recognise and address it as a local issue,” the group said. Brimbank Solidarity Group for Palestine group member Rula Paterson said residents have heard little to nothing from council in response to their requests.

“It feels like a brick wall,” she said. “We are going to hold a rally at the February 20 council meeting. We will be there, and we will invite our supporters to be there as well. We’ll be there to show council that this is an issue that we’re not going away on and also that the community is not going away,” she said. Fellow member Fatima Hoblos said the community is waiting for an acknowledgement from council, citing a previous notice of motion raised by council on the invasion of Ukraine. An online petition that has garnered more than 2,400 signatures is also calling for similar action from council to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said that

council acknowledges that there is a ‘diversity’ of views held by the community. “Council is aware of a community petition circulating on this issue calling for a council position. We have yet to formally receive the petition,” she said. “Council is committed to transparency and open dialogue with our diverse community, and we believe in incorporating a wide range of perspectives in our decision-making processes to ensure that we continue to act in the best interests of Brimbank. We condemn violence in any form and, within Brimbank, we are focused on continuing to foster understanding, empathy, and peaceful dialogue in celebration of our multicultural community.”

Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 3

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Guide to help school refusers

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Tell us what’s important for you to live and age well The delivery and funding of support services for older people and people with disabilities is changing. The Australian Government is: • reforming the aged care service system and • reviewing the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). With these upcoming changes, we need to know how we can best support our current clients, their carers and families. Your feedback will help us decide what our role and focus should be to support our community.

By Jennifer Pittorino You can provide feedback by: completing our survey, or attending one of the following community information sessions on: 9am Monday 19 February 2024; or 1pm Monday 19 February 2024 Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au for more details To reserve your place for the event or for more information, email or call Council at ✉ AgedCareProject@brimbank.vic. gov.au  Jes Camilleri on 9249 4000

Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to learn more about projects that are open for comment including: • Draft Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-2026 • Proposed sale of part of Durham Road car park • Ageing and Disability care in Brimbank

Apply now for a Quick Response Community Grant

Expressions of Interest are open for advisory group

Applications are now open for year-round Quick Response Community Grants to assist not-for-proﬁt organisations, grants community groups and organisations. For information on how to apply and eligibility, visit brimbank.vic. gov.au/quick-response-grants or call the Grants Hotline on 9249 4036.

We are seeking suitably-qualiﬁed business people to apply to join the newly-constituted Brimbank Economic and Employment Advisory Group (BEEAG). For Terms of Reference and Expression of Interest (EOI) application forms go to brimbank.vic.gov.au/economic-andemployment-advisory-group Completed EOIs must be returned via email by 4pm Tuesday 27 February 2024. Enquiries: Coordinator Economic Development on 9249 4000 or ecodev@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Community

Free Kinder Information Sessions Will your child be 3 or 4 years old next year? Free Kindergarten information sessions are available in February/March across Brimbank. Families are invited to kindergarten open days to meet teachers, ask questions, and gather information to help choose where to enrol their child. Bookings not required. Details: brimbank.vic.gov.au/ kindermonth

Report It Lodge a service request reportit.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Save this date – International Women’s Day We are hosting a celebration of International Women’s Day on Wednesday 6 March at 3pm at Switch Restaurant, Watergardens Town Centre. More details on this ticketed event will be available closer to the date at events.brimbank.vic.gov.au

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Your Councillors are always happy to hear from you Cr Victoria Borg Cr Sarah Branton Cr Thuy Dang Cr Sam David JP Cr Maria Kerr Cr Bruce Lancashire Cr Jasmine Nguyen Cr Thomas O’Reilly Cr Jae Papalia (Deputy Mayor) Cr Ranka Rasic (Mayor) Cr Virginia Tachos

0429 365 527 0407 836 064 0437 744 803 0429 355 239 0437 796 630 0429 637 689 0437 740 042 0409 210 431 0437 838 710 0437 861 296 0428 915 671

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CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrOReilly@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au All information was correct at the time of printing.

Parents, carers and teachers in Melbourne’s west will now be better placed to pick up on early warning signs of school refusal, thanks to two new resources from youth mental health service Orygen. School refusal is defined as “school non-attendance that parents and carers are aware of”, and is associated with severe emotional distress at the prospect of attending school. Despite the limited data on exact school refusal rates, a 2023 parliamentary paper reports that the rate of school refusal rates grew by 50 per cent between 2018 and 2021. Orygen workforce development and service implementation director Sian Lloyd was on the team that developed the toolkits and said the two resources are designed for clinicians and for schools. The resources are titled ‘A Guide for Supporting School Attendance for schools, and ‘A Collaborative Approach To Supporting Young People Experiencing School Refusal.’ “Even though we have written both frameworks for those particular audiences, they are really helpful for parents and carers of young people,” she said. Talking from personal experience, Ms

Lloyd approached her school coordinator with the framework when she noticed one of her teenagers beginning to display signs of school refusal. “I started noticing things like not wanting to go in the morning, tummy aches and those sorts of excuses,” she said. “So, I approached the school and said I have some concerns and here are some of the approaches we can take.” “It was quite easy to put those things in place and my child’s experience was that their attendance improved and we didn’t have an issue anymore, but we also nipped it in the bud really early.” Orygen chief of research translation Rosemary Purcell said there are several reasons which could lead to school refusal including the start of the school year, new teachers, new classmates and schools. “Children can have high anxiety and can feel overwhelmed in a classroom environment,” said Ms Lloyd. The resources include a checklist of potential early warning signs including difficulty attending school after weekends and holidays, disrupted sleep cycles, tearfulness, clinginess and dawdling before school , feeling sick before school. Details: https://ow.ly/KUTe50QwAWf.

Australian Grand Dairy Awards deputy chief judge Mark Livermore presents Bulla Dairy Foods’ Paul George with the Champion Cream award. (Supplied)

The cream of the crop Bulla Dairy Foods in Derrimut has taken out the top prize of Champion Cream at the 25th annual Australian Grand Dairy Awards. Delicious and decadent dairy was in abundance at the awards held in Melbourne on February 1, hosted by Dairy Australia and the Royal Agriculture Societies. Derrimut’s own Bulla Dairy Foods took out the top spot for the Champion Cream category for its Creme Fraiche. The annual awards acknowledge excellence, quality and innovation across 18 dairy product classes, attracting entrants from each Australian state. “We are honoured to see Bulla’s crème fraîche recognised as the 2024 Champion Cream at the Australian Grand Dairy Awards,” said Bulla Dairy Foods chief executive Allan Hood. “Bulla’s distribution centre and head office have been operating in Derrimut for over 20 years, where we employ over 250 team members. “While our product range is primarily innovated and manufactured

in Colac, our move to Derrimut represented significant growth and expansion for our business at the time as well as Bulla’s enduring legacy of operations here in Melbourne which began in North Melbourne in 1928.“ The rigorous judging process was conducted by a panel of expert judges comprising dairy experts, cheesemongers, retailers, chefs, food experts from across the country. The awards had 380 entrants across 18 categories, each judged on flavour, aroma, texture, body, and visual appearance to determine the finest products. Dairy Australia head of marketing Glenys Zucco said the Australian Grand Dairy Awards is a long-standing legacy of Dairy Australia. “For 25 years, Dairy Australia has recognised the best of the best in Australian dairy,” Ms Zucco said. “...We continue to be impressed by the quality of the entries year on year. This year was no exception.”

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School bell is ringing for 2024 At Sunshine Heights primary school on Mailey Street, staff eagerly welcomed 370 students for the new school year last week, including 58 prep students beginning their learning journey. School wellbeing and inclusion leader Francine Sculli said the first day of school was a “real buzz“. “It’s always amazing to see the students and families after the summer break and to reconnect. We also love marveling at how much the students have grown,” she said. “The first day went very smoothly, with everyone excited and ready to be back. It’s a special time for educators, taking the time to get to know a whole group of new students and find out who they are and where they want to go. We have such strong relationships at our school and the start of the year is an important time where teachers are actively planting those first seeds, which hopefully grow into those strong relationships as the year goes on.” Ms Sculli said the start of the new school year feels “abundant with possibility“ with the entire school community ready to get into the thick of it. “The first day of school for preps is literally the best day of the school year. They are so curious and explorative, and everything is fresh and new in their eyes, so they bring a real energy and vibe to the school,” she said. “The 2024 prep cohort was no different. Thursday, February 1, was our prep students’ first day and they did so well. Already, within a few hours of starting their first day, they had made new connections and started to become familiar with some of the routines! It’s so exciting to see where they start and to see the growth over the year.” It was a similar morning for the 316 students who were welcomed back to Albion North

Left: Albion North Primary School preps Athena and Ben enjoy their first day of school. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 385990

Above: Menna (left), Zarah (top right) and Rosie are three of 58 new prep students at Sunshine Heights Primary School. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 386014

Primary School last week. With 32 preps enrolled, assistant principal Ian Murdoch described the first day return as “smooth“ and fun-filled with performing arts and visual arts. “Students across all classes were excited

to receive their new stationery for the year. They played some ‘get to know you’ games to welcome the new students to their class. Students brainstormed what good mathematicians, readers and writers do,” he said.

Mr Murdoch said the school is looking forward to the new school year with the arrival of new principal Joanna Uzinovski in term two along with a chance for students from years 3-6 to experience city camp for the first time.

Geelong and Ballarat freeway lane changes From February 2024

Changes to how you get to Princes Freeway and M80 Ring Road What to expect Geelong-bound: Make sure you’re in the right-hand lanes to use the new ramp and continue on through to Princes Freeway, instead of the left-hand lanes. Ballarat/Greensborough-bound: You’ll need to be in the left-hand lanes to get onto the M80 Ring Road, instead of the right-hand lanes.

Other works during this time Footscray Road between Pearl River Road and Docklands Drive will be closed westbound from 8pm Sunday 11 – 8pm Sunday 18 February, and then in both directions from 8pm Sunday 18 February to 5am Monday 4 March.

Major delays expected, so allow extra travel time. Please plan ahead and check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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From mid-February, the lanes you need to be in on the West Gate Freeway to travel to Geelong and Ballarat will change.

Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 5

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Dream comes true for Jayden A dream has become reality for a Maribyrnong Sports Academy student, Jayden Kim. Jayden, his father and his school’s sports director speak to Gerald Lynch about the opportunity of a lifetime to join the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Major League Baseball.

aseball has always been a part of Jayden’s family. His father David Kim, played in Melbourne from the age of 14 and later moved to Seoul, South Korea, where he played in the Korean Professional League for seven years. Jayden played his early baseball in South Korea for his Little League city team, Ilsan West. Jayden was often picked as the most valuable player and went on to win a record five championships in one year. While it seems unbelievable now that Jayden would’ve ended up playing any other support his father David said that while he would’ve always loved to see Jayden follow in his footsteps and take up baseball, it didn’t always appear likely. “He started off just playing soccer and tennis and golf and all the other sports, and yeah, we just figured, you know, he enjoys soccer more,” he said. “But at around age nine, out of the blue he just said ‘dad can I try baseball?’ Obviously with my career playing baseball, knowing how tough the sport is, I was kind of like, yeah, I don’t know if you really want to do that, but if you want to try it so bad then yeah, go ahead. “He fell in love with it, and I guess the rest is history.”

‘‘

There’s a lot to worry about with the language and a new culture, but I’ve been dreaming about this - Jayden Kim

’’

After spending 20 years as a scout at Minnesota Timms, David picked up a role as a remote scout at the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of 2022. The Pirates had Jayden on their radar since 2021 and David said the club spoke to him about Jayden more before he started working with them. “They were very professional about the whole process, once I joined the Pirates it was radio silence about Jayden,” he said. “It was to the point where it was frustrating, they wouldn’t allow me to see reports, any meetings on prospects I would have to leave. I get it, but I don’t get it, but I sort of get it,” David chuckled. While it was tough to be left in the dark about his son’s draft prospects, David said the last thing he wanted was to be a ‘helicopter dad’. “I had to know my spot in the organisation, you don’t want to be ‘that guy’, and in the end the only real say I had was basically more of a confirmation on what they already saw… they asked me about his level of interest, his work ethic, it was all pretty easy to see by how he goes about it on the field,” he said. After only moving to Australia two years ago, the plan was for Jayden to finish school and hopefully move to America to play college baseball. The decision was difficult to let Jayden go to the professional game so early on and without him finishing his schooling, but after weighing up the options they decided they couldn’t turn down the opportunity. “I think the decision to go pro, with Jayden having English as a second language, even though he is an Australian citizen, was probably going to put us behind the black ball,” he said. “It’s hard enough for you know, someone fluent in English to go to a big time school, college in the States, let alone someone you know, just getting his feet immersed in English. “So, we felt the pressure of keeping up his grades at a college along with performance on the field, compared to just concentrating on being a baseball player was too much, and he

Jayden in his Pirates gear. (Instagram)

Jayden playing for Maribyrnong Sports Academy. (MSA) Inset: Jayden with teammates in the Australian camp, 2022. (Baseball Victoria)

can always return to school afterwards.” Jayden is saying his final goodbyes before setting off to join the Pirates in early February and said he cannot wait to join his new teammates. “Just really excited, nervous but excited,“ he said. “There’s a lot to worry about with the language and a new culture, but I’ve been dreaming about this. “No family is coming with me, I’ll be living with teammates in a dorm, just can’t wait to get started.” Jayden said there will be no special going away party, he is instead using his final days in Australia to work on his left hand game and make sure he is ready to impress from day one.

6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 February, 2024

Maribyrnong Sports Academy director Mark McAllion said that when Jayden arrived at the school in 2021, what he lacked in English skills, he made up for and more in work ethic and passion. “He was crazily enthusiastic to get over here and get stuck in,” he said. “He even wanted to know if we had a school song, he was intending on writing one at some point. “He was always an extremely polite kid with a great attitude, he made friends and earnt the respect of everyone around him very early on.” Mr McAllion has seen a number of strong athletes come through the academy, including another MLB product last year, but he said

Jayden has one of the highest ceilings he has seen. “His potential is huge, his work ethic will hold him in really good stead, and he’s obviously extremely talented,” he said. “I mean, I’m not a baseball expert, but he’s definitely got a lot of the attributes of an elite athlete, definitely.” The MLB season tees off on March 20, so Jayden will have six weeks to try and push for an early season debut, but settling into life in America is at the top of the priority list. The Pirates started last season well with a 20-9 record, before ending the campaign with a 76-86 record, finishing fourth of five in the national league central division.

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Man charged over fire

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Police have charged a man over a suspicious building fire which occurred in Sunshine last year. Emergency services were called to a fire at a commercial premises on Devonshire Road about 4am on February 25, 2023. The fire quickly spread and a number of businesses were damaged. On Saturday, January 20, 2024, a 29-year-old man from Gatton, Queensland, was arrested by police. He has been charged with criminal damage by fire, burglary and reckless conduct endangering life and has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 15.

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Last year’s Lakeside Alive event. (Supplied)

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Caroline Springs will be bursting with energy when Lakeside Alive returns bigger and better than ever. Lake Caroline will come alive on Saturday, February 10 from noon to 8.30pm. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said Lakeside Alive is the perfect way for the family to spend a Saturday afternoon. “There’s something for everybody at Lakeside Alive, with activities for kids, adults and the whole family including your fur babies,” she said. “The area around Lake Caroline will be jam-packed with so many things to see and dovand it is a great way to make some amazing memories with your family.’’ The main stage will feature a wide variety

of live music on and two local dance schools will be performing at the amphitheatre throughout the day. The kiddie corner will provide free face painting, arts and craft activities, a play space and the chance to watch Becky Bubble blow giant bubbles. There will be roving buskers and performers all around the lake and the chance to drum up a storm at the African drumming space. For fur babies there is a special puppy pit stop that will treat them like stars while you grab a puppy portrait from a caricature artist. Local businesses surrounding Lake Caroline are supplying delicious, tasty treats, outdoor dining opportunities and food trucks.

Police have charged two men, including a 27-year-old St Albans man, following a fire that destroyed a business in Caulfield last year. Emergency services were called to a fire at a fast-food store on the corner of Glen Huntly and Hawthorn roads about 4.30am on November 10. Police charged the St Albans with arson and theft of motor vehicle. A 25-year-old man from Preston has been charged with arson, robbery, theft of motor vehicle and other offences.

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A safe place to thrive As school returns for another year, one of the state’s major foster care providers is encouraging families and education professionals to consider opening their home to a child in need. Copperfield College assistant principal Dan Sullivan and his wife Kim found foster child Tom* slipped into the flow of everyday life alongside their three sons “pretty easily”. Sydenham locals, the Sullivans became qualified foster carers in mid-2020, and they’ve been offering emergency and respite placements since. Teenager Tom stays with them every third or fourth weekend. “The boys all have a fair bit in common and Tom feels like family. They’ll wrestle, play basketball, climb things, and they all like computer games,” Mr Sullivan said. “It’s a variation to the rhythm of the week but it became normal pretty fast. It turns out Kim and I had both been thinking about fostering for a long time before we spoke about it.” Mr Sullivan said the couple went in knowing the arrangement would be temporary. “You have to be accepting of the fact they might be placed with you for a short while or a long time. Some kids need a lot of support, some kids need a little,” he said. “For us, it really does feel like Tom is going to be part of our family for his whole life. Just like you stay in touch with your brothers and sisters, I’m sure that’s what it’s going to be like for Tom and my boys.” Mr Sullivan said that just like a sports team, kids need a “deep bench” with backups and reserves in their team. “What you see when you work in schools is that some kids don’t have a lot of solid adult connections in their life,” he said. “My kids have cousins out the wazoo. There’s all these people they can go to for help. That’s what we hoped to provide as foster carers and

Sydenham residents, the Sullivan family are encouraging others to consider becoming a foster carer and help enrich a child’s life. (Supplied)

that’s how it has worked out. We’re privileged to be a part of a web of supports Tom can ask for advice or go to for help.” Mr Sullivan said he uses the same skills at school that he uses as a caregiver supporting kids’ life skills and advocating for their education. “Teachers in particular already have the skills needed to be foster carers. When you’re teaching you see kids which have a

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Speeding drivers made up the majority of offences detected by police in Brimbank during a four-day state wide road policing operation on the Australia Day long weekend. Operation Amity involves police having a highly visible presence on Victorian roads and highways between January 25 and 28, in an effort to reduce road trauma. In Brimbank, police detected 35 speeding offences, 24 offences of disobeying signs-signals, nine unregistered vehicles, six disqualified drivers, five unlicensed drivers, five drug drivers, five mobile phone offences, four impoundments, two seatbelt offences, two drink driving offences and one combined drink-drug offences. With the return of school, police are urging motorists to adhere to the 40km/h speed limit in school zones and are warning that reduced speeds will be actively enforced. Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said despite warnings, police continue to detect a concerningly high number of motorists for speeding during long weekend operations. “Any form of excessive or inappropriate speed, whether it be 5km/h to 25km/h over the limit, significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in a collision,“ he said. “We need people to stop being reckless and speeding unnecessarily to get to your destination faster – you’d rather arrive five or 10 minutes late, than not at all.”

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huge amount of need and fostering is this simple thing, in a lot of ways, that you can do which has a big impact on someone’s life,” he said. Anglicare Victoria runs regular information sessions about all things to do with foster caring. To find out when the next one is running near you visit, https://www.anglicarevic.org.au/. *Tom’s name has been changed for privacy reasons.

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The Picnic by Justine McAllister. (Supplied)

Stunning artwork unveiled The latest artwork to be displayed on the windows of Caroline Springs Gallery has been unveiled. The new season’s artwork on display at the gallery at Caroline Springs library and learning hub celebrates Melton’s diverse community. The Picnic by Justine McAllister represents the municipality’s multicultural and diverse community enjoying all the activities that are on offer in the city. It is designed to show how each member of the community contributes to making the Melton a great place to live, work and play. The artwork stretches across seven windows and portrays a large communal picnic in an ode to the values of connection, inclusivity and recreation that bind people together. McAllister is a west Melbourne-based artist

and has been creating large-scale murals for display in public places for more than 10 years. “In my work, I celebrate Melton’s diversity through a communal picnic, embracing all ages, orientations, cultures, and abilities for joyful connection and inclusivity,” she said. Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said the artwork is a beautiful celebration of our community and shows why we embrace the diversity that makes the Melton municipality such a special place to live. “Justine’s artwork brilliantly captures the connections we feel to our community and those around us,“ she said. “I’d encourage everyone to stop and enjoy the display on the windows, but also take the opportunity to explore the exhibitions inside the gallery.’’ Details: www.melton.vic.gov.au/thepicnic.

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Grant opens the doors

Climate help for schools

By Hannah Hammoud

Bernie Thatcher inside the VICSES Brimbank Unit. (Damjan Janevski) 386613_02

to promote our cause. All the members went on a roster system and we all worked to rally with the shoppers, handing out pamphlets and telling them what it was all about. Everyone pitched in,” she said. “The program is a great cause for any service or volunteer organisation that is nominated. It will help them along the way, just the experience of it all and getting out

there and promoting your organisation to the community, it’s a great way to get involved.” This year, there are $1.26 million in community grants available, with shortlisted nominees receiving grants of up to $20,000 to support their organisation. Nominations close on March 18, 2024. Details: https://www.westfield.com.au/ local-heroes

Brimbank council is inviting local schools to participate in its Climate Oasis program, to help reduce the impact of the heat-island effect. Many schools are dominated by heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and brick walls. Increasing the amount of vegetation on school campuses is a simple way to provide cooling and improve the mental and physical health of the school community. Last year, almost 60 students from two schools in Brimbank, Movelle Primary School and Copperfield College Kings Park Junior Campus, took part in the program. Following the success of the program, Brimbank council has created a revamped program where students will participate in four co-design workshops where they will work with a council officer from the environment department to design a landscape master plan that would transform their school into a green and cool climate oasis, thereby improving the school’s liveability and supporting local biodiversity. The program will only be offered to two Brimbank schools and will run between late-February to June. Applications are open to all Brimbank schools and are suitable for students aged 10 years old and above. This program is anticipated to involve the contribution of up to 12 teacher hours. Applications close on February 18. Details: https://shorturl.at/ciM13

12666030-JB05-24

There is no doubt that Brimbank State Emergency Service (SES) Unit controller Bernie Thatcher is a local hero. But last year the community voted to make that fact known. Having spent 15 years serving her community in times of crisis, Bernie was named as a finalist for the 2023 Westfield Local Heroes which recognise everyday role models who make a positive impact on their local community. At the time Bernie said if she was successful in the community vote, VICSES Brimbank Unit would put the funds towards a new garage to keep its vehicles undercover. A $5000 grant later, the plans for the new garage have now been drawn up and are awaiting permits before construction begins. Bernie said the new space is an overdue upgrade for the unit. “The sooner we can begin constructing the better it is for us. Our vehicles are really getting weathered without a garage to store them in and it also leaves the vehicles at risk of theft and vandalism,” she said. “In the past we’ve had our vehicles vandalised and equipment stolen, so this will really help us. As well as protecting them from the weather elements.” Westfield has announced the return of the annual Local Heroes program for 2024 and is inviting locals to nominate the unsung heroes in their community who go above and beyond to make a positive change. Bernie said last year, the Local Heroes program was embraced by her entire unit and said the excitement reached every member. “We were very excited as a whole unit, and that showed up with all the great help we had when we spent a week at the shopping centre

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‘‘

It’s something to be grateful for to see that it’s not going to die ... it’s very profound now in the community

’’

- Andrew Caihoang

Dragon and Lion Dancers at the St Albans Lunar New Year festival. (Supplied)

Celebrating Year of the Dragon February 10 is the first day of the 2024 Lunar New Year. Across the west Lunar New Year celebrations in Footscray, St Albans, Sunshine and Braybrook have grown into culture-spanning events that attract tens of thousands each year. Liam McNally spoke to some of the organisers behind these events to gain an understanding of their significance as we enter the Year of the Dragon.

hich Phuoc Tan remembers life as a boy in post-war Vietnam as hard, but during difficult times Tet festival, the Lunar New Year celebration, always brought people together. He remembers a joyous energy – running around with the neighbourhood kids through air filled with the noise of music and firecrackers and smells of delicious food, seeing what treats and gifts they could collect amid crowds and colourful performers. At just 11 years old, Thich was forced to flee Vietnam in a boat, a dangerous journey that saw him wanting for food and water and face three encounters with pirates while he was at sea for nine days. In 1981, the year he came to Australia as a refugee, Thich took his Seminary Precepts with The Most Venerable Thich Phuoc Hue in Sydney in 1981. Since 1997 The Venerable Thich Phuoc Tan has been the Abbot of the Quang Minh Temple in Braybrook. In his role he said he takes great pride in continuing and sharing his religion and traditional Vietnamese culture through events like Lunar New Year. “The role of my temple in our community is to preserve our faith, for sure, but I think more than half of our activity is cultural – to preserve what we have lost for the country,” he said. “I enjoy my role, but the responsibility is not small. “The temple role is very important to keep people together and also harmonise the community.” This Lunar New Year, on February 9, the Quang Minh Temple temple is expecting about 4,000 attendees.

Mayor Cr Cuc Lam (middle), Peter Nguyen, Kim huong Nguyen, Minh truong Vice President, Duc Dung, Thuy Kim Le, Ven Thich Phuoc Tan, Binh le. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 381923_01

The festivities will get underway at about 6pm, with Lion and Dragon dancing performances, food, and midnight fireworks. Thich said the entire community is invited to join. It’s exciting, when you blend the atmosphere with the drums and you see the dragon and the firecrackers,” he said. “We try to create what brings us joy and happiness when we think about home, back in Vietnam. We tried to create those for the next generation to come to enjoy. “We welcome all to come and join in the New Year celebration with us.” On February 10, we will enter the Year of the Dragon. Dragon is considered to be the most powerful animal in the Zodiac, and signifies strength. Year of the Dragon is considered a

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 February, 2024

good time for growth and boldly starting new things. The dragon and lion dances are some of the most iconic traditions of Lunar New Year events, and have existed for thousands of years. Andrew Caihoang began lion dancing through the Vietnamese Buddhist Youth Association at five years old, now with 22 years of experience he leads performances at events at the St Albans, Sunshine, Footscray, Quan Minhn Lunar New Year celebrations and many other events throughout the year. His team of up to 40 volunteers undertake demanding training and conditioning to prepare for the performances which will include a team in a lion costume, alongside a “Happy Buddha” or monk, dancing to drums, gongs and cymbals. “The music acts as a heartbeat of the lion,” he said. “Everyone in our team is very passionate about Lion Dance. So when we hear the drum… that’s what gets us fired up and motivated because we like to perform for the community. “There’s a lot of cultural symbolism. Lion Dance is believed to bring good luck, fortune and ward off evil spirits during its performances… and bring joy and happiness.” Andrew said that he’s proud to be able to continue the Lion Dance tradition for both people that immigrated to Australia, and the wider community. “A lot of people when they immigrated to Australia, they pretty much left everything they had behind, including some of their cultural traditions. I took a while for them to slowly adapt or bring those traditions over and for it to be accepted within Australia,” he said. “It’s something to be grateful for to see that it’s not going to die, it won’t go away at this point,

it’s very profound now in the community… It’s a vibrant cultural performance that people are willing to enjoy and watch. So that’s something that I think we should all be grateful for. “We’re all volunteers and to be able to continue doing what we’re passionate about without having the expectation or being rewarded is something that I feel quite proud of.” Along with Lunar New Year’s Eve at Quang Minh, Andrew’s team will perform at the Lunar New Year celebration in Footscray Park on February 17 and 18, organised by the Vietnamese Community in Australia Victorian Chapter (VCA-VIC). VCA-VIC president Duy Quang Nguyen has been helping to organise Lunar New Year events since he came to Australia in 1982. Duy said Vietnamese community has been organising Lunar New Year celebrations in Australia since 1975, they started small in backyards, but the first major one was at Footscray Park in 1982, which attracted more than 50,000 people, so he is excited to be bringing it back there. “Australia has become my country now, I have lived here for over 40 years – over two-thirds of my life, I love this country” he said. “For the first few years I missed Vietnam very much, it takes time. “We had to try to adapt with the new country and we tried to keep our culture and we try to pass it to our children… now Tet has become a part of the Australian multicultural [fabric].” “We are proud of what we contribute to the Vietnamese community and the Australian community as a whole… now we are Australian so anything we do is for Australia.”

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Rhinos mud-dle through summer The rhinos at Werribee Open Range Zoo are beating the muggy heat this summer by wallowing in specially created mud baths on the Zoo’s savannah. The crush of five rhinos is making the most of Melbourne’s mix of rain and heat by rolling, splashing and sitting in the mud, which is fantastic for their skin as it acts as a natural sunscreen. Savannah keeper Debbie Jones said visitors touring through the 30-hectare savannah on the Zoo’s safari buses can observe the rhinos wallowing all together on hot-and-rainy days. “Rhinos are very playful so they love to splash around, but when they find a comfortable spot in the mud wallow they can stay for hours basking in the sun and cooling themselves off,” she said. “The mud also protects their skin from insects and stops it from drying out in the sun.” The rhinos can often be seen wallowing alongside each other as they spend important bonding time. “All of the rhinos wallow differently. Some of them are more playful than others and can get their whole body submerged in the mud, while others, like 17-year-old male Kifaru, are a little too big to roll all the way over,” Ms Jones said. “We’re very lucky at Werribee Open Range Zoo to have enough space for five wallows, so the rhinos can bond by spending time together in the mud as they would do in

Rhinos wallowing at Werribee Range Zoo. (Pictures: Supplied)

the wild.” There are fewer than 20,000 Southern White Rhinoceros remaining in the wild with populations under serious threat from illegal

poaching and habitat destruction. The species is classified as Near Threatened in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.

The rhinos at Werribee Open Range Zoo form part of a regional breeding program to maintain an insurance population in the fight against extinction.

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Keeping active is vital in older age. (Supplied)

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Live a full life unlimited at Lifestyle Communities At Lifestyle Communities, we believe in life without restrictions. One with the freedom to do the things you love, and the confidence to be whoever you want to be. Where every new day is a fresh opportunity. It’s a philosophy that rings true, in our best-in-class homes and clubhouses. Whether you’re working, semi-retired or retired, come and join a community where Life is Unlimited. Join in on pickleball, croquet, yoga, arts and crafts, woodworking, bowls and swimming. There are also happy hours, guest speakers,

musical entertainment and much more. Plus, you’ll have loads of new friends to enjoy all of this with and a beautiful home to live in. The community is thoughtfully planned and designed making it easy to get around and enjoy. Lifestyle Communities promotes a lifestyle that emphasizes freedom. The choice to do your thing, your way. Live independently whilst also enjoying a vibrant social life and a variety of recreational activities. Buying a home at Lifestyle Communities means embracing a life where your horizons

are boundless. With a host of activities and an abundance of new friendships waiting for you, your days will be filled with excitement and companionship. Here, you are not just living, you are thriving, and it’s a testament to the limitless possibilities of a life unencumbered by restrictions. Come and experience the freedom to be you, every day, in your new home at Lifestyle Communities. Details: www.lifestylecommunities.com.au

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First nations head for WestCASA The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) has a new chief executive, an important appointment for reasons beyond just the position itself. Annette Vickery is the first Indigenous person to lead WestCASA or any other centre against sexual assault, the significance of which isn’t lost on her. “It’s elevating First Nations women’s voices, particularly in an area where First Nations women over represented,” Ms Vickery said. WestCASA is a community based not-for-profit sexual assault counselling service

that both supports victim-survivors and runs education and training programs aimed at preventing it. The service operates right across the western suburbs, an area Ms Vickery knows well. “I’ve lived here for 22 years now, which, in western metropolitan terms makes me a blow-in still,” laughed the Sunshine resident who also spent three years in Melton while studying psychology and working as a reconciliation officer. She also spent 10 years as chairperson of the Western Aboriginal regional Aboriginal

Justice Advisory Committee. “I’ve worked in Koori courts. I worked for Victoria Police as the Aboriginal advisory unit manager, and I was the deputy CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal legal service for six years. For two years, I was the CEO of Thirrili which is a suicide prevention organisation,” Given her own background, Ms Vickery is understandably keen to work with the Indigenous communities in the west, along with the region’s vast multicultural population. “The board has been really clear that they want to have confidence that we’re engaging

with every community sector, and making sure everyone knows that the two kinds of service we provide. We provide the reduction of trauma for people impacted by sexual violence. And we do education and capability building in communities around around eliminating sexual violence.” Ms Vickery said a particular focus of WestCASA’s education programs would be around consent saysing she is “very keen to get into high schools, sporting groups, any kind of young adult groupings, getting in there and talking about what affirmative consent is.”

Price growth remains ‘soft’

Brimbank locals and lead artists of ’M_N’, Kihmo Quintela and Giuliano ‘Gino’ Hammal. (Damjan Janevski) 386238_02

Redefining masculinity via dance A new powerful street dance-theatre show ‘M_N,’ by Carmen Yih is ready to take centre stage in St Albans. Collaborating with two emerging local Brimbank street dance artists, Giuliano ’Gino’ Hammal and Kihmo Quintela, ‘M_N’ delves into the complexities of male identity under the weight of societal expectations. Addressing recent concerns about the impact of hypermasculine rhetoric on youth mental health, ‘M_N’ uses unfiltered freestyle street dance and an original soundtrack to explore the stigmas surrounding emotional and physical expression among young men. The show emphasises the importance of fostering healthy and diverse expressions of masculinity through guidance and support.

Giuliano ’Gino’ Hammal and Kihmo Quintela, lead artists in ‘M_N,’ share a deep connection forged through childhood friendship and a passion for street dance. Gino believes dance has shaped him in more aspects that he can think of. “Dance has helped me be more true and honest to myself and in turn this has come through into all my practices. I no longer focus on how I’m perceived, rather, I focus on how I feel. This can’t be truer to how I dance. I’m grateful for dance to allow me to be like this, as well as be able to put energy into things I love and get amazing opportunities,” he said. To make for best viewing, Khimo recommends the audiences to draw their own interpretations from the show.

“It’s just as much about you as it is about us. So I hope audiences can find something within the work that resonates with them and possibly relate it to their perceptions of masculinity and femininity. Maybe it’ll cause them to reflect on how they contribute, whether positively or negatively, towards the experiences of those in their communities and what impact they may have on those that struggle between masculine and feminine expressions of self,” he said. ’M_N’ is scheduled at the Bowery Theatre and St Albans Community Centre on Friday, February 16, from 2-3pm, and again on Saturday, February 17 from 5.30-6.30pm. Details: https://creativebrimbank.com. au/m-n

Dwelling prices in the west are increasing slower than anywhere else in Melbourne, according to the latest data from CoreLogic. Median dwelling prices in the west Melbourne statistical area, which comprises Brimbank, Melton-Bacchus Marsh, Wyndham, Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, increased by 0.8 per cent in the past 12 months. The greater Melbourne median increase was 3.9 per cent with the outer east increasing most in the city at 6.9 per cent. The national median increase was 8.7 per cent. CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said west Melbourne’s median dwelling value of $664,519 is the second lowest median dwelling value across the sub-regions of Melbourne, after Melbourne-Inner, where the median is weighed down by a large proportion of units. “The softest growth conditions over the past 12 months have been centred within the regions with lower dwelling values, a trend that has been evident broadly across Greater Melbourne over the past 12 month period, where lower quartile dwelling values have risen by a smaller amount relative to the upper quartile of the market,” he said. “Across Melbourne, the quarter of the market with the lowest dwelling values were up 2.5 per cent over the year compared with a 4.4 per cent gain in values across the upper quartile. “Despite ongoing cost of living pressures, high interest rates, low consumer sentiment and affordability constraints, homes are still selling. Housing demand has been buoyed by high migration, but also tight rental markets that have probably incentivised renters to transition towards home ownership if they can afford to do so.”

from an outlet near you

12665596-AP06-24

It's FREE

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 February, 2024

SCAN TO FIND YOUR OUTLET

starweekly.com.au/find-my-newspaper

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Learn to Relax IPC Health is inviting locals to attend a free six-week program offering an introduction into different aspects of relaxation. Learn to Relax provides free support for people aged 18 and who are interested in learning how to relax and ways to effectively manage their stress. Location is IPC Health Deer Park, 106 Station Road, Deer Park, 1-2pm, every Thursday from February 15, to March 21. Registration is essential. ■ livingwell@ipchealth.com.au or 1300 472 432 and ask to speak to the Living Well team.

Keilor Gift Carnival

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Francis Acquah who was awarded an Australia Day honour for his work in medicine. (Damjan Janevski) 385509_01

The Keilor Gift Carnival runs on February 17, at Joe Brown Oval from 2-9.30pm. Join for athletics, men’s and ladies woodchopping, children’s races, carnival rides, food and drink with fireworks to finish the day. Family ticket $15. ■ 0418 350 857, or Hkelly546@outlook.com

No waste cooking workshop Locals are invited to a free ‘No Waste Cooking’ workshop to learn how to reduce food waste at home. The free workshop will include an interactive cooking demonstration, tastings and a pickling activity. The workshop will be held at the Sydenham Neighbourhood House on February 17 from 2-3.30pm. ■ https://shorturl.at/xCHJK

Paper Stories collage workshops Paper stories encourages and inspires community members to create new stories by weaving together existing images from books and magazines. Participants will be guided through collage techniques by Augustine, a collage artist and masters of therapeutic arts student. Suitable for people of all ages, and anyone who has an interest in exploring art making through paper. The workshop is free and will run on February 24, from 1.30-4.30pm at the Sunshine Library. Registration is required. ■ https://shorturl.at/gBU28

Neighbourhood House The Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House is on the lookout for volunteers to join its homework club. Do you have a passion for helping kids learn and build confidence? The team is looking for volunteers who can read with students, help with their homework and run games or activities. Classes run every Tuesday from 3.15-5pm during the school term at Albion Primary School. ■ homeworkclub@kcnh.org.au, or 0408 797 776

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

St Albans senior citizens

Card games

Caroline Springs Rotary

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, 0425 768 808

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

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

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

Women’s Support Group

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, 0425 387 880

Palliative volunteers needed Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support. ■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Sunshine Repair Cafe Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Café 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

10 Wallace Square, Melton. ■ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Sydenham Neighbourhood Centre (rear of library) every Wednesday from 1-.30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

Deer Park Lions Club Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. ■ Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays from 7.30pm. ■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help ■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

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

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

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

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

Chatty Cafe Melton

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 10am at Melton Country Club. New members welcome. ■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

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.

easy

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

1 5

Perjurers (5) Release (9) Heckles (7) Lever setting off a gun (7) Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7) Student (7) Not moving (9) Pig meat (4) Book ID (1,1,1,1) Release (9) Even now (7) Wetter in terms of weather (7) Doubter (7) Island in the North Atlantic (7) Relating to (9) Follow in order (5)

12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29

Common name for the USA (7) Deliverance from harm (9) Reckless (9) Locations (5) Horse’s call (5) Bony; gaunt (7) Mistakes (6) Exaction (9) Prerogative (9) Resent someone’s pleasure or good fortune (8) Distribute (food) (5,2) Beasts (7) Revulsion (6) Pursuing (5) Type of agave (5)

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11

No. 171

3 4 5 6 7 8 14 15 16 18 20 21 23 24

DOWN Women’s underwear and nightwear (8)

DECODER

No. 171

8 4 1 8

7 2

6 3

6 4 9 1

QUICK CROSSWORD

3 4

5 hard

9 8

8 3

3 1

1 4 2

12 words: Very good

A A

aria, aril, aura, aural, AURICULAR, carl, carr, curia, laic, lair, liar, lira, luau, racial, rail, rial, rural

No. 171 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

N D E D

A L A H R O S E E R S E

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 February, 2024

G A V

7 2 5 7 8 5 ( '

ADAGE AFOOT AGENT AGILE ALIBI ALTAR AMEND APPAL BEECH CRASS DEALT DRAMA DRILY EDGED EVENT FETED GENIE GLIDE HERBS IGLOO ISSUE LADLE

4 LETTERS AIDE BLOW CLAY DEED DEER EGGS EYED IDEA MATS PALE RUGS SLEW STUN USED 5 LETTERS ABOUT

QUICK QUIZ

LEGAL LILAC LODGE LORRY MAGIC MELON METAL MIRES MOTIF MUTED NIECE OCEAN ORDER PUFFS REINS RINSE ROMAN SALAD SCENE SCREW SPANS STOWS

STYLE TIERS TOPIC UPPER YABBY

DENSEST EDDYING FORMULA KEENING

6 LETTERS COSIER NEEDLE REGARD STERE

8 LETTERS CLEANEST FORETELL LIKEWISE TORTURED

7 LETTERS COATING COMMUNE

In which Californian city is the sitcom The Big Bang Theory set?

Who said the famous quote, ‘float like a butterfly, sting like a bee’?

Which sea does the Rhine river drain into?

What is the hardest mineral on Earth?

The term microfibre refers to synthetic fibres of what size?

Pamela Isley is the real name of which enemy of Batman?

How many colours feature on the South African flag?

What character does Ellen Pompeo (pictured) play on Grey’s Anatomy?

Dried plums are commonly sold as what fruit?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

No. 171

09-02-24

A S T

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

3 LETTERS ACE ALE ARM BAN BET DOE EAR EAT EGG END ICE ION IRS LIE ODE POP RAW REV RIG ROE RUE TAB UFO USE

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

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

R S

Today’s Aim: 8 words: Good

L R

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

10 11 12 13

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”.

17 words: Excellent

hard

X F 18

medium

9-LETTER WORD

easy

5x5

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

9 6 2 1

B UVD EMK P J G T X F

9 2 8

4 2 7

O A C WS R Z N Q I H L Y

1 9 2

WORDFIT

10 What is somnambulism more commonly known as?

ANSWERS: 1. Pasadena. 2. The North Sea. 3. Less than one denier per filament. 4. Six (black, blue, green, red, white, yellow). 5. Meredith Grey. 6. Prunes. 7. Muhammad Ali. 8. Diamond. 9. Poison Ivy. 10. Sleepwalking.

No. 171

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

SUDOKU

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Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORTS QUIZ 1. The Matildas were part of the longest World Cup penalty shootout in history against which team in the quarterfinals of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup? 2. And which player kicked the winning goal? 3. Who, in 2024, became the youngest darts player to throw a televised nine-darter?

4. NBA player Joel Embiid became just the ninth ever person to do what on January 22nd, 2024?

12. Which Collingwood father/daughter player recently departed the club for Carlton?

5. In which year did the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks win their first and only NRL premiership?

13. Cody Rhodes is the son of a famous wrestler known by what nickname?

6. Which two cities are scheduled to host the 2026 Winter Olympic Games?

14. Climate Pledge Arena is the home of which NHL team?

Yuna Kim

15. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs last faced off in the Super Bowl in which year?

7. The fan club known as the Carota Boys support which ATP tennis player? 8. Which Wests Tigers player’s contract was recently terminated?

16. Which English cricket player recently took nine wickets in his debut Test match against India?

9. How many times has Yuna Kim won the World Figure Skating Championships?

17. New York has how many major league sports franchise teams? 18. Australian darts player Simon Whitlock is known by what nickname?

10. In which Australian city is the sports venue 1573 Arena located?

19. Marcus Stoinis recently re-signed for the Melbourne Stars for how many years?

11. The 2024 Australian Open men’s final marks the first time since what year that, out of Novak Joel Embiid Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, none have featured?

20. Which A-League team does Bruno Fornaroli play for?

21. Prior to their 2024 test win in Australia, when did the West Indies previous win a test in this country?

26. In the Women’s National One Day Cricket Competition, what is the name of the team based in Canberra?

22. What are the name of the two conferences that make up the NFL?

27. Jack Silvagni plays for which AFL team? 28. Luc Longley will be joined by Horace Grant and which other former Chicago Bulls champion for an upcoming tour named No Bull?

23. Two-time Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka is from which country? 24. Which country recently won the Netball Nations Cup? 25. Who did the Socceroos beat in their recent Asian Cup Round of 16 match?

29. The Winter X Games are traditionally held in what famous American skiing town? 30. What was the nickname of the now defunct NBL team based in Geelong?

0902

1. France 2. Cortnee Vine 3. Luke Littler 4. Score 70 points in a single NBA game 5. 2016 6. Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo 7. Jannik Sinner 8. David Nofoaluma 9. Twice (2009, 2013) 10. Melbourne 11. 2005 12. Tarni Brown 13. American Dream (Dusty Rhodes) 14. Seattle Kraken 15. 2020 16. Tom Hartley 17. 11 18. The Wizard 19. Three 20. Melbourne Victory 21. 1997 22. AFC and NFC 23. Belarus 24. Australia 25. Indonesia 26. ACT Meteors 27. Carlton 28. Scottie Pippen 29. Aspen, Colorado 30. Supercats 12340308-HM08-17

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Qashqai is all grown up

By Chris Riley Once known as Dualis, Nissan’s small SUV the Qashqai has grown in size and stature over the years. Sitting between the Juke and X-Trail in terms of size, the current, third generation Qashqai was launched in 2021. It’s 60kg lighter than before, stands taller, longer and wider, and has a longer wheelbase -- and of course costs more. That means more room for luggage, and more knee and leg room for rear seat passengers. What’s not to like?

Styling The latest, third generation Qashqai comes in four grades: ST, ST+, ST-L and Ti, priced from $33,890 to $47,390. They are all powered by the same turbocharged petrol engine, but will soon be joined by an e-Power hybrid model, priced from $51,590 -- $4200 more than the Ti. Premium paint adds $700, while five two-tone colour combinations options are also available. Our test vehicle was the ST-L priced from $42,190. Standard kit includes 19-inch wheels, combination cloth and artificial leather trim, two-zone climate control with rear air vents and an eight-way power-adjust driver’s seat with lumbar control. The front seats are also heated and so is the steering wheel, but alas there’s cooling for the seats. That goes for all grades (Hello, Aussies do not need heating). Other equipment includes push-button start, electronic park brake with auto hold, automatic lights and wipers, auto dimming mirror, auto folding door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, auto-levelling adaptive LED headlights plus LED tail and daytime running lights. Qashqai is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty with roadside assistance for the same period. Service is due every 12 months or 15,000km.

Infotainment Infotainment consists of a large (for a vehicle this size) 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and digital radio, satellite navigation, traffic sign recognition, wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay plus standard six-spear audio. There’s wireless charging and USB A+C ports

Qashqai has grown in size and stature. (Pictures: Supplied)

in the front and back (rear are charge only) and 12 volt outlets in the front and luggage area.

Engines / transmissions The last time I drove Qashqai it was powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. This time around our ST-L tester is powered by a 1.3 litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that generates 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque, the latter from 1600-3750 rpm. Drive is to the front wheels through a CVT-style automatic.

Safety Five-star safety includes seven airbags (front, side and curtain airbags, plus a centre airbag in the front) and a surround view monitor with moving object detection for parking. Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are also standard.

Driving The transmission incorporates auto engine stop-start, with Standard, Sport and Eco drive modes plus steering wheel-mounted gear change paddles for accessing the seven steps or simulated gears. A stiffer chassis and more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension promises better ride and handling. Bonnet, doors and front guards are made of aluminium to save weight, while the tailgate is made from composites and saves 2.3kg. With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a

claimed 6.1L/100km and premium 95 unleaded is recommended. The cabin feels more upmarket, is reasonably spacious and unexpectedly comfortable, and caters to our preference for cloth rather than sticky leather under our backside. There’s 15mm more headroom, 28mm more knee room in the rear than before which helps to elevate the experience, with USB A + C charge ports provided for front and rear passengers. The rear doors open almost 90 degrees, making it easier for parents to get kids in and out of car seats. Bottle holders in the front doors are large enough to accommodate larger drink bottles. The rear tailgate has grown a pointy ridge which in part explains the larger luggage capacity; 429 litres in this grade. ST-L misses out on a full-blown digital instrument cluster, but the analogue dials are large and easy to read, with a small digital info panel between them for detail. The touchscreen is easy to operate and you don’t need to go digging for the aircon controls, with real knobs at your fingertips. The overall effect is snug and avoids the lit-up look of a Christmas tree that some cars have and will appeal to easily intimidated mature buyers. Performance is perky, even a little livelier than we remember thanks to a bit more torque, but there’s an initial pause as the turbo spools up. It’s a little disconcerting, especially when you’re trying to punch through a hole in the traffic, but apart from that Qashqai gets along pretty well and doesn’t use very much fuel. In manual mode, in sixth or seventh gear, you can hit the accelerator and absolutely

nothing happens. It just sits there. The low profile transmission lever is a snack to use as are the gear shift paddles. For a CVT it’s surprisingly quiet and refined, avoiding the zoominess that plagued Nissan’s earlier efforts. Some people could find the ride a bit firm, but it depends largely on the roads you travel. Handling within the constraints of its target market is safe and predictable. We were getting 7.2L/100km after close to 400km of mixed driving.

Summing up Qashqai is a solid offering that doesn’t want for much, especially in ST-L form. Any shortcomings such as the turbo lag are not deal breakers, but can be irritating at times. There will be many buyers looking to this car as a cheaper option than the X-Trail which continues to grow in size and price. AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE ST 1.3L CVT, $33,890 ST+ 1.3L CVT, $37,890 ST+ 2-Tone 1.3L CVT, $38,390 ST-L 1.3L, $42,190 ST-L 2-Tone 1.3L, $42,690 Ti 1.3L, $47,390 Ti 2-Tone 1.3L, $47,890 Ti e-POWER, $51,590

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

Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

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Nadeem enjoying time in middle By Harper Sercombe Footscray may just be home to the best and brightest opening pair in the Victorian Premier Cricket competition. While the successes of rising star Dylan Brasher have been well publicised of late, with the star batsman having a breakout year which includes four hundreds and an average of 71.3, his 17-year-old opening partner Aiman Naddem has gone somewhat under the radar. Nadeem made his first XI debut in the Bulldogs’ round four clash with Essendon and has not looked back since. Nadeem has scored 355 runs in his 10 knocks and the pair has averaged an opening stand of 74.89. The teenager’s young career hit an early climax when Footscray played Greenvale in round 15, with Nadeem scoring 116. Half of a massive 220 run partnership with Brasher. A couple of weeks on from this feat, Nadeem said it was something that has been ticked off his bucket list. “I wasn’t looking for a big 100 but I was looking for more consistent runs and better opening stands with Brasher, to get the Dogs off to a good start,” he said. “But I think something just clicked. I wanted to bat more time and take more singles and I started enjoying it so I was like why not just do it until the end of the 50 overs. “It was amazing because not everyone played first XI cricket and not many get 100, so to do what people haven’t done is incredible.” Nadeem said he has been able to learn so much from his batsman at the other end, who recently played against Pakistan making an unbeaten 79 in a tour match. Brasher has a rookie contract with Victoria. “It’s been incredible watching him (Brasher) from the other end, currently he’s probably the best batsman in the state and I think he deserves higher chances at the Vic level,” he said. “It’s incredible to see how he bats from the other end, you can see stuff from outside but it’s so different when you bat with him.” This is Nadeem’s fourth season of calling Merv Hughes Oval home, but he said the jump up to the firsts this season has been a rewarding experience. “It’s been really fun, because the level is so challenging,” he said. “I’ve been enjoying the challenge. “It’s something that I look forward to, facing

professional bowlers who play for Victoria or in the BBL (Big Bash League).” Not only is Nadeem playing with the firsts on a Saturday but he also loves to help out with the under-18s on a Sunday. He has even put the pads on four times this season, where he gets to play alongside his younger brother, Aayan, who is a frequent member of the Dogs’ second XI and under-18 team too. “On Sunday I just help out my coach (Hanni Harb), it’s a way to give back to what my coach has done for me throughout my whole cricket career,” he said. “It’s so much fun playing with friends and Hanni too. It’s something I enjoy, it’s less serious (than first XI) but more fun. There’s a good balance between seriousness and fun on Saturday and Sunday. “It’s incredible because not many people have brothers who they can practise with. Because we’re only a year different it really helps training wise, not many people have the luxury to do that.

Aiman Nadeem. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 369536

“In the backyard it’s challenging because he’s really good as well so it makes it competitive and makes us want to get better.” In December, the brothers were both a part of the Under-19 National Championships, Aayan with Victoria Metro, while Aiman was

overlooked and played with the Northern Territory. Despite not playing for his desired team, Aiman said the experience was invaluable. “It was great fun to play with the Northern Territory boys even though I would have liked to play with Vic Metro but it was a good experience and I was just happy to be at the carnival,” he said. “I think when things don’t go your way at selection, for me it’s been a better thing, it makes me work harder and be hungrier to do better and prove them wrong.” This is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and fruitful career for Nadeem, and while he isn’t looking too far ahead just yet, there is something he said he would love to do. “I’d just love to get more games in the ones and do well for the ones,” he said. “Try to knock down Ringwood and Casey and get Footscray in the top eight so we can play finals.”

Western Rams stampede towards round one The Western Rams are full of life and excitement as they get set to embark into their first season in the Western Region Football League. It’s been an off-season full of changes for the former Riddell District club, with coach Ash Pritchard also arriving at the club. While Pritchard said he is aware of the club’s storied past which includes not winning a game since 2018, he is confident heading into 2024. “I know it’s going to be a challenge,” he said. “I’m totally aware of their past history being a local boy myself, so I’ve followed them for a fair while and watching their progression or lack of progression to be honest. “We’ve been getting stuck into it and we’re looking pretty good in terms of numbers and getting our fitness base organised, so I’m really looking forward to it.” Pritchard said numbers have been promising throughout pre-season with his players sharing his excitement into the club’s new beginnings. “The boys are looking forward to it, going from the Riddell league to playing divisional football is going to be a change for everybody but they’re excited because what we need to do is basically change the narrative around the football club,” he said. “I’m no world beater, I’ve been around football my whole life, I’ve travelled around different states to get more experience, so I believe I could make a difference, what that difference may look like is yet to be seen but I’ve

Luke Roberts. (Jacob Pattison) 323330_03

committed to it and I’m looking forward to it. “I’m trying to teach them a different way of playing the game. I’m trying to get their mental capacity stronger and we’ve got to get used to winning, so it’s going to be a process. “I believe they can do that, just looking at the guys I’ve got at training, there are some skilful kids there that I can work with. I look at the future as a bright thing and something to look forward to.

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 February, 2024

“We just need to change the narrative and the thought process of this particular club around the league, because the perception is that they are easy beats which obviously in the past they were but we’re going to stop that.” The success of the Rams won’t be determined by where they finish on the ladder, Pritchard said, with his focus firmly set on seeing internal growth shoot through. “I’m not going to put any win-loss ratios in

place because that becomes unrealistic,” he said. “But I’m quietly confident with what I’ve seen and the skill level of some of the players that we do have. We can build a team around that, and we will just stay positive. We’re not going to win every game and we’re not going to lose every game. We’re just going to stay in the contest and keep moving with the times, look after each other and enjoy it hopefully. “I wouldn’t believe that the boys would have had much fun in the past, so I want to make footy fun again for them. Something to look forward to going to, something to enjoy and spending time with their friends and winning games of footy.” The Rams life in the WRFL is set to begin in a baptism of fire when the club takes to the field during round one against last seasons’ division 3 premiers, the Suns. However, with a drought breaking and a famous piece of the club’s history to come with a win, Pritchard is hoping it can come sooner than later. “I’m planning for that to happen in round one,” he said. “We’re going to go into that prepared, we’re not going to be going into it questioning ourselves. We’ll see how it goes, we’re confident and we’re excited.” Harper Sercombe

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Finals ‘bare minimum’ for Gully Early signs are positive for Green Gully ahead of the 2024 National Premier League season. The Cavaliers missed out on last year’s finals by a singular point, breaking the club’s streak of consecutive finals appearances which began in 2019. Heading into the upcoming season, coach Stephen Downes said the club is ready to make the leap back into the top six, with a refreshed playing list at his disposal. “The bare minimum goal for Green Gully is always finals football,” he said. “The club has serious stature within Victoria and not just Victoria but Australian football. We missed out on finals last year which was disappointing but Green Gully’s goal is always finals football.” It’s been a busy off season for the Cavaliers, with the club losing Jordan Lampard, Nahuel Bonada and Luc Jeggo to rival clubs. Yet, Lucas

Derrick, Luca Tevere, Jalil Regague, Ashton Ahluwalia, Jamie Latham and Adisu Bayew, Dalibor Markovic have arrived. “All of the boys have integrated really well,” Downes said. “It’s a good group, everyone’s willing to work hard which is one of the main requirements, and it’s an enjoyable environment, so long may that continue and hopefully come round one that bodes for a good, positive start.” It’s not only been the club’s fresh faces that have built excitement and anticipation around the club, with the Cavaliers producing strong results in practice matches including victories against Altona Magic and South Melbourne. “We’ll keep the confidence in check at the minute, but I’m open to the boys getting some confidence from it and some belief in what we are doing,” Downes said. “The pre-season has been going well and there are a lot of positive

feelings in and around the club at the minute but we’ll keep the confidence from going out aloud, we’ll keep it in house.” It’s been a marathon of a pre-season for the Cavaliers with the club now heading at full steam ahead to its first match of the NPL season against Moreland City on February 9. “It’s a really long pre-season, I’m originally from the UK and we tend to do six to eight weeks of pre-season, here it’s 14 weeks of pre-season, so it’s long,” Downes said. “We’re just champing at the bit to get into it, so I can’t wait for round one to come around. “Like every first game, of every season it’s always a difficult game, it’s played with enthusiasm from both parties. So it’ll be an exciting game, it’ll be a tough game and we’re looking forward to it.” Harper Sercombe

Cassar’s knockout award

Rocci joins Keilor

By Harper Sercombe Boxing devotee Jacob Cassar has etched another win to his record as he was awarded the Sunshine and Western Region Sports Club Don Deeble Sports Star Award. Cassar was named the winner for the 2023 award, after being selected from the 10 monthly nominees. He received $5000 for winning the award. Soccer star Alana Cortellino and basketball young-gun Jack Inella finished joint runners up and were awarded $2500 each. Amid nine other incredible athletes Cassar said it was incredible to win the award, which has only provided him with more motivation to work hard. “I couldn’t believe it, it was amazing, all these incredible athletes, it’s an honour,” he said. “It makes me feel good, but it makes me want to train harder, and definitely improve. “There are heaps of great athletes here and it was very eye opening for me to see how hard everyone trains. It goes to show the quality of athletes we have.” Cassar is taking the boxing world by storm, currently, the 17-year-old has an untarnished record with 28 wins coming from his 28 bouts. His last fight was representing Australia in the USA at the RIP City Fall Classic, where he brought back a belt for his country. As a featherweight he is ranked number one in Australia and the Commonwealth in his age group and 16th in the world. In 2022 Cassar was selected as the best male boxer of the tournament in the under-19 Australian Championships. Cassar was selected in the 2019-2023 Victorian Futures team by state coach Marcos Amado and was subsequently selected into the Australian Institute of Sport under-19s and emerging squad by the current Australian coach, Jamie Pittman. The Taylors Lakes resident is currently captain of the Victorian boxing team and spent time throughout last year at the Queensland Institute of Sport with the Australian team preparing for the 2024 Pacific Games as a qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Unfortunately for Cassar, he was overlooked for the Australian Olympic team due to his young age. Cassar said while he eventually wants to turn pro, his goal is firmly set on representing his country at the highest level first. “I’d love to go to the Commonwealth Games and Olympics, that’s my dream,” he said. “It would mean everything, that’s my dream, that’s the goal. “Definitely after that I would love to go pro and hopefully become world champion.” With boxing being a sport that is constantly requiring travel and much of it falls on the athlete’s dime, Cassar said the $5000 he received for the award will go a long way.

Adisu Bayew is back at Green Gully.

Keilor Thunder’s squad for the National Basketball League 1 South women’s competition have received a massive boost with Maddy Rocci signing with the club. The Thunder announced that the Southside Flyers guard and Opals squad member would be joining the new-look Thunder side under Kristi Harrower. Rocci is a two-time Women’s National Basketball League champion. This season with the Flyers, she’s averaging 10.4 points, 4.7 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game. Harrower said they were absolutely thrilled to welcome Maddy to the Keilor Thunder family. “Maddy’s skill set, leadership, and competitive spirit align perfectly with our team’s values,“ she said. “We believe her presence on the court will not only enhance our performance but also inspire our players to reach new heights.“ Rocci, who grew up in Melbourne’s west, also shared her enthusiasm about joining the Thunder. Rocci has been playing in the NBL1 North competition the past few WNBL off seasons. “I am excited to sign with Keilor and play under Kristi,“ she said . “As a point guard, I am always looking to improve and develop my game. “Kristi [who was also a point guard] is someone I know I can learn from given her experience in the WNBA, WNBL and with the Opals” Rocci is the second WNBL player to sign with the squad. Rising Adelaide Lightning star Isabelle Bourne is making the move across to Victoria. Thunder junior and Melbourne Boomers development player Grace Graham is also part of the squad.

Jacob Cassar.

“Travelling, training expenses, it’ll definitely help so much, I’m so grateful,” he said. “I struggle to get a fight in Victoria so I’m always travelling. I’m off next week to Canberra so it’ll help. “There’s another tournament later next month, king of the ring, so [the money] will definitely help then.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact wrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

Maddy Rocci has joined Keilor Thunder. (Basketball Australia)

Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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Father-son combo take to field When Scott Pittaway made his first XI debut for St Albans last Saturday, it was special for a number of reasons, none more than playing with his son Mitchell Pittaway. The pair had played games here and there together in the past, but the match against Sydenham-Hillside was the first time they had played together in the top grade. The Saints said on social media it had been a long time since they’d had a father-son duo play together in the top side. Scott said it was pretty special. “I’m very proud, especially playing in the first XI,” he said. “We’ve played together in the lower grades but being in the first XI means a lot for everyone. “For that to happen, it was a really proud moment.” Scott said that Mitchell was also pretty chuffed by the experience as well. While for most, father-son duos, it’s about the son catching up to playing with the son,

it was the other way round for the Pittaways. Mitchell has been in the first XI all season, while Scott is the captain of the second XI. Scott said the club had a vacancy this week and he happened to be the right person to fill the role. “Mitchell has come through juniors and built his way up,” Scott said. “It was my first first XI game for the club. “I played in the first XI for my other club in Western Australia and in the lower grades for St Albans.. “It’s a bit surreal.” Scott said he thought his first XI days were behind. When he joined the Saints he played in the fourth XI to meet some new people and it meant he didn’t have to train, “It is a bit strange being 44 and making my debut after not wanting to train,“ he said. The Saints game against Sydenham-Hillside was set to continue on Saturday, after deadline.

After day one, the Saints were 3-60 in reply to 129. Scott is already back in the sheds after making 12, while Mitchell is yet to bat. “Hopefully we can make another 60-70 runs and cap it off,” he said. “It’s Pink Stumps day and hopefully there will be a lot of people watching.” As for whether Scott will play more games alongside his son. “I’m captain of the twos, it feels like my baby and I need to be there,” he said. “If I can perform I might stay in the first XI, we’ll wait and see.” Tara Murray

Mitchell and Scott Pittaway. (Supplied)

Sports shorts Basketball Three Keilor Thunder players have been named in the under-18 country team for the upcoming national basketball championships. Cooper Duff-Tytler and Sa Pilimai have both been named in the men’s country team and Orla McMahon has been named in the women’s team. Mading Kuany, who plays for the Braybrook-based Longhorns, has also been named in the country team. The championships will be held in April.

Basketball Keilor Thunder has signed American guard Jalen Gibbs for the upcoming National Basketball League 1 South season.Gibbs is set to bring a scoring punch to the Thunder backcourt this season after averaging 19.24 points, 4.57 rebounds and 2.57 assists last year for the Nunawading Spectres. Gibbs, a 6’3 guard who spent his senior collegiate year at Jacksonville State.

VSDCA

Zach Lisolajski. (Supplied)

Dream becomes reality

Taylors Lakes’ Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association T20 campaign came to an end in the first week of finals. Facing Spotswood, the Lions decided to bowl first. The Woodsman made 151 as they were bowled out with three balls remaining. George Pritchard took 4-33 for the Lions. The Lions never looked likely in their run chase, finishing 6-121. Skipper Steffan Roberts top scored with 34 at the top of the order.

NPL By Harper Sercombe It’s been a fast moving 18 months for Western United’s Zach Lisolajski. In 2022, the young-gun was playing state league 1 soccer with Sydenham Park and last year he represented Australia as part of the Young Socceroos squad at the Marbella Week of Football in Spain. Now just last week he made his professional debut in United’s A-League Men’s clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers. “Thursday after training I found out I was travelling [to Tasmania] and once I found that out I was buzzing because I’d never had that type of experience before of travelling with an A-League squad,” he said. “Then it came to game day and I was just warming up on the side towards the end of the game and the boss [coach John Aloisi] told me to start getting warm and as soon as he told me that I got a bit nervous but I got a heap if energy go through me and I was buzzing to go on and make my senior debut. “I had no idea it was going to happen, it was

just out of the blue he just turned around and said Zach warm up.” Lisolajski. said it is something that he has dreamt of since he was a kid and his making his dream a reality has only increased his drive and motivation. “I remember when I use to go and watch A-League games with my parents and they use to say to me ‘you could be on that pitch one day’ and I’d say back ‘I wish I could be on that pitch’ and now I’ve made my senior debut that dream has come true now it’s just about pushing harder and go higher,” he said. “It’s just made me want to train even harder, and push even harder at training, push to get a lot more game time and push to get as far as I can.” Lisolajski only came on for the final 15 minutes, replacing fellow young-gun Kane Vidmar, but said it was an unforgettable experience. Western United academy mates of Lisolajski’s, Matthew Grimaldi and Jake Najdovski were introduced in the final 10 minutes as well, making it four of the 11

22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 6 February, 2024

players that finished the game for United being from its academy. “Getting on the pitch knowing you’re playing with some of the top players in the league and just moving the ball around,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for all of us, they’re all good players, good technique, so it’s good to move around on the pitch with them, it’s good to play with the academy boys.” Lisolajski spent the 2022-23 season with the Newcastle Jets, learning the A-League system as part of the Jets academy. With a season in an A-League environment under his belt, Lisolajski has switched clubs in the off season, moving closer to home and joining Western United on a youth development agreement. He said the transition back to Melbourne’s west has been a great experience. “I’ve found it really easy to move in, it’s a good coaching staff, a good bunch of boys they get around you,” he said. “They’ve welcomed me very well which has helped a lot especially at training.”

Ben Carrigan is the second new signing for the Melbourne Knights for this year’s National Premier League season. The defender joins the Knights from the Bentleigh Greens, where he had been since 2020, making 34 appearances for the side. Notably, Carrigan was part of the squad that led Bentleigh to lifting the 2022 Dockerty Cup. Carrigan described the switch to the Knights as a “no brainer” given the clubs rich history, while also stating that while also stating that Ben Surey’s game style suits him.

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Falcons exert dominance over Sunshine Heights Caroline Springs just keep winning in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield season. The Falcons crushed Sunshine Heights on Saturday as they took to the field for the second day of their clash. While Heights avoided an outright defeat, the Falcons dominated the match. After sending Heights in to bat, it could only put up a first innings score of 126 last week. The Falcons then were able to chase the runs down and add an extra 122 runs in just 37.4 overs thanks to a monster innings by captain-coach Shiran Rajakaruna, making 102 from 77 balls. The Falcons then declared 6-248, before Sunshine Heights made 7-141 before time ran out. Rajakaruna said although it wasn’t a full 10

points win, he was still happy with how his team performed. “Coming into yesterday’s [Saturday’s] play, the intention was to bat for 10 to 15 overs and get 100 to 150 runs ahead and then send them straight back in which we did, to give us a good chance of getting an outright win,” he said. “We didn’t get the outright but we stuck to our plan and executed well.” The Falcons currently sit clear at the top of the table, with the team’s batting dominance a major wrecking force of the competition. “We’re in a pretty good position at the moment with what we are doing,” Rajakaruna said. “The boys are in good spirits as well and the weekend’s performances are quite good as well. Individual performances aside, as a unit we play well, we play as a team and we get the

results. “We’re in good nick at the moment to say the least.” With just three rounds to go, Rajakaruna is adamant on holding their spot to guarantee a home final. “Home finals are the aim when you’re contending,” he said. “We’ve had a pretty good run so far and the aim is to continue that form to the latter end of the season and put ourselves in good contention for finals cricket.” On the weekend the Falcons are set to be tested by the Williamstown Imperials which sit second on the ladder, in a Saturday-Sunday clash. The Imperials are coming off an outright win against Werribee Centrals. “We’re looking forward to the challenge, it’s a good measuring stick for us to see where we’re

at as well,” Rajakaruna said. “We want to be playing these topsides to give us a good indication of where we’re at as a team and as a unit. So we’re looking forward to the challenge on the weekend.” Meanwhile it was a tough day for Caroline Springs women’s side in their match with Westmeadows. In a rematch of last season’s grand final, the Falcons had a day to forget. The Falcons were bowled out for just 40 in 16.1 overs. Amelia Sevior top scored with 13 and was the only player to score double figures. The Warriors were in trouble early at 3-15 but were able to steady to get the runs in just 13 overs, finishing 6-41. The Falcons remain on top of the table, now only nine points ahead of the Warriors. Harper Sercombe

Thrillers open finals

Heshan Umendra. (Damjan Janevski). 203634_04

Important win for YCWs By Tara Murray Sunshine YCW did its Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield finals hopes no harm with victory against Barkly St Uniting on Saturday. After falling outside the top four after a loss last up, the YCWs needed to get back on the winners list against the second top team to keep in touch. A strong bowling performance had the Dragons bowled out for just 171, but the YCWs lost two late wickets to put them on the backfoot heading into day two. Early on day two, the YCWs were soon in trouble at 4-39, but they were able to steady on the back of Heshan Umendra, The middle order batter made 102 not out at a run a ball, to guide his side to victory. The YCWs finished 6-185. Secretary Rory O’Connor said the club is in a good position at this point of the season. “We had two wins, ones and twos,” he said. “We’re really rapt, it’s been a great year so far

with a lot of improvement on the field this year. “There’s a lot more to come for the club. Finals are the goal of the club and we’re in a good position going into the last month.” O’Connor said the bond that had grown between the playing group had been the key to the improvement on the field. He said coach Lachie Lewin is leading the way. “The playing group has come together,” he said. “There’s a strong bond between all the players. “Lachie has been fantastic in driving the culture change. The vibe has been really good at training and there’s been more laughing and throwing arms around each other. “If we can keep doing that we’re in a really good place.” O’Connor said the development of the younger guys who have had opportunities the past few seasons was really starting to show through. He said despite being a couple of wickets

down heading into day two against the Dragons, there was no panic. “To keep the second placed side to 175, we had done the hard work to keep them to a low total,” he said. “We knew we were still a chance [despite losing those two wickets] Heshan made an important 100 to get the boys over the line.” The win moves the YCWs back into the top four at the expense of Barkly St Uniting. O’Connor said the key for them in the run home is to have confidence in their own ability to handle the tough situations. “We’ve been in these situation before,” he said. “We need to be back ourselves in those situations that we have overcome in the past.” In other matches, Burnside Springs United further cemented its spot in the top four with an outright win against Seabrook. In senior division, Deer Park continued on its winning ways, Keilor beat Westmeadows, St Albans lost to Sydenham-Hillside, while Sunshine United lost outright to Craigieburn.

Deer Park, St Albans, Grand United and Keilor are all through to the next round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition, while Sunshine Heights has been knocked out. The Lions continued their good form, accounting for Westmeadows on Wednesday night. The Lions made 8-135 from the overs. Pathum De Mel was the pick of the bowlers for the Warriors, with 3-28. The Warriors took the game deep, but ultimately fell just short, finishing 8-130. Pawan Wickramasinghe top scored with 51. St Albans snuck home against Altona North. Altona North batted first and made 101, bowled out on the final ball of the 20 overs. The Saints made 5-105 from their overs to claim the win. Keilor won a thriller against Haig Fawkner on Thursday night. The Blues batted first after being sent in, making 6-154. Malith Cooray top scored with 75 off 46 balls. It went down to the final ball, with Haig Fawkner falling short to give Keilor a one run win. Haig finished 8-153. The Blues shared the wickets around with three players taking two each. Grand United had a big win against fellow division 2 team Sunbury on Thursday night. The Gorillas made 6-177 from their overs with Hashan James top scoring with 41. Sunbury never got close, bowled out for 116 with 11 balls remaining. Oliver Davidson took 4-25 for the Gorillas. Sunshine Heights’ run came to an end against Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s on Thursday night. Maribyrnong Park made 5-160 after winning the toss. Sunshine Heights didn’t get close, finishing 8-129. Babur Nadeem top scored with 41 at the top of the order. Yarraville Club, Bellbridge and Roxburgh Park are also through to the next round. The Clubbers beat Williamstown Imperials in their match, while Bellbridge beat the Point Cook Centrals and Roxburgh Park upset Glenroy. The match ups for the quarter finals are Keilor vs Maribyrnong Park, Bellbridge against Roxburgh Park, St Albans and Deer Park and Yarraville Club against Grand United.

Tuesday, 6 February, 2024 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 23

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