Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 27th February 2024

Carpark concern grows

By Gerald Lynch

Business owners within the Durham Road precinct have voiced collective concern about the potential construction of a Vietnamese museum in a nearby car park.

Anthony Hoang from Sunshine Primary Health said that to lose the car park would be a massive blow to both staff and patrons of surrounding businesses.

He said claims from Brimbank council that the car park is underutilised are “not true at all”.

“We use the car park daily. Sometimes it’s fullandwestruggletofindparkingasis,ifthey take it away it is going to be really difficult for us and our clients,” he said.

‘‘ Myself and other nearby businesses have invested a lot ... to get this side of Sunshine busier, and we feel that’s going to be taken away ’’

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Anthony Hoang

“We have a lot of patrons who are disabled or elderly, so having the convenience of the car park is a real asset to us.

“Myself and other nearby businesses have invested a lot over the 12 years we have been in thespacetogetthissideofSunshinebusier,and we feel that’s going to be taken away from us if the car park is taken away.”

Vietnamese Museum Australia expressed strong interest in purchasing the council owned space, after formally rescinding its contract with Maribyrnong council for a site in Footscray in October 2023.

The nationally significant museum currently has about $18 million of funding, including $10 million federal funding, $7 million state funding, and $1 million community funding, but is currently looking for a suitable site.

Brimbank mayor Cr Ranka Rasic said the area’s strong ties to Vietnamese culture make it an ideal place for the museum.

“The longstanding and vibrant Vietnamese

communitythatmakesuptheSunshineCBDof today has helped make it a regional destination to experience authentic Vietnamese food, street life and culture,” she said.

Director of city futures Kevin Walsh said the council owned land could be used to build a museum, but recent community consultation would be considered.

“Council is undertaking the statutory procedures required by section 114 of the

Local Government Act 2020 in respect of the proposal to sell a portion of the Durham Road Car Park in Sunshine for the purpose of constructing a nationally significant cultural museum,” he said.

“Community consultation was for a four week period over January and February this year. Community consultation has now closed and the next step is a Hearing of Submissions on March 4.

“Any decision to sell part of the Council land attheDurhamRoadCarParkwouldbesubject to a decision at a future Council Meeting. At this stage it is anticipated that Council would consider this matter at the Council Meeting on March 19.”

Business owners from the Durham Road precinct are likely to be in attendance at this meeting, ready to fight for spots that they say are essential to their businesses.

Among those concerned about a loss of carparking are Alejandro and Marcus Fregonese from Ray White (back left), Julie from ADV accountants, and Anthony Hoang (far right) from Sunshine Primary Health. (Jacob Pattison) 389504_03

Opening up on council business

By Gerald Lynch

Brimbank council will be a more open book in 2024.

CouncillorVirginiaTachosralliedforgreater transparency from councillors in the February 20 meeting, saying it is time for Brimbank council to align with many others in the state. She raised two notice of motions calling for more transparency from all councillors, which were both supported by all councillors in attendance.

The first motion was that the council create a political party membership register which will

be available on the council’s website.

She said a public register where the political party affiliation of each councillor is visible is animportantsteptopromotegoodgovernance.

“Identifying these affiliations provides a relevant governance check, as I believe these affiliations may influence the decision making process and representation of community interest,”shesaid.“Ibelievethatthecreationof this register will promote public transparency, and is in line with our code of conduct which is essential for building trust between our councillors and the community.”

CouncillorMariaKerrsaidoneofherbiggest

beliefsinbeingacouncillorisfulltransparency, I think it’s a great idea and fully support it.

Further, Cr Tachos has pushed for amendment to the council’s code of conduct with a motion in relation to removing binding caucus votes.

She said there must be a section in the council’s code of conduct to prohibit binding caucus voting.

“Caucus voting refers to a practice where councillors agree to vote together as a block, members commit to supporting majority decisions reached despite their personal beliefs or beliefs of their constituents,” she said.

Fatal factory fire in Sunshine North

Two people tragically died in a fire in Sunshine North that police say was deliberately lit.

On Friday, February 23 at about 4am, emergency services were called after reports the Western Panels factory on Bunnett Street was alight. When fire fighters arrived they found flames had spread to a building on Marshall Street where two unidentified people were asleep.

Inspector Chris Murray from the Arson and Explosives Squad said police do not believe the attack was linked to any previous fires including those that have targetted tobacco stores in the west and north in recent months.

He labelled the fire “nothing short of a tragedy”.

“Around 3.50am this morning, a white Ford Ranger attended this address, stopped outside Western Panels and two offenders exited the vehicle and subsequently there was accelerant spread, and the premises set alight, this was a targeted arson attack,” he said. “The business is not known to police. There are no links at all to the current spate of arson attacks.”

Inspector Murray said the offenders have caused far more harm than it appears they had intended.

“What I’d say to the offenders is that this

has now moved from an arson attack to an arson causing death, and we hold them personally responsible for the death of these two individuals,” he said.

Police are unsure why the deceased were in the Marshall Street building at the time, with nothing to suggest any illegal activity.

Atotalof48firefightersand12trucksfought the fire, and it wasn’t under control until just before 7am.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

Gerald Lynch

“This creates an environment where councillors feel obligated to vote a certain way regardless of their own views, regardless of personal views or reflect their constituents.“

She leant on a recent supreme court ruling affecting Hobsons Bay council that outlined requirements for councillors to come into each meeting without any predetermined decisions on how they will vote on motions and reports.

It said that decisions should be made based on open and robust debate, and careful consideration.

Cr Tachos said changes to the code of conduct will remove the feeling of coercion.

Councillors making a splash

Brimbank councillors have dived in to support residents, advocating strongly for a discount for locals at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre (BAWC).

The council will soon receive a report outlining the specifics on costs to decide if and how big of a discount residents can receive.

Councillor Maria Kerr said that as ratepayers in Brimbank funded $60 million towards the budget, they deserve to be able to access the services when they want to, at a cost that they can afford.

She said the popularity of the facilities is great, but interest from people coming from other areas is restricting access of the Brimbank locals.

As reported by Star Weekly, earlier this month residents were frustrated that couldn’t access the BAWC on hot days due to it being at capacity.

“It is great we have patrons from all over the west and beyond, but the fact is, our residents have funded this project, and our residents are struggling to get a car park and must wait outside in line and miss out on classes because they book out so fast,” she said.

The council will also continue to advocate to state government for an outdoor pool and a multi-level carpark.

Councillor Virginia Tachos said the burden fell on residents to fund the aquatic centre and they deserve fair use.

“They should be prioritised because this centre was created for them,” she said.

Petition calls for a crackdown on community fireworks

Some residents in Brimbank have had enough of loud fireworks disrupting their neighbourhoods, but a petition accepted by Brimbank councillors may just be the start of the battle to have them banned.

A petition was tabled at Brimbank council’s February 20 meeting, with 368 residents urging council to stop granting permits that allow the use of fireworks at events in the community.

Local disability and sustainability advocate ShannonMeilaksaidthenegativeimplications of fireworks far outweigh any short-term positive effects.

“Most people are acutely aware of the

impact fireworks have on companion animals and wildlife,” she said.

“Whilst some believe that pets can be trained to cope with fireworks, many who support the ban believe that it’s not possible for all dogs and cats, particularly in the case of rescues.

“It is widely recognised that fireworks can haveanimpactonneurodiversecommunities, but people are less likely to know that they also exacerbate bronchial conditions such as asthma and COPD.”

Ms Meilak said she is conscious of being the “fun police“, but said some things are more importantthanafewbrightcoloursandlights.

“I think it’s important to note that in calling for a ban on fireworks, we aren’t looking to end people’s joy,” she said.

“We are campaigning for a transition to less harmful alternatives that are more inclusive and bring more joy to people.

“Brimbank is a refugee welcome zone and should support a ban on fireworks, given UN Refugee Agency acknowledges fireworks can betriggeringandtraumaticforthosewhohave fledwartorncountries,includingPalestinians fleeing from Gaza.“

Brimbank council said petitions that are deemed to have complied with Governance Rules are able to be tabled at a Council

meeting.

The tabling of a petition is procedural and requires no debate by councillors.

Council resolved to receive the petition and refer it to the chief executive for consideration and response.

While the local petition is now in the hands of council, there is a parliamentary petition urging for a state-wide ban on fireworks. This has been endorsed by Animal Justice MP Georgie Purcell and can be signed at https:// www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/ petitions/ban-all-fireworks-displays/

Gerald Lynch

Western Panels on Bunnett Street, Sunshine North was the victim of an arson attack on Friday, February 23. (Gerald Lynch)

Fix the Calder revival

By Gerald Lynch

Brimbank council’s Fix the Calder campaign isn’t going anywhere, despite axed funding from the federal government.

The council has renewed its campaign to Fix the Calder, calling for urgent action by both state and federal governments to ‘make it safe, get it moving and to do it now.’

In 2021, state and federal government each committed $50 million towards upgrades geared towards improved safety and reduced congestion, however the infrastructure spending review late last year resulted in the federal government backflipping on their commitment.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the funding backflip was particularly disappointing as the Calder Freeway is one of Australia’s most dangerous roads. Cr Rasic was also mayor when the campaign was first launched.

“We’re extremely disappointed… this is not good enough,” she said. “Community safety should always be the priority.

“We’re calling again for federal and state governments’ funding commitments to improve the safety and congestion on the Calder Freeway.

“I urge Brimbank residents to support our call Visit fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au to support the campaign to Fix the Calder.”

Council is campaigning for the federal government to recommit funding to provide desperately needed funding for safety works between the Western Ring Road interchange and Gap Road, Sunbury.

Further, the council is urging the state government to up its original commitment, and is seeking findings of the business case completed in 2022 for the construction of a full diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive

to be publicly released. In November, the state government refused to confirm whether its funding would still go ahead after the federal government’s decision.

A flyer is being handed out around the Brimbank area is urging residents to get behind the campaign, and said there are a number of upgrades still needed.

It says the Calder Freeway between the Western Ring Road (M80) and the Melton Highway needs to be upgraded to freeway standard.

The flyer also advocated for added lanes

from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway, and to widen the Maribyrnong River Bridge.

The council also wants a full diamond interchange at the intersection of the Calder FreewayandCalderParkDrive,andduplicated lanesonCalderParkDrivebetweentheCalder Freeway and the Melton Highway.

The Council has urged all residents to visit fixthecalder.brimbank.vic.gov.au to email federal Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King and state Transport Minister Infrastructure Danny Pearson.

Solar boost

Derrimut will receive an influx of jobs with a new solar initiative.

A $3 million grant has been awarded to PV Industries to build a large-scale solar panel recycling plant.

PV Industries separates old solar panels into their components so they can be reused in

Manufacturing, and they have new software that simplifies and speeds up the whole process.

Co-founder Tim Dawson said the company was really stoked to get the grant.

“It is a newindustry and is capital intensive to establish. It can be difficult for these innovative programs to get off the ground,” he said.

Part of the grant will be used to commercialise the software program, while the bulk of the grant will be used to develop the solar panel recycling plant at the facility of their sister Company ReSource in in Derrimut.

ReSource,thebrainchildofTroyRowe, another co-founder of PV Industries, has been recycling e-waste since 2016.

Fraser MP Daniel Mulino said it was another great success story for Melbourne’s west, which is home to a number of innovative, world-class technologies.

“This sort of recycling is vital for our economy.Recyclingsolarpanelshaslong been a really difficult problem,” he said.

“However,evenoldpanelscontainalot of valuable material, including things suchascopper,silverandsilicon,sothe more we can get out of them, the better.

Thanks

A tale of transformation

The Reeflings’ Memeries show is coming to Brimbank on the first weekend of March, showcasing a unique blend of amusement and education for children.

The theatre show created by Memetica offers a unique theatre experience that is family-friendly.

In the show Reeflings are a mutated species from reefs across the world’s oceans, who embark on a quest to find a place to call home and eventually establish thriving communities and coexist harmoniously with other living organisms.

“The Reeflings are kind of representing a trans culturalism,” said Daniele Poidomani, the artistic director of Memetica.

“Their narrative weaves a tale of escape, survival, arrival, transformation, joy, hope and the remarkable ability to adapt to new environments.“

Mr Poidomani said Reefling’s Memeries is a community-driven theatre project for the community’s entertainment.

“Some of the scenery will be painted by the kids from the community.

“Come and see the Reeflings [to see] how they bring their culture to Brimbank.“

Twelve children from the Brimbank community will participate in Reeflings’ Memeries,athrillingparticipatoryexploration of an alien species’ cultural evolution.

The shows will be held on March 2, at 11am and 2pm, at the Bowery Theatre.

Entry fee is free, and bookings are required.

Details https://creativebrimbank.com. au/reeflings-memeries-session-1 and https://creativebrimbank.com.au/reeflingsmemeries-session-2.

Anne Parisianne

Memetica artistic director Daniele Poidomani with ‘Reeflings’ Amity Wilson and Dakota Barnett. (Jacob Pattison) 389395_01

David Pollard, Mayor Ranka Rasic, Ian Sutherland, and Peter Watson at the launch of the Fix the Calder campaign.

THE IGET IT , I THINK BIT

Lose yourself at one of Victoria’s renowned galleries or artist workshops. You’ll find plenty to your taste – or not. And that’s the fun of it.

Get curious at cultural institutions like Bendigo Art Gallery.

VISITVICTORIA.COM

Annual show blooms

TheSunshineGoldenAgeGardenClub’s103rd show will be held mid-March, showcasing local gardeners’ harvests.

Feature displays will include dahlias, roses, floral art, cut flowers, pot plants, vegetables, cookery, arts and crafts, children’s section, photography, displays by local schools, and displays by community groups.

The club allows everyone in the community to participate or just enjoy the show with something for everyone.

Club president Chris Michalopoulus said the event is designed to bring the community together. The club is one of the rare garden clubs that have survived and thrived for 100 years.

“It hopefully brings out the best… for the environment and our community,” he

said. “There used to be 300 clubs in Victoria holding annual shows, but nowadays, because of different lifestyles, environments, and financial pressures, there are only a few remaining ones.

“And we are doing well.”

Mr Michalopoulus welcomed people to join the club, which has a club fee of only $2 per year. There are people from more than 25 nationalities in the group.

The show will be held on on Saturday, March 16, from 11.15am-4.30pm at the Glengala Community Hall, on the corner of Glengala Road and Simmie Street, Sunshine. Entry is free.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic will open the event and afternoon tea will be available.

Anne Parisianne

Briefs

Chase ends in charges

Police have charged two people after an alleged road rage incident on Saturday. Police have been told the occupants of a white Ford Falcon were involved in a road rage incident with another vehicle at a fast-food store on Mount Derrimut Road, Derrimut, about 2.30am. The second vehicle left the scene following the initial dispute and was allegedly followed by the Ford. An occupant then waved a large axe out the window of the Ford and swung it towards the other car. The driver of the Ford then allegedly intentionally rammed the other car before driving away. Police located it on Vista Blvd, Fraser Rise, about 4.20am driving at dangerous speeds. The vehicle finally came to a stop in Bacchus Marsh after police deployed road spikes. A search identified a stolen number plate fixed to the front of the Ford and a large wooden-handled axe was seized from inside the vehicle. A 16-year-old Wyndham Vale boy and a 19-year-old Navigators man were both charged.

Clean up Australia

Clean Up Australia is calling on all Australians to take action on litter by registering a clean up event or joining a clean up event on Sunday, March 3. There are locations all across Brimbank, find out where you can clean: https://shorturl.at/rzY02

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Vegetables will be among the bounty on show. (Supplied)

IF YOU’RE HAVING A OR HOPPING ON A BUT WANT TO KEEP YOUR AND COMMUNITY SAFE…

Action needed on ‘nasty’ road

By Gerald Lynch

Brimbank council will advocate for the safety of Taylors Road to be managed by the state goverment to avoid further accidents and fatalities.

Council will write to Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne asking that she declare Taylors Road between Kings Road and Westwood Drive a state-managed arterial road and provide additional lanes and supporting active transport infrastructure to match demand.

Councillor Maria Kerr is passionate about

finding a resolution, saying after another fatality on the ‘risky’ road, enough is enough.

“Taylors Road is an extremely busy and dangerous thoroughfare,” she said.

“We need the state government to listen to our concerns and declare this road state managed to avoid further accidents. There have been enough deaths and serious injuries. On behalf of the Brimbank community please help us fix this nasty, dangerous bottleneck.

“Not only are residents stuck in daily traffic jams, they’re also losing their lives.”

Local Aintree resident Kelly said the situation on Taylors Road has caused her

Carers chance to shine

Brimbank carers will have the chance to get creative in the outdoors with an upcoming Wilderness Art Studio program.

OnWednesday,March6,carersfromacross Brimbank will be picked up from the Keilor Downs Community Centre at 9am and will be dropped back off at 2.30pm.

Event runners Out Doors Inc. are working in collaboration with Brimbank Carers Support Network, giving carers a great opportunity to learn and practice different art mediums while immersing themselves in the natural environment.

Community support officer Carolyn Richardson said the event is an important landmark to give back to carers for their hard work.

“The Wilderness Art Studio event, presents a valuable respite opportunity for Brimbank Carers, it supports carers to build purposeful connections with other carers and provides

them with an opportunity to explore their own interests and develop new skills in a relaxed, nature based setting,“ she said.

The program will cater to individuals of any artistic ability, with lots of different modes of art including watercolours and pastels.

OutDoorsInc.isacommunityorganisation based in St Albans, seeking to assist people ‘out of the door’ and connect them to outdoor activities with like-minded people for better mental health.

Registered Brimbank council carers are eligible to take part in this event, please direct any interest to communitysupport@ brimbank.vic.gov.au

Gerald Lynch

family to consider moving away from the area completely.

“All of us who reside in the Taylors Road corridor are having patience tested on a daily basis,” she said. “I’m not sure how much more we can stand. The commute to Taylors Lakes at 7.45am should not have me arriving at my destination after 9am.

“Daily, I am forced to join a five and an eight kilometre traffic jam and that is just to get my child to school and me to work.”

She said the road desperately needs to be duplicated to ease congestion for commuters.

Melton council has previously announced

planned works, including a duplication of lanes between Sinclairs Road and Plumpton Road with a timeline of five to 10 years, and a duplication of lanes between City Vista Court and Sinclairs Road with a timeline of up to five years.

A spokesperson for Minister Horne said “We’re monitoring the significant growth in Melbourne’s west and identifying ways to ease pressure on the transport network. The Department of Transport and Planning will work closely with Brimbank City Council to ensure the safety and efficiency of Taylors Rd, and its surrounding roads.”

Mayor’s message

Cr Kathy Majdlik

As Australia’s fastest growing municipality, the City of Melton’s road network is more important than ever before.

More than 440,000 people are expected to call our City home within the next three decades.

That’s why Council has begun the next stage of a vital road upgrade to improve safety and traffic flow at one of its busiest intersections.

The Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road project is just one of a series of vital upgrades being carried out across the municipality.

Council is working to replace the busy roundabout with traffic lights alongside an expansion and realignment of the road. Upgrades will help control vehicle movements, manage congestion, and provide safer crossing locations for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Work on the intersection’s southwest corridor changed traffic direction on 19 February, and work will take place in different stages on each corner. Working on one corner at a time means Council can keep the intersection open while it undergoes upgrades.

We’re asking road users to take alternate routes where possible, take extra care to obey the direction of traffic signage and allow extra time for the journey. Pedestrian access and school crossings will be maintained, but some detours are in place.

We thank road users and local businesses for their patience and will keep the community updated as the project progresses. To keep updated and help make travel plans visit conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/ csboulevardrockbank middleworks

You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

FlavourFest makes its 2024 return

Come and see some of the best the west has to offer at FlavourFest 2024. Bring the whole family and enjoy a range of food trucks, international cuisine, incredible live music, and fun for everyone. The event is proudly hosted by Melton City Council in partnership with Woodlea.

Enjoy a night of racing

Enjoy family fun, free rides and much more at the 2024 City of Melton Plate on 16 March. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy a night of harness racing at Melton Entertainment Park, 2 Ferris Road, Cobblebank.

Gates open at 5pm, gold coin entry.

Families can also enjoy the Play Zone, a petting zoo or unwind in a dedicated wellness area complete with a beauty bar, family portraits and mini massages. FlavourFest 2024 will run on 2 March from 12pm-9pm at Frontier Park, Aintree.

International Women’s Day collage workshop

Celebrate International Women’s Day with a collage workshop at the Melton Library and Learning Hub. Dig through vintage books and magazines to find images that catch your eye in a workshop that promises to turn traditional collage on its head. The workshop starts at 10am on 8 March. REGISTER: libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au

Cambridge Ward with Cr Steve Abboushi

It is full steam ahead at Council after the holiday break.

One of the key projects we are working on is the Plumpton Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

The centre will be a destination for physical activity, participation and building community connections that will have wellbeing, accessibility and inclusion at the heart of its design.

Council has acquired land in Fraser Rise that will house the centre, and with nearly 170,000 people expected to live near Plumpton by 2040, we are committed to delivering an aquatic

centre our community deserves. You will have seen vital road upgrades underway around Cambridge Ward, including the duplication of Hume Drive between Gourlay Road and Calder Park Drive.

The work at Hume Drive will increase that stretch of road from two to four lanes, improving traffic flow and safety for all road users.

Go to conversations.melton.vic. gov.au/humedrive for updates.

Clean Up Australia Day is a fantastic opportunity to join family and friends to help clean up the local environment.

Quickly

Win a $50 shopping voucher

Win a shopping voucher and celebrate your heritage in a creative way this Cultural Diversity Week. Melton City Council has 10 $50 shopping vouchers to give away across three age groups.

All you need to do is share a creative way of celebrating cultural diversity. Write a poem, make a video, or whip up a creative poster. Entries must be uploaded to the council website by 11.59pm on 24 March to enter.

Please make sure you have the permission of any identifiable people in video footage or photos before entering.

Find out more: conversations. melton.vic.gov.au/celebratecultural-diversity-week

There are 17 sites across the City of Melton that are open for the public to join and help on the day. The sites include rivers and creeks, parks and school grounds. People can register to join an event at cleanup.org.au

Clean Up Australia Day is on Sunday 3 March, so let’s make a difference together.

Please feel free to contact me for Cambridge Ward or Council related issues on 0437 231 680 or steve.abboushi@melton.vic.gov.au, or like my Facebook page @AbbsMelton

Mayor

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Justine Farrugia

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Traffic solutions wanted

By Liam McNally

Melton council said it’s considering projects that would improve traffic flow to the Becca Way and Lancefield Drive education precinct, but a local parent has said waiting for budget deliberations “isn’t good enough”.

Between Becca Way and Lancefield Drive sits an education precinct that includes a high school, two primary schools, childcare, kinder, community centre and football club.

Earlier this month Star Weekly reported that Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins had called on Melton council to improve traffic flow in the area.

Caron Sanni, who has a son at Springside Primary, said school communities have been calling out for years for roads to be fixed in the area, in August she launched a petition with more than 290 signatures.

MsSannisaidtheareaisafflictedwithheavily congested roads. She has heard from parents who are arriving at schools forty minutes before children are let out to secure a park, cars are parking over gutters and footpaths, and police were even called to a near-miss incident last year.

“Child safety is our number one priority and we’renotgettingthesenseofthecounciltaking that seriously.” she said.

Ms Sanni said that the biggest things needed are more parking spaces, and an improvement to recently installed “drop and go zones” which currently have dividers between them requiring cars to reverse parallel park and slow down traffic.

Shesaidmoreraisedchildrencrossingsanda higherpresenceofcrossingsupervisorsarealso needed.

Council has recently installed a temporary 25-space gravel car park, but has indicated any further works will require approval through

the budget, which is released mid-year.

Melton council engineering and asset services acting manager Matthew Hutchinson said Council is committed to improving traffic and safety around the Becca Way and Lancefield Drive education precinct.

“Officersaredesigningthreeraisedcrossings on Lancefield Drive and other traffic calming works to increase pedestrian safety in the area,” he said. “A new 50 space car park is also being considered to help reduce congestion.

Big boost for football

Sydenham Park Soccer Club has received a massive boost ahead of its 2024 campaign.

Keilor Lodge Reserve’s pitch three is now a full size soccer pitch that can be used for competition, and the new lighting on pitch one will allow it to be used for night matches.

Brimbank mayor Cr Ranka Rasic joined Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins for the official opening of Keilor Lodge Reserve’s pitch three and pitch one lighting upgrade.

Mayor Rasic said the joint effort from council and state government was an investment in the community’s health.

“Whenweinvestinoursportingfacilities,it

is an investment into the health and wellbeing of our community,” she said.

“Sport and active recreation not only brings people together and builds community cohesion – it also makes us happier, healthier and live longer.

“I look forward to seeing more of our community out there enjoying these fantastic sporting facilities.”

Sydenham Park Soccer Club’s senior men’s side competes in the Victorian State League 1 North West.

The season commences on Sunday, March 24.

Council will keep the schools and community representatives informed on progress.”

Ms Sanni said this is too long to wait for a commitment that might not come.

“We have no guarantee that we will get the fixes that are urgently needed to address the child safety issues,” she said.

“Even if approved, work will not be undertaken for well over another year to two years. Considering this has been going on now for well over three years, it’s not good enough.”

MP warns of funds squeeze

Northern Victoria MP Wendy Lovell has warned neighbourhood houses will be under financial pressure and may be forced to cut back services if they do not receive a funding boost.

Throughout Victoria there are more than 400 neighbourhood houses which deliver vital services, especially in the regional areas.

MsLovelltheremustbeacommitment to deliver the requested $2.5 million for neighbourhood houses.

“Neighbourhood houses provide invaluable benefit to the community, and the government must do what is necessary to ensure these Houses remain sustainable into the future,” she said.

They provide services such as toy libraries and book swaps, English classes and internet access, Men’s Sheds and childcare, community gardens and communal lunches, arts and crafts, and food banks.

In a statement, Ms Lovell said these services are delivered by 5500 staff, and almost 7000 dedicated volunteers, who receive 10 million visits a year and give out 2000 tons of food relief.

She said for a service that already runs on a shoe-string budget, cost increases and a shortfall of funding seriously threaten the long-term sustainability of the program.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria has appealed for additional funding of $2.5 million to be shared across the network, and Ms Lovell spoke in parliament to support this request.

Elizabeth Lisolajski, Nick Trajcevski (president), David Lisolajski (vice president), Natalie Hutchins MP, mayor Ranka Rasic, Danny Lisolajski, Michael Ristevski and Menka Nelkoski.

Caron Sanni with her son, Shariq, 8. (Jacob Pattison) 388615_04

Council supports Gaza ceasefire

By Gerald Lynch

Brimbank council has thrown its support behind Palestinian civilians with a historic motion calling for an immediate ceasefire in hostilities between Israel and Palestine.

At a February 20 council meeting, Brimbank councillors called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, and an end to the siege in Gaza, after receiving a petition signed by 3408 people.

Councillor Virginia Tachos explained why localgovernmentcouncillorswerevotingonan issue that was playing out in the Middle East.

“Many have asked me, ‘why bring this into

the local council chamber, it’s a complex international conflict, it’s not relevant to your role’,” she said.

“It is relevant when my constituents who voted for their voices to be represented in the chamber express complete despair and deep unfathomable pain for the immense loss of life, the displacement and the reality that their families and loved ones face daily when they witness the images of war and horror.”

Further,thecouncilaffirmeditscommitment to welcome and support those displaced by the conflict who may arrive in Brimbank.

Cr Tachos said a powerful letter she received from a local 16-year-old who attended a

recent rally showed the importance of council supporting the petition and taking a strong stance on the conflict.

“The boy said, ‘everyone in this rally were peaceful, loving Brimbank residents that just want recognition and support from their local council… I know this is a very difficult issue to have a conversation about… many in our community would like to see councillors speak up and not be silent in this very difficult time’,” she said.

Councillor Maria Kerr abstained from voting. She said on social media that she didn’t vote as she doesn’t believe it is the jurisdiction of the local council to involve itself in complex

A day to celebrate Brimbank women

International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 is a day when women across the globe are recognised for their achievements.

Brimbank council is hosting an IWD afternoon tea to recognise and celebrate Brimbank women on March 6.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said “International Women’s Day is an opportunity for Council to show leadership in driving positive cultural change as we embrace equity“.

“I’m very proud that Brimbank Council ‘walks the talk’ through our female leadership and representation. Eight of our 11 councillors are women, including myself as mayor. We

have a female CEO, two of our five directors are female, and our local community has many great women leaders,“ she said.

“In keeping with this year’s United Nation’s theme ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’, Brimbank Council believes women’s economic empowerment is central to a gender equal world, and when women are given equal opportunities to earn, learn and lead, then entire communities thrive.”

Watergardens Town Centre will play host to themaineventwhichwillincludeinspirational speakers, entertainment and an afternoon tea.

The event will feature a keynote address by Maria Dimopolous, Board Chair of Safe + Equal before guests will listen to a panel discussing this year’s theme – Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

Other panellists include franchise business owner of Quest Watergardens Gazal Kamali, young Indigenous woman and Brimbank council staff member Madaesya Palavi-Lyons and chief executive officer Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association Ngoc Nicky Chung.

Gerald Lynch

international conflict. I believe local councils should focus on roads, rubbish and delivering local services,” she said.

TheBrimbankSolidarityGroupforPalestine celebrated Brimbank council’s motion, saying it is a testament to the diligent efforts of community advocates.

Group spokesperson Fatima Hoblos said this motion is the result of their collective commitment and unwavering dedication.

“We appreciate the Brimbank council’s responsiveness to our advocacy efforts…in standing up for justice and acknowledging that this war did not begin on October 7, 2023, but many decades ago.“

Kinder month

March is Kindergarten Readiness Month,andBrimbankcouncilisoffering face-to-face and online information sessionstosupportfamiliesinnavigating the registration and enrolment process.

Brimbank mayor Cr Ranka Rasic said kindergarten is extremely important and needstobemadeaccessibletoallchildren.

“The start of kindergarten is an exciting time for families across Brimbank as they prepare their children for this important milestone in their lives. We’re encouraging parents and carers to make sure they have registered their children for three and four-year-old kindergarten to give them the best possible foundation for their early learning journey in the lead up to school.

“Comealongtooneofourinformation sessions to find out more from our wonderful early childhood educators about the kindergarten opportunities available to your children.”

Registrations for three and four-year-old sessional programs are run throughcouncilandcanbemadeonline, with access to sessional kindergarten for free or an integrated session available in long day care/childcare centres at low cost. Kindergarten programs are run in Brimbank by qualified early childhood educators, which are tailored to meet the needs of local children, and support the development of curiosity, concentration, resilience and creativity.

The upcoming sessions are at the Deer Park Library on March 4 at 9.30am, St Albans Community Centre on March 5 at 9.30am, Keilor Library on March 6 at 9.30am,SunshineMarketplaceonMarch 6 at 1pm, Sydenham Library on March 7 at 9.30am, Sunshine West Community Centre on March 12 at 9.30am, Sunshine Library on March 13 at 9.30am, and online on March 13 at 7pm. Full details: brimbank.vic.gov.au/kinder-month

Brimbank pushing for progress on Melbourne Airport rail

Pressure continues to mount on the state government and Melbourne Airport to get a move on, with Brimbank council urging a prompt end to delays to the Suburban Rail Loop project.

Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic said it was time construction on the critical transport project resumed.

“We expect the state government and Melbourne Airport to promptly reach an agreement so that the construction of the SRL Airport can be delivered as promised,” she said.

“This significant national project has now been on hold for nine months and it’s time for constructiontoresumeimmediately.Thedelay

of this project has also affected the upgrade to both Sunshine and Albion stations in the Sunshine CBD and has hindered developer investment and confidence in the area.

“We ask the state government to prioritise theimmediateconstructionoftheSRLAirport project as they have for the SRL East project’.”

This sentiment was echoed by nearby council, Moonee Valley.

Moonee Valley mayor Pierce Tyson called on the airport to end its impasse and drop “impractical and obstructionist demands“ for an underground station.

His call comes after Melbourne Airport’s recent issuing of a newsletter to residents in surrounding and nearby suburbs, in which

it reiterated its demand for an underground station.

“This is a classic misdirection tactic,” Mr Tyson said.

“Councilsecuredacommitmenttothetrain station after years of advocacy. We now have all tiers of government in support of the train stationatAirportWest/KeilorEast,whichwill significantly benefit our residents.

“It’s not fair that progress is being held up over demands for an underground station at the airport.”

A newsletter distributed by Melbourne Airport outlined its intention to hold firm on its preference for an underground station.

“Melbourne Airport continues to advocate

for an underground station to ensure future-proofing of the rail line and terminal precinct. If the rail line is ever to be extended beyond the airport, it must be built below ground,asbuildingoverthetopoftherunways is impossible,” the newsletter said.

“MelbourneAirportwelcomesconfirmation of the federal government’s commitment to build the long-awaited airport rail link. Melbourne Airport supports the rail link because it will provide passengers with more choice and improved access from across Melbourne and particularly the growing western suburbs.”

Gerald Lynch

Trish Gardiner, creative manager Watergardens, mayor Cr Ranka Rasic and Gazal Kamali from Quest Watergardens. (Damjan Janevski) 390756_01

For 100 years, this paper and its predecessors have proudly been a voice for the Sunshine community. Originally known as the Sunshine Advocate, before becoming the Brimbank Adovcate, Brimbank Weekly, and most recently, the Brimbank and North West Star Weekly, the paper has dedicated its pages to the news that matters to the people who call Brimbank home. We looked through the pages of our archives to see how Sunshine has changed since 1924 and to rediscover the stories that made the headlines over the years.

The Advocate through the ages

The Brimbank and North West Star Weekly has undergone a lot of changes since 1924.

The paper has experienced name changes, masthead redesigns, layout updates and the introduction of colour photographs.

Starting out on March 1, 1924 as the Sunshine Advocate, the paper covered interests of Sunshine and the surround district. It was created by Clarence Carlton, who operated the paper until the 1960s when it was purchased by the Cumberland Newspapers

The Advocate’s first edition said, “help us help you in the district’s progress’ and they were devoted to covering the interests of the

area – serving much of the region it does today.

Council news featured prominently in the paper but it also included titbits from across the world.

The first edition spoke about the Braybrook quarry and the contemplation of closing part of Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong.

Also making news in that edition was councillor J Grist resigning from Braybrook council while the Braybrook council was looking at running buses so a tramway could be established.

The paper also included the Footscray Football Club, which would feature in the

paper for much of the next 100 years.

TheAdvocatenamestayedpartofthepaper until the paper until the 2010. It was known as the Sunshine Advocate, the Sunshine-St Albans-Melton Advocate, the Sunshine-St Albans Advocate, Sunshine Western Suburbs and later the Advocate.

Along the way, the masthead was changed to reflect the different owners and names. Fairfax Community Newspapers would take ownership of the paper during the years.

A sister publication dedicated to the North-West area, which covers parts of the growth area of Melton, was born in 2022

InDecember2009,theAdvocatecelebrated

the Brimbank community with an edition dedicated to good news.

On September, 7, 2010, the Advocate has another name change and the Brimbank Weekly was born. The paper featured the same news the Brimbank community had come to expect from the Advocate, with the edition of extra features and lifestyle content.

Then in May 2014, the Brimbank and North West Star Weekly was born following a merger of the western suburbs’ Weekly and Star News Group papers.

It is that paper that is delivering the local news, both in print and online, as you read today.

2014: The paper became the Star Weekly.

2013: There was another format change and the Brimbank and North West versions merged together.

2010: The paper became the Brimbank Weekly, the first time without the Advocate name.

2002: The first edition of the North-West Advocate was released.

1979: Another new masthead.

1970: Melton was dropped from the name.

1994: Coloured photos comes to the paper.

March 1, 1924: The first edition of the Sunshine Advocate.

1969: The name changed to include St Albans and Melton.

Century of community journalism

By Hannah Hammoud

As The Advocate marks 100 years of community news, it’s a moment not just to reminisce about headlines past but to also celebrate the journey’s of those who penned them.

Among the many who share a part in the century-long history is Melissa Arch, who firstarrivedatTheAdvocateasaneagercadet.

“I was one of those rare – or still rare, young people who just always knew what they wanted to do,” she said. “Ever since I can remember,IknewIwantedtobeajournalist.”

Like most, Arch made her way into journalism through a mix of both determination and persistence, from volunteering at community radio to pursuing freelance opportunities before eventually earning a spot at The Advocate in 1996.

‘‘ People are definitely turning their back on mainstream news. I think that could pave the way for the return of a really local, trusted source of news ’’

- Melissa Arch

“Once I finished university I applied for cadetships all over Australia – everywhere. Back in those days it was all written applications, and posting applications off… and then of course, calling, and hounding and hounding,” she said.

“Coincidentally, one of the few call backs I had for an interview was around the corner at The Advocate. At the time I was living in Moonee Ponds and I was prepared and willing to go anywhere, from the Northern Territory, to Outback Queensland. I applied everywhere just to get my foot in the door, I was so passionate about becoming a journalist.

“I eventually got a job at The Advocate and I was so excited. It was incredibly exciting, the fact that I didn’t have to pick my life up and start a new life somewhere else.”

Reflecting on her time at the paper, Arch recounts the pivotal role the paper played in covering significant local events. From the heroin epidemic gripping Melbourne’s western suburbs to breaking stories on Brimbank council scandals, The Advocate was at the forefront of community reporting, bearing witness to the ebbs and flows of community life.

“Reporting in Melbourne at that time was really important, particularly in the western suburbs it was the time when Melbourne was in the throes of a heroin epidemic,” she said. “There were families who were heavily impacted by it, families that you knew by virtue of being in the western suburbs. Being able to report on that and also tell families’ stories about how that was impacting them, was a rewarding thing to do as well. Reporting on the issues that mattered to your community.”

Arch said she vividly remembers the challenges of working as a young reporter,

values

later the police notified us that the step dad, who we asked for an interview, was actually charged and has since been convicted of killing that boy. So we were asking the killer if he wanted to be interviewed. There were a lot of confronting things like that.

Butitwasn’tjustthestories she pursued that defined Arch’s career, it was the people she met along the way.

“My advice to young journalists is not to bypass community journalism,” she said.

“At The Advocate there was no differentiating. There was no community newspaper versus major newspaper. Journalists and editors who worked there always considered themselves in competition with metro media. There was never a second tier, The Advocate broke stories before major metro media quite often, and people who wanted their stories heard would go to The Advocate before they went to major metro media on a lot of occasions. It was incredibly reputable and a fundamental part of the community.

“Community newspapers are where the cut and thrust of things happen, where you learn a lot. Take the opportunity if you get it, be brave and honest, and form really good relationships with people, they will come back to serve you later in whatever you chose to do. I’ve got contacts that I had when I was a cadet, and now in my career I still turn to them.”

Despite now working in politics, it seems thetorchofstorytellinghaspassedseamlessly from one generation to the next, with Arch’s son, Harper Sercombe, now taking on his own cadetship within the same local paper.

“It’s very surreal, and very special,” she said.

including confronting moments like unknowingly approaching a murderer for an interview.

“There was a murder that we reported on,” she said. “This young man was stabbed to death overnight and so the next morning the photographer and I went around to his house because the police were looking for clues, and appealing for information about the crime. We went to speak to the family to ask whether they would be interviewed, so that we could try to help them find the killer of their son. They couldn’t speak English and so they didn’t speak to us. A couple of days

“For him to not only want to be a journalist and be interested in journalism, but then to land in the same local media territory that I cut my teeth in makes me incredibly proud.”

Looking ahead to the future of community news,Archsaidsheseesapotentialresurgence in local, trusted sources of information, with community news standing at the threshold of a new era.

“People are definitely turning their back on mainstream news,” she said.

“I think that could pave the way for the return of a really local, trusted source of news. And hopefully the come-back of the community newspaper.”

Melissa Arch and, inset, a photo of a front page of The Advocate produced by Melissa Arch.

Community sustains Sunshine

Since the founding of the Sunshine Advocate, far more than just the name of the local paper has changed. Sunshine Historical Society member John Willaton, who was born in 1934 and raised in Sunshine, has seen the suburb grow and change around him, and shared his experiences with Star Weekly

John Willaton says Sunshine was built on and has long been known for its strong sense of community.

“One of the elements I miss is sort of just the community feel of Sunshine. In my time as a schoolboy and teenager you knew practically everyone,” said John, who has since moved away from the suburb which holds such fond childhood memories.

“When I was a youngster, there was a real village-like atmosphere to Sunshine.”

Mr Willaton’s father served in World War I, and upon returning home married in 1921 and built just the second house in the soldier settlement area in Albion.

“My mother would always say that when they first moved into the house, standing at the front gate the area was so vacant she could see the entire Sunshine CBD,” he said.

He said key to the suburb’s prosperity was the Sunshine Harvester Works.

“Everybody I knew from class at Sunshine Technical School went to the Harvester works as apprentices,” he said.

The Sunshine Harvester Works was one of the city’s major agricultural implements factories, owned by industrialist Hugh Victor (H.V.) McKay.

H.V. McKay won the tender in 1904 and between 1906 and 1907 he moved his entire Ballarat business to Braybrook Junction which included machinery and materials.

He also moved about 200 employees and many of these employees and their families found accommodation in nearby Footscray.

In 1906 he bought 276 acres of land from a local grazier that stretched from Ballarat Road in the north to the Kororoit Creek in the south and west.

He then became a property developer and subdivided and sold many parcels of land and houses to his employees. He wanted the area to become a “Garden City” where his employees could work, live and enjoy life.

In 1907 Braybrook Junction was renamed to Sunshine after the Sunshine Harvester Works. McKay established essential infrastructure for the community including the Presbyterian

Church, parks and sports grounds, public buildings and electric street lights. His workers maintained the Sunshine Gardens for many years.

ThegardenswereafavouriteofMrWillaton’s growing up.

“We used to go out on the lawns for a picnic, and they were some of my happiest memories,” he said. “The Sunshine Gardens are now known as the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens, he owned that land and gave the money to build a Presbyterian Church.”

Sunshine itself now boasts a population of 9630 according to the 2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics Estimated Resident Population, and the entire Brimbank LGA is home to 193,526 people.

From open plains with a handful of houses spread across the land 100 years ago, to a bustling multi-cultural city rich with culture and history, the development of Sunshine and Brimbank has been faithfully recorded for 100 years in the pages of the Sunshine Advocate, now the Brimbank Star Weekly.

H.V. McKay. (Sunshine Historical Society)

The Sunshine Harvester Works building, and a harvester machine. (Pictures: National Museum of Australia)

Making news in the history books

Looking back at the pages of the Brimbank and North West Star Weekly and its predecessors, it shows that a lot has changed in 100 years but at the same time there’s common themes.

Transport, roads and infrastructure were front and centre on the very first edition in 1924 with the main story about a road closure.

More often than not roads and transport are mentioned in the pages today. This week’s edition features Brimbank council’s push for upgrades to the Calder Freeway.

Calls for train station funding and rail link upgrades were mentioned throughout the 1990s and 2000s, not too dissimilar to today.

In 2001 there were calls to put St Albans station underground, today the airport rail link and the upgrades to Sunshine and Albion station are the key topics.

Sunshine in the 1924 was heavily based around the industrial industry with a lot of that dying down in the 1970s.

Some factories and industries still exist today in Brimbank, with many people working in those sorts of industries as shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The people of Brimbank have changed throughout the years. The suburb and wider Brimbank community is very multicultural.

There was a large European arrival post World War II with the many Vietnamese refugees settling in Sunshine in the 1970s. Council controversy hasn’t been far from the headlines either. The very first edition highlights the resignation of a councillor. In 1968, councillors voted down a request for the minister of local government to send an observer to meetings.

Who’s who of Sunshine

Brimbank has been home to more than a few famous faces, with many taking to the sporting fields. We take a look at some of the people and movies that helped put Brimbank on the map.

Keith Miller – The great Australian all-rounder was born at the family home at 29 Benjamin Street, Sunshine. He spent his younger years in Sunshine playing both football and cricket in the area before moving away. Miller would become one of Australia’s greatest all-rounders, playing 55 test matches for Australia, while also playing 50 games for St Kilda in the then Victorian Football League.

Hugo McKay – Even today, the memory of Hugo McKay is still for all to see in Sunshine. He acquired the Braybrook Implement Works in the early 1900s and renamed it the Sunshine Harvester Works after his Sunshine Harvester,oneofhismajorproducts. In1907, the residents of Braybrook Junction voted to

rename the suburb Sunshine. The plant at its peak employed nearly 3000 workers and was thebiggestfactoryinAustralia.TheSunshine Gardens which were created to give workers somewhere to go, were later renamed the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens, which still stand today.

Leigh Bowery – Bowery was an Australian performance artist, club promoter, and fashion designer. Bowery was known for his flamboyant and outlandish costumes and makeup as well as his (sometimes controversial) performances. Based in London for much of his adult life, he was a significant model and muse for the English painter Lucian Freud. The Bowery Theatre in St Albans is named after him.

MarkViduka – AustraliasoccerlegendMark

Viduka played in the Knights’ junior section until the age of 16 where he was promoted into the youth team. The 1993-94 season was a breakout season for Viduka who won the

They did agree to provide approval for reporterstobeprovidedwitharecordingofthe council meeting the following day which was met by a stern response from the then editor.

“The Advocate does not need to take advantage of the council’s offer, as we do believe our reports of council meetings are always factual.

“Councillors who criticised the press at

first of his two NSL Player of the Year titles in 1993-94. In 1994-95 the Knights and Viduka swept everything in front of them, with Viduka winning the Sam Papasavas Medal, Johnny Warren Medal and the leading goal scorer award. At the end of the season Viduka was sold to Croatian First League giants Dinamo Zagreb and then went on to have a long national career, playing 47 games for Australia including captaining them.

Other famous residents:

John Flynn – Flynn founded the Royal FlyingDoctorServiceandisfeaturedonthe current Australian twenty-dollar note. He spent much of his childhood in Sunshine. Bon Scott – The ACDC front frontman lived in Sunshine after his family moved to Australia from Scotland. He attended Sunshine Primary School before moving to Fremantle.

Lester Ellis – The former world champion boxer grew up in West Sunshine.

the meeting on Monday should remember that due to pressure of space a word-for-word report of meetings can not be published.”

Council drama continued when the council was sacked in September 2009 after a new investigation found the majority of councillors had abused their roles.

Page after page was filled with residents’ views front and centre.

Councillors behaviour is again under the spotlight and on the front pages just this month with a monitor appointed to observe the council.

Sport is another topic that is never far from the headlines.

SunshineFootballClub’sannualreportwas contained in the first edition, as were cricket scores between Sunshine and Y.M.C.A.

Since then, bowls, football, cricket, netball, tennis and just about every other sport have been in the paper’s sometimes for the good and others for the bad.

The seven-peat of Deer Park in the Western Region Football League, the highs and lows of the Melbourne Knights and more recently the arrival of Western United have had readers turning pages.

These topics have been making news for 100 years and it wouldn’t be surprising that they are still in the headlines in 100 more years.

Winter Olympian Lydia Lassila.

Lydia Lassila – The Olympic winter gold medallist grew up in Sunshine and went to school in the area.

Craig Parry – One of Australia’s premier golfers, Parry was born in Sunshine.

Council in the spotlight in the first paper; Council drama in 1968; and Council sacked in 2009.

Werribee’s ‘fantastic’ 100 club

As the population ages and medical advances continue, the chances of living to 100 are also increasing. But what are the chances of six centenarians living together in the one aged care home? Cade Lucas visited St Vincent’s Aged Care in Werribee to find out.

In terms of statements of the obvious, pointing out that aged care homes are full of old people ranks alongside revelations that water really is wet, bears actually do defecate in the woods and the Pope is very much a Catholic.

However, it turns out that while aged care residents are indeed old, they’re not always that old.

According to Debbie Ferreira, lifestyle coordinator at St Vincent’s Aged Care in Werribee, not many residents live to be 100.

“It’s not common,” said Mr Ferreira who has worked at St Vincent’s for three years and in the aged care industry for over 20.

“On average, just one or two people in the facility will be that age, if you’re lucky.”

If that’s true, then Ms Ferrieira and her colleagues better go buy lottery tickets because they currently have not one or two centenarians living there, but three times that amount.

“It’s amazing to have six in the same building,” she said “It’s very very rare. We’ve got80residentsandoutofthe80,we’vegotsix centenarians. Fantastic.”

So rare and so fantastic that Star Weekly was recently invited out to St Vincent’s Werribee to meet and interview members of its 100 club.

‘‘ I’m not into big parties, I just keep plodding along ’’ - Joyce Soulsby

All six were born between 1922 and 1924 so turned 100 within the last two years and along with similar ages, share one other major characteristic in common: they’re all women.

“Women live longer” remarked a staff member matter-of-factly when Star Weekly pointed this out.

Unfortunately, one thing they don’t have in common is a willingness or ability to talk or pose for photos.

On the way to the lounge where I’m to conduct the interviews, I’m told that the oldest of the lot, 101 year old Moira Bowtell, wasn’t available. She wasn’t sick or asleep just not interest apparently. Oh well. When you’re going on 102, you can do what you like I suppose.

I’m then informed that Bendigo born Dorothy Martin was in hospital. This was a shame as it was also her 101st birthday, but was made even more disappointing when reading her bio and noticing that among her hobbies and interests was disco dancing. Me and Dorothy would have to trip the light fantastic another time.

Once in the lounge the first resident I see is another who clearly won’t be participating.

Hungarian born Maria Szlobpda is propped up on a large bed/recliner, awake but nothing more. Staff tell me that the 101 year old is now non-verbal. She and husband Steve moved to Australia in 1956 and embarked on a life typical of post-war European migrants. Maria worked for a textile company while Steve was a mechanic. They lived in Altona North and were active members of the local Hungarian community. After caring for Steve in his final years, Maria’s own health declined following his death and she moved into St Vincent’s soon after its opening in 2017.

Like Maria, Marcella Stangherlin was also a post-war migrant, arriving from Italy with her two brothers in 1949. However, Marcella not only retains the ability to speak, but is only too happy to do so, filling the room with her heavily accented voice, adding sound effects and gesticulations for good measure. Having only turned 100 in January she’s the second youngest of the group and her loud boisterous nature suggests as much. Marcella regales me with tales of her son Gus and late

husbandAngelo,whoshemetafterarrivingin Australia and with whom she ran a vegetable farm at Werribee South.

What did they grow I ask?

“Lettuce, cauliflower, sugar beet…..(long pause).....that’s all,” she laughed.

Later on they added a poultry farm, something Marcella doesn’t recall so fondly.

“Mama Mia” she exclaimed while waving her hand in front of her nose.

When I ask about the reason she left Italy for Australia, World War II, Marcella is equally animated.

“Oh my god, every night, nine o’clock, 11 o’clock, 12 o’clock, aeroplane, brroooooommmm” she recalled making the noise of Allied aircraft racing through the night sky.

“Bomba, boom, boom, boom, boom,” she continued with hand gestures of added effect.

While Marcella came to Australia to escape the war, Lydia Rintoull was living here during it and still remembers the moment it came to an end.

“Everything stopped at work,” recalled the 100 year old who was making stockings at the Holeproof factory on the afternoon in 1945 when news came through that the greatest conflict in human history had come to an end.

“Everybody went into Melbourne and danced in the street outside the post office in Bourke Street. We stayed there till dark.”

It was a joyous moment in an otherwise joyless time for Lydia who moved to Melbourne from Yea when she was 16 and never warmed to city life.

“I hated it. I found it busy after living in a country town.”

Fortunately she didn’t stay long. After meeting Ron Rintoull on a trip back home for Christmas, they married and returned to the country to become farmers, first near Yea and then in Melton, where they lived until Ron’s passing shortly after their 70th wedding anniversary. Along the way they had four children, though tragically two of their three boys died young, leaving just a daughter and their eldest son who today lives in nearby Hoppers Crossing. As well as raising children Lydia raised dogs on the farm too, breeding dachshunds and seeing eye dogs, while her love of canines extended to supporting the

Western Bulldogs. Lydia was one of the first residents to move into St Vincents when it opened over five years ago and while enjoying the company, offered a blunt answer when asked if she’d like to hang around for a while longer.

“Oh I hope not,” she laughed.

Like Lydia, Joyce Soulsby also seemed rather non-plussed about the future.

Born in the Victoria goldfields town of Dunolly in May 1923, Joyce is technically not even a centenarian yet and didn’t seem aware she was about to become one.

“May next year,” she nominated when asked when the big day was before Debbie Ferreira reminds her, “this year, May this year.”

So was she excited about her 100th birthday being just three months away?

“Not really no,” Joyce deadpanned with the nasal drawl and tinder dry humour of someone who’s lived most of their life on the land.

“What about getting a letter from the King, you know Prince Charles,?” I ask.

“Ohbigthrills,”shechuckledbeforeadding: “I’ll just keep plodding along.”

It would become her stock answer to nearly all my inquiries.

Will she have a party when turns 100?

“I’mnotintobigparties,Ijustkeepplodding along.”

Did she have any regrets?

“No I just keep plodding along.”

What did she miss about her younger years”

“It doesn’t worry me I just go on day to day and plod along.”

What advice would she give to younger people?

“Work hard and plod along.”

In between answers Joyce did manage to fill out her life story. She and late husband Jack ran a sheep farm and raised five children, the youngest of whom, Glen, lives in Werribee and visits for lunch every Wednesday.

“Glen, oh he’s a card. Everyone knows him around here,” Joyce said, adding “he’s slightly handicapped, but he gets around. He’s good.”

Joyce enjoyed gardening and playing golf and bowls in her younger years, but after moving to St Vincents aged 97, she is now just happy to go outside in the fresh air.

To just plod along.

St Vincent’s Aged Care Werribee residents: Joyce Soulsby turns 100 in May, 100 year old Lydia Rintoull, and Marcella Stangherlin, who turned 100 on January 5. (Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 389357

Moira Bowtell is the oldest of the group, turning 102 in December. (Supplied)

Hungarian born 101 year old, Maria Szloboda.

School cleaners hung out to dry

By Zoe Moffatt

Gathered in front of parliament house, Victoria’s school cleaners, many of them from the west and north, united to protest a contract change which has slashed their hours and wages on Tuesday.

With the heat beating down on them, members from multiple unions proudly waved their flags and pumped their fists, calling for action from Education Minister Bed Carroll.

This follows an ongoing issue sparked by companies Serco and Tradeflex cutting contract hours and stripping cleaners of up to 60 per cent of their wage.

Thecompanieswereawardedschoolcleaning contracts by the state government at the end of last year.

UnitedWorkersUnionexecutivedirectorfor propertyservicesLyndalRyansaidthecleaners have been pushed into a disastrous situation.

“What these companies are doing, slashing hours, cutting corners, demanding hardworking cleaners to do more with less, is exactlywhycleanershavebeencampaigningto bring an end to this failed model,” she said.

“But instead, Minister Carroll has chosen to keep this privatised system, enabling companies to profit off the Victorian taxpayer by keeping cleaners on low wages and reduced hours.

“[Thishas]resultedinschoolsbeingleftdirty or forcing teachers to pick up the slack.”

Between speeches from cleaners and union members, the frustrated voices of many chanting ‘shame’ echoed up the steps of Parliament House.

Meanwhile driving around the city, a billboard truck called for Mr Carroll to ‘clean up this mess’.

Back on the steps protesting, school cleaner Ines Lizama said she worked as a leading hand cleaner at two schools before having her hourscut back in the changeover.

“I was devastated because I didn’t think it was going to go that far. I thought we were going to get… direct employment,” she said.

“What they have done is unbelievable. They have left everybody stranded, they haven’t got enough hours.

“I was a full timer and I’m now a part timer, and they have taken one school from me.”

As the crowd dispersed, they chanted a promise to Mr Carroll- they will be back. The

has never been so easy...

protest at Parliament House on February 20. (Pictures: Zoe Moffatt/ Star Weekly) 390049

School cleaner Ines Lizama.

Brimbank feeling rental pain

By Gerald Lynch

Rental “pain” is being felt heavily throughout Brimbank, with almost all suburbs rated to be feeling extreme rental pain according to new data from Suburbtrends.

Suburbtrends releases a monthly Rental Pain Index (RPI) which scores suburb groups out of a hundred on rental pain. The score is derived from measuring rental prices, household incomes, vacancy rates and advertised rentals.

TheBrimbanksuburbofKingsParkreceived

an RPI score of 93.48, with anything over 75 considered “extreme” rental pain.

The majority of suburbs in the west were in extreme rental pain, with other Brimbank suburbs Keilor Downs, St Albans, Cairnlea, Delahey, Hillside, and Taylors Lakes, Ardeer, Deer Park, Sunshine West, Sunshine North, Sunshine, Sydenham, Tullamarine and Derrimut in the extreme bracket.

Keilor was reported to be feeling the least amount of rental pain, and was the only Brimbank suburb not in the extreme category,

Kids go bush for kinder

Sydenham kids are being given the opportunitytoexperiencethegreatoutdoors.

A state government led program will see the Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre and Preschool in Delahey receive a one-off grant of $6000 to offer a bush kinder program in 2024.

Bush kinder programs are delivered outdoors at places including parks, bushland and beaches - giving children a unique opportunity and freedom to learn through play with natural materials in outdoors.

The bush kinder will take place at the beginning of term 3.

The programs are educational and exciting – with a significant positive impact on a child’s development, as well as on their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins said supporting the Whiz Kidz Early Learning Centre and Preschool in Delahey will boost children’s health.

“Bush kinder programs are not just fun

and educational, they also help to keep kids active and connect them with nature,” she said.

The $6000 grants will help the kindergarten buy the equipment they need to run programs that focus on getting outside, playing with natural materials, and learning through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife.

Kindergartens without access to a suitable off-site location can use their grant funding to enhance the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environment.

with an RPI score of 65.88.

Suburbtrends founder Kent Lardner said this month’s Rental Pain Index highlights a concerning trend within the Melbourne market, with a significant uptick in scores, signalling growing distress rather than improvement.

“Historically, Melbourne has offered relatively favourable living conditions compared to income levels,” Mr Lardner said.

“In Melbourne’s west, the Rental Pain Index reveals a pressing narrative of rental market

stress, marked by escalating rental prices, dwindlingaffordability,andtightvacancyrates.

“The data paints a stark picture of the rental landscape in Melbourne’s West, characterized by rapid rental price increases, a significant portion of income dedicated to rent, and low vacancyrates,allcontributingtothehighrental pain index scores. This situation underscores the urgent need for strategies to improve rental affordability and availability, ensuring that all residents have access to sustainable housing solutions.”

(Damjan Janevski)

3Whiz Kidz staff and kids happy about the kinder receiving a grant to allow them to go on more excursions.

90650_03

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

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

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Sydenham Neighbourhood Centre (rear of library) every Wednesday from 1-2:30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

Card games

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

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

Deer Park Lions Club

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

■ Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass

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

■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.

■ Roma, 0435 991 064

Caroline Springs Rotary

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

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

Business workshop

Brimbank council is holding a practical workshop is designed to help small business owners plan their marketing for

the coming year on March 5. It is tailored to suit small businesses and provides a lean approach to marketing. This is a hybrid event so please indicate when registering whether you will be attending ‘in person’ or ’virtually’.

■ https://ow.ly/7l9450QBwxv

Smart garden

In this My Smart Garden event, Edible Eden Design’s Karen Sutherland will teach you how you can create habitat for animals in your own garden, how to increase your garden’s biodiversity, and the importance of garden biodiversity. The event is online on March 5 from 7pm.

■ https://ow.ly/A7oA50QBwyL

Food, culture, community

Delight your taste buds and be inspired. Embrace the richness of culture, diversity, traditions and community through the universal language of food. Join ‘Melburnian of the Year’ Kon Karapanagiotidis, Jaclyn Crupi, Hamed Allahyari and Nornie Bero for an evening of conversation in the opening night of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival on March 14 from 6.30-8pm.

■ https://ow.ly/nYVW50QBwA9

Garden show

Team up with your neighbours and friends and showcase the fruits and

vegies triumphs from your gardens at the annual flower and garden show hosted by our local gardening experts from the Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club. The club is seeking entries from community members to bring their best flowers, fruits, vegetables, pot plants, photographs, cookery, handcrafts to enter into the colourful display. Community welcome to come and view the displays and share your ideas with fellow garden enthusiasts. Free admission and refreshments available.

■ https://ow.ly/RUft50QBwIn

Reusable goods

Declutter your home, help someone in need and support a more sustainable future by being part of the Brimbank

Reusable Goods Drop-off Day. Brimbank residents can conveniently drop-off their unwanted household items for reuse at this no charge event on April 20 from 9am-2pm at West Sunshine Community Centre.

■ https://ow.ly/kQCw50QBwKU

Caroline Springs Rotary

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Harlene Del Rosario who will be modelling and speaking at an upcoming International Women’s Day event. (Damjan Janevski) 389767_01

No.

To

ACROSS

1 Cicatrix (4)

3 New comers to the nation (10)

10 Marriage (7)

11 Sloping type (7)

12 Inventoried (8)

13 Publication (5)

14 Uncommon (4)

15 Bypass (10)

18 Process of change (10)

20 Help (4)

21 Homeland of Sachin Tendulkar (5)

23 Distinguishing badges (8)

26 Dizziness (7)

27 Ships (7)

28 A release of information (10)

29 Holy song (4)

DOWN

1 Cut (4)

2 More than one auditorium (9)

4 Provisional (9)

5 Homerian epic (5)

6 Practical view (7)

7 Fasteners (5)

8 Possibly guilty (9)

9 Composition in verse (4)

14 Recovered (9)

16 Bridge (9)

17 Elusively (9)

19 Having three dimensions (7)

22 Game of skill (5)

23 False gods (5)

24 Huff (4)

25 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

DECODER

No. 174

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS CAR CIA EKE ERA EWE GIN HEM HEW HUE ITS NEW OWE OWN PLY RUT

9-LETTER WORD

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

Today’s Aim:

12 words: Good

18 words: Very good

25 words: Excellent

4 LETTERS EELS

5 LETTERS

No. 174

QUICK QUIZ

1 On which beach was the world’s first surf lifesaving club founded?

2 Susan Sarandon (pictured) caught pneumonia while filming a swimming pool scene in which 1975 cult classic?

3 In Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story franchise, which of Andy’s toys is also a piggy bank?

4 The board game Settlers of Catan features tiles that are what in shape?

5 True or false: clouds are weightless?

6 How many realms are there in Norse mythology and cosmology?

7 The Toronto Blue Jays, Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves are all teams in which sport?

8 What are the two types of pool boards used in Olympic diving events?

9 The Scream, a 19th-century composition, was painted by which Norwegian artist?

10 Which former US president is in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame?

No. 174

No. 174

E-power X-Trail a hybrid beauty

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

The term e-POWER is Nissan’s take on hybrids.

InthecaseofX-Trail,it’sNissan’scompetitor for the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, a car so popular there’s a two-year waiting list.

It’s a little different from the system offered by other manufacturers and made its debut in themedium-sizedSUVatthebeginningoflast year.

The X-Trail ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE is the cheapest of the X-Trail hybrids and comes as a five-seater with all-wheel drive.

Styling

Signature design elements such as the floating roof and V-motion grille have been enhanced by a unique grille treatment for e-POWER models.

The grille is framed by striking headlights that appear moulded within the bodywork of the front bumper, with combined daytime runninglightsandindicatorsnestledalongthe shut-line of the bonnet.

ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE is priced from $49,990 before on-road costs.

That’s from $3200 to $6300 more than its petrol-powered equivalent, but you can’t quite compare apples with apples.

The conventional five-seat petrol model is two-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive version comes with seven seats. Gotta love those tricky marketing people.

There’s also e-Power Ti at $54,690 and the Ti-L at $57,690, also five-seaters.

ST-L e-POWER has a premium feel thanks to synthetic leather and two-zone climate air, with heated front seats, a leather-clad wheel, power-adjust driver seat and darkened rear privacy glass.

Itrideson18-inchwheelswithLEDheadand tail lights, along with LED daytime running lights and automatic high beam, as well as auto lights and wipers and an auto-dimming rear view mirror plus auto-fold, power-adjust heated mirrors.

X-Trail comes with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty plus five-year roadside assistance, with service intervals pegged at 12 months or a tightish 10,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio (but no navigation).

Ti and Ti-L get satnav, a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless charging.

There are four USB ports: USB-A and USB-C in the front and charge only USB-A and USB-C in the back, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.

Engines/transmissions

The e-POWER with e-4ORCE system is comprised of a high-output 2.1 kWh battery together with a turbocharged 1.5-litre three cylinder variable compression petrol engine, power generator, inverter and twin electric motors – 150kW for the front and 100kW for the rear (with a combined system output of 157kW).

All-wheel drive comes courtesy of front and rear electric motors, but like most SUVs it operates predominantly in two-wheel drive most of the time with drive to the front-wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

Safety

Five-star safety includes seven airbags, including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also 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).

A digital around view monitor provides

moving object detection, with front and rear parking sensors and tyre pressure monitoring.

Without the initial start-up noise of a petrol engine, an acoustic alert system warns pedestrians that the car has begun to move.

Isofix child seat anchors are provided for the outsiderearseats,aswellastethersforallthree rearseatsandrearseatalertpreventskidsfrom being left behind in the car.

Driving

ThebigdifferencebetweenNissan’shybridand the others is that the petrol engine does not power the wheels.

No, sir. The petrol ICE is used only to produce electricity which powers the electric motors that turn the wheels.

That makes it a series hybrid, as opposed to a parallel hybrid like the Toyota Prius (sorry, forgot, they don’t do Prius anymore, at least not here).

Under heavy acceleration or when the battery is low on charge, however, the petrol enginewilldeliverpowernotjusttothebattery – but to the electric motors.

The beauty of this system, according to Nissan, is that the petrol engine is always able to run within its ideal rev range, not forced to lug or over-rev madly as in conventional cars.

In reality the e-Power system feels a little weird and, in our experience, makes some strange noises from time to time.

In fact, it feels more like an electric vehicle than a petrol-powered one, which it is in a way.

Thanks to drive being provided by the electric motors, Nissan says there’s no delay in acceleration as with an ICE or traditional hybrid.

The instant response delivers exhilarating acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier.

Again, in reality, the response isn’t quite as instantaneous or as thrilling as promised, but it is relatively brisk.

In fact, it feels faster than the claimed 7.0 seconds from 0-100km/h. However, it can delivertorquetotherearwheelswhenrequired up to 10,000 times faster than mechanical all-wheel drive.

A drive and terrain mode selector offers five different modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road.

With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km using premium 95 unleaded and it generates 139g/km of CO2.

In comparison the 2.5-litre petrol version uses 7.8L/100km (of standard unleaded).

Maximum braked towing capacity is 1650kg, down 350kg on the petrol version.

It’s pretty quiet in the cabin of the X-Trail, thankstothefactthatthepetrolenginedoesn’t have to work hard.

For example, at 40km/h, Nissan says the sound level in the cabin is 8dB lower than competitors (it doesn’t say which).

A switch in the centre console enables one-pedal driving that slows the car as soon as the driver reduces pressure on the accelerator, slowing the car down to a creep – but not to a complete stop.

It takes the tedium out of constantly switching between brake and accelerator in stop-start city driving as well as turning corner to corner country driving into a new experience.

And, in case you’re wondering, lifting off from the accelerator activates the brake lights, warning drivers behind you.

In Sport mode with one-pedal driving selected, the e-Power X-trail feels lively and almost fun to drive.

It makes short work of hills and remains reasonably tied down in corners, albeit with a bit of tyre squeal.

ST-L misses out on a customisable, fully digitised instrument cluster, but the conventional dials are large, clear and easy to read.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

ST 2WD $36,750

ST AWD 7 seat $37,790

ST-L 2WD $43,190

ST-L AWD 7 seat $46,290

ST-L AWD 5 seat e-Power hybrid $49,990

Ti AWD $49,990

Ti AWD e-Power hybrid $54,190

Ti-L AWD $52,990

Ti-L AWD e-Power hybrid $57,190

SPECIFICATIONS

Nissan X-Trail ST-L e-POWER with e-4ORCE, five-seat wagon

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

It’s interesting to note that many drivers prefer to switch their digital clusters to show a pair of old-style analogue dials anyway, which makes customisation kind of superfluous.

We’re big fans of adaptive cruise control, but the current Nissan system is a struggle.

Setting the speed is easy and so is adjusting the distance to the car in front, but actually activating it is a matter of trial and error.

The gap to the car in front by the way is still too large and does not deter aggressive drivers from cutting in.

We were getting 6.8L/100km short-term which dropped to 6.4L/100km after 2000km of mixed driving.

Summing up

Hmmm . . . Not quite sure what to make of the e-Power idea.

The whole point of the hybrid exercise has been as a bridging mode to full electrification, designed to reduce fuel consumption and harmful engine emissions.

While it provides a lively drive experience, the e-Power X-Trail can’t match the RAV4 for emissions or fuel consumption, but at least it gives buyers a hybrid option and point of difference from competitors.

However, is it enough? Friends have a RAV hybrid and have been getting 5.7L/100km as regular as clockwork.

e-Power ... pricey but different in a good way.

Balmoral wants back-to-back in state league 4

Balmoral isn’t planning on spending much time in FV state league west 4.

After being promoted from state 5 at the end of last season after winning the league, president Enver Malkic said the club is ready to go again.

“We’re pretty confident for the season ahead and we’re aiming to win the league and go back to back,” he said.

“When we sat down a couple of years ago, part of our strategic planning was to go two years in a row. We’ve worked very hard behind the scenes, we had to clean up a lot of things from previous seasons. We laid down the foundations for the seasons ahead which we’ve done and that brought us the success of last season.

“We just don’t want to remain in the league this season, we’re aiming to win the league again and hopefully we’ll make it into state 3 next season but obviously it’s going to be tough with only having top spot as automatic promotion, and second and third play off.

“It’s not going to be easy with the competition this season with a few clubs

gunning for the top spot and a few clubs around us strengthened really well as well so, it should be a really, really interesting season.”

Malkic said the pre-season has been strong for the club, with a month remaining until the league fixtures kick off. However, injuries have been beginning to take its toll, yet he said it shouldn’t be an issue come round one.

“We’ve retained almost everyone which was the main priority before we had a look at the market and then we’ve recruited three or four players in positions that we needed to strengthen,” he said.

“We’ve had a fair few practice games already, the results have been pretty good but the injuries are starting to mount up now.

“We’ve got about six or seven starting players out, they should all be back hopefully soon within the next one or two weeks.

“But we’ve got the squad depth, the players that have been coming in have been doing the job pretty well.

“Fingers crossed the rest of the boys are back to full health in the next couple of weeks

so they are ready for round one.”

Before the league kicks off, Balmoral has an Australia Cup match this weekend, played after deadline, against East Bentleigh.

Preparations going well

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons are throwing the combinations around as they look to prepare for all situations in the Victorian Netball League championship season.

Last season’s premiers have kept a large chunk of the premiership team, but have added some key pieces and will have a new look defence.

Throw in some uncertainty about whether any of their shooters will get called up to fill two Suncorp Super Netball vacancies, it’s been a busy few weeks for the Falcons.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said there was still a lot of unknown about this season, which has a new-look competition.

“We’vebeenprettybusywithmatchplayand getting a bit more structure,” she said.

“It’s hard to say [where we’re at], it’s different to see so many new faces.

“I thought we were well prepared.”

The biggest unknown for the Falcons at the moment, is whether any of their shooters will get call ups to the top competition.

The Melbourne Vixens have a shooting spot open with Mwai Kumwenda announcing her pregnancy, while Mavericks goaler Sasha Glasgow, broke her leg in a practice match.

Falcons recruit Shimona Jok [nee Nelson] and Uneeq Palavi are both training partners for the new Mavericks Super Netball side.

Jok spent five seasons with the former Collingwood side and was one of the Super Netball’s top shooters.

Lind said they and the players were unsure what was happening at the moment and whether they would get the opportunity to step up.

“We signed an extra shooter in Genna Ogier as we new Maddy Gray was pregnant last year,” she said.

“In hindsight it’s a really good decision.”

Lind said Jok had fitted in really well and wasenjoyingtheopportunitytoplaysomegoal attack out the front of Jane Cook.

Defensively it will be a slightly different looking defence.

Sui Sui has joined the club while Melissa? Has returned after 12 months off with a knee injury.

“We’ve got options with Achel Yout in the under-23s who has been doing some match play, we’re keeping an options open “Sussu Liai has been a good pick up and Melissa Oloamanu and Lucia Fauonuku are a tried combination. Sophie Hanrahan has a bit more confidence after last year.”

Lind said they had been trying Fauonuku in goal defence not just in the midcourt with Chelsea Imanisani stepping up, while Maggie

Lind had been playing a bit more centre in the pre-season.

Lind said their under-23 side would be an unknownquantity,withthatagegroupplaying for the first time this season.

Lind said they would get a better idea of where they sit with both sides the first month

of the season.

“Wegenerallydon’tstartwell,”shesaid.“Asa club we didn’t perform until round four or five. We normally don’t do as much match play, so we fire at the right time of the season.

“We have some tough ones first up. We’ll have to start better than last year.”

“We’re looking forward to it. We had the bye in round one, it would have been good for us to have a game but that’s how it panned out,” Malkic said.

VAFA to face Bendigo FL

The Victorian Amateur Football Association will go head-to-head with the Bendigo Football League in a return to interleague.

The two leagues will play senior matches for the next two years, the first season at Elsternwick Park and the next year in Bendigo.

The VAFA has extended the opportunity to players from the premier B Men’s through to division 3 men’s to be selected for this match.

The VAFA’s premier men’s and women’s representative teams will face Perth Football League on the same weekend.

VAFAchiefexecutiveJasonReddick said the agreement was a win-win for both leagues and their players.

“We are really pleased to have this two year agreement with the Bendigo Football Netball League and look forward to hosting them at Elsternwick Park this year.

“This game will provide an opportunity for players from Premier B Men’s through to Division 3 Men’s to proudly wear the Big V, whilst the under-19 match will showcase our best up and coming talent,” he said.

Bendigo chair Professor Carol McKinstry said the agreement was a testament to the mutual respect and desireforinterleaguefootballbetween the two leagues. Gisborne is part of the Bendigo FL and is generally well represented in interleague football.

“The Bendigo Football Netball League is excited to announce that interleague football is back after a hiatus caused by the COVID pandemic.

“Interleague football provides an opportunity for players to test themselves at a higher level and renew or make connections with players and coaches from other clubs.”

A further VAFA initiative is the under-19 showcase to act as the curtain raiser to the VAFA v BFNL match on July 6.

Two teams representing the best under-19 men’s talent in the VAFA divided into North and South, will go head to head in a great exhibition of future VAFA Seniors or AFL prospects.

Belmin Ikanovic. (Jacob Pattison) 346101_01

Sophie Hanrahan will build on last season. (Robbab Photography)

‘It’s a new dynamic’: Strikers rebuilding again

On the back of relegation from FV state league 3 north-west, Westside Strikers have made a strong start to 2024, passing through the first roundoftheAustraliaCupindramaticfashion.

TheStrikersfacedMentoneinthefirstround of the cup, finishing the 90 minutes at 1-1. Extra time still couldn’t split the sides with the match going to penalties. After a long penalty shootout, the Strikers got the better of their counterparts winning 11-10 in the shootout.

“For us the cup comes pretty early on so you don’t get to have too many weeks under your belt of being fully prepared with a few players not quite ready,” Strikers’ coach Simon Vasconcelo said.

“We faced a pretty decent opponent and suffered a red card early in the second half so we had to find a bit of fighting spirit within ourselves to take the game into extra time and a penalty shootout.

“The shootout was a bit of a roller coaster, luckilywegotthegoodresultattheendandgot

thewinningpenaltyandmadeitthroughtothe next round.”

On the weekend the Strikers faced Morwell-based club Fortuna, played after deadline.

“We’re looking forward to it but we don’t know what to expect because they don’t play in the state leagues but from what I’ve heard in the country-regional leagues they are pretty decent,” Vasconcelo said in the lead up to the match.

“We’re hoping to do the state leagues proud and continue on in the cup.”

Following the club’s relegation into state 4, the Strikers once again had to rebuild their squad, however, with almost all the pieces in place now Vasconcelo said it should be a good season ahead.

“We’ve retained five players from last year’s squad,” he said.

“It’s a new dynamic, the players are getting along well. We’ve got players from all different

cultures and everyone’s getting along well which is the main thing.

“So far we look like we’re playing decent football and we’re continuing to get better as the weeks go on.”

While the goal for the Strikers is to not spend much time in state 4, Vasconcelo isn’t anticipating it will be easy.

“The goal now is to be very competitive,” he said.

“In saying that we have some pretty strong teams in state four in a whole is going to be at the best quality it has ever been because there’s a lot of strong teams in it at the moment.

“We want to be a competitive team and find out if we’ve got the right resources to compete at the top, that’s what we’re in it for.

“It’ll be an exciting league, there are a lot of strong teams there doing a lot of things.”

Westside Strikers’ coach Simon Vasconcelo. (Jacob Pattison) 326659_15

Knights search for win

By Harper Sercombe

It’s been a tough start to the National Premier League season for the Melbourne Knights.

The Knights were winless to start the season, with a game against reigning premiers Avondale scheduled for Friday night, which was after deadline.

In round one the Knights faced their traditional rivals South Melbourne, losing 1-0 in a valiant performance. It was a much more disappointing match in round two for the Knights, going down 3-1 to the Port Melbourne Sharks.

“We knew it was going to be [a tough start],” coach Ben Surey said. “It was disappointing, results wise.”

“Last week’s performance wasn’t up to scratch. The Port Melbourne boys came at us, worked hard and made it really difficult for us. We had most of the ball, the second goal was just probably the killer punch for them and up to that point we thought if we got on we’d get two but we just didn’t really create enough in the final third.

“Round one was definitely positive, I

thought we should have gotten something out of that game, them scoring so early made it difficult, then we had all the ball but we were allowed to and then again probably didn’t create enough chances.”

Surey said it has been a strong start for the club’s four signings with Papua New Guinea national side member Tommy Semmy having the greatest impact.

“Tommy Semmy has had two positive performances, he was unlucky not to have scored,” Surrey said.

“Ben Carrigan made his debut in round one as well, he’s played both games and I think he’s been one of our better players. He’s comfortable on the ball and good defensively.

“Tom Woerndl made his debut last week, he played slightly out of position and was a bit unlucky to play in such a poor team performance.

“They’ve settled in nicely and I think it’s just a matter of time before, especially Tommy Semmy gets results for his work.”

The matches for the Knights didn’t get easier on Friday night, when playing local rivals Avondale.

Speaking before the game Surey said another home game will be good for the Knights.

“It doesn’t get any easier, but we’re at home and we need the points,” he said.

“We don’t fear anyone but we respect Avondale and what they did last year, but it’s a different year and hopefully we can get the three points.

“Hopefully they come out, it’s obviously a big game for the club.

“We’ve got four home games in a row and we need to make them count.”

This week the Knights will face their other local rivals in the St Albans Saints at Knights Stadium.

The Saints kicked off the first two rounds of its season with a loss and a draw. Drawing 0-0 with the Sharks in round one before losing 2-1 to Avondale in round two. On Sunday the Saints faced Dandenong City.

Green Gully had a win followed by a loss to start the season. In round one Gully won 1-0, it then had a big 2-0 loss to Hume.

On the weekend Green Gully faced the Manningham United Blues.

Sports shorts

Coates Talent League

The Coates Talent League boys and girls competitions will kick off at the end of March. The boy’s season will commence on the weekend of March 23, with six matches scheduled across the opening round. The Western Jets will kick off their season against the Northern Knights at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday morning. Round one for the girls will be played over two weekends starting with an Easter Thursday match, with the Jets having a bye.

NBL1

Keilor Thunder has announced some more key signings for the upcoming National Basketball League 1 South season. Trevor Lakes, who suited up for Brisbane Capitals in NBL1 North last season, joins the men’s side. He averaged 12 points a game. Young gun Lily Carmody joins the women’s side. Fresh off her commitment to division 1 Butler University and a gold medal at under-20 nationals, Carmody is looking to make an immediate impact for Keilor in 2024.

WRFL

Sunshine Heights has locked in one of the stars of the Western Region Football League competition. Todd Lawrie has joined the Dragons having had a successful career in the WRFL. He won two premierships at Wyndhamvale, while he was captain at Tarneit and won two league best and fairests. Lawrie said he was proud to become part of a club with great culture and history.

EDFL

The Essendon District Football League has two new clubs for the 2024 season. The Merrifield Panthers and Dallas football clubs will enter junior teams into EDFL competitions in the 2024 season. Merrifield will field under-8, under-10, under-12 and under-14 sides, while Dallas, which will be based out of Jacana, will field under-8s and under-10s.

Parkers lose semi-final, Keilor knocked out

Deer Park will have to defend its title the hard way in Bowls Victorian weekend pennant premier division.

Having finished on top of the ladder, the Parkers took on Moonee Valley in a semi final for a spot in the grand final on Sunday.

Despite the Parkers having been the higher ranked team, the Parkers had to travel to Moonee Valley where both semi finals were being played.

It was Moonee Valley that took the early lead and led by 13 after 20 ends with leads in three of the four rinks.

The margin was back to six after 32 rounds with the Parkers leading two rinks at that point and a third was tied.

Moonee Valley continued to respond every time the Parkers attacked with the margin back to 18 after 56 of the ends.

The Parkers got it back to four with less than 10 ends remaining. Moonee Valley showed composure and were able to pick up some later shots to keep the pressure on the Parkers.

In the end, the Parkers ran out of ends, with Moonee Valley winning Matthew Baus was the winning rink for the Parkers, winning 22-28.

Arron Sheriff’s rink lost 23-23, Jay Bye-Norris’ rink came back from a horrible start but fell short 20-16 and Sean Ingham’s rink lost 22-13.

Deer Park will now face Bundoora this weekend for a spot in the grand final.

Bundoora beat Melbourne in the other semi final, 90 (16)-64 (2).

Gary Kelly, who was coming off a most valuable player award performance at the Bowls Premier League last week, led the way with a 25-11 rink win.

In division 2, section 1, Keilor’s season came to an end against Deer Park 2.

The top three teams had been the standouts all season and Keilor was keen to cause an upset in finals.

Keilor pushed the Parkers, but weren’t able to get close enough to get the win, with the Parkers winning 86 (15)-75 (3).

Mark Jacobsen’s rink was the winning one for Keilor, claiming the win 22-15, while Jason Silverii’s rink had a 25-25 all draw.

Keilor’s Joe Watkins said the group had shown their never die attitude in the final, coming from 35 shots behind at one stage.

He said they have had a really good season overall.

“In real terms we’ve had 50 per cent of our teams make finals,” he said. “We will have a better Keilor side next year.

“Mark [Jacobsen] has made a huge difference and a lot of people are interested in playing bowls at the club.

“He’s been terrific and we should have a few recruits for next season. We’ll be a lot stronger in sides one through to four.

“We want to get ourselves back to being one of the main clubs in Melbourne outside of premier division.”

Tara Murray

Finals locked for Storm

By Harper Sercombe

Sydenham Hillside’s hopes of making it five premierships in six seasons is still alive with the club securing its spot in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division finals on Saturday.

The Storm defeated Keilor in a two-day clash to lock themselves into the four with one round remaining. Coach Warren Hackney said it’s a great achievement to play finals in the club’s first year in the top flight.

“Hugely excited and proud to have locked in a top four place in the club’s first season in the senior division,” he said.

“It’s a huge achievement for the club and it’s a real credit to the playing group. So we’re very pleased and pumped about what could potentially transpire over the next few weeks.”

In the win against Keilor, the Storm batted first after winning the toss and posted a big score of 326. Skipper Anthony Alleyne scored his first century of the season, making 103. Hackney said it was another good test for

his side with the excitement in Keilors first XI.

“They certainly have a lot of young talent there and I’m really impressed with the talent on their list,” he said. “We managed to get off to a great start, a 100 run opening stand that always helps, and then a century from the skipper.

“He was very disciplined and he really showed the way. For him I think it was a bit of a turning of the corner, he has just struggled to find the consistency of last season and we’re hoping that things are starting to come together now at the right time for him and for everyone.

“Things came together nicely so we were able to post a good score and we added a few more overnight and went to work with the ball yesterday.”

With the ball on Saturday, the Storm were able to take wickets consistently through the innings before running through the tail, Keilor lost 4-13 to close their innings.

Keilor were dismissed for 244.

The Storm used nine of their 11 players

to bowl, with the wickets spread across four bowlers. Gayashan Weerasekara had the best figures of 3-9, doing the damage to the tail.

“The wicket on Saturday wasn’t offering heaps for the bowlers but we knew that if we were disciplined with lines and lengths we could make it difficult for the batters and that’s the way it turned out,” Hackney said.

“We’ve got plenty of options with the ball and it showed yesterday. If things aren’t working out for the seamers then the spinners can come on and get to work so it’s nice to have that flexibility and the variety of options in the bowling attack.”

On the Saturday, the Storm will play fellow finalists Yarraville Club with the winner booking themselves into a home final. The two teams could face each other in the first week of finals if the ladder stays the same.

“It’s always nice to be able to host a final so there’s a bit to play for and we go into it full of confidence having beaten them last time we played them,” Hackney said.

“It’ll be a good test for us and no shortage of incentives so it’ll be a good test for us.”

No finals for Taylors Lakes

Taylors Lakes’ hopes of playing finals in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west are over with the Lions losing to Hoppers Crossing on Saturday.

TheLionshopesofplayingfinalswere allbutdashedafterdayoneofthematch when a poor batting performance put them behind the eight-ball.

The Lions were bowled out for 73, with Nilan Fernando top scoring with 32.

With the ball, the Lions were also able to get early wickets, having the Cats on the back foot at 2-18

Apart from the Cats’ skipper Simon Lambert’s knock of 68 opening the batting, the two sides batting innings were very similar, as the Cats were knocked over for 152 in the 41st over.

The Lions started day two trailing by 79 runs but had hopes of a reverse outright win.

The Lions batters again struggled on Saturday with another slow start giving them little hope of winning the game.

The Lions were 8-51, before being dismissed for just 90.

Batting at nine George Pritchard was the top run scorer with 24 runs off just 15 balls.

With a lead of just 11, Hoppers

Crossing needed just 10 balls to get the runs and claim an outright victory.

The Lions sit in 11th spot after after 14 rounds with six wins for the season, 16 points outside the top six.

The best the Lions can finish is 10th.

TheLionswillfinishtheirseasonwith a one-day clash against Strathmore on Saturday.

George Pritchard top scored in the second innings.

Matt Baus (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Anthony Alleyne (Jacob Pattison) 372630_01