Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 19th March 2024

Egg-citing wonderland

Locals are invited to join in the fun-filled extravaganza this Sunday, March 24, as Sunshine transforms into a wonderland of Easter delights.

From 11am to 2.30pm, locals can step into the magical rabbit hole and immerse themselves in Sunshine West’s own ‘’Easter in Wonderland’ event.

Children will enjoy an Easter craft, face painting, entertainment, activities, an Easter egg hunt and more.

There will be a chance to meet Oliver the Easter Bunny, snap selfies at themed photo stations, join in for outdoor activities like croquet or win prizes for Best Dressed and ’How many carrots?’ you can collect while hopping on one leg.

Event organiser and Sunshine resident, Maria Papa said the event is all about community spirit.

“It’s just about getting families and the kids and the community together to have a fun day out,” she said.

“This is something I organise myself, and it’s just getting everyone together is what I love about it.”

Easter in Wonderland will take place at 206 Glengala Road, Sunshine West. Parking is available on site and at the rear of the building, entering through the side street.

Details: https://shorturl.at/ewxD7

‘Ludicrous’ footpath fix

By Hannah Hammoud

Long-time Keilor resident David Nugara has voiced his frustration with Brimbank council’s approach to footpath maintenance, highlighting the discrepancy between the replacement of concrete elsewhere and the neglect of broken footpaths in his court.

“Councilisreplacingperfectlygoodconcrete, but they refuse to fix the broken concrete footpaths in the courts. There are footpaths that are cracked, and aren’t being fixed,“ Mr Nugara said.

According to Mr Nugara, the issue dates back to last year when council resealed the court roads but overlooked repairing broken footpaths and crossovers, despite residents’

requests for repairs.

Mr Nugara has criticised council’s spending decisions, and said that funds used for “unnecessary” footpath replacements could have been allocated to fixing the broken footpaths in the courts.

“Their logic is ludicrous. They’re re-doing straight stretches of footpaths. They’ve redone a lot of it that didn’t need to be redone. The moneytheyspentcould’vebeensavedtofixthe courts - there are four courts and none of the footpaths have been done,” he said.

“In my street they just destroyed a perfectly good corner pavement and less than 20 feet away from the corner pavement is a broken concrete footpath that they just won’t fix. It’s just madness.“

Mr Nugara said repeated appeals to council for footpath repairs have fallen on deaf ears.

“I’ve lived here for 50 years. The courts are no through traffic, so for them it must be out of sight out of mind,” he said.

The footpath of Mr Nugara’s residence in Tumut Court, Keilor, was inspected by council and not deemed a priority for replacement, due tocouncil’sassessmentofitscondition,thecost and competing priorities.

“Council undertook resurfacing work in Tumut Court, Keilor in mid-2023; these works included road resurfacing and some kerb replacements.Thefootpathswerenotdeemeda priority for replacement at that time,” a council spokesperson said.

“Council is not aware of any unresolved

issues with Tumut Court, Keilor, but are open to inspecting assets where there is a request to do so. Any issues relating the surfacing of footpaths can be reported directly to council for assessment and prioritising of remedial works.”

Mr Nugara is urging council to prioritise essential repairs over unnecessary replacements, with the spotlight remaining on council’s approach to infrastructure maintenance and allocation of resources.

“I think what’s happening here in Brimbank is a waste of ratepayers’ money. They’re destroying perfectly good footpaths, it’s just bizarre. Hundreds of feet of footpath are being replacedfornogoodreason.Ihatetoseepublic money wasted,” he said.

Lauren Febbraio ’Queen of Hearts’ and the Easter Bunny are ready to make their special appearance this Sunday. (Damjan Janevski) 394846_05

Have it serviced every two years to keep it safe from fire.

Since your home solar energy system is out there in the sun, wind and rain, it’s important to show it some love and keep it safe. Have it serviced now and every two years by a licensed electrician.

Learn more at esv.vic.gov.au/solar-safety

Service your solar PV system and reduce safety risks.

Energy Safe Victoria and Solar Victoria have launched the Show Your Solar Some Love campaign to encourage Victorians to service their solar PV systems to avoid safety risks such as fire.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said solar PV systems needed to be serviced for the same reason your car needs servicing; to ensure it’s always running safely.

Over 2022-2023, Energy Safe investigated 53 fires related to rooftop solar. This follows 28 fires being investigated in the previous year by the regulator. “These fires could have been prevented if the solar PV system had been serviced.” Ms Hughson said.

Victorians using solar are encouraged to get their systems serviced by a licensed A-Grade electrician at least once every two years.

Hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain and other extreme weather events can cause damage and wear to solar PV installations. Regular servicing mitigates this risk, ensuring they are working safely and efficiently. Audits conducted by Energy Safe have found a major cause of solar PV system fires was moisture

impacting DC isolators – a switch that stops electricity flowing through the system in emergency situations.

Victorian Government research shows that fewer than half of Victorians are aware of the importance of servicing their solar PV systems, which involves electrical testing of the components that make up a solar panel system, as well as inspecting the integrity of equipment and cabling.

Solar Victoria CEO Stan Krpan said it was important for homeowners to set up a maintenance plan with their solar retailer to ensure their system was operating properly, safely and efficiently.

Solar Homes Program retailers and installers can help customers keep their system working safely and at its best, so it maximises their savings with solar.

“Safety underpins everything we do, and our customers should feel reassured,“ Mr Krpan said. “Solar Homes installations meet robust safety and quality standards, including the use of authorised retailers, accredited installers and carefully assessed products. And safety has improved dramatically as a result of our program, with only 0.1 percent of installs audited needing to be rectified for safety reasons.”

Further information at: esv.vic.gov.au/solar-safety

Unsung hero of the west lauded

Mariam Koslay has been honoured as the inaugural winner of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s (WBCF) Women of the West Awards for her contributions to the community across Melbourne’s west.

The WBCF awards celebrate the unsung heroes and inspirational champions that have improved lives from the inner west of Melbourne to the broad expanses of Western Victoria.

Leading the honours as the Woman of the West, Mariam Koslay has been highlighted as a beacon of leadership and advocacy.

A former Fairfax Media journalist and the visionary behind the documentary series ‘African Kings’, Koslay has actively contributed to the empowerment of women across Melbourne’s west through creative action and strength-based storytelling.

“Storytelling is the oldest vehicle of true expression,” she said.

“All my projects lie in positive storytelling - a collaborative act of education through practice. Young people are craving specialised spaces where they can learn and be challenged and this for me is the key to community development.”

Koslay’s collaborative efforts with Brimbank council and her instrumental role in organising art exhibitions highlighting youth justice are testaments to her innovative leadership.

Her dedication to empowering African diaspora youth across Melbourne’s west through school and community organisations was of particular interest to the WBCF selection committee, highlighting her keen sense of justice.

“Every time I see a young person who is inhibited to reach their full potential, I am filled with overwhelming sadness and equal enthusiasm to support them on their journey of development,” she said.

Keeley Johnson took out the Young Woman of the West award for her work through her own nationally registered charity, Keeley’s Cause. The Champion for Women of the West award went to the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health (MCWH), a national, community-based organisation dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of immigrant and refugee women.

Mariam Koslay has been awarded the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s inaugural Woman of the West Award. (Supplied)

Rescue crew visit aids in learning

Students from St Albans Primary School and Glengala Primary School learnt how to stay safe around water, while meeting the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) crew who patrol the state’s waterways.

The WLRHS members were greeted by plenty of smiling young faces, excited to meet the brave crew.

Chance to study abroad

Local students are encouraged to explore how Victorians came together to build the Shrine of Remembrance and other war memorials as part of the 2024 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize competition.

Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman announced the opening of the annual award competition which invites students in Years 9 to 12 in Victoria to apply for a unique international study tour opportunity.

Students are asked to delve deeper into the essence of the Anzac spirit as they develop their submissions, which can take the form of written pieces, creative works, and digital presentations.

This year, the selected students will embark on a journey to battlefields and commemorative sites in Türkiye, retracing the experience of Australian menandwomenatwarontheGallipoli Peninsula and surrounds.

The Spirit of Anzac Prize also offers students the opportunity to participate in a unique education program that fosters understanding and appreciation for our nation’s Anzac spirit.

Minister Suleyman said she encouraged all eligible young Victorians to consider applying for a “once-in-a-lifetime” educational opportunity.

Avisitfromthehelicopteranditscrewallowed students to develop a greater understanding of the role that lifesaving services play within the community and provide important water safety education that could save a life.

waterways, so it’s an important time to remind young Victorians about keeping safe,” she said.

TheWLRHS,operatedbyLifeSavingVictoria (LSV), plays a vital role in the state, providing a free community service carrying out search and rescue missions, aerial surveillance and beach patrols.

Westpac regional general manager Cherie Hawker said the visit is a great opportunity for students to hear first-hand from the crew who dedicate their lives to helping the community and learn important safety tips so they’re better prepared if faced with a water-based emergency.

“We know lots of students enjoy our

“They also got a close-up view of the service’s state-of-the-art lifesaving equipment that’s designed to help the crew in emergency situations, including the helicopter’s radio and navigation equipment and its two-person rescue winch.”

“The Spirit of Anzac Prize is a creative way young leaders can reflect on our nation’s history, the sacrifice associated with military service and the unique friendship between Victoria and Türkiye,” she said.

ApplicationsareopenuntilMonday, April 29.

Details: www.vic.gov.au/premiersspirit-anzac-prize

The WLRHS has been patrolling Victoria’s coastline between Wilson’s Prom and Apollo Bay again this season, assisting in search and rescue operations and patrols, as they have for nearly 50 years in Victoria.

URVI MAJUMDAR

LUKA MULLER

CARL DONNELLY GRACE JARVIS BRETT BLAKE(HOST) (UK)

It was a big learning day for students from Glengala Primary School in Sunshine West. (Supplied)

Tributes flow for college principal

Braybrook’s Caroline Chisholm Catholic College community has been rocked by the death of beloved principal Robert Brennan.

Acting principal Laura Ruddick prepared a final farewell to her colleague.

“He was a student at the college himself and a local as he grew up in the area,” she said.

“He wanted to come back and create a school that was the standard that the kids of the western suburbs deserved.

“Every decision he made was with the students in mind and he wanted to make sure we were an inclusive community and one that was prepared to give back to the local community.

“He understood the importance of

programs such as our after school program and breakfast club which he ensured had funding and support so that all students had a safe space and felt a sense of belonging to our community.

“For me, it was his honesty, passion for learningandgenuinebeliefinourcommunity that I find inspiring.

“Rob as a leader made sure people felt seen and heard and he modelled this in everything he did.

“He truly lived out the ethos of Catholic education where the dignity of each person is paramount.

“Through his passion for learning and teaching and his belief that all students have

the right to a high-quality education, he transformed the learning culture here at the college.

“In the three years he was our college principal, he improved our VCE results, and our average study score went from 28 to 30 increasing each year.

“Rob was cherished by all, and though his absence will be deeply felt, the College’s leadership team is committed to carrying forward his legacy and realising his vision.

“We will uphold his dedication to ensuring thateverystudentfeelsvaluedandempowered to accomplish their dreams.”

The community farewelled Mr Brennan at his funeral on Friday, March 15.

Sunshine street set to sparkle

Prepare to bring your dancing shoes to Hampshire Road as Sunshine welcomes a captivating art installation by western suburb’s artist Alejandra Díaz.

‘Staying Alive!’ is an immersive art experience that will grace the footpath area at 273 Hampshire Road on March 23.

’Staying Alive!’ is not your average art display, it’s an invitation to dance, dress up, and connect with the community. Featuring an LED dancefloor and intricate sound and light sculptures, the installation aims to bring people together and foster new friendships.

Díaz shares her inspiration behind the

project, sharing that the ’Staying Alive!’ public art embodies the essence of the local town.

“’Staying Alive!’ public art has this emotion of integrating the town, the town also is the inspiration,” she said.

“I believe we all need to be uplifted, have a space and freedom to create and with the rise ofthepricesallaroundthisisgreatasitisfree.”

For Díaz, the street serves as the perfect canvas.

“I like the street, as an artist I believe the street has more layers to work with, the street informs me, the people inform me, inform my artwork. I believe that the street area offers

freedom… it’s very real rather than a museum or gallery.”

With ’Staying Alive!,’ Díaz aims to break down barriers and bring art to the people.

“I want this installation to get people together and make strangers friends - it’s a conversation,” she said.

This community event is open to all, with wheelchair access provided. So mark your calendarsforSaturday,March23,from6-10pm, and join Alejandra Díaz in transforming Hampshire Road into a vibrant celebration of art and community.

Hannah Hammoud

Comedy fest heads west

For another year, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival is venturing beyond the CBD and bringing the laughs to the suburbs, making it easier than ever for comedy enthusiasts to enjoy top-notch entertainment right in their own backyard.

This unique series will showcase heavyweight comedians alongside celebrated festival favourites and the most promising emerging talent in the country, ensuring an unforgettable night of laughter.

Melbourne Comedy Festival’s NeighbourhoodSessionswillkickoffat EssendonBowlsClubonMarch16,and continue through to April 13, hitting Caroline Springs, Williamstown, Moorabbin and Werribee over five big weekends.

With a carefully curated line-up of local and International stars each night, these shows promise uproarious laughter and a sneak peek into some of the funniest names of the festival. Boasting a stellar roster of comics includingAlexWard,BrettBlake,Bron Lewis, Carl Donnelly, David Quirk, Darren Harriott, Rob Auton, Nikki Britton, Takashi Wakasugi and more.

The Melbourne International Comedy Festival will begin at the Essendon Bowls Club on Saturday, March 16, at 8pm, before heading to West Waters Entertainment Complex in Caroline Springs on Friday, March 22, at 8pm, then to the Williamstown Town Hall on Saturday, March 30, at 8pm, then over to the Kingston Arts Centre in Moorabbin on Saturday April 6, at 8pm before a final show at the Wyndham Cultural Centre in Werribee on Saturday April 13 at 7.30pm

Details: https://shorturl.at/nBOY7

Suburban Rail Loop blowout costs taxpayers extra $16b

Victorian taxpayers will fork out an extra $16 billion to build and run a portion of the Suburban Rail Loop, with an independent report projecting the mammoth project to blow out to $216 billion.

The 90km orbital rail line is Victoria’s most expensive infrastructure project, designed to run from Cheltenham in Victoria’s southeast to Werribee in the southwest via Melbourne Airport.

The first two stages of the major rail transformation, SRL East and North, will cost an extra $9 billion to build and maintain

and $7.5 billion to run over the next 50 years, according to the Victorian Parliamentary Budget Office.

The report, commissioned by the state’s oppositionandreleasedonTuesday,March12, is an update to its 2022 report that estimated the build and operational costs for the first two stages would cost $200 billion.

The 26km SRL East running from Cheltenham to Box Hill, which began construction in 2022 and is expected to begin operations in 2035, is predicted to cost $33 billion to build.

The budget office projects an additional $51 billion on top of that to operate until 2084.

The 19km second stage SRL North, running from Box Hill to Melbourne Airport, is expected to have a price tag of $63 billion to build and cost $69 billion to operate.

The $216 billion cost is only for the first two stages, which covers two-thirds of the project, anddoesnotaccountforthefinalphasewhich includes Melbourne Airport to Werribee and the airport line.

The transformational rail project was announced in 2018 with a price tag of $50

billion for the entire rail line.

The state government has pledged $11.8 billion to build the eastern section with an additional $2.2 billion from the federal government, and the remainder is expected to come from “value capture“ revenue.

Opposition Leader John Pesutto has promised to pause the project if elected in 2026.

“This is a project Victoria simply cannot afford,“ he said.

Artist Alejandra Diaz is inviting locals to hit the dancefloor on Sunshine’s Hampshire Road. (Supplied)

Robert Brennan. (Damjan Janevski) 227547_02

End of an era as centre wraps up

By Hannah Hammoud

ThewheelsattheBrimbankBicycleEducation Centre (BBEC) will soon be coming to a stop, after three decades of service.

The BBEC, formerly known as the Green Gully Traffic Safety Centre, was originally developed as a joint project between the St Albans Rotary Club (now Brimbank Central) and the Keilor Council (now Brimbank Council) in June of 1993.

After 30 years of providing Vic Roads accredited bicycle education and school children road safety traffic awareness, the volunteer-run, not for profit organisation is set to close in June.

BBEC secretary Richard Carthew has been with the centre for 20 years.

“I believe in my time here, the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre has become the best in Australia,” he said.

As part of its ‘last hoorah’, the BBEC has donated $10,000 from its remaining assets to The Smith Family charity - a generous donation that will support the education of 15 children in need for an entire school year.

The Smith Family supports children in need by providing learning essentials such as new school books, stationary, access to homework support clubs, new school uniforms, as well as enabling children to attend school excursions that they would otherwise miss out on.

“It’s fantastic to know that we can help in this way. I work as a school bus driver, and there are lots of families struggling. Sometimes when schools have excursions some kids can’t join because it is biting the family budget,” Mr Carthew said.

Mr Carthew said over the years the centre has received great community support, and said the team was disappointed to have had

to make the decision to close.

“The centre has been running on the work fromfourvolunteers.Oneofourvolunteersis

60 years old, the other is 65, and then two 70 year olds. The work we do is very specialised and needs the correct training. It can really strain an older person and unfortunately

we are no longer able to keep up with the service,” he said.

But while it may be the end of the ride for the organisation, Mr Carthew said he is hopeful that the centre will remain a Brimbank institution.

“We are hoping to hand the centre over

to Brimbank council and that it will just be a change of hands. If council will keep the centre running, then we will donate all our bikes, helmets, tools and spare parts.”

The BBEC will close its doors on June 30. The community is welcomed to pay a visit before that date.

Mary Akmacic, Neil Hunichen, Sarah Carthew, Richard Carthew, and Tim Halliburton from The Smith Family. (Damjan Janevski) 392246_03

Solar funds a big boost

Brimbank residents are set to power up with more solar panels hitting roofs.

A $108 million cleaner, cheaper energy package for Victorians includes $16 million for apartment owners to install solar panels on apartment buildings.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen Bowen and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino, recently visited a newly completed apartment building in Service Street, Sunshine, which already has a bank of solar panels, precisely the type of development the new initiative is encouraging, and provides affordable housing for key workers.

“In the past it’s been difficult for apartment residentstoreapthebenefitsofcleaner,cheaper solar - this program will help overcome those barriers and power more Australian homes with renewables – and lead to savings of about $500 a year in energy bills,” Minister Bowen said.

“There has already been more than 500 registrations of interest in the program,

showing the huge demand for accessible solar.”

The building is also home to key workers, including teachers, nurses, and healthcare, support and retail workers, thanks to an investment by Uniting Housing, which bought 17 apartments in the building to provide affordable housing.

Theresidents,whoaremostlyintheir20sand 30s and from culturally diverse backgrounds, pay just 75 per cent of market rent.

“Affordable housing is essential infrastructure; it supports wellbeing and strengthens personal and community connections. It is also important that key workers can live close to their jobs, which is why investments such as Uniting’s are so valuable,” said Dr Mulino.

About 12 per cent of Victoria’s 2.5 million households live in apartments, with about 63 per cent of these occupied by renters.

Round one apartment panel applications are open until April 15.

More information: solar.vic.gov.au

Briefs

Temporary park closure

The Keilor Downs Recreation Reserve will be temporarily closed from Monday, March 18, including the playground and off-leash dog area. Council will undertake works to upgrade the park, including building of a concrete circuit path, seating, and planting of trees.

Policing forum

The Brimbank community is invited to a Neighbourhood Policing Forum which will allow residents, business owners and the community the opportunity to talk to police and ask questions. The forum will take place on March 8, from 5.30-8.30pm at Club Italia in Sunshine North. To attend, register by sending your details to BRIMBANK-LAC-OIC@police.vic. gov.au.

Man flees hit-run scene

A 23-year-old Hillside man has been charged following a fatal collision in Truganina. Police will allege a silver Holden SUV and a blue Holden CRV collided on Hopkins Road about 12.50am on March 14. The driver of the CRV, a 45-year-old Melton man, was taken to hospital with lifethreatening-injuries, where he later died. The driver of the Holden SUV was arrested a short time later after allegedly fleeing the scene on foot.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen Bowen and Fraser MP Daniel Mulino. (Supplied)

Aboriginal health concern in jail

An investigation into healthcare provision for Aboriginal people in Victorian prisons was tabled on March 6 based on research in three prisons including two in Ravenhall and found the lack of input by Victoria’s First Nations people into healthcare policy in prisons is having devastating effects on the health outcomes for them.

The Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass, who conducted the report, said despite commitments at every level of government to Aboriginal peoples’ self-determination and Aboriginal-led solutions, “the experiences of Aboriginal people in prison are often missing from discussions about policies that affect them”.

“Healthcare is the issue raised most often

with the Ombudsman by people in prison and their advocates. And while healthcare is an issue for all people in prison, the available evidence shows that Aboriginal people suffer worseandmorecomplexhealthoutcomesthan non-Aboriginal people in prison and in the community. I launched this investigation on that basis,” she said.

For more than three decades, various authorities have looked into the reasons for the poor health outcomes of First Nations people and deaths in custody.

Ms Glass said these reviews made multiple recommendations to improve healthcare in prisons, some repeated over the years, and various governments made multiple commitments to implement them.

“Yet little has changed, or at best, not enough,” she said. “We heard stories of people being unable to access programs to address their drug use, having their ongoing medications abruptly stopped and resorting to doing their own ‘surgery’.

“We heard about a yearning for cultural connection. About the devastating impact a lack of cultural and family connection in prison can have, and what a huge difference it makes when they do receive cultural support with their healthcare needs.”

Thereportmakesfivekeyrecommendations. Thegovernmenthasacceptedoneandaccepted four others “in principle”.

The state government spokesperson said the investigation took place before significant

Top of the class: Local work on show

It was only last year when Caroline Chisholm Catholic College student Cooper Smith paid a visit to the Melbourne Museum to see the creations on display at the Top Designs exhibition.

Now,it’shisveryownworkthatwillfeaturein the same exhibition when Melbourne Museum once again showcases some of Victoria’s most outstanding VCE and VCE VET design and technology students for Top Designs 2024.

“It’s an amazing experience,” he said.

“All the year twelves who study Visual Communication Design all go and see the Top Designs each year. For me to be a part of that for other kids to see, and to think they’re going

totakephotosandbeinfluencedbymywork… it’s amazing.”

From March 23 to July 14, Melbourne Museum will display the creations of 87 exceptionalexhibitorscarefullyselectedfroma pool of more than 1,000 applications by a team of specialist educators.

Visitors will be able to witness the inventive ways in which the students employ design to contribute to a more progressive world, with many of this year’s creations proposing ethically-focused solutions to ongoing social and environmental challenge

Of those 87 exceptional exhibitors is Cooper, who has created a house accommodation

model, keeping in mind both ethics and sustainability.

“I really integrate the environment within my actual build itself. No environments have been harmed, and it is very sustainable accommodation and affordable for all income levels. Everyone can experience it and it’s an immersive nature experience so that you’re one on one with nature.”

Top Designs 2024 opens on Saturday, March 23, at the Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson StreetCarlton.TicketsareonsaleatMelbourne Museum and online. Details: https://shorturl. at/fswCJ

Hannah Hammoud

Expensive weekend as speedsters nabbed

As Victorians enjoyed the Labour Day long weekend, Victoria Police detected 129 traffic offences in Brimbank as part of Operation Arid.

In Brimbank, police detected 88 speeding offences, nine impoundments, seven mobile phone offences, seven unregistered vehicles, five disqualified drivers, four unlicensed drivers, three seatbelt offences, two drink drivers, two drug drivers and two disobeying signs/signals offences.

Extreme speed and seatbelt usage were also noted as areas of concern by police, with 2843 speeding drivers detected and 117 motorists failing to wear a seat belt or not wearing one properly.

Road Policing Acting Assistant Commissioner John Fitzpatrick said the number of drivers police saw speeding on the long weekend is simply unacceptable.

“To think so many people were driving at extremespeedsisevenmoreworrying,”hesaid.

healthcare reforms were implemented in prisons and doesn’t take into account the impacts of the major changes that have been made.

“We take our duty of care to all people in custody seriously - last year we introduced new healthcare providers across the system, including public health providers for our women’s prisons, and specific improvements forAboriginalandTorresStraitIslanderpeople in custody,” they said “We continue to work closely with the Aboriginal community in reforming custodial healthcare.”

The investigation visited Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, Ravenhall Correctional Centre and Melbourne Assessment Prison.

More beds for mental health

People living with mental illness or addiction issues in Melbourne’s west will soon have greater access to the support they need, with the state government expanding public residential rehab facility Westside Lodge.

Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt visited the dual diagnosis unit located at Sunshine Hospital on Friday, March 8 to inspect the additional 10 beds now available for people undertaking its three-month therapeutic program.

She said the expansion will help more people receive the care they need.

“An expanded Westside Lodge will mean many more people in Melbourne’s west will be able to receive the critical rehabilitation and mental health services they need, closer to home,” she said.

Delivered by the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) in partnership with Western Health, the project will expand Westside Lodge capacity to a larger 30-bed residential unit, with refurbished common areasgiving staff the ability to treat up to an additional 40 people per year.

Western Health’s Westside Lodge provides 24 hour care and support throughitstherapeuticprogram,helping Victorians with addiction issues, as well as mental health issues, who may be experiencing withdrawal, and need to continue their treatment.

Designed to provide a calming and therapeutic environment for consumers and their families, the upgrade will also help to reduce pressure on other health services across the western suburbs once it reaches its full capacity.

The Victorian Budget 2023/24 has invested $372 million in alcohol and other drug support services.

“At high speed there’s little room for error and the consequences of a mistake are magnified. To put it bluntly, it’s a recipe for disaster.

“We’re also seeing too many people getting behindthewheelwhentheyshouldn’t-beitfor drinking, taking drugs or not having a licence.

“To find so many people driving around without a seatbelt is mindboggling. A seatbelt can’t save you if you’re not wearing it.

“These results should serve as a wake-up all toanyonedoingthewrongthingonourroads.”

St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman, Director Drug Health Services, Western Health Anthony Denham, Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch, Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison, Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt, Laverton MP Sarah Connolly, Nurse Unit Manager, Westside Lodge Linda Kelly, Head of Unit, Addiction Medicine, Western Health Jon Cook.

Caroline Chisholm Catholic College student Cooper Smith has now taken his smarts to Swinburne University where he is enrolled in a Bachelor of Architecture. (Jacob Pattison) 393958_01 Inset: Cooper has created a sustainable and ethical model home accommodation. (Supplied)

Dining ‘vibe’ at risk amid change

By Liam McNally

Upgrades to Caroline Springs Boulevard will require the removal of dining booths along the strip, and one restaurateur said businesses are fearful of the impact it will have on the area.

Temporary dining booths were installed at the front of restaurants in 2020 to help with COVID social distancing laws.

The booths were originally permitted to be thereforayearafterthestateofemergencywas declared over in December 2021, but council extended the permit to help businesses in the precinct during the warmer months.

Now, council is preparing to build a long-planned signalised pedestrian crossing out the front of the library, which will require the removal of dining booths with about 50 seats from the restaurants opposite.

Joseph Fadlallah has owned Blue Marlin Fish ‘n’ Chips for seven years, and he said the booths have been an amazing benefit to nearby restaurant.

“It has helped so much, a lot of people come, they sit where there’s a lot of room. A lot of people enjoy the good atmosphere. People care about coming,” he said.

“I find it really annoying that this is all going - they want to remove it, they want to make it all concrete,” he said.

“It’ll mean less foot traffic, less people coming through Caroline Springs. A lot of our customers come from other suburbs… they come down here because there’s a vibe… [removing dining booths] will ruin it completely.”

Mr Fadlallah said he wished council was morecommunicativethroughouttheplanning process for Caroline Springs Boulevard upgrades.

“They’re not the ones that are looking after it everyday, we are,” he said.

“As a business owner, I actually really want them to come and speak to us, come and see what we want.”

The issue was raised in a council meeting in October when councillor Steve Abboushi moved for council to review alternatives

to the construction of the pedestrian crossing which would enable existing dining booths to remain “as a matter of urgency”.

The report has since been conducted and came back before council at a meeting in

late-February. However, it found “no feasible options” to construct the signal crossing and retain the booths.

Cr Abbosuhi said he hopes council can do something to help businesses there in the future.

“Caroline Springs Boulevard has become a destination, it’s very important for our residents. We want to draw people in, we want to make sure they spend their money in our local economy, we want to make sure they’re supporting our local business, but more importantly, we want to make sure they have a main destination in Caroline Springs that is very inviting,” he said.

“I hope that when we remove those dining booths that we put something there that is going to be attractive, that is going to be inviting, because as a local resident in the eastern corridor, it doesn’t matter what season it is, there are always people frequenting the main strip. We want to draw people there and make sure they stay there.

“I hope that… we look after that main strip becauseitisthefocalpointforCarolineSprings and the eastern corridor.”

Melton council Engagement and Advocacy manager Sean McManus said critical road upgrades along Caroline Springs Boulevard-Gourlay Road will improve traffic flow, safety, and congestion issues.

“Removal of the existing temporary dining booths along Caroline Springs Boulevard is required for the construction of a signalised pedestrian crossing,” he said.

“Design of the crossing includes an outdoor dining area adjacent to traders accessible through Melton City Council’s footpath trading permit proess.

“Council officers will liaise with traders for opportunities in the newly created expanded outdoor dining space.”

Blue Marlin chef Susham Karki. (Damjan Janevski) 393667_02

Teaching STEM to young learners

Young girls will benefit from a world-first model that teaches STEM concepts, developed by two local women who were recently inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women.

The two women, Professor Marilyn Fleer and Aishwarya Kansakar, work at an early daycare and kinder centre in St Albans, and have developed a ground-breaking project teaching STEM to kids in early education in an entirely new way.

The pair first met in 2022 at the Victorian Honour Roll of Women induction ceremony and quickly realised they had a shared goal, the crucial need for STEM education for women and girls.

They have since gone on to collaborate on the world-first initiative that engages young children in kinder with STEM concepts through play using Professor Fleer’s Conceptual Playworld Model.

The model teaches complex STEM topics including robotics, manufacturing and automation in fun scenarios involving educators and children solving challenges together.

In Australia, only 28.8 per cent of jobs in the manufacturing industry and only 15 per cent of people in STEM-qualified occupations are women.

Professor Fleer and Aishwarya Kansakar’s initiative makes learning and understanding complex STEM concepts accessible and fun for children, so they can have access to career paths in STEM when they’re older.

As a chief engineer herself, Ms Kansakar said the model has had a “profound impact“ intermsofempoweringandmotivationyoung kids to take actions in engineering and STEM.

“I think every girl has it in her, there’s just a little bit of a push that’s required and I think with a project like this, we tried to bring that

push forward,“ she said.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said the Victorian Honour Roll of Women honours the success of the many incredible women across the state.

“We can see a great example of that today, with two former Honour Roll recipients launching their own exciting initiative focused on engaging young girls with STEM

concepts,” she said. Professor Fleer was inducted into the Honour Roll in 2022 in the Change Agent category for developing ways to help young students learn STEM as director of Monash University’s Monash Playlab research project.

Aishwarya Kansakar was inducted into the Honour Roll in 2022 in the Emerging Leader category for her work in automation, robotics,

manufacturing and AI and as a champion of STEM education and entrepreneurship.

The Honour Roll is open to any Victorian woman who has made a lasting and significant contribution at a local, state, national or international level, and can be nominated by themselves or peers.

Nominations for 2024 open on Monday, March 18.

Aishwarya Kansakar, Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins and Professor Marilyn Fleer. (Supplied)

Robot on hand to help

By Jennifer Pittorino

An advanced robotic surgical system has been installed at Footscray Hospital and begun performing successful surgeries.

The computer-controlled device called the da Vinci Xi has four arms that act as a natural extension of the surgeons’ eyes and hands, which allow surgeons to perform more precise, less invasive operations.

St Albans man Jason Elliott was the second patient at Western Health to receive surgery with the da Vinci surgical system.

The 52-year-olds operation took place on Wednesday, March 6, which was a great success.

“I’ve been booked in for kidney cancer surgery since December last year,” he said.

“There was a chance it could bleed badly, or that I could lose the whole kidney so I was pretty worried.

The robot is designed to help specialists conduct a broad range of procedures with small incisions and improved control, precision and movement, like Mr Elliott’s kidney procedure.

“I’m in a little bit of pain after the operation but everything’s gone really well,” he said.

“I’m quite shocked actually, I’ve had my gallbladder out and I was in hospital longer for that surgery than for this one.

“They’ve managed to remove all the cancer and I’ve also kept the kidney.”

The equipment will be on loan for 12 months, which has delighted surgeons, including Western Health Head of Urology Professor Niall Corcoran.

“We are delighted that our surgeons can use state-of-the-art equipment to perform life-changing surgeries on patients,” he said.

“Robotic-assisted surgery has revolutionised the field of minimally invasive

surgery by assisting surgeons to perform complex procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility and control.”

“It’s vitally important that all patients can haveaccesstostate-of-the-artequipment,and we are delighted to be able to offer patients in the west of Melbourne world-class care.

“Access to this technology will also help

us provide world-class training as a teaching hospital for future surgeons.”

The robotic system can be used to treat patients with a range of diseases and conditions including procedures in urology, colorectal, upper gastrointestinal tract, cardiothoracic, gynaecology and head and neck.

Water grants now open

Applications are now open for this year’s round of the Greater Western Water(GWW)ThrivingCommunities grants and sponsorship program.

Thriving Communities has been running since 2022, offering funding to community-led groups and projects that are creating opportunities across our service region.

GWW general manager strategy and partnerships Kessia Thomson said groups could apply for up to $20,000 for projects that are locally led and benefitourcustomersandcommunity.

“In previous rounds, GWW has funded a wide range of projects, activities and organisations and we hope this year is no different,” she said.

“Our eligibility criteria support local organisations with innovative ideas to help our communities thrive.”

“We are looking to invest in locally led initiatives for big returns on community wellbeing and care for country in the west. If you are working on something that creates opportunity, sustainability, inclusion or equity, we want to hear from you.”

Applications are open from until April 10. Successful recipients will be notified in June.

Details: www.gww.com.au/ grants-sponsorships

Professor Niall Corcoran, Western Health Head of Urology, with the da Vinci unit. (Supplied)

Prison for two ‘BDK’ members

By Liam McNally

Two men have been sent to prison following an aggravated home invasion in which a man was shot in the face in Wyndham Vale.

The County Court heard that in the early hours of July 8, 2021 Thiep Thiep and Deng Kuol, who were affiliated with Melbourne gang Black Drill Kings (BDK), targetted a home in Wyndham Vale in retaliation over the stabbing of a friend weeks earlier.

The victim, Mr Atem, awoke to Thiep, Kuol and two other men with their faces covered

smashing through his rear glass sliding door with a chair.

An altercation ensued in which Mr Atem, while trying to stop the intruders, was hit with a chair, struck with a garden stake to the head fiveorsixtimes,andstabbedtwicebeforeThiep let off two shots from his .22 calibre handgun.

The second bullet hit Mr Atem to the left side of his nose and travelled through his head, lodging behind his right ear.

The commotion caused other members of the household - Mr Atem’s mother, wife and four children - to wake up and scream, leading

A journey to success

Growing up in Melbourne’s west, Sana’s socio-economic status threatened her ability to fully participate in her education.

“My brothers and I did not have textbooks to start school. This was devastating for me,” she said.

Adding to her obstacles were cultural stereotypes that constantly sought to confine her to gender and ethnic norms.

However, fuelled by a passion for education andsupportedbyhermother’sencouragement, Sanapersisted,seeingeducationasherticketto a brighter future.

Many families in similar situations face increasing pressure as living costs soar. A survey of more than 2,200 families by the Smith Family found disadvantaged parents are stressed about supporting their students’ educational needs. About half of these families advised they could not afford digital devices with one in six unable to afford internet access. In Sana’s case, a Western Chances

scholarship in year 9 provided a lifeline, with access to internships, tutoring, and leadership programs.

“Western Chances provided me with the confidence I needed to make a move towards independence. As determined as I was – and still am – there is no doubt in my mind they have turbo-charged my journey,” she said.

For the past several months, Sana’s remarkable story has been told through a bright orange tram, which has been traversing Melbourne’s CBD.

“Wrapped in vibrant orange hues and featuring the faces of Western Chances scholarship recipients, the tram represents a moving gallery of recognition, passion, and the pursuit of potential,” said Western Chances chief executive Zac Lewis.

Today, Sana is a qualified mechatronicseEngineer, a testament to the program’s impact. She actively gives back to her community, volunteering in various roles.

the invaders to flee.

Kuol was arrested on 9 March 2022 and was interviewed at Keilor Downs Police Station where he eventually admitted to his role in the offending.

Kuolsaidatthetimehewasaffectedbydrugs andtoldpolice“ifIcouldtakeitback,Iwould.”

The court also heard how on November 30, 2021 Thiep was involved in an aggravated burglary of a jewellery store in Footscray in which he and two others smashed their way through with sledgehammers and stole approximately $428,560 worth of goods while

the owners were inside.

In a victim impact statement Mr Atem said he and his family came to Australia for a better life but that hope has been destroyed. He said he lives in fear and is hypervigilant tohissurroundings.Thenightmarescausehim to jump out of bed, he is unable to socialise or work and remains in constant pain as a result of the physical injuries.

Judge Pardeep Tiwana sentenced Thiep to nine years and nine months in prison for nine charges, and Kuol was sentenced to six years and nine months for two charges.

Sana alongside her brother and fellow scholarship recipient Wasi in front of the Western Chances tram celebrating her achievements. (Supplied)

Sleep tips to help you feel refreshed in the morning

Friday was World Sleep Day, and new research commissioned by Emma – the world leaders in sleep products – has found that a shocking 50% of Aussies are not getting enough sleep each night, falling short of the recommended 7-9 hours.

The study took a deep dive into Australia’s sleeping routines, revealing that one in two Aussies are falling short of the recommended hours of sleep, which is leading to an overwhelming majority (69%) being sadly unable to wake up feeling energised and ready for the day.

The study of over 1,000 Australian adults across various industries and vocations, to gain an insight into their sleep patterns and behaviours and how this is impacting their ability to wake up refreshed each day to perform at their best. Informed by the Emma Lab team of experts, the research uncovered which Aussies are most at risk of struggling through the change in seasons, and what they can be doing to set themselves up for success each day heading into the cooler months.

Unsurprisingly those with the worst sleep routines include full-time parents/carers with more than one-third (36%) sleeping less than 6 hours. This is closely followed by transportation workers (30%), teachers (25%) and retail employees (25%).

Women are getting less sleep across the board than men, with a quarter (25%) getting less than 6 hours sleep per night, whereas one in two of their male counterparts (50%) are sleeping more than 7 hours.

Despitethefactthatmostoffice/professional workers have moved to a hybrid working environment, and are getting quality sleep each night, 71% are still not waking up feeling revitalised for the day, admitting to hitting the snooze button constantly!

Emma Merritt, sleep science manager for

Emma, says “This new research illuminates the serious sleep deficit many Australians are facing, that will continue to worsen, if interventionandhabitchangingdoesn’toccur.”

“It was sad to see that full-time carers, transportationprofessionals,andteacherswere amongsomeoftheAustraliansgettingtheworst amounts of sleep, as these professionals have not been afforded the same flexibility as many others in different vocations. While many of us havebenefitedfromwork-from-homedaysand hybrid lifestyles, it is these professionals who are required to be physically present at their jobs, that are suffering the most – which can put them and others at significant risk.”

Diving deeper into the intriguing sleep landscape of Australia, state-based nuances emerge to paint a vivid picture of sleep habits

across the nation. ACT residents unfortunately are getting the least amount of sleep amongst all states, with a third (33%) getting less than 6 hours sleep, followed by South Australians (27%). Queensland takes the lead as the state with the earliest bedtime tendencies, with an impressive 64% of residents retiring before 10pm.

When it comes to establishing a better sleep pattern Emma Merrit shares her five essential tips:

Establish a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Our bodies thrive on routine, and a consistent sleep schedule can regulate your internal clock. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This practice helps synchronize your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, making it easier to fall asleep and wake

up feeling refreshed. With Daylight Savings approaching, start going to bed maybe 30 minutes – 1 hour ahead of your usual time so that your body isn’t shocked and thrown off by the sudden change in pattern.

CreateaRelaxingBedtimeRoutine: Engage incalmingactivitiesbeforebedtosignaltoyour body that it’s time to wind down. This might include reading a book, practicing gentle yoga, or enjoying a warm, caffeine-free beverage. Avoid screens at least an hour before bed, as the blue light emitted by devices can disrupt your body’s production of sleep-inducing melatonin.

Invest in a Quality Mattress: A restful sleep starts with a comfortable and supportive mattress, as a quality mattress that suits your sleeping style can make a significant difference in your sleep quality.

Keep Lights to a Minimum: It is definitely becoming lighter outside, which while enjoyable for backyard BBQs, can actually throw off your sleep, so try and keep the lights to a minimum. Consider blackout curtains or switching to warm, low lights in the home so that your body can still recognise its usual sleep time, despite the late sunset.

Finish work a minimum of 3 hours before bed: Yes, I know it’s tricky, but keeping your mind engaged in work close to bed can really throw off your sleep cycle. Work takes up enough of your day, that it shouldn’t take your sleep too. So, no matter whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a driver, a teacher, or a Matilda’s player, remember to give yourself some space between your work day and your slumber.

Incorporating these tips into your daily routine can contribute to a better night’s sleep, helping you awaken each morning feeling rejuvenated and ready to embrace the day ahead.

Do you need a COVID-19 jab?

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Are you up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations?

If you’re not sure of the answer, that’s completely understandable. Last year, it seemed like the official advice on who should have a jab, when to have it, and when to have a booster changed more often than the Melbourne weather.

Happily, it’s all much clearer now. A couple of weeks ago, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, or ATAGI, the official body that decides on all sorts of vaccinations, issued new advice for 2024.

Before we get into the details, though, we need to talk about the virus. It is still around in our community, big-time, and just because it’s not talked about much it doesn’t mean it’s gone away.

COVID-19 is still taking its toll, and it’s making many, many people ill. Even a mild dose can leave you feeling groggy and brain-foggy for weeks after your tests turn negative.

None of the vaccines available will stop you getting COVID-19. They weren’t designed to do that. What they will do, though, is lessen the chance of you catching it and increase the chance that it will be a mild dose if you do.

So,gettingafreejabifyoucanisineveryone’s interest. But who can, and who can’t, get one?

ATAGI recommends that if you are 75 or over, you should get one every six months. If you’re between 65 and 74 you should get one every 12 months and chat with your GP about maybe getting one every six.

If you’re between 18 and 64 with a damaged immune system, you should get one every 12 months and talk to your GP or specialist about

doubling that.

People in that age group who are otherwise healthy can have a jab every 12 months if your GP or other medical professional thinks it’s a good idea.

Children aged 5 to 17 who have severely damaged immune systems can receive a single dose this year, but teenagers and children who are in good health and who had already been vaccinated in the past don’t need a booster.

Parents of children under five should have a chat with their GP or other health care professional.

Of course, there are some other factors to think about – like how long ago you had a booster shot or an actual case of COVID-19. Again, the best option is to chat with your GP in person or through a quick telehealth appointment. Many pharmacists also offer vaccinations.

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free for everyone. You don’t even need a Medicare card!

And one more thing you could consider. Autumn will be here soon, bringing with it the annual flu outbreak. It’s a very good idea to get aflushotwhentheybecomeavailable–andit’s extremely safe and entirely possible to get both vaccinations at the same time.

(One in each arm is a good idea, though … )

Pain hits home over war in Gaza

By Liam McNally

Hillside resident Hala Sekak left her original home in Gaza almost 50 years ago, but she said her childhood memories of the area left her with a painful mark.

“I remember playing with my cousins outside the villa’s door in our garden when a military jeep stopped, and Israeli soldiers armed to the teeth emerged, moving towards us while holding their weapons,” she said.

“All the children with me fled, but due to my young age, I couldn’t escape. I felt intense fear, and from that day on, nightmares began plaguing my nights. I felt in danger yet paralyzed, unable to flee.

“Irecalltheirentryintothevillaanotherday,

and we hid on the roof with my mother, my brother, and my grandmother. They smashed pieces of our furniture, vandalising under the guise of searching for weapons in the house, even though my father was a well-known school principal.”

After moving away, visits home throughout her childhood contained grim contrasts, with theGaza’snaturalbeautyandthejoyoffamilial love and gatherings all mired by struggle and heavy scrutiny from authorities.

Ms Sekak said she stopped visiting after 2000 because security became too intense.

“[Gaza] became a prison for its people, and entry became very difficult,” she said.

Now,MsSekaksaidwatchingthedestruction of her homeland escalate from afar, she feels

Burnside fete is back

The Annual Burnside Retirement Village Fete and Garage Sale is back for the first time since COVID.

Residents have been working overtime to prepare the event for the community.

Event organiser Marlene Gorman said it will be a great opportunity for locals to get out and enjoy their weekend.

“This is the first Burnside Village Fete since the COVID era. Our residents are looking forward to the event as it is a highlight of the year getting things prepped and ready for the stalls,” she said.

“We have a great range of goods for sale. From the usual trash and treasure, including linen, collectibles, and electrical goods all tested and tagged.

“Ouraccessoriesstallhasavarietyofjewelry,

bags, scarves and other nice things. Lots of garden decos, gnomes and pots.

“Our garden and plant stall is a treasure in itself, with many plants to choose from including small succulents and large mature plants ready for your garden or pot. And, we have a huge selection of CDs, records and books galore.

“Be quick for our home made cake stall, an all time fete favourite. We have a Devonshire tea area, sausage sizzle, dim sims, soft drinksplenty to keep you well fed.

“Meet our residents and enjoy the ambience of our community centre and environment.”

Located at 16 Nicol Avenue, Burnside, the eventisonSunday,March24from9amto3pm.

Gerald Lynch

Women empowering women

TomarkInternationalWomen’sDay,StAlbans MP Natalie Suleyman collaborated with the Brimbank senior citizens friendly group to host a vibrant event celebrating the occasion. Held at the St Albans Community Centre, the event brought together more than 200 women from diverse cultural backgrounds, unitingtocommemoratetheachievementsand resilience of women. Guests were treated to cultural dance performances and distinguished guests, including Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister Ingrid Stitt, and Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino. Amidst the celebrations, Natalie Suleyman seized the opportunity to announce the launch of a new women’s group, Multicultural Women of the West. This platform aims to bring together representatives from diverse communities to foster mutual support and empowerment, addressing the challenges and opportunities encountered by multicultural women in Melbourne’s west.

shattered - “as a Palestinian and as a human”.

“As I witness the devastation of places, it’s as if my childhood, memories, and homeland are being obliterated before my eyes,” she said.

“Sleep,appetite,andjoybecomeunattainable luxuries. Hours pass in front of the television, consumed by news updates, each moment punctuated by overwhelming feelings of anguish, powerlessness, and fury.”

MsSekaksaidherfamilyisoneofthelargest in Gaza, and she has many relatives there.

“We have lost a significant number of them, around 200 people to date, mostly women and children,” she said.

“One building containing several apartmentsbelongingtomyrelativescollapsed onthemduetosavageIsraeliairstrikes.Alarge

portion of the family still resides in the north, struggling with food shortages, hunger, and the absence of potable water. Another segment of the family has abandoned their homes, displaced to southern Gaza, where they live in tents under extremely harsh conditions.”

Ms Sekak said she has been striving to support Gaza through organising, protesting, educating, and her art – she said she has felt strongsupportfromtheAustraliancommunity but hopes governments follow suit.

“I wish for immediate support for a ceasefire,andIhopeforgovernmentassistance in delivering humanitarian aid to the Gaza strip, especially the northern region, and in enforcing international human rights laws,” she said.

Burnside Village resident Catherine Tozer and her grandson Harrison, 3. (Damjan Janevski) 392725_03

The event encapsulated the spirit of International Women’s Day, emphasising unity, empowerment, and the celebration of diversity within the community.

More than 200 women from diverse cultural backgrounds joined the occasion alongside Premier Jacinta Allan, Minister Ingrid Stitt, and Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino.

The St Albans Community Centre came to life on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day, (Pictures: Supplied)

‘‘ It’s not about moves and punches, it’s about telling a story to the audience ... we’re live stunt-actors, but our movie isn’t on a screen, it happens in

Grab hold of wrestling mayhem

According to its devoted fans, pro wrestling is about telling a story and taking the audience on a “emotional rollercoaster”.

Reporter Liam McNally caught up with Josh ‘JXT’ Fikret ahead of the MayhemMania Championship in Bacchus Marsh.

WhenJab‘TheProphecy’walkedintothe ring draped in religious iconography at Relentless Wrestling Gym in Melton he gloated that there were “no rivals willing to face him”, sparking a confrontation from someone he was once the disciple of – his former trainer JXT.

In his trademark black sports-fit accented in white and pink flames, JXT stared down his opponent, and proclaimed “you have peers, and you have challengers”.

“You need to wake up and smell the roses, and realise, that at the granddaddy of them all – MayhemMania, March 16, for the Mayhem Pro Internet Championship it will be – Jab against J.X.T,” he trumpetted to applause from dozens of spectators.

Australian professional wrestling had its heyday in the 60s and 70s, with thousands turning out to weekly World Championship Wrestling matches aired on Channel Nine, until it lost its television deal to World Series Cricket.

In the 1980s the American product, WWF, became a cultural phenomenon. However, Australian professional wrestling has still been simmering beneath the surface through independentleagues,waitingtoPowerbombits way back into the mainstream culture.

One of the foremost indie leagues in AustraliaistheMayhemPropromotion,which isbasedoutofMelton’sRelentlessSchoolofPro Wrestling, owned by Josh Fikret.

Josh’s passion for wrestling began in a way familiar to a lot of people who were young boys in Australia in the 1990s – learning what’s cool from an older cousin.

“You look up to your older cousin and he thinks wrestling is the coolest thing ever because it’s 1997 and wrestling was the coolest thing in the world at the time,” he said.

“He introduced me to WWF Attitude on Playstation and I was like, ‘whoa, this is everything’.

“And then that was it. I said I was going to be a wrestler and that was that.”

As a teenager, Josh messaged Australian wrestling legend KrackerJak, and following his recommendation lied about his age to be admitted to George Julio’s Wrestling Gym in Sunshine.

In the years following JXT was born.

Josh describes the character as beginning as a young party animal who “brings the vibe” –clad in dreadlocks and black and pink flames.

As the years have gone on he has become more of a proud figure – one that works hard to be the best wrestler and trainer, but he also isn’t afraid to tell you that, especially after demonstrating his signature moves like the JXPress, the JXPlex, the Melbourne Dungeon or the Sesh-Shooter.

JXT has wrestled at promotions all around Australia, and had four tours in the United

States including being the first Australian to wrestle in Alaska. He’s even flirted with the WWE, performing as an extra but was held back during proper tryouts by an ACL injury, visa issues and COVID.

Despite the blood, sweat, tears, and spray tan that goes into indie pro wrestling, there’s not a lotofmoneyinituntilyoubreakintothemajor leagues like the WWE.

Josh said he has eased off on his American dream, and is now focused on being one of the best in Australia, as well as providing a world-class school for the next generation.

Josh opened the Relentless School of Wrestling in 2020 with Relentless Gym owner Jake Males.

They currently have about 40 members, and teach everything involved with professional wrestling - how to punch, roll and take slams, as well as how a show works, how to build a wrestling character and how to promote yourself.

“We want to keep making wrestling better where we live, because we love and care for it,” he said.

Joshsaidit’saproudmomentseeingstudents in a match for the first time.

“It’s awesome seeing the smiles on the students’ faces that are getting this experience and getting to feel what I’ve felt for a long time – having these awesome shows with these amazing moments,” he said.

When discussing how a show comes together,Joshsaidtheplanningisn’tasdetailed as people often assume.

Instead of a series of choreographed moves – it’s more about having a series of dot points about where the story should lead, responding to the crowd and trusting your opponent is trainedenoughtoperformthemoveswithyou.

He said sometimes wrestlers haven’t even met before a match.

“Planning something that’s based on crowd reaction doesn’t really work,” he said.

“It’s not about moves and punches, it’s about telling a story to the audience – taking them on the emotional rollercoaster.

“We’re live stunt-actors, but our movie isn’t on a screen, it happens in real life.”

AsJXTpreparestofaceofagainstthecurrent champion, Jab, he said he’s excited for a chance to take the title in front of his home audience, but it adds a layer of nerves.

“It’s more nerve wracking because friends andfamilythatwouldn’tnormallygotoashow aregoingtobethere,andthismightbetheonly time they come to a show,” he said.

“They know that you put all this time and effort into something. This is what their perception of what you do is going to be so you reallywanttomakesureit’sgoodandit’sworth itanditmakesthemgo‘oh,that’sactuallywhat you do, that’s actually really cool’.”

Despite the nerves Josh said he’s never had a first-timer at his show say they didn’t enjoy it.

“When you come to a show in real life, especially a local show… the ring’s right in front of you, wrestlers come out and will mingle and you can take photos with them and talk to them and see their gear and see them up close, it is such an experience especially for a kid,” he said.

“You literally ride every bump, every punch, andeverysinglemove.Yougoontheemotional roller coaster…I think that’s what I’m proudest of most.”

Josh said for the wrestlers and organisers setting up a show, especially in an independent format, is stressful, but it’s the crescendo of a show that keeps them coming back.

“Once the match finishes and the crowd loses their shit – whether they start booing or the crowd erupts in a massive roar because they’re happy with the result… that 30 seconds is worth it all every time,” he said.

“It’s the best feeling in the world… if you could bottle that feeling up and sell it, you’d be a millionaire.”

a Fireman’s Carry.

Mitch Connors (Mitch Sutton), JXT (Josh Fikret), Nate Hunter (Nathan Valeri), and front, referee Tom Collis and Johari (Johari Lewis).

(Pictures: Jacob Pattison) 393644

Step into the world of culinary delights at SalamaTea in Sunshine on March 19 as a part of East Drink Westside’s Westside Wanders.

(Supplied)

Good times in March

In the lead up to Easter there’s no shortage of events and activities to check out in the west and Western Melbourne Tourism has curated a list of highlights.

Steve McCurry’s ICONS exhibition is on display at the SeaWorks Maritime Precinct in Hobsons Bay until May.

With more than 100 large-format photographs, ICONS is one of the most

an entertaining theatre work by First Nations Ilbijerri Theatre.

Then, Eat Drink Westside returns as part of the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival from March 15 to 24.

The Eat Drink Westside program is a unique collaboration between Melbourne’s western region councils and the Melbourne Food & WineFestival,poweredbytheregion’sculinary

7 Bunya Drive Albanvale

Affordable & Convenient!

4 Bedroom 1 Bath 1 Cars

This 4-bedroom property boasts a desirable corner location, featuring an open-plan living area that seamlessly connects to a spacious kitchen meals space with timber flooring throughout. The bright bathroom adds a refreshing touch, while the convenience of a lockup garage enhances security. Its proximity to Deer Park Shopping Centre and various amenities makes it an appealing and well-situated home.

Open every Thursday 5.00pm - 5.30pm | Saturday 12.30pm - 1.00pm 13th April 2024 at 2.30pm Branko Kuburovski | 0417 306 001

Shop 1/821 Ballarat Road, Deer Park 9363 0388bigginscott.com.au

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Junior Soccer

Sunshine Heights Junior Soccer Club is on the hunt more girls to join its junior soccer teams from ages under-8s through to under-14s. If you are keen to join, training is held every Tuesday and Thursday at Castley Reserve from 5.30pm, except for under-14 girls who train from 6.30pm. ■ theclub@sunshineheightsjsc.com.au

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

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defence

This program is perfect for beginners, but open to all females who are eager to learn and grow in this dynamic martial art. Join Complete MMA Derrimut and discover

the empowering and transformative benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and self defence. Experienced instructors will guide you through the fundamentals, helping you build confidence, strength, and self-defence skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. Don’t miss this opportunity to challenge yourself, make new friends, and unleash your full potential.

■ completemixedmartialarts@gmail.com

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

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

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

Special Easter Services

Looking for somewhere to celebrate the meaning of Easter? Brimbank Presbyterian Church are holding two special services during this time at Sydenham Neighbourhood House located in the Watergardens shopping centre near the railway station. The first is on Good Friday, March 29, and the second on Sunday, March 31. Both services will begin at 10am. All are welcome.

■ 9307 6583

All aboard skateboarding Session at St Albans skate park. Equipment provided. No need to book, just show up to Errington Reserve, St Albans on March 21, from 4-6pm.

Cultural Diversity Fashion Parade

Community members will be showcasing their cultural attire and share the significance behind their dress at the Westvale Community Centre on March 22, from 11am-noon. Everyone is encouraged to bring a plate to share during lunch, thus fostering conversations around inclusion and diversity.

■ https://shorturl.at/ALM59

Chatty Cafe Melton

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

coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.

■ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

Women’s Support Group

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

■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

Caroline Springs Rotary

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

Melton Bridge Club

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

■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group

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

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

■ Ann, 0425 705 150

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Shweta Pandya from ABCD Dance School ahead of the Holi colour festival. (Damjan Janevski) 394134_01

To

ACROSS

1 Australian desert (7)

5 Spectacles (7)

9 Filmed information (11)

10 Miriti palm (3)

11 Pot belly (6)

12 Hinged (7)

14 Passionate (4)

15 Attraction (10)

17 Perspicacious (10)

19 Male elephant (4)

20 Electromotive force (7)

22 Flippancy (6)

25 Fall behind (3)

26 Unwanted (11)

28 Defecate (7)

29 Equal; even – (7)

DOWN

1 Team (4)

2 Car-fixers (9)

3 Boy’s name (5)

4 Uncaringness (11)

5 Indian state (3)

6 Whenever (7)

7 Avoid (5)

8 Absence of motion (10)

12 Reporters (11)

13 American theatrical/musical institution (10)

16 Impartial (9)

18 Rubbing out (7)

21 Sound reasoning (5)

23 Piece of poetry (5)

24 Scottish loch (4)

27 Pass away (3)

DECODER

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS

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:

15 words: Good

No. 177

1 Which festive song is the No.1 best selling single of all time?

2 The Bellagio, MGM Grand and Mirage casinos feature in which Steven Soderbergh film?

3 How many days were in an ancient Roman week?

4 What does it mean to be a polyglot?

5 Which of Jane Austen’s books was originally titled FirstImpressions?

6 Who were the winners of the first ever soccer World Cup in 1930?

7 What is the term ‘hi-fi’ short for?

8 For which supporting role was Cate Blanchett (pictured) awarded her first Academy Award?

9 In Norse mythology, Bragi is the god of what?

10 Which land mammal has the most powerful bite?

No. 177

No. 177

No. 177

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which streaming service hosted a live tennis match between Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz?

2. Since 2010, how many AFL exhibition games

3. Which fan-favourite tennis player is known by the nickname ‘Demon’?

4. Ivan Cleary is the coach for which NRL team?

The father of which F1 star was engaged in a heated exchange with Christian Horner following media scrutiny around the Red Bull Principal?

Who scored the first goal of the 2023 AFL Grand Final?

What sport is played at the Cognizant Classic?

What informal cricket term is named after England’s head coach Brendon McCullum?

In what year was the Dally M Medal not awarded after the event was cancelled due to NRL pay disputes?

Olympic Phryge, the mascot of the Paris 2024 Olympics, is based on what piece of clothing?

In what year did Kim Clijsters win her first Grand Slam singles title?

12. Which team are the reigning AFLW premiers?

13. Who is the captain of the English women’s cricket team?

14. Summer McIntosh is a swimmer from which country?

15. Rhea Ripley currently holds which WWE title?

16. What is the PWHL?

17. Which Women’s Super League team has the most Australian players?

18. And how many do they have?

19. Skeet shooting was introduced to the Olympics in what year?

20. The Emeralds play which sport for Australia?

21. How many AFL teams has Brodie Grundy played for in his career?

22. Which two teams took part in the WNBL 2023–24 Grand Final Series?

23. Social media star Jake Paul will reportedly fight which famous retired boxer in July?

24. Which racing team does Max Verstappen drive for?

25. The future Tasmaniabased AFL team will be known by what nickname?

26. Who has played the most games of any current NRL player, with 317 games played at the start of 2024?

27. Ireland’s Test cricket team recently won its first Test against which nation?

28. Which nation will the Matildas play in two pre-Olympic friendlies in May and June?

29. Which NRL team plays its home games at 4 Pines Park?

30. Which Geelong AFL player is on track to break the team’s games record in 2024? 1.

Kim Clijsters

Carlos Alcaraz

Radical reshape a stand out

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Puffing out its chest Hyundai has declared its radically redesigned 2004 i30 Sedan is meant to turn heads. It does, but not all for the right reasons. From most angles the car presents the characteristics of a sleek four-door coupe with sporty pretensions.

Then there’s the rear . . . oh dear! The boot lid has been crafted as an aero spoiler. And, for some reason, in contrast to the rest of the car’s buffed body, it sticks out like a sore thumb. The darker Ultimate Red duco of the test vehicle wentsomewaytodisguisingthis,butpixofthe lighter colours unfortunately highlighted the blemish.

On the plus side, there is much to back the maker’s hyperbole. The i30 MY24 range includes upgraded convenience and safety, plus Bluelink connected car services for Elite and above. And there’s impressive fuel economy from the debut of a petrol / electric hybrid powertrain claiming a combined urban / highway consumption of 3.9 litres per 100 kilometres. Upgraded 2.0 MPi and 1.6 T-GDi petrol-only power plants are continued.

Standard features across the range now include LED headlamps and daytime running lights,frontparkingalarmshavebeenaddedto rear versions, more advanced forward collision avoidance and intelligent speed limit assist.

Entry-level trim includes 16-inch alloy wheels, plus premium patterned black cloth seats, while the Elite model introduces Bluelink connected car services; Premium adds Bose premium audio and assorted new-to-the-model technology.

On test was the introductory i30 2.0 MPi CVT, replacing the Active variant. Petrol-only models step up to the Elite 2.0 MPi CVT and Premium 2.0 MPi CVT, then the N Line chips in with 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT and N Line Premium 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT. Hybrids are i30 1.6 GDi 6DCT, Elite 1.6 GDi 6DCT and Premium 1.6 GDi 6DCT.

Pricesstartat$29,000,pluson-roadcosts,for the entry level i30 CVT and top out at $41,500 for the N Line 1.6 T-GDi 7DCT Premium. The 1.6 GDi Hybrid 6DCT is $33,000. All MY24 i30 sedans are covered by Hyundai’s five-year 100,000 kilometre warranty, complimentary roadside assist for 12 months, 1500 km free first service, a dedicated customer care centre and myHyundai owner website.

Styling Sedans, in general, are not known for getting young buyers dancing to their tune, so Hyundai has deliberately set out to rectify this with a ‘sensuous sporty’ sedan that relies on geometricshapes,3-Dsurfacingandsexylines.

The result is an i30 that, ‘with its wedge shaped stance complementing a coupe-like body profile’, it is set aside from the conventionally-styled small sedan rivals. Up front a split horizontal grille, with black parametric pattern incorporates a chrome highlight connecting the headlamps.

ThestandardLEDheadlampsblendwiththe wide grille topped by optional LED indicators as part of LED daytime running lights. The steeply raked windscreen and rear window connect the sleek roofline in a typically sporty profile.

Asmentionedabove,that’swherethe‘coupe’ comes a cropper. From behind, the sedan is not only dominated by the sticky-out spoiler, but below is a deeper diffuser-style bumper, teamedwithastandardH-lightingLEDset-up. For me it’s all a bit messy..

Interior

Movingrightalong,thecabincouldn’tbemore accommodating.Theswoopyroofrearrequires occupants to crouch on getting in and out, but inside, the cabin is surprisingly spacious. The boot is unlocked via the key fob but is not hands free. It can take 474 litres of cargo with the rear seat backs up. Folded them comes by releasing a pair of latches under the opening.

The Hyundai i30 Sedan has come in for a major reshape.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Thehingesintrudeintothebootspacewiththe lid closed.

The i30 sedan’s unique wraparound dash and centre console with large digital displays focus on the driver and fit in with the more dynamic features of the exterior.

A cleaner more modern appearance comes from premium-patterned upholstery in Obsidian Black. Elite and Premium variants step up to a leather-appointed black interior, while N Line versions add sporty red stitching and highlights throughout. The i30 Sedan carries a full-size spare wheel.

Infotainment

TheMY24i30Sedancabinincludesareworked wireless charging pad made for larger mobile phones, front and rear USB-C outlets, a customisable multi-function button on the steering wheel and newly-designed 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, adding a sharper look.

Just a mention of Hyundai Bluelink connected car services operating through a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen in Elite, Premium and N Line variants. This enables app-based features such as calendar sync, remote services, find my car, remote vehicle check and more. Complementary for the first five years, they are transferrable to subsequent owners during this time.

Engines / transmissions

The entry-level i30 has an upgraded version of the preceding SmartStream G2.0 MPi

engine with efficient Atkinson combustion cycle, two-stage variable intake system and dual-continuously variable valve timing. This is mated with a new SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission tuned to copy a conventional automatic transmission, with eight virtual gears and a sequential manual mode, adding to improved efficiency and refined performance.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban / highway cycle. The test came up with 9.1 litres per100kminthecityand4.8litresper100km cruising the motorway.

Safety Hyundai SmartSense safety features six airbags, forward collision avoidance, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist,smartcruisecontrol,rearoccupantalert, parkingdistancewarning(frontandrear),plus rear-view monitor with dynamic guidelines.

Driving

Keyless entry comes via buttons on the key fob but that’s it; no push-button start here. The engine is fired up with an ignition key (remember those?) inserted into a steering column slot. How quaint.

The powertrain soon has the i30 Sedan back in the 21st century with the upgraded 2-litre engine quietly going about its job with little fuss. Power is put to ground via continuously variable transmission taught to mimic a conventional automatic transmission through eight virtual gears, or a sequential manual mode.

Sharp throttle response delivers impressive power and torque together with pleasing fuel efficiency. It’s a refined package well beyond its small sedan ‘pay scale’.

As with most Hyundais the i30 Sedan ride and handling have had the benefit of stand-alone suspension tuning especially designed for Australian conditions. Steering has a respectable linear feel and is helpfully more weighty in Sport driving mode. Speed limit recognition system needs more work, although it can be switched off.

Summary

Love it, or hate it, Hyundai has brought a new dimensiontothesmallsedansegmentwiththe MY24 i30.

Eagles keen to build amid 5-0 win momentum

North Sunshine Eagles started the Victorian Premier League 2 season in red hot fashion, in what they’re hoping is a good sign to come.

After finishing second last season, the Eagles have kept most of their squad together as they look to build on that result.

Coach Ben Isai said the guys worked hard for the 5-0 win against Doveton.

“I’m really proud of the boys in those conditions,” he said. “It was tough.

“We started so well and led 2-0 in nine minutes and were about to control the game. It gave us the points in the end.

“The players got through in the end, but you could see the exhaustion on their faces.”

Isai said it had been a strong pre-season, even though it was a little shorter than usual withtheseasonbeingbroughtforwardaweek.

He said they had been able to get through everything they had wanted to in that period.

Helping make that easier was being able to keep a similar playing group.

“We retained pretty much most of the players,” he said. “We didn’t need to overhaul the squad, as it was quite strong.

“The players we added in the mid-year

window, we wanted to keep them.”

The Eagles new signings include Dion Muhtari, who joins the club from Melbourne Victory’s development squad, goalkeeper Joshua Mikac who crosses from the Melbourne Knights and Diellon Memishi and Farah Farah, who return to the club from stints at Werribee City and Western Suburbs respectively.

Having been so close to promotion last season and with two teams set to be promoted this season, Isai said they just need to keep building on what they’ve done and the results will take care of themselves.

“We had a good start last season but had a three or four week bad patch that cost us in the end,” he said.

“We don’t want to have those bad patches and when we don’t get favourable results, we can’t take that into the next week.

“We want to make sure we have a more consistent year and use the round one win as a bit of momentum.”

The Eagles were in action on Saturday night in round two against Box Hill United, after deadline.

The Eagles face Beaumaris in round three. Meanwhile in the National Premier League competition on the weekend, Green Gully was on the road against the Oakleigh Cannons,

Falcons on the board

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons were a little less erratic and it paid off with a first win of the Victorian Netball League championship season.

The Falcons started the season with a one goal loss in round one, so were keen to get on the winners list on Wednesday night against the Hawks.

The Falcons started the better of the two teams and were able to set the momentum from there on the way to a 72-66 win.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said they were much happier with that performance.

“It was nice,” she said. “We were a little less erraticanditwasagoodscorelinesothathelps.

“Jane [Cook] had a really solid game in shooter and Uneeq [Palavi] was full of energy at goal attack.

“She’s not used to playing goal attack for the whole game. Maggie was solid at wing attack which helped.

Lind said they were able to build some more consistency in the line up. After admitting last week that they did too many rotations, she said they winded it back against the Hawks.

Cook finished with 57 goals for the Falcons.

The Falcons were without Shimona Jok as she was part of the Mavericks squad preparing to play in a pre-season match.

Defender Lucia Fauonuku missed a second straight week. Lind said she would be back in round three.

Lindsaidtheywerelookingforwardtoseeing what their whole defence could do together.

“Lucia had a really good pre-season so it’s disappointing that she hasn’t played round one and two,” she said.

“It gives a bit more depth. Her and Mel [Oloamanu] grew up together as a really good defensive combo and we haven’t had that for a long time, we’re looking forward to it.

“There’s still a way to go.

The Falcons under-23 side suffered their first loss of the season, losing to the Hawks, 52-44. Holly Adams-Alcock shot 24 goals for the Falcons.

Lind said they were really wasteful with the ball.

“We’re a work in progress,” she said. “I think the Hawks and Blaze [North East Blaze] are strong in under-23s and we’ll be there abouts.

“They’re a good hard working team, it’ll just take a bit of time.

The Falcons this Wednesday face the Bendigo Strikers.

The Strikers, who are in their inaugural season, had a bye in round two.

“I had a bit of a look at them last week and

they’re not bad,” she said.

“They have a lot of our former players. Milly Brock at goal shooter it a big target and Teal Hocking,whowasourgoalattackinunder-19s, is out front.

“They have both Sexton girls, who have both

played for us as well. It was a big week for the Falcons with their under-19 teams starting their super series season.

Lind said it was a full house to watch them in action.

Brookers pull women’s team

Braybrook won’t field a women’s team in the Western Football League this season.

The Brookers have had a team in the competition since 2019, including having a combined team with Albanvale for one season.

The Brookers announced last week that they didn’t have the numbers for this season.

“After many weeks of attempting to recruit more players, we will not be fielding senior women’s football team this year in the 2024 Western Football Netball League season,“ the club said on social media.

“This call doesn’t come easy, as head coach Charlie Fenech worked in overtime to get this program off its feet, actively trying to recruit all over the west. This news will be a disappointment to some, but this call was challenging one, especially after the numerous obstacles we have had overcome in the last four years to field a side.

“To our dedicated players, we thank you for turning up each week, we thank you for choosing our club to make memories together on and off the field. To our coaches, we thank you for your determination in guiding our women’s program in the right direction. Together, as one club, we will overcome this setback and look to get back on track in the 2025 season.

“We as a club, have already began plans to keep the players who were committed together for this year, and for our coaches to stay involved at some capacity. Stay tuned for updates on what this will look like and how we plan to come back from this obstacle.“

The Brookers played in division 2 last season, winning two games and finishing seventh.

A fixture for the women’s competition for 2024 is yet to be released, with a number of changes to teams.

The Suns are the only new team confirmed for this season.

Melbourne Knights faced Moreland City and St Albans Saints faced Hume City.

Tara Murray

Ben Isai. (Supplied)

Maggie Lind. (Robbab Photography)

Western Suburbs ready for new challenge

Western Suburbs has used the off-season to bring in plenty of experience ahead of its first season back in the FV state league 1 north-west division.

The side finished second in the standings last year in the FV state league 2 north-west division, allowing them to earn promotion after five years.

Headlining the list of recruits is Scottish veteran John Herron.

Herron represented Scotland at an under-15s and and under-21s level and went on to play with powerhouse side Celtic in European competition.

The 30-year-old midfielder will be joined by ex-Stoke City and Brisbane Roar forward Peter Skapetis and Peter Koufidis from Altona East.

Other additions include Lucas Muscat from Hoppers Crossing and Christian Bedoya from overseas.

Western Suburbs board member Sasha

Pete said the team is ready to hit the ground running.

“We have recruited some fantastic players and we’re very excited about the prospect of playing in state one again,” he said.

“We’ve played in state one for pretty much all of our existence, so it was disappointing to get related a few years back.

“I think it’s a credit to our club that we’re able to attract such quality.”

Theclubhaditsfirstmajorhitoutoftheyear in the knockout Australia Cup tournament on March 12.

After going up 2-0 in the 84th minute, South Springvale was able to level the match with goals in the 89th and 97th minute.

The match ultimately went to penalties, with Western Suburbs winning the shootout 4-2.

Pete said it was good to have an early test like that and he’s confident his team will rise to the challenge throughout the season.

“I actually don’t think it’s a massive jump in class [fromstateleague2tostateleague1],”he said. “We feel we deserve to be here.”

As well as the new signings, Western Suburbs will hope Ugochukwu Obi Moneke can have another damaging season in front of goals.

Moneke finished last season as the second most prolific scorer in the competition, netting a total of 21 goals in as many games.

This included four hat tricks.

“He’s a sensational player, a very class striker,” he said.

Western Suburbs’ first match of the season willbeagainstWhittleseaUnitedonSaturday, March 23 at Ralph Reserve.

In other opening round matches, Brimbank Stallions hosts Strathmore, Sydenham Park is at home to Clifton Hill and Westgate is on the road against Geelong.

Oliver Lees

Parkers go back-to-back

By Tara Murray

There’s been plenty of celebrations for Deer Park as it celebrated double premiership joy in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant competitions.

The Parkers top side claimed back-to-back wins with a stunning premier division grand final on the long weekend.

It came after their second side won the division 2, section 1 title and finished runners-up in the overall division 2 title.

Head of bowls operations Mark Casey said it was in incredible feeling to go back-to-back in the premier division, having won their first ever premier division title last season.

“It’samazing,”hesaid.“It’sarewardforthe group’s hard work and commitment through a tough season.

“We never lost the belief in ourselves which was important.”

The Parkers finished the regular season on top of the ladder before losing to Moonee Valley in the first week of finals.

They were able to bounce back the following week against Bundoora to win through to the grand final and another crack at Moonee Valley.

“We were disappointed with how we played against Moonee Valley, overall we were below the standard that we know we could get to and against good sides they make you pay which Moonee Valley did,” Casey said.

“We made some combination changes and put in a good performance against Bundoora.”

Casey said they knew they needed to rise to the occasion in the grand final and wanted to go up another level.

There was no repeat of the last match, with the Parkers getting off to a flier.

Once in front they were able to stay there and came away with a massive 83 (15)-58 (3) win.

AronSheriff’srinkwon26-11andMatthew Baus’ rink had a 25-8 win. Ryan Tainton’s rink had a 20-all draw, while Jay Bye-Norris’ rink lost 19-12.

Sports shorts

WFL

The Western Football League has released its rejigged division 2 fixture. With the withdrawal of Glen Orden, the division is now down to 14 teams. Every team will play each other once and four teams twice. Now with an even amount of teams, there will be no bye. Laverton and Braybrook will kick off the season on Good Friday, with Albion and Sunshine to play the following week, before the season proper gets underway on April 13.

EDFL

Hillside has received a boost ahead of the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season. The Sharks announced the signing of Ashlee Thorneycroft, who will play for the club when not playing for Williamstown in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition. Thorneycroft last season was aligned with Strathmore, while she won Carlton’s VFLW best and fairest award.

NPL

Calder United has announced a number of signings ahead of the National Premier League Women’s season. Harriet Lohrey, Eva Mcgorian, Alycia Eicke, Matilda LohreyAdelyn Ayton, Shanel Camilleri, Akeisha Sandhu and Jen Lum are all joining the club this season. Calder’s season got underway on Saturday against FV Emerging,

Australia Cup

Melbourne Knights has drawn South Melbourne in a blockbuster fourth round of the Australia Cup clash.

Casey said they needed all 16 players to stand up in the final and that is exactly what happened.

“We had a number of outstanding individual performances, but it was how we operated as a whole unit that got the win. It was a complete performance.”

Having also had their second side claim a title, Casey said it had been a really successful season.

“It’s incredible,” he said. “Gaining promotion into division 1 has been a focus of the club for many years, the club has worked so hard to make this happen, it really was a massive effort from all our playing group.”

Having already secured a number of key players, Casey said there was an exciting future ahead at the club. Casey himself has re-signed as head of bowls operations for the next five years.

“We will also welcome in some new talent to help with the upcoming season,” he said.

“The next focus turns to the state pennant finals in May.”

The two National Premier League powerhouses will go head-to-head in one of the biggest matches in this round. Westvale Olympic will face Goulburn Valley Suns, Caroline Springs George Cross will play Box Hill United, Plenty Valley Lions will face Western Suburbs, Keilor Park will play Northcote City, Albion Rovers will have a test against Hume City, North Sunshine Eagles will play Berwick City, Sydenham Park faces Pascoe Vale, St Albans Saints plays Geelong Rangers, Brimbank Stallions takes on Hoppers Crossing, Green Gully has drawn North Geelong Warriors and Western Eagles play Knox City.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly

@starweeklynews

@star_weekly

New recruit John Herron (left) and coach Harry Matkovic. (Western Suburbs)

Deer Park’s premier division premiers. (Bowls Victoria)

Lions in control after Wanasekara hits a century

Deer Park has its nose ahead after the first weekend of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division grand final, but isn’t getting ahead of itself.

The Lions enter the four-day grand final against Sydenham-Hillside as favourites having been the standout team all season.

The Lions showed why with a fighting performance with the bat and then strong performance with the ball to be on top after two days of play.

Lions coach Mick Andriadis said they had their nose in front after the first weekend but wasn’t getting too comfortable.

“It’salongwayfrombeingsecured,”hesaid. “It’s been a good battle so far with two good sides going at it.

“We’re in a good position early and Sydenham-Hillside fought back.”

The Lions batted first on their home deck

and managed to make 225 bowled out in the 92nd over early on day two.

Hashan Wanasekara was the star of the show, making 101 at the top of the order.

Andriadis said the performance of Wanasekara in a final was massive.

“I’m rapt for him personally,” he said. “Especially at the top of innings to get 100 with 12 fours and one six.

“To get 54 in boundaries takes a bit of pressure off. Finals the run rate is a lot lower and players are frightened to go out and play a false shot.”

Gayashan Weerasekara took 7-47 to bring the Storm back into the game with his leg spin after being the eighth bowler used by the Storm.

TheLionsbowlersthangottoworkandwere able to restrict the Storm’s batters on Sunday.

Just one player, Anthony Alleyne, got going,

with the Storm to resume at 8-141.

Alleyne will result on 76 not out. No one else scored more than 15.

Keon Harding, Fawad Malook and Angelo Emmanuel have two wickets each for the Lions after day two.

Andriadis said they would like to see the back of Alleyne quickly on day three. He said even once the Storm’s innings is over, there will still be a lot to play out.

“He is one of the premier batsmen in the competition,” he said. “As soon we get the two wickets, we’ll be back in, I think it’ll be a two innings game.

“Whatever we make then its a free hit for them. There’s still a lot of work to do.

“Our noses are in front and hopefully it’ll continue into the following week.”

Tara Murray

Prakash making a mark

By Oliver Lees

Despite having to uproot her life to start her professional career, teenage soccer sensation Avaani Prakash is thriving in her first season at Western United in the A-League Women’s competition.

Prakash became the youngest debutant in Western United’s history in November, adding another item to her already impressive young career.

The 17-year-old has since featured in 10 A-League Women’s matches for Western United who currently sit on top of the table.

Prakash, who describes her greatest strength as her on-ball dribbling, was scooped up from Macarthur’s academy program after demonstrating her skill as an attacking midfielder.

She said playing professionally had always been an ambition of hers.

“My brother and my dad played football and I always enjoyed having a ball at my feet,” she said. “All I wanted to do was play sports.

“I’ve been pretty happy with my first A-League season, I’m learning a lot from the club and the other players.”

But her ascent to the top of Australian women’sdomesticfootballdidn’tcomewithout sacrifice.

When the offer came from Western United, Prakash, then 16-years-old, left her childhood home in Sydney and relocated to Tarneit. Her demanding football schedule has forced changes to her education as well, as she now completes all of her schooling via a distance online learning system.

Shesaidthesemajorchangesmadeitdifficult to settle into her new life.

“I definitely think [online learning is] a lot harder, at the start I struggled a lot,” she said.

“We have web lessons every week and I don’t really know who my classmates are; some are athletes, some from rural areas.

“It was a bit hard to leave Sydney but I really wanted to play A-League so moving down was an easy decision, and I have had good support and teachers around me.”

Western United has proven itself as the in-form team of the competition so far this season, currently sitting one point clear of Melbourne City at the top of the table.

If Western United is to go one better than its grand final defeat last season, it will be the club’s first A-League Women’s championship.

Prakash’s meteoric rise also earned her a scholarship to participate in the Future Matilda’s program, as well as representative opportunitiesfortheunder-18’sandunder-20’s Australian teams.

In 2022, she participated in the teams that took out the Pacific Women’s Four Nations Tournament and the AASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship.

Prakash also had a hand in bringing the historic 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to

Australia and New Zealand, as she was chosen as an ambassador by Football Australia in the bidding process. She said contributing and spectating the tournament was a memorable experience.

“I was there from the start, it was very exciting,” she said.

“I went to a few games that were in Sydney, it was really good to see a lot of boys and girls supporting the game.

“Obviously I want to play for the Matildas, but I think for now I’m really just hoping we win the premiership and the championship.”

On Sunday, United made its home debut in Tarneit.

Women’s EDFL fixture released

Keilor Park will play in division 1 and Taylors Lakes in division 2 in this season’s Essendon District Football League women’s season.

Following the recent announcement of the premier division fixture, which included Keilor and Hillside, the remaining structure for the women’s competition was unveiled.

This season there will be premier division,division1anddivision2,while for the first time there will be a reserves competition.

Allroundonematchesinthewomen’s EDFL will kick off on Saturday April 13.

Keilor Park which has restarted its women’sprogramthisseason,requested to be placed straight into division 1 on the back of some good recruiting. The Devils will start their season against Airport West.

Burnside Heights, Greenvale and Tullamarine remain in that division, while Strathmore has been relegated frompremierdivisionandAirportWest promoted from division 2.

In round one, there will be a rematch of the second semi final between Greenvale and Burnside Heights where the Jets narrowly defeated the Bears in a thriller, although this time it will be played at Greenvale’s home ground.

Another notable fixture in this division is the ANZAC Day clash between Tullamarine and Keilor Park, the stand alone match in this division on the public holiday.

There are a number of interesting match ups in division 2 as four of the eight teams in the competition will be new additions this season.

Glenroy, Roxburgh Park, East Sunbury and Taylors Lakes will all be aiming to make their mark as new teams in division 2.

For Taylors Lakes it will be the first time its had a standalone women’s side after having a combined side with Avondale Heights previously.

“I’m extremely excited to play at our new homeonSunday,inmyownneighbourhoodin front of my new home community in Tarneit,” she said.

“My parents take me to the games, so they are probably the happiest that it is only a five-minute drive. I have loved calling Tarneit home and I can’t wait to see all the locals come out to support us.

“The whole team is looking forward to Sunday and to starting to make Tarneit a green and black fortress to really build a home ground advantage.”

Taylors Lakes will start its season against East Sunbury, which is fielding a side for the first time.

The Sunbury Lions, Sunbury Kangaroos, Pascoe Vale and Coburg Districts make up the rest of that competition.

Essendon Doutta Stars, Oak Park, Aberfeldie, Westmeadows, Moonee Valley and Hillside have sides in the reserves competition.

Hashan Wanasekara scored a century on the weekend. (Jacob Pattison) 395297_01

Prakash said before the game it was a pretty special feeling.

Avaani Prakash.

Storm with a challenge on its hands

Sydenham-Hillside isn’t giving up hope in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division grand final, despite being on the back foot after the first weekend.

Deer Park went in as favourites after being the top side all season and are one step closer to claiming the title after the first two days of play.

The Lions batted first and were able to make 225 in the 92nd over despite some of their key batters like Dean Russ, Daniel Sartori and Keon Harding failing to have an impact.

Gayashan Weerasekara was the star with the ball for the Storm, taking 7-47 off 19.1 overs.

The Storm got into trouble early and struggled to put partnerships together with the middle order failing.

The Storm managed to get to 8-141 at

stumps, still needing another 75 runs for a first innings victory.

Storm skipper Anthony Alleyne will be the key on day two, as he resumes at 76 not out.

Storm president Bob Kunesevic said they know that there is a task ahead of them.

“We are under no illusions and they are a quality side,” he said. “We will play the whole 320 overs right to the end.

“There’s still a long way to go and there’s a lot of cricket to go and funny things can happen.”

Kunesevic said there’s a lot of belief in the group having won four premierships in the past five seasons heading into this season.

“Over the years we’ve found a way to win, the mood is still up and there’s still that belief,” he said.

“We were 6-100 last year against St Francis chasing the same total. There’s a lot of

positive energy around the place.”

The positivity is shared by players Adrian Neill and Alex Barlas. Barlas is the other not out batter on two.

Barlas said his aim was to try and stick with Alleyne.

“The last two batters will look to support him and get him on strike and get the singles,” he said.

“That’s the tactic heading into day two.”

Neill said they were still confident with plenty of time left in the game.

“We still have three batters left and about 80 to get,” he said. “All the pressure is on them, it’s their final to lose and for us to win.

“The group just keeps finding a way to win. There’s been games this season where we’ve been down and out and found a way to win.”

Tara Murray

Gorillas fall short

A late comeback by Grand United fell short as the Altona Roosters claimed the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield premiership on Sunday.

Going for a second straight premiership,thisoneinahigherdivision, the Gorillas entered as favourites despite finishing below the Roosters on the ladder.

The Roosters won the toss and decided to bowl on Saturday afternoon.

Double joy for Cougars

By Tara Murray

Sunshine YCW timed its run to perfection

not one but two Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 premierships.

The Cougars first XI was able to get the job done against Seabrook on the weekend, with the second XI beating Jacana in its grand final less than an hour later.

Cougars president Shaun Janetzki was lost for words in the aftermath of realising they had won two premierships.

“I left the first XI match after a beer with Seabrook and got the message the seconds got over the line as well,” he said.

“It hasn’t set in yet. A lot of hard work has been put into this. When we signed Lachie Lewin as coach, he had a five year plan and we’ve been able to achieve it in four.

“We picked up some younger players who have come over from the footy club and that brought another level to the club.

“I’ve never seen a tighter group at the club than this group, full stop. All the work over

the years has come together this year.”

On Saturday, the Cougars’ Russell Pollock Shield side made 191 as they were bowled out in the second last over of the day.

The Cougars had a lot of contributors on day one with Amitoj Kang top scoring with 40 as six players scored between 19 and 40.

Janetzki said at Seabrook’s ground 180 was a competitive score so they had been happy with what they achieved.

The Seabrook started day two at 0-1 after surviving one over on Saturday evening.

Seabrook started day two well and was seemingly on top at 0-40.

Janetzki said the group really responded from that point on.

“They got off to a cracking start and it would have been easy for our guys to drop their heads and wonder where the next wicket would come from,” he said.

“We got one and then two and then we rolled through them.”

Seabrook then slipped to 8-89.

The lower order showed some resistance

and started hitting out, but the damage had been done with Seabrook bowled out of 123.

Dylan Payne took 4-21 for the Cougars, while Heshan Umendrea and Matthew Williams took three wickets each.

Payne was named player of the match.

Janetzki said the most pleasing thing was how they went about it

“It was a tremendous team effort,” he said. “The bowling unit, the side in general, made few mistakes.

“We spoke about it at training on Thursday night we had some of the 2001-02 first XI premiership players and they spoke about everyone doing the job, not relying on one or two good contributions.”

Janetzki said there would be plenty of celebrations at Kinder Reserve to celebrate the two premierships.

Then they star looking to playing in the Clark-Evans Shield after earning promotion.

“It is great for the club and it will help us take the next step. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

The Gorillas lost a couple of early wickets before a partnership between Jayden White-Powell and Leniko Boucher.

Once that was broken, the Gorillas struggled to get any more partnerships going.

The tail struggled and the Gorillas were bowled out for 129 in the 62nd over.

White-Powell top scored with 53, with Boucher the only other player to pass 20.

Dishnaka Ariyarathna took 5-26 for the Roosters while Matthew Short took three wickets.

The Roosters started well with their three top bats all getting start.

The Gorillas fought back and were able to get into the middle order.

The Gorillas used the tea break to reset and came out started to take some wickets and the Roosters nerves started to grow.

At 6-88, the game was still on the line.

With Nadeera Thuppahi still at the crease, the Roosters still had a good chance and he was able to guide his side to victory.

The Roosters managed to sneak home, finishing 8-130, with Thuppahi finishing 40 not out.

Oliver Davidson was the pick of the bowlers for the Gorillas, taking 4-36, while Hashan James took 2-31.

The grand final caps off what has been a successful season without winning a premiership, having also made the T20 grand final.

Shehan Wedikkara. (Jacob Pattison)

Sunshine YCW’s two premiership teams. (Supplied)

claiming

Dylan Payne (Ljubica Vrankovic)