Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 30th April 2024

Grieving refugee’s plea

By Hannah Hammoud

Selvaranjini Manokaran’s home in St Albans is filledwithvisitors,butthehouseremainsquiet.

The only noise you can hear is Selvaranjini calling out for her mum. All she is met with are sorrowful eyes and the warm hand of her husband as he consoles her.

Selvaranjini received the news that her mother died in Tamil Eelam on April 22. And while her first instinct is to book a flight there and say her final goodbye to her mother, Selvaranjini has no choice but to stay in Australia.

Selvaranjini has been in Australia since 2013, yet she is one of more than 10,000 refugees who have been denied a permanent visa. She and her family received a bridging visa E (BVE) in 2019, that allows them to temporarily stay in Australia while they wait for an immigration decision to be made.

‘‘ It feels like it’s a repeat of the same cycle … we still have no results, just trauma and pain ’’ - Thishoban

One of the many conditions of the BVE includes that the visa holder cannot leave the country. If they leave Australia, their visa will end immediately.

Now, after 11 years of being separated from her mother, Selvaranjini is grappling with the reality that she will never see her mother again.

A wooden picture frame with a photo of Selvaranjini’s mother sits in the living room of her St Albans home. Above it, the television is streaming a video call from a relative in Tamil Eelam as he shows Selvaranjini her mother’s body. It is the closest she can get to saying goodbye. As she takes in the image of her mother’s resting body, she calls out for her once again. But all she hears are the echoes of her own cries as they reverberate around the room.

Selvaranjini’s son, Thishoban, sits on a plastic chair across from his mum. He attempts totranslateforherbutasshestrugglestospeak, he instead steps in and speaks on her behalf.

Thishoban says his family came to Australia as refugees, hopeful that a better life awaited them.

“My parents told me they left due to war and troubles living back home. Even when we were at home [Tamil Eelam] we were living in a refugee camp, so we had no country to call home,” he said.

In 2023, Selvaranjini joined 21 other refugee women who walked from Melbourne to Canberra in a fight for security.

The refugee women set out from the ImmigrationMinisterAndrewGiles’officeand trekked 640 kilometres calling for permanent protection visas for 10,000 ‘victims’ of the fast-track assessment process.

These refugees and asylum seekers were left out of the February, 2023, announcement from the federal government that allowed for 19,000 refugees who arrived over a similar period to apply for permanent residency.

At the time, Mr Giles said it made “no sense” to keep people who were working and paying taxes in limbo.

This year, the federal government moved to

abolish the “fast-track“ process created by the former coalition government, with effect from July 1, 2024. But Thishoban says his family and many others under that system are still yet to receive a decision on their claims.

Thishoban says the story of his mother being unable to leave the country and say goodbye to a loved one is an experience shared by many other refugees.

“My dad lost both his parents in about a year difference after coming to Australia,” he said.

“It feels like it’s a repeat of the same cycle … we still have no results, just trauma and pain.”

Selvaranjini is one of eight children, and the only member of her family living in Australia. She has lost four of her siblings and now

both her parents.

Thishoban says once again his family, and thousands of other refugees, are calling on the federal government to provide them with a permanent stay in Australia.

“Thankfully [with] our visa we can work, which is what pays our bills and puts food on our plates,” he said.

“The only thing we want is a permanent residency. I came here when I was seven years old so I don’t see any other home other than Australia. I’ve lived all my life here, I grew up here, my childhood, my teenage years, everything.

“Every day we’re living with fear, we don’t know what tomorrow is going to be like.”

Mr Giles was contacted for comment.

Selvaranjini holds up a picture frame of her late mother. (Damjan Janevski) 402809_02

Prison program is kicking goals

An eight-week soccer coaching program at the Metropolitan Remand Centre (MRC) in Ravenhall is striving to help people in prison break the cycle of reoffending Melbourne City Football Club (MCFC) has partnered with Corrections Victoria to deliver the program, known as the Twinning Project.

The program is being delivered to 16 participants at MRC by the charitable arm of the MCFC, City of Community.

Backed by a $30,000 investment, the pilot program delivers interactive training that focuses on teamwork, leadership, respectful

relationships and engagement to increase employment opportunities and reduce reoffending upon release.

The program is delivered by coaching staff, mentors and various guest speakers who come from a range of cultural and professional backgrounds, each bringing different lived experiences to their coaching and sessions.

Last week, Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan joined MCFC to congratulate the graduates from the second round of the Twinning Project at the MRC.

“The Melbourne City Football Club

Cheers for funds boost

Dinjerra Primary School in Braybrook is one of the lucky 60 state public schools which will receive a share in the $45 million federal funding for essential upgrades.

Dinjerra principal Natalie Vulic said this is a huge win for the school as the current conditions of the school’s play space are not up to par.

“Theconditionofthesurfaceisreallyuneven, if it rains there are puddles everywhere, we know the surface had not been laid correctly,” she said.

“It is such an important space because we onlyhaveonebasketballcourt,onesoccerpitch and a running track.

“So for a school of 215 kids, we have a lot of kidsplayingthereatrecessandluncheveryday.”

Inadditiontousingthefacilitiesatrecessand lunch, the whole school also uses the spaces for physical education lessons.

“We run various sport clinics, we just had our colour fun run out there on the track, and

we use it for our sports carnival so it’s very highly used and all the kids will benefit from it,” she said.

“For us it is really important that we provide outdoor active spaces for our kids.

“Wewanttomakesuretheyhavethespaceto run around and be physically active.”

Although the school is eager to receive the funding and get the project going, Ms Vulic suspects the works won’t begin until February next year.

“The Victorian School Building Authority will connect with us and come out and look at the area and discuss the plans, so we suspect it could be completed anywhere from June, 2025 to June, 2026,” she said.

“Obviously we are hoping for earlier as some of our older kids have realised they might not be here when it happens.

“But we have said we will invite all our students that have left back to see the finished result.”

Coaching Program offers people in prison a crucial opportunity to develop important skills that they can use in the real world,“ he said.

“Engaging in teamwork and leadership exercises means people can leave prison with skillsthatboosttheirjobprospects,enrichtheir lives, and help reduce their risk of returning to prison.”

MCFCisownedbyManchesterCityFootball Club, which founded the Twinning Project in the United Kingdom. The Twinning Project is now delivered in over 70 prisons in the UK, the United States of America, Africa and now

Australia.

The state government said the Twinning Project was one of a number of local education, training, employment services and community reintegration programs offered by Corrections Victoria to provide people in prison with the best chance of leading safe and productive lives when they return to the community.

The Victorian recidivism rate of former prisoners returning to prison under sentence within two years has remained lower than the national rate for the last five years, according to the government.

Tyre & Auto Service

Dinjerra Primary School assistant principal Catherine Robertson, PE teacher Deb Domas, and students Ridwan, Aras, Herick Jnr and Jeromino. (Damjan Janevski) 402431_01

Strategy for 14,000 new homes

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank council has adopted its final draft Housing and Neighbourhood Character Strategy designed to meet the housing needs of the municipality in the next 20 years.

Thestrategysetsavisionforhowcouncilwill plan for at least an additional 34,000 residents and 14,000 dwellings by 2041.

Council consulted with the community on the draft strategy and received 33 submissions from different parts of the community including residents, residents’ groups, local developers, the Melbourne Airport, and government authorities.

Council said the top issues identified from the submissions were protecting heritage and character, and also support for higher density developments.

Other issues raised were about sustainability, more action on tree coverage, and climate change. The need for more action on housing affordability and diversity were also raised.

Council said the strategy provides a clear direction on locations where growth should occur,withanemphasisontheSunshine-Albion and Sydenham-Watergardens precincts.

The strategy identified “significant challenges” that need to be addressed in Brimbank,includingtheneedformorehousing

that is “diverse, affordable and well-located.”

“Brimbank’s community is one of the most socioeconomically disadvantaged in metropolitan Melbourne and has the highest instance of people experiencing homelessness in Greater Melbourne’s west,” the strategy reads.

“Like other major cities around Australia, housing in Brimbank is becoming increasingly unaffordable, and this threatens the security andwell-beingofcurrentandfutureresidents.”

The strategy identifies that the establishment ofmoredwellingsisreliantoninfilldevelopment in residential areas within existing dwelling stock. Currently, 80 per cent of Brimbank’s

Help the Salvos raise $38 million

As the iconic Red Shield Appeal gears up for its 60th anniversary, the Salvation Army is rallying communities to contribute to its goal of raising $38 million.

This annual door-knock appeal stands as the largest and longest-running of its kind in Australia, with all funds directly supporting local community initiatives, essential services, and programs.

Brimbank city corps captain Chad Cole community support plays a vital role in the success of the Red Shield Appeal.

“This is the 60th anniversary for the Red Shield Appeal in Australia, and it is one of the most important times of the year for us to seek donations to help support the community,” he said. “Between coming out of COVID-19 and the rising cost of housing and utilities, we are seeing a very high influx of people seeking assistance, many of them the first time because it’s never been this tough before.”

The impact of donations resonates deeply within local communities, with funds raised in Brimbank directly benefiting disadvantaged families throughout the year.

Mr Cole said donations are used to fund the Salvation Army’s ongoing programs, such as the Christmas Cheer hamper distribution and the Pathways of Hope doorways program, which provides vital support services to individuals in need.

“Even though the Red Shield Appeal is really pushed through April and May, the funds we get this time of year sustain us for the entire year,” he said.

“Through our Christmas Cheer we help families with toys and food around Christmas time for those who wouldn’t be able to afford it otherwise. Last year our Christmas Cheer quadrupled with the number of people accessing it.

“Many times we hear stories of people skipping meals or prioritising certain utility bills just to make ends meet.”

With various donation opportunities available, including intersection collections in

Caroline Springs, Mother’s Day gift wrapping stations in Keilor Downs, and online portals, the community is encouraged to participate in supporting those in need.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/ BrimbankSalvos/

housing supply is comprised of separate houses which council said will not meet the housing needs of an increasingly diverse and ageing population.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the strategy includes a plan that supports growth and enhances liveability in Brimbank.

“The strategy recognises current issues that includes the urgent need for affordable housing, and tackling climate change through climate resilient new housing developments,” Cr Rasic said.

“It also addresses the need to protect the neighbourhood character and heritage that makes this a great place to live.”

Clothing repair workshop

Join the Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House for a hands-on workshop dedicated to reinforcing and repairing beloved garments.

Whether it’s a torn shirt, a busted crotch, or worn-out pants, this workshop is about reinforcing and repairing those rips and tears. Simply bring along a piece of clothing, cushions or furnishings are welcome too, and learn a straightforward patching technique to mend it.

These techniques are ideal for woven fabrics. Those unsure about suitability are welcome to bring a few items for assessment.

Facilitated by Julia English, a current PhD candidate at RMIT University, this workshop taps into her expertise in local reuse practices. Julia’s research delves into remanufacturing and upcycling collaborations. With a background in fashion design, she has showcased her work internationally and participated in design challenges with organisations like VF Asia and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. Julia also shares her repair skills via social media (julia.english) and contributes to RMIT’s repair café and local council repair workshops.

Got a tricky repair or unique material? Email juliajayneenglish@gmail.com with a photo, and Julia will ensure she brings the appropriate materials to fix your item.

The workshop will take place at the Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House, 61a Selwyn Street, Sunshine, on May 11, from 2-4pm.

No sewing experience is necessary. Details: https://events.brimbank.vic. gov.au/clothing-repair-workshop/

Plan ahead and allow extra travel time for upcoming CityLink closure

Saturday 4 May 2024

CityLink inbound between Flemington Road and Footscray Road will be closed at night on Saturday 4 May from 11pm—7am

Detours will be in place, but remember to check before you travel and allow extra time.

Works and dates may be subject to change. Stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions

Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank city corps captain Chad Cole is calling on the community to dig deep for the 60th annual Red Shield Appeal. (Damjan Janevski) 401929_01

Remembering Allan Godfrey

ResidentsofWoodleaandmembersofCaroline Springs RSL came together on Sunday, April 21, to honour the memory of Allan Godfrey and all those who served in the Australian Defence Force in a poignant pre-ANZAC Day service.

The event took place at Woodlea Town Park, where participants walked the Aintree Walk of Honour, a symbolic pathway lined with more than 180 trees and 150 individual plaques commemorating Australia’s military history from the Boer War to the present day.

The Reflection Pond in the town centre marked the end of the solemn procession, where the community observed a minute of silence following the Last Post.

At the heart of the Aintree Walk of Honour stands an 80-metre long mural designed by Melbourne-based street artist Amanda Newman, depicting the faces of individuals who contributed to Australia’s military history. Among them is the face of World War II veteran, Mr Godfrey, who recently died on March 20, just days shy of his 101st birthday.

During the pre-ANZAC Day service, a special tribute was dedicated to Mr Godfrey, acknowledging his service both in the

Australian Defence Force and within the Woodlea community.

Mr Godfrey’s military journey began at the age of 18 when he enlisted in WWII, starting in Darwin where he was stationed for more than a year. He then served in New Guinea, the Philippines, Borneo, and Malaya, where he played a crucial role in rescuing Australian prisoners of war.

In his later years, Mr Godfrey lived in St Albans with his great-grandchildren and remainedanactivememberofthecommunity, particularly within the Caroline Springs RSL. He generously shared his wartime experiences with others and took pride in participating in school visits and Anzac Day ceremonies.

Woodlea project director Matthew Dean said Mr Godfrey’s dedication to the nation during WWII, and his enduring presence in Woodlea’s community will forever be cherished. “We are deeply saddened by Allan’s passing, and his legacy of service and camaraderie will continue to inspire us all. Today, as we gathered to pay tribute, let us remember Allan’s courage and sacrifice, and let us reaffirm our commitment to honouring those who have served our country,” he said.

Crowds gather to remember those who served

Crowds gathered outside the Keilor CommunityHubasthesunshonedownonthe 2024 Anzac Day service.

Keilor Historical Society president Aaron Magro welcomed hundreds of community members to what he described as the largest attendance ever.

Keilor Historical Society vice president Susan Jennison addressed attendees for the 110th anniversary year of World War I.

“The 25th of April – Anzac Day is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War,” she said.

MrsJennisonencouragedattendeestoreflect on the roll of honour which still hangs on the wall of the Old Shire Hall, and includes the names of the soldiers and nurses who served on active service overseas in the Great War of 1914-18.

“Six deaths are recorded on the Keilor roll of honour. Guy Bucknall enlisted in the Australian Flying Corps in March, 1916, aged 21-years-old and after training sailed to England arriving in Plymouth, December, 1916,” Mrs Jennison shared.

“His story is only one of the many who lost their lives or were wounded or who returned, but with many stories to tell. Their families of coursehadenduredharrowingtimesnothaving

anything but occasional correspondence.” Mrs Jennison spoke about the fundraising projects within the local area which helped support troops overseas.

“Keilor with its small population was typical of so many villages initially raising money for the patriotic fund, followed by the formation of its own Red Cross branch. The Keilor state school organised successful flower shows,” she said. “There were many other fundraising projects and goods such as bed linen, towels, washers, socks, bandages, kit bags, constituted some of the parcels and contents that were sent to the troops.

“There is so much more detail to this story, but learn about and read all of the records that exist about those who did take part. That’s your project to learn about these stories.”

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic was joined by fellow councillors Bruce Lancashire, Maria Kerr, Virginia Tachos and Sam David.

The Keilor 1st Joeys, Cubs, Scouts and Venturers formed a guard of honour around the cenotaph on the Old Keilor Highway where they later laid wreaths.

The Last Post was played followed by a minute’s silence as hundreds of community membersbowedtheirheadsincommemoration of the day.

Hannah Hammoud

Left: Keilor Historical Society vice president Susan Jennison. Right: Hundreds of locals paid their respects at the 2024 Anzac Day service in Keilor. (Pictures: Hannah Hammoud)

A special memorial was held during the pre-Anzac Day service to honour Allan Godfrey’s service in WWII, and his active presence in the Woodlea community. (Pictures: Supplied)

The community came together to commemorate those who served and continue to serve Australia.

Council faults on tennis funding

By Hannah Hammoud

MembersoftheSunshineParkTennisClubsaid

rug has been pulled out from under them, after Brimbank council withdrew funding for upgrades.

Council’s 2023-34 budget included a $12 million package for sports facility upgrades across the municipality, including JR Parsons Recreation Reserve tennis pavilion upgrade and a new JR Parsons football-cricket pavilion.

Howevertheclubhasnowbeentoldupgrades will no longer go ahead, forcing it to launch an online petition imploring council to reinstate funding.

‘‘ We just want to know – how does it go from a guaranteed start time to not happening at all? ’’

- Craig Vaughan

“Sunshine Park Tennis Club has been neglected and denied funding for years. The building was built in the 1960’s and is in a desperate need of an upgrade,” the petition reads.

“The Brimbank council’s decision to withdraw these upgrades after plans were finalised, has left many of us feeling disappointed and let down. The JR Parsons Recreation Reserve is more than just a sports ground – it’s where we come together as a community, where friendships are formed over friendly games of cricket or tennis.”

Sunshine Park Tennis Club president Craig Vaughan said the club was under the impression that construction would begin within the next two months and said plans had

been finalised last year.

“We’ve had zero communication from council. The last we heard from them was in December, and at that stage it was all going ahead,” he said.

“Just last week we sent an email off to touch

base and clarify the process with the works coming up and then we received a response that it is no longer going ahead – they said the planswerenotfinalised,butwedisputethat,we were told the works were going ahead.”

Mr Vaughan said the club is struggling to

accommodate roughly 120 members and 11 competition teams.

“The club rooms were built in the ’60s. We have no disabled toilet access, no kitchen, and a change room that is very outdated and run down,” he said.

“At the moment we are still in disbelief. Now we’re in this situation to try to get this money reallocated.Betweenusandthecricketclub,we are in the same position.

“We’ve always been accepting that there’s a process in place and to wait your turn. Well we’ve been waiting our turn and we feel like we’ve done it patiently.

“We just want to know – how does it go from a guaranteed start time to not happening at all?”

Brimbank council community wellbeing director Lynley Dumble said council did not allocate money to the project in the 2024-25 draft budget due to the cumulative financial impacts of rate capping, and maintaining council’s large asset base.

“JR Parson’s Pavilions projects are still listed as the highest priority in council’s sport’s facility development plan for consideration in future council budgets,” Ms Dumble said.

“Money was allocated in the 2023-24 budget to complete design on Parsons Reserve Tennis Pavilion. The detailed design has continued and through this process the council has consulted with Sunshine Park Tennis Club. As per council process until the draft budget is released for public consultation council officers are not permitted to discuss any proposed budget changes.”

Ms Dumble said the Sunshine Park Tennis Club has an opportunity to provide feedback on the latest draft budget, and that the final adopted budget post consultation will determine what funding is provided.

Petition: https://shorturl.at/ewHIJ

the

Sunshine Park Tennis Club hosted its junior club championships on Anzac Day. Pictured are two junior members Zoe and Adhish. (Belinda Dinami)

Stories will continue

The 100 Story Building is running its annual fundraising campaign, but this year the funds will go towards opening a brand new building in Footscray.

Chief executive Susan Kukucka said all the funds raised will go towards opening the new building which has been years in the making.

“We opened the 100 Story building in Footscray 11 years ago, the space was great but the lease has since ended,” she said. “With the support of the West Gate Community Fund, we received money to redevelop a new space that was bigger, could fit more students in and run more programs from.”

After two years of trying to find a space, dealing with renovations and developments Ms Kukucka is excited to open the building this month.

“Thefundraiserthisyearisallaboutbringing in those vital funds to make that happen because it’s one thing to have the building but there’s no point opening the doors if we don’t

have the funding and the support to run the programs,” she said.

“Thefocusisaboutturningournewbuilding into our home into the headquarters for creative writing and storytelling for children and young people in Victoria.”

Ms Kukucka said the donations will mean the facilitators can deliver more programs, and enable more children and young people to engage in free or low-cost creativity, storytelling and other participatory arts and culture experiences.

“There are other centres but we’re the only not for profit, creative writing center dedicated to children and young people in the west,” she said.“We’vegivenourselvestwoweekstoreach our goal of $50,000 which is ambitious, we understand that people have a lot of costs and a lot of financial pressures and we appreciate every dollar big or small.”

Details: https://100-story-building.giveeasy. org/building-futures?custom_source=EDM1

Briefs

Deanside car theft

A Deer Park man has been arrested after he allegedly attempted to steal a car in Deanside on April 21. It is alleged the man jumped over a fence to access a residential village on Mushu Street, Deanside, about 11pm. He allegedly entered a BMW sedan parked in the driveway of a unit before he was confronted by the owner. The man exited the car and fled the scene on foot. Police arrested the man nearby in Gerlzonda Avenue, Deanside, about 11.25pm. During the arrest, police allegedly located knuckle dusters, a butterfly knife, and drugs in his possession.

Kings Park man charged Police have charged a Kings Park man following an alleged stabbing at Highpoint Shopping Centre in Maribyrnong on April 21. It is alleged two men were involved in a physical altercation inside a restaurant on Rosamond Road about 2.30pm. A 19-year-old Deanside man sustained suspected stab wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment in serious condition. Police arrested the alleged offender at an address on Caroline Springs Boulevard in Caroline Springs on April 23. A 19-year-old Kings Park man has been charged with intentionally cause injury, affray and weapons offences.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Meg Petrie , William, Timothy, Jo Vicente Pires, Evan Martin, Susan Kukucka, Wolfy, Julian Gasparri, Julia Coscolluela, Armin Ravoof. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 402714_01

Language school faces charges

A Braybrook Chinese language school will face court in relation to allegations that it has underpaid teaching staff.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against the Western Chinese Language School Incorporated, which operates out of a site in Braybrook, and former chairperson of the incorporated association’s school council, Baoquan Chen.

The regulator investigated after receiving requests for assistance from workers who were employed by the school as Chinese language teachers for various periods between October, 2016, and June, 2021.

The investigation related to four part-time

Tote bags carry community connection

Not-for-profit organisation Kontiki Cultural Women Empowerment has joined hands with Sunshine Plaza to extend gratitude to the Sunshine community by giving away 300 handmade tote bags.

OnFriday,May10,thewomenwilldistribute 300 unique bags that have been handcrafted within the Kontiki sewing programs.

The tote bags, featuring unique patchwork designs handcrafted with care and boast durability suitable for everyday use and shopping. Each purchase contributes directly to supporting Kontiki, a local community group dedicated to empowerment and skill-building.

Kontiki participant Maombi Bongwa said the bags created by the group are both “beautiful and useful”.

“I have learnt so much about sewing with Kontiki and made many friends. We love having new members and creating new designs,” she said.

Sunshine Plaza has stepped forward to purchase these bags, with proceeds dedicated to restocking materials and maintaining sewing equipment.

Using innovative fashion designs and traditional techniques such as gara and batik ink tie-dye, Kontiki’s programs foster creativity and practical skills essential for personal and professional growth.

SunshinePlazacentremanagerIanSimpson said the event is a great opportunity to reward shoppers with something unique and useful whilst supporting Kontiki.

“We hope this will encourage people to get involved with the programs run at Kontiki,” he said.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, Kontiki invites guests to explore their workshop during the giveaway event, offering insights into upcoming classes held at Sunshine Plaza.

The giveaway event will take place on May 10, from 10am-2pm, or until stocks last, with any purchase made at Sunshine Plaza.

workers, with two of the workers moving to casual employment for the last five months of their employment.

A Fair Work inspector issued a compliance notice to the company in September, 2022, after it believed workers were underpaid Saturdayandpublicholidaypenaltiesandwere not paid accrued but untaken annual leave entitlements at the end of their employment.

These entitlements were allegedly owed under the social, community, home care and disability services industry award 2010 and the Fair Work Act’s national employment standards.

The Fair Work ombudsman alleges Western

Chinese Language School, without reasonable excuse, failed to comply with the compliance notice, which required it to calculate and back-paytheworkers’entitlements.Itisalleged Mr Chen was involved in the contravention.

Acting Fair Work ombudsman Michael Campbellsaidtheregulatorwouldcontinueto enforce workplace laws and take businesses to court where lawful requests are not complied with.

“Where employers do not comply, we will take appropriate action to protect employees. A court can order a business to pay penalties in addition to back-paying workers,” Mr Campbell said.

“Any employees with concerns about their pay or entitlements should contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for free assistance.” The FWO is seeking penalties in court. For the alleged failure to comply with the Compliance Notice, Western Chinese Language School faces a penalty of up to $33,300 and Mr Chen faces a penalty of up to $6660.

The regulator is also seeking a court order requiring the school to rectify the alleged underpayments in full, plus interest and superannuation. A hearing is listed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Melbourne on May 3.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Maombi Bongwa and Frances Sesay are ready to hand out their uniquely made tote bags.

(Ljubica Vrankovic) 403140_13

Book helps foster inner strength

By Gerald Lynch

A book dealing with impact of family violence on children will be available at the Orange Door services across Melbourne’s north-west.

The Orange Door is a support service available to adults, children and young people who are at risk of experiencing or have experienced family violence, and for families who need support with the development and wellbeing needs of children.

Originally from Mildura, 20-year-old author Connor Pall has relocated to Melbourne, and has published his first children’s book, ‘The Shadow That Follows’, which will now be made available for free at all Orange Door centres, after officially launching at the Broadmeadows centre earlier this month.

The book deals with complex topics, as it follows the journey of a young boy who finds inner strength to battle difficult situations that no child should ever have to face.

Writing a book that discusses topics of such sensitive material in a way that children can understand seems like a tough task, but for Mr Pall it was simple. He wanted to create the resource he wished he had through his own history of dealing with family violence as a child.

“Withmylivedexperienceasamalesurvivor of family violence, growing up in an unsafe home … I never had the language to express what I was experiencing,” he said.

“I wish I had something like this book when I was growing up so I could get the support that all kids and all people deserve.

“I have created the book from my own experience, to make sure kids know they have a right to safety and freedom in their own homes.”

As someone who was provided support by the Orange Door himself, Mr Pall said he hopes his book can lead children to speaking out and finding the help they deserve.

“If a kid has read this book at school or at a library … Speaking to a safe adult about their experience is always a good place to start,” he said.

“These adults will be able to help out and point kids in the right direction.”

Prevention of Family Violence Minister Vicki Ward said that although she understands it can be very difficult for families in vulnerable situations to reach out for help, she wanted to assure them that there are services available.

“The police should always be a point of call

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

for families who are feeling unsafe, but you can utilise the Orange Door without involving police,” she said.

“Every door is open, walk in, there are a number of people here who can wrap around, triage the support that you need and find services that will help in the longer term.”

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Brimbank’s

cleanup champ

Wellness Centre.

For Julian, the decision to dedicate his weekends to community service was a deliberate shift from personal pursuits.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Meet Julian Reynolds, a dedicated resident of Keilor Downs whose weekends are anything but ordinary. While many may opt for relaxation or leisure activities, Julian spends his Saturdays and Sundays volunteering his time to clean up rubbish in Brimbank.

“I started doing this about a year ago, sort of post COVID-19. At first, it was just a few bits and pieces, and now I do it every weekend on Saturday and Sunday,“ Julian said.

His routine begins bright and early, rising at 5am to hit the road. From then until late evening, about 8-8.30 pm, he tirelessly collects litter.

“During the week when I drive around, I see areas that need a bit of attention, and I make a mental note of it and plan to hit them on the weekend,” Julian explained.

He strategically targets specific spots, focusing on areas with high foot traffic like the Keilor Central car park and the surrounding area of the Brimbank Aquatic and

“I was playing a fair bit of golf on the weekends, and I spent a lot of time doing that, but I wasn’t really getting much better. I thought to myself, this is a selfish pursuit, and I decided to do something that other people could benefit from instead,“ he said.

Brimbank councillor Virginia Tachos acknowledgedJulian’seffortsatthemostrecent council meeting, noting his “selfless” pursuit to cleaning up the community.

“On his own volition and with the sole motivation to ’love where you live’, Julian has collected nearly 40 bags of rubbish from around Brimbank rubbish hotspots - purely on a volunteer basis,” she said.

“ … A resident who takes pride also in making our community look better and to keep Brimbank clean.”

Hannah Hammoud

Author Connor Pall with Prevention of Family Violence Minister Vicki Ward and Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward. (Gerald Lynch)

Julian Reynolds is doing more than his part to keep Brimbank clean. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 402852_01

Aircraft noise recommendations

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank council is calling on the federal government to give “greater regard” to the health and wellbeing of communities that are impacted by aircraft noise.

Council endorsed a submission to the Commonwealth Rural and Regional Affairs Transport References Committee Inquiry into the impacts and mitigation of aircraft noise. The inquiry is focused on the impact and mitigation of aircraft noise on residents and business in capital cities and regional areas.

Council said Melbourne Airport’s 2022 draft master plan gave “no genuine consideration” to the health implications for Brimbank’s

residents, “or any effective ways to reduce and mitigate these impacts.”

Council reports that about 3547 Brimbank homes are within the Melbourne Airport Environs Overlay and this includes the suburbs of Keilor, Keilor Park, Taylors Lakes, St Albans, Sunshine North and Sunshine.

Council said Melbourne Airport’s preliminary draft major development plan for the third runway did not “adequately identify” the environmental impacts reasonably expected to be associated with the proposed development on the Brimbank community.

However a Melbourne Airport spokesperson said that while some of the health issues raised in Brimbank council’s submission address

“some valid issues”, the same cannot be said for other issues raised.

“Unfortunately, much of the analysis Brimbank commissioned relies on an incorrect interpretation of the WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European region,” the spokesperson said.

“The WHO framework was not applied to Melbourne Airport’s Third Runway project by Melbourne Airport as it is not incorporated in Australian aircraft noise regulation, including the airports act or National Airports Safeguarding Framework. Melbourne Airport has, however, advocated that the WHO framework be considered within the full context of available aircraft noise wisdom, in

theforthcomingfederalAviationWhitePaper.” Council’s recommendations to the inquiry include undertaking a review of the aircraft noisesystemtominimiseharmtohumanhealth and provide health impact guidance to protect the community from aircraft noise, requiring airports to prepare a health impact assessment for the development and expansion of runways thatareassessedagainstWHONoiseGuidance, publicly available and independently reviewed, and addressing aircraft noise levels beyond the WHO Noise guidance with measures like a federally funded noise insulation program, a noise curfew, voluntary property acquisition or other measures to ensure that the impacts are adequately addressed and minimised.

Demand soars for comforting Soul Kitchen food

Since2018,SoulKitchenhasbeenoperatingout of the Braybrook Community Hub once a week to provide those in need with much-needed meals.

Operatedbynon-profitcharity,300Blankets, Soul Kitchen needs all the help it can get seeing a steady increase in numbers every month.

“We’re seeing the number of guests increase this year, from around 50-60 guests in the second half of 2023 to consistently over 80 guests this year,” said Soul Kitchen program manager Michelle Ouw.

“Earlier this month, we served 98 guests on one night which was our record night except for Christmas.”

To be able to run a successful night, Ms Ouw said Soul Kitchen requires four volunteers cooking in the kitchen, plus 10-15 volunteers on the floor.

Since 2019 Yarraville Rotary has played a crucial role in assisting in feeding the hungry. President Jebadiah Annear said he has

thoroughly enjoyed his time as a volunteer chef, calling it a privilege.

“Every Sunday, under the umbrella of 300

GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS

Blanketscompassionateoutreach,SoulKitchen opens its doors to those in need,” he said.

“It’s a collaborative effort, bringing together volunteers from various walks of life, united by a shared belief in the power of community and kindness.

“It’s about restoring dignity, fostering connections, and spreading hope.”

Even though the meals are all funded by 300 Blankets, Ms Ouw said they are always looking for more donations to help get them through.

“Things are definitely getting tight and we are seeing that pinch across the board,” she said.“Atthemomentwe’respendingmorethan we are getting through donations , and we are also struggling a little bit with volunteers.

“We have a super engaged volunteer group but availability is hard.”

Jennifer Pittorino

Facilitator Jebadiah Annear and Soul Kitchen volunteer Susan Hendra. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 400998_04

MY PLACE

Deer Park resident and author, Alyssa Huynh, chats to Hannah Hammoud about living in Brimbank and her new book.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Alyssa Huynh, I am 30 years old and a Vietnamese-Australian freelance writer, anti-racism advocate, diversity and inclusion advisor and speaker. I’ve been writing for almost half of my life, which is 15 years. In my final years of high school, I started sharing inspirational and motivational pieces on life andlove,andin2020,inatimewhereanti-Asian hate was prominent on a global scale and we saw the #StopAsianHate movement unfold, I thought deeply about my own experiences with racism, a lifetime of navigating the complexities and challenges of identity as a woman of colour and my connection to my culture. I decided to change direction in terms of how I used my voice and platform and began my anti-racism advocacy journey. By doing so, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience this strong sense of community, connection and a desire to create change.

What is your connection to Brimbank?

I was born and raised in Deer Park and am proud to still call it home. I’ve made so many special memories here that I will forever cherish. The reason why it holds so much significance for me is because my beloved grandfather, before he sadly passed away from bowel cancer in 2007, always used to take my sister and I to Deer Park Library after school and on the weekends. My mum shared with me that as a refugee, he wanted to find free things

in the community that would bring us joy, and that he certainly did. As a little girl, the library became my happy and safe space and from there, I developed a love for books and reading which turned into a love for the power of words and writing.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

Something people may not know about me is thatdespitehowpassionateIamandhowproud I am for some of my life’s accomplishments, I am quite introverted and struggle with my anxiety on a daily basis. Growing up, I’ve always been quite shy and reserved and was never one to speak up in school or at work, but through my anti-racism advocacy I’ve really

RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OCCUPY AND INVEST

An unrivalled location on the corner of Station Street and Rossiter Road in the heart of Koo Wee Rup. The site of 118m2, offers the unique opportunity to occupy one premises, while receiving an income from the other with an established tenancy in place.

The site benefits from the following features:

• Established tenant in place paying $1,030 + GST, and outgoings per month on a lease to February 2025, with a 3-year option to renew

• Suitable for immediate owner occupation in the other premises

• Prominent corner location

• Rear shared car park

Address: 275 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup

Floor Area: 118m² | Category: Retail

For more information or an inspection, please contact:

Shannon Hynd | 0499 980 100

Commercial Department Manager

Todd McKenna | 0418 391 182

Managing Director

used my voice in a way that I have never before.

Your book, Safe Space, is now available in bookshops. Tell us about it and your writing journey?

The writing journey has truly been a labour of love. I started writing this in December, 2022, and only recently put the finishing touches on it. Writing it called for deep reflection, openness and vulnerability and to share as much of my life experiences and learnings as I could. At times, it was a very emotional process but I knew it was important for my story to be told so that I could connect with those who would hopefully feel it resonates with them. Safe Space is part memoir, part self help. I explore the challenges that I’ve faced as an

Asian-Australian woman and those that have made me the advocate I am today. I share the different ways that racism has presented itself in my life from my childhood and throughout my friendships and relationships and the impact that it’s all had on me from internalised racism, not feeling Asian enough or Australian enough and not really knowing myself to now feeling like I’m on this very empowering journey to reconnecting with my culture and strengthening my cultural identity. The book has a little something for everyone as I share practical advice for those who have had similar experiencestomeorthosewantingtoaddtheir voice to the discourse as well as for allies who want to show up for POC (person(s)/people of colour) in a meaningful way.

Revamped outdoor learning

Ardeer South Primary School has unveiled its newly transformed outdoor learning space, as part of the federal government’s schools upgrade fund.

With a $25,000 allocation, the school upgraded the outdoor learning area to include chairs,tables,UVshadesails,aswellasaveggie garden.

Each class has their own dedicated pod within the garden, helping to foster a sense of responsibility among students.

The official opening of the upgraded outdoor area coincided with the week of Anzac Day.

To commemorate the event, the school hosted a teddy bear’s picnic, inspired by Belinda Landsberry’s ‘Anzac Ted’ book. And, of course, the picnic spread featured the iconic Anzac biscuits.

Ardeer South principal Andrea Markham said the refurbishment would greatly enhance

students’ learning.

“The new outdoor space complements our commitment to sustainability while giving kids a chance to authentically learn about the environment as they’re in it,” she said.

Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino congratulated the school on its work, particularly for the inclusion of a vegetable garden in the project.

“Gardening has been shown to have great benefits for children’s health and development as well as instilling a love of the outdoors,” he said. “Children feel a great sense of pride seeing vegetables or herbs they’ve grown being used in meals and of course they learn invaluable lessons in patience seeing the vegetables slowly grow.”

The year 6 leadership team took on the role of hosting the official opening, which included a performance of the Australian national anthem in Auslan.

Ardeer South Primary School is home to a new $25,000 outdoor learning area. (Supplied)

(Damjan Janevski) 402494_02

St Paul’s Primary School

In Term One at St Paul’s Primary School, our Grade Prep students began an exciting journey of discovery and growth.

Guided by nurturing teachers, they immersed themselves in foundational learning experiences, from alphabet exploration to early numeracy concepts, making new friends to navigating life at big school.

Through interactive activities and play-based learning, they have begun to develop essential social skills, as well as beginning to build friendships that may well last a lifetime. With a focus on fostering curiosity and a love for learning, term one at St Paul’s set a solid foundation for their academic success and personal development throughout their life-long learning journey.

St. Paul’s Primary School, Kealba

School Tours

By Appointment

Please call the school to arrange a mutually convenient tour time.

230-240 Sunshine Avenue, Kealba

For more information please contact the school on 9366 6033 or visit our website www.spkealba.catholic.edu.au

Ljubica Vrankovic) 402145

Midwife mums Jess and Carolyn

March was a record month of births at the Bacchus Marsh Maternity Hospital. Among the babies born was Henley, who has a very special connection to the hospital. His mum, Jessica Bibby, and grandmother, Carolyn Bibby, work as midwives at the hospital and chatted to Jennifer Pittorino about their special connection.

Melton woman Jessica Bibby and her mum Carolyn Bibby have a mother-daughter bond like no other.

Not only do they share a passion for their career in midwifery, but they work together at the same hospital.

Even more touching, is that they have both given birth to their children at that very hospital, the Bacchus Marsh Maternity Hospital.

Initially known as ‘Mama Bibby’ and ‘Baby Bibby’ by the hospital community, the pair have now become a trio with Jess welcoming baby Henley in March.

“Even before Jess came on the scene I was known as ‘Mama Bibby’ because I had been there for so long,” Carolyn said.

“Then Jess came along and we got our nicknames because she wasn’t married at that point, now we are known as ‘Grandma Bibby’, ‘Mama Bibby’ and ‘Baby Bibby’.”

The nicknames were given to the pair by their work colleagues, who after all these years have turned into more than work friends.

“It’s just that camaraderie that we have that is really lovely in the workspace that we have,” Carolyn said.

“The really amazing thing about Bacchus Marsh is that you’re not just working in birthing, you also work with postnatal women.

“We all share a lot of the responsibilities so everyone is in it together, it is not separated which gives it a nice homely feel.

“There are women that are our women, they’re not just a number, it’s a really holistic women-centred experience.”

For 27-year-old Jess, this holistic experience transferred into her experience giving birth for the first time.

“I was surrounded by my mum and the girls who I chose to have in my birth as they feel like my work family,” Jess said.

“I chose to have a water birth at the hospital, which made it feel like I was having a home birth without being at home.”

The knowledge Jess has as a midwife helped

‘‘ There are women that are our women, they’re not just a number, it’s a really holistic women-centred experience ’’ - Carolyn Bibby

her through her birth, which she said she couldn’t fault.

“It was an amazing experience to have that water birth with them and the knowledge definitely helped,” she said.

“It can be good and bad, but for me, it was definitely a positive thing because it went so well.”

Baby Henley was one of 62 babies born at Bacchus Marsh maternity service in March, the most the unit has delivered since October, 2015.

It was revealed in 2015 that the hospital, which was operated by Djerriwarrh Health Services at the time, was being investigated over the deaths of 11 babies, seven of which were later found to have been avoidable.

The hospital joined the Western Health network in 2021 following the amalgamation

of Western Health and Djerriwarrh.

The birth was the first water birth that Carolyn had witnessed as Bacchus Marsh recently started offering water births, which Jess said would be a very positive experience.

“I really wanted to do a water birth from my knowledge as a midwife, I knew it was meant to be really good for pain relief,” Jess said.

“Theclinicwasverysupportiveofmychoice which doesn’t happen for some women, but I was lucky I had a smooth easy pregnancy.

“It was a really calming, soothing, relaxing, environment and the water really helped me, I was super lucky the stars aligned.”

Since Carolyn’s career has shifted from delivering babies to house visits, experiencing this for the first time with her daughter was special.

Since beginning her career in 1993, Carolyn has evolved through many stages of midwifery, something she said was always a dream of hers.

“It was what I wanted to do forever. In my early days I wanted to be a Mother Craft nurse but I don’t think that exists anymore,” she said.

“I knew I wanted to work with babies, I did my general nursing then months later did nursing and midwifery, and once I finished

went to Bacchus Marsh hospital and I have been there ever since.”

Jess always knew she wanted to follow in Carolyn’s footsteps.

“IoriginallywentintoaBachelorofNursing and I really like it to be honest.

“But I always knew I wanted to do something in healthcare and helping people so I had some discussions with mum and recalled prior conversations with her.

“Listening to her experiences at work and how she was able to deliver babies and look after them at home made me decide to jump on a double degree of midwifery.”

Since 2021, Jess has worked with Carolyn, which has been a dream come true for them both.

“I never in a million years thought she would follow in my footsteps,“ Carolyn said.

“So to her to have her now as a midwife working in the same environment and the same hospital is just really special.”

For anyone thinking of getting into the business, both women couldn’t recommend it more.

“It is the appreciation that women give our profession which is my favourite thing,” Jess said. “The most rewarding part is knowing that you’ve made a difference.”

Jess and Carolyn Bibby with baby Henley.

Horticultural jewel of the west

Located in a prime location opposite the beach, Williamstown Botanic Gardens date back to when the gates first opened in 1856. This makes it one of Victoria’s first public gardens.

The gardens are heavily influenced by Victorian and Edwardian horticultural practices and traditions such as the Pinetum, a magnificent cluster of pine tree specimens of various ages and ornate stone water fountains and statues nestled within the gardens.

As you enter one of the entrance gates off Osbourne Street, you are greeted by a graceful avenue of Mexican Fan Palms that transport you along a pressed earth pathway, a little hypnotically, towards the shimmering ocean views. On the weekday I visited, I spotted a yoga class taking place, parents and babies picnicking on the plentiful lawns, social walkers and people and their dogs.

The Williamstown Botanic Gardens are maintained through the work of Hobsons Bay Council with support from the Friends of Williamstown Botanic Gardens volunteer group.

Intermsofnewdevelopmentsinthegardens, these are guided by an overall masterplan. There is a real focus on redevelopment of the Pinetum and a monitoring of the aging pine trees already planted. Some other exciting improvements include habitat beds that are planted with Indigenous (local) plant species. These are only a year old and have caused a real buzzamongstvisitorswhoenjoyobservingand

admiring their flowers as well as the insects that are busy pollinating them. Australian Indigenous species are not known for their flowers and many people are surprised to see they even have them. Alongside the habitat beds,arebedsfilledwithcoastalMediterranean plants.

New introductions such as these show that the garden team is evolving to respond to local climate and conditions. It is a real focus of those working in the gardens to work towards climate-proofing and to this end they are working on appropriate strategies alongside a team from Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

This very special public garden will turn 165 years old in 2025 and when you visit you

will see many incredible plants. The gardens contain over 400 trees and includes rare plants such as Asiatic lilies. Towering established trees within the gardens are a combination of exotics such as English elm tree and the afore-mentioned Mexican fan palms along with Australian native trees such as the Bunya, the majestic Moreton Bay figs, Norfolk Island hibiscus and brush box, many of these hailing originally from Queensland but thriving in their coastal Victorian setting.

To highlight one tree species, the Lophostomen confertus or Queensland brush box tree is an easy to tree to grow that can be

found as a street tree across Melbourne. It is an evergreen, fast growing rainforest tree with an attractive round shape that can reach up to 10m in cultivation. It tolerates poor soils and most pests and diseases as well as being resistant to smog, drought, poor drainage and heavy pruning. If your street could do with some more trees, why not plant one today or suggest it to your local council?

todo

Above: Sunlight slants through mature trees. Above centre: Succulents in the Pinetum (top); Moreton Bay figs. Above right: The magestic palm walk. Right: A postcard depicting the a gardens in 1917. (Pictures: Supplied)

Trekking for chances at success

Five purpose-driven organisations and individuals participated in a three-day fundraising trek with Western Chances.

Western Chances is a non-for-profit organisation empowering young people in the west who are facing financial barriers to achieve their potential.

The Western Chances Three Peaks Trek was held across three days from Friday, April 19 to Sunday, April 21, trekking through the Victorian alps to reach the summit of the three peaks; Mt Buller, Mt Stirling, and Mt Timbertop.

Activations and communications co-ordinator Anthony Tran said the Western Chances team was blown away with the fundraiser. which has already surprised its $50,000 goal.

“As it currently stands, the fundraising amount has greatly surpassed our goal of $50,000 and is currently sitting over $65,000,” he said. “We’re anticipating reaching $70,000 by the end of it.”

All of the funds raised will go towards the Western Chances scholarship program, which MrTransaidwillfund70ormorescholarships, as one scholarship is usually worth $1000.

“Seventy thousand dollars is equivalent to supporting three classrooms of talented and motivated young people with scholarships,” he said.

“Everyone who participated on the trek developed a lifetime bond with Western Chances,thealumniwhoparticipatedwerethe stars of the show.”

Across the three-day trek, six teams of 20 people in total and five alumni contributed to raising $10,000 for the cause.

Sponsored by Multiplex, the other teams were Pan Pacific hotels, legal firm Maurice Blackburn, Melbourne Airport and Victoria University.

The Western Chances alumni invited

were Sadiya Tabassum, Jemmah Nix, Archie Dinh, Katharine Nikolic, plus a Pan Pacific member.

“The alumni got along well with the teams and had the chance to share their stories,” he said.

“They also displayed great resilience and

courage to act as proud ambassadors of Western Chances.”

One of the alumni, Ms Tabassum, led the trekondaytwoandthreeandsaid,“Thankyou for the amazing experience, taking back the strength I didn’t know I had.

“Such great work Western Chances is doing,

always ready to help young people. Thank you for the opportunity.”

The fundraiser will close on Friday, April 26. Details: https://western-chances. grassrootz.com/westernchances-3peaks2024?tab=donations

Group shot during the trek to Mt Buller.

Left: The Western Chances team and alumni during their trek to Mt Timbertop on day one. WC corporate partnerships and events manager Frank Scifo, Western Chances chair Terry Bracks, Archie Dinh, Katharine Nikolic, chief executive Zac Lewis, Jemmah Nix and Sadiya Tabassum.

Right: Multiplex team during their trek to Mt Timbertop. Regional director Chris Szambelanczyk, regional managing director Ross Snowball, project co-ordinator Amber Shiel-Jones and design manager Lina McIvor. (Pictures: Supplied)

Group shot at the summit of Mt Stirling on day two.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

All abilities workshops

Join the Duke Street Community House for free workshops filled with fun and engaging activities and informative sessions alongside a supportive and inclusive community. Workshops range from nutrition, art therapy, wellness and fitness, financial support, mental health and sustainable planting. Workshops are held weekly on Thursday’s from 10am-12.15pm, starting May 2, until June 20.

World cultural festival

Locals are invited to join the global fun with cultural performances, activities, exhibitions and more at the St Albans Community Centre on May 4, from 1-5pm.

Clothing repair workshop

Bring along clothing in need of repair to this upcycling workshop hosted by the Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House on May 11, from 2-4pm. Techniques taught in the workshop are best suited to woven (not stretchy) garments.

■ https://events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ clothing-repair-workshop/

Women’s only conversation English

Make friends, learn new skills and practice English in this fun and free women’s social group. Tuesdays during school terms, 9.30am-noon, at the Duke Street Community Hous , 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.

■ 9311 9973 or dukest@dsch.org.au

Crafternoons

A free adult social opportunity to get together and be creative. Learn a new craft or bring along your own craft projects. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.30-2.30pm, at the Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.

■ 9311 9973 or dukest@dsch.org.au

Learn to relax

IPC Health is inviting locals to attend a free six-week program offering an introduction into different aspects of relaxation. Learn to relax provides free support for people aged 18 and over who are interested in learning how to relax and ways to effectively manage their stress.

Located at IPC Health Deer Park, 106 Station Road, Deer Park, this group will run from 10.30-11.30am, every Thursday from May 2 to June 6. Registration is essential.

■ livingwell@ipchealth.com.au or 1300 472 432

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 arranges 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

Black Powder Mill open day

There will be a free open day at the Black Powder Mill on Saturday, May 11, from 10.30am-3.30pm, at the corner of Parklea Avenue and Grassy Point Road, Cairnlea.

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian James Liotta. (Damjan Janevski) 402571_01

Junior soccer

Sunshine Heights Junior Soccer Club is on the hunt for 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.

Keilor Day View Club

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

■ Robyn, 0425 387 880

Palliative volunteers needed Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Deer Park Lions Club

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

■ Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass Sunshine Community Brass is looking for

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

■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

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

■ 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/

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

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Basketballer Caitlin Clark was born in which US city?

2. In what year did Nathan Buckley become senior coach at Collingwood?

3. NRL star Zac Lomax recently signed with which team?

4. Which Australian women’s cricket star was recently named as one of the Wisden Cricketers of the Year?

5. Harley Reid is a first-year player for which AFL team?

6. What number is at the very bottom of a dartboard?

7. When an athlete suffers an MCL tear, is the torn ligament located on the inner or outer side of the knee joint?

8. In 2004, who became the first Australian to win two individual cycling gold medals at the same Olympics?

9. The first Rugby World Cup was co-hosted by which two countries?

10. To the nearest hour, approximately how long does an average Major League Baseball game last? Emma Moore was recently named general manager of which Australian women’s

Which Australian batsman scored a century in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s record IPL total of 3 for 287?

And which country holds the record for the highest T20 International team total?

14. Ange Postecoglou is the manager of which English Premier League club?

15. Which racing car driver won the 2023 Supercars Championship?

16. Which famous Australian sporting award was first handed out 100 years ago in 1924?

17. What major sporting event will be held in Milano-Cortina in 2026?

18. Which current Australian golfer shares their name with a rugby league legend?

19. Which National Soccer League club won the last two NSL titles before it became known as the A-League in 2005?

20. What country was Formula One world champion Max Verstappen born in?

21. Taylor Duryea has played for which two AFL clubs?

22. In which running event did Cathy Freeman win both her gold and silver Olympic medals?

23. Nathan Walker is considered the first Australian to play in which US sporting league?

24. In mountain sports, what is a piste?

25. In the early 17th century, golf balls were often made from leather and stuffed with what?

26. How many times did ‘King of the Mountain’ Peter Brock win the Bathurst 1000 motor race?

27. Which Australian fast bowler famously took 37 wickets in the 2013-14 Ashes Test series?

28. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics?

BRIMBANK PLANNING SCHEME NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT

The land affected by the application is located at:

application is for a permit to:

The applicant for the permit is: MACKIE SURVEYING

The application reference number is: P97/2024

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at:

•WWW.BRIMBANK.VIC. GOV.AU/BUILDINGDEVELOPMENT/PLANNING/ ADVERTISED-PLANS

•CONTACT CITY PLANNING ON 9249 4606 OR EMAIL info@brimbank.vic.gov.au, FOR A COPY TO BE POSTED

•BRIMBANK COMMUNITY AND CIVIC CENTRE, 301 HAMPSHIRE ROAD, SUNSHINE (Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 5:00pm)

The responsible authority will not decide on the application before: 15/05/2024

The Contact Officer is: Nadia Matthews, (9249 4874)

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. Any comments received will be placed on the electronic file associated with this application and will be available for inspection.

An objection must be in writing and sent to the Brimbank City Council either:

•Online at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/building-development/ planning/planning-permit-applications/planning-permit -support-or-objection

• Email info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

• By post to PO Box 70, Sunshine, Vic, 3020

29. Which country won the UEFA Euro 2020 soccer final?

30. What is the name of the 2024 tennis film starring Zendaya?

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Metal disc under nut (6)

4 Supress (8)

9 Cover story (5)

10 Lasting (9)

11 Intending (coll) (5)

12 Pointless (9)

13 Coffee (8)

15 Peels (6)

16 Tabooed (6)

18 Scale of colour (8)

23 Without trust or belief (9)

24 Long-barrelled firearm (5)

26 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

27 Senseless (5)

28 Japanese game company (9)

29 Natural aptitude or skill (6)

DOWN

1 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

2 Twig offshoot (5)

3 Territory ruled by an Islamic monarch (7)

5 Tantrum (6)

6 Bucking (7)

7 Grenade-wielding soldier (9)

8 Landed properties (7)

10 Pieces (5)

14 Divide into parts (9)

16 Ten plus five (7)

17 Excel (7)

19 Adhesive mixture (5)

20 Mediterranean island (7)

21 Most shy or submissive (7)

22 Impassioned (6)

25 SOS light (5)

easy

DECODER WORDFIT

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 nouns ending in “s”.

183

No. 183

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

QUICK QUIZ

1 Who is the lead singer of the band Yeah Yeah Yeahs?

2 What evergreen tree is featured on the flag of Norfolk Island?

3 The Great Fire of London occurred during what year?

4 Which country’s president is known by his initials AMLO?

5 Which character did Ke Huy Quan (pictured) play in the movie Indiana Jones and theTempleofDoom?

6 What is the term for a multihulled boat or ship consisting of two hulls?

7 What is the historic capital of the Inca Empire?

8 Who directed the 2009 documentary Capitalism: ALoveStory, about the global financial crisis?

9 What is the more common name for the bird Gymnorhina tibicen?

10 What were the Luddites famous for destroying as a form of protest?

RATINGS

Looks: 9/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 9/10

Thirst: 9/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 8/10

Peaceful motoring with Lexus ES

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

The growth in SUV sales has seen a corresponding decline in demand for traditional four-door sedans.

In the case of Lexus only two of the latter have survived, the company’s flagship luxury LS and the medium-large family ES.

The ES comes with the choice of the ES250 powered by a 2.5-litre petrol engine with outputs of 152 kW and 243 Nm names ES250, andtheE300hwitha131kW/221NmAtkinson Cyclepetrolenginecombinedwitha88Kw/202 Nm electric motor for a total of 160kW.

Both ES models come with the choice of LuxuryorFSportequipmentlevels,theES300h adds a higher level Sports Luxury grade which was our test vehicle.

Styling

We particularly like the spindle grille in this model. Some of the earlier efforts of Lexus at this fascinating shape just didn’t work to our eyes, but this one fits perfectly. The front of the ES spreads out far and wide visually.

The lower edge of the window line swoops up at the rear, and meets a downward swoop of the roofline. The lower area of the rear doors also parallels this, moving up from their rear edge to meet the taillights, then continues into the bootlid for a few centimetres.

Interior

The ES300h is a full-on luxury vehicle with the interior trim made from high-class materials. It’s finished in three different coloured materials, which is a major improvement on the endless black-on-black that we see in so many cars, even upmarket ones.

Thisisavehicleaimedatgivingalloccupants a comfortable life. Even the rear seats can be inclined and there’s a three-zone air conditioning.

There’s good legroom in the back, though if there’s a long-legged driver it may be necessary to talk to them and do a deal on space. Either that or sit the shortest rear passenger behind them. Your call…

The boot is generously long but the low set nature of this semi-sporty sedan makes it rather low in height.

The asymmetric shape of the dashboard makes a real stylish statement. More about it in the Driving segment of the review

Infotainment

The upgraded 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment has proprietary sat-nav, DAB+ digitalradio,wiredAppleCarPlayandAndroid Auto smartphone mirroring together with Lexus Connected Services.

The screen projects forward from the dashboard to bring it within easier reach of the driver and eliminates the need to use the annoying and potentially dangerous sensitive touchpad that’s located in the centre console.

The driver’s screen combines digital and analogue gauges.

The Sports Luxury that we tested came with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson surround-sound system. Sound quality is excellent and we really enjoyed the feeling of luxury inside the cabin. It’s even more enjoyable in the very quiet interior of the Lexus than in lesser cars with a similar system.

Engines/transmissions

This is where it gets really interesting. The Lexus ES300h has a 2.5-litre four-cylinder

Atkinson-cycle high-compression petrol engine producing 131kW. And an 88kW electric motor.

Peak torque is 221Nm on the petrol unit and 202Nm on the electric motor. The petrol doesn’t get to its torque peak until it reaches 3600rpm, the electric unit has its torque from one rpm. Yes, one rpm.

TheLexushasitsfrontwheelsdriventhrough a continuously variable transmission.

Safety

TheLexusESrangereceivedafive-starANCAP when tested in September 2021.

Standard features include 10 airbags including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger. There are chest and head bags across its two seating rows.

There’s also autonomous emergency braking including junction assist, emergency steering assist for collision avoidance, lane-departure and blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, parking support brake with vehicle and object detection.

Child occupant protection top tethering and IsoFix child seat anchors.

Driving

Acceleration is instantaneous, you move the accelerator and the Lexus gets up and goes. This is one of the best features of all electric

vehicles, be they hybrid or full electric.

It doesn’t slow as quickly as we like when we backed off on the pedal. But you do become used to this after a period of time at the wheel. Regular drivers of any vehicle with electric power soon adapt to this.

Fuel consumption from the ES 300h was impressively low, sitting around 5.3 litres per 100km during our week behind the wheel, just 0.5 L/100km above the listed figure.

Ride and handling will suit the typical buyer in being comfortable rather than sporty. Having said that it handles bends well and on the few times we tested it close to its limits around corners on our standard ‘official’ test route it responded well and gave us good feedback.

Summing up

Lexus ES300h is a beautifully designed and built Japanese machine from a company that has specialised in hybrid and electric vehicles for many decades. It’s very much deserving of a place on your shopping list if you want to minimise climate change, and also enjoy peaceful motoring.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota are past masters at petrol-electric hybrids, with a history stretching back well over 20 years. They continue to add more performance, at the same time reducing emissions.

Lexus and its parent company Toyota continue to add more performance, at the same time reducing emissions. (Pictures: Supplied)

Melbourne Knights keen to get back on track

It’s a game of inches for Melbourne Knights at the moment in the National Premier League.

The Knights had dropped their two matches heading into Friday’s match with Oakleigh Cannons, which was after deadline, but could have easily won both those matches.

Knights coach Ben Surey said it had been a couple of frustrating weeks.

“I thought we played well against Heidelberg United and we had our chances and I thought we should have got something out of that game,” he said. “Against Altona, only one goal was ever going to win it. They took their chance and we didn’t create enough chances and the week before we did.

“Had we taken our best chance which was just before them, it would have been 1-0 and we probably would have won.”

Surey said it was different from earlier in the season when they were needing to score multiple goals to win matches after conceding

too many.

He said they have looked to change different things, but were wary of going too far one way in either attack or defence.

“We need to create a little bit more and score when we get the chances,” he said. “It’s about a bit of confidence and to keep getting in the right positions and hopefully the luck will change.

“We have tweaked a few things, but it just depends on who we are playing.

“We will get there. We don’t want to lose all our confidence.”

Surey said the vibe around the group had remainedreallystrongandtheyneededtokeep going through the processes and be honest with each other.

He said they want to keep getting better and move up the ladder. The Knights were in eighth spot, seven points outside the top six after 10 rounds.

“We haven’t taken the opportunities and we are now playing catch up,” he said. “We need to make up points somewhere else.”

It didn’t get any easier for the Knights on Friday night against the Cannons, after deadline.

Speaking before the match with the fifth placedCannons,Sureysaiditwouldbeanother challenge. “We won’t go in favourites which will hopefully help us,” he said. “We will not fear anyone.

“It’ll be a tough challenge and they are in a position we want to be.

“We want to prove we are good enough to be there and start eating away at the [points] margin.”

In other matches, Green Gully was set to face Avondale on Saturday and St Albans was on the road against Dandenong Thunder.

Tara Murray

Practise makes perfect

By Peter Howe

Young golfer Georgia Schwartz is renowned for always having a smile on her face, a strong zest for practise and a mantra for simply getting better every day.

With a handicap of +1, which in itself is remarkable for a young person of her age, the 13-year-olddisplaysamaturitywellbeyondher years.

“I always want to get better, but I am wanting to win as well,” laughs Schwartz as she reflects on her achievements in golf in such a short time.

“I tried swimming and tennis for a while, but I got bored with them pretty quickly.

“I didn’t feel they suited me, I need to be challenged.

“I went to the driving range with dad and really liked the challenge of hitting the ball.

“I then took some group lessons at Keilor and when I got good enough, I entered some competitions at Medway Golf Club, where dad and pa played.”

Schwartz, who is the April Don Deeble sports award nominee, took her golf to the next level post COVID and says there isn’t a day that goes by when she doesn’t practise.

In 2022, Schwartz competed in the 12 and under School Sport Australia Championships in the team Victoria golf team, winning by six shots.

In 2023, her first year in secondary school at Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Schwartz went from strength to strength.

Attending gym strength and conditioning sessions every morning before school that included Pilates, low bearing body weight conditioning to prepare her for when she’s older.

She has match play simulation at Medway Golf Club on Mondays and Wednesdays after school. “My coach, Richard Cooney, is incredibly supportive,” she said. “He is also the high-performance coach for Tasmania.

“The strength of my game is my consistency. My irons are very good, as is my short game.”

Schwartz does believe her swing could be better.

Schwartz finished second at the 2023 12 and under National Golf Championships in Perth and her Victorian team finished third overall.

“It was my first interstate experience; I was very nervous but as soon as I got onto the course my nerves settled,” she said.

From there she went on to win the Medway Golf Club’s women’s open golf championship at and the junior girls’ cross.

She recently won the Bendigo Junior Open and was second at the Royal Melbourne Junior Open as well as the Portarlington Junior Open, She plays as the number one in the Medway junior and senior women’s pennant for And a highlight for Schwartz was playing in the Sandbelt Invitational Professional Golf

event in December.

Two weeks ago, Schwartz was presented with a “Sporting Blue” for golf at the Victorian School Sports Awards in recognition of her outstanding performances at state and national level in 2023.

Schwartz has been recently added to the Golf Australia high performance program where she will attend the Golf Australia High Performance Centre for intensive coaching.

Schwartz has two golfing heroes, Cassie Porter and Cameron Smith.

Everything on track for Wolves

Keilor Wolves aims of hitting high expectations this season are on track early in the FV state league 4 west competition.

The Wolves have started the season in strong fashion winning their first four games and scoring 20 goals while only conceding one.

Coach Slavce Sokolovski said the playing group is doing an amazing job so far.

“Everything is going well,” he said. “They did an amazing pre-season starting back on November 8.

“They were doing three sessions a week and stepped it up like in the NPL [National Premier League].

“The results are amazing and we are so happy.”

Sokolovski came to the club in the off season having been involved at Altona Magic in the NPL competition.

He said despite the difference in the size of the two clubs and different level, he was really enjoying it.

“Everything has been perfect,” he said. “All the conditions I asked for have been done, everything has been good.

“I was able to sign the players I wanted and there’s been massive support from the committee and the supporters, I can’t complain.”

Helping make the transition smoother was being able to bring several of his players that he coached at the Magic back in 2015.

He said they understand the high level that he wants to get the club too.

“I know them really well,” he said. “I wanted to bring them in, they work hard and they don’t complain.”

Sokolovski said they had set high expectations not only for this season, but for the near future.

“We want to build on last season,” he said. “The aim is promotion, 100 per cent. We straight up want to get to state league 1 in the next three years.

So, what does the future hold for Schwartz?

“I’d love to go to college in America and of course turn professional,” a pause, and she adds, “but that’s a long way off,” she said.

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

“We’ve been trying to get the boys as much as possible to be professional.

“So far we are doing the job. Step by step, we are getting there.”

OnFridaynight,theWolvesweresetto face Moonee Ponds, after deadline.

Like the Wolves, Moonee Ponds ended the match undefeated.

Sokolovski said before the match they were expecting a hard challenge.

Tara Murray

Steve Whyte against Altona Magic (Ljubica Vrankovic) 402298_17

Georgia Schwartz. (Supplied)

Bears rise to challenge making it three in a row

Burnside Heights continued its good start to the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition, beating Coburg Districts on Anzac Day.

Aiming to go 3-0, the Bears had a task on their hands having not won at Cole Reserve since 2018.

It was a close match for the first three quarters, with just one point separating the teams heading into three-quarter time.

While the Bears had wind in the final quarter, much of the scoring had been done at the other end of the ground.

The Bears’ experience and height shone through in the final quarter, with four goals to two, to win 12.11 (83)-10.10 (70).

Bears coach Cole Harvey was thrilled to get the win off a short turnaround.

“The younger boys seemed to cope with it a bit better,” he said. “We still had a few sore boys going into the game.

“We’re happy to get down there and get

another away win, that’s for sure.”

Harvey said they had the ascendancy from that little bit of breeze in the final quarter, but they just had to knuckle down and get to work.

“I just felt like we just needed to tidy a few things up,” he said.

“Our entries in the forward 50 weren’t flash all day to be honest with it. That’s probably come off the back of a fair bit of good pressure from Districts.

“I just said to them at three quarter time, we had a bit of a theme, I said to them in terms of football, just get the ball in nice and deep and try and give [Daniel] Hovey, [Nick] Gregson and [Jordan] Hughes a chance to jump at it. We tidied that little bit up, all in all a great day.”

Gregson was awarded the Anzac Day medal for the Bears for his five goals in a best on ground performance.

Harvey said he would be one to watch pre-season and he had proved exactly that.

“He was pretty good again,” he said. “He just

has an amazing pair of hands.

“We didn’t have that last year, a couple of big forwards to kick the footy at. He gets up the ground and gets back and supports the defence and then rolls forward and he’s able to catch a couple deep and kick a couple of goals for us.

“Certainly a powerful weapon for us, that’s for sure.”

The addition of Gregson and Daniel Hovey has freed up the captain in Jordan Hughes to spend more time in the middle.

Harvey said Hughes, who missed the previous week but they erred on the side of caution, led from the front against Lions especially in the final quarter.

Harvey said it was massive to get two wins on the road against sides that would be around them on the ladder.

The win takes the Bears to 3-0 ahead of a clash with East Sunbury.

Tara Murray

Falcons keep on winning

By Tara Murray

City West Falcons built into a strong performance against the Melbourne University Lightning to continue its winning streak in the Victorian Netball League championship.

The Lightning started the better of the two teams before the Falcons found their groove, with the scores level at 14-all at quarter time.

The second and third quarters were all the Falcons as they opened up a match winning lead.

The Falcons rotated their players in the final quarter but still managed to extend the lead slightly to win, 67-50.

Falcons coach Marg Lind was pretty happy after the game.

“I just thought we took a little while to work at a defensive circle and be a little bit more patient in attack,” she said.

“We were trying to launch it into Jane [Cook] really early on. I think against a team like MU, they’ve got Maggie Carris, who is almost as big as Jane, you really need to work to the circle once we did that we started to fly.”

Lind said the decision to bring Mel Oloamanu on the court early in the first quarter was a good move as she bought a bit more physicality and size.

She thought Lucia Faionuku had a good game in wing defence with a bit more height while Sophie Hanarahan looked a lot better in goal defence.

Lind said once they minimalised their errors in attack and Uneeq Palavi became more of a shooting option they started to look a lot better

The margin meant Lind had the chance to throw different players on the court. The Falcons were without Shimona Jok due to Mavericks commitments.

“I think that’s still really important,” Lind said. Genna [Ogier] is still finding her way. When she first came on in that third she was really good, but then she went back to some basketball habits in the last.

“She’s making improvements and Chelsea [Imanisani] was steady. Just try to get us some time and get a bit more experience with that group. We probably need to put her on with Pav and Cookie too, not just always rolling a big number at once.”

The Falcons now move to 6-1 with the loss coming in the first match of the season.

The Falcons under-23s had a much tougher night, losing to the Lightning 52-48 after being 11 goals down at half time and having taken the lead early in the last quarter.

Lind said that side remains a work in progress.

They made 18 errors in the first half, that is not acceptable,” she said. “They made two errors in the third quarter and pulled back an

Montana Holmes. (Robbab Photography)

11 goal deficit to equal it at three quarter time.

“Then to have opportunities in the last to go ahead and again, waste it but then by that point they were a little fatigued I think. You

Sports shorts

VTCA

Sydenham-Hillside has announced Tallan Wright as its new head of cricket and player. Wright brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the club, having played 83 games in Victorian Premier Cricket and was recently captain/coach of Aberfeldie. “His commitment to player development, strategic planning, and fostering a winning culture align perfectly with our club’s values and goals,” the Storm said. “His genuine all-round ability will be a huge asset on the field as well as his role off the field.”

Bowls

Deer Park has signed 2023 Victorian men’s champion of champions singles winner Brenton Coad for the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division season. Coad said he was Absolutely stoked to be joining one of Australia’s premier clubs, with world class facilities.

“[I’m] Eager to get back to metro premier league and play with a couple of my idols in Mark Casey and Nathan Bush.” Brenton will be one of five players representing Deer Park in the Victorian Bowls League starting in August.

Australia Cup

Caroline Springs George Cross is through to the next round of the Australia Cup, while Westvale’s run came to an end. The Georges faced Banyule on Tuesday night, winning 4-0. Morgan Filer, Trevor Ssemakula, Ko Sawada and Russell Currie were the goal scorers for the Georgies. On Monday night, Westvale fell short against Oakleigh Cannons, losing 5-1.

A-League

Western United star Daniel Penha will take centre stage against Europe’s elite after being selected in the A-League all stars men squad to take on Newcastle United. Penha is the first player to be announced in the team, which was voted for by the fans, alongside Adelaide United and soon-to-be Bayern Munich star Nestory Irankunda. The all star game will be played on May 24.

run down 11 goals and not have some sort of consequence.”

The Falcons face Casey on Wednesday night.

Nick Gregson (left) was awarded the Anzac Spirit Medal for Burnside Heights. (Supplied)

Dragons open their account with positive signs

Sunshine Heights continue to show positive signs in the Western Football League division 2competitionasitcomesfromalongwayback.

After a less than ideal off season. which included a coach change over the Christmas period, the Dragons have shown some positive signs the first couple of weeks against some strong sides.

On Saturday, the Dragons were able to put it together for longer to come away with their first win of the season, beating Tarneit, 19.22 (136)-5.9 (39).

Dragons coach Stephen O’Malley said it was a good performance by his group.

“We’d had some good sides the last couple of weeks and we’d been working on structures and it all came together yesterday [Saturday],” he said.

“We had some good patches of play and a lot of good scoring opportunities.”

The Dragons kicked out to an early 28 point lead before a five goal to nil second quarter meant it was game over at half time.

The Dragons finished strongly with eight goals to three in the second half to seal the strong performance.

Tito Nyawela kicked nine goals in a best on ground performance, while Bol Wol, who kicked three goals, and Massimo Sergio were other standouts.

O’Malley said while it had been tough playing some of the good sides early on, it had been a good test for the team.

Thisseasonthedivision2and3competitions have come together, meaning a greater level of competition and some one-sided results.

“We saw how we played against the good sides and we saw how the structures stuck up,”

O’Malley said.

“The margins weren’t what we wanted them

to be, but the matches showed that our system can hold up.”

The tests don’t get any easier for the Dragons who faced Newport and Albion the next two rounds. Both sides played division 2 finals last season.

O’Malley says they are keeping the focus simple.

“We take it one week at a time and we just have to adjust each week,” he said. “We’re still a couple of months behind where we want to be.

“We’re improving every week and are getting better and better. We’re getting fitter as well and we will get there.”

In other results, Sunshine and Albion both had big wins on Anzac Day.

The Kangaroos beat North Footscray, 29.16 (190)-3.4 (22), while Albion beat Braybrook, 18.22 (130)-5.3 (33).

On Saturday, Albanvale beat West Footscray,

Sharks upset Kangaroos

By Tara Murray

Hillside has sent an early statement to the rest of the Essendon District Football League women’s premier competition.

Having started the season well with two wins, the Sharks faced their biggest test yet on Saturday against last season’s premiers Oak Park.

The Sharks not only passed the test with flying colours, but showed they would be one of the sides to beat this season with the 8.7 (55)-2.1 (13) win.

Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro was thrilled with the performance.

“We can’t complain,” he said. “The girls are playing really well.

“We had our eyes on this one and the next one against Aberfeldie to see where we are at.

“The girls were up for and played well from start to finish.”

The Sharks led by 19 points at quarter time and increased the margin to 34 points at the main break with the Kangaroos failing to score in the first half.

The second half was closer, but the Sharks still managed to win the half to seal the really good win.

Ferraro said there was one area that really stood out for him in the performance.

“The pressure was the main point,” he said. “It was non-stop and has been good for the first three games.

“They had a couple of players out, but everyone has that at this time of the year.”

Former AFLW listed player Caitlin Sargent kicked five goals in what Ferraro said was a best on ground performance.

He said Sargent benefited from some extra space.

Hannah Ibraham and Lisa Parisi, who did the job on Alex Quigley, were the other standouts according to Ferraro.

For Ferraro in his first season as coach, he couldn’t have asked for much more. “They are a really coachable group,” he said. “Anything I put in front of them they run through it.”

“We haven’t set any expectations, we want to make finals though.

“Wewantedtogetthegrouptogetherasthey

13.16 (94)-11.18 (84), while North Sunshine lost to Newport, 23.25 (163)-0.6 (6).

In division 1, Caroline Springs beat Parkside.

Twin wins for Thunder

The Keilor Thunder went two from two in the National Basketball League 1 South men’s competition, while the Thunder women lost their first game for the season.

The Thunder was in action on Friday night against Mt Gambier.

It was a fairly even first half, with the Thunder leading by three points at half time.

The third quarter proved to be the match winner, with the Thunder winning the quarter 25-10 to extend the lead to 18 points heading into the final quarter.

While Mt Gambier won the final quarter, the Thunder claimed the win 96-83.

It was an even spread of contributors with six players scoring double figures. A fast start was the key for the Thunder which led 35-23 at quarter time time. The Falcons managed to half the margin heading into half time.

There was nothing between the two teams in the second half, with the teams shooting 32-apiece in the third quarter and then 21-all in the final quarter with the Thunder winning, 107-101.

Kuany Kuany top scored with 31 points, while Jalen Gibbs and Kyle Zunic scored 27 and 25 points respectively.

struggled for numbers last year. We wanted to get that bond together and push for finals.

“If we get one or two more wins on the board we’ll go close to locking in finals and we can maybe look at other things.”

A big positive for the Sharks this season has been the inclusion of a reserves side for the first time.

Ferraro said it had been good for the club but the group had been unlucky with only one game so far.

Oak Park’s reserves side forfeited on Saturday. The Sharks tests continue this round, facing Aberfeldie. It’s a split round, with the Sharks having the bye in the first week.

“That’s the next box to tick,” Ferraro said. “We match up well with them.

“It’ll be a different test for us.”

In other matches, Keilor remains without a win after losing to Oak Park, 8.7 (55)-2.1 (13).

In the men’s division 1 competition, Keilor Park lost to Tullamarine on Anzac Day, while on Saturday, Hillside beat Moonee Valley and St Albans lost to Craigieburn.

For the Thunder women, it was a disappointing performance against Mt Gambier.

Mt Gambier won three of the four quarters in a dominant display, winning 80-55 against an understrength Thunder.

Lily Carmody top scored for the Thunder with 19 points as only three points reached double figures.

The Thunder was able to bounce back on Sunday against the Falcons.

It was a fast start by the Thunder which led by eight points at quarter time. The margin remained steady in the second quarter before the Falcons made their move in the third quarter to reduce the margin to three points.

The Thunder was able to steady and finish the game off with a 19-8 final quarter to win 79-65.

It was an even spread of contributors for the Thunder, with Isabelle Bourne leading the way with 19 points.

Tara Murray

Jack Agius (Ljubica Vrankovic) 338828_14

Yara Taylor (Jacob Pattison) 328702_15

TIPPING 2024

Ben

David Page Robot Building Supplies

GROUNDs KEy: (AO) Adelaide Oval, (As) Accor stadium, (BA) Blundstone Arena, (G) Gabba, (Gs) Giants stadium, (M) Mars tadium, (MCG) Melbourne Cricket Ground, (Ms) Metricon stadium, (sCG) sydney Cricket Ground, (Os) Optus Oval, (T)TIO staduim, (UTs) University OfTasmania stadium.

Tony Montesanno

Lauren Comazzetto Braybrook Hotel

Gioan

Live well with choice and peace of mind

Care and support tailored just for you with Uniting

Help at home

Get assistance with personal and clinical care, household chores, assistive technology and transport

Community support and wellbeing

Remain connected with social groups, outings, and carer services

Independent living

Enjoy connected retirement community living at Amarco Apartments in Kingsville

Residential care

Specialist 24/7 care and support, including dementia and palliative care and respite stays, at the safe and caring Manor Lakes Community in Wyndham Vale

Call the Uniting AgeWell team today to find out how we can support you to live well with choice, independence and peace of mind as you age.