Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 28th May 2024

Making their steps count

Thousands of Australians have been walking 7000 steps a day this May to raise awareness and acceptance for the 70 per cent of autistic people who experience mental health issues.

Aspect’s annual ’Walk for Autism’ fundraising campaign, now in its ninth year, has raised more than $7.7 million to support the estimated one in 40 Australians on the autism spectrum.

Caroline Springs couple Aaron Lee and Jade Rameka are participating for the first time, walking their 7000 steps each day and raising more than $900 so far. Their daughter, Kaia, was diagnosed with autism earlier this year, making the cause deeply personal.

“It is something that is really close to our hearts and we thought raising awareness around it is a really positive cause,” Jade said.

Aaron saidt he first week of May was tough but he continued to clock up his 7000 steps a day.

“I also work in warehousing where I do the same amount of steps but I just tried to push past those boundaries and remind myself that I’m doing this for my daughter,” he said.

To make a contribution to Aaron and Jade’s fundraising campaign visit, https://shorturl.at/aaTtj

Aaron Lee and Jade Rameka with their two-year-old daughter Kaia.

(Damjan Janevski) 409020_05

Energy park green light

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank council will move ahead with its vision for the Sunshine Energy Park (SEP) development, despite reports revealing the presence of Indigenous artefacts on site.

Less than three months ago council decided to scrap long-awaited upgrades to Green Gully Reserve after Indigenous artefacts were found at that site which could have potentially blown out the cost estimate of the project.

The decision to pull the plug on the Green GullyReserveupgradeswasmadeaftercouncil spent seven years and more than $2 million on

the project.

At the council meeting on May 21, council adopted the final draft Sunshine Energy Park vision plan noting that it was “feasible” but would not be able to be funded by council alone.

Sitting in the chamber, it was deja vu for councillor Maria Kerr.

“My concerns are with what happened at Green Gully recently. I don’t want to find ourselves eight years into the planning process and spending $2 million worth of ratepayers’ money. What kind of guarantees can you give that we’re not going to be in this situation at

[Sunshine] Energy Park?” Cr Kerr asked.

Councilofficerssaidthatwhilenoguarantees could be made, due diligence would be carried out where required.

The Sunshine Energy Park encompasses council’s vision for a new major parkland destination next to the Sunshine CBD which includes large-scale tree planting, a possible solarfarmlocation,cyclingandwalkingtracks, sports fields and stadium, play spaces, a large urban forest and wetland system, and more.

The SEP is 54-hectares of closed landfill in Albion, which is part of the closed Sunshine landfills, and was a former basalt quarry. The

site is bordered by Ballarat Road, St Albans Road, the Western Ring Road and Jones Creek.

Council said it will actively explore external funding opportunities for a staged implementation of the plan through grants, partnerships and business case development anditwillconsiderfundingforimplementation in future budget processes.

Councillors Kerr, Virginia Tachos, and Bruce Lancashire voted against adopting the plan,howeverwereoutnumberedbyCrsRanka Rasic, Jae Papalia, Sam David, Victoria Borg, Thuy Dang and Sarah Branton who voted in favour of its adoption.

Brimbank treads water on pool

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank council has decided it will not introduce fee discounts for residents to attend the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre and the Sunshine Leisure Centre.

In February this year, councillor Maria Kerr raised a notice of motion advocating for fee discounts to be given to residents to attend the local centres.

CrKerrsaidthatasratepayersinBrimbank funded $60 million towards the budget of the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, they deserve to be able to access the services when they want to, at a cost that they can afford.

However at the most recent council meeting on May 21, council officers said that “significant benchmarking” has been undertaken in the setting of fees for the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre and the Sunshine Leisure Centre on two previous occasions to ensure “highly affordable fees are in place” to benefit Brimbank residents.

Officers said both centre fees are “highly affordable” when compared to other similar leisure centres in Melbourne’s north-west region and greater Melbourne and that discounting fees for local residents at leisure centres is not common practice.

Councillors Kerr and Bruce Lancashire raised questions regarding the uptake of

more than 11,000 members which has granted council a surplus, as it had initially projected a membership base of about 3000 members.

Cr Kerr attempted to raise an alternate motion which would provide a 5 per cent discount on memberships, casual entry, and swim school for a term of two years commencing on July 1, but was ultimately lost.

“There is no doubt that the Brimbank Aquatic Centre has been an overwhelming success with 11,086 current members.

Council only projected to have no more than 3000 members at this stage. It is time we reward the community and ratepayers

Join the planting party at Bug Rug

The Bug Rug site in Sunshine West is abuzz with excitement as the Friends of Kororoit Creek(FOKC)gearupfortheirmostambitious planting project yet.

On Sunday, July 28, the community will come together for a day of conservation, celebration, and camaraderie.

With a lofty goal of planting 4000 grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, and trees, the FOKC hopestobuildonthesuccessoflastyear’sevent in 250 eager participants lent a hand. This year, they aim to match, if not exceed, that number. Every inch of the Bug Rug site will undergo transformation, from the giant rock and log

sunray to the fence-lines and entryways. Volunteers, supporters, and community members will work tirelessly to beautify the area, creating vital habitat and supporting Indigenous plant populations.

FOKC president Jessica Gerger said the group has been running large-scale National Tree Day events for the past nine years.

“... Each year they get bigger and better and have ended up with an almost festival feeling,” shesaid.“NationalTreeDayiscelebratedaround Australia. It is a chance to be an active citizen and help improve your local environment - in this case the wonderful Kororoit Creek. At

our events we plant thousands of Indigenous grasses, wildflowers, shrubs, groundcover and trees to help create a rich, biodiverse landscape for all the inhabitants of the creek.

“There are activities for absolutely everyone – we welcome new attendees with open arms andlookforwardtoenjoyingtimeonthecreek together.”

The National Tree Day event will take place on Sunday, July 28, from 10am-1pm at the Bug Rug in Sunshine West.

Details: secretary@fokc.org.au

Hannah

Hammoud

who funded this project with more than $60 of rate payers money used to build this complex,” Cr Kerr said.

“We never expected to have this amount of members in the first place. So just because the centre is doing better than expected shouldn’t we provide residents with a small discount considering they funded the lionshare of this facility.”

Crs Kerr, Lancashire and Virginia Tachos voted against the council recommendation to not provide a fee discount, however Crs RankaRasic,JaePapalia,SamDavid,Victoria Borg, Thuy Dang and Sarah Branton voted to not pursue the option of a fee discount.

More places for pooches to safely play

Sydenham Basin Reserve has had a funding injection of $600,000 from the state government that will be put towards upgrades for the dog park.

The state government is delivering 19newandupgradeddogparksacross Melbourne and Geelong, giving families and their furry friends more dedicated spaces to socialise and play.

The state government said it is important that more green open spaces are available for both pets and their owners to enjoy close to home, with the first pet census revealing the state’s most popular pets are dogs, making up 41 per cent of pet ownership.

All projects will undergo community consultation before designs are made final. Expected features include designated ball play areas, sand digging pits, agility equipment, drinking fountains, fencing, shelters, bins and shading, as well as other park enhancements such as pathway improvements, landscaping, and lighting.

The dog park locations were chosen through an application process with eligible councils, with construction expected to be completed for all projects by 2026.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said, “More dog parks across Victoria means more open spaces for families and their pets to exercise, play and enjoy, closer to home”.

Roundtwoofthenewandupgraded dog parks program will open later this year. To find a dog park near you, visit: environment.vic.gov.au/ dog-parks.

cohealth hosts National Reconciliation Week celebration

In the lead-up to National Reconciliation Week, not-for-profit community health agency, cohealth is hosting a free event in Braybrook to encourage unity in the community.

National Reconciliation Week will run from Monday, May 27- June 3, as a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. cohealth’s Yakeen Tharn Aboriginal health

team will be hosting the event with the help of Yorta Yorta man Glen Scott, who works to support other First Nations community members to improve their health and wellbeing.

“National Reconciliation Week is a time of reflection on our history but also as a crucial step toward healing and unity,” Mr Scott said.

Raised in Broadmeadows in Melbourne’s north, Mr Scott said the Yakeen Tharn team at cohealth are passionate about improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander people.

Mr Scott said that reconciliation can play a crucial role in improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians by addressing both direct and indirect factors that contribute to their health outcomes.

“Reconciliation involves us all and it requiresusalltoworktogethertoacknowledge historical injustices and find our common threads,” he said.

“By coming along to one of the cohealth Reconciliation Action Week events, people

can learn about the incredible contributions of First Nations people, and build bridges of empathy and mutual respect.“

Following a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, attendees will have an opportunity to connect with each other, enjoy some live music and a free lunch.

TheeventwillrunatthecohealthBraybrook Community Hub, on Thursday , May 30, from 10am-1pm.

Registrations essential. Details: www. cohealth.org.au/reconciliation-week-2024/

The Friends of Kororoit Creek are leading a green revolution in Sunshine West. Pictured are: Jessica Gerger, Tania Billy, Michelle Muscat and Olga Krasicky. (Damjan Janevcski) 403276_02

Program to promote inclusivity

Deaf Children Australia (DCA) has launched its new blueprint program, designed to foster inclusivity for deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) children within local sports and recreation clubs.

This initiative aims to bridge the communicationgapwithasuiteofdeaf-friendly resources.

DCA reports that parents of DHH children often struggle to integrate their kids into everyday activities due to a lack of accessible options.

In response to these struggles, DCA has developed the blueprint program which

includes a comprehensive toolkit to assist local sportsandrecreationalclubsinwelcomingand supporting DHH children.

Central to the blueprint program are 12 short videos featuring the experiences of DHH children, parents, coaches, and clubs.

The resource pack also includes posters, flashcards, information sheets, window decals, and links to videos demonstrating more than 100 Auslan signs across 10 recreational activities.

LocaldeaffootballerTomSharplessayshehas benefited from inclusive sports environments that have supported him through his sports

Silvie embraces sunset

Keilor resident Silvie Paladino is set to dazzle audiences in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, ‘Sunset Boulevard’.

Inselectperformances,Paladinowillportray Norma Desmond, a character at the heart of the gripping tale.

‘Sunset Boulevard’ follows the story of an aging silent film queen, Norma Desmond, who refuses to accept the end of her stardom. She enlists the help of a young screenwriter to revive her career, leading to a tumultuous relationshipfilledwithmanipulation,madness, and tragedy.

With a rich history in musical theatre dating back to 1989, Paladino shared her excitement about taking on the iconic role.

“I saw Sunset Boulevard originally in 1996 when Debra Byrne was playing the role of NormaandHughJackmanwasplayingJoeand Iloveditthen,butIwasayounglady.Nowthat I’m older I’m the perfect age for Norma. She’s

50intheshowandI’m52,it’ssomethingthatas I’vegottenolderIthoughtthat’saroleI’dreally love to play,” Paladino said.

Paladino has embraced the opportunity to share the role with fellow performer Sarah Brightman.

“To share the role has been somewhat humblingandemotionallychallenging,butI’m absolutely loving every second,” she said.

Rehearsals for the production began in March,offeringPaladinoandherco-starample time to delve into their characters.

“Weeachplaytherolecompletelydifferently, we’re chalk and cheese as performers and vocalists,”Paladinosaid.“It’sbeenanincredible journey so far and we’re just starting.”

Sunset Boulevard took to the stage of the Princess Theatre on May 21, with ‘s opening performance on May 28. Details: www. sunsetmusical.com.au

Hannah Hammoud

journey.

“I have played sport since I was five. I started at Auskick in Caroline Springs, which was my local community club. I loved playing and was excited to be with other kids my age. I loved going each week to Auskick and playing with all the other kids,” he said.

“My mum encouraged me to take part but she made sure the coaches knew I was deaf so they didn’t think I was being naughty by not listening to them. There was this lovely coach who was very kind and supportive to me and would make sure I knew what to do and he helped me along the way.”

Sharples said inclusive sporting clubs are key to developing a strong community that is welcoming and inclusive of deaf and hard of hearing children and young people.

“The blueprint program hopefully will encourage clubs to be more proactive in promoting inclusivity. I hope many more clubs want to welcome deaf and hard of hearing people like Sunshine Heights Football Club, Taylors Lakes Football Club and Altona Sports Cricket Club have welcomed me,” he said.

“... I love running around the field with that ball in my hand always trying my best to kick that incredible goal.”

A pathway to wellness

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, in partnership with Brimbank council, has announced the return of the Daughters of the West program for another season.

This free 10-week health and wellbeing initiative is designed for women aged 18 and older who live and work in the west, offering a unique blend of education, social connection, and physical activity.

The program is entirely free, and is accessible to everyone ranging from those just starting out their health journey or looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Daughters of the West caters to participants of all backgrounds and abilities who can enjoy exercise sessions tailored to their individual abilities.

The sessions will run for two hours, and allow participants to engage with local health experts who cover essential topics such as nutrition, mental fitness, and more.

The Daughters of the West program emphasises the belief that every individual can inspire those around them. However, to make a significant impact, one must first achieve their best self, as “you can’t pour from an empty cup”.

The Brimbank Daughters of the West program will be located in St Albans with a starting date of Wednesday, July 17, at 6.30-8.30pm. The program will conclude on Wednesday, September 18.

Register: https://events.humanitix.com/ daughters-of-the-west-st-albans-2024

The Brimbank Daughters of the West program will be located in St Albans. (Supplied)

Keilor resident Silvie Paladino stars as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard (Ben King)

Pilot repainted his 4WD

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

Greg Lynn’s 4WD was painted a different colour when police attended his Caroline Springs home months after he allegedly murdered Russell Hill and Carol Clay, a jury has been told.

Lynn, who was a Jetstar captain, is accused of killing the couple on March 20, 2020, in Victoria’s Wonnangatta Valley and then dumping their remains in bushland.

The 57-year-old has pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and is on trial at the Supreme Court in Melbourne.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Abbey Justin on Wednesday said cell tower records showed Mr Hill’s phone was near the Great Alpine Road at 10am on March 21, the day after the alleged murders.

Police accessed CCTV footage from the road and found only one vehicle had come from the Wonnangatta Valley in that period, she told the jury.

Sen Const Justin said the vehicle was a grey-blue Nissan Patrol registered to Lynn.

She first attended Lynn’s Caroline Springs home on July 14, 2020, and saw his vehicle parked on a side street but it was painted a light-brown colour, the jury was told.

She admitted it might have been a “sand bank”colourwhenquizzedbyLynn’sbarrister Dermot Dann KC.

Lynn had told police he painted his car that colour after the Wonnangatta trip, Mr Dann said. Sen Const Justin also gave evidence about Lynn’s bank records, which showed he purchased fuel in Mansfield, west of Wonnangatta, on March 21.

It’s alleged Mr Hill and Mrs Clay died on March20afteranargumentbetweenLynnand Mr Hill at Bucks Camp in the Wonnangatta Valley.

Mr Hill had threatened to send his drone footage of Lynn deer hunting near the camp to police, Mr Dann told the jury.

He claimed a scuffle broke out after Mr Hill took a gun from Lynn’s vehicle and Mrs Clay was accidentally shot by Mr Hill.

The barrister said Mr Hill came at Lynn with a knife and was accidentally stabbed in the chest as Lynn defended himself.

However, prosecutors allege Lynn intentionally killed Mr Hill and Mrs Clay. Lynn burned Mrs Clay and Mr Hill’s campsite, put their bodies in his trailer and dumped them on the remote Union Spur Track, near Dargo.

The trial continues.

Jury shown fragments of bone

Bone fragments belonging to Russell Hill andCarolClaywerediscoveredinremote bushland more than 18 months after they disappeared, a jury has been told.

Dozens of photos of bones, teeth and watch parts uncovered by detectives were shown in the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Thursday.

Caroline Springs airline pilot Greg Lynn is accused of the double murder of Mr Hill and Mrs Clay in March 2020. He has pleaded not guilty.

Forensic officer George Xydias told the jury he assessed an area of bushland near the Union Spur Track, east of Wonnangatta, between November 29 and December 1, 2021.

A fallen tree trunk 16m away was also analysed and bone fragments along with three teeth and parts of an old wrist watch were located, Mr Xydias told the jury.

The expert said a fire had been lit on the cleared section of land and the bones and other burnt items were thrown into the open tree trunk.

DrDadnaHartman,fromtheVictorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, confirmed at least one of the bone fragments found at Union Spur Track belonged to Mr Hill.

She told the jury she also carried out testingofbonesfragmentsatBucksCamp, where the murders allegedly occurred. The fragments, found by detectives in March 2022, belonged to Mrs Clay, Dr Hartman told the jury.

Community feedback sought on Albion Quarter

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) is leading the planning for Albion Quarter as part of the Sunshine Precinct, and is inviting locals to share their feedback about the type of place they want Albion Quarter to become.

The Albion Quarter identifies the area surrounding Albion station and covers areas within the suburbs of Albion, Sunshine North and Sunshine. It is one of the three distinct areas of the Sunshine Precinct.

The DTP said the Albion Quarter presents a “transformational opportunity” to revitalise employment uses, provide complementary

residential uses and better integrate the area with the upgraded Albion station.

“We have commenced work on a structure plan which will support the transition of Albion Quarter from the current mix of industrial-focused businesses to supporting Melbourne’s next generation of jobs, innovation and services, and provide a space for new residential dwellings close to public transport and active transport connections,” the DTP said.

“The structure plan will identify local precinct infrastructure needed to improve the amenity and accessibility of the area and

A milestone celebration

Twenty-three-year-oldelectricianRhysCaddy has become the 700,000 apprentice signed up by MEGT to complete their qualifications.

At a ceremony held in Sunshine, Mr Caddy was presented with his certificate of completion after four years of earning and learning both on the job, and via formal classroom training with the Box Hill Institute. Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino told attendees that Mr Caddy’s ’ story was a great example of why apprentices and their employers play such a vital role in the Australian workforce.

“700,000 completed apprenticeships is a huge number, but Rhys puts a human face to that achievement, and I’m thrilled he has a big career ahead of him”, Dr Mulino said.

“Apprentices and trainees are vital to Australia’s economic growth and prosperity. By improving the quality and completion rates for people undertaking apprenticeships, we can ensure that more Australians have an opportunity to retrain and upskill for the future economy.”

MEGT chief executive Matthew Hick thanked representatives from Current Group Pty Ltd, who provided Rhys with his apprenticeship opportunity as a teenager.

MEGT has helped Current Group engage a total of 64 apprentices in recent years.

“An apprenticeship completion pays tribute to both the hard work of the apprentice themselves and a supportive employer. Through our signup and mentoring services, MEGT is thrilled to have been part of Rhys’ journey as well”, Mr Hick said.

“We’re fortunate to see great stories like this every day, and every day it becomes more obvious that apprentices and trainees are the key to ensuring we can meet skills shortfalls in a multitude of industries”.

MEGT also provides Workforce Australia services in the western Melbourne employment region, helping disadvantaged job seekers get the training and specialist support they need to continue their journey towards employment.

make it an attractive place for investment and liveability.”

The DTP has released the Albion Quarter discussion paper to gain feedback from the community and stakeholders, with a survey open until Sunday, July 28.

Locals are also invited to attend one of the upcoming pop-ups to find out more about the Albion Quarter vision and emerging ideas.

The first pop-up session will take place at Victoria University, Sunshine Campus, on Wednesday, June 12, from 11am-1pm.

A second pop-up session will take place

at Albion Station on Tuesday, July 23, from 7-9am.

TheDTPisalsoinvestigatingdesignoptions to revitalise Stony Creek in Albion Quarter as an ecological and community place with integrated water management. This will result in a creek concept design and opportunities for potential funding and delivery.

Once the engagement period ends, the draft Albion Quarter Structure Plan will be developed along with a Planning Scheme Amendment that will be released for community and stakeholder feedback.

Details: https://shorturl.at/H7H3d

A court sketch of Greg Lynn. (AAP Image/Paul Tyquin)

MEGT chief executive Matthew Hick with electrician Rhys Caddy and Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino. (Supplied)

Family violence training for GPs

By Hannah Hammoud

The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is on a mission to protect and support patients experiencing family violence through its innovative program, Primary Care Pathways to Safety. This program equips general practice staff with the necessary tools to provide trauma-informed care to victim-survivors.

Funded by the federal Department of Health and Aged Care, the program offers tailored training to GPs, practice nurses, practice managers and reception staff. The aim is to enable them to effectively assist patients disclosing intimate partner violence or other

Arif volunteers life experience

More than 30 years of working in community services and family support in federal and local government has given Arif Warasta the knowledge and experience needed to support newly-arrived refugees to settle in Australia. And his own experience as a refugee from Afghanistan means his volunteering is informed by lived experience.

The 68-year-old is a volunteer with migrant andrefugeesettlementagencyAMESAustralia, working in Melbourne’s west.

“My role is to help newly arrived refugees with translation and interpreting. I speak English, Farsi, Dari, Pashto and Hazaragi from different Afghan communities, so I can help people and provide information about things like banking, Centrelink, Myki and other services,” Mr Warasata said.

“It’s very rewarding work and I enjoy being busy. I am volunteering six hours a week, but I would love to do more and be more active. I’m happytobeusefultothecommunity,especially tovolunteerwithpeoplelikerefugeeswhohave vulnerabilities and need help,” he said.

MrWarasatabeganvolunteeringwithAMES supporting refugees living in Melbourne’s west – from Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Laverton, Sunshine and Footscray – after retiring from a 30-plus year career in public service.

He arrived from Afghanistan as a refugee more than 35 years ago after the Russian invasion of his homeland.

“I worked as a labourer when I first arrived in Australia and then got into admin and translating jobs in local and federal government,” Mr Warasata said.

“I worked in the Immigration Department’s migrant centre, I also worked in community service and family support.”

Mr Warasata’s career took a surprising turn when he was recruited by NATO to return to Afghanistan and serve as an interpreter and advisor on a US air base in Khandahar.

“My boss was a US general but I was forced to return home to Australia because of family issues,” he said.

Back in Australia, Mr Warasata spent the remainder of his working life at Services Australia and the tax office.

“I retired and then approached AMES about any volunteering work. I started early this year as a settlement volunteer. I love being useful and having some responsibility. I would recommend volunteering to anyone about to retire,” he said.

forms of domestic abuse. Support ranges from providing information on local services to alerting emergency organisations for immediate protection.

Developed in collaboration with the University of Melbourne’s Safer Families CentreofResearchExcellence,whichdeveloped targetedtrainingprotocols,theprogrambegan in 2019, with funding provided to 30 practices across Melbourne’s north and west for training and resources.

One of the 30 practices is the Deer Park Medical Centre. Practice manager Namarata Malhotra said GPs take on a multifaceted role in addressing family violence.

“Beyond merely identifying signs of abuse,

they serve as frontline advocates, offering compassionatesupport,andactivelyfacilitating connections between affected patients and the essential resources and services needed to navigate and overcome such challenging situations.,” Ms Malhotra said.

“ … Our approach encompasses confidential consultations, where individuals can openly discuss their experiences in a safe and non-judgmental environment. Additionally, we offer tailored referrals to specialised services, ensuring that patients receive the specific assistance they require. Furthermore, our dedicated team co-ordinates ongoing care, guidingpatientsthroughtheirjourneytowards healing and empowerment.’’

Deer Park Medical Centre principal doctor

Atef Asham said the funding has enabled the centre to enhance its support services, including training staff in identifying and responding to signs of family violence, implementing protocols for patient safety, and expanding access to counselling and support programs.

’’If you’re experiencing family violence and unsure where to start, consider reaching out to trusted healthcare professionals like your GP, whocanoffersupport,resources,andguidance on seeking help and safety planning,” Dr Asham said.

NWMPHN is now recruiting another 30 practices to undertake the training.

Arif Warasata. (Supplied)

Contentious dwellings approved

By Hannah Hammoud

A development comprising 10 double storey dwellings on Selwyn Street, Albion, has been approved by council, despite two previous applications for the site being knocked back.

During a recent council meeting, councillor Virginia Tachos took issue with the site’s historyandquestionedcouncilofficersontheir recommendation to approve the application. “I am definitely not against development. I think that if anything, we need more housing stock, but we also need to seek balance in the way that housing stock is developed in

Brimbank,” she said.

The site is located on the south-western corner of Selwyn Street and Delmont Street in Albion. Two previous applications were submitted to council in 2018 and 2020. Both bothproposalssoughttheconstructionofnine double storey dwellings and a reduction in the standard car parking requirement.

The applications were both refused by council and the refusals were upheld by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) on appeal.

In council’s VCAT report from 2021, it was noted that council said the proposal for nine

dwellings was an “uncomfortable fit” for the site. It went on to add that the proposal is of an intensity and layout which is “unacceptable” and is “asking too much of the site” because it is too tightly packed and an overdevelopment.

“If we are now adding to the intensity and increasing it [from nine] to 10 double storey properties, then won’t that exacerbate the overdevelopment by squeezing in even more bulk in what is quite a busy surrounding interface?” Cr Tachos asked.

A council officer’s report cited design changes to the application had enabled it to be approved. The report outlined when

New group fusing friendship and fun

LouisGrimaisprovidingfreefriendshipacross Melbourne’s north and west to bring together like-minded people and give people an opportunity to enhance their social life, with the Fusion Friendship Group.

After running a single’s dance club more than 20 years ago, the passion returned for Louis to bring people together and seek out new friendships from himself and for others, causing him to found this group. He said the group provides an opportunity for anybody to make new friends in safe environments.

“We’re mainly into music, dancing, and dinners,” he said. “We’re out every Saturday and Sunday.”

“There’s no cut off on age, we’re open to anyone, but it’s more suited for 45 and up.”

“This group’s aim is to bring together and givetheopportunitytopeopletoenhancetheir social life and to meet new and interesting like-minded people. Our events will predominantly be held in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. If this sounds like you, don’t die wondering and hop on board.”

The group hosts a number of events, with

anywhere from 10 to 40 people attending each time.

Mr Grima said the group’s strong mix of people from all over Melbourne’s north and west means the group has events all across Melbourne, but most notably in the North the group loves Music Land and the Darebin RSL.

To cater for older members and regular workers, they have Sunday events typically running from 3pm to 6pm.

Join: https://shorturl.at/pyJsV

Gerald Lynch

assessing the merits of a planning application for multiple dwellings council does not focus upon the number of dwellings but instead the acceptability of the design.

“If the design response is acceptable, so too are the number of dwellings within the design,“ the report stated.

Cr Tachos’ attempt to raise an alternate motion to reconsider council’s recommendation was lost as Crs Ranka Rasic, Jae Papalia, Sam David, Thuy Dang, Sarah Branton, Bruce Lancashire, and Victoria Borg voted in favour of approving the planning application.

Petitions on parking and upgrades

Brimbank council accepted two petitions at its most recent council meeting on May 21, each of which attracted hundreds of signatures.

Council received a petition from 205 signatories objecting to the removal and reconfiguration of parking spaces directly in front of shops along Glengala Village, Glengala Road.

As reported by Star Weekly, Glengala Village business owners are calling on council to rethink proposed streetscape changes, as they voice concerns over a lack of parking spaces.

Local traders have raised concerns overtheoptionsincouncil’s‘Glengala Village streetscape improvements’ as they believe it will result in a loss of parking spaces.

Council accepted a second petition from 380 signatories, requesting that council reinstate the JR Parsons Recreation Reserve upgrades.

As reported by Star Weekly , members of the Sunshine Park Tennis Club are calling on council to reinstate its funding after council withdrew funding for upgrades.

Council’s2023-34budgetincludeda $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.

The club was recently told that the upgrades will no longer be going ahead.

Both petitions were referred to council’s chief executive Fiona Blair for consideration and response.

Accessible parking proposal rejected by Brimbank council

ItwasatensemeetingonMay21,asBrimbank council made the decision to not increase the number of accessible car parking spaces at the front of the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre (BCCC).

Currently, there are three parking bays at the entrance of the BCCC with one dedicated to accessible parking.

Last year, Cr Kerr raised a notice of motion for the re-designation of the car parks to be all accessible car parking spaces.

Cr Kerr is a member of the Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee which hosts

regular meetings at the BCCC, and said there are not accessible parking spots available.

“Itisofutmostimportancethatpeoplewith disability have sufficient, accessible parking and that other members of the community respect those designated parking bays,” Cr Kerr said at the time.

The report came back to council at a council meeting on April 16, but was deferred to the May council meeting after Cr Kerr expressed that she was not “satisfied” with council’s proposed recommendation of ‘Option C’, which recommended that

the existing parking bays along Hampshire Road, comprising of one accessible bay and two short term parking bays, remain as they are, with enforcement to ensure appropriate use.

Again, at the most recent council meeting on May 21, ‘Option C’ was recommended by council officers and passed with the support from Crs Ranka Rasic, Jae Papalia, Thuy Dang, Sam David, and Sarah Branton who outvoted Crs Maria Kerr, Victoria Borg, Virginia Tachos, and Bruce Lancashire.

Cr Maria Kerr accused council of

prioritising cost concerns over the needs of the community.

“This is not a good outcome for people living with a disability that require an accessible car park,” Cr Kerr said.

Cr Victoria Borg attempted to raise a foreshadowed motion in favour of ‘Option B’ which would convert the two existing short term parking bays to accessible car parking bays, but was unsuccessful as the original motion was moved successfully.

Hannah Hammoud

Louis Grima runs a friendship group in the northern and western suburbs. (Damjan Janevski) 407123_01

Seniors ideas at expo

Brimbank council is inviting the community to the Brimbank seniors and carers expo 2024 to discover the resources available to support a healthy and active lifestyle for seniors and carers in Brimbank.

The free event is aimed at helping local seniorsandcarerslearnaboutavailableservices to support healthy and active aging.

Thisyear’sexpowillbeheldonMonday,June 3, from 9.30-2.30pm, at the Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium in Keilor Park.

KeilorLifeActivitiespresidentandBrimbank

Active Seniors group member Joan Ellis said she is “blessed” to live in the Brimbank municipality where there are services and supports to live and age well.

“The expo is a great opportunity to bring relevantsupportstogetherundertheoneroofto

support seniors and carers within Brimbank,” she said.

The expo will feature 60 exhibitors covering a wide range of topics, including aids and equipment, advocacy, Brimbank council services, commonwealth home support and home care package providers, financial and legal assistance, health and safety, learning and technology, and social and leisure activities.

Attendees can look forward to a series of free talks, activities, and information sessions. Complimentary coffee, tea, light refreshments, and free giveaways will also be available. No bookings are required for this event.

For any questions or to discuss transport or access requirements, email CommunitySupport@brimbank.vic.gov.au or call 9249 4000.

Briefs

Police ramming in Keilor Downs Police have charged a man following a police ramming in Keilor Downs on May 21. Officers observed the McLaren Coupe on Milleara Road about 1.30pm. Police attempted to intercept the driver, before he allegedly rammed two unmarked police vehicles while trying to flee the scene. The officers inside the vehicles were not injured. Officers searched the vehicle, and located and seized a firearm and a quantity of drugs. The 32-year-old Keilor East man has been charged with a number of offences, including five counts of recklessly exposing police officers to risk by driving, two counts of failing to stop on police direction, four counts of resisting police, trafficking methylamphetamine, possessing methylamphetamine, two counts of driving whilst disqualified, prohibited person possessing a firearm, two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, and willful damage.

Recognising Victoria’s volunteers Nominations are now open for the Victorian Volunteer Awards 2024, and can be submitted for inspiring individuals or organisations, who are helping make Victoria an even better place to live through their volunteering. Nominations for the 2024 Awards close on Monday, July 22. Details: volunteeringvictoria.org.au/awards.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Brimbank locals at the seniors festival golf day event in Keilor. (Supplied)

The ‘critical’

first 1000 days

Australia is grappling with the twin crises of family violence and housing shortages. At the Caroline Chisholm Society (CCS) these two nation-wide issues have come to a head as Hannah Hammoud reports.

The Caroline Chisholm Society – based in the western suburbs of Melbourne –provides wrap-around family services to prevent the need for child protection involvement for thousands of women and their children who might otherwise have entered or experienced the trauma of out of home care.

CCS chief executive Jennifer Weber said early intervention and prevention is the key to working towards positive outcomes for vulnerable women.

“We are experiencing a demand for services, particularly for women who are pregnant and impacted by family violence and homelessness,” Ms Weber said.

‘‘ Pregnancy is often a very vulnerable time for women and it can often be the trigger life-event where women start to experience violence ’’ - Jennifer Weber

“We know from research that pregnancy is often a very vulnerable time for women and it can often be the trigger life-event where women start to experience violence.”

Ms Weber said services like the CCS aim to provide essential support to pregnant women, allowing them to self-refer to family services priortochildbirth.Thegoalistoconnectthese expectant mothers with resources early on, ensuring their safety and readiness for their baby’s arrival. However, the current surge in demand has meant that pregnant women are often not prioritised until after their baby is born.

This delay can lead to severe consequences. For instance, when at-risk mothers give birth, childprotectionservicesmaybecomeinvolved immediately if there are concerns about the mother’s ability to provide a safe environment for the baby. In some cases, mothers have reported being told they cannot take their baby home or continue breastfeeding because child protection has decided to place the baby

in care due to perceived risks.

Ms Weber said a common scenario involves mothers who are escaping family violence and have been unable to secure stable housing during their pregnancy. Upon giving birth, they face immediate scrutiny from child protection services. If they are found to lack safe housing, their newborn may be required to stay in the hospital until suitable accommodation is found. This situation forces new mothers into a frantic search for housing, under the pressure of knowing their baby cannot come home until it is resolved.

MsWebersaidfundingreceivedbytheCCS limits what the organisation can do in the early intervention/prevention space – called the “first 1000 days” – a critical time between a woman’s pregnancy and her child’s second birthday. The first 1000 days represents a time that can be an opportunity for both “tremendous potential” as well as a time of “potential risk of adversity and vulnerability.”

Ms Weber said funding for family services liketheCCSisthe“loosechangeinthecouch” to supporting this increasingly vulnerable cohort of women.

“Wearenotaskingformillionsandmillions of dollars but we are asking for the discussion and serious consideration to be given to how we can be funded,” she said.

“There are more than 2000 women in Victoria needing help and there are very limited pathways into services for women. Instead of somebody putting them onto a waitlist, we can start working with them straightaway,andwegetreallygoodoutcomes when we do this because we can move very quickly to stabilise the situation.

“To me, the housing first principle is first and foremost. In the government budgets there are very grand themes that seem to be identified,butwhataboutwhenorganisations areendeavouringtodowhattheseaspirations are trying to solve by coming up with real solutions. But we in fact still can’t get access to respectable housing solutions, and by that I mean not putting pregnant women into hotels that most of us would never want to be staying in, and they’ve got two to three days to stay there and then they’ve got to find somewhere else.”

A state government spokesperson said victim survivors of family violence are prioritised for social housing.

“Housing allocations for family violence survivors have grown by 49 per cent since 2019-20,” the spokesperson said.

“We have also invested more than $72 million in the Victorian Budget 2024-25 to provide immediate support and emergency accommodation for survivors of family violence.

“The Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Prevention of Family Violence Vicki Ward recently met with the sector to hear about what is working well and what more we can do to provide emergency accommodation for those escaping family violence.”

Ms Weber said the CCS wants the government to enable them to work with women “sooner rather than later”.

“We want them to help us find houses and accommodation that can be available for six to 12 months at least in the short term to stabilise mum’s situation,” she said.

Ms Weber said in the prenatal stage, providing timely support to expectant motherscanbeapivotalmomentthatchanges the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their unborn children.

“I often think of it as a sliding doors moment,” Ms Weber said.

“Consider the case of a pregnant woman who arrives in Victoria from another state, fleeing family violence and other issues. She has been couch surfing, and her Centrelink payments have been disrupted due to her unstable living conditions. In the final weeks of her pregnancy, she visits a Centrelink office to fix her payment issues. During her visit, she starts to reveal more about her situation, which raises red flags. The Centrelink social worker then comes over to speak with her and this is where the sliding doors moment happens. The social worker has a couple of options, they could either flag her case in the system or they could call the Caroline Chisholm Society. Within hours of us getting that call, we’ve set up a practitioner, a doula to support mum during her childbirth, and because we’ve been able to provide wrap around services we can then start addressing housing and other issues and child protection doesn’t need to be involved.”

Ms Weber said this scenario underscores thecriticalneedforproactivesupportsystems for expectant mothers, especially those in vulnerable situations.

MsWebersaidthecurrentsystemoftenfalls short with many expectant mothers facing delays and barriers when seeking support, sometimes resulting in situations that could have been avoided with timely assistance.

“We need to do better for anyone regardless of their particular situation – not having to sit and wait at intakes to be considered for a few nights of accommodation. But particularly so for a pregnant woman, it’s such a critical time for them as they are about to give birth, if child protection gets that call and has to investigate once mum gives birth… this is not going to be a great outcome.

“If baby has to be removed from mum and gointocare,what’sthatgoingtocost?Notjust the social and emotional wellbeing of mum and bub, but on the system itself?”

Caroline Chisholm Society chief executive Jennifer Weber. (Damjan Janevski) 407746_01

(iStock)

‘We’re upset’: School cleaners

By Zoe Moffatt

Two long-serving school cleaners spoke at Victorian Labor’s State Conference earlier this month, demanding an end to a privatised school cleaning system that has seen cleaners’ hours cut and in some cases wages more than halved.

Thisdemandstemsfromthemajorshake-up of cleaning contracts, in which the state governmentawardedschoolcleaningcontracts to Serco and Tradeflex for 2024, slashing cleaners hours across Melbourne’s north-west.

‘‘

We’re angry, we’re upset … we will never give up our campaign. We need Ben Carroll to fix this mess ’’

- Lyndal Ryan

The cleaners put forward a resolution at conference, condemning the state government’s decision to maintain privatised cleaning contracts across government schools, impacting more than 3000 cleaners.

Speaking after the conference, United Workers Union property services director Lyndal Ryan said they were there to tell Education Minister Ben Carroll thatheneedstolistentothecleanersandunion.

“We’re angry, we’re upset … we will never give up our campaign,” Ms Ryan said. “We need Ben Carroll to fix this mess.

“He needs to listen to us, we’re not going to sit there passively … he needs to listen to us, he needs to listen to the cleaners.”

The cleaners’ resolution states that it’s “reprehensible that this Victorian Labor government has stood by and allowed the

companies that they pay to clean our schools (to) cut the hours and pay of workers”.

“[They] went into Christmas 2023 with no public holiday pay (and) having their hours

Paramedics ready to go

Ambulance Victoria (AV) has welcomed another group of graduates to the Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic ranks, at a ceremony alongside family and friends.

The latest graduates are located at AV branches in Sydenham, Hillside, Belgrave, Seymour, Clyde North, Inglewood, Dallas, Morwell, Tarneit, Winchelsea and Point Cook.

Thegroupofficiallymarkedtheircompletion oftheGraduateAmbulanceParamedic(GAP) program on May 19, at the AV Capability Hub in Sunshine.

GAPs undertake a structured, on-road supervision and learning program for at least 12 months after completing their university degrees, before becoming fully qualified ALS paramedics.

Theprogramhelpsgraduatestransitionfrom the classroom to the ‘real world’, integrating into day-to-day team responsibilities and activities.

The new graduates bring a diverse range

of life experiences and motivations to their career at AV, with the group including new parents, a former retail worker, an ex-teacher and individuals following in the footsteps of family members.

AV chief executive Jane Miller said the graduation was a big achievement for the new paramedics.

“We congratulate all our newest advanced life support paramedics on completing their time as a graduate ambulance paramedic and are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in their careers,” she said.

“It’sfantastictohearwhatmotivatedeachof them to become paramedics, and while these reasons vary, we are all linked by a passion to help and care for our community.’

“This group have already spent significant time on-road making a positive impact to patients across the state, so they understand what an honour it is to provide Best Care to all Victorians, and we’re excited to have them join us in delivering that.”

cut, pay slashed and conditions lost for 2024, with some workers losing up to 60 per cent of their income.

“One example is a Union Member having

their wage cut from $49,000 in 2023 to $19,000 for this year.”

Ms Ryan said the state government should not privatise essential government services.

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The cleaners put forward a resolution at the Victorian Labor State Conference. (Pictures: Supplied)

The recent graduates are already helping serve local community branches, including AV branches in Sydenham and Hillside. (Supplied)

Policy enhances engagement

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank council has adopted its draft community engagement policy that will guide council’s community engagement principles.

Council said the policy establishes an engagement framework with a set of principles to guide best practice engagement and enable meaningful and genuine opportunities for community involvement in decision making processes.

In July 2022, council approved the revised community engagement policy 2021, which included an update to the policy that allows for the remuneration of a community panel. The community panel is a group of community

members who are available for council to consult on important projects, plans, issues, and strategies in a targeted and effective manner. The Brimbank Community Voice (BCV) was then established in June 2023. In December 2022, council endorsed a further resolution to be enacted following the establishmentoftheBCV.Thisresolutionstated thatcouncilundertakesaprocessofdeliberative engagement in 2023 to inform a full review and update of the community engagement policy. Following the deliberative engagement process, a draft community engagement policy 2023 was presented to council at the December council meeting and was endorsed for broad community consultation.

CouncillorVictoriaBorgsaidasacommunity firstcouncil,communityengagementis“highly significant”.

“… Council first adopted this policy back in 2021 before it became legal in 2023. It was due for revision in 2023. It is important to mention that the Brimbank Community Voice was established in 2023, and was included in deliberative engagements in the development of the first draft community engagement policy which was endorsed by council in December and made available for community consultation earlier this year,” she said.

“[I am] pleased to say that there was strong support of the statement of policy pillars and principles.”

Posting out cards to stay connected

This month, one million households across thestatewillreceiveaspecialprepaidpostcard thanks to Australia Post and Beyond Blue. The Connection Postcard program is enteringitsfourthyear,withastrongfocuson encouraging greater community connection and supporting mental wellbeing across the country.

According to Ending Loneliness Together’s State of the Nation Report, nearly one in three Australians struggle with loneliness, especiallyinremoteorregionalareas,causing Australia Post to increase its distribution of postcards in this year’s program.

Thetwo-part‘ConnectionPostcardincludes important mental health information and

Beyond Blue contact details, and a detachable second part including a pre-paid postcard for recipients to pen a personalised note to send to a friend or loved one.

Created by regional Australian artist, Jocelyn Proust, the illustration includes two fairy wrens in a vibrant natural setting to signify the power of communication for connection and begins with the words, ‘sharing this postcard because I care’.

Australia Post community and stakeholder engagement general manager Nicky Tracey said Australia Post is proud to be expanding the campaign in 2024.

Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman said the expanded campaign is

coming at a time when greater community connection and awareness about accessible and affordable mental health support is critical.

“While people have never been more digitally connected, the research shows too many people experience feelings of disconnection, loneliness and isolation. In our fourth year in partnership with Australia Post, we hope to continue fostering genuine connection through the simple act of sending a personalised postcard, while also encouraging people to look after their mental health and know that Beyond Blue is always there for them with free support around the clock,” she said.

To support the implementation of the policy, council is also developing a comprehensive community engagement toolkit.

The toolkit is said to operationalise the principles of the policy and will guide staff through the necessary tools and strategies required to encourage active participation in civic decision-making processes.

The toolkit will also include guidance and strategies on supports required by community members to participate in civic decision making processes, engaging with First Nations people, engaging lesser heard demographic groups, and remuneration options for community members participating in engagement activities.

Brimbank council is undertaking an expression of interest (EOI) process to identify the most suitable future tenant for the Green Gully Traffic School. CurrentlyrunbytheBrimbankBicycle Education Centre (BBEC), at Green Gully Reserve 7 Clubhouse Place, Keilor Downs, the BBEC will close its doors on June 30.

Council said this facility has been used for the purposes of leisure activity, riding and traffic education and that it welcomes expressions of interest from suitable community group applicants who can meet the council’s broad aim for the facility to maximise its use by the community for leisure activity.

In March, BBEC secretary Richard Carthew told StarWeekly that he was hopeful a new group could take over and keep the centre running.

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

Interested applicants can learn more about the EOI application process by contacting Brimbank council’s leisure and community facilities on facilities@ brimbank.vic.gov.au or via phone 9249 4537. Applications will close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 11. Applications will be assessed by a panel, with notice of the outcome by June 30.

Details: https://www.brimbank. vic.gov.au/about-council/news/ public-notices

Beyond Blue chief executive Georgie Harman and Australia Post general manager of community and stakeholder engagement Nicky Tracey with a large version of the new postcard. (Supplied)

Lastweek,incelebrationofNationalVolunteer Week,FraserMPDrDanielMulino,honoured six outstanding local individuals for their significant contributions to the community. These volunteers have played crucial roles in sustaining social, charitable, and sporting activities that many rely on.

Dr Mulino highlighted the vital impact of volunteer work in the community and said evidence of the extraordinary contribution of volunteers’ was evident in his work every day.

“Our lives are so much richer thanks to their hard work.”

One of the six recipients, Vinh Nguyen was recognised for his decades-long contribution to the Vietnamese community and the Melbourne Vietnamese Lions Club.

Women of Brimbank founder Poonam Singh was also recognised for her work connecting migrant women and their families through informal gatherings and cultural events. A driving instructor turned bus driver, Ms Singh started the group in 2013 to help isolated women overcome language barriers and social isolation.

“It made me think that I could arrange get-togethers for them to meet and have some social connection. We organised picnics and they would bring their families. It’s grown from there,” she said.

The group now has about 70 members and organises larger events through a core group of volunteers.

Anotherrecipient,ViviUyenthuyDangcong, was honoured for her work organising and running art, craft, and traditional dance activities for young people, more recently throughBrimbankcouncil.Withabachelorof arts and youth work, Ms Dangcong said she enjoys volunteering as it helps her meet new people and opens up opportunities.

SunshineHeightsSoccerClubpresidentand

treasurer Michael Sposato was chosen for his more than 40- year-long involvement with the club.

Mr Sposato, a former fitter and turner who worked as a production manager in hardware manufacturing for many years, has been club president for the past 18 years. The club, formed in the 1960s, currently has seven teams.

Sunshine RSL Club president Garry Collins and RSL member Brenton Watson were commended for their dedication to organising Anzac Day and Remembrance Day

commemorations.

Mr Collins, a lifelong Sunshine resident, dedicates about 18 hours a week to club activities. Mr Collins was working as a clerk in Carlton when he was conscripted in 1970. He spent nearly two years as a medic at the Puckapunuyal Army training camp near Seymour until conscription ended in 1972.

Mr Watson, who works full-time for the RAAF at Laverton, assists with organising events, maintenance, IT work, and at weekends, he and his partner look after the club’s memorial gardens.

Community grants 2024 open soon

Applications for Brimbank council’s annual community grants program 2024-25 will open on May 29.

The categories are: community strengthening, mental health and wellbeing, climate emergency, young people’s ideas, community festival and events, major festival and events, and seniors operational grants.

Council said its community grants program is designed to provide one-off financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations, community groups and organisations to deliver projects that support and improve the community’s health and wellbeing, support life-long learning, encourage sustainable living, promote Brimbank as a destination and build capacity through partnerships and networks.

There are grants of up to $10,000 on offer in the community strengthening, climate emergency, mental health and wellbeing, young people’s ideas and community festival and events categories.

The major festival and event grants category offers up to $25,000 to support festivals and events that showcase Brimbank’s diversity, places, talents, cultures or unique offerings.

The seniors operational grants category offers up to $1000 to support senior groups in Brimbank towards their day-to-day operating costs. Applications close on July 14.

100%

Garry Collins, Brenton Watson, Michael Sposato, Dr Daniel Mulino, Phu Le accepting the award on behalf of Vinh Nguyen, and Vivi Uyenthuy Dangcong. (Supplied)

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

Reconciliation Week

Brimbank council is hosting a range of events to mark Reconciliation Week in Brimbank starting with a story time activity at Sunshine Library on May 27, from 3.30-4.30pm.

■ https://events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

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 Thursdays, from 10am-12.15pm, until June 20.

■ 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au

Women’s only conversation English Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to 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 Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.

■ 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au

Crafternoons

Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to 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 until June 6. Registration is essential.

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

Sunshine Heights Junior Soccer Club

The club is on the lookout for more girls to join its junior soccer teams from ages under-8s through to under-14. If you are keen to join, training is held every Tuesday and Thursday at Castley Reserve from 5.30pm – except for under 14 girls who train from 6.30pm.

■ theclub@sunshineheightsjsc.com.au

Girl Guides

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

■ Carolyn, 0418 536 084

Sunshine Repair Cafe

Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Café in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.

■ sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help

and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected.

Confidential meetings held at the Sydenham Neighbourhood Centre (rear of library) every Wednesday, from 1-2.30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

Card games

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

■ Leisa, 0425 768 808

Keilor Day View Club

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

■ Robyn, 0425 387 880

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Deer Park Lions Club

Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new

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

■ Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass

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

■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm.

Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.

■ Roma, 0435 991 064

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of the Melton South Primary School colour run.(Damjan Janevski) 408205_01

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

Chatty Cafe Melton

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

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

Women’s Support Group

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

■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

Melton Ladies Probus

Meets from 10am on the second Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome.

■ Dianne, 9743 7446

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.

ACROSS

1 Uncovered (7)

5 Tools used to hold a wood or metal workpiece (1,6)

9 Amply (11)

10 Angry crowd (3)

11 Votary (6) 12 Comfort (7) 14 Directs (4) 15 Uneducated (10) 17 Rival (10) 19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

20 Induct (7)

22 Resolve (6) 25 Pester (3) 26 Offender (11)

28 Raffle (7) 29 Forest workers (7) DOWN

1 See (4) 2 Alias, pen-name (9) 3 Lecher (5)

4 Submissive (11)

5 Hair product (3)

6 Launch a tirade at (3,4) 7 Latin American dance (5)

8 Section title (10) 12 Aficionado (11) 13 Partial (10)

16 Christmas plant (9) 18 Instance (7) 21 Spectacle (5) 23 Capital of Italy’s Piedmont region (5) 24 Advantages (4) 27 Narrow beam (3)

may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 What kind of food are poffertjes?

2 Who is the narrator in Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief?

3 Colloquially, what is a sparky?

What kind of fruit is ume? 5 In 1942, Earl Tupper developed the first product for which homeware brand? 6 What year did World War II end?

7 Natasha Lyonne (pictured) stars as Charlie Cale in which comedy series?

No. 187

No. 187

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Keegan Payne has won a million dollars after catching what kind of fish in an annual NT angling competition?

2. Where are the 2024 Olympics taking place in July?

3. Who won the Norm Smith medal in 2023?

4. In 2022, which team won the Major League Baseball World Series?

5. Bundee Aki currently plays rugby for which country?

6. In which year did Toby Greene become the solo captain of GWS?

7. Which boxing legend is returning to the sport for a heavyweight match against a famous YouTuber?

Helen Housby plays for which Super Netball team?

Roland-Garros is another name for which Grand Slam tournament?

10. Which Austrian player announced they were retiring from professional tennis after suffering a wrist injury?

11. Which team has the first overall selection in the 2024 NBA draft?

Bowler James Anderson has taken 700 wickets playing for which national cricket team?

Australians Ziggy Mackenzie and Dane Henry recently won world junior championship titles in which sport?

14. How many NBL teams did the late Corey 'Homicide' Williams play for?

15. Inaugural Tasmania Football Club CEO Brendan Gale played 244 games with which VFL/AFL club?

16. Which tennis professional was struck on the head by a water bottle while signing autographs at the 2024 Italian Open?

17. Stormy the Ice Hog is the costumed mascot for which NHL team?

18. Which Central American country hosted the 2024 ISA World Junior Surfing Championships?

19. How many games did the Detroit Lions win during the 2008 NFL season?

20. Mike Budenholzer is the latest head coach of which NBA team?

21. Which two teams played out a draw in Round 9 of the AFL?

22. Former South African cricket captain Johan Botha is the new head coach of which Australian state team?

23. In which year did Rome host the Summer Olympics?

24. Which club finished on the bottom of the 2023-24 English Premier League table?

25. How many times did Mick Doohan win the 500cc world motorcycle championship?

26. And his son Jack is the reserve driver for which Formula One team?

27. Which British Army officer, who shares his name with a UK prime minister, is credited with having invented the game of snooker?

28. Which A-League Women player holds the record for both most goals and most appearances?

29. Which US golfer holds the record for winning the most men’s major golf championships?

30. Which English fast bowler is set to play his final Test in July against the West Indies?

Surfing

Doohan

James Anderson

CX-30 a winner for Mazda

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Launched here in late 2020 the Mazda CX-30 is a small-medium SUV that squeezes into the space between the company’s original SUVs, the compact CX-3 and the mid-sized CX-5.

Between them, these three vehicles accountedforjustoverhalfoftotalMazdasales in 2023 and were a major factor in the brand being locked solidly into second place behind Toyota in total sales.

CX-30 was given a minor upgrade in late 2023 that included improved connectivity and fuel efficiency, together with a new model grade, the GT SP.

The CX-30 now comes with five equipment levels, in ascending order: Pure, Evolve, Touring, GT SP and Astina.

Prices range from $33,290 for the Pure FWD through to $47,390 for an X25 Astina AWD. On-road costs need to be added.

Styling

CX-30 has quite a conservative design which is likely to appeal more to owners at the older end of the age-scale. The shape is similar to the Mazda3 hatch but 100mm taller with 25mm extra ground clearance.

Although technically an SUV it has a sporty profile that’s almost coupe like.

At the front there are swooping headlamps flanking a large black version of the current Mazda family grille with an attractive textured fill. All variants get daytime running lights, LED in the Astina, halogen in the others.

The new GT SP gains a sleeker, more sporty appearance with exterior styling enhancementsintheformofblackalloywheels, a black front grille and mirror caps finished in piano black.

The entry-level CX-30 Pure comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, all higher-grade models roll on 18s.

Outthebacktherearewraparoundtail-lights, small roof spoiler, twin exhaust pipes and black plastic in the bumper.

Nine colours are available, five of them metallic are costed options.

Interior

The quality of the cabin has taken the CX-30 to a new level. The driver benefits from a high seating position and auto dimming rear-view mirror. The leather-clad steering wheel offers a comfortable grip, plus paddle shifts and the air vents are angled to the driver, servicing the dual zone air-conditioning.

Versatilestorageincludesagood-sizedcentre console, and a space below the fascia thanks to theuptakeofanelectricparkingbrake,plusbig door bins.

The dashboard isn’t as expansive as others in the segment but is well laid out and easy to read.Welovethefactthatitresistedthecurrent trend of locating almost all controls in screens by the use of physical knobs for adjusting air conditioning and audio.

Pure and Evolve have manual black cloth seats. The others have two different grades of leather (black and burgundy) and 10-way power adjustment.

Versatilestorageincludesagood-sizedcentre console, and a space below the fascia thanks to theuptakeofanelectricparkingbrake,plusbig door bins.

In the back, CX-30 has good headroom but legroom for taller passengers could be a problem. The smallish centre-rear seat is not unusual in this size class in that it’s hampered for footroom by the central tunnel.

There are air vents and a fold-down centre armrest with twin drink holders.

Bootspaceis317litreswiththerearseatbacks folded. A space-saver wheel is stored under the boot floor.

Engines/transmissions

CX-30 offers either a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre, or Skyactiv 2.5-litre petrol engine, mated with a six-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission, plus front-wheel or all-wheel drive.

RATINGS

Looks: 7/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 9/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 8/10

The 2.0-litre Skyactive-G 2.0 generates 114 kW at 6000 rpm and 200 Nm at 4000 revs is available with all spec levels apart from the Touring SP.

Two variants, the Evolve G20e M and X20 Astina e-Skyactiv are mild hybrids and share the G 2.0 engine with a 24V lithium-ion battery.

The larger Skyactiv-G 2.5 engine has a 2.5-litre capacity with outputs of 139 kW at 6000 rpm and 252 Nm at 4000. It is available in the FWD or AWD Astina spec-level as well as Touring and Touring SP, AWD only.

The previous entry-level Pure came with a six-speed manual gearbox option but that was dropped with the latest upgrade and all models now have a six-speed torque converter automatic.

Infotainment

The top spec Astina and GT SP variants each get a 10.25-inch colour display. All below have an 8.8-inch centre screen. Note that neither is a touchscreen but rather the control system uses a rotary dial and accompanying buttons, situated on the centre console.

It’s large enough and within easy reach of the driver to minimise the amount of time taken away from looking at the road ahead.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired in the Pure and Evolve, wireless in all other models. Likewise, there are USB-A ports in Pure and Evolve and USB-C ports and wireless charging above.

Satellite navigation is standard across the CX-30 range.

Safety

Mazda has a long-standing and admirable focus on safety and this continues in the CX-30 which achieved one of the highest ANCAP crash scores to date, with 99 per cent in adult occupant protection.

All variants come with a comprehensive list of safety features including seven airbags (now with a driver’s knee bag), autonomous emergencybrakinginbothforwardandreverse, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop/go, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, advanced speed assist system and IsoFix child seat anchorages.

The higher-spec models add a 360-degree view monitor, cruising and traffic support (traffic jam assist), front cross-traffic alert, driver monitoring and front parking sensors.

These latter features are available in other variants with an optional Vision Technology Pack.

Driving

Entry is relatively easy and the seats are supportive and comfortable. The steering wheel is height and reach adjustable and, even in the base level Pure, has leather wrapping as does the gear lever.

The 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine in our test Evolve lacks sharpness of the a turbocharger in the at 2.5 although the six-speed automatic worked well and had the SUV country cruising with confidence.

The new-generation Skyactiv Vehicle Architecture contributes towards excellent ride

quality and interior sound levels. Coarse-chip surfaces do increase noise levels although not to the same extent as others in this class.

Handling is accurate and the steering wheel provides the right amount of feedback.

Cornering is accurate enough, but this is not a sports sedan, and is certainly not claiming to be one.

Fuel consumption on our test route sat in the nine to ten litres per hundred kilometres in suburban, motorway and rural segments. It dropped to just over the claimed 6.5 L/100km.

Summing up

The CX-30 was the first Mazda model to adopt the two-digit suffix which was introduced to highlight the brand’s aim of pushing into the premium segment and competing against the big-name Europeans. It has subsequently been joined by the similarly-sized MX-30 together with CX-60, CX-70, CX-80 and CX-90 larger SUVs.

The CX-30 is a pleasant car to ride in and to drive. It’s built to Mazda’s usual high quality with a semi-premium feel, neat styling and, though not the cheapest in its class, offers good value for money.

It also achieved one of the highest ANCAP crash scores to date, achieving 99 per cent in adult occupant protection.

Like all new Mazda vehicles, the CX-30 comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, as well as five years of Mazda Premium Roadside Assistance. Service intervals are every 10,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first.

The CX-30 is a pleasant car to ride in and to drive. (Pictures: Supplied)

There was plenty of action on the sporting fields on Saturday and Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the football, netball and soccer action.

Action from around the grounds

1/ William Thornton-Gielen. 09292_19 2/ Michael Sdregas. 409297_02

Lachlan Evans and Dean Halliwell. 409294_02

Sunbury Lions against Coburg Districts. 409288_06 7/ Melton Centrals against Kyneton. 409292_39 8/ Balmoral in action. 409297_04 9/ Marcus D’Angelo. 409294_04

Gorton’s talent on show

By Peter Howe

Fifteen-year-old Ruby Gorton claims she was indoctrinated and had no choice but to play hockey because her parents were both hockey players and more recently coaches

It meant she spent endless hours around hockey clubs.

“I think I have karma on my side now with my parents spending their time taking me to club, regional and state training,” she laughed.

“I tried swimming and dancing but really, they had no chance of succeeding, I was ultimately passionate about playing hockey.

“I was four years old when I first picked up a stick.DadwascoachingsoIeithersatinthecar bored or I picked up a hockey stick and played around.”

Gorton played her first competitive game when she was eight where there was just one other girl in the team.

“It made me very competitive because the boys wouldn’t pass to us, so we had to outperform them to get a starting position.”

Gorton’s skills blossomed in 2019 when she was selected in the School Sport Victoria under-12 team and the regional team, the Western Wildcats under-13s.

There were nearly 100 players trying out for the state team.

Gorton has now been selected in those teams every year including the 2024 where the teams were recently announced.

“This year I have been selected in both the under016 outdoor and indoor teams, and with changes in selection criteria I have made the under-15outdoorteamtoplayattheAustralian Games at the Gold Coast in June.”

Gorton believes it was her close stick control and determination that lead to her selection in those teams.

“I play as an attacking midfielder,” she said. “I love scoring goals, over 100 to date. My level of fitness is also critical to my role.

“I have a personal best of seven minutes 30 seconds for 2km and a 2.35 for 800 metres and was recently named the ICCES [Independent Country Co-Educational Schools] under-16 champion at Lakeside Stadium.”

Gorton has been selected in Footscray’s women’s premier league team since she was 13, playing against women who are more than double her age, many of whom have Olympic representation.

Gorton also plays indoor hockey.

“Many state level players also play indoor,” she said. “It is a different game, faster and has a higher level of involvement on a smaller field.

“It’s very different, I probably prefer outdoor ifIhadtomakeachoice.Ipreferthepatternsof running in the outdoor game.”

Gorton is a naturally gifted leader. From her early years she has been in team leadership roles, including captain and vice-captain capacityinstate,representativeandclubteams.

She said she enjoys being a role model.

“I want to be an inclusive leader and love being able to bring players together for a common goal.”

Gorton spends much of her week involved in hockey. She umpires on Saturdays, attends an elite support program while working on her strength and conditioning three times a week.

There’s also training for state teams, training for juniors and seniors at Footscray.

Living in Eynesbury and going to school in BacchusMarsh,itmeansalotoftimeinthecar.

“Iofteneat,sleepandcompletemyhomework [in the car]”

Gorton puts her success down to a couple of things, one, the work she does away from

structured hockey training by focusing on her fitness and the second is the coaching she receives from her Hockey Victoria High Performance coaches, Mitch Hayden and Milagros Arrotea.

Gorton has her sights clearly set on the 2032 Olympics.

“Idohavesomeoptionsthough,Iwasbornin England and I can also represent Scotland,” she mused. “I would love to play in a professional hockey league when I finish school. There are leagues in the Netherlands and India now, who knows in the future.”

Gorton is the June Don Deeble award nominee.

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.

United has its Hiro

Hiroshi Ibusuki will spearhead Western United’sA-LeagueMen’sattackafterthe striker put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

The Japanese ace was one of the A-League’s top marksmen this season, scoring 15 goals in 26 appearances for Adelaide United.

That total was the fourth highest in the league and helped Ibusuki to a sweep of the honours at Adelaide’s awards night, golden boot, players’ player and members’ player of the year gongs completing his collection.

Towering at 195 centimetres tall, Ibusuki combines elite strength and aerial prowess with grace in possession and one of the deadliest finishing repertoires in the competition.

He has more than 400 senior matches in his career, including time at Spanish heavyweights Sevilla and Valencia as well as more than 60 appearances in J1 League in his homeland.

Ahead of crossing Victoria’s western border, Ibusuki said he is itching to get to work with his new teammates and fire up the crowd in Tarneit.

“I’m really honoured to join the Western United family,” he said. “Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I will do my best.

“I cannot wait to play at the new stadium in front of the Western United fans.

“I feel we have a great team. To get success, we just have to work hard and help each other. I hope we can be successful at the end of the season.”

United coach John Aloisi is thrilled to add one of the A-League’s best attackers to his line-up.

“I am ecstatic to welcome Hiroshi to our club and can’t wait to see him fitting in with the team in pre-season training,” he said.

“His quality is going to be a huge addition to our group. His class in the box, whether the ball is in the air or on the floor, will add a new dimension to our play in the final third.

“We are eager to see his impact on the group and I’m sure our fans will be itching to see him in action in Tarneit next season.”

Saints continue on winning in the Australia Cup

St Albans Saints are hoping their win in the sixth round of the Australia Cup will kick start their National Premier League season.

Facing fellow National Premier League side on Wednesday night, the Green Gully Cavaliers, the Saints came away with 1-0 win to progress to seventh round of the Victorian stage of the knock out competition.

In means the Saints are down to the last 10 in the Victorian stage and the Dockerty Cup.

Saints football operation manager Jason Xerri said it was a decent performance.

“We got a goal early in the piece, in the ninth minute through Carter Ramsay,” he said.

“It was a contested game throughout and we didwelltoholdthemoff.Wehadotherchances but we didn’t convert.

“There’s a healthy rivalry between the teams, they are our neighbours, it was nice to get one back as they beat us a few weeks ago.”

A win in the next round would see the Saints progress through to the national stage. Xerri said in his time they haven’t made the national stage, saying he thought 2013 was the last time that they did.

‘It’s always great to play in the national stage and get that far in the competition,” he said.

“It’s good for the club, there’s a lot of

excitement with that and the Dockerty Cup as well.

“Hopefully we can progress to the next round.”

The win was the first for new coach Cameron Watson, who took over the coaching role two weeks ago.

Xerri said they were hoping this win would give the group some more confidence and help kick start their season.

“It helps with training as well,” he said.

“There’s been a shift away from the way we were playing, we’re playing a different style and different system with the way we’re playing.

“We are pretty confident going forward. The win will put us in good stead going forward.”

Watson said it was exciting to be back coaching at a club that he knows so much about. He said getting the win was really pleasing for the playing group that had been there all season.

“It’s nice to be coaching again,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed the last couple of weeks, especially last night.

“It boys played really well and executed what I asked of them“

Watson like Xerri hopes this is a turning point. He said he knows that the next period is

crucial in keeping their season alive.

“Hopefullywecanturnthetidewithpositive results and hopefully we make it a good and find ourselves in a good situation the next four to five weeks.”

The Saints were set to be back in action on Saturday against Avondale, after deadline.

Green Gully was also set to be in action on Friday night, against Hume City. In other Australia Cup matches, North Sunshine Eagles’ run came to an end on Tuesday night losing to South Melbourne, 5-2.

Tara Murray

Michael Grgic. (Ljubica Vrankovic). 405192_07

Ruby Gorton. (Clickinfocus)

Cobras look to improve in second half of season

It’s been a frustrating start to the Western Football League division 2 season for Albanvale.

Last season’s division 3 runners-up, the Cobras have let slip a couple of games they shouldn’t have in the first part of the season.

Coach Ange Messina said things could have been looking a bit better.

“We dropped a couple of games that we should have won,” he said. “There were matches we thought where we were the better team on the day and couldn’t win.

“We couldn’t take our chances. It’s been an underwhelming start, we’re 2-4 but had it been 4-2 we would have been in fifth.”

Messina said for large parts of their games they are playing some good football, it’s a matter of doing it for four quarters.

He said they had been unlucky at times as well.

“It’s just been structures falling down at the wrong times,” he said. “There have been times we’ve been competitive but haven’t kicked goals when we’ve needed them.

“Against the Suns we kicked 1.7 in the third quarter, we’re not taking opportunities when they present.”

Messina, who is in his first season coaching the club, said they would get better the longer the season goes.

He said they were still learning to play his gamestyleandheandthegroupwerelearning about each other.

He is enjoying being back coaching.

“We’ll be better in the second third of the season, we’ll see some improvement,” he said.

“I’m loving being back. The boys are tremendous and I’m an ex-player, ex-reserves coach at the club.

“I’mlovingmyfootymorethanIhaveinthe last eight years I’ve been coaching. Hopefully we can get some reward for effort.”

Messina said heading into the season they wanted to be pushing for the top part of the ladder.

He knows that some of the sides that were in the higher division last season, are sitting well above them.

“We certainly knew it would be tough with the division 2 sides but are a bit stronger than us,“ he said.

“We wanted to aim for that fifth-sixth spot and the opportunity to target and play finals footy.

“The top four sides look like they are locked up at the moment.”

The Cobras were set to face the Western Rams on Saturday, after deadline.

It was the first time that the two teams had faced each other.

“We don’t have much IQ about them,”

Messina said before the match.

“There’s things we need to correct and correct quickly,” he said. “We need to do that rather than focus outwards we will look at them before worrying about others.”

Tara Murray

Falcons swoop on wins

By Tara Murray

The wins keep coming for the City West Falcons with their winning streak up to 10 in the Victorian Netball League championship.

It was another challenging night for the FalconsonWednesdaynight,thistimeagainst the Hawks, who are pushing to stay in touch with the top four.

A dominant period in the third quarter fromtheFalconswouldbethedifferenceinthe game with the Falcons winning, 70-61.

Lind said it was a pretty physical game.

“Itwassuperhardone-on-oneandittookus awhiletoagainsortoutourstrategy,”shesaid.

“Once we did that we had 11 goal run in the thirdquarterwhichIthoughtwasprettygood.

“We had that two goal buffer at the first and four at the half. We’re building slowly. We had a patch of maybe four or five errors, but it was really good that the team rallied around each other and just got back to business, that’s where we scored 11 straight.”

Lind said the biggest change in strategy was looking to go more one-on-one than a back defence.

She said that helped shut the route into Kaylia Stanton.

“Pretty much you’re struggling to beat her unless you’re a lot taller, which we’re not,” she said. “When you’re playing the Hawks they sit off the line and you’re pretty much redundant playing a wall.

“Sophie [Hanrahan] matched up on her [Stanton] pretty well once we had the one-on-one out the front to help.”

The other area they sorted out was their centre passes, with Maggie Lind taking the majority of then and Uneeq Palavi playing back a bit.

Jane Cook shot 56 goals for the Falcons, missing just three shots for the game.

Lind said she thought the attack end was really solid in patches.

“Therewerenosuperstars,”shesaid.“Ilikeit when we don’t have a standout.

“I thought Cookie was solid again under the post. When the attack end goes and the ball speed is high, we’ll be hard to beat.

“I thought Uneeq was good in terms of valuing the ball. Her fitness is improving and she’s definitely making some inroads.“

For the under-23 side it was a tough night against the top of the table Hawks, losing 62-40.

Lind said it was a good first quarter when they had the scores level at 15-all but they fell away after that.

“Ithoughtwegavethemwaytoomuchspace and gave it straight back to them,” she said. “Still a work in progress.”

TheFalconssitinfourthspotafter13rounds.

Sports shorts

FV

Western Suburbs coach Harry Matkovic has decided to step away from the coaching role. The FV state league 1 north-west club announced that Matkovic is set to take a break away from the game. Marijan Cvitkovic will coach the side the rest of the season. Cvitkovic served as a playing assistant under Matkovic and will make the transition full time. He is a former Melbourne Knights captain. After eight rounds, Western Suburbs sit sixth on the ladder. It was set to play Strathmore on Friday night, after deadline.

NPLW

Calder United has added some more reinforcements in the National Premier League Women’s transfer window. Having already announced the signing of three A-League Women’s players, they have announced the signings of five more players, headlined by Western United’s Alyssa Dall’Oste and Melissa Taranto. Calder currently sit in 10th spot with two wins for the season. Calder was set to face Box Hill United on Saturday, after deadline.

EDFL

Keilor is still seeking players for the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division competition. The Blues, who are coming off their first win of the season, are seeking players no matter what their football background and skill level is. Those interested can message the club’s Facebook page. The Blues faced Oak Park on Saturday in search of its second win, with the match after deadline.

Bowls

Deer Park youth bowls academy members Addy Ryan and Bailee Randell have been chosen to compete at the Bowls Australia junior Golden Nugget event. The Junior Golden Nugget is one of the most prestigious under-18 events on the national calendar. Just 20 players are selected for the boys and girls competitions which will be played on July 27-28.

Corey Hall. (Jacob Pattison) 360910_02

The Falcons this week face the Boroondara Express.

The Express is the only team to beat the Falcons championship side back in round one,

but one goal. It will be a top of the table clash with the Express sitting two points clear on top, but it has played one more match than the Falcons.

Uneeq Palavi. (Robbab Photography)

Daw stars as Lions kick away in the last quarter

Deer Park has hit what it is hoping is the turningpointofitsEssendonDistrictFootball League premier division season.

The Lions have struggled to get wins on the board in the early rounds, but put out one of their more impressive performances on Saturday against Avondale Heights.

There wasn’t much in the game at the three breaks, with the Lions leading by eight points at three quarter time.

In the final quarter it was all the Lions, kicking eight goals to two, to claim a 20.16 (136)-13.10 (88) win.

Lions coach Jamie Madigan was thrilled to finally get a second win on the board.

“We have been in most of the games,” he said. “Against Pascoe Vale we led at three quarter time and same with East Keilor and Greenvale.

“We’ve been in games but we’ve had lapses here and there and the opposition has kicked four or five goals.

“We should be better than 2-5, maybe 3-4 or even 4-3.”

On Saturday, Madigan said the difference in the final quarter was being able to clean up their ball use.

He said once they cleaned that up they were able to open their forward line up a bit more.

“In the third quarter we kept them in the game,” he said. “They were scoring off our turnovers.

“We started to use the footy well and keep the forward line open where we had a dominant key forward.”

That forward was Majak Daw, who was best on ground, kicking a massive 11 goals.

Madigan said it was a really strong performance.

“He didn’t have a pre-season and he’s had some health issues,” he said. “He got back yesterday and looked like a different player.

“He will get better in every game. He’s played three games now and half a practice match, it’s like he’s had a pre-season.

“He’s been fantastic on and off field.”

Madigan said the other standout was skipper Spiros Amarantidis, who kicked six goals of his own.

The coach said Amarantidis had really led from the front throughout the whole season even when they’ve been struggling.

The win move the Lions 2-5 with Madigan saying after the game they believed that it would be a turning point in their season.

“We have another home game this week against the Doutta Stars,” he said. “I’ll be a massive game for us and if we can get the win we can go into the break with two wins in a row.

“Douttas have some good players but we are the best clearance side in the competition and if we can get it in quick with have Majak and Spiros down there who can do some damage.”

In other matches, Keilor again showed why it is the red hot premiership favourite, beating East Keilor, 35.12 (222)-5.8 (38).

Bears keep on winning

By Tara Murray

Burnside Heights keep finding ways to get wins on the board in Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.

The Bears are one of two undefeated teams after seven rounds, having faced a number of tough challenges in recent weeks.

On Saturday, the Bears were able to hold off a dogged Sunbury Kangaroos.

The Bears did most of the damage in the first half leading by 30 points at the main break. The Kangaroos kept coming, but the Bears were able to do enough to win, 15.8 (98)-11.8 (74).

Bears coach Cole Harvey said they had to find other ways to come home with the points.

“We had them for most of the day,” he said. “They got it back to 13 points late in the third quarter or early in the last.

“We straightened up and Daniel Hovey kicked 9.1 so that helped. We lost Nick Gregson early on. He dislocated his finger and he had to go to hospital as no one could get

it back in.

“We shifted the magnets around and were able to kick a winning score.”

Harvey said they had spoken during the week about their starts and while the Kangaroos were good early on, they were better at making the most of their opportunities.

“Wegotcontrolandhitthescoreboardreally well,” he said. “We took the opportunities when they were there.

“They really challenged us in the coaches box.

Hovey was named in the Bears best along withskipperJordanHughesandDionLawson.

Harvey said Lachie Evans rucked all day and won the battle with Dean Halliwell and Luke Bonello continued his good form on the wing.

The win continues the Bears good start to the season as they aim to return to play finals.

Harvey said the start they’ve had has been completely unexpected.

“Wedidn’texpectthisstart,”hesaid.“We’ve

Downes gone from Cavs

Green Gully’s tough start to the season has seen coach Stephen Downes and his coaching team depart the National Premier League club.

The Cavaliers announced on Wednesday that Downes and assistant coaches Steven Laurie and Tim Paton have departed the club by mutual agreement.

“Stephen Downes has been an integral part of Green Gully Soccer Club both on and off the field,” the club said in its statement.

“Downes joined the club as a player in 2011, a period during which he played a crucial role in securing a championship fortheclub.Hisoutstandingperformance in the 2011 grand final earned him the prestigious Jimmy Rooney Award for best on ground.

“In 2018, Downes took on the role of senior coach, leading the team through multiple seasons, including the challenging COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021

In 2019 and 2022, he took the club to semi-finals in the NPL competition and in2022tothelast16oftheAustraliaCup competition.

got a good list and we have a couple to come back next week.

“We’ll review this one and then face Hadfield.”

After the Hadfield game, the Bears have two weeks off with the interleague bye and the bye.

Harveysaiditwouldbeagoodopportunity to freshen up the squad ahead of a big clash against Taylors Lakes.

The Lions are the only other undefeated side.

“Hopefully they get a few guys back and we can see where we sit heading into the second half of the season,” Harvey said.

The Lions only just came home with the points against the Northern Saints in this clash on Saints.

After a strong start the Lions had to hold on to overcome the Saints, 14.9 (93)-13.8 (86).

Chris Vulic was named the Lions best.

In division 1, St Albans beat Tullamarine and Hillside was too strong Keilor Park to remain undefeated.

“GreenGullySoccerClubisimmensely grateful for the significant contributions Stephen Downes has made both as a player and as a coach. His leadership, passion, and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on the club. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Stephen and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”

Downes last game in charge was on Tuesday night with the side losing its round six Australia Cup match to St Albans Saints, 1-0.

In the NPL, the Cavaliers were sitting in 10th spot with four wins from 14 games when the call was made. Micheàl O’Rourke has been appointed as the Interimseniorcoach,andwillbeassisted by under-23 coach Andrej Maksimov while the club searches for a new coach.

On Saturday, Green Gully lost its first match under O’Rourke to Hume City.

The Cavaliers led 1-0 at half time with Hume scoring twice, including the second in the 89th minute, to claim a 2-1 win.

Tara Murray Spiros Amarantidis (Jacob Pattison) 360908_02

Lachlan Evans. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 409294_10

TIPPING 2024

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