Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 9th July 2024

Dinosaurs roaring through the library

Build rail link: Mayors

By Gerald Lynch

Mayors from Melbourne’s north-west have called on the state and federal governments to get on with building the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

As reported by StarWeekly , mediator Neil Scales, who was appointed to determine whether a resolution is possible between the state government and the operator of Melbourne Airport as to the location of the station, reported that the rail link project remains viable and necessary, and is well backed by all parties.

In a report tabled to federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, Mr Scales recommended the station be built above ground.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said it is time to get on with the building of the project, as it is a development that is integral for Brimbank residents.

“The mediator has provided a clear way forward and it is time now for all the parties involved to put their differences aside, work together and get the Melbourne Airport Rail project built,” she said.

“We also call on the state government to reassess its revised timeline of a four-year delay and treat the project with the same priority as the Suburban Rail Loop East, which will service the better connected and more affluent suburbs in Melbourne’s east.”

Hume mayor Naim Kurt echoed this sentiment, and said it is more than time for the rail link to be built.

“Melbourne Airport remains the only Australian capital city without a rail link, which unfairly impacts our residents that work fromtheairport,”hesaid.“AsoneofAustralia’s fastest growing council’s, we need all levels of

government to commit to outer suburbs by keeping this project on track, just as they have for the Suburban Rail Loop East.

“Our residents’ needs should come before politics, and we hope the mediator’s report will help end the stalemate so work can begin and reduce the projected four-year delay.”

The Melbourne Airport Rail will also enable development of the Sunshine Precinct, the rebuild of Albion Station and the development of the Albion Quarter.

These projects are expected to generate almost 30,000 new jobs and attract more than 40,000 new residents to the west.

This school holidays, kids in Brimbank have been given the chance to step into the prehistoric world and join Toby the T-Rex and his dino trainer Tara Grice for an unforgettable adventure. The show had kids roaring with laughter and excitement. ■ Pictures: Page 15.

Hidden mental health struggle

By Gerald Lynch

A recent report by the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) has found Brimbank to be among the poorest ranked municipalities for mentalhealth,withanumberoffactorsatfault.

According to the report, Brimbank stands out as the LGA throughout Melbourne’s north and west with the greatest level of social disadvantage.

It also has a high level of need related to risk factors that research shows have negative effects on mental health and wellbeing.

These include low income, food insecurity, low English proficiency, developmental

vulnerability, family violence and high rates of adult obesity.

With over 40 per cent of residents born in non-English speaking countries and speaking a language other than English at home, the NWMPHN region is more culturally and linguistically diverse than the rest of Victoria.

English proficiency across the region varied, with notably lower levels in Brimbank, Hume, and Maribyrnong.

ArelativelylowliveabilityindexinBrimbank indicated there is insufficient public transport access, health infrastructure or access to healthy food.

These factors could be impacting the mental health and wellbeing of residents.

A high proportion of residents in Brimbank report high or very high psychological distress.

Barriers to accessing care are further exacerbated by psychologist workforce shortages in this LGA.

Brimbank is the third highest ranked LGA for percentage of population with two or more chronic health conditions, however, which is lower than the state average.

NWMPHN executive director of service development and reform Jagjit Dhaliwal said things need to be improved at all levels including societal and governmental to see an improvement in mental health struggles.

“First and foremost, it’s about ensuring everyone who is seeking mental health care,

Desperate for donations to Welcome

Long-standing local charity. West Welcome Wagon. needs the help of the community this winter, to ensure their doors stay open and residents in need get the help they require.

The charity, based in Sunshine, currently supports 630 asylum seeker and refugee households in Melbourne’s west, with essentials such as food, clothing, and bedding, but as grant funding has dried up, the charity is struggling to keep up with the high demand for help.

West Welcome Wagon chief executive Collette McInerney said as the demand from the community grows, and funding runs out,

the need for donations is greater than it has ever been.

“We desperately need monetary donations at the moment … to pay the rent, put petrol in the van, and keep us going,” she said.

After a multi-year grant ended in May, West Welcome Wagon has been propped up by some smaller grants from council and philanthropies, but the need is ever increasing.

“It’s made things very difficult for an organisation like ours that provides material aid to have a longer financial forecast,” Ms McInerney said.

‘We are looking to our generous supporters

toconsiderbecomingregularmonthlydonors.”

For people unable to donate in a monetary way, the organisation is always seeking more volunteers to help out in the warehouse and in an administrative capacity.

Further, the highest items of donation priorityatthemomentarecarseatsandbooster seats, as well as prams, strollers, and adult sized beds and bedding.

Unopened children’s socks and underwear from sizes six and up are also in high demand.

Donate: https://www.westwelcomewagon. org.au/

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either for themselves or a loved one, gets the right type of support. This looks different for everyone,” he said.

“Some people might benefit from group counselling, others might prefer a one-on-one chat over the phone or online. Others need more complex support and might have other things going on in their lives, such as alcohol and drug use, or chronic pain.

“At NWMPHN we’re also looking at how we canmakeeverysinglepartofourhealthsystem more adaptable to each individual person’s need.

“Our health care workers do a great job once someone needs their support, but more can be done at the preventative end.”

Water bill cost to increase

Asmallincreaseinwaterbillsisonitsway for Brimbank residents, as The Essential Services Commission has released its finaldecisiononGreaterWesternWater’s (GWW) price submission, which is now in effect.

Typical annual water and sewerage bills for residential owner-occupier customers will increase by a small amount, but below the rate of inflation.

For 2024-25, average annual bills will rise $31 a year in the central region and $35 in the western region.

GWW managing director Maree Lang said the organisation was committed to getting the best for the west, ensuring sustainable and resilient water services for all customers.

“We are investing $1.69 billion in infrastructure and technology to service booming populations and rapid growth in Melbourne’s central and western regions,” she said. “Treatment plant upgrades will improve waterway health in the Werribee and Maribyrnong catchments,supportingourcommitment to heal and care for Country.

“We are also pleased to see the ESC support our stormwater harvesting fund, which provides alternative water for public open green spaces. Our community was strongly in favour of this work, which saves precious drinking water and improves liveability.

“As the first price review since GWW was formed in 2021, this plan sets solid foundations for growth, and makes the long-term investments needed for the growing west to thrive.”

Kate McConville, Dianne Smith, Fay Salem, Mary Barron, chief executive Collette McInerney, Danilla Durante, and Anne Baudinette at the Sunshine warehouse. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 414812_03

Engineered stone ban ‘too late’

By Matthew Younan

A state government ban on the manufacturing, supply and installation of engineered stone benchtops is “too little, too late”, according to thefamilyofaSydenhammanbattlingsilicosis.

The government introduced the ban on Monday, July 1, to prevent workers from being exposed to deadly silicosis.

The family of Fawzy Tawadros has been calling on the government to act for years.

Beshoy Tawadros said his dad is battling silicosis, an incurable disease meaning he must fight for every single breath he takes.

‘‘ Specialists told me, “I’m looking good on the outside but inside I am cooked” ’’

- Fawzy Tawadros

He has also been diagnosed with a much rarer condition, scleroderma or systemic sclerosis which is scarring fibrosis throughout the whole body, not just the lungs.

Both conditions are a result of working with engineered stone.

Beshoy said it was tough seeing his dad suffering.

“Dad’s had his heart impacted, his lungs, his bowel, his colon, his oesophagus, his skin, his eyes and mouth, so it’s a very far reaching and devastating disease. And there’s no cure for it,” he said.

“He has pulmonary hypertension and scarring in his lungs both caused from silicosis and scleroderma, so he has a double whammy in that aspect.

“Dad’s digestive system doesn’t work from his oesophagus to his bowels.

by one, I lost them all,” he said. “I was feeling constantly tired, fatigued very quickly, had a runny nose badly. My hands and legs felt cold. My fingers and hands were really painful.”

In 2016, Fawzy was diagnosed with scleroderma after having shortness of breath and heart issues.

In 2019, the then 59-year-old collapsed while out with his family. Fawzy’s family rushed him to hospital.

After being released from Footscray Hospital the next morning, Beshoy took his father to The Alfred where he stayed for more than five weeks while the scleroderma was investigated.

The 64-year-old said he continues to suffer.

“I’ve done five operations on my fingers in the past 12 months, they remove excessive calcium – they had to cut really deep to remove it,” he said.

The stonemason’s lungs have also been destroyed by tiny toxic dust particles

“It’s a terrible disease,” Fawzy said.

“Specialists told me, “I’m looking good on the outside but inside I am cooked.”

“Icouldn’tswallowfoodproperly.Ionlyhave onemealadaytoreducethepainbecauseevery time I eat, it is very painful.

“I take 38-42 tablets every single day.” He said the government’s decision will help younger tradies.

“Unfortunately, it’s too late for me.”

“He is now on oxygen as well due to the damage on his lungs due to exertion. He’s had five heart procedures and a pacemaker installed.

“What dad is going through is very life changing. One day he was fine and then the next day, he was hospitalised for months.

“He is on constant medications to try and help him, he’s lost his teeth and had several dental treatments.

“The only thing that hasn’t been impacted is his kidneys, liver and brain – essentially everything else is effected. His whole body is effected.”

Fawzy said he was suffering for years before doctors diagnosed him.

“From the early 2000s, I suffered symptoms. SometimesIcouldn’teatbecausemyheartburn was too bad. My teeth all came loose and one

While welcoming the decision to ban the manufacturing, supply and installation of engineered stone, Beshoy said the government should have acted sooner.

“It’s about time they made this decision,” he said. “We had the asbestos epidemic, and it took them a long time to ban that. You would think we would learn from the past. But it also took a long time to ban the manufacturing, installation and fabrication of engineered stone.”

Fawzy Tawadros has silicosis as result of working with engineered stone. (Damjan Janevski) 417262_01

Show goes on for legal fireworks

By Gerald Lynch

A petition to cease fireworks in Brimbank has been knocked back by council, in a win for light show lovers, and a loss for wildlife and people with disabilities.

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

Council’s city futures director Kelvin Walsh said in a letter to petition organiser, Shanon Meilak, that council has a strict set of guidelines when granting fireworks permits, to ensure safety is at the forefront.

“Permits currently issued by Brimbank council are minimal and strict guidelines are enforced with regard to the use subject to Victorian Dangerous Goods Act 1985 (DG Act),” Mr Walsh said.

“Should any changes in state legislation occur, council will ensure the permit system and Brimbank Local Laws are amended accordingly.

“Council is not proposing to cease granting permits that allow the use of fireworks at events in our community at this stage nor review the permit process. However, this may be reconsidered at a later stage, such as during a review of the Brimbank Local Laws.”

Ms Meilak said that after waiting months for

Phoning in a winner

The smartphone flick festival (SF3) is back for its 10th year, and a Caroline Springs local is looking to go back-to-back.

The festival has a number of categories centred around films shot and in some cases editedpurelywithamobilephone,submissions are open until September 1 and finals will be held in Sydney later this year.

Fresh off of winning the ‘made on mobile’ awardforhisentrylastyear,madefullywithhis phone, Caroline Springs’ Ronald James Baculo has upped his game this year, shooting the film on his phone but moving to the computer to edit his five minute film.

His new entry, ‘The Multiverse Syndrome’, features a young woman who can access multiple versions of herself across a Multiverse, as she is on the run from various malicious forces out to get her while trying to overcome

her greatest struggle: loneliness.

“In the end, it’s more kind of symbolic of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia,” he said. “It highlights how someone with a mental illness can feel alone and have no support.”

With a cast of one main actress, two extras and Ronald and his wife, the small team completed the filming process over an intense weekend of hard work.

Heencouragesanyonewithapassionforfilm to get involved with SF3, and said the beauty of this festival is that just about everybody has a phone in their hands and can get started.

“They even have a category for kids … some of the stuff they showed at last year’s awards, we had an 11-year-old with a horror movie,” he said. “Anyone can just pick up a phone and tell an interesting story they have.”

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a response to the petition put forward, she was extremely disappointed as she felt that council missed the point that the petition was making.

She and the other petitioners were campaigning for an end to permits being distributed for fireworks shows, and said council handballed the responsibility to the police for illegal shows, when legal ones can cause just as much harm.

“The main reason to really consider alternatives to the legal ones are the fact that they can harm and even cause death to our wildlife. As well as impacts to people with breathing conditions such as asthma or COPD,” she said.

“They can negatively impact neurodiverse

people, so for example, people that are autistic, or can cause impacts to refugees and war veterans who suffer from PTSD, and they also leave toxic residue in and around our environment, including pollution of our waterways with toxic chemicals.

“I’d really like to see us transition to something like drone shows, for example, which are just as entertaining and popular but do not have the same negative impacts as fireworks.”

She also said that council outlined that when afireworksshowislegallypermitted,warnings to nearby residents are supposed to be issued, but she has received no warnings for several shows that took place this year.

Winter runs hot in the west

The month of July in Melbourne’s west promises a line up of events and activities to check out before the school holidays are over.

Winter in Williamstown is returning to Commonwealth Reserve every day until July 14. With DJs, light projections, and most notably an ice-skating rink, head down and catch it before it melts. Open from noon daily.

Eynesbury is keeping to the cool theme, with the Winter Festival back for it third year, with a rink of its own and lots of other attractions for the whole family, including a fireworks display.

The ultimate dinosaur adventure awaits at Werribee Open Range Zoo. See large, animatronic dinosaurs come to life in a setting like no other.

Forthoseafteranartsandcultureexperience, proud Makwarra Paakantji and Wiradjuri songstress LEO will be performing at the Braybrook Community Hub, Wednesday, July 10, from noon as part of NAIDOC Week.

Thereisalsoanewpublicartworklightingup the night sky in Footscray throughout winter.

‘Welcome to Footscray’ serves as a gateway leading into the Footscray CBD, created by acclaimedWiradjuriandNgunnawalartistand long-time Footscray resident Brook Andrew.

For sport buffs, the Melbourne West Special Olympics will be hosted this weekend at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

OnSaturday,July13,athletesfromacrossthe statewillbecompetinginbackstroke,freestyle, and butterfly races.

For those travelling on the train this month, have a listen to the Storytowns Podcast’s Railway Stories, a number of geo-located podcasts that offer commuters and visitors to explore Melbourne’s west by train.

The series covers local history, culture, and attractions, including intriguing facts such as a Sunshine-made harvester sold to a Russian Tsar, the taste difference between Northern Pho and Southern Pho in St Albans, and the international significance of the Cheetham Wetlands in Point Cook. Rug up and enjoy all the west has to offer this winter.

The ice rink in Williamstown is around until Sunday, July 14. (Supplied)

Ronald James Baculo encourages anybody interested in film to get involved. (Supplied)

Vicky’s

slimming royalty

A St Albans mother has been crowned the 1:1 diet’s Slimmer of the Year, after losing more than 50 kilos.

With three children and menopause beginning, Vicky Vukadin found herself not happy with her size, and after a scare at the doctors, she knew she had to do something.

“Ihadextremeweightgainovermyadultlife, especiallyafterhavingthreechildren,”shesaid.

“I had a health issue, and when I spoke to my GP about it, he said that it was down to my weight, it was causing fluid retention in my legs … I knew I had to do something about it.”

Through the use of the 1:1 diet, Ms Vukadin started eating 800 calories a day and started to

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see rapid weight loss, but when things started to plateau, she turned to exercise and is now an avid daily walker.

“The weight melts off at the start, but it starts to slow down,” she said.

“I started to introduce walking slowly, I started at about three to four kilometres a day and progressed gradually to eight to 10 kilometres daily … I haven’t missed a day for over a year now.”

Starting at 128 kilos and now down to 76, Ms Vukadin is still on her health journey and encourages others to just get started.

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Briefs

Cairnlea park upgrades complete Station Waters Reserve in Cairnlea has been given a major overhaul, with a $500,000 investment from Brimbank council. The new facilities include a playground that features a flying fox, a tower and climbing structure. There’s also a swing set, and upgraded picnic area with new shelter, barbecue and seating, as well as two new fitness stations around the lake.

Opioid-laced cocaine warning

A white powder sold as cocaine has been laced with a deadly opioid 100 times more potent than heroin. Last week, the Department of Health issued an urgent warning over the white powder being sold in Melbourne. The warning follows multiple incidents across the city associated with people who ingested the powder believing it to be cocaine. “The product appears to produce strong adverse effects such as loss of consciousness, respiratory depression, and life-threatening hypoxia (insufficient oxygen for normal functioning),” the alert warns. Cocaine and protonitazene are very different substances, according to the warning. “Cocaine produces stimulant effects, whereas protonitazene produces sedative effects and may lead to opioid overdose,” it says.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Vicky Vukadin receiving her award. (Supplied)

Sexual and reproductive health hub launched

Brimbank and Wyndham women will have improved access to sexual and reproductive health services, following the opening of new healthcare hubs.

IPC Health opened its sexual and reproductive health hub at its Deer Park and Wyndham Vale campuses on July 1.

The hub offer more services for people who identify as women, people with a cervix and young people aged from 12 to 25 years.

The hub was funded by the state health department.

IPC Health said its female youth and women’s health nurses would work with clients to provide wraparound health and wellbeing careandwouldalsobeabletolinktheminwith other services including GP, allied health and

mental health and wellbeing.

The nurses would also be able to provide respectful, confidential and culturally safe spaces for education and services on topics including sexual health and wellbeing; contraception; pregnancy choices; preventative health screening; menopause advice, continence and wellbeing support; women’s healthissues;andpolycysticovariansyndrome, endometriosis and pelvic health, IPC Health said.

IPC Health clinical operations senior manager Sofi Milenkovski said the funding ensures that people who identify as women, people with a cervix and young people across the Melbourne’s west now have more opportunities to access essential care and

support.

“IPC Health has been deeply embedded in western and outer western Melbourne for 50 years. Over this time. We’ve seen the demographics shift and change and we’ve been able provide essential services to our diverse communitiesnomattertheirsocioeconomicor cultural backgrounds,” she said.

“With this additional funding, IPC Health has been able to develop a qualified interdisciplinary workforce aligned to the hub to ensure early access to essential services is providedtoourclientsacrossallourcampuses.”

To book an appointment: 1300 895 589, sexualhealthnurse@ipchealth.com.au, or book via HotDoc via ipchealth.com.au. A free interpreter service is available.

Mum’s worst nightmare

By Jennifer Pittorino

Solo mother Michelle Galea’s worst nightmare is her son losing his only parent. In September last year, she was forced to confront that fear after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The mother was 49 when she discovered a pea-sized lump while scratching her breast one morning.

She said she knew immediately that something was wrong.

Shetriedtomakeabreastscreenappointment but was advised to see her GP instead because of the lump.

“Icouldtellitwaspositive,youcantellbythe way people talk to you,” Michelle said. It took a week for Michelle to get the results, which filled her with anxiety.

When Michelle heard that she had breast cancer, she began to worry about her son, Charlie.

“My first thoughts went to my son,” Michelle said. “Who would look after my child if I died? What would happen to him? Who would care for him?

“Being a solo mother, these thoughts come into our minds earlier than most two parent families.”

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day, equating to over 20,000 Australians each year.

“I was quite shocked, I didn’t think I would be in that position to be quite honest,” Michelle said.

“I thought it was something that happens to everyone else.”

The next several months were filled with scans, visits to a surgeon, and surgery to remove the cancer.

“I had the lump removed and I also had some lymph nodes removed out of my arm,” Michelle said

“Because they took some lymph nodes out , I had a lot of problems with my arm swelling.”

After surgery, Michelle met with her oncologist to work out the next steps.

“The surgeon organised an MRI done on both breasts to check if it was anywhere else,” she said.

“After it is removed, that is when you see the oncologist who works out your plan of action.”

Michelle’s oncologist recommended a test, known as an Oncotype DX test, which determines whether further treatment is needed.

Michelle said the test isn’t funded in Australia and her test needed to be sent to the US for analysis. It recommended she start chemotherapy.

‘‘ I have created a great village for my son ... I know my village will be there for my son in case I die ’’

- Michelle Galea

“Unfortunately to do that test, it’s $5000 out of pocket, Medicare does not fund it at all,” she said.

“I reckon I am close to $20,000 out of pocket because I went private,” she said.

“My surgeon alone was $5000 out of pocket. That is just one bill. I haven’t even added it all up.”

Michelle underwent chemotherapy and radiation and is battling ongoing problems with her arms due to the lymph node removal.

“Ihadtoseeaspecialphysiotwiceaweek,and again that is not funded by the government,” she said.

“I couldn’t afford that. The average person couldn’t afford it. We are talking about $150 each time you go.

“The government only gives you six sessions subsidised through a care plan.”

Withthesupportofherparents,wholenther money for several tests, and the support of her

siblings who attended her appointments with her, Michelle has come out on the other side.

“I am on hormone treatment now, which is a tablet which I take everyday. I am on that for [the next] 10 years,” she said.

In the midst of her battle, Michelle was also running a nationwide support group she started in 2013, called Australian Solo Mothers by Choice. It has more than 3700 members across the country.

“Itwashardespeciallyasasolomother,when you get diagnosed with something like that it takes a couple of weeks for you to get your head around it,” she said.

“Luckily, I have created a great village for my son. I have made sure he is connected and lovedbyfamilywhowillcareforhim,andmost importantly, I know he will feel safe and not scared to live with them.

“So I know my village will be there for my son in case I die.”

Women’s health issues a key priority

GPs are calling for greater action to better address women’s health issues.

It follows the release of the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) guidelines for preventive activities in general practice.

Known as ’the Red Book’, the guidelines were first published in 1989 and supports preventive activities in general practice.

The latest edition strongly focuses on women’s health issues, including new content on pregnancy, conception, perinatal mental health and post-menopause care.

RACGP president Dr Nicole Higgins welcomed the release of the guidelines and called for action.

“On the women’s health front, Australia has come a long way, but we also have a long way to go,” she said.

“As a special adviser to the Albanese Government’s National Women’s Health AdvisoryCouncilandaGP…addressing health inequalities for women and girls in Australia is something I’m passionate about. There are so many areas where we can and should do better.

“Too many women are still suffering severe effects from endometriosis and not being properly listened to, let alone given the care they need. Change must happen now, too many girls and women are missing out.”

Red Book executive committee chair Danielle Mazza said the latest edition contained key guidance on women’s health issues.

“We want all pregnant women to have their first antenatal visit within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Regular antenatal care that starts early in the pregnancy is associated with better maternal health and positive outcomes for the child. Unfortunately, just over 20 per cent of women don’t access antenatal care in their first trimester, and mothers are more likely to fall into this category if they are younger than 20 years of age, smoke during pregnancy, use illicit substances or live remotely. So, compared to most countries around the world we are doing well, but we still have room for improvement,” Professor Mazza said.

“Our Red Book contains useful guidance for GPs conducting this care, including screening for mental health concerns, smoking status and exposure to second-hand smoke, and clinical risk factors for pre-eclampsia, a potentially dangerous complication characterised by high blood pressure.”

Solo mother Michelle Galea was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. (Damjan Janevski) 412955_01

IPC Health youth and women’s health nurses Joanne and Anne. (Supplied)

Energy Park’s vision unveiled

Brimbank council has adopted the Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan to guide the future planning, design, development and ongoing feasibility and advocacy for Sunshine Energy Park.

The plan provides a framework to transform the site to become the ‘central park’ for Brimbank and Melbourne’s west in the future.

It sets a long-term vision of the next 30 years, which enables the development of further feasibility studies and business cases that seek funding to deliver various aspects of the plan.

Sunshine Energy Park is situated within the

Sunshine priority precinct and is on the site if the closed Sunshine Landfills.

Aftercare of the landfill continues, including environmental monitoring, settlement monitoring and control of residual landfill gas.

The plan aims to establish the park as a vibrant community landmark that nurtures connection to the Country, supports sports, recreation, education, and environmental sustainability. Its location provides an opportunity to create a destination of local, regional, and state significance, thereby enhancingliveabilityandfosteringcommunity

Working out to warm up

As the weather continues to get cooler this winter, a flurry of blankets and warm clothes arereadytobedonatedtothoseinneed,aftera winter campaign from AB Health and Fitness.

The Warm Up and Workout campaign, was a series of six weeks of free fitness sessions open to all, with the donation of a warm item the only charge required.

AB Health and Fitness director Aaron Nauta said it was fantastic to see the cause get so much community support.

“We wanted to get about 120 items across the campaign, because we had six weeks with 20 people per class … we ended up getting more than 150 items,” he said.

“People were really generous and brought in bags of clothes every time they came in, so it was really quite successful.”

AB Health and Fitness has been working with the community to help the less fortunate for years, but this was its first time working with Uniting Vic.Tas, who have recently

opened a space in Keilor Park.

Mr Nauta said the success of the campaign has the two organisations in discussions over another collaboration appeal in the coming months, with a Christmas appeal to begin in September.

Uniting Vic.Tas senior manager Becky Harridge said this year, the demand for help was reaching its peak, and all help is appreciated.

“Sadly, we’re seeing more people living in crisis. The demand for our homelessness and housing services is higher than ever as more people struggle to pay their rent and are being pushed into homelessness,” she said.

“The increased cost of living is also driving more people, even those who are working, to seek help from our emergency centres for food vouchers, assistance with medical expenses, energy bills, items for school and clothing.”

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Small acts make a big impact.

Putting recycling in the bin loose and not in plastic bags means more of it can be turned into new things.

Recycling in plastic bags cannot be sorted because the bags can damage equipment at sorting facilities and present a safety risk to staff. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au

cohesion.

Some of the land is currently leased by community groups and clubs.

The park’s name relates to an energy production scheme that operated on the site in the 1990s, which used landfill gas to generate electricity for export to the state network, which has since finished.

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said she was bullishaboutwhattheparkcoulddotoenhance the area. “This is an exciting opportunity to transform Sunshine Energy Park into a future landmark of the west and create a major

recreational and community hub,” she said.

“Together with community and stakeholder feedback, we’ve been able to present a plan for the future vision of the site, and the potential to create something special for the Brimbank community, long into the future.”

Over the next 30 years, partnerships and funding opportunities will be explored for the implementation of each precinct.

The cost to implement the plan is estimated at $500 million, which is comparable to the redevelopment of the Caulfield Racecourse, a project of similar scale and complexity.

Aaron Nauta’s boot was overflowing with the donations received. (Damjan Janevski) 417312_01

Watch out for whooping cough

By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

DuringtheheightoftheCOVID-19pandemic, things such as staying at home, wearing masks in public and social distancing were essential for reducing the spread of the virus.

A happy by-product of this was that many other infectious diseases were also impacted, resulting in record low case numbers. You’ve probably already heard how, now that people are moving about, conditions such as flu and colds (and covid, by the way) are increasing again.

But another illness making a big and unwanted comeback is whooping cough – a bacterial infection that can be really serious and, in all cases, pretty unpleasant.

Whoopingcoughisalsoknownaspertussis.

In first six months of last year in Melbourne’s north and west there were 85 recorded cases. In the first six months of this year, that number jumped to 904 . That’s pretty much back to pre-pandemic levels.

Whooping cough generally starts like a mild cold – some snot and sneezing, a mild cough and maybe a fever. After a week or two the cold symptoms tend to get better, but the cough gets worse . And worse. And worse.

At its peak it can feel difficult to catch a breath between the coughs – which is why people end up making that ‘whoop-whoop’ sound as they quickly inhale.

In most cases, the worst of it will go away after a couple more weeks, but the coughing can linger for months. This why another name for pertussis is “the 100-day cough”.

Whooping cough can be particularly harmful to babies and young children. For this reason, the Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides

free vaccinations against the bacterium at two, four, six and 18 months, and four years.

Kids aged 12 and 13 can also receive a free vaccination though schools-based programs.

Lots of other people can also get either a free initial vaccination (if they missed out in childhood) or a booster. These include anyone under 20, humanitarian arrivals, health care workers, childcare workers and teachers, and pregnant or breastfeeding women . Of course, it’s important to remember that these vaccinations (like many others) won’t

necessarily prevent someone from catching whooping cough, but they will lessen the chances of doing so and lessen the chances of things turning really nasty of they do.

For this reason, it makes sense to err on the side of caution if you or your children develop what looks like a mild cold with a bit of a cough and make an appointment to see a doctor.

Given the rise in cases, GPs are now looking at cold symptoms with what’s called “a high index of suspicion”. That means they will

consider pertussis in cases where there has been a prolonged cough, and then test for it.

The good news is that the infection can be treated with antibiotics, which will make life a bit easier, although they might not make it any shorter. Pertussis is very contagious, so people with it should stay at home, away from work or school, for at least three weeks after the cough starts, or until they’ve finished the course of antibiotics.

That can be a difficult thing to do, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Time for Meta to face the music and pay its dues

By Andrew Schreyer, Country Press Australia president

Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.

It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.

The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisations are treated fairly in their dealings with the social media giants.

Should the government designate Meta under the code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.

In this instance we encourage the government to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.

Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content.

If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia.

Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court, editorial standards and regulatory frameworks.

If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today.

Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments

being published. Its algorithms serve up content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn’t required to respond to complaints.

It’s one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damage caused by what is allowed to prosper on Meta’s platforms takes things to another level.

We believe that as a corporate citizen, Meta has a responsibility to do what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.

To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news –our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants to pay for.

The digital news report shows this year, there was actually a surge among young people turning to social media to get news.

Sixty per cent of Gen Z say social media is their main source of news, a 17-percentage point increase on last year.

In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period.

It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.

Andrew Schreyer is the President of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.

Whooping cough vaccinations are available.

CPA executive director Peter Kennedy, committee chair Kate Thwaites MP and CPA president Andrew Schreyer. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

After years spent with the north western metro police, Rajitha Tillekeratne has made the move to Brimbank, as the local area commander. He is excited to meet the community and get to work on pressing issues, he speaks with Gerald Lynch about his journey.

What is your connection to Brimbank?

I have not previously worked in Brimbank, however I used to live in Caroline Springs many yearsago.Assuch,Iamveryfamiliarwiththearea.

What do you enjoy most about the area? As a migrant to Australia, I enjoy the multiculturalism and diversity of the local community.

Why did you become an inspector?

I like the responsibility that comes with the position and also the ability to provide leadership to a fantastic work force.

What do you hope to achieve as the new Brimbank inspector?

I want to work very closely with the local community and stakeholders to ensure that the community concerns are heard and actioned. I also want to enhance the community trust of police.

What do you do on your time off from work? Iliketospendtimewithmyfamily,readandtravel.

What is one thing about you that people would be surprised to learn?

That I was a pretty handy rugby union player.

What do you want the community to know about you?

I want the community to know that I am going to work hard to ensure that Brimbank is a safe place for them to live and raise their families. I also want them to know that I am always willing to listen to their issues and concerns and that they arewelcometogetintouchwithmetodiscussany issues.

Tyre & Auto Service

Brimbank Inspector Rajitha Tillekeratne. (Supplied)

Protecting pollinators

For a group of Macedon Ranges residents, beekeeping is more than a hobby. The members of the Woodend Bee-Friendly Society are committed to providing the best environment for their bees while also protecting the environment. Oscar Parry spoke to beekeepers to find out more about the role pollinators play.

Beekeeping is more than a hobby –affectionately known as ‘the littlest livestock’, beekeepers are committed to providing the best environment for their bees. Considering the important role pollinators play, including native bees, beekeepers are searching for ways to achieve the most sustainable practices.

TheWoodendBee-FriendlySociety,anaction group of the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group, holds monthly meetings for beekeepers to learn from each other and provides several beekeeping courses.

Woodend Bee-Friendly Society action group lead Tino Corsetti said the group’s focus is to promote the best care and hive practices for honey bees, and create a sense of community among keepers in the region.

‘‘ It brings a connection to the natural environment in ways that few other hobbies do ’’

- Tino Corsetti

“The name of our club – the Woodend Bee Friendly Society – is somewhat light-hearted, but at its core, there is a mission we take quite seriously – we want to be friendly to bees and we want to be friendly to each other,” he said.

“Being friendly to our bees means developing the knowledge and skills within our membership so that they can monitor the health and wellbeing of their bees. This includes things like monitoring bee nutrition and, when necessary, providing supplemental feed. It also includes regular hive inspections to check for symptoms of weakness, disease or pests.”

Along with caring for their honey bees, which play an important role in pollination for agriculture, the group also recognises and educates keepers about the potential environmental threats that escaped honey bees can pose.

“Swarm management is a subset of sustainable beekeeping. A beekeeper is responsible for managing their hives to try and prevent swarming. If and when swarms do occur, the beekeeper is responsible for trying to capture and rehome that swarm,” Tino said.

“By the late 1800s, reports indicate that feral honey bee colonies had become endemic in the Australian bush. Feral colonies occupy natural spaces, such as hollow tree trunks, that might otherwise provide a home to native mammals or birds. By working to control swarms from managed apiaries, beekeepers can help limit the number of new feral colonies.”

Because of this, Tino said that responsible beekeeping requires planning and commitment.

“Ifyoudecidetogoon[holiday]inthespring,

summer or autumn for more than two weeks, you would need to think about who is going to inspect your hives while you are away. What happens if your bees swarm while you’re on vacation? Do you have someone who can deal with that situation in a safe and responsible manner?”

Despite these considerations, Tino said the hobby is active and engaging for participants, promoting an appreciation for bees and their colonies.

“It brings a connection to the natural environment in ways that few other hobbies do,” he said. “Beekeepers come to appreciate how sophisticated and advanced honey bee colonies are at responding to their natural environment and being able to thrive against adversity.”

In the Macedon Ranges, Tino said beekeeping comes with challenges, especially due to the cold climate.

“Because of our cold winters and annual variations in the eucalypt flowering cycles, beekeepingisquitechallengingintheMacedon Ranges,” he said.

“The beekeeper needs to understand the role of genetics from different lines and races of queen bee, the availability of sunshine throughout the day and, most importantly, the cycle of plant and tree flowering … to ensure thatbeeshaveaccesstohighqualitynectarand pollen in spring, summer and autumn.”

Thesocietyalsoaimstoeducatememberson

native bees and conservation, where it will be hosting a talk in October on the topic.

Ecologist and native bee researcher Clancy Lester said because native bees play a crucial role in pollinating flora, it is important to consider the environment where you keep honey bees.

“If you’re in an area where there are no limitations with pollen, so say you’re in an area with lots of different flowering plants within a close proximity, then the honey bees won’t compete as heavily for resources with native bees,” Clancy said.

In Australia, there are more than 2000 species of native bees, and they play an especially important role in pollinating the country’s wildflowers and native plants.

On Australian charity, The Wheen Bee Foundation’s website, it reports that “very few of Australia’s 2000 native bee species have been investigated … for their potential contribution to Australian agriculture,“ with honey bees being the chosen pollinator for agriculture-related purposes.

Clancysaidinsectnumbers,includingnative bees, are declining globally due to factors like unregulated or unrestricted pesticide use, urbanisation, and climate change with its effects on plant flowering times.

He said one of the most effective ways to help native bees at home is to plant pollinator-friendly and indigenous flower gardens.

“There are lots of resources, like … the Wheen Bee Powerful Pollinator Planting Guide, and there’s … one for the volcanic plains in [the] west of Melbourne” Clancy also said that building ‘native bee hotels’ is a way of helping pollinators in your own backyard – with Clancy himself creating guides on how to build these at home.

He recommends using native and untreated hardwood to simulate native bees’ natural habitat of gumtrees, banksias, and wattles, and using reeds, bamboo, and pithy stems to create habitat for cavity nesting bees.

Clancy said that for efficient pollination, having a diversity of bee species pollinate a flower is most effective.

“If you have 10 different species of pollinator pollinating a flower, that’s going to be more efficient and more effective pollination than if you had 10 visits of the same bee species” With some native plants, such as kangaroo apples and flax lilies, requiring buzz pollination,creatinghabitatfornativebeescan have broad environmental benefits.

“There are species of plants in Australia … that are buzz pollinated … and this is a thing thatonlynativebeescandothroughsonication – when they vibrate their flight muscles really fast without actually flying.”

Clancy said whether you are a beekeeper withhoneybeesoryoucreatehabitatfornative bees in your backyard – both are ways for people to observe pollinators at work.

Members of the Woodend Bee-Friendly Society, including action group lead Tino Corsetti (left). (Pictures: Supplied)

SHOWCASING BRIMBANK

Trung Luu MP

TrungLuuMPembodiestheAustralianspiritof resilience, determination, and opportunity. As your voice for the west, he is an avid advocate for the issues that resonate with his community, such as public transport, cost-of-living, infrastructure, and crime. His unwavering commitment to bring equal opportunity for all.

Luba Grigorovitch MP

Luba Grigorovitch MP is a dynamic force in politics, embodying resilience and passion in every endeavour. As a dedicated representative, she channels her energy towards championing the concerns closest to her constituents’ hearts. Ms Grigorovitch’s leadership is marked by a unique blend of empathy and tenacity, ensuring that the voices of her community resonate in the corridors of power. Her unwavering commitment to social justice, education, and community empowerment reflects a profound understanding of the issues that matter. Luba Grigorovitch MP stands as a beacon of positive change, inspiring confidence in her ability to navigate the complexities of governance and and shape a brighter future for those she serves.

David Ettershank

Medicinal cannabis is the only prescription medication where we don’t allow patients to drive, even when not impaired. For all other impairing medications, we treat adults like adults; that is, we trust patients to follow advice from their GP to ensure they can drive safely. This was one of the issues I was elected on, and I’ll be bringing the issue forward in Parliament in a matter of weeks. In Tasmania, people prescribed medicinal cannabis do not lose their licence just for taking their medicine, and we believe the same should apply in Victoria. Go to lepatientsdrive.com.au to learn more.

Watervale

Opening in late 2010, the centre is a convenience-based shopping centre with plenty of carparking available. It is anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, BWS and Ampol Petrol Station. A Medical Centre and Pharmacy plus all the Specialty shops to meet your family needsprovidingamixoffoodandretailservices to make shopping a breeze. It is the major convenience based shopping centre servicing the continuously expanding Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill areas.

Above and left: Buckingham Reserve, Sunshine West. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski)

Old Keilor Highway, Keilor.

One of the beauitful native bird wood carvings at Green Gully Reserve.

Green Gully Reserve, Keilor.

Green Gully Soccer Club, Keilor.

Old Keilor Highway in Keilor.

Lake use masterplan approved

By Tara Murray

It’ll be a bright future for one of the largest and most significant passive open spaces within the Melton municipality.

Melton council at its June council meeting, passed the final Lake Caroline masterplan, which details plans for the lake’s future.

The development of the masterplan and activation strategy was identified to provide a vision and principles to guide the future development and activation of the lake and its surroundings.

The lake is 20 years old and the bridge and many original design elements need to be renewed in coming years, a report to council stated.

More than 500 submissions were received during community and stakeholder consultation undertaken by council in 2023.

A further 300 people provided feedback on the draft plan, with nearly 60 per cent strongly supporting it and more than 90 per cent supporting it.

Elements with the highest levels of support were the tree plantings (91 per cent) and

boathouse café and toilet (92 per cent).

Proposed projects outlined as part of the plan include a mid-lake crossing, dedicated event lawn, playspace upgrade, a shared zone along Lake Street for markets and festivals, and new viewing platforms.

Seven different precinct zones have been identified within the reserve, focusing on environmental, leisure and activity based activation strategies.

CouncillorSteveAbboushisaiditwasoneof the most popular open spaces within Melton.

“Local residents enjoy exercising around

Grant boost for St John CPR training

St John Ambulance Victoria have received a boost to fund its CPR education program and continuesavinglivesinMelbourne’sinMelton.

St John received $500 from AVID Property Group as part of its 2024 Carolina community grants program.

With heart attacks on the rise, St John VictoriachiefexecutiveGordonBotwrightsaid the grant will not only allow St John to expand into more communities, including Deanside, but also help with the roll-out of its existing training and education programs, including CPR Lab, a free, 10-minute CPR workshop.

“We are delighted to be the recipient of this

grant as we keep striving towards our vision of ‘more lives saved,” Mr Botwright said.

According to St John, cardiac arrest incidences are rising in Victoria but having CPR knowledge increases the chances of survival by over 200 per cent.

Mr Botwright said it is important people learn what to do in an emergency.

“Everyone should be learning CPR, and CPR Labisanaccessiblewayforpeopletobeexposed to these skills. Carolina is a young community, with lots of new families who might not have done first aid training yet.”

CPR Lab is a mobile van and team of experts

providing fun and informative workshops all over the state.

AVID Victoria acting general manager Bruce Harper said the team are excited to be supporting this invaluable community service group, providing medical assistance to Victorians for more than 141 years.

“This group wholeheartedly embodies the AVID spirit of bringing people together for good and we are looking forward to seeing the fantastic educational benefits they bring to our Carolina residents and the surrounding community.”

Matthew Younan

the lake, catching up with family and friends who are just taking in the beautiful surrounds and wildlife,” he said.

“Our council understands the importance of the lake and the potential opportunities to make it an even greater destination for residents and visitors alike.

“Last year we set out to create a strategic vision for the site’s long term future, we carried out extensive public consultation.

“This strategy provides a vision to reinvigorate Lake Caroline … and turn it into a vibrant and inviting community space.”

Airport staff in drugs probe

Dozens of Melbourne Airport staff have been accused of working for organised criminals attempting to smuggle drugs into the state.

Aviation workers were the subject of a Border Force investigation aiming to bustcrimeswithinairportsupplychains.

The probe discovered 70 staff at Melbourne Airport had breached security checks over the past 12 months, including some suspected of working within organised crime.

Airline crew engaged in illicit drug use as well as distributing illegal drugs in Australia, according to Border Force.

International airline crew members were also found to have hidden illegal cigarettes and tobacco products in false bottom suitcases.

This was allegedly done in an attempt to avoid paying significant amounts of customs tax.

Two international crew members were found to be under the influence of illegal substances while on duty which led to the cancellation of at least one visa to Australia.

Superintendent Kelly-Anne Parish said portable X-ray machines helped make the discoveries by scanning plane baggage storage, cargo holds and crew areas. “(ABF) work closely with industry who have a vested interest in protecting and securing the aviation supply chain and are pivotal to safeguarding this environment,” she said.

SuperintendentParishsaidtheprobeis ongoing and focusing on several people in aviation with links to trans-national organised crime groups.

Holly Hales, AAP

AVID Property Group representative Joshua Barak and the St John’s Marjorie Devereux. (Supplied)

St Albans turns Jurassic Park

Last week at the St Albans Library, kids aged from three to 10 got to watch on and join in as the dinosaurs broke the quiet library rule. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was there to capture the action.

The kids loved Toby, and did their best dinosaur impressions.

(Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 416783

Something for everyone at The Sugar Gum Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Hillside, The Sugar Gum Hotel is your ultimate destination for a delightful and relaxing dining experience.

Whether you’re seeking a cosy lunch or dinner, The Sugar Gum Hotel offers a fantastic ambiance to unwind and enjoy delicious meals.

The Sugar Gum Hotel takes pride in offering a diverse menu which has something for everyone, available all day. With classic pub favourites there’s a dish to suit every taste.

Kick off your meal with tasty starters, enjoy hearty mains like juicy steaks, burgers, chicken parmas, and finish with delicious desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Families are warmly welcomed at The Sugar Gum Hotel, where the kids’ play area ensures children are entertained while parents relax and enjoy their meals. This dedicated space is thoughtfully designed to provide a safe and fun environment for the little ones, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings.

The welcoming and community atmosphere of The Sugar Gum Hotel is complemented by its friendlyandattentivestaff,whoarecommittedto providingexceptionalserviceandafantastictime for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch with friends, a romantic dinner for two, or a celebratory meal with family, you can expect a warm, inviting and enjoyable experience.

In addition to its tasty dining options, The Sugar Gum Hotel offers a selection of extremely drinkable beverages, including an impressive wine list, beers, and refreshing made-to-order cocktails. Pair your meal with the perfect drink, and enjoy what makes this venue a standout choice for any occasion.

Discover the great food and friendly service of The Sugar Gum Hotel. Visit today and experience why it’s the preferred spot for locals and visitors alike, offering comfort, quality, and a truly enjoyable experience.

The Sugar Gum Hotel is at 2 Gourlay Road, Hillside. Enjoy

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

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

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

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

Support winter appeal

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to:

Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

One of Brimbank’s major emergency support providers is appealing for community assistance following a dramatic increase in demand for its services in the past year.

Uniting Vic.Tas is launching its 2024 Share the Warmth winter appeal to raise funds so clothing, food and a safe place to stay can be provided to those in need.

The charity provider claims that demand for its services has risen by 70 per cent in the past 12 months, including a significant surge in online inquiries for financial counselling (up 173 per cent), bills assistance (up 35 per cent) and food vouchers (up 21 per cent).

AccordingtoUnitingVic.Tasseniormanager Becky Herridge, Brimbank and surrounding council areas were among those worst affected.

“We’re experiencing growing demand from families in crisis right across the western and

north-western suburbs,” Ms Herridge said.

“The cost of living is really biting and we’re seeing people who we’ve never seen before, people who can’t afford to live, people who might be working and have jobs, but who just can’t make ends meet and put food on the table for their families.

“We’re really calling on people from our community, we know so many people are struggling right now, but if you have the capacity, please consider donating to Uniting Vic.Tas 2024 winter appeal.”

Uniting has emergency relief services offering support to people in crisis across Melbourne’s west.

Details: https://www.unitingvictas.org.au/ winter/

Cade Lucas

Uniting Vic.Tas staff Nikol Tap, Maddy Farnaby and Betty Baker help launch the Share the Warmth winter appeal. (Damjan Janevski) 414817_03

a delicious meal at The Sugar Gum Hotel. (Supplied)

ACROSS

1 Cutting tool (8)

5 Germinate (6)

10 Common fruit (5)

11 Gradual and harmful (9)

12 Duty list (6)

13 Bishop’s district (7)

14 Flying hero (8)

15 Capital of Macedonia

18 Sickness (6)

20 Canned fish (pl) (8)

21 German city (7)

24 Oval, edible nut-like seed (6)

27 Publish simultaneously (9)

28 Primitive (5)

29 Building level (6)

30 Game bird (8)

DOWN

1 Bandy (4)

2 Unrehearsed (9)

3 Separate metal from ore (5)

4 Train network (8)

6 Security device (7)

7 Gas layer in the stratosphere (5)

8 Bland (9)

9 Employed (4)

14 Combination into a whole (9)

16 Land jutting into the sea (9)

17 Home of Jesus (8)

19 Learned (7)

22 Tropical fruit (5)

23 Metric unit (4)

25 Holy city for Muslims (5)

26 Joke (4)

The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 Founded in 1925, which weekly US country music stage concert takes place in Nashville, Tennessee?

2 What is the largest state in the US by area?

3 Andrew Garfield (pictured), Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley all starred in which 2010 film adaptation of a Kazuo Ishiguro book?

4 What colour is the beginner belt in karate?

5 In which two months of the year does London Fashion Week take place?

6 Which artist’s

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No. 193

No. 193

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

Deer Park Senior Citizens AGM

AGM for 2024, held at the Deer Park Lions Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. on Monday, August 12, at 1pm. There will be an election of the committee and other general business.

■ 9363 7326

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

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. The group is also offering two introductory Alateen meetings in the July school holidays on July 10, at the same time as the Al-Anon meeting in an adjacent room. Facilitated by two certified (WWCC) and experienced Al-Anon members. Parents are invited to bring their teens and join the adult meeting.

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

This week’s photographer’s choice is of ringmaster Allanah Le Du, hand balancer Tiffany Lee and clown Jojo from Circus Latino in Watergardens. (Damjan Janevski) 416384_02

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

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

St Albans senior citizens

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

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

■ Roma, 0435 991 064

Caroline Springs Rotary

The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall, from 7pm.

■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

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

Parkinson’s support group

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month, 10.30am-12.30pm, at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are welcome.

■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club

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

■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group

An over-55’s singles friendship group for social engagements, fun outings, dinners, movies, dancing chats and walks. Enrich your life, no more loneliness or isolation. Nothing but fun and friendships.

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Fashion flourishes in The Dress

By Cade Lucas

Independent theatre company, Essence Productions, is back with another historical play at Werribee Mansion.

Set in late 19th century Melbourne, The Dress is on at the mansion on July 20 and 21 and again on August 24 and 25.

Essence Productions is well-known for performing another historical play, WhatWas That? , at Werribee Mansion.

“It’s a period piece but it’s very different from the WhatWasThat? show said Essence Productions chairperson, Alaine Beek, of The Dress, which she wrote and also stars in.

“This one is performed seated downstairs off

the grand hallway at Werribee Mansion,” said Beek who added that unlike WhatWasThat? , this play could be performed elsewhere too.

“We wrote it so it’s not dependent on being at the mansion. We have performed it for a few runs at Werribee Park but also performed as part of a spectacular masquerade ball event at Hotel Windsor in the CBD in March.”

Beek plays Hannah Bryden, a widow who lives alone in sprawling mansion where her dressmaker, the flamboyant and sharp tongued Bertin (played by both Scott Jackson and Scott Middleton), is her only company.

When changes in the fashion industry threaten Bertin’s livelihood, he hatches a plan to save both of them from obscurity. Hannah

will relaunch herself as one of Melbourne’s leading socialites at an upcoming masquerade ball by wearing the most jaw-dropping dress Bertin has ever attempted.

As its name suggests, Beek said fashion was one of the main attractions of the play.

“The one unique part about The Dress is the costuming. Because it’s set in the late 19th century, it’s about the Melbourne fashion industry at that time.”

Details: https://www.visitwerribee.com/ events/dress-werribee-park

Alaine

and Scott

Artist moves from hobby to exhibition

“You don’t have to be a professional to create art.” That’s the message Zofia Lickova hopes people will take away from her exhibition at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.

The Melton resident’s This is Freedom exhibition is on display at the library until September 30, showcasing paintings she has created in recent years.

The exhibition features artworks offering Lickova’s unique perspective on landscapes through geometric shapes.

Theartisticjourneytraversesthreecountries significant to Lickova’s life: her upbringing in Slovakia, past experiences in Scotland, and her current settlement in Australia.

Lickova said painting has always been a part

of her life, “on and off”, but she found there were always something “more important than hobbies”.

That all changed during covid, with Lickova allowing herself the time to explore her art.

Lickova said she wanted to exhibit her work locally to ignite community interest in local art and celebrate hobby painters.

She began researching local opportunities after visiting Melton library soon after moving to the area about 18 months ago from Scotland.

“I saw paintings on the wall and I was way too shy to ask the librarian how I could get my paintings on the wall, so I did some research,” she said.

The result is ThisisFreedom, a collection of works primarily created with acrylics.

The collection invites viewers to delve into the beauty of colour palettes and experience a visual journey influenced by renowned abstract masters, from W Kandinsky to the Cubism of Kazimir Malevich and Frantisek Kupka, as well as the expressionism of Lyonel Feininger. She also draws inspiration from her uncle, Blazej Balaz, an art professor.

This is Freedom can be viewed at Melton Library and Learning Hub, McKenzie Street, Melton, during the library’s opening hours.

Details: https://shorturl.at/Mg6lI

Laura Michell

Screening celebrates 10 years of dance

To celebrate 10 years of L2R Dance, a documentarywillbescreeningattheendofthe month in St Albans, showcasing the journey of the group.

L2R is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit organisation, providing free hip hop dance programs, arts education opportunities and employment pathways for young people throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs and beyond.

L2R offers culturally safer, creative spaces for young people aged between six to 25 experiencing barriers to entering creative opportunities.

L2R nurtures creativity, transforming lives through the power of dance.

The documentary was directed, shot, and edited by local creative Kimberly Summer, and interviews group founder Jacinda May on the

trials and tribulations of running a grassroots community group, which started at Western English Language School, and has now expanded to a thriving community of young

Experience the magic of ‘Odyssey’

The Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) invites you to its upcoming concert, Odyssey , on August 3. Odyssey explores the evocative landscapes of Nordic nationalism and the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.

The concert will feature masterpieces by legendary composers Jean Sibelius, Edvard Grieg, Camille Saint-Saëns and, the highlight of the evening, Gustav Holst’s, ThePlanets Andrew Leach will lead the performance.

Leach is a conductor, trombonist and pianist who has recently served as the director of music and performing arts at Westbourne Grammar School.

“Our second concert, Odyssey , is a journey through the Romantic to late Romantic period,” he said.

“The event provides us another opportunity to grow and retain our audience, inspiring and connecting them with accessible, dynamic orchestral music.”

IWSO assistant concertmaster and violin player, Yilin Wang said, the group has been practicing since after its first concert in April 21.

“It’s going to be full of energy and will definitely take you on a journey, whether you’re a classical lover coming to hear the full suite of The Planets or someone looking to experience a live symphony orchestra for the first time,” Wang said.

“I’m strangely looking forward to feeling those pre-performance nerves and also reliving and sharing concert moments with our friends and family afterwards.

“The audience makes a concert, so we would dearly love your support.”

people and artists celebrating street dance across Melbourne’s West.

“Join us as we commemorate our big 10th birthday and the founding of L2R with a night of reflection, reconnection, food, film and, as always, dance,” May said.

“This night is just as much about us as it is you, our community. We couldn’t have done the last 10 years without you, so please, come and join us.”

Tickets are free, but limited, so booking is heavily encouraged.

ThescreeningisonWednesday,July31,from 6pm to 7.30pm, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans.

Tickets: https://creativebrimbank.com.au/ the-l2r-story?date=2024-07-31

Gerald Lynch

The IWSO, a non-profit organisation, was established in mid-2023 by three Yarraville music teachers.

They founded the orchestra to fill a gap in classical music opportunities in Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Since then, the ensemble has grown rapidly, attracting over 60 musicians ofvariousages,skilllevels,ethnicities, neuro and gender diversities, and physical capabilities.

Odyssey will be performed at Williamstown Hall on Saturday, August 3, at 7.30pm.

Details https://www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1238769.

Anne Parisianne

Dancers Nolly Zaa Thang, Jacinda Richards, L’wel (Ligi) and Hena Memishi. (Damjan Janevski)

Artist Zofia Lickova. (Damjan Janevski) 416703_01

Beek

Middleton star in TheDress (Supplied)

Trades & Services

The applicant for the permit is: SMART TOWN PLANNING PTY LTD

The application reference number is: P572/2023

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

•WWW.BRIMBANK.VIC.GOV. AU/BUILDINGDEVELOPMENT/ PLANNING/ADVERTISEDPLANS

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

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

The responsible authority will not decide on the application before: 23/7/2024

The Contact Officer is: Jonathan Siotas, (9249 4510)

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

An objection must be in writing and sent to the Brimbank City Council either: •Online at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/building-development/ planning/planning-permit-applications/planning-permitsupport-or-objection

• Email info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

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

•In person at Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Objections must include details of the application you are objecting to, your contact details and the reasons for the objection. If you do object, the responsible authority will tell you its decision.

For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment.

Details of the amendment

to the new site.

The Melton City Council planning authority has prepared Amendment C243melt to the Melton Planning Scheme.

The amendment affects land at two sites in the Rockbank North Precinct Structure Plan area, the existing site and the proposed new temporary site as follows:

Existing site (Aintree)

• Lot A on Plan Number PS828137 at Taylors Road, Aintree 3336 (Standard Parcel Identifier: A\PS828137)

Proposed new temporary site (Bonnie Brook)

The following adjoining parcels of land at:

• 41 Newfoundland Circuit, Bonnie Brook 3335;

• Lot 6 on Plan Number TP956560 at Tarletons Road, Bonnie Brook 3335 (Standard Parcel Identifier: 6\TP956560); and

• Lot 7 on Plan Number TP956560 at Tarletons Road, Bonnie Brook 3335 (Standard Parcel Identifier: 7\TP956560)

The amendment proposes facilitate the relocation of a horse-riding school operated by the Riding for Disabled Association of Victoria to a new site within the Rockbank North Precinct Structure Plan area.

Specifically, the amendment seeks to make the following changes to the Melton Planning Scheme:

•Insert new Incorporated Document titled ’RDAV Melton and District Riding for the Disabled Facility Incorporated Document, July 2024’ in the Schedule to Clause 72.04 (Incorporated Documents).

• Amend the Schedule to Clause 45.12 (Specific Controls Overlay) to list (SCO8) and to refer to the new Incorporated Document.

• Insert a new Planning Scheme Map 9SCO to apply the SCO8 to the subject site.

•Amend the Schedule to Clause 72.03 (What does this planning scheme consist of?) to identify the new Planning Scheme Map 9SCO.

•Revise the Incorporated Document titled ‘RDAV Rockbank Facility Incorporated Document, July 2013‘ and update references in the Schedules to Clauses 51.01 and Clause 72.04.

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

• the Melton City Council website at www.melton.vic.gov.au/planningschemeamendments;

•on request, during office hours, at the office of the planning authority, Melton City Council Civic Centre 232 High Street, Melton 3337;

•the Department of Transport and Planning website www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/amendments/ amendments-on-exhibition or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation. Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

The closing date for submissions is Monday 12 August 2024. A submission must be sent to:

Manager City Strategy

Melton City Council PO Box 21 Melton 3337 or via email to citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au.

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or its website for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

Volvo EX30 off on power walk

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

WiththenewEX30electricSUVVolvoappears to be walking the talk toward its being a solely electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030.

The Chinese owned Swedish automobile maker’s smallest sport utility vehicle has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date.

The EX30, the company claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced, with its leather-free interior featuring recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool, and denim upholstery, the last made from waste fibres of denim recycling.

At the heart of the EV is a high voltage 400V lithium-ion battery, with its three Australian models, incorporating single or twin motors, running on a 69kWh battery, offering ranges of an estimated 480km with the single motor and 460km with the twin option.

The three variants are EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus, at $59,990; EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra $64,990; and EX30 Twin Performance Ultra $69,990. All are plus on-road costs.

The Plus variant is well equipped with digitalkey,wirelesscharging,Harman/Kardon Premium Sound, power tailgate, parking sensors, welcome/farewell light and auto dimming mirrors.

The Twin Motor Ultra adds fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, power seats, four-way lumbar support, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and steering wheel and 20-inch alloy wheels.

AllEX30sarecoveredbyafive-yearunlimited kilometre warranty, eight-year battery cover and eight-year roadside assistance package and two-year service intervals.

Styling

Five exclusive exterior colours are contrasted withanOnyxBlackmetallicroofandmatching gloss black details. Up front, Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’sHammer’headlampshavebeenupdated in a segmented design with extra width and narrower look.

The new look also extends to the rear with lightingnowfittingflushwiththebody,helping the car stand out in all light conditions on the road.

The fixed panoramic glass roof of the Ultra model adds a further level of prestige to the car, while providing an airy feel to the interior. I’m notafanoflargeglassroofs.Tintedglassmight stop the sun’s rays but heat is a different matter. However, I’m told the EX30 has an insulated retractableroofblindasanafter-marketoption.

Interior

While on the subject of passenger wellbeing, Volvo is famous for its cabin climate control, with a two-zone system filtering hazardous gases from the EX30. Using a Volvo app, the cabin air can even be cleaned before entering.

As well as environmentally friendly surroundings, seating has been designed to the requirements of that in larger luxurious cars. Ergonomics have been applied from shoulder tothightoensurecomfortandsafety,especially on long drives.

Integrated front seat headrests enhance the sporty feeling of the ride, while the seat backs are concave contributing to increased legroom for rear passengers. Storage is particularly inventive, with multi-use areas at floor level between the front seats.

A sliding unit with twin cupholders is part of the centre console and with a soundbar replacingspeakers,doorpocketscanbeutilised to the maximum.

Infotainment

The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch tablet-style full colours touchscreen display

with embedded Google apps at the fingertips (not always the easiest to access). Only minimum controls are on the steering wheel or column. Updates are regularly updated via the Over The Air system.

As mentioned above, a soundbar introduces a new concept to in-car audio. Standard across the EX30 range the Harman/Kardon bar stretches across the top of the dashboard the width of the cabin, producing sound equal to that of many speaker systems.

Near Field Communication technology can be used to access and start the vehicle via a smartphone with a downloaded digital key swiped over an NFC reader.

Engines/transmissions

The Single Motor Extended range delivers 200kW and 343Nm, while the Twin Performance, with motors front and rear pumps out 315kW and 543Nm. Depending on the DC peak charging power, both variants are capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.

Safety

Volvo has a history of being at the forefront of automotive safety and the EX30 carries on the tradition. Active safety includes lane keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, intersection auto brake, collision avoidance (braking and steering), plus cyclist and pedestrian detection.

Also included are road sign information, intelligent speed assist, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane change assist, park assist camera, rear view and rear door opening alert.

Driving

Spirited acceleration, especially good on overtaking, plus almost silent running was disturbed only by road noise on some course surfaces and the heated steering wheel was a welcome surprise on a rare nippy early morning get-go.

Claimed energy consumption is 18kWh per 100 kilometres. When I last looked, the test car had recorded 18.5kW per 100 kilometres. As for refuelling on a public fast charge station, the EX30 went from 40 percent battery charge to 80 percent in 32 minutes.

Volvo would not say this too loudly but at 3.6 seconds for zero to 100 kilometres per hour, the EX30 is in some very sporty company. Fortunately,thepowertrainandall-wheeldrive handle the excess energy with aplomb. The lane-keeping assist also deserves some praise, reacting to any drift out of the centre of a lane with a gentle (yes, gentle) nudge on the steering wheel, unlike some of its ilk.

Summary

The EX30, Volvo’s smallest (and quickest) car, may be big on style, performance and equipment, but as is the wont with EVs, pricing is out of proportion. However, remember what the WRX of the 1990s did for Subaru?

The EX30, Volvo claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced. (Picture: Supplied)

Around the grounds

There was plenty of action on Saturday both on the field and courts across Melbourne’s north-west.StarWeeklyphotographerLjubica Vrankovic was in the thick of the action.

Whittlesea’s Taidhg Bland. 417487_24

Mernda’s Lachlan Taylor (right) goes up in the ruck (Ljubica Vrankovic)_417489_01

The Craigieburn Eagles warm up. 417498_13

Mernda’s Zach Racovolis. 417489_12

South Morang continued on its winning ways. 417491_12

Whittlesea United’s Kemal Irdem. 417492_17

Craigieburn Eagles’ Max Viitala. 417498_31

Thomastown’s James Lucente. 417487_05

Whittlesea United’s Facundo Echeverria. 417492_01

Laurimar’s Joel Lawson evades two South Morang players. 417491_07

Blues with one eye on the future

Keilor is using this season with one eye on the future in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division.

The Blues have struggled for numbers at times this season and with it, the wins haven’t come as they have in the past.

Blues coach Brooke Surgeon said despite the scoreboard, it had still been a good season.

“We are doing what we can to prepare for next season,” she said “It’s been so positive and it’s the most united that we’ve been.

“We’re continuing to work in the right direction. Hopefully we can top up the numbers and have a really strong season.”

With a number of injuries and girls either playing at Coates Talent League and Victorian Football League women’s, the Blues have struggled for numbers.

Against Hillside, they had to forfeit and their match against Maribyrnong Park half their side was under-18s.

“The new concussion rule has had an impact as it rules them out for a few weeks,” Surgeon said.

“We’re all for looking after everyone’s health, but when you lose two or three players, there goes your bench.”

Surgeon said while it had been tough it had beenexcitingtoseesomeofthenextgeneration come through and get their opportunities.

She said the future was really positive with such homegrown talent.

“We look completely different,” she said.

“We’re building from the bottom.

“We want to improve them to be senior footballers. Liv Evans has been good all year.

“Liv Castello come back from the Western Jets and was good. Estelle Grimaud’s defensive skills have been outstanding.

“The other girls are coming and up and playing tagging roles for us like Ava Sloan In the middle.”

Surgeon said having the chance to work with players who are in VFLW was really beneficial and helped lift the standard.

The Blues had the weekend off with no women’s action across the board.

Surgeon said it came at a good time to get everyone a chance to refresh.

In a positive sign for the Blues, they seem likely to avoid relegation this season.

The Blues have two wins against Westmeadows, which sits bottom and without a win.

Surgeon said being in premier division was importantfortheunder-18scomingup,sothey come up into a program in the top grade.

For the rest of the season, Kerrigan said the focus was to keep on improving.

“We want to move the ball well and focus on defensive pressure,” she said. “We also want to enjoy what we do.”

Tara Murray

Mitrevski Olympics-bound

By Tara Murray

A couple of years ago, Chris Mitrevski was struggling with the yips and he had no idea how his long jump events would go.

Fast forward to July 2024 and the Keilor Downs resident will be donning the green and gold at the Olympics.

A stunning jump at the Australian Championships in April gave him automatic selection for the Olympics.

“When I officially qualified there were about 100 days left. I feel like that time has just flown by,” he said.

“I was very confident that I would make this one but I wasn’t really expecting to jump the qualifying time so early, that came as a shock.

“I was more looking at getting in through my world ranking which basically cuts off at the end of June.

“Most of the team has not been selected yet, I was probably waiting until early July to get selected to knock that out early, it was a huge relief and I could just focus on the Olympics

rather than choosing the competitions.”

When Mitrevski jumped 8.32 at the Australian Championships it changed his perspective heading into the Olympics.

He became the sixth best Australian ever with that jump and it’s the longest by an Aussie in seven years.

It was a nine second personal best and would have been a good enough jump to win a medal at every Olympics since 1992.

Mitrevski doesn’t just want to go there and finish sixth or just miss out on finals at the Olympics now.

“I’ve always thought I had the 8.32 in me, as you get older,“ he said. “PBs are fewer and further between but I thought I could do it.

“I probably just wasn’t thinking it was going to happen that day. So to knock that out, it was awesome.

“You do that at the Olympics you’re every chance to medal, so just changed my thinking from making the Olympics to who knows what can happen now,

“Let’s push for a medal that has definitely

changed my focus for sure.

“That’s basically all I’ve been thinking about lately. The sky’s the limit.”

Mitrevski says he’s come a long way from a few years ago when he had the yips and narrowly missed out on the last Olympics.

He said he’s now in a good place as he looks down the track into the pit.

Growing up, Mitrevski started athletics as he loved to race everyone.

Football was his other love. He played with both Taylors Lakes and Keilor.

“I played every sport at school, I loved sports and if there was a chance of playing school sports with anything, I was doing it,“ he said.

“Played footy and athletics pretty much the whole time, loved them both just as much.

“I probably wasn’t too good at footy. I was good for one effort and that’s it, probably why I’m good at athletics.

“I figured out I was quick and could jump, put those to together and made for a good long jumper.”

The Saints announced that Michael Else would be coach for the season.

Else has a long-standing history with the club, having coached several junior teams and served as senior coach during the 2022-23 season.

He is a premiership captain and part of the club’s hall of fame.

“A true club stalwart, Michael brings a wealth of experience and dedication to our team,“ the club said. “Michael is very keen to start pre-season training and share his knowledge and passion for the game with all our players. We are confident that under his guidance, our club will continue to grow and achieve great success.”

Else said you never say never when it comes to coaching.

“It is an exciting time,” he said. “We had a few other irons in the first but they didn’t work out, so they landed on me.”

Else said with the competition shaping up strongly with a number of club’s recruiting well, it would be a good challenge for them.

Last season the Saints finished in fifth spot a game outside the top four after a number of close losses.

“We’re not 100 per cent sure where we are in terms of our list,” he said. “We will know in two-three weeks.

“It’s hard to say how we will go, but we’re hoping that we will be thereabouts. Things didn’t go our way last year, hopefully it changes this year.”

Else said they had a number of young players in the club that would come into the senior program.

“We’ve got some good young players coming through from juniors,” he said.

“Whether they are up to senior cricket we’re not sure yet, but some will come through the twos and see how we go.”

St Albans has turned to a familiar face to lead it into the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season.

Tara Murray

Madeline Barton. (Jacob Pattison) 351739_04

Chris Mitrevski. (Athletics Australia/Casey Sims)

MICHAEL ELSE

Burnside Heights back on winners list

Burnside Heights went back to school last week and it paid off as the Bears returned to the winners list in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.

Coming off their first two losses of the season, the Bears needed to get back on the winners list against Coburg Districts.

Playing under lights in cold conditions, the Bears were able to set the match up in the first half, keeping the Lions goal less.

While the Lions showed some resistance in the second half, the Bears showed their composure in the second half, winning, 11.8 (74)-5.7 (37).

Bears coach Cole Harvey said it was nice to get back on the winners list.

“It was a pretty good win,” he said.

“We’ve played some quality teams in Westmeadows and Taylors Lakes and you look at the margins there isn’t much between the top three or four teams.

“We haven’t been disappointed with the calibre of players out of those games.”

Harvey said they studied both of those

games the last couple of weeks to see where they went wrong and where they needed to improve.

He said you don’t lose matches, you have opportunities to find ways to learn and get better.

“We executed a lot of things we worked on during the week.”

Harvey said he thought they could be in for a long night in their warm up against Coburg Districts, with the group flat during the warm up.

He would be wrong.

“We had come to play,” he said. “We changed a few things up as against Taylors Lakes and Westy we went away from what we had been doing well.

“We got back to playing zone and put on that pressure.”

Harvey said they knew the Lions would come in the second half, but was pleased with how his group was able to respond.

He said they were able to run the game out really well.

“We were able to absorb that sort of

pressure,” he said.

“We got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter and were able to wrestle momentum back.

“The last quarter we changed our rotation and our mids were on top and we kicked away.

“I was pretty happy.”

Nick Gregson kicked three goals for the Bears, while Adam Sullivan kicked two goals.

Harvey said Tyson Iglesias continued his good form and said he’s the best full back in the competition,

Dion Lawson also had a good game, while Lachlan Evans won the battle in the ruck.

The Bears remain in second spot, a game behind Taylors Lakes.

The run of big matches continues with games against the Sunbury Kangaroos and Northern Saints the next two weeks.

Both teams sit a game outside the top four.

In division 1, Hillside proved too strong for St Albans, winning 15.6 (96)-10.7 (67).

Falcons keep on winning

By Tara Murray

City West Falcons continue to try things as they prepare for Victorian Netball League championship finals.

Having already secured top spot, the Falcons don’t have much to play for in the final three rounds.

The first of those rounds was on Wednesday night, with the Falcons beating Melbourne University Lightning, 65-52.

Falcons coach Marg Lind was reasonably happy with the win.

“It was a good start to the game again,” she said. “We set it up.

“We threw things around with a few defensive combinations. We had a lapse after half time.

“We took our foot off the accelerator. Melbourne University got it back within six before we got it back out to 10.”

Lind said they were really liking how they’re starting games so feel and are really hitting circle edge and feeding Jane Cook well.

She said that would look at the periods where they drop concentration

“We get a bit complacent,” she said. “There’s a fine line between pushing them too hard now and then we run out of steam come finals.

“We want to keep everyone rolling on and keeping everyone injury free. We still have Lucia [Fauonuku] to get back onto the court and Uneeq [Palavi] will be back as well.”

Cook finished with 55 goals to lead the way in attack for the Falcons.

LindsaidMaggieLindandMontanaHolmes both played well in attack, while Sussu Liai had a really strong game in defence having struggled against the Lightning the first time they played.

One change the Falcons did make was playing Mel Oloamanu playing some time out in wing defence.

“It gives us more options defensively,” she said. “She played WD for Samoa and we thought we would have a look at it.

“She was excited to play there and got a few intercepts.

“We have Mel, Sussu and Sophie [Hanrahan] are all playing well. We might need to throw Soli [Ropati] into centre, so that gives us four agile defenders who can play in the circle and at wing defence.”

The Falcons under-23 team suffered a 63-52 loss.

Lindsaidtheyhadsomereallygoodmoments but couldn’t put it together for three quarters.

“They did well for three quarters,” she said. “We led at half time and it was even at three quarter time.

“Wewentbacktothebadmistakesthatwe’ve

been making. There is some progress there.”

The Falcons remain in fourth spot, two games clear of the Geelong Cougars in fifth.

The Falcons need to win one of their last two games to make finals. If they lose both, it could come down to percentage.

The Falcons this week host the Western

Warriors at the Altona Sports Centre. Lind said they were hoping to have a big crowd for their final home game of the season. They will have a couple of school holiday clinics earlier in the week, as well as an exhibition game on Wednesday before the VNL games, starting at 6pm.

Basketball Hall of Fame. The team was recognised at a cocktail function in Melbourne on Friday.

Bowls

Deer Park’s squad for the Victorian Bowls League has been appointed. After winning the first edition, the Parkers didn’t fare so well in VBL2 in VBL3, Chris Ball, Matt Baus, Nathan Bush, Mark Casey and Brenton Coad will represent the Parkers.

Soccer

Western United’s Kahli Johnson, Sasha Grove, Avaani Prakash and Chloe Lincoln have been announced in Australia’s under-20 team to play New Zealand later this month. The Young Matildas will face New Zealand in matches on July 11 and 14 behind closed doors. The matches will be in preparation for their World Cup qualifiers that start in August. Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato said it’s fantastic to see so many of our talented players earning opportunities in the same international camp. This represents a first-ever international selection as Western United players for both Grove and Lincoln, who each joined the club from Canberra, while Prakesh earns a recall to the side.

Cricket

The Sunshine YCW’s have signed pace bowler Connor Marum for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 4 season. Marum brings a wealth of talent and experience to the Cougars pace attack and the club couldn’t be more excited to have him on board. He has spent the past eight seasons playing for Coburg in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association, where he has been a consistent performer opening the bowling.

Tara Murray Matthew Larkin. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 416137_10

Sports shorts

Basketball Keilor Thunder coach Kristi Harrower and the rest of the Opals 2006 FIBA World Cup championship team will be inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame. The team will this week become the first team inducted into the Australian

Sussu Liai had a good game on Wednesday. (Robbab Photography)

Albion ready to big challenges ahead

Albion is excited for the challenges of the next few weeks in the Western Football League division 2 competition.

Theonlyundefeatedteaminthecompetition, the Cats have a four week period where they face the other sides in the top five.

After a number of one-sided affairs, Cats coach Blake Richards said it would be good to have some good tests.

“We’re coming into a block with some decent opposition,” he said. “We play the other sides in the top five the next three weeks.

“Someofthesidescomingupfromdivision3 have struggled a little bit. It’s a nice little block for us and it will test us out in a mini final series. Touchwood we don’t have any injuries and we can play some good football.”

Falcons goal less.

The second half was a little bit closer, but the Cats were able to come away with a 14.5 (89)-4.4 (28) win. Richards said he was pretty happy with the result.

“The boys were up and about and were keen to try and improve our footy and play some good footy,” he said.

“We did that in the first half especially and were in control of the game. We set up well up forward all day and our backs also set up well.

be long term injuries.

Josh Bench was best on ground for the Cats, while Richards to Cavanagh was having a good game up forward.

He was also impressed with Bryce Miles, who came up from the reserves, in the midfield and the pressure set by Chris Tomazos.

One player who wasn’t out there for the Cats, was Caleb McPherson as he made his Victorian Football League debut on Sunday.

Richards, who was heading to watch him play, said it was exciting for the club.

He said they were really enjoying the season.

On Saturday, the Cats faced Wyndhamvale, which had lost just one game for the season.

The Cats jumped out of the blocks and led by 53 points at half time, having kept the

Richards said he had been really proud of the way the boys had approached the season and were motivated no matter who they were playing.

“We did have a couple of injuries in the third quarter and we had to change up our structure a little bit.”

Jesse Cavanagh and Benjamin Doll kicked four goals each for the Cats, before leaving the field in the third quarter through injury.

Cavanagh copped a corkie, while Doll tweaked his ankle. Richards said neither would

Devils on the board

By Tara Murray

KeilorParkmayhavehadmorethan30players unavailable and had to forfeit its reserves on Saturday, but it meant little as its senior side got its first win of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.

It’s been tough going for the Devils this season with injuries and unavailability having an impact on the team they could put on the park.

On Saturday, the Devils managed to find a way to hold their nerve to beat Roxburgh Park.

For Devils coach Leigh Coles there were plenty of mixed emotions.

He said they had stuck with the task all season.

“The monkey is off the back,” he said. “We had 32 players out on the weekend.

“We had two players playing seniors who had never played seniors before. We had a few playing their second and third senior games. “It’s good for the club and trying to retain them for the future. It’s a good club to be around.”

Coles said he had never seen the amount of injuries they’ve had in one go in his time in football.

He said it had really impacted the ability of him and assistant coach Colby Blyth to put in structures and a game plan they wanted to implement.

He said it had taken its toll at times.

Despite missing so many players, the Devils entered the match with the Magpies full of confidence.

The first time the two teams met, the Magpies won by five points.

This time the match was close for most of the match.

The Devils led by 11 points heading into the final break.

Coles said there were a few nerves in the final quarter, especially when the Magpies kicked the first two goals of the final quarter to hit the lead.

“We had 12 different players from the last time we played them,” he said. “Both sides had some players out.

“When they hit the front in the last quarter we were hoping that old habits wouldn’t creep in.

“We were able to stick to the plan and knuckled down and kick some late goals to come away with the win.

Nicholas Spano kicked four goals for the Devils.

Coles said captain Daylan Kempster was a standout all day, leading from the front.

Michael Gatt was one of their better midfielders and helped move the ball between the arcs.

The Devils remain in bottom spot but are not only a game behind Rupertswood and Moonee Valley in the relegation race.

The bottom two teams will be relegated at season’s end.

The Devils this week face Rupertswood.

Coles said you never say never in whether the team could possibly avoid relegation.

“We’ve got another opportunity against Rupertswood,” he said. “We go there and believe if we can put our best foot forward we are a chance.

“Hopefully the boys take this feeling into next week.”

In other matches, Hillside beat St Albans, 15.6 (96)-10.7 (67).

“You like to see one of your players get rewarded at that level,” he said.

“We’veonlyhadtwoorthreethelast10years that have come through the juniors. He has done it through the seniors and has done a lot of work.” Albion this week host the Suns.

Tara Murray

Coach change

Calder United is on the hunt for a new coach with Kogulan Sabaratnam announcing he’s stepping down from the National Premier League women’s competition.

Calder announced last week that Sabaratnam had made the call despite there being several rounds left in the season. It’s his first season in charge at Calder, but has been involved at the club in a number of other different roles.

“Throughout his time at the club, Kogulan has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and made a profound impact on our team’s development,” the club said.

“His strategic vision and commitment have been invaluable to Calder United. We extend our deepest gratitude to Kogulan for his hard work and unwavering support. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our club.”

Sabaratnam said it had been an incredible journey and he’s grateful for the opportunities and experience he’s had at the club.

“I want to thank my players, coaches and the entire Calder United community for their unwavering support and camaraderie.Wishingtheclubcontinued success in the future.”

It’s been a tough season on field for Calder, with the wins not coming as freely as they have in the past. After 12 rounds, Calder sits bottom of the table with just two wins for the season and could be set for relegation instead of challenging for titles which had become the norm. On Saturday, Calder had a 1-1 draw with Bentleigh Greens. Scores were 1-1 at half time with Akeisha Sandhu the goal scorer for Calder. Neither side could find a winner in the second half.

Akeisha Sandhu. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Darcy Mcpherson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 359359_23

Ben Chisholm. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 333186_73

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