Emily Jans performing CPR training on a dummy in Sunshine.
(Ljubica Vrankovic: 419403)
Training to save lives
St John Ambulance Victoria is providing free CPR training to residents of Sunshine as part of the Defib in your Street Community Program.
Classes are held every Tuesday at the West Sunshine Community Centre, from 10am to 12.30pm, and every Friday, from 2pm to 4.30pm, at the Visy Cares Hub. Program organiser Marj Devereux implored everybody in the Brimbank area to take advantage of the program and learn a skill that could save a life.
“CPR is a really important skill in the chain of survival,” she said.
“Early intervention is so important, and learning through this course may help you save a life.
“We are also aiming to destigmatise the skill level people think it requires … you can be fully trained up after a two -and-a -half-hour course.”
Registration is essential and participants will receive a certificate upon completion.
Register: defibinyourstreet.org.au
Gerald Lynch
Toxic concern burns on
By Gerald Lynch
Brimbank residents are calling for protection authorities to have greater power as the fallout from a significant factory fire in Derrimut earlier this month continues.
After a strong contingency of residents voiced concerns about the prevalence of toxic waste and chemicals kept close to home, a group of about 20 activists rallied outside of the Brimbank council chambers prior to the July 16 council meeting.
Prospective Brimbank council election candidate Graeme Blore was outspoken on the matter, and echoed the sentiments of
many residents who are unsettled after the fire, pointing the finger at safety measures.
“The fire was less than 1200 metres from housing in West Sunshine, 1100 metres from housing in Derrimut, and 400 metres from the golf course,” he said.
Mr Blore said residents were calling for an independent contamination taskforce or for WorkSafe and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to be given greater powers to shut down premises.
Brimbank councillor Virgina Tachos spoke out at the council meeting, giving thanks to the first responders who limited damage as much as possible. “Thank you
to all for tackling a complex and dangerous environment and fire with lots of hazards over such a tricky time,” she said.
“As the investigation will continue, so does the heightened concerns of our community, and the anxiety they may experience during a toxic fire just as this, please exercise self care.”
Melbourne Water has been working to manage contaminated runoff, and with the fire now contained, runoff is no longer expected to enter local waterways.
Fire Rescue Victoria said its priority remains making the scene of the fire fully safe, as neighbouring businesses have been
cleared to return.
A state government spokesperson said the EPA had actively regulated the Derrimut facility, issuing environmental compliance notices after a October 2023 fire.
“Victorian Government reforms have delivered stronger environmental protection laws and provided more tools and powers to the EPA to strengthen its ability to do its job,” the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile a second Brimbank factory caught fire on Saturday, with more than 80 firefighters called to the blaze at a plastic shipping pallet factory in Deer Park. The cause of that fire is under investigation.
Brimbank leads house price pack
By Gerald Lynch
In a quarter that recorded minimal house and unit price movement in Victoria, suburbs in Brimbank were among those leading house price growth.
According to the Real Estate Institute of Victoria’s (REIV) latest median prices for the quarter ending June 30, Victoria’s metropolitan house prices fell 1.5 per cent to $912,000.
Many suburbs across Brimbank held steady, however there were some fluctuations across parts of the municipality.
Keilor remained the most expensive suburb to buy a house in Brimbank, with the suburb experiencing a quarterly price increase of 5.8 per cent, raising the median house price to $1.2 million.
Closely behind, Keilor East rose by 11.2 per cent to a $1.1 million median house price, Cairlnea dropped by 2.5 per cent to $1.1 million, and Taylors Lakes jumped 7.5 per cent to reach a seven figure median at an even $1 million.
The median house prices in Hillside and Kealba also increased significantly, with the suburbsrecordingaquarterlypriceincreaseof
12.8 and 10.2 per cent respectively, increasing themedianhousepriceto$880,000inHillside and $733,000 in Kealba.
Braybrook recorded the largest drop in median house prices during the quarter, with a 14.8 per cent decrease to $1.1 million.
Closely following was Albanvale, which had a drop of 7.3 per cent to $596,000, also making it the cheapest suburb to buy a house in Brimbank.
There were 14 suburbs that recorded a rise in median value, nine that recorded a decrease in median value while another four either experienced either no change or didn’t sell
Three decades of fun and fundraising
The Keilor Voice Interests and Education for Women (VIEW) group has ticked over 30 years of operation, with no intentions of slowing down.
The group, comprises local women from Brimbank and works to support children in need by fundraising and donating to The Smith Family. The women enjoy themselves along the way, with a mix of fundraising, friendship, and fun.
Secretary Sandra Van Neil has been part of the group for 18 years, and said the satisfaction of helping out the kids is what
keeps her coming back.
“Being able to keep these kids in school is so incredibly important,” she said.
“When you hear the stories from their parents and the kids … the difference it makes to their lives is unbelievable.
“It’s not a handout it’s a hand up, education is the way of keeping these kids out of the situations they’re in now, and gives them hope they can go to uni or get a better education.
“To see the kids be able to get the right uniform, to go on camps and excursions, and
just not be different. They can go under the radar and not look and feel different to every other kid in the school … that’s why I stick around because I just love what we do.”
Ms Van Neil said the camaraderie and friendships she has developed during her time with the group are a great added bonus.
The group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 10.30am at the Green Gully Reserve, 151 Clubhouse Place, Keilor Downs.
Details: Sandra, 0402 813 287.
Gerald Lynch
enough houses for measurable data.
REIV president Jacob Caine said the market was in a good place throughout Melbourne’s west, with a mixed bag of prices.
“While overall price movement was minimal throughout the year, each suburb and town has varied greatly in performance,” he said.
“Wesawpocketsofhighpricegrowthacross both Melbourne and regional Victoria, as well as pockets of improving affordability. The market conditions are well balanced offering great opportunities for discerning buyers and sellers.”
Senior of year nominations
Nominations are now open for the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards.
The theme of the 2024 Victorian Seniors Festival is ‘explore, engage, evolve’, encouraging older Victorians to stay curious and connected by exploring new activities, meeting new people, and changing how we think of aging.
For more than 30 years, the awards have celebrated the contributions and achievements of older Victorians who share their skills, experiences, time and energy with the community.
These awards are presented annually each October as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival.
The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards include Premier’s Award for Victorian Senior of the Year, Promotion of Multiculturalism Award, Healthy and Active Living Award, Veteran Community Award,’ Ageing Well Award and COTA (Council on the Ageing) Victoria Senior Achiever Awards. Senior of the Year Awards nominees must be Australian citizens and residents ofVictoria,citizensaged60yearsorover, or First Nations people aged 50 years or over.
Self-nominations are not accepted. Nominees are assessed based on their outstanding contribution to their local communityandVictoria,howtheymake a difference in community well-being through volunteering, their exemplary standing in the community, how their positive attitude to ageing inspires others and how their actions create long-lasting benefits.
Nominations close Sunday, August 11, at midnight. Details: .seniorsonline.vic. gov.au/awards
Keilor VIEW women’s group has been running for 30 years. Pictured: Pam, Irene, Sandra, Helen, Cheryl and Gail. (Damjan Janevski) 419824_02
Campaign calls for driving change
By Gerald Lynch
A campaign to give medicinal cannabis users an exemption to drive with traces of the drug in their systems is being advocated for in Melbourne’s west.
Tradies and parents prescribed medicinal cannabis have joined with Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank and Legalise Cannabis party member Rachel Payne to launch a campaign, pushing for altered driving laws.
‘‘ I keep taking medicinal cannabis because I don’t have a choice. My life before medicinal cannabis is not an option ’’ - Alice Davy
Theyareadvocatingforthestategovernment to immediately establish a legal defence for medicinal cannabis prescription holders who are charged with the presence of drugs in their system, if the medication was taken in accordance with a prescription and they were not impaired when tested.
The campaign follows the government’s announcement it has partnered with Swinburne University on an 18-month, $4.9 million trial to determine whether Victorians who use medicinal cannabis can drive safely.
The Legalise Cannabis Party said the legal defence needed to be introduced now, rather in acoupleofyears’timeoncethetrialiscomplete.
Ms Payne said former premier Dan Andrews had promised to address the issue in 2023.
“Now, with a new premier, it’s mid-2026 at best. She’s in the slow lane,” Ms Payne said.
“How many times will this government betray patients when it comes just giving an answer on medical cannabis driving?
“Around three per cent of Australians use cannabis for medical purposes, but any trace elements of the cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in your system, despite being unimpaired, will automatically result in a loss of licence.
“Victorian Police carry out about 150,000 random roadside drug tests every year … these saliva tests do not determine whether a driver is impaired … often just small traces from medication consumed days before that have no impact on driving.”
Mr Ettershank said it is time for Victoria to align its laws with other areas of the country, such as Tasmania, where exceptions are made.
“More than a million medicinal cannabis prescriptions have been issued in Australia. In Tasmania medical cannabis prescription holders have a legal defence and don’t lose their license if unimpaired but traces of cannabinoid chemicals are in their system,” he said.
Alice Davy, who lives in Melton, is a single mother who has stage-four endometriosis and multiple sclerosis, and a turned to medicinal cannabis after using countless other medications which failed to help her conditions.
“I was very sick, cannabis saved my life. I can now maintain a healthy weight. I’m calmer for mykidsandtheseveretremorinmyrighthand is gone,” she said.
Ms Davy never drives when she is impaired and believes medicinal cannabis has improved her driving.
“Of course, I follow my doctor’s directions –a doctor is the expert to tell you how to take a medication,” she said.
“Despite the law, I keep taking medicinal cannabis because I don’t have a choice. My life before medicinal cannabis is not an option. “I amsureourpremierwouldknowsomeonewith a terminal illness or autoimmune condition who would benefit from medicinal cannabis.” A state government spokesperson ensured work was being complete to get the trial under way. “Victoria was the first state in Australia to legalise access to medicinal cannabis – now, we’re the first in the world to test how it affects real-world patients in real-world conditions,” the spokesperson said.
“There is nowhere in the world that has a standard way of measuring impairment when it comes to medicinal cannabis.
“We will never compromise on road safety, and that’s why we’ve engaged Swinburne in this world first trial to take an evidence-based approach to ensure we get this right.”
Melton’s Alice Davy has used medicinal cannabis to treat multiple chronic pain conditions. (Supplied)
Acknowledging women’s pain
By Gerald Lynch
Womenexperiencechronicpainathigherrates than men, according to Northern Health head of gynaecology Josephine Vivian-Taylor.
Dr Vivian-Taylor said women are disproportionately affected by chronic pain conditions, creating unique challenges for them. “In part, this is because women experience chronic pelvic pain, period pain, bladder and bowel pain, particularly at the time of their life they are having periods and ovulating,” she said.
Dr Vivian-Taylor’s comments come as National Pain Week (July 22-28) aims to draw attentiontotheexperienceofpeoplelivingwith chronic pain and, by doing so, helps reduce the social and other barriers related to living and managing chronic pain.
Conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis are common culprits of women’s pain.
Recent research into women’s experiences within the healthcare system reveals a concerning trend; women presenting with gynaecological pain are more likely to have their pain disregarded.
This dismissal can lead to delayed referrals, diagnoses, and treatments, often exacerbating the chronic nature of their pain and making it harder to treat effectively.
“Pervasive ideas such as ‘it is normal for sex
to be painful’ and ‘period pain is normal’ mean that girls and women who experience pain, particularly when it is excessive and negatively impacting their lives, are less likely to seek help in the first place,” Dr Vivian-Taylor said.
Many patients internalise these messages, believing it is ‘normal’ to be bedridden for two days each month during their periods, she said.
“When we tell them that their experience is not ‘normal’ and that we can help, they express relief that they are not ‘going crazy.’”
Dr Vivian-Taylor said chronic pain significantly impacts women’s quality of life
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and mental health.
Young women with chronic pelvic pain often struggle to participate in life like their peers, careforchildren,orfulfiltheircareerpotential, leading to devastating effects, she said.
“I am in awe of these women’s strength to ‘push through’ and fight in the face of such pain. But why should they have to? Women are tough, but if we could help them manage their pain better, they could put this amazing resilience and energy into all the other aspects of their lives,” she said.
Themosteffectivetreatmentforchronicpain
A general election for Brimbank City Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by
categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Brimbank City Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
•you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•you live in the City of Brimbank and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
•you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•you live in the City of Brimbank and you are not on the State electoral roll or
•you have lived at your current residential address within the City of Brimbank for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:
•18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•not a State-enrolled voter within the City of Brimbank.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within the City of Brimbank, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Brimbank City Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if:
•you have purchased a rateable property within the City of Brimbank since the last election but you are not a resident of the City of Brimbank, or
•you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within the City of Brimbank, or
•you pay rates on a property you occupy within the City of Brimbank and have no other voting entitlement within the City of Brimbank, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Brimbank, or
•you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within the City of Brimbank that pays rates to Brimbank City Council and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Brimbank.
involves a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, pain specialists, physiotherapists, pain psychologists, nurses, dieticians, and gynaecologists.
While the evidence for this approach is well established, Dr Vivian-Taylor said delivering this model of care in our healthcare system is still evolving.
“The women’s health clinics being rolled out by the Victorian government across the state over the next four years, along with endometriosis clinics in general practice and healthcareplansforpelvichealthphysiotherapy and psychology, aim to improve access to this type of care in Victoria,” she said.
“There is no one solution to treat chronic pelvic pain, so shared decision-making, with women at the centre of the care we deliver, is an essential aspect of this care.”
Dr Vivian-Taylor shared a poignant story of a patient who had undergone a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain.
This patient had suffered for years, with every aspect of her life impacted by the pain.
Despite constant appeals to her doctors, her feelings were disregarded until she finally had a hysterectomy.
“When I asked her if her pain improved after the hysterectomy, it was an emphatic yes! Pure joy on her face! Successfully treating women’s pain, often after many years of suffering, is a verysatisfyingaspectofmyjob,”sherecounted.
“Iwouldliketosay‘weseeyouandwebelieve you’ to all women experiencing chronic pain.”
For those who have been put off accessing careduetopoorexperiencesorfearofnotbeing believed, she encourages them to advocate for treatment again.
She also urges women to explore all aspects of multidisciplinary treatment available for chronic pain to find the combination that works best for them.
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Brimbank City Council on 9249 4000 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 9249 4000.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Brimbank City Council, you must:
•be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Brimbank City Council and •be eligible to become a councillor and •have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Northern Health head of gynaecology Dr Josephine Vivian-Taylor. (Damjan Janevski) 414632_07
Tips for stress management
By Carly Dober, director, Australian Association of Psychologists and owner of Enriching Lives Psychology
Stress management is crucial for maintaining overall wellbeing and coping effectively with life’s challenges. Stress, while a natural response to demanding situations, can become detrimental if not managed properly. Adopting various strategies can significantly alleviate stress and promote mental resilience.
Oneeffectiveapproachtostressmanagement is engaging in regular physical activity. Exercise has been consistently shown to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones. These chemicals interact with the brain receptors, triggering a positive feeling in the body. Moreover, physical activity helps in reducing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are elevated during stressful periods. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a gym session, incorporating movement into daily routines can significantly contribute to stress reduction.
Another powerful technique for managing stress is deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm rather than shallow breaths from the chest. This technique helps to activate the body’s relaxation response, which counters the physiological effects of stress. Deep breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a sense of calmness and reducing heart rate and blood pressure. By regularly practicing deep breathing exercises, we can train our bodies to respond to stress in a more effective manner.
Seekingsocialsupportfromclosefriendsand family members is equally vital in managing stress. Sharing our feelings and concerns with
trusted people can provide emotional comfort andperspective.Socialconnectionsofferasense of belonging and security, buffering against the negative effects of stress. Whether through
‘‘ Social connections offer a sense of belonging and security, buffering against the negative effects of stress ’’
- Carly Dober
and pleasurable activities is also essential for stress management. Participating in hobbies, interests, or leisure activities provides a mental break from stressors and promotes relaxation. Activities such as reading, hiking, listening to music, or engaging in creative pursuits allow individualstounwindandrecharge.Bymaking time and space for enjoyable activities, we can cultivate a sense of fulfilment and balance in our lives, reducing overall stress levels.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and managing time effectively, complements stress management efforts. Proper nutrition supports overall wellbeing and helps regulate mood, while sufficient sleep enhances cognitive function and emotional resilience.
Stress management involves adopting a multifaceted approach that addresses both physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Regular physical activity promotes endorphin release and reduces stress hormones, while deep breathing exercises induce relaxation responses. Seeking social support fosters emotional connections and provides a sense of security, while engaging in enjoyableactivitiespromotesmentalwellbeing. By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, individuals can effectively manage stress, enhance resilience, and maintain optimal mental health. Taking proactive steps towards stress management not only improves quality of life but also empowers individuals to navigate challenges with greater ease and positivity.
a heartfelt conversation, seeking advice, or simply spending quality time together, nurturing relationships can significantly enhance resilience to stress. Engaging in fun
If you are concerned about how you handle stress or need some expert tools for stress management, a psychologist might be able to help.
Youcanfindapsychologistinyourareahere: https://aapi.org.au/findapsychologist
Carly Dober. (Supplied)
Book in for a club chat
Libraries across Brimbank are hosting monthly book clubs, and are always looking for more readers to join the groups and the discussions.
At Deer Park Library, meetings take place on the first Monday of each month, from 2pm to 3pm, offering a relaxed environment to discuss the latest book selections with fellow readers.
Keilor Library provides two opportunities monthly, on the first Thursday, from 2pm to 3pm, and the second Saturday, from 3pm to 4pm, catering to both weekday and weekend preferences.
Sunshine Library gathers on the fourth Monday, from 6pm to 7pm, ideal for people working throughout the day.
Lastly, Sydenham Library hosts their book
club on the last Tuesday of each month, from 2.30pm to 3.30pm, providing another option for weekday participation.
Whether you’re a long-time book club enthusiast or looking to join for the first time, these sessions offer a welcoming space to explore literature and connect with fellow community members who share your passion for reading.
With bookings not essential, you can join anytime and enjoy discussions with other members of the community.
If you’re not a reader, there are a number of other social activities run at Brimbank’s libraries across the week, including crafts and general chats.
Details: brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ index.php/what-s-on/adult-programs
Briefs
Trio charged
A trio of teenagers have been charged following a fatal fire in a Sunshine factory in February. Two men died in the fire at a Bunnett Street business on February 23. A 19-year-old Kurunjang man and an 18-year-old Melton South man have both been charged with two counts of arson causing death, three counts of criminal damage by fire and theft of motor vehicle. A 19-year-old Melton South man has been charged with assisting an offender (arson causing death), three counts of criminal damage by fire and weapons offences.
Lynn to appeal murder conviction
Former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn is set to appeal his murder conviction over the death of camper Carol Clay, his lawyer says. The 57-year-old Caroline Springs man was found guilty in June of murdering Ms Clay on March 20, 2020, but not guilty of killing her secret lover Russell Hill. Lynn appeared at the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Friday for a brief hearing before he is sentenced. His barrister Dermot Dann KC flagged Lynn will appeal as he had a number of concerns about the verdict and claimed the prosecution had conducted the trial unfairly. However, a formal application to appeal has not yet been submitted to the court.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Ladies enjoying themselves at the Keilor Library club. (Damjan Janevski) 416947_01
Misconduct hearing to go ahead
By Gerald Lynch
A Sunshine North doctor’s bid to have misconduct proceedings against him thrown out has had his case dismissed by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Dr Mark Hobart was referred to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) in November 2021 over allegations he had issued fake Covid vaccine exemptions.
Following investigations by the Medical Board of Australia, Dr Hobart’s registration
was suspended that same year.
The board alleged Dr Hobart issued about 600 vaccine and face mask exemptions to patients, and that there were inadequacies in his clinical records for specified patients and failure to retain records as required.
The board also alleged Dr Hobart provided inappropriate medical care to persons with whom he was in a close personal relationship, as well as a prescription for Ivermectin, an antiparasitic drug that is not approved in Australia.
Dr Hobart denied any wrongdoing and claimed the vaccination exemptions he
Swing in to look at BAWC
Locals are being given the opportunity to see the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre (BAWC) it in all its glory this weekend.
The BAWC is Australia’s first 100 per cent renewable energy-powered aquatic centre, with zero greenhouse gas emissions in operation. Tours of the centre will be conducted on Saturday and Sunday. Each tour will include a short presentation about the centre’s significance as part of the renewable energy transition in Australia.
Deputy mayor Jae Papalia urged members of the community who are yet to experience the centre to get out at the weekend and see what is on offer.
“The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre has won a lot of awards since opening. It is so exciting and really testament to all departments at council working together with professionals from across the industry to achieve this outcome,” she said.
“Brimbank City Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and this project has been one of the most impactful for us in terms of reducing our organisational carbon emissions. Compared to a business-as-usual gas powered aquatic centre, the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre is avoiding 1192 tonnes of emissionsper year.Thisisequivalenttoaround 17percentreductionofcouncil’soverallannual emissions. And it’s a lot cheaper to run too.”
The tour will also highlight the centre’s sustainable design features, and feature a behind-the-sceneswalkthroughtheall-electric plant.
Book: shorturl.at/AeiQy
Gerald Lynch
Drew Hildebrandt, Ashley Onori ,Alannah Morrow, and Caitlin Stefanac poolside at BAWC. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 419466_01
Stay safe online with Lifestyle Woodlea & Bendigo Bank
Join us for a collaboration with Bendigo Bank focusing on staying safe online.
This information session will cover crucial tips on recognising potential threats and protecting yourself against online scams. Learn how to identify phishing attempts, and how to keep your personal information secure.
When: Tuesday 23rd July, 2024
Time: 10:30am – 1:30pm
Where: Lifestyle Woodlea Clubhouse, 17 Tranquil Road, Aintree
RSVP by scanning the QR code or call our friendly team on 1300 50 55 60.
issued were appropriate as patients have free will to not undergo vaccinations.
He also stated there is no lawful basis to stop him from expressing his views on vaccinations as a doctor.
Tribunal senior member Elisabeth Wentworth denied Dr Hobart’s dismissal application and said his submissions oversimplified the board’s case against him.
“I have taken into account what Dr Hobart submitted were two main misconceptions underlying the board’s case,” she said.
“However, they represent an over-simplification of the board’s case, as
pleaded, in respect of what he did or did not tell patients, and what he failed to do in respect of the vaccine exemptions he issued.
“They do not, in any event, deal with the range of allegations made here, and they do not support a conclusion that the proceeding itself is misconceived.
“The allegations made by the board, yet to be proved, are very serious and concern a broad range of conduct and responsibilities.”
It is expected a three-day hearing will take place next year, where the matter will be decided.
Help to tackle homelessness
By Eddie Russell
Brimbank will be among three other areas in Melbourne’s north and west to tackle homelessness through a new initiative.
On Thursday, July 11, the state government outlined its Homes First program, which is designed to support hundreds of homeless Victorians to get their own homes.
As part of the program, the government will invest $48 million to help 500 households access long-term housing and support over the next three years.
The program will aim to support people to find a safe and secure home first and then access services to help sustain the tenancy, the government said.
Charity Melbourne City Mission has been selected to deliver the program in Brimbank.
Brimbank, as well as Melton and Hume, was identified as needing more support services for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of sleeping rough.
Housing Minister Harriet Shing said the program would encapsulate a variety of measurestogetpeoplesecureaccommodation
Redevelopment begins
The Deer Park Bowls Club is less than a year away from having its state-of-the-art shelter back.
In November 2021, the club lost its dome facility after it collapsed in a storm.
This month, the club will work on a world-class bowls redevelopment, which is fully self-funded.
The new facilities will include a full-size eight-rink green and showpiece four -rink green with the latest coring technology all under the one roof, completely undercover and enclosed.
Club head of bowls operations Mark Casey can’t wait for the new facilities to open.
“To say we are excited to be commencing our bowls redevelopment is an absolute understatement,” he said.
“After the tragic circumstances of losing our original dome facility three years ago, our members have been eagerly awaiting this time so it’s fantastic to be able to provide them
with this new project. This will give them the most outstanding bowling environment in Australia, possibly the world which is simply incredible.
“Behind the scenes so much hard work has been put into this project so it’s a huge relief that we are about to get everything underway. I must thank our club’s general manager and board of directors for their amazing support of our bowls department, we are extremely fortunate to have such supportive people leading our club.
“This begins an exciting journey for the club, with already a significant number of new members keen to join us for what is to come.”
Works are set to be completed by June, 2025.
Gerald Lynch
Club head of bowls operations Mark Casey. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 387679_02
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for the long term.
“Homes First will provide practical, on-the-ground support to hundreds of Victorians right across the state,” she said.
“This is an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness – because we know that having secure, stable housing with wraparound supports leads to better outcomes across the board.”
Ms Shing noted that homelessness was a multifaceted issue and there was a lot to consider when helping those impacted by it.
“Finding people a place to call home is one part of breaking the cycle of homelessness, the other is making sure they have the support they need to thrive,” she said.
Those eligible for help will receive responsive and flexible assistance, including counselling for mental health, drug and alcohol, and financial issues as well as aid for those experiencing family violence under the program.
At least 10 per cent of Homes First funding will be targeted towards Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
A general election for Melton City Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by the
categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Melton City Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
•you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•you live in the City of Melton and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
•you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•you live in the City of Melton and you are not on the State electoral roll or
•you have lived at your current residential address within the City of Melton for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:
•18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
•not a State-enrolled voter within the City of Melton.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within the City of Melton, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Melton City Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if:
•you have purchased a rateable property within the City of Melton since the last election but you are not a resident of the City of Melton, or
•you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within the City of Melton, or
•you pay rates on a property you occupy within the City of Melton and have no other voting entitlement within the City of Melton, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Melton, or
•you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within the City of Melton that pays rates to Melton City Council and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Melton.
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Melton City Council on 9747 7200 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 9747 7200.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Melton City Council, you must: •be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Melton City Council and •be eligible to become a councillor and •have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
‘Most wanted’ crackdown
Crime Stoppers Victoria has launched a targeted blitz on the north-west’s ‘most wanted’ persons.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said information was sought from the public to track down the six who are wanted on multiple Victoria Police warrants.
“Everyone has a part to play in keeping theircommunity safeand this is away that the people living in the north-west metro area can help. Your information, even if you are not 100 per cent sure, could be the missing piece of the puzzle that helps investigators solve a crime,” she said.
“If you have any information about any of these wanted persons, even the smallest piece of information can help lead to a conviction.
“We understand that people may feel anxious when coming forward with information. We want to remind the community that Crime Stoppers is a confidential crime reporting service that does not require you to provide your personal details.”
Anyone with information on the listed persons should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Kahan GELAL
Age: 36
Height: 185cm
Build: Thin
Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Complexion: Tanned
Kahan Gelal is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order. One warrant has been issued for his arrest. Gelal is know to frequent the Epping area.
Reference number: WTD2481
Anastasis KYRIACOU
Age: 23
Height: 175 cm
Build: Solid Eyes: Hazel Hair: Black Complexion: Tanned
Anastasis Kyriacou is wanted by police for affray. One warrant has been issued for his arrest. Kyriacou is known to frequent the Kealba area.
Reference number: WTD2477
Ivan DADIC
Age: 59
Height:180 cm
Build: Thin
Eyes: Brown Hair: Grey Complexion: Olive
Ivan Dadic is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order. One warrant has been issued for his arrest. Dadic is known to frequent the Braybrook area.
Reference number: WTD2473
Tamara BUCKLAND
Age: 28
Height: 160 cm
Build: Solid Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown Complexion: Fair
Tamara Buckland is wanted by police for theft, theft of a motor vehicle, assault and criminal damage. Seven warrants have been issued for her arrest. Buckland is known to frequent the Glenroy area.
Reference number: WTD2472
Atoar MAJUAN
Age: 22
Height: 175 cm
Build: Thin
Eyes: Black Hair: Brown Complexion: Dark
Atoar Majuan is wanted by police for burglary. One warrant has been issued for her arrest. Majuan is known to frequent the Epping area.
Reference number: WTD2474
Moussa MOHAMED
Age: 20
Height: 185 cm
Build: Thin Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Complexion: Dark
Moussa Mohamed is wanted by police for theft and driving offences. Three warrants have been issued for his arrest. Mohamed is known to frequent the Thomastown area.
Reference number: WTD2480
Doutta Galla offers permanent residential and respite care across seven convenient locations in Melbourne’s West, with comfortable retirement living in Moonee Ponds.
If you’re looking for quality, affordable aged care close to home, call us on 9680 3300 or visit us at www.dgas.org.au
Walking football a smash hit
Brimbank council has locals looking for a way to stay fit and have fun covered, with its weekly walking football event.
Walking football is a fun and inclusive way to stay active, and an opportunity for community members to enjoy a modified version of soccer offering a low-impact way to engage with the sport.
The program emphasises enjoyment over competition and encourages participants to reap the physical and mental health benefits of staying active.
Designed for individuals over 50, though open to all ages, Football Victoria’s walking football program invites everyone to join in the fun.
The game’s rules ensure safety and comfort, with a focus on keeping one foot on the ground at all times, maintaining a non-contact environment, and avoiding high kicks or heading the ball.
The walking football program takes place every Wednesday at the Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium, 135 Stadium Drive, Keilor Park, from 1-2pm.
Daughters of the West get active
Daughters of the West is under way, with Cobblebankkickingoffthe10-weekfreehealth and wellness program.
Sessions started on Tuesday, July 16, at Cobblebank Stadium with women who live or work in the Melton area participating in exercises lead by trained staff.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said there were many benefits to the program, which caters for a range of abilities.
“Daughters of the West has inspired local womentomakehealthierchangesandimprove their lifestyles,” she said. “It’s a great way to get expert advice and support for improving your health and wellbeing while making some friends along the way.”
Sessions will run on Wednesdays in St Albans, from 6.30-8.30pm.
Details: westernbulldogs.com.au/ foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west/
Attendees of the first Daughters of the West session in Cobblebank enjoyed a morning of fun activity, facilitated by personal trainer Rachel Baratta. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 415739
The orange team playing the possession game. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 419787
Walking football fun at Keilor Stadium.
Keep it locked: police warning
By Gerald Lynch
Brimbank police are urging locals to keep their houses and vehicles locked.
A recent burglary in St Albans has led police to want to increase the education surrounding theft.
Brimbank neighbourhood policing leading senior constable Matthew Mudie said the recent theft serves as a timely reminder for everyone to ensure their home security is up-to-date.
“We are noticing that a lot of burglaries and
DK or D Kuir is a local rapper who works out of the Sydenham Neighbourhood House studio.
thefts are occurring where owners are leaving their homes and vehicles unlocked,” he said.
“It is crucial to form good routines and habits where you check your home and vehicle is secure prior to leaving or going to bed at night. This basic step will help to reduce the amount of this type of offending, occurring.”
The messaging was sparked by the of a 31-year-old St Albans man on July 9. He was charged with a number of offences and bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court at a later date.
An address in Main Road West, St Albans
,was targeted over a two month period, police allege.
The premises became vacant due to the occupant dying a short time ago, making it an easy target for opportunistic thieves.
In the months of May and June, eight incidents were reported at the address, including burglary, theft, criminal damage, theft from motor vehicle.
The victim’s family attempted to secure the premises and make it less appealing to criminals, part of which included the installation of CCTV cameras.
DK’s rapping locally to make it big
D Kuir, or DK as he is known, is a singer and rapper who grew up in St Albans. His slick music videos can be found on YouTube and show this young Sudanese singer living his best life.
“I’ve been singing and rapping since I was 11 years old. When I was about 17, I decided to take my music seriously and so far, I’ve written over 400 songs. I have things to say. I was born in Kenya, my family was fleeing from war, and we came to Australia when I was just three years old,” DK said.
DK is a regular at Brimbank council’s Sydenham Neighbourhood House, where there is a soundproof studio with all the equipment needed for high quality recording.
Brimbank council officer Danijela remembers seeing DK in the studio regularly, practicing and recording his music.
“It’s great when we see a community member loving what they do and making the most of the spaces we offer at Neighbourhood Houses. DK really sticks out in my mind as someone who was dedicated and determined to work at their passion. The resources on offer to the community can make a huge difference in the life course a young person can take,” she said.
Growing up where there are lots of distractions for young people, sadly DK has seen friends making bad choices and having the bear the consequences.
“I try and go every day. Chasing my dreams. Laying down tracks. The recording studio at the Sydenham Neighbourhood House is where I go to get into the zone and make my music,” he said.
“My music is about hope, love, and reality. I’m starting to get known and invited to play gigs around Melbourne. The recording studio at Sydenham was a lifeline. It’s my second home.”
While DK feels he has a long way to go to where he wants to be with his music, he is driven to achieve success. And his dedication and drive continue to be fostered in the recordingstudioatSydenhamNeighbourhood House.
The day after the installation, the premises was targeted again, with one of the cameras stolen by an offender who also caused significant damage, police allege.
Police have continued to work with the victim and provide further crime prevention advice in relation to the property.
They have a number of suggestions to minimiseriskofburglary,includinginstalling deadlocks on all external doors and windows, ask a neighbour to collect your mail while you’re away, and do not advertise your holiday plans online.
Expert calls for rail link revival
A leading transport expert is calling for the western rail plan to be revived following the release of a report which found almost half of Melbourne residents lacked access to public transport.
An analysis conducted by the Climate Council, Next Stop Suburbia: Making Shared Transport Work for Everyone in Aussie Cities, highlighted how a lack of public transport and a reliance on cars was creating congestion and pollution.
While the report found 52 per cent of Melbourne’s population did have access to regular public transport, the second best result among Australian cities behind Sydney, access dropped dramatically more than 15km from the CBD, an area that includes much of the western suburbs.
Institute for Sensible Transport associate director Liam Davies, peer reviewed the report.
He said a long term solution for public transport access in Melbourne’s west would be a rail line connecting Werribee and Wyndham Vale stations.
“That would give a rail link from Werribee to Sunshine,” he said.
Connecting the Werribee line and Regional Rail Link was part of the westernrailplanannouncedin2018,but which is now in limbo after successive budget cuts.
“It would give a direct quick connectionforpeoplelivinginSunshine to Werribee that doesn’t involve driving or getting a bus and being stuck in traffic,” he said.
The state government was contacted for comment.
Cade Lucas
Olympians
Athletics
For Linden Hall it’s a third Olympics Games, for Amy Cashin it’s a second.
Celeste Mucci and Chris Mitrevski get their first shot after just missing out at Tokyo, while Joseph Deng’s rise back to prominence is complete with selection for his first Games.
Hall, who grew up in Riddells Creek, will represent Australia in the 1500 metres.
She said this time round felt different.
“The last couple of times I’ve been able to be selected a little bit earlier,” she said. “This time I had to wait a bit longer.
“Iwashopingtogetselectedanditwasarelief togetselected.It’ssocompetitive…Therewere fivegirlswhogotunderfourminutesthisyear.”
Hall enters the Games on the back of some strongform,justrecentlybreakingherpersonal best.
Hall’s focus for the Games is simple.
“There are two rounds to make it through to get to finals,” she said. “Each race is different and is one of the more tactical events on the program.”
A couple of years ago, 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.
A stunning jump at the Australian Championships in April gave him automatic selection for the Olympics.
“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.
“Iwasmorelookingatgettinginthroughmy world ranking which basically cuts off at the end of June.“
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.
“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,” he said.
“Let’s push for a medal that has definitely changed my focus for sure.
Archery After just missing out on the Olympics last time round, Doreen’s Laura Paeglis will be shooting for gold in the archery at these Olympics. Paeglis was named in the two-person archery team to represent Australia at the Games.
“This time around I managed to come out ahead in the race for the single female spot available to Australia at the Paris Olympics,” she said. “Again it came down to three of us competing at the last event in Turkey a few weeks ago.
“Last week in Sydney my selection was formally announced. I was over the moon,
Mucci thought her chances of making the Australian team were over when she ruptured her hamstring earlier in the year.
The injury required surgery and it was expected to take three months to heal. Mucci had just four months to lock in a qualifying time.
“I got injured in February in my second race back. My chances were then very slim.
“Everything in my rehab went as well as possible. The last five weeks I’ve managed to stay racing.”
Mucci qualified as the 36th best athlete on times in the qualifying period. Only the top 40 are selected for the Games.
The Seaholme resident said she didn’t care if she was ranked 40th, as long as she made the team.
Mucci, who has been part of Williamstown Athletics since she was 12, said she did everything she could to ensure she made the team.
“In May and June I raced as much as I could.
after so many years and the ups and downs of two selection campaigns I had finally made it.
“I think it took a few days to sink in but I’m finally feeling like it’s real.”
Paeglis’ love for archery started as many dreamsdo,byseeingsomethinginthemovies.
She was just 10 when she tried archery after watching HungerGames
“I really wanted to try and hassled my parents constantly to take me,” she said. “We were not an archery family and I don’t think they thought I was serious.
“My grandfather finally cracked and took me down to the local club for a come and try day. Which by the way is the best way for
It’s more than I have in my life.
anyone to get involved.
“Diamond Valley archers in Yarrambat run them on most weekends.”
Paeglis has already headed to Paris. Until recently it’s been all about selection.
“Now my focus is completely on delivering my best performance in Paris,” she said. “Australia is not ranked highly in world archery.
“But there have been some outstanding performances over the years. An individual men’s gold in Sydney. A men’s team bronze in Rio. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia and will be giving it my best.”
“Iracedeachweekandallaroundtheworld.”
She’s hoping to be at her best in Paris.
“I’ve got no real expectations,” she said. “I wanttorunapersonalbestandfocusonmyself.
“I want to get into the semi finals, that is a goal of mine for sure. Anything can happen in hurdles.”
Cashin said it feels unreal to be competing at a second Olympics.
The Western Athletics steeplechaser made her Australian senior debut at the Tokyo Games running her second fastest time at that stage of her career.
“I’m stoked and super excited to be able to put on the green and gold again at the highest level,” she said. “A lot of hours have been put into this, and it makes it so much sweeter when you get to live out a childhood dream for a second time.
“At the start of the year I was not as confident, last year was a wee bit rough, and I was mentally struggling, however as soon as I
started to feel more like myself and was truly enjoying all the steps I knew that I had a great chance of making the team.
“The last few months I was quite confident I would make it, however, you never truly know. Obviously there is an incredible amount of girls right now running fast so nothing is ever for sure, however I knew I was capable of being competitive with them and that if I just kept following the plan then it would work out. “I took the mindset that if I am doing everything I can and in my control and I don’t make it then I simply was not good enough this year and would need to work towards the next cycle- I think that helped to alleviate a lot of internal pressure.”
Deng, a Truganina resident, will compete in the men’s 800 metres. He recaptured the national record in the 800 metres in late 2023 having previously set it five years before.
Deng, who is currently in Africa, said he’s excited that he’ll be part of the track and field team.
Laura Paeglis. (Supplied)
Celeste Mucci. (Athletics Australia)
Left: Linden Hall. (AAP Image/Darren England) Centre: Joseph Deng. (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne) Right: Amy Cashin. (Casey Sims/Athletics Australia)
Taekwondo
Maribyrnong Sports Academy coach Leon Sejranovic said it was pretty special to get the phone call he had been waiting for, saying he was off to the Olympics in taekwondo.
He will compete in the 80 kilogram men’s competition.
“It’s definitely a dream come true and I think for everyone that does taekwondo or most Olympics sports as a young kid, the dream is always to become an Olympian one day and to represent Australia, do Australia proud,” he said. “So to have the opportunity to be able to do that is surreal.”
Sejranovic really put his name into Olympic contention last year when he won bronze at the World Taekwondo Championships.
He became the first Australian male to medal at a world championships in nearly 25 years.Whilehehadthestandoutperformance, hestillneededtowaittofindoutifhemadethe Olympic team.
He said there was a sense of relief because he expected that he had done enough, but there’s always a bit of doubt in the mind.
“Instead of worrying about qualifying, now I can just put all eyes on performing at the Games,” he said.
Sejranovic believes he could medal at the Olympics.
“I know that when I’m at my absolute best, I feel like there’s not anyone that I can’t beat,” he said. “I feel like when I’m at my best I have the ability to beat anyone that’s in that bracket at the Olympics.
Cycling
It’s from the Kyneton Velodrome to the roads of Paris for Lauretta Hanson.
Hanson,wholearnedtorideinKynetonand still calls the Macedon Ranges home despite moving away, has been named in her first Olympic team.
Hanson is part of the Australian cycling women’s road race team.
“It’sanincrediblefeeling,”shesaid.“Cycling has been my passion since I was junior and it has given me so much in life.
“I have many friends and have been able to travel the world through my sport, but when I first started at the Kyneton Velodrome, I never thought it would lead me to where I am now.
“I never imagined that I’d make it to a professional level, let alone the Olympics. It’s incredibly humbling to look back on my career, the journey it took to get here and all of those that have helped along the way.”
“To be at my best requires me to have that consistency, like making sure you do everything right leading into the tournament, so you are primed on fight day.”
Werribee’s Bailey Lewis is hoping to end his career on a high after qualifying for his first Olympics. Lewis narrowly missed out on the last Olympics.
“It was nice,” he said. “We had a fair idea for myself for the last two years now [that he’d make the team].
“I had good results and won the selections about a month ago. That was pretty much it.”
Lewis said qualifying for the Olympics was always a dream – before he even knew which sport he loved.
“As long as I can remember with school projects ,I wanted to be an Olympian,” he said.
“I didn’t even know what an Olympian was.
“I tried lots of sports as a kid. I saw a taekwondo demo at a shopping centre and I
Hanson said making the Olympics was somethingthatshedreamedof,butnevertruly allowed herself to believe it would happen.
She comes from a cycling family.
Her mum won a national championship in 1981 but the family moved away from the sport when her grandfather was hit and killed in 2000.
Hanson and her cousins later picked up the sport and she’s never looked back.
Boxing
Former Wyndham resident Marissa
Williamson Pohlman’s Olympic dream has come true after being named in Australia’s boxing team for the Paris Games.
Williamson Pohlman is the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in boxing. She grew up in Wyndham living in a number of different homes.
The 22-year-old said competing at the top
thought it was pretty cool with lots of flips and boards.”
While Lewis soon found out that wasn’t what taekwondo was, he fell in love with the sport and has put in plenty of hours since to reach the Olympics. “There’s lots of ups and downs as a junior,” he said.
“I wasn’t the best at taekwondo, but I learnt a lot. “In my senior years I’ve got some good results. I just missed out on the last Olympics which was quite heartbreaking.
“I felt like I had a good shot.”
Lewis will compete in the 58 kilogram men’s event. He said this will be his swan song to competing in the sport despite being just 26.
Lewis said he was hoping to finish on a high.
“I’m hoping to medal,” he said. “I think that I’m good enough and have beaten enough of the past medallists.
“At the grand prix, I’m the only Australian who has medalled in two events.”
She said making an Olympic team feels significant. “It is the ultimate world stage and you have a whole nation behind you whether they follow cycling or not. It’s going to be a fantastic experience and I’m incredibly honoured to represent Australia.”
Hanson said Australia has a strong team with herself, Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon.
Shesaidhergoalistosupportherteammates andtohelpAustraliatothebestresultpossible.
Joining Hanson at the Games is Luke Platt.
The former Maribyrnong resident and MaribyrnongSportsAcademystudentisgoing to his second Olympics.
Plattwastheyoungestmemberofthepursuit team in 2020, which had a crash in qualifying. Platt came into the line-up and helped the side win bronze.
This Olympics, Platt has been named as part of Australia’s road team.
levelcontinuedthejourneyofa“naughtyfoster kid” from Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“I started boxing when I was 17 … I was getting into fights at school, I just loved to punch-on,” she said.
“Boxing really resonated with me, being allowed to actually do it, and then I just sort of fell in love with the sport.”
The Ngarrindjeri woman said representing Indigenous Australians – both inside and
Volleyball
An almost accidental combination that grew out of shared injury rehabilitation has VictorianbeachvolleyballerThomasHodges on the path to the Paris Olympics.
Hodges, who went to school at Heathdale Christian College, Werribee, grew up in Melbourne and played indoor volleyball at school and also competed at state level in athletics, swimming, cross country running and cycling.
After graduating, he continued to compete in indoor volleyball, but also experimented with beach volleyball.
Indoors, he was part of the University of Melbourne team that won the national championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He made his debut with the Australian team in 2014 in a match against China, and went on to play more than 75 games for his country. He also played in the college system in the United States, mostly with UC Irvine, and played professionally in Italy and Germany.
He was also drawn to competing on the beach volleyball Pro Tour and had some success with a variety of partners. But after suffering a major shoulder injury that required surgery, he found himself doing rehabilitationwithSouthAustralianZachery Schubert.
“We were both doing rehab together while the other pairs were out overseas playing,” Hodges said in his Olympic profile.
The duo hit it off and began competing as a pair in 2022, reaching the podium six times at futures, national or continental tournaments.
The following season, they broke into the world top 10 for the first time when they won the Jurmala Challenge in Latvia, before making it to the round 16 at the 2023 world championships in Tiaxcala, Mexico. They also triumphed at the 2023 Asian BeachVolleyballChampionship,dominating the four-day tournament in Pingtan, China, to claim the title.
outside the ring – drove her on.
“I like putting my people on the map, sometimes when I’m going overseas, people don’t even know Australia has a black history and a black future,” she said.
“I’m walking in two worlds, competing for Australia, but also working outside of the sport I have a career in Aboriginal affairs and I’m keen to keep pursuing that once my Olympic journey is over.” – with AAP
Marissa Williamson Pohlman. (Joe Mastroianni)
Thomas Hodges. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)
Lauretta Hanson. (AusCycling/Josh Chadwick)
Leon Sejranovic, and right, Bailey Lewis. (Pictures: Australian Taekwondo)
Judo
Aoife Coughlan and Kingsville’s Katharina Haecker have both spent plenty of time preparing for the Olympics in Melbourne’s west.
The pair have been named in Australia’s three-person judo team for the Olympics
Coughlanwillbecomeatwo-timeOlympian after being selected for the 70 kilogram women’s event, while Haecker equals the most Olympic judo appearances by an Australian woman at her third Games.
Coughlan comes into the Games having won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The Resilience Training Centre athlete is ranked number seven in the world.
“My performances over the past two years have shown that I’m absolutely capable of standing on that podium come comp day,” she said.
“Winning the Commonwealth Games plus my other podium performances over the past twoyearsabsolutelygivesmeconfidenceinmy abilities. It shows that I am able to perform on bigger stages and under pressure.
“AslongasIperforminawaythatdoesallof thehardworkI’veputinjustice,I’llbesatisfied
KatharinaHaeckerandAoifeCoughlan. (Supplied)
regardless of the outcome.”
Not surprisingly, Coughlan will be surrounded by family at the Games.
Her parents met doing judo in university in Ireland and when they moved to Australia, they happened to move to a town that had a club nearby.
Coughlan’s brother Eoin competed at the Olympics in 2016 and her sister, Maeve, is one
Basketball
The strength of basketball in Melbourne’s north-west will be reflected on the world stage at the Olympics.
Dante Exum and Josh Giddey have been named in the Boomers squad, while Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen will pull on the green and gold for the Opals.
Exum, who grew up in Seabrook and spent time on the courts at Keilor and Werribee, will play in his second Olympics, after being part of the bronze medal team at Tokyo. It’s been a big 12 months for Exum, who returned to the NBA and featured in the championship series for Dallas Mavericks against Boston.
Giddey, who grew up in Yarraville, will be going to his first Olympics after just missing out last time.
of her main training partners.
Haecker will compete in the 63 kilogram division.
Haecker enters the Games in good form having won Grand Prix silver and bronze this year. She said it feels amazing to be officially selected for her third Olympic team. She made the round of 16 at both the Rio and Tokyo Games and is hoping to go even further this time round.
“This time I feel very prepared,” she said. “I’ve had some amazing results over the qualifying period, and I am feeling ready to step it up in Paris.
“A lot of hard work goes into competing in judo.
“The sports require a lot of commitment, discipline and just trusting the process. When I step out in Paris, I want to give my best, do myself justice and get that medal.”
InherOlympicbio,Haeckersaidshebelieves she was not naturally talented at judo, but it is her love for the sport that has gotten her so far.
“[It] takes a lot of hard work,” she said. “So much … A lot of commitment.
“I would say commitment is the most important thing. Discipline [and] trust the process and just stick to it.”
“It’s an absolute honour to represent my country,” he said.
“To make my debut in Paris is a childhood dream and I can’t wait to get on the court in front of my family and friends who have all made this journey possible for me.
“To be part of the Boomers legacy, well it’s everything. We have a really great group, we know what we need to do and we are just ready to get into it.”
Ezi Magbegor grew up in Craigieburn before hitting the big lights.
She dominated in the WNBL and is now one of the dominant defenders in the WNBA.
It will be her second Olympics.
She’s one of seven WNBA players that will join the squad for Paris.
Opals skipper Tess Magden is drawing on
the legacy of the Opals to inspire the team going to Paris. Madgen, who now lives in Williamstown, wasapartoftheOpalsteamthatwasknocked out in the quarter finals at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
“I can’t believe I’m talking about going to my second Olympics, it feels very surreal,” she said.
“We have the absolute best team of athletes, we are much more than a team, we are a sisterhood and we carry with us all the Opals from the past and we draw on their strength. Every time I put on the green and gold it gives me goosebumps, it’s hard to really put into words what it means. We are all so grateful to be here and make no mistake we are very hungry so bring on Paris.”
PutuAnastasiaKusmawan. (AAPImage/ ScottRadford-Chisholm)
Artistic swimming
As a child growing up in Werribee, Putu Anastasia Kusmawan loved swimming and gymnastics. Nadia Comaneci, the legendary Romaniangymnastwhowonfivegoldmedals at the Montreal and Moscow Olympics, was her sporting hero.
At the age of seven she discovered a sport that brought together her two first loves. “Synchro was the perfect combination of the two,” she said.
That has led her to her first Olympic Games team.
KusmawancompetedinherfirstAustralian championships in 2014 as a nine-year-old. In 2020,shewontheBarbaraSchembriPerpetual Trophy, awarded to the highest score from an athlete aged 13 to 15 at the Victorian State Championships.
At the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Japan, Kusmawan was part of the Australian team that qualified for the Paris Olympics with a top-10 finish in the Team Free.
They produced another top-10 finish at the 2024 world championships in Doha.
And there was marked improvement at the World Aquatics Cup in Beijing in April 2024, with Kusmawan and the team winning silver medals in the free and technical categories and bronze in the acrobatic.
Others to keep an eye on: •KathrynMitchell–javelin. (FormerWesternAthleticsathlete) •JamesWillett–shooting. (WerribeeVictorianClayTargetClub) •SergeiEvglesvki–shooting. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •LiamAdams–Marathon. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •SouthSudanmen’sbasketballteam –threeKeilorThunderplayerswere namedintheinitial25-mansquad; JuniorMadut,KuanyKuanyandDeng Acuoth.MangokMathiangandDeng Adelalsohaveconnectionstothe west.Thefinalteamhadnotbeen announcedatthetimeofprinting.
Thinking of Buying, Selling or need Property Management Assistance?
We are proud to announce that we have officially opened our office at Delahey Village, located on the corner of Kings Road and Taylors Road.
We would like to thank our Family and Friends for their continued support. We look forward to assisting our local and neighboring communities for years to come.
Please call us on 03 9425 2272 anytime. We can help you fluently in English, French, Vietnamese and Italian.
David Cassar
Justin Spagnuolo
Maria Dinh
Macleod
Glengala parking spaces saved
By Gerald Lynch
Glengala Village is one step closer to a new streetscape plan, which will not include a reduction in parking spaces.
Glengala Village is a local activity centre (LAC)inSunshineWestthatprovidesshopping and other services to the community. It is one of 42 LACs in Brimbank.
Glengala Road is the main thoroughfare through Sunshine West and the only road that links Sunshine and Fitzgerald roads and the M80. It carries approximately 10,000 vehicles a day.
In 2018, the state government launched the 20-minuteneighbourhoodpilotprogramunder itsPlanMelbourneStrategytotestthepractical deliveryof20-minuteneighbourhoodsthrough place-based planning.
Sunshine West was identified as a pilot location and council and the government have since worked with the community to improve the liveability and economic performance of Glengala Village.
The plan is aiming to improve safety and amenity of the high traffic, including widened foot paths, while boosting the local economy.
In May, a petition with 262 signatures in
Swimming for a medal
Melbourne West Special Olympics hosted its Regional Games at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre on July 13.
Special Olympics Australia brought sport, joy, and inclusion to people with intellectual disabilities and autism.
The Regional Games featured many athletes from around the state who competed in different disciplines of swimming from 25-metre backstroke up to 400-metre freestyle and 200-metre butterfly and individual medleys.
Athletes needed to compete in two regional games to qualify for swimming at the State Games held in September, which are the qualifying event for the National Games being held in 2025.
Melbourne West Special Olympics provides a range of sport, recreation, social, and health opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to have fun, build
FOR
SALE
opposition to the Glengala Village streetscape options was given to council, with petitioners objecting the removal of parking spaces in front of the shops.
Option one proposed three raised pedestrian ‘wombat’crossingsbetweenGregoryStreetand Simmie Street, with a net loss of three on-street parking spaces within the shopping village for a total of 19 available spots.
Option one design also includes a pedestrian priority crossing point at the centre of the Village.
However, after a strong influx of community feedback, council adopted an enhanced option
self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Many Melbourne west swimmers have competed at a national level and have grown in skill and confidence from appearing at this level of competition.
BY DAVID FALCONE
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31 WILDLIFE CIRCUIT, FRASER RISE
• Titled and ready to build • Situated in a brand new estate – Taylors Run • Land size measuring approx. 238m 2 • Build your dream first home, downsize or the perfect investment opportunity • Bordering on Caroline Springs and Taylors Hill, within close proximity to Caroline Springs town centre (approx. 4.5 kms), Taylors Hill Village (approx. 3 kms), quality schooling options, shops and public transport • The estate will feature market leading landscaping, a community park and playground, and an abundance of walkways and bike paths, parkland and recreational facilities. Enquire today to secure this allotment, you don’t want to miss out!
David Falcone I 0413 116 717 I davidfalcone@atrealty.com.au atrealty.com.au /davidfalcone
one, which still has the pedestrian points, and although does sacrifice the three on-street parking spaces, features three new spaces within close proximity, behind the shopping strip.
Councillor Thomas O’Reilly said the proposed plan is a balanced choice that should satisfy the majority of Sunshine residents, with improved safety, traffic calming, and increased greenery throughout the street.
Work will soon commence on a detailed designoftheplanandgetitreadyfortendering, with funding for the project expected to be received in the 2026-27 budget.
‘Keeping busy’ helps Joan to reach 100th birthday
HillsidelocalJoanBarkercelebratedher100th birthday recently, enjoying a cake to cap the major milestone.
Born in England on July 8, 1924, Joan spent the duration of World War II in London while herhusbandwasaprisonerofwarinGermany for four years.
After the birth of their first child, difficult financial conditions helped spur the move to Australia, Joan said.
“We couldn’t find anywhere to live; every house was full up and we were already living in a house with three other families,” she said.
After reading about the ‘10 pound pom’ program in the newspaper, the Barkers ended up in the Melbourne suburb of Brooklyn.
Joan said they settled in quickly.
“We managed to find a house that we could buy – it was quite easy in those days to get a house but it took us 14 years to pay off.”
The death of her husband 25 years ago led her to Hillside, where she still lives independently.
“My husband died 25 years ago and I was on my own so my daughter, who lives here, said I had better sell the house and come live near her.”
Joan’slongevityshouldcomeasnosurprise. It’s in her genes – her mother lived to 91 and an aunt made it to 105.
Joan said “sitting around and doing nothing” was how not to live a long and fulfilled life.
“I know a lot of people who do that and I tell them to get up and do something,” she said.
“Washing, cooking, gardening, cleaning – I do everything I can. You’ve got to keep busy.”
Eddie Russell Joan Barker celebrated her 100th birthday in style. (Supplied)
Swimmer Marcus Miceli. (Pictures: Supplied)
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Sharp struggle (6)
4 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)
11 Japanese dish of balls or rolls of rice with garnish (5)
12 Not difficult (4)
13 Hostile (4)
14 Ancient tongue (5)
16 Corrosion (4)
17 Differ (8)
20 Nullify (8)
22 Scottish loch (4)
25 Gutter (5)
26 Ancient harp (4)
28 Middling (4)
30 Rebuke (5)
31 Journeyed (9)
32 To be mildly concussed (3,5)
33 Moniker (coll) (6) DOWN
1 Marked with graffiti (6)
2 More thinly scattered (7)
3 Sprawls (4)
5 Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something (8)
6 Annoyed (10)
7 Caller (7)
8 Evidence-based disciplines (8)
9 Sharp tooth (4)
15 Styptic (10)
18 Leads an orchestra (8)
19 Devotee (8)
21 Inspect (7)
23 Played for time (7)
24 Clear river bed (6)
27 Actor, – Reynolds (4)
29 Self-referential (4)
only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What is red food dye often made from?
2 The novel A Town Called Alice was written by which author?
3 Escapologist Harry Houdini performed what feat first in Australian history?
4 Danny McGuire is played by which actor in the film Xanadu?
5 Athena is the Greek goddess of what?
6 What does a campanologist play?
7 How many musicals has Andrew Lloyd Webber (pictured) created?
8 Which country is the leading producer of oranges worldwide?
9 Jules Verne, Victor Hugo and George Sand were all what?
10 A standard grand piano has how many keys?
No. 195
No. 195
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
Pop up blood drive
Got a bit of time next month? Time to give blood and change lives? One in three people in Sunshine will need blood, and they need people like you to give it. It’s popping up in town from July 29 to August 2 at the Croatian Catholic Centre Sunshine, 22 Fitzgerald Road, Sunshine West.
■ lifeblood.com.au, or 13 14 95
Deer Park Senior Citizens AGM AGM for 2024, held at the Deer Park Lions Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. 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 3, and 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 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
Deer Park Lions Club
Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park.
■ Michael, 0417 307 572
Sunshine Community Brass
Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm.
■ Andrew, 0419 444 620
St Albans senior citizens
St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm.
Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.
■ Roma, 0435 991 064
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
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall, from 7pm.
■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
Chatty Cafe Melton
Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.
■ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
Women’s Support Group
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help
■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42
Melton Men’s Group
Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash
Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.
■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog
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
Take weight off naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.
■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of performers Amy Watts, Lore Burns, Lucy May Knight and Jackson Cross. (Damjan Janevski) 417734_01
Book combines poetry and music
By Eddie Russell
Music, literature, and poetry enthusiasts in Moorabool are in for a treat.
On Sunday, July 28, singer-songwriter, poet, and author Vanessa Craven will launch her book, UndertheMopTopTree,at Ballan Arts Space. The session will run from 2-4pm at 117b Inglis Street.
The tree from the book’s front cover exists in the front yard of Craven’s home and is where she gets her inspiration.
“Of all the things I treasure about where I live, it comes back to this tree,” Craven said.
A“It’s got such beautiful shade, the birds hide in it and I’ve got a table and chair underneath … where I often sit to get my inspiration writing poetry and songs.”
Originally from Mussoorie, India, Craven also takes inspiration from her upbringing in the foothills of the Himalayas.
One of the songs is called Winterline, based onthephenomenonofthefalsehorizoncreated by a winter sunset.
The sensation only occurs in certain mountainous parts of the world.
“When I grew up in northern India I would always see it. I used those memories of a really
rich childhood as a launching pad for writing.”
Craven said it occurred to her that the book would be a way to combine her songs and poems, which fall into three groups – facts of life, fables, and fantasy.
“I wrote lots of poetry and I thought I must publish them, but now some of them have morphed into songs … I’ve always had this interest in my bones for music,” she said.
Originally a librarian, Craven came to Australia in 1977 and has been here since.
“When I took early retirement I decided I would do music, writing, and art – things that you can’t do when you are working.”
‘dazzling’ high school production
Copperfield College is booking out the Bowery Theatreforanunforgettablerenditionofclassic production, HighSchoolMusical
For two nights on Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9, the show will be played from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Students from years 7 to 12 from across the college’s Sydenham, Kings Park and Delahey campuses are part of the show on and off the stage.
The soundtrack will also be performed by Copperfield College’s band.
Copperfield College performing arts leader Taylor Van Orsouw said the students have worked extremely hard and can’t wait to put on a show next month.
“We started rehearsals in February and have worked the whole time since, everyone is really excited to get it on stage,” she said.
“We rehearse every Wednesday, with all three campuses meeting up in Sydenham.
“The backstage crew has put everything together, sourcing everything and creating projected backgrounds.“
Copperfield College is excited to be partneringwithCreativeBrimbanktowelcome the production into St Alban’s Bowery Theatre, with tickets priced at $20 and family packages also available.
“Step into the world of East High as our talented students bring the beloved Disney classic HighSchoolMusical to life on stage! Experience the drama, the music, and the excitement as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and the restoftheWildcatsnavigatetheupsanddowns of high school life,” the school said online.
“With dazzling choreography, catchy songs, and a heart-warming story about friendship, love, and following your dreams, this production promises to be a spectacular event for all ages.”
Tickets: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1255776
Gerald Lynch
Experience the magic of Wonderland
The Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC) is set to enchant audiences with its latest production, Alice in Wonderland Jr , a whimsical blend of classic Disney charm and Tim Burton’s distinctive flair.
This play promises a delightful journey of Alice navigating the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home, and find herself along the way.
In Wonderland, she encounters iconic characters, including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.
WMTC director Ang Cuy said the talented cast of 34 young performers, aged between eight and 18, has been diligently rehearsing for about seven weeks now.
Most members of the cast reside in the
Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong areas.
Cuy said the cast members meet three times a week to hone their singing, dancing, and acting skills.
A unique feature of this production is the portrayal of Alice by three different actors, reflecting the character’s various size changes throughout the story and offering audiences triple the fun.
“Being able to work with those young people and create something really memorable is a really special and impactful opportunity for them.Sowe’rereallycommittedtogivingthose young people that chance to build community and build skills,“ Cuy said.
AliceinWonderlandJrwill be performed at Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona, from August 2 to 11.
Details: auwmtci.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/events
Show to pay tribute to Olivia Newton John
The songs of Olivia Newton John, as well as those of other Australian favourites, will ring out at Werribee RSL on the morning of July 30 when Melbourne performer Jennifer Lee brings her tribute show to the venue.
Lee began performing her Olivia NewtonJohnandFriendsshow in 2018, four years before the legendary singer and actress died from cancer.
“I never thought when I started that I’d be singing her songs after she passed away,” she said.
“I’ve always been a fan of her and her musicandtheshowtracessongsfromher very beginnings, from the 60’s through to the hits of the 80’s.”
Given how much Newton John’s music and career changed over that time, that’s much easier said than done.
“It’s a difficult thing with Olivia, because she starts off singing country, then the Grease stuff, then you move through to Xanadu where she’s in this disco outfit on roller skates,” Lee said.
“I gave up trying to find an outfit that covers all those areas.”
Lee performs the show by herself, adding songs from other influential Australian artists of the time such as The Seekers, Helen Reddy, and Debra Byrne for good measure.
However, she said it’s the work of Newton John that really strikes a chord with the audience.
“Just about everyone I meet has a soft sport for Olivia,” Lee said.
“She’s one of those iconic Australian figures people just love.”
The show is on from 11am to noon on Tuesday, July 30, as part of Werribee RSL’s Morning Melodies series.
Details: werribeersl.com.au/whatson Cade Lucas
Melbourne performer Jennifer Lee is bringing her Olivia Newton John show to Werribee RSL on July 30. (Supplied)
Anne Parisianne Madison Agius as Alice and Roy Marshall as White Rabbit. (Supplied)
Students of Copperfield College are rehearsing hard, preparing for next month’s production of HighSchoolMusical (Damjan Janevski) 419807_01
Author Vanessa Craven with her new book, UndertheMopTopTree (Damjan Janevski) 420116_02
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The Boomers will play which three teams in the group stage at the 2024 Olympics?
2. Australian runner Jessica Hull broke the world record for which event?
3. Mixed martial arts event UFC 305 will be held in which Australian state capital?
4. Nigeria-born, New Zealand-based mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya is set to fight which South African at
5. The Opals will play which three teams in the group stage at the 2024 Olympics?
6. Australian basketballer Johnny Furphy signed with which NBA team?
7. Which Formula One driver won the 2024 British Grand Prix?
8. Australian athlete Bradman Best plays which sport professionally?
9. The Utah Hockey Club is set to join the NHL for the 2024–25 season after the demise of which team?
Australian-based athlete Kimia Yousofi will represent Afghanistan in which event at the 2024 Olympics?
Which British motorcycle race is regarded as the world’s most dangerous racing event?
The Southern Thunder and Emeralds are the nicknames for the Australian national teams that play which sport?
Which AFL coach was recently sacked after 11 years in charge at West Coast?
14. The Mission Whitten Oval is the home ground of which AFL Women’s team?
15. How many teams currently compete in the Super Netball competition?
16. Which Australian tennis player made a return at Wimbledon in a Legends’ Invitational Event?
17. Wests Tigers’ star Fonua Pole grew up in which Australian state?
18. Who did Spain defeat in the semifinal of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament?
19. Macquarie Point Stadium is a proposed sporting stadium to be built in what capital city?
20. What nationality are Formula 1 drivers Oliver Bearman and George Russell?
21. The San Francisco Unicorns are a franchise team in which league, whose first edition was held in 2023?
22. Three-time Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin now competes in which US motor racing series?
23. Which Sydney Swans player was suspended for one week for striking in Round 17, putting him out of contention for the Brownlow Medal?
24. In the Tour de France, which jersey design is given to the rider that gains the most points for reaching mountain summits first?
25. A toxophilite is the formal name for a competitor or expert of which sport?
26. What brand-new nickname was recently adopted by Australia’s rowing teams?
27. Fifty years ago, in 1974, which US tennis player won three of the four grand slams?
29. The late actor and comedian
30. In which year did Amsterdam host the Summer Olympic Games?
• 2,3,4,6,8m 3 Bins available
• Bins starting from $150 Mixed rubbish accepted PENSIONER DISCOUNT CALL: 0415
PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING MONOPOLE AT WESTERN RING ROAD RESERVE, ADJACENT
TO 231 – 245 ST ALBANS ROAD, ST ALBANS VIC – 3021 INCLUDING 5G
1. The proposed facility consist of the addition of new Vodafone and Optus 5G equipment and associated works as follows:
• Replacement and reconfiguration of existing Three (3) Vodafone passive antennas not more than 2.8m in length onto proposed new headframe;
• Replacement and reconfiguration of existing Three (3) Optus passive antennas not more than 2.8m in length onto proposed new headframe;
• Installation of Three (3) Vodafone 5G antennas not more than 1.2m in length onto the new headframe;
• Installation of Twenty Four (24) Remote Radio Units (RRU’s) installed on new steel mounts;
• Installation of ancillary equipment, cabling, GPS antennas and other items associated with the safety and operation of the facility; and
• Reconfiguration and installation of equipment within the existing equipment shelter.
2. Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as low impact under The Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Abhishek Gampala from Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0413 809 856 or at communityrelations.vha@groups.nokia.com until 5pm Tuesday 06 August 2024 Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3020005
28. British F1 racer Lewis Hamilton will drive for which famous team in 2025?
Robin Williams described which sport as like ‘baseball on valium’?
Long way round for Santa Fe
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Millennials and Gen-Xers are not noted for beingfansofthegreatoutdoors,orsoIthought, but according to research neither is averse to channelling a touch of Tarzan of the Jungle.
With this in mind, Hyundai has come up with the ‘Open to More’ concept of expanding customers’ experiences by connecting inside with the outside. Enter the fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology.
A triple-trim line-up is out to appeal to the young tech-savvy Tarzan or Jane with curved panoramic instrument display, front-row relaxation seating, two-way accessible centre console and UV-C sterilisation tray.
The Big Fella can call on Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car Services, stay up to date with Over-The-Air software capability or rest easy with SmartSense safety.
The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine helped out by a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrids will be joined later in the year by a muscular 2.5T-GDi power plant.
On test was the entry-level Santa Fe seven-seater with front-wheel drive, which kicks off the pricing at $55,500, plus on-road costs. All-wheel drive adds $3000 to the price. Next on the list is the Elite seven-seat all-wheel drive only, at $65,000, with the range topping Calligraphy AWD kicking in at $65,000.Forafurther$500theCalligraphycan bekittedoutwithapairofsecond-rowcaptain’s chairs. Premium paint options are available for up to $1000 across the board.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year 160,000km high voltage battery. A lifetime service plan is complemented by a Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav update Plan while the vehicle is serviced by the maker.
Styling
At almost five metres long, the new Santa Fe ‘pulls a serious face’ with a high-set level bonnet, H-shaped headlamps and lower front valance that draw cues from the new squashed Hyundai ‘H’ logo.
A chiselled profile features clean sculpting and flat roofline, robust wheel arches’ a short front overhang and arty 2-inch alloy wheels. From the rear a wide-opening tailgate speaks to stability, while H-shaped tail lamps ape the front of the vehicle.
The Santa Fe is available in 10 exterior colours, including standard Creamy White mica and Terracotta Orange. Premium mica colours include Magnetic Force (grey) as ‘worn’ by the test vehicle.
Interior
At almost five metres long, close to three metres wheelbase, the new Santa Fe gains are substantial in occupant and cargo space, the latter also winning out with a 145mm wider tailgate opening than its predecessor.
The power tailgate is smart too, opening to different heights at varying speeds remotely by using the key or by simply standing close to the tailgate for a few seconds. An already generous luggage area (628 litres) with all seatbacks up swells to 1949 litres with the back two rows folded flat.
Onceagain,anH-shapemotifispredominant on the instrument panel and air vents, with a curved panoramic display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment layout.
Eco-friendly materials are put to good use on many of the cabin’s soft surfaces, such as the headliner, seat backs, instrument panel, door trim and seat coverings.
And storage deserves a special mention with two-level centre console with twin-hinged lid making a large cubby equally accessible to the first and second row occupants.
Also on hand are intuitive 6.6-inch climate control display and high-speed dual wireless smartphone charging.
Infotainment
The new Santa Fe sees the introduction of Hyundai’s award-winning Seon Connected Car Next Generation Cockpit, incorporating multimedia and instrumentation in the one interface.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the new Santa Fe range and gives access to visual alerts from SmartSense safety systems as well as the speedometer, tacho, fuel and temperature.
Multimedia functions covered include AM/ FM and DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai Bluelink with calendar, Over The Air updates, Bluetooth, quiet and valet modes and Quick Control (swipe down) menu.
Bluelink features include Automatic CollisionNotification,emergencycallfunction, connected routing with traffic updates, remote control climate and vehicle functions.
Engines/transmissions
The 1.6 litre petrol engine is matched with a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, and in the case of the test car, front-wheel drive. The petrol/electric hybrid powertrain develops a combined 172kW of power and 367Nm of torque.
Safety Hyundai SmartSense is an extensive system of occupant protection via a standard suite of advanced driver assistance, including forward collision avoidance, steering assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control, blind spot monitor and surround view monitor.
The Santa Fe has been subjected to increased body rigidity measures and the inclusion of ten airbags – driver and passenger airbags, first and second-row side thorax and pelvis airbags, driver knee airbag, an advanced front centre side airbag and curtain airbags.
Driving
Hyundai says the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is designed with the idea of engaging the driver more, while at the same time maximising the fuel efficiency of the petrol/electric powertrain.
A dedicated hybrid information display features a charge/power gauge, battery charge level indicator and regenerative braking information, while the multimedia unit chips inwithfueleconomyandelectricmotorgraphs.
Regen braking can be adjusted in three steps via steering column-mounted paddles.
The driver is given greater braking control and the opportunity to improve fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions. After a week’s work the test vehicle recorded average petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Handling, stability and general driving control are optimised by e-Motion Drive, a new electric dynamic torque vectoring control system, by easing instability that can be caused by loss of traction of an inner wheel during cornering.
This was particularly efficient in keeping the long Santa Fe Hybrid on an even keel on fast bends and tight corners. The long wheelbase and local suspension tuning turned rough road into its level best. Only tyre noise got through to the cabin.
Occupants had little to complain about with head, leg and shoulder room to spare, even with a full load. Parking provided some angst among drivers, especially in crowded shopping centres.
Summary
Social studies and hybrid technology have resulted in Hyundai approaching Santa Fe from a new direction.
The fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology. (Pictures: Supplied)
Thunder’s first foray into finals
The
its first National
Keilor bench. 420269_47
The Keilor crowd. 420269_35
Dandenong’s Dallas Loughridge. 420269_16
Keilor crowd goes wild. 420269_31
Penina Davidson. 420269_17
Keilor warming up. 420269_01
Madeline Puli. 420269_38
Isabelle Bourne. 420269_05
Dandenong’s Elly Morgan. 420269_43
Dandenong’s Ashten Prechtel and Keilor’s Isabelle Bourne. 420269_09
Keilor Thunder played
Basketball League 1 South final on Saturday night, with the women’s side facing the Dandenong Rangers in a qualifying final. The Thunder managed to get the win. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was there shooting some of the action.
Brimbank Stallions ready for promotion fight
Things are on track for the Brimbank Stallions intheFVstateleague1north-westcompetition.
After 15 rounds, the Stallions sit second on the ladder ahead of a chasing pack of teams seeking promotion.
Coach Ozan Kara said once things started to click they’ve been able to get on a roll.
“I think there’s seven games left and we are where we want to be at this time of the season,” he said.
“It has been a bit of a transition coming in as a new coach with new ideas and trying to get the playing group on that journey.
“It’stakingalittlebitoftimetohitourstraps.
We haven’t looked back since and we’ve picked up momentum.
“I’m really enjoying it. It’s always good working with a great group of guys. They all have good heads on their shoulders.”
Kara said they were no means by playing
their best soccer just yet. He said they had alwaysexpectedtogetbetterastheseasonwent on.
“With seven games to go, we have got really good momentum and wind in our sails,“ he said. “Hopefully we can keep that momentum going and come home strongly on the pitch.”
The Stallons did look to strengthen their side in the transfer window by adding a couple of players, but Kara said they felt they just needed to compliment what they had and not make wholesale changes.
With the position the club is in at this point of the season. Kara said promotion was most definitely the goal for the side.
The Stallons have been in the mix the past few years, but have fallen just short.
“I don’t feel like we have to change anything drastically,” he said. “We need to adapt to the deteriorating conditions of most pitches. There
is a big belief in the group.
“If promotion was easy everyone would be doing it. Given the group we have brought in, we believe that we can be promoted.
“We’d be disappointed if we weren’t promoted.”
TheStallionsweresettofaceYarravilleGlory on Friday night in round 16, after deadline.
Kara said they were expecting a challenge despite the Glory being in the bottom half of the table.
“They changed coaches about a month ago,” he said. “They’ve picked up a few points since then and turned over a few players.
“They’vebroughtinsometalentintotheside. It’s not the same team we played in the first half of the season.
“We’ve not expecting an easy game.”
Warriors finish with loss
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors finish to their inaugural Victorian Netball League championship summed up their season.
Like many games this season, the Warriors were right in the hunt for victory but couldn’t get across the line against the Wilson Storage Southern Saints.
The Saints did just enough to win, 55-53.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey said while disappointed not to get the win they finished on a positive note.
“Pipped at the post,” she said. “Just a poor pass cost us the game, but you can’t bring it down to one particular moment, we had opportunities.
“It was a much improved week from the last two weeks, that’s the positive we have to take out of it.
“I’m really pleased with that result, I would have liked to have won of course, it gives you hope we can keep building on that.”
The Saints were at full strength with
Melbourne Vixens Lily Graham playing a whole game.
Bailey said her defenders in Jasmine Fraser and Elly Randell did a really good job.
Bailey said the most frustrating thing for her was knowing that the side could play like that, but haven’t been able to do it every week.
“We haven’t been able to put together a consistent effort together across the whole season,” she said.
“But that’s what happens when you’re a new club and we’ll just keep continuing to build on that and hopefully be bigger and better next season.”
The Warriors finish the season in 10th spot with six wins.
Bailey said while they weren’t happy to finish that low, they could have easily finished a lot higher.
“I think the draw has been so even this year that a lot of clubs are going to be disappointed with where they finished,” she said.
“But everyone kept being everyone and we’ve
Sports shorts
FV
Westgate has made the decision to part ways with FV state league 1 north-west coach Peter Schwellinger. The club announced on Facebook that the two had mutually parted ways. “We thank Peter for all his hard work this season so far and wish him all the best for his future endeavours,” he said. After 15 rounds, Westgate was sitting fourth on the table, just a point behind second. It was due to face Clifton Hill on Saturday, after deadline.
EDFL
St Albans is seeking expressions of interest to launch senior women’s and junior girls football programs next year. The club said with the league’s female competitions growing each year there isn’t a better time to set up programs at the club. The club is advertising for football operations managers and coaches for the programs. Details: stalbansfootyclub@gmail.com
A-League
beaten a couple of bigger clubs or went down to them by one goal or things like that.
“There’s a lot of teams in our same position I think would be disappointed. But you know, it’s you look at the at one stage the top 10 could have virtually changed positions, that top 10 was really competitive.
“It’s been a competitive season. Ladder position is not everything, tonight we played in the right spirit.”
The Warriors under-23s finished with two wins on the trot, beating the Saints, 56-43.
Bailey said it was an amazing win and it was how they knew the group could play the whole season.
The Warriors will now start to look ahead to next season.
“It comes about quickly,” Bailey said. “Signing comes around in August for the existing players, not quite sure how long.
“You can’t train until November. There’s a lot of tired bodies out there.
“Have that break and start again next year and hopefully be bigger and better.”
Fixtures for the A-League unite round have been confirmed. The round is back for a second year, with teams from both the A-League men’s and women’s competitions taking part in a special round across Sydney. The round was introduced for the 2023-24 season as part of a partnership between the Australian Professional Leagues and Destination NSW, seeing the A-Leagues stage the first full men’s and women’s round in a single city of any Australian sporting code. United’s men’s side will play a twilight match on November 22 against Perth Glory and the women’s side will play the Newcastle Jets the following day.
A-League
Daniel Penha will depart Western United after one of the great individual seasons in the A-League men’s club’s history, with the Brazilian opting to play closer to home due to family reasons. The 25-year-old played the 2023-24 season on loan at Western United from Atletico Mineiro, recording seven goals and three assists in 22 appearances. Conversations had been ongoing throughout the off-season to extend Penha’s stay, however due to personal reasons he has made the difficult decision to remain closer to Brazil.
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Tara Murray Brimbank’s Jordan Galea. (Joe Mastroianni). 322195_01
Western Warriors final game of the season. (Supplied)
Cobras ready to fight for finals spot
Albanvale knows a strong end to the season will put it in the perfect position to play Western Football League division 2 finals.
Entering the weekend’s matches, the Cobras sat in eighth spot, only percentage outside the top six after 12 rounds.
Fifth through to eighth is only separated by four points with West Footscray a further game back,
With a favourable draw, Cobras coach Ange Messinasaidtheybelievetheycanmakefinals.
The Cobras were runners up in division 3 last season before division 2 and 3 combined this year.
“We are really clear about what is ahead of us,” he said. “We need to win four out of five games to probably play finals.
“We’ve got four games at home. We have a big game against our nemesis in the final round, the Suns.
“We are under no illusion, whoever wins
will likely finish in sixth spot.”
Finals are a long way from early in the season when the Cobras started 2-4.
They have turned it around and are now 7-6.
Messina, who is in his first season coaching the club, says he thinks the difference has been the group all coming together and starting to put the plans into place.
“We’ve played some really good footy in that time,” he said. “The teams that are above us on the ladder, we’ve had moments in games but not good enough for long enough. but we know they are a level above.
“We’ve been able to bring the margins down though, which is what we wanted.
“It’s taken a bit of time and I’ve looked at some flaws in our game plan and worked out what is good.
“We’ve reassessed and reinvigorated things to make the most of the skill set we have to win games.”
Messina said they would welcome some players back into the side in the next few weeks.
He said they currently have nine players out of their best side due to injuries and players away on holidays.
The Cobras’ run home started with a match against 12th placed Western Rams on Saturday after deadline.
They then face Laverton (10th), North Sunshine (14th), Wyndhamvale (third) and the Suns (sixth).
Messina said they know they can’t take any of those teams lightly.
“Western Rams gave us a scare last time,” he said. “They’ve won two games including one on the weekend.
“They are going to turn up thinking they can play some good football.”
Tara Murray
1000 goals for Cook
By Tara Murray
City West Falcons Jane Cook rewrote the Victorian Netball League record books on Wednesday night.
The star championship division shooter put up her 1000th goal for the season in the third quarter, becoming what is believed to be the first person to achieve that in the VNL.
Cook needed 56 goals going into the game, with her teammates well aware of that and throwing her plenty of ball.
She finished with 63 for the match, earning a well earned rest in the final quarter.
Cook said she could have never imagined shooting that many goals in a season.
“Originally I just wanted to beat last year’s tally,” she said.
“We got to that, the coach is like, Toddy [Jacinta Todd] had worked out the stats and was like, on average you could get 1000.
“We kept it on the low, good to get it in the final game of the season.”
Cook averaged 50 goals a game for the regular season, the best outing a perfect 86 from 86 against the Peninsula Waves.
It was her highest individual total in a game.
“The closest I had come was 80 in a county league game somewhere.”
While Cook is the one doing a lot of the shooting she knows that she can’t do it without her teammates.
She was quick to give them praise.
“Theyhavealotoffaithinmewhichisgood,” she said. “I couldn’t shoot a 1000 goals without then, obviously our defenders getting the ball.
“And then our middies and all the other attackers getting the ball in and having the faith to feed to me.
“It’s certainly not a solo achievement, simply a team one.”
Cook has been part of the Falcons for more than a decade.
Theonlytimethe200centimetreshooterhas played elsewhere was when she was part of the Adelaide Thunderbirds squad in 2017.
She said the Falcons were home.
“They’re my family,” she said.
“They’re just pretty much the second family home away from home really being not from Melbourne originally.
“So I love it. I think particularly I’ve played with Maggie [Lind] for years now so having her and then the team and just the culture that our head coach [Marg Lind] brings and filters down from her, it’s something special.
“You certainly won’t find that at any other club.”
While Cook has reached the 1000-goal milestone and wrapped up another hot shot award, it’s only the beginning of things for her this season.
The Falcons claimed the minor premiership
and will go into finals as red hot favourites. The side is keen to make it three championships in a row.
“Team focus now heading into finals,” Cook said.
season
Green Gully is hoping to finish the National Premier League season on a positive note.
While the Cavaliers finals hopes remain slightly alive, everything would need to go right for them in the last four rounds.
Speaking before the weekend’s match, coach Ramon Falzon said it had been a bit tough at the moment.
“Everythingcompoundedtogetherhas made it a tough season,” he said. “We’ve had injuries and things haven’t gone our way.
“Against South Melbourne we played well but there we were denied two controversial penalties, so it was a tough thing.
“We were down to 10 men and managed to keep a lot of possession. It was a tactically tiring camp.”
Falzon said the mood had been really positive in the club with back-to-back wins against Heidelberg United and Oakleigh Cannons before the South Melbourne game.
The Cavaliers were sitting in 11th spot after 22 rounds, seven points outside the top six.
Falzon said you know what can happen.
“The top six is a tough ask,” he said. “When I started we were 12 points outside the top six.
“We bridged that to seven points. We will need results to go our way or the gap stays where it is.
“There’s still 12 points up for grands at this stage. Anything can happen in football.”
Falzon, who took over as coach in late May, said there had been some improvement in the side.
It wasn’t always at the same time.
“Wehaveimprovedinalotofareas,but the improvement has been erratic,” he said. “One game it has been one aspect, one game has been a different aspect.
“We want to consolidate that improvement int he last four games.”
Falzon said the club had been really good since he had joined. While they haven’t got the results they were after, there was still a positive mood.
“It’s now about finishing off in a positive tone.”
“Taking it week by week, game by game. “We see finals as season two, part two of the season.”
TheCavaliersfacedthePortMelbourne Sharks on Saturday night, after deadline.
Tara Murray
Nathan Johnson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 338828_05
Jane Cook. (Robbab Photography)
Blues go back to basics to continue winning ways
Keilor went back to basics as it accounted for Pascoe Vale in the Essendon District Football League premier division on Saturday.
Conditions weren’t pretty on Saturday afternoon and the undefeated Blues needed to find another way to get the job done.
The Blues got out to an early lead and were able to maintain that throughout on the way to a 14.10 (94)-7.11 (53) win.
Blues coach Mick McGuane it was a sign of a good side that they were able to find different ways to win.
“It was a good game of footy in difficult conditions,” he said.
“It was two good teams out there and it was a pleasure to watch.”
McGuane said the conditions weren’t great with one end of the ground in a lot better condition than the other.
He said he thought they were able to set the win up in the first quarter.
“It set us up initially while kicking with the
breeze,” he said. “It gave us a bit of a buffer we needed.
“We won every quarter and our contested work was good. It was really simplistic tactics with the conditions.
“It was a two to one kick to handball ratio. We were able to find a way.”
Kane Barbuto and Jermarl Daly kicked three goals each for the Blues.
McGuane said both had impacts in a really even contribution across the board.
“Nick O’Kearney in his second game back was good, Kane as the skipper stood up.
“Kyle O’Connor is finding some good form. He had an interrupted pre-season and is getting better and better.
“We had no Brad Xavier and we lost Riley Ham early with a shoulder injury. We were missing our two best defenders, but still kept them to seven goals.”
McGuane said they were unsure how bad Ham’s injury was.
The Blues are now three games clear at the top of the ladder. This week they face second-placed Strathmore.
McGuane said they weren’t looking at ladder position and the minor premiership.
“We’ll roll our sleeves up and try and get the job done,” he said.
“We need to make sure we do the right things to get the outcome.
“We’re in pretty good form.”
In other matches, Aberfeldie ran over the top of Deer Park.
The Lions led by six points at half time before Abers kicked eight goals to two after half time to win, 10.12 (72)-6.9 (45).
Indivision1,StAlbanshadabigwinagainst Keilor Park, 11.17 (83)-4/2 (26).
Hillside beat Craigieburn, 14.14 (98)-4.2 (26).
Keilor through to prelim
By Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder stood up big defensively late to come away with its first National Basketball League 1 South women’s finals win.
The Thunder, which made finals for the first time this season, hosted the Dandenong Rangers on Saturday night in a qualifying final.
The Rangers had beaten the Thunder the last time the two teams had played, in what was the Thunder’s most disappointing performance of the season.
ThundercoachKristiHarrowerwasrelieved to have gotten over the line and sealed a home preliminary final.
“It was a really tough game,” she said.
“Both teams struggled in the last quarter to score.
“We were really good defensively in the last quarter and we wore them down and got over the time.”
Harrower said they had done a lot of work since the last time the two teams had played and looked at ways they could improve.
She said they wanted to redeem themselves from the last time they played.
The Thunder got out to a double digit lead throughout the match, before the Rangers hit the lead in the last quarter.
The margin was one point with about six minutes left on the clock.
The next four minutes neither team was able to score. The Thunder was able to break that deadlock and score the last eight points of the game, winning 68-59.
Harrower said it was really pleasing that even when they weren’t able to score, they were able to step up defensively.
“We both had opportunities,” she said.
“We were able to continue to go ahead when we went stale as we held strong defensively.
“We’ve had moments where we’re struggled to score and they have continued to score. Our defence held strong and it’s a credit to the girls who’ve done a lot of work since the Dandenong game.”
Captain Maddy Rocci led the way with 20 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists.
Harrower said having the star point guard back in the side makes a massive difference.
“She brings that experience from big time games and we love having her in our system,” she said.
North Sunshine cements top two finish
North Sunshine Eagles did their hopes of a top two finish no harm with victory against Altona City in the Victorian Premier League 2 on Friday night.
It was a battle between two and three when the North Sunshine Eagles hosted Altona City under lights.
The Eagles opened the scoring in the half and were able to get a second goal to come away with a 2-0 win as Altona City finished with nine men.
Yusuf Karadag and Redouane Sarakh were the goal scorers for the Eagles.
The win gives the Eagles a five point gap on Altona City.
Melbourne Srbija is a further three points ahead of the Eagles on top of the ladder.
The Eagles this week face Boroondara-Carey Eagles on Saturday afternoon.
In VPL1, VPL Caroline Springs George Cross claimed the points against the Bentleigh Greens.
Jordy Tucker gave the Georgies the lead in the 65th minute before they went a man down when Yug Ghandi got a red card.
“She is a big time player in WNBL finals and she brings that leadership to the group.”
The other standout late in the game was Lily Carmody.
The guard scored 10 points in the final quarter while also coming up with some defensive stops.
She finished with 16 points for the game.
“People forget that she is only 18 years old,” Harrower said. “There’s so much upside in her.
“She’s an elite defender and she can get out on the break and get some points for us.
“She had a huge second half. We wanted to get out and run as much as we could.
“Rocci was able to do that with the Lilys’ (Lily Carmody and Lilly Rotunno] running beside her.”
The Thunder now get a week off before a home preliminary final the following week
Harrower said they could continue to train three times a week as they work on things they need to.
“We’ll probably have Saturday off, but we’ll head to Keilor to watch the youth league girls and make sure we’re there for them.
“They train with us week in, week out.”
The Georgies were able to do enough to hold on.
The Georgies now sit in ninth spot with 29 points for the season.
In the National Premier League, the Melbourne Knights are continuing to keep the pressure on the top six with a win against Altona Magic.
The Knights took a lead in the first half and that goal would be the difference at the break.
Ismail HajI got an equaliser for the Magic in the second half to give the side some hope. It didn’t last long with the Knights getting a second to come away with a 2-1 win.
The Knights sit in eighth spot, two points outside the top six.
On Saturday night, Green Gully had a 3-2 loss to the Port Melbourne Sharks. St Albans played on Sunday after deadline.
Tara Murray Nicholas O’Kearney. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362605_54
Lily Carmody. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420269_13
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