Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 13th August 2024

‘‘ The destruction of a dog on a leash with a first offense is disgraceful ’’

- Sharon Taylor

Change for Boof’s sake

By Gerald Lynch

When Sharon Taylor’s staffy, Boof, was seized by Brimbank council, she was assured her dog would be fine. Seven months later, he was destroyed by the council.

Ms Taylor is now vowing to advocate for change, so no other pet owner has to go through her pain.

On December 27 last year, she walking Boof, on a leash, through Sunshine as she regularly would, when the pair encountered a small Maltese terrier on a leash with another owner.

She said the dog was aggressive to Boof, causing him to retaliate and attack the smaller dog, requiring it to need stitches and medication, but the dog has since recovered.

At the end of February, Boof was seized by

council. Ms Taylor said despite being assured at the time that Boof would not be put down, he never returned home.

“Council claimed to have sent a letter about their decision on July 3, which I never received,” she said.

“Then on August 1 we received a letter dated July 26 stating that Boof would be destroyed, and it stated they didn’t hear from us for a request to review the decision.

“Despite our attempts to prevent this by calling and emailing, we discovered on August 5 that Boof had already been destroyed a week prior.

“The handling of this situation has been profoundly disturbing and lacking in basic dignity. I am dedicated to advocating for changesinthelawsandproceduresgoverning such cases.

“It is unacceptable for a council to issue a decision to destroy a dog via standard mail … and to deny our family an opportunity to say goodbye.

“The destruction of a dog on a leash with a first offense is disgraceful.”

Ms Taylor said she made regular visits to Boof after he was seized and raised concerns about his care, including that he had developed pressure sores and had overgrown nails.

She said council stopped taking her calls, citing the case’s transition to court.

“ThecourtdatewasJune27,whereBoofwas found guilty, and the judge waived the pound fees but required me to pay the vet bills.

“After the court ruling, I repeatedly contacted council on June 28, July 3, and July 5, but they refused to speak with me. My

emails requesting updates went unanswered.”

Ms Taylor said she was devastated to lose her best friend, and felt like council didn’t show any care.

“I had Boof for just over three years. After my father-in-law passed away, Boof had nowhere to go, so I took him in. He quickly became my best friend and a crucial support for my anxiety and depression,” she said. Council’s letter on July 26 stated that Ms Taylor could collect Boof following destruction if she wanted to, however when she asked to collect his ashes last week, she was told he was cremated with other dogs so this was not possible.

A Brimbank council spokesperson said, “This matter has been resolved with the owner. Council does not comment on individual matters for privacy reasons”.

Boof was destroyed by council, leaving Sharon Taylor without her best friend. (Damjan Janevski) 424093_02

Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik

I’m pleased to say the City of Melton Learning Festival is back bigger and better than ever. The festival is a seven-day celebration of curiosity, learning and fun at events for people of all ages and abilities.

This is our sixth Learning Festival, and with more than 40 programs at libraries and community centres across the municipality throughout the week there’s something for everyone.

The Melton Learning Festival takes place from 31 August to 7 September. Check out the fun-filled program and book your place at melton.vic.gov.au/ LearningFestival

On a sad note, I was shocked to hear about the sudden passing of former Maribyrnong Mayor, Councillor Sarah Carter.

Cr Carter was a valued member of our Local Government family and will be greatly missed. She was a proud and passionate advocate for her community and the western region.

Cr Carter was the first woman to be elected mayor of Maribyrnong three times and served on the Council since being elected in 2008. The loss of someone who had so much love for her community and the west in general will be deeply felt across our region. She leaves a valued and lasting legacy.

On behalf of the City of Melton, Councillors, Executive Leadership Team and staff at Melton City Council I extend our sincerest condolences to Cr Carter’s family, friends, colleagues at Maribyrnong City Council and the residents whose lives she touched.

You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

Coffee cup recycling trial

Melton City Council is launching a trial coffee cup recycling program that aims to stop more than 50,000 paper cups going to landfill and give them a second life.

The two-year trial run in partnership with Simply Cups starts this month and will take place at six Council sites across the City of Melton. Visitors to the Caroline Springs Library, Melton Library and Cobblebank Stadium will also be able to take part in the recycling program.

It is estimated that more than 2 billion paper cups, which could fill 2,250 garbage trucks, are discarded in Australia each year. Disposable paper cups cannot be recycled via standard kerbside recycling as they contain waterproof plastic lining.

Coburn

However, if collected and processed at specialised recycling facilities, the cups can be converted to make building material, roads and lightweight concrete products.

All types of paper cups including coffee cups, takeaway soft drink cups, ice cream cups and compostable/biodegradable cups will be accepted during the trial.

Visit melton.vic.gov.au/ CoffeeCupRecycling

Ward with Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Melton City Council recently adopted its 2024/25 budget, centred around a $223.1 million capital works program.

The budget focusses on the services, programs and infrastructure that are critical to building a liveable and connected community including crucial upgrades to our roads to ease congestion and help to improve safety.

Two big commitments in Council’s budget were $11.9 million to complete the upgrade of Bulmans Road in Melton West and $6.2 million for the Stage 2 upgrade of Troups Road

South in Mount Cottrell. Others include upgrades to Rees Road and modifying the intersection at Station Road and Richard Road.

It was great to see the clubs that call Melton Recreation Reserve home move into their new pavilion. The new pavilion will be a hub for local football, netball, and cricket clubs and a great place to watch the action on the ground.

Female friendly changerooms, umpires’ rooms, community social and meeting space, a kitchen and a kiosk are included in the new building.

I’d like to congratulate the 27 outstanding local businesses named

$100 Gift vouchers up for grabs

Book Week is coming - and it’s not just for kids. To celebrate Book Week 2024, we’re inviting all young people aged 12 to 18 to bring your favourite books to life.

Bookface is a viral sensation where you choose a book and strategically align your face, or another part of your body, to blend in with the cover. Two $100 gift vouchers are up for grabs for the most creative entries.

The Melton City Libraries Bookface competition is open from Saturday 17 August until midnight, Friday 30 August 2024.

as finalists in the 2024 City of Melton Business Excellence Awards. The annual awards recognise and reward the fantastic contributions local businesses make to our diverse City. Good luck at the awards evening on 4 September.

If there is anything you want me to raise at Council meetings, please contact me by phone or email.

Feel free to contact me regarding Coburn Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 183; email: ashleigh.vandenberg@melton.vic. gov.au or like my Facebook page @crvandenberg

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Justine Farrugia

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Police urge calm amid shootings

By Gerald Lynch

After two shootings in as many days, Melbourne’s north-west police are out to alleviate concern.

LateonFriday,August2,policewerealerted to a fatal shooting in Burnside Heights. Emergency services were called to reports of a man with a gunshot wound outside a property on Tenterfield Drive about 9.10pm. The victim, a 34-year-old from Wallan, died at the scene.

Then, on Sunday, August 4, about 5.30am, a man was driven to a hospital with a gunshot

wound after being involved in a “targeted” attack in Melbourne’s north-west.

The man presented with “non-lifethreatening injuries”, according to Victoria Police.

It is believed he was shot on Evergreen Avenue in Albanvale.

North-West metro division three acting superintendent Andrew Markakis said both shootings are believed to be targeted attacks, although believed to be isolated incidents and unrelated to each other.

“We are undertaking proactive patrols right across Brimbank and Melton with a very high

level of saturation of police presence, through Operation Cavalcade,” he said.

“Resources drawn from specialist support areas such as police horses walking down the streets of where incidents have occurred to bolster police presence, mitigate community harm, and provide reassurance.”

After strong trial runs of Operation Cavalcade in the months of May and July, the operation will continue to run in Brimbank and Melton, in attempts to keep residents as safe as possible.

“Of course we can’t stop every offence … however, we will throw everything we have

they have donated to Western Health.

Couple offers cuddles amid grief

Families grieving the death of a baby will have access to a cuddle cot at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital, thanks to the generosity of Katelyn and Joel Hughes. On what was meant to be the happiest day of Katelyn and Joel’s lives; the due date of their first child, the couple spent Wednesday, August 7 turning personal tragedy into an opportunity to help others.

Baby Fletcher’s heart stopped beating three months ago, in his mother Katelyn’s womb. He was born sleeping on May 2, at a gestation of 26 weeks and one day.

The only solace came in the form of their hospital’s ‘cuddle cot’, which is a specially designed cooling cot that allows families to

spend extra time with their baby.

“Because of this cuddle cot, which had been donated by another family, we were able to spend almost three full days with our baby boy,” Katelyn said.

“It meant we had time to invite our families in to meet our son. No time would ever have been enough, but we are so grateful we could spend this time with Fletcher and our family, making special memories before saying goodbye.”

After Fletcher’s passing, Katelyn and Joel began raising money for Bears of Hope, an organisation that supports families who have lost a baby.

Their initial aim was to raise $6500 –

enough to give one hospital one cuddle cot, but when they hit their target in less than 24 hours, the donations kept pouring in until they had enough to buy two.

They donated one to a Geelong hospital and the other was given to Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Western Health newborn services nurse unit manager Michelle Ryan said the Hughes family’s generosity was inspiring.

“Katelyn and Joel have been able to turn their tragic loss into something really positive for other families going through what they’ve been through,” she said.

“They are giving other families that most precious gift – time with their babies.”

at it to mitigate harm to the community,” Mr Markakis said.

“At the moment we are exploring all the leads we have in the hope that we can make imminent arrests.”

A teenager was also stabbed with a machete in Caroline Springs on Thursday, August 1, at the CS Square Shopping Centre, about 5.15pm. He was rushed by ambulance to Royal Melbourne Hospital with life-threatening injuries to his hands, head and torso.

Mr Markakis said the incident was also separate from the shootings.

The Albion Quarter precinct is a step closer to coming to fruition, as the Department of Transport and Planning’s (DTP) discussion paper has been endorsed by Brimbank council.

The Albion Quarter identifies the area surrounding Albion station and covers areas within the suburbs of Albion, Sunshine North and Sunshine.Itisoneofthethreedistinct areas of the Sunshine Precinct. It presents an opportunity to revitalise employment uses, provide complementary residential uses and better integrate the area with the rebuilt Albion Station.

The Albion Quarter Discussion Paper explores four key opportunities for development of the site which intersect with the principles and emerging ideas outlined in the discussions by the state government.

The four key opportunities for development are a whole-of-precinct approach that provides space to grow jobs of the future, to create a high quality, interconnected public realm that focuses on walking, cycling and amenity, to support easy and efficient access and mobility across the Sunshine Precinct, and to build a contemporary Sunshine Precinct with a variety of building types, scales, and densities.

Council also noted that the state government announcement of infrastructure investment changes in this year’s budget impacts the Sunshine Precinct, and that it will continue to advocate for infrastructure investment in line with the Brimbank Advocacy Plan 2023-25.

Shaving time, saving lives as code one responses improve

Brimbank paramedics have improved code one response time by 57 seconds, according to latest Ambulance Victoria data.

Ambulance Victoria’s performance results for April to June, 2024, showed the average response time for code one ’lights and sirens’ cases in Brimbank was 14.32 minutes, down from 15.29 minutes for the same period in 2023.

The improvement puts the average response time for code one cases in Brimbank below the 15 minute target time.

There were 3148 code one ambulance call outs to Brimbank during the three months

to March.

Paramedics across Victoria responded to 68.2 per cent of code one cases within the target of 15 minutes, up from 62.4 per cent a year earlier.

Brimbank’s results were better than the state average, with 64.2 per cent of ambulances responding to code one cases within 15 minutes, compared to 61.7 per cent at the same time last year.

Ambulance Victoria’s latest performance results were released as the state faced the busiest quarter on record, with a total of 71,906 code one emergencies across

Metropolitan Melbourne.

Ambulance Victoria (AV) metropolitan regional director Michael Georgiou urged Melbournianstoaccessalternativecareoptions to ease pressure on paramedics.

“Itisimportantthateveryonedoestheirpart.

If your matter is not an emergency, consider using alternative care options like Primary Priority Care Centres (PPCC) or the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) and keep our highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need,” he said.

“The entire health system continues to be extremely busy due to seasonal illness such as

flu, COVID-19 and RSV circulating within our communities and our workforce.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders across Melbourne’s suburbs do an incredible job in the face of record-breaking demand, providing best care to our communities every day.

“Staying up to date with your yearly flu and COVID-19 vaccinations helps protect you, the people around you, and makes a difference reducing demand on our paramedics during this busy time.”

Gerald Lynch

Joel and Katelyn Hughes with the cuddle cot

(Supplied)

Airport charity sleepout

Melbourne Airport is partnering with non-for-profit organisations Juno and McAuley Community Services for Women, to host a car park sleepout challenge to raise funds for women and non-binary people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness due to family violence.

An Equity Economic study showed that each year 7960 women return to violent situations because they have nowhere affordable to live forcing women to choose between going back to a violent situation or becoming homeless.

The ’Live Like Them Challenge’ asks people to sleep overnight in their cars on September 5 on the top level of the terminal four car park to experience one night of homelessness in order to understand what thousands of people face each and every night.

Juno CEO Tanya Corrie said that people sleeping in their cars are often ignored when it comes to homelessness.

“We often associate homelessness with ‘sleeping rough’ in the street. This neglects the experiences of the far too many women and non-binary people who are sleeping in their cars every night because ‘home’ is not a safe place,” she said.

“This challenge shines a light on this uncomfortable reality and on an issue that has been hidden for too long.”

McAuely Community Services for Women CEO Jocelyn Bignold OAM said that family violence is the single largest driver of homelessness for women in Victoria.

“The women and children fleeing violence are the hidden homeless, with so many forced to resort to options like couch surfing or living in their cars,” she said.

“This event is designed to draw attention to the need for more safe and affordable accommodation options to ensure women and children are not forced to return to live with

people who use violence because they have nowhere to live.”

MsCorriehasonemessageforthosewanting tohelpachievethefundraisinggoalof$100,000.

“Dig deep. It’s always a good thing for us in terms of being able to, to support people in this situation, but also I think just to have the conversations so that people know and to not stigmatise people’s experiences of

• Pension card and proof of age required.

• All cats must be at least 10 weeks old and weigh over 1kg

• Limited offer to maximum of 2 cats per household.

• Additional charges may apply.

• Cancellation and no show policies apply

To book Call: (03) 9364-8742

Email: info@wcd.org.au

homelessness,” she said.

“Because there’s often a lot of shame for our clients and there’s so many things working out against them at that point in their life.”

Tickets to participate are $100 per person and all funds raised will go towards Juno and McAuley to help support those doing it tough.

Details: https://www.melbourneairport. com.au/community/live-like-them-challenge

Educating the educators

A new suite of training programs from the Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) are in full swing, with the education and community sectors a particular focus.

The centre has recently been running training programs on topics such as responding to disclosures of sexual assault, affirmative consent and healthy relationships at universities and not-for-profits across the western suburbs.

WestCASA community education manager Adrian Smith said education providers and community organisations were two of their target areas for sexual assault education.

“They’re definitely areas of priority for us because they have a direct impact on the community,” Mr Smith said.

Mr Smith said new catalogue of training programs provided by WestCASA focused not just on the prevention of sexual assault, but what to do afterwards.

“The main one at the moment is responding to disclosures of sexual assault,” he said of situations where people reveal they’ve been sexually assaulted, something they often do years after it occurred. It’s a comprehensive training program which also focuses heavily on affirmative consent.”

As well as running training programs, WestCASA also provides support to victim survivors of sexual violence in the western suburbs and advocates on their behalf. Details: training@westcasa.org. au or 9216 0444

Great Vic Bike Ride turns 40

The Great Vic Bike Ride is celebrating its 40th year this year, and will return to Wodonga, where it began in 1984.

Organised by charity Bicycle Network, the ride is a non-competitive bicycle tour of the rural parts of Victoria.

Braybrook local Emily Nancarrow is riding her second Great Vic Bike Ride this year, after loving her first experience a few years back.

“I rode the 2018 Great Vic Bike Ride as a teacher with students. This time I will be riding with my partner,” she said.

“I’m an adventurous person and the Great Vic is an unforgettable adventure.

“The sense of connection you get with the world around you is like no other on a bike ride. You can get that walking but I like going a little faster and you then see a lot more.

“Bike riding is an immersive experience and the Great Vic Bike Ride is a terrific way to

get out in nature.

“I’m also looking forward to riding the Black Spur without any cars.”

Bicycle Network chief executive Alisson McCormack said this year’s ride will be a nod to “The ride’s extraordinary history which has introduced tens of thousands of cyclists to Victoria’s varied and beautiful countryside, local sights and culinary delights.”

The event will roll through Lake Eildon, Marysville,andmanyotherplacesthroughout Victoria’s north-east, with more than 3000 riders expected to take part.

There are three, five, and nine day options available to partake in, starting in Wodonga on November 23, and finishing in Healesville on December 1, where the Black Spur will be open to riding on without any cars.

Details: greatvic.com.au

Gerald Lynch

Emily Nancarrow is riding in the Great Vic Bike ride. (Damjan Janevski) 423586_02

McAuely Community Services for Women chief exeutive Jocelyn Bignold, Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus and Juno chief executive Tanya Corrie. (Supplied)

Winter fun in the west

Melbourne’s west is set for a vibrant August, offeringexcitingeventsfromarts,culture,food and wine to family fun.

Wine lovers can indulge themselves in the exclusive self-guided Urban Wine Wall on the streets and laneways of Footscray and Seddon on Saturday, August 31.

Choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines thanks to an incredible line-up of winemakers. A fun and unique wine-tasting experience not to be missed

There are plenty of art events for its enthusiasts to enjoy throughout the month.

Show Your Westside: Art Prize and Exhibition returns to Footscray to celebrate and highlight artwork from local artists under the theme ’Westside Stories’. The exhibition

is on display at Footscray Community Centre until August 30.

Art lovers can also view the Chinese Restaurant Playground exhibition, also at the Footscray Community Centre, until September 15. The exhibition by Steffie Yee often-overlooked stories of Chinese migrants in Australia.

Newport’s The Substation will be home to a challengingnewworkfromtheaward-winning Rawcus ensemble from August 20-24. Interior is a visual and aural spectacle about being human.

At the end of the month, the Eynesbury communitymarketwillreturntotown,offering a agreatrangeoffoodtrucksandqualitystalls.

It’s on August 25, from 9am to 2pm, at 479 Eynesbury Road. Dogs are welcome.

Briefs

Sunshine shop on fire

A shop on Watt Street in Sunshine was on fire on Monday, August 5. Firefighters were called to the disused shop about 4.45am. The fire was deemed under control by 5.21am and a search of the property revealed no-one to be inside the premise. The power and gas companies were on scene isolating services.

Take our survey Star Weekly wants to hear from you about the health issues affecting women in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs. Our 16-question Women’s Health Matters survey will help inform our reporting during our 12-month women’s health campaign. The confidential survey will take less than five minutes to complete and can be found by scanning the QR code.

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Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Melton City

Council postal election

My council, my vote

Vote by post this October

Ballot packs will be mailed to voters enrolled in the Melton City Council general election from Monday 7 October. Complete and return your ballot material ASAP. Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on Friday 25 October

If you will be away

If you will be away when ballot packs are mailed, or your address has changed since Wednesday 7 August, you can request for your ballot pack to be redirected by completing the online redirection form at vec.vic.gov.au/redirections, or call 131 832.

Requests for redirection must be received by 5 pm on Monday 9 September.

Large print and braille ballot papers

Large print or braille ballot papers are available for voters who are blind or have low vision – please register by 5 pm Tuesday 10 September. To register, call 03 8620 1314 during business hours.

Early votes

If you will be away during the voting period (7 – 25 October), you can go to your local election office to vote in person, from 10 am on Wednesday 18 September.

The Melton City Council election office is at: 16 - 18 Palmerston Street

Melton

How to nominate as a candidate

To nominate as a candidate, you must:

• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Melton City Council AND

• be eligible to become a councillor should you be elected AND

• have completed the mandatory candidate training before lodging your nomination with the election manager.

To nominate, complete the nomination form and lodge it with the election manager together with the $250 nomination fee. Nomination forms can be lodged by appointment during business hours from Monday 9 September until 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September at the election office. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for more information and to pre-complete your nomination form using the online Candidate Helper. The online Candidate Helper will be available from Tuesday 20 August.

If you use the online Candidate Helper, print your pre-completed form and make an appointment to lodge it with the election manager along with the nomination fee.

Call the election manager from Monday 9 September on 131 832 to make a nomination appointment.

Nominations close 12 noon Tuesday 17 September.

Candidate information sessions

10:30 am Wednesday 4 September at Melton Library, 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

6:30 pm Thursday 5 September at Caroline Springs Library, 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard, Caroline Springs

Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available online and from the election manager.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

Diego Pizarro, John Utans, Judy Shelley, Yenny Fervent, Jim Kellam and Sally Walshe AKA ’Lady Mohawk’ get ready for Show Your West Side. (Damjan Janevski) 420221_01

Daughters of the west get active

Across the western suburbs, the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation is helping women take control of their health and fitness through its Daughters of the West program. Jaidyn Kennedy discovers how the program is making a difference.

Women in the western suburbs are takingcontroloftheirhealththrough the power of knowledge and fitness.

Daughters of the West is a free 10-week program facilitated by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in partnership with councils and community health services.

Kicking off in 2017, the program coincided with the Bulldog’s foundational role in the inaugural AFWL season. Ever since, thousands of women have taken part, and the Western Bulldogs have continued their commitment to supporting women of all walks of life in sport, health and wellness.

The program drew inspiration from the Sons of the West, which was established in response to the poor mental and physical health of men in the western suburbs, along with high male suicide rates. Sons of the West recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.

From day one, the Daughters of the West program has set out on a to tackle the growing inequality in women’s health outcomes by building a community of strong resilient women who want to be engaged and involved in their communities.

Running at multiple locations across the western suburbs, a typical session runs for two hours. The first hour will involve a guest speaker before moving onto fun, group-based exercises. The exercises are catered to all levels of fitness, progressing from low, medium to high.

Offering a tiered and flexible approach to exercise ensures that no woman is left behind at any stage of her journey and can start from anywhere.

The Western Bulldogs’ unique position as the only AFL-AFLW in Melbourne’s west has made the club a cultural pillar in the region for over a century.

Women supporting women produces a unique magic and that is certainly on full display when the daughters come out in force to support the AFLW Squad in a mighty display of red, white and blue.

However, the magic extends well past gameday, with women in all stages of life able to lean on each other as they navigate life’s challenges together.

Returning participants have been one of the program’s many successes, but they have also been crucial in reaching out to newcomers who may be nervous, providing a safe, welcoming environment that encourages people to flourish in their best selves.

Dewi Pearce has been a shining light in the program since she took the plunge.

Narrowly missing out at first, her life changed for the better when she secured a last-minute slot last year.

“It’s really built my confidence, and a year on I can see how much more confident and relaxed I am about exercising and just giving

things a go,” she said. “It was great to ease myself in and not feel any pressure from them to do it in a certain way.”

As the mother of a young family, Dewi knows how important is for women to have accessible and affordable exercise programs.

“It’s incredible to access a ton of high-level exercise opportunities for free,” she said.

Affordable exercise programs are becoming increasingly important as the ongoing cost of living crisis affects many individuals and families in the western suburbs.

The Daughters of the West is far more than just an exercise program, embracing a holistic approach to women’s health. Regular guest speakers attend the sessions, covering a wide range of issues from nutrition to mental fitness.

Some important subjects that guest speakers are invited to chat about include gender equality, women in leadership, mental fitness, nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, cultural diversity, alcohol cultures, heart health and cancer prevention.

One the aspects Daughters of the West values most is the importance of having and building strong social networks.

“The social aspect was awesome, I, over the course of the 10 weeks, got to know a number of the ladies, and actually a group of four of us continued meeting,” Dewi said.

Maintaining a healthy diet is something that can challenge us all, which is why the Daughters of the West encourages small yet consistent changes towards healthier eating.

“It feels really approachable and achievable, so chipping away at that each week has a great impact,” Dewi said.

“Just noticing those small changes over a period of time has been so beneficial for my health.”

Daughters of the West has reached women of diverse backgrounds, ranging from cohorts who require the program in their native language to veterans who face very specific challenges.

While the time the women spend in the program is short, the healthy habits and knowledge they pick up is designed to serve them for life.

The Western Bulldogs Community Foundation’s partnership with Victoria University ensures that all programs are consistently evaluated, determining the best form of delivery for the needs of the community.

The program is open to women and those who identify as women, aged 18 and over who live or work in the west of Melbourne.?

A Vietnamese language version of the program started in July.

Details: westernbulldogs.com.au/ foundation/programs/daughters-of-the-west

Daughters of the West participants. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 415739_14

Daughters of the West participant Dewi Pearce. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 421667_03

Crucial help in the first 1000 days

A clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital is striving to support babies who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth, and their mothers.

The First Thousand Days Clinic provides careduringpregnancyuntilthechild’ssecond birthday in a bid to better support the next generation.

The pilot program is the first of its kind in the country and will run for three years.

Royal Women’s Hospital neonatologist Dr Anna Tottman said the first 1000 days – the timefromconceptiontothesecondbirthday–is the most rapid period of brain development in the human life course.

‘‘ We recognise that many of the women who come to us, have had really difficult starts themselves ’’

- Anna Tottman

“It’s also a period that is very vulnerable to outside influences and things that can change brain development,” Dr Tottman said.

“It’s also a period of real opportunity where you can positively impact children’s brain development, and we know what happens to you in early childhood actually lays the foundation for a healthy adulthood.

“The environmental impacts upon you as a fetus and as a small child can change the direction of your brain development and thus change your outcome long term.

“And it’s not just brain development; your likelihood of obesity or your likelihood of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease can all be programmed by your exposures in your environment in your fetal period.”

Babies who are exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth are more likely to be born to mothers who themselves have suffered significant childhood trauma, Dr Tottman said.

One of her aims is to remove the stigma surrounding mothers who have used drugs or alcohol during their pregnancy seeking healthcare for the betterment of the child and themselves.

“Drug use in pregnancy is one of those things that is very hard to talk about and

Brimbank City Council postal election

My council, my vote

Vote by post this October

Ballot packs will be mailed to voters enrolled in the Brimbank City Council general election from Monday 7 October. Complete and return your ballot material ASAP. Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on Friday 25 October

If you will be away

If you will be away when ballot packs are mailed, or your address has changed since Wednesday 7 August, you can request for your ballot pack to be redirected by completing the online redirection form at vec.vic.gov.au/redirections, or call 131 832.

Requests for redirection must be received by 5 pm on Monday 9 September.

Large print and braille ballot papers

Large print or braille ballot papers are available for voters who are blind or have low vision – please register by 5 pm Tuesday 10 September. To register, call 03 8620 1314 during business hours.

Early votes

If you will be away during the voting period (7 – 25 October), you can go to your local election office to vote in person, from 10 am on Wednesday 18 September.

The Brimbank City Council election office is at: Suite 2, Level 1 25 - 29 Devonshire Road

Sunshine

Dr Tottman and her team monitor the children enrolled in the program to ensure they are meeting their developmental milestones.

“They are at risk of having difficulties with learning motor skills or learning how to sit, learning how to walk and difficulties with communication skills in the first two years after they’re born,” she said. “So we monitor children’s developments and make sure that they are meeting their developmental milestones on time and that’s important to do repeatedly through the first couple of years.

“What you’re doing at four months or six months is very different to what you’re doing at 18 months or 24 months. So it’s important that you capture all of those time points.

“But then we are intervening with developmental physiotherapy, with help with social work support, with finding speech therapy for infants who are showing us that they are having trouble meeting their milestones.

“And we know from other cohorts of high risk children that early intervention and helping children to get back on track and to reach their milestones is one of the most important things you can do for children’s long term outcome.”

there’s a lot of stigma and a lot of shame around it,” Dr Tottman said.

“We recognise that many of the women who come to us, have had really difficult starts themselves. Perhaps their first thousand days weren’t well supported. Perhaps they were exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth and didn’t get the support that we are now trying to give the next generation.

“Part of doing this is to let people know that there is help out there and you just need to reach out.”

How to nominate as a candidate

To nominate as a candidate, you must:

• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Brimbank City Council AND

• be eligible to become a councillor should you be elected AND

• have completed the mandatory candidate training before lodging your nomination with the election manager.

To nominate, complete the nomination form and lodge it with the election manager together with the $250 nomination fee. Nomination forms can be lodged by appointment during business hours from Monday 9 September until 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September at the election office. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for more information and to pre-complete your nomination form using the online Candidate Helper. The online Candidate Helper will be available from Tuesday 20 August.

If you use the online Candidate Helper, print your pre-completed form and make an appointment to lodge it with the election manager along with the nomination fee.

Call the election manager from Monday 9 September on 131 832 to make a nomination appointment.

Nominations close 12 noon Tuesday 17 September.

Previously, the clinic couldn’t follow children for the full two years of care due to a lack of funding. However, philanthropic support has been put together to enhance the existing state-funded service, with the Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service (WADS) with North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) funding the first year.

Women can self-refer to the Royal Women’s Hospital’s Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service or they can be referred via their GP, midwife or alcohol and drug counselling services.

Candidate information session

6 pm Wednesday 4 September at Lvl-6 Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine

Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available online and from the election manager.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

Royal Women’s Hospital neonatologist Dr Anna Tottman. (Supplied)

Fine but not jail for learner driver

By Emily Woods, AAP

A woman has walked free from court with a $600 fine after hitting her sister with a car door following an argument and leaving her to die on the road.

AsyaiLuk,24,pleadedguiltytodowngraded charges of careless driving and being a learner driving without supervision over the November 2022 crash.

She pulled up in her mother’s black Dodge to a home in Melbourne’s west and got out to

ask the resident to call police as she was being attacked by her older sister, Anong.

Luk, who was aged 22 at the time, returned to the car and threw some clothing at her sister, who got out but held onto the passenger door.

She then accelerated forward one car length, while her sister clung to the door and lost her grip as she was thrown face forwards into another car.

Luk drove off, briefly stopped and then left the scene as her sister was lying on the road.

Anong died in hospital later that evening.

Prosecutors initially charged Luk with dangerous driving causing death, and failure to stop and render assistance, but those were downgraded to the two summary offences in June.

CountyCourtJudgeKellieBlairfoundLuk’s offending was “momentary and unintended” as she decided not to convict the 24-year-old woman.

She said Luk was unaware her sister was at the car door when she accelerated forward

Doreen flys past her 100th birthday

When Doreen Thurling was born in Albury in 1924, the second of 13 children, life expectancy for women was just 63.3 years.

She outdid that statistic by nearly 37 years when she turned 100 on June 1.

The crowd who attended Doreen’s birthday celebration was told that she had lived the joys and sorrows of her years with “grace, determination and love”.

She came to Sunshine after marrying Ron, whom she met in Albury in 1943. A butcher from Sunshine, Ron didn’t serving overseas in WorldWar2becausethearmyneededbutchers to help feed the thousands of servicemen and

women stationed in and near Albury.

Doreen left school at 13 to help her mother look after her younger siblings.

At that stage she was one of nine children aged under 16 in the household.

An ardent North Melbourne supporter who used to camp outside Arden Street overnight to buy finals’ tickets, she is still active socially attending St Albans Community Centre every Monday for lunch, social and craft activities, and a ‘Golden Girls’ outing every second Friday.

Doreen says the weekly Monday event, organised by Brimbank council, “has kept me

alive”. A bus picks her up at 9am and drops her off at 3pm.

Doreen says she didn’t smoke and rarely drank, other than the occasional lemon, lime and bitters, and she sewed and knitted many rugsandtraumatoysfortheSunshineHospital and other community projects.

She worked until she was 67 in sandwich shops in the city, sewing cushions for Cintique furniture in Sunshine and for Armaguard making up pay envelopes.

Her lounge room is filled with family photos from varying decades. Her eldest grandchild recently turned 50.

and took into account there had been an argument of sufficient severity to cause her to ask a person for help.

“To be clear, I am not sentencing you for having caused the death of your sister,ratheritisoneoftheconsequences,”she said.

She fined Luk $600 and suspended her learner’s permit for nine months. The suspension was backdated to her arrest in 2022, meaning she will be allowed back on the roads as a learner driver.

Hospital a step closer

The state government has announced Exemplar Health consortium will lead the design, construction, and financing of the Melton Hospital.

It means work on the $900 million public hospital, which will service communities in Caroline Springs, Rockbank, Melton, and Bacchus Marsh, can begin soon.

Among the Exemplar Health consortium are investors Lendlease Infrastructure Investments, Invesis, and Capella Capital, who are also sponsors of the project.

Lendlease will build the hospital, while management of facilities and maintenancewillbesharedbyHoneywell Group and Compass Group.

The consortium will be responsible for maintaining the facility for the next 25 years and was selected following an evaluation process which prioritised value-for-money.

Health InfrastructureMinister Mary-Anne Thomas said the appointment was a “significant step” in the project, which would make a “huge difference for local families”.

The establishment of the site’s utilities and services is already underway.

More than 2,400 jobs will be created for construction alone, with a further 3,975 jobs to be added once the hospital opens in 2029.

With the capacity to treat 130,000 patients each year from its 274 beds, the Melton Hospital will feature 24-hour emergency care, an intensive care unit, maternity and neonatal services, mental health services, radiology services, outpatient care, and teaching, training and research spaces.

Located at 245A Ferris Road, it will be Victoria’s first fully-electric hospital and is to be operated by Western Health.

Eddie Russell

Employment lessons for diverse communities in the west

A program providing employment skills has officially launched in Melbourne’s west.

Navitas Skilled Futures (NSF) has announced the expansion of its services for education and employment (SEE) program to Melbourne’s western suburbs.

NSF has been a partner of the federal government since 1998, delivering programs designed to enhance English, digital, employability, and workplace skills for people from diverse backgrounds.

The SEE Program has been delivered in New South Wales for 14 years.

NSF has launched the SEE Program across four Victoria University campuses in Sunshine, St Albans, Footscray, and Werribee.

The program, previously limited to Australian citizens and permanent visa holders, now includes new eligibility criteria.

This means the program is accessible to those eligible for AMEP, Pacific Australian Labour Mobility (PALM) visa holders, and school leavers over 15 years of age.

NSF general manager Jetinder Macfarlane expressed enthusiasm about this expansion, emphasising the organisation’s commitment to diverse communities.

“For over a decade, Navitas Skilled Futures has been leading the way in empowering job seekers through the SEE Program. We have seen firsthand how education transforms

lives,buildsconfidence,andcreatespathways to meaningful employment,” she said.

“Our commitment to supporting job seekers through the SEE Program has always been strong, and with our expanded reach, it is even stronger. We are excited to bring our outstanding learning and employmentoutcomestothewestMelbourne region.”

The impact of the SEE Program is shown by participants like Thekrayat Alhashimi, who, after completing the SEE training in Western Sydney, is now employed by NSF as a bilingual support assistant.

Thekrayat arrived in Australia as a refugee from Iraq and found that the SEE

Program significantly improved her digital skills, workplace understanding, and job application confidence.

“The SEE Program exceeded my expectations and changed my life,” she said. The updated SEE Program features include a new participation Support Officer role, an enhanced work experience component, and flexible study options. Participants can now learn full-time or part-time, in a classroom, workplace, or from home. The program teaches participants essential employment skills, such as computer proficiency, budgeting, and letter writing.

Details: www.navitas-skilled-futures.com. au/

Doreen is loving life after 100 years. (Damjan Janevski) 424100_01

SHOWCASING BRIMBANK

Luba Grigorovitch MP

Luba Grigorovitch MP is a dynamic force in politics, embodying resilience and passion in everyendeavour.Asadedicatedrepresentative, she channels her energy towards championing the concerns closest to her constituents’ hearts. Ms Grigorovitch’s leadership is marked by a uniqueblendofempathyandtenacity,ensuring that the voices of her community resonate in the corridors of power. Her unwavering commitment to social justice, education, and community empowerment reflects a profound understanding of the issues that matter. Luba Grigorovitch MP stands as a beacon of positive change, inspiring confidence in her ability to navigate the complexities of governance and andshapeabrighterfutureforthosesheserves.

Trung Luu MP

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

Watervale

Opening in late 2010, the centre is a convenience-based shopping centre with plenty of carparking available. It is anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, BWS and Ampol petrol station. A medical centre and pharmacy plus all the specialty shops to meet your family needs providing a mix of food and retail services to make shopping a breeze. It is the major convenience based shopping centre servicingthecontinuouslyexpandingCaroline Springs and Taylors Hill areas.

David Ettershank

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

Green Gully Soccer Club Father’sDayisjustaroundthecorner,andwhat better way to celebrate than with a memorable lunch at Gully Bistro? Join us for a delightful 3-course lunch menu, live music, and hamper giveaway designed to make this day special for allthewonderfuldadsoutthere.Ourdedicated team at Gully Bistro is excited to make this Father’s Day a joyous and unforgettable experience for you and your family. Reserve your table today and treat dad to a fantastic lunch celebration!

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

Green Gully Reserve, Keilor.

Green Gully Soccer Club, Keilor.

Old Keilor Highway, Keilor.

300 for McGuane

Keilor coach Mick McGuane is set to bring up his 300th game as senior coach in the Essendon District Football League, becoming the first senior coach to do so at one club. Tara Murray chats with McGuane and a couple of people he has impacted along the way at the Blues.

Mick McGuane might be the senior coach of Keilor, but it’s not unusual for him to be watching the thirds, the under-18s or the juniors every weekend.

While it might not seem important, for McGuane it’s part of what has made Keilor so great for such a long period of time.

McGuane’s love of football goes back to when he was a kid.

“My dad was coach at Sebastopol and I was the mascot,” he said. “I could not wait to play and get muddy.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids who are six or seven with their footballs wanting to do the same thing. That is what this club is about.”

Many of the players McGuane has watched in the past 17 years have been among the 219 players to play senior football under him.

‘‘ He puts a spin on things in a way that motivates players ... He has the gift of the gab ’’ - Nick O’Kearney

OnSaturday,August17,McGuanewillcoach his 300th senior game for the Blues.

McGuane is more focused on the team and the club than what he has achieved.

His AFL playing record speaks for itself and he had coaching success at Burnie and Gisborne before he joined the Blues.

“It is something I didn’t aim at,” McGuane said before his milestone game. “I didn’t look too far ahead when I started.

“I got told that 11 players from the preliminary final team had left and it was a late appointment and the club was looking to navigate relegation for the first time.

“Itookthatpersonallyandsomethingtoaim for … The rest is history and we went on to win the first premiership.”

McGuane said his love for winning keeps him competitive and looking for ways to improve.

He has had to reinvent himself and the club on a number of occasions.

McGuane’s interest in the junior program is not just as a supporter. He has coached a number of age groups along the years.

“Developing your junior program leads to stability and sustainability which is what you want,” he said. “I’m invested in that and you personally want to evolve them as young people and players.

“Iputmyhanduptocoach.Ihaveaninvested interest with my son as well.

“The club is in good shape and you know who is who that is coming through.”

In 2012, McGuane coached the club’s under-16 team to a premiership.

Five of those players ended up on AFL lists. Jay White, who was in the side, played his 300th game for the Blues recently.

Star midfielder Nick O’Kearney was one of the players in the under-16 team

HewasoneofthosemanykidsthatMcGuane watched from the side lines.

“He started to come and watch and offer a little bit of advice and the relationship has grown the longer I was at the footy club,”

O’Kearney said.

“The guidance and the relationship grew when I started to transition into seniors. The summer of 2011 I started training with the seniors.

“I got some confidence the more sessions I did and come the early part of the year he said he wanted to sit down with dad and I.

“He asked if I wanted to play a couple of practice matches and gain some experience. Come a couple of weeks out from round one, he floated that he thought I would be up for round one.

“I made my debut under Mick at 15.”

O’Kearney didn’t play many games under McGuane at that stage as bigger things were on the horizon. He was eventually taken by St Kilda in the rookie draft.

When O’Kearney’s AFL dream didn’t work out, he didn’t hesitate to come back to play under McGuane at Keilor.

O’Kearney said McGuane was the best coach he’s ever had.

“His knowledge,” he said. “He puts a spin on things in a way that motivates players as well.

“He has the gift of the gab and being able to adapt. I’ve experienced that for a long time.

“He takes such a vested interest in footy and your personal life.

“It was tough for a while and I wanted to get my love back for the game and I got that at Keilor.

“When I’ve had tough times especially with my neck, he was the first person at my place to offer support.

“I’m thankful for him and hopefully we can win a couple more flags together. I wouldn’t be surprised if he coaches for another 10 to 15 years.”

Current Keilor president Ray Sheridan said McGuane’spreparationforgamesissomething most people wouldn’t realise.

“I thought I knew a lot about football and Mick made me realise how much I didn’t know,” he said.

He said it is quite remarkable that McGuane has reached this milestone, with coaching a winning business.

The club will hold a function after the game, which happens to be against Greenvale, the side McGuane coached his first game against.

Alotofformerplayersareexpectedtoattend.

“He loves game day,” Sheridan said. “He’s a good winner and also a good loser.

“He always sees positives out of losing as well.”

Looking back at his coaching career, McGuane said it was hard to pick a favourite game, with four premierships among the mix.

The first in 2008 he told the then captain Lee Fraser after losing the second semi final that he believed they could win the premiership – and they did.

After a few lean years, the Blues won in 2016 with a different group. Then there’s the perfect seasons of 2019 and 2023.

In terms of the best players he’s coached, there’s a few standouts.

“I always felt like Dean Galea was clearly the best forward,” he said. “Jarrod Garth was a ripper as well.

“Talking mids, any of Leigh Fraser, Ricky Marcy, Corey Ellis, Nick O’Kearney, Dylan Joyce, those types.

“Andrew Browne is the clear standout in the ruck, Down back Micka James was a stalwart.

“Jayden Laverde is still in the AFL system. Then you have Curtis Taylor, who is at North Melbourne, who gave us another avenue to goal in 2016.”

McGuane has already signed on for next year.

While the spotlight is on him this week, he’s focused on the bigger task at hand.

TheBluessitatopthepremierdivisionladder and are red hot premiership favourites.

“To be 35 games undefeated [before the match with Airport West] it’s a credit to the club and people involved.

“We are the hunted out there, people want our scalp.”

The club rooms will be open until late on Saturday for celebrations.

Main: Mick McGuane in action this year. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 422892_25

Above, top: Dylan Joyce and Mick McGuane with the 2016 premiership cup. (Damian Visentini)

Above: Mick McGuane in 2009. (Emily Lane)

‘Powder keg’ fears aired

By Gerald Lynch

Firefights and residents alike shared concerns and frustrations over the weekend, as their pleadsforstrongerprotectionandfleetcontrol remain unanswered.

A protest outside of the Environmental Protection Authority’s (EPA) western metropolitan office on Clark Street, Sunshine, took place on Saturday, August 3, with the community calling on greater regulation and response, after factory fires in Derrimut, Deer Park, and Footscray in the past month.

Rally organiser, Victorian Socialists’ Catherine Robertson, said she is fed up with feeling as though her safety is at risk by living in the west.

“First the explosive chemical fire in Derrimut, then Deer Park, and now ... a huge blaze at the old Kinnears factory site in the middle of Footscray,” she said.

“We want to see serious penalties imposed onthebusinessesresponsibleandthechemical industry audited. Our communities should be safe for us to live in, not powder kegs.”

Local resident Van Rudd said the uncertainty has made life uncomfortable for him and his family.

“We still don’t know the long term health or environmental impacts of these fires, you wonder if you’ll be told to stay indoors again the next time you head to work or send your kids to school,” he said.

United Firefighter Union (UFU) representative and senior firefighter Matthew Morgan fronted the crowd to voice the concerns the union has around the aging fleet of firetrucks.

“They look shiny, they’re red, but there’s bits and pieces of them falling off,” he said.

“I was one of the first responders to the Derrimut fire … we couldn’t do much, I wish I

could tell you we did all we could but we could not.

“Our teleboom, which should have been in Sunshine, was in Ringwood.”

A spokesperson for the state government said the EPA has a strong level of control to manage and test toxic facilities.

“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.

New support group for all

A new social support group arrived at the Duke Street Neighbourhood House last week, offering connection to isolated members of the community.

Every Wednesday beginning on August 7, from 10am to 1pm, the Neighbourhood House will be open for all, with the program run by ADEC.

Thedisabilityandagedcareserviceproviders areanot-for-profitorganisation,specialisingin supporting people from diverse backgrounds.

Thegroupisaimingtosupportpeoplefeeling lonely or disconnected from their community, with a range of enjoyable and meaningful social activities on the agenda each week.

Capacity building team leader Kerry Maher-Musarra said she wants to reach as manypeopleaspossiblewiththenewprogram.

“The social support group aims to provide

an integrated range of basic maintenance and support services to eligible participants to improve and maintain their independence and capacity to live safely at home and participate in community,” she said.

“Theseactivitiessupportsocialinclusionand community participation, and build capacity in skills of daily living.

“We want to empower people living with a disability, the aging population, their families and carers.

We are advocating to empower people from diversebackgrounds,championingthecauseof equality, and nurturing community cohesion.”

The social group is free for those aged 18 to 65, with a $10 charge for anyone older due to their funding.

Gerald Lynch

New reverse vending option

A new reverse vending machine has landed in Derrimut.

The newest location for the state government’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is located at Balmoral Park, 30 Lennon Parkway, Derrimut, and is the 17th site in Brimbank.

The technology scans and verifies each container deposited and provides options to the user to either receive the amount in cash, via digital transfer direct to a bank account, or for the amount to be sent as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.

The CDS Vic West Zone app also allows customers the opportunity to donate their container refund to many charities that have joined as charity partners for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme.

CDS Vic gives charities, community groups, schools, and sporting groups new ways to fundraise by registering as a donation partner.

Thespokespersonalsosaidstategovernment has provided funding to emergency services and they have the equipment they need.

“We have delivered more than $100 million to ensure our firefighters have the trucks, resources and equipment they need to protect Victorians and keep themselves safe,” the spokesperson said.

“Fire Rescue Victoria’s (FRV) vehicles and equipment are maintained by an expert team to ensure they are both safe to use and ready to respond.”

In Brimbank, groups and organisations are already fundraising with CDS Vic, including VICSES Brimbank Unit, the Brimbank Little Athletics Centre, looking to fund new high jump mats, and the Brimbank Anglican Parish for its solar panel drive. Brimbank residents can also download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refundpoint,verifycontainereligibility, and manage and track container refunds.

ENROL NOW

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS

• Individual and differentiated programs to cater for individual student needs

• An advanced STEM (Science & Technology) learning centre

• We have a strong partnership with ACMI and RMIT University

• Diverse extracurricular program including camps, swimming & sport

• A range of specialist programs including Visual Arts, Sport, Japanese and Cooking

• Student Leadership opportunities

• Tutoring Program and weekly Homework Club

• Strong parental involvement opportunities

• $13 million building upgrade – starting 2023

• Gold Status 3 years in a row for our Positive Behaviour Framework

• Before and After School

• Community Hub on site

Luisa and Viviana enjoying themselves at the social support group. (Supplied)

A large group gathered outside of the EPA office in Sunshine. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

For a politician, Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank is as laid back as they com. He speaks to Gerald Lynch about life in and out of the chamber.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

Well, I’m pretty easy to spot being 6’10” and have been in the Upper House of the Victorian parliament since November 2022. Before being (unexpectedly) elected to Parliament, I worked in aged care for 20 years, mainly in the not-for-profit sector, and before that, almost 20 years in the union movement as a training or industrial officer. I’ve lived in Kensington for about 30 years and always been very active with the local residents’ group. I am a member of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, so you can probably guess my major issue: Ending the criminalisation of consumers, allowing medicinal cannabis patients to drive, and developing a sensible approach to drug health and education. Our crew have been campaigning around a range of issues including pathetic public transport in the west, getting a fair go for the west in terms of services and infrastructure and more recently, some of the major environmental issues we face like pollution, overdevelopment, and the third runway.

What’s your connection to the area?

My electorate office is in Braybrook. It’s a friendly, down-to-earth, multicultural community. When I need to clear my head, I walk in Cranwell Park and head down to the

Maribyrnong River. That always grounds me – being in parliament is a great privilege but tends to have the opposite effect.

What do you like about where you live?

I love living in western Melbourne because it’s unpretentious, multicultural and vibrant. We have great communities and some wonderful green spaces and waterways, but we need the government to fairly fund services like education, housing, health services and transport in the west. As we say – “the west is the best, but it gets so much less”.

BY DAVID FALCONE

READY, SET, BUILD! 31 WILDLIFE CIRCUIT, FRASER RISE

• Titled and ready to build • Situated in a brand new estate – Taylors Run • Land size measuring approx. 238m2 • 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

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

We need better public transport, especially more buses and we need a trainline to the airport because too many people have to drive to Tullamarine every day.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

At work, our local refuelling stop is the Hop and Spice restaurant in Braybrook. It’s a Sri Lankan place, with fantastic food at a great price.

Sunshine is also an awesome shopping and foodie destination. I’ve travelled abroad quite a bit and never been anywhere that has the diversity of food and culture that we maybe take for granted here in the west.

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

I was rather surprised to find out in April that I was one of 200 Australian politicians that have been sanctioned and banned for life from entering Russia! Not sure what I did to offend Putin.

Trees for west schools

Schools in Melbourne’s west were part of an effort to boost the region’s tree canopy cover and create more green spaces.

More than 2500 trees were delivered to 52 local primary and secondary schools as part Schools Tree Day on Friday, July 26.

Greater Western Water (GWW) provided each participating school with up to 50 native trees to plant on its premises.

The program aims to increase the number of trees in the west.

GWW strategy and partnerships general managerKessiaThomsonsaidthe initiative would help raise awareness of the benefits of green spaces.

“Trees provide more shade, canopy cover and animal habitats. They keep our region cool, improve air quality and enhance local liveability,” she said.

“It’s great to see our local schools, from Gisborne to Manor Lakes, getting involved and contributing to a greener, healthier western region.

“Initiatives such as these provide students with an opportunity to learn in an active environment while highlighting the important role they can play in creating a brighter, greener future.”

The Trees for Schools program is a partnership between GWW, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, and 11 local councils through the More Trees for a Cooler Greener West program and Greening the West.

Details: www.gww.com.au/about/ community/trees-schools

Ishita, from Suzanne Cory High School in Werribee. (Supplied)

Western Metro MP David Ettershank. Ljubica Vrankovic) 423559_01

Food shortage squeeze

DemandontheAsylumSeekerResourceCentre

(ASRC) community foodbank has surged by 43 per cent in recent months, according to the centre’s submission to a state government food security inquiry.

The Inquiry into Food Security in Victoria is considering the impacts, drivers of and solutions for food security in Victoria.

Initssubmission,theASRCsaiditsfoodbank supported 1568 households (3769 individuals) with food and groceries in the past 12 months and served over 9600 hot meals from its community kitchen in Footscray.

ASRC head of systemic change Jana Favero said the foodbank was started in 2001 to respond to food insecurity that people seeking asylum and refugees were facing in the community.

“Sadly,thedemandforourfoodbankservices persists 23 years later and it is continuing to increase and people seeking asylum continue to be some of the most marginalised in our community,” she said.

“Charities, such as the ASRC, who are steppingintotryandmeetpeople’sbasicneeds are best placed to advise on the policy and budgetary measures required to tackle food security and avoid people being forced into greater poverty and destitution.”

The ASRC said asylum seekers being denied work rights in Australia was one of the key barriers to food security. The ASRC estimates that as many as 20 per cent of people seeking asylum don’t have work rights at any given time.

The centre said cuts to social support for people seeking asylum was also making an impact.

ASRC client Jane, who did not want her surname published, said she has been supported by the centre since 2018.

“I have two young children and we could

not manage without the support of the ASRC foodbank. I don’t have work rights, and the place we rent costs a lot of money for us with bills as well,” she said. “Before I was able to accesstheASRCFoodbank,Ihadgonewithout food before. Once I went for one week with no food, just living on water. Now I know that I can have enough fresh vegetables and food to feed my family for a whole week.”

ASRC humanitarian services manager Nina Field said food security was one vital part of supporting the wellbeing of people seeking asylum.

“The lack of food security our clients and their families face causes a vicious cycle and exacerbates a person’s poor health and limits theirabilitytorecoverfromtraumaandrebuild their lives,” she said.

“Every day we have queues at our centre for people who need support with feeding their families, and we know we’re not the only charity struggling to meet demand. It’s really time for our state and federal governments to stepupandtakeresponsibilityforthepeoplein our communities that are deserving of fair and compassionate treatment.”

GRUFFALO PLUSH & BOOKS

‘Phone down, look up’ plea

New data shows thousands of train passengers across Victoria are put at risk every year due to close calls with pedestrians at level crossings.

The state government is urging Victorians to take care and pay attention when walking near trains or level crossings with the beginning of Rail Safety Week.

The themes this year are ‘Pause your tunes. Look for trains’ and ‘Phone down, look up’.

Last year, there were more than 570 near misses across Metro and V/Line networks that required train drivers to take emergency procedures and stop the train as quickly as possible.

A train travelling at full speed of 110KM/H takes more than 400 metres to come to a complete stop and can cause lasting trauma for everyone involved, including employees, their families, passengers, and members of the public who witness the incidents.

MetroTrainschiefexecutiveRaymond O’Flaherty said taking risks around trains was a dangerous gamble.

“Amoment’sinattentionaroundtrains can be devastating. Trains can approach quickly and they can take a long time to stop,” he said.

In 2023 there were almost 3000 incidents of trespassing on the network, or more than eight per day.

Trespassers cause significant disruptions on the network, and delay thousands of passengers while operators check the line to ensure it is safe to resume services.

Huyen Nguyen - Manh at the ASRC’s foodbank. (Damjan Janevski) 410635_03

Dancing in a line

TheU3ABrimbankrunsprogramsforseniors all across Brimbank and Melton.

Standing for University of the Third Age, the U3A group encourages active retirement, and offers a number of programs to every resident, retired or not, aged 50 and above.

Every Thursday, the group runs a line dancing session at the Sydenham Neighbourhood House at 11am. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski stopped by to capture some of the fun.

DRIVERS NEEDED

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Are you an early bird with a small van or good size car? We are preparing for future needs and looking for dedicated drivers to join our team!

Position: Delivery Driver

Location: Ravenhall Warehouse

Task: Ongoing delivery of newspapers/magazines to key local outlet locations

Hours: Early start, possible multiple days week

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Reliable and punctual

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Interested? Email us at Fermax to learn more and apply!

Grant to help young leaders

Caroline Springs’ Rotary club is among the community organisations and charities across Melbourne’s north-west to share in $90,000 from the Tobin Brothers.

The Rotary club received $1000 for its Rotary Youth Leadership Award, a leadership experienceforlocalyouthstobuildconnections and learn new skills.

District youth chair Dr Nivedita Nagarale spoke on radio station Magic 1278 and said the donation would go towards an initiative that invested in young people in the community.

“It’s an internationally run program by Rotary clubs all over the world. Our club is

sponsoring a candidate to help develop their leadership qualities and strengthen their personal development,” Dr Nagarale said.

Caroline Springs president Ronald Moss said the generosity of Tobin Brothers was a heart warming gesture which was greatly appreciated.

“Theywantedtogivebacktolocalcommunity volunteers and schools by recognising the amazing work they do,” he said.

Foodbank St Albans, St Albans Barefoot BowlsClub,StevensvillePrimarySchoolandSt Albans Secondary College were also recipients of the donation in the Brimbank area.

Representatives from Tobin Brothers and Rotary Caroline Springs. (Supplied)

Tutor Jean Dooley leading the lines. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 424045

Cannabis testing change mooted

Legalise Cannabis Victoria Western Metropolitan MPs David Ettershank and Rachel Payne have welcomed the state government’s commitment to consider a legal defence for medicinal cannabis prescription holders who screen positive at roadside drug testing stops.

Mr Ettershank said they were pleased the state government, opposition and crossbench MPs all supported the motion.

“We were happy to support a government amendment that commits to a consultation process with key government, legal and community stakeholders, and then report back on October 18,“ he said.

The psychoactive effect of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the main

component of cannabis - lasts only a few hours for an average dose.

However, THC is a fat soluble compound which can store in fat cells meaning it can remain in a person’s system for a matter of days or even months while a person in all other factors is sober.

Victoria Police at roadside testing use a saliva drug test which can detect the usage of marijuana up to 24 hours after usage.

If not detected, the police can ask for an impairment assessment and follow up with a blood or urine test - the latter can come back positive for cannabis use within the previous 30 days depending on level of use.

A first time detection through a saliva test penalises the driver with a six month

suspension.

Mr Ettershank said the state government’s main priority should be considering the Victorians who use medicinal cannabis to manage their pain.

“I’ve heard from people using medicinal cannabis. who say that for the first time their pain is under control and there are no side effects, but that now they live in fear – scared they will be tested by police and lose their licence,“ he said.

“I also implore the Premier to consider the many Victorians who struggle with pain and want to try medicinal cannabis.

“They have had adverse reactions to opioids and benzodiazepines – but our uncompromising road laws are a deterrent.“

Young west musicians take FLIGHT

Western suburbs musicians took centre stage at Fitzroy’s The Evelyn Hotel recently as part of a showcase for emerging culturally and linguistically diverse and First Nations musicians.

Sunshine West’s Chantelle Afatasi, Wyndham Vale’s Urlik Mageza and Hillside’s Itunu Akin Ojelabi performed in The Boite’s portfoilo program showcase, alongside four otherartistsfromacrossMelbourneonJuly28.

The portfolio project is a professional development program designed to empower andgivecreativeandnetworkingopportunities, resources, skills and assets for artists.

The Boite’s project manager and marketing officer, Ellen Chan said FLIGHT is a personal triumph and a source of local pride.

“We have held FLIGHT for the past three years as a celebration of the end of the annual portfolio emerging artists-creative

development project. It’s also considered a showcase as we try our hardest to entice music industry professionals into the room to witness our brilliant artists and hopefully foster future working opportunities and connections.”

“The artists all really exceeded expectations with the calibre of their performances too, with several artists stepping up their stage performance to a new level as a result of the work they did in the program.”

The audience witnessed multi-genre performances featuring live-looping, neo-soul, folk-pop, psych-funk, soul, Latin rhythms, and cultural instruments and special headline act, Chikchika.

“The long-standing mature age Boite audiencemembersattendedandlovedallofit,”

Ms Chan said.

“The overall attendance was fantastic. We had over 150 people come through in the

audience including friends, family, funding bodies, existing Boite audiences and people who happened to walk past.”

“Through this event we brought a lot of audiences from diverse backgrounds who wouldn’tnormallyattendvenuesinFitzroylike

The Evelyn. FLIGHT was also an intercultural and multi-genre event which brought a lot of audiences from different artist communities, including Persian, African, First Nations, Samoanandmoretotheevent.Havingdifferent audiences in the same space as each other fosters cultural understanding and awareness which is really important. It’s also symbolic of how programming an event/festival that is full of cultural diversity isn’t difficult! Artists just need performance opportunities and the support given to them.”

Afraa Kori

Ms Payne said it was important to remember the roadside saliva tests do not determine whether a driver is impaired.

“The tests used by police detect the presence ofTHC-oftenjustsmalltracesfrommedication consumed hours or days before that have no impact on a person’s driving,“ she said.

“As the law stands, ordinary Victorians are losing their licence just for taking a medication as directed by their doctor while there is nothing wrong with their driving.“

Patients across the country have received 1.2 million prescriptions for medicinal cannabis since 2019, with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare finding one in two consumers of medical cannabis use it to treat chronic pain.

Bush kinder grants open

The state government is giving more children the chance to learn through play at the beach, in the park or in local bushland, with grants to expand the number of bush kinder programs now open.

Bush kinder gives children the chance to explore and play in a natural environment while gaining independence, developing curiosity and learning through guided outdoor activities and creative play.

Up to 150 grants of $6000 are available to help eligible kindergartens establish bush kinder programs.

Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn said outdoor play is proven to support a child’s learning and development

“From staying active to connecting with nature, bush kinder has so many benefits for children. That’s why we’re expanding these programs across Victoria and helping our kids’ curiosity, creativity and independence to grow,” she said.

By increasing the amount of time children spend outside and in natural environments,bushkinderprogramscan help improve children’s co-ordination and endurance, build their interest in science, and extend their confidence and capabilities in new environments.

Applications for the second round of bush kinder grants close on Tuesday, September 3, at 5 pm.

Details: vic.gov.au/bush-kindergrants-program

The Boite Portfolio Project graduates. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Grasslands planting day

Join IPC Health, Brimbank council and the Friends of Iramoo to plant native wildflowers and grasses. Help regenerate the beautiful and unique basalt plains grasslands and support your local environment and wildlife to flourish. On Thursday, August 15, from 10am to noon, at the St Albans grasslands on Howardson’s Circuit.

■ Saira Karim, saira.karim@ipchealth.com. au or 0490 759 270

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.

Card games

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

■ Leisa, 0425 768 808

Keilor Day View Club

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

meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies.

■ Robyn, 0425 387 880

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

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Deer Park Lions Club

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

■ Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass

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

■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

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

■ Roma, 0435 991 064

Seniors lunch

Deer Park Branch of National Seniors Australia hosts a lunch on the third Friday of each month at different venues. The group also arranges activities each month, sometimes to the theatre, morning

melodies, train or bus trip. The group also holds a general meeting at The Club in Caroline Springs on the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm. Locals are invited to join in for lunch or just attend the meeting and make new friends.

■ Pamela, pcostello46@hotmail.com

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

The Gap on Graham

The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years, at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old.

■ Val, 0414 769 605

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

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

Melton Bridge Club

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

If you like playing cards this is for you.

■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group

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

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

■ Ann, 0425 705 150

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Elliot, 5, who has raised $700 for the Cancer Council by cutting his hair and donating it. (Damjan Janevski) 424118_01

Students prepare for an Odyssey

By Anne Parisianne

Community members can watch Bayside P-12 College students’ latest show, The Odyssey, at Altona City Theatre this August.

The performance will tell the story of King Odysseus’ journey home after the Trojan War.

Set against the backdrop of the ancient Mediterranean, the story follows Odysseus as he battles monsters and the god Poseidon to return to his homeland, Ithaca, and reunite with his wife and son.

Volunteer performing arts technical

advisor Nicholas McQuade said the students collaborated on the story and contributed their own ideas to the stage production.

The script is not solely written by the staff, as the students have actively participated in shaping what they want to see on stage, he added.

“They’ve crafted the story along the journey, which, you know, not many other schools get that opportunity,“ McQuade said.

“I think it encouraged them to be creative.“

About 70 students from years 7 to 12 will perform in the show.

“They’ve been spending hours after school tirelessly rehearsing, practising and making sure that they get the details right,“ McQuade said.

The Altona City Theatre will host three performances at 7pm on Wednesday, August 21,Thursday,August22,andFriday,August23.

Details: bayside.vic.edu.au/the-odyssey

on show in the exhibition. (Supplied)

Students’ hard work goes on show

The artworks of St Albans Secondary College VCE Students are set to shine in an exhibition at Fortyfive Downstairs gallery.

St Albans Secondary College is a multicultural school with over 53 cultures represented.

Students bring their own unique cultural perspective and aesthetic to the creation of works.

When students at St Albans Secondary College engage in the creative process there are a range of intercultural experiences that influence the resulting works.

This then enables students to appreciate different cultural values and perspectives.

Head of visual and performing arts Nick D’Aglas said he was proud of all students and staff who helped to get the exhibition prepared.

“The art staff at this school include the current writer of the VCE Art Making and Exhibiting textbook, Mr Michael Bowden and Miss Della Butler who came to teaching after establishingacareerinculturalorganisations,” he said.

“The exhibition is a rare glimpse into the potential that is unlocked when we are able to

embrace cultural diversity.

“We have had a longstanding relationship with Fortyfive Downstairs and we were absolutely delighted to be invited, as the first state school, to exhibit in their gallery.”

The works of St Albans Secondary College’s talented VCE art, design and technology students will be on exhibition in Melbourne’s CBD from August 13.

Opening night is from 5pm to 7pm, at the Fortyfive Downstairs Gallery, 45 Flinders Lane. The exhibition will be viewable until August 24.

Bringing Dr Seuss to life at Thomas Carr

Thomas Carr College is preparing to turn heads with its production of ’Seussical’ later this month.

In preparation for the premier on Thursday, August 29, students and staff have been honing their skills three to four times a week after school and on Sundays.

The message of helping a friend, not giving up, the fragile sweetness of the natural world and the pure power of the imagination made Dr Seuss a fitting theme.

Between cast and crew, 45 students across years 7-12 are involved in what is truly a team effort.

Cast, backstage crew, lighting and sound

engineers, makeup artists and animators all work hard to make sure the production runs smoothly.

Gracing the stage is an exciting and frightening adventure, but the cast have taken on the challenge with enthusiasm.

Abby Fernando is playing Cat in the Hat and said she loves performing.

“I love playing different characters and getting out of my comfort zone. I love the feelingofbeingonstageandhearingthecrowd applaud, it’s great,“ she said.

In the spirit of not giving up, the cast have persevered through the trials and tribulations of performing.

An evening of true crime

True crime enthusiasts in the west are in for a treat.

At 6.30pm on Friday August 16, former homicide detective Charlie Bezzina will host a talk about one of themosthigh-profilecasesinVictorian history at Melton Entertainment Park.

The Frankston serial killer, Paul Denyer, murdered three women in the early 1990s before being arrested by police and charged.

MrBezzina,whowasontheinfamous case, said people can look forward to a detailedbreakdownoftheinvestigation not offered anywhere else before.

“The story has been told many a time but here you have an opportunity to hear from the investigator involved as opposed to hearing it through the media,” he said.

“A significant amount of people have read about it over a number of years but here’s a chance to hear about it live.”

A thrilling combination of evidence, interview footage, and key elements of the investigation that led to the charges will all be revealed to illustrate the depth and gravity of the crime, Mr Bezzina said. “The investigator’s point ofview,fromfindingthefirstmurderto finally making the arrest the day after we found one of the victims, will show what is involved in such a significant investigation.”

Morbid curiosity is an undeniable part of human nature and Mr Bezzina will provide an insight into a real world example.

“This is one of those rare moments –and thank goodness it’s rare – that we have a serial killer amongst us,” he said.

Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions about the case and other crime-related matters.

Tickets are $45 and include a meal. For bookings, email enquiries@ mepark.com.au or call 8746 0600 Eddie Russell

Sophie McCavanagh, performing as Maizy Labird, said performing on stage has its challenges.

“I can get a bit of stage fright especially singing in front of people, but I have realised throughout this that everyone is in the same boat, and no one is here to judge you. Everyone is really supportive,“ Sophie said.

Seussical win run across three nights from Thursday, August 29- Saturday, August 31, with a 7pm start time.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1231436

Jaidyn Kennedy

Thomas Carr College students Sophie, Abby and Gorgi are starring in the school’s production of Seussical. (Damjan Janevski) 422491_01

Bayside P-12 College students Bia (front), Maia, Amelia, Tom, Hayley, Katrin and Jeremy. (Damjan Janevski) 422449_01

Students with some of the artwork that will be

Party for four googly-eyed giants

It’s party time at Werribee Open Range Zoo following the arrival of four new charismatic ostriches who can bust a move and have the keen desire for a peck.

The 13-year-old curious male big-birds –Thando, Kambuni, Zazu and Orville – were recently introduced to the zoo’s savannah and are turning heads with their tall physique, dark feathery plumage and handsome big eyes.

Werribee Open Range Zoo savannah keeper Resistance Manyepera said the bustling ostriches are bringing a flurry of hectic energy and enthusiastically exploring their new surroundings.

“These four boys all have different personalities,” Mr Manyepera said.

“Zazu is the dominant male in the group and can often be seen patrolling around the savannah. He also likes to dance too.”

Despite their reputation as somewhat awkward birds, ostriches engage in an impressive dance during courtship. Zazu fluffs up his feathers and spreads his wings wide, creating an impressive visual display. He then performs a series of intricate movements, including bobbing his head, swaying from side to side, and gracefully lifting and lowering his wings.

Mr Manyepera said the ostriches have quite a bit of competition on the Savannah – a home they share with six other species – so they often like to showcase their confidence by puffing out their chests.

& Services

“Sometimes they spread their wings out and stand tall to try and look much bigger among the other animals,” Mr Manyepera said.

“This is really interesting because this is the first time these ostriches are seeing giraffe, rhinoceros, zebra and all the other animals we havedownonoursavannah.So,theyareslowly learning how to interact them, understanding which animals they can get close to and which animals they should stay away from.”

Thecommonostrichisnativetosub-Saharan Africa, where they inhabit a range of habitats

including hot savannahs, deserts and open woodlands. It is the world’s largest bird, growing up to 2.7 metres tall and weighing almost 150 kilograms. They are also the world’s fastest flightless bird and the fastest of all two-legged animals on the planet, running at speeds reaching 69 km/h.

Werribee Open Range Zoo is now home to a flock of eight male ostriches. Visitors have the opportunity to see the four new arrivals on a savannah bus tour that run throughout the day and are included with entry.

The ostrich is the world’s largest bird, growing up to 2.7 metres tall and weighing almost 150 kilograms.

Four new ostriches are calling Werribee Open Range Zoo home. (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 UK broadcaster (1,1,1)

3 Surplus (11)

9 Products of a calculator (7)

10 Seraphic (7)

11 Hormonal disease (8)

12 Brand (6)

14 Belonging to him (3)

15 Unkempt (11)

17 Travel review site (4,7)

19 A metal (3)

20 People of the Czech Republic (6)

21 Unblemished (8)

24 Treachery (7)

25 Japanese paper art form (7)

26 Heavy construction vehicles (11)

27 Vapour (3)

DOWN

1 (Of the eyes) inflamed to redness (9)

2 Pirate’s sword (7)

3 Food dressing (5)

4 Desiring ownership (10)

5 US politician, Paul – (4)

6 Astronomical unit of distance (5-4)

7 Forbidden by law (7)

8 Type of agave (5)

13 Daughter of Zeus (10)

15 1974 Charles Bronson film (5,4)

16 Ancestral lines (9)

18 Wrong (2,5)

19 Indonesian sea cucumber dish (7)

20 Thicket (5)

22 Counterparts (5)

23 Keyboard error (4)

the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

15 words: Good 22 words: Very good 30 words: Excellent Today’s

1 Which country produces the most wine?

2 What is the name of the media production company founded by Reese Witherspoon (pictured) in 2016?

3 Which Olivia Rodrigo song was the most streamed on Spotify in 2021?

4 Astigmatism affects what body part?

5 The Shinano River is the longest and widest river of which country?

6 Sandra Bullock starred in which 2018 post-apocalyptic thriller film?

7 Udon, soba and glass are all types of what?

8 Who wrote the Shadow and Bone young adult fantasy series?

9 Butterfly pea flower tea is naturally what colour? 10 And what colour does it become when lemon juice is added to it?

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 8/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

Genesis G70 looks ‘big and bold’

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Although it’s been on sale in overseas markets since 2016 and in Australia since 2019, the Genesis brand remains largely unknown here.

During our week-long road test of the Genesis G70 we regularly had to explain that it wastheluxurysub-brandofHyundai,akinthe relationship between Lexus and Toyota.

TheG70isamidsizedsportssedanorstation wagon, the latter variant coming with the rather ostentatious title of Shooting Brake. The name harks back to pre-automotive days and referred to horse-drawn carriages that were used for transporting aristocratic shooting parties and all their gear.

G70 competes against cars like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

The latest upgrade, launched in November 2023 added Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Genesis Connected Services and Over The Air (OTI) software upgrade capability. New generation Electronic Control Suspension provided enhanced ride and handling.

Styling

The exterior of the G70 sedan is big and bold with neat cutouts for the wide-set LED headlights and black air intake vents. In line withthecurrentsedandesigntrendsit’salmost coupe-like in profile.

The MY2024 update added new emblems, redesigned wheels and additional exterior colours.

Interior

The inside of the G70 oozes class and quality with quilted leather seats and door trim.

Front seat space is fine with good leg and headroom but legroom could be compromised if there are tallish rear seat occupants. A tall transmission tunnel effectively limits rear carrying capacity to a pair of adults.

We found front storage to be limited with a small centre console box, two cupholders and smartphone charger in the front not leaving room for other items like key fobs.

Bootcapacityisafairlymodest330litres.The Shooting Brake extends it to 465 litres. Both have space saver wheels beneath the boot floor.

Engines/Transmissions

Genesis G70 comes with the choice of two turbocharged petrol engines, a single-turbo four-cylinder 2.0-litre and twin-turbo 3.3-litre V6.

The 2.0 T-GDi, is a 2.0-litre four with direct fuel injection and a single, twin-scroll turbocharger that produces 179kW of power at 6200 rpm and 353Nm of torque from 1400 to 3500 revs.

The 3.3 T-GDi V6 has a capacity of 3.3 litres withdirectfuelinjectionwithtwinsingle-scroll turbochargers. Peak power of 272kW comes in at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 510Nm with a nice spread between 1300 and 4500 rpm so most drivers will have the engine at peak torque all the time.

Both engines require 95 RON petrol. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres for the 2.0T and 10.2 L/100 km for the 3.3T.

Power is transferred to the road in both models through an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Both engines are Euro5 emissions compliant and run on 95 RON unleaded petrol. Fuel consumption is listed at 9.1 litres per 100 kilometres for the 2.0T and 10.4 L/100 km for the 3.3T.

Infotainment

Display is through an embedded 10.25-inch touchscreen that gives access to Radio Data System (RDS), satellite navigation SUNA live traffic updates; DAB+ digital radio; AUX/USB audio input; Bluetooth audio streaming; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility; Bluetooth phone connectivity; and wireless phone charging.

The 12.3-inch instrument cluster has full LCD display with 30 functions and three

display themes.

There are four USB ports, single USB-A and USB-CinthefrontandtwomoreUSB-Cinthe rear.

Both models get a 15-speaker Lexicon by Harman system with a 660W 11-channel external digital amplifier and Quantum Logic Surround Sound.

Safety

Standard safety features in both Genesis G70 include 10 airbags, advanced ABS brakes with Brake Assist and Multi Collision Braking, Manual Speed Limit Assist, Forward and Reverse Parking Distance Warning and Rear View Parking Guidance,

The standard Genesis Active Safety Control system adds Blind-Spot Collision Warning,

Driver Attention Warning; Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detectionandlane-changeoncomingfunction; High Beam Assist; Lane Keeping Assist; Rear Cross-TrafficCollisionAvoidanceAssist,Smart CruiseControlwithStopandGofunction,and Surround View Monitor.

Pedestrian safety features add an active bonnet lift system and backup light guide function.

Driving Genesis G70 shares a number of components, includingthe3.3-litreengine,withtherecently discontinued Kia Stinger.

WhiletheG703.3Tisaimedmoreatfamilies than the sportier Stinger. Around town it’s like

driving in a smallish limousine; smooth, quiet and comfortable.

G70 has five drive modes: Smart, Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom settings. In normal driving it’s at its best in Comfort rather than Sport because it still has plenty of grunt on offer.

On the open road we went for Sport, where the steering is sharp, tight and responsive. There is good low-end acceleration with only a mild hint of turbo lag.

Genesis G70 provides excellent levels of comfort and convenience for the driver with multiple powered seat and lumbar adjustment options including inflatable side bolsters that are automatically raised when the Sport Drive mode is engaged, and just as important for long-distance driving, lowered when reset to Comfort.

Both Genesis models have been tested in local conditions to come up with an Australian-specific chassis, suspension and steering settings.

Fuel consumption in the 3.3T is listed at 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, we averaged 11.3 L/100km during our test. The 2.0T drops down to 9.0 L/100km.

Summing Up

During our week-long test the Genesis G70 impressed us with its styling and driving pleasure. It’s a solid contender in the affordable premium-car field, although it’s doubtful that potential prestige car buyers see the South Koreans in the same light as the Brits and Germans.

The Genesis brand remains largely unknown in Australia. (Pictures: Supplied)

Locals shine at the Olympics

Here’s a quick look at how the locals faired in the past week at the Olympics.

Artistic swimming

Australia finished ninth overall in the team event with a score of 728.43. The team, which included Wyndham’s Putu Anastasia Kusmawan finished with a team personal best in the team acrobatic routine, scoring 211.97. It was 15.35 points higher than their world cup performance in May. The overall team score was 44.89 higher than their May score, also a team personal best.

Athletics

Linden Hall’s campaign came to a disappointing end in the 1500 metres. A calf injury prevented Hall from reaching her best, finishing eighth in the repechage. Joseph Deng’s men’s 800 metres also finished in the repechage, finishing in fifth spot. Hurdler Celeste Mucci was another not to go past the repechage, finishing sixth in her race in a time of 13 seconds flat.

Basketball

The Australian Opals have returned to the medals for the first time since 2012. After losing to the Americans for a shot at a gold medal, the Opals bounced back against Belgium on Sunday night. Both teams had their moments in the first three quarters, with

Belgium leading by one point heading into the final quarter. The Opals took control in the last but couldn’t shake the Belgians. A couple of mistakes from Belgium and Steph Talbot block sealed an 85-81 win for the Opals. Craigieburn’s Ezi Magbegor played the game of her life with 30 points and 13 rebounds. She was named in the second all-star five team. Skipper Tess Madgen, who came up big late, finished with 10 points.

Basketball

The Boomers Olympic campaign is over after losing to Serbia in overtime in the quarter finals. The Boomers jumped Serbia early on and led by 24 points in the first half. The Serbians bought the margin back and led at three quarter time with scores level at the end of regular time. A 13-8 overtime period gave the Serbians the win, 95-90. Josh Giddey scored 25 points, while Dante Exum scored 12.

Taekwondo

Leon Sejranovic fell short of his goal of a medal in the 80 kilograms men’s event. He lost his round of 16 match 2-0, before losing in the repechage 2-0 to Edi Hrnic. In the 58 kilograms men’s event, Bailey Lewis lost to Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi, 2-0 in the quarter finals.

Bears bounce back to claim a grand final berth

By Tara Murray

Burnside Heights put a disappointing first finals performance behind it and stormed into the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 grand final on Saturday.

The minor premiers showed more of the form we had become used to this season in Saturday’s preliminary final win against Airport West.

Four goals to none in the first quarter set the game up and from there the Bears confidence grew.

They continued to build the lead in every quarter on the way to a 12.11 (83)-0.5 (5) win.

Bears coach Michael Davis was thrilled with the result.

“We controlled the contrast and took our chances,” he said. “We worked as a group and it’s been four years in the making.

“We’ve been working towards it and we’re now in a second grand final and it is pretty special.”

Davis said despite being disappointed the week before they had a lot of belief in what they could do and tried to put that performance behind them and focus on Airport West.

He said the group was really switched on from the start.

“We were in control and we had options,” he said. “ We rewarded our players and got it forward and were able to kick goals.

“Early in the season we struggled to convert, we were able to be 5.5 at half time, it was good to be a bit better.”

Davis said with the game in their control at the main break, the group were up and about and keen to get the job done.

Bella Negri kicked four goals and Kayla Ravanello kicked three goals.

Davis said their midfield led the way in the win.

He highlighted Krissy Trang, Ebony Stevens, Payton-Ani Ozols, Holly McGregor and Bethany Correia.

The Bears will now face Greenvale in the grand final at Coburg City Oval at 2.25pm.

The Jets will be playing off in a third straight grand final, while the Bears are playing in their first grand final since its first season in 2018 when there was one division.

The two teams have split the four matches between them 2-2, with the Jets winning the most recent match, the qualifying final.

Davis said they were expecting a hard contest in the grand final. He said they

wanted to keep this week as normal as possible and try and enjoy it.

“The home team has lost all four of the matches so far,” he said. “This week there will be some venom [following the qualifying final loss].

“We’ll make sure the girls are on top of things and not looking too far ahead. We’ll keep it light hearted and enjoy it.

“We don’t want to play the game in our heads between now and then.”

The Bears men’s division 2 side had the bye

on the weekend. They’ll face Taylors Lakes in the final round on Saturday.

The winner will finish on top with the two teams to also face each other the following week for a spot in the grand final.

Ezi Magbegor dominated the bronze medal game. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Holly Mcgregor. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 422916_07

Blyth set to step up at the Devils

New Keilor Park coach Colby Blyth is excited to be back in a senior coaching role.

Blyth joined the Devils as an assistant coach for the Essendon District Football League division 1 season this year.

Last week, the club announced he would step up into the senior role, replacing Leigh Coles.

Blyth said there was always a possibility he might make the transition into the senior role when he took on his current position, but nothing had been locked in.

“It is good to be back,” he said. “There was a plan in motion to see how everything was going and see how it went to start with.

“I thought I would try being at Keilor Park and see where it goes.

“It’s ended in the senior coaching role and I’m excited for the challenge and being at Keilor Park makes it more exciting.”

Blyth spent two years as the senior coach at Sunshine Heights before crossing to the Devils.

Before then he played in South Australia and Queensland.

Blyth said having been at Keilor Park for 12 months, he’d had the chance to get to know the players and get that knowledge and understanding of the club.

It hasn’t been the season the Devils had been after.

They’ve had just one win for the year and will be relegated back to division 2. The Devils finished their season on Saturday against Moonee Valley, after deadline.

Blyth said it had definitely been a trying year.

“Most of the things have been out of our control,” he said. “Injuries have depleted us and it’s taken on us.

“We’ve had players miss with work commitments and travel and it all compounded and put us in the position we are in now.

“It’s unfortunate but we’ve put some plans in place and some blocks to get back up there.”

Blyth said he wanted to help further instil a culture at the club and would get the playing group to understand his theory.

“We want to get that excitement back around the group,” he said. “We’ll look at how we can move forward the next few years.”

The Devils have announced a number of re-signings in positive news for the club. Skipper Daylan Kempster is the biggest re-signing announced.

Blyth said that was exciting for the club and a key with the club lacking juniors.

Ahead of the club’s final match, Blyth said they were hoping to finish the season off on a high.

“We’ll have a few ins this week,” he said.

“We want to have a crack.

“We don’t have footy for a while after this. We haven’t been too far off in some games.

“We’vemadesomeinroadsandthere’ssome positive signs out there.”

Falcons remain on top

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons dominance in the Victorian Netball League championship has continued, as they won their eighth title.

The team to beat all season, the Falcons showed exactly why in Wednesday night’s grand final.

FacingBoroondaraExpress,theonlyteamto beattheFalconsbackinroundone,theFalcons found something late to come away with the 64-53 win.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said it was a relief in the end to get the victory.

“Ithinkwe’vebeenanexcellentteamallyear, so we really wanted to finish it off,” she said. “WejustlikewinningmorethanlosingIguess. We work hard too and we want a reward at the end of all of that.

“We’ve done 106 sessions this year, it’s a nice reward to end of it all.”

On Wednesday night, the Falcons started off the better of the two teams.

A couple of Montana Holmes intercepts got the Falcons out to a 19-14 quarter time lead.

That extended to nine goals at the main break.

Lind said bringing Mel Oloamanu onto the court in goalkeeper in the first quarter really helped them bring size and physicality.

She said they struggled defensively a little bit to create turnovers with the Express being

really patient.

The Express stuck around and reduced the margin to six goals at the last break.

It was back to three goals three minutes into the final quarter and stayed that way until the last five minutes.

“I was surprisingly settled,” Lind said. “I just thought if we could get a couple of goals ahead again, we would settle, which we did.

“Soli Ropati in critical moments did some excellent work defensively to turn it over and get us back into it.

“We probably just got a bit stagnant in the third and in patches in the last … We probably stood still too much to be honest.

“Weneededtoutiliseourattackstrategyabit better and we did it. We failed to except in the last five minutes.”

With the game on the line the Falcons had to make a change with Oloamanu having to come off with the blood rule.

SussuLiaiaccidentlycameonintogoalkeeper instead of making the switch to goal defence and it paid off with her getting two turnovers.

Jane Cook finished with 50 goals for the Falcons. Lind said she thought Cook was their most consistent player on the night.

Lind said it caps off an outstanding season for the star shooter and that she did a lot right in the grand final.

Montana Holmes was awarded the best on court for a second straight grand final.

MonCon joins Geelong United

Dual sport superstar Monique Conti will join Geelong United for its inaugural WNBL season.

Conti, who is from Melbourne’s north-west, will make the move to Unitedhavingpreviouslybeenpartofthe Melbourne Boomers team for 2023-24.

The 165cm guard averaged 8.1 points, three rebounds and two assists per game in 23 games with the Boomers last season.

As someone who has previously been a part of new beginnings with the AFLW, Conti is ready for the challenge and for what she can offer to her new Geelong home.

“I’m really excited for the fresh start in Geelong,“ she said. “We’re putting together a great group, so I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.“

Conti made her WNBL debut in 2016,. ShehaswonaWNBLchampionshipin 2020, as well as being crowned rookie of the year in 2017.

Head coach Chris Lucas, who has guided Conti through previous seasons, is looking forward to once again playing a part in her WNBL journey.

Lind said she thought Holmes had an excellent first quarter.

“Montana’s defensive effort in that first quarter was exceptional and she got lots of hand to ball.

“She’s had a really hard year going between Mavericks and Falcons and really pushing herself from a training point.

“Good on her, she deserved it.”

ThepremiershipistheFalconsthirdinarow. In 2021, they were also on top of the ladder when the season ended early due to Covid-19.

Lindsaidithadbeenaseasonwheretheyhad got better as it went along.

She said there were several challenges off court and it had been a tough year.

“I think they’ve built really well across the season. I think we’ve used players really well., It’s been tricky, with Uneeq [Palavi] coming in and out all our Islanders coming in and out with the Pacific games

a few injuries across the season, losing Shimona [Jok] bringing Olivia [Cameron] in andtryingtobloodherinthesecondhalfandI thought it actually paid off for us.

“I think the community and connection between the girls got them all together. They’re probably actually one of the nicest teams we’ve ever worked with.

“Usually nice teams don’t win. They definitely share the love, that used to be one of our original mottos at Falcons.”

“I’mreallyhappytohaveMoniquejoin the new Geelong franchise,” he said.

“Her improvement last year, she really excelled and took on her role within the team. She’s super fit, she brings a presence on the floor, she can shoot the ball, and defensively she fits everything I want from her.“

Conti will combine her basketball commitments with those in the AFLW.

The Richmond star is the reigning league best and fairest winner.

Her AFLW accolades speak for themselves as an AFLW premiership player, AFLW grand final best on ground winner.

Tara Murray Colby Blyth (left) is Keilor Park’s new senior coach. (Supplied)

City West Falcons’ championship team. (Tara Murray)

Cats focused on finishing the job

Albion will be back in Western Region Football division 1 next season for the first time since 2019, but Cats have plenty of hard work to do first.

The Cats are one of three teams, along with Sunshine and Newport, that will be promoted to division 1 next season to make it a 12-team division 1 competition.

After just falling short in last season’s decider, the Cats are undefeated in their quest for the division 2 premiership this year.

Coach Blake Richards said it’s exciting for the club.

“Lastyearwegotthechancetogoupaswell, but the club decided it didn’t want to go up,” he said. “We were hoping to get the boys some success before going up. Now we’re ready to go up.”

The return to the top flight shows how far the club has come.

The club was relegated from division 1 after

the 2019 season after failing to win a game.

During the two Covid years the club struggled to get players to training, getting just 20 players at times.

They started the comeback in 2022 under James Doherty before making the grand final last year in Richards first year coaching the side.

“There has been a lot of hard work by the committee to get the club back where it is,” he said.

“It’s a credit to them and they stuck around and hopefully they will get some enjoyment out of it all.”

WhiletheCatsknowwheretheyareplaying next season, they are focused on finishing this year strongly.

Richards said they are clear with what they want to achieve.

“We want to win this flag,” he said. “It gives the boys some good members and friendships

for ever.

“It makes a big difference making a grand final, to winning a flag. We still have to make it first.”

With top spot locked up Albion is focused on making sure it’s firing for the right time of the year.

They were set to face North Sunshine on Saturday after deadline, before finishing the season against Sunshine Heights.

Richards said they had just about a full list to pick from with Jesse Cavanagh to return during the finals, in an added boost.

“We’ll do fitness work at training,” he said. “We’ll work on a couple of structures and look to add a couple of goals week to week.

“We want to get there [finals] without injuries. We should win those two games and work on some things.”

Barbuto sets up at Roos

By Tara Murray

New Sunshine coach Guy Barbuto is focusing on one week at a time in the Western Football League division 2 season.

Barbuto, who has been an assistant coach at the club Kangaroos, was appointed coach with three rounds remaining after Ben Chapman stood down.

He said he was excited for the challenge. “It was a bit unexpected but at the end of the day the position needed to be filled,” he said. “I’m happy to do it and I’ve been there week in, week out.

“It came around quicker than I had expected.”

Barbuto has been coaching since he was 18 firstly in the Essendon District Football League junior system and then with the Calder Cannons.

He decided to dip his toe into senior football this year feeling it was the right time, Barbuto said Chapman, who took over as

coachlastyear,hadlefttheminagoodposition.

“He’s a bit disappointed to walk away,” Work commitments took its toll on him and he was struggling to commit as he would have liked.”

Barbuto acknowledges its a weird situation walking into a coaching role during the season with the club primed to play finals.

“I rang my mum and dad and wife and they were like what the hell,” he said. “At the end of the day we still have a lot of work to do.

“We play Newport in round 18 and we have Tarneit this week.”

It was a big week for the Kangaroos, with the WFLannouncingthattheKangarooswouldbe one of three clubs promoted to division 1 for next season.

Barbuto said it was a massive thing for the club.

“That’s what the club has been aspiring to, which is awesome,” he said “The competition needed to be recalibrated to 12-12.

“There was obviously a gap in the division,

Sports shorts

VTCA

Dan Blatherwick has signed with St Albans for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior season. Blatherwick comes from Lincolnshire and Hucknall clubs and has made more than 500 runs and taken 24 wickets in the Nottinghamshire Premier League. He played with Lara last Australian summer in the Geelong Cricket Association, winning league and club best and fairests.

AFL

Western Jets Thomas McGuane, Oscar Ainworth and Finn Davis were named in the Victoria Metro young guns side that was in action on Saturday, The trial games assist with selection for the national AFL Futures Boys match, which will be played as a curtain-raiser to the AFL grand final. The futures match and trials will feature players born in 2007 who will be eligible for selection in the 2025 draft. Vic Metro faced Queensland in its trial match on Saturday.

NPL

Melbourne Knights Ivan Franjic will be handing up the boots. The Melbourne Knights captain-coach was set to play his last home game at Knights Stadium on Friday night. Franjic played 20 games for the Socceroos and had a long career in the A-League and overseas before returning to the Knights where he played as a junior and early in his senior career. The Knights entered the second last round in eighth spot, two points outside the top six.

VTCA

hopefully this week will help those sides.”

For the new coach, he’s not looking too far ahead of what may happen this season.

The Kangaroos only two losses have come against Albion which is undefeated.

“We want to continue the way we’ve gone about things and worry about this week.”

Saturday’s match with Tarneit, which was after deadline, was potentially a big one for the Kangaroos.

Star forward Nathan Carroll entered the game with 98 goals for the season.

ItwillbethefirsttimethatCarrollhaskicked 100 goals in the season.

Barbuto said they had hoped to get the 100 goal milestone out of the way against North Footscray.

He finished with five goals for the game.

“They had three to five players sitting on him,” he said. ”We’re looking forward to getting it out of the way.

“Hopefully it happens. He’s a good family man and has been a good acquisition for us.”

Caroline Springs has announced the re-signing of Roshan Laksiri for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 season. This season will be the fourth season he has been at the club. “His most recent outing saw him produce one of the best innings’ in Falcons history and we couldn’t be more excited to see his fierce competitiveness on display once again as we strive for the ultimate success in the coming months,” the Falcons said on social media.

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Tara Murray Nathan Doherty. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 418791_21

Nathan Carroll was going for goal 100 of the season.

(Ljubica Vrankovic) 410696_20

Thunder fall short in the decider

By Tara Murray

Keilor Thunder’s championship dreams fell short at the final hurdle in the National Basketball League 1 South women’s competition.

Having risen from 16th last season, the Thunder under Kristi Harrower became one of the dominant sides of the competition.

It made its first finals series and won through to its first grand final against the Waverley Falcons on Saturday afternoon.

The Thunder started the better of the two sides and managed to get out to a 10 point lead. Once the Falcons got into the game in the second quarter they were hard to stop, leading by two points at the main break.

The third quarter is the premiership quarter and that was when the game was decided as the Thunder went cold and struggled to put points on the board.

Keilor fought hard in the final quarter and got it back to within one basket more than once.

The Falcons though were able to steady to come away with the 87-82 win.

Thunder coach Kristi Harrower said they might have played their grand final game in the preliminary final.

“The girls played their hearts out and just wasn’t to be,” she said. “It was a tough game, it was physical.

“We probably just didn’t shoot the ball well like we did last week.”

Harrower said while they struggled with their shooting at times, she felt defensively they were also a little bit off at times.

She said allowing them to shoot 50 points in the first half killed them as they wanted to try and keep them in the 65-70 range for the whole game.

“Them having 50 in the first half, really hurt us and that was the biggest thing is trying to make sure that our defence was on point,” Harrower said.

“They shot the lights out from the three-point line. It’s disappointing.”

Harrower said the third quarter when they struggled from the perimeter was something they’d struggled with at times all season.

She said usually their defence is good enough to be able to hold that, but it wasn’t in the grand final.

Maddy Rocci and Isabelle Bourne scored 24 points each for Thunder.

While disappointed with the final result, Harrower said she was so proud of what the group had been able to achieve.

“It’s amazing for the club that we made it in my first year, the girls first year,” she said. “But nowhopefullywecankeepbuildingandbring the same group back and I’d love to bring the same group back because they’re actually a really special group and they get along really well together.”

Harrower said it was exciting that the club had a lot of young talent coming through as well.

They had three youth league players part of the side for most of the season, including the grand final.

“I would really love to bring this team back and keep building on this, so much potential within this group I think we can get better each year,” she said.

“They’re [Keilor] after local talent. They’re after building and they’re wanting to develop these kids.

“Even the youth league girls, I get they didn’t play much but they get to go training against quality players every time we step on the floor for training and you know for them training against some of the best in Australia, that’s exciting for them.”

While the Thunder didn’t claim the championship, it did come away with three awards at the awards night on Friday night.

Harrower was named coach of the year, while Bourne was named most valuable player and in the all-star five.

Harrower said she really enjoyed her first season in charge,

“I mean the girls made it so much easier for me,” she said. “It was nice winning coach of the year, but this [the championship] would have capped it all off, for the season that we’ve had and the group that we’ve had together.”

As for Bourne, Harrower said she’s got so much potential to be even better.

“We’ve got to get her three ball going as

consistent as Carly Ernst [grand final most valuable player] shoots it because she has everything else going for her.

“She is someone with so much talent that is actually a really good person as well.

“She wants to work hard and wants to get better, she’s exciting.”

Sharks look to bounce back after qualifying loss

Hillside is hoping to take the lessons of its qualifying final loss to bounce back bigger in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division.

Playingtheirfirstfinalssince2019,formany of the side it was their first finals experience at this level.

While the Sharks finished on top, it faced a tough task in knocking off last year’s premiers Oak Park for the first spot in the grand final.

The Kangaroos jumped out of the blocks and kicked three goals to nothing in the first quarter.

It was game over by half time with the Kangaroos leading by 38 points.

The Sharks were able to reduce the margin in the second half, but it was too late with the Sharks winning, 7.6 (48)-2.4 (16).

Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro said it was one of those days.

“It wasn’t overly unexpected, we didn’t

come out to play,” he said. “We’ve been a little bit flat for a couple of weeks and there was a little bit of inexperience there.

“A lot of girls were having their first crack at it. Everyone was a little bit fumbling.

“They were good and we were a little bit off.”

Ferraro said once you concede a lead like that, it’s always hard to come back from that.

He said they were able to stabilise it in the second half once the game was over.

Caitlin Sargent and Nikita Wright were the goal kickers for the Sharks.

MiaSpiteri,Sargent,EllieNeralic,LisaParisi and Annie Gray were all solid contributors, with Ferraro saying there were no standouts.

Ferraro said they wouldn’t take many positives out of the game.

“We get that finals experience under our belts and what it’s going to be like with that added pressure,” he said.

“It’s the first time we’ve been behind all year and we had to adjust to that as well.”

It doesn’t get any easier for the Sharks in the preliminary final, facing Aberfeldie.

Abers beat Essendon Doutta Stars in the elimination final, 8.5 (53)-4.4 (28).

The last time the two teams played, Aberfeldie gave Hillside its first loss of the season.

Ferraro said they are keen to make sure they had a better performance this week.

“They are a strong outfit as well,” he said.

“Preliminary finals are never fun, but it’s a reward for a good season.

“It was a bit of dead rubber last time we playedandweknewwewouldlikelyplaythem again.

“That game could have gone either way... We’ll make some adjustments.”

In good news for the Sharks, the club announced that Ferraro had re-signed for next season.

He said he was happy to put pen onto paper.

“I have enjoyed this year,” Ferraro said. “Regardless of what happens now, I’m rapt and happy that the club and players want me back.”

Annie Gray. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 416139_16

Penina Davidson puts a shot up. (Ian Knight Photography/NBL1)

Amelia Todhunter and Lily Carmody fight for the ball. (Ian Knight Photography/NBL1)

Action from around the grounds

Vrankovic

Greenvale’s Jason Kenneth. 424311_29

Meekness Payne looks to get past his opponent. 424321_11

Altona Gators’ Samson Rocker shoots. 424321_03

A big Craigieburn Eagles crowd. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_424324_11

Plenty Valley Lions’ Reilly Armstrong. 424318_02

Lalor’s Michael Gravina. 424317_02

The Craigieburn Eagles bench. 424324_16

Epping’s Joshua Bawden. 424317_22

Whittlesea Pacers’ Ethan Bateman and Westgate Imperials’ Mabeny Mabor. 424320_31

Plenty Valley Lions’ Jesse Walker. 424318_03

Westgate Imperials’ James Avgerinos. 424320_15

A Greenvale water person is all smiles. 424311_11

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