Saturday was a day to remember for Sunshine, as it claimed the Western Football League division 2 premiership. The Kangaroos upset an undefeated Albion to claim premiership joy and their first senior premiership since the 1970s. Making the day more special was the Kangaroos also winning the division 2 reserves and under-18 premierships. For reactions and photos, turn to sport.
By Gerald Lynch
Melbourne Airport’s third runway has been given the green light by the federal government, but not everyone has welcomed the decision.
On Friday, Infrastructure, Transport, RegionalDevelopmentandLocalGovernment
Minister Catherine King announced she had approved a development plan for the new north-south runway – submitted to the government 19 months ago.
She said the runway meets the demands of a “growing city”. It will be completed in 2031. “Melbourne’s third runway will bring it in line with Sydney and other globallycompetitive airports,” she said.
Ms King said “certain conditions” had been imposed on Melbourne Airport to reduce
community impact, including restoration of the east-west runway to maximise the opportunities for noise sharing, and the implementation of a noise amelioration program to communities most impacted.
“The noise sharing plan will be developed by the airport, and in consultation with local communities, over the years to come,” Ms King said.
Brimbankcouncilsaiditwas“disappointed” with the government’s decision to approve the runway without first having commissioned an independent health impact assessment.
“Council’s key priority is to make sure the thirdrunwaydoesnotcompromisethehealth, wellbeing and amenity of the community. It is encouraging to see that our advocacy has resulted in the federal government imposing conditions on Melbourne Airport, but we
are concerned these conditions are not yet firmly detailed and may not go far enough in mitigating noise and health impacts,” mayor Ranka Rasic said.
“Our community is looking for iron clad guarantees and work completed or underway on amelioration measures before the third runway opens for business. Brimbank council looks forward to seeing the full details of the minister’sconditionalapproval,andthemajor development plan when it is released. We will continuetocallforaseatatthetabletodiscuss how our community should be engaged and listened to on this project.”
No Third Tulla Runway group member Shannon Meilak said the minister had let down the community.
“Melbourne Airport just wants to be the biggestandbest…andtheyaren’tconsidering
the community in their decisions,” Ms Meilak said.
“I look at it and think, do we actually really need this runway? We have an international airport sitting out at Avalon being largely unused.“
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus welcomed the approval and looks forward to an upgraded capacity of the airport.
“The runway project will secure 51,000 jobs in Victoria’s tourism, agriculture, education and other export industries, and will help add an additional $6 billion a year to the state economy,” she said.
“The new runway will require new flight paths, and as part of this project we will be facilitating noise attenuation for dwellings in the most impacted areas.”
By Emily Woods, AAP
Carol Clay’s loved ones were filled with immense anxiety for almost two years as they tried to search for the missing 73-year-old.
She had vanished while camping in the remoteVictorianwildernessandherdaughter, Emma Davies, tried to search for her in the days after her March 2020 disappearance but couldn’t because of Covid-19 restrictions.
“I was unable to go to the location where my motherwaslastseenalive,”MsDaviestoldthe Supreme Court in Melbourne on Thursday, September 12.
“I wanted to put my hands in the dirt, my feet in river, where my mum was lost, to get answers.”
But one man knew where Mrs Clay was.
Former Caroline Springs resident Greg Lynn, who was found guilty of her murder in June, faced the pre-sentence hearing on his 58th birthday.
After shooting her in the head, he put the bodies of Mrs Clay and her lover Russell Hill into a trailer and drove them to a bush track. He returned seven months later to burn their remains into more than 2000 bone fragments.
Lynn did not reveal where they were buried for 20 months.
“What did happen I can only describe as a horror movie, gross and incomprehensible is an understatement,” Ms Davies said.
Mrs Clay’s sister said hearing about how Lynn destroyed her remains was worse than learning of the 73-year-old’s death.
“This was my sister, my dear sister, who was shot, transported in a trailer like a lump of meat, buried for seven months, and burnt,” Jillian Walker told the court on Thursday, September 12.
“This was all done with absolute intention.
“It was not just a bad decision, it was evil, wicked and unconscionable.”
She said hearing Lynn’s story during his murder trial - that Mrs Clay’s death happened after an angry exchange over Mr Hill using a drone-was“horrific”and“incomprehensible”.
“There was no substantial reason for her being dead, it was senseless and pointless, she
was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Ms Davies refused to say her mother’s killer’s name in court - only referring to Lynn as “he” or “him”.
“He stole my mother from me. He took her life, he took her dignity and he took her privacy,” she said.
Fundinginthisyear’sstatebudgethaspowered the Brimbank and Melton Community Legal Centre (BMCLC) to continue its services for another four years.
The centre provides specialist legal services, targeted intervention and support for young people.
BMCLC received funding in the 2024-25 budgettocontinuetheMeltonFamilyViolence Program for an additional four years.
One of the main assets at the BMCLC is commUnity+, a multi-disciplinary community agency that provides services across Victoria while looking for opportunities to deliver programs and support to people experiencing disadvantage or hardship in communities rich in cultural diversity.
Last week, staff welcomed in St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman to see exactly what they do.
During her visit, Ms Suleyman spoke to lawyers delivering front-line services for the BMCLC in St Albans, learned more about the family violence program and met with the commUnity+ team.
Ms Suleyman said backing organisations such as commUnity+ in this year’s budget was important, and highlighted the incredible job they do to ensure everyone can access the justice system.
“CommUnity+ delivers transformative services in St Albans, supporting our local community when they need it most,” she said.
CommUnity+chiefexecutiveTraceyGaudry said the services they provide encompass the strong values of people in Melbourne’s west.
“BMCLC, a program of commUnity+, is core to our commitment to deliver programs, services and support to people experiencing
Lynn, who continues to deny he murdered Mrs Clay, stared at each of his victim’s family and friends as they cried in court while detailing the impact of his crime.
A jury found him guilty of Mrs Clay’s murder, but he was acquitted of killing Russell Hill, 74.
The 58-year-old did, however, admit destroying the couple’s remains and much of the campsite’s evidence.
He is appealing against the jury’s guilty verdictandhislawyershadflaggedtheywould try to delay his sentence, but on Thursday 12 September informed the court this was no longer being pursued.
Prosecutor Daniel Porceddu called for Lynn to be jailed for life for the “cold-blooded and callous” murder of a vulnerable elderly woman.
He said Lynn showed no remorse, as he continued to deny the murder, and claimed he was motivated to kill Mrs Clay as she was the only witness to Mr Hill’s death.
Lynn deserved the maximum prison term because of his attempts to obliterate all evidence, including the bodies, which exacerbated the anguish of Mrs Clay’s loved ones, he said.
But Lynn’s lawyer Dermot Dann KC argued the jury went down a “forbidden pathway” in delivering split verdicts.
He said there was no clear motive for the killings, as the jury found Lynn did not murder Mr Hill so she was not a witness to anything.
Lynn admitted his treatment of their bodies was “selfish and callous in the extreme”, Mr Dann said.
He asked Justice Michael Croucher to take into account the pilot’s previous good work history, charitable background, that he had been assaulted in jail and lengthy delays to the case. Lynn will be sentenced on October 18.
A worker died at a Myer distribution facility in Ravenhall on September 9. Emergency services were called to the site on Momentum Way in Ravenhall at 3pm after a worker was injured by a piece of machinery.
It’s understood the 27-year-old man was responding to a jammed item on an automated stock collection robot whenhewascrushedbetweenmoving parts of the machine.
Myer executive chair Olivia Wirth said management was working closely with WorkSafe to investigate the incident.
“Myer regrets to advise that there has been a fatality after a serious incident at our distribution facility in Melbourne,” Ms Wirth said in a statement.
disadvantage or hardship in communities rich in cultural diversity,” she said.
“Minister Suleyman’s lived experience and lifelong commitment to serving the people of St Albans is a testament to our shared values, and we thank her for her support.”
CommUnity+ general manager of family community services Cameron Bloye said they aim to support marginalised communities.
“The mission of commUnity+ is to support andempowercommunitiesinthewestwhoare experiencing disadvantage, marginalisation and are vulnerable,” he said.
“Through our legal program we aim to resolve legal issues through the delivery of client-centred, holistic, collaborative, high-quality and specialised legal advice and assistance.”
Gerald Lynch
“Myer continues to work with emergency services and WorkSafe, which has launched an investigation into the incident.
“All our thoughts are with the contractor’s family, friends and colleagues as we provide our full support at this very difficult time. This is a very sad day for Myer and our team members with access to support also being provided.”
The death is the 28th confirmed workplace fatality for 2024. There were 55 work-related deaths at the same time last year.
By Gerald Lynch
Licence plate theft in Brimbank and surrounding areas in Melbourne’s north-west has reached its highest level since 2020, according to data from the Crime Statistics Agency.
In the 12 months ending March 2024, there were 999 recorded offences of licence plate theft in Brimbank, an increase of 11.7 per cent on offences recorded in the previous 12 months, which was 894.
The figure is the highest since 2020, in which 1267 offences were recorded.
Brimbank is the second highest municipality for offences. Only Hume ranked higher with 1111 offences.
Across the north-west metropolitan area, the total number of offences rose from 6760 in the 12 months to March 2023, to 8142 to March 2024.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said plate thefts are often the tip of more serious crime.
“Registration plate thefts in Brimbank have dropped by 21 per cent since pre-pandemic,” the spokesperson said.
“However, we remain focused on the issue because we know offenders use stolen plates to commit more serious crimes.
“Brimbank police regularly run targeted operations at shopping centres and train stations to detect and deter vehicle crime.
“Our proactive police also regularly hand out anti-theft screws at busy community locations to help protect people from having their plates stolen.”
The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) reports that over 50 per cent of fuel theft and various other crimes involve stolen number plates.
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria chief executive Bambi Gordon highlighted the importance of addressing the issue and the wider implications of number plate theft.
“While having your number plate stolen may just seem like a low-level crime, the realityisitcanhaveveryseriousramifications for motorists – including the potential involvement in identity theft and criminal
Braybrook is now home to a program giving hard of hearing children the chance to be a part of the classic library story time every week.
Auslan Bilingual Story Time is a free event, run out of the Braybrook Library every Tuesday from 11am to 11.45am. EachsessionispresentedinAuslanbyadeaf storyteller along with a children’s librarian who will present in English.
Maribyrnong council chief executive Celia Haddock said this is another example of inclusivity in a diverse community.
“The Auslan bilingual storytime sessions usuallydrawsacrowdof25children,plustheir parents or carers. We don’t collect location information, and all are welcome to attend,” she said.
“The sessions are designed to provide exposure to the language rather than offering a comprehensive language course.
“WefocusonintroducingchildrentoAuslan through engaging activities, and recommend thatfamiliesattendallsessionswherepossible, as each session features a new book.
“The City of Maribyrnong is known for its
commitment to inclusivity, and we are proud to offer weekly bilingual story time sessions in Auslan,Arabic,Chinese,Hindi,Vietnameseat our Braybrook Library branch, and in Tibetan at the Tibetan Language School in Footscray.”
The event is suitable for children aged three to five including deaf and hard of hearing children, their families, and carers.
It is presented in partnership with Deaf Children Australia and supported by the Victorian Multicultural Storytime Program.
Gerald Lynch
activities,” she said.
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria recommend the following tips to help prevent number plate theft:
• Install anti-theft screws on your number plates to deter thieves from easily removing them;
• Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit and populated areas to reduce the risk of theft;
• If you have access to security cameras, position them to monitor your vehicle and deter potential thieves; and
• Consider anti-theft devices: Explore the use of anti-theft devices such as locking plate frames or security markings to add an extra layer of protection.
Young people called to use their voices
Young people in Brimbank can have their say on important issues by joining next year’s YMCA Victoria Youth Parliament.
Applications for the 2025 program are now open, with 120 spots available for Victorians aged between 16 and 25.
The state government is investing more than $165,000 to support the youth parliament, which gives participants the opportunity to draft, debate,andvoteonbillsinathree-day intensive sitting held in chambers of the Victorian Parliament.
Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman said young people could “use their voices to influence change” by being involved.
“Our support for the Youth Parliament is one of the ways we’re backing young people in Victoria to lead, grow, and reach their full potential,” she said.
Bills that pass in the youth parliament are presented to the government for consideration – they have already helped shape more than 30 Victorian laws, including a new recyclingscheme,mandatorywearing of bike helmets, and banning the sale of soft drinks in government schools.
The program also includes the YMCA Victoria Youth Press Gallery, which provides young people interested in journalism with an opportunity to develop skills in journalism, photography, videography and social media.
ApplicationsareopenuntilOctober 13 and the program will take place in July next year.
Apply: vicyouth.ymca.org.au/ learning-and-leadership.
Two of three children who were found unconsciousintheirburninghomediedalmost three days after being rushed to hospital. Emergency services were called to the brick property in Sydenham, in Melbourne’s north-west, on Sunday, September 8, to find smoke and flames billowing from the roof. It took fire crews up to 30 minutes to retrieve the siblings – two girls aged five and one, and a boy aged three – before they were taken with critical injuries to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Police said the two girls died surrounded by family in hospital on Wednesday morning September 11, while the boy remains in a critical condition.
Detectives from the arson and explosives squad are investigating the fire, including who was in the property at the time and just before the blaze.
The father of the boy told reporters on September 10 that the three children were “happylittlekids”andmusthavefelt“petrified” during the ordeal.
“I hope they didn’t feel anything to be honest,”hetoldnewscrewsoutsidethehospital.
“Obviously they would have, but I just tell myself they didn’t.
“It shouldn’t have happened.”
Investigators believe the fire started inside a room at the rear of the property with Detective Acting Inspector Adam Henry ending speculation that fireworks were involved, despite neighbours hearing a loud bang before the fire.
Detective Henry confirmed police had
spoken briefly to the children’s distressed mother, who was at the hospital.
He was unable to clarify if she, or someone else, was at home with her children at the time of the fire and said it was too early to say whether the fire was suspicious.
The mother and children had only moved into the property a week earlier, he said. It took 30 firefighters and 10 appliances, including an aerial unit, several hours to extinguish the blaze.
Usually those who spend 30 years inside a prison do so at His Majesty’s pleasure.
Earlier this month though, Nicholas Selisky received an award from the king, when he was presented with the Australian Corrections Medal as part of the King’s Birthday honours for his more than three decade career in Victoria’s prison system.
“I was extremely surprised and felt very humbled,” said the Hobsons Bay resident of his reaction to receiving the email from the Victorian Governor’s office.
“I felt privileged that my contributions to corrections over the last 34 years had been recognised in this way.”
Currently the the general manager of the Metropolitan Remand Centre (MRC) in Ravenhall, Mr Selisky’s career began as a 20 year old inside the famous bluestone walls of
Pentridge Prison.
These days Pentridge is a housing, retail and entertainment hub in Coburg, having closed in 1997.
It’s an example of how much the state’s corrections system has changed since Mr Selisky joined.
“When I arrived at Bendigo Prison in 1990, the cells weren’t sewered and had no running water,prisonersusedbucketstogotothetoilet,” he recalled, noting that the move from 19th century gaols to modern correctional facilities was one of the biggest differences between now and the start of his career.
Mr Selisky said the shift in focus from punishment to rehabilitation was the other major change.
“The majority of people in custody will be released back into our community, and all
corrections staff now have a focus on creating opportunities for people to make better decisions.”
Prior to becoming general manager at the MRC, Mr Selisky worked at the private Port
Lady Lourdes House in Sunshine North is providing essential care for dementia patients, but those affected say there needs to be more support services available.
September 16-22 is Dementia Action Week. The 2024 theme, ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’, emphasises the importance of building awareness and acceptance of dementia in the community.
The family of a man living with dementia is calling for more specialised dementia care units to help improve individuals’ wellbeing and slow progression of the disease.
Bernie Desormeaux, aged 74, was diagnosed with dementia 10 years ago.
From the beginning, his family – partner Amelia, daughters Lilly and Olivia, and mother-in-law Mary struggled to find the support he and the family needed.
“It was a difficult journey. Not just the financial constraints and administrative burdens of navigating a very complicated system, but also the emotional toll,“ Lilly said.
“Ourheartsgoouttoanyonestrugglingwith thecomplexityofthesystemandthosewithout the resources that we luckily accessed.” Afternumerousstaysinagedcarehomesthat didn’t suit Bernie’s needs, his health suffered. Things turned around with Dementia Australiasupportandtheirrecommendationto the award- winning specialised dementia unit, Lady Lourdes House, part of St Bernadette’s Aged Care Residence in Sunshine North, run for-purpose aged and disability services organisation VMCH.
The home is purpose-designed for up to nine residentswhoexperienceveryseveresymptoms of dementia.
Residents are offered up to 12 months’ intensive,supportivecaretohelpthemmanage their symptoms so they can transition into mainstream aged care.
Lady Lourdes is one of three federal government run Specialist Dementia Care Programs (SDCP) in Victoria.
Since it opened in 2020, the team has cared for21residentsandsuccessfullytransitioned11
to its mainstream residence, including Bernie.
“There was a quietening of demeanour, less anxiety; we felt he relaxed,” Amelia said.
“Physically he improved, putting on weight. The relationships staff build with the families, the gentleness and empathy that they show to the residents and to us, is just extraordinary.”
Lady Lourdes unit co-ordinator Sue
Adhikari said the staff are highly trained and receive ongoing education.
“We utilise non-pharmacological interventions as a first line of action and work onminimisingpeople’striggerstohelpmanage behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia,” she said. “Ultimately, our success lies in giving residents time and maintaining a consistent approach with a familiar face. We
provide them with person-centred care and treat everybody as unique individuals.”
When the time recently came for Bernie to transition to the mainstream residence, the family had mixed emotions.
“We didn’t want dad to leave because we wanted him to have the best care, but we were also conscious that Lady Lourdes has a waiting list, and we didn’t want anyone else to miss out,” Lilly said.
Ameliahopesmorefamiliesinthefuturecan access specialised units like Lady Lourdes.
“We couldn’t recommend it highly enough, for the dignity engendered and the sense of wellbeing created for those living with dementia, and for their families, knowing their loved one is safe, comfortable and seen.”
Phillip Prison and has had stints at Barwon Prison, the Melbourne Assessment Prison and as a K9 handler in the Security and Emergency Services Group (SESG) as well.
He said regardless of the setting, working as a corrections officer was a much better career than it is given credit for.
“IcanhonestlysayIhavespokentohundreds of staff over the years who have come from various professional backgrounds, and the vast majority say that working in corrections is the best kept secret, they wish they’d made the change to this career earlier,” he said.
“Anyone who has a passion for making a difference to the community, has great communication skills and an interest in working with a diverse range of people in custody, this is the job for you.”
Copperfield College is the latest beneficiary of Super Valu Delahey’s Community Chest Program.
Through its Community Chest program, Supa Valu channels a portion of sales from its Community Co range and other selected products to local initiatives.
Copperfield College Delahey has receivedadonationofover$1600,which will be used to improve the school environment and equipment.
Morgan’s Supa Valu Delahey store managerAtillaIbrahimsaidgivingback to the community was an important part of being a local grocer.
“Copperfield College being a close neighbour has always strongly supported our store, local support being integral to the store’s success,” he said.
“Giving back to the local community is a meaningful way of expressing gratitude to the residents who have helped build our store to what it is today.”
Western Metropolitan MP David Ettershank said it’s upsetting but not unexpected that a new Victorian report into workplace drug testing has found that employees prescribed medicinal cannabis have routinely lost their job or faced disciplinary action.
Mr Ettershank said the law must be amended to protect these workers.
“This report, stemming from a parliamentary inquiry, highlights the need for government to keep up with medical advancements,” he said.
“Workplace drug testing policies produced by WorkSafe have not been updated in
Victoria for 17 years, they were drawn up almostadecadebeforedoctorscouldprescribe medicinal cannabis here.
“We really need to get with the times because more than 1.2 million prescriptions for medicinal cannabis have been issued nationally to help people suffering a range of debilitating conditions, such as chronic pain, cancer and multiple sclerosis.
“It is critical that both government and workplace policies reflect contemporary, health-led approaches to occupational health and safety.
“The inquiry heard that workers in a
diverse range of sectors have been sacked or disciplinedeventhoughtheywerenotaffected or impaired by medicinal cannabis, they just had tiny traces of cannabinoid chemicals in their system.”
Mr Ettershank is a member of Legalise Cannabis Victoria, which this year campaigned to change driving laws so that medicinal cannabis patients would have a legaldefenceiftheyfailedaroadsidedrugtest.
“We are also concerned that medicinal cannabis patients are unfairly treated at work, that’s why Legalise Cannabis Victoria moved the referral in parliament to have the Legal
and Social Issues Committee hold an inquiry into workplace drug testing,” Mr Ettershank said.
Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt raised the risk of officers not being able to take appropriate medication.
“Policing, as you know, is a very traumatic industry by its nature … We would hate to think that they would refuse treatment or that they would seek to not medicate where that was suggested by a registered medical practitioner ought it be discovered and have a negative or discriminatory impact on them in the workplace,” he said.
By Oscar Parry
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition among women, with symptoms beginning shortly after puberty,duringlaterteenyears,orwithinearly adulthood.
Theexactcauseoftheconditionisunknown, and symptoms include irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and hirsutism.
Despite affecting up to 13 per cent of women inAustralia,alackofawarenessanddismissive attitudes are just some of the factors that create barrierstoaccessingcare,saidPolycysticOvary Syndrome Association of Australia (POSAA) consumer representative Lorna Berry.
Ms Berry said she experienced significant barriers herself to accessing effective care for PCOS, with her diagnosis taking “years”.
“I often struggled to have doctors take my concerns seriously. Many healthcare providers were unaware of PCOS,” Ms Berry said.
She said many women are told that they will never have children and are advised to “only return when they want to start a family.”
“Women with PCOS are often told to simply go away and lose weight, which can be particularly challenging due to the insulin resistance commonly associated with PCOS. Unfortunately, many women living with PCOS have had similar experiences and are often unaware that they have the condition at all, leading to delays in receiving appropriate care and support,” Ms Berry said.
She said there are a broad range of factors that contribute to these barriers.
These include a lack of awareness, dismissive attitudes, a focus on weight, inconsistent information, limited access to specialists, stigma, and mental health.
“Accesstospecialists,suchasendocrinologists or reproductive health experts, can be limited – especially in rural or underserved areas, further delaying appropriate care,” she said.
“The physical symptoms of PCOS, such as weight gain, acne, and hirsutism, can lead to stigma and impact mental health, making it even harder for women to seek care and advocate for themselves.”
To address these barriers, Ms Berry said
she would like to see several changes to the approach of health professionals, public understanding, and attitudes towards women’s health concerns.
“There needs to be greater awareness and education about PCOS among both healthcare professionals and the general public. This includes understanding the complexity of the condition and recognising the varied symptoms women may experience,” Ms Berry said. “Women should be empowered to take charge of their health, with healthcare professionals listening to their concerns and taking them seriously. Women need to feel confident in advocating for themselves and seeking the care they deserve.”
She said a multidisciplinary approach from health professionals is crucial for managing PCOS effectively.
“This would involve a team of specialists, including endocrinologists, dietitians, mental health professionals, and gynaecologists, working together to provide comprehensive care tailored to each woman’s needs.”
Increased funding and research towards treatments, accessible and consistent care, and more holistic and inclusive treatment options are other changes Ms Berry said she would like to see.
As the consumer representative for POSAA, which aims to raise global awareness of PCOS and assist those diagnosed with it, Ms Berry said that the support association has been involved in the development of evidence-based guidelines – including those published by Monash University.
According to Monash University, this guideline“istheculminationoftheengagement of over 3000 health professionals and the work of 10-plus multidisciplinary clinical and lived experience experts from six continents and 71 countries internationally.”
Ms Berry was a lived experience expert on the guideline.
“The information in these guidelines is grounded in the latest evidence, ensuring that all care and recommendations are both scientifically sound and practically relevant,” Ms Berry said. “[The goal of POSAA] is to bridge the gap between lived experiences and medical expertise, ensuring a future where every woman with PCOS receives holistic, compassionate, and effective care.”
She said that an evidence-based approach is crucial for accessing effective care and helping women to make informed choices about their health.
“When guidance is rooted in scientific evidence, it provides a reliable foundation for understanding the condition, exploring treatment options, and managing symptoms effectively. This is especially important because misinformation or outdated advice can lead to ineffective treatments, frustration, and even worsening of the condition,” she said.
As it is a lifelong condition, she said that a multi-phase approach is crucial.
“Understanding that PCOS is a lifelong condition also highlights the importance of a comprehensive and dynamic approach to care. Women need resources that address the different phases of PCOS – whether it’s managing irregular cycles in their teens, addressing fertility concerns in their 20s and 30s, or mitigating metabolic risks later in life.”
Ms Berry said that as research advances, evidence-based guidelines help ensure that women with PCOS receive the best possible care, improving their quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
POSAA has a Facebook page where it shares PCOS news, resources, and information.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/ PCOSAustralia
25,000+ one-of-a-kind finds arriving weekly!
We’re committed to making secondhand second nature for the good of hip pockets, the planet and the people in our local communities. Our racks are filled with one-of-a-kind pre-loved finds just waiting to be discovered across clothing, decor, books, furniture and more, all at affordable prices.
Thrift is what you make it.
The West Sunshine Community Centre has been transformed into Brimbank’s first carbon-positive building, reflecting a significant step towards the council’s broader sustainability goals.
Powered entirely by renewable energy, the centre now generates more electricity than it consumes, providing essential services such as maternalandchildhealth,youthactivities,and fitness programs in an eco-friendly setting.
Thefacility’sgreenoverhaulincludesa90kW rooftop solar panel system and three Tesla Powerwallenergystorageunits,complemented by energy-efficient LED lighting.
Recent upgrades have phased out gas
infrastructure, replacing gas-powered furnaces, hot water heaters, and cooktops with electric and induction systems.
These changes are projected to cut energy costs while aligning with Brimbank’s target of zero-net emissions in its operations by 2030, and across the entire municipality by 2040.
Councilisencouragingresidents,businesses, andcommunitygroupstotakepartinthisshift byaccessingresourcesthroughthe100percent Renewable Brimbank program.
The initiative offers support and financial incentives to help the community transition to all-electric appliances and renewable energy sources.
Brooklyn fine
A company that failed to supply a clean-up plan for contaminated land it owns in Brooklyn has been fined $5928 by EPA Victoria. 460 Brooklyn Pty Ltd owns land at 454-460 Somerville Road which was once used for chemical manufacturing purposes and, as a result, is contaminated with substances including benzene, styrene and trichloroethene. The land is proposed for future commercial and industrial uses. As the landowner, 460 Brooklyn was officially notified by EPA to provide a cleanup plan but failed to do so by the July 31 deadline.
Stay on track
Metro Trains has launched a new SMS service to notify the public of upcoming works in a more efficient manner. Travellers can opt in by subscribing to SMS updates and texting the name of their closest station to 0475 109 470. People can sign up for multiple locations. Metro corporate affairs executive director Clare Abbot said the alerts offer a convenient and sustainable alternative to paper letters. “Successful trials in December 2023 and March 2024 have demonstrated that this is the way that residents prefer to be notified,” she said.
Details: http://metrotrains.com.au/smsdisruption-alerts
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
In today’s economy, making smart financial choices is crucial. At Lifestyle Communities, weofferauniqueopportunitytodownsizeyour expenses while upgrading your lifestyle. Our Woodlea and Deanside communities provide significant financial benefits and a vibrant way of life for those 50 and above, whether still working, retiring, or ready for a change. Downsizing to a Lifestyle Communities
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Lifestyle Deanside Clubhouse 85 Mushu St, Deanside
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There was a buzz around Kings Park Primary School as a special guest popped in for a visit.
On Friday, September 6, Melbourne-based contemporary artist Anna Blatman was welcomed by a cheering crowd of children who had paid tribute to her in a special bi-annual art gallery.
The show was made up of pieces inspired by Blatman’s work.
Teachers Sandra Bahamondes and Melisa Garcia, who run the visual arts program at Kings Park Primary School, organised the occasion. Ms Garcia said pupils had prepared their art by researching Blatman’s techniques.
“Our students learned about Anna’s background and style of work and used her paintings as inspiration for their own designs,” she said. “They worked throughout the year to createtheirartandareincrediblyproudtohave them on display.”
Ms Bahamondes said Blatman’s art was chosen because of its “ability to brighten up anyone’s day.”
Students of Albanvale Primary School invited their parents to school to read with them as part of the Literacy Fest. Star Weekly photographer
caught a few families with their head in the books.
The commUnity+ Neighbourhood House in Deer Park held a morning tea to recognise RUOK? Day, with the theme ‘Here to Hear’.
Using RUOK? Day resources, the group explored ways to look after our own mental health and how to check in with others.
Activities
Participants
By Gerald Lynch
Brimbank Council has received a $25,000 grant to support a targeted cat desexing program,aimedataddressinghighlevelsofpet surrenders.
The Targeted Cat Desexing (TCD) program focuses on desexing semi-owned and unowned cats in low-socioeconomic areas, which contribute significantly to high rates of impoundment, euthanasia, and nuisance complaints.
By offering free or low-cost desexing, the project aims to increase desexing rates, reduce impoundment and euthanasia over the next
two to five years, and improve cat welfare and registration rates.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence said the fundingwillalleviatestrainonanimalshelters.
“Thistargetedcatdesexingprogramsupports local councils to provide free or low-cost desexing programs which will help to manage the overpopulation of cats, while reducing the strain on our state’s animal shelters,” she said.
Second Chance Animal Rescue chief executive Marisa Debattista said “one of the main reasons people don’t desex their pets is because they can’t afford it. These grants make cat desexing more accessible for vulnerable community members.”
Western Health delivered 695 babies in August, the most ever in a single month for the healthcare provider.
The Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital welcomed 625 newborns, while at Bacchus Marsh Hospital there were 70.
Erica Cramond is the postnatal ward manager on level eight of the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital in St Albans.
She said while August was traditionally a busy month, they had not anticipated such an extreme spike.
“For most maternity units, August and September are usually our busiest months … but we are 300 births up from the previous year,” she said. “We knew that the numbers were going to be high but I don’t think we predicted it to be quite this high, so it was a little bit shocking to say the least.”
There was an average of 22 to 23 births a day
across the month - the busiest day, on August 16, recorded 30 babies born between both hospitals.
Ms Cramond said the explanation for the rise was simple.
“The area is growing rapidly … so of course with that growth comes new families starting on their journey making little babies,” she said. “I’veworkedhereforsevenandahalfyearsand the expansion has been right before my eyes.”
Despite the crunch, the medical staff at Western Health have been both tireless and steadfast in their efforts, said Ms Cramond.
“The entire team of doctors and midwives have worked really hard and collaboratively, whichhasmadesurethatourbabiesandmums are sent back out into the community happy and healthy.”
“It is a really high standard of care for such high numbers.”
RSPCA Victoria’s chief veterinarian Dr Bronwyn Oke said there are a surprising numberofbenefitsthatcomewithgettingyour pet desexed.
“Desexing your pet is a relatively simple surgery that actually has number of additional benefits people don’t know about,” she said.
“Desexed animals are generally less likely to get diseases such as urine infections, mammary and ovarian diseases in females and perineal hernias, testicular and prostate cancer in males.
“It’s simple – if getting your pet desexed wasn’t good for them, we wouldn’t do it.”
The grant will also encourage community
members to take full responsibility for cats they feed, through registration, vaccination, and microchipping, promoting a shift from semi-ownership to full ownership. With approximately 227,000 registered cats inVictoria,thisprogramisdesignedtoaddress the overpopulation problem and change community behavior through education.
The funding is part of a broader effort to improve cat welfare, reduce stray populations, and ensure a more sustainable approach to animal care in councils like Brimbank. For more information on the program, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au or email pet.welfare@ agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Fitbit, Apple Watch or Oura ring, wearable technology is in high demand among the health conscious. But beyond measuring heart rates and blood pressure, could fitness trackers be used to test for and effectively screen for disease?
A new University of South Australia study reveals that wearable activity trackers show promise in detecting early signals of disease –particularly atrial fibrillation associated with stroke, and COVID-19.
Assessing the reliability and accuracy of consumer-grade wearable activity trackers to detect and monitor a wide range of medical conditions and events, researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies with 1.2 million participants.
The study found that wearable technology could correctly identify:
* COVID-19 status (positive or negative) in 88outof100people,similartorapidscreening tests.
* Atrial fibrillation in 87 out of 100 people, akin to tests undertaken by doctors.
* Falls in 82 of 100 people.
Originally designed to track fitness and exercise performance, wearable technology has advanced beyond activity metrics, and is now able to deliver accurate and timely measures of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep quality, skin temperature, hydration, stress levels and more.
Lead researcher, UniSA’s Dr Ben Singh, said that wearable activity trackers could revolutionise the detection of medical conditions and disease.
“As healthcare budgets continue to soar, the need for cost-effective interventions that reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes has never been more urgent,” Dr Singh said.
“Our systematic review shows that wearable activity trackers like Fitbits and Apple Watches have significant promise in detecting COVID-19 and heart conditions in real-world settings, which has the potential to improve personal health monitoring.
any concern quickly, and hopefully avoid any serious health issues.”
“Wearable trackers not only empower people to proactively manage their health, but they enable them to detect health issues in real-time.Thismeansthattheycanrespondto
While wearable activity trackers present opportunities for improved personal heath monitoring, co-researcher UniSA’s Professor Carol Maher said there is scope for expansion and improvement.
“The beauty of wearable activity trackers is that they provide an easy and convenient
way for people to monitor real-time aspects of their health and wellbeing; but their full potential is yet to be realised,” he said.
“Wearable trackers are providing some excellent health data, but their application must encompass a greater number of health conditions and demonstrate greater results across diverse populations before they can be considered for clinical practice.”
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
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
Musicians Wanted
Westgate Concert Band, Established in 1979 is seeking new members. Do you play Woodwind, Brass or Percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music?
westgateconcertband@gmail.com
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.
Kealba Car Meet
A typical first Sunday of each month in Kealba is a coffee and a car meet. The event has a strict no hooning policy, with car lovers of all ages encouraged to come down and enjoy the spectacle. Held in the car park of the Kealba Milkbar Convenience and Cafe, 29 Driscolls Road, from noon to 2pm, with the next meeting on Sunday, October 6.
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
Seniors lunch
Deer Park Branch of National Seniors Australia hosts a lunch on the third Friday of each month at different venues. The group also arranges activities each month, sometimes to the theatre, morning melodies, train or bus trip. The group also holds a general meeting at The Club in Caroline Springs on the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm. Locals are invited
to join in for lunch or just attend the meeting and make new friends.
Pamela, pcostello46@hotmail.com
St Albans senior citizens
St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.
Roma, 0435 991 064
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall, from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
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
This week’s photographer’s choice pictured is of Western Health registered midwife/ nurse Amber Borg, holding two newborns, Bailey and Avleen. (Damjan Janevski) 430304_01
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
Melton South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
9747 8576
Zonta club meets
Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton.
Janet, 0421 080 923 or info@zontaclubofmelton.org.au
As the Brimbank Comedy Festival gets underway this weekend, one comedian who has been all across the country and world performing is set to give local’s stitches this Saturday night.
Tim ‘Caveman’ Barrot, who some have said is the oldest upcoming comedian in Australia will light up the Footscray Hotel with laughter at 6.30pm on Saturday, September 21.
Wedged into a weekend of finals football, he plays at the perfect time for football fans looking for a break from the stressful scenes of their teams battling it out on the big screens at the pub.
Join him on a wild journey that spans
continents and defies expectations.
From near-death experiences in Antarctica togettinggoatsstonedinTurkey,he’sseenitall and lived to tell the tale.
As a tour guide in countries he never knew existed, Barrot invites you to experience the excitement of each moment, while secretly being grateful you weren’t actually there.
His comedy is a unique blend of adventure, honesty, and relatability, drawing audiences in with his engaging storytelling style.
Giventhenatureoftheworldatthemoment, withcost-of-livingstrugglesrifeinMelbourne’s west, Barrot has waived the costs for his show, and encourages everyone to “just show up and
have a good time.”
Hehaspreviouslybeenapartofopenmicsin thearea,butSaturdaywillbeasolodebutinthe west for Barrot.
“Iamsuperexcited,asaworkingclassmiddle aged man, I fit in perfectly with the west,” he said. “It is a melting pot of multiculturalism down there, so my experiences of travelling hold me in good stead to be able to connect with the whole audience.”
Gerald Lynch
Visitors to the Craigieburn Art Group’s annual art expo in October will enjoy works in a variety of mediums from embroidery, woodwork and printmaking to traditional painting, drawing and pastels.
A highlight of the Hume artistic calendar, the show traditionally took place as part of the Craigieburn Festival in March.
However, in recent years the group has staged its expo, Art & Beyond, later in the year at the Global Learning Centre above the Craigieburn Library.
This year the show falls on the weekend of October 11 to 13.
President of the Craigieburn Art Group Vicki Catchpole will be among those displaying work.
Vickidescribedherartas“representational” and “realistic”.
“I’ve previously done a lot of acrylic painting, but this year I decided to focus on printmaking,“ she said.
The show, which is free to view, will feature artworks by 20 individual artists and creatives from the Hume area.
“There will be a variety of exhibitors from established artists to beginners,“ said Vicki. Visitors will have the chance to win a piece of art by purchasing a ticket in the raffle, proceeds of which will be donated to local Scouts.
Outgoing Hume mayor Naim Kurt has agreed to open the show in an unofficial capacity.
Art group members will stage demonstrations at 11am and 1pm on Saturday and 1pm Sunday.
Vicki encouraged anyone interested in art to join the group on Mondays at Selwyn House. Pariticipants meet at 3pm and 7pm.
“Wehavepeopleofallartisticabilities,ages, physical ability and from different cultures. Everyone is welcome,” she said.
As the sun sets behind Werribee Gorge on the evening of Thursday September 19, young entrepreneurs will take over Bacchus Marsh. From 5–7pm at the Village Green on 197 Main Street, the Youth Twilight Market will be open to people of all ages to enjoy activities, food and stalls run by locals aged 12 to 25. The event was designed by year 12 students from Indie School Bacchus Marsh in conjunction with Moorabool council. A wide range of products will be on offer including pet bandanas, gemstone jewellery, artwork, pencil cases, and more.
If you fancy items made from clay, crochet, 3D printing, or upcycled materials, there will be something for you.
Grace Green teaches the students who came up with the event.
She said that the cohort wanted to focus on “celebrating youth empowerment” —
something they determined was best achieved by working with young business people.
“They have been to involved in all of the planning and execution of the event. We are very excited to see it all come together,” she said.
Community members can immerse themselves in the extraordinary talents of First Nations artists at Footscray Community Arts during the Deadly Fringe program, part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
This year’s program, which will run from October 1 to 20, promises a diverse and thought-provoking array of performances that reinforce First Nations voices and perspectives on stage.
For this year’s festival, Na Djinang Circus will collaborate with Circa Cairns to present In Place.
In Place is the culmination of a year-long journey where local participants tended to a native plant, fostering a deep connection with the land, their work and themselves. This journey will be interwoven into the performance, merging artistic expression with nature to examine society’s impact on the environment and its profound resonance within us all.
Audiences can expect a stunning displayofacrobaticskillandsophisticated storytelling.
NaDjinangCircus-aMelbourne-based contemporary circus company and a First Nations-led company - explores fundamental human characteristics from an Indigenous perspective. Its art and ethos reflect traditional and contemporary values.
Circa Cairns, supported by the Queensland Government and the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation, is dedicated to creating bold art from the nexus of place and culture.
Details at: https://melbournefringe. com.au/event/in-place/.
Anne Parisianne
“They got heaps of businesses that are run by youthtogetherandcreatedstallsforthingslike face painting, games, popcorn and fairy floss.”
Entry is a gold coin donation, with all proceeds going to the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Ms Green said the charity was specifically selected by students, who feel a close affinity with Starlight’s work.
“They did a lot of research into who they wanted to donate funds to and Starlight was chosen because… they are able to do a lot for the people that they work with,” she said.
“The students are excited to contribute and help the foundation.”
Ms Green said she was most excited for the “lucky” person who will win a hamper featuring a globe skateboard, macpac jacket, and handmade terrariums.
Eddie Russell
1. Which Carlton player returned to play finals just 180 days after he suffered a third ACL injury?
2. Which is larger: a squash racquet or a pickleball racquet?
3. Which English cricketer will join Melbourne Stars this summer, having been chosen as the No.1 pick in the BBL Draft?
5. To achieve the highestpossible score in darts, all three of your darts must land in which segment?
6. The Packers, the Zephyrs and the Bullets are all previous nicknames of which NBA team?
7. Which three AFL clubs are captained by players who wear the number 9?
8. Brisbane Stadium is also known by what witchy nickname?
What unusual punishment for arriving late to training was allegedly the catalyst for former Canterbury Bulldog Jackson Topine leaving NRL in 2023?
Taylor Gosens was Australia’s only 2024 Paralympic athlete to compete in which sport?
Which Australian batsman scored 80 from 25 balls in the first match of the Twenty20 international series against Scotland?
Lauren Parker became Australia’s first dual-sport Paralympic medallist in how many years, after winning triathlon and cycling medals?
13. Which rising British tennis star defeated Australian Alex de Minaur in the US Open men’s quarterfinals?
14. Italian racing driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli will debut in 2025 with which front-running Formula One team?
15. In which year was the AFL’s Brownlow Medal first awarded?
16. The son of which wellknown sports presenter made his debut recently in American college football?
17. Which country was recently bowled out for a total of 10 in a Twenty20 international against Singapore?
18. Australians Kaden Groves and Ben O’Connor won stages of which major annual cycling event?
19. Prolific goalscorer Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City, represents which national soccer team?
20. The so-called ‘Spoon Bowl’ was played by which two bottom NRL teams in round 27?
21. How many gold medals did Australia win at the 2024 Paralympic Games?
22. Which Sydney AFLW co-captain recently suffered a season-ending ACL rupture?
23. Which tennis player won the 2024 US Open Men’s singles title?
24. Australia recently swept which team 3-0 in a Twenty20 International series?
25. Which team finished top of the 2024 NRL ladder at the conclusion of the season?
26. ENGIE Stadium is the home ground of which AFL team?
27. Which Major League Baseball team is on course to finish season 2024 with one of the worst records in the league’s history?
28. The 2024 biographical sports movie Young Woman and the Sea tells the story of the first woman to swim what body of water?
29. Kate Roffey recently stepped down as the president of which AFL club?
30. The NBL Blitz pre-season tournament was held in which location in 2024?
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 Annoyers (5)
4 Settler (9)
9 Formula (7)
10 People who speak (7)
11 One who evens the score (7)
12 Greek conception of afterlife (7)
13 Arrived at a judgement (9)
15 Relating to audio equipment (2-2)
17 Declare to be true (4)
19 Not here (9)
22 Type of paint (7)
25 Wed (7)
26 Paraguayan monetary unit (7)
27 Whenever you like (7)
28 Conglomeration of fabric scraps (9)
29 Hankerings (5)
DOWN
1 Very small amount (8)
2 Irish speakeasy (7)
3 One who makes less progress than others (9)
4 One half of Oxbridge (9)
5 Supple (5)
6 ‘Not on your –!’ (5)
7 Local law enforcer (7)
8 Recommence (6)
14 Go ashore (9)
15 Common greeting question (3,3,3)
16 Indecency (8)
18 Green (7)
20 Preparing writing for publication (7)
21 End a phone call (4,2)
23 Indisposed (5)
24 Egyptian capital (5)
No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
1 What is the capital of Guyana?
2 Paul Mescal (pictured) co-starred with Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson in which 2021 film?
3 Which of the big cat species is typically the largest?
4 What protein is the main substance that makes up fingernails?
5 The Costume Institute Benefit is the formal name for which annual fashion event?
6 Name the 2018 novel by Trent Dalton that was adapted into a 2024 Netflix limited
7 Canon, Nikon and Olympus are well-known brands of what?
8 Which actor do the films MorningGlory, DoctorStrange and The Time Traveler’s Wife have in common?
9 Who painted the famous fresco The Creation of Adam?
10 Which Central American country is often referred to as ‘the
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
With hybrid buyers lighting up the EV market, great things are expected of the recent addition to the Sportage SUV range.
Driven by the surge in hybrid sales, the Toyota RAV4 has overtaken the Ranger and HiLux to become the best-selling vehicle in Australia.
So, it’s not before time that Kia has introduced a hybrid variant to its popular Sportage medium SUV range, which the company confidently anticipates, at 300 units per month, will contribute 20 per cent to total Sportage sales.
“TheSportagerangewasalreadyanexcellent medium SUV package in a very popular and competitive segment and the addition of the Hybrid variant strengthens our offering considerably,” says Damien Meredith, Kia Australia chief executive officer.
The Sportage HEV is available in two trims – SX FWD and top-of-the-range GT-Line –with power coming from the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol/electric hybrid system as the larger Sorento Hybrid.
This is mated with an electric motor and lithium-ion polymer battery delivering a combined petrol/electric output of 169kW and 350Nm.Pairedwiththepowerplantisadial-up, shift-by-wire six-speed automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Based on the fifth generation Sportage, both hybrids feature 18-inch machined alloy wheels with temporary spare, while the GT-Line Hybrid (the test vehicle) adds a heated steering wheel.
The SX HEV FWD goes on the market for $45,950, while the flagship Kia Sportage GTLine HEV FWD sells for $55,420, both plus on-roadcosts.EachiscoveredbyKia’sgenerous seven years/unlimited kilometre warranty, the battery seven years/150,000 kilometres.
Styling
The body is defined by Kia’s Opposites United design language characterised by sharp lines amplified by bold surfaces with unique graphics. Up front the Kia signature Tiger Nose black grille links with distinctive curved
LED daytime running lights and headlamps.
In a nod to marketing, the polished metal Kia badge is hard to ignore.
From the side the Sportage HEV stands its groundinthemid-sizeSUVsegmentwithbold blackplasticwheelarchcladdingandcleanlines linkingthefuturisticfrontwithasleekfastback and taillights cut into the body. A broad back supports an impressive width.
Interior
The heart of the top-shelf GT-Line is a curved touchscreen flanked by air vents giving the impression of width to the cabin. The 12.3-inch screenactsasacentreofconnectivityfordriver and front passenger, while the similar-size instrument cluster incorporates the latest display with clear and precise graphics.
A Blind-Spot View Monitor ‘sees’ what is potentially in the driver’s blind spot.
Unlike the ICE models, the HEV centre console features a dial-style gearshift knob as well as electronic parking brake with Auto hold. Storage includes cup holders and a large open space under the padded armrest.
Leather appointed seats include eight-way power driver’s seat, with two-way lumbar support. Front seats also are heated and ventilated.Boot,accessedbyasmarthands-free power tailgate, is a usable 586 litres with the seat backs up, expanding to a generous 1872 litres with them folded. A rare EV bonus is a
Infotainment
Smartphone wireless capability sadly is absent but there is a wireless phone charger as well as USB-A and USB-C ports. As is the case with other top-line Sportages, the GT-Line HEV is fitted with a premium eight-speaker Harman/ Kardon sound system as well as DAB+ digital radio and Bluetooth connectivity.
Engines/transmissions
Power in the Sportage Hybrid comes from the same 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol-electric hybrid system as the larger Sorento Hybrid, which mates a 132kW/265Nm four-cylinder petrol engine with a 44kW/264Nm electric motor and a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery (combined petrol + electric output is 169kW and 350Nm). A six-speed automatic transmission puts power to ground via the front wheels, ensuring a smooth transition between gear changes.
Safety
The Sportage GT-Line HEV carries a top five-star ANCAP rating on 2022 testing. Included are autonomous emergency braking with cyclist and pedestrian detection, rear cross traffic alert, active cruise control, lane keeping assist with steering intervention, blind
spot monitoring, 360-degree surround view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, trailer sway control and hill descent control. Front, front-sideandcurtainairbags,plusfrontcentre airbag complete the picture.
Driving
Refined is the only way to describe the GT-Line HEV manners. The engine and electric motor work together in conjunction with the conventional six-speed automatic transmission for a reasonably enjoyable driving experience. However, the lack of all-wheel drive does cause some chaos via the front under heavy acceleration.
Transitionbetweenengineandelectricmotor was done with quiet efficiency and is matched by a mostly unperturbed ride. Braking is good too and the regenerative system is consistent and pulls up the car well.
Fuel consumption is claimed by the maker to be 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the ADR 81/02 combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle came up with, I feel, an honest 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres.
Summary
It remains to be seen whether the Sportage Hybrid can hang on to the coat-tails of the runaway Toyota RAV4 petrol-electric and make it all the way to the top. Only time will tell.
As the footy season starts to wrap up, there’s plenty of elation and heartbreaking stories. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was there capturing the action on Saturday.
It was so close, but so far for a second straight Western Football League division 2 grand final for Albion.
After almost pinching last year’s decider as the underdog. the Cats were the favourites heading into this year’s decider.
They were undefeated and knocked off their opponent, Sunshine, three times during the season, including most recently in the second week of finals.
But finals can do funny things with the Kangaroos winning, 8.8 (56)-6.13 (49)
In all sorts of conditions including wind, hail and sun it was a game that went down to the wire.
The Kangaroos had the scoring end and led by 15 points at quarter time but should have been further ahead having kicked 2.5.
The margin was reduced nine points at half time, but having kicked 1.6 the Cats could have easily taken the front.
Early in the third quarter it was all the Kangaroos.
The margin blew out to 34 points and it
looked like they would run away with it.
This was the momentum in the semi final when the Cats turned the game in their favour.
It seemed it would be the case as well here when they kicked three goals to the non-scoring end to bring the margin back to 15 points at the last break.
When the Cats kicked the first goal of the final quarter within the first minute, it was back to nine points.
A goal against the tide for Sunshine to Mathew Medcraft steadied the Kangaroos.
The Cats did all the attacking from there on in.
There were some missed chances and a couple of dropped marks in the forward line.
A goal in the 20th minute made the margin just seven points.
The ball was in the Cats forward line when the siren went, shocking most of the crowd that thought there was still time on the clock.
Speaking to the crowd after the game, Cats coach Blake Richards said they were beaten
by a better team on the day.
“Sunshine first, a fantastic game,” he said. “You picked up your intensity throughout the year everytime you played us.
“You probably deserved the win in the end to tell you the truth. It was a scrap all day and you didn’t leave anything out there, so congratulations.”
Richards said they believed this was just the beginning of what they can do as a club.
“It’s been a fantastic couple of years,” he said. “Sometimes you get all that way and there was a lot of pressure on us.
“Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way, sometimes things go against you a little bit. I’m proud of everyone of you, proud of the crowd and the committee, Albion footy club the way it is travelling.
“I think our perception has changed in the WRFL [WFL], I think we’re starting to get back to where we should be and I think we’ll continue to grow in years to come.”
The Cats reserves side also lost its grand final to Sunshine.
By Tara Murray
Sunshine broke through for its first Western Football League senior premiership on Saturday, capping off one of the best days in the club’s history.
The club had only won three senior premierships entering Saturday’s division 2 decider against Albion.
All three came while the side was part of the YCW National Football Association, with theironlyA-gradepremiershipwhichcamein 1976, their most recent premiership.
SaturdaywouldbecomeadaytheKangaroos would remember for years to come.
It started with the under-18s winning the division 2 premiership, followed by their reserves getting it done as well.
The seniors then had a big test ahead of them.
FacinglongtimerivalAlbion,theKangaroos had their work cut out for them.
The Cats were undefeated and had beaten the Kangaroos three times during the year.
It meant little on Saturday.
The Kangaroos led all day on the way to an 8.8 (56)-6.13 (49) win.
Kangaroos coach Guy Barbuto said they believed that they could get the job done.
“Theprocessthatwehadandwestucktoit,” he said. “We knew they were gettable on their day and we got them.
“We backed our game style in wet, dry or whatever it was. That is what we did. We got to work, we knew they were hard at the contest and we needed to match them and I think we beat them at it.
“That is what nullified them from scoring.”
It was a case of four seasons on Saturday at Pennell Reserve, making the game a hard one to control.
There was a strong wind to one end for most of the day. There were periods of hail and then the sun came out and it was still.
The Kangaroos had the wind in the first quarter but weren’t fully able to make the most of it. The Cats then were the same in the second quarter.
It took until the third quarter for the game to open up.
“It was a tail of two halves,” Barburto said. “The game didn’t really open up to the second half and we were happy with that.
“We knew Albion hadn’t been down at any exchange throughout the year. To go in up at quarter time, half time and three quarter time the pressure would build on them.
“That’s what happened.”
Barbuto said they were wary midway through the third quarter when they had gotten out to a 34 point lead.
That was the point where the semi final
changed between the two teams that the Kangaroos took their foot off the pedal. leading to the Cats win.
The Kangaroos had the same lapse again, but this time they’d given themselves a big enough lead to hold on.
While many of the crowd were shocked when the siren went, Barbuto said they knew that the siren wasn’t far off when it came.
Barbuto said the biggest thing in the win was everyone just playing their role.
Nathan Carroll and Declan Moloney kicked two goals each.
Mark Mazzeo, Carroll, Matthew Cravino
and Patrick O’Keefe were named their best.
Itwastheskipper,O’Keefe,whowasawarded theRexSwannMedal,astheplayerjudgedbest on ground by the umpires.
O’Keefe has come through the system at the Kangaroos.
“He’s had a marvellous year,” Babruto said of the skipper. ”He was super again.
“I think he came off with two blood rules, he was sore and put his body on the line and that’s what leaders do at this stage.”
Barbuto said to have all three teams win premierships on the same day. The club’s third seniorsidefellagonisinglyshortofpremiership
success a couple of weeks, losing by one point.
“It’s a huge day for the club,” Barbuto said. “The work that Chappy [former coach Ben Chapman] did doesn’t go unnoticed as well.
“Everyone that was involved, this has been a long time coming for Sunshine. You’ve got guys like Michael O’Keefe, Mark Grech, Chris Gatt, Nathan Wilson who haven’t played in a flag.
“As a player I was fortunate to see some success,I’mrapttoseeanotherclubhavetheirs. It’s going to be a big celebration with all three sides winning it.
“It could go for a week or two I think.”
The winning feeling continues for Deer Park as it claimed the Victorian Bowls League title.
Having won the event once before, the Parkers were keen to bounce back from a below par performance in the last edition. They finished 2-1 after the round robin matches to finish in second in their group.
The Parkers then finished on top of section A in the finals weekend to win through to the grand final against Deer Park which they won 64 (19)-0 (3).
Parkers’ head of bowls operations Mark Casey said it was a pretty good feeling to win the title.
“It’s one of the most prestigious events in Victoria, so to win this title on the back of the metropolitan premier division and state pennant is something very special for our club.
“It’s tough competition so we all knew we had to be at our best to have success, last year we couldn’t quite reach those heights so it was pleasing to be able to watch the guys go to another level this year.”
Casey said the competition wasn’t easy and after a slow start had to be near perfect for the rest of the event.
“Once we made it through to the final, we were confident we could go all the way,” he said. “This win sets the club up for another great year ahead.”
team consisted of
For Casey and Bush, they’ve been part of both titles, “Nathan and I are best mates, so to win titles together is special,” Casey said. “He is
By Tara Murray
It was a more Keilor-like performance as the Blues won through to the Essendon District Football League premier division grand final on Sunday.
Aftertheirmostdisappointingperformance in the past couple of years, the Blues had work to do if they were to face Pascoe Vale in the grand final.
It started with beating Strathmore in the preliminary final on Sunday.
After an even first half on the scoreboard, the Blues were able to kick away in the second half to come away with a 14.12 (96)-8.9 (57) win to secure that grand final spot.
Blues coach Mick McGuane was a lot happier than he had been a week ago.
“It was an arm wrestle early,” he said. “Little bit of structure in front of the ball and behind the ball bodes well for your contingencies.
“Inclusions of [Jovan] Petric and [Cody] Brand, and [Nathan] Colenso and [Joseph] Ciranna, all make a significant difference as they all have significant roles to play when we’re playing at our best footy.
“For them to come back in the team and play in the manner they did was extremely pleasing.”
After hinting last week that seven players could come into the side, the Blues did bring in five players.
The fifth was Mason Thomas, a three-time premiership player.
They did lose Josh Honey and Oskar Smartt from last week’s team, who McGuane said are now likely out for the season.
McGuane said the inclusions all helped the team structure despite it being a gamble with some of those players not playing for a number of weeks.
The game turned in the third quarter which McGuane said they played quite dynamic.
“We won the ball in traffic and turned the ball in good spots and went back at them quickly,” he said.
“Ten shots at goal. I think we held up defensively a lot better than what we did last week.
“I thought we defended the ground much better.”
Colenso and Petric kicked three goals each for the Blues.
McGuane said both were helped separate the game with their conversion. He said James Bailey continues to get better, Nick O’Kearney was good in the middle while the coaching staff were happy with Thomas McGuane’s performance as well.
“There were some positives out of a good team performance,” McGuane said. “We needed a response and we got it.”
The win sets up the grand final with Pascoe Vale on Saturday at Windy Hill.
The Panthers won the semi final between the two teams, but the Blues won the two matches during the season, including one by more than 100 points.
McGuane said they would see what happened with defender Riley Ham during the week.
Ham hasn’t played since 13 when they faced Pascoe Vale.
McGuane said they’ve had to fight recently with injury to get to the grand final, having played 39 players this season.
The Blues reserves are also through to the grand final after a win on Sunday, while the under-18s were knocked out.
passionate about this club, puts so much time intocoachingourmemberssonoonedeserves it more than him.”
Matt Baus was awarded the player of the series award for his performance.
Casey said Baus was incredible.
“Ever since he started with us, he has been the ultimate professional. In this event, he led the team perfectly and certainly deserved the MVP award.”
The Parkers will now focus on the Bowls Victoria pennant season.
Theclubisaimingforthreepremierdivision titles in a row.
“Our preparations for the upcoming pennant season are well underway, the club has a number of practice matches over the next month before the season begins mid October,” he said.
“The VBL win gives us some nice momentum, as we know we will be the hunted this year after going back to back last season. It’s going to be a great challenge, but it’s one that we are going to enjoy.”
Tara Murray
Caroline Springs’ grand final dreams cametoahaltonSaturdayintheWestern Football League division 1 preliminary final.
After two hard finals, including losing its semi final in extra time, the Lakers faced Hoppers Crossing in the preliminary final on Saturday for a spot in the decider.
The Lakers were aiming to make their first division 1 grand final, having won their first final in this division a couple of weeks ago.
It was tough conditions at Skinner Reserve with rain, hail and plenty of wind making it tough for players.
The Warriors led by four points at quarter time before extending the margin to 13 points at the main break after kicking the only goal of the second quarter.
Hoppers Crossing continued to grow the lead in the third quarter with the margin 18 points at three quarter time, leaving the Lakers a task in the final quarter.
The game broke open in the final quarter with the Warriors running out the stronger of the teams with six final quarter goals to come away with an 11.9 (75)-4.7 (31) win.
It was all single goalkickers for the Lakers.
BillyCrofts,MitchellBongiovanniand Max Tessari were named their best for the Lakers.
Jed Anderson, Ryan Kitchen and Chase Guy were named the Warriors best.
Hoppers Crossing, which finished bottom last year, will now face Werribee Districts, last season’s premiers, in the grand final this Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval.
Westgate made it back-to-back titles in the FV women’s state league competition with a dominant season this year.
Having won the state league 3 west title last year, Westgate backed it up this year with the state league 2 north-west title.
Westgate won 14 of its 16 games and conceded just eight goals for the season.
Coach Sean Sumner said it was a really good achievement for the group.
“It was good,” he said. “We always had plans to win the league.
“We won the league last year so we’ve won back-to-back… Last year it was state league 3 and we got promoted and now won the league and championship, so next year state league 1.”
Sumner said the playing group had been focused on building on what they had done last year.
They started the season with a 6-1 win
against Spring Hills and it was a sign of things to come for the rest of the season.
“They worked hard to get the rewards and they didn’t slack off,” he said. “We wanted to achieve this.”
The road to back-to-back championships and promotions started with a phone in 2022.
President Alex Jovicic and the committee wanted to see their women’s program rise up the ranks.
The club had finished the 2022 season in state league 3 west in ninth spot with just three wins for the year.
“Westgate was not well known in the women’s space two years ago,” he said. “I got a phone call and the president Alex gave me a blank slate to get into state league 1 as soon as I could.
“I’d won six championships before. I got Hoppers Crossing from state league to state league 1. I’d coached Avondale and Moreland Zebras to championships.
“They gave me a challenge to do what I do best.”
Sumner worked the phones to bring in a
By Tara Murray
Reigning premiers Deer Park has further strengthened its squad with the signing of Fawad Ahmed for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season.
Coming off their first senior division premiership, the Lions are keen to make sure they are up there again.
Coach Mick Andreadis said the signing of Ahmed was a big one for the club. Ahmed played both one-day and T20 cricket for Australia and had a success state and BBL career.
“We’ve been friends for years and I’ve always been trying to get him across but we had never got it done,“ Andreadis.
“We had an opportunity this year. Keon Harding, who was our five point professional player, didn’t look like he was coming back as he had to look at other options.
“We got talking and it worked for both of us. Ahmed played at his home club Hoppers
Crossing last season after retiring from Victorian Premier Cricket. He took 56 wickets at an average of 8.77, the most in the north-west division.
While no stranger to what Ahmed can do, Andreadis said watching him at training every week had shocked him a little bit
“He is a really good bowler and is better than I thought,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t watch a lot of them, you just hear about them.
“Watching him, he’s a real crafty bowler.
The addition of Ahmed is the third big signing for the club. Aaron Shellie and Aaron Ayre joined the club from Coburg in the off season.
Andreadis said both would add to the group’s batting and bowling depth.
“I’ve been trying to get Aaron Shellie for 10 years and I kept persisting. We worked something out and Aaron Ayres came as well.
“They bring a lot of experience and more bowling talent to the group. Both are handy bowlers as well.
squad to win championships. He said they were now having people approach them to join the club.
He said they have relevance which is a big deal.
The club will have to have a second women’s side next season, as part of the requirements of being in state league 1.
“I want to look to have a relatively young squad,” Sumner said. “I want to build them into senior players in the future.
“It’s good for the culture. Hopefully we can attract a lot of players.
Now what’s next, having achieved the goal of reaching state league 1?
“We want to build off back-to-back promotions,” he said. “The club wants to go the next step into the Victorian Premier League.”
Tara Murray
Anthony Montrose and Phil Crea will coach Albanvale after a shock coaching change at the Western Football League division 2 club.
Ange Messina was set to coach the club for a second straight season with the club announcing his reappointment in August.
The club announced on Monday that “unfortunately” it had decided to part ways with Messina and thanked him for his hard work.
Just hours later they announced that Montrose and Crea would coach the side.
Montrose returns to the club after 13 years, having been a player and reserves premiership coach in 2010.
He then moved onto the Essendon District Football League, including helping set up two women’s programs.
Crea played nearly 500 games in the league and was a premiership winning coach with Glen Orden in 2019.
He has most recently been an assistant coach at the Suns.
Montrose said it had all just fallen into place and they were excited to get into it.
“I coached women’s football for four years and had a break,” he said. “I helped out Andrew Bryson in his final year at the club.
“Both my boys are down here and have been around and watched some games. There’s a bit of passion again to coach.
“I played against Phil a long time ago.”
Andreadis said a decision on the batting order would be a tough one once the season got underway, but a good one to have.
He said as well as losing Harding, Fawad Malook is also not returning.
Having won the premiership last season after making the grand final the season before, Andreadis said they were now trying to stay ahead of the pack.
“Other clubs are bringing in players and getting stronger,” he said. “The competition is getting stronger and stronger.
“Ït will be a good challenge with other sides recruiting well.”
The VTCA season is set to get underway on October 5.
Andreadis said they were better prepared for this season than they have the past couple.
Ëveryone is on board bar one,” he said. “We weren’t at full strength at the start of last year and we started well.
“Hopefully start like last year, we were brilliant early on.”
Montrose said the pair were a bit of yin and yang, but were hoping that it would be the right mix. He said they are both keen to get the best out of the group.
“I think we compliment each other,” he said. “Phil has been entrenched in the league and knows a lot about the opposition. For me, that is what we need and I can top that with other strengths. We’ll talk to the group about what they want to get from their footy.
Montrose said they thought they already had a good group of players at the club and would add extra talent if they needed to.
The Cobras finished six this year, knocked out in the first week of finals.
“Sitting and watching, I know what the deficienciesareandwe’llfillthosespotsif we need,” he said. “I think the list is good enough. In the loss to Wyndhamvale, we were missing six walk up starters, so that will close the gap.”
