Sunshine rebuild started Blues go
By Gerald Lynch
Works are under way for the rebuild of Sunshine Station, which will increase access to Melbourne Airport and act as groundwork for the delayed rail link project.
An investment of $63.5 million is going toward the rebuild, including additional platforms, and track and bridge works.
The upgrades are the first step in the Melbourne Airport Rail Link project, which has commitments of $5 billion each from state and federal government.
The reconfiguration is set to untangle the station which is currently complex, with
the station in the heart of Melbourne’s west servicing metro, freight, and more than 70 per cent of the V/Line networks, ranging from Geelong, Bendigo, and Ballarat.
The upgrade will increase capacity for additional services from Wyndham Vale and allow for future electrified trains to run from Melton. It will also enable six trains per hour to the airport.
The development works will be delivered alongside the state government’s Sunshine Station Precinct Masterplan upgrade which includes a new bus interchange and pedestrian connections.
Brimbank council acting chief executive
Lynley Dumble said council was thrilled with the announcement, but it far from solves everything.
“This is a win for Brimbank and a significant step towards establishing Sunshine as the economic powerhouse of the west and one of the satellite CBDs of Melbourne,” she said. “It is encouraging to see all levels of government working together to rebuild and redevelop Sunshine Station into a transport superhub.
“However, the question remains, why delay the Melbourne Airport Rail? The sooner works commence, the sooner the return on investment will be realised.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional
Keilor has won back-to-back premierships in the Essendon District Football League premier division for the first time since 2000-01.
The Blues were able to avenge a semi final loss to Pascoe Vale two weeks ago, to run away with a strong performance. It was a fifth premiership for coach Mick McGuane.
For a full match report, turn to sport.
Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said this was a crucial step in delivering the airport rail.
MaribyrnongMPBillShortensaidtheworks are a strong sign of growth in the west.
“The development of Sunshine Station is the next step in securing the airport rail link that will be great for the north west of Melbourne, and all Victorians,” he said.
According to the government, rebuilding Sunshine Station to accommodate services to the airport, as well as future upgrades of the network including the Melton electrification, will save time and cost for locals, businesses and commuters throughout the west.
Keilor claimed the EDFL premier division premiership. (Tara Murray)
New community pantry now open
By Gerald Lynch
Care for families in need in Melbourne’s west was given a big boost last week, when the Helping Hands new community pantry was officially opened in Airport West.
HelpingHandssupportsmorethan150local families each day and feeds about 3000 people experiencing hardship each week.
The pantry space was made possible with a $350,000 state government grant.
The organisation works with supermarkets, food banks and local businesses to stock their community pantry.
The kitchen is staffed by volunteers who
cook healthy $5 lunches and $2 morning and afternoon teas, served at the cafe style Community Dining Room.
The op shop which helps to fund Helping Hands aid programs has rows of pre-loved clothing priced at $2, homewares, furniture, records, toys and more on offer at a low cost and located inside it is Gaye’s Vintage Shop –a place to find vintage fashion and a range of preloved homewares.
Helping Hands chief executive Melanie Gill was elated throughout the afternoon, and she expressed her appreciation for all the help people have given to build the organisation.
“Wewanttosayabigthankyoutoeverybody
Support for the anxious
A new group has launched in Deer Park, offering support and serenity for people experiencing anxiety.
TheDeerParkAnxietySupportGroupisrun at the commUnity+ Neighbourhood House on Ballarat Road, on the second Wednesday of each month, from 6pm to 7.30pm.
Co-facilitator Tim Hillier said he had seen similar groups succeed across other parts of Melbourne, and was excited to see the benefits it could bring to residents within Brimbank.
“We want to provide a safe, non judgemental space where people can come and chat,” he said.
“An opportunity to come and share with people that can understand and relate to their experiences.”
The sessions begin with a check-in activity, delivered in a calm manner, allowing participants to identify their expressions through imagery or words, as well as introductionsfornewandongoingmembersto
become familiar with each other.
They complete breathing and meditation exercises towards the end of the sessions to ensure everyone is leaving feel relaxed.
The Deer Park group is only two sessions old after it began in August, but Mr Hillier said they are already having a positive impact.
“People have said how much they’ve enjoyed having somewhere just to come and have someone to relate to, because sometimes your family and the people at your workplaces don’t really talk about this topic much or may not understand it,” he said.
“We are still just getting started but it’s been really positive so far.”
ThenextsessionwillbeWednesday,October 9, with all locals encouraged to sign up and attend.
Register: arcvic.org.au/events/deer-parkanxiety-support-group-3/
Gerald Lynch
who has contributed to our journey, you have helped to ensure the ongoing future of this important community resource,” she said.
Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence said organisations such as Helping Hands are the heartbeat of the community in Melbourne’s west. “We are continuing to invest in organisations like Helping Hands who are supporting Victorians in need,” she said.
“We are proud to have supported this new facility which will enable dedicated Helping Hands staff and volunteers to continue their fantastic work, providing vital aid and relief for the local community.”
Niddrie MP and deputy premier Ben Carroll
grewupinthearea,sohesaidhewasincredibly proud to see Helping Hands where it is today.
“I want to thank Helping Hands for the incredible support they provide to hundreds of people each week, whether by supplying essentialhouseholditemsorofferingnutritious meals. I’m proud that we support their vital work, helping those in need,” he said. “I’m pleased that Helping Hands can now extend their support to the Airport West community with the benefits of this new facility.”
The pantry is opened to anyone in need of assistance on McIntosh Street in Airport West, and an op shop is located on Hampshire Road, Sunshine.
News has never been more vital
By Paul Thomas
On this World News Day, we are reminded of the invaluable role journalism plays in safeguarding our democracy, especially in regional and local towns across Australia.
While global headlines may dominate, it’s the local stories that are the heartbeat of our communities. Public interest journalism serves not only as a watchdog but also as a bridge between the people and their local governments, businesses, and neighbours.
Local newspapers are often the sole providers of information that directly impacts residents’ daily lives. From covering council meetings to reporting on issues like infrastructure development or the success of local businesses, these newspapers perform a critical function. When journalists shine a light on important issues, they empower their communities to engage, voice concerns, and demand accountability.
At Star Weekly, we believe that public interest journalism is essential for the health of our democracy. In an age of misinformation and dwindling trust, our mission is to provide fact-based reporting that our readers can rely on. While we operate in a rapidly changing media landscape, the core values of journalism remain unchanged: truth, transparency, and a commitment to the communities we serve.
The rise of social media has fundamentally transformed how we consume information, with both positive and negative consequences. While platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok have connected us in new and powerfulways,theyhavealsobecomebreeding grounds for misinformation, deep fakes, and viral falsehoods. With content increasingly
manipulated, from deep fake videos to entirely fabricated news stories, it has become harder for people to distinguish fact from fiction. This erosion of trust threatens the very foundation of informed communities and societies.
In contrast, local newspapers provide a crucial counterbalance to this tide of disinformation.Ourjournalistsworktirelessly to deliver stories grounded in facts, verified by trusted sources, and shaped with balance. When you read your local newspaper, either in print or online, you can trust that the information is accurate, relevant, and serves the best interests of your community. Local newspapers are more than just sources of news; they are the defenders of truth in a noisy and often confusing media landscape.
As technology and media consumption habits continue to evolve, local journalism must adapt. However, the mission remains the same: telling stories that matter, holding the powerful to account, and keeping the public informed. Newspapers, particularly in regionalandlocaltowns,haveadutytoremain trusted sources of news for the communities they serve.
In a time when misinformation and falsehoods spread rapidly, let’s make sure the truth rings louder. By supporting local journalism, we strengthen not just our media but the very fabric of our regional and local towns. Together, we can ensure that truth and integrity remain at the heart of our communities.
* Paul Thomas is the owner and director of Star Weekly. He has worked in newspapers all his life and is a former president and life member of Country Press Australia.
Star Weekly owner and director Paul Thomas.
Co-facilitator Tim Hillier. (Damjan Janevski) 431234_01
Police boost for school holidays
By Gerald Lynch
After an overwhelming success in July with 30 arrests,OperationCavalcadewillrecommence in Brimbank to ensure community safety during the school holiday period.
It will include a bolstered police presence at busy community locations in the Brimbank and Melton areas.
A range of specialist police from the Public Order Response Team and Transit Safety Division will take part in the operation.
Police will prioritise patrols of shopping centres including Watergardens and Woodgrove, as well as parks and other
shopping strips.
Another focus will be train stations, with Transit police and Protective Services Officers conducting highly visible patrols of Sunshine, Melton and St Albans railway stations.
The roads will also see a strong police presence,withBrimbankandMeltonHighway Patrol out in force to deter and detect speed, distraction and impairment.
The local Crime Reduction Team will also have known youth gang members closely in their sights throughout the school holidays.
These interactions will include bail compliance checks, referrals to support services and diversion programs, patrols of
locations where the person frequents and has offended previously, conducting Firearm Prohibition Order Checks, and extending necessary support and referrals to the young person’s family.
The local proactive policing unit and detectives from Brimbank and Melton crime investigation units will also provide resources to the operation.
Brimbank and Melton tasking and coordination Acting Inspector Nick Di-Mieri said the school holidays is one of the most importanttimesforpolicetoheightensecurity and awareness.
“With students soon putting down their
Overnewton marks 175 grand years
TheiconicOvernewtonCastleiscelebrating175 years with a host of events for the community to enjoy.
This heritage-listed Scottish baronial homestead, is tucked away on four acres of manicured gardens, with ancient trees, historic outhouses and 36 rooms maintained by second generation owner Emma Stott.
“Everyday is special at Overnewton Castle … we are dream makers and storytellers,” she said.
“People are always so surprised that this place exists here in the west.
“Still recovering from the financial strain of the Covid pandemic on our business we are
doing whatever we can to keep this beautiful castle afloat.
“We are currently one of the oldest heritage listed family owned wedding reception venues left in Victoria.”
Originally constructed in 1849, Overnewton Castle was crafted by Scotsman William James Taylor.
Standing on 13,000 acres of land, it initially served as both a refuge and lookout during the gold rush of the 1850s.
For the last 175 years, only three families have owned the property, which is a key driver behind Overnewton’ s immaculately preserved buildings and garden.
Across the school holidays, the castle is hosting a Princess Party high tea on Tuesday, October 1, and an Under the Sea high tea on Thursday, October 3.
Guests will be served in the grand dining room, with live entertainment and photo opportunities for the kids.
The annual Scottish Festival is also coming up on Sunday, November 24 from 11am to 4pm. It includes a festival and market day to celebrate St Andrews Day and the Scottish heritage of Overnewton Castle’s founding family.
Gerald Lynch
pens, there is no better time for us to increase our presence around busy community locations,” he said.
“Our priority will be ensuring everyone can enjoy the school holidays safely.
“The community can expect to see both local and specialist police in and around shopping centres, transport hubs and on the roads.
“Anyone thinking of causing trouble can expect to see a strong police presence waiting for them.”
Operation Cavalcade began on Monday, September 16, and will finish on Saturday, October 12.
Extra footy trains, trams
Extra public transport services and an extension of the Free Tram Zone are being delivered to cater for footy finals and the Melbourne Royal Show.
From Wednesday, September 25, the Free Tram Zone will be extended to the MCG along routes 48, 70 and 75, so passengers can head to the Footy Festival at Yarra Park.
For the AFL Grand Final eve public holiday on Friday, September 27, all public transport will run to a Saturday timetable – with 47 extra train services operating, along with additional tram services on Flinders Street to get fans to the AFL Grand Final Parade.
On Grand Final Day, there will be 56 train services added to metropolitan lines – 16 prior to the first bounce, and 40 after the final siren.
Extra trams will operate on routes 12, 48, 70 and 75 along Collins and Flinders Streets, with additional services also added on the V/Line network.
For the Melbourne Royal Show, more than 100 extra train services will run every day of the event which is expected to attract 450,000 people.
The extra show trains will depart FlindersStreetevery10-15minutesfrom platforms 8 and 9 from 9.10am, while the last train from the showgrounds will depart at 10.40pm on weekdays and 10.30pm on weekends.
Extra tram services will also run on Route 57, which travels between Elizabeth Street and the showgrounds. Passengers can plan their journey by visiting ptv.vic.gov.au or vline.com.au.
Williamstown Rd inbound exit ramp closed
The Williamstown Road inbound exit ramp will be closed from 9pm Tuesday 1 October until 5am Sunday 17 November. During this time, one lane on the West Gate Freeway inbound between Millers and Williamstown roads will also be closed. Detours will be in place, but please allow extra travel time.
Overnewton Castle staff Emily Garretto, Emma Stott and Cody Hore ready to celebrate. (Damjan Janevski) 431499_01
Former mayor’s vandalism battle
By Gerald Lynch
A former mayor of Brimbank said she “just wants a fair go” heading into the upcoming council election, after her corflutes have been vandalisedforthethirdtimeinasmanyweeks.
Candidates have been making themselves known in the community with promotional signs and corflutes being plastered throughout Brimbank.
Former 2019-20 Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou is making another run for council this term.
However, she has faced repeated incidents of vandalism and removal of her campaign signs. “I am an independent candidate, not affiliated with any political party. Since
September 9, my signs have been graffitied, pulled out, and thrown to the ground … This is clearly foul play,” she said. “It’s unfair and involves trespassing on private property, damaging campaign materials, and causing distress for property owners.”
She also emphasised the broader impact of such tactics. “This isn’t just about me, other candidates are being targeted too. This kind of negative campaigning needs to stop.
“We should all be focused on how we can best support our community.”
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said they were aware of the issue.
“Police are investigating reports of damage to corflute signs in Taylors Lakes during September,” the spokesperson said.
“It was reported that several signs relating to a local government election were damaged earlier in the month.
“The investigation remains ongoing.”
TheLocalGovernmentInspectoratesaidany form of signage vandalism was a matter for local police.
Brimbank council regulates where election signage can be located and whether a permit is required for it.
Anyone who witnessed the incidents or has information is urged to contact crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au
Georgina Papfotiou has had multiple signs vandalised. (Supplied)
Time to tune in and join radio club
Radio enthusiasts are being called upon in Keilor,astheMelbourneElectronicRadioClub is seeking more participants to join in on the fun.
President Nicholas Field said the group is suitable for all ages, and will be a good time for any radio enthusiasts.
“We have about 30 members and our membership is fairly broad with members aged in their 20’s to 90’s,” he said. “The hobby of amateur radio is also quite broad with many different facets within the hobby.
“Some of our members like to just get on the
radio and see who they can find to talk to at the other end. Usually our club members make contact on the HF radio to stations as far away astheUnitedStatesorEurope.Lastweekoneof ourmemberswasspeakingtoastationthatwas operating from Japan.
“Some members enjoy building antennas, testing them and then seeing how they can improve upon their original design.”
Mr Field said radio fans of any level are welcome, and can always learn something new.
“We have some members who also enjoy the electronics side of the club. We have some
very knowledgeable people who work or have worked in various industries that can share their knowledge and help out with projects,” he said.
They also run competition games, such as a game to see who can reach the most different areas across the country.
The club meets once a week, on the first and third Thursday of each month, and second and fourth Friday, at the Keilor Village Scout Hall on Bonfield Street.
Gerald Lynch
Have a say on child health
The state government is seeking community feedback on how to improve Victoria’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service.
Lastweek,MinisterforChildrenLizzie Blandthorn launched a new survey open to those who have used the MCH service in the past two years.
The survey features questions on first home visits, ongoing appointments with MCH nurses, and the support and information shared as part of a child’s growth and development, with the insights gathered then used to make improvements to the service.
“This survey gives families the power to help us improve the services that provide free, accessible maternal child health to all Victorian children from birth to school age,” said Ms Blandthorn.
“We know there are always opportunities to improve our services and that’s why we want to hear directly from Victorian parents and carers about their experience using our maternal and child health service.”
The anonymous survey is open until November 17 and is available in 10 community languages in addition to English, including Dari, Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin, Khmer, Punjabi, Burmese, Pashto, Hazaragi, and Chin (Hakha), making it accessible to a wide range of families across the state.
To complete the survey, visit: engage. vic.gov.au/have-your-say-on-maternaland-child-health-services.
More information on MCH services is available at: betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
Walkers join forces to bring suicide out of the shadows
Lifeline Western Melbourne recognised World Suicide Prevention Day on Tuesday, September 10 by holding its first Out of the Shadows Walk in Footscray.
Walkers were met with appropriately sunny weather at Footscray Park for the event which raised money for suicide prevention.
About 50 participants took part in the walk around Footscray Park Oval, behind the Footscray campus of Victoria University, who along with Lifeline, helped organise the event.
From 7.30am to 8.45am walkers did nine laps of the oval, which, as Lifeline’s head of corporate and community partnerships in Victoria, Mike Parker, explained, had a grim significance.
“Unfortunately in Australia there’s about 3000 suicides in Australia a year which equals about nine a day,” Mr Parker said, adding that raising the awareness and understanding of
suicide with events like Out of the Shadows, would help bring those numbers down.
“Whether it is those in crisis experiencing suicidal thoughts, those with lived and living experience of suicide or those bereaved, talking through things can help to bring suicide out of the shadows so we can shine a light on this important issue,” he said.
One participant well aware of the importance of the issue was Lifeline crisis support worker, Ian Palmer.
Mr Palmer spends four hours per week answering calls from people in distress, as well as volunteering at a Lifeline store in Geelong.
After completing his walk, he explained how his work in suicide prevention came about.
“My daughter was a volunteer with Lifeline many years ago when she was a student and
I’ve come across several people who’ve lost lovedonestosuicidewhohavevolunteeredfor Lifeline as well and in retirement I thought, yep, that’s a good idea,” Mr Palmer said.
Fouryearson,hehashelpedscoresofpeople calling into Lifeline and said just listening to them is often enough.
“Suicide is not something that comes out of the blue for most people,” Mr Palmer said.
“It begins with not being able to talk to anybody and not having any resources so it’s really important that we’re there for people in their loneliness.”
To donate: https://www. outoftheshadowswalk.org.au/fundraisers/ lifelinewesternmelbourne
If this story raises issues for you, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 13 Yarn on 13 92 76.
Cade Lucas
Out of the Shadows Walk participants at Footscray Park, from left: Divot Meiksans, Bobby the dog, Julia Ladgrove, Jade Ogden, Jessica Harrington, Ian Palmer, Patrice O’Brien, Mike Parker, Liz Solomon and Natasha Adamovic. (Cade Lucas) 431098
Melbourne Electronics and Radio Club (MERC) president Nick Field and member Mike Adams. (Damjan Janevski) 432309_01
Grassland champs dig in
By Gerald Lynch
A short film is shining a light on a local group working hard to preserve precious grasslands in the west.
The film highlights the Friends of Iramoo Grasslands care group, and shows the passion and care they have for the area.
The group look after Iramoo Grassland Reserves, which is one of three reserves within the umbrella environment group Cairnlea Conservation Reserves Committee of Management.
Volunteer Megan O’Shea is featured in the film explaining why maintaining the area is so important.
“It’s a remnant native grassland, an ecosystem that once covered about a third of the state... with colonisation there has been a significant reduction, so we’re down to about one to two percent of those grasslands left,” she said.
“Iramoo is a great example of what the landscapewaslikeacouplehundredyearsago.”
Iramoo Grassland Reserves is the committee’s primary reserve, which has a nursery, a meeting room, an education centre and partners with Victoria University.
Some of the nastiest and most pervasive weed species, including serrated tussock and Chilean needle grass, are threatening to overrun grasslands in Melbourne’s west, which are also a target for developers.
VolunteerslikeMsO’SheaandtheFriendsof Iramoo happily donate their time to eradicate weeds and champion the delicate niche plants andanimalsthatprovejusthowdynamicthese endangered grasslands are.
The volunteers receive funding from Melbourne Water’s Victorian Landcare Grants scheme to undertake natural resource management, such as ecological burns and
community outreach, including recruiting nature strip growers of rare grasses.
The Friends of Iramoo Grasslands deliver novel programs to attract volunteers from across the community, including a youth program for young environmentalists to build industry skills.
Aboriginal engagement and community connections regional Landcare co-ordinator, Barry Kennedy said, “The Friends of Iramoo Grasslands have transformed a landscape scarred by invasive weeds by creating havens
forindigenousspecies,withlong-termfinancial support from Melbourne Water”.
“Florainthewesternvolcanicplainsareoften underappreciated but what they lack in fibrous bark they make up for in blossoms and snowy sweetness for visiting pollinators. The health of the grasslands has improved enormously with a concerted effort by the volunteers making it possible to find rare orchids, lilies, and insects such as the golden sun moth.”
Full video: youtube.com/ watch?v=1kpNF6Nxxb4
Apply for youth congress
Young Victorians wanting to have a say on issues that matter to them are being encouraged to apply for the 2025 Victorian Youth Congress.
Applications for the 2025 congress opened on Tuesday, September 17 with young people aged 12 to 25 eligible to take part.
Those selected will have the chance to workwiththestategovernmenttoensure a youth perspective is embedded into its policies and decisions.
Congress members will also have an opportunity to learn about government, influence change, develop professional skills and build networks with other young people passionate about making a difference.
“We are proud to help young Victorians to be heard and influence change and decision-making on the issues that matter to them,” said Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman when opening applications on Tuesday.
Amemberofthisyear’syouthcongress, Jiawen (Yannee) Liu, encouraged other youngpeopletoapply,sayingshe’dlearnt a lot from being part of it.
“It has been an incredibly eye-opening and empowering experience being part of the Victorian Youth Congress over the past 12 months – especially getting the chance to co-design and conduct prototype testing of the YouthNav platform.”
Applicationstojointhe2025Victorian Youth Congress are open until October 15, 2024.
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.
is what you make it.
pull up to
Burnside or Footscray Community Donation Centre and our friendly
Megan O’Shea (front), Jeremy McNally, Rick Van Keulen, John Apostolidis and Paul Codognotto. (Damjan Janevski) 427993_01
‘‘ Do not allow yourself ever, ever to sit in a situation where you are feeling impoverished and overwhelmed ’’
- Maria Ruberto
Seminar offers safe space to talk
By Afraa Kori
Young women impacted by mental health can expect a brighter future, thanks to a partnership between Werribee Rotary Club and MacKillop College.
They held an annual seminar on September 12 featuring diverse speakers and panellists, including clinical psychologist Maria Ruberto, Matilda’s midfielder Alex Chidiac and Mackillop’s student councillor Samantha Zahra. There was also a special performance by a young local singer Taysha Farrugia.
Ms Ruberto said the community valued preventative behaviours, but actions speak louder than words.
“We are in the middle of an epidemic where we are seeing that mental health issues for our young people and even across our lifespan seems to be rising. With all of our efforts and especially on the day where we ask each other R U OK? There seems to be an anomaly, there seems to be a difference between what we are trying to do and yet what our data is telling us,” she said.
“We have so many resources available to us; counsellors, psychologists, free online programs, school and community support.”
While the NAB Health Insights Special Report may be “hard to hear”, Ms Ruberto gave attendees a reality check regarding the wellbeing of the nation and community.
According to the report, one in five Australians are diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
One in three people may not have the diagnosis but they are suffering really high psychological distress, the report found.
Seven in 10 young Australians between 18 and 24 needed professional mental health support in the last year, according to the report, while one in four Australians suffer anxiety and depression chronically.
Females and young people between 18 and 24, are twice as likely to report poor mental health, including those in rural and regional areas.
Ms Ruberto highlighted personal responsibility and collective action are key elements of change.
“Reach out, talk to somebody, see your GP and counsellor, connect to people at school, go online and call support line numbers.
“Do not allow yourself ever, ever to sit in a situation where you are feeling impoverished and overwhelmed, if it’s more than two weeks that’s a real marker. Support is required and it’s so important to be able to get help as early as possible,” she said.
“The triangle check is an easy way for you to try and think about where am I mentally? The triangle check has three points; thoughts, feelings and behaviours. So if our thoughts, feelings and our behaviours are all in check wecallthisgoodmentalhealth.Thisisareally easy way of doing it and I hope you will never forget this!”
Athlete Alex Chidiac reassured young women that she walked in their shoes and saw a light at the end of the tunnel.
“It was definitely tough growing up because there were a lot of expectations. I did get scouted at quite a young age and there was not a lot of hope as people didn’t really make it
out of Adelaide as a professional footballer,” she said. “I was really closed off as a kid and I didn’t like talking about how I was feeling. It would seem from the outside that I was doing well because I was making these teams and I was going away to Asian Championships with national youth teams and things like that. But I was really struggling and once I mentioned it to one of my friends and they were like ‘me too’. That’s when I realised everyone’s struggling and it’s so normal to feel that way. Even now as a 25 year old, I get anxious and nobody in this room has it together, all of us are winging it.
“My grandma came to Australia not speaking any English and found her community in Adelaide and built that up. I think growing up around that and watching what she was able to achieve, how her friends helped her out in that, I really loved that sense of community. It wasn’t until I got into football that I had that. So having teammates that you can rely on, people that you can open up to, I think that’s where that connection was for me. It’s just being with people, even if you don’t necessarily have to speak, just the comfort of sitting with somebody and sharing.”
To foster ongoing growth, MacKillop’s student wellbeing director, Andrew Exton, encouraged students to never miss out on future opportunities to attend the annual mental health seminar.
“The seminar provides a safe space where people can discuss the unique challenges young women and girls experience with regards to their mental health and wellbeing. We hope the information discussed tonight both assists and inspires but also challenges us to care a little bit more about ourselves and each other.”
Maria Ruberto, Alex Chidiac, Samantha Zahra and Taysha Farrugia making a difference.
President of Rotary Clu Robert Fava united with Wyndham councillors Jasmine Hill, Peter Maynard and Susan McIntyre.
Senior fun on its way
Celebrating seniors across Brimbank, the Victorian Seniors Festival returns for the whole month of October with a full program of entertainment and events.
Programs and activities for the festival are being held all across Brimbank, designed to keep seniors active, entertained, and informed.
There are more than 40 free or low cost programs and activities you can join if you are 60 or older.
This year the festival’s theme, ’Explore. Engage. Evolve’, encourages seniors to stay curious and connected.
You can try out a new sport or show off your existing experience.
The popular seniors golf day at Keilor Golf Course is back. Hear from footy legends
Kevin Sheedy and David Schwartz at a Footy Legends Lunch or come and celebrate the incredible life and music of the Forces Sweetheart in Sincerely Yours, Dame Vera Lynn Tribute Show at the Bowery Theatre. Explore the full range of programs and activities at brimbank.vic.gov.au/ seniorsfestival2024 or you can pick up a hard copy guide on or after 1 October at your local council venue, library, neighbourhood house or community centre.
Make sure you book, so you don’t miss out!
VictorianSeniorsCardholdersreceiveafull week of free public transport from October 6 to October 13 to help get around to activities.
The Victorian Seniors Festival is supported by all 79 local councils across the state, as well as community groups and organisations.
Briefs
Three youths arrested Three youths in an allegedly stolen car were arrested after police followed them across the north-west early on Thursday, September 19. Officers spotted a grey Audi S3 sedan displaying stolen registration plates travelling along Ballarat Road, Cairnlea about 2am. The Audi was observed intermittently by police in Deer Park and surrounding suburbs. With the assistance from the Air Wing, police followed the Audi to the Western Ring Road, St Albans, where the two males and one female were arrested without incident. A 19-year-old Deer Park youth, a 19-year-old Footscray West youth and a 19-year-old Burnside Heights youth are being interviewed by police.
Holiday fun
With the school holidays here, Museums Victoria is putting on several events for parents and kids to get curious this spring. From September 23 to October 6, Melbourne Museum, IMAX Melbourne, and Scienceworks will feature one-of-a-kind exhibitions, hands-on workshops and interactive activities. At Scienceworks, a range of activities are on show, including, Air Playground, Glow Show, and FlushBack augmented reality experience.
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Marilyn Martyn participating in a craft program organised by U3A Brimbank. (Damjan Janevski) 428137_04
Convoy bashed it out for the kids
Life is a highway for participants in the Variety Vic Bash, who, after a 12 month fundraising campaign, embark on a 10-day trip through the heart of Australia to make life easier for underprivileged children. Eddie Russell reports.
You would think a seemingly endless convoy emerging from the desert haze was a scene straight out of Mad Max.
But instead of raising hell like the road warrior himself, those barrelling through the barren lands of rural Australia were raising money to help kids who need it most.
And for the 244 people travelling through the outback in 81 vintage cars last month, raise money they did – an enormous $1.6 million in total.
Their efforts were for children’s charity organisation Variety Victoria as part of an annual fundraising event, the Variety Vic Bash.
FromAugust16to24thisyear,participants drove more than 3300 kilometres starting in Swan Hill and finishing in Airlie Beach.
‘‘ We often forget we are in costume and it not only brings us a laugh with locals but some really nice donations along the way ’’ - Elizabeth Porter
In the thick of the action were six Bacchus Marsh locals in two themed vehicles –Apollo 11, piloted by Shane Jenkins, Paul Menzies, Mick Belcher, and Glen Burgin, and Wonderland, featuring Elizabeth Porter and Liz Barby.
Both crews were taking part in their fifth ‘bash’ and contributed more than $10,000 each directly to Variety.
Shane Jenkins said that “the challenge” and “the cause” were what enticed him and his mates to get involved.
“We felt like it was a good opportunity to give back a bit … and it’s a motoring event, which suited us because we are into cars,” he said
“Doing it for the kids and going away with your friends to places you would potentially never go were the driving force behind it.”
An important feature of the fundraiser is the themed component; its silly and uplifting nature is to give kids who are visited along the route something to smile about.
Elizabeth Porter, who dresses as Alice as part of the Wonderland car, said the costumes resonated deeply with young people.
“It’s a great opportunity for kids to reconnect with their childhood fairy tale characters and that’s been a hit every year,” she said.
It is also well received by confused and delighted onlookers, said Ms Porter.
“We often forget we are in costume and it not only brings us a laugh with locals but some really nice donations along the way.
“It’s a bit of fun rolling into a service station and out pops Alice and the Queen of Hearts
to clean off the windscreen and pump fuel.”
Crews are not informed of their route until the morning of departure – Ms Porter likened this experience to following the white rabbit.
“You never know where you are going from one day to the next and there is always an adventure to be had,” she said.
In 2019, Mr Jenkins and his lifelong friends decided to dress as the Apollo 11 crew to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the moon landing, which they were awarded the best theme for.
Mr Jenkins said he thought it was a great idea because it was “appealing to kids” and also suitable for the landscape.
“The theme fits in well with the outback settings of central New South Wales and Queensland,” he said.
“We’ve had Variety take photos of us with an Australian flag out where there are no blades of grass and we joke that it is like a lunar landscape.”
While they are very much amateur astronauts – their space suits are made out of doonas and the rocket atop their 1988 Mercedes 300 SEL is made of PVC pipe – they are now veterans of the tour.
With the money raised by each car, Variety donate a variety of hardware and equipment fordisabledordisadvantagedyouth,aswellas
grants to assist those servicing kids in need.
On this year’s journey, more than 20 schools in remote towns were given $120,000, impacting more than 3000 kids.
Mr Jenkins said he got to see first-hand the disparity faced by some children in regional communities and how Variety aids them.
“One of the schools we went to, which was staffed by teachers who were predominantly volunteers, had a breakfast program because a lot of the kids don’t eat much at home.”
“Variety gave them a few thousand dollars and they do that a lot… there are a number of things that the money is used for and the idea of the bash is to stop in and donate those gifts.”
Ms Porter shares Mr Jenkins’ sentiment.
“It is life changing for recipients … I know that sounds very cliche but it is so true.
“Seeing children get out on the playground amongst their peers because they now have a wheelchair … it is so important for their development growing up.”
Despite the cost of living crunch and other “fantastic charities”, people have made the effort to pitch in for a range of reasons, said Ms Porter.
“The general public has contributed, whether it be buying a raffle ticket or giving a donation. It might be because they have been
affected or know somebody who has been a recipient of Variety’s work,” she said.
“We are also more than grateful for the continued sponsorship that goes towards the fundraising from some of our local businesses, who have supported us from day one.”
After donating to the Apollo 11 crew, Melton Toyota dealer principal Grant Harrison was inspired to get in on the action.
“For years I’d always wanted to do something like this but I am always too busy … but when we sponsored Shane I thought I should do it,” said Mr Harrison.
Mr Harrison has already purchased a 1985 Toyota Crown Royale for next year’s bash from Hamilton to Darwin, where the ‘Melton Toyota Emperors’ will join Apollo 11 and Wonderland at the starting line.
“We are paying our respects to where Toyota started back in 1930s Japan… we’ll dress ourselves up, raise a bit of quid, and have a bit of fun.
“Our goal is $10,000 but if we can raise $15,000 that’d be awesome because it’ll all go to the kids.”
One hundred per cent of proceeds from team donations go straight to Variety – there is no subsidising costs for vehicle purchases, costumes, petrol, or accommodation.
Paul Menzies, Shane Jenkins, Mick Belcher, Liz Barby, Elizabeth Porter and Glen Burgin. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 430980_01
Left: Liz Barby and Elizabeth Porter from the Wonderland car. Centre: The Apollo 11 team. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 430980 Right: Grant Harrison with his 1985 Toyota Crown Royale. (Damjan Janevski) 428167_01
Vinnies decorating ideas
Vinnies is encouraging people in Brimbank to make sustainable choices when decorating their house, saving the environment and the hip pocket.
The Dupe the Room initiative is a call for locals to buy quality pre-loved items and affordable new goods from its ‘Vinnies Own’ range – with a clear call for Aussies to support community-centric shopping.
Vinnies shops head of merchandise and retail innovation Liz Randle said there is a host of quality products and hidden gems across stores in Brimbank.
“We love sharing tricks and hacks around the home at Vinnies – and now we’re having even more fun, encouraging our customers to learn how to dupe their rooms to look like the elevated spaces seen on lifestyle shows, Instagram and magazines,” she said.
“By shopping at Vinnies, you can create rooms similar to what you might see in high-end retailers for a fraction of the cost.
“Whatyou’llfindinVinniesShopsiseclectic and offers a wide range of items catering to many different looks for your home including mid-century modern, Scandi, Japandi and even art deco. Many of our customers are proud treasure hunters, finding distinctive items at Vinnies and turning them into truly stylish features in their own home. And, of course, they aren’t afraid to dive in to give certain items a facelift with paint and polish, too–whichcanbesomuchfunalongtheway.
“We are proud of how our shops provide support for people experiencing hardship –everyonewhowalksthroughourdoorscanbe certain they are contributing to a sustainable movement that puts community welfare first.
“Same goes for how we support the environment – there’s a lot to be celebrated by taking the time to refresh your home, while reducing your environmental footprint and pushing back on over consumption too.”
Most of the goods in Vinnies Shops are generously donated, with proceeds from sales re-invested back into the community.
At an average selling price of less than $5, Vinniessoldmorethan14millionitemsinthe 2023-24 financial year.
With a dedicated workforce of 96 per cent
volunteers,VinniesVictoriaservedmorethan four million people in its shops; provided $3.8 million worth of material assistance to people in immediate need and funds generated through the circular ecosystem of Vinnies Shops and its loyal donors helped to alleviate more than $20.7 million in cost-of-living pressures.
We’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and there will be disruptions
New lanes are open on the West Gate Freeway, work is underway on the road tunnel and we’re building better connections for faster journeys from the west to the city. As works continue, there will be road and rail disruptions.
Train disruptions: Buses and coaches replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 9pm to last train, 24 September North Melbourne to Sunshine
From 11.30pm 4 October to 6 October
26 to 27 October
8.30pm to last train, 29 October
Geelong and Warrnambool lines
5 to 6 OctoberGeelong to Warrnambool
Road disruptions: Closed road and ramp
Williamstown Road, Yarraville 9pm 1 October to 5am 17 November
Footscray Road, West Melbourne 8pm 11 October to 5am 31 October
City-bound exit ramp from the West Gate Freeway
City-bound between Dock Link and Appleton Dock roads
New suicide strategy
The state has announced its new suicide prevention and response strategy, which will establish a government and community-wide response to suicide in Victoria and elevate suicide prevention and response in government decision-making.
The 10-year Victorian Suicide Prevention and Response Strategy was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Acknowledging the wide-ranging factors of suicidal distress, like economic stress and family violence, the strategy is supported by an implementation plan thatoutlinesawhole-of-governmentand community-wide approach.
Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said that suicide has long-lasting and far-reaching effects on communities.
Parliamentary secretary for mental health and suicide prevention Tim Richardson said that lived-experience was valued in the strategy.
“Victorians with lived experience and their families [are] at the heart of this strategy,” Mr Richardson said.
Developed with assistance from clinicians and experts in the mental health sector, the strategy also includes the input of people with lived experience
The strategy also aims to address and reduce factors that contribute to suicide such as childhood trauma, economic stress, harmful drug and alcohol use and family violence, as well as focusing on increasing social inclusion and connection to culture.
Vinnies Sunshine manager Sammy Sherlock, with volunteers: Yvone Young, Khalidah Khudhuy and Sadia Sultana. (Damjan Janevski) 431387_02
STAY INFORMED
Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial
Melton Seniors Festival is back
The Melton Seniors Festival returns next month to celebrate ageing well across the City of Melton.
From cultural celebrations to art courses, concerts, fitness sessions, workshops and more, Melton’s seniors’ community can look forward to a bumper month of activities.
Even though many of the events at this year’s Melton Seniors Festival are free, bookings are still essential.
The festival is part of Victorian Seniors Festival and is a celebration of the City of Melton’s senior residents and the vital role they play in the community.
Getting involved in the festival is a fantastic way for seniors to connect with others and make new friends, follow their interests or try their hand at something new.
Join school holiday fun
Spring is here and so are the school holidays.
There are loads of activities on during the school holidays for people of all ages and abilities. Bookings are required for most events.
Young people aged between 12 and 25 years can join in a range of free and low-cost fun activities including archery, board games, arts and crafts programs, and excursions to activity centres, the local cinema and a musical theatre show.
There also drop-in sessions for those that want to chill out at the youth centre and use the pool and table tennis tables or just relax on the cozy bean bags. Bring your friends and enjoy the fun and laid-back atmosphere.
Get the whole family involved with all-ages LEGO building, chess, yoga, and a special sunset Storytime at City of Melton libraries. Teens are invited to join a craft workshop or games night as part of our Youth Fest celebrations or relax at the library for headspace day. The experts from Western BACE will also return with
all your favourite STEM challenges and experiments. Plus, there will be prizes up for grabs.
Community centres across the City of Melton are hosting a variety of school holiday workshops for pre-school and primary school aged children. Activities include first aid for kids, kinder ballet and story time, a comedy show for kids, a stargazing family event and a burger making workshop.
At Caroline Springs Leisure Centre and Cobblebank Indoor Stadium, families can book to use the professional grade tennis, basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton and table tennis facilities.
The Vacation Care Program is open to all primary school students and runs from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday (excluding Public Holidays) every school holidays. The spring program runs from Monday 23 September to Friday 4 October 2024. Visit melton.vic.gov.au for more information on school holiday activities.
A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all
Seniors are invited to take a tour of the Melton Botanic Garden, join a bingo and trivia night, take a walk in the Aintree wetlands, take part in painting workshops, watch the Yacht Rock Revival Concert and join a variety of sessions at Melton and Caroline Springs Libraries.
The Melton Seniors Festival will run from 1 – 31 October. To find out more visit melton.vic.gov.au or pop into the Melton or Caroline Springs Library.
New ward structure
The City of Melton will move to a single-councillor ward structure from the 2024 local government election onwards. From this election, the City of Melton will move from three wards to 10 and each of the new wards will have one elected Councillor. The new wards are:
1.Bullum Bullum Ward
2.Cambrian Ward
3.Coolibah Ward
4.Hilltop Ward
5.Jackwood Ward
6.Lake Caroline Ward
7.Mount Atkinson Ward
8.Stringybark Ward
9.Sugar Gum Ward
10.Watts Ward
Hard waste collections
Each household that receives a Council waste service is entitled to hard waste collections during the financial year.
Residents can either have two hard waste collections from their property, two visits to the Melton Recycling Facility with a car or trailer up to 1m3, or one visit to the Melton Recycling Facility and one hard waste collection from their home.
To use the hard waste collection, make a booking and place the items to be removed within your property boundary (not on the nature strip), by 6am on the collection day. Collections can be up to three cubic metres.
Acceptable items include bikes, barbeques, sporting equipment, whitegoods, furniture, mattresses (limit of two). Unacceptable items include hazardous items, gas bottles, tyres, building materials.
We encourage residents to take items in good, working condition to the Melton Resale Shop. This gives household goods a second life rather than them going to landfill or being broken down for recycling.
To book a hard waste collection visit melton.vic.gov.au
Cairnlea Park celebrates 150 years
Cairnlea Park Primary School celebrated its 150th year in style last week.
Students and former alumni gathered for a day of fun and games, as some of the school’s oldest artefacts and memorabilia was displayed for all to enjoy.
Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janveski was at the school to capture the milestone.
Preps with some old photos and diaries.
Year 6 students Chloe and Sophie (far left), Mason (above centre) and Jackson (above), celebrate 150 years of Cairnlea Park PS. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 426152
Former staff Margaret Connelly, current staff Sue Madex and former staff Gareth McLean looking back on fond memories.
Candidates put up their hands
Former Brimbank citizen of the year Poonam Singh is running in the Delahey ward.
Nephew of former prime minister Kevin Rudd, Van Thanh Rudd is running in the St Albans East ward.
In February, the electoral representation advisory panel recommended that Brimbank council adopt an 11 single-councillor ward structure, one of 30 councils to do so.
By Gerald Lynch
The Brimbank council chamber is set for a major shake-up this term, with four of the current 11 councillors electing not to re-run.
After two terms in council, stalwart Bruce Lancashirewillnotenterthecomingelection as a candidate, alongside Sarah Branton, outgoing deputy mayor Jae Papalia, and former mayor Jasmine Nguyen.
Seven councillors from the current term will again run for council: Ranka Rasic, Victoria Borg, Thuy Dang, Sam David, ThomasO’Reilly,VirginiaTachos,andMaria Kerr.
Previously comprised into four wards; three made up of three councillors and one of two, there are now 11 single electorate wards in Brimbank, meaning the number of councillors will remain the same.
Other notable candidates who have registeredforthisterminclude2019-20mayor Georgina Papafotiou, and 2019-20 deputy mayor Kim Thien Truong in the Copernicus and Cherry Creek wards respectively.
Also running in the Copernicus ward is 2017-18 mayor Margaret Giudice.
The 11 wards are Albanvale, Cherry Creek, Copernicus, Delahey, Grasslands, Harvester, Horseshoe Bend, Kororoit Creek, Mount Derrimut, Organ Pipes and St Albans East.
As previously reported by Star Weekly, municipal monitors that were appointed to oversee council in February will continue to do so until December 31.
The decision to appoint monitors came after months of tensions among councillors.
Several councillors failed to attend two council meetings late last year which lead to one meeting not being held. Two councillors, Maria Kerr and Virginia Tachos, highlighted feeling unsafe.
Voting opens on Monday, October 7 and closes on Friday, October 25.
Brimbank now comprises 11 single councillor wards. (Supplied)
Brimbank local council election candidates:
Albanvale Ward (one vacancy)
Victoria Borg
Kristian Raspa
Mariam Hussein
Cherry Creek Ward (one vacancy)
Andrea Markham
Eiren Mendonza
Kim Thien Truong
Thomas O’Reilly
Graeme Blore
Copernicus Ward (one vacancy)
Chien Duc Cao
Aristea Havelas
Draga Atanasovska
Stefan Christopher Koroneos
Dimitri Andreevski
Sonja Nikolic
Margaret Giudice
Maria Kerr
Adrian Gauci
Bhasker Reddy Bethi
Georgina Papafotiou
Dianne Cappelli
Delahey Ward (one vacancy)
Don Vu
Vasko Naumovski
Katharine Nikolic
Angelina Greenwood
Jason Acevski
Robert Galati
Poonam D. Singh
Grasslands Ward (one vacancy)
Phung Hoa Lu
Tauseef Ashraf
Leanna Nguyen
Thuy Dang
Harvester Ward (one vacancy)
Benoit Seligmann
Liz Walsh
Daniel Kruk
Ian Douglas
Horseshoe Bend Ward (one vacancy)
Virginia Tachos
Fred Ackerman
Rosa Bruno Lina Melhem
Kororoit Creek Ward (one vacancy)
Paul Hollingworth
Sam David
Ben Blight
Christopher O’Reilly
Lucy Nguyen
Mount Derrimut Ward (one vacancy)
Sam Charles Joseph Muscat
Tayla Vorgiatzidis
Les Tarczon
Joh Bauch
Mark Bernhard Jekic
Organ Pipes Ward (one vacancy)
Joseph Camenzuli
Frank Leo
Joe Cullia
Srujan Reddy Chittedi
Ranka Rasic
Peter Coventry
St Albans East Ward (one vacancy)
Van Thanh Rudd
Duyen Anh Pham
Trinh Le
Nghi Neil Ta
Nick Tribe
Sajid Hussain
ACROSS
1 Well pleased (9)
6 German automobile manufacturer (4)
10 Prefix denoting reversal (3)
11 Formal statement about another’s character (11)
12 Former US first lady, – Obama (8)
13 Counterreply (6)
14 Bird’s home (4)
15 Instructor (7)
20 Traditions (7)
21 Edible rootstock (4)
25 Recess (6)
26 In a smooth and effortless manner (8)
28 Donated (11)
29 Ocean (3)
30 Good fortune (4)
31 Preceding day (9) DOWN
1 Lees (8)
2 Case that sets a precedent (4,4)
3 Furniture item (6)
4 Unable to pay (9)
5 Speaker’s platform (4)
7 Tandem (6)
8 Water-surrounded land mass (6)
9 Supervisors (7)
16 Finishes (9)
17 Corrupt (7)
18 Being admitted to a church (8)
19 Having multiple wives or husbands (8)
22 Package (6)
23 Picturesque (6)
24 Heckle (6) 27 Web auction site (4)
7 Dawn Tinsley is a character from which UK television series?
8
Brooke Shields (pictured),
Zellweger and Ashlee Simpson have all played which Chicago character?
4 Do sufferers of myopia have trouble seeing close or distant objects?
5 What was Beijing known as prior to 1949? 6 Which planet is the home of Olympus Mons, the tallest mountain in our solar system?
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
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?
Rehearsals held Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am to noon, at Braybrook College.
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
This week’s photographer’s choice is of sister Eloise and Isobel,14, they are competing in the Victorian State School Spectacular. (Damjan Janevski) 431738_01
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
Chatty Cafe Melton
Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton.
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331
Women’s Support Group
Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road,
Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help
https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42
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
New exhibition deals with death
Emma Winkler’s exhibition, Shadow Puppets, has arrived at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans, delving into death, failure, and the absurd using collage, painting, and animation. Her work examines the way we respond to our own mortality, confronting the futility of attempting to ward off death.
Emma, who has had her work featured in Mooraboolpreviously,saidtheprojectexplores a number of ideas and puts them into one gallery.
“Shadow Puppets combines a range of references from Victorian magic tricks to slapstick comedy to explore reactions to death andanxietyaroundtheunknowntoencourage viewers to get more comfortable with the idea of dying,” she said. “Initially, I was exploring
‘the unknown,’ looking at topics such as pseudoscience, alternative belief systems and conspiracy theories to investigate how we approach topics at the limits or outside the bounds of our current understanding.
“Drawing on experiences of mental health conditions and encounters with death, my practice humorously reflects on the futility of fixating on our inevitable demise.
“The exhibition features works created in the past two years to fill the entire Bowery Gallery and includes large-scale paintings, multimedia works and an animation.
“This exhibition brings together many mediums and imagery, with pictures from outdated secondhand books that are collaged and used as painting references.”
With such a variety of works and visual material, there is lots to explore within each painting and the whole exhibition.
‘It’s All Soup in the End’ is a hand-painted stop-motion animation that is a unique addition to the exhibition created through an intensiveprocessusingoiltopainteachframe.”
The exhibition is now open and viewable to the public just in time for school holidays.
Open hours are 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays.
Thereisalsoaclosingeventfortheexhibition that coincides with a number of other events at the Bowery gallery as part of Brimbank’s ‘Be Bold’ Festival on November 9.
Fringe to again go west in October
Fringe Westside 2024 returns next month, part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival which runs from October to 1 to 20.
This year’s line-up features a blend of creativity and community spirit, with live events taking place at both indoor and outdoor venues across Maribyrnong, including Maddern Square in Footscray.
The square just off the Nicholson Street mall will host one of the highlights of the festival, Free Fairy Floss on Sunday, October 13.
Designed to evoke wonder and celebrate the beauty in everyday moments, the family-friendly event will feature aerial performances, live music, and, of course, free fairy floss.
Another prominent venue will be Bluestone Church Arts Space which will host three compelling contemporary performances, showcasing the diverse talent in Melbourne’s west.
The Electric Cathedral is a multi-media experience where six a cappella singers will lead audiences through profound human questions, all set against the immersive backdrop of a virtual cathedral. The church willbetransformedintoaverydifferentsetting forDirtyOldTown,aplaywrittenbyemerging local playwright James Madsen-Smith.
Set in the suburbs of Melbourne’s west, the play explores the intersecting themes of youth andclassinanintimatetheatricalenvironment.
The work of another western suburbs playwright, Wyndham’s Alaine Beek, will then be showcased in the critically acclaimed Jack and Millie.
A reimagining of Beek’s own breast cancer journey, Jack and Millie is a gritty and witty exploration of the impact of a life-threatening diagnosis, inviting audiences into a world of resilience and humour.
Other venues to host shows during the festival include Footscray Community Arts, Kindred Studios, Pride of Our Footscray, Waterside Forge, and Mamma Chens.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ festivalcity/Festivals/Fringe-Westside-2024
Temple set to host flames and fireworks
As October approaches, so too does one of the “biggest days in the Hindu calendar.”
From 11am – to 6pm on October 13, the Sri Durga temple will host a special festival to commemorate Dussehra.
Visitors can attend the temple for free, locatedat705-715NealeRoadinDeanside,and join the millions celebrating across the globe.
Highlights of the festival include the ‘Devil’s Burning’, which is immediately followed by a large fireworks display to conclude the evening at sunset.
Sri Durga temple vice president Gary Verma said that the fiery display is deeply tied to the tradition of the event.
“Dussehra is the day where Lord Rama killed the devil, so we celebrate by burning a large 12-foot effigy of the demon,” he said.
“It is a precursor to Diwali, when Lord Rama came back to his kingdom after defeating the devil.”
However, there would be plenty on offer for patrons throughout the day, said Mr Verma.
“Therewillbemanyfoodstallswithavariety of delicious foods from different parts of India, there will be rides for kids, and if you are a fan of music and cultural dances, come and sit near the stage to watch the performances.”
Mr Verma emphasised that the festival was not exclusive to those of Hindu faith and that all walks of life were encouraged to attend.
“This is a cultural festival… we welcome people to celebrate the rich, colourful, and vibrant Indian community,” he said.
Eddie Russell
Legendary Australian band Noiseworks are set to rock Werribee Park for One Electric Day on Sunday, November 17
Frontman Jon Stevens, who has headlined the event as a solo act multiple times, expressed excitement at the prospect of returning.
“It’s a great line up and I am very honoured to be headlining that day,” he said.
Calling it “a one of a kind venue”, Stevens described the unique magic of Werribee Park.
“When you’re standing on that stage, you’re looking all the way down to the mansion- it is just a magnificent sort of viewpoint.”
The energy transfer between artist and audience has always been special to Stevens.
“It’s love, I suppose. It’s very, very humbling- and sometimes it can actually be emotional and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming when you’re up there.
“It’s such a beautiful exchange.”
When it comes to performing hits, Stevens said he values maintaining the integrity of the songs fans have come to love over the decades.
“I try to play everything true to the original as much as humanly possible,“ he said.
By no means relegated to the past, Noiseworks released ‘Evolution’ in November 2022, a record that Stevens said was “Probably my favourite Noiseworks album“.
While Noiseworks will be without founding member and guitarist Stuart Fraser, who passed away shortly after recording their final album in December 2019, the stage is the best way to pay their respects to their former comrade.
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster. com.au/one-electric-day-tickets/ artist/1896257
Jaidyn Kennedy
Niow and Ania Reynolds from Free Fairy Floss which takes place in Maddern Square, Footscray on October 13.
(Phillip Gao)
Jon Stevens. (Supplied)
Gerald Lynch
Emma Winkler is the artist behind a new exhibition Shadow Puppets. (Damjan Janevski) 432300_01
Gary Verma in the temple. (Damjan Janevski)
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SPORTS QUIZ
1. At the recent US Open, Queensland’s Benjamin Wenzel became the first Australian tennis player to do what?
2. Aryna Sabalenka and Jannik Sinner won the US Open singles and which other Grand Slam in 2024?
3. Which Hawks player was spotted at a pub the night before their elimination final victory?
4. The International Gymnastics Federation, commonly abbreviated to FIG, is headquartered in which country?
5. Name the 1970 biopic in which James Earl Jones played a character inspired by boxer Jack Johnson.
6. Which Asian celebration of traditional sports and culture, dubbed the ‘Great Gathering on the Steppe’, took place recently in Astana?
7. Held each March, the Brier is the Canadian men’s championship of what sport?
8. In which year were women first allowed to compete in the World Karate Championships?
Which Canterbury winger recently returned a positive drug test, according to police? What was the nickname of sports broadcaster Graham McNeice, who died this month?
By what margin did Geelong defeat Port Adelaide in the second qualifying final of the AFL finals series?
Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley was fined how much for his post-siren exchange with Hawthorn players?
13. In what position on the medal tally did Australia finish in the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games?
14. Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic recently won which major European cycling event for the fourth time?
15. Which country defeated the Australian men’s soccer team 1-0 in a World Cup qualifier on September 5?
16. In which year was the Norm Smith medal first awarded for best-on-ground in an AFL grand final?
17. Multiple championshipwinning F1 designer Adrian Newey has left Red Bull Racing to join which midfield team in 2025?
18. The Refugee Paralympic Team won how many medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games?
19. The English men’s cricket team were defeated by which country in the third match of the recent three-Test series?
20. Which professional men’s golf tour references the Roman numeral 54 in its official name?
21. Oscar Piastri’s victory at the 2024 Azerbaijan Formula 1 Grand Prix took his career tally to how many wins?
22. The Brisbane Lions came from how many points behind to win their semifinal against the GWS Giants?
23. Australian NBA player Josh Green was traded to which team in July?
24. The Matildas will play which nation in two friendly matches in December?
25. Australia will play India in how many Test cricket matches over the course of the 2024-25 summer?
26. Which AFLW teams are the only two undefeated after the first three rounds?
27. The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in which country?
28. And what country will host the 2030 edition of the games?
29. AFLW star player Monique Conti also plays what sport at a professional level?
30. Which Australian batsman scored a century in the second match of the T20 international series against Scotland?
Piastri
Sorento PE joins Kia pantheon
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Some sports utility vehicles are just big, others are bold.
The 2024 Sorento PE, for Product Enhancement, taking a lead from the EV9 World Car of the Year, veers to the latter, cementing its place in Kia’s modern pantheon.
The MY24 stays true to the outgoing model relying on the existing range of four powertrains. The 3.5-litre petrol front-wheel drive and 2.2-litre diesel all-wheel drive variants are available across four trim levels –S, Sport, Sport+ and GT-Line – with the last, home for the Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.
“The award-winning fourth generation seven-seat Sorento took the large SUV segment by storm,” says Kia Australia CEO Damien Meredith. “When it was launched in 2020 with the enhanced model, what was really good is even better now.”
The two hybrids sell for $70,330 for the front-wheel drive and $73,330 the all-wheel drive – both before on-road costs. Warranty on both is the Kia seven-year, unlimited kilometre,whiletheKiaConnectisaseven-year complimentary car service providing owner benefitsinsafety,security,convenienceandlive services for real-time data such as weather and traffic info.
Smartstream 1.6L turbo petrol engine works in tandem with an electric motor and the 6-speed transmission. This allows the full output of both petrol engine and/or electric motor to be transferred in parallel through the transmission, with minimal energy loss.
Styling
The new Sorento features multiple refreshed design elements creating a unique appearance with cues from the EV9 electric car, it stands boldly with a new headlight graphic and a cleaner radiator grille and front bumper. Side on, the Sorento stands firm and true
to the rugged character of a big four-wheel drive wagon. The simplified rear offers a more modern look, with the rear lamps taking their lead from the new signature front lighting design.
Interior
The almost three-metre wheelbase dishes up a cabin with plenty of room for up to seven occupants in three rows of seats adorned with quilted Nappa leather. Up front seating has heating and ventilation, plus 14-way power adjustment for the driver’s side with two-position memory. The steering wheel also is heated. A shift-by-wire knob makes for a clean look for the centre console.
The second-row seats offer fore-aft sliding, which means getting into the third row is not difficult. A single touch of a button and the middle-row seat slides and folds for access to the rear or adjusts limited third-row leg room for comfort.
Reflecting the ever increasing take up of digital technology, the internal mirror launchedintheKiaEV9displaysasharpimage of what is behind the Sorento. Not instantly accommodating,itdoestakeasecondortwoto refocus the eyes from the road ahead to what’s behind the vehicle.
Infotainment
Twin 12.3-inch displays dominate the dashboard, with a touchscreen on the left and a digital equipment cluster offering clear, instant readouts for a relaxed driving experience. Following in the way of the Kia EV9, over-the-air system updates are available across the Sorento range, including GT-Line HEVs.
Bose has come up with premium sound system combining a dozen optimally tuned, high performance speakers and sub-woofer based on the company’s unique sound technology. As Bose claims, it’s a “rich” and immersive audio experience’.
Engines/transmissions
The Sorento GT-Line Hybrid makes use of a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in tandem with a small electric motor putting out total power of 169kW at 5500rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1500rpm.
Unlike many petrol/electric hybrid vehicles, a 1kWh Li-po battery located under the floor, the Sorento HEV requires no external manual charging.Thesystemfuelsitselfbyusingenergy lost decelerating, braking, or by picking up excess engine power not used during cruising. The battery feeds the electric motor that can either run on its own for short stints or shares the load with the petrol engine.
Safety
The Sorento GT-Line Hybrid has earned a five-star ANCAP safety rating in the 2022
testing regimen. PE upgrades introduce Highway Driving Assist, the next generation of Advanced Driver Assistance System, which operates only on a freeway or motorway.
HDA advances adaptive cruise control with stop/go capability, combining with Lane Following Assist to keep the car centred in the lane even when driving through a curve. Parkingproblemsarealsoeasedbytheaddition of Parking Distance Warning (front, side and rear) that will warn the driver when a bump is likely during parking.
Driving
With a small, turbocharged engine and electric motor built into the six-speed automatic transmission, while the Sorento HEV sets off under electric power alone, the petrol engine can’t wait to join in, adding a buzzy note and slight vibration to proceedings.
Fuel consumption of 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle is claimed by the maker. The test vehicle returned eight in the city and 5.5 on the motorway.
As expected, Kia has tuned ride and handling for Australian conditions and results in a far from jumpy ride on the road. Control and comfort go hand in hand.
The Sorento has three drive modes – Eco, Sport or Smart – which, according to how the car is driven, monitors the manner and adjusts steering, throttle response, and transmission shifts to suit.
Terrainmodecantakethestressoutofsnow, mud and sand conditions to a certain extent but there’s no substitute for experience here.
Summary
The Sorento, we are told, was subjected to an extensive ride and handling program over thousands of kilometres across urban, country andoutbackroadsinAustralia.Withouttaking too many liberties the GT-Line Hybrid shows these efforts to great advantage.
The Kia Sorento PE is cementing its place in Kia’s modern pantheon. (Pictures: Supplied)
Keilor continues to set the tone in the Essendon District Football League premier division, winning a second straight premiership on Saturday. Star Weekly’s LJUBICA VRANKOVIC and TARA MURRAY were there to capture the action.
Keilor proves it is still the best
Matthew Bartlett. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_21
Mason Thomas celebrates premiership number four. (Tara Murray)
Kane Barbuto and Nick O’Kearney. (Tara Murray) James Bailey. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_33
Mick and Thomas McGuane. (Tara Murray)
Thomas McGuane. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_31
Mick McGuane and Kane Barbuto. (Tara Murray)
Christos Kosmas. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_12
Keilor at the national anthem. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_05
The crowd at Windy Hill. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_54
Forward Colenso stepped up when Keilor called
Keilor forward Nathan Colenso was ready to go when he got a phone call from coach Mick McGuane a couple of weeks ago.
With his Victorian Football League commitments with Williamstown coming to an end, it opened up the opportunity for Colenso to help the Blues win back-to-back flags.
He kicked three goals in the preliminary final win, before backing it up with five goals in a best on ground performance in the grand final on Saturday.
“I got a call from Mickey two weeks ago and I watched the footage of that day, I didn’t play,” he said.
“I noticed how much they beat us up pretty much. We had a game plan, got through last week and we came today [Saturday] with a real game plan to resurrect that result.
“All 22 contributed and it’s pretty amazing now to be back-to-back premiers.
“It’s pretty surreal.”
Colenso said after Williamstown’s loss in the VFL semi finals, he felt like he could come back
and help the Blues.
The Blues were coming off one of their worst performances in a couple of years.
“The mindset the whole year whenever I’m not playing at Willy, I’m fully invested back here at Keilor,” he said. “Credit to the club and the boys, they welcomed me back with open arms every time I came back.
“I thought I could be a point of difference and luckily enough today [Saturday] I was.”
Colenso did a lot of his damage early in the grand final to win the Reg Rose Medal.
He kicked his side’s only three goals in the first quarter. The other two came in the third quarter when the Panthers were starting to get some momentum.
He said it was nice to get on the end of a few and actually kick straight, which he said that he hadn’t been able to do much this year.
Colenso said there were quite a few set shots during the week.
“A lot of work goes in behind the scenes for all the boys,” he said. “We had a real game plan and we went to work on that.
“And we went to work on our deficiencies and we turned it around.”
Colenso said it was nice to play with some freedom and fun knowing that they had the job done late in the game.
It’s the second season that Colenso has combinedVFLandlocalfootballcommitments.
He said he loves playing at the higher level.
“It was obviously tough missing the first nine rounds and I played the first nine here,” he said. “Got in some good form and got back to Willy and we made a really good run at it at Willy and then fell short in the semi finals.
“Had an amazing year, I can’t really complain. Playing in a VFL finals series and coming back playing in a premiership here.”
Colenso wasn’t the only Williamstown player to come back into the Blues side the past two weeks, with Jovan Petric joining him.
Petric kicked three goals in the preliminary final before kicking four in the grand final.
Colenso said the pair are a bit like yin and yang.
Tara Murray
Blues secure back-to-back flags
By Tara Murray
Keilor has done it again to claim back-to-back premierships in the Essendon District Football League premier division.
The best side all season, the heat was turned on the Blues when they were convincingly beaten by Pascoe Vale in the semi finals.
Two weeks later there would be no repeat of that result in the rematch in the grand final. Things were tight early with the Panthers up for the fight and leading by one point at the first break.
From there the Blues took control of the match and were able to blow out the margin on the way to a 17.12 (114)-8.13 (61) win.
For Blues coach Mick McGuane it was a pretty special moment.
“They’re all different,” he said. “You go into a game with different preps, different personnel.
“Beaten by 34 points 14 days ago. A good win last week and a short preparation this week.
“We made six changes from two weeks ago, what does it look like? We had full belief in what we had, but we didn’t have them two weeks ago and they were going to make a point of difference and that was proven.”
Having brought in five players for the preliminary final, the Blues brought back defender Riley Ham for his first game since hurting his shoulder against Pascoe Vale in round 13.
McGuane said they had felt a bit clunky and disjointed leading into the grand final with play availability having a part in that.
They used 39 players in the senior side for the season.
“We believe our best is probably as good as anyone in the comp and you’re on top of the ladder for a reason,” he said.
“You sort of want to be hitting the ground running at the right time of the year. We felt we had a strong base behind us, we wanted to time our run and energy.
“I thought our energy on the back of last week’s second half was the catalyst behind starting well.”
McGuane said on Saturday it took them about 15 minutes to get into the game after being a bit sloppy early which resulted in three Panthers goals.
Three Nathan Colenso goals kept the Blues in it and they got on top after that.
“I thought after that our spread on the ground, our ball use, inside 50 entries against the breeze was much better than what it was with it,” McGuane said.
“We knew we had to probably concede terrority at times, so our defence was going
to be asked a lot to do and having Ham back in that team to sure up [Reuben] William and [James] Bailey and [Brad] Xavier play higher knowing full well [Jay] White was going to go to [Ahmed] Saad.
“The work of Ham, Xavier and White on Saad to not give them shots on goal… We did a lot right.”
At the other end of the ground, Colenso and Jovan Petric kicked nine goals between them. The pair were among the inclusions for the preliminary final.
McGuane said having them back, alongside Cody Brand, made a huge difference in providing them with targets.
Colenso was awarded the Reg Rose Medal as the best player on ground for his five goals.
Nick O’Kearney was outstanding with three goals, while his midfield partner in Corey Ellis was also among the best.
For McGuane, it was his fifth premiership as coach of the Blues.
Kane Barbuto and Mason Thomas played in premiership number four, while several
players are now three times premiership players.
“They understand how you play,” McGuane said. “They understand what is needed and required at the back half of the year.
“This time of year is about trust and understanding why to get it done, sometimes you have to be resilient.”
At the other end of the scale is 17-year-old Thomas McGuane.
He dreamed of playing in a senior premiership as a teenager when he saw Curtis Taylor do it in 2016, it became a reality on Saturday.
Mick was full of emotions having coached his son to a senior premiership, having already done it at junior level.
He said Thomas played a real selfless role in trying to limit the impact of Matthew Stillman.
“It’s a pretty proud moment,” he said. “You see all the hard work that he puts in.
“Sometimes you have to differentiate between dad and coach which is hard to do.
He knows where he stands when it comes to footy.
“I coach team on equability, yes he’s my son but I also coach him as part of the senior group and there’s strong messaging attached to that.
“To see a kid evolve and develop and now he gets the opportunity to taste premiership success and then in seven days time, he gets a chance to play on the MCG before a grand final.
“This is an example of what you do when you work hard in silence. I couldn’t be prouder of him as a coach today and as a father.”
The premiership is the first time that the Blues have gone back-to-back under McGuane.
He said the message is always simple. We adopted the motto back to work right from the first training session,” he said. “Work got us to a grand final, now is about performance and can we stand up. Our boys delivered that in spades.”
Nathan Colenso. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_18
Keilor players and supporters. (Tara Murray)
Riley Ham. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_22
Keilor during the national anthem. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 432959_09
Kaakour steps up as new coach at the Sharks
New Hillside coach Mo Kaakour is excited to getbackintotheseniorcoachinghotseatinthe Essendon District Football League.
The former Westmeadows coach was on Tuesday named the Sharks coach for next year. He had been an assistant coach at the Sharks this year, looking after the midfield.
The Sharks had announced the day before that this year’s coach Chris Daley was standing down after one year in the job.
The club said Daley had made the decision to step aside to focus on some personal plans in the upcoming year.
Kaakour said he was itching to get back into it. He left Westmeadows for a role in the Victorian Football League.
“Ijustcouldn’tcommitatVFLlevelanymore as work got a little bit busy,” he said. “I’d stayed connected this year at Hillside and just the list and the youth coming through and I just wanted to get back to local and coach again, and coach my own side.
“Very excited, looking forward to it. Roll the
sleeves and get to work.”
Kaakour said being an assistant coach this year meant he got to know the Sharks and the playing group and built those connections in the group.
He said it would make it easier stepping into the senior role.
“I got to know the mids really well and I obviously had some conversations with others as well.”
Kaakour said the group was disappointed with how the 2024 season ended and were keen to grow into the future.
After finishing third, they lost both their finals to be knocked out in the semi finals.
“We definitely ticked some boxes as we wanted to give ourselves an opportunity to finish in the top three and get a double chance and give ourselves the best possible chance,” he said. “There’s some disappointment. Hopefully that can drive the group through pre-season and we can add to a young and youthful list andgothatstepfurtherandwinafinalortwo.”
Kaakoursaidthemainaimwouldbetoretain thelistthey’vegotandgivetheirunder-18sthat are coming through every opportunity to play senior football.
He said they would add what they need, likely two or three players.
The Sharks thanked Daley for his time in the role.
“Followingrecentkneesurgery,Chrisiseager tofocusonhisrecoveryandgettingbacktofull health. “Additionally, he has exciting holiday plans lined up for next year, which means he won’t be able to commit to the responsibilities of a senior coach position for the 2025 season.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Chris for all that he has contributed to our club. His commitment, passion, and embodiment of our “one club, multiple teams” philosophy have left a lasting impact. His leadership has set a strong foundation for the team, and his influence will be felt long after his time as coach.”
Tara Murray
A stunning performance
By Tara Murray
The determination to help Sunshine win the Western Football League division 2 premiership landed Kangaroos captain Patrick O’Keefe in hospital for two nights.
O’Keefe, who was awarded the best on ground medal by the umpires, punctured his lungandbrokesomeribsduringtheKangaroos drought breaking win.
O’Keefe said he didn’t realise he had done that much damage until the doctors informed him after scans.
He said he only went to hospital to be safe and that he was hoping he would be cleared to return to the celebrations.
“I copped a big knock in the second quarter and then went off the ground and didn’t feel too bad,” he said. “I thought it was just a bit of bruising and I went back on.
“I didn’t feel the best, but I was good enough togetthroughtotheend,Ithinktheadrenaline kicked in.
“After all the celebrating after the game, I got back to the club rooms and I was really struggling to breathe properly.
“I went and seen mum and said what do you think and she said get to hospital and get it checked.
“I got worse as the night went on… I got to the hospital and they put me on a drip and said you’ve got a pneumothorax, which is a puncture on your lung and some cracked ribs.”
O’Keefe said there were some concerns with his lung with doctors considering surgery to place a tube in his lung at one stage.
He was released from hospital on Monday and given the OK.
O’Keefe said he can’t believe that he was able to play out the game and hold the premiership cup up at the end of the game, let alone be named best on ground.
“It’s a bit surreal,” he said. “The main thing for me is just getting through and getting the win.
“It was pretty nice to get all that. I thought I started well but I thought I went a bit more quiet.
“I couldn’t believe it when they called my name out either.”
The injuries have meant that O’Keefe has had to take the celebrations a bit easier than he would have liked.
He said he was a bit jealous of all the boys, with all three Kangaroos sides claiming premierships on the same day.
“After winning three premierships on the day you could imagine how special it was at the
Sports shorts
EDFL
Keilor has dominated the Essendon District Football League men’s premier division team of the year. Brad Xavier, James Bailey, Nick O’Kearney, Corey Ellis, Cody Brand and Kane Barbuto are all named in the team, while Mick Guane has been named coach. Deer Park’s Billy Cannolo was named in the team as well. In the women’s team of the year, Hillside’s Hannah Ibrahim and Blaise Ferraro were named captain and coach of the team of the year respectively. The Sharks’ Caitlin Sargent, who was the leading goalkicker, and Annie Gray are also in the team, along with Keilor’s Kiera Leare.
EDFL
Lockie Rayner has re-signed with Taylors Lakes for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season. Rayner joined the Lions just week’s out from the EDFL division 2 season before playing a big role for the side in their premiership. He was named in the division 2 team of the year.
Coates Talent League
club,” he said. “It was pretty disappointing to miss out on all that, but I did the right thing in the end. Still taking it easy now.”
For O’Keefe, who has grown up at the Kangaroos and played all his football at the club, it’s his first premiership.
He said he might have been in one grand final in juniors, but otherwise he hadn’t been close.
“I’ve rarely even played finals,” he said. “It was just a crazy experience and to get the job done it was even more special.”
O’Keefe said the past few years a lot of hard work had been put in to get the side back to where it should be, in division 1.
“It was amazing,” he said. “We’ve had a rough couple of years around the Covid time and a little bit after.
“Wegotrelegatedbacktodivision2.Theclub was not in the best spot and we could barely field two sides.
“The last couple of years through the work of everyone around the club, we’ve really turned it around.
“We have good juniors coming through now. We fielded three senior teams this year and the thirdsonlymissedtheirpremiershipbyapoint.
“Theclubisinareallygoodspotcomparedto where it was a couple of years ago.”
Western Jets duo Sierra Grieves and Lucas Impey have been named in the Coates Talent League teams of the year. Grieves was named in the middle of the ground in the girls team in the latest honour for her having claimed the Vic Metro most valuable player. Impey was named in the ruck in the boys team. It’s been a big year for Impey, who made his Victorian Football League debut and played VFL finals.
Western FL
Four Caroline Springs players have been named in the Western Football League women’s team of the year. Nyomi Stowers, Dijana Vasilevska, Jacinta Kondis and Caitilin Pretty were named in the team with the Lakers and Werribee Centrals having the most representatives. The Suns Mary Daw named captain and Werribee Centrals’ Jade De La Rue-Galgey named coach of the team.
Hillside will have a new coach this season. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 418823_19
Sunshine premiership captain Patrick O’Keefe (right) ended up in hospital. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 431491_60
Arnott excited for Thunder coaching challenge
New Keilor Thunder men’s coach Ash Arnott is chomping at the bit to get on court with the National Basketball League 1 South club.
Arnott joins the Thunder after being involved in coaching several Australian under-age representative teams and having been a Basketball Victoria high performance coach.
The new coach said he can’t wait to get down to work.
“I’m super excited,” he said. “Obviously it’s a great club to be involved in.
“It’s a big club and the support already from the executive team, from different supporters and fans around the area reaching out and getting behind us
“I can’t wait.”
Arnott said through his role with Basketball Victoria he was aware of the Thunder and what the club was about.
He said the attraction for him to join the club was wanting to get involved in an association that he could help continue to grow.
“There’s a lot of success at the club,” he said. “You can tell by the people they have in the club the values they have.
“That is really exciting for me, the place for me.”
Arnott said one of the things he was looking forward to was being able to coach a side week in, week out.
He said it’ll be a really good challenge for him and he can’t wait to get the whiteboard out.
The Thunder’s men’s side is yet to make finals since joining the NBL1 competition.
This year they finished just outside the top eight on head-to-head ratios.
Arnott said he wanted to come in and have an impact like Kristi Harrower did with the women’s side this year, which made the grand final having not played finals before.
“Some have come through the system and I
Blues add experience
By Tara Murray
has added some more experience to its group as it tries to close the gap on its best and worst in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
The Blues missed out on the top four by a game last season but showed when they played well they could push the top sides.
Having focused on youth in the past few seasons, coach Duncan Harrison was keen to get a bit more experience around them.
The club announced that Mick Allen, who has won the Victoria Premier and Victorian Sub-District cricket best and fairests, would captain the first XI this season.
Harrison said he had been working on Allen for a year to pick up the bat.
“We’re excited to have him on board,” he said. “I was at Melton when he was at Melton we spent that time together.
“I got Mick to come and do some coaching last year, he wasn’t playing last year. I’ve worked on him over for the last 12 months.
“He has had a very good long career and also a very good leader as well, something we will definitely benefit from.”
Also joining the club is former Yarraville coach Jonah Koch, who has also played premier cricket.
Harrison said Koch would be a good inclusion for the bowling attack.
He said they were putting some pieces together and sticking with pretty much the crew from last year.
“It should lead to some improved results,” he said. “The last three seasons we’ve had a pretty strong focus to develop our own players.
“We talked about getting 30-40 games into a group of players and we’ve done that now.
“We think we’re going to start to get some more consistent results, but we’re quite young and leadership was one thing we were looking for in the off season and Mick and Jonah are sensational.”
Harrison said they were expecting a number of those younger guys to start taking that next step up.
“I’m excited about Matthew Gaskett,” he said. “He won the medal two years ago and last year he had a good season but he’s been to England and the likes, he is at a really nice age to go well.
“I think Ryan Metz has been training really strongly. Matthew Strachan, the leg spinner had a solid season without getting rewards.
“There’s a couple straight away I think will definitely improve and we’ve got a very good second XI and there’s four or five young guys coming through that side that we definitely see as players of the future.”
Harrison said they were hoping to get a bit
Mick Allen. (Shawn Smits) 203926_06
more consistency this season. He said they just haven’t been able to find their best for long enough.
“Definitely looking at more consistent
know how hard they’ve work and the type of players they are,” he said.
“I want to try and develop a system that can stand up at both ends of the court and not only make finals, but have success in finals.
“Elthamdidn’tfinishfirstbuttheyhadthings in place to win the championship. They allowed their players to demonstrate their skill set and put them in a position that allows players the best opportunity to thrive in each situation.
“I want to do something special with the men’s side.”
Arnott said he was also keen to make sure that the pathway between the junior and senior programs continues to grow and that players want to stay at Keilor.
He said there’s some really good young talent at the club.
Tara Murray
New North Sunshine coach Paul Rossiter is aware of the big challenge ahead of him at the Western Football League division 2 club.
Rossiter has been appointed coach for three years as the club tries to finally get back on the winners list.
While he’s new to the WFL, Rossiter has played more than 250 games in various leagues in Geelong while he was previously senior coach at Smythesdale. Rossiter said he knows he has his work cut out for him.
“It’s a big challenge but I know where they are at,” he said. “We’re trying to rebuild and it’s not going to be easy.
“I knew it would be hard and it’s part of the reason that attracted me to the club. I didn’t want to take over someone else’s success, I wanted to build my success.”
Rossiter said signing for three years was a big thing for him as it allows him to change things.
He said things won’t happen overnight.
“The aim for next year is to be competitive for longer,” he said. “I don’t want to be having 30 to 40 goal losses.
“I want to cut them in half and get closer to getting a win.”
Rossiter said the reaction from the playing group had been really good. He said they were keen to start pre-season now.
“We’ll start on October 14, which is a lot earlier than everyone else,” he said. “It goes to show they want to turn things around as well.
“They know there’s a lot of hard work to do. They are committed to it and it’s great.”
Rossiter said he was looking to bring in 10-12 players, mostly from the Geelong region.
He said they weren’t bringing in A-grade footballers, but footballers who will look to help them be competitive.
“I’m excited to be part of it,” he said. “It won’t be the same North Sunshine outfit.
performance, competing for longer,” he said. “Hopefully that transitions into one or two more wins that puts us in the bottom of the four, that is the next step for us.”
“We will be harder to play against and will be competitive. They will be a bit more of a hard nosed edge and a whole new game plan they’re not used to seeing.”
Tara Murray
Ash Arnott is Keilor Thunder’s new coach. (NBL1/ Andrew Scherer/DLNQNTPHOTOGRAPHY)
Keilor
