Festive fun in Brimbank
Brimbank council is hosting a festive fun day in the heart of St Albans at Errington Reserve on Sunday, December 1.
Santa Claus will make an appearance, so have your cameras ready for a memorable photo opportunity.
Circus workshops featuring juggling, hula hooping, and spinning plates will bring laughter and excitement, while roaming performers will add a magical touch with their colourful artistry.
Sports enthusiasts can test their basketball skills with the Keilor Basketball Association, participate in football drills with the Western Bulldogs engagement team, or try activities like tennis, pickleball, Tai Chi, Zumba, and skateboarding in the sports zone.
Skateboarding fans can also join a special art workshop led by Lukas Kasper.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang urged the community to join in the fun.
“Get ready Brimbank. We’re making Christmas extra special this year with plenty of free activities for all ages over the coming weeks,” she said.
Live entertainment will round out the day, featuring performances by Damo Music for Kids, Pound Fitness with Jessica, DJ Raas Masters, Daniel Reeves and his Band, Cat Sibio, D Kuir, Phil Carroll, and MC Simon McCuskey.
Thuy Dang elected mayor
By Gerald Lynch
Brimbank’s new mayor Thuy Dang has vowed toprioritiseclimatechangeandsustainability, while creating an inclusive Brimbank.
She was the sole nominee for the position, and said she was extremely honoured to be chosen, given her background as a refugee to Australia.
“I embrace this enormous responsibility, and see it as a huge opportunity to make a difference to our municipality,” she said.
“I welcome any opportunity from the community to make our city the best it can be.
“Iamcommittedtoworkinghardtoaddress the needs and concerns of all residents to ensure we continue to thrive.”
Cr Dang outlined a number of key focus areas for her 12 months as mayor and promised to build strong relationships with state and federal government.
“My goals include youth and women empowerment, multicultural engagement, mental health, climate change, and sustainability,” she said.
She attributed her success to her late parents in a touching speech, delivered both in English and Vietnamese.
“I’m sorry that mum couldn’t wait for a few
months to be here today,” she said.
“Thank you both for bringing me to a free country, always encouraging me to study, to be kind to others, and give back to Australia.”
Councillors also nominated a deputy mayor, and councillor Victoria Borg received the honour for the first time, as she enters her third term as a councillor.
CouncillorMariaKerrwasalsoputforward fortheposition,butdeclinedtheopportunity.
Cr Borg said the position was one she had long sought after, and she spoke to a history of dealing with poor mental health.
“I would like to say to the community, don’t let anything stand in your way, especially
mental health related matters,” she said.
“The challenges and the road to be where I am has been very tough and challenging in more ways than one.
“Many times I have felt like I am losing not only the battle but also the war against mental illness.
“But with the right support you can achieve whatever you want to achieve. I feel very honoured and humbled to be elected deputy mayor.
“I’m looking forward to working with the mayor, Cr Dang, we have developed a wonderful working relationship over the previous term.”
Elzette Bester, Santa, Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang and Lukas Kasper. (Damjan Janevski) 444887_04
EPA shuts down recycling firm
By Cade Lucas
A Brooklyn recycling business has been shut down due to health and environmental risks and a continued lack of compliance.
Limbourne Group Pty Ltd, trading as Apex Waste Control, can no longer operate a waste transfer facility after the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) revoked its permission to do so on October 24 following its failure to comply with the several regulatory notices.
The director of the skip bin hire and material
recycling business, Nicholas Limbourne, was also deemed not a fit and proper person to operate a business with EPA permission.
The EPA’s decision to revoke permission came after the company was found guilty and fined $45,000 by the Melbourne Magistrates CourtinMayforfailingtocomplywithnotices issued in relation to a burning stockpile of waste found at a property in Great Western.
The stockpile, which included bricks, soil, timber,plastic,tilesandcementsheet,hadbeen set on fire and left to smoulder for weeks before the CFA was notified.
The EPA notices required Limbourne Group to prepare an emergency management plan and fire risk assessment, stop accepting waste, provide documentation to help track the collection and receival of waste, and make sure its stockpiles of combustible and recyclable waste comply with safety regulations. The company failed to comply with all of them.
In its decision handed down on May 27, the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court also found Mr Limbourne had illegally deposited industrial waste by burning at the property in Great Western, while the owner, Tombell Limsed Pty
A time for giving to help the Salvos
The Salvation Army has launched its annual Christmas Appeal in Brimbank, allowing the Salvos to help those in the local community who are struggling during the Christmas season.
The cost-of-living crisis has been intensifying, with more Australians reaching out to The Salvation Army for support.
This means that The Salvos’ Christmas Appeal is vitally important this year, as its aim to raise $27 million nationally.
The launch coincides with new research by The Salvos, which found over 15.3 million Australians (72 per cent) will be more mindful of their spending this Christmas compared to previous years, and over 4 in 10 (42 per cent) will have their Christmas negatively impacted this year because of the cost of living.
Further, almost half of Australians (48 per cent) will buy less presents for their children and loved ones, and an alarming 11.9 million
people (56 per cent) will spend less on food this Christmas.
Sunshine Salvos Captain Colin Reynolds said there are many ways that you can partner with The Salvos to support your community this Christmas, including lending a hand, donating products such as gifts and food, or offering a financial donation to the Christmas Appeal.
“People are encouraged to donate food to us, non perishable type foods… pasta, rice, long life milk, tinned foods,” he said.
“We also have a huge Christmas Day lunch for the community where we put on a free sit down meal, and we can always use more volunteers for that.”
The Salvation Army’s communications manager Major Warren Elliot said Christmas is their busiest time of year.
“For many, celebrating Christmas might seemoutofreachduetotherisingcostofliving,
with some on the brink of homelessness and others fighting to pay the bills. The Salvation Army want to be there to support those in need this Christmas and give people the Christmas they deserve,” he said.
“The Salvos are looking to give a new beginning to those doing it tough in our community this Christmas, but we can’t do that without the generosity and support of others. It is now such an important time to come together as the North West Melbourne community and lend a hand to those in need of support. Please consider supporting The Salvos this Christmas.”
If you need support from The Salvos, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58). Donations can also be made at any SalvosStore,andTheSalvationArmySunshine Corps are located at 42 Devonshire Road.
Gerald Lynch
Ltd,wasfined$3000andorderedtoremovethe industrial waste from its premises.
EPA Victoria western metropolitan regional manager Jeremy Settle said the case had a clear message for businesses everywhere.
“EPA regulatory notices are there to protect the environment and the community, and must be taken seriously,” Mr Settle said.
Most businesses do their best to meet their responsibilities under the Environment Protection Act, but there is no option of ignoring it and hoping it will go away, for those who don’t.”
Clubs share safety spoils
North Sunshine and Albanvale Football clubs have received grants after contributing to keeping the road toll down this year.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) in conjunction with state government has handed out $600,000 worth of grants to 233 community clubs acrossthestate,withclubswillreceiveup to $10,000.
The program encourages clubs to engage with players, members and their communities on key road safety issues and promote safe behaviours.
Players, officials and supporters from regional clubs often travel long distances on high-speed roads to get to training andgames,andtheirleadershipiscritical to preventing road trauma.
As part of this year’s program, clubs were asked to start conversations and be part of the campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of speeding, with the tagline – ‘Show up for your team. Slow down on the road’.
Roads and Road Safety Minister
Melissa Horne said sports clubs provide an ideal platform to promote safer driving.
“Football and netball clubs are at the heart of our communities and we are fortunate to have so many people campaigning to prevent road trauma,” she said.
TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said,“Thepowerofpeer-to-peersupport, leadership and education cannot be underestimated – and I thank our local football and netball clubs for being road safety ambassadors and caring for their communities.”
The TAC Club Rewards Program is part of the TAC’s 32-year partnership with AFL Victoria, which aims to empowerclubstodevelopaculturewhere all players and members are expected to be safe on the roads.
Police walk off the job in fight with the state government
The Police Association Victoria (TPAV) members at the Keilor Downs Police Station walked off the job for 30 minutes last Friday in support of fair pay and conditions.
Duetofrustrationswithalackofnegotiations on what they say is a fair pay rise, as well as wage theft at the beginning and end of shifts, members walked off the job united in a bid to gettheiremployerbacktothenegotiatingtable.
Victoria Police has applied to the Fair Work Commission to have the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) dispute declared intractable, and have the commission determine the financial and working future of police and protective services officers (PSOs).
TPAV members are seeking a six per cent
pay rise per annum over four years and an end to unpaid work. The current EBA expired in November, 2023.
TPAV secretary Wayne Gatt said the union wants fair pay that reflects the workload and circumstances.
“We don’t want Victoria Police to wash its hands of our members’ future, we want it to return to the negotiating table and have some involvement in looking after its workforce,” he said.“With over 1000 vacancies, 800 plus members off sick and more police leaving than entering the building that will host today’s walkout, Victoria Police needs to take ownership here and correct the ship that is currently sailing off course.”
Mr Gatt said it has been disappointing to see Victoria Police reluctant to settle the dispute.
“Don’tcomplainaboutyourlackofresources and close 43 stations down to rationalise your troops and then throw your hands up and say ’this is a problem for someone else to fix’,” he said.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said it was aware of the issue and ensures community safety is still being prioritised.
“Victoria Police has been very open about its resourcing challenges. We are doing everything we can to fill vacant positions,” the spokesperson said. “We are also prioritising our workloads to make sure we continue to keep the community safe.
“The community should be assured Victoria Policewillcontinuetoensurefrontlinepolicing services are maintained during protected industrial action.
“Victoria Police remains committed to securing an enterprise agreement that recognises the challenges of policing and is fair for police and protective services officers.
“As the matter is before the Fair Work Commission we will not be commenting further.”
More daily work stoppages are expected to follow at police stations and work units across metropolitan Melbourne and the state.
Gerald Lynch
Sunshine Salvos captains Phuong and Colin Reynolds. (Damjan Janevski) 443425_03
Double truck fault hampers CFA
By Gerald Lynch
It was a double fault in Caroline Springs recently, as a spare fire truck sent to replace a broken down pumper also had to be taken offline, leaving the community at risk.
OnMonday,November11,CarolineSprings CFA was in search of a spare fire truck, following the breakdown of its dedicated pumper.
The spare they were given was a 14-year-old truck with a monitor operating the wrong way around, a light on the side of the trucking that would not turn off, and the low water alarm constantly on while the pump was engaged, according to the UFU.
Subsequently, this replacement truck was also taken offline, according to the UFU.
UFU Caroline Springs delegate Matt Baber said Melbourne’s west continues to “bear the brunt of Victoria’s fire truck crisis“.
“Trucks in this region are breaking down regularly and are leaving our community and firefighters at risk,” he said.
“Caroline Springs dedicated pumper has done approximately 300,000 kms, making it one of the most used trucks in the state. It has been out of commission for weeks.
“The replacement truck arrived with a number of faults and has also been taken out of commission.
“For the best part of over a day the station
has been crewed by move up appliances from SunshineandDerrimutastheonlysparetruck in Victoria is located in Mildura and there are complications in the logistics involved in getting the truck to Melbourne.
“The western suburbs of Melbourne continues to be neglected due to the dire state in which our fleet currently.”
A Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) spokesperson said the safety of firefighters, other first responders and the community is paramount.
“At all times, FRV ensures that appropriate equipment is deployed to emergencies to protect firefighters and the community,” the spokesperson said.
“There is no single point of dependency.
The navy bowls up cricket challenge
The Royal Australian Navy will visit Sunshine Heights Cricket Club on Thursday, November 28, to play in a special T20 cricket match.
The community is invited to attend the match which will feature presentations from Navy representatives, including a TS voyager performance during the innings break at 7pm and a navy cadets parade.
It is the fourth time Navy personnel has challenged Sunshine Heights Cricket Club to a T20 match, following the inaugural event in December 2019.
The Royal Australian Navy and Defence
Force Recruiting, are hoping to use this event to engage with the local community and promote the Australian Defence Force as a career pathway.
Thosewhoareinterestedorwouldlikefurther information, there will be representatives on site to discuss further.
ClubmAn Vinnys Kaley said the event is looking to be a big success for the club.
“Since its inception in 2018, this fantastic event has been celebrating inclusion and diversity, proudly supported and attended by the wider community and dignitaries,” he said.
bowler Peter Hatzoglou will be in attendance as a special guest.
He played senior cricket with Sunshine Heights in 2016 as an 18-year-old.
There is a free barebecue, and showbags for the first 50 attendees.
Theteamswillbeoutwarmingupfrom4pm, and the pre-game ceremony will start at 5pm, with the game to commence at 5.30pm. Dinner will be served to event-goers at 6pm.
Gerald Lynch
We continually utilise our full fleet across the state to ensure a high level of availability for emergency response.
“FRV stands ready to support all our colleagues across the emergency services sector this summer, particularly the CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria.
“Victoria has a strong complementary firefighting force that is well prepared to respond when needed. While there are clear fire district boundaries in place, the state’s firefighting resources are not bound to the distinction between city and country.
“Victorians, regardless of where they live, canrelyoninteragencyco-operationtodeliver the best fire and emergency service response.”
Iconic Lions cakes return
Lions Christmas cakes are back, just in time for the lead-up to Christmas.
Lions Christmas cakes and puddings are sold by locals for locals. They’re staples of Australian Christmas time with their excellent taste, thanks to their quality, natural ingredients list, containing over 50 per cent fruit.
All the funds received from purchases of the cakes and puddings are redirected to Lions Clubs and their initiatives Australia-wide, from the city to the regions.
The past several years have been extremely tough for regional communities, with a tumultuous global pandemic and devastating natural disasters.
As most of the country heads into bushfire season again, proceeds from Lions Christmas cakes and puddings are vital to funding emergency and disaster relief and assisting locals with recovering from bushfires.
Lions Australia chief executive Rob Oerlemans said the proceeds go to really important causes.
“In the past 60 years, we’ve come a long way from selling our first pound cake. Today, our Lions Christmas cakes and puddings remain proudly Australian-made, and their impact on communities nationwide is immeasurable,” he said.
This year, new gluten-free versions are also being produced and sold.
For more information on Lions Christmas Cakes and Puddings, visit https://lionsclubs.org.au/get-involved/ fundraising/lions-mints-cakes/.
Royal Australian Navy representative Nick Magakas, Sunshine Heights Cricket Club captain and president Nav Dwivedi and Fuilio Venditti. (Damjan Janevski) 444674_01
Hobart Hurricanes star
West bus wish knocked back
By Gerald Lynch
After having his free bus proposal blocked in state Parliament, Western Metropolitan MP
David Ettershank is vowing to continue a fight for better buses in the west.
The Braybrook based, Legalise Cannabis MP, called for a 12-month trial of free buses to ease cost of living pressures coupled with the bus route review.
“Unfortunately, the government and opposition shot down this sensible proposal, with the Liberals arguing that there’s no such thing as ‘free’ yet all Victorian MPs get free public transport for life – this is hypocrisy,” Mr Ettershank said.
“If Queensland can introduce 50 cents
public transport fares for all trips, why can’t Victoria have free buses?
“In the western suburbs, studies have found a $100 million investment could deliver a frequent bus service to more than one million people for a year – what a great investment. I will continue to fight for a fair go for everyone in the west.”
Mr Ettershank said a review of the path buses travel hadn’t taken place for more than a decade, and in that time new suburbs such as Mount Atkinson had been established which have limited public transport.
“In Mount Atkinson, your choice is a 40-minute walk to the bus stop along unsealed pavements and through paddocks
or 75-minute walk to the Rockbank Station, that is atrocious,” he said.
“We have far too many people in Melbourne’s west who do not have access to decent buses and that needs to change. Put simply it should be no more than 15 minutes to walk to your bus stop, and no more than 15 minutes to wait for a bus.
“Access to public transport is a critical factor to many people, particularly in outer suburbs where cost of living pressures are huge. Typically, we see houses with three to four cars simply because people can’t access public transport.
“No one wants to sit on a bus for an hour that takes you to a place you could drive to in 10 minutes, these need to be rerouted.
Group has social inclusion sewn up
The Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre in Deer Park is hosting a club for sewing and dressmaking enthusiasts of all ability levels, as they look to foster a tight-knit community.
Every Wednesday, from 1.30pm to 3pm, the doors are open for a bring your own materials experience.
Facilitator Karen Davis said that while sewing is part of the fun, there is a heavy focus on social inclusion and building a sense of community.
“Socialisolationisaterriblething,whichwas
greatly enhanced by covid,” she said.
“Social connection is so important in all our lives, and community centres are fantastic at addressing local issues.
“So for me this whole thing is not as much about sewing. It’s about getting people out of their homes and getting them out in the community.
“If we can teach one person how to connect with another person, it will continue to feed forward.”
Ms Davis said she hates the situation many
residents endure, “we go to work, we come home and we shut our doors,” she said.
“Somanypeoplelivenexttotheirneighbours for 10 years and have no idea who they are … that’s not me.”
People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to come to the sessions, Ms Davis committed to using translation services if required with people who don’t speak English.
Registrations are essential: trybooking.com/ events/landing/1286687
Gerald Lynch
“Our inefficient and unreliable public transport entrenches social disadvantage and isolation, increases cost of living pressures and generates more traffic congestion on our roads and pollution.”
A state government spokesperson said the government was committed to improving the delivery of bus services.
“We offer a range of generous concessions, including two-hour and daily capped fares, student concessions and our Early Bird initiative for free train travel if you touch off before 7.15am,” the spokesperson said.
“We are giving communities across Melbourne better access to buses - delivering more than $550 million in new and improved bus services across the state since 2014.”
More trees for the west
A new round of applications are open for new trees to be planted across Melbourne’s west.
Throughout Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton, Moonee Valley and Wyndham, schools, parks and reserves can apply for some of the 90,000 trees available over the next 18 months.
Part of the More Trees for a Cooler, Greener West program, which has already seen 410,000 trees planted since 2021, this round of applications is the final of its kind.
The new trees will consist of a mix of tubestockandadvancedtreeplantings.
This latest round of funding will help provide more green open spaces, vital new habitats for local wildlife and reduce the urban heat island effect which means more shade and cooler streets and parks in summer.
Applications for local councils, public land managers and Traditional Owner Corporations are now open, and close on December 3, with trees ready to be planted throughout 2025 and 2026.
Schools will be invited to apply for native trees to plant on their grounds early next year.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said they are after more schools and local organisations to put their hands up for the last 90,000 trees available.
“More trees means less pollution and more green spaces for Victorian families to enjoy for years to come,” he said.
Details: environment.vic.gov.au/ more-trees
Working dads are experiencing parental leave problems
Working fathers in Melbourne’s west are finding it difficult to access parental leave and those who do, claim they are penalised by their employers as a result.
TheseareamongthefindingsofTheWorking Dads: Towards Equal Care report conducted by GenWest in partnership with Preventing Violence Together (PVT).
The survey asked 155 fathers from across the western suburbs, including Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, open-ended questions about their experiences balancing work and care-giving responsibilities.
According to the report, more than half of respondents reported barriers in workplace culture preventing them from providing more
care, ranging from men’s parental leave not being considered normal and the prevalence of a “job comes first mentality,” through to leave forms not even containing a box for fathers to tick.
Those fathers who did access parental leave said it affected their standing in the workplace including some being passed over for promotion.
GenWest gender-based violence team leader Nisha Gull-e-Nishat helped compile the working dads report and said both outcomes reinforced outdated gender norms around parenting affecting mothers too.
“This perpetuates inequality, as women often bear the brunt of caregiving, impacting
their workforce participation and long-term economic security,” said Ms Gull-e-Nishat.
“Specifically, we want to see workplaces implement comprehensive strategies that go beyond policies and actively promote culture change through leadership role modelling.
“Bynormalisingsharedcare-givingrolesand encouraging flexible working arrangements for men, we can challenge gender stereotypes and create more equitable conditions for all parents. Ultimately, we aim for this to lead to better outcomes for women’s participation in the workforce, their financial security, and overall safety from violence. The report is also intended to inspire workplace leaders to take proactive steps toward fostering an inclusive
environment where both men and women can balance work and care-giving effectively.”
The Working Dads: Towards Equal Care report will be launched in an online webinar on November 20, with GenWest chief executive Dale Wakefield and gender equality commissioner Dr Niki Vincent the featured speakers and City of Melbourne chief executive Alison Leighton, Western Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains and Our Watch’s Cameron McDonald participating in a panel discussion.
Details: https://genwest.org.au/news-andevents/working-dads-towards-equal-care/ CadeLucas
Facilitator Karen Davis at last week’s group session. (Damjan Janevski) 444775_01
Dokic is coming to town
With limited seats, now is the time to book yourself in to attend the Lakeside Banquet and Convention Centre in Taylors Lakes when International Women’s Day rolls around.
Tennis star Jelena Dokic is the special guest at the International Women’s Day edition of the Brimbank Women in Business Lunch coming up in March.
An enormous talent that rocketed to fourth in the world in women’s tennis by age 19, Jelena is now a popular sports commentator with two best-seller books about her remarkable life.
She will share her incredible journey of survival on and off the court facing fierce competition and her personal battles with poverty, racism, bullying, abuse, injury and
depression. Jelena’s raw honesty and resilience to survive has captivated audiences worldwide, offering a powerful message of hope, strength and perseverance.
Beyond the spotlight, she endured adversity, including abuse from her father for 15 years. This trauma shadowed her success, affecting her mental health.
Her raw honesty will leave you in awe. Her ability to free herself from the grips of domestic violence, trauma, mental health struggles and darkness will astonish you.
The lunch will take place on Thursday, March 6, from 11.30am until 2.30pm. Tickets are $75. Book tickets: events.brimbank.vic.gov.au
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel. Work is underway with the fit out of five new underground stations at Anzac, Town Hall, State Library, Parkville and Arden. We’re now testing trains through the tunnel and fitting out the station interiors, making sure they operate smoothly, safely and they’re accessible to all.
Train disruptions:
Sunbury Line 30Novto1DecNorthMelbournetoSunshine 8.30pm4Decto1.30am7Dec WatergardenstoSunbury
From1.30am7Decto8DecNorthMelbournetoSunbury 9to12Dec
WatergardenstoSunbury 14to15Dec
NorthMelbournetoSunshine Bendigo, Echuca and Swan Hill lines 5to12DecOnsectionsofthelines
Watsons Road, Diggers Rest
Briefs
Caroline Springs cafe in blaze Fayrouz Cafe in Caroline Springs was lit on fire early on Thursday morning. Emergency services were called to The Crossing, Caroline Springs about 2.10am after reports a car had been driven into a cafe and a fire occurred. Fire crews extinguished the blaze and fortunately no one was injured. A crime scene guard is in place and an arson chemist will attend the scene later today. Police will investigate whether the incident is linked to any other recent incidents.
New veterans funding
The state announced two new rounds of funding that will support veterans in Victoria. The Veterans Capital Works 2024–25 grants will provide between $5000 and $50,000 to fund projects that build or improve buildings and facilities for organisations that deliver services to veterans, their families, and communities. Funded projects may include the upgrade, development or improvement of facility spaces, accessibility, sustainability or other aspects of venues. Additionally, the Restoring Community War Memorials and Avenues of Honour 2024-25 grants will provide up to $30,000 to restore or change war memorials, honour rolls and avenues of honour.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Commentator and former tennis player
Jelena Dokic looks on during the first round match at Melbourne Park in 2024. (AAP Image/ Lukas Coch)
Fellowship to stop exploitation
By Jaidyn Kennedy
Laura-Jane Singh has been selected as one of 17 Indigenous and Pacific changemakers for the 2025 Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity (AFSE) fellowship program.
Targeting Melbourne’s west, Ms Singh’s plan is to develop a culturally specific framework thataddressestheincreasedrateofchildsexual exploitation of Aboriginal young people in residential care.
A proud Wiradjuri woman, Ms Singh currently works for the Victorian Aboriginal Children and Young People’s Alliance where she is tasked with creating an Aboriginal-led framework for kinship care.
“My hopes are to create an Aboriginal healing centre, so the victims and survivors of childsexualexploitationhaveaplacetogo,”she said.
Ms Singh herself was a victim of sexual exploitation while she was under the care of child protective services.
“That has probably played a big impact into the why.
“Sexual exploitation, alongside trafficking, it takes a lifetime to recover from.”
Ms Singh said that many of the minors she works with are deprived of educational opportunities and subsequently stop going to school as young as 12 or 13 in many cases.
“I believe that young people should have the opportunity to access therapeutic support alongside education.”
Having analysed case studies of child sex exploitation both in Australia and abroad, she said, “I think the system doesn’t work,” and that the model of residential care can leave young Aboriginal people disconnected from their communities.
MSSinghmovedtothewesternsuburbswith her husband and two daughters
Previously living in Brisbane, Ms Singh moved with her husband to Melbourne’s western suburbs, where they now reside in Wyndham Vale with their two daughters.
The goals of Ms Singh’s work extend beyond her own generation, with a focus on leaving the world in a better place
“If I can address this now, I hope this isn’t a fight my children have to fight on after me.”
She also sits on the board of The Koling Wada-ngal Aboriginal Corporation and is the deputy chair of Western RAJAC.
The AFSE program, hosted by the University of Melbourne, supports Indigenous-led solutions to pressing challenges facing their local community.
Health service celebrates treatment anniversary
Western Health is marking its one year anniversarysinceitintroducedanewprocedure that repairs the heart of stroke survivors.
One in five people have a patent foramen ovale (PFO), which is a small hole between the upper right and left chambers of a heart.
For many, there are no symptoms of this condition and it may not be discovered, but for others, it can lead to a stroke – especially in those in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.
Sunbury resident Bojan Jankovic, who is in his30s,wasonewhoseconditionledtoastroke earlier this year.
“I had some chest pains in January and went to see a local GP and had some scans, and the stress test – they scanned my heart and arteries in a CT scan,” Mr Jankovic said.
“In June, I ended up having a stroke, they investigated further and found … the hole in my heart,” he said.
After receiving medical attention, Mr Jankovic said he was provided the options of openheartsurgeryoratreatmentbeingtrialled at Western Health called PFO occlusion.
This treatment involves keyhole surgery and inserting a small device called a PFO occluder into the hole in the heart, filling the opening and preventing blood flow between the two chambers.
Mr Jankovic said that the treatment took one hour, where he then stayed at the hospital overnight and was put on his “merry way the next day”.
“Compared to having an open heart surgery, I wouldn’t have been back to work until next year, and having a young family, I didn’t really want to not be able to pay the bills … this procedure helped me to get back to normality and get back to what I was doing before the stroke,” he said.
Western Health cardiologist Samer Noaman said the team has performed 10 successful procedures since it was introduced in October.
The team consists of both neurologists and cardiologists.
“Part of my training was to close the holes of the heart with keyhole surgery rather than open heart surgery, which would save the patient the time, recovery, as well as making the experience less traumatic,” Dr Noaman said.
According to Western Health, Dr Noaman introduced the procedure to the hospital because he thought it was unfair that the communities in the west did not have the same access as others.
Brimbank City Council election
Declaration of results
The following candidates were elected to Brimbank City Council at the general election held in October 2024:
Albanvale Ward
BORG, Victoria
Cherry Creek Ward
TRUONG, Kim Thien
Copernicus Ward
KERR, Maria
Delahey Ward
NIKOLIC, Katharine
Grasslands Ward
DANG, Thuy
Harvester Ward
KRUK, Daniel
Horseshoe Bend Ward
TACHOS, Virginia
Kororoit Creek Ward
NGUYEN, Lucy
Mount Derrimut Ward
BAUCH, Joh
Organ Pipes Ward
RASIC, Ranka
St Albans East Ward PHAM, Duyen Anh
Further details about the results are available at vec.vic.gov.au
Jeff Bradley
Election Manager 11 November 2024
West
Gate traffic delays
Drivers in the western suburbs are expected to face delays of up to 30 minutes across the next threeweeks,ascapacityandsafetyworksoccur on freeway connections.
The outbound exit from the West Gate FreewaytotheM80RingRoad(Greensboroughbound) will close between 10pm Tuesday, November 19 and 5am Monday, December 9.
Drivers are being encouraged to plan ahead and consider using the following detours:
• Taking the earlier exit at Grieve Parade, then using Geelong, Little Boundary and Boundary roads to reach the M80.
• Continuing onto the Princes Freeway and u-turning at Kororoit Creek Road, then back-tracking to reach the M80.
• Continuing onto the Princes Freeway, exiting at Kororoit Creek Road, and using Fitzgerald Road to the M80, or Robinsons Road to reach
the Western Freeway.
Overnight works will continue over the coming months, including further freeway, lane and ramp closures affecting connections between the Princes Freeway, West Gate Freeway and M80 Ring Road.
Drivers are encouraged to refer to on-road signagewhichwillhaveinformationonclosure locations, timings and the recommended detours.
TheM80capacityimprovementsbetweenthe PrincesFreewayandWesternFreewayincludes the addition of a Greensborough-bound lane, theinstallationofasmartfreewaymanagement system and ramp signals.
Real-time traffic conditions: traffic. transport.vic.gov.au and up to date public transport information: ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app.
Western Health cardiologist Samer Noaman holding a PFO occluder device (Supplied).
LJ Singh has received a fellowship to continue her work in tackling child sexual exploitation. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 444164_02
Lynn fights his murder conviction
By Tara Cosoleto, AAP
Caroline Springs airline pilot Greg Lynn has formally lodged appeals against his conviction and 32-year jail term for the murder of missing camper Carol Clay.
Lynn’s lawyers filed the appeals and an extension of time application late on Monday November 18, the Victorian Supreme Court confirmed.
The paperwork was lodged 31 days after Lynn was jailed for murdering Mrs Clay, 73, at a Victorian high country campsite in March 2020.
A jury found he shot her in the head and
then placed her body - and the body of her lover Russell Hill, 74 - into a trailer before driving them to a remote bush track.
Lynn returned seven months later after the COVID-19 lockdown lifted to burn their remains into more than 2000 bone fragments.
He admitted burning the bodies but denied the two charges of murder, claiming the two deaths were accidental.
Lynn told the jury he was struggling over his shotgun with Mr Hill when it accidentally discharged, striking Mrs Clay in the head.
He then claimed Mr Hill came at him with a knife and in the process of Lynn defending himself, the knife went into Mr Hill’s chest.
After a month-long trial, the jury returned split verdicts on June 25, finding Lynn killed Mrs Clay but not Mr Hill.
Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann KC soon after flagged his client would appeal the conviction, claiming the prosecution had conducted the trial unfairly and there was inconsistency in the jury’s two verdicts.
“We submit that the long-term future of the guilty verdict must be seen as being in grave doubt,” Mr Dann told the court in July.
The barrister maintained that position after Justice Michael Croucher sentenced Lynn on October 18.
Lynn was jailed for 32 years with a
non-parole period of 24 years, with Justice Croucher describing the murder as a “violent, brutal and horrific” killing of a vulnerable woman.
Lynn’s decision to hide and then burn the bodies “into almost nothingness” was a significant aggravating feature, the judge said.
But Justice Croucher could not make findings in relation to Lynn’s motive to kill, nor the order in which Mr Hill and Mrs Clay died because of the jury’s split verdicts. The appeal against Lynn’s conviction and sentence will be heard in the Victorian Court of Appeal at a later date.
Partnership provides opportunities for students
Funds give kids strong start
Morechildrenfromculturallyandlinguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds will receive support to access and attend kindergarten across 25 councils including Brimbank.
Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn announced $7.47 million in CALD Outreach Initiative grants for councils including Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Melton, Hume, and Whittlesea, to help children from multicultural families access and attend kindergarten.
“Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life. We’re delivering more support to families from multicultural backgrounds so more Victorian children can access Free Kinder and more parents have the freedom to go back to work if and when they choose,” she said.
Under the CALD Outreach Initiative, CALD teams employed by councils work directly with local families to support kindergarten enrolments, lead information sessions to build a better understanding of kindergarten, enable familiesandeducatorstomaximiseattendance and help families with the transition from kinder to school.
CALD outreach teams have helped more than 6000 children with multicultural backgrounds enrol and attend kindergarten since the initiative started in 2021.
Thenation-leadingreformsaretransforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support
parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose, the state government said.
Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt said every child deserves a good start to their education.
“Young children have so much to gain and learn from the opportunities provided through kindergarten – we’re making sure that every child, no matter their background, can have the very best start in life,” she said.
Additional funding provided to the Municipal Association of Victoria, as part of the initiative, supports council-led outreach programs and activities, and shares key learnings and insights with all councils across the state.
Gerald Lynch
Victoria University student Kay Bajwa recently found herself at the crossroads of an exciting career transition.
With a professional background in economics, business management, and commerce, and more than 27 years of corporate management experience, the 55-year-old decided she wanted something more personally fulfilling, and made the steps to becoming a full-time psychologist.
As part of her placement, Kay has been volunteering at Lifeline Western Melbourne, located at VU’s St Albans Campus, the first Lifeline Crisis Call Centre in the state to operate from a university site.
“Volunteering at Lifeline has been a meaningful step in my transition,” she said.
“Recently, I was selected to be a student mentor, where I’ll be working closely with students training to become Lifeline counsellors. In this role, I help conduct role-plays and provide feedback. Maintaining my Lifeline accreditation requires completing 90 hours annually, and this commitment is invaluable. It’s not just about fulfilling professional obligations; it’s about giving back to a country that has given me countless opportunities to learn and grow.
“ThefutureIenvisionisablendofteaching, practising, and working in an organisation— this academic journey makes that vision possible.TheknowledgeandskillsI’mgaining
Melton
City Council election Declaration of results
at VU will also enable me to contribute back home to India, where there is a growing demand for mental health professionals.”
The centre is staffed by approximately 20 student volunteers, answering between 200 to 400 calls per month.
Lifeline team leader Natasa Adamovic started her role in mid-2023 and she said the diverse nature of the job ensures her professional life is always interesting.
“I wear a lot of hats, however my favourite part of what I do is mentoring new student volunteers,” she said.
“I find it extremely rewarding to be a part of someone’s Lifeline journey and watch them become more confident on the helpline and cultivate self-belief within themselves.
“I’m always learning from our staff. Building relationships with my volunteers and watching them grow through the Crisis support workplace training program gives me a great sense of pride and admiration.
“It’s a real privilege to talk to so many people and play an intricate part in their journey.”
The centre provides real-world placements and opportunities for VU students to train as Lifeline crisis-support volunteers.
This provides valuable experience to students studying youth work, psychology, counselling, community services and social work.
Bullum Bullum Ward
ABBOUSHI, Steve
Cambrian Ward
TURNER, Bob
Coolibah Ward
MORRIS, Brandi
Hilltop Ward
VERDON, John
Jackwood Ward
VANDENBERG, Ashleigh
Lake Caroline Ward
MAJDLIK, Kathy
Mount Atkinson Ward
ZADA, Phillip
Stringybark Ward
SHANNON, Julie
Sugar Gum Ward
CARLI, Lara
Watts Ward
RAMSEY, Sophie
Further details about the results are available at vec.vic.gov.au
Priscilla Mayne Election Manager 11 November 2024
The following candidates were elected to Melton City Council at the general election held in October 2024:
Victoria University student Kay Bajwa. (Supplied)
Compassionate care for seniors and NDIS participants
Nurse Next Door is proud to bring professional and compassionate care to Melbourne’s western suburbs, supporting clients with disabilitiesandseniorswithpersonalisedhome care services.
With three dedicated franchises — Melbourne West led by Garvita Patel (RN), Werribee led by Eugene Martin and Shalini George (RN), and Sunbury led by Amandeep Kaur (RN) — Nurse Next Door combines clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to making lives better.
COMMUNITY
For NDIS clients, Nurse Next Door provides a wide range of services tailored to individual needs, including personal care, support with daily activities, and specialised nursing care. The goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to live confidently and independently, with care that is as flexible as it is reliable.
For aged care clients, Nurse Next Door is proud to be approved Home Care Package (HCP) providers, offering some of the lowest fees in the market. This means seniors can
GRANTS: Applications now open!
Not-for-profit community organisations within the City of Melton are encouraged to apply for grants delivering projects that:
• support creativity through arts
• encourage an active community through sports and hobbies
• celebrate diversity though festivals, events and culture
• promote healthy and safe living
• care for environment and nature
Grants of up to $5,000 are available to eligible groups.
For further information, including to download the Community Grants Guidelines, visit melton.vic.gov.au/communitygrants
You can also contact the Community Grants team on 9747 7247 or email the team at: communitygrants@ melton.vic.gov.au.
maximise their funding to receive high-quality services that allow them to remain in the comfort of their own homes. From personal care to complex nursing needs, care is designed tomeeteveryrequirementwithprofessionalism and compassion.
At Nurse Next Door, every care journey begins with a free, two-hour, non-obligatory Caring Consult conducted by a registered nurse.
This consult ensures that every aspect of the client’s needs is carefully assessed, allowing us
to tailor a personalised care plan and match clientswiththebestcaregiversfortheirspecific requirements.
Whether it’s NDIS or aged care, our team is committed to providing the highest level of support to clients of all ages.
If you or your loved ones need reliable, compassionate care in Melbourne’s west, contact us on 1300 600 247 to learn more about how we can help.
Because care isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.
Conversations are key to change
By Gerald Lynch
As White Ribbon Month gets under way, the organisation is working harder than ever to prevent violence against women by engaging men and boys in the solution.
White Ribbon Australia social policy and advocacy partner Ilana Rohwedder explained that the month is about creating real change through meaningful dialogue and education.
“This year, we are really stressing the need to get men and boys talking about violence against women,” she said. “Despite all the work undertaken by governments, advocacy organisations, and national campaigns, the message just isn’t landing with many men and boys.Theydon’tseewhatithastodowiththem or what they can realistically do about it.”
She said one of the key challenges is bridging the gap between awareness campaigns and personal connection.
“This doesn’t mean they don’t care about the women in their lives,” she said.
“But the broader movement to end violence against women isn’t connecting with many men and boys in a way that reflects their personal experiences.
“We need to be able to respond to where they are and not just tell them where we think they should be. People won’t change their beliefs or attitudes by someone telling them what they should think—we have to be able to have a dialogue.”
This year, White Ribbon is focusing on starting that dialogue.
“We are asking men and boys to tell us where they are in this movement. How do they understand the issue? What do they need to see to understand the vital role they play in preventing violence against women?”
Ms Rohwedder highlighted the importance of engaging young people early, describing
White Ribbon’s You Can Ask That workshops as a key example. The sessions give students the opportunity to ask anonymous questions and engage in open dialogue about sensitive topics like family violence and respectful relationships.
“Listening to young people in this way enables us to facilitate meaningful discussions and explore their knowledge of gender, relationships, and the gaps in their understandingofhowgenderinequalityrelates to family and domestic violence,” she said.
“This approach really shifts the format from a lecture to a conversation, and we have found that to be an effective way of engaging with instead of talking at men and boys.”
Theorganisationhasfaceduniquechallenges in recent years. Feedback from their Youth
Advisory Group revealed a widespread issue in schools, where lessons on gender equality and respectful relationships are often limited to a single lecture or delivered by teachers disconnected from the content.
Ms Rohwedder said this approach highlights misconceptions about how change occurs.
“Even when we say we want to get men and boys talking, we’ve had pushback that we shouldn’t be hearing from men and boys at all andinsteadweshouldjustbetellingthemwhat to do,” she said.
“But that approach just doesn’t work. We can’t just talk at men and boys, we need to get themtalking.Theongoingconversationiswhat provides an opportunity to generate a moment that shifts their understanding and creates moments for change.”
The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics personal safety survey found that one in four women in Australia has experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner in her lifetime.
“The importance of this figure is not just the staggering number—it’s also the differences in the reactions I get from men and women,” Ms Rohwedder said.
“When I have talked to men, some seem to really question this figure—they just can’t visualise that one in four women have experienced it.
“With women, I get a totally different reaction. There’s an immediate ‘that tracks’ because they have their own personal experiences or know other women who have gone through something. It’s not just the statistics that demonstrate that this work is crucial—it’s the disbelief and stark disparity of experiences between men and women that reinforces that there is still a lot of work to do.”
For those wanting to make a difference, White Ribbon offers a range of resources, from educational toolkits on recognising the signs of violence to training programmes in schools and workplaces.
These initiatives focus on addressing the root causes of violence, particularly gender inequality, to prevent it before it starts.
Ms Rohwedder also stated the importance of starting conversations at home.
“I’d really challenge anyone to go home and talk to the men and boys in their life to get a sense of how they understand violence against women,” she said.
“They may not have a perfect answer, but even that tells you something and gives you a starting point for an ongoing conversation.”
White Ribbon Month is ongoing until December 13. Details: whiteribbon.org.au/ white-ribbon-month/
White Ribbon Australia social policy and advocacy partner Ilana Rohwedder. (Supplied)
Deer Park IGA expands with exciting new additions
Since Hitesh Palta and his family took over Deer Park IGA in November 2020, they have been dedicated to continuously improving and expanding the store, turning it into a vibrant, community-focused shopping hub.
While the store has already seen significant upgrades — including a larger product range, expanded departments, and a growing team of local employees — Deer Park IGA is far from finished. The store continues to evolve, offering more services and products to better serve the Deer Park community.
A recent exciting addition is the opening of a local butcher section, which now offers a wide range of high-quality meats, including halal meat options, catering to the diverse needs of the local community. This new service has been well-received by customers, many of whom appreciate the convenience of having fresh, local meat available right in their neighbourhood.
In addition to the butcher, Deer Park IGA has also introduced Tattslotto services, making it easy for customers to try their luck while doing their grocery shopping.
Mr Palta is particularly excited about the recent growth of the shopping centre in which Deer Park IGA is located. With more new shops opening, there’s a strong sense of community spirit, and Mr Palta is proud to be part of this positive transformation.
“We’re really happy to see new shops opening and the centre becoming a hub for local shopping. It’s great to support the other businesses in the area as we all work together to create a strong, thriving community,” he said.
Deer Park IGA is open seven days a week
Thursday: 7am–9pm
Friday: 7am–9pm
Saturday: 7am–9pm
Sunday: 8am–8pm
Monday: 7am–9pm
Tuesday: 7am–9pm
Wednesday: 7am–9pm
Deer Park IGA is now truly a one-stop shop, catering to all your grocery, hardware, toy, and gift needs. As part of the IGA network, the store also continues to support the IGA Community Chest Program, which helps fund local initiatives and gives back to the community.
The store is located at 10/8 Hatchlands Drive. Drop in and say hello to the friendly team, explore the expanded range, and enjoy the convenience of shopping at a store that’s dedicated to supporting the local community.
Store manager Ruble Bedi welcomes customers to use the new Lotto facility.
Remediation works will involve:
Development Victoria will be undertaking remediation works to ensure the final stage of Cairnlea is ready for future residential use.
• Excavation of affected soil from a number of locations around the site.
• Affected soil will either be transported to a waste facility for disposal or remediated on-site.
• Low to medium levels of noise are expected during excavation works in compliance with general working hours from Monday to Friday (7am to 6pm).
• Localised traffic changes will take place to support the increase in vehicle movements
• The environmental impacts of the works will be closely managed and monitored through the implementation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Please follow signage and directions from traffic controllers in the area during these works.
Learn more at development.vic.gov.au/Cairnlea
You can also contact Development Victoria for more information by email cairnlea@development.vic.gov.au or phone 03 8317 3400
Summer safety beach operation
By Cade Lucas
Altona and Williamstown beaches will have an increased police presence from now until the end of summer thanks to Operation Summersafe launched on Thursday.
The police operation will run day and night over summer at both Hobsons Bay beaches as well as other popular swimming spots such as St Kilda, Half Moon Bay and across the Mornington Peninsula.
Localpolicewillbeassistedintheoperation by water police, public order response teams,
highway patrol, transit safety police, mounted police and the dog squad.
Operation Summersafe officers will do proactive patrols and respond to incidents along foreshores and nearby parks, entertainment precincts and public transport hubs.
Nigel McGuire White said police would be closely monitoring those operating water craft too.
“We will also have members out on the water and patrolling the shoreline to ensure that jet ski riders aren’t putting swimmers in
danger,” he said.
“Riders who put other beach goers in harm’s way can expect to be charged with a criminal offence, and some may even have their jet skis seized. Riders can and will be drug and alcohol tested, just like drivers on the road, and they can also have their jet skis seized and impounded, just like cars.”
Operation Summersafe officers will also utilise an extensive CCTV network to monitor crime in real-time, allowing them to respond to incidents quickly, and de-escalate crimes as or before they occur.
Warriors’ coach nets nomination
The 2024 Netball Victoria Community Award nominations were announced on Wednesday, November 20, and Western Warriors’ coach Tracy Howard is in the running for the Coach of the Year.
Howard, who is coaching the Western Warriors’23&Underteam,saidit’salwaysnice to be nominated and recognised for a job well done.
“It’s something that I’m very passionate about,” she said.
“I love coaching netball. I love seeing the girls move through the pathways.
“For me, it’s a nice way to get recognised for the work you put in.”
Howard said she found out about the nominations online, and shared the exciting news on her social media.
“I think it’s a really good thing to appreciate that you have been nominated,” she said.
“Lots of coaches are very supportive, saying congratulations.
“It’sahugeachievementjusttogetnominated and recognised through Netball Victoria.”
The Western Football Netball League is also up for an award.
“I think being such a small rural country area, it’s really good to see that there is a pathway,” Howard said.
“It doesn’t matter whether you are from the country, you can still excel at what you’re doing, whether you’re coaching or whether you are a netballer coming through the pathways.
“It just gives a lot more opportunities to players and athletes on this side of Melbourne.”
Winners will be announced on Thursday, December 5 on Netball Victoria’s Facebook and YouTube channels at 7pm.
“I’m just really excited that I’ve been nominated and recognised for the work that I’m doing,” Howard said.
“Whoever wins is always and well truly worthy of what they’re doing because we’re all in the same bracket of being nominated.
“I’msureanyonewhowinsisverydeserving.”
Faith Macale
Designated areas will also be subject to weapons searches - called OMNI operationswhere police target those carrying concealed weapons under the Control of Weapons Act 1990.
Victoria Police say the Operation Summersafe is necessary to ensure community safety and will be centred around maintaining public order, detecting and disrupting crime, and keeping all road users safe.
The operation began on November 21 and will run until March 2025.
Warnings of a dry summer
Ahead of a hot, dry summer, Greater Western Water (GWW) is urging customers in fire prone areas to start preparing now ahead of the bushfire season.
The Bureau of Meteorology is predicting Australia will face one of the hottest summers on record this season, bringing increased bushfire risk throughout Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Macedon Ranges, Melton, Moorabool and Wyndham.
GWW general manager of operations and delivery solutions Jodie Hallam said that while GWW plans and prepares the network for fire season, reliable water supply cannot be guaranteed during a bushfire emergency.
“During a bushfire, customers might encounter low water pressure, loss of water supply or decreased water quality,” she said.
“This can be caused by various factors, including heat and fire damage to our pipes and equipment, or high demand for water from firefighters. Customers should not rely on mains water to defend their properties.”
Ms Hallam said it was important to keep drinking water on hand in an emergency kit for all family members and pets.
“Bushfires happen quickly so it’s best tostartplanningandpreparingnow,”she said. “If your water supply is impacted we’ll aim to let you know through text messages and website and social media updates. It’s important to register your mobile phone number with us to stay informed of any critical water supply notices.”
Netball coach Tracy Howard with Netballer Manon Muir, and assistant coach Olivia Templeton, with their bronze medals from the National Championships 2024.
Old fashioned but not obsolete
With the rise of AI threatening to put many employees and their professions out of business, Cade Lucas talks to two tradesmen whose jobs are endangered, but not extinct.
When it comes to choosing a career path, some follow their dreams, some follow their parents, some fall into careers by accident, while the vast majority choose occupations based on their education, qualifications, where they live and what they can get.
And then there’s people like Justin Nemeth who one day in 2015 needed to get one of his knives sharpened.
“I couldn’t find anyone and I just thought bugger it, I’ll learn it.”
The 45-year-old was true to his word.
Almost a decade on, Mr Nementh is a professional sharpener, operating his own business, Hone Sharpening, out of a workshop at his home in Bacchus Marsh on Melbourne’s north-western outskirts.
“I sharpen knives, I sharpen scissors, clipper blades, garden tools,” he said reeling a list of tools and utensils he commonly works on.
It’s an explanation that isn’t really necessary given the job of a sharpener is pretty straight forward.
What’s less obvious though is that there are still people like Mr Nemeth who do it for a living.
Afterall, isn’t sharpening one of these professions that a combination of technology and consumer habits have made obsolete?
Surely people who want to sharpen knives, scissors or tools or anything else with a blade can do so at home. Isn’t there a sharpening machine or device you can buy at the supermarket or Bunnings?
And even if there’s not, it must be cheaper to throw out blunt blades and buy new ones?
The answer to all these questions is, of course, yes.
But while the passing of time has made old industrial era professions like sharpening an endangered species, they’re not yet extinct.
Like Mr Nemeth, there are still people slaving away in suburban workshops and backyard sheds, pursuing careers that most of us assumed only existed in museums.
Another of those working against the dying of the industrial light is Steve Phillips, though rather than sharpening metal blades, he fashions them into shape.
Mr Phillips is a blacksmith at Waterside Metal Art Studio in Footscray, though in a sign
that even the most time honoured professions aren’t immune to change, he prefers are more modern title to describe his job.
“I actually refer to myself as a metal smith now because I don’t just work with steel, but with copper, brass, aluminium, titanium, all sorts of metals,” said Mr Phillips, who originally trained as an environmental scientist, but switched to smashing bits of hot metal while travelling in Europe nearly 20 years ago.
“I had some time off and I went to Europe and I did some sculpture and blacksmithing at night school in Antwerp, Belgium.”
Other than a stint at night school 17 years ago, Mr Phillips, like Mr Nemeth, is largely self taught, with no blacksmithing or sharpening apprenticeships available.
“You don’t need to be officially qualified,” said Mr Phillips of being a blacksmith.
“You can do a TAFE course, but it’s not called blacksmithing, it’s a certificate IV in metal fabrication and there’s only one place in Australiathatdoesit.UltimoTAFEinSydney.”
Despite his own lack for training, Mr Phillips also teaches blacksmithing to others, with classes at his Footscray studio accounting for most of his income.
“Corporate team building experiences and normal classes for the general public,” he said of the types of classes he offers.
“You can come and forge all sorts of unique things at the studio.”
Mr Phillips also runs an annual Blacksmithing festival, but when he does have customers,theycanhavehimdoingeverything from fixing a metal fence bent out of shape, to creating a whole new section.
Like Mr Phillips, Mr Nemeth supplements his income elsewhere, working for an NDIS provider and doing landscape photography when not sharpening blades.
But unlike metal or blacksmithing, demand for his work appears more constant.
“I’ve got chefs, I look after the dog grooming industry, hairdressers and barbers, all the horsey people because they clip their horses in winter,” Mr Nemeth said of his regular customers.
He said for people whose work requires sharp tools, paying a bit extra for his services was worth it.
“It’s $10 a knife to get them sharpened through me and you can’t buy a decent knife for $10,” he said, before adding a rather uncharitableassessmentofanyknifepurchased for that amount.
“It’s gonna be, excuse me, a piece of shit,” Mr Nemeth laughed.
While the job of blade sharpening might be old fashioned, the way it’s done in 2024 isn’t, with Mr Nemeth saying the old hand stone method had been consigned to history.
“It’s all machinery now,” he said.
“Much quicker and gives us a similar result.”
What type of machinery though depends on
what’s being sharpened.
“Yourkniveswillbedoneonavariablespeed belt grinder and that runs specialty belts to keep the steel cool,” he said.
“Scissors are done on what’s known as a flat hone, it’s basically a horizontal spinning disc with specialty arms that are fully adjustable to every angle up to 90 degrees. Clipper blades are done on a clipper machine, that’s another horizontal spinning plate that grinds a hollow into the blade.”
According to Mr Phillips, tools used for blacksmithing have also moved with the times.
“A modern day blacksmith is using all sorts of modern tools such as mig welders and grinders which the old worldy blacksmith didn’t have access too,” he said.
As with sharpening though, modern tools might have advanced blacksmithing and made it easier, but the fundamentals of applying heat to metal to make it malleable and then bashing it into shape, remain the same.
“The day to day activities (of a blacksmith) often incorporate techniques that have been aroundforhundredsifnotthousandsofyears,” said Mr Phillips who, now aged 57, estimates he’s got another 15 to 20 years left before hanging up his hammer and tongs for good.
Mr Nemeth wasn’t sure when he’d retire, but had no doubt that when he did, the job of sharpening blades would continue on without him.
“It’ll be here till the end of days.”
Blacksmith Steve Phillips at his Footscray studio. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 444688
Sharpener Justin Nemeth working at his home in Bacchus Marsh. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 443487
Christmas craft
Eachmonth,StephanieMartinezwillsharean exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity. Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discoveredandignitedherpassionforcrafting. Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary. This month, Stephanie is getting into the festive spirit with a crafty reindeer.
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Christmas cheer reindeer
Materials: 16 mini craft sticks
2 googly eyes
Brown and gold foam paper
Twine
1 red gem
Equipment: Glue gun / glue stick
Scissors
Craft knife
Craft mat
Step 1
sticks for the back of the head.
Step 5
Antlers and ears: Cut out 2 antler shapes from brown glitter foam. Glue the antlers and the ears (half craft sticks) to the back of the head.
Body: Glue 2 craft sticks side by side for one side of the body and repeat this with 2 more sticks for the other side of the body. Glue them together to form one body.
Step 2
Legs: Glue 2 craft sticks at an angle on one side of the body for the legs. Glue 2 more craft sticks on the other side, lining them up with the first set of legs.
Step 3
Tail: Take 1 craft stick, cut it in half, and glue one of the halves to the back of the body to form the tail.
Step 6
Hanging string: Attach a piece of twine between the antlers. Glue the face to the head.
Step 7
Eyes and nose: Glue 2 googly eyes to the face. Cut an oval shape from the gold glitter foam for the nose base and glue in place. Glue the red gem for the nose.
Step 8
Attach the head to the body.
RENOVATE OR DETONATE!
Auction Saturday 30th November at 12 noon 10% deposit balance 30 days
• This three bedroom brick veneer home in need of major repair.
• Renovate with a little care and imagination, build your dream home or potential development site (STCA), the choice is yours.
• Offering huge potential and numerous possibilities.
• Large allotment measuring approx. 554m2.
• Situated close to Norm Talintyre Reserve (approx. 800 meters), The Avenue Shopping Centre (approx. 1 kms), Talintyre Road Shops (approx. 800 metres), numerous schools & public transport.
Also excellent access to the Western Ring Road (approx. 2.5 kms)
Stephanie Martinez.
11 MOURELL STREET SUNSHINE WEST
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
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at The Club in Caroline Springs, with meals available to purchase. They also hold lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004 or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Learn to Relax Group
IPC Health’s Living Well team is running a free Learn to Relax Group at IPC Health Deer Park, 106 Station Road, every Tuesday at 11am. This group is for people over 18 years who are interested in learning how to relax and finding ways to effectively manage their stress. Registration is required to attend this group.
livingwell@ipchealth.com.au or 1300 472 432
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 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, December 1.
Card games
Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday, from 7-10pm, at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine.
Leisa, 0425 768 808
Keilor Day View Club
The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies.
Robyn, 0425 387 880
Palliative volunteers needed
Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.
9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.
au
Deer Park Lions Club
Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park.
Michael, 0417 307 572
Sunshine Community Brass
Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm.
Andrew, 0419 444 620
St Albans senior citizens
St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm.
Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.
Roma, 0435 991 064
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall, from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
The Gap on Graham
The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years, at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old.
Val, 0414 769 605
Melton Bridge Club
The Melton Bridge Club has weekly social bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting.
If you like playing cards this is for you.
Rosemary, 0407 894 817
Melton Friendship Group
An over-55’s singles friendship group for social engagements, fun outings, dinners, movies, dancing chats and walks. Enrich your life, no more loneliness or isolation. Nothing but fun and friendships.
0406 493 734
Melton 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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Wyndham resident and AFL Pakistan
Men’s and Women’s coach Michael Gallus. (Damjan Janveski) 445430_01
Giddy-up for heavy horse display
The National Clydesdale and Heavy Horse Festival is returning to Werribee South on January 18-19.
More than your typical equestrian escapade, the public will be treated to Australia’s largest display of heavy horse breeds.
Among the gentle gee-gee giants will be Clydedales, Shires, Percherons, Drum Horses, Gypsys Cobs, Haflingers, Highland Ponies, Friesians and Fjords.
‘Hands on’ interactions with horses, a photo scavenger hunt, show ring activities and the chance to sit in a horse-drawn vehicle will be just some of the ways to have fun.
There will be educational workshops such as led stud heavy breeds, heavy harness, working draft, long reining/obstacle course, ridden heavy horse and rider classes.
Equine experts from across the world will be attending to judge the best talent, among the names will be Terry Edge from Scotland, Colin Brown from NSW, as well as Elsa Avery and Kellie Hamblin from closer to home.
Fancy dress and flair will not go unappreciated, as dragons, elephants, circus clowns, Spanish ladies and a Christmas tree have stolen the show in past years.
The festival is not all fun and games, but an
important way to raise public awareness for conservation.
Many of these breeds have found themselves on the World’s Rarest Animal list and are either endangered, almost extinct or severely challenged – not least of which the Clydesdale. With no entry fee for children under-16 and the free Kids Korner, youngsters will be sure to make priceless memories.
The National Equestrian Centre is on K Road Werribee South the event will kick off at 8.30am on Saturday, January 18, and 9am on Sunday, January 19.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Foamy entertainment at fun run
The much-anticipated 5K Foam Fest fun run is back and kicking off on Saturday, November 30, in Myrniong.
The 5K Foam Fest is set to be bigger and better, with 25 of the most exciting obstacles, including the world’s largest inflatable waterslide, slip-and-slides, mucky mud pits, and the all-new Corkscrew.
Shakespeare will be performed in Footscray with a Christmas twist next month.
The Macbeths is an intimate and tense reimagining of Shakespeare’s original text abridged to just the titular couple.
Set at Christmas, a woman anxiously waits for news of her husband fighting in a bloody civil war. When she receives news that he’s returning home a war hero and supernatural providence has declared he will be king a deadly plan is setinmotionthatwillunitethemandrip them apart.
Starring real life couple and theatre makers Cassandra Hart and Robert Lloyd, The Macbeths is the latest in a series alternative Shakespearan plays the pair have appeared in, including Shakespeare Aliens, Shakespeare Ghostbusters and William Shakespeare’s Reservoir Dogs.
Co-directed by Sharmini Kumar of 24 Carrot Productions and Darby Turnbull of Misfit Toys, The Macbeths will be performed at Footscray’s Bluestone Church from December 11 to 14.
“TheMacbethsisourfirstpresentation of a classical text and we’re very excited for our audience to experience the resonance of the pairs character arcs and connectwiththeirdesires,ambitionsand sorrows that are deeply relatable to this day,” said Ms Turnbull of the production which will be performed by (flameless, LED) candlelight.
Compared to a traditional race-to-the-finish run, couples, groups, team builders and families of all ages can enjoy the ‘fun run’ as it’s suitable for all skill levels – from runner to walker.
The5KFoamFestisalsoapivotalfundraising event for long-term partner Make-A-Wish
The obstacles are combined with 2.5 million cubic feet of foam pumped into the course throughout the event.
Foundation. Make-A-Wish receives all money raised through participant fundraising.
Over the past 15 years, 5K Foam Fest have raisedmorethan$5millionforcharitypartners, including $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation last year.
The5KFoamFestwillbeheldatSt.Anne’s,64 Garrards Lane, Myrniong. Detials: 5kfoamfest. com/australia/locations/melbourne/
Artist has painting and poetry in city show
St Alban’s Saidin Salkic will soon shine alongside a host of public figures, including South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas and Socceroos legend Archie Thompson in a unique AMES event highlighting refugees.
A filmmaker and artist, Mr Salkic will show off a painting of his as well as recite a poem about life as a refugee.
He said after many exhibitions throughout the local area, he is excited to represent the area on a larger scale.
The event is celebrating the annual launch of AMES’ publication ‘Heartlands - at the heart of our identity.
Migrant and refugee communities across the west are invited to view a range of cultural and artistic pieces, as all contributors’ work is collated into a book.
As a contributor, Mr Salkic is extremely proud to be involved.
“I’m exhibiting a fantastic print of my digital painting called Strawberry lovers base, and I will be reading a poem that I wrote, and my story will be part of the publication,” he said.
For those who can’t travel to the city, Mr Salkic urges them to view his permanent art installation in Sunshine at the RT Pollard Gardens.
He said his project ‘Brimbank Poles’ was created with students of Sunshine Primary School and is a hidden gem in Sunshine.
The Heartlands event takes place on Tuesday, December 3 from 4pm to 6pm.
It will take place at Clayton Utz, on Level 18 of 333 Collins Street.
ShesaidsettingthetheplayatChristmas wouldprovideamorbidalternativetothe traditional entertainment on offer at that time of the year.
“What’s Christmas without a little marital strife, murder, grief and madness!”
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1290434
Cade Lucas
Saidin Salkic with some his art work ‘The Observation’. (Damjan Janevski) 443424_01
The Macbeths co-director Darby Turnbull, outside the Bluestone Church in Footscray where the play will be performed next month. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 438183_01
The 5K Foam Fest kicks off at Myrniong on Saturday, November 30. (Supplied)
Bill Jackson on a horse-drawn cart.
(Kathryn Potempski)
NOTICE INVITING SUBMISSIONS UNDER SECTION 223
Melton City Council (“Council”), pursuant to section 204(1) of the Local Government Act 1989 (“Act”) proposes to declare part of the road at 137-235 Sinclairs Road, Deanside Victoria and being part of the land contained in certificate of title volume 11208 folio 537 and part of the hiatus land adjoining its eastern boundary shown enclosed by continuous thick lines and hatched on the plan below, being a road in Council’s municipal district, to be a public highway for the purposes of the Act (“the proposal”).
Further information regarding the proposal can be obtained from Sian Rainford, on 9747 5764.
Any person may make a submission on the proposal. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing by 25 November 2024.
Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.
All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act.
Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be hand delivered to Council’s Office at 232 High Street, Melton Victoria 3337 or posted to the following address:
The Chief Executive Officer City of Melton PO Box 21 Melton Victoria 3337
Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions. Following consideration of submissions, Council may resolve to declare the road to be a public highway or not to declare the road to be a public highway.
Roslyn Wai Chief Executive Officer
12727796-JB44-24
PROPOSED DISCONTINUANCE AND TRANSFER TO COUNCIL OF ROAD AT 137235 SINCLAIRS ROAD DEANSIDE VICTORIA PUBLIC NOTICE INVITING SUBMISSIONS UNDER SECTION 223
Melton City Council (“Council”), gives notice under section 206 and clause 3 of Schedule 10 of the Local Government Act 1989 (“the Act”) that Council proposes to discontinue and transfer to itself part of the road at 137-235 Sinclairs Road, Deanside Victoria, and being part of the land in certificate of title volume 11208 folio 537 and along with part of the hiatus land adjoining its eastern boundary shown enclosed by continuous thick lines and hatched on the plan below.
Further information regarding the proposal can be obtained from Sian Rainford, on 9747 5764.
Any person may make a submission on the proposal. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing by 25 November 2024.
Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be hand delivered to Council’s Office at 232 High Street, Melton Victoria 3337 or posted to the following address:
The Chief Executive Officer City of Melton PO Box 21 Melton Victoria 3337
All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act. No further community consultation process will be undertaken.
Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.
Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions.
Following consideration of submissions, Council may resolve not to discontinue the road or to discontinue the road and either sell the land from that road or retain the land.
ROSLYN
WAI Chief Executive Officer
between Reserve Road and 40-66 Reserve Road, Melton shown enclosed highlighted on the below map.
Further information regarding the proposal can be obtained from Sian Rainford, on 9747 5764 or by email at SianR@melton.vic.gov.au.
Any person may make a submission on the proposal. Any person wishing to make a submission must do so in writing by 26 November 2024.
Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be hand delivered to Council’s Office at 232 High Street, Melton Victoria 3337 or posted to the following address:
The Chief Executive Officer City of Melton PO Box 21 Melton Victoria 3337
All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act. No further community consultation process will be undertaken.
Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.
Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission will be notified of the day, time and place of the meeting of the Council or of a committee determined by the Council to hear submissions.
Following consideration of submissions, Council may resolve not to discontinue the road or to discontinue the road.
Roslyn Wai Chief Executive Officer
CLOCK 10 yrs old. Hand made by an expert in Malta and is very
PUZZLES
ACROSS
1 Unfathomable (7)
5 Reprieve (7)
9 Most pungent (9)
10 Facetious (5)
11 The capital of Spain (6)
12 Former US Supreme Court Justice Thurgood – (8)
14 Hate (6)
15 Monarch (4)
19 Musical instrument (4)
20 Leader of the X-men (6)
24 Self-government (8)
25 Bottle for the table (6)
27 Belonging to them (5)
28 From Oslo, eg (9)
29 Broadcast, transmitted (7)
30 Ways (7)
DOWN
1 Undertake (6)
2 Surrenders (6)
3 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
4 Ogle (4)
5 Alluring (10)
6 One who goes naked (6)
7 Relating to lines on a weather map (8)
8 Large logs traditionally burnt at Christmas time (4,4)
13 Looked again (10)
16 Of no consequence (2,6)
17 City in Québec (8)
18 Deteriorating (8)
21 Liveliness (6)
22 Gambling house (6)
23 Game played on a court (6)
26 Stiffly neat (4)
1 Which US comedian wrote the
novella Shopgirl? 2 True or false: the Venus de Milo was carved with no arms? 3 The Mekong
9
RATINGS
Looks: 7/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 6/10
Thirst: 7/10
Practicality: 7.5/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Overall: 6.8/10
Hybrid MG3 drives tiny car value
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The MG3 is a light hatch and the smallest model offered by the company.
It’s a car built very much to a price, targeted at first time drivers and those who haven’t got much to spend.
Although the latest model scores the same disappointing three stars for safety as its predecessor, ANCAP which tests the cars reveals it narrowly missed out on a four-star result and its comments are encouraging.
Withalittleworkperhaps,thecompanymay be able to turn the result around (although the whole safety thing seems to be lost on buyers looking for a bargain).
Styling
The new MG3 is edgier and sharper-looking than its predecessor.
As always it is difficult to nail down the grades and prices of cars offered.
MG3 now comes with a standard petrol engineandnowalsoasamoredesirablehybrid.
There are two grades, Excite and Essence, priced from $23,990 and $25,990 respectively. Excite + (Hybrid) is $27,990 and Essence + (Hybrid) is $29,990.
Driveaway pricing varies from state to state.
Our test vehicle is the MG3 Essence with a standard petrol- engine, paired with a CVT-style continuously variable auto.
Standard equipment includes cloth trim and single-zone air conditioning, with rear air vents, manual-adjust seats, 16-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, auto halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, electric auto fold side mirrors and follow me home lights.
Essence adds a sunroof, LED headlights, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, leather steeringwheel,combinationclothandartificial leather trim and a front centre armrest.
On a more positive note MGS is covered by an industry leading 10-year, 250,000km warranty.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth with limited voice
control, AM/FM radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio.
Stepping up to the Essence adds DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation.
There’saUSB-AandUSB-Cportinthefront, alongwitha12-voltoutlet,plusanotherUSB-A port in the back and another USB-A port locatedneartherearvisionmirror,presumably for powering dash cams and the like.
Safety
And now for the big one, safety.
The previous model now in runout remains unrated for safety.
Reading between the lines MG put in some hard yards to lift the safety reputation of the MG3, but it still gets a miserable three stars from ANCAP.
Six airbags and a reverse camera are standard.
Also standard is Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction Assist) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), are standard, together with traffic jam assist, steering, acceleration, braking assistance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
An advanced speed assistance system (SAS) with speed sign recognition is also standard.
Essence ups the ante with a 360 degree surround-view camera system.
Engines/transmissions
A revised 1.5-litre four cylinder petrol- engine produces 81kW at 6000 rpm of power and 142Nm at 4500 rpm, slightly down on the previous model which offered 82kW and 150Nm.
In comparison the Hybrid delivers a combined 155kW and 425Nm which is, quite frankly, amazing.
The engine in our test vehicle is hooked up to a CVT-style auto, with drive to the front wheels.
It replaces a four-speed auto - allegedly.
Driving
When the MG3 was released a couple of years ago, it was difficult to get a drive in one.
Word had it the company was trying to keep itawayfromthemediaandthefewreviewsthat did emerge were far from flattering.
Safety was an issue.
Fast forward and the company says the new model has been completely redesigned, with a newplatform,newinteriorandexteriordesign, superior performance and improved fuel economy.
Our time had come.
MG3 remains a small hatch and as such rear legroom and boot space are obviously limited, but at least rear seat passengers get air outlets.
The seats are reasonably comfortable, but the steering wheel lacks reach adjustment so finding the ideal driving position could be a chore.
The touchscreen and instrument panels have been replaced with more responsive, free-standing units.
However, their operation could be more intuitive, and it took us some time to work out to activate cruise control (it’s the little steering wheel icon on the steering wheel).
Driving the car for the first time, it is impressively quiet inside, making conversation easy.
Our phone took a couple of goes to hook up,
but after that it was reconnected without any dramas.
Although it comes with CarPlay and AndroidAuto,bothrequireacableandwireless charging is conspicuously absent.
Voice activation is also limited to apps, or so the message said, and the built in navigation in Essence would not respond to commands. With a 45-litre tank, fuel consumption is rated at 6.0L/100km and it takes standard unleaded.
CO2 emissions are a claimed 139 g/km.
Performanceisinaword…underwhelming. It’sokayonceitisupandrunning,andnolonger under any kind of stress. But acceleration is a challenge, with little assistance from the CVT whichfeelsandactslikeafour-speedauto-and overtaking is a no, no.
Two drive modes are offered, Normal and Eco,accessedbyflickingthetransmissionlever left or right.
In Eco mode, however, one can change gears manually, by pushing backwards or forwards, with eight steps or gears from which to choose. This is the only mode that brings any joy to the act of driving this car.
TheMG3instandardpetrolguiseatleastwill appeal only to someone who has no previous experience of driving.
It’s okay for getting from A to B, but we’d hate to see what it goes like with four people aboard - pretty slowly at a guess.
On the upside, ride and handling are okay. There’s plenty of body roll in corners, but unlikesomecarswe’vedriven,theMG3doesn’t get out of shape.
It doesn’t use much fuel. We were getting a long-term average of 7.6L/100km and short-term average of 6.7L/100km.
A space saver spare is provided in the event of a flat tyre.
Summing up
Looking forward to driving the hybrid version. Sure, it’s $4000 more, but it sounds like the extra power could transform this car. We’d suggest dropping the petrol-model altogether and lowering the price of the hybrid. Those interested should also check out the Suzuki Swift which is available for around the same price with a hybrid.
The new MG3 is edgier and sharper-looking than its predecessor. (Pictures: Supplied)
Weather presents a different challenge
Temperatures were in the mid-30s on Saturday as the latest round of weekend sport got underway. Many junior competitions were cancelled as were several bowls matches. There was still plenty of action and Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was in the thick of the action.
Left: Tullamarine’s batters wait to bat. (445372_05) Centre: Greenvale’s Benjamin Cliff. (445369_01) Right: Sunbury United’s Senura Perera. (445374_04)
Footscray United’s Frank Hoang. (445370_05)
Club Sunbury’s Mark Cowan. (445373_01)
Above: Nirmana Fernando takes a wicket for the Greenvale Kangaroos. (445369_06)
Gisborne’s Matthew Barake. (445374_06)
Sunbury celebrates a wicket. (445372_09)
PEGS’ Samitha Milinda Sepala. (445370_01)
Club Sunbury’s Glenn Davies. (445373_02)
Dragons are looking to step it up under O’Malley
Sunshine Heights is hoping to build on last season in the Western Football League division 2 season.
After a late coaching change and a bit of instability early on, the Dragons finished last season with five wins.
With coach Stephen O’Malley locked in for another season and with a full pre-season together the club is hoping to build.
“It has been busy,” O’Malley said. “I haven’t stopped.
“It’s been a lot easier and we’ve had a bit of time to sit down with guys and see where we are at and see what we need.
“Most of the guys have re-signed and we’ve picked up a couple of guys. We’re happy where we are sitting, but we don’t know until we get into the games.”
O’Malley said having an off season and then pre-season was beneficial for the group and made things a lot easier.
He said they knew that they needed to add
sometalenttothegroupalongwithsomeextra depth.
Rocco Tripodi and John Whitehouse are two of the more experienced recruits for the Dragons.
Tripodi has played Essendon District Football League premier division with Avondale Heights and crosses from the Sunbury Kangaroos.
Whitehorse joins from Anakie in the Geelong District Football League and brings an attacking and defensive mindset.
O’Malley said the pair bring that extra experiencetothegroupandtheprofessionalism of having played at a higher level.
He said that helps on game day as well as preparation and training standards.
The club announced former Hoppers Crossing captain Jackson Viola as its newest recruit on Tuesday night.
He brings Victorian Football League experience.
Ayang Nyanjok crosses from Laverton and brings some extra height, which O’Malley said would be handy.
Other signings announced include Buddy Dettman, Thibo Leclerc, Oscar Bennett and Anthony Franzone.
The club starts pre-season this week and O’Malley said they can’t wait to get into it.
He said they want to build on what they did last season.
“We will have a red hot crack and see how we go,” he said. “The way it started last year we didn’t think we’d win many games.
“We had that consistency from the start to the end. There was the buy in in the game plan and we played some good football towards the end.
“We see the list is there, we have to get it right. We’ll get a good pre-season under our belts and go from there.”
Tara Murray
Hewett is on a crusade
By Peter Howe
Sliding door moments are as true in sport as in everyday life, just ask this month’s Don Deeble nominee, Astin Hewett.
HewonascholarshiptoMaribyrnongSports Academy for football and he was focused on that dream.
After all, his extended family connections had made AFL lists and he was playing in the Coates Talent League with the Western Jets.
Life was a dream, his targets had been set.
Hewett started Auskick when he was five and played with Point Cook Centrals until under-16s with top five Western Football League best and fairest finishes along the way. He moved to Keilor to play under former AFL star Mick McGuane and made it to the Jets.
While at MSA, he was introduced to another sport, gridiron. It was when things changed.
“Iwasbigformyageandadaptedtotheskills required to play easily,” he said. “There was no sport played in 2020 or 2021.
“Gridiron was a summer sport in Victoria but overlapped with the start of the AFL season.”
Hewett joined the Western Crusaders powerhouse gridiron team late in 2021 having found a love for the sport.
“IwasstillinvestedinAFLbutthisnewsport was intoxicating,” Hewett reflected.
“Western Jets season started in 2022 at the same time the gridiron season was entering finals. “IchosetheJets,theCrusaderslosttheir semi final after having a great season.”
While he chose the Jets, Hewett still decided to try out for the Victorian under-19 gridiron team at the end of 2022.
He was unsuccessful but it fuelled a fire withinhimandhisfocusbecame,“Imustwork harder”.
“Thegridironseason2022-2023wasthemost fun I ever had playing team sport,” he said.
“Our under-16 team dominated the season.”
HewettwasnamedintheGridironVictorian team in 2023 and then later in 2024.
Still not sure which sport was for him, Hewett played three games for the Jets in 2023 as a tall defender and by his own admission they weren’t great.
After his best pre-season, it ended quickly when he broke his finger in round three.
“Then through a series of mishaps and a further stress fracture of my foot I was unable to get back into training properly and missed the remainder of the season,” he said.
The two injuries meant that Hewett couldn’t start running until April the following year. Confined to walking only, he decided to put up his hand for Australian Outback gridiron under-20 selection.
“I was full disclosure to my coaches [on my injuries],” he said.
“In the two days of tryouts I completed all of the off field coaching but just threw the ball on field.
“The coaches had seen enough. I made the Australian team.”
Hewett was the second youngest in the team and one of the two quarterbacks chosen.
“I was given the all clear to train,” he said of the lead up.
“I spent four days a week in the gym undergoing a strength and conditioning program to get into the best physical condition I could. Throwing practice was held every Saturday.”
The Australian Outback gridiron team landed in Canada in June to play in the IFAF World Championships.
Hewett was named captain and starting quarterback.
“It was an amazing experience,” he said. “Unfortunately, we only won one of our three games, but it was the first time an Australian
Sports shorts
FV
Keilor Wolves have appointed Rob Taleski as its men’s coach for next year’s FV state league 4 west season. As a former championship-winning player at the den, Taleski brings a winning mindset and a commitment to developing a young team focused on success. Having played a key role in assembling a championship-winning reserves team at Sydenham Park, the club said it was confident that Taleski will bring the same level of achievement to its senior team.
NBL1
Keilor Thunder has signed Deng Dut for next year’s National Basketball League 1 South season. A versatile point guard, Deng showcased his all-around game last season in the Big V men’s division after returning from college. He averaged 25.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 7.7 assists per game. The Thunder said he is known for his exceptional ball-handling and playmaking skills and would be a fantastic addition to the Thunder roster. The Thunder has also announced the re-signing of Jayce Beasley for the 2025 season. He is a versatile big man with the ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from range.
WFL
team had won a game in a tournament for many years.”
Hewett said he’s a dual threat on the field and describes himself as a leader who leads by example.
He tries to set the standards and it’s afraid to hold his teammates to account.
Having decided to focus on just gridiron, Hewett is keen for what the future holds.
“I have just finished my last year 12 exam and hope to be offered a place in the Deakin University sports science course,” he said. “USA College football would be amazing but let’s see how that all unfolds.”
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact at swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.
Sunshine has announced that David McKinley will be returning to the club for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season. McKinley emerged into a senior player in his younger playing days and most recently played at Macedon. The Kangaroos described him as a quality skilled mid-forward who will be a great addition in 2025. FV
Stephanos Achilleos has been appointed Westgate’s coach for next year’s FV state league women’s season. Achilleos brings more than a decade of experience including winning two league championships, three league promotions, one state league finals championship and one undefeated season. “I am extremely happy and excited to get going at Westgate. I know the club has a rich history and is approaching 40 years of operation in 2025,” he said.
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Stephen O’Malley. (Supplied)
Astin Hewett. (Supplied)
Grego is living the dream
By Tara Murray
Western Jet co-captain Lucca Grego had a feeling he was headed to West Coast in the AFL draft.
While Grego hadn’t been told the Eagles were going to pick him, the Eagles pick 48 was onethathewatchedwithinterestonThursday.
That anticipation quickly turned into excitement as Grego’s name was called out.
“Ihadalittlebitofafeelingandmymanager let me know to be ready around the West Coast picks and see what happens,“ he said.
“I had a little inkling, had a little feeling that West Coast was going to pick me up. I had friends and family around and watching the tv anxiously as well, like me.
“It was awesome to have their support there with me. The lady that was reading out the names didn’t actually get to finish my full name and they jumped on me.
“It was electric, that was the way to describe it.”
Grego said the following day that it was still settling in that he was an AFL player.
While many teenagers are hesitant to make the move from Melbourne to Perth, Grego said he was excited for the opportunity.
He isn’t new to moving, having lived in Queensland before coming down to Victoria, while has plenty of others in use family who have gone through the same experience.
“I feel unreal, I prefer to go interstate,” he said. “I’m very glad I got the opportunity to go interstate.
“Both my parents moved out to play their sports at a young age and I’m excited to travel to West Coast and be around the boys at West Coast.
“It’s a young team that looks like it will be thriving in a couple of years. I’m really excited and keen.”
Grego came from a rugby background and played for Victoria in under-12s before concentrating on football.
HemovedhisfootballouttoBacchusMarsh where he now lives. He was at the Cobras until this year, when he decided to join Essendon District Football League premier side, Keilor. Grego was one of two Bacchus Marsh boys taken in the draft, with Sam Lalor going to Richmond at pick one.
“I was super rapt for him,” he said. “He has worked super hard the past three years, bit unfortunate this year with injury, super rapt to hear his name called out.”
Another former Bacchus Marsh player Liam Duggan, is one of Grego’s new captains at the Eagles.
Grego said he’d heard from Duggan and was super keen to go over and see him again.
The new Eagle doesn’t have long to let things settle in as he makes the move to Perth on Sunday.
Grego said he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“A lot of excitement, a lot of nerves,” he said of what he’s expecting. “I’m ready to meet a lot of the boys and get stuck into the pre-season and hopefully have a big year.”
Grego said the focus for him was to develop himself, have the team win and do whatever the team needs.
He said he was keen to play round one.
“I’m there to get the best out of myself and the best out of my teammates.”
Jets captain is now a Cat
It was a good night for the Western Jets captains with Keighton Matofai-Forbes joining Lucca Grego on being drafted on Thursday.
Matofai-Forbeshadtowaitlateinthe draft to hear his name called out with Geelong picking him at pick 69. He started his career with Burnside Heights before playing most of his junior football with Hillside.
Matofai-Forbes joined Keilor last season and has played 11 games for the club.
The Cats said he is a powerful player with great foot skills, a booming left foot and has leadership qualities.
Across seven games for the Western Jets in 2024, Matofai-Forbes kicked 11 goals and averaged close to 12 disposals per game in the Coates Talent League.
Geelong recruiting manager Stephen Wells said the club was happy with its picks in the draft, including Matofai-Forbes
“As each of our selections came, it presented us with a great opportunity to draft four different types of players that we thought would be a great fit for our football club,” he said.
“In the end we were able to pick four players who we think deserve an opportunity at AFL level, and we will get to work with right away to develop them and integrate them into our football program.”
Having experienced his joy of being drafted, Grego said it was pretty excited to see his co-captain here his name called out later that night.
“When I head his name, it was like I got drafted again,“ he said.
“Keighton to be drafted out of the same team is so exciting. He has done so much work in the past three years and had an injury-riddled season this year.
“To see his hard work and dedication pay off, I was super happy for him and have a smile from ear to ear.“
Tara Murray
Eagles bounce back with win against Melbourne
Sunshine Eagles are focused on closing the gap between their best and their worst in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1st nine competition.
The Eagles were disappointing in their round eight match against Waverley, but were switched on from the start in their Tuesday night against Melbourne.
After taking a 2-0 lead on Tuesday night in the first innings, the Eagles were then able to extend the margin to 6-1 after three innings.
The Eagles made sure that Melbourne didn’t get back into the game and come away with a 10-5 win.
Eagles coach Stuart Clayton said they were much happier with that performance.
“Itwasagoodwin,”hesaid.“Jeremy[Young] was excellent on the mound and we were hitting right from the start.
“On Saturday the wind was blowing out and so many runs were being scored… We struggled early and allowed 10 runs in the first innings.
“We couldn’t throw any strikes. We got back in the game, but made three errors in the final innings.“
Clayton said the two results show the difference when they’re playing well and when they’re not.
He said at their best they can beat any team
in the division.
Clayton said it was a positive sign that the side was able to bounce back from a tough loss straight away.
He said it was one of the juggles of having mid-weekandweekendgames.TheEagleshave won both their mid-week games so far.
“We’ve got some young kids,” he said. “It comesdowntolifestyleandpeopleareworking and going to school.
“It can be very draining and a juggling act. The good sides are able to keep at a level par.
“Other sides have good and bad ones.”
Afterninerounds,theEaglessitinthirdspot with six wins and two losses.
Clayton said they have a couple of tough matches coming up, including against Upwey FTG on Saturday after deadline.
Upwey FTG is in fifth spot and then the Eagles face fourth placed Malvern.
He said after that they have some matches against some sides below them on the ladder.
“If you don’t bring your A-game, you get hurt.”
The Eagles women’s regional west side was set to face Newport on Saturday morning, after deadline.
The Eagles sit in third spot after seven rounds.
Tara Murray
Jeremy Young. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 436968_01
Lucca Grego. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 410527_23
Lions continue on with strong form
Taylors Lakes is in a strong position after day one against Ormond despite not making the most of its chances in the field in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west.
Having been one of the teams to beat early in the season, the Lions again showed strong form on Saturday.
Ormond won the toss and decided to bat in hot conditions.
The Lions were able to bowl them out for 185 in the 67th over.
Chalitha Chamoda and Dhanushka Lahiru Kumara took four wickets each for the Lions.
Lions coach Peter Brasher said they were pretty happy with that performance.
“It could have been 140 but we were still happy to keep them to 180,” he said. “We dropped five catches.
“We made a few blues along the way but after losing the toss and being away it could have been a long day in the field against a side that
made the grand final last year.“
The Lions batters then managed to get through unscathed with the bat and will resume at 0-33.
Jashanpreet Singh is 21 not out and George Sakkas is 11 not out.
Brasher said the most pleasing thing about this match was how the side was able to adjust with a number of players unavailable.
“We had nine players out of our first and second XI teams from last week,” he said. “The team was different with three changes in the first XI.
“All four of our sides are in winning positions after day one. Our fourth XI is playing in the third XI this week.
“It’s good for the club and the depth has really improved with a lot of young kids.”
The absences gave Jaideep Singh the chance to make his first XI debut as a 15-year-old.
He played in the Lions fourth XI last season
before starting this season in the third XI. Singh pushed into the second XI making 94 in the last round to earn him a spot in the first XI.
The Lions performance on Saturday continued their strong two-day format.
The side was one wicket away from victory against Elsternwick the week before with the club left frustrated with different playing conditions in place across the competition after rain.
“We hope those three points don’t determine if we play finals or not,” he said. “We put ourselvesinastrongpositionandwereunlucky.
“The guys could have sooked but got back to it and had some strong two day form again.
“I couldn’t be happier.”
Brasher said they were hoping they could get the win and consolidate its spot in the top six after a strong start.
Cougars are finding form
By Tara Murray
Sunshine YCW is continuing to take it one week at a time in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans-Clark Shield.
Last season’s division 5 premiers, the Cougars have won their two matches that have been completed so far, while they are in a strong position against Seabrook.
Cougars secretary Rory O’Connor said they’ve been able to build into the season.
“It has been a solid start,” he said. “The first week was washed out and now we’ve got back-to-back wins.
“We’ll take as many wins as we can, but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves. We’re looking at the next game and the next opposition up and how we can better ourselves.”
Having added a number of players in the off season,O’Connorsaidtheyhadbeenimpressed with how they had fitted into the side.
He said Bailey Williams and Wil Tuohey had started off a bit scratchy with the bat but were starting to find some form.
Connor Marum already has a five wicket haul to his name.
“They have improved what they are able to contribute,” he said. “Some of the other guys that were already there are playing well too.
HeshanUmendrahasbeenbattingreallywell and stepped up and Matty Williams has been playing well with the way they’re supporting the new guys.”
On Saturday, the Cougars were in action on day one of their clash with Seabrook, which they beat in the division 5 grand final last season.
Seabrook decided to bat in hot conditions with the Cougars bowling them out for 165.
The Cougars shared the wickets, with Max Weise taking three wickets and three players taking two wickets.
The Cougars will resume at 0-24 with Usman Quddusi 12 not out and Tuohey eight not out.
O’Connor said they were in a good position heading into day two.
He said the group wanted to continue the momentum they had early in the season.
The Parkers sneak home
Deer Park did just enough to get the points against Melbourne in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division.
Warm conditions greeted bowls at the Melbourne Bowling Club, as the Parkers took on Melbourne.
It was close all day, with Deer Park able to come away with the win, 75 (14)-69 (4). Lee Schraner’s rink was the difference for the Parkers, winning 25-7.
Matthew Baus’ rink was the other winning one for Deer Park, winning 22-19.
Mark Casey and James Pearce both suffered losses.
The win keeps the Parkers at the top of the table.
They are one of two teams, along with Yarraville Footscray, which have a 5-1 record. The Parkers are two points clear of the Bulldogs.
Deer Park this week hosts Bundoora on Saturday afternoon.
The Parkers second side got its fourth win of the season in division 1, section 1, beating Brunswick.
Meanwhile, the top of the table clash between Werribee and Keilor in division 2, section 1 was heated out.
A match both sides were looking forward to didn’t get underway with temperatures to warm at Werribee, with the teams sharing the points.
“Last year we spoke about being undefeated at Christmas,” he said. “If we were to be successful in achieving that at Christmas time we would feel like in a really good position to play in March.
“It’d be a really good achievement having only come up this year.”
O’Connor said things were going well across the club with plenty of numbers of the track each week.
He said a lot of boxes were being ticked off the field.
Meanwhile in the senior division, Deer Park was bowled out for 172 against Yarraville Club.
The Clubbers will resume at 4-53.
Keilor was bowled out for 245 by Aberfeldie in the final over of the day. Jarryd Clements top scored with 43.
St Albans is 0-27 in reply to Westmeadows 225.
Sydenham Hillside is in control against Sunshine United, 0-55 in reply to 152.
Anthony Alleyne took four wickets for the Storm.
The rest of the matches in that division went ahead.
The Bees still sit on top, while Keilor slips to third spot behind Rosamond. Keilor is back at home this Saturday against Buckley Park.
In division 4, section 1, Sunshine RSL’s match with Palm Lake didn’t get underway due to the heat with the two teams sharing the points.
Sunshine sits in fourth spot after six rounds, with two wins and two draws.
Tara Murray Jaideep Singh (right) made his first XI debut on Saturday. (Supplied)
Max Weise. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 387679_19
