Children across Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Harrison, 9, are eagerly counting down the days until the big man in red arrives. As the end of 2024 draws near, the team at StarWeeklywould like to wish readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2025. The first edition for 2025 will be out on Tuesday, January 7.
By Gerald Lynch
The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) has vowed to improve its operations, following community pressure around the “poor conditions” at Keilor Cemetery.
The cemetery, on the corner of Cemetery Road and Ely Court, has been the final resting place of locals for more than 150 years.
Continued mess and issues in the area have led to an uproar from the community, and the formation of an advisory committee.
Last week, eight members of the new group met with GMCT staff to discuss a range of issues including poor ongoing maintenance,
overgrown weeds and lawns, a lack of amenities, poor accessibility for people with mobilityissuesandwaterpoolingafterboutsof heavy rain.
Group member and Keilor East local Sandy Spanos visits her son at the cemetery every day, often with his three children.
She said the maintenance of the cemetery hasn’t been good enough for some time.
“It’s a disgrace … They told us they take full responsibility, that’s great, but taking responsibility and taking action are two different things,” she said.
Ms Spanos’ parents are in the much larger FawknerMemorialParkwhichisalsomanaged
bytheGMCT,andshesaidtheconditionsthere are “always pristine”.
“It’s (Keilor) not a big cemetery … Fawkner is massive, so how is it that the whole cemetery there can be pristine, and in Keilor they can’t even upkeep the garden beds?” she said.
“I just want to be able to go there, and feel that my son’s final resting place is respected and peaceful.”
GMCT chief operations and people officer Dimi Patitsas said the recent meeting with community members will lead to improved outcomes.
“Our team recently met with members of the local community to discuss the ground
conditions at Keilor Cemetery. At the meeting we agreed to establish a working group,” he said.
“We look forward to working together with the community to work through the concerns they’ve raised and put in place plans for action to ensure the Keilor cemetery remains a beautiful place to visit for everyone.”
Commitmentshavebeenmadeforadditional street sweeping, extra bins in place at Ely Place and the mausoleum, and twice weekly rubbish collections during the Christmas period. The first meeting of the new group will be Wednesday, February 12, at 1pm, at Keilor Cemetery.
By Gerald Lynch
Monitors will oversee Brimbank council into 2025, after the state government extended their term by six months.
Local Government Minister Melissa Horne made the decision to extend the term, to ensure council continues to improve its governance practices.
“Municipal monitors have proven to be effective at guiding councils to make governance improvements that help them better serve their communities,” she said.
AninterimreportfrommonitorsJanetDore and Penelope Holloway detailed ongoing risks associated with councillor conduct.
The report noted that while council has made progress in improving its governance structures, there is a need for the newly elected councillors to develop a stronger understanding of good governance and their statutory roles to prevent negative behaviours and conflict.
The monitors were appointed in February.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said the monitors’ presence throughout the year led to
improved outcomes.
“Council has been working closely with the state-appointed municipal monitors since February 2024 and welcomes the extension of their term for another six months,” she said.
“Brimbank’scouncillorshavedemonstrated strong engagement and commitment to this process that will support its robust governance.“?
CrDangsaidthatthefreshsetofcouncillors -elected in October- have been deeply engaged in a comprehensive induction program since the commencement of this term, with the
Keilor
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Construction has been completed at Lloyd Reserve in Sunshine North.
Brimbank’s first full pavilion built in a modular design, it will service Keilor Cricket Club and Sunshine Cricket Club this summer, and the wider community into next season’s winter sports.
Mayor Thuy Dang said she looks forward to seeing the pavilion being used by the community.
“Congratulations to everyone who has been involvedintheconstructionofthisbrand-new sporting facility for our city. This facility has been entirely funded, planned and delivered
by Brimbank City Council over the past two years. And I have no doubt it will deliver great outcomes for our community for many years to come,” she said.
“Facilities like our new sports pavilion in Lloyd Reserve are the heart of community sport. I’m delighted to see Sunshine Cricket Club and Keilor Cricket Club as our inaugural tenants for the summer season.
“It’s exciting to open this facility to more local sporting clubs for use on a casual basis throughout the winter season, increasing our community’s access to quality sporting facilities within our city.“
The project began in September 2023 and was completed in November 2024 at a cost of $4.1 million.
The works began with the demolition of the original change rooms and toilet block, and then the build of a new modular building that includes a club social room, social toilets, a kitchen, two change rooms, two umpire changerooms, a first aid room and storage unit.
Additional facility upgrades also include newcarparkingandlandscapedsurroundings.
Gerald Lynch
support of the monitors and the executive leadership team.
“Our newly elected council is off to a strong start, and we are committed to continue our work with the municipal monitors to ensure Brimbank’s good governance and the best outcomes for the community,” she said.
“It is absolutely essential that our community has confidence in their elected representatives’ governance of council.”
Council had its final meeting for the year on Tuesday, December 10, and will return to the chamber Tuesday, February 18.
Brimbank council has handed out $600,000 to organisations across the municipality as part of its annual community grants program.
The program provides one-off financial assistance to not-for-profit organisations and community groups seeking to deliver projects that support and improve the community.
There are seven categories for grants, including community strengthening, mental health and wellbeing, climate emergency, young people’s ideas, seniors operationals, community festivals and events, and major festivals and events.
Council 122 recipients will share in the spoils.
Of those, 73 were senior operational grants which are capped at $1000. Almost all of the other 49 recipients could receive up to $10,000, and the major festival projects had a maximum of $25,000.
Major grants of $25,000 were given to the St Albans Business Group for its Lunar Festival on January 19, the Sunshine Business Association for its Lunar Festival on January 26, Football Empowerment Incorporated for the African Nations Cup throughout Keilor and Sunshin and Utsav Melbourne Association Incorporated for the Mega Indian Spring Festival which will take place all across Brimbank.
From early January to March 2025
Summer works on the West Gate Freeway between Grieve Parade and Williamstown Road will see lanes reduced in sections and ramps closed 24/7 from 9pm Monday 6 January to 5am Saturday 8 March.
Delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected with detours in place. Check before you travel and allow extra time.
Detours will be in place but allow extra travel time. Stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions
By Gerald Lynch
AnewBrimbankcouncillorandhisneighbours feel there has been an uptick in crime in Sunshine North, sparked by drug and alcohol abuse in the community.
Harvester Ward councillor Daniel Kruk said crime in his street and surrounds has become out of control, with he and his neighbours at times fearing going outside.
“Mostdaysoftheweeklargetrucksincluding semi-trailers can be observed stopping at these locations to collect drugs. While the community has spent considerable time reporting the incidents nothing has materially changed and we face an ever increasing risk of harm from unsafe driving, especially drivers under the influence of drink or drugs,” Cr Kruk said.
Cr Kruk said the lack of services around Sunshine have led him to take matters into his own hands.
“I do a sharps clean up once a month or so to remove hazards in my local area. On the most recent clean up we collected a significant amount of used needles,” he said.
“Walking around Sunshine North, many used needles and nangs can be found on nature strips and in car parks. As a community we need to come together to push for harm reduction and change on this multi-faceted issue so that we don’t see any more deaths.”
Brimbank recorded the second-highest heroin-related overdose deaths in 2023 with 14, a drop of five from 2022.
One way the community has been brought together is through the Harvester Neighbourhood Crime Watch – Sunshine and Sunshine North group on Facebook, started up by Cr Kruk’s wife Sarah.
“We set up the group right at the end of my campaign,” Cr Kruk said.
“Sarah saw posts about package thefts and rising crime in bigger community groups and realised we needed something local. This way, we could address our neighbourhood’s specific issues.”
Cr Kruk, alongside local residents, monitors and reports suspicious activity, to try and stop crime at its root causes.
“There are elderly neighbours who aren’t on social media, so we’ll knock on doors to check in and share footage from my security cameras,” he said.
He said he advocates for applying theories like the broken windows principle to uplift the area.
A Department of Health spokesperson said outreach services have recently been expanded into Footscray and surrounding suburbs.
The growing demand for reprieve from the cost of living crisis has left the Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House (BMNH) with a lengthy waiting list for its services.
Every Monday at 9am, the self-funded, self-run neighbourhood house offers free bread donated by the Bakers Delight in Sunshine.
Manager Vivienne Conn said the evolving demand for the program has limited the neighbourhood house’s ability to cater for the community.
“Sometimes we used to have [the bread] till 2pm. But the demand has got so much bigger that we had to take the time off and just say ‘till it’s gone’,” she said.
On Tuesdays, BMNH runs a fruit and vegetable hamper drive, an emergency relief program that supports 59 families each week.
However, the service has reached capacity, leaving many others on a waiting list.
“We can’t even put any more people onto our waiting list. The demand has got so high that those waiting to get on the list will be waiting quite a long time,” she said.
“A lot of people that are on the list (of receiving hampers) stay on the list for quite some time, until things improve for them.”
BMNH partners with SecondBite, which supplies donated fruit, vegetables, and canned goods from major supermarkets.
Despite this support, the amount fluctuates week to week, leaving the centre to rely on community donations.
Families placed onto the waiting list also are often given frozen meals to help keep food on the table.
“People struggling with addiction deserve our care wherever they are and our statewide actionplanisensuringthere’smoresupportfor people in suburbs like Sunshine and across the state,” the spokesperson said.
Brimbank council community wellbeing director Lynley Dumble said council continues to try and provide the best possible support to its people.
“Council actively collaborates with Victoria Police, local health and community support providers, to minimise the harms associated with unsafe alcohol consumption and problematic drug use,” she said.
“Feeling safe and being able to enjoy your local neighbourhood is vital to the health and wellbeing of our community. Keeping our streets safer is a team effort and while council is not directly responsible for responding to crime, we undertake a number of initiatives to prevent crime through our Safe and Inclusive Brimbank Strategy.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said dedicated resources patrolled Sunshine day and night.
“In addition to our routine work, officers havealsobeenrunningOperationStreetSweep in the Sunshine area.”
The spokesperson said the operation had bolstered resources across Sunshine.
“Police will be patrolling the Sunshine CBD and surrounding areas to detect and deter any offending and to also engage with the community,” the spokesperson said.
“Officers will also be working with relevant services to engage with those experiencing homelessness, or youth in the community who may need outreach assistance to ensure they can access the support they need.”
Details: facebook.com/share/g/1E39pFsP7a/
Brimbank travellers are being urged to plan ahead, with Melbourne Airport anticipating its busiest international summer period on record.
The airport expects to welcome more than 4.8 million passengers, including more than 1.8 million international travellers, between December 13 and January 27.
Melbourne Airport is upgrading its terminal and road infrastructure to help accommodate growing traveller numbers, and is recommending passengers add an extra 30 minutes to their travel time.
Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said staff were looking forward to welcoming holiday travellers.
“We’re excited to play our part in the Christmas plans of so many Australians, but with such large volumes of people travelling this year, planning ahead will help ensure the best start possible,” she said.
“We run this emergency relief program with no funding whatsoever,” Ms Conn said. “We’ve just got to find our own way. People in the community also donate to us, which is lovely … not just food, but also clothing and other items we can hand out to those most in need.”
The surge in demand has been building over the last five years, with 2024 marking an especially significant increase.
“This year, we’ve had a lot more people calling out for fresh fruit and veggies and needing support with lots of other things as well,” Ms Conn said.
“The cost-of-living rises are affecting a lot of people, not only those who are unemployed, but also people who are working.”
Gerald Lynch
“Construction of our new elevated express roadway means airport car parks are operating with fewer bays and will likely sell out on most weekends, so we’d recommend passengers plan ahead and book online, which also ensures they secure the cheapest available rate.
“Anyone planning to park at the airport should allow extra time to find a space, as the car parks will be busy.“
She said increased demand will soon be made more manageable.
“The forecast record international passenger numbers highlight the need for Melbourne Airport to start building its third runway, which was approved by the federal government in September,” she said.
The Deeble family is synonymous with baseball in Melbourne’s west and across the world. Tara Murray chats with Jon Deeble, who has just returned to Australia after winning his sixth Major Baseball League World Series championship.
Jon Deeble is living the dream as he spends his year chasing the baseball seasons.
Deeble, who grew up in Melbourne’s west, was raised around baseball and has continued his father’s legacy.
He is currently the coach of the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League, while also a director with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
“I’m sort of on the road for half the year around the world,” he said. “I’m in Melbourne for a couple of months, coaching the Melbourne Aces.
“I’ve been doing it for eight years. I come home and do the Melbourne Aces in the off season, and then get back on the road.”
Deeble said it can get busy going from one to the other but it’s something he loves.
It’s been a long journey for Deeble since his first visit to America in 1993.
Coaching in Melbourne at the time, Deeble initially said no to moving to the states when he was first asked.
“IwasplayingwiththeMelbourneMonarchs down at Altona, then their licence was taken away,” he said. “I played for the Waverley Reds for a couple of years, then the Monarchs were coming back into existence and they were owned by the Western Bulldogs and they were going to be affiliated with the Florida Marlins.
‘‘ I got to LA and thought, ‘what am I doing as an Australian guy teaching Americans how to play baseball?’ ’’ - Jon Deeble
“They asked me to coach the Melbourne Monarchs. From there, John Boles and Rick Freeman, who were both with the Marlins, offered me a job in the states.
“The first year I didn’t accept it, as I was working with the Bulldogs, but ended up going over there the next year.
“I got to LA and thought, ’what am I doing as an Australian guy teaching Americans how to play baseball?’
“So that is why it started.”
Deeble was with the Marlins when he won the world championship in 1997 before he moved to the Boston Red Sox when the Marlins owner bought the Sox.
He was there for 16 years and won three more championship rings, before he was head hunted by the Dodgers.
“I coached Major League in 2005. I’ve spent a lot of time coaching in the minor leagues and at the same time scouting Asia.
“I’ve sort of had multiple jobs.”
The Dodgers recently won the World Series Championships to give Deeble his sixth championship ring and second at the Dodgers. Deeble said every ring was different.
“At the start it was really exciting and it’s still really exciting, because you want to win,” hesaid. “MypartofitistheAsiandepartment, director of the Asia Pacific.
“We had Yoshinobu Yamamoto pitch the second game of the World Series and he dominated, he’s one of the guys that I’ve signed.
“Shohei Ohtani is another. We’ve been very active in the Asian region, not just with major league guys, but minor league guys as well.
“That part of it is really interesting and exciting.”
Deeble said he could have never imagined where his career would take him when he first started out.
He said how it has ended up as a dream come true.
“It’s all I’ve known for work for the past 33 years,” he said.
“Tommy Lasorda, who is a legend of the Los Angeles Dodgers, passed away a couple of years ago. He is the original Mr Dodger and
he signed a photo of himself and gave it to me in 1978 and it said ’Jon, a future Dodger’.
“I’ve still got the photo which is really unreal that I would end up working there as an Australian guy.
“It’s been a great ride and I’ve met a lot of people and I have a lot of friends in the states.
It’s been a hell of a ride, the Dodgers have been an unbelievable organisation.”
It’s no surprise that Deeble entered into baseball when he was young.
His father Don Deeble played for Australia and was among the first inducted into the Baseball Australia Hall of Fame.
Star Weekly is a sponsor of the Sunshine and
Western Region Sports Club’s Don Deeble award which recognises him.
Jon Deeble is also a member of the hall of fame, while his brother Michael Deeble also played for Australia.
“I’m sure he would be pretty proud,” Jon said of his father. “He was also one that was very quiet, never one to pat you on the back.
“He was very quiet or never gave any advice, he just stayed out of it to be honest.”
Deeble said he’s happy with where his career is and doesn’t want to climb any higher up the ladder in the states.
Among his achievements is coaching the Australian Olympic baseball team for 19 years.
For now, Deeble is focused on the Aces’ season. It hasn’t been the ideal start with rain affecting several of their games, but the Aces were still sitting in second spot heading into the weekend’s matches which were after deadline.
“Expectations were to win everything, win the final and that has not changed,” he said.
“The first week we lost our Australian players, they were away on the Australian team that is six players.
“That was a little tough, now home for two weeks it will start to tell the tale, we need to get better.”
St Albans based not-for-profit organisation Breakthru is hosting a special event to close out the year, dedicated to empowering people with disability.
To celebrate client and staff achievements, Breakthru will bring together participants, families, carers, and staff for a special end-of-year event ton December 18, from 10am to 2pm.
Community members are invited to come along to enjoy light refreshments and hear about the achievements and success stories that participants have worked so hard this year to achieve.
Breakthru team leader Josie Marchione said there was a collaborative effort from many to
make the event a reality.
“Working behind the scenes and at the very heart of this special event are support workers Liam Wallis, Nadia Lakkis, Sabirin Gessey and Syed Ahmed,” she said.“Every single one of them have worked tirelessly to help our clients build their confidence and learn new skills throughout the year, and many of these incredible lifelong achievements will be on full display at our end-of-year event.
“In a world that can often feel overwhelming, we look forward to celebrating the incredible achievements of people with disabilities and sharing this with our local community.”
Gerald Lynch
Derrimut house up in flames
A Derrimut home was engulfed in flames on Tuesday, December 10. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) crews responded to a house on fire in Derrimut about 7.40pm, following several calls to triple-0. Crews arrived on scene within six minutes to find the house fully engulfed in fire. The fire was contained to the unit without any fire spread to neighbouring properties. All occupants were safely evacuated from the house, however the family needed to be re-housed overnight. The cause of the fire is not yet known but it will be investigated by FRV specialists.
Pelvic pain education
The state government is expanding its free period products in schools initiative, with free pelvic pain and menstrual health education for years 5–10 students from next year. Sexual Health Victoria will deliver the pelvic pain and menstrual health education program, aiming to reach 400 government schools by 2027. The education sessions will help students develop the skills and confidence to recognise when and how to seek help and support.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 1.30am 2 Jan to 3am 12 Jan
North Melbourne to Sunbury
Road disruptions: Closed road, lanes and ramps
Watsons Road, Diggers Rest Until late 2025At the level crossing
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood 9pm 6 Jan to 9am 17 Feb
Outbound lane from Williamstown to Millers roads
Outbound exit ramps to Millers Road and Grieve Parade
9pm 6 Jan to 5am 8 Mar
Citybound lane from Millers to Williamstown roads 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Williamstown Road, Spotswood 9pm 6 Jan to mid Apr
Millers Road, Brooklyn 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Grieve Parade, Brooklyn 5am 15 Feb to 5am 8 Mar
Citybound exit ramp to Williamstown Road
Outbound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Citybound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway
Alex Lopes is a pelvic health physiotherapist, the director of Pelvic Health Melbourne in Altona North, and past national chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s Men’s and Pelvic Health Group. This week she explores pelvic pain.
Pelvic pain is an umbrella term to describe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic and intimate areas.
The pain is usually caused by:
• painful periods (35-50% )
• endometriosis or excessive uterine tissue in the abdominal cavity (10%)
• adenomyosis which is when glandular tissue of the uterus goes into the uterine wall (20-50%)
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) the symptoms of which are possible high testosterone, irregular periods, cystic ovaries, increased hair growth, weight gain, acne (8-12%)
• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) which can cause constipation, diarrhea or both with pain (3.5-10%)
• overactive bladder when you get the urge to go more often (12 %).
Over time these conditions can develop pain sensitisation where you become more sensitive to pain.
How can I fix my pelvic pain?
With pelvic pain it is important to have the right team around you and, thankfully, in Australia the government has invested significantly in developing endometriosis
and pelvic pain clinics. Your pelvic health physiotherapist will be a part of this team.
The physical stuff
Your pelvic health physiotherapist can help.
• How often are you clenching your body? Tension and gripping behaviours can aggravate your pain. Draw a big circle on your hand and every time you see this circle scan you body for tension and take notice. Are you gripping? Where? What percent? LET IT GO!
• Ice or heat can also help
• Breathing and stretches. Try box breathing –
in for 4, hold for 4 out for 4 and repeat.
• Stretches – refer to the Pelvic Pain Australia website for great stretches https://www. pelvicpain.org.au
• TENS – electrical current over your painful area to help calm the nerves
• Massage, dry needling, spinal mobility, exercises for pain and movement
The mental stuff
• Try to limit the amount of time you are thinking about your pain
• If you do think about your pain try saying to yourself “I will get better”
• Challenge yourself to stop avoiding activities due to pain. Gently push your boundaries
• Mindfulnessandmeditation,whateverworks for you to relax and breath
The biological Seeing your GP or a pain physician for appropriate pain medication can be the turning point - this is not codeine or opiates but medication that works on the brain and spinal cord to help normalise the pain signals to your body. We wish you well with your pelvic health journey and know that help is now out there.
By Cade Lucas
That exercise improves our mental health is widely accepted.
What is less clear is exactly how it does this and whether it helps alleviate mental health problems or just prevent them?
To try and answer these questions a team from Victoria University’s Institute for Health and Sport is conducting a research project and is calling on members of the public to participate.
The study, run by PhD student and yoga teacher, Niranjan Parajuli, involves young
peoplewithdepressiontakingpartina12-week yoga intervention and assessing the effect this has on their mood and thinking patterns.
MrParjuli’sPHDsupervisorsDrAlexParker and Dr James Broatch are overseeing the study and Dr Broatch explained the type of people he was looking for.
“He’s recruiting adults aged 18 to 45 who are experiencing symptoms of moderate to severe depression,” he said. “There’s a series of assessments done before and after the yoga and also a three month follow up.”
Dr Broatch said the study was not only focused on any changes in mood and cognitive
function caused by the yoga, but other brain activity as well.
“We’re also looking at what we call neuro biological mechanisms, specifically things like blood flow to the brain, some neuro muscular assessments and some blood tests on top of the cognitive function, mood and mental health questionnaires.”
While participants will need to come into VU’s Footscray Park campus for initial assessments, Dr Broatch said most of the yoga program online, meaning people didn’t need to live in Maribyrnong or even the western suburbs, in order to take part.
This Christmas, Helping Hands is looking out for locals in need, and want all the help it can get to ensure everyone has a merry Christmas. This time of year is when the community pantries face the most demand, and are in need of the support of the community to make sure that everyone has access to plenty of food to keep them going over the holidays.
Helping Hands communications manager Maddy Kirby said the support from the community had been fantastic so far this month, but a constant flow of donations is needed.
“We haven’t really done a can drive like this before, and we just noticed with Christmas time, cost of living, all those pressures that people are facing, we needed to make sure we had enough food to keep up with the demand and every food charity is facing,” she said.
“We thought that it would be really good to engage our supporters, people who are already coming to the op shop and our loyal customers who want to get behind what we do just by simply putting a box on the front counter of each of our four stores and encouraging our customers to bring a can or a couple of cans
from their pantry or add it to their weekly grocery shop.”
Non-perishable tinned foods such as fruit, vegetables, tuna, and beans are all desired, but no good food will be turned away.
Following the success of the drive so far, Helping Hands has made the decision to continue the program throughout January.
The op shops in Sunshine and Airport West are open until Saturday, December 21, and will reopen on Monday, January 6.
Gerald Lynch
“There’s one face to face session per month and 11 online per month,” he said.
“It’s free of charge, so basically three free yoga sessions per week for 12 weeks.”
The study has already begun with the first few recruits now doing their weekly yoga sessions, but Dr Broatch said there was room for many more.
“We want 50 in total so we’re recruiting,” he said. “The aim is to get the majority of participants completed next year.”
Detials: callforparticipants.com/study/MW H46/yoga-to-improve-mood-and-thinkingpatterns-in-young-adults-with-depression
Melbourne’s west is full of excitement this summer, offering a mix of festive celebrations, live music, and unique experiences.
Celebrate Christmas with a magical dinner at Overnewton Castle in Keilor. This three-course feast, accompanied by live entertainment, is the perfect way to embrace the festive spirit on December 19 and 20.
For last-minute Christmas shopping, visit the Eynesbury Christmas Market on December 22.
New Year’s Eve promises fun for all ages in Melbourne’s west. Grazeland in Spotswood is offering a night of food, drinks and music leading into the new year, with a prime fireworks viewing position.
Footscray Park offers a family-friendly celebration with live performances from Aussie legends Tim Rogers and Lance Ferguson. Bring a picnic, enjoy the food trucks, and watch a dazzling fireworks display at 9.30pm. Alternatively, head to Melton Entertainment Park for a lively evening with dining packages, kids’ rides,aDJ,harnessracing,andfireworks. Music and festival lovers won’t want to miss Let Them Eat Cake on New Year’s Day at Werribee Park Mansion. Later in January, Boiler Room x Sugar Mountain Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with two days of cutting-edge electronic music at Seaworks, Williamstown.
For a laid-back summer evening, the Palace Penny Lane Rooftop Cinema in Moonee Ponds offers the perfect escape. Running nightly, it combines blockbuster hits, cult classics, and exclusive previews with city views.
Lifestyle Deanside dazzled in a display of lights for one unforgettable evening, welcoming the wider community into a festive wonderland created by the dedicated homeowners.
Forthesehomeowners,thiseventhasbecome a cherished tradition, but for many first-time visitors, it offered a rare glimpse into the vibrant and connected life enjoyed by over 50s, filled with warmth and genuine connection.
More than 28 beautifully decorated homes twinkled under the night sky, inviting guests to wander through glowing streets and marvel at the community’s creativity. Among the highlights was a handcrafted Santa’s workshop, ingeniously made from egg cartons – a true community effort that showcased the resourcefulness and spirit of teamwork within Lifestyle Deanside.
The night’s success was a testament to the collective effort of many, creating an evening that restored nostalgia and sparked excitement for everyone who attended.
It’s clear from this, that the magic of Lifestyle Deanside lies in its people. While the lights will eventually come down, the spirit of connection and community will continue to shine throughout the year. Here, no one spends the season alone – neighbours look out for each other, ensuring that everyone feels included and supported.
For those lucky enough to call Lifestyle Deanside home, there is always a sense of family,belonging,andjoythatlingerslongafter the festivities end.
If you are in the area, be sure to drop by and and experience the community spirit for yourself at Lifestyle Deanside, 85 Mushu Street, Deanside, just off Taylors Road.
Residents welcomed younger generations to experience the festive display. Even Santa paid a visit to Lifestyle Deanside.
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, January 5.
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
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 South Knit & Natter
All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.
9747 8576
U3A Melton
U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active.
0419 563 016
Melton Combined Probus Club
The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am.
9746 0271
Community singing group
If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 1960s and 70s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am.
Werribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) is the place to be this Christmas Day, with the zoo open from 9am to 5pm with a full schedule of fascinating keeper talks and walking paths.
Guests can gander at gorillas, lions, hippos, monkeys and all types of African wildlife doing their thing on the savannah.
The iconic safari buses will be shuttling to-and-fro, giving visitors the opportunity to learn about species like giraffe, zebra and antelope.
If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Jabulani– the 3-month-old southern white rhino calf who has become something of a celebrity these days.
Christmas will be jolly, but the fun will last all summer.
From January 26, the splash park will be in full swing at Hippo Beach where kids can beat the summer heat and play in the water while looking out at the three gorgeous hippo girls.
There will also be a kid-friendly DJ playing jungle beats at hippo beach daily.
Every Saturday from January 4 to March 8, WORZ’s iconic Sunset Safari event will also be up and running.
Visitors will be able to adventure onto the savannah for an intimate, extended safari tour in the evening and delight in immersive Africanperformances,whileenjoyingcocktails
and snacks at Hippo Beach or feast with family and friends on a traditional African braai barbecue.
Christmas may be a holiday for us, but Zoos Victoria wants the public to know it is important to respect other creatures.
While research suggests that anthropomorphising wildlife may increase visitor-animalconnection,itrisksperpetuating the idea that the animal would make a good pet.
Giving animals in captivity the control and choice is key to maintaining their positive welfare.
Jaidyn Kennedy
For 30 years, Melton local Sandra Brogan has spread Christmas cheer around her neighbourhood with an annual Christmas display at her home.
The annual display started when Sandra’s dad started decorating for Christmas with some blow-up reindeer and Father Christmas at his home, and when he moved to Melton, he continued to do it for the kids in the neighbourhood.
Three decades later, Sandra continues the tradition.
“One Christmas Eve, we had nearly 300 people come,” Sandra said. “You can’t get a park in our street or the street opposite me.
“Theyparkaroundthecornerandwalkback.
“It’s really quite nice.”
The theme changes yearly – this year’s is white Christmas – but one consistent part of it is her daughter, Kelli, performing carols.
“Growing up we didn’t have expensive decorations,” Kelli said. =“As a family we made decorations, always had a Christmas tree and always celebrated together.
“WewouldwatchChristmasmoviesandtalk about how cool it must be in America to see the houses decorated.”
Last year, she released her Christmas song, Joy When we Believe, to celebrate the holidays.
“My family’s love of Christmas was the inspiration for my song Joy When We Believe,” Kelli said. “The lyrics describe the pleasure and wonder we see in children at Christmas time and the togetherness of families at Christmas.
“EverythingIexperiencedasachildandeven now at Christmas is what I tried to capture in the lyrics of that song.”
Kelli said she loves performing at her mum’s house for Christmas.
“In the past, when I was living at mum’s, I performed most nights during December,” she said. “I will perform this weekend and every night from next Thursday through and including Christmas Eve.
“It is always so much fun as the community enjoys the live music and the atmosphere it creates while looking at the lights.
“Some even have requests, as they come back each year.”
Besidesthedisplayandmusicalperformance byKelli,Sandrahasalsopreparedasurprisefor the children.
“On Christmas Eve, we have characters coming,” she said. “This year, we have Bluey and Bingo, Father Christmas, The Grinch, Mother Christmas is coming.
“We’re also having Olaf and Elsa from Frozen.”
Faith Macale
Hobsons Bay isn’t short of locations to bring in the new year, but few are as refined as the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria (RYCV) in Williamstown.
On December 31, the RYCV will open its clubroomsandtheirexpansiveviewsofthecity to revellers who want to bring in 2025 with a touch of elegance.
RYCV food and beverage operations managerSimoneKiencsaidNewYearsEvewas an opportunity to enjoy the finer things in life.
“It’s the perfect evening to indulge in delicious seasonal produce, paired with some delicious drops from across Australia, while enjoying live music from DJ Retro Red and the best seat in Melbourne to watch the fireworks light up the night sky.”
Whiletheclub’soutdoordeckofferstheideal vantage point to view the midnight fireworks, Ms Kienc said the kitchen and dining room
Set the date in your calendar’s now, as the busy Sunshine shopping precinct on Hampshire Road is set to be overrun by The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival on Sunday, January 26.
Presented by the Sunshine Business Association, the free multicultural event runs every year, celebrating the lunar calendar, a time of renewal and for friends and family to come together to celebrate the start of a new year.
The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival or Tét Festival will bring the culturally diverse community together in a safe and fun environment.
A huge day of free family fun, live entertainment, children’s rides, street performers, music, dancing, street food, face-painting, magical Lion and Dragon dancing, red-pockets and firecrackers ending with spectacular fireworks.
A large performance stage with seating area will burst with exciting musical acts, live multicultural bands and dance groups will entertain the communityandshowcasetheircultural heritage and talented musicians.
A wide array of street food stalls of many nations, super fun small and large children’s rides including the massive Ferris Wheel, face-painting, showbags, street-performers cultural kid’s activity zone will take over Hampshire Road.
Sunshine’s favourite local sporting groups will also attend and present fun kid’s activities.
A vibrant Lion and Dragon dance complete with long string fireworks will take place at 6pm at the stage ending with a traditional Lunar New Year display of fireworks at 9pm. Hampshire Road, between Devonshire and Foundry Roads will be closed to traffic on the day.
were where the evening’s most spectacular highlights would take place.
“Our chef sources the freshest ingredients and food sustainability is at the heart of our kitchen,” she said.
“Chef Leicester O’Loughlin brings you delicious flavours which change with the seasons and is creating a feast for NYE. Our bonza barbecue buffet will include a selection of top quality proteins, vegetarian delights, fresh seasonal salads, and an array of house made condiments.”
Entry is $85 for RYCV members, $95 for non-members, $30 for kids, with indoor, outdoor deck and picnic table seating options available.
Roaming canapes will be offered from 6pm followed by a bonza barbecue buffet and fireworks at 9.30pm and again at midnight.
Bookings: https://bit.ly/bookrycv
1. The Mighty Jills compete for Australia in which sport?
2. Former AFL players James Hird, Gary Ablett Snr and Nathan Buckley all wore what number guernsey?
3. A standard game of table tennis is a race to what score?
4. Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry are famous players of what sport?
5. Who is the current interim coach of the Matildas?
6. Which high jump technique was popularised by a US gold medal winner at the 1968 Olympics?
7. Originating in Finland, which humorous hobby sport is most popular with teenage girls?
8. The PWHL has announced teams will play how many regular-season games, an increase from their inaugural year?
The festive 2024 rom-com ChristmasintheSpotlight is inspired by the real-life relationship of which famous athlete?
Before starting her career as a rugby player, NZ powerhouse Portia Woodman played which other team sport professionally?
11. Which Australian racing driver made his Formula One debut in the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi?
Which Australian fast bowler missed the second Test against India due to a side strain injury?
13. How many goals did the Brisbane Lions score in their loss to North Melbourne in the AFLW grand final?
14. Basketballer Bryce Cotton scored how many points in an NBL game in the Perth Wildcats’ win over New Zealand?
15. True or false: Australia finished ahead of France in the Paris 2024 Olympics medal tally.
16. Which Aussie Rules club was known as the Prince Imperials in 1880–81, named in honour of Napoleon III’s only son?
17. South African-born Brydon Carse took 10 wickets in a match representing which Test cricket nation?
18. Which Kookaburras legend has retired from hockey with a record 451 international appearances for Australia?
19. Grey’sAnatomy star Patrick Dempsey finished in what position in the 2015 Le Mans 24 Hour motor race?
20. Gout Gout is the name of a 16-year-old Australian competing in which track and field discipline?
21. Olympic medallist skateboarder Arisa Trew was recently given which pet animal as a reward for her win?
22. The International Cricket Council recently criticised Australia for refusing to play which nation?
23. How many Matildas players scored their first international goals in their first friendly match against Chinese Taipei?
24. Which Australian city recently withdrew its bid for the 2030 Gay Games?
25. Jerry West is the player silhouette featured in the logo of which sporting league?
26. The NHL has a new team in 2024/25 based in which US state?
27. How many teams are competing in the 2024/25 WNBL season?
28. How many games did the North Melbourne AFL Women’s side lose in the 2024 season?
29. The late Neale Fraser was a champion in which sport?
30. With her 2024 win, how many consecutive Best and Fairest awards has AFLW player Monique Conti now won at Richmond and the Western Bulldogs?
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To solve a Sudoku
ACROSS
1 Rule (3)
3 Request form (11)
9 Determination (7)
10 Bestowed (7)
11 Negatively charged subatomic particle (8)
12 Reddish metal (6)
14 Tavern (3)
15 Means (11)
17 Regions (11)
19 Possess (3)
20 Eight-legged animal (6)
21 Resonant (8)
24 Realm of an independent Islamic chieftain (7)
25 Grain from cassava (7)
26 Leader of a cause (11)
27 Prosecute (3) DOWN
1 Thief (9)
2 Cowboy literary genre (7)
3 Assign (5)
4 Extraordinary thing (10)
5 Formerly Persia (4)
6 Comparative conclusions (9)
7 Thoroughgoing, exhaustive (2,5)
8 Lowest point (5)
13 Rotorcraft (10)
15 Suppress (9)
16 Painting of the countryside (9)
18 Wetter in terms of weather (7)
19 Redolent (7)
20 Sugary (5)
22 Of equal value (2,3)
23 To dispense, to – out (4)
Using the nine letters in the
1 Riga is the capital of which country?
2 Actor Ryan Reynolds (pictured) is co-owner of which UK soccer team?
3 Which film won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2001?
4 Where in the human body does carpal tunnel occur?
5 How many times was England's King Henry VIII married?
6 In chess, how many different game pieces are there?
7 Which Brontë sister wrote the 1847 novel AgnesGrey?
8 And under what pseudonym was it published?
9 In what century was Genghis Khan born?
10 Which Chinese city is situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River?
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 5/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 6/10
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Intheidealautomobiletrifectaofperformance, economy and little nasty pollution Alfa Romeo has its money on plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technology, with the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 carrying top weight.
The new edition to the premium SUV line-up has form – sprinting from rest to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds, the ability to travel up to 60 kilometres on electric power alone with 34g/km CO2 tailpipe emissions. Top speed is 135km/h in full electric mode and 206km/h in hybrid.
While the figures speak for themselves, like SUVs of this ilk, the Veloce spec vehicle comes at a hefty price – from $77,500, plus on-road costs. Options of 20-inch alloys add $1500, or two premium paint finishes $1600 or $2500 respectively.
Equipped with the Alfa Q4 all-wheel drive system, the front wheels are powered by the petrol engine, the rear wheels by an electric motor, providing up to 208kW of power. The car takes advantage of a 7.4kW AC on-board charger and a Type 2 Smart Charging Port that enables home AC or public AC charging.
The Tonale Veloce Plug-in Hybrid Q4 is covered by a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and Alfa Romeo roadside assist support package.
Styling
On the outside there’s plenty going on with Dark Miron body kit with matte inserts, Dark Miron ‘Scudetto’ front grille finish, Veloce badging and in line with the ‘electrification’, Alfa’s historic logo has been reinterpreted in an elegant elettro-biscione serigraphy on the dark tinted privacy glass left rear window.
Automatic LED matrix headlamps with adaptive beam and dynamic turn indicators share space with gloss black painted power foldingheatedexteriormirrorswithItalianflag.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid rolls on 19-inch diamond cut alloy wheels with stand-out Brembo red brake callipers.
Inside the cabin is luxury all round with perforated black leather-accented seats with embroidered Alfa Romeo logo and dark grey doublestitching,plusdarkgreyaccentstitching on front centre armrest and door trims. Front seats are heated and ventilated.
Aluminium door sills, steering wheelmounted shift paddles and floor pedals add a sporting touch, while customisable ambient lighting has found its place on board from post-September models.
Infotainment
A 10.25-inch touchscreen taps into infotainment and navigation, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto join Alfa Connect services and DAB+ digital radio being fed through a supreme 465W 14-speaker Harman/ Kardon sound system. There is a wireless charging pad and front and rear USB-A and -C ports.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid Q4 powertrain combines a 132kW 1.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission providing traction to the front axle with an electric motor supplying 90kW of peak power and 250Nm of torque to the rear axle.
A 306V 15.5kWh lithium-ion battery is good
for up to 60km electric range or in tandem with the petrol engine. A 7.4kW AC on-board charger and a Type 2 Smart Charging Port enables domestic AC charging or public AC charging.
Alfa Romeo says it takes less than two-and-a-half hours to fully charge the battery from the on-board system. The test car battery was topped up by 20 per cent in 90 minutes through a home three-pin plug set-up.ThelocalType2publicchargerrequired a BYO cable. Sadly, this Tonale was bereft of one.
The Tonale Plug-in Hybrid has earned a five-star Euro safety rating. Nothing from ANCAP yet. Autonomous driving features include active blind spot assist with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane support system, and driver behaviour alert.
There’s a 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines, front, rear and side parking sensors and Magic Park, plus traffic sign recognition and intelligent speed control.
Driving
Alfa Romeo has attached to the Tonale Plug-in Hybrid that much (over)used term DNA to describe a series of driver assistance systems
that point the way to an incomparable driving experience.
From the get-go there’s a hint of excitement from the Alfa Romeo Tonale Veloce Plug-in Hybrid, with its instant torque electric motor. And there’s no letting up with a surprising range of advanced automobile systems on offer. For example, with its rotary drive selector, it is capable of calling on Dynamic, Natural or Advanced efficiency (DNA), plus ESC Off modes, to arouse the interest of any driver. Dynamic has the petrol engine and electric motor combining for sporty performance; Natural produces optimum power with minimum fuel consumption; and Advanced Efficiency uses electric power only for low emissions in city traffic. ESC Off has the driver in full mechanical control of the vehicle in Dynamic mode.
Alfa Link stumps up the suspension with variable damping for optimum handling and comfort, and rear axle geometry comes into action on fast cornering. Then there’s e-Coasting Descent, which intervenes in place of the exhaust brake, even when the throttle is released, to recover energy when slowing, even when the brake pedal is released.
Summary AlfaRomeohastakentheTonaleVelocePlug-in beyond the range of the run-of-the-mill petrol/ electric hybrid.
The summer season is finally heating up and with it there has been some cracker matches including on Saturday. StarWeekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shootingthesomeoftheaction.
By Tara Murray
Someofthemosttalentedathletesinthewestern suburbs will be vying for the prestigious 2024 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month.
The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January.
The first nominee was Mia Gordon, a multi-talented rising star in cricket and football.
The scholarship holder at Maribyrnong Sports Academy has spent three full years in the under-16 cricket program and had been hoping for a spot in the under-19 program. She was also named in the Western Jets squad for this year.
Golfer Jesse Trembath was the second nominee for the year.
Trembathtookupgolfwhenhewasfouryears old under the guidance of his grandmother Susan.
Playing on local courses at Kooringal and Sanctuary Lakes, Trembath continued his
improvement and was soon identified by Golf Victoria.
Another golfer, Georgia Schwartz was the April nominee.
“I tried swimming and tennis for a while, but I got bored with them pretty quickly,” she said. “I didn’t feel they suited me, I need to be challenged.
“I went to the driving range with dad and really liked the challenge of hitting the ball.”
MaynomineeRubyGortonwasmadetoplay hockey.
With her dad heavily involved, she was soon playing herself and has never looked back.
Gorton’s skills blossomed in 2019 when she was selected in the School Sport Victoria under-12 team and the regional team, the Western Wildcats under-13s.
Gorton has now been selected in those teams every year including the 2024.
June nominee Taye Ragheb had a big 2024 on the cards. Ragheb attends the Maribyrnong Sports Academy where he spends six hours a week training.
He then heads to the Victorian Institute of Sport three times per week for his performance pathway training and then his club training at Notorious Taekwondo a further three nights per week.
July nominee Lucy Cleveland is a running star.
She is now the holder of more than 30 Western Athletics club records and has competed at state and national level and is looking to represent Australia.
AugustnomineeRomanCooteisabaseballer like the man the award is named after
In the summer of 2017, Roman Coote was asked by one of his primary school friends to come play baseball at the Williamstown Baseball Club and the rest is now history.
“For me, 2023 was certainly my breakout year. I went from just your average player to making the under-16 Australian team.
October nominee Reikken Brodie was a frustrated kid for years watching his younger sister,Honor,trainandplaynetball,coachedby their mother Mary.
He finally got his chance on court as a fill-in inunder-13sandhe’snowpartoftheAustralian under-20 team.
October nominee Sierra Grieves is set to live her AFLW dream this week.
Grieves started playing in an under-nines boys team as a seven-year-old.
She would start training with the Western Jets as 13-year-old but could play until she turned 15.
This year she became one of the star players of the Coates Talent League and under-18 championships.
Sliding door moments are as true in sport as in everyday life, just ask November’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 until he was introduced to gridiron.
Ten elite young western suburbs athletes will be vying for the prestigious 2024 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month.
Mia Gordon
School/Club: Maribyrnong
Sports Academy/Western Jets
Sport: Cricket/football
Achievements: Western Jets under-18 and Cricket
Victoria’s Vic Metro under-16 emerging players squad.
Quote: “I really enjoy playing both sports and all of my coaches are very supportive of me playing the two sports at the moment,” Gordon said. “Cricket is number one, but AFL is right up there.”
Jesse Trembath
Club: Kooringal Golf Club
Sport: Golf
Achievements: He holds the current course record at Kooringal Golf Club shooting a 63 in April last year, while he was a 2023 state team member, Golf Victoria high performance team member and a Callaway Next Program representative.
Quote: “I learned very quickly that if you are not having fun you get down on yourself and you stop playing well,” he said.
Georgia Schwartz
School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Medway Golf Club
Sport: Golf
Achievements: Won the Bendigo Junior Open and was second at the Royal Melbourne Junior Open as well as the Portarlington Junior Open.
Quote: “I always want to get better, but I am wanting to win as well.”
Ruby Gorton
School: Footscray Hockey Club
Sport: Hockey
Achievements: Gorton has been selected in Footscray’s women’s premier league team since she was 13. This year she competed in the under-16 outdoor and indoor teams and under-15 outdoor team to play at the Australian Games at the Gold Coast in June.
Quote: “I think I have karma on my side now with my parents spending their time taking me to club, regional and state training.”
Taye Ragheb
Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/Notorious Taekwondo
Sport: Taekwondo
Achievements: Ragheb has travelled to two overseas competitions.
Quote: “I was very competitive and loved being able to improve. When I started winning medals in competitions I liked it even more.”
Lucy Cleveland
Club/School: Western Athletics
Sport: Athletics
Achievements: A qualifying standard for the World under-20 Track and Field Championships. Earlier this year, Cleveland won gold at the Victorian championships in the 3000 metres, 1500 metres and 800 metres in the under-17 state age group.
Quote: “Running against Olympic athletes gave me the confidence to know I can compete at that level and be successful.”
Roman Coote
Club: Williamstown Baseball Club/ Maribyrnong Sports Academy
Sport: Baseball
Achievements: In September, Coote played Team Australia in the Under-16 Perfect Game World Series.
Quote: “The baseball club is like family. The senior players are like my older brothers and my coaches just got involved to make us all better. It is a good place to be.”
Reikken Brodie Club/School: Mackillop College Sport: Netball/Football
Achievements: Brodie was then selected to play for the Australian under-20 team, His single crowning moment was being awarded the most valuable player in the under-23 division as a 17-year-old.
Quote: “I love them both, footy gives me a good fitness base which definitely helps me on the court, and netball gives me that 360 awareness in tight spaces which conditions me for the midfield on the footy ground.”
Sierra Grieves
School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Yarraville Seddon
Sport: Football
Achievements: Grieves was named the player of the national championships this year, while also winning the Vic Metro most valuable player award. Part of the AFLW Academy.
Quote: “I just love the challenge of playing the best game in the world to the best of my ability.”
Astin Hewett
School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/ Western Crusaders Sport: Gridiron
Achievements: Captained the Australian Outback gridiron under-20 team this year.
Quote: “It was an amazing experience,” he said. “Unfortunately, we only won one of our three games, but it was the first time an Australian team had won a game in a tournament for many years.”
Kealba-Green Gully’s hoping it has hit a turning point of its North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield season.
The Cougars haven’t had the start to the season they wanted with a number of close losses and weather ending other games that they were had been in good spots.
Captain-coach Evan Long said they hadn’t been that far away with luck not going their way.
“We’ve been close enough with not getting theresults,”hesaid.“Theweatherhasn’thelped either.
“We made a really good score against Aintree and the second day got washed out. Others we’ve lost by five to 10 runs which is frustrating.”
ItwasasimilarcaseinthefirstoftheCougars
one-dayers last weekend. They lost to the Chargers by 14 runs.
ThetideturnedonSundayinotherone-dayer as they came away with a close win against
Tarneit Central.
“It was good after falling just short on the Saturday,” Long said. “We batted first and Anthony Fawcus did what we got him across to do in the one-dayers.
“Byhisownadmissionhehasn’thadthestart that he was after. He took his chance. Daniel Patrick batted with him for much of it and they made three quarters of our score.”
Having made 219, the Cougars kept Tarneit Central to 8-207 in an almost identical margin to the previous day.
Long said the bowlers backed up what the batters had done to get the win.
The win was the Cougars second of the season and moves the side up to sixth on the ladder.
They were six points outside the top four heading into the weekend’s match.
By Tara Murray
The Sunshine Eagles are starting to find some good form with another couple of big wins in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1sts nine competition.
The Eagles have won four of their last five games, including their last two to be sitting third after 15 rounds.
Eagles coach Stuart Clayton said they had exceeded expectations so far.
“We are really happy with where we are at,” he said. “We were hoping to be 50-50 at Christmas and we are well above that.
“We always wanted to play finals and go as deep as we could. We had a few injuries so we thought it might have been a little hard early.
“We’ve won the games we thought we would win and won some we thought would be tough.”
Clayton said the side was really starting to find their hitting game which was making it easier for the pitchers.
He said Jeremy Young had been outstanding on the mound recently.
On Tuesday night, in the Eagles got a big win against Blackburn, 12-9
Clayton said that the match was one that they really wanted to win.
“They beat us by 10 runs early in the year, we wereabletogetonebackagainstthem,”hesaid.
“It was a funny game. We scored four runs, then they scored four runs.
“We scored one and then they did. We then scored three runs and they did before we were tied for two innings.
“We got three in the last innings to get away from them.”
The highlight of the game was when the three Young brothers all scored runs on the same play.
Clayton said it was the first time that he could remember seeing that happen.
“It went in chronicle order as well,” he said.
“Jordan got a hit, then Jeremy got a hit before Jamie got a three run home run.
Long hopes it’s the start of things to come for the side.
“Hopefully a season defining momentum and we can get a bit of momentum,” he said.
“Hopefully we’ll have a bit more confidence and it’ll take us to the next part of the season and we can push into the top four.”
The Cougars were set to face Aberfeldie St Johns across the next two Saturdays, starting on Saturday, which was after deadline.
Long said they were hoping to go into the break on a winning note.
“They are below us on the ladder,” he said. “TheywereunluckynottobeatGladstonePark, which is in the top four.
“Anyonecanbeatanyone.Thenextcoupleof weeks we’ll want to be looking forward rather than back.”
Tara Murray
The Western Football League senior season will kick off on April 5.
The league has released its fixtures for both its men’s competitions, division 1 and division 2.
The top division this season will feature 12 teams with Sunshine, Albion and Newport all making the move up.
Opening round match-ups include premiers Hoppers Crossing starting the new season away to Altona, while runner-up Werribee Districts plays host to Point Cook.
Newly crowned division 2 premiers Sunshine start its campaign at home against previous winners Parkside, while runner-up Albion will travel to PointCookCentralstofacetheSharks.
Sunshine and Albion will face each other in round two in the first of the division 2 grand final rematches.
Initsfirstdivision1match,Newport will host Spotswood. Caroline Springs will play Yarraville Seddon in the remaining match.
In division 2 the most intriguing round one match-up will take place at Goddard Street Reserve with Suns hosting fellow 2024 finalist and neighbouring rivals Wyndhamvale. After a one-year hiatus Glen Orden is fixtured to make its return against Braybrook at Pennell Reserve.
“They are really good around the club.”
The Eagles were set to Newport Rams on Saturday,afterdeadline,intheirround16clash before finishing the year on Tuesday night against the Berwick Cougars.
Clayton said if they could win if not both games that it would help set up their season.
The Eagles are set for a boost with Jamie Young set to return to pitching before the Christmas break.
“He hasn’t pitched yet,” Clayton said. “He was our number one pitcher last year.
“He’ll pitch before Christmas and help us moving into finals.”
The Eagles though will be without import
James Williams III for a number of weeks.
He was hit in the elbow and scans showed a break. He’ll have surgery and miss about six weeks according to Clayton.
The Eagles women’s regional west side had a bye on Saturday.
They enter the break with three wins from seven matches.
North Sunshine will face Tarneit, Sunshine Heights will take on the Western Rams, West Footscray will lay Laverton and North Footscray will play Albanvale. In other mathes, Point Cook will playHoppersCrossing,andAlbionwill face Parkside in Good Friday matches with the rest of the competition having the weekend off.
There will be four matches on Anzac Day, including the division 1 grand final rematch between Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Districts and the local derby between North Footscray and West Footscray. Withthereturnofseniorinterleague in 2025 there will be league-wide bye in division 1 on May 17. Meanwhile, there will be no football during the King’s Birthday long weekend.
The top five teams will qualify for finals with both finals series to be played across four weeks.
The division 2 grand final will take place on September 13 with the division 1 decider occurring on September 20.
It was another professional performance from Taylors Lakes as it picked up its fourth win of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west season.
The Lions had their work cut out for them against a Yarraville side aiming to pick up its second win of the season.
The Eagles were bowled out for 218 on the final ball of day one.
ItwasatoughstartfortheLionsonSaturday, losing a wicket without any runs on the board. From there it was all the Lions, who went on to hit the winning runs with more than six overs remaining.
The Lions finished 6-223.
Lions coach Peter Brasher was happy with the performance.
“We got off to a shaky start in the first over, losing a wicket,” he said. “I said after the game totheboysthatitwasanotherprofessionalwin.
“They do what needs to be done. They maybe could have got them a little bit earlier, but the pitch was slow as was the outfield.”
Brasher said Jashanpreet Singh and Steffan Roberts had put a good partnership early on before Nilan Fernando did what he does best.
After being dropped early in the slips, Fernando finished 61 not out to be the top
scorer.
There were plenty of other contributions.
“Lachie Marr and Luke Denny both had cameos and Saihaj [Jaspal] came out and hit two fours and a six to finish it and take the nerves out of it.
“He keeps pushing to bat higher in the order.”
Brasher said while they had expected to get the runs, it was good to see the playing group had switched on mentally after a couple of frustrating results due to weather.
“We felt we deserved a couple of those results,” he said. “The worst thing would have been to then lose a game.”
TheLionssitinthirdspotaftersevenrounds with five wins and a loss out of the matches completed.
They are one of three teams on 30 points.
Another one of those teams is Caulfield,
By Tara Murray
Grand United’s lower order fought hard to put the pressure back on Sunbury in its Victorian
Aiming to remain undefeated at the Christmas break, the Gorillas are hosting an inconsistent Sunbury side in a two-dayer. After day one, it’s evenly poised.
The Gorillas were bowled out for 209 in the 71st over.
Gorillas captain-coach Andrew Warrick saidtheyhavegiventhemselvesagoodchance.
“I think it was an inning that didn’t go exactly how we would have liked,” he said. “We’ve batted so well in the first couple of games to set up the innings, the last couple of games we’ve had to fight.
“We won the last game after being 5-6 down for less than 100, it’s a side of a good team.”
Warrick said the message for the lower order was to make sure they hung around for as long as they could.
He said they didn’t want to be bowled out for 130-150 and then give Sunbury a good 20 to 30 extra overs to get the runs.
It was Warrick who top scored with 52 as he faced 100 balls.
Warrick said it was good to spend some time in the middle.
“I haven’t made many runs for a long time,” he said. “At my old club I would come in with five or six overs to go and straight away you have to go.
“It was nice to spend some time in the middle.
“Leo Turnbull-Gent made 30. He came from Golden Point as well so we’ve batted a bit together.
“Ashley Strang, we had a good partnership in the last game and were able to bat together again.”
Sunbury faced will resume at 0-9 after getting through six overs.
Warrick said they were aware that the Roar has had its batting issues.
“We had a few injuries in the last game, so
which the Lions face this Saturday. It will be a change of format, with the final match before the break a T20 match.
Brasher said this would be an interesting match, with the T20s normally mid week and with teams not normally fielding their best sides.
He said they were planning to have a practice match at training on Tuesday night to get back into using the white ball.
“They are a strong team that has jumped over us [on the ladder],” Brasher said.
“Second versus third is a challenge we’re looking forward to. If we can win and turn second, it means our journey is in our own hands.
“We’d be slightly above expectations, but only part of the job is done.”
Tara Murray
There was plenty of action in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition on Tuesday night.
All teams played their third round matches on Tuesday night with some teams in action for the first time.
In the Benaud group, PEGS beat Maribyrnong Park St Marys.
The Lions were bowled out for 71 in 16.2 overs.
Chancey Bandara took 4-13 for PEGS.
The chase lasted 12.1 overs, with PEGS easilygettingthewinsandfinishing2-75.
Rowan Mendis made an unbeaten 50. Airport West St Christophers also got a win, beating Keilor Park.
The Eagles made 6-169 before bowling the Devils out for 89.
Both winners got their second win of the competition.
In the Lawrie group, St Albans and Sydenham Hillside both had big wins against Sunbury and East Keilor respectively.
TheSaintsmade3-189againstSunbury with John Moon top scoring with 59.
The Roar finished 7-90 in reply. Jack McGann top scored with 33.
Akila Isanka and Daniel Blatherwick took three wickets each.
The Storm came away with the win against East Keilor.
East Keilor was restricted to 9-92 with the Storm reaching the target 14 overs down.
we now have a few more bowling options in this game,” he said.
“They’ve had some challenges with the bat and hopefully we can take advantage of that a little bit.
“Hopefully we can finish this year on a positive note.”
Warricksaidtheywouldbethrilledtofinish the first part of the season undefeated.
He said they’d had a bit of luck in a couple of games that were washed out, chasing 300-plus in one game and the other at a 50-50 stage.
“Goinginundefeatedwouldbenice,”hesaid. “We have some reinforcements coming back after Christmas so hopefully that will help.”
Meanwhile in senior division, Sydenham-Hillside made 335 against Aberfeldie.
Craigieburn is 0-33 in reply to Sunshine United, while Deer Park made a massive 412 against St Albans. Aaron Ayre made 176 for Deer Park.
Keilor more 9-140 before declaring with Airport West St Christophers’ 1-8 in reply.
Ishan Peiris top scored with 41. In the Ponting group, Deer Park and Sunshine United got wins against Laverton and Bellbridge respectively.
The Lions made 6-160 with Upul Bandara top scoring with 47. Laverton was bowled out for 100 with an over remaining.
Shannon Gill took three wickets for the Lions.
TheTigersmade3-157fromtheirovers with Tauron Gibson top scoring with 55 not out.
Bellbridge finished 8-102 in reply. Henro Dias top scored with 30 not out. In the Taylor group, Sunshine got the win against the Druids.
The Wizards finished their overs at 9-98 with the Crows making 6-99 in reply.
Grand United forfeited its match to Keilor.
2024 has been a hard slog! The West is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country but is still decades behind the rest of Melbourne — meanwhile, our government continues to splash endless cash on the eastern suburbs. We’re fighting for better outcomes for the West — and we’ve had a few wins this year. We’ve driven the debate on better public transport in the West and expect to see positive changes next year. Plus, we stopped a giant multinational from destroying highly sensitive grasslands.
Here’s a few things we put on the agenda for the West this year. And we’ll keep slogging away for the West in 2025!
Thanks to our hard work, medicinal cannabis prescription holders will be spared automatic loss of licence if they test positive to THC at a roadside drug test from March 1, 2025.
Did you know that the West has fewer public pools per head of population than the rest of Melbourne? With a hot summer ahead, we need to travel further to cool off.
I campaigned with the community of Little River to protect their much-loved green wedge from an environmentally irresponsible industrial development.
surface, and that filtration is needed to protect residents.
I initiated a debate calling on the government to improve the efficiency, frequency and connectivity of the bus network in the West.
Next year we’re redoubling our efforts to bring about sensible cannabis law reform, with a Parliamentary Committee set to investigate our model for change. See you in 2025!
I introduced a motion calling for more investment to boost tree cover, as the western suburbs have among the lowest tree canopy levels in Melbourne.