Hitting sixes for cancer
Players from the St Albans Cricket Club will hit the pitch in pink next month as part of the McGrath Foundation’s national fundraising initiative.
Sporting rosy gear – with the support of similarly dressed community members in the stands – opponents from the Keilor Cricket Club will join players from St Albans on February 1 to mark their annual Pink Stumps Day. The friendly cricket match is being organised to raise awareness and funds for those impacted by cancer. Through donations collected each year, the McGrath Foundation provides free clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to patients.
According to St Albans Cricket Club junior co-ordinator Stacey Pittaway, the charitable event has become synonymous with the sport.
“In cricket circles, Pink Stump Day is quite significant,” she said.
“Every year everyone comes together with one single goal – to purely raise money for a great cause.
“Last year we were able to raise $5000 and this time our goal is $7000 — so come along and be part of a warm, beautiful event.”
The match will begin at 1pm at the St Albans Cricket Club.
Cry for more holiday help
By Prealene Khera
When Sydenham mum Sarah Caruana ( not her real name) scans the calendar in January, the row listing the dates at the end of the holiday-filled month always catches her eye – when that final week comes around, so will respite.
Although the summer break often corresponds to relaxation and unrelenting fun, for Ms Caruana and other Brimbank families with special needs children, the lack of inclusive activities can exacerbate stress and social isolation.
“People look forward to the school holidays to do things together as a family, but we don’t
have that luxury because there isn’t much we can do,” Ms Caruana said.
While there’s no shortage of holiday programsinBrimbank,thereareonlyahandful of initiatives that Ms Caruana’s seven-year old daughter with a severe intellectual disability can participate in.
As soon as it comes to kids with special needs, Ms Caruana said it’s like being “blocked off”.
“I feel like the group activities aren’t suitable for children with higher needs,” she said.
“Kids like my daughter are very restricted from doing any programs within the community.
“We keep her occupied in our backyard
but holidays are supposed to be her chance to interact with other children, but we don’t get to do that because there’s just not a safe place for her in Brimbank.”
This involuntary seclusion is taking its toll on the pair.
“School holidays are mentally draining for us,” Ms Caruana said.
“It’s not the best time of the season, everyone else looks forward to it but we dread it.
“My daughter gets quite agitated too because she wants to do things, when that doesn’t happen she gets overwhelmed and can self harm – it’s really difficult.”
With the summer holidays coming to an
end soon, Ms Caruana is calling on Brimbank council to ensure the needs of all residents are met before the bell goes sounds for the next break.
“We need to get some support just from the council to put inclusive activities in place,” she said.
“I mean we talk about activities for the elderly or activities for young parents – what about activities for families with special needs kids?”
Brimbank council community wellbeing director Lynley Dumble said the organisation tried to ensure all programs had a “broad appeal” and were “accessible for a range of ages and abilities”. Continued page 3
Tammy Chamberlain, Laura Kretiuk, Tyler Hubery, Stacey Pittaway, Mitchell Pittaway, Ian McKenzie, and Sophie Hubery are excited to play in pink. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453730_02
Council contests third runway
Brimbank council is pushing for a review into Melbourne Airport’s $3 billion third runwayproject,whichwasgivenaconditional green-light by the federal government last year.
Council has lodged an application for a merits review to contest the decision due to its concerns about noise and health implications for residents.
“As always, Brimbank council’s priority is to ensurethethirdrunwaydoesnotunreasonably compromise the health, wellbeing and amenity of the community affected by Melbourne Airport,” it said in a statement.
Council’s action follows an ongoing push to seek clarity around conditions set to be imposed on the project.
In September 2024, shortly after the project was approved, the council called on the federal government to provide additional information.
“Brimbank is keen to understand the details of the conditional approval before it can be comfortable with the decision, particularly as Melbourne Airport’s previous plans did not include adequate protection from the adverse impacts of aircraft noise on local communities,” council said in a statement.
“We need details of the measures, and surety
that they will protect our community against the impacts to their health and amenity.
“We will continue to call for a seat at the table to discuss how our community should be engaged and listened to on this project.”
Star Weekly asked Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King to comment on the merits review, however Ms King said it wasn’t “appropriate” for her to do so. “Because it’s before the tribunal, I am unable to comment,” she said.
Brimbank council now awaits the listing of the matter before the Federal Administrative
Grover’s boot drive kicks goals
A twelve-year old Caroline Springs boy has been scoring some remarkable charitable goals, after successfully running a donation drive at his school in support of an important cause.
As a young Aussie rules footy player, Grover Hains needed to keep purchasing new boots to accommodate his rapidly changing shoe size.
But instead of throwing out the old pairs, he decided to step up and help those less fortunate.
To put his plan in action Grover and his mum Natalie reached out to Western Australia-based charity Fair Game, which was developed to provide sporting equipment to some of the most remote and under-serviced communities in the country.
“Grover really liked that idea and so he organised a boot donation dr ive at this school with the support of his classroom teacher,” Natalie said.
“He was really committed to it, he made posters and put up baskets at the school.
“The drive has been very successful.”
More than 35 pairs of boots have been donated to the cause, which Natalie said was an amazing achievement for everyone involved.
“Some of the children put notes of encouragement in the boots for the next owners, so it’s heartwarming,” Natalie said.
“Grover will now be using his pocket money to ship them over to the charity.
“I’mreallyproudofhim,especiallybecause this was entirely his idea. He was also so overwhelmed by how many kids helped out so it was a great experience.”
Cry for school holiday help
From page 3
“[We have] partnered with organisations such as Disability Sports Australia to deliver targeted programs for children with special needs at different times throughout the year,” she said.
“Parentsareencouragedtoreachouttousto discuss any special needs or requirements for participation in any of our programming, so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
“Council is one of a number of providers of school holiday activities locally for children. Council offers a Community Connector service that can help link the community with programs and services which are appropriate and accessible according to their needs.”
Councillor Maria Kerr also spoke to the StarWeeklyas a mum of an autistic son who requires substantial support.
She said the state government needs to step
in too.
“It’s been very challenging for us this school holiday period, I feel like I’ve been really struggling to find things to do with my son,” Ms Kerr said. “My son Julian seems to be very upset and triggered too because he’s having to spend a lot of time at home.
“I think we need the government to fund the development of appropriate facilities and sensory parks that families like mine can use – there should to be more of an emphasis on helping kids with special needs.”
A state government spokesperson said: “We are delivering Victorian families a number of fun, free and accessible activities throughout the school holidays, including free access to Victorian Zoos and the National Gallery of Victoria Kids Summer Festival”.
Contact Community Connectors on 9249 4494.
Review Tribunal. Iftheprojectgoesaheadunimpeded,council isconcerneditwillhaveasignificantimpacton the community.
According to data published on its website, it is anticipated that planes will be flying over Melbourne’s west 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is further estimated that 200 flights will fly over the Brimbank area per day and nearly 6000 homes, nine early childhood centres, four community facilities and 13 education facilities will be impacted by noise that exceeds World Health Organisation guidelines.
Shake-up for health
Brimbank residents are expected to benefit from a better-connected health system with the establishment of Local Health Service Networks, including one consisting of Western Health and Werribee Mercy Hospital under the ‘West Metro’ umbrella.
Set up by the state government, these networks are grouped together bygeographicregionsandwillsupport improved co-operation between local services,ensuredoctorsandspecialists are available to care for patients closer to where they live, deliver clearer pathways in and out of hospital, and support better waitlist management across regions.
According to Western Health acting chief executive, adjunct professor Shane Crowe, the move will enhance local services.
“The West Metro Network has been grouped according to population growth, community need, clinical capability, and distance between services — it was also informed by the expert advisory committee that developed the health services plan and input from our leadership team here at Western Health,” he said.
“By working together more closely across the region we’ll be able to deliver greater benefits for patients.”
In early 2025, health services will come together to discuss the priorities and arrangements for their network, focusing on four key priority areas –access and flow, workforce, clinical governance, and sustainability –before networks commence operation on July 1.
Grover Hains has collected more than 35 pairs of footy boots as part of his donation drive. (Supplied)
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Road works and temporary closures
The following temporary road closures are currently in place due to road works:
Plumpton Road: Closed at the intersection of Taylors Road until late-February. Detour in place via Melton Highway, Gourlay and Leakes Roads.
City Vista Court: Closed at the intersection of Taylors Road until 30 January. Detour in place via Hume Drive.
Bulmans Road: Night closures from 6pm–6am until 26 January for asphalt and line marking. Detours in place.
Tenterfield Drive: closed at Westwood Drive until 28 January. Detour in place.
We thank you for your patience as we work to improve the condition and safety of our roads. For information and updates, visit melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks
Pocket Pets
Council wishes to advise that our Animal Pound located at 90-92 High Street Melton is no longer accepting ‘Pocket Pets’ such as Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Mice, Reptiles or caged birds from the community.
For information on other specialist rescue groups that may be able to assist in rehoming or surrendering them, visit melton.vic.gov.au/ animal-pound
Coolibah Ward with Cr Brandi Morris
Here we are in 2025, and I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year. As your new Councillor for Coolibah Ward, I am very grateful to represent our wonderful growing community.
In just two months, I’ve already attended 15 community events, 10 Council meetings and briefings, and connected with many residents. Over the next year, I look forward to representing Council as Chair of the Intercultural Committee. I will also be a Council representative on our Arts and Culture, Safe City, Youth Advisory, and Melton Weir Development committees.
There’s much I love about our City, from the delicious eateries and convenient shopping precincts to our beautiful weir, nature trails, and historical landmarks.
As a growth corridor, however, we’re not without growing pains – especially road congestion and increased traffic. There are many current, and planned, road improvement projects taking place across our City which will improve access to services, facilities, education, and employment opportunities.
On a final note, I’d like to thank Member for Melton Steve McGhie MP,
Melton Night Markets
Melton Town Centre will come alive over the next few months with vibrant night markets inspired by the flavours, rhythms and traditions of Asia, Europe and Oceania. Enjoy traditional cultural performances, market stalls and mouthwatering cuisines.
• Asian market Friday 7 February
• European market Friday 7 March
• Oceania market Friday 4 April
From 5pm to 9pm. For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/night-markets
and the Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams MP, for delivering the new 452 bus route which connects Eynesbury and Weir Views with Melton Station for the first time, a great outcome for our residents. It’s also pleasing to see construction well underway on the new Weir Views Primary School which is set to open in 2026. Feel free to contact me regarding Coolibah Ward or Council related issues on 0418 999 577; email: Brandi.Morris@melton.vic.gov.au or follow my Instagram page @ crbrandim
I’d like to welcome you all to 2025 and hope you enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends over the Christmas break.
I’m looking forward to what this year will bring, with many great projects and events currently underway and in the pipeline.
We continue to focus on improving our roads and making them safer for all road-users. Key works are progressing at Caroline Springs Boulevard and Rockbank Middle Road intersection, and the Plumpton and Taylors Road intersection. I thank you all for your patience and understanding as we complete these important works. For updates visit melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks
We will continue to advocate strongly to the Australian and Victorian Governments for funding for roads, transport and other key infrastructure which our rapidly growing City desperately needs.
As we continue to review and update our Community Vision and other plans, and develop our 2025/26 Budget, I remind you to register your interest for our Community Panel or submit your ideas for the Budget at conversations.melton.vic.gov.au
Finally, I am thrilled to welcome nearly 1,000 new Australian’s over three citizenship ceremonies we will be holding at Cobblebank Indoor Stadium; two on the 24 January and one on Australia Day. As I have mentioned before, our cultural diversity is what makes our wonderful City so unique.
With school holidays nearing an end, no doubt, many of you are preparing for the school year ahead. I wish you all the best for a wonderful school year.
You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0437 231 680.
Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli Cr Kathy Majdlik
Cr Brandi Morris Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon
Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg Cr John Verdon
Phillip Zada
New chair’s infrastructure push
By Cade Lucas
Securing infrastructure funding for the western suburbs is the main election year priority for the new chair of LeadWest.
Melton councillor Phillip Zada has taken the helm of the advocacy group that represents the five councils of Melbourne’s west; Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Wyndham and Melton.
Cr Zada said Melbourne’s west had long been short-changed when it comes to government funding and with a federal election due by May, the time had come for the issue to be addressed.
“Theupcomingelectionoffersanimportant
opportunity to redress this funding imbalance, and to invest in Melbourne’s west to benefit Victoria and Australia as a whole,” he said, highlighting infrastructure investment as an area of particular need.
“We want to unlock investment to provide our residents with transport connectivity, equity in health care, education, access to jobs and improved wellbeing.”
Cr Zada said national infrastructure targets couldn’t be reached without significant investment in the west.
“The federal government has a target to build 1.2 million new homes by 2029, and Melbourne’s west is critical to meeting these objectives. As one of the fastest-growing
regions in the country, we have a critical need for infrastructure investment. Our residents cannot afford to wait. We must build the infrastructure now to support this unprecedented growth and ensure the west continues to thrive.”
Among the specific projects Cr Zada wants to see funded are the development of the Sunshine Precinct and the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail; the electrification of the Melton and Wyndham train lines; upgrades of the Western Highway and Calder Freeway and funding a detailed business case for Creative West, a new large-scale performance venue, library, and cultural hub.
Lunar festival roars into Sunshine
The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival is expected to be a roaring multicultural celebration of fresh beginnings when it gets underway on January 26.
It’ll transform the Sunshine shopping precinct along Hampshire Road into a busy and exquisite culture-rich affair, which will bring the community together for a day of fun and renewal.
As part of the Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival or Tet Festival, revellers will enjoy free family activities, live entertainment, children’s rides, street performances, magical
lion dancing, and firecrackers.
The festival’s event manager, Vu Du, said excitement was building for the day.
“I personally can’t wait to host this year’s Lunar festival,” he said.
“We differ in so many ways from other festivals – we cater to everyone.
“We’re also the only Lunar festival that gives away free cash. Red pockets (envelopes) symbolise good fortune and thanks to [local businesses] we have more than $600 to give away.”
A large performance stage with seating will
besetupfortheevent,andwillfeaturemusical acts as well as a showcase by comedian Diana Nguyen who will give away red-pockets filled with money to attendees. Adding to the thrill, organisers will also host a fastest pho and fastest burger eating competition. The event will kick off at noon, with the highly-anticipated lion and dragon dance completewithtraditionallongstringfireworks set to take place at the main stage at 6.30pm. Hampshire Road, between Devonshire and Hertford roads, will be closed to traffic during the festival.
The proposed Western Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) in Truganina, new aquatics and environmental wetlands centres in Hobsons Bay and increasing the amount shade and green spaces across the region are some of the other projects Cr Zada hopes to raise with both federal leaders prior to the election.
He said the benefits of infrastructure investment went beyond just the building of new facilities.
“Investment is vital to supporting sustainable growth, easing the cost-of-living pressures, and breaking the cycle of high unemployment, traffic congestion and poor public transport options.”
Planning nod for museum
Sunshineisonestepclosertobeinghome tothecountry’sfirstVietnamesecultural centre and museum, after the project’s planning permit was given the green light. Once complete, the museum will provide Vietnamese Victorians a place to celebrate their heritage and preserve stories of migration and refugee settlement. Located at 119 Durham Road in Sunshine, the museum also reinforces Melbourne’s western suburbs as a key locale of Vietnamese culture in Victoria and Australia according to Laverton MP Sarah Connolly.
“Themuseum’slocationacknowledges the significant contribution our Vietnamese community has made to Melbourne’s west — delivering a dedicated space for us all to share and learn from their culture and traditions,” she said.
The three-storey building will host exhibitions to honour migrant journeys to freedom and celebrate the significant contributions of the Vietnamese community to the multicultural fabric of Australia, with the museum set to receive more than 280 artefacts.
It will also include a community hub and resource centre for education, as well as a function centre and cafe to accommodate community events for up to 450 guests from across Victoria, interstate and abroad.
The site is currently owned by the Brimbank council, and is based within the growing Sunshine Metropolitan Activity Centre.
Aristea nabs two achiever award nominations
Keilor Downs resident Aristea Havelas could take home two major accolades after the young community advocate earned a dual nominationinVictoria’s2025YoungAchiever Awards.
For Aristea, being named a nominee in two individual categories — the Saward Dawson CommunityServiceandSocialImpactAward, and the Konica Minolta Career Achievement Award — is a distinct privilege.
“It is an honour,” she said.
“I am most thankful for my community connections, which have led me to make a meaningful impact in the Brimbank municipality, and around the world.
“I hope young people, especially our young carers in Brimbank, see and know their voice is being heard, and represented in the global arena.”
Aristea’s nominations follow a decade of volunteeringwork,timespentasayoungcarer and advocacy efforts which have benefited
a number of organisations and institutes including Autism Angels, yLead, and Keilor Views Primary School.
She is currently serving as a Humanitarian AffairsPeaceAmbassadorwithHumanitarian Affairs Asia, and previously also took on the Young Carer Ambassador role for Victoria with Little Dreamers Australia.
“Toleadthechange,youmustbethechange. To be the change, you must consistently set a positive example to others, and that is what I do on a daily basis,” Aristea said.
“As a facilitator, I am incredibly passionate about mentoring, and up-skilling our young leaders for their futures.
“It is remarkable to witness young leaders on their leadership journeys, and for them to feel so inspired to leave a positive legacy in their communities.”
According to Aristea, the drive to make a meaningful impact runs in her blood.
“My heart for serving others first comes
from my parents, who are my examples of positive leadership and service in the community,” she said.
Winners will be announced at an awards gala presentation dinner on May 9. They will each receive $2000 in prizes and a trophy.
One of the category winners will be named the 2025 Victorian Young Achiever of the Year and will also receive a state trophy.
Prealene Khera
Aristea Havelas was nominated for two awards in the upcoming Young Achiever Awards. (Supplied)
Cat Dong, John Girardi, Vu Du, Christine Nguyen are calling on all residents to attend the upcoming Lunar New Year event. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453701_01
Long-serving MP remembered
By Harper Sercombe
One of the north-west’s longest serving members of parliament, Bob Sercombe, has died aged 75 after a lengthy battle with vascular dementia.
Mr Sercombe served at all levels of government within the north-western suburbs, beginning his career as a councillor for Essendon City in 1983 and 1984 before representing the seat of Niddrie in state parliament from 1988 to 1996. He then moved to federal parliament to represent the seat of Maribyrnong from 1996 to 2007.
In state politics, he was deputy leader of the opposition 1993–94 and a member of the shadow ministry across portfolios including Corrections, Police and Emergency Services as well as Tourism, Sport and Racing.
In federal parliament, Mr Sercombe was an oppositionwhipfrom1998until2001andwas elected to the shadow ministry after the 2004 election and appointed shadow minister for Pacific Islands. His portfolio responsibilities were expanded some time later to include overseas development.
Yet it was within the western suburbs where he did some of his most beneficial and rewarding work. In his maiden speech to the Victorian Parliament, Mr Sercombe highlighted some of the issues that he wanted to address while serving his community.
“Agedcarehasbeenoneofthegreatpositive initiatives of the Cain government. Of course, moreneedstobedone,”hetoldtheparliament in 1988.
“When one examines the ageing population trend in the Niddrie electorate.
“I shall be pressing for prompt funding for a community health centre. The City of Keilor and the City of Essendon do not have one at present. It will provide a base for preventative programs and home-based care.
“There is already a shortage of nursing
homes and hostel facilities in the City of Keilor.”
Mr Sercombe stuck true to his word on this very issue, launching the Holloway Hostel, named after his maternal grandmother, in 1994 in Keilor East.
The aged care facility has provided low-cost care to thousands of ageing residents from across north-western suburbs in its three decades.
Another issue Mr Sercombe worked incredibly hard to resolve during his time in office was the notorious and deadly level crossing in St Albans.
Mr Sercombe lobbied hard for the removal of the crossing throughout his parliamentary career, with the crossing finally removed in 2016.
Despite Mr Sercombe having left politics at the time, he was credited as one of the key champions of the campaign’s success.
Former St Albans retail owner Asip Dimiri tooktosocialmediaafterthenewsofhisdeath to highlight his contribution.
“Bobwasinstrumentalingettingthewheels in motion to remove the very dangerous level crossings in St Albans as well around Melbourne. Rest in peace my friend,” he wrote.
Mr Sercombe also championed the diverse community he served, regularly going out of his way to talk to multicultural clubs and groups to discuss their needs and wants within the community.
“It has been a very great honour to serve
the electorate of Maribyrnong,” he said in his valedictory remarks to the federal parliament in 2007.
“Maribyrnong is an interesting electorate. I am continually impressed by the significant number of people who want to make a difference to the life of the community by contributing.
“It is also an extraordinarily culturally and socially diverse electorate. There are probably in excess of 100 different cultural groups in the electorate. It is rich and diverse.
“I particularly enjoyed working in that part of Melbourne with organisations that are interested in building bridges.
“It is great to be able to work with organisations that are not interested in dividing people; it is interested in uniting them.
“There are the Maltese soccer clubs George Cross and Green Gully. Whilst they have a Maltese heart they bring together people from that rich mosaic of cultures that are the western suburbs of Melbourne. The Italian Community of Keilor Association is another fine organisation.
“My interest in interethnic and interfaith communication and dialogue was reflected in some modest way in this place when I was able.”
It is evident that Mr Sercombe’s legacy throughout Melbourne’s north-west will live on for years to come.
* Harper Sercombe is the grandson of Bob Sercombe.
Children left bubbling with school holiday joy
Bubbles of all shapes and sizes were in the air on January 9, with StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic capturing kids enthralled with all that soapy fun at the Deer Park Library.
Facilitator Kalina Zemlyanova ensured all the kids enjoyed on the day.
Emily expressed her love for the session.
Shenel wasn’t afraid of getting his hands frothy.
Liam was left in awe.
Noah’s bubble of fun didn’t burst. Shenelie reached for the stars.
Ricco found himself engulfed in bubbly joy.
Harper with his grandfather, Bob Sercombe’s campaign poster. (Pictures: Supplied)
Summer entertainment
Melbourne’s west is bursting with excitement this January. From Lunar New Year to sunset safaris, the westside is teeming with fun activities for all to start the year.
Welcome the year of the wood snake with multiple Chinese New year events across the west, including Sunshine, Wyndham, and Williamstown.
The Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival 2025 will be on Sunday, January 26, from noon until 10pm at Hampshire Road, Sunshine. Party the night away at Braybrook with the Quang Minh Tet Festival on Tuesday, January 28, from 6pm to 1am, at Quang Minh Temple. Wyndham Multicultural Lunar Festival welcomes the year of the wood snake on Sunday, February 9 at Stockland Point Cook Shopping Centre, Point Cook, from 11am to 9pm.
Williamstown will close the Lunar New YearfestivitiesinthewestwiththeQiQiLunar New Year Celebrations on Saturday, February 15 from 11pm to 3pm at the Commonwealth Reserve, Williamstown.
Watch Melbourne’s west come alive with
Midsumma Westside’s vibrant program of exhibitions, drag, live music, performances, circus, pool parties and walks to Altona, Footscray, Laverton, St Albans and Werribee.
Sit back and relax with outdoor movies this summer at the new Sun Theatre in Williamstown, and at the Movies by the Bay in Hobsons Bay.
Enjoy the magic of the African savannah as the sun goes down with an extended Safari Tour, cocktails, performances and a traditional African Braai barbeque at the Werribee Open Range Zoo. This year, the event introduces a heart-warming new addition – a Southern White Rhino calf, sure to capture the hearts of visitors. Bookings are essential for this activity.
In the mood for a nice picnic surrounded by nature? The Melton Botanic Garden Walking Tour is the perfect way to do just that. Explore diverse dry climate plants and flowers on a 2.5km self-guided walk at Melton Botanic Gardens with Walking Maps Australia.
Details: https://shorturl.at/eBdSk
Boy charged
Detectives have charged a 15-year-old boy following an alleged armed robbery that left a St Albans man with serious injuries on January 12. It is alleged a male and female approached the man who was walking along Barkly Street in St Kilda and made demands for his car keys at about 9.15 pm. The male offender, allegedly armed with a machete, then assaulted the victim and the offenders ran from the scene empty-handed. The victim, a 39-year-old St Albans man was taken to hospital where he remains with non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested the boy at Southern Cross Railway Station at about 12.30 pm on January 13. He was remanded to appear at a children’s court.
Supermarket theft
Detectives are investigating a burglary at a supermarket in Deer Park on January 11. It is believed offenders were driving a white Toyota Land Cruiser which was parked at the main entrance of the store on Neale Road. Offenders attached a strap to the front door of the store just after 2 am, and pulled the entire entrance to the ground, police said. Once inside, they stole cigarettes and mobile phones before fleeing the scene, according to police.
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Celebrate Lunar New Year in the west. (Supplied)
Let’s talk about intimacy pain
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 writes about intimacy pain.
One of the major reasons women come into our clinic is due to new or long term intimacy pain.
Intimacypaincanbeamajorsourceofstress for women and their partners. The pain means both partners refrain from being intimate which can lead to guilt, anger, anxiety and miscommunication.
Why do women experience intimacy pain?
Young women may get pain due to tight pelvic floor muscles or because the area is pain sensitised. Pain sensitisation usually involves a nerve problem. This pain sensitisation can develop from excessive painful periods, endometriosis, adenomyosis or polycystic ovaries (PCO) or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
For pregnant or postnatal women hormonal changes may contribute to vagina dryness causing new intimacy pain or from new increasing pelvic floor muscle tension. After childbirth women may experience pain from recovering scarring from birth trauma or tissue dryness.
Perimenopausal women (from 40 - 44 years oldandbeyond)oftenexperiencenewintimacy pains as the vagina shrinks both in length and width as well as vaginal dryness.
So how can I fix my intimacy pain?
It depends on the cause, so getting help from an excellent women’s health GP, gynaecologist or pelvic health physiotherapist is ideal to diagnose the cause and address all the factors that are contributing to your pain.
But some good tricks to try at home include:
• For vaginal dryness try a silicon based lube as this does not absorb into the tissue like water
BUSINESS PROFILE
basedlubesdo.Itcanalsoincreaseyourtissue sensitivity for the mature woman.
• For just a little bit of pesky scar tissue don’t be afraid to gently feel your bits and you can massage that scar tissue away just like you would on any other part of your body. If you are unsure see your pelvic health physio for guidance.
• If you are perimenopausal talk to your GP about the merit of a topical oestrogen cream which can bring back the bounce in your vagina making the tissue stretchier and improves your natural lubrication significantly. Please note the cream needs to be applied to the outside as well as inside. Ovestin cream is better than the vaginal pessaries.
Finally a word of caution. If you have pelvic pain, which means your intimacy pain is burning and lasts for the duration of intimacy and continues afterwards beyond minutes, then this is normally a nerve issue and needs treatment.
Conditions such as vulvodynia, vestibulodynia, clitorodynia, vaginismus, anal pain, proctalgia, perineal pain and abdominal pain are all under the umbrella term pelvic pain.
Discover your next adventure at cruise expo
Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel and World Cruise Expo returns to the city on Sunday, February 2, at GMHBA Stadium.
The annual event promises to be packed with fantastic holiday ideas, exclusive travel deals and expert advice – all with free entry.
With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Aussie adventures, this expo is your one-stop destination for travel planning.
It’s your chance to meet representatives from the world’s top travel companies, who are ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers.
Among the expo guests will be celebrity chef Gabriel Gate who will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises. Stuart Coffield, who heads up the family-owned and operated Geelong Travel company, said the popular event’s winning attraction is its lineup of expert travellers.
“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links,” he said.
“You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amazing.”
Geelong Travel’s 20 experienced team members will be on hand to help expo visitors with enquiries and bookings.
And there’s a travel experience to suit everyone. Among the exciting presentations will be:
· The Ghan and Indian Pacific – Australia’s Great Rail Journeys;
· The wonders of Canada and Alaska with APT and Travelmarvel; Explore the new world of Viking’s Ocean, Rivers & Expeditions;
Tour Differently – the experts, the icons, and hidden secrets of travelling with ease; Bucket list adventures including The Kimberley, Africa, South America and Asia with APT and Travelmarvel; Mustsee places and Immersive cultural experiences throughout Asia and beyond with Wendy Wu;
· Travelling to Antarctica and the Arctic with Quark Expeditions;
· New Zealand coach tours with Grand Pacific Tours; and Small group fourwheeldrive expeditions throughout Australia with Outback Spirit.
The team at Pelvic Health Melbourne.
Trafalgar’s
The Cinque Terra.
Gabriel Gate will serve up a French cooking demonstration and highlights of Scenic Tour’s luxury European river cruises. (Supplied) Santorini.
Lunar event lights up St Albans
People from across Brimbank and the wider western suburbs descended on St Albans to join in the local Lunar New Year event celebrations on January 19. From eclectic cultural performances and unique stalls to captivating entertainment, there was somethingforeveryone.
Providing high quality aged care for local families since 1991.
Doutta Galla offers permanent residential and respite care across seven convenient locations in Melbourne’s West, with comfortable retirement living in Moonee Ponds.
If you’re looking for quality, affordable aged care close to home, call us on 9680 3300 or visit us at www.dgas.org.au
The dragon dance was a highlight of the day. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd)
Dancing of various forms kept audiences captivated. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd)
There was no shortage of awe-inspiring performances. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd)
The dragon spectacle. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd) The day kept everyone entertained, robots included. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd)
Thousands attended the event. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd)
There were plenty of food stalls to choose from. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd)
A traditional drumming showcase. (Perm Temp Pty Ltd)
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
Scented Cinema: Hairspray (1988)
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a brand new sensory and interactive screening of the John Waters 1988 cult classic, Hairspray. Presented by Brimbank council in collaboration with Snivure and Scented Storytelling, this scented screening at the Bowery Theatre and St Albans Community Centre on January 24, from 6 to 8 pm, will leave your noses and eyes having the best time of your life. Bowery@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Women in business lunch
A special Brimbank Women in Business Lunch is being organised on Thursday, March 6 to celebrate International Women’s Day, with guest speaker Jelena Dokic. A prodigious talent that rocketed to fourth in the world in women’s tennis by age 19, Jelena is now a popular sports commentator with two bestselling books about her remarkable life. Jelena will share her incredible journey of survival on and off the court, as well as her personal battles with poverty, racism, bullying, abuse, injury and depression. Jelena’s raw honesty and resilience has captivated audiences worldwide, offering a powerful message of hope, strength and perseverance. Seats are limited, so book now. events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/brimbankwomen-in-business-lunch-jelena-dokic/
Flower and garden show
Team up with your neighbours and friends and showcase the fruits and vegies triumphs from your gardens at the annual flower and garden show hosted by local gardening experts from the Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club on March 15, from 11am to 4.30pm. The club is seeking entries from community members to bring their best flowers, fruits, vegetables, pot plants, photographs, cookery, handcrafts to enter into the colourful display. www.sunshinegardenclub.org/ autumn-show.html
Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning
Join Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning, a free, evidence-based early education program that combines music, play, and connection for families with children aged 0-5 years. Running for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, 10.30am to 12.30pm, this program is designed to incorporate singing, stories, and fun activities to support your child’s development. Running from February 11 onwards at the Sunshine Heights Playgroup Centre, 105 Glengala Road.
9663 6733, or events@ds.org.au
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Brimbank.
9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/
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. The group also holds 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 are held Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am to noon, at Braybrook College. westgateconcertband@gmail.com
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 Cafe in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.
sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082
Al-Anon Family Groups
Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Sydenham Neighbourhood Centre (rear of library) every Wednesday, from 1-2:30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.
Card games
Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday, from 7-10pm, at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine. Leisa, 0425 768 808
Keilor Day View Club
The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along
and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies.
Robyn, 0425 387 880
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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Addison, Eva and Olivia escaping the heat at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. (Attie Mohebali)
Discover the Viking
For those dreaming of a vacation experience created for curious travellers, let us introduce you to Viking and the Viking Difference.
The cruise line is destination focused and culturally enriching and for those who prefer anelegant,sereneshipambiance,moretimein eachportandaninclusiveexperiencecomplete withexquisitediningandthoughtfullycurated shore excursions.
Viking are often credited with inventing modern river cruising in 1997. In 2015, they turned their attention to ocean cruising. In 2022, they began perfecting expedition cruising with journeys to the ends of the earth and closer to their Norwegian home on board the Viking Polaris and the Viking Octantis.
The cruise line’s attention to detail and destination-focused approach is what has helped make Viking the world’s leading exploration company.
With offerings on all seven continents, the company invites you to reawaken your spirit of discovery and celebrate a return to sailing and exploring the world in comfort.
Viking offers a shore excursion in every port and an onboard and onshore enrichment program that provides deep immersion in the destination through performances of music and art, cooking demonstrations, informative port talks and carefully selected guest lecturers.
In 2015, Viking introduced its first ocean ship with the naming of the 930-guest all-veranda Viking Star. One year later, they launched their second ocean ship, the Viking Sea, which was joined by sister ship the Viking Sky in 2017, the Viking Orion in 2018, the Viking Jupiter in 2019 and the Viking Venus in 2021. Identical sister ships the Viking Mars, and the Viking Neptune joined the fleet in 2022; the Viking Saturn joined in 2023. Ocean itineraries are designed to maximize the amount of time travellers spend in their destination. These enriching itineraries include base and combination voyages around theworld,withparticularfocusinScandinavia and Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand, Asia, Alaska, North and South America and Africa.
The popular European river voyages range from eight to twenty-three days, with itineraries featuring Europe’s Rhine, Main, Danube, Seine, Rhone, Douro, Moselle, Elbe, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde Rivers.
Viking also offers voyages on Egypt’s Nile River and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River.
Sailing Europe’s storied rivers, the award-winning fleet of identical Viking Longships® offer a variety of stateroom categories and true two-room suites with
full-size verandas. Onboard amenities include a restaurant, bar and lounge, library and expansive sun deck. The ships feature al fresco dining on the revolutionary indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace, elegant Scandinavian design and environmentally considerate features, such as solar panels, an onboard organic herb garden and energy-efficient hybrid engines for a remarkably smooth ride.
Viking launched destination-focused travel experiences on the Mississippi River in 2022, with sailings ranging from eight to fifteen days between New Orleans, Louisiana and St. Paul, Minnesota. The Viking Mississippi hosts 386 guests and features some of the largest staterooms across the cruise industry, where each guest has a sweeping view of the river and landscape beyond.
In 2022, they launched their expedition voyages with the arrival of the 378-guest Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. Both ships sail expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.
The Viking Sun was renamed the Viking Yi Dun in 2024 and will exclusively sail the coast of China. Viking Vela, Viking’s twelfth ocean ship debuted in November 2024 and the Viking Vesta will launch this year. Viking are excited to also announce the Viking Mira is due to be delivered in 2026.
For further information visit www.viking. com or phone reservations (AU) 138 747.
LEE MCCARTHY
The 378-guest Polar Class Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris sail expedition voyages in Antarctica, the Arctic and North America’s Great Lakes.
Viking offers voyages on Egypt’s Nile River and Southeast Asia’s Mekong River.
Viking information sessions
Vikinghasopenedregistrationsforitspopular regionalAustraliainformationsessionsaimed atcurioustravellerslookingforinspirationfor their next voyage.
The sessions, to be held in 44 regional locations across all states and the Australian Capital Territory starting in Ipswich, Queensland, on Tuesday 4 February going through to 3 April.
The sessions provide the perfect opportunity for travellers to connect with VikingCommercialManagersandpastguests to discover the “Viking difference” through Viking’s award-winning river, ocean, and expedition journeys.
Attendees will also find out more about Viking’s newly launched Scandinavian, Northern European and Mediterranean itineraries, new Viking destinations, their culturally enriching onshore experiences and onboard enrichment.
The sessions are scheduled twice daily at 10am and 6:30pm, running for 75 minutes. Complimentary light refreshments will be served during the 30 minutes prior to each session, providing an opportunity for networking amongst new and past guests, travel agents and Viking Commercial Managers.
Viking believes attendees will not only leave the session informed and inspired to book their next Viking cruise but will also receive an exclusive offer, to assist them to secure their booking within 14 days of the event.
Registration is essential as availability is limited, and places are expected to fill fast.
For group bookings of four or more, please email infosessions.anz@vikingcruises.com.
Viking is planning a series of metropolitan Australian information sessions for travel agents and their clients in late 2025.
More information about these sessions will be available in the second half of the year.
Queensland
Ipswich: Tuesday, 4 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Mooloolaba: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Noosa: Thursday, 13 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Bribie Island: Tuesday, 18 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Townsville: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Cairns: Thursday, 27 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Toowoomba: Wednesday, 5 March | 10.30
am & 6.30 pm
Bundaberg: Tuesday, 1 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Hervey Bay: Thursday, 3 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsqueensland-3904113
South Australia
Victor Harbor: Tuesday, 18 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Stirling: Wednesday, 19 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Barossa Valley: Thursday, 20 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionssouth-australia-3904203
Tasmania Hobart: Tuesday, 18 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Launceston: Wednesday, 19 February | 11.30 am & 6.30 pm
Devonport: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionstasmania-3904183?just_published=true
Victoria
Brighton: Tuesday, 4 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Mornington Peninsula: Thursday, 6 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Ballarat: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Sale: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Bendigo: Tuesday, 4 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Shepparton: Thursday, 6 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Warrnambool: Thursday, 13 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Geelong: Wednesday, 26 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsvictoria-3896763
Australian Capital Territory
Canberra: Tuesday, 11 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsact-3896753
New South Wales
HunterValley: Tuesday,18February|10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Newcastle: Thursday, 20 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Coffs Harbour: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Penrith: Wednesday, 26 February | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Bathurst: Tuesday, 4 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Orange: Wednesday, 5 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Central Coast: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Ballina: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Wollongong: Tuesday, 11 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Southern Highlands: Thursday, 13 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Nelson Bay: Tuesday, 18 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Albury: Wednesday,19March|10.30am&
6.30 pm
Forster: Thursday, 20 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Port Macquarie: Tuesday, 25 March | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Tamworth: Tuesday, 1 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
Armidale: Thursday, 3 April | 10.30 am & 6.30 pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionsnew-south-wales-3904123
Western Australia
Albany: Tuesday, 25 February | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Mandurah: Thursday, 6 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Bunbury: Wednesday, 12 March | 10.30am & 6.30pm
Busselton: Thursday,13March|10.30am& 6.30pm
To register please visit https://www. eventbrite.com/cc/viking-explorer-sessionswestern-australia-3904193
Michelle Black, from Viking said, “Our sessions are perfect for those new to Viking as well as our loyal past guests. Whether attendees are interested in polar expeditions, new ports, European river journeys, or Mediterranean, Scandinavian or Asia ocean voyages our information sessions are relevant to every curious traveller’s agenda,” said Michelle Black, Viking Managing Director ANZ.
“Thesesessionsaresovaluableineducating, engagingandmotivatingclientstomaketheir next travel booking, making attending these sessions a smart business decision for savvy agents,” said Black.
Guests and Viking Commercial Manager’s at Viking’s explorer information sessions 2023. (Supplied)
LEE MCCARTHY
SCENIC SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC JEWELS
Bergen to Stockholm or vice versa
15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 12 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $13,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $16,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CAPITALS
Oslo to Copenhagen or vice versa
15 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 10 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $13,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $16,195pp in Penthouse Veranda
EXPL RER
Sailing to all seven continents, the whole world awaits
Enjoy free flight offers with selected river, ocean or expedition voyages, valued up to AU$2,400 per person. Plus AU$500 shipboard credit with any ocean and expedition booking. Available for a limited time only, offers end 31 March 2025.
Bergen to Copenhagen
22 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 17 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAY-SEP 2027
From $19,795pp in Veranda Stateroom
From $24,295pp in Penthouse Veranda
Curious about exploring the world with the most-awarded cruise line? Join one of our free information sessions and discover the unique Viking way of exploration. Book quickly, sessions fill
Luxury Mediterranean Cunard Voyage, Duo of Italian Lakes & Scenic Swiss Rail
Discover the enchanting Mediterranean, from the breathtaking Italian Lakes and the spectacular Swiss Alps to the remarkable treasures scattered along its coastline.
Following an overnight hotel stay in Rome, you will board Cunard’s elegant Queen Victoria for a luxurious 14-night Mediterranean cruise. The voyage will take you to stunning destinations, including Toulon, Alghero, and Messina, before continuing to Naples and Civitavecchia. You will also explore the idyllic islands of Cephalonia and Corfu, followed by the scenic beauty of Kotor and historic Dubrovnik.
Disembarking in Trieste, you will transfer to the serene Lake Maggiore for a five-night escape. Here, you’ll experience the beauty of the surrounding mountains and tranquil waters, including a scenic Centovalli Railway journey that offers breathtaking views and a tour of nearby Lake Como, known for its picturesque villages and stunning villas.
Queen Victoria
From her elegantly decorated public rooms and opulent lounge venues to her gourmet fine dining and luxurious, spacious cabins, Cunard’s illustrious vessel exudes class with the splendour evocative of great cruise liners past.
Your holiday includes Full-Board Cruise
ï 14 night full-board cruise on board
Queen Victoria
ï Visiting: Rome, Toulon, Alghero, Messina, Naples, Civitavecchia, Cephalonia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Trieste
Hotel Stays
ï 1 night four-star stay in Rome at the Starhotels Metropole
ï 5 night four-star stay in Lake Maggiore at the Zacchera Hotels Collection
ï All hotel stays include breakfast
Fully Escorted Tour
ï Lake Como tour
Rail Journey
ï Scenic rail journey on board the Centovalli Railway
All Flights, Taxes and Transfers
ï Overnight flights
Journey on board the Centovalli Railway
This panoramic train journey from Domodossola in Italy to Locarno in Switzerland travels through the picturesque Centovalli “One Hundred Valleys”. It traverses the foothills of the Lepontine Alps, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Pass deep gorges and crevices with glittering cascading waterfalls. Glide across colourful alpine wildflower meadows, over numerous bridges and through vineyards and forests of chestnut trees. This scenic rail journey through a timeless landscape is unmissable.
Art honours mothers and daughters
A multimedia artwork currently displayed at the Brimbank and Sunshine Projection Galleries is a pictorial ode from a daughter to her mother.
Trước nhà con (at the front of my house) is a projection art piece by Liên Ta that incorporates poetry, photography, animation, and language to depict a familial love story recognisable to many immigrant parents and children.
“I wanted to create something to honour my mother, and also honour Sunshine’s Vietnamese community, where I grew up,” Liên said.
“In mother-daughter relationships with a language barrier, it’s difficult to communicate loveinawaythatseemstotranslate. Thiswork is how I communicate my love, and whether or not it translates, I’m glad I could be able to express it in a way that feels right to me.”
Liên said the work pushed viewers to come out thinking more about the poem and guardian-child relationships.
“The poem itself is intentionally vague, and I hope each person finds their own meaning in it,” Liên said.
“The projection can be viewed at 294 and 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine — the projection at 301 Hampshire Road is at the rear of the building.
A bloomin’ good day out
Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden is promoting sustainable living through a guided tour on Sunday, February 9 at 10am starting at the garden’s depot and nursery.
The guided tour is a part of the National Sustainability Festival, an Australia-wide event that runs through February.
FriendsofMeltonBotanicGardenpresident John Bentley said the group operates with a set of underlying sustainability principles.
“Many years ago Sustainable Living Festival, as it was called when it started, we noticedtheydidgardentours,andwethought that that would fit very well with what we do in the garden,” he said.
“The plants themselves are the main thing that people come to the garden to see, and our
technique for planting plants helps maximise water capture from rainfall.”
The guided walking tour is a gentle 90-minute tour that will showcase the northern section of the Melton Botanic Gardentoseeplantsthattolerateadryclimate and have low water requirements.
The Friends of Melton Botanic Garden has beentakingpartintheNationalSustainability Festival since 2014.
“What they can learn through the tour are plants that are suitable for the Melton area, what we have done around the depot and the gardenforreusingandrepurposing,andwork towards sustainability,” Mr Bentley said.
MrBentleysaidthegardenstrytobecarbon neutral.
“Wehavedonecalculations,andthroughout the extensive planting we’ve done, we’re doing great carbon sequestration in the botanic garden.
“Plus, creating a green environment helps to reduce the temperature, and the other great thing is we increase the diversity of flora and fauna.”
Mr Bentley encouraged others to “consider planting for sustainability, and look at ways that you can personally reduce your cost because sustainability starts with each of us.”
Tickets and bookings available at: https:// fmbg.org.au/
Faith Macale
Pride event at Kelly Park
Park Lounge is returning with pride and glory to Kelly Park in Werribee on Saturday, February 1 as part of Melbourne’s Midsumma Festival.
An evening celebrating queer culture and expression, Park Lounge will showcase a new line-up of LGBTQIA+ artists and allies who promise to dazzle with dance, music and performance between 6-10pm.
A fantastic stage arrangement will be front and centre, with host Aysha Buffet introducing audiences to performances by Saint Ergo, Barr Bee Doll, Squid Nebula, DJ Gaff E and the Arcoiris Queer Latin Group.
Country and disco will also feature as alt country crooner Leroy Macqueen, Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir and Disco Rodeo Boot Scooting will be strutting their stuff.
Now in its 13th year, the event is by no means confined to colourful performances, providing a little of something for everybody.
A range of craft stalls will allow attendeestotransformtheiroldclothes into interesting pieces of wearable art and jewellery.
Leading the charge will be the Ballarat Trans & Gender Diverse Swap Shop with many new outfits to be swapped or donated, in a bid to help people fit in.
Guests are encouraged to have a picnic, get something from one of the on-site food trucks or sample many of the diverse flavours found in the restaurants of Werribee.
Whilesomeseatingwillbeprovided, guests are welcome to bring their own chairs.
For more information on accessibility: https://www.wyndham. vic.gov.au/whats-on/park-lounge
Summer concert series to pop-up in central Spotswood
A street in central Spotswood has been convertedintoalivemusicvenueforaseriesof free concerts running from January to March.
The Spotswood Summer Sessions began last Saturday afternoon at a pop-up stage on Forrest Street, the first four concerts to be heldatthemakeshiftvenuecalled‘TheVillage Spot’.
Organiser Cameron Tait said the concerts will make use of vacant council space on the street.
“I applied for some funding to activate that space and that’s where these concerts have come from” said Mr Tait who received a grant from the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to make the Spotswood Summer Sessions possible.
Once the funding was locked in, he hired local musician Fem Belling and her company Bandwagon Live to put the line-up together.
“She’s booked a range of musicians such as jazzartists,smallpopduosandDJ’sandthey’ll
be doing hour-long sets over four dates,” said MrTaitofMsBellingwhowillalsoperformat the concert on January 30.
A member of the Spotwood Traders Association,MrTaitsaidthesummersessions would do more than just entertain the local community and showcase local artists.
“It’s about the traders giving back to the community and to increase the attractiveness of Spotswood and attract more visitors and celebrate all that Sportswood has to offer,” he said.
And if it goes well, the pop-up stage on Forrest Street could become more permanent.
“The goal would be for this to be an annual series,” Mr Tait said.
The Spotwood Summer Sessions run from 12-4pm on February 8 and March 1 and from 4pm-8pm on Thursday, January 30.
Details: https://www.facebook.com/ share/1FHYXoFMRy/ Cade Lucas.
A band performs on the Band Wagon pop-up stage which will be used for the Spotswood Summer Sessions. (supplied)
Liên Ta’s artwork was created to honour her mother and culture. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453873_05
John Bentley, president of the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, peeping through the lemon beauty heads (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453707_01
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Recently retired Tohu Harris was captain of which NRL team?
2. Phil ‘The Power' Taylor won a record 16 world championships in which sport?
3. Which Olympics was the first to include synchronised diving?
4. Noah Balta most recently played for which AFL club?
5. Which Australian basketballer was first to reach 1000 NBA games played?
6. Which two US college teams will play off in the 2025 national championship game?
Australia’s Daniel Sanders competed in which vehicle category of the 2025 Dakar Rally?
Luke Sayers was most recently the president of which AFL club?
In what year is a Papua New Guineabased team set to debut in the NRL?
What is the real name of US golf professional Fuzzy Zoeller?
Bernard Tomic made his only Grand Slam quarterfinals appearance at Wimbledon in which
What is the name of Britain’s top level rugby league competition?
13. Which Australian horse race has the highest prize value?
14. Who was the only cricketer to take over 30 wickets in the 2024–25 Border Gavaskar Trophy series?
15. Canadian basketballer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plays for which NBA team?
16. What is the most popular sport in India?
17. The upcoming sports action drama film F1 will star which actor as driver Sonny Hayes?
18. Titleist is a popular brand that manufactures balls used in which sport?
19. Suncorp Stadium is located in which suburb of Brisbane?
20. In which year was the A-League Women’s division founded?
21. Glenn Maxwell plays for which Big Bash League team?
22. What is the title of the recent documentary charting the life of tennis great Jelena Dokic?
23. The Belinda Clark Medal is awarded to the women’s player of the year in which sport?
24. Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam recently received a ban of how many NRL matches?
25. How many matches make up the 2025 Women’s Ashes cricket series?
26. And which ground is hosting its first-ever daynight Test match during the Women’s Ashes series?
27. Who currently sits third on Australia’s all-time men’s Test wicket tally with 539 scalps?
28. How many combined Olympic medals have sisters Jess and Noemie Fox won?
29. The Adelaide Giants, Sydney Blue Sox and Melbourne Aces are all teams that play which sport?
30. In what year was a pink cricket ball first used in Test matches?
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Postal receipt (5)
4 Female cleaner (9)
9 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)
10 Distribute (food) (5,2)
11 Rear (9)
12 ‘70s dance genre (5)
13 Twenty-first letter of the Greek alphabet (3)
14 Melodramatic (11)
16 Able to be maintained consistently (11)
19 Male sheep (3)
20 Baghdad native (5)
22 Lasting (9)
25 First (7)
26 Mournful (7)
27 US state (9)
28 Persuasion (5)
DOWN
1 Scheme (3-2)
2 Qualities of a room that determine audibility (9)
3 Bit (5)
4 Wariness (7)
5 European country (7)
6 Universal (9)
7 Satisfies (5)
8 'Not to worry' (2,7)
13 Assumes the worst (9)
14 Keep steady (9)
15 Beatles song, – Wood (9)
17 Attacks with thickened petrol bombs (7)
18 Language of Myanmar (7)
21 Foreign (5)
23 Vigilant; observant (5)
24 Unspoken (5)
1 The prancing horse is the
2 Brass is an alloy of which two metals?
3 Who wrote the classic children's book TheVery HungryCaterpillar?
4 Name the British monarch that abdicated from the throne in 1936.
5 Which Dutch artist painted TheNightWatch? 6 Christoph Waltz (pictured) won an Oscar for his portrayal of Dr. King Schultz in which 2012 film?
7 Is Mavis Staples a famous a) basketball player, b) singer or c) cinematographer?
8 Phoenix dactylifera is a palm species that produces which fruit?
9
10 Who is the major hero of the Irish
Nissan’s latest and greatest
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Meet Nissan’s latest and greatest X-Trail crossover, the N-Trek edition.
Originally conceived as a limited edition of 500 vehicles, X-Trail joins the Navara and Pathfinder N-Trek editions.
Based on the ST-L grade, back then it came with larger 19-inch alloys, built-in navigation, premium Bose eight-speaker audio, smoked coloured bonnet protector, slim line front and rear weather shields, front and rear kick plates and carpet mats in the five-seat version - all standard equipment.
Now it rides on 18s and has six-speaker unbranded audio. Satnav remains but the other nick-nacks have gone - what’s more the car costs an extra $10,000.
STYLING
N-Trek is available in two- and all-wheel drive form, and in five- or seven-seat configuration.
The five-seat is priced from $48,540, the seven-seater (they’re small) is priced from $51,640 - before on-road costs.
That’s around $3600 more than the mid-range ST-L on which it is based.
In effect N-Trek is not much more than a black edition of the X-Trail, with most of the changes of a cosmetic nature.
There’s a new dark finish for the Nissan ‘V-motion grille’, with a black finish for the door mirrors, handles and roof rails, while new and unique 18-inch alloys feature a black-and-silver theme.
Along with a redesign new LED fog lights have been integrated into the lower front bumper which is finished in a gunmetal colour.
Inside, N-Trek adopts the 12.3-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch digital dash from the flagship Ti, together with heads-up display.
The seats are trimmed in a new water-resistant synthetic-leather, designed to give owners the confidence to go further and get muddier.
In September wireless charging, walk-away locking, a hands-free automatic tailgate and wireless Android Auto were added, however none of these functions were present in our test vehicle.
Standard equipment includes synthetic leather and two-zone climate air, with rear air vents, heated front seats, power adjust driver’s seat, auto high beam, LED head and tail lights, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control,electricparkingbrake,auto-dimming rear view mirrors, auto lights and wipers, heated auto-folding exterior mirrors, plus front and rear parking sensors.
X-Trail comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five years roadside assistance and capped-price service plans are available to purchase when buying the car. Servicingintervalsare12months/10,000km.
A space-saver spare wheel is provided.
INFOTAINMENT
Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen and six-speaker audio, with built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and DAB+ digital Radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, with voice recognition, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’salsowirelessphonecharging,USBA and C front and back, and 12V outlets in the front console and luggage area.
SAFETY
A five-star ANCAP safety rating applies to all variants.
The rating for the Nissan X-Trail is based on testing of its partner model, the Nissan Qashqai, conducted in 2021.
ANCAP was provided with technical information and additional tests were conducted to show the Qashqai rating is also
applicable to X-Trail.
Dual frontal, side chest-protecting and side head-protecting airbags are standard.
A centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes is also standard.
Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction Assist and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all variants.
ISOFix child seat anchors are provided for the two outer second-row seats, as well as top tethers for all second row seats.
There are anchor points for the third row.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
The 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four cylinder engine in the N-Trek produces 135kW of power at 6000 rpm and 244Nm of torque at 3600 rpm, with drive to all four wheels on demand through a CVT-style continuously variable automatic transmission.
That’s an increase of 9kW/19Nm over the previous model.
With two electric motors the ePOWER version produces a combined 157kW of power (no combined torque figure is offered).
The petrol version has eight steps or simulated gears and gear change paddles for the especially enthusiastic driver.
DRIVING
At4680mm,X-Trailhasgrownintoamid-size SUVthesedays.Whiletheoriginalmodelwas surprisingly adept off road, the latest version with a different mindset and just 205mm of ground clearance has taken a step back.
The only four-wheel driving it is up for these days is the odd dirt road, despite any advertising claims to the contrary.
At least we wouldn’t be venturing too far off the bitumen.
Although our test vehicle is a seven-seater, the pair of seats that comprise the third row are tiny and suitable only for small children and then over short distances.
The second row does, however, slide backwards or forwards to provide more legroom for the second or third row as circumstances dictate.
The seats are reasonably comfortable, with heating for winter and a steering wheel that is both reach and height adjustable, with power adjustment for the driver so you should be able to find a comfortable driving position.
There’s plenty of storage in the front too, with a two-tier console, good-sized bottle holders and a split-lid console box.
Glad to hear Android Auto has gone wireless. The wired connection of our test vehicle suffered from constant drop outs, making navigation difficult.
Meanwhile, built-in navigation could not understand even the simplest voice commands.
X-Trail ST, ST-L and N-Trek are offered in two-wheel drive with five seats or all-wheel drive with seven seats.
Power comes from a 2.5-litre petrol engine, or Nissan’s innovative e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.
The latter pairs a turbocharged 1.5-litre, three-cylinder variable compression petrol engine with two electric motors - one for each axle.
Top of the range Ti and Ti-L are five seat and all-wheel drive, and both offer the option of e-POWER with e-4ORCE technology.
There are five drive modes: Off-road, Snow, Auto, Eco and Sport, selected via a rotary dial in the centre console.
Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.4L/100km and it takes standard 91 unleaded. We were getting a reasonable 7.5L/100km after more than 570km.
And it can tow a 2000kg braked load.
Performance is adequate without being exciting. Unless you prod the throttle hard enough, forward progress is likely to be sluggish.
Give it the boot, however, and the thing surges forward, albeit with some initial hesitation.
Although not designed to circulate quickly, we gave the N-Trek a bit of stick on the Old Pacific Highway out of Sydney and were pleasantly surprised by the amount of grip it exhibited.
Ditto for the brakes and steering.
Let’s just say it’s a lot more fun than many of the Chinese offerings that we have driven. Notably, the electronic assistance systems are refreshingly unintrusive, unlike many cars and SUVs that we have driven in recent times. Hallelujah.
SUMMING UP
To be frank, we expected more. More style, more power and more equipment. At least somedecalsidentifythisX-Trailassomething special-thefactthatitdoesn’tspeaksvolumes. Foravehiclethatsupposedlyhasanoff-road focus, some clarity is required because none of the additional features support this suggestion.
Those considerations aside, the N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. And that’s what most people want.
The N-Trek is an attractive offering that is comfortable, well equipped and easy to drive. (pictures supplied)
Weekend sport action heats up
There was plenty of action going on the sporting fields on Saturday, including some local rivalries. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of theaction.
Werribee Centrals’ Jacob Russell. 454170_01
Bellbridge’s Henro Dias. 454169_17
Sunshine YCW’s Bailey Williamson. 454170_16
Laverton’s Palwinder Brar. 454169_04
Williamstown Congs’ Joshua Lanciana. 454171_01
Burnside Springs United’s Tim Stephens. 454171_07
Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_13
Barkly St Uniting’s Raj Aiyappan. 454174_04
Newport Rams’ David Tongue. 454166_09
Williamstown’s Samuel Reale. 454166_05
Parkers ready for second part of season
Deer Park is sitting exactly where it wants to be heading into the back part of the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division season.
The two-time reigning premiers sit atop the table heading into the back part of the season which started on the weekend.
Head of bowls operation Mark Casey said they were ready to go for the second part of the season.
“The club couldn’t be happier with how things went prior to the Christmas break, beating Yarraville-Footscray 18-0 in the last game [in a top of the table clash] as really set us up with launch into the last five rounds with some momentum with our goal of a top two spot still the objective,” he said.
Casey said they felt they were starting to find the right mix of players in their top squad.
He said with the depth they’ve got this
season, players can’t get complacent though.
“Players know that they need to keep performing at a high standard as there are players ready to step up,” he said. “It’s extremely healthy for all our teams.”
Heading into the weekend’s round, which was after deadline, the Parkers were sitting two points clear on top of the ladder.
There was then a gap of more than 30 points between the top two and the rest of the pack.
Casey said their focus at the start of the year was to finish in the top two and this hasn’t changed.
“There is still a lot of work to be done which starts with our next game against Clayton in Geelong.”
While the Parkers top side is flying, their second side which plays in division 1, section 1 is also having a really strong season.
Casey said they were so proud of the side.
“Getting promoted to division 1 this year
and being placed in a really tough section we knew it wouldn’t be easy,” he said.
“They have shown that they are more than capable of mixing it with every side. If this side was to play finals it would be a massive achievement.”
While many of the Parkers players, including Casey, had some time off over the Christmas break, many were still in action in various tournaments.
It was a successful couple of weeks for the players.
“The club had eight men and women part of the winning metro west side in the Victorian Regional Championships so it’s great to know our players will be ready to go in our next game,” Casey said.
The Parkers were in action on Sunday against Clayton in Belmont, after deadline.
Lauton’s magic moment
By Tara Murray
Western United young star Jordan Lauton never in his wildest dreams could have imagined what his first A-League Men’s goal would have been.
Not a known goalscorer, Lauton produced some magic with a bicycle kick to give United a dying seconds win against Perth Glory earlier this month.
Many have said the goal is amongst the best in A-League history.
“Ithassettleddownalittlebit,”hesaid.“You rarely expect one of those goals to happen.
“The ball came to me and the next minute it was in the back of the net. I wasn’t thinking at all.”
Lauton said he hadn’t scored a goal at any level in the past six years, making it even more special.
He said it was a bit strange to find his name on the goalscorers list.
“I ended the goal scoring drought,” he said. “It was very different for me.
“Hopefully I can score a few more.”
The aftermath resulted in Lauton getting his second yellow for the game and being sent
from the field.
While he then missed the next game through suspension, he doesn’t regret his celebration.
“I didn’t realise,” he said. “Obviously I’d scored and then fell to the ground before being sent off.
“It’s one of those moments you have to enjoy.”
The goal is the big moment that has been a whirlwind 12 months for the 21-year-old.
Hemadehisdebutlastseasonbeforeearning his first A-League contract this season.
Lauton, who grew up in Ballarat, said if it wasn’t for United he doesn’t know where he would be.
“It Western didn’t happen and become a club, this opportunity to play wouldn’t have happened,” he said.
“Ithelpshavingateaminthewestformyself and other people like Abel Walatee, who have grown up out here.”
Lauton is part of a young United group is growing in confidence.
Only a week after the win against Perth Glory, United beat Melbourne Victory, with two goals in injury time to come from behind
Tigers claim local cup
There was more than bragging rights on the line on Tuesday night between Sunshine United and Sunshine Heights in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition.
The two local clubs played off for the James Peter Cup, with Peter on hand to watch the match and present the trophy named in his honour.
ItwastheTigersthatcameawaywith the win and the trophy in the Ponting group.
The Tigers made 7-140 from their overs, with guest player Nathan Caulfield top scoring with 39 before being run out.
Siddhant Bindroo took three wickets for the Heights.
At 1-72, Heights had set a good platform to chase down the runs but the wickets started to fall.
Heights was bowled out for 121 with an over remaining. Max Hatzoglou top discord with 48 off 34 balls at the top of the order. Deer Park beat Bellbridge in the other Ponting group match.
The Bears were bowled out for 99 on thefinalballofthe20overs.Christopher Armstrong held the innings together, making 42.
Aaron Shellie took three wickets for the Lions.
Afterlosinganearlywicket,theLions made light work of the chase, finishing 2-100.
Shellie top scored with 51 not out at the top of the order.
again.
Lauton said the group was starting to find their feet.
“It was a great win against one of the biggest teams in the competition,” he said. “We’ve shown that we can come back despite how long is left and whatever is happening in the game.
“We’ve got that fight and I’m glad to be part of it.”
Lauton said being a young group they’ve got plenty of legs which was showing when it was needed too.
Manyoftheyounggrouphadcomethrough the United Academy together many they had played a lot together in recent weeks.
“Everyone is starting their journey into the senior side,” he said. “It is good to progress and there’s been a lot of hard work.”
Lauton said his season had so far exceeded his expectations and he’s played more minutes than he thought he would.
Fornow,hewantstokeepworkinghardand take his opportunities.
“Hopefully I can help the team as high as we can.”
The Lions are undefeated after three games.
Meanwhile In the Lawrie group, St Albans had a big win against East Keilor.
The Saints made 3-137 from their overs with Arosh Janoda top scoring with 60 not out. After losing a wicket without scoring, East Keilor was always behind the eight ball, finishing 9-83. In the Taylor group, Keilor was too strong for Burnside Springs United.
The Blues made 5-133 with Malith Cooraytopscoringwith39atthetopof the order Burnside finished 9-93 with Mathew Sanders top scoring with 31. Grand United won a high scoring affair with Sunshine.
The Gorillas made 3-166 from their overs, with Ben Seabrook top scoring with 61 at the top of the order.
The Crows started well, putting on 81 for the first wicket, before finishing 8-154.
Troy Stone top scored with 65 at the top of the order
Tara Murray
Winston Brackley. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 449514_03
Jordan Lauton. (Western United/Getty Images)
Former AFL big man Jamar joins Keilor Park
Keilor Park has added some much needed experience with the signing of a former AFL big man for the Essendon District Football League division 2 season.
The Devils have announced the signing of former Melbourne and Essendon ruck Mark Jamar for the upcoming season.
Devils football director Scott Kempster said it was a matter of the right time and place.
“It had been a work in progress,” he said. “We’re happy to have secured Mark, he’s a good acquisition.
“We managed to sign him through Mark Harvey. Harvs used to play for the cricket club and lived in Keilor Park and a lot of his best mates are at Keilor Park. He’s always down watching.
“Mark [Jamar] knows one of Harvs’ mates as they work together. Through those connections they talked about getting him to our club.”
Jamar played 160 AFL games and was an All-Australian in 2010. He has still been playing local football.
Kempster said Jamar wasn’t going to play every week due to his age, but expected him to
have a big impact.
“Our list is really young and he brings that experience,” he said. “We hardly have a player over 30.
“He will help the young kids. We have a couple of rucks, who he will work closely with.
“He’ll look to play 10-12 games.”
The signing of Jamar is a big boost for the club which has had an up and down off season.
Several players have left the club, which has dropped down to division 2 after finishing bottom of division 1 last season.
Kempster said losing experienced players always hurts.
“It’s disappointing to lose a few to Coburg Districts where former player Damien Cavka is now coach, but that’s footy.
“We also lost some who want to play at a higher level. We’ve managed to bring a few in and getting in Mark will hopefully get across the line with a few others who we are still talking to.”
Kempster said they felt they were in a better position this year than they were 12 months ago when they had an interrupted off season.
They’re hoping for a bit more luck on the injury side as well.
“We think we will still be competitive and we’re still looking to recruit a few more players,” he said.
Kempster said they were still looking for more players for their reserves side.
“We have a thirds team, they all want to just play thirds, not reserves,” he said. “We still need some numbers.”
Elsewhere at the club, the women’s program is thriving with really good numbers, while the club is hopeful they will have a junior side, likely under-10s, for the first time in a number of years.
- Tara Murray
Micic’s Aussie Open run
By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs’ Elena Micic grew up wanting to spend her Januarys’ on the courts at Melbourne Park.
Having started playing tennis at age three, making the Australian Open draw has long been a dream for the now 20-year-old.
She made the 2022 Australian Open junior event after winning through in qualifying, with a senior draw the next aim.
That dream was almost a reality for this year’s Open, falling one win short of the main draw after making it through to the final round of qualifying.
“It was a great experience,” she said. “I was super grateful for the opportunity to play and compete.
“With my first two matches and even my last match, I was happy with how I played. “I couldn’t have asked for a better first slam experience.”
Micic, who started the year ranked just outside the world 400, received a wildcard
into the qualifying tournament following her improvements last year.
She beat Elena Pridankina in the first round of qualifying 6-3 3-6 7-5, before leading Darya Astakhova 6-2 3-1 when her opponent retired. Number six seed Polina Kudermetova ended her run with a 6-4 7-5 win in the final round of qualifying.
Micic said for her she didn’t focus on where her opponents were ranked once she was on the court, it was about making sure she concentrated on the game.
Being her home grand slam, Micic’s friends and family were out in force to support her in action.
“I was excited to play in front of them,” she said. “I grew up training on these courts.
“I played relatively well and felt like I was at home and felt confident.”
Micic, who is going into her third full year on the senior circuit, said she gained more confidence and belief with the matches that she’s played.
After finishing 2023 ranked at 879 in the world, Micic finished last year at 403. She
currently sits at 425.
Micic said she wanted to continue to build and improve her ranking. She said seeing her ranking improve so much last year really gave her a lot of confidence.
“Last year was better than the year before,” she said. “I was getting that experience of playing more tournaments and matches.
“Hopefully I can get the ranking up and keep going and playing plenty of matches.”
Micic said her first aim this year was to get her ranking into the early 200s which would give her the opportunity to automatically qualify for qualifying for the grand slam events.
Her long term goal is to make the top 100.
“Each tournament is different,” she said. “It [being in the 200s] might get me into the main draw at some higher events as well.”
MicicheadstoBrisbanefortwotournaments at the end of this month. She said said was still planning her 2025 but would hopefully head overseas later in the year for more tournaments.
Briefs
VAFA
PEGS has announced the signing of Matt Barake for the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier C season. Barake joins the club from Gisborne in the Bendigo Football League. He played under PEGS coach Rob Kerr in the 2022 and 2023 under-18s premierships, Matt is an athletic and versatile forward option,” PEGS said. “Hard leading, high leaping and skilful, Matt can pinch hit and play a variety of roles around the ground.”
VSDCA
Taylors Lakes lost its first game of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association T20 competition on Tuesday night. The Lions faced St Bernard’s OC and decided to bat first. The Loins made 8-103 with Ethan Just top scoring with 33. The Lions took an early wicket before the Snowdogs got going. While they lost 4-14 late in the innings, they did enough, winning 6-106. Jack Darcy took two wickets for the Lions. The second round is this week, with the Lions away against Williamstown.
VTCA
Some of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s best players were in action on Sunday as a VTCA team took on the Dandenong District Cricket Association in a representative game. Sydenham-Hillside’s Cameron West, Keilor’s Matthew Gaskett and Ryan Metz, and PEGS’ Shakeem Clarke were part of the VTCA side. Yarraville Club’s Mitch Johnstone was the coach.
Baseball
The Sunshine Eagles continued their good form on Tuesday night in their win against the Werribee Giants in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1st nine competition. The Eagles had no issues at all, winning 7-0. They scored one run in the first innings to lead all night. The Eagles remain in third spot and now have a two game gap on fourth. They were in action on Saturday against Melbourne, after deadline.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West
Mark Jamar (right)w with co-president Michael Evans. (Supplied)
Elena Micic. (Tennis Australia)
Lions lose another thriller going down to Malvern
It was a case of deja vu for Taylors Lakes in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west on Saturday.
For a second straight week, the Lions did a lot right and could have easily come away with the points before falling just short in a one-dayer.
On Saturday, the Lions lost to Malvern in a high scoring affair with the teams the two highest scoring of the round in the division.
The Lions batted first and finished their overs at 6-239.
Lachlan Marr was the star of the show for the Lions with 106 off 103 balls. Nilan Fernando made another solid contribution, making 59.
Lions coach Peter Brasher said they made a good recovery to post that total.
“We were 3-20,” he said. “Lachlan Marr came out after a few quieter years and got 100
which was a fantastic innings.
“It put us in a good position and we were up and about.”
The Lions bowlers struggled for consistency early in Malvern’s inning and allowed them to get on top.
Brasher said the good start had allowed Malvern to control the run chase.
“They kept their scoring momentum up with the run rate for the whole innings,” he said. “We weren’t able to contain them.
“We didn’t field too badly, but dropped a catch in the second or third last over, which made a difference.”
Malvern hit the winning runs with four balls remaining, finishing 5-241.
Brasher said it was terribly frustrating to have the same result as the week before.
“The only difference this time was that we made a few more runs,” he said. “It was almost the same game.
“We batted first and made a good score but in the middle of the game it was a bit
Keilor upsets Clubbers
By Tara Murray
Keilor’s bowlers left Yarraville Club stunned as they inflicted the Clubbers first loss of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season.
The Clubbers entered the day of the match on Saturday on top, but it was the Blues that would come away with the points.
The Clubbers resumed at 0-19 in reply to the Blues’ 166.
Outside of Thilina Masmulla and Trent Lawford, the Clubbers bats failed to fire as they were bowled out for 136 in the 56th over.
Blues coach Duncan Harrison said as a coach you never think you have enough runs on the board, but he thought they were about 100 short of where they needed to be.
“It was a very good day,” he said. “The boys bowled really well.
“Whether we won or lost, we competed really well, which was the important thing.”
The Blues were able to take wickets in clumps, which put the pressure back on the Clubbers.
Harrison said they had fielded really well and had been building towards a
performance like that and were able to put everything together on the day.
He said the key for them was getting out Lawford, who top scored with 56.
“It was massive,” he said. “He is that player that can take the game away in two or three overs.
“We never felt safe when he was batting. We dropped him early on, which was disappointing.”
Jonah Koch took 4-21 for the Blues while Malith Cooray took three wickets.
Harrison said they would take a lot out of that performance.
“We talk about being hard to beat,” he said.
“The good thing is we are improving and against the good teams you want to stand up.”
The win moves the Blues to fifth spot.
They are 12 points behind the top four teams, which are all equal on points.
Harrison said they weren’t looking too far ahead of themselves and where they might finish.
“A couple of weeks ago we were going the other way,” he said. “Finals are still in reach and you hope you can make them.
disappointing.
“We have done a lot right the past two weeks, but we lost both games.”
The Lions entered the match without Luke Denny, who won’t be back this season, and Chalitha Chamoda, who is set to miss the next couple of weeks as well.
Despite the loss, the Lions moved up a spot to fifth on the ladder.
Brasher said they know that their finals destiny is in their own hands.
“We need to win a couple of the next two and then it’s in our own hands against the bottom two sides in the final two rounds.
“If we don’t beat them, we don’t deserve to play finals.”
Taylors Lakes faces Werribee in a one-dayer this Saturday.
Tara Murray
Sunshine YCW suffered its first loss of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Evans Clark Shield season, losing to Werribee Centrals on Saturday.
Having had a strong return to division 4, the Cougars were tested by the Centurions who had yet to get the results on the board.
Chasing249,theCougarswerebowled out for 200 in the 67th over. Bailey Williamson top scored for the Cougars with 0.
WiththelossandMeltonSouthRoyals outright win, the Cougars slip to second. Meanwhile in the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Sunshine slipped from top spot with a loss to Seddon.
The Crows had made 8-301 on day one of the match.
The Dockers were able to put on 125 for the second wicket to take control of the game.
While they started to lose a few wickets, they were able to do enough to hit the winning runs in the second last over, finishing 6-303.
The Crows now sit in third spot. PEGS also had a loss on Saturday, losing to Doutta Stars.
“We’re looking to get through game by game and see where it leaves us. We play some good sides in the run home.
“We want to finish off the season positively and play good cricket regardless of the results and where it leaves us.”
The Blues face bottom side Sunshine United in a one-dayer this Saturday.
Harrison said it would be a good contest.
The Tigers came into the match following a loss to Deer Park.
On Saturday, the Tigers resumed at 0-21 in reply to 224. The Tigers struggled to get partnerships going as they were bowled out for 168.
Matthew Sipala and Buddhika Algewatta top scored with 33 apiece. Fawad Ahmed and Upul Bandara took three wickets each.
In other matches, Sydenham-Hillside beat Craigieburn.
After making 6-305, the Storm was able to bowl Craigieburn out for 249.
Timothy Grech and Sanka Ramesh Abeyruwan took three wickets each.
St Albans lost against Airport West St Christophers but was able to avoid an outright win.
Chasing257,PEGSwasbowledoutfor 207. Shakeem Clarke top scored with 47. In the Steve McNamara Shield, Grand Unitedcontinueditsgoodformasitbeat Tullamarine.
Chasing the Demons’ 158, the Gorillas made 5-195 on Saturday. Hashan James top scored with 77 not out.
The Gorillas sit second on the ladder. In the Roy Picone Shield, Keilor Park failed to chase down Moonee Valley’s 133 as it was bowled out for 110.
SunshineHeightsprovednomatchfor East Keilor while Caroline Springs had a disappointing performance against Point Cook Centrals.
Charlie Carter. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454170_06
Lachlan Marr. (Jacob Pattison) 374057_10
Keilor’s Malith Cooray. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
