Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 4th February 2025

Big day for prep twins

Identical twins Victoria and Tia (pictured) will join hundreds of students across Brimbank on February 6 as the bell rings for a fresh school term.

The five-year-olds from Taylors Lakes are excited to attend Overnewton Anglican Community College.

According to their mum Evelyn Loulakis, the sisters will support each other through their first-day nerves.

“I saw other preppies starting school and how emotional they all were, and for me knowing that my girls have got each other is comforting,” she said.

“It’s also bittersweet because they’re my only kids so I’m a bit sentimental about that.”

For Victoria and Tia, however, there’s no limit to their enthusiasm.

“They’re so excited, they’re mostly looking forward to making new friends,” Ms Loulakis said.

“Tia is very outspoken and outgoing, Victoria is a little bit more sensitive but she’s also come out of her shell a lot — having her sister will give her more confidence.

“Even if they do separate activities, at the end of the day they’ll find each other.”

Black market trade bites

Some footpaths in St Albans have increasingly becomehotspotsforoneparticularlydangerous illegal activity, with the sale of black market food items along local streets progressively getting worse, according to residents.

It’s not an unfamiliar sight in St Albans: hawkersonfootpaths,sellinganassortmentof groceries including meat, fish, and high-end cosmetic goods at reduced prices.

Most of these products are stolen from supermarkets.

St Albans resident Jenny Isa is among many frustrated by the rampant criminal act.

“It’s a big concern in the community and people want something done about it,” she said.

“Ifyouallowsomethingtooccurlongenough, it becomes something that you tolerate.”

Ms Isa said given the problem was on the rise, all stakeholders needed to work in tandem to shut it down.

“We have to [stop] this together, collectively as a community, with council, and with police,” she said.

According to Ms Isa, not-for-profit organisations should also be part of the conversation.

She said a regular community-food van, along with increased police presence could stop the demand for these illegally-sold items.

St Albans Business Group Association president Sebastian Agricola said customers

had to take some responsibility too.

“A lot of the sellers steal from local shops so it destroys local traders,” he said.

“I know times are tough but the prices in St Albans are very reasonable.

“Receiving goods reasonably suspected of being stolen is a criminal offence and if you buy something from some guy on the street with items on the floor, then I don’t think there’s much doubt that it’s [stolen].

“My view is, the best solution unfortunately is to also charge the buyers.”

Brimbank council city futures director Kelvin Walsh said police and council were continuing to crack down on goods sold illegally.

“Victoria Police regularly run operations targetingtheallegedillegalsaleofmostlyfood items on the footpath,” Mr Walsh said.

“Anyone selling food items must be registered.”

A police operation in November led to the arrest of 14 alleged shop thieves, a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“Anyone found to be knowingly purchasing stolen goods can also expect to be charged withhandlingstolengoods,”thespokesperson added.

If business operators, or residents witness illegal food selling activity, they can report it to Brimbank council on 9249 4000, or to Victoria Police on 131 444.

(Ljubica Vrankovic)

STAY INFORMED

Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

Melton Night Market this Friday!

The Asian Market will kick off the Melton Night Market series this Friday 7 February from 5pm to 9pm at the Melton Town Centre Amphitheatre.

Featuring spectacular performances including Chinese Lion dancing, Japanese drumming, and Bollywood beats.

A range of delicious food will also be on offer including Asian street food, Chinese dumplings, Sri-Lankan Kottu, Vietnamese Banh Mi, Indian curries and more!

For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/night-markets

$50 cat adoption

Council has a large number of cats and kittens at our Animal Pound looking for their forever homes, and for a short time the adoption fee has been reduced to $50.

All animals are desexed, microchipped, and vaccinated.

To view the cats available, go to melton.vic.gov.au/animal-adoption or visit the pound at 90-92 High Street Melton between 9.30am-11am and 3pm-4.30pm, 7 days a week.

Watts Ward with Cr Sophie Ramsey

Firstly, I’d like to thank the residents of Watts Ward for electing me as their Councillor. As always, it’s an absolute honour to serve this community, and I can assure you that the messages we received in the lead up to the election were heard loud and clear.

You want Council to focus on our road network, waste disposal and recovery, and on delivering quality services to our residents. You also want us to advocate to the State and Federal Governments for the infrastructure

and services many other communities take for granted: health, transport, roads, and education.

Council has hit the ground running with regular meetings, briefings, and community events underway. In fact, last week, I had the privilege of witnessing nearly 1,000 residents being conferred as new Australian citizens. What a joy it was to share this moment with so many.

We have a number of parks and gardens consultations open; we’ve commenced the exciting process of developing our new Council and

Kindergarten Readiness

Council will be holding online information sessions and open days for parents interested in finding out more about 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten in the City of Melton for 2026.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSIONS – ONLINE:

Tuesday 18 February 6.30pm – 8pm

Thursday 20 February 12.30pm – 2pm

KINDERGARTEN OPEN WEEK: Tuesday 11 March to Thursday 13 March

For information about the online sessions and open days or how to register your child for kindergarten, visit melton.vic. gov.au/kindergarten

Wellbeing Plan. Please take the opportunity to have your say on each of these by visiting conversations. melton.vic.gov.au

Finally, as the kids head back to school, I hope parents finally have the chance to exhale after the long summer break. Let’s look forward to a great year ahead, both individually, and as a community.

Don’t hesitate to contact me at sophie.ramsey@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 067. I’d love to hear your thoughts about Watts Ward.

I would like to begin by congratulating the nearly 1,000 residents who officially became Australian citizens last week. It was my absolute pleasure to preside over the three citizenship ceremonies hosted by Council and to see so many people come together to celebrate as a community.

It’s also great to see another school year kick-off and we wish students returning to the classroom all the best for the year ahead.

Let’s not forget our pre-schoolers who are also commencing their educational journeys. Council runs 27 kindergartens for 3-4-year-old kindergarten, and over the next couple of months we will be running information sessions and open days for our 2026 intake. If you have a child who will be ready for kindergarten next year, I encourage you to explore what we have on offer through our Kinder Readiness program.

I’m also pleased to share that works on the Bulmans Road upgrade are complete. The upgrade will increase safety and reduce congestion, particularly around the local schools in the area. Works included road widening and realignment, additional service roads, on-street parking, shared paths and cyclist lanes. I’d like to thank everyone for their patience while we completed these works.

Finally, with more hot weather expected over the coming days and weeks, please make sure you look after your health, stay hydrated, keep pets cool, and remember to check on relatives, friends and neighbours who may be more at risk of heat related problems.

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

Carli

Kathy Majdlik

Turner

Verdon

Phillip Zada

Theft from vehicles the top crime

Theftfromvehiclesremainsthemostcommon offence in Brimbank according to data from the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA), leaving locals frustrated by the persistent crime.

Recorded criminal offences in Brimbank roseby4percentto17,960inthe12monthsto September 2024 – an increase of 673 offences compared to the previous 12 months.

With2422offencesrecorded,stealingfroma motor vehicle topped the list, which according to Taylors Lakes resident Chris Vella is not unexpected.

“Itdoesn’tsurprisemeatall,it’severywhere,” he said.

“If you have a look at social media, there’s posts around people having their cars broken into all the time.

Recently in broad daylight, items were stolen from Mr Vella’s vehicle which was left unattended for a couple of minutes outside his home.

“I was about to take my son to the station when we noticed there was stuff thrown around in my car everywhere – we realised someone had gone through it,” he said.

“It was an opportunistic crime, I felt really angry.”

According to Brimbank Inspector Matthew

Bui, theft from motor vehicles is one of the fastest growing crime types across Victoria.

“Majority of these offences relate to number plates being stolen, with power tools the second most targeted items,” he said.

“The trend of theft from cars in Brimbank is trending well, with just a 4 per cent increase year-on-year which is well below statewide levels.”

Inspector Bui said authorities would work to ensure levels remain low into 2025 as well.

“These crimes continue to be a priority for police,” he said.

“It is important to note the majority of these

Young foodies learn how to cook

Kids from across Brimbank learned how to cook up a storm at a session aimed at creating young chefs.

From safely wielding knives, and mastering cooking basics to whipping up healthy dishes, children like Edward and Adelaide picked up essential skills at one of the recent Young Chef’s classes at Westvale Community Centre.

The pair’s mum, Cinnamon Melling, said it was a unique activity with plenty of lessons on offer.

“My kids really enjoyed it because it was very hands-on,” she said.

“It was nice for them to try some new food as well — they cooked a spinach and ricotta pastry roll which was amazing.”

According to Ms Melling, the class provided an opportunity for participants to take more “ownership”.

“Courses like these are so good because they teach kids some really important skills,” she said.

“It is sometimes a little bit difficult to do the same thing in a home setting because it’s not a controlled environment.”

With the summer break coming to an end soon, Ms Melling is pushing for culinary

Funds boost for energy park

A former landfill site in Sunshine will be transformed into a new community and recreational facility following a $500,000 investment from the federal government. The funding will be used to develop a feasibility study and business case for the redevelopment of the 74-hectare site from a former quarry and closed landfill site into the Sunshine Energy Park.

According to Brimbank council, the envisioned park will transform the area into a premium parkland for Melbourne’s west, which will include a state-significant stadium and sports fields, a solar farm, an extensive urban forest and wetland system, and new play spaces.

It will be located within the Sunshine Priority Precinct and the Albion Quarter urban renewal area and is part of the broader Sunshine Station Precinct Activation.

The slated feasibility study will also determine how the redevelopment will achieve its objectives of enhancing quality of lifeforlocalresidents,improvingconnectivity for people and businesses, and preserving the natural environment through ecological regeneration and rehabilitation of waterways.

AccordingtomayorThuyDang,thefunding is a “critical first step” towards bringing the community’s vision to life.

“As demonstrated in our 2024 Sunshine Energy Park Vision Plan, the Brimbank community sees great potential in transforming this old quarry and closed landfill site into community focused open spaces, as well as cultural and recreational centres,” she said.

Fraser MP Daniel Mulino said the project would unlock unlimited potential for the facility.

offences show no signs of forced entry which is why we encourage everyone to take simple precautions such as remove valuables from your car and make sure they are locked at all times.”

Broadly, Inspector Bui added that it was encouraging that criminal incidents in the area hadn’t gone up significantly.

“ThelevelofcrimeinBrimbankhasremained steady, and is trending below pre-pandemic levels which is pleasing,” he said.

“Local police will continue to be out patrolling areas in the community 24-7 to detect and deter crime.”

Upgrade for grasslands

The eastern Bon Thomas Grassland Reserve in Deer Park is undergoing an upgrade as part of Brimbank’s capital works program, Nature Places, which aims to showcase the beauty and value of the endangered grasslands and integrate these conservation areas into Brimbank’s open space network.

For residents who frequent the reserve you may have noticed the recent addition of many large rocks and boulders placed on the batter adjoining the grassland reserve, as well as the creation of a new trail overlooking the grassland.

Once very common in western plains grasslands pre-colonisation, these large basalt rocks provide much needed shelter for insects and reptiles such as native skinks and lizards according to council.

classes to be a regular fixture.

“Even when school starts, it’s a good idea for sessions like these to be held,” she said.

“I’m a primary school teacher and I think this would benefit so many kids.

“It’s extremely empowering for kids, because kitchens are a domain that can be scary or intimidating for them but giving them this exposure or responsibility is a great way to teach them.”

More Young Chef’s sessions are planned for February and March.

„ Details:www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1343327

With the help of funds received through Environment Protection Authority’s restorative program, council will also be adding several native fauna art installations into the grassland reserve, similar to those seen from the train at Matthews Hill Reserve, Sunshine.

The next stage of the Nature Places program is to add 30,000 indigenous plants to the reserve, including planting out the rocks and boulders area alongside the new trail.

The council is calling the community tohelpwiththetask,withacommunity planting day in the works.

These upgrades and future plantings complement and expand upon the council’s ongoing maintenance of the grassland reserve.

WE’RE RECRUITING!

Aboriginal Hostels Limited is seeking Weekday and weekend Cooks who are highly passionate about delivering quality services to our residents in Brisbane, Mount Isa and Rockhampton Hostels

For more information or to apply, go to our website at: www.ahl.gov.au/work

Five year old Adelaide is ready to stir up some delicious food. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 453878_17

Oliver tops list again

Oliver maintained its 11-year streak as the most popular male baby name in Victoria in 2024.

For girls, the most popular name last year was Isla.

According to state government data, 389 babies were named Isla last year and 570 were named Oliver.

Sunbury mother Christie Lougoon was one of the parents contributing to the new Olivers in Victoria and said that she is glad that she and her husband Jason settled on the popular name after their son was born in March last year.

“When we knew I was pregnant, it was our top contender name that we agreed on,” Ms Lougoon said.

She said that the pair liked that Oliver was a traditional-sounding name while still seeming relatively obscure compared to others, with the name “definitely” suiting their newborn.

“We refer to him as Ollie … I can’t see him named as anything else. I love it, it’s gorgeous … I’m glad we landed there,” she said.

Ms Lougoon also considered the name Oakley and Mr Lougoon suggested the name Harvey.

She said that she is not surprised that Oliver was the top boys’ name last year.

Other popular names in 2024 included Noah and Henry at second and third place for boys and Charlotte and Amelia at second and third for girls.

There were a total of 79,239 births registered in Victoria last year.

According to the state government, Oliver will need to stay on top for another 13 years to break the all-time record for the most popular boys’ name, with that record currently held by John – which was the most popular boys’ name from 1929–51.

Oscar Parry

Make the most of your food scraps.

When you separate your food scraps into your green bin along with garden clippings, they can be turned into compost, instead of ending up in landfill.

The compost is used on farms and gardens across Victoria to help grow food again.

More than 60% of Brimbank residents have a food and garden organics bin. Using your bin correctly for food scraps and garden clippings means more high quality compost for our farms and gardens and less waste to landfill.

Contact Council to order yours! Find out more: brimbank.vic.gov.au

Briefs

St Albans fire

Firefighters responded to reports of a house on fire in St Albans about 2.30am on January 30. Crews arrived on scene to find smoke and flames issuing from the front two rooms and roof space of a single-storey brick residence. Two adults were evacuated safely and were treated for mild smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Theft information appeal Police are appealing for information following a theft in St Albans in December. It is understood the offenders scammed a woman through an online payment app. The offenders then attended the victim’s address in St Albans and stole the credit card on December 3. Ongoing inquiries revealed $41,000 was spent on the stolen credit card the following day. It was used to purchase mobile phones and jewellery from stores in the Brunswick area. Police have released images and CCTV of two men they believe may be able to assist with their inquiries. The first male is perceived to be Indian, in his mid 30s, of large build and has a two-stripe tattoo on his right forearm. The second male is perceived to be Indian, in his mid 30s and of thin build.

Sunbury mother Christie Lougoon with her baby Oliver. (Supplied).

Teal takeover for ovarian cancer

Cade Lucas

Thesedaysthecolourtealisusuallyassociated with the political independent movement which won a swag of seats at the last federal election.

Withanotherelectionjustmonthsaway,the link between this particular shade of green and independent MPs such as Monique Ryan, Zoe Daniel and Allegra Spender is likely to only grow stronger.

But during February at least, teal will be associated with another, very different cause.

February is national ovarian cancer awareness month and teal is the colour traditionally associated with this disease just as pink is synonymous with breast cancer.

“It’s a really significant event in our calendar,” said acting national advocacy manager with Ovarian Cancer Australia, Bridget Bradhurst of the national awareness month which aims to educate Australians on the disease, advocate for those impacted by ovarian cancer and elevate their voices as well as raising funds for research.

Ms Bradhurst said these aims were particularly important given the disease remained widely misunderstood.

“It does remain the deadliest of the gynecological cancers,” she said of ovarian cancer, which also has the lowest survival rate ofanywomen’scancerandafiveyearsurvival rate well below the average for all cancers.

Along with it being more deadly than is widely assumed, Ms Bradhurst said another commonmisconceptionaboutovariancancer was that there was an effective early detection test for it.

“People still get confused between cervical cancer and ovarian cancer so sometimes

women mistakenly think that if they’ve kept up with their cervical screening – which is very important to do – that that is also protecting them against ovarian cancer and unfortunatelythatisjustnotthecase.Westill don’t have any effective methods of picking ovarian cancer up early,” she said.

“Anotheroneisthatpeopledon’tunderstand is that some ovarian cancer is hereditary and there is family risk involved,” said Ms Bradhurst, adding that discussing risks with close family and relatives was vital.

“Women’s business hasn’t historically been something that people have been comfortable to discuss but without people reallyunderstandingtheirfamilyhistorythey can’tbegintounderstandtheirownriskofthe disease.”

Even without these misunderstandings, battling ovarian cancer can be tough, with symptoms and warning signs often vague and hard to detect.

Fortunately for those who are diagnosed, Ovarian Cancer Australia has invested in dedicated team of nurses who specialise in treating the disease.

The appropriately titled Teal Support Nurse Program is a free, national telehealth service connecting ovarian cancer sufferers and survivors with trained oncology and gynaecological nurses.

Beginning as a pilot program in 2019, the teal nurses now receive federal funding to provide a free service nationwide.

MsBradhurstsaidthenationwideapproach was why it was a telehealth service.

“We’ve done that deliberately to ensure women don’t fall through the cracks,” she said, noting that similar services were now available for other cancers.

“The cancer landscape changing, it’s no longer one size fits all, but more targeted.”

For more information about ovarian cancer awareness month, visit: https://www. ovariancancer.net.au/get-involved/ovariancancer-awareness-month

For information on the teal support nurse program: https://www.ovariancancer.net.au/ find-support/teal-support-nurse-program

Ovarian Cancer Australia teal support team nurses Di, Fiona and Rosetta. (supplied) 455362_01

Hope for council’s bottom line

If the recommendations listed in the final report of a local government funding inquiry are adopted without changes, it could be a significantsteptowardsfinancialsustainability, Brimbank council has asserted.

These 48 suggestions, if accepted, will go a “long way” to redressing the “imbalance which has left local government strapped for cash and reliant on state funding”, council’s chief executive Fiona Blair said.

Part of the inquiry focused on the effects of cost shifting from the state and federal governments to councils, as well as the overall

revenue structure of local governments.

Some areas where the cost has been shifted to council to bear – partly or fully – are school crossing supervisors, libraries, and maternal and child health programs.

With rising costs and rate-capping, local governments’ budgets are shrinking at an alarming rate, Brimbank council said.

ThefinalreporttabledinNovemberlastyear, included a number of recommendations that mirrored the Brimbank council’s submission to the inquiry.

“As a result of the inquiry, the Victorian

governmentisnowawareofhowtherestrictions to revenue and the funding arrangements it has imposed on local governments are not financially sustainable,” Ms Blair said.

“If all the recommendations are adopted without changes, local government will be in a much better position to meet growing community needs and expectations.”

Council’s corporate services director Mark Stoermer said while the recommendations are welcome, the report also calls for further investigation.

“While these processes will take time, there

is light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr Stoermer said.

“Some of the recommendations are easily implemented, such as changes to the rate cap and restoring 50-50 funding for libraries and school crossing supervisors.

“Others will require more work, but at least we know we’re heading in the right direction for the benefit of the communities we serve.”

The state government has not responded to theinquiry’sfinalreportyetbutaspokesperson said the recommendations listed would be considered in due course.

Brush up your tennis skills with a free program

Brimbank’s In2Tennis program is back for 2025, with locals encouraged to ace it and give it a shot.

Throughout the month of February there will be no charge for tennis court hire, tennis open days and other tennis activities on various days and times across Brimbank as part of the initiative.

According to mayor Thuy Dang, this is a great opportunity for people to try their hand at tennis.

“All eyes are on tennis right now with the Australian Open recently in town. Why not dust off your tennis racket and give it a go with the council’s In2Tennis program?” she said.

“We’ve worked with tennis clubs across Brimbank to encourage more people to play tennis, with free court hire at participating clubs.

“Perhaps you’re looking to try something new or eager to get back into being active –this could be just the thing to help keep you on track to achieve your goals.

“We’ve recently invested in upgrading Sassella Park Tennis Court and Dempster Park Tennis Courts with greater accessibility so more of the community can get involved.”

Some of the participating clubs that have courtsavailableforhirearetheAlbionTennis Club, Deer Park Tennis Club, Delahey Tennis Club, North Sunshine Tennis Club and the St Albans East Tennis Club.

There’s more than just tennis court hire on offer, with pickleball, introduction to blind tennis and multi-net sports also planned.

Details:www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ in2tennis

Brimbank council’s Chris Saliba and Tom van de Ven are encouraging locals to participate in this year’s In2Tennis program. (Supplied)

Nominations close midnight Sunday 23 March 2025

These awards celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals, groups, businesses, and organisations making a positive impact in Brimbank across these categories:

• Citizen of the Year Award

• Young Citizen of the Year Award

• Arts, Culture or Tourism Award

• Community Engagement Award

• Environment or Sustainability Award

• Sports and Wellbeing Award

• Community Group of the Year Award

To nominate, complete the online form at brimbank.vic.gov.au/waba

Laptops help kids learn

StudentsfromtheStAlbansSecondaryCollege havereceivedanumberoflaptopsaspartofthe Les Twentyman Foundation Back To School program.

The not-for-profit’s initiative has helped thousands of students stay in school by supplyinglaptops,booksandessentialsupplies.

Recently, with support from the Keilor Shopping Centre, the foundation provided 19 laptops for local students.

College wellbeing coordinator Jess Brogan said local families were blessed to have an “incredible charity working tirelessly for their benefit”.

“Without the amazing efforts of the Les Twentyman Foundation, so many families in our community would go without,” she said.

“They’d face the heartbreaking challenge of sending their children to school without the resources they need — no books, no laptops, no stationery. These are things we often take for granted, but for some, they represent a huge burden.

“The joy, the relief, and the gratitude I see on the faces of these families when I deliver school supplies are priceless.”

In 2025 the Les Twentyman Foundation is expected to exhaust available resources in

supporting close to 800 students with school supplies.

The organisation’s Chris Lacey said this will leave hundreds of families without the support “they so desperately need”.

“Requests for families requiring financial support have steadily increased as the cost-of-living crisis bites, with our Back To School program seeing an increase of 40 percentofstudentssupportedoverthepasttwo years,” he said.

“A major pressure point financially for parents and carers is the need to purchase laptops for their children.

“We currently have a waiting list of 150 childrenwhoatthispointwillnothavealaptop to start the school year.

According to Ms Brogan, it is vital for the community to support the foundation.

“The real heroes are the incredible people behind the [foundation],” she said.

“[We need to] support them, knowing that every contribution, no matter how small, goes a long way in helping families breathe a little easier and helping children thrive in their education.”

Details: ltfoundation.com.au/our-services/ back-to-school-2/

Les Twenytyman Foundation chief executive Paul Burke and Shadow Minister for Education Sarah Henderson, with mum Tamara Kofe and kids Bentley Camero and Indianah Cameron who are being supported by the Back to School program. (Supplied)

Taste of the tropics, the hottest fruit trends for 2025

Move over mangoes, it’s time to go beyond bananas.

Traders at Melbourne’s wholesale fruit and vegetable market have revealed the hottest trends in produce for 2025, with exotic flavours and exciting new fruit varieties set to take Australia by storm.

These unique fruits are bursting onto the local greengrocer’s shelves with their intriguing flavours and nutritional benefits:

Jujube: Also known as the Chinese red date, this small, sweet, and crunchy fruit has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Packed with antioxidants, it’s often enjoyed fresh or dried and added to soups for a touch of sweetness.

Blood Mandarins: Also known as the Early Sicily, this delicious cross between a clementine mandarin and a tarocco blood orange is an easy-to-peel variety that offers a burst of juicy sweetness with a hint of berry flavour.

BlackSapote: Dubbedthe“ChocolatePudding Fruit,”thisintriguingfruitboastsadarkbrown, chocolatey flesh with a creamy, custard-like texture. It’s a healthy and delicious alternative for chocolate mousse or custard.

Canistel: With an egg yolk-like texture, this unique fruit, also known as the egg-fruit, is a perfect addition to milkshakes, ice creams, and smoothies.

Star Apple: This fruit that comes in deep purple and green varieties has a star-shaped pattern formed by its seeds, and offers a sweet, jelly-like texture with hints of tropical fruits and grapes.

Thanh Truong, also known as ‘The Fruit Nerd’, from Melbourne Market store Aus Asia Produce, says the jujube is a fruit that is set to boom in 2025.

“Native to China but now grown in most Australian states, the jujube tastes like a

crunchy apple with intense flavors,” Truong said.

“It’s famous for being dried and used in soups for sweetness and boasts more antioxidants than most other fruits.”

Mahmoud Roumieh from Super Sweet ProducesaystheBlackSapoteishispickofthe fruits set to trend over the year ahead.

Known as the chocolate pudding fruit, this unique superfood is gaining attention for its health benefits and creamy, pudding-like texture.

There are many ways to use it — enjoy it as a treatjustlikepudding,blenditintosmoothies, bake it into cakes, or whip it into mousse.

Roumieh says ripe black sapote blended with coconut cream makes a “delicious diabetes-friendly dessert”.

Look out for fruit that has changed from green to dark brown, and when soft and gooey are in prime eating condition. What they lack in looks at this stage they make up for in taste!

Consumers are encouraged to explore these exciting new fruits and embrace the diversity

of produce available at local independent fruit and vegetable retailers.

“By supporting local greengrocers, you’re not only discovering unique and delicious produce but also contributing to the vibrant community of independent businesses,” says Graham Gee, from The Happy Apple greengrocers.

Shoppers can find their local greengrocer via abetterchoice.com.au, an initiative that supportslocalindependentfruitandvegetable retailers across Australia.

Star apple.

Blood mandarin.

Jujube fruit.

An alternative school in Epping is helping students who have struggled at mainstream schools to re-engage with learning. For some of the students, the move to the Y Community School has been life-saving, as Prealene Khera finds out.

The school saving young lives

Most footy scoreboards towering over school grounds stand at a height of about 20 feet, their LED displays diligently tracking winners and losers.

But when year six student Zane desperately clawed his way to the top of one, he didn’t need the board to illustrate what defeat looked like.

At just 11 years old, he had been told by his teachers that he’d never amount to anything.

Eventually those negligent barrages carried Zane to the edge – nearly two storeys away from death.

“I really didn’t think I was going to get this far in life back then,” Zane said, now aged 15. Zane’s suicide attempt was brought on by his experience at a mainstream school, where according to him, he was incessantly chastised.

“It was very hard,” he said.

“I would feel like they were out to get me … they really wanted me gone.

“Ninety per cent of the time I did blame myself.”

Often after coming home from school, Zane would lock himself in his room with a recurring belief occupying his head.

“I would say to myself that it was all my fault”.

And every time it’d be followed by a chilling afterthought.

“Is it really worth it?”

Towards the end of primary school, Zane was officially diagnosed with autism, ADHD, auditory processing disorder, high anxiety, and oppositional defiant disorder.

Following the diagnosis, a behavioural plan was developed for him to allow the school to better manage Zane’s learning outcomes.

Despite this essential blueprint, his mum Rebecca Hall said, improvements were few and far.

“He pretty much struggled the whole time,” she said.

“They just didn’t have the skills to manage his behaviour or to even educate him which is really sad because every kid deserves an education whether they’ve gotten some diagnosis or not.”

Not only was the school severely unequipped to provide a healthy-learning environment for Zane, Rebecca said its approach aggravated matters.

“We eventually found out they were telling him that he would never get a job,” she said.

“He was branded the naughty kid.

“Every time he would get in trouble at school he would self harm – he used to gouge his leg with a metal ruler.”

Witnessing Zane go through those episodes was extremely gut-wrenching for Rebecca and her husband Shane.

“It was awful and we were walking on eggshells quite because we didn’t want to exacerbate it,” Rebecca said.

“We blamed ourselves a lot.

“Throughout that entire time he was showing signs of depression, and he had become quite withdrawn– it was heart-breaking.”

In the middle of year nine last year, Zane was expelled from school.

“I appealed that decision but the education department told me that the teachers were scared and intimidated by him,” Rebecca said.

“Hearing that broke my heart, my kid wouldn’t hurt a fly.”

When the school closed its doors to Zane, another live-saving one was about to swing open.

Soon after expulsion, at the advice of his psychologist, Rebecca enrolled Zane into the Y Community School in Epping. It’s a move that has been life-changing for the Halls.

“The Y school has been an absolute godsend,” Rebecca said.

“If my son was still in a mainstream school,

I guarantee he would not be here.”

Schools like the Y make an important contribution in addressing educational disadvantage by serving young people who are disengaged from mainstream education, according to a submission made by the Independent Schools Australia (ISA) into the ‘Review to Inform a Better and Fairer Education System Consultation Paper’.

“Students are often referred from community services, juvenile justice and other schools – both government and non-government,” the report stated.

“[These schools] have developed programs and structures designed to re-engage students in education and prepare them for further training and employment.”

Since 2014, the number of alternative schools has almost doubled and enrolments have almost tripled – as of 2022 there are 96 institutions that cater to students who don’t do well in conventional settings, the submission said.

This philosophy of ensuring no one is left behind is one the Y strongly reinforces: “All

young people want to learn and do well and should have the right to achieve their full potential regardless of circumstances and the barriers that have prevented them engaging fully in education”.

As a new student, Zane carried the weight of being told he wouldn’t do anything worthwhile in his life, into the Y.

Several months later, he went to parliament with his fellow classmates to advocate for increased funding for independent schools.

According to campus principal Sarah Abbott, it’s hard to imagine Zane as anything but capable.

“Just reading his profile, looking at the previous data on him, hearing him talk about what he used to be like and how he used to behave, what he used to do – it’s a completely different person to what we’ve always seen at our school,” she said.

“[Coming here] has meant life or death for Zane.”

Ms Abbott said most of her students have had similar experiences at some point in their lives.

“Every single student has had challenges in a mainstream setting, ” she said.

“We have a number who have come to us with safety plans from their mainstream schools because of attempts of self harm.

“It’s devastating – they’ve only been looking for somewhere where they fit in.”

That feeling of not belonging, “no one should be feeling that way in the first place,” Zane said.

“For me, it finally feels like people are proud of me and that I’m not doing anything wrong.

“Before, I tried to do my best at all times but no one believed that. I’m just like other kids, I want to just be the best I can and live a good life and it feels like I finally can.”

This has been one of Rebecca’s biggest fights — ensuring her son was in a safe and supported environment.

But she never doubted his abilities.

“He was never naughty, he was just misunderstood,” she said.

If you or anyone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline 13 11 14.

Zane Hall has finally found a school where he feels like he fits in. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455462_01

The Y community school’s principal Sarah Abbott advocates for the importance of independent schools. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 454190_01

Zane and his mum Rebecca Hall believe if it wasn’t for the Y community school, Zane would’ve continued to struggle. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455462_07

Antarctica more than penguins and icebergs

IftravellingtoAntarcticaishighonthebucket list, and the one destination you yearn to visit, it is time to let the experts at Viking introduce you to this cultural and scenic land.

Viking cruises are not only designed for those wanting to relax but also for those travellers seeking more interaction with the continent they are visiting.

Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition ships the Viking Octantis, and the Viking Polaris have been designed so guests can explore some of the world’s most pristine destinations in comfort and maximising viewing in these spectacular locations.

With more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than other expedition vessels and with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, every light-filled space has been thoughtfully designed as a viewing platform.

No matter where you are on the ship, you’re as close as possible to the most magnificent scenery on earth.

The adventurer will have the opportunity to snowshoe through the magnificent polar landscapes, kayak in still, icy inlets, or take a Zodiac to observe majestic wildlife in their natural habitats and take comfort in knowing that all the gear needed for your excursions is provided.

Some may prefer to hop on to one of two military grade, twelve-seater ice strengthened aluminium, ocean-going Special Operations Boats built for exploration.

Guests are shielded from wind and waves from a flat, stable surface inside the ship and glide into the water to leave on their excursion.

Also available and designed for professional use in the harshest of environments, Viking have a fleet of seventeen Zodiacs with fuel-efficient Yanmar Dtorque 111 engines reinforced throughout yet stable and comfortable for a day of exploration.

For those who want to be even closer to nature, Viking offer traditional tandem paddle kayaks which offer superb stability and a large, open cockpit for easy accessibility and are at home in the Arctic or Antarctica.

And the opportunity to view this truly spectacular region on Viking’s uniquely designed submarine which comfortably accommodates six guests and a pilot and

offers an incomparable undersea experience in one of a kind.

The revolving seats plus nearly 270 degree spherical windows offer an undistorted view in all directions for every guest.

Viking Science and Sustainability head Dr Damon Stanwell-Smith, a marine scientist, with an honour’s degree in Marine Biology is an expedition leader on expedition-cruise vessels in Antarctica.

“In my view, there is nowhere else on the planet that comes close to the feeling of going to polar regions,” he said.

“I personally have had the privilege of visiting many many places on earth but there is nowhere, but nowhere where you get the feeling when you arrive in complete wilderness. It is extraordinary.”

“The experience of engaging wildlife that has so little fear of humans, the feeling that yougetwithotherhumanswhenyouarethere. When you are in a city of millions you can feel

very isolated, it is the complete opposite when you are in isolation, you feel very close to your fellow human. “

“So, it is both a human experience as well as one of engaging in the natural world. I would assert that no one going would return unchanged.”

“For Viking Expeditions, we are very excited about the partnerships that we have. We’ve been delighted at the positivity that has come from the academic institutions we have approached. They’re in different countries but the common theme is that they are the world leaders in their specific disciplines.

“Through these partnerships Viking guests will have an unprecedented opportunity. It is the new way to explore. It is an expeditionary experience that is like no other. It is a new way in which the private sector can engage with academic institutions, and most importantly it will have a profound effect on our guests.”

Onboard the ship enjoy the stunning panoramic auditorium in the Aula, the world’s most advanced venue for learning at sea. Inspired by the University of Oslo’s famed ceremonial hall where the Nobel Peace Prize was historically awarded, the Aula will offer a dynamic venue for lectures and entertainment, with floor-to-ceiling windows and 270-degree views.”

Adjacent to the Aula through sliding glass walls is the Finse Terrace, an outdoor lounge area with comfortable couches and warming lava rock ‘firepits’ perfect for panoramic views of the surroundings.

Together the two spaces can be combined to create an unmatched indoor-outdoor al fresco experience for guests to be immersed in nature.

To find out more about this remarkable cruise and have the privilege of joining a Viking Cruise please visit www.viking.com or phone (AU) 138 747.

Can you picture yourself aboard the Viking’s state-of-the-art expedition ship, the Viking Octantis visiting Antarctica in 2025? It is a life changing experience (Supplied Viking)

LEE MCCARTHY

The breathtaking vistas

Explore TV presenter, Trevor Cochrane, returned to the screen with Viking, Saturday, 1 February on Channel Nine showcasing the first of four episodes dedicated to Viking’s 13-day Antarctic Explorer voyage on board the award-winning ship, the Viking Octantis. Throughout February, Cochrane ventures where few others have been, taking viewers on a journey of otherworldly wildlife and breathtaking vistas that will leave an indelible mark on viewers.

Cochrane uncovers a land of paradoxes: the world’s biggest desert and world’s largest ice sheet belonging to no nation, which lay virtually unexplored until 150 years ago.

Viking ANZ Managing Director Michelle Black said they were pleased to welcome Cochrane and his team back.

“We are honoured to have Trevor travel for the seventh time with Viking and present our Antarctic Explorer voyage. Trevor and his team have brought to life the absolute best this exciting itinerary has to offer,” she said.

In the first episode, Cochrane began his journey in vibrant Buenos Aires, where he toured the gastronomic district of Palermo Soho, sampling empanadas, steak and Argentinean ice cream. He visited lively Caminito in La Boca for more local delicacies and performances, including Tango, before finally embarking on the Viking Octantis in Ushuaia.

The second episode sees Cochrane sail the infamous Drake Passage before setting eyes on the “White Continent” for the first time.

“There’s a significant amount of mystique associated with Antarctica, the purity of the landscape, the natural wonders, the rugged terrain and arduous journey to get there—I’m not sure what was top of mind, but all weighed in on my thoughts of what to expect—but what I actually experienced blew my mind,” Explore TV Presenter, Trevor Cochrane said.

Episode two continues with Cochrane kayaking through Antarctic waters, navigatingicebergsandlearningaboutseaice. His first shore landing explores a historic hut at Damoy Point built by the British Antarctic Survey in 1975 with Viking Polar Expedition Leader, David McGonigal.

In the third episode, Cochrane introduces viewerstotheonboardTheScienceLab,where Viking guests learn from and participate with scientists in primary research. Trevor visits an Adelie penguin colony in Brown Bluff and the shipwreck of the Guvernøren, a whaling boat that caught fire during a staff party in 1915 near Enterprise Island.

Episode four begins with a submarine dive to the Southern Ocean floor and a Special Operations Boat (SOB) ride alongside a pod of humpback whales feeding before concluding the series with a visit to Astrolabe Island to view seals and chinstrap penguins.

“WerodeontheSOBstowherewecouldsee whales and the guide idled the boat. Bubbles started rising around the boat, which seemed fascinating and innocuous,” he said.

“But our experienced skipper knew. He

gently reversed the boat to ten metres away and told Lawrence, Explore TV’s director of photography, to change to a wide lens. We were in the middle of a feeding pod of 40-tonne humpback whales swimming deep underneath us, blowing bubbles in circles as they pushed krill upwards before bursting to the surface with mouths agape only a few metres from the boat.”

Tune into Explore TV on Channel Nine and 9NOW every Saturday for four weeks until 22

February at 4:30 pm AEDT, 5:30 pm AWST, for the chance to win a 13-day Antarctic Explorer voyage for two people, departing 14 November.

For further information on Viking Cruises please visit www.viking.com or call 138 747 (AU) or 0800 447 913 (NZ) Entrants must be over the age of 18. Only oneentryispermittedpervalidemailaddress. The promotion ends at 11:59 pm (AEDT) on 1 March.

Tune into Explore TV on Channel Nine and 9NOW Saturday to watch Trevor Cochrane explore Antarctica.

Viewers will be taken on a journey of otherworldly wildlife and breathtaking vistas as television presenter Trevor Cochrane travels aboard the Viking Octantis

Wash Explore TV presenter Trevor Cochrane, as he explores Antarctica on a Viking expedition.

LEE MCCARTHY

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ICEBERG IN ANTARCTICA

Asia

In Xi’an, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilisation, witness the astounding 8,000 life-sized sculptures of the Terracotta Army. Discovered by sheer chance in 1974 when a group of farmers were digging a well, the soldiers form part of the necropolis built for China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang in 210 BC.

Your holiday includes

Full-Board Cruise

14 night full-board cruise on board Westerdam

23 Nights | 22 February 2026 | Prices fr $8,899pp

Witness China’s Terracotta Army and the Great Wall, cruise the highlights of the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan on Holland America Line’s Westerdam, and experience Mount Fuji in bloom.

Be swept away in China’s extraordinary ancient past during this all-encompassing trip. Follow in the footsteps of emperors in Beijing’s Forbidden City and Summer Palace, and see the Great Wall of China. Meet Xi’an’s 8,000 terracotta warriors, every one unique.

Fly to Hong Kong for a one-night stay before embarking Holland America Line’s elegant Westerdam. Be awed by Boracay’s powdery white-sand beaches before exploring vibrant Manila. From port in Keelung, discover Taipei, the bustling capital of Taiwan. Witness the tranquil beauty of Japan’s Ishigaki Island ahead of Osaka, home to sacred shrines and sushi dens. Disembarking in Tokyo for a two-night hotel stay, you’ll experience a full-day Mount Fuji tour.

Visiting: Hong Kong, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, Manila, Kaohsiung, Keelung, Ishigaki Island, Naha, Osaka, Yokohama

Fully Escorted Tours

Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square; Great Wall of China and Summer Palace; fast Train to Xi’an; Terracotta Warriors; complimentary tour of Mount Fuji including the Hakone

Holland America Line’s Westerdam is a superb ship for those looking for a leisurely pace of life at sea, yet with interesting activities, modern innovations, high-quality dining options, and contemporary entertainment venues.

Ropeway cable car; complimentary boat trip across Lake Ashi and complimentary high-speed bullet train to Tokyo

Hotel Stays

Five-star hotel stays in Beijing, Xi’an and Hong Kong

Four-star hotel stay in Tokyo

All Flights, Taxes and Transfers Overnight flight

Brimbank house prices fluctuate

Brimbank suburbs have recorded fluctuating house prices, with some continuing to grow steadily and others experiencing double-digit drops.

ThelatestdatafromtheRealEstateInstitute of Victoria (REIV), shows affordability across the municipality has improved slightly with prices falling in nearly a dozen suburbs.

This trend mimics prices in greater Melbourne, which dropped by 2.1 per cent.

In other parts of Brimbank, suburbs like Keilor Park, and Sunshine West recorded a rise in median value, holding firmly at $848,000 and $698,000 respectively.

Overall,Keiloristhemostexpensivesuburb to buy a house in Brimbank, despite one of the biggest drops in the area of 11.9 per cent, with the median price currently $1 million.

Across the board, REIV data showed strong demand for houses in the Brimbank region with 511 reported sales in 2024.

Other than house prices, units in Sunshine and Albion also posted notable changes in the last quarter – plummeting by 20 per cent to $400,000 and 35.2 per cent to $230,000 respectively.

According to Barry Plant Sunshine director Jason Allen, the drop makes Sunshine an

attractive prospect as a lower price entry point.

“It puts it on the map for a lot of buyers,” he said.

“Everyone wants to get a better yield, if they’re an investor or if they’re a young buyer.

“Sometimes affordability is an issue but this brings the attention back to these types of properties.”

The drop in prices over the three-month period can also be volatile due to a relatively lower number of reported sales over the period.

“Demand for apartments isn’t as high,” Mr

Walking football for fitness and fun

Keilor residents looking to get active in a safe environment are encouraged to join a free walking football program designed for people with medical conditions to stay fit. From now until the end of June, locals will be able to keep on top of their fitness as part of the Walking Football 4 Health Victoria initiative funded by the Brimbank council. The organisation received an $8000 grant from council to offer its program to residents free of charge.

According to its president and founder Mick Trim, walking football is a modified version of soccer played in a safe, fun, and

family friendly space.

“I’ve been playing walking football for three years now mainly due to a health condition I have which meant I had to give up work, stop driving and give up sport,” he said.

“It’s a great activity because basically anybody can play — we’ve got people with Parkinson’s, heart conditions, diabetes, stroke and even dementia.”

Some of the rules for walking football include no running, no contact, and no ball above the waist.

“It is fantastic for senior citizens as well as

younger people, it’s for everyone,” Mr Trim said.

“I would encourage those who’ve been struggling to find appropriate fitness options to give this a go.

“It improves your physical and mental health at the same time.”

Sessions are held at the Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium, every Monday morning from 11 am to 12 pm.

Details: www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/discounts/ walking-football-4-health-victoria-inc

Allen said.

“People are prepared to buy or spend more money on a townhouse or a free standing property, even in a smaller complex where they’vegotlandandmorepotentialforgrowth compared to what apartments offer.”

A spokesperson from REIV said these price changesshouldbeconsideredovera12-month period to gain a better insight into Sunshine’s real estate market.

The annual median price for Sunshine units is $527,500, with the 4.5 per cent annual growth indicating stability, the spokesperson added.

Police seek shooting help

Police have released CCTV footage of a vehicle as part of their investigation into a fatal shooting in Burnside Heights last year.

ThefootageofadarkgreyFordRanger was released in hope that someone may have seen the car or have knowledge of itsoccupantsatthetimeoftheshooting.

A 34-year-old Wallan man identified as Jason Filippi was found dead in a white Suzuki Swift in August 2024.

It’sbelievedtheSuzukiSwift,inwhich Mr Filippi was a passenger, converged with a dark grey Ford Ranger in the area of Connor Drive and Remington Street in Burnside Heights shortly before the shooting.

Police said the occupants of the Suzuki Swift attempted to drive away, however they were pursued by those inside the Ford Ranger.

A firearm was subsequently used and possibly fired from the Ford into the Suzuki.

The Ford Ranger was then driven from the area and is believed to have headed along Taylors Road towards the Kings Park area.

The Suzuki Swift then drove to Tenterfield Drive, where the driver flagged down the member of the public.

Police confirmed the Ford Ranger was stolen in Deer Park a couple of weeks before the shooting.

Atleasttwopeoplewerebelievedtobe in the Ford Ranger.

Homicide squad inspector Dean Thomas said it is believed Mr Filippi has travelled to Burnside Heights to meet with associates.

“Webelievethattheassociateswerein that vehicle (Ford Ranger),” he said.

Walking Football 4 Health Victoria president Mick Trim wants Keilor residents to have a ball with the program. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 456258

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

Live entertainment Sunshine North

Experience a fabulous blend of live entertainment, musical fun and high energy with the one and only ‘Adam the Spaceman.’ Immerse yourself in the local spirit as you revel in the captivating live music and entertainment direct from outer space, in fact a whole other galaxy. Adam is an extraordinary performer, a very funny stand-up comedian with a musical talent that transcends earthly boundaries. He is renowned for tailoring his show to perfectly match the vibe of the audience. Join us for an unforgettable time and make your visit to our shopping strip a truly cosmic experience. This event is funded by Brimbank City Council and is a part of the Think. Shop. Buy. Dine – and Enjoy Local campaign. Scheduled for February 14 from 11 am to 1 pm.

Annual McKay Gardens Community

Festival

The festival is a fun filled free event for people of all ages with music, dance, market stalls, sporting and community group activities, games and prizes, roaming wizard, Simsalabim facepainting and lots more.

It’ll get underway on March 2, 2 to 4 pm. There will be an entertainment stage of multicultural performances and delicious hot food, coffee, cold beverages and ice cream. To learn about these beautiful gardens, there will also be a self guided Oak walk and photographic history of the Sunshine Harvester Works and the Gardens built by H V McKay for his workers.

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 atthe Deer Park Club, 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 Tayla Funaro, who was a ballkid at this year’s Australian Open. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455509_01

Artists move into their new Ballan headquarters

Members of the Ballan Artists Collective have been busy the past few weeks settling into their new location on Inglis Street.

Member Miranda Williamson said the groupisecstatictobeinthenewvenue,which they will be opening with an exhibition on Friday, February 7.

“We’re moving stuff in today, and we’ve been renovating for the last four weeks,” she said.

“We’ve got a bit of the garden to do still, but we’re exhibition ready.”

The new exhibit, themed Pop Culture, is the group’s first exhibition in the new location.

“It will be a nice, bright, good mixture of everything,” Ms Williamson said.

“I think a lot of people think of that retro, sort of hippie look as well. It just depends on what generation people are from, and how they interpret it.”

The group’s new place has been the talk of the town, according to Ms Williamson.

“People have been coming by to check our progress constantly,” she said.

“We’re right next to the post office, and many people go past everyday, so it’s had a lot of chatter, and lots of excitement.”

Members expects a little more foot traffic now that their studio is situated on the main road.

“We have the gallery and the shop, as usual,” Ms Williamson said.

“Just in a little cute building with a lot

more character. We’ve got a big garden area that is now easily accessed as well.”

The new premises also has a mural at the back which was a collaboration between the group and members of the community.

The Ballan Artist Creative Pop Culture Exhibition will open on Friday, February 7, starting at 5pm, and will continue until Sunday, March 2.

Faith Macale

Ballan Artist Collective members Michael Rizzo, Miranda Williamson and Tracey Taylor have been busy adding the finishing touches to their new location before its opening.

455200_03

A display of elegance

Brimbank locals will have the unique opportunity to explore the gracefulness of ‘Ao Dai’ – a traditional Vietnamese dress commonly worn by women – as part of a new exhibition in Sunshine.

The collection curated by the Australian Vietnamese Arts and Culture (AVAC) will allow visitors to discover the beauty of the traditionaloutfitwhileembracingthecultural heritage of Vietnam.

According to AVAC president Mai Nguyen, the ‘Timeless elegance of Women’s Ao Dai Exhibition’ will bring together dresses from

different decades.

This showcase will consist of three collections: Áo Dài V??ng Tri?u (Royal Áo Dài), Áo Dài T? Thân (four piece Áo Dài) and the Áo Dài Tân Th?i (Modern Áo Dài).

“This year marks 50 years of settlement of the Vietnamese community in Australia so we wanted this exhibition to honour the traditional beauty of the Vietnamese national costume,” Ms Nguyen said.

“We wanted to introduce this beauty to the community and to highlight the multiculturalism in Australia and in

particular in Sunshine.”

According to Ms Nguyen, the cultural significanceofthisexhibitioncan’tbeignored.

“Engaging in this experience will foster a profound appreciation for the intricate craftsmanship and skill demonstrated by the artisans behind these exquisite garments,” she said.

“It will contribute to a heightened understandingandrespectfortherichheritage of the traditional Vietnamese apparel.”

The exhibition will be up until March 27 at the Sunshine Art Spaces Window Gallery.

Lots of people are fans of The Simpsons and lots of people enjoy pub trivia nights and for those who like both, next TuesdaynightinNewportistheplaceto be.

ASimpsonstrivianightwillbeheldat theNewportSocialClubonFebruary11 hosted by Australia’s self styled ‘experts’ of themed trivia, Grape Vine Events.

“Our business runs more themed trivia than anyone else in the southern hemisphere,” said Grape Vine Events’ ‘Lord Commander of Entertainment’ Kevin Munro.

“We were around years prior to the pandemic, but became even more popular when we streamed trivia for people in lockdown over the better part of 18 months. It’s nice to sometimes be stopped by people on the street who recognise us from that time.”

These days it’s the monthly themed trivia nights at the Newport Social Club on Mason Street that the company is known for, with the coming months to feature Disney, Avatar, The Last Airbender, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Taylor Swift, and Star Wars themed events.

On February 11 though, it’s the Simpson family and various other characters from the long-running cartoon who will be the subject of 40 questions across eight rounds.

“Each round covers a different member of the family and their interactions with the other characters from Springfield,” said Mr Munro.

“The activity itself is punchy in that it runs for 90 minutes, which is just the rightamountoftimetohaveagreattime without overstaying our welcome. We also feature songs from the Simpsons catalogue, and everyone gets right into it,” he said.

For more information and to book, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ the-simpsons-trivia-newport-tickets1210148519799?aff=oddtdtcreator

Werribee’s ‘best kept secret’ is back for jazz lovers

The Werribee Jazz Club is back and ready to swing better than ever in 2025.

From 2-5pm on Sunday, February 9, The Pearly Shells will usher in a new year of jazz for a club that has been the heart of the scene in Werribee for over 30 years.

President Neville Roe said the club is “Werribee’s best kept secret, but it shouldn’t be.”

Each month, the club meets at Werribee Bowls Club at Churnside Park on Watton Street and features a live act.

Despite the seniority of many of the members, the club is open to anyone with a passion for the genre and live music.

Jazz, with its characteristic improvisation that sprung out of roots music in the American South, covers a wide array styles,

instrumentations and implementation of “it’s hard to put the finger on the pulse” Mr Roe said.

For many of the members, jazz is more than just music they listen to and meet over for three hours on a Sunday.

“It’s something that we grew up with after the war,” Mr Roe said.

“If we didn’t have the direct connection

with jazz ourselves, our parents did.” The price of admission for members is $18 and $22 for non-members, guests are always encouraged to bring their own snacks and drinks will be available at moderate prices.

Visitorsarewelcomeandthoseinterestedor have other inquiries about the club can give Jenny a call on 0419 558 481. Jaidyn Kennedy

Mai Nguyen is encouraging everyone to attend the Ao Dai exhibition. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 456182_04

(Ljubica Vrankovic)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. During his career, 2025 Australian of the Year Neale Daniher played 82 games for which AFL/VFL club?

2. Which women’s rugby sevens team did Australia defeat to win the Australian leg of the 2024–25 World Rugby SVNS series?

3. By what name is Brazilian former

4. Which men’s rugby sevens team defeated Australia to win the Australian leg of the 2024–25 World Rugby SVNS series?

5. British racing driver Lewis Hamilton competes for which Formula One racing team?

6. Which country in Southeast Asia is hosting the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup?

Which former Australian tennis professional was most recently part of Jannik Sinner’s coaching team?

What sport has long been considered ‘America’s pastime’?

Which AFL/ VFL club did John Cahill coach from 1997–1998?

10. Gilbert provides the regulation brand game ball for which sport?

11. What freak incident caused Monica Seles to leave tennis for over two years?

12. Which Ecuadorian professional road racing cyclist won the 2025 Tour Down Under?

13. In soccer slang, what is a ‘worldie’?

14. Australian Luke Plapp is known for which sport?

15. What innocuous item caused a delay in the quarterfinal between Alexander Zverev and Tommy Paul in the 2025 Australian Open?

16. In a viral moment at the 2024 Olympics, on what was the first ever all-Black gymnastics podium, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles were photographed bowing to which new gymnastics champion?

17. Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy recently signed with which NWSL club?

18. And which US actress was a founding owner of that club?

19. AFLW player Zimmie Farquharson plays for which team?

20. Sam Mitchell played 22 games for which other AFL club after he was traded by Hawthorn in 2016?

21. ‘The Sharks’ are the Australian men’s team in which sport?

22. Who is the current captain of the Sydney Swans?

23. How many black squares are on a chessboard?

24. Jessica Campbell is the first ever female coach in which sporting league?

25. And which team does she coach?

26. An entirely animated, almost real-time feed of the Australian Open was streamed on which platform throughout the competition?

27. In which year did Don Bradman play his last Test for Australia?

28. Simon Whitlock plays which sport for Australia?

29. How many times has Kelly Slater been crowned the WSL champion?

30. The Braves are the MLB team of which US city?

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 Skin on the head (5)

4 Commonsensical (9)

9 Roof’s projecting edges (5)

10 Power cells (9)

11 Collusive syndicate (6)

12 Nullify (8)

14 Informal bulletin (10)

15 Capture (3)

17 Melody (3)

19 Sorcerers (10)

23 Soon (8)

24 Thief (6)

26 Large powerful sea monster (9)

27 Sun-dried brick (5)

28 Speaks to (9)

29 Finished (5)

DOWN

1 Offensive odour (6)

2 Unfavourable (7)

3 Own (7)

4 A precious stone (4)

5 Exercises (10)

6 Mistakenly (2,5)

7 Instruction (7)

8 Plastic unit containing audio or visual tape (8)

13 Linen (10)

16 Spanish headscarf (8)

18 Distant (7)

19 Hub for military planes (7)

20 Quarantine (7)

21 Forbidden (7)

22 Ally (6)

25 Singles (4)

1 Which singer had a UK No.1

2 In cricket, in which year did South Australia first win the Sheffield Shield?

3 Which James Bond actor starred in the 1988 film Taffin?

4 Ops, or Opis, was the ancient Roman goddess of what?

5 Which element comprises 71 per cent of the sun?

6 Which tropic runs through Paraguay?

7 In which European city was Erwin Schrödinger born in 1887?

8 Who did Betty White (pictured) play in The Golden Girls?

9 What Russian alcoholic drink is made from cereals and stale bread?

10 Shall We Tell the President? was written by which famous author?

No. 255

No. 223

MOTOR

Happy return for Genesis G70

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The gift that keeps on giving: due to an ‘unscheduledincident’onarecenttestcarIwas left with a gap on my normally crowded ‘dance card’.

No sweat, said the Australian importer, why take a reprise with the Genesis G70?

Even though I had spent time with the Sports Luxury Sedan earlier in the year, when the upgraded G70 had left a generally positive impression, a second bite of the luxury ‘fruit’ was eagerly accepted.

TheG70,whichstartedasamid-sizedluxury sedan with a young and sophisticated design in 2017, was reborn in 2023 as a luxury sports sedan with a differentiated design identity and superior driving manners.

The MY24 upgrade consists of two variants, a Sports Luxury Sedan and a Shooting brake (station wagon) debuting Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Genesis Connected Services and over-the-air software updates. Ride and handling also make use of new-generation Electronic Control Suspension.

The Shooting Brake is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine; the Sports Luxury Sedan by a 3.3-litre V6 turbo. Both are mated with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission feeding the rear wheels.

Available from $80,065 to $86,914 for the 2025 range of models in wagon and sedan body types, all G70s come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with private usage, complimentary servicing for the first five years or 50,000km, roadside assist (10 years if serviced by Genesis) and concierge and courtesy vehicle service for five years.

STYLING

The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan has performance-linked head-turning looks with traditional sports sedan styling mated with the latest technology. Upgrades include new badges, new wheel design and additional exterior colours.

Up front the new emblem features what is described as a guilloche pattern, roughly translated, a type of repetitive decoration symbolising eternity in ancient Assyrian architecture, would you believe.

Newly designed 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, shod with Michelin pilot Sport 4 tyres, are the perfect complement to a red Brembo brake package. The updated look is topped off by a selection of 13 colours, including three matte finishes, and new gloss finishes Vatna Gray and Kawah Blue.

INTERIOR

Refined upgrades stamp the cabin with a true sports luxury character. For example, Nappa leather seats in Fog Grey – heated and ventilated up front, heated in the rear – and leather 16-way adjustable driver’s seat and door trim and console are joined by a heated electronic tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel. And not forgetting sports-style alloy pedals.

Hey, but hang on there. The rear seat is no place for long legs. In fact, depending on the positioning of the driver and front passenger seats the space speaks 2+2. Toe room fares no better, with front seats too close to the floor for tootsies.

Head and shoulder space are very much mid-size sedan scale. A restricted loading aperture leaves the boot a dark cave-like 330 litres with seat backs up. A temporary spare wheel fits under the floor.

INFOTAINMENT

There are three separate screens to keep an eye on – one central infotainment screen mounted on top of the dashboard, which runs the car’s smartphone mirroring, voice recognition, satellite navigation, digital radio and driver settings,

A touchscreen in the stack below, plus separate buttons and switches for controls

to air-conditioning, while a digital driver display is situated behind the steering wheel. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wired, not wireless as in many of the G70’s European rivals.

TherearetwoUSBpointsforrearpassengers, while all can take advantage of digital radio DAB+ through a 15-speaker Lexicon premium audio system.

ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS

G70 the Sports Luxury Sedan is powered by a 3.3-litre V6 turbocharged petrol engine mated withaneight-speedtorqueconverterautomatic transmissiondrivingtherearwheels.Premium unleaded (95 RON) has it stumping up 247kW at6000rpmand510Nmfrom1300to4500revs.

SAFETY

The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan scored a five-star ANCAP rating from 2018 testing. With 10 airbags scattered around the cabin, there is a long list of active safety features. These include autonomous emergency braking with cyclist / pedestrian awareness and junction turning function, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane assistance, road sign recognition, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree DRIVING

The low stance of the car and major seat bolstering present a skinny slot for getting in and out of the front seats. However, the driver cansoonsettleinthankstoa16-wayadjustable seat with memory function.

Start-upisaccompaniedbythecharacteristic V6 engine note, which is reassuring in these days of electric vehicle stealth. Combined fuel consumption claimed by the maker, 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, translated on test to 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in built-up area crawling and 6.8 litres per 100 kilometres on a motorway cruise.

The sedan’s ride and handling have been refined with the introduction of a new generation Electronic Control Suspension whichreducesdampinglag,increaseddamping force, improved control logic and a wider damping force window, both softer and harder.

TheGenesisG70SportsLuxurySedanglided through the city and suburbs in the default comfort mode. Cruising the highway is where the G70 was happiest.

Switching to Sport unleashed a completely different drive. The suspension stiffened, the ride took on a roguish character and the

power pedal reacted sharply to the tiniest touch.Itwasasifthecarwasurgingthedriver to ‘give it a go’. Sport+ mode to another time and place.

Back in the built-up environment, the Intelligent Speed Limit Assist tells the driver of the current speed limit based on navigation data and road sign recognition. In addition, the system is able to help the driver to change speedduringSmartCruiseControlorManual Speed Limit Assist.

The blind-spot camera that appears in the driver display every time the indicators are activated are a distraction I could take or leave, while the over-intrusive beeping and the tyre pressure monitor comes up with more numbers than a Keno card. However, the head-up display with a digital speedometer,

live traffic sign recognition, and turn-by-turn navigation assistance gets my vote every time. In the unlikely case of the addition of a tow ball, the G70 Sports Luxury Sedan can tow up to 1200kg braked, or 750kg unbraked.

SUMMARY

The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan really does stand out from the pack, especially in its upgrade state.

RATINGS

■Looks – 9

■ Performance – 8

■Safety – 6

■Thirst – 7

■Practicality – 7

■ Comfort – 5

■Tech – 7

■Value – 8

The Genesis G70 Sports Luxury Sedan really does stand out from the pack. (Supplied)

Cricketers weren’t just battling against each other but also the heat on Saturday as the race to finals heats up. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Summer bowls up extreme heat

Westmeadows’ Pathum De Mel. 456799_03

Seabrook’s Jordan Lynch. 456805_01

Kingsville’s Hammad Khan. 456806_05

Bundoora’s Narinder Sharma. 456802_01

St Andrews-Footscray’s Sohail Hussain. 456805_11

The Colin Cass Cup. 456806_12

Craigieburn watches on. 456799_13

Kingsville’s Rahmatullah Khwaja. 456806_02

Craigieburn’s Samuel Laffan. 456799_06

Bundoora United. 456802_13

Stagliano appointed new Western Jets coach

New Western Jets boys coach Christian Stagliano is looking forward to putting his passion for teaching and coaching together at the same time.

Staglianohasbeenappointedtheboyscoach for the Coates Talent League club, replacing Trent Dennis-Lane who has returned to the AFL system.

He was a development coach at both Collingwood and the Gold Coast Suns and has coached Northern Football League sides, Banyule and Macleod.

Stagliano said the role was something he was looking forward to.

“Last night [Tuesday] night was the first night,” he said. “It was a really good start to get out of some old habits and get back into it.

“I really enjoyed it.”

410527_02

schools between full time football.

“In a work environment I’ve worked with schoolagekidswhoareaspiringtogetfurther. At the same time I have a passion for footy, it was a no brainer.

“I’vehadacoupleofmatesatotherclubsand they’ve spoken highly about the program.”

Stagliano said he had several football connections in Melbourne’s west already including at Werribee Football Club.

He said one of his main focuses was to help the players want to improve and want to get better.

“The next three to four weeks I’ll get across everybody and assess their performance,” he said. “In terms of expectations, I’ve only just started and getting to know each other.

“There’s some standards I’ll look to set, but I don’t want to rush into anything. We need to get to know each other.”

Stagliano said one of the biggest things for him early on was making sure they set an environment where everyone will thrive.

He’ll then look at other things.

“I want an environment where they want to be here,” he said. “I want to make sure everyone enjoys being there and being comfortable.

Stagliano said there were a few things that attractedhimtotherole.Combiningcoaching and teaching was the main one.

WhiletraininggotunderwayonWednesday night, the Jets are yet to finalise their squad. That is likely to come closer to the start of the season.

“I’m a qualified teacher and I’ve worked in

Between now and then Stagliano will be busy learning the playing group.

Deeble winner crowned

By Tara Murray

Don Deeble winner Jesse Trembath is set for plenty of time on the greens before he heads to college later this year.

Trembath on Wednesday night was named the 2024 Don Deeble winner, beating out nine other young sporting stars.

He received $5000 as the winner, with joint runner-ups AFLW draftee Sierra Grieves and runner Lucy Cleveland receiving $2500 each.

Speaking after he was crowned the winner, Trembath said it was pretty incredible.

“I’m just super grateful,” he said. “I didn’t know what to really expect.

“I had my hopes up and it was a good night and it couldn’t have ended even better. The money will be really helpful, golf is a pretty expensive sport.

“There’s so much travel and that will go straight to that.”

Trembath was the March nominee for the Deeble award.

The Point Cook resident was a talented cricketer and footballer before deciding to focus on golf when he was just four.

“Dad likes to take credit for it,” he said. “I think it was more my grandmother, she loved to take me and my brother out when were younger and it went from there.,

“I just loved it, and that was really it. It’s really fun, you have the love for it and you really enjoy it, it doesn’t feel like hard work every day.”

Playing on local courses at Kooringal and Sanctuary Lakes, Trembath continued his improvement and was soon identified by Golf Victoria.

He holds the current course record at Kooringal Golf Club shooting a 63 in April last year, while he was a 2023 state team member, Golf Victoria high performance team and a Callaway “Next Program” representative.

He has won the Victorian Junior Amateur and Victorian Junior Masters in 2023 and in 2024 he was one of only two juniors to qualify for the Victorian Open.

After finishing year 12, Trembath has committed to Iowa State University and will head to America in August.

He said it was an easy decision to go to college instead of going professional.

“No one really went to college 10-15 years ago, all the golfers stayed in Australia,” he said. “Over the last five years everyone has gone and there’s so much more opportunity over there.

“All the best players are over there, all the money is over there. Once I saw some people were going over there, I wanted to do.”

Trembath said his dad, Craig Trembath, was probably his biggest role model. Craig won Commonwealth Games gold in shooting.

Jesse said there two sports have a lot of similarities.

“Him being a shooter he was in a very static sport as well, like gold, an individual sport,” he

said. “There’s so much that I’ve learned from himasmuchasIdon’twanttolistentohimtoo much, I’m getting better at taking his advice.”

Trembath said that he would spend the next few months getting his game ready for college. He is currently working on changing his swing after identifying things he wasn’t happy with.

“I didn’t want to get there and have to be figuring things out with my swing,” he said.

“That they want to improve and be in the best position to grow.”

Tara Murray

T20s final 16 teams set

Deer Park’s Aaron Ayre put on a show as the Lions sealed top spot in its pool in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition.

The top two of each pool move into the next round which consists of 16 teams after the pool matches, On Tuesday night, Ayre went big against Sunshine Heights.

The Lions made 3-197 from their overs with Aaron Ayre the star of the show with 115 not out off 62 balls. He hit nine fours and five sixes.

Heights finished 7-95 in reply. Max Hatzoglou top scored with 43 for the Heights.

Bellbridge got the points against Laverton in the other pool match.

Deer Park finished top of the pool undefeated, followed by Sunshine United. IntheBeanudgroup,KeilorParklostto Maribyrnong Park St Marys.

The Devils were restricted to 9-90.

The Lions took their time getting the runs, but made it with ease, finishing 2-91.

Airport West Christophers beat St Andrew’s Footscray in the other match. PEGS, which had a bye, finished on top of the pool, ahead of Maribyrnong Park.

IntheLauriegroup.Sydenham-Hillside was too strong for Sunbury.

The Storm made 9-130 from its overs,

The Roar had a terrible start with the bat and was in trouble at 5-8. It crumbled to be all out for 64.

DarcyEdwardstook4-11fortheStorm.

The Storm finished the pool rounds undefeated, ahead of St Albans.

In the Taylor group, the Druids got the win against Keilor on the final ball.

The Blues made 4-151 after winning the toss and Malith Cooray top scoring with 67. It came down to the wire, with the Druids hitting the winning run on the final ball to finish 3-152.

Tom Hazell-Evans top scored with 67 not out.

Grand United also needed until the final over to beat Burnside Springs United.

“It’s the priority the next few months before I leave so when I’m there, I’m ready to go.”

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.

If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, emailing swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

Burnside made 6-94 with Amrit Sandhu top scoring with 23 not out. At 3-74, the Gorillas looked on track to get the runs but the wickets started to fall. They did enough to get the runs with five balls remaining, finished 7-96.

The Druids finished on top of the pool ahead of Sunshine.

Yarraville Club, Gellibrand, Doutta Stars, West Coburg St Andrews, Westmeadows, Haig Fawkner, Point Cook Centrals and Altona North are the other teams through to the final 16.

The Western Jets have a new coach. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Jesse Trembath. (Tara Murray)

Georgies are ready to attack the new season

A season of consolidating, Caroling Springs George Cross is focused on success in the Victorian Premier League.

The Georgies finished seventh last season in their first season in the VPL1 competition after two straight promotions.

Finding some consistency in the back part of the season, Georgies coach Eric Vassiliadis said they were hoping to build on that.

“I think we learned a lot from the first season in the VPL1,” he said. “We had a slow start to the season before sorting things out in the back end of the season last year.

“It was a good indication and it was important for us to work and build on in the pre-season.”

Vassiliadis said the biggest improvement they needed was in the front third of the pitch after struggling to score at times.

He said they were confident in the group that they had up forward.

“We’ve worked hard as a playing group and coaching group and as individuals,” he said.

“We’ve attracted some new players and retainedsomeothersandhopefullyhavesome success.”

Vassiliadis said they had retained about 12 players from last year, not wanting to make changes of the sake of making changes.

He said they were really happy with the squad.

“We’ve improved on areas that we lacked

and we have built some genuine depth to cover injuries and suspensions.

“We’re making sure everyone is on their

Knights back in youth

By Tara Murray

Melbourne Knights have looked to add some exciting youth to its squad as it aims for a return to National Premier League finals.

The Knights had an up and down season lastyear,beforenarrowlymissingoutonfinals under Ivan Franjic, who took over as coach in the second part of the season.

Franjic, who has hung up the playing boots, will now just focus on coaching the side.

“We’ve looking forward to it,” he said. “It has been a tough pre-season for the boys.

“They’ve worked hard and can’t wait for the season to begin.”

Franjic saId they were excited about the squad they’d put together. He said they were hoping they had the right mix.

“We have a fair few new players,” he said. “A lot of younger players.

“It will be exciting and very fast. There’s a lot of energy in the squad. I think that is very important as we have a lot of experienced players.

“Hopefully we have the right mix of youth and experience.’

Franjic said he was excited to see all the new players and didn’t want to single any of them out.

Centre-back Stefan Brecevic, Leo Mazis, Fraser Dunlop, wing backs Deion Nikolaidis and Alex Hird, and Kaine Sheppard are among the signings.

Franjic said he was enjoying watching from the sidelines and not having to do all the running through the pre-season.

He says it will be a different feeling just being a coach.

“Being with the boys the last two years so I’ve built that connection on and off the field.

“It’s a lot easier with some of the older ones like Chris Oldfield, Steve Whyte, Anthony Duzel, Joey [Franjic] which will help with that.”

After finishing seventh last season, Franjic said the group was determined to return to the top six this season.

toes. We’ve got a good core group that has been together for a while.”

Among the new signings are Josh Whitley, who has been part of two championships. He was in the United Kingdom last season.

Vassiliadis said one of the most exciting things was that they’ve been able to add players from their youth league set up.

“We’ve added three guys from the youth league side who will play key roles in the squad,” he said.

“We have one eye on the changes with home grown players and pathways and we’ve been working hard with the technical director and junior coaches to have that pathway.”

The Georgies season gets underway on Saturday night against Langwarrin.

Vassiliadis said they were looking forward to getting the season underway.

He said they have some big expectations this season.

“We tried to consolidate last year and it was the first time we’ve done that as a club,” he said.

“We’d worked hard for five years.

“Our president Mark [Sultana] wants to play for promotion and we want to be doing that this year.”

Tara Murray

Lauton signs for another two years

Rising Western United star Jordan Lauton has signed on for another two seasons after a stunning start to his A-League Men career.

Lauton, who came through the club’s academy program, signed his first senior contract this season after making his debut the season before.

The 21-year-old midfielder broke the internet with an outrageous bicycle kick inthe95thminutetobeatPerthGloryat the beginning of January.

In total, Lauton has made seven appearances this season after making his debut against Sydney last campaign.

His impact off the bench in each game has shown with Lauton boasting a 75 per cent win rate, the best of any player in the club’s history to have played more than one game.

His rapid rise to stardom has been the product of a number of years of hard work and dedication in the Western United Academy – in 2022 he was named the senior academy player of the season and players’ player of the season, while last year he took out the club champion award.

“The boys are really keen and are wanting to bring home that silverware to Knights Stadium,” he said.

“We prepare as we are going to go win every game. Every game we will go in hunting for points.”

It’sbeenabigoffseasonfortheKnights,with upgrades to some of their facilities complete. It includes the new gym being finished.

The Knights kick off their season on Thursday night against Heidelberg United in the first match of the whole NPL season.

Heidelberg made finals last season before being knocked out in a penalty shoot out.

Franjic said they were hoping to make home a fortress beginning with their round one match.

In other round one matches, Green Gully is on the road against Dandenong Thunder and St Albans Saints face Dandenong City.

In the Victorian Premier League 1 competition, North Sunshine Eagles face Northcote City and Caroline Springs George Cross takes on Langwarrin.

Lauton said he is exactly where he wants to be and is looking forward to givingevenmoretothegreenandblack.

He recently told Star Weekly, he didn’t know where he would be without Western United.

“It’s unbelievable. Coming from the west, from Ballarat – it’s just unreal and I haven’t really processed it yet,” he said.

“I’m so grateful – from the boss [John Aloisi], Diogo [Ferreira] and Dura [Andrew Durante], just giving me that chance to show what I have to offer for the team. Obviously, the sacrifice from myself and also to my parents, just supporting me every step of the way off the pitch.

“I’m buzzing, coming down here every week and being in the squad just gets me going. It’s so exciting to be playing in front of such passionate supporters. Hopefully there’s a couple more enjoyable years to come.”

Caroline Springs George Cross. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Steve Whyte. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Lions bounce back against Hoppers Crossing

Taylors Lakes bounced back from its worst performance of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association south-west competition, to be a solid spot against Hoppers Crossing after day one.

The Lions, who started the season well, have dropped their last three matches to fall back in the pack, making the match with the Cats an important one.

Coach Peter Brasher said they were happy with that performance.

“The Werribee performance was the one that we had to have,” he said. “We had still been playing good cricket in the two games before that, which we lost.

“It was our worst day of cricket for a long time. It was one of those performances you need to bounce back from.

“We were happy to bounce back like that, it was really pleasing”

The Lions won the toss and were going to bat in warm conditions on Saturday, but

decided at the last minute to send the Cats in.

It turned out well for the Lions as they bowled the Cats out for 172 in the 64th over.

“We bowled pretty well and keeping them to 172 we would have taken that,” he said. “Charlie [Chalitha Chamoda] was the standout with four wickets and Larry [Dhanushka Lahiru Kumara] took two wickets. It was the Charlie and Larry show.”

The one downside for the Lions was one of their opening bats splitting the webbing on his hand late in the innings. He didn’t come out to bat for the Lions innings on Saturday.

It meant Brasher had to step in as 12th man and field.

“I was only out there for five overs,” he said. “I did tell them before the game that in the last 10 years, I never felt like playing more than I have now. They reminded me about that after the game.

“I was relieved when we got the wickets quickly so we could get off.”

It wasn’t the start the Lions were after with the bat, as they faced 10 overs.

They will resume at 2-4.

Brasher said facing 10 overs at the end of the day is always a tricky amount of overs, which can go either way.

“We lost two wickets so far, but hopefully they are two wickets that don’t have much of an impact,” Brasher said.

“We have to make 170 with eight wickets in hand. If we turn up and commit and concrete and get these runs, we’ll keep the dream alive.

‘It will be a psychological challenge.”

The Lions currently sit in eighth spot, three points outside the top six.

Brasher said with matches against some of the lower ranked sides in the run home, this match was important to put them in a good spot.

Heights keen to rebound

By Tara Murray

It was a day for the bowlers on Saturday as Sunshine Heights and Kingsville took to the field for the Colin Cass Cup.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield battle is for more than points as the two clubs fight for the cup over two weekends.

Cass is a life member at both clubs and will be in attendance on day two to present it to the winning team.

Heights president Giulio Venditti said it was unusual to have someone who is a life member at two different clubs which made the cup unqiue.

“We were able to get a few people down from Kingsville to watch the game,” he said. “We managed to bring the cup back last year after not playing each other for a number of years.

“Colin will be there to present the cup and hopefully to us.”

At Ainsworth Reserve on Saturday, there was plenty of excitement as the wickets fell

all day.

Heights won the toss and decided to bat in the warm conditions.

Runs were hard to come by as the Heights was bowled out for 110 in the 63rd over.

Sixteen-year-old Atharv Sawant top scored with 38 at the top of the order as only four batters reached double figures.

Venditti said they’d had their issues with the bat this season as their young side got used to batting at this level.

“We’ve got a lot of kids in their first year of senior cricket,” he said. “They have done well and more than we would have expected.

“They’ve been competitive and executed well enough.”

The Heights bowlers though gave their side some hope as they had Kingsville in trouble at 4-48 at stumps.

Hayden Roshier has three of Heights wickets.

Vendetti said they needed to get those wickets to give some confidence heading into day two with a win crucial.

The result is crucial for both sides as the

Thunder add to squad

Keilor Thunder has announced the signings of Nikki Metcalfe and Isobelle Wightman for the upcoming National Basketball League 1 South women’s season.

Metcalfe is described as a dynamic forward whose versatility will add significant depth to the Thunder line up.

“With a proven track record of standout performances throughout her career, she brings a wealth of experience and skill that will only elevate our squad,” the Thunder said.

“A Melbourne Tigers junior, Nikki has spent several seasons with the Tigers in NBL1 and also played with Diamond Valley in 2024.

“Her journey also includes time in the US, where she played for Arkansas Tech University from 2018 to 2021, averaging 9.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.

“Nikki then moved to the Little Rock Trojans for the 2022-23 season before returning home to Australia.”

WeightmanwilladdtotheThunder’s talented youngsters, crossing from the Melbourne Tigers.

Despite her young age, Weightman played five NBL1 games with the Tigers last season, averaging 2.4 points and one assist per game.

season hits the pointy end.

Heading into the match, only percentage separated Kingsville in sixth spot and Sunshine Heights, which is bottom.

Vendetti said they were determined to stay in division 3.

“We’ve lost the last two games and gone from fifth to 10th,” he said. “That’s how close the competition is.

“We’re one game out of being in the finals race and another game short of possible relegation.”

In other matches, Keilor Park is 1-32 in reply to Pascoe Vale Hadfield’s 178.

Meanwhileintheseniordivision,Sunshine United made 196 against Airport West St Christophers and St Albans made 8-310 against Keilor.

There was no score for Sydenham-Hillside and Deer Park’s match.

In the Isaacs Howarth Shield, Sunshine is 3-71 in reply to Oak Park St Francis de Sales’ 111, while PEGS has already conceded first innings points against Haig Fawkner.

“After an outstanding 2024 season with the Melbourne Tigers, Isobelle’s exceptional talent has made her one of the most exciting young players in the game,” the Thunder said.

“From earning MVP honours in the VJBL [Victorian Junior Basketball League] grand final to representing Victoria and Australia in multiple age groups, she’s already proven herself as a fierce competitor and a future star.

“At just 17, Isobelle’s bright future is undeniable, and we can’t wait to see her take the court in red and black.”

The pair are latest signings for the Thunder.

Jess Rennie has crossed from the Bendigo Braves along with Kasey Burton, both bringing plenty of experience.

Maddi Pulli, Maddy Rocci and Isabelle Bourne, who all played key roles in the Thunder’s grand final run last season have all re-signed.

Tara Murray Chalitha Chamoda. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 455343_04

Atharv Sawant. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 456806_01