Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 25th March 2025

Colour and diversity

In a spectacular display of colours and cultures, students from the Albion North Primary School highlighted their strong diverse bonds as part of this year’s Harmony Week celebrations.

Marking the annual initiative on March 19, the school participated in a craft project, and also organised a rich cultural parade showcasing the unique traditions of the students.

“It reminds everyone that we are all part of one supportive and inclusive school,” Albion North Primary School teacher Lee-Anne Veteha said.

“The event showcases many cultures, including Vietnamese, Indian, Australian, African, and more.

“During the cultural parade, students proudly wear traditional clothing, representing their heritage – this diversity is a core part of our school identity, helping students feel valued and teaching them to appreciate the rich backgrounds of their peers.”

Ms Veteha said students learnt a number of important lessons through the events. “By participating in the parade and the whole-school craft project, they see how each culture contributes to our school’s vibrant community,” she said.

“They also understand that diversity makes us stronger and that working together creates something meaningful.”

Congestion frustration

By Prealene Khera

As the daily commute for Fraser Rise residents turns into a “dangerous” bumper-to-bumper ordeal, locals are concerned the widening gap between population growth and infrastructure development in the area could cause significant road-safety issues.

Ongoing congestion, frustrated motorists, and near-misses are now commonplace occurrences on roads in and around Fraser Rise according to residents, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.

For some parents, like Gigi Avati, who have children studying at local Springside West Secondary College, driving through traffic to

get to school has been extremely frustrating.

Ms Avati said she has no other alternative.

“I don’t feel safe letting my kids ride through the roundabouts near Fraser Rise on their bikes, so I need to drive them,” she said.

“I’ve seen accidents happen, especially because drivers get restless and cut people off so it can get quite dangerous.

“I would prefer to have the kids ride their bikes but I’m not confident that we’ve got the infrastructure to keep them safe.”

This “poor” up-scaling of infrastructure has meant increased pressure on existing facilities, Ms Avati said.

“There’s all these houses built on top of each other,butthestreetsaretiny–itshouldhaveall

been planned better,” Ms Avati said.

These planning concerns are shared by other residents, including Ashleigh Johnstone, who moved to Fraser Rise from Caroline Springs more than two years ago.

“Fraser Rise is a lovely suburb but there’s too much traffic so you’re going to get annoyed,” Ms Johnstone said.

“It’sbeengettinghard,wewanttopickupour house and put it in a more developed suburb.

“I know people who have moved out because of the congestion, so I hope things get better soon.”

Melton council city delivery director Neil Whiteside said the organisation was aware of the significant traffic increase in the area and is

undertaking upgrades to ease congestion and improve safety. This includes the installation of traffic lights at Sinclairs Road, Gourlay Road and Westwood Drive, and the duplication of Taylors Road to four lanes between City Vista Court and Westwood Drive.

“This will see the replacement of all roundabouts between Leakes Road and Westwood Drive with traffic lights,” Mr Whiteside said. “New pedestrian crossings and an upgrade of the active transport network will help create safer ways to travel for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Work has started on some of these projects with the remainder expected to commence this year, according to the council.

Albion North Primary School students Amen, Niona, Madison, Psalms, Nhi Nhi, Scarlette, Fale, Daniel, Oscar and Nabaa celebrated Harmony Week by donning cultural outfits. (Damjan Janevski) 465974_02

Museum plaza name proposed

By Prealene Khera

A proposed courtyard which will be built adjacent to the country’s first Vietnamese museum in Sunshine, is expected to be named Wominjeka Plaza by Brimbank council.

As works get underway on the museum at Durham Road, council has also ramped up its plansfortheplaza,whichwhilecomplementing theculturalcentrewillalsobea“destinationin its own right”.

According to a report tabled at a March 18 council meeting, the concept design for the multi-purpose space has now been completed,

with current estimates indicating it’ll cost $1.1 million to develop.

“Itwillfunctionasaforecourttothemuseum, be an attractive space that celebrates First Nations, refugee and migrant communities that call Brimbank home, and a connection between R T Pollard Gardens and Durham Road,” the report said.

The plaza’s initial design could address severalconcernsduringengagement, including improvement to public safety and potential reduction of existing antisocial behaviour in the vicinity, recognition of all refugee and migrant communities and a potential

economic stimulus for local businesses.

Council is proposing the new courtyard be named Wominjeka Plaza after it was recommended by Wurundjeri Elders during the design consultation process. Wominjeka means ‘welcome’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people, and according to the report there have been no objections to the proposed name during the consultation.

However, the council will undertake community engagement before finalising the name.

Councillor Lucy Nguyen said it was an honour council had been granted permission

Get groovy with youth disco event

A joint initiative between local police, council and community groups, the Brimbank Blue Light Disco event was hoping to dazzle attendees after its decade-long return, instead it is now at risk of being canned unless ticket sales pick up.

Aimedatstudentsfromgrade4to6,thenight is designed to encourage kids to get out and enjoy themselves in a fun, safe environment with police and volunteers supporting them throughout the event.

Brimbank neighbourhood policing co-ordinator Matt Mudie said the disco

initiative was a great way to offer something for kids in the area to do.

“We hear that kids are bored so this is a chance to have a bit of fun with their mates, dance for a few hours and just enjoy,” he said.

Leading Senior Constable Mudie said the event had a number of benefits for the kids involved.

“It’s a really important event for young peopleespeciallybecauseitgetsthemoutofthe house and interacting with other kids,” he said.

Despite the fun-time on offer, ticket sales have been low and if they don’t pick up in the

next couple of days the event won’t go ahead.

“For us as a committee that would be really disappointing, and I just think the community willmissoutsowehopeitgoesahead,”Leading Senior Constable Mudie said.

“Even the money we raise from the tickets will go back to supporting the youth in Brimbank.”

The Brimbank Blue Light Disco will kick off on March 28, from 6 to 8 pm. Details: www. facebook.com/brimbankbluelight/

Prealene Khera

to use the name.

“This plaza space has been designed to sensitively embrace and celebrate indigenous culture and to be a place to welcome all communities to Brimbank and Melbourne,” she said. “[Wominjeka Plaza] is such a fitting name for a place of welcome, right next to the Vietnamese Museum Australia.

“As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, my family certainly felt really welcomed and I wish that many diverse groups will continue to feel welcome to Brimbank.”

Community engagement will be conducted within the coming months.

Number plate theft hot spot

Brimbank is among the Victorian municipalities hardest hit by number plate thefts.

According to the latest crime data, in Brimbank 1110 number plate theft reports were made to police in the 12 months to September 2024 – placing it in the fifth position behind Casey (1987), Hume (1408), Greater Dandenong (1374) and Wyndham (1121).

Only 22 per cent of stolen registration plates are recovered, according to police.

Police said they regularly see offenders using stolen plates to commit further offences, including burglaries, petrol drive offs, drive-by shootings, arson and even homicides.

Tohelpreducethelikelihoodofhaving number plates stolen, residents are encouraged to place their cars in garages where possible, and to use anti-theft screws.

According to police, these can be purchased from hardware stores, automotive parts stores and petrol stations for just a few dollars.

The screws are an easy way to deter thieves — they are really difficult to remove in a hurry and while they can be removed with brute force, it often damages the plate and renders it unusable.

Offering useful advice for residents across the five-affected hot-spots, including Brimbank, Casey Local Area Commander Inspector Stu Richards said the screws were an effective deterrent.

“Having to replace your plates is not only an inconvenience, it’s also costly,” he said. “Especially if you keep receiving tolls or fines once they’re in the hands of criminals.”

Upcoming weekend West Gate Freeway closures

Plan ahead for upcoming weekend lane and ramp closures on the West Gate Freeway outbound, from the West Gate Bridge to Williamstown Road in March and April. Major delays expected - check before you travel and avoid the West Gate Bridge if possible.

Detours will be in place but allow extra travel time. Stay up to date at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/disruptions

Leading Senior Constable Matt Mudie and volunteer Kayla Parker are calling on kids to come onboard for the disco event. (Damjan Janevski) 466687_01

Thomas Bowery’s legacy of love

Thomas Bowery, father of the late artist Leigh Bowery, is being remembered as a man whose life was shaped by deep community service, and “quiet strength” after he recently died at the age of 92.

The family name has a familiar ring for all Brimbank locals, with the Bowery Theatre in St Albans serving as a reminder of Leigh’s global legacy, which was bolstered by his father’s unrelenting support.

At the recent council meeting, councillor Daniel Kruk reflected on the pair’s relationship

while delivering an emotional speech honouring Thomas’ life.

“Tom was the father of Leigh Bowery, an internationally celebrated artist whose work redefined the boundaries of performance, fashion, and self-expression,” Cr Kruk said.

“But, before Leigh was a global icon, he was just a young boy growing up right here in Sunshine, part of a traditional working-class family where expectations for boys and men were clear.”

Cr Kruk said that for a father like Thomas, it

Hospital op-shop open

Six years after its original store shut down, Western Health has finally opened the doors to its new Sunshine Hospital op shop – this time at a new location in St Albans.

The previous op shop, which was based at Sunshine Hospital, closed in 2019 ahead of the redevelopment of the hospital’s emergency department, with the pandemic further delaying plans of re-opening.

Western Health community engagement and volunteers manager Kerry Shanahan said the re-opening at the new site was an exciting milestone.

“The new Sunshine Hospital op shop is open for business,“ Ms Shanahan said.

“For now, we’re open three days a week, but once we get more volunteers we’re aiming to extend our operating days.”

Ms Shanahan said the store would try to alleviate economic pressures on locals.

“Ultimately the op shop is about fundraising for the Western Health Foundation, but it’s also about sustainability

and helping our community,” she said.

“With the current cost of living, we want people to be able to come in and pick up a new outfit and buy some cheap, good-quality items.“

To help run those operations, the team is now appealing for both volunteers and donations.

People interested in volunteering at Western Health can email volunteer@ wh.org.au for details.

The new op-shop is at 1/12 East Esplanade, in St Albans and is open on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 9am to 3pm.

must have been perplexing to watch his son –“tall,strong,andseeminglybuiltforAustralian Rules football, spend his childhood fixing his mother’s hair, playing the piano by ear, and sewing fabric into outfits that no one had ever seen before”.

Yet, despite that, Thomas “broke the mould of the 1970s”.

“He deeply loved his son,” Cr Kruk said.

“Even if he didn’t fully understand him, he supported him.”

With that support, Leigh embarked on a

journey that would lead him to become one of the most influential international arts figures of the 1980s and 90s.

“Tom Bowery’s story is one of evolution – of a father learning to love his son not just despite his differences, but because of them,” Cr Kruk said. “He reminds us that acceptance can grow even in the most unexpected places, and that true love transcends understanding.

“May Tom rest in peace, knowing his legacy of service, love, and quiet strength will not be forgotten.”

Volunteers Dorothy Glister and Phil Marsom working away at the Sunshine Hospital’s new op-shop

in St Albans. (Damjan Janevski) 466680_01

Airport rail agreement signed

One of Brimbank council’s long-sought-after developments could finally be on the right track, with a new agreement solidifying the Melbourne Airport Rail project.

After protracted negotiations between the airport and the federal and state governments delayed the rail link project, the three parties officially committed to the project by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on March 20.

As part of the agreement, a steering committee led by senior officials from each organisation will be set up to oversee the project.

The MoU signals a three-way commitment to progress the project, which will provide a long-overdue rail connection to Melbourne Airport.

This latest development follows the decision to begin work at Sunshine station, which will be a crucial hub in the airport rail link

network, enabling connections between the airport, Keilor East, and broader regional services.

It also comes amid Brimbank council’s ongoing ‘Rail Before Runway’ campaign, which was launched last month, urging both tiersofgovernmenttogetthe“westmoving”by delivering on the rail link before the airport’s third runway project is completed.

“We’re hopeful this long-awaited agreement is the key to fast tracking Melbourne Airport Rail before the third runway opens in 2031,“ mayor Thuy Dang said.

Theraillinkisexpectedtoimprovetransport accessibility for Melbourne’s growing western suburbsandstreamlineconnectivityacrossthe broader metropolitan and regional network.

A key feature of the project includes re-configuring freight, regional, and suburban rail tracks between West Footscray and Albion to accommodate the new airport rail service.

IVF, endometriosis help cheaper

By Luke Costin, AAP

A new treatment for a common painful condition and two other drugs will be made cheaper to improve thousands of Australian women’s lives.

About 8500 Australian women are expected to benefit annually when Ryeqo is listed on the pharmaceutical benefits scheme on May 1.

The drug is a new endometriosis treatment option for people who have experienced moderate to severe pain and cannot get adequate relief from other hormonal treatments and painkillers, according to the federal government.

About one in seven Australian women suffer from endometriosis, where tissue similar to the liningofthewombgrowselsewhereinthebody, affecting fertility and causing debilitating pain.

Symptoms are variable and contribute to an average delay in diagnosis of six-and-a-half years, according to Endometriosis Australia.

New subsidies will also cut the costs of a progestogen-only contraceptive pill and an IVF hormone therapy.

Women with low levels of specific hormones will be able to access Pergoveris for $32 per treatment cycle from their first IVF cycle, rather than having to wait for multiple failures. Each unsubsidised cycle costs about $3500.

Helana Shehadeh used Pergoveris during her second IVF cycle in 2023, which resulted in the birth of baby Zayn.

“Anyone who has been through IVF understands the agony of multiple cycles,” she said. “Earlier access to this fertility treatment will alleviate some of the burden for women undergoing IVF.”

The announcement was welcomed amid Australia’s birth rate falling to a record-low 1.5 babies per woman.

“The cost of assisted reproduction remains a major barrier for many families, particularly

amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis,”

Fertility Society of Australia and New Zealand president Petra Wale said

“Fewer financial and logistical hurdles mean more families can focus on what truly matters - having a baby.”

The listings would improve the quality of life for hundreds of thousands of Australian women, Health Minister Mark Butler said.

“Womenhaveaskedgovernmenttotaketheir health care seriously, and we have listened,” he said. “These listings could save women and their families thousands of dollars across their lifetimes.”

He dismissed criticism about delayed action after a government advisory committee recommended in March 2024 that Ryeqo be added to the subsidy scheme.

“They’ve all been dealt with expeditiously,”

Mr Butler told Weekend Today.

“Over the nine years of (the coalition) government, not a single new pill, not a single endometriosis treatment, not a single menopause treatment (was added).”

The opposition said it was not good enough toleavewomenwaitingformorethanayearfor “potentially life-changing medications”.

“Prioritising women’s health remains a top

‘‘ Fewer financial and logistical hurdles mean more families can focus on what truly matters - having a baby ’’ - Petra Wale

priority of the coalition, as we remain strongly committedtoourlongstandingpolicyoflisting allPBAC-recommendedmedicinesonthePBS, and in a timely manner,” opposition health spokeswoman Senator Anne Ruston said. The price of a contraceptive pill used by about 80,000 women will also be slashed. Under the PBS, the annual cost of Slinda will drop from about $320 to about $94 for general patients or $22 for concession card holders. The absence of estrogen in the pill makes it particularly suitable for older women, smokers, women at increased risk of blood clots and those who suffer migraine attacks.

Study finds women are reluctant to call triple-0

A new study found that women are less comfortablecallingtriple-0whenexperiencing symptoms of a heart attack, providing a possible reason why women who have heart attacks have a worse outcome than men.

The study by Monash University researchers involved more than 34,000 Australian men and women, questioning whether they would call triple-0 if they suspected they were having a heart attack and their actual use of these services.

Conducted by Monash University honours studentAnnieShiandledbyassociateprofessor and former mobile intensive care paramedic of 25 years Kathryn Eastwood, the study found that while women were more likely to call triple-0 if experiencing heart attack symptoms, they were significantly less comfortable to make the call.

In their responses, over a third of women saidtheydidnotwanttoburdentheambulance service compared to a quarter of men.

More women than men said that they wanted to be certain that it was a heart attack before calling, preferring to instead contact their general practitioner.

Women were also more likely to hesitate calling because they believed that they were at low risk of having a heart attack.

Associate professor Eastwood said that for some women – especially older women – the fear of burdening the ambulance system is due to previous medical experience.

“There is plenty within the literature already

more likely to hesitate when they experience symptoms of a heart attack. (Supplied).

around why women in particular feel like they might be a burden … when you think how some of the older women might have been treated in medical care in the past … according to the research, there’s a bit of a sense that they’ve been made to feel silly and that they’ve had a bad experience – ‘there, there, you’ll be

OK, stop being hysterical,’” associate professor Eastwood said.

She said that symptoms of a heart attack in women can often be more subtle than those experienced by men.

“When a lot of research has been done in the past, it is generally done on men and that is just because they were concerned about causing anyharmtowomenintermsofreproduction... so unfortunately when we’ve all been told what a heart attack is, we’ve been taught the more traditional male symptoms of a heart attack … the central chest pain, sudden onset crushing moving into the left arm, that sort of picture that you’ll see on TV,” she said.

“For women, chest pain can present in their back, not in their chest. It can present in betweentheirshoulderblades…itcanactually come on a little bit more slowly and just be a little bit less debilitating, and the problem with that is when things come on more slowly, you tend to acclimatise to them and tend not to register them.”

Sheclarifiedthatthesesymptomscanalsobe experienced by men.

Associate professor Eastwood said she encourages people to “call first, and decide later” if they are having a heart attack when experiencing symptoms, adding that the symptom of chest pain can include more than just pain in the literal sense.

“[I was] an intensive care paramedic for 25 years, and when we’re talking about pain, we mean any funny feeling in the chest … if you’re

asked about pain by a health professional, they’re using that as an umbrella term for anything different. Just report everything and let the health professional decide what’s important and what’s not.”

She said symptoms in women could include feeling sick for days, having no energy, sleeping on extra pillows because they find it hard to breathe, not being able to walk to the letterbox, back pain, palpitations or sinking feeling in the chest, dizziness, or shortness of breath –including mild shortness of breath.

She said that any cluster of these symptoms together would warrant receiving an electrocardiogram.

“Every minute that they delay, more of their heart can be damaged or even die. And if that happens to enough of the heart, then they will have permanent damage,” she said.

She said calling an ambulance means that paramedics can begin treatment before a person experiencing a heart attack arrives at hospital – helping to prevent the heart attack from advancing – and that the hospital can be notified and prepare for a patient’s arrival, ready to clear a blockage from the heart.

She said people can be proactive with their health by regularly visiting a general practitioner to test blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and have an electrocardiogram to have on file to compare and see what has changed in the case of a cardiac event.

Oscar Parry

Monash University associate professor Kathryn Eastwood led a study that found that women are less comfortable calling Triple Zero and

New subsidies will also cut the costs of a progestogen-only contraceptive pill and an IVF hormone therapy.

Top designs on display

A Sunshine West student will have her creation showcased at this year’s Top Designs exhibition at Melbourne Museum.

Marian College student Ananya Saini’s ‘5-in-1 Denim Duo’ is among the works from 77 students that will be on display at the museum from March 29- July 20.

The exhibition, in partnership with the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, celebrates Victoria’s next generation of designers, featuring student works that re-imagine innovative, renewable and inclusive futures.

Expert panels from nine subjects selected the works included in the exhibition. Each work highlights the unique and creative ways students have approached and interpreted the assessment criteria.

Visitors with a passion for design will have the opportunity to investigate the critical thought processes and creative strategies behind each work through a range of protypes, material tests and folio documentation on display.

Ananya said her ‘5-in-1 Denim Duo’ aims to tackle the problem of fast fashion by emphasising sustainability and versatility.

“Fast fashion has become a significant global issue, leading to environmental degradation and excessive waste,” she said.

“Made from recycled denim, it features a reversible skirt and top, along with a skirt that has detachable lengths and a convertible bag with two sizes.

“Designed for young adults, this outfit combines style with functionality, allowing for multiple looks from a single piece. This approach encourages less consumption and helps reduce textile waste.”

Museums Victoria acting chief executive and director Sean Royal said Top Designs is an “exceptional showcase” of student work.

Details: (museumsvictoria.com.au

Briefs

Fatal collision

Police are investigating a collision in St Albans earlier this month which has turned fatal. Emergency services responded after a vehicle travelling along Main Road East struck the side of a mobility scooter. The impact caused the scooter rider to fall out onto the road, injuring his hip. The 85-year-old was transported to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries but has since died. The 44-year-old South Yarra woman driving the car is assisting police with enquiries. Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Local road assessment

Over the next two weeks, Brimbank’s 910-kilometre network of sealed roads is being assessed to improve connectivity, mobility and safety. Drivers in the area are warned to expect camera-equipped vehicles that will be inspecting road conditions with council reiterating that no private properties will be recorded. If people see these vehicles, they’re urged to maintain a safe distance to allow clear road imaging. This road condition survey is essential in keeping the infrastructure in top shape according to council.

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Ananya Saini’s ‘5-in-1 denim duo’ will be on display at Top Designs at Melbourne Museum.

(Nicole Cleary)

Rollercoaster of rarer dementia

Little is known about a form of dementia that affects more than 100,000 Australians but researchers are looking to build knowledge on the debilitating illness as Melissa Meehan explains.

Two years ago, Annette was running a thriving small business and planning her next solo holiday.

Today she’s mostly confined to her aged care facility, unable to go out unchaperoned.

She can no longer trust her legs to keep her upright, relying on a four-wheel walker or sometimes a wheelchair to move around. Her ability to swallow her favourite foods is gone, she cannot control her body temperature or blood pressure.

When she is tired, her body slumps and speech is slow and slurred.

Annette’s memory is pretty good for the most part. She recognises the faces of loved ones and can hold a conversation. But sometimes she talks to people who aren’t there.

She does her hair and puts on make-up every day, but cannot always remember why she’s sick and the reason for her new limitations.

Such is the rollercoaster of a Lewy body dementia diagnosis for Annette, one of 100,000 Australians living with the condition that affects memory, thinking and bodily functions.

For members of Annette’s family, a rollercoaster is the only way to describe it.

Somedayssheseemsreallywell,likeshewas beforeshegotsick.Otherdayssheexperiences hallucinations, cognitive decline, a range of movement issues and other symptoms that make the condition so challenging.

But those good times can change in a moment, and Annette can go from walking and talking to a frail, confused version of herself.

“It (the diagnosis) has been difficult to get my head around, because most days I feel good and I don’t remember the bad days.” she said.

“So with that in mind, I get really frustrated with the limitations I’m now living with - like not being able to go out on my own, I really value my independence and that feels like it’s been taken away from me.

“But I also understand that I am not well, and it’s a constantly changing beast. It’s a horrible diagnosis and I’m just trying to live my life the best I can, while I can.”

To everyone that knows her, it’s understandable that Annette sometimes feels like a prisoner.

In 2023 she took herself on solo trip to Tasmania and Queensland after closing her local business a year earlier. She played pickleball weekly, cared for her grandchildren

‘‘ I get really frustrated with the limitations I’m now living with ... I really value my independence and that feels like it’s been taken away from me ’’ - Annette

and was always out and about.

But over the course of 2024 she suffered as many as eight strokes, more than 20 mini-strokes and spent much of the year in hospital. In November she was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and the symptoms came on thick and fast.

Lying in a hospital bed after another stroke, Annette lost strength in her left side, was unable to move her left leg and spoke to people who weren’t there.

She could not stay awake long enough to finish a sentence and whatever she said was slow, slurred and nonsensical.

Months later, her neurologist marvelled at her recovery and said he did not expect her to leave the hospital alive.

Lewy bodies are a protein that attack and then eat away at the brain, affecting memory, thinking, behaviour and bodily functions.

The prognosis isn’t great for those who are

diagnosed. Life expectancy is around seven years and many die before the disease takes hold from infection, falls or other illness.

It is not as well known as Alzheimer’s disease but more than 100,000 Australians live with it, according to Dementia Australia.

And while not the same as Parkinson’s disease it shares a number of symptoms including hand tremors, slowness, stiffness and walking problems.

There is no cure and Annette has been prescribed dementia and Parkinson’s drugs to slow her decline and relieve some symptoms.

FloreyInstitutefellowPratishthaChatterjee isamongAustralianneurobiologyresearchers who attended a recent international conference on Lewy body dementia held in Amsterdam.

She is working on blood biomarkers to enable timely diagnosis, prognosis and long-term study of the disease, and says such co-operation and sharing of knowledge matters.

“It underscored the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in advancing LBD research and care, highlighting the need for continued collaboration among clinicians, researchers and stakeholders,” Dr Chatterjee said.

More funding is needed for research into Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s Australia CEO Olivia Nassaris said.

“Currently, there is no cure for LBD and

Dementia | Explainer

Range of symptoms signal onset of Lewy body dementia

Lewy body dementia is relatively unknown despite more than 100,000 Australians living with the diagnosis that affects both the brain and body. Lewy body dementia is a disease associated with abnormal protein that eats away at the brain and causes issues with thinking, movement, behaviour and mood. There is no cure and little is known about the disease, with no definitive way of making a medical diagnosis until an autopsy is performed, leaving doctors to diagnose sufferers based on medical history, a physical exam and symptoms.

What is lewy body dementia?

• “Lewy body dementias” is an umbrella term describing two forms of dementia: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia

• Lewy body dementias cause changes in thinking, movement, behaviour and bodily functions

• There is no known cure for the Lewy body dementias yet, but the conditions are manageable and some symptoms can be treated. What causes Lewy body dementia?

• Anyone can develop Lewy body dementia, but it becomes more common as people get older

• More than 100,000 Australians have Lewy body dementia

• Right now, it’s not known why Lewy bodies form

Signs and symptoms of Lewy body dementia

• Changes in thinking, behaviour, movement and bodily functions are symptoms of both types of Lewy body dementia

• Symptoms depend on which brain area is affected and the stage of the dementia. They can change over time

• Many of the changes can come and go, which are called fluctuations. There can be changes to abilities that last a few hours or a few days

• It can also change the way an individual thinks, concentrates and their behaviour

• Some also suffer from hallucinations that can feel very real for the person at the time - it can include loved ones, spiders or snakes

Source: Dementia Australia

Parkinson’s Australia strongly supports investment in research to help us improve our understanding of the condition, to improve treatment and care for people living with LBD and their families and hopefully to find a cure,” she told AAP.

* AAP journalist Melissa Meehan is Annette’sdaughter.

Lewy body dementia sufferer Annette. (Melissa Meehan, AAP)

Another festival chapter closes

The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival, now in its 20th year, was a great success, drawing larger crowds than usual between 13 and 25 March. This year, 650 people took advantage of the wide range of free events for all ages — which included author talks, workshops, music and film. Here are just a few snapshots from the festival that capture Brimbank’s love of reading, storytelling, creativity and learning.

Kate Ceberano with Paul Bateman at the “Kate Ceberano Unsung” event, which was part of the opening night ceremony of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival. (Nico Photography)

Michelle Bourke with her late husband “Cardboard Paul”.

Mitch Tambo with Robyn McGarbie.

Hundreds attended the festival, including the booked out Kate Ceberano event. (Nico Photography)

Maxine Beneba Clarke in conversation with Alice Pung.

Mitch Tambo with Kitty and Penelope.

Work underway on new museum

Work is officially underway on Australia’s first Vietnamese Cultural Centre and Museum, following the project’s ground breaking ceremony in Sunshine on March 16.

The first sod was turned on the Durham Road site, marking the beginning of the $20 million museum’s long-awaited build.

During the ceremony, Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt announced an additional $2 million in funding to support the construction and fit-out of the museum.

Oncecomplete,thecentrewillbeadestination for Vietnamese Victorians to honour and celebrate their heritage and preserve stories of

migration and refugee settlement.

It will host exhibitions to honour migrant journeys to freedom and celebrate the significant contributions of the community to the multicultural fabric of Australia, with the museum set to receive more than 280 artefacts.

The three-storey building will also include a resource centre for education, as well as a function centre and cafe to accommodate community events for up to 450 guests from across Victoria, interstate and abroad.

Vietnamese Museum Australia chief executive Tammy Nguyen said the commencement of construction was a

Culturally safe carers

Coming off the back of Harmony Week, which celebrates the rich diversity in Australia, the local Multicultural Carers Group is hoping to use the opportunity to welcome more members into the fold.

A collaboration between the Brotherhood of St Laurence and the Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House, the group was formed in December last year to address the unique challenges faced by local carers from different backgrounds.

The group now supports close to 20 carers at its monthly meetings.

According to the Brotherhood of St Laurence community capacity building lead Hang Nguyen, being part of a multicultural group like this means having a community that listens, understands, and supports you at all times.

“Brimbank is a very diverse and multicultural area and so we saw a need for

something like this,” Ms Nguyen said.

“We heard from local carers and they wanted a supportive and culturally safe space for them to come along to which would also help them relax.”

During the group’s meet-ups, carers often experience respite and a renewed sense of self-care through mindfulness, cultural celebrations, art therapy, and relaxation activities.

The peer support can also reduce feelings of isolation in members, while gaining practical tools to navigate their caregiving journey.

“People who join will have a chance to connect with other local carers,” Ms Nguyen said.

“We would like for this is to be welcoming group for them, where we can also connect them with carer services to ensure all their needs are met as well.”

Details: coordinator@kcnh.org.au

I'm passionate about a connected, well serviced, and safe community. I would like to understand what challenges you face using public transport and specifically buses.

Please fill out this survey so I can understand the biggest challenges you face, so that I know what to ask the government in order to improve your bus service.

significant step forward.

“This ground breaking is not just about laying the foundation of a building — it is about honouring the resilience, contributions, and stories of Vietnamese Australians,” she said.

This milestone coincides with the 50th anniversary of Vietnamese settlement in Australia, marking five decades worth of cultural heritage — highlighting the importance of the more than 121,000 people of Vietnamese heritage living in Victoria, with more than 93,000 born in Vietnam.

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly also celebrated

the project’s kick-off.

“Australia’s first Vietnamese Museum will capture the vibrant, diverse and at times tragic history of our local Vietnamese community in Melbourne’s west and beyond,” she said.

The Vietnamese Museum Australia is one of seven cultural museums in the Multicultural Museums Victoria Network, alongside the Nafsika Stamoulis Hellenic Museum, Museum ofChineseAustralianHistory,JewishMuseum of Australia, Islamic Museum of Australia, Museo Italiano and Golden Dragon Museum.

The museum is expected to open to the public towards the end of 2026.

Singing out for members

Brimbank residents are being encouraged to hit the high notes of connection, or tune into a new hobby by signing up for local music-focused community groups.

Anumberofclubsintheareaarelookingfor musicians to come on-board, and according to Community Music Victoria’s Jane York, joining those groups is a perfect way to do something joyful and “heart-filling“.

“Music making is for everybody and regular participation in group music making is hugely beneficial to your health, well-being and connection to your local community,” she said.

“Powerful relationships are formed by playing and singing together and it just makes you feel good.”

In Brimbank and surrounds, interested people can join the Suavis Community Choir,

the Brimbank Multicultural Community Choir or the Sydenham Community Choir. If you’d prefer playing an instrument, then you could fit right into either the Sunshine Community Brass Incorporate or Ardeer’s MMG Concert Band Of Victoria – both of which are accepting new members.

Forsomethingdifferent,theSunshineStreet Band is a small group of mixed-ability players of portable acoustic instruments, like brass, saxophones, and percussion and welcome those who love to perform at local events.

“Whether you’re a total beginner and have never played or sung in a group before, or it’s been a long time between fa la la’s, there’s a friendly local group just waiting for you to walk through the door, pull up a chair and join in the fun,” Ms York said.

Details: cmvic.org.au/

Carer Bridey Lokhorst-Blight, with Danielle Whelar and Hang Nguyen, are together promoting the multicultural carers group. (Damjan Janevski) 466387_02

The Sunshine Street Band is among numerous local music groups on the lookout for new members. (Supplied)

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.

Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.

Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.

This month, Stephanie is creating an Easter Bunny mask.

Materials

1 piece of grey cardstock

1 piece of pink cardstock

1 piece of white card stock

1 white pom pom 40 cm elastic

Equipment

Template

Scissors

Stapler

Craft glue

Step 1: Using the downloaded templates, cut out the bunny mask from grey, pink and white cardstock.

Step 2: Attach the white cardstock piece to the grey mask. Then glue the pink inner ear pieces onto the grey ears.

Step 3: Glue the white pom pom onto the bunny nose.

Step 4: Staple one end of the elastic to the mask, aligning it with the eye cut outs. Measure the elastic to fit the child’s head, then staple the other end in place.

Stephanie Martinez.

The finished creation.

Respond now to transport survey

Looking to expand its community transportation services to meet the needs of all vulnerable residents, Brimbank council is encouraging locals to respond to an essential survey before it ends on April 4.

In June 2024, council decided to divest from the commonwealth and state government funded aged care and disability service in favour of delivering a broader range of options that “better support” Brimbank’s senior and disabled population.

As part of that transition, the council said it would continue to provide appropriate community transport services.

It is now exploring opportunities to broaden the service’s impact through a new survey.

The questionnaire will ask respondents to detail their travel frequency, if the current serviceismeetingtheirneeds,andthelocations they would like assistance getting to.

Questions will also cover the importance of factors such as accessibility, environmental impact and safety for people when choosing a transport service.

“We understand that community transport isanimportantserviceinBrimbankandweare exploringhowwemightimprove[that],”mayor Thuy Dang said.

“That’s why we’re asking the community to tell us more about how and why they could use this council service.

“The results of this survey will inform future plans and improve the way we deliver community transport.”

Brimbank council currently provides a limited range of transport options to assist senior community members to access services and programs.

It normally transports people to social community groups and also assists them with shopping trips to Sunshine Marketplace, the Keilor Downs Plaza and the Watergardens

Community pantry calls for donations

Hoping to meet the needs of all vulnerable residents, members from the Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House are calling on locals to donate to the organisation’s widely-used community pantry.

An essential service for many in Brimbank, the neighbourhood house’s food pantry assists numerous families on a regular basis.

According to its coordinator Danielle Whelan, in order to continue providing adequate assistance, the facility requires support from everyone in the community.

“Our community pantry is essentially

helping people in the area facing food insecurity,” she said. “People come in once a fortnight and collect a variety of different food, we have some kitchen basics but we also have a community garden through which we pick produce and share it with people.

“But we’re not currently receiving any donations from emergency relief suppliers like Foodbank, so we’re running on our own reserves and depend on the donations we get from the community — it’s vital for us.”

Ms Whelan said given the significant demand for the pantry, the need for donations

had increased as well.

“There’s more and more people struggling to put food on the table,” she said.

“If those who are able to, can donate non-perishable items like tinned or dry food, thingslikepasta,cannedtuna,instantnoodles, and toiletries such as toothpaste and soap, that would make a huge difference.”

Locals can visit the Kororoit Creek NeighbourhoodHouseat61aSelwynSt,Albion during office hours to donate.

For more information, contact the organisation on 0413 434 082.

Shopping Centre.

After receiving feedback from the survey, council will broaden the scope of the service to potentially include other residents and locations — ensuring that community members who might experience barriers to attendance are better supported.

This will also consider options for groups experiencing transport disadvantage across different life stages.

Residents can provide their anonymous feedbackbycompletingthesurveyonlineorby contactingthecouncildirectly.Details:yoursay. brimbank.vic.gov.au/community-transport

Lunar arrests

Two Taylors Hill men are among 12 people arrested by detectives as part of an investigation into the alleged extortion of tobacco stores linked to a Middle Eastern organised crime syndicate.

Fourteen warrants were executed on March 17 at residential addresses in Taylors Hill, Broadmeadows, Donnybrook,Wollert,Epping,Essendon, Lalor, Airport West, Thornhill Park, Meadow Heights and storage facilities in Roxburgh Park and Coolaroo.

Police arrested a dozen people, including two 19-year-olds from Taylors Hill. They also seized four firearms, explosives, knives, loose-leaf tobacco and vapes.

Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector GrahamBankssaidpolicewouldcontinue to crackdown on organised crime.

“Wewillallegethatthosewe’vearrested today have been carrying out extortions onbehalfofaseriousandorganisedcrime figure who resides offshore,” he said.

“Victoria Police has been crystal clear that we will target all of those involved at absolutely every level of this criminality — be it a syndicate leader, a facilitator or the foot soldiers carrying out the arson attacks and extortions.

“Thereisatotallackofcareandrespect for life and the community, and we will relentlessly keep working our way up until we get all the way to the top of these organised crime groups.”

Police will allege those involved have been attending tobacco stores and providing an international WhatsApp phone number and instructing store owners to call the number.

It is alleged that if the owner calls, a memberofthesyndicateinstructsowners to pay a sum of money monthly or threatens to burn the store down.

Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House’s Sandy Gonzalez De La Vega and Alan Whitefield are hoping to continue serving the community with additional donations. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 456465_02

Embark on a global adventure

earned it the nickname ‘The Garden Island’.

For the young at heart who finally have time on their hands to see the world, this is could be the cruise of a lifetime -at the very least one to seriously consider.

The Viking World Voyage III will journey around the world in 170 days, visiting 41 countries with 82 guided tours and overnight stays in 18 cities.

Setting sail on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest ship, the Viking Sky from Fort Lauderdaleon22December,2026,theitinerary will include ports of call across six continents before its destination of Stockholm on 10 June, 2027.

Viking CEO and chairman Torstein Hagen saidthecompany’sapproachineverythingthey do has always been to focus on the destination, from their thoughtfully curated itineraries to their elegant small ships, which are designed to bring guests closer and enable exploration,”

“Extended voyages like our World Cruises allow curious travellers to experience dozens of destinations, iconic landmarks and rich cultures in one seamless journey, making them truly the adventures of a lifetime,” he said.

World Cruise guests can explore ports of call in Hawaii and journey through the isles of the South Pacific, including French Polynesia; traverse New Zealand and Australia; sail to iconic destinations throughout Asia; and travel up the western coast of Africa to Europe before concluding in either London or Stockholm.

A shorter, 153-day portion of the sailing,

Viking World Voyage IV, departs from Los Angeles on 8 January, 2027, and visits 37 countries with 18 overnight ports of call before ending in Stockholm.

Guests may also choose the 142-day Viking World Cruise 2026-2027 itinerary from Fort Lauderdale to London visiting 31 countries, or the 125-day voyage, Viking World Discoveries, which departs from Los Angeles and visits 27 countries before ending in London.

The World Cruise itineraries include a visit to dozens of the world’s most iconic cities alongside lesser-known destinations in one continuous journey.

Overnight stays in iconic ports such as Zanzibar, Cape Town, Casablanca and many others allow guests to delve deeper. Viking will also visit Africa’s western coast, including Lagos in Nigeria, as well as Accra and Takoradi in Ghana.

While on board, Viking offers cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment such as the Viking Resident Historianprogram,whichprovidesguestswith a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey.

Guestscanimmersethemselvesintheworld’s rich cultures during included excursions that provide unmatched insight into daily life, as well as Privileged Access visits to cultural institutions.

Highlights of the new 2026-2027 Viking World Cruise itineraries include:

• Kauai (Nawiliwili), Hawaii - Nawiliwili is the gateway to the oldest and greenest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kauai. The lush vegetation and wildflowers of this tropical paradise have

To many, this is the most authentic of the islands; town ordinances forbid buildings taller than coconut trees and the culture of ancient Hawaiians lives on in respect for the mana, or spiritual essence, of their land.

• Mombasa, Kenya - Kenya’s chief port and coastal gem, Mombasa, is a melting pot of traditions. Located on a coralline island and linked by a causeway to the African mainland, it boasts a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and African cultures, having been a key Indian Ocean port since the 14th century.

Agadir, Morocco - Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Agadir is the capital of Amazigh culture—the Indigenous peoples of North Africa. Historians believe the Amazigh migrated to Morocco from the Middle East and are descendants of the pre-Arab population. Today, there is a resurgence to promote greater recognition of the Amazigh ethnic identity, with images and music infused in modern culture.

Phuket, Thailand - The Thai island of Phuket offers more than picturesque beaches and sweeping vistas of sparkling azure waters. The island was long a major stop on trade routes between India and China, often mentioned in ship logs of European sailors. Today, old SinoPortuguese shop-houses and monuments to Buddha dot the island.

• Lisbon, Portugal - Lisbon has inspired explorers for centuries with its stunning setting at the Tagus River’s mouth. Its labyrinthine streets carry echoes of 16th-century navigators who sailed on the winds of the Age of Discovery. Savouring local cuisine and port wine are favourite pastimes here. On any evening,

the strains of fado spill from clubs in the historic Alfama District.

London (Greenwich), England - Greenwich, a borough of London, is home to the Royal Observatory. From here, the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and Greenwich Mean Time sets the global time standard. At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum. Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation— from Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to West End musicals.

• Stockholm, Sweden - Elegant Stockholm is nestled where Lake Malaren’s cobalt waters meet the Baltic. This stunning cultural capital extends over 14 islands linked by 57 graceful bridges. Hailed as one of the world’s cleanest cities, it boasts numerous green parks. The well-preserved 13th-century Gamla Stan, or old town, boasts gabled merchant houses and an array of architectural styles, from the enormous baroque Stockholm Palace to the art nouveau Royal Dramatic Theatre.

• Strandvägen is one of Europe’s loveliest waterfront esplanades and the ideal place to sample some traditional smoked salmon.

If this sounds like a journey the perfect journey, visit www.viking.com or call (AU) 138 747.

Lisbon Portugal, enjoy the strains of fado spiling from clubs or enjoy an aperitif on the terrace.

Watch the world go by in perfect comfort from any of the loungers or relaxing settings onboard Viking as you cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Stockholm.

LEE MCCARTHY

Admire Caribbean sunsets

Few cruises tick all the boxes however Viking World Cruises do it brilliantly and whether travellers are seeking adventure, rest and relaxation, sumptuous food and beverages, time out in the spa, a chance to explore unspoilt destinations or all of these, Viking has it covered.

On offer is a magnificent voyage from Antarctica to inland waterways on a 69-day Longitudinal World Cruise VI in 2026 with the option to add pre and post cruise extensions.

Maximize the value of an overseas flight and enjoy additional days to explore the embarkation or disembarkation city or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

(Pre and Post Cruise Extensions vary)

Set sail on 24 February 2026 or 2 March 2027 on this epic journey to explore Antarctica, calling at remote outposts in the South Atlantic.

Admire Caribbean sunsets in The Bahamas, traverse the Panama Canal and witness majestic glaciers in Chile.

Enjoy more time to immerse yourself in the unique wildlife of the Galápagos or delve into the fascinating cultures of Peru and Rapa Nui, with optional overland excursions and extension programs that are sure to inspire.

Purpose-built for expeditions, Viking’s state-of-the-art ships provide superior handling, comfort and stability even in the roughest seas. A fleet of military pro zodiacs, Special Operations Boats, two-seater kayaks and two yellow submarines enhance guest’s experience.

Viking Australia and New Zealand Managing Director Michelle Black said the extended ocean voyages provided plenty of reason for travellers wishing to travel The Viking Way.

Longer ocean voyages make travelling for longer periods accessible, offering a relaxing pace and allowing guests time to explore and enjoy the amenities Viking ships have to offer.

“Longer itineraries can vary, but the ones that offer real value generally have fewer port stopsandmoretimeatsea,makingthesetypes of journeys perfect for relaxing or providing the time needed to explore the amenities and activities of the ship before reaching their next destination,” she said.

“Many of our guests value the additional time they get on the ship to relax and enjoy themselves, so Viking focuses on

onboard cultural enrichment programs, performances and Nordic wellness within the elegant surroundings of our ship’s serene Scandinavian spaces.”

“Our onboard offering includes a cultural enrichment program hosted by guest lecturers and Viking Resident Historians, Munch Moments and Nordic art collection, musical performances, theatre, cooking classes and sommelier-hosted wine tastings, a library curated by Heywood Hill and seven options for destination-focused dining. Our pools, Nordic spa sanctuary and state-of-the-art fitness centre offer the ultimate in onboard relaxation.”

For the traveller looking for a cruise option, some ask what value is there in choosing a repositioning cruise ie fares; inclusions; multiple destinations to explore or time to chill and luxuriate?

The answer is this, the cost per day is less, so these itineraries are a more affordable way to experience Viking. Viking All Inclusive offers guests the chance to step on board with nothing more to pay including beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner, with specialty teas, coffee, and filtered water offered all day. The Nordic spa and fitness centre is free for all guests to use. Wi-Fi, gratuities and all port charges are also included.

Some travellers value the additional time on the ship to relax so Viking onboard offerings are as important as its destination ports.

Pricing starts from $80,195 per person in a Nordic Balcony with included Business Class airfare and transfers. Plus US$4,000 shore excursion and US$2,000 shipboard credit per couple, free Visa service and Silver Spirits Beverage Package. Up to US$40,000 additional value per couple included. Offer ends 31 March 2025.(conditions apply) Don’t waste time as this offer closes soon, visit www.viking.com or call (AU) 138 747 for further information.

Caminito is one of the most colourful streets in Buenos Aires.

Take in Bartolomé Island, a volcanic islet in the Galápagos Islands group during the 69-day Longitudinal Viking World Cruise VI leaving in 2026.

Visit the much-loved and bucket list location of Machu Picchu, site of ancient Inca ruins in Peru, in the Cordillera de Vilcabamba of the Andes Mountains during the Viking cruise.

LEE MCCARTHY

Don’t

EXPL RER

&

Amsterdam to Avignon or vice versa

15 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 14 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: JUL-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027

From $9,595pp in Standard Stateroom

From $12,395pp in Veranda Stateroom

LYON & PROVENCE

Lyon to Avignon or vice versa

8 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY | 7 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: JUN-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027

From $6,395pp in Standard Stateroom

From $8,195pp in Veranda Stateroom

Amsterdam to Basel or vice versa

8 DAYS | 4 COUNTRIES | 6 GUIDED TOURS

SET SAIL: JUN-NOV 2025; MAR-NOV 2026; 2027

From $5,395pp in Standard Stateroom

From $6,595pp in Veranda Stateroom

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

GERMAN DANCERS

The vibrant capital of New South Wales captivates with its iconic landmarks, stunning harbour and cosmopolitan atmosphere. The Sydney Opera House stands as a symbol of architectural brilliance, and Sydney Harbour Bridge offers breathtaking views.

Discovery Princess® incorporates a sleek and sophisticated design with state-of-the-art amenities. With a diverse range of on board activities on offer, Discovery Princess® will captivate you along your journey to the many different destinations to which it sails.

15 Nights | 27 March 2026 | Prices fr $7,799pp

Embark on the ultimate Australian adventure, combining a Princess cruise of the Queensland coast with a three-night, all-inclusive journey on board the Indian Pacific.

Fly to Sydney for a one-night hotel stay before embarking on a 10-night Discovery Princess® cruise, uncovering the coastline of Queensland. Sail to the remote Willis Island, a speck in the coral sea, bask on the beaches of Port Douglas and, in Airlie Beach, explore the beautiful Whitsunday Islands before your ship returns to Sydney.

Here, you’ll disembark to enjoy an additional one-night hotel stay. Then, board the legendary Indian Pacific train for an all-inclusive, three-night transcontinental journey to Perth, traversing Australia’s dramatic landscapes as you savour fine cuisine and explore iconic Outback destinations during Off Train Experiences.

Your holiday includes

Full-Board Cruise

10 night full-board cruise on board Discovery Princess®

Visiting: Sydney, Willis Island (scenic cruising), Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney

Upgrade to Princess Plus from $65pppd, including: MedallionNet® Max Wi-Fi, Crew appreciation, Plus Beverage Package, Unlimited juice bar, Premium desserts, Fitness classes, Two casual dining meals per guest, OceanNow® delivery, Room service delivery

Rail Journey

3 night all-inclusive Gold Service rail journey on board the Indian Pacific from Sydney to Perth with all meals, fine wines, and beverages

Off Train Experiences and short stops in Adelaide, Cook, and Rawlinna

Hotel Stay

2 nights four-star hotel stay in Sydney at the Rydges World Square with breakfast

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

Sydney, Willis Island (scenic cruising), Port Douglas, Yorkeys Knob, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Nullarbor Plain, Perth

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Alarm (7)

5 Instructs (7)

9 Aloofness (11)

10 Formerly (3)

11 Oration (6)

12 Activators (7)

14 Wading bird (4)

15 Hostile (10)

17 Law-maker (10)

19 Book ID (1,1,1,1)

20 Reticence (7)

22 A seat for riding an elephant or a camel (6)

25 Hearing organ (3)

26 Containing an abstract meaning (11)

28 Depressants (7)

29 Those who derive pleasure from inflicting pain (7)

DOWN

1 StarWars:EpisodeIII –Revengeofthe – (4)

2 Complying (9)

3 Honorific (5)

4 Pottery (11)

5 Digitally generated imagery (1,1,1)

6 Whenever (7)

7 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)

8 Identifying (9)

12 Ancient coffin (11)

13 Partner (10)

16 Lengths (9)

18 Family name (7)

21 Virago (5)

23 Hyper (5)

24 In addition (4)

27 Guitarist, – Paul (3)

1 In The Chronicles of Narnia series, which Pevensie sibling is granted the regnal title of 'The Just'?

2 What is the national flower of the US?

3 Which act

7 Saoirse Ronan (pictured) starred opposite Emory Cohen and Jim Broadbent in which period drama film?

8 How many constellations are recognised by the International Astronomical Union?

9 According to urban legend, how long does it take to digest a piece of gum?

10 Apteryx are a species

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

Keilor Park Tennis Club Social Night

Join the club on Monday nights for a free social hit and get to know other club members. All levels are welcome. Female players are also required for Thursday competition, 10 am-2pm and also for the B-grade mixed team on Wednesday nights, 7-9pm.

 keilorparktennis@gmail.com.

Brimbank Book Group

Be inspired by thought-provoking books with a group of like-minded, literary fans with our Brimbank Book Group. All welcomed. This group, for adults, meets on the first Monday of the month, from 2-3pm at Deer Park Library. Bookings are not essential, but please feel free to register your interest if you’d like to receive a reminder email.

 library@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Create & Chat

Dig out your craft projects and get inspiration from fellow like-minded crafters with the Create & Chat sessions at Sunshine Library from 10-11am on the first Tuesday of every month. All skill levels are welcome.

 library@brimbank.vic.gov.au

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-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, or EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/

Family & Local History Help

Need help in researching your family or local history project? Reserve a spot for this free tailored one-on-one 30 min session at Keilor Library to kickstart your project! Due to high demand and event waiting lists, please only book tickets for people participating in event. Multiple sessions are available from March 13 onwards.

 library@brimbank.vic.gov.au

National seniors meeting

On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the 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 Café in Brimbank. Events happen

once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.

 sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Delahey Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive, Delahey (next to Copperfield College - senior campus) 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

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

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

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 Samarth, Parth and Inyraah who are gearing up for colourful fun at the Women in Brimbank Colour Festival on April 5. (Attie Mohebali) 466942_01

Kaleidoscope Festival returns

Celebrate Wyndham’s cultural diversity at Point Cook Pop-Up Park throughout April.

The celebrations form part of the KaleidoscopeFestival,whichisrunbyCoLocal, developer Stockland and Wyndham council.

The festival is a colourful celebration of unity and diversity and will feature food, performance and culture.

The festival will have a different theme each week.

On Saturday, April 5, attendees can enjoy a Greek Festival from noon-4pm, featuring dance and music performances by Manasis SchoolofGreekDanceandCulture,foodstalls, kids activities and a photobooth.

A Harmony Day celebration organised by

the Wyndham Volunteers Association will be held on Saturday, April 12, from 11am-4pm, showcasing the talent and diversity of the community.

Activate Youth will host an Eid Festival on Sunday, April 13. Running from noon to 3pm, the event will include market and food stalls and cultural entertainment.

On Saturday, April 19, the Easter Bunny will make an early appearance in Point Cook for an Easter-themed festival from noon-3pm.

Junubi Wyndham will host the Africa Festival on Saturday, April 26, from 2-9pm, featuring love performances and food and market stalls.

The Kaleidoscope Festival will wrap up on

Sunday, April 27 with an Aussie barbecue from noon-3pm.

Stockland senior centre manager John Cooper said Kaleidoscope was created by the community. “We’re looking forward to hosting our third Kaleidoscope Festival here at Point Cook Pop Up Park,” he said. “Each year the event brings together thousands of people to celebrate the cultural diversity in the area.

“We encourage the community to come along with their friends and family and enjoy live entertainment, delicious food and market stalls, as well as activities for the kids.”

Point Cook Pop-up Park is at Stockland Point Cook, Murnong Street, Point Cook.

Details: https://tinyurl.com/22d82rtw

Engraving the beauty of the Ranges

Using his engineering background, Riddells Creek artist Grant Medbury creates intricate laser-engraved artworks – with a range of his work currently on display at Art on Piper gallery in Kyneton.

An electronic engineer by profession, Medbury said he enjoys combining his design and technical skills to create the artworks.

“My wife Kathy is an artist … I’m surrounded by art so I’ve just been experimenting and creating a few things and I

think the guest room at Art on Piper just gives you the opportunity to display what you’ve done,” Medbury said.

He said he enjoys the contrast and the immediate results of laser engraving as a medium.

“[It] must be the engineer in me. Kathy would spend weeks on a painting – I couldn’t.”

The exhibition includes engraved wood, metal, and glass pieces, with all works available for purchase.

Many are Macedon Ranges-themed, such as a depiction of the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, local flora and fauna, and a wooden wall hanging with the names of Macedon Ranges towns.

The exhibition is in its final week, with the final day on Sunday, March 30.

Art on Piper is open from 10am–4pm every day at 44 Piper Street, Kyneton.

Oscar Parry

McVicar takes Cavalcade to comedy festival

Young Williamstown comedian Ned McVicar has been given an opportunity that many seasoned stand-ups would kill for.

McVicar is one of six up and coming young comics from across Australia who’ve been selected to perform at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF) which starts at the end of this month.

From March 31 to April 6, McVicar will perform his show Cavalcade at the DoubleTree byHiltonaspartofPilot,aprogramdesignedto give Gen Z comedians a leg up in a notoriously competitive industry.

The brainchild of comedians and producers Ethan Gallagher and Dylan McBurney, Pilot came about after they both saw a gap in MICF’s youth programs that they wanted to fill.

Now it’s McVicar, who began his performing

“I still remember... being really amazed that I could actually come up with a genuine joke,” said McVicar his first steps into comedy.

”It meant a lot to me that I had the ability to come up with stuff like that.”

As for what sort of stuff people can expect in Cavalcade, McVicar wouldn’t give much away.

“As an AI language model I am restricted from sharing harmful information and therefore cannot list the contents of Cavalcade, however I would be happy to help with your recentprompts“howwrite25minutesstandup funny“ and “if you drink enough rat poison it’s not just rat poison it’s everything poison -- how do I reword into a joke?”

Stand-up night to bring laughs to Brimbank

From comedy big-wigs to lesser known talents packed with a spotlight-worthy sense of humour, seven comics will put together an extraordinary jest-fest at the upcoming Brimbank Comedy Gala.

On March 28, audiences can expect to fill their night with laughs, giggles and cheers when local stars and television personalities take to the stage at the Bowery Theatre.

The line-up includes Urvi Majumdar from the ABC, Question Everything’s Suren Jayemanne, and Ben Knight who featured in the hit action flick Fall Guy. According to the show’s co-producer and performer Samuel Gebreselassie, who is putting the show together with Luke Morris, the event is not to be missed.

“It’s a comedy show with some of the best up-and-coming and well-established comedians in Australia,” he said.

The idea to organise an evening of laughter, Gebreselassie said was mmotivatedbyalackofcomedy-centred gigs in the area.

“We decided to bring live comedy to people in the west so they don’t have to travel to the city just to experience that,” he said.

“If you’re looking for a great night of stand up comedy come down and have a laugh with us.

“Laughing together is an amazing experience, so come enjoy comedy in the heart of the west.”

The Brimbank Comedy Gala is planned for March 28 at 8 pm.

Details: events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ brimbank-comedy-gala/ Prealene Khera

career juggling on the streets of Williamstown, who will get the chance to fill that Gen Z humour gap.

Information and tickets: https://entercloser. com/shows/1145032716679

Cade Lucas

Williamstown comedian Ned McVicar. (Attie Mohebali) 462247_01

Grant Medbury is presenting an exhibition of laser-engraved works at Art on Piper gallery in Kyneton. (Damjan Janevski) 464868_02

Samuel Gebreselassie is calling on all Brimbank locals to come down and get a taste of live-comedy. (Damjan Janevski) 466681_01

Kaleidoscope Festival returns to Point Cook Pop Up Park. (Supplied)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team did Newcastle United defeat 2-1 to win the 2025 English Football League Cup final?

2. In what place did Oscar Piastri finish the 2025 Australian Grand Prix?

3. Michael Voss most recently coached which AFL team?

4. What wind-assisted 200m time did sprinter Gout Gout run at the 2025 Queensland Athletic Championships?

5. Which now-defunct NBL team did NBA legend Magic Johnson join to play a 2002 exhibition game?

6. With the addition of the Golden State Valkyries, how many teams will compete for the 2025 WNBA Championship?

Stuart MacGill began his first-class cricket career representing which Australian state or territory?

Which rugby union competition includes teams such as the Houston SaberCats, Seattle Seawolves and Chicago Hounds?

9. The Indian Panthers are the newest team in which country’s men’s professional basketball league?

10. What is the name of the fictional football team coached by Al Pacino’s character in the 1999 film AnyGivenSunday?

11. What is the most populated city in Australia to not have an AFL team?

12. And what is the unofficial team of that city, scheduled to play three games there in 2025?

13. What is the most populated city in Australia to not have an NRL team?

14. And what was the proposed name for a club in this city, put forward in a 2024 bid?

15. What is the only team across the AFL and NRL not based in Australia?

16. What was the most recent Australian team to win a Super Rugby championship?

17. In a 2025 charity soccer match in front of 90,000 spectators, YouTuber Max Fosh did what with a yellow card?

18. Has the MCG ever had a naming rights sponsor?

19. What is the name of the target ball in lawn bowls?

20. Lewis Hamilton made his debut with which F1 team at the 2025 Melbourne Grand Prix?

21. Who currently holds the title of Women’s Intercontinental Champion in the WWE?

22. Which sport is the focus of the film Moneyball?

23. How many times did Andy Murray win Wimbledon?

24. Megan Schutt plays for which WBBL team?

25. What is the nickname of Cleveland’s MLB team?

26. Who won the Norm Smith Medal in last year’s AFL grand final?

27. Which NHL team does Alexander Ovechkin play for?

28. How many different types of fencing are there?

29. And what are they called?

30. In what year did the Carlton Football Club last win a premiership?

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or

to work across our print,

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Nissan X-Trail passes the road test

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Petrol/electric powered vehicles have been around for nearly a quarter of a century when Honda and Toyota launched their Insight and Prius models respectively.

Over the years more hybrids have arrived to the stage where now almost every brand has a variety of them. Indeed, most Toyota passenger vehicles are only available as hybrids.

Along the way batteries and electric motors have evolved while the price surcharges have made them much more affordable than the early models.

Although Nissan was an early adopter of fully-electric cars, mainly the Leaf hatchback, it didn’t offer hybrids until 2023 when the Qashqai and X-Trail e-Power variants were added.

There is a significant difference between the conventional petrol/electric powertrains of other hybrids and that of the e-Power models.

Where others use the battery-powered motor to drive the car at low speeds before switching over to their relatively large petrol engines, the e-Power operates in reverse where two large motors always drive the wheels and are constantly being charged by a smaller engine.

It’s a bit like an electric car with a range extender, minus the capacity to store the power generated. Because the engine is always running it sounds like a petrol car but drives like an EV.

It delivers responsive performance thanks to the fact the electric motor powers the wheels, providing EV-like instant, linear and smooth throttle response. The power for the electric motor is generated by a turbocharged 1.3-litre three-cylinder advanced variable compression turbocharged petrol engine.

Our test car was the X-Trail hybrid or, to give it its full name, the X-Trail e-Power e-4orce with the latter tag describing the all-wheel drive system that controls torque and braking for each wheel individually.

The X-Trail hybrid comes in three variants, ST-L, Ti and Ti-L, priced at $50,765, $55,465 and $58,465 respectively plus on-road costs.

Styling

The fourth-generation X-Trail follows the distinctly Nissan angular design direction, sharing several sharp lines with the Pathfinder and Qashqai. Only a revised V-Motion grille and badging distinguish the e-Power hybrids from the petrol variants.

Lighting is up to present-day standards with auto LED headlamps, LED tail-lights, daytime running lights and fog lights.

ST-L rides on 18-inch alloys wheels, Ti and Ti-L have 19-inch alloys as standard while Ti-L gets the option of 20-inch alloys.

Depending on variant, there are 13 colours from which to choose. Only one, red, is standard; all others are cost options including a number of two-tone.

Interior

All X-Trail hybrids are five-seaters with the two extra rear seats only available with the petrol variants.

Inside,thesurroundingsareablendofquality craftsmanship and materials highlighting comfort and convenience all round. Comfort is covered by 10-way power-adjustable (and heated) front seats, three-zone climate control, six-speaker audio (with digital radio), leather-accented trim and a leather-trimmed steering wheel.

Specialattentionhasbeenpaidtoergonomics and tactile feel of the switchgear and buttons used in the cabin to lend them a high-quality feel.

A two-tier centre console provides plenty of space to stash items, with a charge pad in more expensive models for mobile devices. Move to the back and the first thing you notice is the rear door opening to 85 degrees,

which makes it easier to get in and out. The rear seats (split 40/20/40) can slide forward for more boot space, or back for maximum passenger room.

Withallseatsupright,cargospaceis575litres andtoaround2000litres.Apowertailgateeases loading. Note that these dimensions are to the roofline rather than the normal seat height. There’s no spare wheel of any sort, only a puncture repair kit.

The centre console has a floating design, with room for large items in a rubberised section underneath. A shift-by-wire gear selector is compact and user-friendly. Also on hand are buttons for EV and e-Pedal modes, as well as a rotary dial to access drive and terrain systems.

Infotainment

The entry level X-Trail hybrid ST-L comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and six-speaker audio (but no navigation).

TiandTi-Lgetalarger12.3-inchtouchscreen with satellite navigation, and wireless charging.

There are four USB ports: USB-A and USB-C in the front and charge only USB-A and USB-C in the back, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.

There’s also a 10.8-inch head-up windscreen display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with customisation of information clearly and easily accessible.

Smartphone integration has been upgraded withwirelesssmartphonechargingandwireless Apple CarPlay for seamless connectivity, along with additional USB-A and USB-C charge ports for keeping smartphones and tablets topped up.

Engines/transmissions

As mentioned, the e-Power system uses motors at the front and rear. Outputs are 150 kW and 330 Nm at the front and 100 kW/195 Nm at the rear for a combined 157kW.

The 2.1 kWh electric motor delivers power

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7.5/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

directly to the wheels, using energy stored in the battery pack.

The e-Power with e-4orce system consists of a high-output 2.1 kWh battery together with a power generator, inverter and twin electric motors – 150k W for the front and 100kW for the rear (with a combined system output of 157 kW).

The turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder charges the battery pack or the electric motor, the petrol engine and so eliminates the need for an EV charger.

Like most SUVs it operates predominantly in two-wheel drive most of the time with drive to the front-wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

Towing capacity for the e-Power models is rated at 1650 kg, compared to 2000 kg for petrol versions.

Safety

The X-Trail hybrids earn a five-star ANCAP rating under 2021 test conditions and added information and testing.

Active safety is covered by forward autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian and cyclist), adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and ProPilot lane keeping, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, driver attention alert, and reverse autonomous emergency braking (pedestrian).

In Ti and Ti-L variants, pedestrians close to the vehicle are alerted by an external audible warning when it is in almost silent EV mode. Seven airbags include a centre airbag between front seat occupants.

Driving

Aswithallvehiclesthatstartoffwithanelectric motor the Nissan X-Trail e-Power delivers smooth and almost instant acceleration off the mark. Add excellent noise cancelling measures within the cabin, it’s almost silent.

When called on for more power, the petrol engine and generator chime in with a non-too unpleasant hum, keeping the battery pack

charged and, if needed, directly powering the electric motor.

EV or e-Pedal controls are instigated by means of buttons on the centre console. EV is what it says – no petrol engine input here – and can be operated for a short distance.

Ontest,pressingtheEVbuttonwasanswered byamessagesayingthebatterywasnotcharged enough to sustain electric-only operation.

The e-Pedal had no such impediment, leaving the accelerator to apply the brakes automatically when the foot was lifted off, calling on the regenerating capacity to slow the car almost to a halt.

A drive and terrain mode selector offers five different modes: Auto, Eco, Sport, Snow and Off-Road.

With a 55-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 6.1L/100km using premium 95 unleaded and it generates 139g/km of CO2. Nissan claims combined urban/highway fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres using 95 RON fuel. The test car recorded 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres in urban driving where the battery is dominant but jumped up to 7.1 L/100km on a motorway due to the extra engine usage.

Summary

The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. The instant response delivers fast and safe acceleration to make overtaking or merging onto a motorway easier.

In its performance it does lean more to the full electric vehicle rather than the hybrid SUV. However, there’s the added running cost of buying petrol.

Thepremiumpurchasepriceoverpetrol-only models is covered somewhat by the increased Ti/Ti-L equipment

As of 1 February 2025 all new Nissan vehicles come with a 10-year, 300,000km standard warranty but with the stipulation that all servicing is carried out at dealerships.

The X-Trail hybrid is an outstanding long-distance cruiser with the benefits of an electric vehicle but without any range stress. (Pictures: Supplied)

The new lot of cricket premiers were crowned on Saturday, while other teams started their finals round as the FV state league seasons kicked off. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting the action.

Premiers crowned, shocks galore

Woodend’s Harry Lawson. 466957_01

Tarneit Central’s Pradeep Ajara. 466964_16

Sunbury United’s James Hughes. 466957_25

Romsey’s Jamie Taylor. 466960_01

Mernda celebrates a wicket. 466962_07

Laverton’s Matias Arriagada and Sunbury United’s Ubeyde Cicek. 466967_08

Laverton’s Cristian Segura. 466967_02

Mernda’s Michael Edwards. 466962_04

Merrifield’s Talwinder Prince. 466964_06

Rivergum’s Matthew Perri. 466962_02

Gisborne’s Matthew Barake. 466960_08

Fans enjoy the again at Gardiner Reserve. 466960_21

Mernda supporters. 466962_09

Cavaliers finally have win on the board, want more

The monkey off the back for Green Gully in the National Premier League.

It had been a tough start to the season for the Cavaliers under David Chick without a win in their first five matches.

After some up and down performances, the Cavaliers were able to break through in round six against local rival Melbourne Knights with a stunning 3-0 win last weekend.

Chick said there was a relief to finally be on the board.

“It was nice,” he said. “It took a little longer than I would have hoped.

“The two weeks before the performances weren’t great. Sometimes you need to take a step back to take a step forward.

“The guys went out there and did a good job and to get the win, felt great.”

Chick said some early season injuries and

availability hadn’t helped them early on as they tried to gel together as a side.

He said getting some experience back into the side had also helped.

From a coaching point of view, they worked on the mental game to try and get them going.

“We looked at how we wanted to feel and how we didn’t want to feel like we had let people down,“ he said. “We hadn’t played the way we would have liked, so we looked at how we approached it mentally.”

Chick said they always knew that it would take some time to get everything to come together for the side this season with all the changes.

“It’s going to take time to get there, but we wanttobethereyesterday,”hesaid.“Ifitdoesn’t happen quickly, it gets more difficult and it can affect your confidence.”

While happy to get that first win, Chick said it means little if they can’t continue to back that up.

“We had a couple of good games where we didn’t get the points,” he said. “We got back to having a good performance

“We need to keep doing it every week.“

The Cavaliers were set to return to action on Saturday night against Altona Magic after deadline.

Like the Cavaliers, the Magic entered the match with just one for the season.

“We are away the next five games while our ground is getting done,” he said. “

“It’s another challenge and they are difficult to beat. They are hard to score against and we want to get our first away win.”

Tara Murray

McKenzie joins Lions

By Tara Murray

Deer Park has received a late off season boost with former AFL player Trent McKenzie joining the Essendon District Football League premier division club.

The Lions announced that the 165 game veteran would join the club in a playing and coaching capacity.

Lions coach Jamie Madigan said McKenzie was already part of the family at the club.

“He has been around the club a lot with his brothers Kane, who is a five-time premiership player and Jake who has won four,“ he said.

“His family is well entrenched in the club and he has been around even when he was at Port Adelaide.

“He lives in Deer Park.”

Madigan said the biggest thing attracting McKenzie to the club was the opportunity to play with Jake.

The two brothers have never played together. Kane has retired.

“They are a close knit, the three brothers,” Madigan said. “He had lots of offers to get a

lot more money, but he wanted to play with his brother.

“It’s something that has been spoken about for a long time. Whenever he was out of contract every year, the joke with Jake was ‘I’m going to play with you next year’.”

McKenzie played 19 games for Port Adelaide last season before deciding to retire.

McKenzie was known as a defender at AFL level, with a booming kick among his biggest assets.

Madigan said they would look to use him in a number of positions, which McKenzie was open to.

“He is keen to get out there and enjoy his footy with his mates,” he said. “He had the nickname the Cannon and when he is 50 to 60 metres out from goal, he can do some damage.

“He has experience as a key defender but we’ll look to play him as a high forward to use his lethal boot.

“Wewillalsolooktothrowhimdeepforward and he will go back when we need him to. “

McKenzie will also be the Lions match day forwards coach, with the club looking to use

Sports shorts

Football

The Essendon District and Western football leagues will have a combined under-18.5 girls competition this season. Spotswood on its social media said there would be a combined competition with a premier division and division one grades. There will be eight teams in division 1. Last season, there were 11 under-18.5 EDFL girls teams and four under-18.5 WFL teams. The season kicks off on April 5.

Western FL

St Albans has revealed its leadership group for the upcoming Essendon District Football League division 1 season. Jake Galea steps up to captain the side this season, taking over from Jack Sims. Matthew Grundy has been named vice-captain Jayden Kretiuk, Zach McCasker Brandon Coletta make up the leadership group. Meanwhile, the Saints have announced the signing of former Fremantle player Tobe Watson for this season. Watson played 14 games for the Dockers before being delisted. Watson will play with the Saints when he’s not playing with Victorian Football League side Port Melbourne,

Western NL

his experience and knowledge from the higher level.

TherehadbeentalkaboutMcKenzieheading into punting, but Madigan said for this year he was focused on playing at Deer Park.

The signing of McKenzie is the icing on the cake for the Lions, who have been busy in the off season.

Another former AFL player Lin Jong has joined the club.

Other key signings include Dion Hill and ZenChristofiwhohavejoinedfromEastKeilor, ruck Mitchell Antonello hasn’t missed a beat in the off season and Hayden Gill joins the club as a Victorian Football League-listed player.

Premiership players Tim Quick, Lachie Smart and Mark Galea all return to the club as one pointers.

The Lions start their season on April 5 against reigning premiers Keilor.

“That is a big test, they are the yard sticks,” Madigan said. “We requested to play them early on.

“It’s a good opportunity to see where we are at.”

The Western Netball League has revealed the draw and structure for this season. There will be seven divisions this season, which will kick off on March 28. Spotswood, Glen Orden, North Footscray, Sunshine, Caroline Springs and Werribee Districts will play in division 1. Glen Orden, Yarraville Seddon, Werribee Districts, Altona, Caroline Springs, Albanvale, Wyndhamvale, Braybrook, Spotswood and Point Cook Centrals are in division 2. The competition has more teams than ever, with 33 matches to be played in round one.

VTCA

St Albans is seeking a coach for the next Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season. The club is seeking a coach with previous experience and a current level 2 Cricket Australia coaching certificate. It can be a playing or non-playing coach and will mentor junior coaches throughout the season. Applications to Jeff Montebello, 0412 099 719 or jjamonty1@yahoo.com.au

Matthew Crooks. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 401467_07

Jamie Madigan and Trent McKenzie. (Supplied)

City West Falcons shoot their way to second win

TheCityWestFalconscontinuedtheirhotstart to the Victorian Netball League season.

Afterabigwininroundone,theFalconswere in action against newcomers, the Gippsland Stars, on Wednesday in warm conditions.

The Stars surprised the North East Blaze in round one, drawing with them in their first ever match.

It was a much tougher test on Wednesday night with the Falcons coming away with an 84-37 win.

FalconscoachMargLindsaidwhiletheStars were a new team, they had a number of players who had played at this level.

“They have five players who had played VNL before,” she said. “I thought they went hard at us but we were in sync.

“We’re trying to rotate everyone, mindful it will be a long season, that is helping as they are pretty fresh.”

Every Falcons player took to the court, with no one playing a full 60 minutes.

Lind said it’s good to see those different

combinations.

“Everyonecameoff,therewasn’taplayerthat stayed on,” she said. “We ran a rotating circle towards the end, gave Cookie [Jane Cook], Mon [Holmes] a rest, gave Maggie [Lind].

“Also mix up the defensive combinations.

Charity [Nasalio] is new, so giving everyone a go with her, which is good.

“Wehadn’treallyplayedLucia[Fauonuku]in the circle much last year, did quite well there.”

Lind said there would be more opportunities to throw players around and they were starting to think ahead for the next few years.

Jane Cook finished with 64 goals.

Montana Holmes returned to the side for the Falcons but Uneeq Palavi and Mel Oloamanu were still missing.

Lind said with Holmes the score rate up in the side.

The side has scored 85 and 84 in its first two matches. Only one other side has passed 70 in one and half rounds.

Lind said after playing against some men’s

teams in the pre-season they weren’t sure what their scoring would be like.

“We are starting to get the flow now, I think the fresh legs are helping,” she said. “Rolling Liv [Cameron] rolling Maddie [Romis), Sussu [Lei] into the middle, Chelsea [Imanisani] in the middle.

The under-23s side also made it two from two with a 59-37 win.

.Lind said they still had a lot of growth.

“I still think they had a lot to do,” she said. “Wasn’t as happy with their game but they won by a fair bit.”

The Falcons face the Casey Demons this Wednesday.

Lindsaidtheywantedtokeeptheballrolling with a tough run coming up.

Tara Murray

Steph Asciak steps up

By Tara Murray

New Western Bulldogs Victorian Football League Women’s captain Steph Asciak says her younger self would be proud of where she is today.

Asciak has been named the Bulldogs captain for the 2025 season having played 31 gamesfortheclubacrossthepasttwoseasons.

At just 21, Asciak said it came as a shock to have been named captain.

“It’s really exciting,” she said. “Not something I expected this year but really honoured to get the captaincy.

“I was stoked. To take over after Dom [Carbone], is a big job but I’m pretty excited to do it.”

It was Asciak’s teammates that voted her into the role and she made her really happy that the girls wanted her to be in that role.

Asciak said she does feel pretty young to be captain with the rest of the leadership group older than her.

Jaimi Tabb, Bri McFarlane and Millie

Klingbeil have been named co-vice captains with Mali McLeod and a former captain, MarySandral,namedintheleadershipgroup.

“I’ve been voted in for a reason,” she said. “I think I can do the job well.

“I think it will definitely help me out having some really good experienced leaders with me in the group, I think it will be great.”

Asciak takes over from Carbone, who has moved to Collingwood. Carbone won the Lambert-Pearce Medal last season.

Asciak, who still aspires to play AFLW, said that her former skipper is an inspiration.

“She was such a hard worker, very inspirational,” she said. “I think that is something that I want to take and be like her.”

For Asciak, the experience to captain a team in the area that she grew up in is pretty special.

She played her junior footy with Caroline Springs and played for the Western Jets, with both those clubs having a big impact on her football.

“Starting off at Caroline Springs as a junior

Stallions stay focused

Brimbank Stallions will be a bit younger and have changed some things up as they want to go for a tilt at the FV state league 1 north-west title.

The Stallions have been in the mix for the title and promotion for a number of years without quite getting the job done.

Coach Ozan Kara said they wanted to be up at the top again.

“That is the intention,” he said. “We have been in the mix for quite a few years.

“The last five years we have not got the jobdone.We’vedecidedtodosomething different and change it up a little bit.

“We changed our visa players to come into a core group, which is relatively stable.

“Our goalkeeper Chris May is the best in the league, our captain Anthony Katiforis and guys like Ethan Flint we’ve been able to retain them.”

Kara said it had been a good pre-season.

He said while they’d worked on a lot of physical and tactical things, it was also about bringing the group together.

“We have about eight new players,” he said. “It’s a little bit of everything.

“We’ve been good with player retention. You normally get a bit of churn through players.

“Our list has been aging a little bit so I wanted to drop the age bracket.

“We needed to recruit players with certain attributes in key positions to complement our group.’

they’ve been so supportive of me, they’ve helped me develop so much,“ she said.

“Then going into the Jets program, I think was a really good opportunity to step up.

“I was actually thinking about the other day. I grew up being a Western Bulldogs supporter and I know little Steph would be so proud right now.

“It feels really good, my parents were stoked as well.”

The Bulldogs come into this season on the back of a grand final appearance last season.

Asciak said they would love to go one step furtherthisyear.Shesaidtheyhadanexciting squad this season with a few new girls, a lot of young players.

“To keep sticking to what we know,” she said. “Rhys [Sullivan] has built a really good foundation and we’ve built our method, set down for us this year.

“I think if we keep sticking to what we know, we will make it there again. Keep doing it and don’t let the other team get back on top.”

Among the signings for the Stallions includesMelvinBecket,whohascrossed from Westgate, and Ayrton Redmore who brings National Premier League experience.

The club has also changed up its international players with a focus on the attacking end.

Kara said they were still in talks about signing a new number 10 as well.

“We have improved the squad the calibre of player by 30 per cent on last year on paper,” he said.

“We want to be more competitive.”

The Stallions kicked off their season on Saturday against Westgate, after deadline.

The Stallions will be back in action on Tuesday night in the third round of the Australia Cup against Box Hill United.

Tara Murray

City West Falcons’ Maddie Romios. (Grant Treeby/ Netball Victoria)

Steph Asciak. (Eleanor Jeanne Photography)

Keilor Thunder raring to go in the NBL1 South

There’sasenseofexcitementforKeilorThunder as it prepares for the start of the new era in the National Basketball League 1 South season.

WithAshArnottascoachandaverydifferent looking line up, the Thunder enter their fourth season in the competition as an unknown.

Arnott said they were pretty excited to get out there on the court.

“We started about September I believe or early October with a good core of the group,” he said.

“Just building into a practice match against an Indonesian touring team that came out and we’ve been together since then, been building some strong foundations.

“We actually got our last player in today [Sunday] from America, Chris Harris [Junior] to join us, so we have the full squad.

“There is excitement around the group.”

Arnott said they had four players left from last season while there’s still a number of youth

players around the group.

He said they really looked at the character of the players they were looking to bring in and they were already seeing that at training.

“We’ve definitely seen it out on the floor in terms of the way we train and the work ethic and the high character values that we were reallysearchingfor,”hesaid.“We’reseeinghow that has now evolved from training to training, now also around the club, we’re really excited.”

Among something the club searched for when putting its squad together was trying to bring in some players who were connected to the west.

“Everyone is out west,” he said. “We’re really excited about the players that we have put together.”

Two of the Thunder’s two imports have joined the side in recent days, with Magnus Richards also arriving in Australia.

Harris has been a semi pro for the past six

years and has players in Europe and Mexico.

Arnott said he will bring height to the side.

“The minute he looked through the door, everyonewaslookingup,”hesaid.“He’sareally big man and we’re excited to have that presence in the key and he’s a good person as well.”

Arnott said they were comfortable heading into the season as an unknown. As well as having a new side, they are yet to make finals since joining the competition.

“I think some of the players that we have bought in are some hidden gems,” he said. “So we are excited to give them the platform here, see what they can do.

“Some new names, myself as a new coach; people have put us to the side, which is okay with us. We’re just going to go about our business, the way we think we need to build to be a force in this league.”

Lions go back-to-back

By Tara Murray

Deer Park is not only the kings of the jungle but are the kings of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.

OnSaturday,theLionsmadeitback-to-back premierships with a commanding win against Yarraville Club in the grand final.

After a strong bowling performance on day one, the Lions batters got the job done early on on day three to see the game called with more than a day’s play remaining.

Lions opener Aaron Shellie said it was pretty special.

“It was good, you always play the game to win flags,” he said. “For me it was good to repay the faith after a tough year.”

Shellie said they were rapt to have kept the Clubbers to 184 on day one with their batting line up.

Shellie opened the batting on Saturday with Angelo Emmanuel and they set the tone.

It had taken some time during the season to sort out the batting line, but Shellie said they had all found their roles late in the season.

“Angelo is a weapon,” he said. “I’m down the other end and he keeps me calm and level headed.

“I can lose it a little bit at the other end.”

The task at the start of play on day three was simple.Day two had been washed out.

“We didn’t know what to expect,” Shellie said. “It was pretty sticky.

“We wanted to get through the first hour and we knew it would flatten out. We wanted to be none down after the first hour to be in a good position to chase down the runs.”

The openers put on 125 for the opening partnership and were just two wickets down when they passed the Clubbers total.

Shellie ticked off a century and earned himself the nickname from his teammates Mr Centurion, before going out on 103.

The Lions were 4-248 when the game ended.

Shellie said this century was more special than the others he had made.

“I had a year to forget,” he said. “I don’t get emotional, but this one meant a lot coming from Coburg to Deer Park.

“It has been a tough ride and I haven’t

Crows fall short

Sunshine wasn’t able to overcome a poor first day in the Victorian Turf Cricket AssociationIsaacsHowarthShieldgrand final, losing to Altona North.

The Crows entered Saturday on the back foot after top order batting collapse late on day one of the two-day grand final.

After keeping Altona North to a lower than par 9-177, the Crows were then 5-45 at stumps and in all sorts of trouble. With day two delayed until Saturday due to rain, the Crows had nearly a week to put their plans in place to pull off the upset win.

Pramud Hettiwatte resumed on 18 off 25 balls, while Charitha Jayampathi resumed on zero after surviving 21 balls on day one.

The pair put on 45 to start day two to give the Crows some hope of being able toputthepressurebackonAltonaNorth.

The Crows lost Hettiwatte and when Jayampathi fell, they were 7-107 and with all the work ahead of them. The tail then crumbled and they were all out for 126. Hettiwatte top scored with 45 while Isuru Yaddehige made 28 not.

Nathan Patrick and Jinang Shah took four wickets each for Altona North.

Altona North will now be promoted into senior division next season.

performed how I would have liked. They kept the faith, the side, supporters and the coach.”

Shellie said playing in his first four day grand final, he wasn’t sure what to expect with how the game would end.

Hesaidtheythoughttheymighthaveplayed a bit longer, but knew the Clubbers were a long way back still needing 16 wickets and some runs to get the win.

The Lions partied through the night, with many not sleeping as they celebrated their third premiership in four years.

Shellie, who had the premiership flag and medal around his neck on Sunday morning as he chatted, said they were heading back for more celebrations.

He said the club had become a home for him.

“When I come over, I wanted it to be somewhere I would never leave and my kids would play at,” he said.

“They are a good family club and the guys have been great.

“All the kids are best mates and throwing cricket balls at each other.”

In other grand finals, Maribyrnong Park St Mary’s beat West Coburg St Andrews in the Steve McNamara Shield. Gellibrand made it back-to-back premierships, beating Moonee Valley in the Roy Picone Shield.

Gellibrand won the division 4 match-up between the two sides last season.

Melton South Royals claimed the Evans-Clark Shield title against East Coburg after the match ended in a draw with a wet wicket providing dangerous.

Pascoe Vale Central claimed the Russell Pollock Shield premiership in its first season in the competition.

Pramud Hettiwatte. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465515_12

Tara Murray Ryan Phillippe. (Keilor Thunder)

Deer Park’s premiership team. (Supplied)

TIPPING 2025

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