AUGUST 27, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
West in a United front
Dylan Pierias, a former local junior with Keilor Park, takes immense joy in scoring on a historic opening night for Western United. Inset: Two-year-old fan Santiago (top) and Western United fan Ethan cheer on during the friendly. (Pictures: Luke Hemer)
The long line of cars snaking down City Vista Circuit before kick-off was the first sign of a grand opening night for Western United. The A-League side took to the field for its first pre-season friendly before a massive and enthusiatic crowd of 3267. It was a successful night for Western United with its historic first game ending with a hard-earned 4-0 win over state league 1 club Caroline Springs George Cross at City Vista Recreation Reserve. United chief executive officer Maurice Bisetto was overwhelmed by the crowd in attendance on a chilly Thursday night. “It was incredible, it exceeded all expectations,” Bisetto said. “To have 3000-plus here tonight when it was three degrees at one point on a cold Thursday night … I still can’t believe it to be perfectly honest.” With a 35th minute free kick from star import Alessandro Diamanti that turned into a powerfully headed goal from Valentino Yuel, Western United was on the board and on its way. Further goals to Connor Pain, Dylan Pierias and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, completed a perfect start. Coach Mark Rudan was impressed with his team’s performance. “Very early stages, but at this point in time, I’m pretty content with what I saw out there,” Rudan said. Lance Jenkinson
Council Colombia junket By Ewen McRae Melton ratepayers will foot the bill to send three council representatives to Colombia for a conference in October. Mayor Bob Turner, councillor Michelle Mendis and council community planning manager Matt Wilson will attend the UNESCO International Conference on Learning Cities in Medellin from October 1 to 3. The trip will cost an estimated $4450 per person – $13,350 of ratepayers money. It is the third time in the past four years Melton council will send a delegation to the
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I’ve seen absolutely no benefit to the community - Lara Carli
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conference, following trips to Mexico City in 2015, and Cork, Ireland in 2017. Cr Mendis successfully moved a motion at last week’s council meeting to add herself to the delegation. The original motion had Cr Turner and Mr Wilson attending, with the option of a
third representative making the trip open to the council. “The reason I’ve registered my interest in going is because there is a link to education and I work in the education sector,” Cr Mendis said. “I really believe that I can bring things back to the community. Looking at the content and some of the issues that we do face with education in the City of Melton … I can get some benefit from this.” The council held last year’s Lifelong Learning Festival following the Cork conference and Melton remains one of three Australian UNESCO Learning City members.
Cr Lara Carli spoke against councillors attending the conference, saying the money spent did not benefit residents. “I’m not happy with overseas travel,” Cr Carli said. “I’ve got no problem with any council officers attending, as they’re the ones dealing with these projects day in and day out and sharing their knowledge with others. “The Mexico trip, which I opposed, I’ve seen absolutely no benefit to the community since that trip took place. “This is ratepayers’ money and we just need to be mindful of that.”