Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 24th June 2025
Teddies have a day out
Parents, bubs and their soft plushies gathered at Woodlands Long Daycare and Kindergarten for a teddy bears’ picnic.
The event was organised to celebrate international picnic day which took place on Wednesday, June 18.
Centre manager, Sevde, said the day allowed children to bring a “comfort item” to daycare with them.
“It’s more a social aspect for children…to bring family life into the event,” she said.
Snacks were enjoyed at the picnic with friends such as Bluey making an appearance.
Crime rises in Brimbank
By Sam Porter
Crime in Brimbank is at the highest levels since the Covid lockdown period, accordingtothelateststatistics.
NewdatareleasedbytheCrimeStatistics Agency shows there were 18,760 offences recorded in the 12 months to the end of March 2025, up 8.8 per cent compared to thepreviousyear’s17,243.
Theft from motor vehicles remains the most common crime at 2775, followed by breaches of family violence orders (1713) andotherformsoftheft(1702).
Other common crimes include criminal damage (1378) and the theft of motor
vehicles(1048).
St Albans and Sunshine continue to be the main hotspots for crime, recording 3725and3388offencesrespectively.
Deer Park (1537), Sunshine West (1535) and Sunshine North (1456) also made the listformostcommonsuburbsforcrime.
Houses were the top location for crimes in Brimbank and rose to 5579, up 333 from thepreviousyear.
Offences taking place on local streets and footpaths (3067) as well as single-level carparks (830) also increased in the 12-monthperiod.
While Brimbank’s crime rate increase is lower than the state’s 17.1 per cent,
the most common offence remains the same according to Brimbank Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Kerrie Clarke.
“Theft from motor vehicles is the most commonly reported and detected crime acrossthestate,”shesaid.
“Both theft of cars, and from cars, make up20percentofallcrimeinBrimbank.”
Acting Inspector Clarke said there are simplemeasureslocalscantaketoprevent themselvesfallingvictim.
“Always lock your car, remove valuables, never leave your car unattended while running, and where possible, park off the street,”shesaid.
Police also recommend using antitheft screws to secure number plates to vehicles.
“About a third of all thefts from cars in Brimbank relate to the theft of number plates,”ActingInspectorClarkesaid.
A recent co-ordinated operation dubbed ‘Operation Ghost’ targeted dangerous driversandcarthievesinBrimbank. Thirty-threepeoplewerearrestedduring the four-day operation which took place fromMay28to31.
“We will continue to run targeted operations, including Operation Ghost, in the future,” Acting Inspector Clarke said.
Jemma Lawn with her kids Vann, 2, and Aspen, 2, Jacinda Suarez with her 11-monts-old son Cortez, and Vukosi Mdaka with his son Myles, 1, enjoy a teddy bears’ picnic. (Damjan Janevski) 484577_02
STAY INFORMED
Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial
Have Your Say on the Council Plan
Feedback is invited on the draft Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029, the draft Long Term Financial Plan 2025-2035, and the Asset Plan 2025-2035 until Tuesday 8 July.
These important strategic documents have been shaped with input from community members and will guide the work of Council into the future.
To review the documents and share your feedback, visit conversations.vic.gov.au
School holiday fun!
Council will be hosting a range of activities this winter school holidays for kids and young people. Check out what’s on offer at melton.vic. gov.au/schoolholidays
NAIDOC Week 2025
Melton City Council will host a range of family friendly events and activities across the City of Melton during NAIDOC Week from the 6-13 July.
NAIDOC Week celebrates and recognises the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories.
Children can enjoy an interactive didgeridoo session or participate in a boomerang art session. Adults can try their hand at basket weaving, while families are invited to contribute to a community mural.
For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/NAIDOC-Week
Business Awards applications closing soon!
A reminder that applications for the 2025 Melton Business Excellence Awards close Thursday 10 July.
If you have been planning to apply or have an application in progress, now is the time to submit it. The awards are a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase the wonderful work your business is doing to the community.
For information and to apply, visit melton.vic.gov.au/MBEA
Stringybark Ward with Cr Julie Shannon
The issue of dumped rubbish has been front of mind, lately, not only for our City, but right across the state.
Council is taking a proactive approach to eliminating the occurrence of dumped rubbish with our new Hard Waste, Dumped Rubbish, and Proactive Litter Patrols.
Current proactive dumped rubbish patrols are conducted weekly and fortnightly across 78 roads, targeting illegally dumped rubbish between 1m³ and 6m³ in size.
From 1 July 2025, our new Hard Waste, Dumped Rubbish, and
– Visit
Proactive Litter Patrols expands on this service to include the collection of litter up to 1m³. This change means we’ll be able to remove more litter, more efficiently — helping to keep our community cleaner and more pleasant for everyone.
You may have noticed some exciting upgrades happening to our local parks and reserves. Navan Park, in Harkness, is getting a fantastic make over, with landscaping, natural play areas, and new seating around the lake to make it an even more enjoyable space for everyone.
In other great news for Navan Park users, upgrades to the dog park,
including improved paths, furniture, and sensory and exploratory activities for dogs will be undertaken in the new financial year. I’m thrilled that this much-loved space will receive this upgrade, because ensuring we have safe, well-designed, and accessible dog-friendly spaces benefits everyone – especially the 15,500 plus dogs who call our City home.
To stay updated on this and other park improvement projects, follow us on Facebook or visit our website.
Feel free to contact me regarding Stringybark Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 302; email: julie.shannon@melton.vic.gov.au
At this week’s Council Meeting the draft Council and Wellbeing Plan for the next four years, and our draft Long Term Financial Plan and draft Asset Plan for the next 10-years were endorsed for community consultation.
The draft Council and Wellbeing Plan sets out the vision, priorities, and strategic direction for our Council.
The Asset Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan will support the Council and Wellbeing Plan and outlines Council’s long-term strategic management of assets, delivery of services and infrastructure, and will guide our long term financial sustainability.
Thank-you to our 50-member deliberative community panel whose role was to help refresh our long-term community vision and to guide the development of these important strategic plans.
These three plans will help guide the work of Council and the future of our City, and it is important we hear your feedback to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community. I encourage you to review the documents and submit your feedback via conversations@ melton.vic.gov.au.
The Budget 2025/26 was also adopted at the Council Meeting, which includes a $225.8 million capital works program, and funding for the delivery of services for our growing community. A total of 17 projects that have come directly from the community have also been included in this year’s budget and I thank everyone who took the time to submit their ideas.
Finally, with the winter school holidays approaching we have lots of activities planned to keep the kids entertained. Visit our website for details: melton.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays
You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic.gov. au or on 0437 231 680.
Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli Cr Kathy Majdlik Cr Brandi Morris Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg
Cr John Verdon Cr Dr Phillip Zada
Operation targets car crime
More than 30 dangerous drivers and car thieveswerearrestedduringarecentfournight operation in Brimbank.
As part of the co-ordinated operation, police disrupted a hoon meet in Keilor Park, arrested an alleged drug trafficker andstoppedamachete-wieldingcarthief.
Brimbank Local Area Commander, Acting Inspector Kerrie Clarke, said vehicle crime is a “huge priority” for police.
“This was a successful operation leadingto33offendersbeingarrested,but itisonlyoneexampleofthemanywayswe are constantly targeting road safety, car thefts and burglaries in our community,”
Acting Inspector Clarke said. Dubbed ‘Operation Ghost,’ the operation involved local police working alongside the Public Order Response Team and Air Wing to target car thieves and dangerous driving between May 28 to 31.
A 32-year old Point Cook man was arrested after he allegedly drove a motorbike up to speeds of 200km/h on the Western Ring Road. Police allegedly found methyl amphetamine and $16,400 upon further searches.
An alleged hoon meet in Keilor Park was disrupted on May 30, with police intercepting four vehicles as the
cars dispersed, one of which had an alleged cancelled registration and was impounded.
The driver, a 22-year old man from Melton South, is expected to be charged onsummonswithseveraldrivingoffences.
In addition, a 27-year old man from Maidstone was arrested and charged with multiple offences after police recovered a stolen car and seized a large machete from the vehicle on May 31.
Thirty-three people were arrested throughout ‘Operation Ghost’ for speeding, stolen vehicles and dangerous driving.Thirty-eightfineswerealsoissued for driving offences.
Day of festivities marks school’s 50th year
Holy Eucharist Primary School in St Albans South commemorated its 50th anniversary with a day of festivities.
A celebratory church service kicked off the day’s events followed by a cake cutting, theatre performance and an ‘Amazing Race-style’ competition.
Principal Michael Bonnici said the anniversary marked an incredible milestone for the school. “It was an amazing day. Everything went really well from the celebration in the church to the
morning tea afterwards,” he said.
“The kids’ participation today was phenomenal. “They enjoyed a sausage sizzle lunch and every child went home with a lolly bag and a commemorative cross to mark the occasion.”
Previous members of staff attended the celebrationsincludingthefirstprincipalof the school, Sr Leonie Glennen.
Former principals Jeffrey Parkers and Greg White also made an appearance.
“It’s a really nice community... it’s a
place where people are eager to return to,” said Mr Bonnicci.
According to the Holy Eucharist St Albanswebsite,developmentcommenced on the Holy Eucharist Parish in 1971.
Thefirstmasswasheldayearlaterwith approximately 200 people in attendance.
In 1974, the beginnings of a parish school were taking form as the first Catholic school in the area.
On April 19, 1975 the school was officially opened.
Brimbank locks in an average rate rise of 3 per cent for 2025-26
Rateswillrisebyanaverageof3percentin 2025-2026 after Brimbank council adopted itsbudget.
As part of the budget, council will invest $273.2millionforoperations,withasurplus of $6.37 million, and allocate nearly $57.6 milliontowardsthecapitalworksprogram.
Of the capital works program funding, $29.4 million will go towards roads and drainage upgrades, $12.7 million to community and early learning facilities upgrades and $5 million to playgrounds, parksandgardens.
Other capital works funding includes
$3.2milliontosportsfacilityupgrades,$3.2 million to the regular replacement of plant and vehicle fleet, $1.8 million to walking and cycling paths, with another $884,000 forlibrarybooks.
The main areas of allocation for the operation budget include $25.4 million for waste services, $18.8 million for parks and trees, and $15.8 million to leisure services including Sunshine Leisure Centre and the BrimbankAquaticWellnessCentre.
Mayor Thuy Dang said the budget will help to deliver better services and facilities forlocals.
Four drivers were detected speeding more than 45km/h over the limit, while seven were driving on a suspended or disqualified licence.
Police also detected six unregistered motor vehicles, three drink drivers and recovered one stolen car.
Six stolen or false numberplates were also recovered during the operation.
“We, like the community, are rightly concerned about dangerous driving on our roads, including those stealing cars to further their offending,” Acting Inspector Clarke said.
Police said more operations are planned in the future.
Liberal Party loan to end legal saga
By Callum Godde, AAP
A $1.5 million loan has been granted to former state Liberal leader John Pesutto, withthefracturedpartydesperatetodraw a line under a long-running defamation saga.
The Victorian Liberals’ administrative committee met on Thursday night and agreed to lend former leader John Pesutto $1.55 million to settle his debt to MP Moira Deeming.
The Hawthorn MP was ordered to pay $2.3millioninlegalcoststoMrsDeeming aftertheFederalCourtfoundhedefamed her by implying she was associated with neo-Nazis.
It left him facing bankruptcy, which would have triggered his exit from parliament and a subsequent by-election in his marginal seat, unless the debt was paid back in a matter of weeks.
Mr Pesutto, who has already coughed up $315,000 in damages, had only raised about $750,000 through wealthy backers and a GoFundMe campaign.
Anoffertodefersomeofthelegalbillin exchange for Mrs Deeming’s guaranteed preselection and Mr Pesutto swearing off trying to return as leader for three years was rebuffed.
In a letter to party members on late on Thursday, Victorian Liberal president Philip Davis said the money would be paid directly to Mrs Deeming.
Mr Pesutto will be required to repay the loan at market-rate interest.
Mr Davis said the deal would avert a by-election and allow the Liberals’ parliamentary party to focus the issues that matter to the Victorian community.
“Settling this matter once and for all is in the interests of the party as it will see an end to the ongoing commentary that is letting Labor get away with their appalling performance,” he wrote.
“Victorians needs a change of government.”
Entering parliament on Thursday morning, Mr Pesutto was upbeat about the committee agreeing to his loan request.
“In the coming year, council will prioritise community wellbeing, economic resilience, and sustainability, ensuring our investments reflect what’s most important to our community and contribute to a stronger, more connected Brimbank,” she said.
Council outlined its main financial challengesasbeingratecapping,agrowing asset base, increasing asset renewal obligations and the impacts of climate change, and said it would continue to advocate to state and federal government for increased funding.
“Tonight’s an opportunity to square (the issue) off and put it all behind us,” he said.
Mrs Deeming, who was expelled from the party room before being welcomed back in December, was sceptical it would end the infighting that has engulfed the party since March 2023.
“I assume that they will continue with their quest to try to annihilate me,” the upper house MP said.
Mrs Deeming said the party could “do what they like” but she would take any support of Mr Pesutto as a “direct rebukement (sic)” of the court judgement.
Holy Eucharist School, Stalbans, 50th anniversary. Pictured are: principal Michael Bonnici, deputy Anne-Marie Conte, school leaders Athena and Andre, and three past principals Sr Leonie Glennen, Jeffrey Parkers and Greg White. (Damjan Janevski) 485007_03
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 23 to 29 June
8.30pm to last train, 30 June
11pm 4 July to 13 July
Werribee and Williamstown lines
Watergardens to Sunbury
North Melbourne to Sunshine
11pm 4 July to 6 JulyNorth Melbourne to Newport and Williamstown
Road disruptions: Closed road, lanes and ramps
Calder Park Drive, Calder Park Late June to late JulyAt the level crossing
West Gate Freeway At times, July and AugustOutbound lanes and ramps
Arden Station
Uncle Shane honoured
By Joseph Ibic
First Nations leader Uncle Shane Charles has been inducted into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll by the state government.
The honour roll celebrates the achievements of Aboriginal Victorians and their dedication to make Victoria a more inclusive, fair and united place.
Uncle Shane is a highly experienced First Nations leader. He has been the First Nations leader at Brimbank Council since September 2024.
“I feel blessed and honoured by this recognition,” Uncle Shane said.
“It’s been a privilege to work in my community for the years that I have.
“My journey is one of resilience. I have beentaughtbymyElders,bothmycultures and across community business.”
Uncle Shane’s work at Brimbank involved leading council to strategically embed a whole of council and community approach to Reconciliation by overseeing the implementation of the Reconciliation Action Plan 2024-26.
Over the years, Uncle Shane has managed complex partnerships and has been successful in brokering solutions between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal parties, both locally and internationally.
“I am passionate about finding opportunities for capacity building to develop the community and to build relationships with and for my peoples,“ he said.
“Iliketofocusonbrokeringsolutionsand supportingthecommunityinanywayIcan, building relationships with governments andserviceswithcommunity,andIremain
committedtoworkingtomakeourcountry more inclusive, fair and united.”
Brimbank council has welcomed his inclusion in the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll.
“This is a well-deserved honour. Uncle Shane is known for his tireless effort in workingtoadvanceReconciliation,andhis commitment inspires us all,“ mayor Thuy Dang said.
“Over the years Uncle Shane has
done extraordinary work in advancing Reconciliation in Brimbank as a cultural advisor, and as co-chair of our Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee.
“Today in his role as First Nations lead at Brimbank City Council, Uncle Shane is continuing to do incredible work in embedding a whole of council and community approach to Reconciliation in Brimbank.“
A playground for everyone
A new playground accommodating students of all abilities was unveiled at Ardeer South Primary School on Friday, June 13.
The playground provides accessibility for students with physical disabilities as well as quiet, sensory spaces for neurodiverse children.
Principal of Ardeer South Primary School, Andrea Markham, said the reaction from students has been “amazing.”
“Our playground was so outdated. It was 50 years old,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of a playspace that accommodates the needs of all children.
“We talk about neurodiversity in schools and students with diagnosed behavioral issues. It’s not an overstimulated space and because it’s nature-based it’s really calming… it’saniceplaceforthekidstobe,”she said.
The playground features equipment such as sound chimes, spinning wheels with rainmakers and pathways with places to sit.
“Alotofthedesignandarchitecture that went around it was based on sensorylearning,”saidMsMarkham.
“It’s really nature-inspired. It’s all timber and bark.”
Ms Markham said the space has encouraged students to stay after school to play, giving parents the opportunity to “catch up and connect” too.
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When: Thursday 3rd July
Time: 10:30am
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Uncle Shane Charles. (Supplied)
More anger over takeover
By Sam Porter
Cairnlea locals are in an uproar over a decision which allows the planning minister to override Brimbank council’s authority for all planning approvals for Development Victoria’s proposed development in Cairnlea.
Residents met on Wednesday, June 18, to outline a list of demands to council as well as state and federal governments – the main one calling for the immediate withdrawal of amendment C241brim.
C241brim was approved as a change to the Brimbank Planning Scheme (BPS) to make the minister for planning the re-
sponsible authority over the project at 147a Cairnlea Drive and 265 Glenbrook Avenue.
As reported by Star Weekly, mayor Thuy Dang also condemned the change.
“I am very concerned that Brimbank council has been stripped of its decision-making authority regarding this controversial project,” she said.
Cairnlea resident and community advocate Graeme Blore said the minister’s takeover of the proposed development “is an affront to local democracy and common sense”.
“The minister for planning has stripped Brimbank council of its authority, pushing through a development plan that utterly
disregards what our community needs and wants,“ he said.
“We’ve been campaigning for this site for years, and now, suddenly, our voice is silenced.“
Last week a state government spokesperson told Star Weekly the change to the BPS would help increase the number of houses, and housing affordability in the state.
“We make no apologies for our bold reforms that will boost housing supply – helping young Victorians who are struggling to findahometobuyorrentclosetothethings that matter to them.”
Residents are also demanding more sports, recreation and community facilities
Clowning around at Sunshine market
Local legend Emmanuel Pace, also known as ‘Manny the Clown’, has been appointed as the official entertainer for the inaugural Sunshine Collective Market on Saturday, June 28.
The 72-year old Altona Meadows residentwillperformmagictricksatthe market which is a revival of the former Sunshine produce market on McIntyre Road. Manny the Clown was a regular entertainer at the former market.
He started his fire eating career at 19-years old after a colleague at his former workplace dared him to put a box
of flaming matches into his mouth.
After developing his fire eating and magic skills, Manny worked at discos and parties as a magician.
“I ate a burning banana as part of the fire eating act … soaked the banana in methylated spirits and then ate it burning … about two to three bites. Then I poured liquid in a goblet, would light it up and then drink burning liquid,” he explained.
One night Manny arrived at his performance venue, Inflation on King Street, and realised he’d forgotten to
bring a banana. A man working in the kitchen was also a magician and gave Manny a banana for the act.
“Then we were friends and then he called me … he said to me I need to be a clown,” said Manny.
Thirty-five years later he is still clowning around.
Manny gave up fire eating two years ago due to health reasons but is still happy to don an orange wig and slather his face in makeup to entertain the crowds, especially children.
The market is on from 10am to 3pm.
be included in the development plan, with fears the area will become densely populated without proper services being available.
In addition, locals are calling for a notfor-profit cafe complex to be built to offer training and job opportunities to marginalised members of the community.
Residents also expressed their ongoing health and safety concerns about soil remediation of the project site which was once part of the former Albion Explosives Factory.
“We will not stand by and watch our community’s future be dictated by distant decisions that ignore our vital needs,” Mr Blore said
Film tells stories of Muslim migrants
A new film showcasing the stories of nine Muslim migrants living in Victoria will be screenedattheBoweryTheatreonFriday, June 27.
Muslims of Victoria: Stories of Migration, Community, and Homemaking is a community-led project featuring the stories of Muslim migrants from Albanian, Bosnian, Cypriot Turkish, Turkish and Macedonian backgrounds.
Thefilmtellstheirstoriesofmigration, community, faith, identity and belonging.
North Cyprus Turkish Community of Victoria president and project leader Dr Lutfiye Ali said the film was created to centre marginalised voices and to give Muslim migrants the opportunity to tell their own stories.
“[The film] showcases their journeys of migration, and a bit about why they left their homes, their journey here, their first impressions of Australia, the challenges they faced and overcame,” Dr Ali said.
She said the film also highlights the diversity within the Muslim community, a community that has historically been seen as homogenous in Australia.
“[The Muslim community] is actually quite diverse … Complex along the lines of ethnicity, race, culture and gender as well,” she said.
“It’s about humanising who Muslims are and not lumping them into that one category … It’s about showcasing what their contributions are to Victoria’s social, cultural and economic landscape.”
The event is free to attend and bookings can be made online.
Emmanuel Pace AKA ‘Manny the Clown’. (Damjan Janevski) 480436_07
Lessons in sustainability
Albion Primary school teacher Marita Ryan took home the sustainability teacher of the year award (primary) at the 2025 ResourceSmart Schools awards ceremony on Thursday, June 5.
Ms Ryan, a PE teacher at the school, was recognised for her initiatives that encourage students to learn about environmental sustainability through hands-on lessons.
“Everyone’s behind it, everyone loves it,” she said. “[The students] do a lot of day-to-day jobs. They train each other now. That’s when you know it’s been embedded.
“I was just blown away by what the children were saying.”
Her passion for the environment started in childhood.
“I grew up in a small country town up in the Mallee. The initiatives we’re doing now are what I was doing in primary school … it’s the way I was brought up,” she said.
Discover a new standard of aged care living
Ms Ryan guides students through a range of activities such as gardening, water testing, waste management and biodiversity monitoring.
“We’ve got a bee hotel, chicken coop, compost bins, worm bins. We put a lot of native and veggie gardens in,” she said.
Albion Primary School joined ResourceSmart Schools six years ago after Ms Ryan and her colleagues heard about the program at a professional development event.
“After contributing to the professional development and listening to what we had to do, we were convinced to sign the school up,” she said.
ResourceSmart Schools, a free state government program, grades participating schools on their sustainability initiatives using a five-star system.
“It took us five years to get the five stars,” Ms Ryan said.
Briefs
Convenience store fire
Police will investigate a fire at a convenience store in Brooklyn in the early hours of Monday. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) was called to the Eames Avenue store about 1.30am to find it fully alight with a car through the front window. FRV said the blaze threatened nearby properties but firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading. The convenience store was extensively damaged. Residents from adjacent apartments were evacuated at the height of the fire, however, all were able to return within the hour.
Caroline Springs house fire
A person was taken to hospital after a double-storey house in Caroline Springs was engulfed in flames. Fire Rescue Victoria responded to the incident on Central Parkway at 4.29pm on Thursday, June 19, after triple -0 callers reported a house fire with smoke and flames reportedly coming from a back room in the brick house. The response was escalated with the fire predominantly coming from the second floor. Crews wore breathing apparatus to battle the blaze and the scene was deemed under control at 5.38pm. Victoria Police was also on scene to evacuate houses along the avenue due to smoke.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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Marita Ryan. (Supplied)
Snapshot on serviced apartments in a retirement village
Serviced apartments within a retirement village are ideally suited to older people who would like to live independently with some help to make life easier. They are typically located within the village community centre where there is always someone to talk to and a relaxed community atmosphere to enjoy. There are many benefits of serviced apartment livingandhereissomeofthem:
• Personal support is also available, although the extent of this assistance is flexible depending on individual needs and the village’s service offering. Some residents may choose to access help with medication management, showering, dressing,orotherdailylivingtasks.These servicesaredeliveredbytrainedcarestaff and can be tailored to ensure residents remain as independent as possible while receivingtheassistancetheyrequire.
• Security is another essential aspect of servicedapartmentliving.Emergencycall systems are installed in all apartments, ensuring residents have access to immediate help if required. Onsite staff are available, providing reassurance for bothresidentsandtheirfamilies.
• Extra support – benefit from visiting health professionals and allied health services and a there is a wellbeing nurse working at Keilor Village for additional peaceofmind.
• Chef-prepared daily meals – every meal is freshly prepared and full of flavour. Enjoy the social side of eating in the diningroomor,ifyouprefer,youcanhave yourmealdeliveredtoyourroom.
• Social activities – join in as much or as little as you like. There are morning teas, music and other entertainment, art, craft and hobby groups, board games, movies, seasonal events, swimming, shopping, and day trips in the village bus.There are activitiestosuiteverylifestyleandability. •Befreedupfromchoreslikecleaningand laundry – your assisted living apartment will be cleaned for you every week. Laundering of bed linen and towels will bedoneforyoutoo.
For more information, go to www. centennialliving.com.au and fill out the Contact form or call us on 1300 098 000.
• Affordable living – Centennial Living Keilor Retirement Village has serviced apartments with an entry price less than you might expect, ranging from $160,000 to $250,000. Centennial Livings’s Burnside Village has serviced apartments from $210,000 to $270,000. When you move in, you pay a monthly service fee. You are welcome to contact us to find out more. Village tours and inspections are by appointmentonly.
Colourful exhibition
An exhibition of works by late indigenous artist Josh Muir will become the first to feature in the newly re-opened Wyndham ArtGallery.
The gallery was temporarily closed late last year due to the Wyndham Cultural Centre theatre undergoing refurbishment andmaintenanceworks.
To mark it’s re-opening, the gallery will host JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, a touring exhibition curated by Koorie Heritage Trust(KHT)fromFriday,July11toSunday, September28.
JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live, is the first major solo retrospective exhibition of Muir’s,whodiedin2022.
The exhibition is co-curated by Muir’s partner Shanaya Sheridan, his mother Justine Berg and the curatorial team at KHT.
Muir a Yorta Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Barkindji artist, was born and raised inWadawurrungcountryinBallarat.
The exhibition title is taken from an artwork of the same name – Forever I
Live (2015) – and references the ongoing legacy that continues to live in Muir’s artworkbeyondlifeitself.
His artworks draw on a range of themes including cultural identity, the impacts and legacies of colonisation, extending to more personal experiences of mental health,addiction,lossandgrief.
Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw described the exhibition, which fuses contemporary art, bold colour, and cultural resilience, as “stunning“.
The artworks in the exhibition include references to the late artist’s street art practice, colourful visuals and the use of VR/AR to tell a strong and evocative narrative.
“It is an impressive exhibition that uses colour and geometric patterning across a range of media, including painting, digital prints on aluminium, neon, animated video works and augmented reality experiences,“CrShawsaid.
The Gallery’s beloved fashion parade is celebrating20years.
For the past two decades, every July the best display of local fashion is exhibited, with the public invited to see makers and gallery members have their creations modelledonthecatwalk.
The Art to Wear Parade will feature creative designs by 25 talented makers from across the state, with a unique collectionofhandmadeclothing,jewellery andvariousaccessories.
Alongside the parade at Juilbee Hall, the art won’t stop inside the walls, with a displayofkimonostorivaltheNGV’sinthe foyer.
To complement the parade, once again the champagne afternoon tea will be part of the proceedings, so its the perfect opportunity to gather some friends, enjoy somebubblesandenjoyashow.
Sue Anson, who handles publicity for TheGallery,saidtheparadeisamust-see.
“Itwillbequitealovelyafternoon…have a champagne when you arrive and you’ll be treated to a lovely parade of Victorian handmadegarments,”shesaid.
Ms Anson said that one of the artists featured will be local Colleen Weste, who help create the parade 20 years ago alongsidethelateJoanBurke.
All garments not sold on the day will be featuredatTheGalleryinMountMacedon duringJuly.
The Art to Wear Parade will be taking place on Saturday July 5 at 1pm to 3pm at Juilbee Hall in Macedon, with tickets costing$30andonlyavailableonline.
Tickets:www.trybooking.com/DCDAT
Fashion from last year’s show. (Supplied)
Givit to get punk rock proceeds for the third year
Punk rock will come to Footscray on Saturday, June 28 to kick out the jams for charity.
ZeWisenheimer,En_ZoandDisgruntled Civil Servant will play at Givit III, an fundraising gig held at Mam Chen’s which isnowinit’sthirdyear.
Allproceedsfromthegigwillgotowards Givit,anationalnot-for-profitthatpartners directly with councils, recovery outreach teams, charities and community groups to connect those in need with generous donors, ensuring that people experiencing hardship receive the essential goods and services they need, when they need them
Doors open at 7.30pm, with Melbourne three-piece Disgruntled Civil Servant first on the bill, playing tracks from their recently released five-song EP ‘The Woke MindVirus’.
They will be followed by self described dark wave western meets post-punk queer goths, En_Zo and then headliners, noisey post-punkfour-piece,ZeWisenheimer. Ticketsare$15plusbookingfeeor$20at thedoor.
Film focuses on migrant stories
An award-winning Eynesbury podcaster, filmmaker, and musician is sharing the stories of migrants – including those living in Melton – through his latest film, set to be presented with live soundtracking in Carltonnextmonth.
Eynesbury resident Simon Reich has been touring his latest multimedia project across Australia, which includes filmed interviews with people from various European countries on one screen, migrants’ own photographs and videos on a secondscreenwithimmersivesound design complementing the touching stories.
This is also soundtracked by a quartet of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra members and live grand piano.
Reich said he was inspired by his father, who immigrated to Australia from war-torn Berlin, and his multimedia show is “nothing like a dryanddustyhistorylesson.“
“It is a multimedia presentation, and the migrants tell of their war experiences, why they wanted to travel to the other side of the world, and how they fared in their newly adoptedcountry,”Reichsaid.
“At times it’s tragic, disheartening and racist, but ultimately, it’s a feel-good story of gutsy and inspirational people who created the backbone of Australian society,” he said.
“With war in Ukraine and Israel and continuing hostility towards migrants, this project shows that Australia and the world still has a lot to learn about what happened in the past.”
The interviews featured in this show formed the basis for Reich’s documentary titled Bonegilla: The Migrant’s Journey, which was recently selected in the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival as one of 30 films from thousands of entries acrosstheworld.
The film features former migrants, some who live in the Melton municipality, and all the editing, post-production and soundtrack music recording were completed in Reich’sEynesburyrecordingstudio.
As part of the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival next month, Bonegilla: The Migrant’s Journey will be presented with a live piano and violin soundtrack at 7.30pm on Friday, July 25 at Cinema Nova,380LygonStreet,Carlton.
For more information and to book, visit: https://mammachens.com.au/gigs/ TolistentoZeWisenheimer,goto:https:// zewisenheimer.bandcamp.com/album/ live-live-live-bad-decisions-271122
To listen to En_Zo, go to: https:// enzopunkband.bandcamp.com/album/ nil-zero-nothing TohearmoreofDisgruntleCivilServant, visit: https://disgruntledcivilservant. bandcamp.com/
For more information on Givit, visit: https://www.givit.org.au/take-action/ ways-to-give/give-against-an-appeal/ domestic-and-family-violence
Eynesbury podcaster, filmmaker, and musician Simon Reich. (Supplied).
Josh Muir, JXSH MVIR: Forever I Live will be on display at the Wyndham Art Gallery from July 11. (Supplied)
Start planning for 2026-27
WITH fourteen new ocean itineraries announced by Viking exploring the Mediterranean, United Kingdom, Ireland and Scandinavia in 2026 and 2027 now open for booking, travellers who appreciate cruising at its best are encouraged to book now to avoid missingout.
Viking CEO and Chairman Torstein Hagensaidthecruisesrangedfrom15to36 days and each of the new voyages combine two or more of Viking’s most popular itineraries to allow for more in-depth exploration.
“Vikingguestsarecurioustravellerswho are interested in enriching their lives by exploring and learning about the world,” the CEO said.
“With our destination-focused approach and elegant small ships, our voyages have always been designed to bring guests closer to their destination and provide opportunities for cultural immersion. These new voyages offer even more choices for guests who wish to extend their time abroad with one seamless itinerary.”
With a fleet of small sister ships, Viking offers more than 100 itineraries across all five oceans. Viking’s new ocean voyages visit celebrated cultural capitals, as well as emergingdestinations,throughoutEurope and beyond and include the following: If it’s time to explore the Mediterranean in style, these exciting cruises planned for 2026 and 2027 are perfect to book now.
The Jewels of the Mediterranean: (15 days; Rome roundtrip) – Explore the famed landmarks of Italy, Tunisia, Spain and France and embark on a voyage through the Mediterranean Sea.
See Palermo’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sicily, trace the stunning Amalfi Coast and be immersed in Sardinian culture.
Sail to Tunisia’s vibrant La Goulette, call at historic Valencia, visit glamorous Monte CarloandstrollthestreetsofcolourfulSète with overnights in Barcelona and Florence to allow time to explore more.
Also new is the Gems of the Mediterranean: (15 days; Barcelona roundtrip) – Experience the best of Spain, Italy and France during an incredible 15-day journey. See Valencia’s stunning architecture and the historic sites of La Goulette. Trace the spectacular shores of Sardinia and the iconic Amalfi Coast. Take in the treasured ruins of Rome and stroll the romantic streets of Florence and Pisa. Discover elegant Monte Carlo, picturesque Marseille and wander the colourful, canal-lined walkways of lesser-known
Sète. Take in the wonders of Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean: (15 days; between Lisbon –Rome) – Circumnavigate the Iberian Peninsula, calling at Lisbon and Andalusian gems. Visit Barcelona and its cherished sights, including the Sagrada Familía, the unfinished masterpiece of Antoni Gaudí. Discover scenic Sète to enjoy its award-winning beachside vistas and see stylish Monte Carlo, the crowning jewel of the French Riviera. An overnight in Florence brings you more time to fully immerse yourself in its Renaissance treasures.
Be one of the first to book the Adriatic and Mediterranean Discovery: (22 days; between Venice –Lisbon) – Set sail on a voyage to explore the rich heritage of the Adriatic and the Western Mediterranean. Discover the vibrant cities of Iberia and
experience the splendour of the French Riviera. Wander through Renaissance and Roman treasures along Italy’s western coast and marvel at the historic ports along Adriatic shores. Overnight in Venice, Barcelona, Florence and Lisbon to be fully immersed in some of the Mediterranean’s most iconic cultural capitals.
The new 2026 and 2027 Iberia and Mediterranean Antiquities: (22 days; between Lisbon –Athens) – See some of the world’s most important ancient sites during a sojourn to Mediterranean shores. Discover the grand architecture of Seville, Tangier and Granada, see Palma’s storied beaches and visit bustling Barcelona. See the iconic treasures of historic Rome, stroll through glittering Monte Carlo and be captivated by Marseille’s beachside charm. Overnights in Lisbon, Barcelona,
Florence and Athens will allow guests to fully immerse in local life.
Return travellers trust Viking which was rated number one for Oceans, number one for Rivers and number one for Expeditions byCondeNastTravelerinthe2024Readers’ Choice Awards for the second consecutive year. Viking was also named a “World’s Best” for oceans, rivers and expeditions in Travel and Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards. Cruise Critic honoured Viking with seven awards across the Luxury (Ocean), River and Expedition categories 2024 Best in Cruise Awards so guests are in good hands
These are just a few of the new cruises planned for 2026 and 2027 so find more about these cruises or cruises to London, Iceland, Norway and Europe at www. viking.com or phone 138 747.
Magical Monte Carlo.
Sunset over Vatican City.The
Explorers Lounge on the Viking Star.The Viking Explorer suite living room.
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with
lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout and Vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Discover More of the Mediterranean FOR LESS IN 2025
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
Young Entrepreneur Summit
Run by young people, for young people, YES (Young Entrepreneur Summit) is a one-day, interactive summit designed to inspire and empower a generation of brave, creative and entrepreneurial young leaders. This particular event has been designed for school students and young adults. Attendees can expect to participate in a variety of engaging activities, including keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive group workshops focused on essential life skills such as public speaking, entrepreneurship, networking, financial literacy, ideation, and collaboration and teamwork. It’s on June 25, 9am-2pm, at Lakeside Banquet & Convention Centre, 65 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes. Bookings required.
https://events.humanitix.com/ yes-brimbank
Film screening
Head to the Bowery Theatre on June 27 for a screening of Muslims of Victoria: Stories of Migration, Community, and Homemaking. The film shares the stories of nine Muslim migrants from Albanian, Turkish, Cypriot Turkish, Macedonian, and Bosnian backgrounds and explores their journeys of migration, community-building, identity, faith, and belonging in Victoria. Through their voices, the film fosters a deeper understanding of the rich diversity within the Muslim community and highlights the vital contributions Muslims have made to Victoria’s social, cultural, and economic life. No charge event but bookings are essential.
This Pride Month, Brimbank council invites LGBTQIA+, trans and gender diverse, and intersex community members to two special listening posts. These
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of skipper Sue Burke, Jude Blackwood, Lois Hunt, Marg Morrissey and Susan Morwood who are members of an all-female team from Hobsons Bay Yacht Club who won the prestigious Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta (Division 2). (Damjan Janevski) 484361_01
sessions are a chance to hear an update on the LGBTQIA+ Action Plan 2024–2028, learn about upcoming events, programs and initiatives, ask questions and provide feedback and connect with likeminded community members. The first listening post is on Thursday, June 19, from 3.30-5pm at St Albans Community Centre. The second one is on Wednesday, June 25, 5.30-7pm at Sydenham Neighbourhood House. Registrations are essential.
Larissa MacFarlane’s exhibition of multi-layered linocuts is dedicated to all things Philatelic, as well as honouring the of Covid-times through a queer disability justice lens. It features stamped
postcards, inspired by the patterns found within envelopes that have travelled the world via the Mail-Art tradition. With an installation of 100 origami cranes, the exhibition features postage stamps with reinvented postmarks to highlight contemporary socio-political issues. It is on display at Sunshine Art Spaces Window Gallery, 2 City Place, Sunshine, until August 7.
creativebrimbank.com.au/
Bowery exhibition
As part of Pride 2025, St Albans Community Centre will present a special display celebrating local queer icon Leigh Bowery. Featuring photographs and memorabilia on loan from the Bowery family, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the life and legacy of the Sunshine-born artist who transformed fashion,
performance, and queer culture. On show until June 30, at 33 Princess Street, St Albans, from 9am-5pm daily. Free entry.
creativebrimbank.com.au/
Over 50’s club
The Keilor Over 50’s Recreation Club meets at Kealba Hall, 24 McShane Drive, Kealba, on Tuesdays, from 10am-3pm, and Wednesdays, from 7-10pm. Have a coffee and a chat, play social table tennis, pool and card games, go on organised outings and enjoy barbecues. First two visits are free then annual membership fees apply.
Graeme, 0404 809 640, keilorover50@gmail.com, or www.keilorover50.com.au
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 from 10am to 2pm and also for the B grade mixed team on Wednesday, 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 2-3 pm, 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
A glimpse into the colourful life of artist Leigh Bowery
Sam Porter
A new exhibition honouring the life, legacy and art of Leigh Bowery has opened at St Albans Bowery theatre, a suburb away from where the iconic artist grew up.
LifefortheBoweryfamilyinMelbourne’s west “was full of lots of contradictions,” according to Bowery’s younger sister, Bronwyn Bowery.
Their mother encouraged creativity in the household but became worried about what neighbours would think when Bowery wore his creations on the street.
“Growing up in Sunshine we had a very strong community of people who were extended family as well as neighbours. Every single person knew us…we knew every single person,” said Bronwyn.
“It was a little bit surreal…strange in that sense.”
But that didn’t stop Bowery from leaving the house in his daring designs.
“He’d wear these pointy shoes… he had huge feet and [the shoes] were completely destroying them. He was like, ‘doesn’t matter…in the name of fashion,’” Bronwyn said.
The siblings were taught by their mother and grandmother to knit, sew and crochet from a young age.
“Leigh continued to be fascinated by
design. He would draw all the time, outfits anddifferentthings.Andthenhestartedto wear them,” said Bronwyn.
At19,LeighmovedtoLondontoestablish himself as an artist.
“Mum was quite emotional about him going. It was a pretty big thing for all of us that he left,” said Bronwyn.
“He didn’t tell them how challenging
his life was at the start. He didn’t tell them about a lot of things.”
Duringhisyearsabroad,Bowerybuilthis reputationasaperformer,clubpersonality, model and fashion designer, and cemented himself as a prominent figure in London’s underground club scene throughout the post-punk period. Bronwyn said their parents didn’t realise the impact Bowery had made until he came back to Australia
“He had a show at the Melbourne Town Hall and my parents thought ‘oh my god my son has made it,’” she said.
Bronwyn lent books and images of Bowery to Brimbank council for the exhibition, ‘Celebrating Leigh Bowery,’ an ongoing event at St Albans community centre.
Left: Darian Zam is the designer of a Leigh Bowery themed paper cut out book. (Damjan Janevski) 485118_01 Right: Leigh Bowery. (Bronwyn Bowery-Ireland)
ACROSS
1 Cover (5)
4 Came into line again (9)
9 Demand as a right (5)
10 Power cells (9)
11 Religious house (6)
12 In company (8)
14 Bringing to (10)
15 Fun activity (abbr) (3)
17 Curved path (3)
19 Snakelike (10)
23 Total (8)
24 Not liable (6)
26 Point to be judged upon (9)
27 Tree (5)
28 Game birds (9)
29 Dollars (coll) (5) DOWN
1 Receive (6)
2 Conjecture (7)
3 Japanese warrior (7)
4 Red precious stone (4)
5 Allowed (10)
6 Titanic sinker (7)
7 Not one nor the other (7)
8 Preoccupy (8)
13 Severe despondency and dejection (10)
16 Encumbrance (8)
18 Unite (7)
19 Merchants (7)
20 Public conveyance (7)
21 Wandering (7)
22 Hoards (6)
25 People (4)
1 How many countries border Austria?
2 What nationality is singersongwriter Sarah McLachlan?
3 In which war did the Charge of the Light Brigade take place?
4 John Goodman (pictured) plays which character in the Monsters, Inc. franchise?
5 What type of animal is an American marten?
6 How many yellow stars appear on the People’s Republic of China’s flag?
7 The Pont du Gard is a bridge in which country?
8 Which actor played the character of President Orlean in the 2021 film Don’tLookUp?
9 Ariel Sharon is the former prime minister of which country?
10 Monticello was the primary plantation of which US president?
SPORTS QUIZ
1. The Magic are an NBA team based in which US city?
2. Oscar Piastri collided with which other driver in the recent Canadian Grand Prix?
3. Which South African batsman was named Player of the Match in the World Test Championship Final?
4. Aussie basketballer Shyla Heal recently signed to play for which WNBL team?
5. In addition to England, which two other men’s teams will tour Australia during the 2025–26 cricket schedule?
6. Geelong Cats player Patrick Dangerfield recently reached what milestone for games played?
In golf, what does LPGA stand for?
Blue Ribbon Sports was the original name of which athletic footwear and clothing company?
North Melbourne sold two of its home games to which state during the 2025 AFL season?
The Cy Young Award is given to the best Major League Baseball players in what position?
John McEnroe makes a cameo appearance in which 2004 romantic sports comedy film?
In which year did GWS Giants join the AFL?
Who hit the game-winning shot for the Indiana Pacers in their 111–110 comeback victory over Oklahoma City in Game 1 of the NBA Finals?
14. Which Australian NFL player remains the league’s highest-paid at his position after signing a new $25 million deal?
15. While filming the latest Mission: Impossible movie, which actor performed 16 skydives using fuel-soaked parachutes that caught fire mid-air?
16. When the Seattle SuperSonics were sold and relocated, what NBA team did they become?
17. What is the Roland Garros Slam better known as?
18. Six of the last seven Yokozuna (highest-ranked sumo wrestler) were born in what country?
19. Who is the only current AFL coach to have not played in the AFL?
20. Where is the Brumbies sports team based?
21. How many countries will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an increase from the previous 32?
22. Which Australian batting allrounder recently retired from One Day International cricket?
23. 2028 Olympic hosts Los Angeles also hosted the Games in which two other years?
24. Which NSW Blues player was man of the match in game one of the rugby league State of Origin series?
25. Which former Geelong captain has been appointed alongside CEO Andrew Dillon as the AFL’s chief operating officer?
26. How old is current Spanish Formula One driver Fernando Alonso, who debuted in 2001?
27. Name Melbourne’s second Super Netball team, following the demise of the Collingwood Magpies.
28. Australian soccer coach Ange Postecoglou was sacked by Tottenham Hotspur despite winning which trophy?
29. Which Australian cricketer opened the batting for the first time in his career against South Africa in the World Test Championship final?
30. Following his defeat in Stuttgart, tennis player Fabio Fognini called winner Corentin Moutet ‘a little’... what?
Fabio Fognini Fabio
Ange Postecoglou
Ioniq 5 is well equipped
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
The Ioniq 5 is not Hyundai’s first fully electric vehicle, not by a long shot, but it was their first EV based on a dedicated battery-electric platform.
The look of the car is inspired by Hyundai’s original Pony car, a small hatch from the 1970s that was South Korea’s first mass-produced exported vehicle.
The dedicated E-GMP electric vehicle platform offers advantages over dual purpose vehicles such as the Kona that are marketed with both electric or internal combustion powertrains.
In the case of the Ioniq 5 it means a fully flat floor and long three-metre wheelbase that delivers plenty of legroom and a largish boot. Generous rear legroom was achieved by making the front seats about 30 per cent thinner than typical seats.
Ioniq 5 now shares a platform with the Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9, Kia EV6, Kia EV9 and Genesis GV60. Prices for the Ioniq 5 start from $69,800 before on-road costs. Our test vehicle was the top of the range rear-wheel drive Epiq with a single electric motor, extended range battery and 20-inch wheels, and a range of 530km - priced from $84,300.
Ioniq 5 comes in three grades, Ioniq 5, DynamiqandEpiq,withoneortwoelectric motors and rear- or all-wheel drive along with a standard or extended range battery.
A high performance N model is now also offered priced from a breathtaking $110,000.
Styling
Ioniq 5 received a facelift in July last year, with new look bumpers, a rear spoiler and redesigned wheels etc. A windscreen wiper was also added to the rear window at this time. Inside, the centre console was redesigned to provide easier access to air and seat heating controls. The steering wheel, instrument cluster bezel, multimedia screen, and seat pattern were also updated.
Many of the interior parts are made from recycled materials, including plastic bottles.
The size of the wheels plays a significant role in the ultimate range of the car which currently varies from 440km to a high of 570km.
The N Line sports pack adds $3150 to the price. Premium paint adds $1000, the N Line Pack $2500 and the Digital Mirror Pack $3000.
You might pay for it, but the Ioniq 5 is certainly well equipped.
Standard kit includes dual-zone climate air, combination wool and leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel, acoustic laminated windscreen and side door glass, proximity entry with push-button start, power adjust driver seat and two-way manual recline rear seats (fore/aft adjustment, 60:40 split/fold), LED interior lighting and adjustable ambient lighting.
There’salsoa12.3-inchdigitalinstrument cluster, LED headlights, automatic high-beam, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated, power-fold mirrors, remote smart parking and tyre pressure monitoring.
Epiq adds 20-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, eco-processed leather, smart LED projection headlights, rear privacy glass, rear door sunshades, power-operated tailgate, glass roof with power sunshade, front and rear heated seats, cooling for the front seats, heated steering wheel and two driver-seat
memories.
Digital side mirrors are an option, but make sure you try them before you buy them.
Standard warranty is five years with unlimitedkilometres.There’saneight-year, 160,000km battery replacement warranty.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth multi-connection, Voice control system, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluelink connected satellite navigation.
This model also scores Bose premium audio with eight speakers. There’s wireless phone charging and four USB-C ports, Vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet inside the car and the system now supports over-the-air updates.
Bluelink connected car services, complimentary for five years, includes automatic emergency SOS.
It also allows users to set charge time, monitor distance to empty and can restart charging if necessary.
The app allows the owner to find EV charging stations and send the address to the car’s sat navigation.
A tool shows the driveable radius with 80 and 100 per cent charge levels.
Safety
Ioniq5scoresafullfivestarsforsafety,with seven airbags including a centre bag in the front, 360-degree camera and autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
There’s also head-up display, a blind spot camera with blind spot warnings, as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS) are standard on all variants.
Engines/transmissions
Our test vehicle is powered by a single electricmotorthatdelivers168kWofpower and350Nmoftorque,withdrivetotherear wheels through a single-speed reduction gear transmission.
Driving
TheIoniq5isbyanymeasureanimpressive car. It’s not often that my better half and I agree on a car, but we both warmed to the Ioniq.
RATINGS
plus DC fast charger.
For a car that weighs over 2 tonnes, the Ioniq gets moving. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.3 seconds and it has a top speed of 185km/h.
Looks: 7.5
Performance: 8
Safety: 8
Thirst: 7
Practicality: 7
Comfort: 7
Tech: 8
Value: 7
Overall: 7.4
Moresobecauseitperformslikethekind of cars we’re used to, even though it’s an electric vehicle.
TheIoniq5Epiq(lovethatname)isquick and comfortable with plenty of legroom front and back plus a good-sized boot - all the things one looks for in a car.
As well as the boot there’s storage under the bonnet in the form of a frunk; 57 litres in the RWD and 25 litres in the AWD which is handy for storing cables.
It’s got a decent amount of range for an electricvehicletoo,withupto570kmifyou tick the right boxes. In fact, it’s the first EV we’vedriventhatindicatedaninitialrange ofmorethan600kmfullycharged-canyou believe it?
But why you’d option the larger, 20-inch wheels at the expense of driving range doesn’t make sense. Give us the 19s any day!
Anyone with an EV will tell you, it’s all about the range (and where and when you can recharge the car).
Even though our test vehicle showed 620km when we picked it up, we’re starting to believe this must be like ‘shop mode’ for TVs (makes them brighter and more vibrant).
That’s because the real range turned out to be 530km - the claimed range anyway. You sacrifice 40km stepping up from 19- to 20-inch wheels in the rear-drive Epiq.
It might not sound much, but it can make a difference when you get down to it. Further, despite the advertising, we’ve never found an EV or charge station that can deliver on the wildly optimistic promises that carmakers make of being able to recharge in less than 20 minutes.
Itjustdoesn’tpanout;despitethefactwe have a bank of 300kW Tesla Superchargers down the road.
And, when did a full charge morph into 80 per cent; keep in mind that a small portion of the battery is reserved for the system to continue functioning.
You can charge the battery to 100 per cent using a slower AC charger, but the industry has decided that 80 per cent is the mark when it comes to fast DC charging, otherwise it can shorten battery life. The chargeisstoredinan84kWhliquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack in the extended range, 80 kWh of which is useable.
Ioniq 5 has battery preconditioning to facilitate faster charging. This will take 35 hours with a so-called ‘granny’ charger (10A household power point), 11.6 hours withahomechargestation,oraslittleas18 minutes from 10-80 per cent with a 250kW
There are five selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, My Drive, Snow which have accompanying instrument themes. Adding some drama to the drive experience is a virtual sound system with a choice of artificial sounds.
They’re electronica rather than engine emulations, in case you’re interested. Not many people are.
Brakemodeoffersanothertwo settings: Normal and Sport. Regenerative braking can be adjusted via the steering wheel mounted paddles, right down to one-pedal braking which brings the car to a stop when you lift off the accelerator.
There’s also ‘Smart’ regenerative braking which is traffic and navigation based. Or youcanchoosetoignorethesesettingsand simply drive the car.
The ride is generally good but like most EVs it can become bouncy at times, as the springsloadandunload.Thelargeexternal mirrors can obscure vision, particularly thedriversidemirrorwhenyou’retryingto look through a corner. If you’re parked on a slope,releasingthehandbrakeandmoving off in reverse requires a dab touch on the accelerator, but just a touch.
Be ready to catch it with the brakes because the car is liable to lurch backwards. Fingers over or under? Facing the wrong direction, the pop-out handles are awkward to use.
The twist grip gear selector is present in many Hyundais and takes some mastering.
Although putting the car into park requires just the push of a button (which also engages the handbrake), we continually forgot to actually turn off the car.Automaticreverseandparallelparking are available if you feel game.
Speed sign recognition is annoying because it sounds a warning when you’re over the limit (like it is supposed to). The trouble is that it is often wrong, displaying a speed limit that does not relate to the current surroundings.
With claimed Energy consumption of 16.99 kWh/100km, we bettered that figure at 15.5 kWh after 375km of mixed driving. The long-term average showed as 15.8 kWh after close to 2000km. A quick trip down the motorway returned 13.2 kWh.
Summing up
The Ioniq 5 is an impressive car and one of thefewEVsthatwewouldconsiderbuying. It doesn’t chew through the battery too quickly and with 530km of range, more if you’re sensible and opt for the smaller 19-inch wheels, it compares favourably with a conventional car.
But at just over $90,000 by the time you put it on the road, it’s just too damned expensive, at least for the average consumer. Even the base model is $75,000 driveaway.
This from Hyundai?
We’re not rich, and we’re not poor, but we baulk at the prospect of spending this much on a car, especially one that could quicklybecomeoutdatedasthetechnology continues to evolve. Then there’s the charging infrastructure to consider, which quite frankly isn’t there yet. Remember how much we used to pay for flat screen TVs and what they cost now?
The Ioniq 5 is an impressive car. (Supplied)
The sun was out and there was no rain providing perfect conditions for football and other sports on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
A perfect day for sport
Hillside’s Annalise Wilkie. 485452_03
Essendon’s Brooke Plummer tries to escape Teagan Brett. 480511_11
Hillside’s Makaylah Brne is tackled. 485452_28 Keilor’s James Bailey tackles Deer Park’s Josh Chatfield. 485453_25
Keilor’s Josh Honey. 485453_13
Williamstowns’ Mia D’Agostino goes up for the ruck. 480511_04
Point Cook Centrals’ Charli Sette and Caroline Springs’ Nikki Perrett. 485447_17
Wyndhamvale’s Ava Strathairn. 485446_17
Suns’ Bonnie Lea Brown. 485446_01
Point Cook Centrals’ Patricia Doyle. 485447_07
Hetherington returns to St Albans as new captain-coach
By Joseph Ibic
St Albans has welcomed back a former son to take on the captain-coach role for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season.
Paul Hetherington has been appointed to the dual role for the 2025-26 season.
Hetherington was last season captain at Gellibrand and coached them during the five seasons prior.
Hetherington returns to his former club, where his VTCA journey began after a successful stint at Gellibrand helping lead them to back-to-back premierships in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons respectively.
He played 102 games for Gellibrand scoring 1571 runs at an average of 20.4 and taking 196 wickets at an average of 13.7.
Hetherington said that he was proud of howhehelpedtodevelopapositiveculture atGellibrandsayingitissomethingneeded
Paul Hetherington.
to be successful.
He said he hopes to transfer those sorts of achievements and skills over to his new roleatStAlbansinordertohave“apositive impact” and achieve the same success that he found at Gellibrand.
His appointment at St Albans has come as a bit of a surprise after he opted out of coaching Gellibrand after coaching the 2023-24 season, with him instead just holding the captaincy last season.
Hetherington said his decision to take a year off was to have a break from coaching after being in the role at Gellibrand for five years and also at Melton South before that.
The break allowed him to “reinvigorate and improve” his desire for coaching, while also allowing Gellibrand to hear from a new voice and to freshen things up althoughstillstrivingforthesamesuccess.
On field, he was named the grand final most valuable player.
As the season fast approaches, Hetheringtonalreadyhassomeofthegoals he and the club have set for the upcoming season.
Hetherington says he has a “specific brand of cricket which he’d love the club
Kaing keeps fighting
By Peter Howe
At just 13, this month’s Don Deeble nominee, Louis Kaing, is a two-time national and three-time state taekwondo champion.
Hehasjustreturnedfromthe2025World Cadet Championships in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, after securing a place on the Australian Cadet Taekwondo team.
Perhapsyou’dbethinkingthatatKaing’s age he might get ahead of himself.
That couldn’t be further from the truth.
“Itwasagoodexperience,butIdidn’tget theresultIwanted,”hesaid.“Ilearnedthat I need to plan better, improve my mind set for future tournaments.
“I need to control my nerves.”
Kaing will get that chance when he travels to the Korean Open with the Victorian team in July.
The youngster followed his brother Theodore into the sport.
“I love the combat involved in the sport,” he said.
“I tried basketball and swimming but didn’tgetthesamebuzzfromthosesports. Even now swimming is an important part ofmytrainingprogramtohelpmeimprove my fitness and to relax.”
Kaing trains at Convergence Combat SportsinOakleigh,coachedbyTomBurns. He was four years old when he started to learn the movement required to rise through the ranks in the sport.
“It looked cool and I loved doing those crazy kicks,” Kaing said.
Standing at a mere 148 centimetres and weighing in at 33 kilograms, Kaing has needed to become very resilient and positive to spar and become a champion.
“Itrainfourtimesaweekfortwohoursat a time,” he said.
“Training consists of a warmup and stretching and some light sparring and thenwegointotechniqueworkandheavier sparring.
“Twonightsaweekwealsohavestrength and conditioning sessions which include running, push ups, squats and other core strengthening exercises.”
Kaing had his first official fight as an eight-year-old.
It was something different for him.
“I lost that fight, it was a really scary experience coming up against someone with more experience and who wanted to win as much as I did,” he said. “I was very disappointed I lost, but I had fun and wanted to do it again.”
Kaing’s older brother, Theodore, is also a national champion and has represented Australia. Accordingtotheirfather,David, both boys are very competitive.
“Thankfullytheydon’tgetintocombatat home,” David said.
Kaing’s hero is American CJ Nickolas, an American champion and Olympian.
“What I like most about him is his attacking style and his ability to stay calm in a fight, two skills I want to learn and improve in my fight,” he said.
Kaing’s journey has been marked by resilience.
After overcoming significant adversity, including being unable to compete for more than eight months, his passion and dedication to taekwondo have driven an impressive return to competition.
Achieving selection for the national team was something he put down to determination and commitment.
“My goal is to be the best I can be,” he said. “I will try hard every time I compete to ensure I get better results next time.”
The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers.
If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact wrsportsclub@gmail.com or sms 0408 556 631.
to play” but acknowledges that this might take a bit of adjusting to.
Hetherington believes that St Albans have what it takes to be “in the mix” for finals and further success this season against teams that are of a “really high standard.”
Ultimately, being competitive and playing good cricket are two main focuses he has as the club looks for a return to finals after narrowly missing out last year based on percentage.
Heading into the pre-season Hetherington wants the club to continue building off of what was a strong season last season.
The Saints finished in fifth spot last season,quotientoutsideofthetopfourand playing finals.
Brimbank boxer Jacob Cassar has been named to represent Australia attheWorldBoxingChampionships inLiverpool,EnglandinSeptember.
Australia will send an aspiring squad of fighters with a mix of experienced Olympians and next generation step out to represent their country on the global stage.
The team has been selected to compete across a range of weight divisionsfromSeptember4-14atthe M&S Bank Arena, marking the first elite-level global event for World Boxing, the new International Federation that has ensured boxing remains at the heart of the Olympic Games.
Boxing Australia have selected and conditionally selected athletes who have demonstrated the ability to achieve set outcomes.
One of the outcomes was boxers who demonstrate potential for top eight performances at the 2025 World Boxing Championships, podium-level results at future events including the 2026 CommonwealthGames,2027World Boxing Championships and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Cassar has been selected in the men’s 60-kiogram event.
Boxing Australia chief executive DinahGlykidiscongratulatedallthe athletes,sayingtheywereprimedto build on the sport’s historic results in Paris and take important first steps ahead of next year’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
“This is an exciting group we believe can deliver some strong results for Australia in Liverpool later this year,” she said.
“It’s also an investment in the future and we can’t wait to go on a journey with these athletes as we head towards a Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.”
The team will commence their preparation with the World Boxing Cup event in Kazakhstan followed by a pre-departure camp in Canberra in August, before heading to Glasgow for a training camp ahead of the championships in Liverpool.
Former Wyndham resident Marissa Williamson Pohlman has also been selected in the team.
Cassar
(Ljubica Vrankovic) 440866_05
Louis Kaing. (Supplied)
St Albans Saints focused on big conclusion to the NPL
By Tara Murray
Every game is a mini final for St Albans in the run home in the National Premier League.
It hasn’t been the season the Saints were after and found themselves sitting third lastheadingintoround19ontheweekend, after deadline.
While the Saints were in a similar position last season fighting for survival in the top flight, coach Cameron Watson said it was a different situation.
“I came in last year and it was about survival,” he said. “This year we have not been able to capitalise.
“I think the biggest thing this year is that for 90 per cent of the season so far the way that we have performed has been really good.
“It’slittlemomentsthathaveletusdown. Wewanttogetoutoftherelegationzoneas soon as possible.”
Watson said they had been disappointed to find themselves in the spot that they are in and didn’t expect to be down there.
He said they were there for a reason.
“It’s been a funny season,” he said. “We’ve done very well against the top four or five teams,” he said.
“We’ve let ourselves down when we had to play those teams around us or beneath us at the time.”
Case in point was the Saints 2-2 draw with second placed Avondale in round 18.
Watson said it was always hard to face Avondale at Avengers Park and come away with the full points.
“It was a fair result,“ Watson said.
Watson said you only need to win a couple of games to rise up the ladder and be in a better position, as shown by South Melbourne in recent rounds.
“We’re losing one or two players a week. We lost four in the first quarter the other week,itwasabitofahit.”
Among those out for the season are Bill Sam, Nathan Carroll, Luke McManus and BolKolang.
Matthew Grundy has been out for a few weeks and will miss a few more, while full
back Jayden Kretiuk is another important out.
Brandon Coletta has just returned in one pieceofpositivenewsfortheSaints.
Muhtari said they were still playing some good football at times without getting the resulttheywereafter.
“Besides the first quarter against Roxburgh Park on the weekend, it was an evengame,”hesaid.
“They played well and took advantage of the breeze and came out strongly. We’ve been pretty confident with the way that we’vebeenplayingthelastmonth.
“With the guys we have out, we’re trying toprogressandadaptwithmanyhavingnot playedmanyseniorgames.
“We’refindingaway.”
Injuries to players in their under-18 side hasn’thelpedeitherwithnumberseither.
One under-18.5 player Mitchell Pittaway madehisdebutagainstRoxburghParkhave trained with the senior squad for the past month.
While it’s been tough, the Saints are only agameoutsidethetopfiveandafinalsspot.
Despite the Saints position, Watson said the vibe of the group remained and the next couple of weeks could set up the rest of their season.
We have eight games left and want to make our run in the next few weeks,” he said.
“We’ve got some big opportunities there.
“Ithinkwe’reinanOKpositionasweplay anumberofotherteamsthatarearoundus on the ladder.
“Everyone is around us or beneath us and we have eight finals to play. We will treat every game that way and where we end up, is where we deserve to end up.”
The Saints were due to face Oakleigh at home on Friday night, after deadline. In other matches that were set down for the weekend, Melbourne Knights hosted Green Gully in the local derby.
Western NL names side for championships
The Western Netball League has announced a strong side for the Netball Victoria Association Championships later this month.
The WNL will contest the open age competition for the fourth time when it takes to the court at the State Netball Centre on June 29.
Glen Orden’s Rebecca Hicks who successfully led the WNL to victory over the Southern Netball League in its first interleague match-up in May, will again coach the league’s representative team.
Hicks coached Glen Orden to last year’s WNL division 1 premiership as the club’s five sides all made the grandfinalandthedivision1sidesits atop the ladder in the current season.
She will be supported by specialist coaches Manawa Aranui and Rhiannon Reti and team manager SamanthaPruscinoattheassociation championships.
Eight members of this year’s Interleaguesquadhavebeenincluded in the team for the association championships.
Muhtari said the group was still as focusedastheyhadalwaysbeenastheyaim forathirdstraightfinalsseriesintheEDFL.
“Westillhavehighnumbersonthetrack,” he said. “There’s still the belief and they are training as hard as they were in round one, twoandthree.
“We want to get back on the winning track.”
Having played everyone once, Muhtari saidtheywerekeentofinishthesecondhalf oftheseasonbetterthanthefirsthalf.
He said there were seven or eight teams thatcouldquiteeasilyplayfinals.
“There were upsets on the weekend and we were part of it,” he said. “The last nine games hopefully ahead of the ledger and hopefullyinthetopfive.”
The Saints were due to face Craigieburn onSaturday,afterdeadline.
The Eagles last win also came in round four. The Saints won the round one clash betweenthetwosides.
“Hopefully it will kick start our season again,”Muhtarisaid.
Caroline Springs’ Olivia Craske and Emma Vitalone, Glen Orden’s Majar Hikuroa-Betham and Payton Simeki, Spotswood’s Melissa Prismall were part of the interleague side, while Altona’s Avana Hobson and Sunshine’s Casey Smart were emergencies for that team. They will be joined at the association championships by Glen Orden’s Ashlee Bertocci, Aaliyah CoppinsandCharlieKing,Sunshine’s Dorothy Maepu and Rochelle Teiri who round out the team. Coppins was part of the team last year, while Hicks also played in the team.
A new rule means no current Victoria Netball League are eligible to participate in the association championships this year, meaning some new players get their opportunities.
Emma Vitalone. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 477567_06
Joshua Gulevski. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 458912_08
Mason Dipetta. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 478999_03
Structural changes starting to show on field for Albion
Albion is starting to find its feet in the Western Football League division 1 season.
Coming back up into the top flight, the Cats have started to show signs of improvement without always getting the results to show.
On Saturday, they were able to turn that into a win as they accounted for Spotswood.
Coach Blake Richards said they could see things starting to change.
“We had been beaten the last couple of weeks by Hoppers Crossing and Werribee Districts, but we had played a good game,” he said.
“You don’t want to lose but we are starting to find things are working better. Our skill
level, decision making and structure were still that of a B-grade team.
“We’vehadtogetthatrightwithalotmore pressure and bigger sides. We’ve started to see a lot of results the last couple of weeks.”
On Saturday, the game was a bit of back and forth between the Cats and Woodsmen.
The Cats were able to lead at each of the breaks.
“We started well and they then kicked four quick goals to start the second side,” he said. “We got some belief with the last two goals before half time.
“We built in the third quarter and had a reallygoodquarterandwewereabletohold out in the final quarter.
“It was a reward for effort.”
Richards said their midfield had been going well and it had been about getting better forward line and back line structure and sharing the load.
Cooper Muir kicked three goals for the Cats, as four other players kicked two goals.
Caleb McPherson, Joshua Bench and Maysen Murgov were named their best.
The Cats are now just percentage outside the top five behind the Woodsmen.
Richards said the top five continues to be the focus for the Cats.
“Finals was the aim still,” he said. “We’re taking it one week at a time but the end goal is to make finals.
Thunder finals hope
By Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder’s slight finals hopes remain alive but it needs everything to go right in the run home in the National Basketball League South 1 men’s competition.
The new look Thunder line up is starting to put all the pieces together and getting a few more wins on the board.
Coach Ash Arnott said anything can happen in the back part of the season.
“We need everything to go our way,” he said. “We’ve had some little changes to the roster, some players in and out.
“We need some luck going into the end of the season.
“It has been such a tough league this year and that is the talk around town about how tough the men’s side has been.
“Anything can happen, we do need it all to go our way to finish off with a run to end the season.”
Arnott said the focus for the group in the run home was to continue to build on the strong foundation for the future.
He said while they want to get the wins on the board, it’s about building a senior program that can have sustained success.
“I think we’ve come a long way from the start of the season,” he said.
“Spectatorscomingtogamesarestarting to see a style of play we know it can hold up with the top teams in the league.
“We have been in some really tight contestsagainsttopfourteamsinthesouth and now trying to build that consistency.
“The three things we talk about is pride in the jersey, pride in our team… and being relentless for the whole game.
“We’re building it day by day and we understand that it is a process. We are continuing to build in the right way and that it can turn at any given moment in a positive space.”
TheThundermadeittwowinsinarowon Saturday night with a good performance against the Eltham Wildcats, another side aiming for a finals spot.
Keilor led at each break on the way to a 96-78 win.
The Thunder had five players score double figures, led by Daniel Foster and Daniel Poelsma with 22 points each.
Newest Thunder member Patrick Ryan scored nine points off the bench.
Speaking before the game against the Wildcats, Arnott said Ryan, who was playing his second game, added something different to the team.
“Patty he was a great intro into our team in terms of the toughness and grittiness that he brought,” he said.
“We were really happy with how he has fit into our group and how we are going to build with him especially in his position, great size got some really good length,
Ryan Philippe. (traviphotography)
allows us to continue to be disruptive defensively and offensively and being able to put that pressure on the basket aggressive drives.
“Definitely someone to invest into the future.”
“It’s really positive for football.”
The Cats this Saturday face Altona at Altona. Richards said they had struggled on the road this season.
“Hopefully the structure changes we’ve made means we will be a lot more competitive on a bigger ground.”
In other results, Sunshine lost to Hoppers Crossing, 9.13 (67)-4.8 (32).
CarolineSpringshada21.12(138)-5.5(35). Steven Kyriazis kicked seven in a best on ground performance for the Lakers.
In division 2, Sunshine Heights beat Albanvale and Braybrook upset North Footscray.
Balmoral has appointed Dave Winton and Emmet Sheehan as its new head coaches for the rest of the FV state league 4 west season. “Dave and Emmet bring with them a wealth of experience, leadership, and proven success,” the club said on social media. “Over the past three seasons, they have been instrumental at Plenty Valley Lions, guiding the club to promotion from this very league through a strong culture of discipline, resilience, and tactical awareness. Prior to their tenure at Plenty Valley, both coaches made a significant impact at Essendon Royals under-21s, where they earned a reputation for developing young talent and instilling professional habits early. We are excited for what the future holds under their guidance and can’t wait to see the energy and professionalism they’ll bring to our club.”
EDFL
Burnside Heights has received a massive boost with the return of Lachie Evans. Evans, who left the club in the off season, has signed with the Bears for the remainder of this season and the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Evans finished in the top three of the league best and fairest last year and will be an added boost in the ruck for the Bears.
Football
Western Jets pair Kiara Boyd and Alex McBride-Loane will get their chance to shine on the national stage after being named in the Vic Metro squad for the under-18 girls national championships. The championships got underway on the weekend, with Vic Metro playing South Australia on Sunday. Calder Cannons duo Chloe Baker-West and Jade McLay have been named in the squad as well.
Cricket
Arnott, will miss the next couple of games as he is away with the Australian under-17 team.
Hesaidhe’sluckytohavesomegoodstaff around him who are focused on getting a couple of wins in his absence.
Cricket Victoria has announced its emerging boys and girls squads for the 2025-26 season. Former Sydenham-Hillside player Jasmine Kamboj has been named in the under-16 and under-19 girls metro teams, while former Caroline Springs player Mia Gordon and former Keilor player Ruby Gibson have been named in the under-19 squad. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au
