Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 1st July 2025

Approval for units

By Sam Porter

An 110-dwelling development in Derrimut hasbeengiventhegreenlightbyBrimbank council despite one councillor claiming theprojectfailedthe“communitytest”.

Brimbank councillors approved the development at 27a Palmer Parade during theJune17councilmeeting.

Council officers had recommended a permit for the development be approved subject to a list of conditions, however Cr Daniel Kruk proposed extra conditions be added to the permit. His motion was backedeightvotestothree.

The extra conditions proposed by Cr Kruk included plans to incorporate extra screening or window glazing onto upper level windows facing a nearby school, the addition of a hard-surfaced outdoor communal area for recreational activities, andanaddedrequirementforaroadsafety auditofthesite’saccesspoints.

Council received 269 objections to the project. Residents raised concerns the housingdevelopmentwouldlimitparking, increasetrafficcongestion,reduceprivacy, and put a strain on already limited public servicesandamenitiesinthearea.

Cr Kruk said he hoped to “strike a balance”withtheextraconditions.

Cr Maria Kerr was one of three councillorswhoopposedtheapplication.

She said the application “may meet planning scheme requirements on paper”

but“clearlyfailsthecommunitytest”.

“This proposal is a repeat of one that was previously rejected… While it’s been revised it still fails to address the core issues raised by both VCAT [Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal] and residents.

“We cannot keep approving developmentsthatpushourinfrastructure to the brink and expect our community to simplyabsorbthisimpact.”

Locals took to Facebook to discuss the approveddevelopment.

In a community Facebook group, one Derrimut local stated that “mid-rise apartments in Derrimut might actually helpsolvethehousingproblems”.

“Noteveryoneneeds—orcanafford—a McMansionwithahugebackyard.

“More diverse housing options mean more people can afford to live in the area, including younger families, essential workersanddownsizers.”

In a comment, Mohamed Aboushamah – a Derrimut resident who lives 250 metres fromthedevelopmentsite–acknowledged “there are some real and valid concerns” about the development “that deserve carefulconsideration”.

“Derrimut has been planned and lived in as a low density suburb with a sense of space, privacy, and quiet streets. This scaleofhighdensitydevelopmentfeelsout of step with that identity and could set a concerningprecedent,”hewrote.

Summit of energy, ideas

The future is looking bright for emerging entrepreneurs in Brimbank.

More than 250 young people aged 14 to 25 attended a day of keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive workshops at the Young Entrepreneur Summit (YES) on June 25.

Organised by the Australian School of Entrepreneurship (ASE) and funded by Brimbank council, the event provided an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to practise their public speaking, communication, pitching and leadership skills.

ASE chief executive Jahin Tanvir, 23, said he wanted participants to develop

“life skills you don’t really get taught at school or uni”.

Growing up, Jahin was encouraged to pursue a traditional career pathway as entrepreneurship was “seen as not safe”.

“Entrepreneurship felt so much like a job you could only do in your 30s and 40s…. a very distant dream,” he said.

“I don’t want any other young person to feel that.”

After starting a business at 21, Jahin decided to pursue entrepreneurship and became a young founder himself. He said he wanted participants to leave the summit feeling “energised and empowered”.

Sunshine Market Place 80 Harvester Rd

Clowns, Acrobats, Aeriel acts, Hand Balancing, Juggler, Hula Hoops and the amazing Ring of Death

Jahin Tanvir, organiser of YES summit. (Damjan Janevski) 486416_01

Theft syndicate dismantled

An alleged major St Albans retail theft syndicate has been dismantled, with police arresting seven people and seizing more than $125,000 worth of stolen goods – a seizure so large police had to hire a van to transport the allegedly stolen goods.

It will be alleged this syndicate stole more than $320,000 worth of alcohol, beauty and health products from major retailers across Melbourne this year.

The thieves then allegedly on-sold the stolen goods to business and individual receivers in the St Albans area.

North-west Metro Regional Crime Squad Acting Detective Sergeant Jethro

Carbines said the motivation for the syndicate was “purely profit driven.”

“Organisedretailsyndicatesaren’tstealing to put food on the table … a lot of the time thieves are using the profits to purchase illegal drugs which further fuels the illicit drug trade,” he said.

Detectives located more than $100,000 worth of allegedly stolen alcohol including spirits, illegally imported tobacco, cigarettes and vapes, and a baton.

One alleged receiver – a 32-year old bottleshopownerfromStAlbans –wasarrested during a search warrant on Main Road on June 25.

The owner was charged with handling stolen goods, negligently dealing with property suspected of being the proceeds of crime, and possessing a prohibited weapon.

The warrant follows the arrest of five alleged thieves and the seizure of $25,000 worth of allegedly stolen beauty products this month.

Among the alleged thieves are three men from St Albans – a 24-year old, a 29year old and a 39-year old.

The men will appear separately before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in July.

Two other alleged thieves – a 34-year

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Melissa’s marathon fundraising effort

For many people, completing a marathon is a once in a lifetime achievement, but for Yarraville grandmother Melissa Elphinstone, it will soon be once a day.

From Monday, June 30 to Sunday, July 6, the assistant principal at Movell Primary School in St Albans will run 42km a day as part of the Bravehearts 777 Marathon fundraising event.

Run by Bravehearts, a national child protection organisation dedicated to the

prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse, the 13th annual event not only involves participants running seven marathons in seven days, but across seven differentstatestoo,hencethethirddigitin the name. Not that any of these numbers fazeElphinstonwhohasdoneitallbefore.

“This is my fifth year with Bravehearts 777 and my fourth year as a national runner and I absolutely love it,” said Elphinston, who is returning to running the

eventin2025afterservingasacrewmember last year.

“As a principal, it demonstrates grit, passion, dedication and shows that if you put your mind to it, you can do almost anything. “It also shows the dedication I have to advocate for their safety and for Bravehearts.”

The 2025 Bravehearts 777 Marathon begins in Perth and finishes on the Gold Coast, with the Melbourne leg on July 2.

Upgrades for two Brimbank kindergartens allowing more places

Two Brimbank kindergartens are set to be upgraded over the next two years, allowing for more kinder places in the municipality.

The state government will partner with council on two projects — one will upgrade and expand facilities at St Albans West Kindergarten, and the other will rebuild and expand North Sunshine Kindergarten and DempsterParkHalltocreateDempsterPark Children’s and Community Centre.

St Albans West Kindergarten on Stevens Road will be replaced with a two-room

modular building, which will increase the number of kindergarten places to 66 children by the time it is completed in 2026.

Dempster Park Children’s and CommunityCentreonPhoenixStreetwillhousetwo sessional kindergarten rooms and two maternal and child health consulting rooms, providing 121 kindergarten places when it opens in 2027.

Both projects include plans for outdoor learning environments.

Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said the

old man and a 45-year old man of no fixed addresses – were also arrested and will appearbeforeGeelongMagistrates’Courtand Melbourne Magistrates’ court respectively. A 22-year old St Albans man was also charged with possessing heroin, possessing methylamphetamine, dealing with the proceeds of crime and possessing a false document.

He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court in October Over the next few days, investigators will count the allegedly stolen alcohol with police aiming to return goods back to the rightful businesses.

The environmental effects statement (EES) for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) has been released publicly, with community stakeholders continuing to express opposition to the plan.

As reported by Star Weekly, AusNet is proposing to build a190-kilometre electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west.

During the exhibition period of the project’s EES and the draft planning scheme amendment for a period of 40 business days, community members and landholders will be invited to make a submission to the Department of Transport and Planning through the Engage Victoria submissions page.

People can also ask to be heard at the independent inquiry following the exhibition period.

Plumpton landholder and Western Victorian Community Alliance Melton representative Barbara Ford said “there’s still fairly united opposition up the whole line from Sydenham to Ballarat”.

“It’s five years since we would have got the first letters about this project, so from the stakeholders or landholders or other people affected, we don’t believe AusNet have mitigated a lot of the impacts which we all still believe are significant,” Ms Ford said.

She said the scale of the project “is the equivalent of building a 26-storey building” every 400 to 500 metres “from Sydenham right through to Ballarat”.

“As effects for our property … it’ll cut our farm in half diagonally and there will be an impact on our ability to farm the property,” she said.

Ms Ford said her concerns include impacts on visual amenity of Mount Kororoit – where she believes towers will stand up to 20 metres taller than the peak – environmental impacts to vegetation near Djerriwarrh Creek and its bird life, including the swift parrot, and impacts to local sporting and aviation facilities.

“The line from us … pretty much … goes in a straight line to Macpherson Park and the current proposal they have is to construct double rows of towers right beside the football and soccer amenities ” Ms Ford said.

“I’d encourage people to make a submission ... and our group believe that there is a better alternative.”

projects will bring more early childhood education services to local families.

“These new and upgraded facilities will give children the best start in life, while supporting parents and carers with the services they need for their growing families,” she said.

The Victorian School Building Authority will manage the build at St Albans West, with council responsible for works at the Dempster Park Children’s and Community Centre.

An AusNet spokesperson said the organisation recognises that “hostinginfrastructureofthisscalecanbe challenging, and that it can have real impacts on landholders and communities,” and encourages community members to read the environmental effects statement and make submissions.

Melissa Elphinstone is preparing to run seven marathons, in seven states, over seven days as part of the Bravehearts 777 Marathon national fundraising event. (Damjan Janevski)

Win trip of a lifetime

One lucky reader has the chance to win the ultimate travel experience – an 8-day Viking “Rhine Getaway” river cruise for two, including return flights, valued at $16,190 per couple.

Departing Basel, Switzerland on 22 November 2026, the journey winds along the romantic Rhine River through France, Germany and the Netherlands, revealing centuries of culture, history, and breathtaking scenery. From charming villages to grand cathedrals, the trip includes six guided tours and visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, providing unforgettable insights into European heritage.

Travellers will enjoy a Category F Stateroom, complete with elegant

furnishings and river views. All onboard meals are included, with beer and wine served with lunch and dinner, and guests can enjoy Viking’s renowned Culture Curriculum – a rich program of onboard lectures, tastings and performances.

With Wi-Fi, port charges and gratuities all taken care of, this truly is a seamless, luxury experience.

Entries close noon, Thursday 14 August 2025, so don’t miss your chance to set sail on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

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Briefs

Medals stolen

A 55-year old Caroline Springs resident whose honorary medals were stolen last week is working with police to recover the items. Police said an unknown offender gained access to the residence on Renfrey Gardens between June 15 and June 17, and stole three distinctive medals including an Order of Australia medal (2019), a Winston Churchill Fellowship medal and a Meritorious Medal for Services to the Victorian Community. The medals, which the victim was awarded for over 30 years of advocacy within the African community, are distinctive in appearance and are engraved with the victim’s name. The offender also stole a number of personal items.

Measles exposure site

The Department of Health has listed the emergency department paediatric unit waiting room at Sunshine Hospital as a recent measles exposure site. The exposure date was Saturday, June 14, from 1.20pm to 7.15pm. Those who were at the exposure site during these times should monitor for symptoms up to Wednesday, July 2. Measles symptoms usually start with fever, cough, runny nose, red or sore eyes or feeling generally unwell. This is usually followed by a rash.

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Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

A Viking Longship passes the Gymir Bridge Towers in Cologne.

Market attracts a crowd

Crowds flocked to the Sunshine Produce Market on Saturday to enjoy the food, family entertainment and the array of market stalls selling everything from homemadecrafts,topetsupplies,jewellery and skin care products.

Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang officially opened the market, which was held on the siteoftheformerSunshineproducemarket on McIntyre Road.

OrganisersSahilGulati,JessicaClementz and Michael Osczyk said they were excited to bring the “heritage of Sunshine back to life“.

They hope the market will become a regular fixture on the Brimbank calendar.

Carers’ afternoon out

Brimbankcarersparticipatedinagemart afternoon on Thursday, June 26, hosted by Brimbank council. Gem art involves sticking small ‘diamonds’ or ‘gems’ in a paint-by-numbers system to create sparkling works of art.

Carers had the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved break from their care giving roles and engage in a fun and relaxing afternoon in the company of

other carers.

Eve Balfour, who participated in the art session, said she’d “been looking forward to this all week”.

Bedia Kisa, another participant said “she loved the Carers Space, the people and the community”.

“[The] Carers Space is a good place to go to deal with the tension of caring responsibilities,” she said.

Mayor Thuy Dang visits the BenBel Pet Bakery stall.

The indoor market stalls were popular.

The original market sheds played host to the revived market on Saturday.

Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang officially opened the market.

Manny the clown provided family entertainment.The food stalls were among the most popular at Saturday’s market.

Thuc Tran and Amy Breedon with their art. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 486008

Eve Balfour (above centre), Suzan Tienzo (above), and Bedia Kisa (left) get creative.

We’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge and there will be transport disruptions

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re putting the finishing touches on the new West Gate Tunnel, an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. When the tunnel opens in 2025, you can enter on the West Gate Freeway near Williamstown Road, and take advantage of new exits to Footscray Road, Dynon Road or CityLink.

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

Watergardens to Sunbury

North Melbourne to Sunshine From 11pm 4 July to 13 July

Werribee and Williamstown lines From 11pm 4 July to 6 July

Road disruptions: Lane closed

West Gate Freeway, Spotswood 13 July to mid August

North Melbourne to Newport and Werribee

Outbound lane between Williamstown and Millers roads

Breaking language barriers

Language is no barrier for students at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College who are learning Japanese by speaking directly to pupils in Japan.

The Palaygo program, created by the Language Discovery Company, allows the students in Braybrook to communicate face-to-face, in real-time, with peers from the Jonan Gakuen school in Osaka.

Switching between English and Japanese, students practise newly learnt words, phrases and pronunciations with their overseas counterparts through oneon-one chats, using the platform.

Language Discovery Company chief

executive Frank Noda said students’ reactions to the program have been positive.

“When students use the language they’ve learned in real-life situations with peers of a similar age, they become genuinely excited and engaged,” said Mr Noda.

“They begin to see language not just as a subject, but as a fantastic tool for expressing their thoughts and interests.”

The educational partnership between the two schools was launched at Caroline Chisholm Catholic College on Tuesday, June 17, with the Consul General of Japan, Tokuro Furuya, and Maribyrnong mayor Prideep Tiwari making appear-

ances at the event.

Mr Furuya said he was pleased to see the students engaging with the program.

“I’m happy that many students are learning Japanese and about Japanese culture, as it forms the foundation of Japan-Australia relations,” he said.

The program has benefitted from the similar time zones of Australia and Japan too, providing students with more opportunities to connect with each other.

Year 9 Caroline Chisholm Catholic College student, Adrian De Abreu, said his Japanese language skills have improved since using the technology.

Taylors Lakes mural causes a buzz

A new mural in Taylors Lakes Linear Park depicting birdlife in the area has captured the attention of locals and visitors.

The mural, painted by Melbourne artist Lukas Kasper, depicts a duck and a swan, each with their ducklings and cygnets beside them.

Lukas said the inspiration behind the work, titled ‘Mothers Instinct,’ came from Taylors Lakes itself.

“I’m a huge animal lover and when I walked into the space I saw the mums and their kids in the park looking at the

swans and the ducks and their babies…it was a very cute scene,” he said.

“It was a perfect opportunity to bring that to life.”

The project was delivered as part of Brimbank council’s annual mural program in consultation with the Lions Club of Taylors Lakes.

Taylors Lakes resident, Noleen Van Gemert, praised the mural.

“It’s magnificent and it really depicts that part [of the area]. What he has painted is there all the time. The swans and the

cygnets are there constantly,” she said.

“It’s a beautiful park and that [mural] just adds to it. Council’s done well to bring it up to the standard.”

Lukas said the colour palette of the work was also informed by the park and its surroundings.

“The background elements you see are inspired by a lot of the colours found in the area. I wanted to have it be informed by the trees and the bark and the colours that were surrounding.”

“The aides in Palaygo help us to pronounce words as well as knowing what we are pronouncing, making it easier to communicate, especially as we have just learned the language,” he said.

“We are able to build connections with native Japanese speakers, talking to them daily across the world and this has helped me to understand a lot more about their culture.”

Mr Noda said there are plans to expand Palaygo “to include Chinese language learners and schools across Chinese-speaking regions in Asia and beyond.”

Free NAIDOC week events

As part of NAIDOC week, Brimbank council is holding a range of free activations and events to celebrate the culture, history and enduring knowledge of First Nations Peoples and their connections to Country.

As part of the activations, a flag raising ceremony will take place at July 8 at the Sunvale Community Park in Sunshine. The event will include a smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country by a Wurundjeri Elder. The newly restored artwork in Sunvale Park, Five elements, will also be launched. The indigenous artists of the work, Aunty LeeAnne Clarke, Aunty Mandi Barton and Dr. Helen Bodycomb, will attend the launch.

Each night during NAIDOC week, art projections will light up the back wall of the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre in Sunshine. The works are part of artist Tahlia Palmer’s Occupation Studies: Agriculture exhibition presented in the level one gallery of the building. Palmer’s art reflects on Aboriginal relationships to land and ongoing connection to Country. In the same building, locals can view a NAIDOC inspired neon artwork by Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke that illuminates the windows of the Sunshine library.

Award-winning author, musician, storyteller and filmmaker Boori Monty Pryor will perform at Sunshine library on July 7. Boori’s presentation draws on his life experiences, anecdotes and Dreamtime stories.

Lukas Kasper. (Supplied)

Stay healthy this winter

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

You don’t seem to hear all that much about COVID-19 these days, but that doesn’t mean it’s yesterday’s problem.

Indeed, early in June Victoria’s Chief Health Officer, Dr Evelyn Wong, put out a statement revealing that the increase in COVID-19 cases between April and May this year was 2.5 times higher than the same time last year. Dr Wong added that there has also been an uptick in hospitalisationsofpeopleseriouslyillwith the virus .

Even a mild case of coronavirus is enough to make you feel crook for a few days,andabadonecankillyou,especially ifyoualreadyhavesomeunderlyinghealth concerns.

It’s true, though, that the availability of medicines called antivirals can really reduce the severity of COVID-19 infection, at least for the people eligible to receive them. These include older folk and those already battling other illnesses.

For everybody, however, one of the best ways to reduce your risk of catching COVID-19–ordevelopingnastysymptoms if you do – is to get a vaccination.

Dr Wong points out that respiratory diseases such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 become much more common in winter. This is largely because in cold months we tend to spend more time indoors with the windows and doors shut, making it easier for germs to spread around.

The latest recommendations about COVID-19 vaccinations, issued by the Department of Health, Disability and

Ageing, suggest pretty much everybody 18 years or older should get a jab once a year. Some people, such as those over 65, or who have impaired immune systems, should think about getting one every six months.

Childrenwithriskfactors–basicallyany medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19 illness – should also be vaccinated. (Of course, it’s very important for parents or guardians to discuss this with a doctor.)

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free,

including for people without a Medicare card.

While we’re talking about vaccinations, it’s a good idea to get one for the flu, too, as we head into the winter months. Peak flu season is usually between June and September.

The vaccination is free for some groups of people , such as the very young, people over 65, First Nations members and pregnant women. Many general practices, community health organisations and pharmacies offer flu vaccinations to all

otherpeopleatbulk-billedorlow-costrates. RSV doesn’t get as much media as the flu (possibly because it’s difficult to pronounce) but it’s still a serious matter. There is now a national free immunisation campaign to protect pregnant women, and babies. People in these groups can access their jabs at general practices, community health clinics, and participatingpharmacies.

Protecting yourself and those you love has never been easier. Enjoy the winter wonderland!

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SHOWCASING BRIMBANK

Braybrook Hotel

Families looking for the perfect school holiday escape need look no further than the Braybrook Hotel — a local institution steeped in history, now transformed into a vibrant, family-friendly destination in Melbourne’s west. Originally established in 1857 as a stopover for gold miners, the Braybrook Hotel has evolved over the decades, once serving as a courthouse and shire meeting hall. Today, it offers a dynamic mix of heritage charm and modern hospitality, making it an ideal venue for locals and visitors alike. This schoolholidayperiod,thehotelwillhostits popularSchoolHolidayProgram,featuring live appearances from beloved Disney

meet-and-greet moments, while parents take the opportunity to relax in comfort.

Complementing the entertainment is the hotel’s expansive indoor play area, a haven for young ones to explore and unwind in a safe, supervised environment. While the kids play, adults can enjoy a quiet drink or a leisurely meal at the international buffet, which caters to a wide range of tastes.

The venue also features the Blue Stone Bar, where live sports screenings keep fans connected to the action, and a versatile function room ideal for private gatherings and celebrations. Visitors are welcomed by striking bronze statues of local AFL legends Doug Hawkins and Ted Whitten, a proud nod to the community’s sporting heritage.Whetherit’sfunforthekids,great food, or simply a relaxed afternoon out, the Braybrook Hotel offers something for every member of the family these school

Luba Grigorovitch MP is a dynamic force in politics, embodying resilience and passionineveryendeavour.Asadedicated representative, she channels her energy towards championing the concerns closest to her constituents’ hearts. Ms Grigorovitch’s leadership is marked by a unique blend of empathy and tenacity, ensuring that the voices of her community resonate in the corridors of power. Her unwavering commitment to social justice, education, and community empowerment reflects a profound understanding of the issues that matter. Luba Grigorovitch MP stands as a beacon of positive change, inspiring confidence in her ability to navigate the complexities of governance and shape a brighter future for those she

Last year, Legalise Cannabis Victoria successfully lobbied the Victorian Governmenttoallowjudicialdiscretionfor medicinalcannabisuserswhotestpositive for THC while driving, provided they are not impaired.

Now, we aim to reform outdated and discriminatory workplace alcohol and other drug (AOD) testing laws. Current testing methods focus on detecting the presence of drugs rather than impairment, and there’s no exemption for workers on medicinal cannabis. Clear guidance is essential for employers and employees to create evidence-based, health-focused policies. No one’s prescription should cost them their job. For more information, visit protectpatientrights.com.au.

Dimmeys

RightintheheartofSunshineMarketplace, Dimmeys is your local destination for unbeatable prices on everyday essentials, fashion, manchester, toys, and so much more.ThisiconicAussieretailerisbackand better than ever at its Sunshine location and shoppers are reaping the benefits.

Every week, Dimmeys Sunshine runs new specials across big-name brands, with massive savings across the board. Whether it’s winter warmers, kitchenware clearance, or last-minute school supplies, there’s always a deal to discover. Stock changesfast—andsodothebargains—so there’ssomethingneweverytimeyouvisit.

Locals know that for value that stretches your dollar further, Dimmeys Sunshine delivers.Swingbyandseewhat’sonspecial thisweek—orcheckoutthedealsonlineat dimmeys.com.au.

Dimmeys Sunshine is the best-kept secret in budget shopping!

Green Gully Reserve, Keilor.

David Ettershank

Old Keilor Highway, Keilor.

ACCC backs local journalism

Country Press Australia has welcomed the release of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s final report from its Digital Platform Services Inquiry, describing it as a landmark moment that recognises the systemic challenges facing regional and local news publishers in the digitalage.

CPA president Andrew Schreyer said the report confirmed what independent publishers had known for years, that global tech giants are using their market dominance to control how journalism is accessed, valued and monetised in Australia,tothedetrimentoflocalnews.

“Thisreportconfirmswhatourmembers have experienced for a long time,” Mr Schreyersaid.

“Local and regional publishers continue tofacedeeplyentrenchedpowerimbalances in their dealings with the major digital platforms. This has real consequences for the sustainability of journalism in our communities.”

Mr Schreyer said the federal government must now move quickly to implement the News Bargaining Incentive legislation, especially in light of Meta’s refusal to renew deals with publishers since announcing their withdrawal from news arrangements lastyear.

“Meta has walked away from compensating publishers entirely, and others like TikTok have never come to the tableatall,”hesaid.

“The incentive legislation is essential to ensurethatallmajorplatformsarerequired to contribute to the journalism they benefit from, either by negotiating in good faith or bymakingafairpayment.”

He also emphasised that public funding support for journalism, including through the News Media Assistance Program (NewsMAP),mustbedirectedtopublishers who are actively producing local public interestjournalism.

“Fundingshouldgotothejournalistsand newsroomswhoareonthegroundcovering councils, courts, community stories and localsport,”MrSchreyersaid.

“These are the voices that hold local institutions to account and help communities stay connected. They need directandmeaningfulsupport.”

The ACCC report draws attention to a range of broader issues threatening journalism, including a lack of dispute resolution options for small publishers, harmful practices by dominant platforms, and the growing use of AI tools that can devalueordisplacecrediblenews.

“We support stronger platform obligations to prevent scams and fake reviews, and we also support enforceable transparency requirements that ensure fair treatment of news content,” Mr Schreyer said.

“We need to see the major platforms

ENTERTAINMENT

treated as gatekeepers with clear responsibilities when it comes to how news isranked,labelledandmonetised.

“Weurgethegovernmenttoconsiderthe rise of AI and its use of publishers’ content and the need for publishers to be fairly compensated for this as part of the News BargainingIncentiveframework.”

He said the rise of AI-generated content andthecontinuedspreadofmisinformation on social media made it more important than ever for Australians to understand whatcrediblejournalismlookslike.

“Improving digital literacy must be a nationalpriority,”MrSchreyersaid.

“Australiansneedthetoolstodistinguish fact-basedjournalismfrommisinformation, especially in an environment where AI and algorithms are shaping so much of what peoplesee.”

Country Press Australia represents almost 240 independently owned newspapers that serve regional, rural and suburban communities across the country. These publishers are embedded in the communities they serve and continue to providevitalpublicinterestjournalisminan increasinglydisruptedmediaenvironment.

Mr Schreyer said the ACCC report providedaclearpathforwardandurgedthe governmenttoact.

“We strongly support the ACCC’s push for a new digital competition regime and externaldisputeresolutionsoourmembers canoperateonalevelplayingfield,”hesaid.

“Our regional, rural and local news outlets are the backbone of Australia’s democracy and they must be supported through practical reforms and fairer digital marketconditions.”

After a decade, Circus Latino is returning toSunshineMarketplaceintimeforschool holidayslocatedat80HarvesterRoad.

The dynamic and exciting show aims to thrill and captivate all ages. With talented performers from South America and Australia, you will be amazed at daring aerial acts, marvel at the tricks with fire and hoops, laugh at the hilarious clown and maybe even become part of the show byvolunteeringtocomeonstage.

The variety of showtimes gives multiple opportunities for all to come and see! HurryandbookasCircusLatinoisoffering special discounts of 20 percent and 50 percentoffduringtheschoolholidays! DON’TMISSOUT!

Bookatcircuslatino.comorcall0434600 703.

SouthAmericandancersandLatinmusic give Circus Latino its South American flavour and, combined with artistic and dramatic acts and circus favourites, make Circus Latino a unique and entertaining experience for all these coming school holidays.

Andrew Schreyer is the president of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul and Drouin Gazette.

Sustainable Fiji

KYLIE MITCHELL-SMITH

Pr/ Travel Writer/podcaster

Www.travellingsenorita.com

It’s a short plane ride across the South Pacific for an island getaway on Malolo Island, Fiji.

It’s a place where you are welcomed by the Fijian charm the locals are known for, crystal clear waters and groves of tropical palms - the smell of fresh seafood fills the air.

From Nadi International Airport, take a ‘fast’ 40 minute boat ride to the dreamy Likuliku Lagoon destination, and quickly realise there’s more to this luxe resort than meets the tourists eye- like their conservation program.

Likuliku (meaning calm waters) is an adults only and ultra luxurious island resort, armed with an environmental team specifically engaged to adopt clean and green practises-to preserve the island, the local village and its people.

The resort is located in a pristine, natural landscape and is part responsible for the coral reef rejuvenation, water filtration and solarpowerforthevillageandguests,along with preservation of the Islands iguana-an endangered species. Word has it, there was only one Iguana left on Malolo Island, then the Likuliku team developed the breeding program, spotted another and presto the iguana population lives to fight another day.

Likuliku is home to one of Fiji’s first overwater bungalows, spacious and sustainable in design with the pristine environment in mind.

The rooms are styled with local artists waresanddelightfullyinvitetheoutsidein. Relax on the expansive deck, with a sunset

cocktail in-hand, as swarms of tropical fish and a baby shark swimming on by outside the door – mmmm there’s a song in that.

An active coral rejuvenation scheme has been implemented by the resort’s conservation team, inspired by the success of the Maldives program.

The scheme is partly funded by Mars Confectioner. A chocolate company collaborating with a coral reef? Yep makes sense to me.

Large steel and sand encrusted webs are delicately placed on the ocean floor to entice the coral to rejuvenate and in turn-multiply, similar to garden beds on land.

Along with supporting an education centre, solar power and a water filtration plant in the neighbouring village of Yaro,

leading the way in sustainable tourism from the sea up. The active coral nurseries and thriving iguana sanctuary, add to the beauty of the vast dry forest that covers the Island.

Before heading back to the mainland after our stay we take a short boat trip to visit the village of Yaro and immerse in the culture, meeting the friendly community and admiring their local handicrafts along the way. We support local and buy beaded jewellery gifts and a set of coconut cups, ideal for our kava ceremony that evening.

Checking out of Likuliku Lagoon Resort, the committed team encourage guests (in a gentle, Fijian way) to pledge support for their growing iguana population or you canbuyacoralwebtoaddtotheseagarden floor, we opt for the latter.

As the sun sets on Malolo Island, we reflect on time spent snorkelling straight off our bure deck, Fijian fire feasts by the beach and pop-up picnics on secluded islands- a knowing that the Likuliku team are taking responsibility for preserving the region into the future.

EAT

FIJIANA RESTUARANT

SALUWAKI RESTAURANT

SOLIS RESTUARANT DENARUA ISLAND

PLAY

• MOCIU PRIVATE ISLAND PICNIC

• TATADRA SPA STAY

SOFITEL FIJI RESORT

LIKULIKU LAGOON RESORT

the resort-is

Warriors.

A view to the restaurant from the hammock.

Overwater Bure view from lounge.

Artisan breakfast breads.

The fresh seafood. Meet the endangered Iguanas.

Overwater from overhead.

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

Enjoy unhurried days in Barcelona, Rome or Venice. Wander storied streets, savour local flavours and absorb the city's unique rhythms. Our city stays include breakfast daily, airport transfers and a dedicated Viking Host to assist you.

Enjoy a seamless transition from hotel to ship. Then step on board your elegant Viking ship and begin a new journey of discovery. Be warmly welcomed by world-class staff, settle in and relax, knowing everything you need is included.

The journey continues with a new destination. Spend three days in timeless Istanbul or float above Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. Our destination experiences include flights, transfers and are fully escorted by a Viking Tour Director.

Derelict playground concerns

By Sam Porter

A derelict play area in Keilor is causing concern among locals.

Swings are without seats, and entries to the play equipment have been boarded up at the playground in Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve.

St Albans resident of 40 years and mum, Natalie Harasemcuk, said she wants to see the playground upgraded.

“We’re first-time parents so we want to take our kids to a nicer park,” she said. “There’s nowhere for us to take our kids outside.”

She’s worried the play area is dangerous for children.

“In the past the park was quite nice and now it’s gone into a lot of disrepair … it looks quite unsafe,” she said.

“It looks like there’s been a lot of repairs and patchwork jobs.”

Ms Harasemcuk posted about the issue in a community Facebook group where other locals shared her concerns.

One commenter stated, “it’s been like that for almost a year” while another person wrote, “...it’s started with a smashed slide a few years back and it’s never been good since”.

Another commenter stated, “We have some great memories of that park. What a shame it’s been allowed to get to this”.

A Brimbank council spokesperson said plans are in the works to upgrade the play space.

“The playground and visitor amenities at Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve are being refreshed by council after extensive community consultation and feedback,” the spokesperson said.

“Concept plans have been drawn up and we expect the planning permit decision to be made no later than October with works starting early next year.

Graduates think ‘proactively’ about health

A group of Brimbank men are celebrating their graduation from the latest Sons of the West program.

The program, led by the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation in partnership with Brimbank council, sees men over the age of 18 attend health and wellbeing sessions over the course of ten weeks.

Ardeer resident, Paul Pembleton, said he had hesitations when initially signing up.

“I was a bit skeptical. I’m 66 going into a program with a bunch of strangers.”

But after completing the course Paul said the program helped him to become fitter and more engaged.

“I’m starting to think proactively about my wellbeing,” he said.

Each two-hour session in the Sons of the West program is divided into halves.

The first hour is dedicated to interactive conversation, led by guest presenters, over coffee and tea.

The group discusses a range of subjects such as food, waste, gender equity, mental health and gambling.

“One big session they had was ‘what’s in my backyard.’ That was a big eye-opener.”

Paul said that particular session made him aware of community groups and services in the area.

The second hour is devoted to physical health with men completing workouts tailored towards their capabilities.

Some men head upstairs into the gym and others, such as Paul, do resistance exercise downstairs.

“I’ve gone and bought the equipment to do it myself at home,’ he said.

“I’m starting to buy more fruit too.”

At the graduation ceremony, Paul was recognised with an award for best reflecting the values of the Sons of the West.

“Community safety is our priority, which is why we have closed some elements within the playground and removed the children’s slide.

“Unfortunately, the playground has suffered ongoing vandalism in recent months, and our teams have been kept busy fixing equipment and keeping it safe. If anyone sees vandalism they should report it to police.”

According to Brimbank council’s website, the playground was last updated in 2010.

A draft concept plan was drawn up after the first round of community engagement feedback was received in June 2024.

An opportunity to work at the forefront of outdoor recreation and conservation, including in Brimbank, is now open. Parks Victoria is on the hunt for new rangers, with 12 roles based at work centres across the state available.

Parks Victoria rangers spend every day working with communities and delivering essential work to make Victoria’s parks the great places they are. They support a huge range of outdoor recreation opportunities on more than four million hectares of public lands and waters, and protect native landscapes, plants and animals.

From the banks of the Murray to the waters of Port Phillip Bay, and from the beaches of Portland to Bendoc in the East Gippsland mountains, the 12 roles are spread across regional centres, focused on frontline field work. There are also opportunities in Greater Melbourne, including at Albert Park in central Melbourne, Brimbank Park in the west and Braeside Park in the east.

Parks Victoria chief executive Lee Miezis said, “Parks Victoria is full of passionate, committed people who move mountains to keep parks open, safe and clean, and protect our environment – this is your chance to join them and help protect our state’s great outdoors”.

“Our rangers are so important to Victoria – whether it’s in one of our urban parks, a marine sanctuary, a campground or a wilderness area, everyone benefits from the work they do.”

Jordan Croft, Jill Hennessy, Paul Pembleton, Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang and Arthur Jones. (Supplied)

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 Vehicle propelled by explosive thrust (6)

4 Send (8)

9 Relation (5)

10 Outsiders (9) 11 Smell (5)

12 Speak impiously (9)

13 Irritated skin bubbles (8)

15 NSW capital (6)

16 Get the better of mentally (6)

18 Lacking footwear (8)

23 Central American country (9)

24 Spotless (5)

26 Protected (9)

27 Sun-dried brick (5)

28 Brought together (8)

29 Actor, – Irons (6)

DOWN

1 Common crumble ingredient (7) 2 Chocolate tree (5)

3 Refined (7)

5 Cerumen (6)

6 Extensive collection (7)

7 To that (arch) (9)

8 Stockings and socks (7)

10 Sword (US) (5)

14 Travelling (2,7)

16 Continuing (7)

17 Frozen sheet (3,4)

19 Give (5)

20 Place or group different from those surrounding it (7)

21 Leather factory (7)

22 Farm animals (6)

25 Summon (5)

1 Robert Downey Jr. played Larry Paul in which TV series?

2 Who became president of the US after Richard Nixon resigned?

3 What weapon appears on the flag of Barbados?

4 True or false: The Whale (2022) is based on a true story?

5 Julianne Hough (pictured) played which character in the 2011 version of Footloose?

6 The 1930 Salt March, an act of civil disobedience, took place in which country?

7 Ni is the symbol for which element on the periodic table?

8 What is the name of Ed Sheeran’s 2023 album?

9 Which ancient city is adjacent to the mountain of Jabal Al-Madbah?

10 The Tatra Mountains form a natural border between Poland and which other country?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

NAIDOC Week art

Join Brimbank council for the launch of the newly restored Five elements artwork at Sunvale Park. This is created by Indigenous artists Aunty Lee-Anne Clarke, Aunty Mandi Barton and Dr. Helen Bodycomb, who will be there to speak about their work and answer questions. Then head over to the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre on Hampshire Road, Sunshine, to see the Occupation Studies: Agriculture exhibition presented by artist Tahlia Palmer in the Level 1 Gallery. This art reflects on Aboriginal relationships to land and ongoing connection to Country. On Tuesday, July 8, 10-11.30am, Sunvale Park, 20 Neil Street, Sunshine.

 https://creativebrimbank.com.au/

Boomerang art

Visit Cairnlea library on July 9 to mark NAIDOC Week 2025. learn about Aboriginal culture and paint your own boomerang in this fun, creative workshop. Session could get messy, please bring your own art smock. This session is for children aged 5-12 years. All material supplied. Parent/guardian supervision is required throughout the whole session. From noon-1pm, at 59 Carmody Drive, Cairnlea.

 https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1409009

Blue Light Disco

Calling all superheroes and masked crusaders of Brimbank. Come and dance with us at our upcoming Blue Light Disco. Prizes for best costume, best dancer and more. Bring your friends and make some new ones on the dancefloor. This event is for primary school-aged children in grades 3-6. Cost: $10. At St Albans Community Centre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, on August 1, from 6-8pm. Bookings essential.

 thebrimbankmeltonbluelight@gmail.com

Westside wanderers

Take mouth-watering walking food tour in the heart of Sunshine. This 2.5-hour guided experience blends food, culture, and local storytelling across a compact 1km, fully accessible route – perfect for both curious locals and adventurous food lovers. Includes three courses across three beloved local eateries, two immersive visits to local grocery stores, live entertainment, tastings, giveaways, and a special Sunshine keepsake. On August 9, noon-2.30pm. Cost: $99 Bookings required.

 https://events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ westside-wanders-sunshine-2025/

Philately exhibition

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/

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 10am-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 2-3pm, 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

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

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

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

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting every Wednesday 7- 8.30pm at the Westvale Community Centre, 45 Kings Road, Kings Park. Tea and coffee supplied.

 0411 126 721

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

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

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 Augie, 4, trying out a tiny tots circus class in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 486806_01

From film to stage

As Elle Woods says in the cult film Legally Blonde, ‘Believing in yourself never goes out of style’.

That sentiment has been fully embraced by youngWilliamstownperformerArchie Newbegin,whoisamongthecastforanew stage version of Legally Blonde opening later this month.

Newbegin, 18, plays the role of Nikos, a pool boy who is a key witness in the murder trial which is central to the plot.

“It’s a pretty minor role but I’m also involved in the ensemble as well,” Newbegin explained.

“Ive been in the ensemble for a few shows pre-Covid but this is my first with my own role.”

Acting and singing is something Newbeginenjoysasacreativeoutletwhile he studies space science at RMIT.

“I’ve always been into musical theatre but it’s more of a side thing that I do.”

Intheleaduptotheshow,Newbeginand the rest of the cast have been rehearsing three times a week.

The role of Elle is played by Tasmanian Emily McDougall. McDougall and Newbegin join a dynamic cast that brings together fresh faces and seasoned performers, highlighting some of Melbourne’s finest emerging performers.

The award-winning musical follows the journey of Elle Woods as she tackles

stereotypes, defies expectations, and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style!

The powerful messages from the show and film have stood the test of time and elevated the character of Elle Woods to a celebrated feminist icon who defies traditional stereotypes of women - as she rises to the challenges placed in front of her. Elle fearlessly demonstrates that femininity and intelligence can coexist, and that women don’t need to sacrifice their identities to succeed.

“It’s a really fun show, lots of really incredible dance numbers and the cast is absolutely incredible so it will be a really fun experience for the whole family,” said Newbegin.

Legally Blonde: The Musical, is presented at the The National Theatre in St Kilda for a limited season from July 12 by independent musical theatre group Theatrical Inc.

Tickets are now on sale for Legally Blonde:TheMusicalathttps://booktickets. com.au/legallyblonde/

Travel back in time to learn about dinosaurs

Learnabouttheancientworldofdinosaurs at the Wyndham Cultural Centre these school holidays.

Dinosaur Time Machine will teach youngsters about the science of dinosaurs through puppetry, theatre and circus.

This fun and educational show is aimed atchildrenagedthreetonineyearsoldand features a life-sized T-Rex.

Twoshowswillbeheldat11amand1pm, running for 50 minutes each. Plus, there will be a hands-on workshop at 2.30pm –sign up for this on the day after the second performance.

Make sure you also check out a special visitor who will takeover the forecourt of thecCentre… a breathtaking 10-metre inflatable plesiosaur, by artists A Blank Canvas.

Dinosaur Time Machine is among the shows gracing the stage of the refreshed cultural centre throughout July.

The centre was temporarily closed late last year for refurbishment and maintenance works to the building with a new modern bar, foyer and amenities, upgrades to seating and improvements to the theatre including a hearing loop and new audio-visual equipment as well as refurbished dressing rooms and back of house facilities for performers.

Powerhouse bands King Stingray and ElectricFieldswillbethefirsttoexperience therevampedcentre,takingtothestageon Saturday, July 5 t 7pm.

The Melbourne Chamber Orchestra will mesmerise and enchant audiences with

about

performances including the Australian debut of a forgotten concerto and string orchestra highlights on Saturday, July 12 at 7.30pm.

Essence Theatre Productions and Nga Matai Purua Inc will bring audiences a new work inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison on July 26 and 27.

Wyndham mayor Mia Shaw said, “The opening program kicks off in July and is full of entertaining and diverse shows and performances. There is something for everyone”.

To see the full listing of performances and programs and to book tickets, visit: www.wyncc.com.au

Dance the night away and raise funds for charity

OurLadyofMountCarmelParishwillhost a dinner dance fundrasier.

Proceeds will be donated to two local charities - Give Until it Hurts Wednesday Kitchen and the Winter Night Shelterwhich both assist those in the community who are doing it tough.

On the night, expect good food, live music from John Curran and plenty of fun entertainment.

Community members can make donationsonthenight,orbeforetheevent, of goods like pantry essentials, toiletries, blankets, beanies, gloves, socks and sleeping bags. The grateful charities will distribute the goods to those in need.

Cash donations are also accepted.

“The dinner dance is a great way to

support the activities of GUIH including the Wednesday Kitchen and the Winter Night Shelter, whilst having a fun dinner out with your friends and family,” GUIH president and co-founder Garnet Jacob said.

“It’s a FUNdraiser with a difference, yummy food, live music, dancing, a raffle and prizes to be won.”

The Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 6.30pm at St Anne’s Parish Hall, 101 Riddell Road, Sunbury.

Tickets will be $20 for adults and $10 for children aged six to 12.

Dinner includes rice with black bean beef, curry chicken or vegetarian noodles. For more information, contact Garnet Jacob on 0411 286 428.

Perón and pirouettes

An upcoming youth ballet productionwillsharethestoryofEva Perón, with rehearsals in Melton and a performance in Moonee Ponds.

A group of 38 young dancers from several schools across the western suburbs and rural Victoria will perform EVA – sharing the story of former Argentinian first lady Eva Perón.

Herstorywillbepresentedthrough a blend of classical ballet, tango and Latin rhythms.

Eva Perón, nicknamed Evita, was an Argentinian activist, politician, actress, and philanthropist who served as First Lady of Argentina from 1946 before dying in 1952.

A production by the Western Ballet Project, the cast for EVA was formed three months ago and will all meet for the first time only five days before show day – an incredible feat from choreographers and dancers.

Western Ballet Project artistic director Sophie O’Donnell said that when choosing the topic for this production, she was first drawn to the music: tango.

“Tango was born in the working-class neighbourhoods and port cities of Argentina. Tango was a danceofthepeople–raw,passionate, andattimes,rebellious.OnceIlearnt of the tango’s origins, Argentina, it instantly made me think of Evita,” O’Donnell said.

“After more research, I found I was drawn to the life of Eva – not as a famous figure, but as a young woman who rose from poverty with incredible determination. Eva’s story is about resilience, ambition, and finding your voice in a world that doesn’t always welcome you,” she said.

“I knew this was a message our young dancers, and our audiences, could deeply connect with.”

Staying true to the story of Eva, severalofthedressesinacttwoofthe productionareauthenticoutfitsfrom the 1930s.

The rehearsals for EVA will be held from 9am–4pm from Tuesday, July 8 toSaturday,July12atGalacticDance and Events in Melton.

The show will be performed at 6.30pm on Sunday, July 13 at The ClocktowerCentreinMooneePonds.

Ticket pricing and options are available on the centre’s website.

Details: clocktowercentre.com.au/ western-ballet-project-eva

Dance Effects (DFX) Ravenhall dancer Anita (15) at the Melbourne Academy of Performing Arts in Spotswood. (Supplied).

Williamstown performer Archie Newbegin. (Damjan Janevski) 481115_03

The event will help support the Wednesday Kitchen, supported by volunteer Levitt De Andrade. (Damjan Janevski) 485859_01

Learn

dinosaurs at Wyndham’s libraries with librarians Damion Monk and Ruth Terry. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 483588_01

Road Management Plan Review 2025

In accordance with the Road Management Act 2004, Melton City Council (Council) gives notice that it has completed a review of its Road Management Plan. The review resulted in amendments that are primarily administrative in nature and do not affect the service provided by Council. These are summarised in the Road Management Plan- Review Report.

The Road Management Plan (RMP) 2024 – 2029 and the Road Management Plan Review Report can be accessed via Council’s website at www.melton.vic.gov.au/PublicNotice

Alternatively, you can review the RMP or RMP Report from the following locations:

• Melton City Council Civic Centre at 232 High Street, Melton

• Melton Library at 31 McKenzie Street, Melton

• Caroline Springs Library at 193-201 Caroline Springs

To make comment or discuss any item listed under the Review Report, please contact:

Colin Marshall Manager Engineering and Asset Services - colin.marshall@melton.vic.gov.au or Glen Holschier Coordinator Asset Management and GIS - glenh@melton.vic.gov.au

12781478-EA26-25

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO LEASE

Melton City Council (Council) gives notice under section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020 (Act) of its intention to enter into the following lease with Telstra Corporation, in respect of part of the land described on Certificate of Title Volume 11034 Folio 358 known as 115 Tenterfield Drive, Burnside Heights, as show marked on the plan below.

This is a colocation proposal with an existing telecommunications carrier on an existing Council owned monopole. No New towers are proposed for construction.

The principal terms of the lease will be; 10-year term with 2 x 5 year option Rent $16,500 plus GST per annum with Fixed 3% increase applied annually.

Enquires regarding this notice should be addressed to Legal and Property Team and marked attention to Coordinator Property and posted to the following address no later than 1 August 2025.

Coordinator Property

Melton City Council PO BOX 21

MELTON VIC 3337

Enquires can also be emailed to property@melton.vic.gov.au or by telephoning the Legal Property Team on 03 5449 0051 during business hours.

Q4 e-tron offers top value

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

I had zero expectations of the Audi Q4. I hadn’t driven one before, let alone an electric one.

I later learned Q4 comes only as an EV and is available in compact SUV and Sportback coupe form.

Launched in 2021, the five-seater shares a platform with sibling the Q5 e-tron along with cousins the Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID.4.

Interestingly, the Q4 e-tron is the first AuditobebuiltinthecityofZwickausince the pre-war era of the company. It is here that Audi and its predecessor Horch were founded before the two brands merged to become Auto Union way back in 1932.

There endeth the history lesson.

Styling

Audi says the Q4 e-tron is more than just a new model; “it represents the future of driving”. It also happens to be the smallest and most affordable of its EVs so far, and as such has a big job to do.

The Q4 was a long time in gestation and Audi has played with the spec so it could duck the Luxury Car Tax and qualifies for an exemption under Fringe Benefits Tax. As a result of this manoeuvring the price is enticingly low, starting from $84,9000 plus on roads for Q4 45 e-tron (524km); the Sportback from $86,500 (540km).

The Sportback is extra presumably because it gets the S line treatment. Moving further up the ladder we come to the higher performance Q4 55 e-tron quattro (488km), priced from $105,900; Sportback 55 e-tron quattro (503km) from $107,500.

Our test car the Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron was also fitted with the optional $2200 Comfort package which adds electric front seats, 360 degree camera, adaptive cruise assist with stop and go, active lane assist and emergency assist, park assist plus, with memory settings for driver’s seat and exterior mirrors, bringing the price to $88,700 plus on-roads.

The S line interior package is a no cost option, consisting of sports front seats, combination fabric and artificial leather, black cloth headliner, dark aluminium inlays, stainless steel pedals, illuminated front door sills and a flat bottomed sports steering wheel. Metallic paint is also a no cost option.

The Sportback is a sexy beast, with a stubby front end, sloping back and a muscular stance.

The coupe-like roofline adds a healthy dose of style, finishing in a spoiler that splits the rear window horizontally – a la the first Eclipse Cross.

Our test vehicle was finished in pebble grey and rides on 20-inch, five-spoke alloys, with the S line body kit, a radiator grille finished in titanium black with horizontal aluminium slats, and lower air intakes in matt platinum.

Although it’s an EV, the design of the Q4 has not made the complete transition to electric vehicle as it retains a blanked out radiator grille. Why? Ditto the old style instrument cluster and inset touchscreen inside which remain separate entities. And the instrument cluster is somewhat cluttered and difficult to read.

Range could be a deciding factor, stretchingfrom488kmto540km(thelatter for our Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron).

Standard equipment includes leather appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, twin-spoke leather steering wheel, power-adjust driver’s seat, heated front seats with four-way lumbar

support, ambient interior lighting and a power-operated tailgate.

There’s also LED exterior lighting, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree camera,autodimminginteriormirror,auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, plus auto folding/dimming/ heated exterior mirrors with kerb-side dip on passenger side.

Q4 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with 6-year roadside assistance and eight-year/160,000km coverage for the battery. Service intervals are every 24 months/30,000km.

Infotainment

TheMMIinfotainmentsystemiscontrolled from an 11.6-inch touchscreen with a separate 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

It offers the usual array of features, including Bluetooth, voice control, built-in navigation, AM/FM radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Audio is provided by an in-house eight speaker 180 watt audio system.

There’s also wireless phone charging, twoUSBportsinthefrontandanotherpair in the back plus a couple of 12 volt outlets (one in the boot).

Notice we didn’t mention DAB+ digital radio – the jury is out on that one.

Safety

Q4 scores a full five stars for safety but we weregobsmackedtoseeitisfittedwithrear drum brakes. Remember them? WTF?

Driver support systems include Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Backover) as well as a lane support system withlanekeepassist(LKA),lanedeparture warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and blind spot monitoring (BSM) are standard.

Not all safety systems are standard, however. Q4 55 comes with a more comprehensive form of adaptive cruise control, as well as active lane assist, 360 degree camera and park assist plus.

The Q4 55 can also be optioned with augmented reality head-up display, projecting new intuitive directions to the headupdisplaywithinthedriver’seyeline.

Powertrain

Motivation comes from a single electric

motor that provides 210kW of power and 545Nm of torque in this model, with drive to the rear wheels through a single-speed two-stage planetary gearbox.

Driving

Sitting between the Q3 and larger Q5, the Q4 e-tron is Audi’s shooting star, quickly becoming its best-selling electric vehicle since its belated launch here late last year.

At 4591mm in length and with a kerb weight of 2240kg, it’s a mid-sized SUV in practical terms if not name, with a flat interior floor, generous legroom and good-sized boot that offers 535 litres of storage – plus underfloor storage for charging cables. However, there’s no spare tyreofanykind–justapuncturerepairkit.

Dark tones produce an unnecessarily sombre atmosphere in the cabin, but this has been a complaint of Audi’s cars since the beginning of time.

Cabin storage is good with front bottle holders that are angled and located high on the inside of the front doors, instead of down low where you can’t see them. However,thefloatingcentreconsolewhich juts out obscures the lower storage area, particularly the USB ports and 12-volt outlet.

The start button is located on the far side of the gear selector, with a similarly sized audio control of some kind on the near side. Further back is a small, difficult to reach drive mode selection button. Gear selection is achieved via a small fore and aft toggle with a separate button for park, but we were never quite sure whether the car was actually switched off when it came time to exit.

The steering wheel controls are touch sensitive and as usual the small cruise control stalk is difficult to see and work

out once you’re driving, and takes some mastering.

Separate air-con and seat heat controls are provided below the centre screen, with separate controls in the back for rear seat passengers. There’s a number of drive modes and regenerative braking can be modulated with paddles on the steering wheel. No, they’re not for changing gear.

Power is stored in an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh useable), with energy consumption thatisratedat16.9kWh/100kmandarange of540kmforthismodel(WLTP).Weclocked up 617km at a rate of 15.7 kWh/100km. Charging from a household power point takes up to 30 hours, while a 7.2kW single phase AC Wallbox reduces this figure to 11 hours. DC charging capacity has been upgraded to 175kW and this means the car can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 28 minutes. Yeah, right. The Q4 e-tron does not offer V2L functionality.

Rear-drive Q4 45 e-tron, SUV and Sportback, are capable of reaching 100km/h in 6.7 seconds. The all-wheel drive quattro Q4 55 e-tron does it in 5.4 seconds.

It’s not what you’d call lightning quick, but it’s quick enough to be a bit of fun. Ride quality is good, but tends to the wrong side of firm which becomes quickly apparent on our deplorable back roads. Handling is also pretty good, but there’s thosedrumstoconsider,sowewouldn’tbe going in too hard.

We’re surprised adaptive suspension is not fitted, but bearing in mind this is primarily a city-focused car, it’s hardly surprising.

Remember too Audi was focused on reducingtheprice–something’sgottagive.

Summing up

Ifnothingelse,theAudiQ4e-tronisagreat alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling Tesla Model Y.

The range is almost on par with the Tesla and it is stylish, unlike Tesla’s lookalike range, particularly the bulbous Y.

The dynamic Q4 Sportback e-tron has come a long way since the first Audi to carry the e-tron tag.

It’s surprisingly spacious and sporty to drive, and quite frankly, we expected it would cost a lot more.

If nothing else, the Audi Q4 e-tron is a great alternative to Elon Musk’s best-selling Tesla Model Y. (Pictures: Supplied)

The sun was out and the wind was calm making it the perfect day for football on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer

LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Perfect weather for footy

Werribee Districts’ Daniel Nielson and Newport’s Sam Macafee go for a mark. 486901_06

Hoppers Crossing’s Anarkiikonda Van Wills. 486904_13

North Melbourne-Werribee’s Charlotte Blair. 486895_08

North Melbourne-Werribee’s Nyakoat Dojiok and Williamstown’s Georgia Howes. 486895_29

Point Cook Centrals’ Corey Muscat and Jalen Jaimangal tackle Hoppers Crossing’s Thomas Rowland. 486904_03

Werribee Districts’ Joshua Puli goes for a fly. 486901_13 Western Jets’ Chloe Kropman. 486897_02

Western Jets’ Grayson Lafaialii. 486900_03

Western Jets’ Rani Pavlidis. 486900_15

Western Jets’ Tayla Olivieri. 486897_05

Bourne joins Harrower, Rocci at Southside

By Tara Murray

Keilor Thunder star Issie Bourne is making Melbourne home after signing with the Southside Flyers for the next two WNBL seasons.

The signing is an impressive addition to a growing Flyers roster, and Bourne, a 188 centimetre forward, brings a blend of youth, experience, and versatility to the team who are eager to rebound after a challenging 2024-25 campaign.

Bourne has played the past two seasons with the Adelaide Lightning having returned from college. She averaged 13 points and 4 rebounds per game last season.

Her desire to be the best player she can and to be a long-time Opal was the driving force behind her signing with the Flyers develop her game further. In addition to the on-court development, the opportunities outside the game in PR and communications are a bonus.

“I’m really excited to join this new group,“she said. “There are a few familiar faces I’ve played with before, and others I haven’t, so I’m looking forward to building new connections and playing alongside such a talented and special group”.

Bourne said playing for Kristi Harrower was a big reason for signing for the Flyers.

Harrower has coached Bourne the past two seasons in the National Basketball League 1 South season with Keilor Thunder. Bourne won the league most valuable player last year as the side made the grand final.

The Thunder are again among the contenders this season.

“I’ve learned so much under her leadership,andIamreallylookingforward to continuing that growth here,“Bourne said.WhatI’vealwaysadmiredaboutKristi is how much she values character, culture, and team-first basketball—all qualities I really value too and want to be around”.

Harrower said signing Bourne was a

priorityforthem.ThepairalongwithRocci are part of the Australian Opals squad for the Asia Cup.

HeadCoachKristiHarroweristhrilledto have Bourne join the Flyers, saying

“I have been lucky enough to coach Issie intheNBL1atKeilorinthelasttwoseasons and have seen first-hand her work ethic and how she just wants to get better every single day,“ Harrower said.

To see what she does week in and week out and how hard she works, the Flyers are very fortunate to have a player of her quality and work ethic, and importantly, a quality person, join the club.

She was the priority for us, and we are thrilled she made the decision to join the Flyers for the next two seasons.

AyoungplayerthatwillbeafutureOpal. She is 6”2, an athlete and can go back to the basket or stretch the floor, she will give great versatility for our team.”

Balmoral’s big focus

By Tara Murray

Balmoral is hoping to reset its focus as it hits the pointy end of the FV state league 4 west season.

It’s been a hectic few weeks for the club on and off the field, but attention is now on trying to secure promotion.

President Enver Malkic said it had been a crazy time in the mid part of the season.

“We were sitting in fourth spot,” he said. “We parted ways with our coach.

“We had a good cup run before losing to Pascoe Vale, before beating Clifton Hill in the Cecil Earley Plate.”

The club has since appointed Dave Winton and Emme Sheehan to coach the side for the rest of the season.

The pair have previously coached at Plenty Valley Lions where they took the Lions to a title and promotion.

Malkicsaidthepairgotrecommendedto them and they liked their plan and vision forthefutureandunderstandthedemands of modern soccer.

“They know what it takes,” he said. “The squadwehaveisourstrongesteverthatwe have established.

“We’ve got what it takes and have the resources to try and get promoted.”

The first game under the new coaches started slowly before they put on a masterclass as they won 8-0.

Malkic said it was a good result to help build the belief up in the group.

Thesidewasinthirdspotafter12rounds, but fourth placed Bell Park had a game in hand.

There were only three points separating the top four sides.

As well as taking confidence out of the latest win, the club’s Australia Cup run provided some highlights.

The club was the lowest ranked side left in the competition heading into the fifth round.

“In round five we beat North Geelong and there were 1600 people there,” Malkic said. “They were four divisions above us anditwasthebestwinintheclub’shistory.

Fourth title for Sherriff

New Deer Park recruit Aron Sherriff wrotehimselfintothehistorybooks at the Australian Open late last month.

Itwasahistory-makingdayonthe Gold Coast, as reigning Australian Open singles champion Aron Sherriff added another title to his trophy cabinet to take his tally to seven and four in a row.

The three-time world champion quickly ran out to a 7-1 win lead in the final against Altona’s Nathan Wilson.

Wilson clawed his way back to a 13-9 deficit before the hometown hero put his foot on the accelerator to be one away from the championship.

With a finger pointed to the sky, Sherriff was able to displace Wilson’s shot bowl and win the 2025 Australian Open men’s singles championship.

Speaking on the broadcast after winningthetitle,Sherriffsaidit’san amazing event.

“It’s so hard to win one,” he said.

“A fair few days in a row without being defeated against great opposition, carpet greens, slow greens, all the different elements in our sport.

“To be the king of that for four years in a row is pretty awesome.”

Pascoe Vale we just feel short on penalties.

“We had chance after chance but they did not want to go in.”

Malkic said while it would have been nice to continue in the Australia Cup, from a league sense not having to play twice a week worked in their favour.

Being one of the last eight state league sides in the Australia Cup, Balmoral featured in the first Cecil Earley Cup.

It beat Clifton Hill in the first round of that competition and will face Mill Park in August for a spot in the final.

The win against Balmoral came without mostoftheirstarters,showingthedepthat the club.

“We can still win three different cups,” Malkic said. “We have the league cup, the Cecil Earley Cup and the Bosnian Cup.

“Anything can happen.”

Balmoral was set to face Point Cook on Saturday at home, after deadline.

In other matches that were set down for Saturday, ladder leaders Westside Strikers were due to face Lara United.

Sherriff said being played at his home green makes it easier and being able to go home each night is a big bonus.

He moved to Queensland from New South Wales.

“All the stuff you can do on the Gold Coast can get in the way of the event, now I’m up home seep in my bedeverynightandallthatstuffhas certainly made it a lot easier.

“Best thing I’ve done in my career is surround myself with amazing people, when times are tough you need really good people around you topropyouup,whentimesaregood like at the moment you need really good people who like to party with you.”

Sherriff played in Deer Park’s Bowls Victoria premier division titles in 2022-23 and 2023-24 and willrejointheclubfortheupcoming season.

Isabelle Bourne. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 420269_18

Bilal Boukhalfa (middle) has scored 26 goals for the year. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 478421_21

Angelowitsch reaches 400

By Tara Murray

For Sunshine Heights’ Jeremy Angelowitsch, it’s more than just about turning up and trying to get the four points on a Saturday.

Having started at the club as a junior, Angelowitsch has spent all but two years of his playing days with the Dragons.

In their round 10 reserves match, Angelowitsch became the fourth player to play 400 games for the club.

“Not too many have played that many,” he said following the game. “It was a good little thing, with a few people coming into the rooms.

“Definitely don’t think about those things early, even when you transition into seniors you don’t think about these sorts of things.

“Over time when you get closer to the milestone is when you start to think about it.”

Angelowitsch played all his junior football at the Dragons before going to

Albion for two seasons.

He jokes he should have known early on it wasn’t the place for him.

“My first game for Albion seniors I got called up from being an emergency,” he said. “It was seven or eight games in, the coach left me on the bench all game.

“Iprobablyshouldhavelefttheclubthen and there.”

He stayed for a second season with the Cats, before returning home to the Dragons.

It was perfect timing as he played in the club’s division 2 premiership.

It’s the only premiership the 38-year-old has played in.

“That was the milestone,” he said. “The big one.”

Angelowitsch said it was a struggle in their four years in division 1 being a smallerclubbuthadsomegoodwinsalong the way.

He said they’ve had their ups and downs along the way.

“It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster,” he said. “One thing doesn’t really change, the footy club. It has been the same constant in my life.

“Nothing really changes too much. Thingshappeninyourlife,everyday,every year,onethingwiththefootyclubitdoesn’t change too much.”

Angelowitsch said the club was like a family which was something that didn’t come at every club.

He said there were the same welcoming people every weekend.

Keilor Park needs to take their chances

By Tara Murray

It’s a game of inches for Keilor Park at the moment in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.

Inwhatisshapingasaclosecompetition, the Devils past three matches heading into round 11 had been decided by 17 points in total.

The Devils dropped both games to Glenroy and Westmeadows, while beating the Sunbury Kangaroos.

Devils coach Colby Blyth said there were some mixed feelings about those games.

“We’ve been a little bit unlucky,” he said. “We’re least getting opportunities, that is the most important key component.

“You don’t want to be losing by the smallestmargins.Wetakealotoflearnings and a lot of positives.

Blyth said they’ve taken some massive steps forwards this season to put themselves in winning positions.

He said they had chances to beat both WestmeadowsandGlenroyinrecentweeks, as was the case against Rupertswood in round one.

They are the three teams sitting above them on the ladder.

“AgainstWestywewereupwithaminute to go,” he said. “On the weekend [against Glenroy] we had plenty of territory and inside 50s but couldn’t put the pressure on them.

“Rupo we were up in the last minute as well.”

Blyth said with the closeness of the competition that you will get found out even if you are a little bit off.

He said the competition keeps you on your toes, which makes it more interesting.

While sitting fourth and in a finals spot, Blyth said they were keeping things simple heading into the back part of the season.

“For us, the focus is week by week,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens.

“We focus on the now and we’re not looking even further than Burnside Heights.

“We’ve had two losses in a row, both combined of 13 points.

“If we play consistently, we’re more confident our footy will give us the maximum chance to win.”

The Devils faced Burnside Heights on Saturday, after deadline.

Blyth said before the match it would be a good contest against a side that had been competitive. “Burnside Heights are a good contested side,” he said. “They match up well against us.

“They are good at home and having Lachie Evans back helps them as well.

“If we come ready and prepared, we will be in a good position.”

Blyth said things around the club as a

“Iplayforsuccessbutitismorefriendship andcommodityandallthosethingsandits been the same constant at the footy club,” he said.

“It’s never about the money at all. The family of Heights, everyone who comes to the club says how welcoming it is.

“It’s a good club. We don’t have the finances, it’s a whole bunch of people, a close knit group that have done a pretty good job.”

Angelowitschsaiditwasnicetoseesome youngerplayersinthesideandwashopeful that they could build for the future.

Theclubhasn’thadjuniorscomethrough into seniors for a number of years, but the club’s junior program is growing.

Angelowitsch said he will keep going as long as he can pull on the boots.

“When you’re younger you always want to win, it’s got to a point that winning is not everything,“ he said.

“It’s got to a point it’s good to winm but it’s OK to lose sometimes as long as you have tried your best.”

Tigers sign English pair

Sunshine United has locked in two imports for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Isaac Howarth Shield season.

Looking to bounce back after finishing bottom and relegated from senior division, the Tigers have signed Toby Porter and Tiam Afshar for the 2025-26 season.

Both players arrive from East Molesey,asidethathassecuredthree Surrey Premier League titles in five years,alongwithmultipleconference cup victories.

“In 2024, Toby Porter was the leading wicket-taker in the entire Surrey Premier League, collecting 44 wickets for the season,” the Tigers said on social media.

“His ability to strike early and bowl match-defining spells was crucial to East Molesey’s title charge.

“With his pace, control, and competitive edge, Toby is set to play a major role in our bowling attack this summer.

“Tiam Afshar had a breakout season with the bat, compiling 583 runs across competitions.

“A technically sound top-order batter and sharp wicket-keeper, Tiam’s temperament at the crease and leadership in the field will bring balance and professionalism to our line-up.”

The two join Daniel Raniolo in new signing announcements for the club so far. Raniolo returns to the club after trying his luck at the higher level. He has scored more than 2800 runs in Victorian Premier Cricket, including a highest score of 131. Raniolo, a premiership player at the Tigers, returns from playing at Footscray where he played in the second XI last season.

“I’m really happy to have signed back with Sunshine United,” he said previously. “It feels great to return to a club where I’ve shared so many great memories, and I’m excited to be back with friends both on and off the field.”

whole were going really well and it was a vibrant place at the moment.

deadline.

James Muirhead, Matthew Sipala, Nalin Amarathunga and Thomas O’Brien have all re-signed for the upcoming season.

The Devils women were set to face Burnside Heights as well on Saturday, after

Ben Chisholm. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 333186_73

Jeremy Angelowitsch. (Supplied)

Western United star Botic headed to Austrian top flight

Western United star Noah Botic is set to shine on the global stage having signed a contract with Austrian Bundesliga outfit Austria Vienna.

The 23-year-old moves on after a spectacular breakout season at Ironbark Fields where he played in all 29 matches and scored 16 goals, including an historic hat-trick in the Elimination Final against Adelaide United.

It was only fitting that Botic scored in his final game for the Club against Melbourne City, his 27th goal in 72 appearances in green and black to make him the greatest-ever goal scorer in United’s history.

Now ready to take the next step in his career, Botic said his time in the West with some pivotal memories and experiences.

“Afterspendingthepastfouryearsatthis amazing club, it is hard to say goodbye,” he said. “The amount of love and kindness I have received has been through the roof,

and I will miss everyone

“The club has meant the world to me as it was the first, and still only, professional club that I’ve played for.

“I want to thank everyone, from the background staff to the team staff and players. They’ve all had a big impact on my time at the club and I’m truly grateful for that.ButIespeciallywanttothanktheboss forgivingmetheopportunitytohavemade my debut and help me properly kick start my career.”

WesternUnitedfootballgeneralmanager MalImpiombatocelebratedBotic’ssuccess at the club and the exciting future he has ahead of him.

“We are extremely proud of Noah for all ofthehardworkhehasputintodeveloping hisgameandearninganotherdreammove overseas,” he said.

“Noah is cemented in our history books forever for his achievements and the role he has played in our best-ever season in

club history. His talent on the pitch has been met with an incredible impact on our standards and culture off the pitch.

“This is also a major milestone for our club to send a player off to a top European league. The club is proud of the role it has played to get Noah to this point in his career and we have firm beliefs that we have developed our next Socceroo.

“On behalf of everyone at our club, I would like to thank Noah for the indelible mark he has left on Western United and wish him every success in the future. We will be watching and celebrating every achievement from afar.”

Botic will become the third Australian in the Austrian Bundesliga next season, joining Jed Drew and Jacob Italiano who play for TSV Hartberg and Grazer AK respectively.

Austria Vienna finished third in the league last season, just three points off champions Sturm Graz.

Keilor continues on

By Tara Murray

Keilor is continuing to bank the wins as the challenges continue to come in the EssendonDistrictFootballLeaguepremier division.

The undefeated Blues have been tested in recent weeks but have passed every challenge so far.

The latest was on Saturday as the Blues took on Airport West at Hansen Reserve. Blues coach Mick McGuane said it was never an easy ground to go and win at.

“It was a good battle,” he said. “It’s never an easy ground to go and play at considering how small it is.

“Hardtogetanyflowinthegame.Wehad a lot of personnel that didn’t participate that would be in our best team when they are healthy.

“All you can do is bank wins at this time of the year, the grind period.”

The Eagles put up a fight for the first half, trailing by 18 points at the main break.

The margin increased to 30 points at the final break before the Blues put their foot down in the final quarter to win, 19.13

(127)-12.6 (78).

The big finishes have become part of the Blues games in recent weeks.

“It validates the program in terms of our fitness,” McGuane said. “Commination of work rate match day and things built during the week.

“The cold wintery nights play wonders withthemindsetandahugepartoflooking after yourselves.

“Our boys are at the high end of the expectations around that. Give themselves and ourselves the best chance of them playing well individually along with collectively.

“It has to be a squad mentality and we would have played around mid-30s at seniorlevelalreadyandhaven’tlostagame.

“Overcome the adversity we’ve had with a lot of good players on the sidelines at the moment.”

Liam Hude and Blair Wylie kicked three goals

McGuane said they were missing “too many”outoftheirbestsidebutitopensthe door for other players to step up.

Hesaiditshouldbodewellfortheplayers

Sports shorts

FV

Keilor Wolves has looked to strengthen their squad with two key signings for the rest of the FV state league 4 west season. Chris Davies, who is a prolific goal scorer with a wealth of experience at the top levels of Victorian football, joins the club bringing firepower to the club. He has played at National Premier League level with the Preston Lions and Werribee City. Alexander Najdovski returns to his junior club, having most recently played with Lalor United. On Friday night, the Wolves lost to Melton Phoenix, 5-3. Davies was among the goal scorers for the Wolves.

NPL

Former Melbourne Victory defender Nick Ansell heads the mid-season signings for St Albans Saints in the National Premier League. Ansell, who played in a championship with Melbourne Victory, joins the club from Thai outfit Nakhon Ratchasima. Lachlan Weier, Nicolas Koek and Shaun Ruzvidzo are the other new signings for the Saints. On Saturday night, the Saints had a 2-0 win against the Port Melbourne Sharks. The Saints scored both goals in the second half. The Saints sit in 11th spot on 20 points.

NBL1

and the club going into the future.

“We have given players a chance to go to fortresses where you are challenged obviously,” he said. “You’ve got a target on your back when you’re a winning club like we are at the moment. You see the amount of effort that certain clubs put in and they flow it up the next week and get beat.

“We’vegottokeeprisingtothatoccasion. The hardest thing in footy is to win, that is why I’m so proud of the group and what they have achieved to this point.”

While the young players have stepped up,it’sskipperKaneBarbutothatisleading the way.

McGuane said he had a new lease on life whenhechangedjobsfrombeingateacher to a firefighter.

“He’s a marvel, isn’t he?” he said. “He’s playinggreatfooty…Ithinkitreinvigorated him to put him down to one of the EDFL’s legends of the game the way he goes about his stuff.

“You never question what he stands for.”

The Blues face Strathmore this Saturday.

The Mores enter the game on the back of two straight losses.

Keilor Thunder’s women continued their strong form with a good win against the Ringwood Hawks, while it was heartbreak for the men in the National Basketball League 1 South season. After trailing at half time, the Thunder won the second half 40-30 to come away with an 87-80 win. Issue Bourne top scored with 26 points, while pulling down nine rebounds. The Thunder men suffered a 97-96 loss to the Hawks after leading at the last break.

EDFL

Keilor got a hard fought win against Greenvale in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season. While the Blues started better on the scoreboard, the Jets pushed them and got the margin back to a goal early in the last quarter. The Blues held their nerve late to win, 6.6 (42)-5.4 (34).

Noah Botic. (AAP Image/Will Murray)

Josh Honey. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 485453_14

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