Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 5th August 2025

Gearing up

A Keilor local is preparing for her fourth Great Vic Bike Ride this year, cycling from Mortlake to Camperdown via the Great Ocean Road.

Nevenka Bradica, a regular cyclist in Brimbank Park, said she’s excited to take on the challenge.

“I love the fact you can see our beautiful countryside on roads that normally I would not want to ride on … with lots of other bike riders I feel very comfortable and safe on the Great Vic Bike Ride,” she said.

The bike ride, now in its 41st year, will feature 300 kilometres of Great Ocean Road coastlines, cliffs and winding country roads as part of its five-day itinerary.

Ms Bradica said in previous years she’s seen little ones on bike racks participating in rides as well as 80-year olds furiously pedalling it out.

“It’s fantastic,“ she said.

“ My advice for the first timer is to do it and like me you’ll get the bug and keep coming back.”

The Great Vic Bike Ride will run from November 23 to 28.

Nevenka Bradica will ride in her fourth Great vic Bike Ride later this year. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 492708_05

Charges dropped

By Sam Porter

Locals have been left frustrated by a Environment Protection Authority (EPA) decision to drop criminal charges against Barro Group for its mismanagement of the Kealba landfill where underground fires have been burning underground for more than six years.

The EPA charged Barro and its three directors with breaches of the general environmental duty in 2022.

In a recent statement the EPA said its withdrawal of criminal charges would not limit further compliance and enforcement activity in the future.

“We acknowledge this is a disappointing outcome for the community,” the EPA said.

“However, the most important thing is to make sure Kealba landfill is safe, all hotspots are extinguished and Barro Group is brought into compliance,

“By concentrating resources and expertise on the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) case, and our ongoing compliance actions, we stand the best chance of making that happen.”

The EPA revoked Barro’s operating licence in 2023. Barro has appealed the move at VCAT.

The regulator said it continues to monitor the landfill to ensure Barro works

to extinguish the last remaining hotspot.

Resident Nicole Power, whose health has beennegativelyaffectedbynoxiousodours from the landfill’s ongoing fires, said the decisionto drop the criminal charges is “a monumental failure by the EPA”.

“It just devastated me,“ she said.

“I just can’t understand. There’s been no penalty whatsoever for these fires.

“We need some transparency, some communityconsultation.Weneedtoknow why the charges were dropped.”

An open letter from residents affected by thelandfillsaidtheEPA’swithdrawalofthe criminal charges “undermines confidence in enforcement and denies the community

the justice it deserves”.

Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang agreed the outcome is disappointing.

“The community expects that regulators like the EPA will utilise their full jurisdiction to hold industry operators to account, to ensure that their practices are safe, responsible and cause no harm to the community and the environment,” she said. “Council and the community have long-held serious concerns about air quality and health impacts and want to see decisive action on this issue to protect public health and the environment for generations to come.”

Barro Group declined to contact.

Gambling losses increase

By Sam Porter

Brimbank remains the top council area in Victoria for electronic gaming machine (EGM) spend, with locals losing more than $175 million in the past financial year.

According to new data, Brimbank residents spent $175.9 million on EGMs between July 2024 and June 2025 — up $4.2m from the 2023 -2024 financial year.

Data also showed 953 EGMs in the municipality.

Brimbank has led in EGM losses statewide for more than a decade now, with locals losing a total of $1.36 billion from July 2014 to July 2024.

Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said gambling harm continues to have a devastating effect on the community.

“[Gambling harm] is taking its toll through financial stress, relationship breakdowns, homelessness, family violence and mental health struggles,” she said.

Cr Dang said the state government is responsible for the regulation and distribution of EGMs.

“While the government announced a number of initiatives in 2023, the implementation of some of these will not occur in full until 2027,” she said.

“Brimbank is a member of the Alliance for Gambling Reform and our focus has

been on advocating for regulatory reform to prevent and reduce harm from EGMs.”

The council said it is calling on the state government to tackle the issue by expanding the uniform closing hours of gaming venues, reducing the daily EFTPOS withdrawal limit at gaming venues and extinguishing all EGM licences that are forfeited by gaming venue operators, among other measures.

Settlement Service International (SSI) head of community wellbeing and health Rose Vearing said several factors contributetoareasbecominggamblinghotspots.

SSI provides culturally informed gambling support.

These factors include high concen-

‘It’s going to be tasty’: Food van turns four

Locals and volunteers celebrated the fourth birthday of the Paradise 4 Kids (P4K) food van initiative in St Albans on July 29, with a tasty spread and a community gathering.

The P4K food van has created a strong sense of community since it first started during Covid with the goal to provide hot meals and clothing for homeless people.

P4K Victorian director Jane Pallot said everybody had a great time at the event.

Greek gyros, banana bread, marinated chicken, rice, desserts and 200 handmade spring rolls, made by one of the volunteers, were shared among locals as part of the celebrations.

“[People] can come on a Tuesday night and they don’t know what they’re going to get but it’s going to be tasty food,” Ms Pallot said.

“It’s grown quite big. Everyone comes not only just for the food. They

just love coming to see each other and chat.

“When we started I was cooking five kilograms of meat. And now I’m cooking 30 kilograms of meat.”

The food initiative relies on community donations and the generosity of volunteers with any funds raised going back to the community.

The community kitchen runs every Tuesday evening from 5.30pm at the St Albans Market car park.

trations of EGMS in socio-economically disadvantaged suburbs, limited access to alternative recreational activities and the normalisation of gambling through social practices and local advertising.

“These factors are compounded by the presence of vulnerable populations experiencing financial stress, mental health issues or social isolation,” she said.

“Inadequate regulation and local government limitations in controlling venue numbers or machine caps often mean that once a region becomes saturated, it is difficult to reverse the trend.

“Local councils should be given more authority to make planning decisions that prioritise community wellbeing.”

Machete bins rolled out for amnesty

A machete disposal bin will be located in Brimbank as part of a two-month amnesty period during which people are being urged to safely dispose of the weapon.

The safe disposal bin will be located at Sunshine police station from September 1- November 30.

The bin will be accessible 24-7 and will be roughly 900 millimetres by 1200 millimetres in size, with a 70 millimetre concrete base to ensure they are secure and have feet to allow for safe removal.

The amnesty period will coincide with a statewide machete ban which will make owning, carrying, using, buying, or selling a machete without a valid exemption or approval a criminal offence from September 1.

During the amnesty period, people can hand in a machete without penalty. Anyone who fails to do so could face up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of more than $47,000, the state government said.

According to the government, agricultural workers who use machetes as part of their job and machetes that are used in a traditional, historical, or cultural capacity will be exempted.

Anyone covered by an exemption must comply with strict conditions and be able to demonstrate eligibility if asked by police.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the government had a simple message to anyone who owned a machete.

“Get rid of them or face the consequences,” he said.

“We’re backing Victoria Police who work tirelessly to get these weapons out of young people’s hands and keep people safe.”

Premier Jacinta Allan said machetes destroyed lives.

“Victorians have zero tolerance for knife crime and so do we – we’re enacting this ban and boosting Victoria Police’s powers because community safety always comes first.”

Details: vic.gov.au/machete-amnesty.

Questionnaire open: Have your say on Brimbank City Council’s road management plan

Locals can have their say on Brimbank council’s road management plan, which will be adopted for 2025 to 2029. The road management plan, which is currently under review, guides how council inspects, maintains, and repairs municipal roads as well as footpaths, bridges and drainage within road reserves.

It also sets inspection frequencies, response times, repair standards and time-

frames.

Timeframes for council to complete reactive inspections are based on factors like traffic volume and the risk caused by the hazard.

In Brimbank, council maintains 908.1km of roads, which is enough to drive from Sunshine to Sydney. These roads include local access roads, collector roads and sub-arterial roads but not highways, freeways and

declared main roads, which are instead maintained by the state government.

The consultation asks locals to review the road management plan draft and to provide feedback through a short survey.

Residents can also drop pins on an interactive map and comment on any problems areas they want to highlight.

Participants are encouraged to share their ideas and suggestions for better

road and footpath services.

Councils are required to review road management plans after each state election.

The questionnaire can be accessed via yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au.

Submissions are open until Wednesday, August 20.

The final draft of the plan will be presented to council for adoption in October.

Asimina Drougas and Frank Geramia help out at the Paradise 4 Kids food van. (David Pallot) 493559_01

Geoffrey’s legacy

By Sam Porter

President and founder of the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek (FLKC) and local lobbyist, Geoffrey Mitchelmore OAM, is hanging up the boots for a well-earned retirement.

When asked how he feels about retiring, the84-yearoldsaidhe’s“notsureyet.”

Mr Mitchelmore said his passion for the environment came on “by accident” in 2000, instigated by dangerous truck traffic inAltonaNorth.

“Irealisedtheonlywaytofixitwastoget thegovernmenttobuildabridgeacrossthe KororoitCreek,”hesaid.

Mr Mitchelmore became involved in the $8 million Barnes Bridge project and quickly developed an appreciation for the Kororoit Creek, which he noticed was highly-polluted and in a poor condition.

When a government-issued media release referred to the creek as a ‘drain’ Mr Mitchelmore decided he wanted to do moretoprotectthevitalwaterway.

“I took exception to [the wording] and toldthemtheyneededtochangeitbecause it may be a drain to most people but it’s actually a proper waterway,” said Mr Mitchelmore.

He then worked with community members Craig and Debbie Woods to form an action group, which was then establishedastheFLKCin2001.

“We set ourselves two goals. One was to green the Kororoit Creek corridor because there was hardly a tree there and the other one was to try and get a path from Cherry Lake right through to Geelong road,” said MrMitchelmore.

The group is now on track to fulfil those goals.

Stages four and five of the Kororoit Creek Trailaresettobefinishedbytheendofthe year after the project received a $5 million fundingboostfromthefederalgovernment inFebruary.

“It’s been a fantastic achievement for the grouptogetthatalldone,”hesaid.

Mr Mitchelmore, a former industrial chemist, local theatre actor, ship builder and sailor, said he’s not entirely sure what he’ll do with all the extra time in his retirement.

“It’sbeenlikefourcareersinmylife.And they were all really great. I was just really lucky,”hesaid.

“NowI’vegotafifthonetofind.”

Superhub is progressing

Geotechnical investigations are underway at Sunshine station as preparations gear up for major improvements to the rail network in Melbourne’s west.

CrewshavebeenonsiteatSunshine to test soil and locate underground utilities,whichwillinformthedesign and construction of the project.

The investigations are a critical partofpreparingfortheconstruction of two new platforms at Sunshine Station, which will make way for new tracks and ensure the station can support more than 40 trains per hour in the future.

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly said it’s wonderful to see works underway with all the testing that’s taking place.

She also said workers are really consciousaboutthedisruptiontothe public.

The state government said procurement for the project is progressing well, with construction industry representatives attending a recent online briefing to learn more about opportunities to deliver the works.

A new construction alliance will be established to deliver the project’s package of regional line works, which includes the new platforms at Sunshine station.

The remaining works packages on the project will be delivered by the existing level crossing removal project delivery alliances.

President and founder of Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek Geoffrey Mitchelmore OAM has recently retired after decades of strong community advocacy. (Damjan Janevski) 490653_08

100 days of prep

Foundation students at St Albans Heights Primary School recently celebrated their first 100 days of school, partaking in a range of fun activities and dressing up as seniorstomarktheoccasion.

St Albans Heights Primary School teachers Ms Amber and Ms Nicole said the event was a huge milestone for the students.

“To celebrate, we stepped back in time with the cutest group of ‘100-year-olds’ you’ve ever seen. From walking sticks and

greywigstocardigansandpearls,ourlittle oldiestrulydressedthepart,”theysaid.

“The day was jam-packed with fun, learning, and laughter, all themed around the number 100. We counted, created, crafted,andevendancedourwaythrough theday.

“A big thank you to all the wonderful parentswhocamealongtohelpandjoinin the celebrations. And most importantly, a massive congratulations to our students… you’reofficially100dayssmarter!”

Weekly activities for mindfulness

Brimbanks locals can participate in mindful sessions of activities each week in a program offered by Sydenham Baptist Church

During ‘renew’ wellbeing’ sessions, participants can enjoy games of table tennis, get creative with arts and crafts, and relax with a range of boardgames and puzzles.

Sydenham Baptist Church care pastor Catherine Ottavi said the event is “a wellbeingspaceforpeopletobeokaywhen they’renotfeelingokay.”

“We share in activities and all are welcome. It doesn’t matter your age or ability...itmakesnodifference,”shesaid.

Renew wellbeing sessions are free to attend and run during school terms every Thursday from 12.30 to 2.30pm and each Saturdayfrom1.30to3pm.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured these pictures during a recentsession.

Staff members Ms Lucy, Ms Kim, Ms Christine, Ms Amber and Ms Nicole. (Pictures: Supplied)

Sophia (top left), Jobe (top right), Abbie (left), and Bradley (right) celebrate 100 days of prep.

Care pastor Catherine Ottavi.

Kumar Vairamuttu, Selamwit Eshetu and Rubini Vairamuttu. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 491684

Wilma Fielding, and below, Philip Staff.

Ira Dekker and Enryco Cristini.

Bella Barnes.

Health, education alliance

Twoofthewesternsuburbs’mostimportant educationandhealthcareinstitutionshave joined forces.

VictoriaUniversity(VU)andMercyHealth have formalised a partnership aimed at boosting research collaborations, graduate employment and training and development opportunities for staff and students.

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker and Mercy Health chief executivehealthservicesClintonCummins last week signed a memorandum of understanding that created a formal alliance between the only university Melbourne’s west and the operator of one the region’s major hospitals.

Professor Shoemaker said the partnership would build upon the long history of collaboration between the two organisations.

“In 2024 alone, Mercy Health placed more than 200 VU students into nursing, midwifery and physiotherapy – educating

and empowering emerging health professionals,” Professor Shoemaker said.

Mr Cummins said the partnership was much more than just mutually beneficial.

“Together, we’re building stronger pathwaysfromeducationintoemployment, strengthening the future health workforce, and opening new doors for research and innovation that will improve outcomes for our communities,” Mr Cummins said.

Under the partnership, VU students will be offered an increased number of placements, graduate employment and volunteering opportunities with Mercy Health, including at Werribee Mercy, the only public hospital in Wyndham.

Staff from Mercy Health will have access to training, wellbeing and development programs at VU TAFE, and access to staff wellbeing options at the university.

Employment and education pathways at VU TAFE and opportunities for research collaborations will also be explored.

Briefs

Boom gates gone

The Sunbury line is now boom gate free. The last three sets of boom gates have been dismantled from the line, following works removing the gates at Holden Road and Calder Park Drive in Calder Park and Old Calder Highway in Diggers Rest. The first two level crossings to be removed on the line were the scene of multiple fatalities and near misses, with two deaths and more than 60 near misses recorded at the Main Road level crossing in St Albans in the decade prior to its removal in 2016, and three fatalities at the nearby Furlong Road level crossing. New stations were also built at Ginifer and St Albans in 2016, with a memorial garden at the St Albans station featuring a plaque honouring all Victorians killed at level crossings.

Car crash investigation

Police are investigating a multi-vehicle collision in Fraser Rise on July 29. It is understood a Mercedes Benz and a Volkswagen Passat collided at the intersection of City Vista Court and Osprey Drive just before 2pm. The Mercedes veered across the southbound lane of City Vista Court and crashed into a parked car, causing the parked car to hit another parked car. The driver of the Mercedes, a 42-year-old West Melbourne man, is assisting police with their inquiries.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

VU Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker, nursing student David Schreurs, physiotherapy student Bridget McKenna and Mercy Health chief executive health services Clinton Cummins. (Supplied)

Recognition after 45 years

The federal government officially welcomed home the athletics from the 1980 Olympics Games in Russia on July 30, 45 years after the Games. Tara Murray chats with David Smith, who was among those to compete at the Games despite Australia’s boycott.

There was no way that David Smith wasgoingtomissoutonrepresenting Australia at the 1980 Olympics.

The race walker from the then Williamstown Athletics Club had five qualifying times to compete on the biggest stage for the first time.

While Smith was keen to hit the track in Moscow, there were bigger things going on behind the scenes.

More than 45 countries boycotted the Games in protest of the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979.

There was intense pressure from the Australian government and many sporting administrators and commentators for local athletes to boycott the Games.

Some athletes snuck out of the country, others decided not to go at all.

Smith was unaware of a lot of the drama back home in the lead up to the Games, having spent the three months before the Games competing in Europe.

“Forty-five years ago I didn’t know that we were rejected and not acknowledged,” he said.

“I knew there was a boycott going on and theyaskedmetogoonthePeterCouchman Show, which is one of those personality shows.

They asked me, ‘are you going to support the boycott? I said no way ... There was no way I would miss out marching in the Olympic Games opening ceremony - David Smith

“Theyaskedme,‘areyougoingtosupport the boycott? I said no way.

“I had my ticket to Europe and the visa to get into the Games, even if the team didn’t turn up … I was still going.

“I would have walked under the neutral flag and competed under the natural flag if that was the case.”

Smithhadhisownconcernsheadinginto the Games. He found himself in Europe with no money and his Euro pass expired before meeting up with the Australian team.

He jumped on a train late at night in Belgium without a ticket and reached out to a real estate agent to send him money so he could meet up with his teammates.

Smith had given up work to train full-time for the year before the Games and was one of the first people named on the team.

He said the Olympic Games experience was amazing.

“I had the best time of all,” he said. “Totally enthralled with it. There was no way I would miss out marching in the Olympic Games opening ceremony.

“It was the best feeling of all time.”

Smith was later disqualified in the 20-kilometre walk event

After the Games, Smith continued to compete and travel through Europe for three months.

The 1980 event would be one of two Games that Smith would compete in. He finished 10th four years later at the Los Angles Games.

Smith said he entered the event in good shape having won a 10-kilometre event weeks beforehand.

“The only problem we had was the heat and humidity, we were all done sweating by seven kilometres as it was that dry,” he said.

“I pushed through. Theoretically on times and everything, I should have been one of the top contenders.”

While Smith made his name in athletics, it wasn’t his first sporting love.

Hewasanamateurboxerwithmorethan 50 fights under his belt and also played rugby league.

It was a move to Werribee that set him onto the path to the Olympics.

“When I came down from Darwin in year 12, I joined Werribee Athletics Club. In Darwin I was playing rugby league and my dad was the Australian lightweight boxing champion in his time.

“He was teaching me boxing. I was also riding track work with the horses.

“Dad got posted to Point Cook. There were no horses, no boxing and no rugby league.”

Having had some success at the NT Walkabout event in the Northern Territory, had got stuck into athletics when he moved to Werribee.

One of his classmates was a race walker

and he quickly joined the ranks as a junior and won two 10-kilometre titles in his first year.

He jumped into the senior ranks and moved to Footscray Athletics Club and then to Williamstown as it was ranked as a higher level club. He still holds four club records at Williamstown.

“I was running out of competition and running out of venues, as I was getting quicker and quicker,“ he said.

“I joined Williamstown as an A-grade club and spent a whole heap of time there. Theywerebrilliant,oneofthenicestgroups of guys in a club that you can imagine.”

Smith later turned coach and started helpingthenextgenerationofracewalkers.

Among them was his son Dane Bird-Smith.

It would take Smith back to the Olympics again.

In 2016, Smith watched on as his son won Olympic bronze in the 20-kilometre walk.

“I took him around the world [to] exactly thesameseriesofracesIhadraced33years

beforehand,” he said. “He mirrored a lot of the races that I had done.

“He pretty much broke all my Australian records on his way through.

“His bronze medal in Rio was absolutely brilliant. It was superb. I get the kudos of being his coach.

“He tells me he’s a far better athlete than me … I just told him he had a far better coach than I did. I was self coached.”

Smith, who recently turned 70, still loves the sport. He coached in several different countries but has now retired.

Living in Queensland, he is enjoying the sailing life.

Smith wasn’t at the welcoming home last week, due to already having committed to dog-sitting duties for his son.

Smith said competing at the Olympics has been a special memory.

“Once an Olympian, always an Olympian, that’s our catch cry,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s many people in Australia that appreciate what it takes to become an Olympian.”

Dane Bird-Smith and David Smith after the 2018 Commonwealth Games where Dane won gold.

(AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

David and Dane Bird-Smith at the 2016 Olympics, and a story on David Smith in the Mail newspaper ahead of the 1980 Games. (Supplied)

Socialising can help you stay healthy and happy

Nine ways socialising can help you stay healthy and happy as you get older.

1. Keeps Your Brain Sharp

Spending time with others – whether through a chat, a game, or a shared hobby – gives your brain a workout. It helps with memory, focus and even problem-solving. Regular social interaction has been linked toalowerriskofdementia,makingitoneof thebestbrainboostersaround.

2. Encourages Physical Activity

Socialisingoftengetsyoumoving,whether you’reheadingoutforagroupwalk,dancing at an event or gardening with neighbours. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep active without even thinking about it. Centennial Living retirement villages for independent living, offer regular activities like gentle exercise classes and social outings to help youstayactiveandengaged.

3. Supports Healthy Habits

Surrounding yourself with people who care about their health often encourages you to do the same. Whether it’s eating better, drinking more water, or getting outside for fresh air, your social circle can beabigmotivator.

4. Gives You a Sense of Purpose

Whether it’s joining a group, volunteering or just being a good friend, having something to look forward to each day adds meaning to your life. Feeling needed andinvolvedisgreatformentalhealthand wellbeing.

5. Helps You Manage Stress

Having someone to talk to can help ease worries and take the edge off stressful situations. Add in some simple relaxation

habits like breathing exercises, and you’ve got a great formula for feeling calm and in control.

6. Improves Sleep

Feeling connected and supported during the day can help you sleep more soundly at night. People who are socially active tend to report fewer problems with falling or staying asleep, especially when paired withanactivelifestyle.

7.Supports Heart Health

Less stress and more joy? It’s a great combination for your heart. Studies show that people with strong social networks

BURNSIDE VILLAGE

have lower blood pressure and are at a reduced risk of heart disease. That’s a benefitwecanallgetbehind.

8.Encourages Lifelong Learning

Joining a group or club is a great way to keep learning. Whether it’s trying a new hobby or taking a class, learning together makes it more enjoyable—and easier to stickwith.AtCentennialLivingretirement villages, the social calendars are full of opportunities to try something new, meet others, and keep growing. Studies have shown that people with strong social connections tend to recover from illness faster.

9.May Help You Live Longer

Yes, really. Research shows that strong social connections are linked to longer lifespans. It makes sense—when you feel supported, happy, and connected, everything else tends to fall into place. Staying connected is one of the most valuable things you can do for yourself as youage.

At Centennial Living, we believe life is betterwhenshared.That’swhyourvillages are designed to make connecting with otherseasyandenjoyable.

For an information brochure call 1300098000.

There are plenty of socialising opportunities on offer at Centennial Living. (Supplied)

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

Council and Wellbeing Plan

The Council and Wellbeing Plan, and Long Term Financial Plan and Asset Plan were adopted at last week’s Council Meeting:

• The Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029 sets out the vision, priorities and strategic direction for Council for the next four years.

• The Financial Plan 2025-2035 outlines how Council will sensibly and sustainably deliver services, programs and infrastructure, while ensuring financial sustainability over the long term.

Road works and traffic disruptions

There are currently a number of important road works projects happening in the City of Melton. Some are being completed by Council, and others are led by VicRoads or Developers.

These works are extremely important to help support our growing community and make our roads safer, and we thank residents for their patience and understanding while they are being completed.

You can view current works in your area at melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks

• The Asset Plan 2025-2035 guides Council’s long-term strategic management of assets, including transport, building, stormwater and open-space assets.

You can view all three key strategic documents at melton.vic.gov.au/council-plan

Djerriwarrh Festival 2025

Council is calling out to all schools, community groups, service and sport clubs to join the Djerriwarrh Festival Street Parade on Saturday 8 November 2025.

The Street Parade is a key event on the festival program and this year’s theme is ‘Melton in colour: Colour on every corner’.

To secure your spot in the parade, apply by Sunday 7 September at melton.vic.gov.au/ festivalapplications

Hilltop Ward with Cr John Verdon

Council recently approved its 2025/26 Budget, and I’m pleased to say it includes some great projects for Hilltop Ward.

Over $600,000 has been allocated for the early planning of the new Diggers Rest Children’s and Community Centre, which will feature kindergarten rooms, Maternal and Child Health suites, and community spaces. In addition, around $80,000 has been allocated to plan for the renewal of the oval at Hillside Recreation Reserve.

It’s also pleasing to see the Hillside Recreation Reserve Park and Playspace upgrade is almost complete. This revitalised reserve will offer expanded play areas with new equipment, outdoor exercise pods, improved shared path networks for safer access, and additional natural shade to enhance social and recreational opportunities for residents.

Lastly, I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed attending local events as part of my role as Hilltop Ward Councillor. I recently went along to some great community fundraisers, including the Hillside Sharks mid-year ball, and the Diggers Rest Burras trivia night. I love being able to get out and about to celebrate and support the local community and get to know more of about the people I represent.

I especially enjoy attending citizenship ceremonies. It’s such an honour to welcome the many new Australians who have chosen to call our City home, and I look forward to continuing to celebrate these special moments with our community. Feel free to contact me regarding Hilltop Ward or Council related issues on 0418 444 883 or email at John.Verdon@melton.vic.gov.au

Mayor’s message Cr Steve Abboushi

At last week’s Council Meeting, we approved the Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029, and Financial and Asset Plans for 2025-2035. These three strategic plans provide a roadmap to help guide the work of Council and the future of our wonderful City.

The Council and Wellbeing Plan introduces a new Council Vision: A welcoming and liveable City accessible to all’ and reaffirms our commitment to a healthy and inclusive community, a thriving and well-designed city, and a progressive and trusted Council.

Thank you to our 50-member community panel and all in our community who provided feedback and contributed to the development of these important plans, ensuring the voices of our community have been heard.

I’m also excited to announce that the City of Melton 2025/26 Youth Scholarship program was endorsed at last week’s Council Meeting as the Mayoral Community Initiative Project for 2025. This innovative new program will see Council partner with local secondary and specialist schools in the City of Melton to provide financial assistance and mentoring to a Year 11 student from each school. Council is committed to providing opportunities for youth empowerment, education equity, and community engagement, and this is something I am personally very passionate about. It is important that we invest in the future of our young people, nurture leadership, and create opportunities for them to shine. I look forward to seeing the implementation of the program and to meeting our inaugural scholarship recipients.

You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic. gov.au or on 0437 231 680.

Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Deputy

Lara Carli

Kathy Majdlik

Phillip Zada

New MP makes her mark

By Sam Porter

Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird has delivered her inaugural speech during federal parliament’s second sitting week.

She said speaking in the house for the first time was an incredible experience.

“I just feel so honoured and privileged that I have that responsibility now to represent my community here in Canberra and I will not waste one day,” she said.

In her speech, Ms Jordan-Baird highlighted her main focuses for the electorate as being infrastructure, healthcare

and education.

“They’re my highest priorities and I made that really clear… in front of the ministers responsible for all of those portfolios,” she said.

“We need to cater for the growth of the west. There’s no question that we’re growing and we need to better prepare for that.”

One of the motifs in Ms Jordan-Baird’s speech was the golden wattle which she said is the favourite bloom of her late sister, Clara, as well as her own.

“I think there’s a really powerful story

in that [the wattle] is a connection to our First Nations Australians and it’s a connection to flora and fauna and our waterways. That reminds us of the resilience of our First Nations people, and that nature in our waterways is something we need to protect and enhance and fight for as well,” she said.

“I didn’t actually know [the wattle was featured] in the chamber on top of the speaker’s chair until I sat in the house for the very first time as the member for Gorton. I was excited to see it.”

Ms Jordan-Baird’s family and friends

Local filmmaker siblings are dreaming big

Two young filmmakers from the western suburbs are hoping to each make their mark in an upcoming international film festival.

Siblings Alexis and Charlie Truong are enteringthisseason’sSmartFoneFlickFest (SF3) — one of the world’s biggest smartphone film festivals.

Seven-year old Alexis will make a return to the SF3 Kids Flicks category after creating headlines last year as the youngest filmmakerinthefestival’shistory.Her2024 debut film, The Bumper Car in Shanghai,

was inspired by a wild family holiday and captured hearts with its charm and originality. This year, she’s submitted a story titledMaxtonandtheMoon…butshewon’t be the only Truong in the spotlight.

Her five-year-old brother Charlie has entered his first film, Looking for Parking, a playful stop-motion adventure that he completed when he was only four.

Both films have already been named as finalists in the Screen It International Film Festival,basedinBrisbane,withAlexisand Charlie already being nominated for vari-

ous awards. But for now the family’s eyes arefirmlysetonSydneywherefinalistfilms in the SF3 festival will be screened as part of a gala early next year.

Father of Alexis and Charlie, Tez Vi Truong (aka Tez Frost) is a filmmaker himselfandsaid“SF3hasaspecialplaceinour hearts.”

“We had such a positive experience last year. Festival director Angela Blake has been incredibly supportive — not just of ourkids,butofsomanyyoungartistsinthe community,” he said.

were present for her inaugural speech, with her parents, sister, husband, local branch members and wider family watching from the gallery.

“I was really honoured for them to come up as well as see my first speech,” she said.

“No matter how many times you practise some of the more emotional bits, looking up into the gallery and seeing your family there… it obviously gets you.”

“I think it made me feel like my other sister Clara would be really proud of me as well.”

Calder Park drive bridge now open

Calder Park is level crossing free, with the new Calder Park Drive bridge over the rail line now open to traffic.

More than 10,000 vehicles used these level crossings each day, facing delays of up to 26 minutes when 25 trains travelled through the crossings in the morning peak, according to the state government.

Two former race cars were among the first vehicles to test drive the new Calder Park Drive road bridge ahead of its opening.

The 1990 Chevrolet Lumina NASCAR and the 1990 Holden VN Commodore AUSCAR both raced at the nearby Calder Park Raceway’s Thunderdome in the 1990s.

“We took the cars for a couple of laps over the bridge and it was a smooth ride,” driver Richard White said.

“The whole team have done an awesome job. It’s an impressive overpass. We used to come down Calder Park Drive to go to the raceway and it’s great to see all the new development in the area.”

The state government said removing the Calder Park Drive level crossing will improve traffic flow and allow for the closure of the level crossing at nearby Holden Road, which will remain accessible via Plumpton Road.

The opening marks the 87th level crossing removal across Melbourne. In the coming months, crews will complete the Calder Park Drive bridge’s shared use path and landscaping works.

Alexis,7, films brother Charlie, 5, for an original film that will be entered into this year’s SmartFone FlickFest. (Tez Vi Truong)

An Australia Day ‘basho’

Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the rollicking tale of a fight that took place in 1925 outside a pub in Yarraville between locals and visiting Filipiino sailors on Australia Day.

Over the years, we have become accustomed to the various controversies leading up to Australia Day. Statues are routinely disfigured, decapitated and tastefully doused in paint. Graffiti proclaims the end of a colony whose name is never specified. Thousands of disgruntled marchersshoutslogans,and vote-seeking politicians bleat about the date. Millions more anticipate fighting off the blowies whilstenjoyingsun,sandandbarbecues.

One hundred years ago, on 25 January, 1925, the lead- up to Australia Day was far more straightforward for the working men, mostly ex-Diggers, who were quenching their thirsts in a Hyde Street pubinYarraville.

None was concerned with dates, coloniesorpoliticians.EvenCaptainCook didn’t enter their thoughts. Their sole focus was on slurping the turps before thedreaded6o’clockclosing.

This they did with practised abandon, watched admiringly by half a dozen Filipino sailors on shore leave. So it was true, after all. The fabled drinking of Australian males was no exaggeration. They themselves, though no wowsers, were more refined, preferring gentle sips tothecrazed guzzlingofthenatives.

The Aussie was in no mood to forgive ... he reared up and indiscriminately flattened two of his helpers

And so, when “Time, gentlemen!” was bellowedto signaltheendofthebooze-up, theAustralians,though stillvertical,were visibly affected by their many glasses. The visitors were comparatively sober. The doors shut and the patrons spilled out ontoHydeStreet.

Andthat’swhenthetroublebegan.

One of the Aussies took a drunken dislike to a sailor and shirt fronted him. The Filipino, intending to push him away, pushed too hard, and sent the man flying to the ground, smashing the bottle he had inhispocket.

The seamen all rushed to his aid and helped him to his feet with profuse apologies for the accident. But the Aussie wasinnomoodtoforgivethesmashingof his bottle. With a howl of rage, he reared up and indiscriminately flattened two of hishelpers.

Within seconds, six Filipinos were battling against 15 Australians. The visitorshadtheadvantageofclearerheads; the locals had the assets of numbers and beer-fuelledbrawn.Byallaccounts,itwas a first class blue and greatly entertained the crowds which gathered to watch and yellencouragement.

Dong! Several men went down with unpleasantscalpwoundsinflictedwithan iron bar. As tempers flared, all available weapons were pressed into servicebroken bottles, fists, rocks, and, urged on by the crowd’s screams of “Garn, ‘ave a lash!” several brawlers became locked in wrestling holds and were rolling up and

down Hyde Street, biting and kicking. They were soon joined by a dozen of the spectators hopping in to help with more fists and rocks. The Filipinos appeared to be getting the worst of the struggle until the noise of the affray alerted their brethren on board their ship anchored nearby inHobsonsBay.

Up Hyde Street 20 of them charged like knights of old to the assistance of their crew mates. The situation was desperate enough to warrant the use of dire measures, to wit, slings, which they whirled and launched with devastating efficiency. The Aussies yelped about the lumps now appearing on their heads, as well as the unfairness of this dirty tactic, and then the familiar sound of a firearm, andasubsequentcryofpain alertedthem thatthingsweregettingcompletely outof hand.

Albert Marr, of nearby Seddon, displayed forpublicinspectionabloodied elbow that some seaman had used as target practise. Remembering the Anzacs of Gallipoli and Pozieres, the Australians screamed their outrage and redoubled efforts to beat back the foe, while Albert toddledofftofindabandaid.

The uproar in Hyde Street had not only reached the ears of the sailors at anchor, but also the ears of the police, who, naturally, had to butt in and ruin the fun withbusybatons.

Being greatly outnumbered, and knowing from experience that bitter enemies often joined forces against the common foe, the police employed a cunningtacticoftheirown. Ignoringtheir fellow-countrymen, they concentrated on the Filipinos, confiscating all the slings, plus a loaded revolver. A rapid inspection

showedthatithadnotbeenrecentlyfired. They then dragged four sailors off to the Yarraville lock-up as the Australians, normally not overly enamoured with the boysinblue,delightedlycheeredthemon.

The crowd gradually dispersed to relax andenjoyagloatingchat.

The Filipino sailors were hauled before the Footscray Court a few days later, charged only with offensive behaviour. They were released and thankfully returned to their ship, vowing never, under any circumstances, to enter any Australianpubagain.

The Aussies resumed their drinking in the Hyde Street pub, reminiscing over the great basho and what fun it had been. The police were mentioned with special fondness.

But the mystery remains to this day: whoshotAlbertMarr?

Barb McNeill. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_03

Peaceful town comes to life

Leyburn. It’s a peaceful little stop-off for travellers on the Southern Darling Downs as they head between Goondiwindi and ToowoombaorWarwick.

One pub, one shop, one post office, one school, a police station, two churches and a few scattered houses for its estimated 350 inhabitants.

That’s Leyburn – except for two days a year.On23-24Augustitwillcomealivewith the buzz of up to 18,000 visitors and 2560 racing cars attending the Historic Leyburn Sprints.

TheSprints,nowinits29thyearcelebrating Leyburn’s hosting of the Australian Grand Prix in 1949, drives an annual winter migration that’s understandably popular with tourism operators throughout the region. Yet the town itself has virtually no fixed accommodation – only a handful of cabins attached to the 1863 Royal Hotel – and so it becomes one of the biggest gatherings of campers and caravanners you’llfindanywherealongthehighway.

Sprints organisers estimate up to 5000 visitors stay in dedicated campgrounds beside Canal Creek on the edge of the event precinctandatseveraladjacentcampsites.

Still more set up their tents and vans in the yards of residents’ homes that line the one kilometre closed-street course running through the township. They enjoy some of thebestseatsinthehouse.

All come to experience the fun of the Sprints, which twice has been judged Queensland Motorsport Event of the Year. The weekend offers an exciting show of historic, classic and high performance cars of all makes and models and ranging in age frommodern-dayto100-plusyears.

After the huge Supercar events in Townsville and the Gold Coast, the Sprints are thought to be Queensland’s biggest motorsport festival and certainly no other offersthenumberorvarietyofcompetitors.

This year’s entry list is a record and includes exotics such as Ferrari, Jaguar and McLaren through to more humble wheels likeMGsandSunbeams.

Motorsport Alley, a new display area in the main street near the 100-year-old CWA, will showcase a variety of very special cars including two associated with Sir Jack Brabham, three that raced in that 1949 grand prix and a rare Giocattolo Group B that claims to be “Queensland’s own supercar”.

Patrons will also find plenty of off-track

entertainment. There’s a Show ‘n’ Shine display on Sunday, live music at three venues, a charity auction at the pub on Saturday night, fun-run, market stalls, race-carridesandplentyofotherattractions forallthefamily.

At night – and a few nights either side of the weekend because many travellers take the opportunity for a longer break in their journeys – the campgrounds pump with happy vibes as groups gather around their campfires and barbecues. (Someone will wintheBestCampsitecompetition.)

That will be especially the case this year at the Sprints’ newest attraction, the Vintage Van Village. The annual gathering of many colourful and restored vintage caravans and, often, their matching classic tow vehicles, has become so popular that organisers have reserved a dedicated new area in the town’s main street and adjacent tothefirstcornerontheracingcourse.

The Village is also next to the Golden Fleece Bar, long-gone and remembered onlyinnameasoneofmanypubsthatwere built during Leyburn’s goldrush days in the 1860s.

Infact,theLeyburndistrictoozeshistory, from the goldrush information plaques and remaining buildings around the township to the site of the disused wartime airbase thatprovidedthesiteforthegrandprix.

“The atmosphere is very friendly and relaxed and the huge gathering of campers and caravanners is a special and welcome part of the Sprints weekend,” says Tricia Chant, President of the organising committeeofcommunityvolunteers.

“We go out of our way to keep it a grassroots event, with as few restrictions as possible and no big-city prices for camping, food or drinks. And if you’re lucky to bump into one of our VIP guests of famous former drivers, such as Queensland 150 Icon Dick

Johnson,you’llfindthey’rehappytostopfor anautographandasouvenirselfie.”

For those not equipped or inclined for camping, there are other inviting accommodationoptions.Authenticcountry pub comfort and food may be found at historic establishments such as Rudd’s Pub inNobby,BullandBarleyInninCambooya, andKararaandSandyCreekhotels.

Historic Leyburn Sprints visitors exploring the Southern Downs region will find plenty of magnificent rural vistas and other interesting attractions. A great way to discover these is by driving the dedicated Sprint Route, a 137 km loop that passes through the districts of Allan, Leslie and Cunningham (named after the explorers) and the townships of Pratten, Leyburn and Karara. Adult tickets to the Historic Leyburn Sprints cost $30 per day or $40 for the weekend. Accompanied children under 14enterfree.

CHRIS NIXON

Veteran driver and Queensland legend Dick Johnson will be at Leyburn again this year.

Checking out the Vintage Vans. (All photos supplied, Trapnell Creations and Roz Harman)

The stars of the weekend are the beautiful cars that take to the track. Leyburn comes alive during the race weekend.

Full-Board River Cruise

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, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

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

PARIS & THE HEART OF NORMANDY

Roundtrip from Paris

8 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY | 6 GUIDED TOURS

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

From $6,395pp in Standard Stateroom

From $8,195pp in Veranda Stateroom

Avignon to Lyon or vice versa

8 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY | 7 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027

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PARIS, FRANCE

Make a crafty bookbug

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspireandsparkcreativity.

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

JoinStephanieassheexplorestheendless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materialsintosomethingextraordinary.

This month, Stephanie is creating a bookbug.

Bookbug

Materials Red and black cardstock

Googly eyes

Black chenille sticks

Equipment

Glue

Scissors

Step 1: Fold a red square (15cm x 15cm) in half to make a triangle.

Step 2: Fold the left and right corners up to meet the top point, then unfold.

Step 3: Fold the top layer of the bottom point up to the top.

Step 4: Tuck the side corners into the pocket you just made.

Step 5: Cut a black circle, tuck it halfway under the flap, and glue it in place for the face. Add googly eyes, chenille sticks for the antennae, and glue on black paper spots.

Stephanie Martinez.

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 Strike (3)

3 Murder a politically important person (11)

9 Cowboy literary genre (7)

10 Print process (7)

11 Trustworthy (8)

12 Leave off (6)

14 Aye (3)

15 Debates (11)

17 Not anxious (11)

19 Buddhist temple or monastery (3)

20 Peril (6)

21 Despot (8)

24 Speech (7)

25 Stamp (7)

26 A phrase marked off by brackets (11)

27 Lord (3)

1 Common greeting question (3,3,3)

2 Fights (7)

3 Playground (5)

4 They protect the eyes from glare (10)

5 Staunch (4)

6 Made greater (9)

7 Japanese emperor from 1989 (7)

8 Type of boat used in rowing competition (5)

13 Amounts (10)

15 Flower tea (9)

16 Soaked (9)

18 Mythical horse-man (7)

19 Soaking (7)

20 Sag (5)

22 Ribbons (5)

23 2.54cm (4)

1 What is the most southerly county of England?

2 A cinquain is a poem of how many lines?

3 Which animal has the Latin name Equus africans asinus?

4 Philip J. Fry is a main character in which animated TV series?

5 What is the title of actor and comedian Amy Poehler's (pictured) memoir?

6 In which country did halloumi cheese originate?

7 The dime is a US coin worth how many cents?

8 Erik Weisz is the birth name of which illusionist?

9 Which 2015 movie is based on a novel by American writer David Ebershoff?

10 What colour is the 'e' in the Google logo?

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning

Join Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning, a free, evidence-based early education program that combines music, play, and connection for families with children aged 0-5 years. Running for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, this program is designed to incorporate singing, stories, and fun activities to support your child’s development. Running from February 11 onwards at the Sunshine Heights Playgroup Centre, 105 Glengala Road.

 9663 6733, or events@ds.org.au

National seniors meeting

On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at The Club in Caroline Springs, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.

 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com

Learn to Relax Group

IPC Health’s Living Well team is running a free Learn to Relax Group at IPC Health Deer Park, 106 Station Road, every Tuesday at 11am. This group is for people over 18 years who are interested in learning how to relax and finding ways to effectively manage their stress. Registration is required to attend this group.

 livingwell@ipchealth.com.au, or 1300 472 432

Women’s only conversation English Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to make friends, learn new skills and practice English in this fun and free women’s social group. Tuesdays during school terms, 9.30am-noon, at Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.

 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au

Crafternoons

Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to a free adult social opportunity to get together and be creative. Learn a new craft or bring along your own craft projects. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.30-2.30pm, at the Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.

 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au

Musicians Wanted

Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play Woodwind, Brass or Percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am to noon, at Braybrook College.

 westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Women Working Together

A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Brimbank.

¦ 9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/

Deer Park Probus Club

The Deer Park Probus Club meets at the Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, Deer Park on the second Wednesday of the month from February to December. Meet at 10am followed by lunch available from 12pm. The club offers bus trips, lunches, morning melodies etc. New members welcome.

 Peter, 0412 604 713 or Pat, 0413 126 714

Sunshine Repair Cafe

Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Café in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.

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

Keilor Day View Club

The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies.

 Robyn, 0425 387 880

Deer Park Lions Club

Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the

Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park.

 Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass

Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm.

 Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm.

Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.

 Roma, 0435 991 064

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign,

just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Delahay Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive every Wednesday, from 1-2.30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

 Helpline, 1300 252 666

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

Western Athletics function

Western Athletics is celebrating 30 years since the amalgamation of Werribee, Footscray and Sunshine athletic clubs. A function will be held on 18 October at the Yarraville Club. To express your interest or send updated contact details please contact us.

 info@westernathletics.com.au.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sunshine Model Railway Club vice president Joe Saliba. (Damjan Janevski) 492384_01

Laughing away expectation

For those looking to get their laughs from somewhere new this August, look no further than Brown Women Comedy at the Wyndham Cultural Centre.

No topic will be taboo for this witty and proudly shameless line up of Indian and South Asian comedians living in Australia.

From growing up brown in Australia, being bisexual to getting disowned thrice, these women won’t be holding back on turning traditional family expectations into comedy gold.

Kru Harale will dazzle the crowd with her vivacity and navigate her way through storiesaboutfellowIndians,thelanddown

under and swashbuckling around the world.

The sharp storyteller speaks with laid-back confidence and candidly weaves through taboo topics— probably part of the reason her Punjabi TikTok videos have garnered over 30 million views.

Guneet Kaur has been described as “sharp and anxious“, while Simran Pasricha is an Indian-Malaysian journalist by day and a chronic oversharer by night.

Whether she’s spilling the chai on being a brown girl or navigating the newsroom, she’s always serving spice, stories, and laughs with absolutely no filter.

Daizy Maan, another TikTok sensation with more than 25 million views, has used her sassy storytelling to call out sexism in Punjabi music.

Once upon a time she had a day job leading start-up programs for universities, buthassinceembraced“selfemployment”.

Theshowwillrunfor70minutes,withno intermissions to kill the vibe.

Audience members are recommended to havehad18birthdaystogetthemostoutof the routine.

The show begins at 8pm on Saturday, August 23. Tickets: www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/brown-women-comedy Daizy

Overnewton students are ready to rock

Students from Overnewton Anglican Community College will take centre stage in an upcoming performance of We Will Rock You the musical.

Themusicaltakesplaceinafuturewhere originality has been erased and music no longer exists.

The story follows a group of outsiders who dare to challenge the system and bring real music and freedom back to the world.

Director Cailin McCarthy said the show is loud, funny, chaotic and full of heart, and that it has challenged the students in

the best possible ways.

“The vocals are demanding, the pace is fast, and the characters are bold, and they have embraced every moment,” she said.

“Their focus, creativity and teamwork have been remarkable. Watching them work and grow together has been a highlight of the year.”

Head of performing arts Carolyn Hernandez said the production is more than a school musical.

“It’s a full-scale theatrical experience, brought to life by an incredibly talented groupofyoungpeople,fromtheperformers

and musicians to the backstage crew, hair and makeup teams, and our technical students,” she said.

“With Queen’s iconic soundtrack, high-energy performances, and a story thatisbothcleveranduplifting,audiences will be thoroughly entertained from start to finish.”

Overnewton Anglican Community College’s production of We Will Rock You will be showing at the Bowery theatre in St Albans from Thursday, August 7 to Saturday August 9.

Ticket prices range from $20 to $35.

Bookmaking in Bacchus Marsh

If you have ever considered giving bookmaking a go, now is your chance – as a workshop is about to be hosted atLerderdergLibrarythismonth.

Set for Tuesday, August 19, a bookmaking workshop with guest artist Kerrie Maloney will teach attendees how to give old books a new life through creating a collaged concertina book using a recycled old hardback book and a selection of old book pages. These pages will be reworked into a collage which will thenbecutuptocreateabook. Maloney works across a range of disciplines, materials, and techniques, while initially working from a garment, textile, and stitch background. As a keen reader, it was a natural progression for her to begin creating artist books, altered books, andbookart.

Eachparticipantisrequiredtobring anoldnovel-sizedhardbackbookand aselectionofbookpages.

Thepagesshouldpreferablyinclude differentprinttypes,sizesandshades, for example. white, cream, beige, foxed, stained, or dirty – and include some interesting pages such as old maps, drawings, or handwritten elements.

The event is facilitated by B-MAC Gallery, which is run by local artists and volunteers and supports art and artists across the extended Bacchus Marshregion.

The workshop will run from 10am–3pm on Tuesday, August 19 at the Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh. Details: facebook.com/ events/1566252444355322

Singers from the western suburbs to join together for annual choir jam

The sound of singing will reverberate through the western suburbs on Saturday, August30,whentheannualChoirJamtakes placeattheLavertonCommunityCentre.

Featuring local choirs, With One Voice Hobsons Bay and Wyndham, the Laverton Community Choir, Newport Community Choir and Willin Wimmin, Choir Jam will also feature a mystery guest choir as well as members of the public who want to join in andexercisetheirvocalchordsontheday.

Member of With One Voice Hobsons Bay, Brenda Alexander, explained how the third annualeventwouldwork.

“We’re going to work together to learn a song together to sing and then we’re going to take turns to perform for each other and thecommunity,”Alexandersaid.

As for what type of songs they’d be singing, Alexander said that was still to be

determined, but that there would be tunes the audience would know and be able to singalongwith.

“There’ll be a variety of songs, but mostly upbeat, popular songs. Songs that people willbefamiliarwith,”shesaid.

Those who are not a member of any of the participating choirs but who still want to have a go, are welcome to do so, with all experience levels, vocal ranges, abilities, culturesandgendersabletoparticipate.

Thereisalsoroomforextrachoirstocome and join in the showcase concert section of theprogram.

Entry for audience members is free, but bookingsarerecommended.

For bookings, visit: www.trybooking. com/DCRMX

To inquire about singing, email: willin. wimmin@gmail.com

Maan will feature. (Supplied)

Overnewton Anglican Community College students Tristan, Pearce, Carly, Kiki, Isabella, Fiona and Olivia. (Damjan Janevski) 493280_07

Choir Jam co-ordinator Stephanie Payne with participants preparing for the community singing event in Laverton on August 30. (Damjan Janevski) 491010_01

General Notices

proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at 54-58 Strzelecki Avenue, Sunshine West 3020.

2.The proposed upgrade will consist of:

•Replacement of the existing headframe with a new headframe;

•Replacement of three (3) existing Optus panel antennas with three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

•Replacement of three (3) existing Vodafone panel antennas with three (3) new Vodafone panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);

•Installation of three (3) new Optus 5G panel antennas (each not more than 1.0m in length);

•Installation of three (3) new Vodafone 5G panel antennas (each not more than 1.0m in length);

•Replacement of nine (9) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with twenty-one (21) new RRUs;

•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and

• Internal works within the existing equipment shelter.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

4. Please direct comments to Vanessa Wan at 0447 240 015 or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or

by

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

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

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

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

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

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

An example for others

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

After a week in the futuristic Audi Q4 EV, the diesel-powered Q7 marked an almost welcome return to normality.

We headed out west for a few days to visit friends and taste some wine and it meant not having to worry about when and where to charge the car.

Country folk know all about diesel and support the technology.

Dating back to 2015, the updated Q7 is currently Audi’s third most successful model, behind its smaller and cheaper siblings the Q5 and Q3, and offers the same kind of utility, but with extra seats and space to burn. Now in its 10th year of production, this is probably the last hurrah for this model which will almost certainly be replaced by an all-new, fully electric model.

Then again, Audi says Q7 has recently undergone a “considerate” mid-life cycle update, which suggests it’s going to stick around for another 10 years?

Styling

Built in Slovakia and updated towards the end of last year, the second generation Q7 comes in five grades, with a choice of turbocharged petrol, hybrid turbocharged petrol or diesel or twin-turbo V8 petrol powertrains.

Entry to the range is the 2.0-litre turbocharged Q7 45 TFSI quattro, priced from $108,000 plus on-road costs. It is followed by the hybrid, diesel-electric Q7 45 TDI priced from $117,000, then the hybrid petrol/diesel Q7 55 TFSI/Q7 50 TDI S-Line,bothpricedfromthesame$136,000 and finally top of the range twin turbo V8 SQ7 TFSI priced from $174,000.

The more you pay, obviously the more performance and equipment you get although you might like to weigh up whether the extra cost is justified.

More of a cosmetic and tech makeover than a mechanical upgrade, it might not be as fast or flash as the others, but our test vehicle,theQ745TDI,wasacomfyplacein which to spend a few days on the road and light on fuel as a bonus.

It was optioned with the gloss black exterior package ($1850), metallic paint ($2400), and panoramic glass sunroof ($4000),bringingthetotalpriceto$125,534 plus on-roads.

Standard equipment includes leather appointed upholstery, three-zone climate air, electric front seats with heating and driver seat memory, leather three-spoke steering wheel with multifunction plus and shift paddles, electric luggage compartment cover and a power-operated tailgate.

There’s also 20-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, automatic parking assistance, auto-dimming interior mirror, auto lights and wipers, front and rear parking sensors, LED matrix headlights, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control (with stop & go, distance indicator, traffic jam assist and lane guidance system).

Q7 is covered by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Infotainment

An enhanced MMI infotainment system letsyoudownloadanduseappslikeSpotify without the need for a phone.

But the system follows Audi’s tried and tested approach with separate screens devoted to different functions.

There’s a 10.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with a second smaller 8.6-inch screen below this one to primarily control the air conditioning. A third

12.3-inch screen acts as a traditional instrument binnacle, but in digital form with limited customisation available.

Simple things like the reset for the trip computer can be incredibly hard to find (once upon a time there was a simple button).

Soundcomesfromanin-house10speaker audio system that includes a subwoofer, with Bluetooth, voice recognition built-in navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless capability.

There’s also wireless phone charging, twoUSBportsinthefrontandanotherpair inthebackplusthree12voltoutlets(onein the boot).

Buyers get complimentary three-year access to connected services, but Emergency call and Audi service request remain valid for 10 years.

Safety

Q7 earns a full five stars for safety with eight airbags, 360 degree cameras and front and rear autonomous emergency braking (AEB), but the third row lacks side, chest protection.

AEB (City, Interurban & Vulnerable Road User) works from 10km/h to 85km/h for pedestrians and cyclists, and up to 250km/h for vehicles.

There’s also lane keep assist (LKA) with lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) are standard, as well as blind spot warnings.

Intersection assist monitors the area in front of and to the side of the vehicle at junctions and exit roads up to 30km/h.

Turn assist monitors oncoming traffic when turning right at low speeds. Exit warningdetectsvehiclesandcyclistswhen opening doors.

There are ISOFix and top tether Child seat anchors for the second and third row seats. However, head-up display remains a $3200 option.

Engines/transmissions

The 3.0-litre turbo-diesel and 48 volt mild hybrid deliver 170 kW of power at 3500 rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1500-3000 rpm, and you can hardly hear it. It’s paired with an eight speed ZF sequential auto with drive to all four wheels on demand, auto engine stop-start and a self-locking centre differential.

Driving

At more than five metres in length and weighing in at 2255kg, and with a 3005mm wheelbase, Q7 is no shrinking violet.

A refreshed bolder face, incorporates a redesigned single frame radiator grille with vertical inlays, that gives the vehicle a moreassertivelook.Attherear,thebumper and diffuser have also been reworked. The modelvariantcanbefoundetchedintothe B-pillars.

Inside there’s room for seven and the third row of seats fold at the touch of a button, making it easier to get in and out of the back. But it’s fit for small children only.

Luggage space is 295 litres with the third rowinuse,risingtoanimpressive780litres with the third row folded.

Although Q7 is an SUV with all-wheel drive,it’snotacarwewouldreallyconsider taking off road to any large degree, not with 200mm of ground clearance and low profile 285/45 series rubber. Dirt roads are fine, beaches to a point, but fire trails – no way.

This particular SUV is built for cruising, with an 85-litre tank and maximum range of more than 1400km. The mild hybrid boosts fuel efficiency, using a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter that supplies power to the main electrical system.

The auto includes gear change paddles and six different drive modes.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 7.1 seconds and it has a top speed of 226km. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.0L/100km and it produces 184 g/km of CO2. The trip computer in our test vehicle showed 7.5L/100km after more than 1800km of driving.

In some ways the Q7 reminds us of our old VW Beetle, because the doors kept only half closing. A shove was needed to do the trick.

Despite its size it’s an easy car to drive and steer, but suffers from the occasional spot of turbo lag and the suspension can become slappy on country roads.

We assumed the electric motor would have taken care of the lag, with its torque down low.

Sometimes we found finding forward or reverse gear more difficult than it should be.

The instrument screen feels dated, cluttered and difficult to read in the larger mode. The additional screen for the air-conditioning seems unnecessary and takes up quite a bit of console space. It’s easy to brush the panel and change the temperature or activate seat heating without being aware of doing so.

There’s a wireless charge pad buried in the console box, which puts it out of reach when you’re driving – perhaps a good thing?

Pairing our late model Pixel phone was easy, but the phone refused to reconnect upon re-entering the vehicle, and we needed to delete it and go through the whole pairing process over again.

There’s built-in navigation, but Android Auto works flawlessly.

Thecarcomeswithafirstaidkit,warning triangle and high visibility vests in case of trouble, but a tyre repair kit is supplied in lieu of a spare tyre. In case you’re wondering, Q7 can tow a 3500kg braked load.

Summing up

Has it been that long?

It may not be the latest or greatest Audi, but the Q7 sets an example for others to follow. The evergreen Q7 continues to set the benchmark in the luxury SUV segment with its blend of performance, technology, and versatility.

It may not be the latest or greatest Audi, but the Q7 sets an example for others to follow. ( Supplied)

There was a nice break from wet and wintry conditions on Saturday allowing for some high quality matches.

Star Weekly’s LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Spring breaking through

Williamstown’s Teagan Brett and Kiera Leare. 493536_13

Wyndhamvale’s Brodie Meadows beats West Footscray’s EJ Sharp to the ball. 493521_07

Williamstown’s Camryn Bux. 493536_03

Westbourne Grammarians’ Temeika Cathery. 493520_10

Westbourne Grammarians’ Paige Trajkovski. 493520_01

Sunshine Heights’ Rocco Tripodi and tackles Braybrook’s Jacob Bitzer. 493523_11

West Footscray’s Chris Long and Wyndhamvale’s Damon Stephens. 493521_14

Braybrook’s Luke Zammit. 493523_27

Essendon’s Matilda Dyke and North Melbourne’s Kim Rennie. 486680_03

North Melbourne’s Ruby Tripodi and Essendon’s Amy Gaylor. 486680_08

Eagles claim promotion, stay focused at task on hand

There has been no drop in motivation for Keilor Park despite having secured promotion with five rounds left in the Victorian Premier League women’s competition.

TheEaglessettheaimofgoingatleastone spot better this year to ensure promotion and a spot in the National Premier League women’s, the top competition in the state.

Sitting behind Avonalde, the two teams have already secured their spots in the NPLW for 2026.

Eagles coach Liam Drury said a lot of hard work had been done over the years to get them to this point.

“It is really nice to get it done and it’s so exciting for the club to move forward next year,” he said.

“Thishasbeenmanyyearsinthemaking. It’s been the last two for me and a lot of the

team.

“It’s a really good program and we’ve been in a good position.”

Drury said this strong season started back in pre-season and their pre-season camp.

He said the Eagles thought they had a strong squad heading into the season, but never expected to have secured promotion this early.

“We thought we had a strong start and the expectation was to be promoted,” he said.

“Acoupleofmonthsin,weknewwewere in a good spot but never imagined that we would have earned promotion with five weeks remaining.”

TheEaglesweresittingfivepointsbehind Avondaleinthebattlefortopspot,heading into the weekend’s matches, which were

after deadline.

Including that match, there were four rounds remaining.

Drury said the Eagles would do everything they could to finish the year off strongly.

The top two sides face each other in the second-last round.

“We want to try and win the last four games,” he said.

“We want to keep the pressure on Avondaleandwehaveaneyeonfinalsafter that.

“Youcouldthinkthatthegroupmaylose motivation for the remaining matches, but it is far from it.”

The Eagles were set to face Monash University on Friday night, after deadline.

Drury said that planning is already underway for next year and there’s lots of

Falcons’ shock loss

By Tara Murray

Thetheir mostdisappointingperformance inyearsiftheyaretokeepalivetheirhopes of a fourth straight Victorian Netball League grand final.

The Falcons were left shell-shocked on WednesdayastheHawksputonastunning display to not only beat the Falcons, but earn the first grand final spot.

There was only one goal between the teams at quarter time in the major semi final, before the Hawks started to take control.

Every time the Falcons looked like making a comeback, the Hawks had the answers.

The Hawks pressure increased in the final quarter as the Falcons crumbled to lose 60-49.

Falcons coach Marg Lind said nothing went right across the whole court.

“I don’t think defensively we stuck to the plan,” she said.

“We played safe netball and we had no attack on the ball so we couldn’t turn the

ball over especially in the first half.

“We went away from what we wanted to do and that was a lack of communication on the defenders end.

“Jane [Cook] wasn’t strong enough on the hold and we didn’t let the ball go. The speedofourgameiswhatgetsusthescore.

“It was a terrible scoreline for us.”

Lind said it was frustrating seeing basic mistakes like stepping, fumbling or throwing the ball into hands.

She said they struggled to find any winners across the court.

Lind said once things didn’t go their way, they didn’t just get on with it and let things dwell.

Cook finished with 47 goals for the Falcons.

The loss was compounded by injury concerns to co-captain Maggie Lind.

Lind, who has played limited time in recent weeks, left the court in the third quarter after having treatment on her lower leg at all the breaks.

The Falcons, who are still alive due to a double chance, face a challenge they

thoughts on what they want to do.

With the club set to be in the top flight, Drury said it would help boost the club even further. “Hopefully people will see a youthful thinking club and people will hopefully want to join.”

While the Eagles women have sealed promotion, the Eagles men are still in the fight in state league 1 north-west.

Aiming for a second straight promotion, Keilor Park was two points clear on top of the ladder, before the weekend’s matches.

They were set to face second placed Banyule City on Saturday, after deadline. There are now four rounds remaining with only the top side earning straight promotion, with the side to play off in a finalagainstthesecondplacedsideinstate league 1 south-east.

Knights part ways with coach

Melbourne Knights’ tough National Premier League season has claimed another scalp, with the club announcing another coaching change.

On Tuesday, the Knights announced that John Markovski wouldn’t coach out the last three games of the season.

“Melbourne Knights FC has officially parted ways with senior men’s NPL head coach John Markovski and his assistant Sean Vah,” the club said on social media.

“We extend our sincere thanks to JohnandSeanfortheircontribution to the club and the dedication they’ve shown during their time with us.

“We wish them all the very best in their future endeavours, both on and off the pitch.”

Markovski took on the coaching role after club legend Ivan Franjic stood down from the role he took on full-time this season.

Markovski, who played in a championship at the Knights, said at the time he wanted to help the club return to where it belongs.

The club had three wins and 11 losseswhenhetookoverafterround 14.

Since then they have added just onemorewintothetally,alongwith three draws.

haven’t faced in a long time.

The last time the Falcons lost by more than 10 goals was in round 13 in 2022.

The loss on Wednesday night was only the third loss for the Falcons since that match and the last of those had been in round one last year.

The Falcons will face Boroondara Express for the second time in three weeks in the preliminary final, with the winner through to the grand final.

“We will see how we regroup and see how the players take on Express,” Lind said.

“The Express aren’t going to start as poorly as last week.

“It’s going to be a totally different team that we are playing, with a different attitude.“

The Falcons 23 and under side has been knocked out after a semi final loss to the Melbourne University Lightning, 64-47.

Lind said the side did well to make the top four but its inexperience shone against the Lightning.

Knights sit bottom of the table with just 14 points and are on the brink of relegation with three rounds remaining.

The Knights were due to face Hume City on Friday night, after deadline.

As well as on-field troubles, the clubhadtoappointanewcommittee after the sudden resignation of the previous committee.

In a statement at the time, the new committee acknowledged that the club’s financial position had presented challenges.

“We’re committed to working with you to build a stronger, more vibrant club for everyone,” the new committee said in June.

“We believe that effective leadership is built on a foundation of strategic focus, strong financial governance, open dialogue, a commitment to actively listening to our members and supporters and embrace a culture of transparency, trust and accountability.”

Marg Lind.

(Grant Treeby/ Netball Victoria)

Taylors Lakes pushing for women’s and girls’ sides

Taylors Lakes is putting female cricket at the forefront this season.

The Lions are looking to field women’s and girls’ teams for the first time this season,astheylooktofurthercaterforthe whole community.

Lions president Paul Wolf said this had been a couple of years in the making.

“We have been a bit slack on that front,” he said.

“As a committee we have created a participation strategy with a five-year plan.

“It’s about female participation across the board with women’s teams, girls teams, females on the committee and more females coaching.

“There has been a little bit of interest.”

Wolf said the Lions didn’t necessarily think they would have a women’s side this season, but with interest to get one up, they’ve decided to make the jump and move the strategic plan forward.

He said they had a group of four initially showinterestandoncetheclubeputitout to the community there were a number of others who also showed interest.

Wolfsaidtheywanttobuildtheprogram ahead on the anticipated introduction of a VictorianSub-DistrictCricketAssociation women’scompetitioninthenextcoupleof years.

It’s set to be mandatory for all clubs to have a women’s side by 2028-29.

“This year is probably going to be more a social side on synthetic or matting,” he

said.

“We want to have a fully fledged turf sub-district side in three to four years time.

“It is a journey and we have to start small and we want the club to have a plan.

“The competition is set to bring it in stages over a three year period.”

Wolf said the Lions already had a number of girls playing in their mixed teams and under-14s and under-16s.

A couple were in their under-14 premiership team, while they had two girls represent Victoria at the School Sports national championships.

Wolf said they were looking at under-13 and under-15 girls teams for this season if they have the numbers.

Cobras’ tough task

By Tara Murray

Albanvale is hoping for a little luck to play Western Football League division 2 finals this season.

The Cobras have struggled to get their best team on the park this season and without the depth of other sides have struggled to run out games.

It has hurt them in terms of results, with the side needing things to go their way to finishtheregularseasoniftheyaretoplay finals.

Heading into the last three rounds, with the first of those rounds played on Saturday, the Cobras sat in seventh spot. Just one game separated fourth and seventh, with two finals spots up for grabs. Braybrook, the Suns and Sunshine Heights are the other teams battling it out for those two spots.

Speakingbeforetheweekend’smatches, Cobras coach Anthony Montrose said not much had gone their way.

“We have been crippled with injuries,” he said. “The boys are giving it all and

some boys are playing injured to help us out.

“There have been a few games where we’ve had just as many scoring shots in certain periods of games.

“The fitness and injuries have got us and we have been overrun.”

Montrose said not having under-18s had hurt them and while they were trying to giveyoungerplayersanopportunityithad been hard.

Buthecouldn’tbeprouderoftheplaying group though.

“The endeavour is there,” he said. “You can’t question the endeavour.

“On the weekend, [against West Footscray] we were ahead at three quarter time before they had 14 scoring shots with the wind which was massive.

“The legs are starting to go. There’s only halfthenumbersonthetrackastheycan’t get on the track and we’re having to play them on the weekend.

Montrosesaidtheywouldhavetorecruit in the off season to try and add some more depth to the squad to be competitive for

The club is also keen to grow the female participation rate in their Woolworths Blast program which was at 25 per cent last season.

He said they were hoping for 33 per cent this season and then up to 50 per cent eventually and flow through the ranks.

“We want to start at the grassroots level,” he said. “It starts at blasters, then works into girls and the flow on effect.

“There’s a lot of hard work to be done.”

It’s not just players the club is after.

“We do have one female coach in the junior ranks,” Wolf said. “The idea is to have a dedicated women’s coach as well.

“All things being equal, we would love that women’s coach to be female.“

Details: taylorslakescc@tlsc.asn.au

longer.

Despite the struggles the Cobras are still in the finals mix.

Montrose knows that anything can happen in the run home.

The Cobras were set to face the Western Rams on Saturday, after deadline.

They finish the season against Laverton and ladder leaders Wyndhamvale.

“Things could fall our way or we could get rolled this week,” Montrose said. “One of the top sides could get rolled.

“We will give it our all and that is all we can do. We are still in it and we will give it our best shot.

“The Western Rams rallied really well last time we played them.

“It was a good hit out on our home ground and we expected just the same.”

In other matches that were scheduled for Saturday, Sunshine Heights was hosting Braybrook, while the Suns took on Tarneit.

Laverton was at home to North Footscray, while West Footscray played Wyndhamvale.

Western United’s Sasha Grove and Alana Cerne will fly the Australian flag after being selected in an under-23 side to compete at the ASEAN Women’s Championship MSIG Serenity Cup 2025.

The squad, led by Matildas assistant coach Joe Palatsides, will traveltoVietnamforthetournament. Australia has been drawn in Group B alongside Myanmar, Timor Leste and some potential familiar faces in the Philippines.

Australia competed at the tournamentforthefirsttimein2022, with the Philippines winning it on home soil on that occasion.

Grove and Cerne will return to nationalteamactioninthiscampfor the first time in over a year, heading into competitive play at this age group for the first time.

Grovehadastandoutdebutseason at Western United, playing every singleminuteandwinningtheclub’s young player of the season award.

After becoming the first player in club history to reach 50 A-League Women appearances, injury curtailed the back part of Cerne’s 2024-25 season but she has returned to full fitness to feature in National Premier League women’s competition with Essendon Royals over the off-season.

Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato is eager toseebothGroveandCerneperform on the international stage.

“WearethrilledforbothSashaand Alana to have another opportunity to represent their country and to takepartinahigh-level,competitive tournament,” he said.

“Sashamadeaphenomenalimpact inherfirstseasonattheclubandhas been a mainstay in national team set-upsoveranumberofyears,while Alana has been an integral part of ourprogramthroughourpathwayat Calder United and continues to earn opportunities at international level.

“Everyone at the club is looking forward to seeing both players in actionnextmonthandwewishthem and the entire team every success in Vietnam.”

Grove and Cerne are joined by Avaani Prakash in national team actioninAugustwiththe18-year-old selectedfortheYoungMatildas’AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup qualifying campaign. Western

Joshua Green. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 479000_23

Win boosts Brookers’ chances as fight for finals hots up

Braybrook’s finals hopes received a big boost with a hard fought win against Sunshine Heights in the Western Football Leaguedivision2competition.

Four teams are fighting for two finals spots including both the Brookers and the Dragons in the close middle part of the table.

Saturday’s win for the Brookers has them in the top five, a game clear of Sunshine Heights and Albanvale. Brookers coach Geoff Maddern said their season had been onthelineforanumberofweeks.

“It’s very much so (in our own hands),” he said.“Ithasbeenlikethatforafewweeks.

“It’s definitely in our own hands now. We’vebeentreatingeveryweekasalittlebit of a final, exactly what yesterday [Saturday] was.”

ItwasagameofpatchesonSaturdaywith

thegamegoingdowntothewire.

The Brookers led by 27 points at the first breakbeforethemarginwasreducedtojust twopointsatthefinalbreak.

Five goals to three in the final quarter ensured the Brookers walked about with a 14.12(96)-11.16(82)win.

“It was a tight tussle,” Maddern said. “It was one of those games where we started really well and Sunny Heights bounced backinthesecondandthirdquarters.

“It was a real arm wrestle in the last quarter.Itwasfantastic.”

Maddern said they adjusted the way they movedtheballintotheirforwardlineinthe lastquarterhavingplayedintotheDragons’ handsearlyinthegame.Hesaidhethought thatwasthedifferenceintheend.

BrandonAustinkickedfivegoalsinabest on ground performance, while Jack Vivian chippedinwithfourgoals.

Maddernsaidbothwereamongtheirbest alongwithJustinCondos.

Hesaidthebacklinewasalsoreallystrong acrossthedayinagoodteamperformance.

TheBrookers’hardrundoesn’tletup.

They face ladder leaders Wyndhamvale

Thunder injury blow

By Tara Murray

Keilor Thunder kept its National Basketball League 1 South season alive, but is sweating on scans after another injury.

The Thunder have been pulled from pillar to post and on Saturday night showed their resilience to beat the Waverley Falcons and win through to the preliminary finals.

It wasn’t an easy win and the Thunder had to regroup with import Jasmine Dickey was the latest player to be added to the injury list.

Coach Kristi Harrower said Dickey suffered a knee injury, but they were unsure of the severity

“Another injury,” she said. “Jas went down early in the second quarter and we’re already running really thin.

“She’ll get scans done and see where she is. We’re more worried about her health as the person than the impact on the team.”

Harrower though was super proud of the group how they continue to soldier on as there’s more pressure on the rest of the playing group.

Two other players are out with season

ending injuries, while Kasey Burton is also on the sidelines.

On Saturday night, the Thunder led by six points at quarter time and that was out to 10 points at the main break.

The Falcons kept chipping away at the lead and it was back to seven points at the final break.

Keilor managed to do enough to win 86-81.

“The group that was here last year saw it as a bit of a redemption game,” Harrower said. “We didn’t really speak about it and the group is different but this was big.”

Maddy Rocci starred for the Thunder with 28 points, nine assists and three steals.

Harrower said it was always going to take some time to get her back into it after missing several weeks with injury.

“She struggled first game back, which is normal after four weeks,” she said. “Issie also missed four weeks. They have to get back into it.

“Rocci got fouled off in the end when we needed her to try and stay on the floor, but she played so well and was in control, not out of control.”

Harrower said Penina Davidson was

this Saturday before facing another finalshopefulintheSunsinthefinalround.

Maddern knows if they make finals they wouldhavedeservedtobethere.

“It’s not easy to take on Wyndhamvale,” he said. “It’s a tough one and then the Suns gamecouldbetelling.

“We take it week by week. It’s been a good seasonandniceevenaroundourarea.

“We were a bit inconsistent to start the year,butwe’vestartedgellingwell.

“I thought we might be better in the second half of the year once we got to know eachotherandwearemuchbetter.”

In other results, the Suns had a big win against Tarneit, Albanvale accounted for the Western Rams, North Footscray beat Laverton, while Wyndhamvale was too goodforWestFootscray.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Coates Talent League

Five Western Jets are among the invite list to the AFL national and state combines in October. The invite list includes representatives from every state and territory, along with all 23 members of the under-18 boys All Australian team which was recently released. Western Jets’ Oskar Ainsworth, Thomas Burton and Finn Davis have been invited to the national combine. Ainsworth and Davis are from Williamstown CYMS, while Burton is from Point Cook. Collingwood father-son prospect Tom McGuane and Yarraville Seddon’s Jacob Marron have been invited to the state combine.

VTCA

Grand United has announced the signing of Basim Khan for the upcoming Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield season. Khan joins the Gorillas after stints at Plenty Valley and West Ivanhoe, where he was a hard hitting top order batsman. Last season, he broke the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association record for the most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in an innings with nine.

EDFL

back to her best against Carley Ernst and showed why she had been so important to the team last season.

The performance of Macey Boyle was another big one in the win.

Having already played 33 minutes and scored 27 for the Thunder’s youth league side just hours beforehand, Boyle had to play big minutes backing it up.

“She played a huge role,” Harrower said. “Jas started on Bec Cole and then Macey had to step up and help bring us home.

“She did a good job on her.”

Harrower also praised the home crowd at Keilor for supporting them.

The Thunder now face the Knox Raiders on Saturday night with a grand final spot on the line.

Harrower said anything is possible

The Thunder’s youth league Big V women’s side is through to the grand final next weekend, which Harrower said was pretty special.

She said the two competitions need to work together to ensure finals aren’t crossing over so teams have the opportunity to play their best sides and thenextgenerationgetsthereopportunity at a higher level.

Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 and 2 finals will get under this weekend. In division 1, Keilor Park will play Strathmore for a spot in the grand final, while Burnside Heights will face Westmeadows in a knock out semi final. In division 2, Gisborne-Kyneton United will face Taylors Lakes for a grand final spot, while Roxburgh Park and the Sunbury Kangaroos will face each other in a knock out semi final for a second straight year. All matches will be on Saturday

Australia Cup

Western United’s Australia Cup is over but fans got a small glimpse of the future. Australia Cup action came to Ironbark Fields on Tuesday night with Western hosting Sydney FC in the round of 16.

It was a young Western side that took to the park, with Sydney winning 1-0. Among those on the pitch for Western United was Besian Kutleshi, who became the club’s youngest debutant.

Chase Wassell. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 493523_08

Macey Boyle. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 488185_11

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