Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 18th November 2025

Christmas is in town

Brimbank is gearing up for the festive season as Christmas quickly approaches.

Locals can soak up the festive spirit at a free festive fun day organised by Brimbank council on Sunday 30 November. The day will be filled with activities and performances with stage shows, circus acts, African drumming workshops and stilt walkers. Kids can enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, hobby horse races, hula hooping, and cheerful singalongs. Animal lovers can pat and cuddle cute critters at the petting zoo and movie fans can sit back, relax and enjoy screenings of ‘Elf’ and ‘Despicable Me 4’. There will be a ‘come and try’ sports zone featuring all-abilities tennis and basketball, and a dedicated sensory-friendly space.

StarWeeklyunderstands Santa Claus will also take time out of his busy work schedule to make an appearance. Festive fun day is on from 11am-3pm at Errington Reserve and St Albans Community Centre.

By Sam Porter

A rejected planning permit for a new supported residential services (SRS) facility inSydenhamwillnowbeappealedthrough the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal(VCAT).

Brimbank council rejected the planning permitfortheproposedfacilityat1-5Profita Avenue,ProfitaLodgeinJulyafteritreceived 67communityobjections.

The proposed facility was to be opened at the same site of a previous SRS facility, Sydenham Grace, which was operated by different owners Grace Disability Services (GDS).

SydenhamlocalBronwynKing,wholives near the site, said residents were informed oftheappealviamail.

“I just don’t want something like that openingup,”MsKingsaid.

“They’re not being transparent enough aboutwho’sgoingtobelivingthere.”

Ms King said she would like to see communityengagementonthematter.

As reported by StarWeekly , the previous SRS facility at the site was shut down in 2022 after a state government investigation revealedGDShadfailedtomeetregulations to protect the health and wellbeing of its 34 residents, resulting in the cancellation of SydenhamGrace’sregistration.

Sydenham locals alleged that some Sydenham Grace residents roamed the streets and committed anti-social acts withinthevicinityofachildcarecentre.

“I know from when it was opened last time there was a lot of trouble with police and there were always ambulances being called,”MsKingsaid.

DirectorofPeytonWaitePLTownPlanners Martyn Thompson said misinformation among the community had led to the planningpermit’srejectionbycouncil.

“Most of the submitters seemed to have hadtheimpressionthatitwastobethesame proponents from the previous operation coming back to the site – this is not true,“

Mr Thompson said. “The emphasis on the adverse historic activities led to a focus on community safety and this resulted in an inability to consider and appreciate what a SupportedResidentialServiceisallabout.

“We were at pains to explain during the permit application that the clients (Profita Lodge) would be accommodating a more self-funded client, rather than the patients (with very different needs and requirements) that had previously been on site.

“We are obviously going to be putting in place arrangements (i.e. facility upgrades) and operational procedures to suit the responsiblemanagementofthefacility.”

Dancers Mai Vu, Mai Nguyen, Ngoc Huynh, Thoa Tran, and Tina Nguyen with mayor Thuy Dang (seated). (Damjan Janevski)

Family’s fire heartbreak

A Caroline Springs family of five is anticipating a “sad“ Christmas after their uninsured home was extensively damaged byfireon5November.

The Juhas family was left with just the clothes on their backs after towels left in a clothesdryersparkedthedevastatingblaze.

In a television interview Eric and Santina Juhassaidtheirhomeinsurancehadlapsed whiletheysearchedforabetterdeal.

“It’sanightmare,“saidSantinaJuhas.

She and Eric were at work and their three children were at school when the blaze brokeout.

Mr Juhas told Channel 7 that his “heart dropped“ when he arrived home to find emergency vehicles and firefighters in his streettacklingtheblaze.

“Ithought’Ican’tbelievethisishappening tous’,“hesaid.

“The whole place is gutted,“ added SantinaJuhas.

“We’ve lost everything. We’rely left with the clothes on our back. This is our first home and it was going to be our forever home.“

She said her children had “grown up here sincebabiesandthey’velosteverything.It’s

killingme. Peopleleavethedryeronallthe time,whowouldhavethought?“

Two gofundme appeals have been set up tohelpthefamily.

Eric’sbrotherJohnJuhassetupanappeal which as of Friday had raised $23,297, includingonedonationof$10,000.

“Eric and Santina want the best for their three children and for this to happen right before Christmas is unbelievably unfortunate to say the least,“ wrote John Juhasonthegofundmepage.

A second gofundme set up by Eric and Santina themselves had raised $7,998 as

Sunshine community pauses to remember

By Sam Porter

Around 200 people gathered for a Remembrance Day service, hosted by Sunshine RSL, on Tuesday 11 November tohonourthosewholosttheirlivesduring war.

In a speech, Sunshine RSL senior vice president Brenton Watson acknowledged the courage and gallantry of those who have served, and currently serve, their country.

“For most of us who were born during peace time all wars appear to be far removed from our daily activities. As Australians, we often take for granted our current way of life, our freedom to participate in cultural and political events, and our right to live under a government of our choice,” Mr Watson said.

“The Australians who went off to war in distant lands went in the belief that such rights and freedoms were being threatened. They truly believed that without freedom there could be no ensuring peace.

“In remembering their service and their sacrifice, we recognise a tradition of freedom they fought to preserve. These men and women had faith in the future and by their acts gave us the will to preserve peace for all time.”

Brimbank resident John Cranston, who attendedtheservice,saidhisfatherserved in the 2/23rd Battalion during WWII.

“No one likes wars. My wife’s brother was a Vietnam [veteran]. He came back… he wasn’t the same. We don’t need wars,” Mr Cranston said.

The service was attended by local politicians, veterans, community members,firefightersandschoolstudents.

“It’s good for school kids to learn a bit more history about WWI as well as WWII and Vietnam because some of those guys [fighting] were only 19 or 20.”

ofFriday.

On his Facebook page, Melton councillor Steven Abboushi encouraged the communitytohelptheJuhasfamilyrebuild their lives, saying “every bit of help counts, whether it’s donating, sharing the link, or simplykeepingthefamilyinyourprayers.“

“If you are able, even the smallest contributionwillgoalongwayinsupporting themduringthisincrediblydifficulttime.“

Neighbour Philip Stanford said the neighbourhood would rally behind the family and hoped the wider Caroline Springscommunitywoulddothesame.

Big funding boost for Westvale Men’s Shed

Westvale Men’s Shed has secured $100,000aspartofastategovernment 2025-26fundingprogram.

Brimbank council welcomed the grantinasocialmediapost.

“As the only Men’s Shed in Brimbank, this grant will fund an extension that will more than double the size of the current Men’s Shed,” councilsaid.

“This increases program opportunities that enhance social connection, inter-generational collaboration,creativity,andlearning withinourcommunity.”

Westvale Men’s Shed, run by council, offers social sessions for men as well as woodworking sessions for menandwomen.

Members also work on community projects for local schools and not-for-profit organisations, while participating in a range of other activities.

The state government said the 2025-26 funding program aims to upgrade and expand Men’s Sheds acrossVictoria.

Thirty-one Men’s Sheds across the state received $860,000 in the most recent round of funding announced lastmonth.

Minister for Carers and Volunteers Ros Spence said the grants will help local sheds grow stronger, expand andbettersupporttheirmembersand community.

“Men’s Sheds are at the heart of so many communities – they’re where people come together, build friendships and find a sense of community,” she said. “Every upgrade and new space means more opportunities for members to share skills,learnfromeachotherandmake adifferencelocally.”

Melton train line a ‘top priority’ according to infrustructure advisor

The Melton train line should be electrified by 2030 and completed alongside the Sunshine Superhub project, according to thestate’speakinfrastructureadvisor.

Infrastructure Victoria’s (IV) latest Victorian Infrastructure Strategy makes 45 recommendations to the state government across infrastructure sectors including transport, health, housing, energy, social infrastructureandtheenvironment.

IV said that by 2030, the government should extend metropolitan train services fromSunshinetoMeltonbyelectrifyingthe line, and it should build two more tracks to provide four tracks from Sunshine to

CarolineSpringstoallowforfasterGeelong, Ballarat and Wyndham Vale V/Line services.

It said this should be a “top priority“ for thewest.

IVchiefexecutiveDrJonathanSpearsaid

electrifying the Melton line would result in upto16,000moretraintripsandupto9000 fewercartripseachdayby2041.

“Theextensionswouldreducecongestion and travel times on many roads and trains during morning peak hours, including the WesternFreeway,”hesaid.

IV has also recommended three new bus routes be established in Melbourne’s west,

oneofwhichisaPointCooktoWatergardens service.

“Werecommendtheseroutesprogressby the early 2030s, based on how many people we expect to use the services and current andfuturecongestion,”DrSpearsaid.

The report also recommended a new cycling corridor to be built from St Albans to Docklands as well as two new tram projects to be delivered by the mid-2030s— a route from Highpoint to Sunshine and an extended tram line from Airport West to MelbourneAirport.

A government spokesperson said rebuilding Sunshine station is the first step

towards electrifying the Melton line – with the station set to unlock capacity for more than 1000 services each day across the busiest rail lines in Melbourne’s west and westernVictoria.

The $4.1 billion Sunshine Superhub projectwillincludeconstructionofthetrack thatwillbecometheelectrifiedMeltonline. According to the state government, the 2025/26 budget has allocated funding for the future rollout of seven new or upgraded bus services across Tarneit, Tarneit West, Rockbank, Aintree, Deanside, Cairnlea, Thornhill Park, Cobblebank and Mt Atkinson.

Sunshine RSL senior vice president Brenton Watson and president Garry Collins. (Sam Porter)

Delighted by funding boost

Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC)

Melbourne, based in Brimbank, has received a grant in the most recent round of the federal government’s stronger communitiesprogram.

The program aims to provide funds for local community projects that strengthen andbenefitresidents.

KMCC Melbourne chairman Shiyas Khalid said the group was delighted after hearingtheannouncement.

He said the grant will go towards organising sports activities, such as soccer andcricket,andcommunityeventsoffering food,cultureandmusic.

“Wetrytoengagethecommunitybecause everyone is busy so we just want to them to enjoythecommunityandcomeandmingle andmakenewfriendships,”hesaid.

“Sports is the best medium to make the communitycometogether.”

KMCC Melbourne regularly raises funds for local charities and has previously raised

money for Breast Cancer Foundation and organisations that help people struggling withhomelessness,amongothers.

“We are a charity organisation affiliated to a political party in India, in the southernmost state of India, Kerala,” Mr Khalidsaid.

According to KMCC Australia, members of the wider organisation work towards helping underprivileged people especially immigrants and expatriates of Malayali origin.

“We try to help by collecting money, providing food, providing education, facilities and medical facilities,” Mr Khalid said. “We try to support each person in the way we can…especially in India and the Middle East, we help the people who don’t havehouses.”

During COVID, KMCC Melbourne helped organise charity charter flights from Australia to India for families and individuals.

JOIN US: WALK FOR RESPECT AND INCLUSION

Celebrate inclusion. Take a stand.

Join us for a community walk, followed by a BBQ and performances, as we celebrate International Day of People with Disability and mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Together, we’ll champion respect, equality, and community for all.

Event details

Date

Wednesday 3 December

Time

9:30am – 12pm

Starting point Hannah Watts Park 183 High Street, Melton Celebration venue Melton Town Centre Amphitheatre Palmerston Street, Melton

Briefs

Drug driver

An unlicensed driver was under the influence of drugs when he ran a red light and claimed he was rushing his passenger to hospital, according to police. But the closest hospital was in the opposite direction. Officers spotted a black Holden Commodore sedan driving through a red light on Francis Street in Brooklyn about 10.30pm on 13 November. The vehicle was pulled over and police will allege the driver, a 35-year-old Bacchus Marsh man, was found to be unlicensed. Police will further allege the driver then tested positive to an oral fluid test indicating drugs in his system. The Holden was impounded at a cost of $999.52. The man is expected to be charged on summons with running a red light, drug driving and driving unlicensed related offences.

Discount desexing

Brimbank council has teamed up with The Vet Project to offer cat desexing for $75 on 9, 10 and 11 December at Westvale Community Centre, 45 Kings Road, Kings Park. The price also includes free microchipping and free registration for your cat until 10 April. There’s also an option to add on vaccinations for $40. All cats in Brimbank aged three months and over must be desexed, unless exempt. Bookings essential: shorturl.at/H3E7c

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Event timeline

9:30am

Welcome to Country.

Community walk begins at Hannah Watts Park. 10:30am – 12pm Community celebration at Melton Amphitheatre featuring:

•Mayoral address and keynote speakers

• Performances showcasing the talents of local people with disability

•Free Community BBQ

• Free coffee

More information

You can find more information and view the background documents by visiting: melton.vic.gov.au/16days

KMCC Melbourne executive committee member Hilal Thayyil and chairman Shiyas Khalid. (Sam Porter)

Conservation takes flight

The Golden Sun Moth is a vulnerable species endemic to south-eastern NSW, the ACT and Victoria. With Golden Sun Moth conservation sites across Hume, Brimbank, Wyndham and Whittlesea, the insect has cemented its home in Melbourne’s northwest. However the moth is still under threat from increased development in the region. Sam Porter spoke to Hume council’s conservations program supervisor Eric Stone about the insect and the Golden Sun Moth conservation site in Craigieburn.

Part of the reason why Golden Sun Moth numbers are so hard to accurately record is because the insect is only alive for one to four days. Born without mouthparts, the moth cannot eat and has one sole purpose in its fewdaysasamatureadult—tofindamate and reproduce.

In Melbourne’s northern suburb of Craigieburn the moth has found a sanctuary at a 44-hectare conservation site. The reserve was sectioned off as part of a 2009 federal government condition of approval when granting land developer, Stockland, permission to develop the Highlands estate.

Eric Stone is a conservations program supervisor at Hume council and co-manages the site alongside numerous nature reserves in the east of Hume.

“Realistically, that organism is only a moth for a very small percentage of its life cycle … the rest of the time that organism is actually under the ground as a grub,” he said.

“They can be under the ground for definitely one year, maybe two, maybe three years. We’re not sure how long they can be under there for.”

It would be better to protect nature before it becomes critically endangered than try to do so afterwards - Eric Stone

The Craigieburn reserve is an environmental offset created to compensate for significant biodiversity loss caused by land development.

Hume council took on responsibility for the reserve after Stockland’s approval condition expired in 2020.

Inthesameyear,themoth’sclassification was downgraded from critically endangered to vulnerable in Victoria due to increased conservation efforts.

However, increasing housing development projects pose ongoing risks to the moth and its natural grasslands habitat, and so ecologists, developers, local communities and government are making concerted efforts to protect the nativeecosysteminthesegrowingregions.

“I think that in high growth areas, like Hume, you need to carefully consider the impacts that that’s going to have on nature,” Eric said.

ThebiggestpartofEric’sroleismanaging the contractors who do the physical work at the site such as mowing back grasses to encourage moth reproduction.

“The reason that we do that is to reduce the biomass and give the moths that space that they need to fly around to recognise each other.”

During the reproductive season, from mid-October to January, male moths fly above tussock grasses, looking for signals from females crawling in between grasses on the ground.

“[The female’s] wings have a sort of little golden splash on them and that’s why they call them Golden Sun Moths,” Eric said.

“The females will sense the male flying around and they’ll give that little flash of the wings, and they can find each other.

“Ifthegrassgetstoolong,thentheycan’t do that so we mow it this time of year just before the season starts.”

If moths successfully mate the female will lay her eggs at the base of the tussock grass.

The most common grass at the Craigieburn site is the non-native Chilean needle grass which the moth has quickly taken to.

“Golden Sun Moth is a bit of an anomaly inthatit’sactuallyabletothriveinChilean needle grass which is, in many other places, considered a fairly bad weed,” Eric said.

When the weather conditions are right and the moth larva is ready for its next life phase, it will migrate to the surface of the soil and undergo pupation.

Every few years, Eric and his colleagues conduct surveys to track seasonal variations and Golden Sun Moth numbers at the reserve.

“We’renottryingtocountallofthemoths in the reserve. We’re trying to gather data over successive years about how many we can see from a certain set of viewpoints in a reserve,” Eric said.

Surveys are conducted on days with favourable weather conditions for moth activity, and moths are counted within the same marked areas across the site.

“You’re counting the amount of moths

that you can see flying around within a certain time period, maybe five minutes, and you’ll generally have at least two people so that you can see in different directions.”

Eric said climate change could be detrimental to the Golden Sun Moth’s survival especially for populations living in small, isolated urban areas surrounded by housing or roads.

“If something happens like it gets a lot wetter, or it gets a lot drier, maybe some of its core food plants drop out of those systems, those moths can drop out of the system as well because they haven’t got enough alternatives in the landscape, and they can’t travel very far.

“The males can possibly fly up to about 400 metres at a stretch. The female is nowhere near that. They can’t cross things like suburbs and extensive roads and car parks and form new populations easily elsewhere,“ Eric said.

“I think [the conservation site at Craigieburn is] an example of a good offset for Golden Sun Moths because it’s large, it’s interconnected with other reserves, and there’s some variable habitat in here so that we can create different conditions.

“The great thing about an offset like

this is we can do more than protect and preserve a Golden Sun Moth population. We can protect, preserve and improve other aspects of the natural environment as well.”

EricwasaskedwhytheGoldenSunMoth is important.

“It’s a bit of a philosophical question,” he replied. “I do think that there is something strange about the way we rate the importance of nature. There tends to be a situation where we’ll wait for something to become really endangered, and then suddenly we’ll consider it to be really important and worth protecting, but it seems to me it would be better to protect nature before it becomes critically endangered than try to do so afterwards.

“[The Golden Sun Moth] is not really more important than all of the other creatures and plants and ecology that also could become critically endangered if we don’t protect it. It’s a part of these ecosystems, and it has its role.

“Butreallyit’saquestionof,‘doyouthink ecosystems are important? Do you think that they have a function in our modern society?’ Because if the answer is yes, well, then the Golden Sun Moth is important just like the rest.”

Main: Eric Stone is a conservations program supervisor at Hume council. Left: The Golden Sun Moth conservation site in Craigieburn. (Pictures: Sam Porter)

Right: Golden Sun Moth. (Source: CSIRO Science. Image contributed by Andrew Wright. Copyright CSIRO ScienceImage)

House funding fight

Neighbourhood houses across Brimbank have joined the fight with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria for an urgent funding boost.

Neighbourhood Houses Victoria is calling on the state government to increase the annual funding by $11.7 million or risk the closure of 200 neighbourhood houses across Victoria.

Duke Street Community House is one of the houses joining the fight, and manager Emma Price said the neighbourhood house is at real risk of closing its downs and reducing services.

“It is heartbreaking … We have an amazingly dedicated and caring team, but we simply cannot operate if we remain underfunded,” Ms Price said.

“This additional funding will go a long way to ensure we can continue to deliver programs and offer support to community. It also means we can provide our staff with secure employment”.

Duke Street Community House said it has been running at a loss for several years despite receiving annual program funding from the state government.

The neighbourhood house said it costs about 15 per cent more than it did three years ago to deliver programs to the community, citing significant price increases to insurance, utilities and wages as well as increased basic costs such as tea, coffee and biscuits.

NeighbourhoodHouseschiefexecutive Keir Paterson said neighbourhood houses are under unprecedented pressure.

“Rising costs, growing community demand, and eroded core funding are forcing houses across the state to cut hours,

staff, and programs,“ he said.

“Years of underfunding has pushed almost half into deficit, leaving them at risk of closure.

“Our data show that for every $1 of ongoing neighbourhood house funding received from the state government, communities benefit to the tune of $21.94.“

The state peak body is also calling on the state government to fund 25 currently unfunded neighbourhood houses, and commit to 20 new neighbourhood hous-

es in Victoria’s outer metro and regional growth areas.

A state government spokesperson said they continue to support neighbourhood houses.

“We’re proud to back the Neighbourhood House coordination program with more than $43 million every year - supporting over 400 neighbourhood houses, 16 networks, and the peak body, Neighbourhood Houses Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

More kinder places on the way

Early learning is being made more accessible for Victorian children after Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced up to 534 additional Kindergarten places are being created across four projects in 2028.

The initiative will include the creation of hundreds of new kindergarten places on or near school sites, including one for Wiyal Primary School coming to Frasers Rise, in a bid to make early learning more easily accessible while saving families money.

Other sites marked for a kindergarten site include on or next to Coburg North Primary School, Mickleham Primary School, and Yarram Primary School.

The plan comes after every new Victorian primary school opened since 2021 was built with a kindergarten on-site or next door, working to ensure Victoria’s kids could start learning close to home.

Ms Blandthorn said “This is about investing in children, families and communities – because every Victorian child deserves the best start to life.”

“Building new kinders where families need them most, close to schools, homes and in communities right across Victoria, is vital in our growing state.”

Duke Street Community House manager Emma Price and Network West coordinator Tania Phillips.

(Damjan Janevski) 516483_02

Study leave for nurses

Nurses and midwives with PhD qualifications are being offered weekly study leave to further their clinical and academic careers, under a new program offered by Western Health, in partnership with Deakin University, the Australian Catholic University (ACU) and Victoria University (VU).

According to Western Health, the ‘nursing and midwifery clinical academic pathway’ is one of the first programs in Australia to provide protected and dedicatedresearchtime–onedayperweek, pro-rata for eligible nurses and midwives, while they continue their clinical practice.

Western Health nurse practitioner (alcoholandotherdrugs)DavidSilkoffsaid the program had allowed him a change of scenery from demanding clinical work.

“Clinical work is so consuming, and we are such a busy department, that I have struggled to do anything academic following the completion of my PhD,” Dr Silkoff said.

“Historically I think nursing has been a ‘doingprofession’whereyougotoworkand you’re very active, and you don’t have time to step back and contribute to research.

“What we’ve got here is the chance for recognition for nursing staff who have higher degrees, who are doctors and nurses to contribute to that [research].”

As part of the program, participants will hold an honourary or adjunct appointment with Deakin University, ACU or VU.

The relevant university will provide program participants with an academic title and recognition, access to its libraries and digital resources, mentorship from experienced academic researchers, opportunities to collaborate in teaching,

seminars and research forums as well as opportunities to co-supervise honours.

Dr Silkoff completed his PhD, focussing on ethics in healthcare, in 2015 and will continue his research in the field.

“My interest is in the ethical quandaries andchallengesthathealthcarepractitioners encounter in their everyday work,” he said.

He said the ability to research alongside his clinical work allows him to reflect on

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issues more deeply.

“We generally do research because we’ve had questions that can’t be answered easily and we want to investigate those,”

Dr Silkoff said. “This program builds back in some dedicated research time and allows experienced nurses to contribute to research and academic expertise in a way from which they have previously been excluded.”

New beer and wine festival

A chance to treat your senses is coming to Caroline Springs, with a new festival set on the banks of Lake Caroline this month.

Hosted onSaturday22November, the Caroline Springs Beer, Food & Wine Festival will transform Lake Street, the foreshore, and the WestWaters Entertainment Complex into a more-than-three-acre and family-friendly event.

Thefestivalwillincludemorethan 20 beverage producers pouring craft beers, boutique wines and artisanal spirits.

For food lovers, there will be pub classics at Ruck & Rover Sports Bar; share plates and charcuterie at Miss Caroline; seafood, pasta and premium grill selections at Saige Bistro; along with cheese platters, dessert trucks and plenty of lakeside spots to sit and snack under the sun.

There will also be two live music stages packed with pub rock, pop, and local talent.

The event also aims to cater well for families, with kids’ games, face paintingandballoonartistsallpartof the festivities.

WestWaters general manager Jesse Kornoff said the organisation is thrilled to showcase incredible producers, celebrate local musicians, and“bringourmuch-lovedinterstate festival to the local community”.

Entry is free and the festival will run from 11am to 5pm.

Casey’s blind determination

Diagnosed with an unknown degenerative eye condition that left her legally blind, western suburbs resident Casey Hyde is no-stranger to adversity.

A lack of central vision and limited light perception make it hard for her to see, let alone run, however that hasn’t stopped her from competing in triathlons, Spartans and Ironman competitions across the country.

Now, the 38-year-old is giving back to Vision Australia by participating in Vision Australia’s Santa Fun Run event.

“Last year I was lucky to connect with little Eddy, who is two years old and blind since birth,” Hyde said.

“He was amazed that I was also using a white cane and running in the race. Seeing

the awe in his eyes reinforced my other reason to run – to act as a role model to the next generation of children who are blind or have low vision.”

Hyde has a determination that many admire, but that wasn’t always the case.

“When I first lost my vision, it was pretty scary. I kept injuring myself, falling over things, and I had trouble navigating the outside world,” she said.

“But after a while I found that moving my body really helped me to cope. When I first moved to Melbourne in 2018, Vision Australia played a big role in connecting me with fitness.”

The Santa Fun Run will be held on 22 November at Melbourne’s Tan Track.

Western Health nurse practitioner (alcohol and other drugs) David Silkoff. (Robin Bristow)

Altona para-athlete Casey Hyde and her seeing-eye-dog Zeeba are preparing for Vision Australia’s Santa Fun Run fundraiser on 22 November. (Damjan Janevski) 515957_03

Celebrating the Braemar College Class of 2025

Imagine beginning your high school journey in 2020. You’ve just met new friends, joined your first sports team, and are looking forward to your first camp. Then, halfway around the world, disruption begins, and soon enough, it reachesyourdoorstep.

For the college’s graduating Class of 2025, the traditional high school experience began under extraordinary circumstances. While some students had already joined Braemar in earlier

years,itwasin2020thatthiscohortcame together to start what should have been a familiar five-year journey of learning, friendship, and growth. Instead, their early high school years were marked by isolation, uncertainty, and the challenge of adapting to a world turned upside down.

Those years, however, also forged something remarkable. They taught this groupresilience,empathy,andtheability to adapt to change. They learned to stay

connectedinnewways,tofindmotivation within themselves, and to support one another, lessons that no textbook could everfullyteach.

Now,astheyapproachthefinalweeksof their Year 12 journey, these young people stand as a testament to strength and optimism. They have grown from quiet determination into confident leaders, ready to step into the broader world beyond Braemar College. Their collective story is one not just of overcoming

challenge, but of shaping character and communitythroughadversity.

The college community is immensely proud of the Class of 2025, proud of their achievements, their spirit, and the way they have carried themselves through such defining years. They remind us that educationisnotonlyaboutwhathappens in classrooms, but about how we face the worldandrisetogether.

Wewishthemeverysuccessastheytake theirnextstepsbeyondBraemar.

Braemar College’s graduating Class of 2025.

Annual report released

Brimbank council has released its annual report, detailing the infrastructure and services it delivered during the last financial year.

In 2024-25, council delivered $58.7 million in capital works, delivering 197 of 229 – or 86 per cent – of its planned projects.

Among the major developments were the upgrade to Kevin Flint Reserve in Cairnlea, Larisa Reserve Neighbourhood Park in St Albans and the completion of the new Lionheart Reserve tennis pavilion at Taylors Lakes.

Council also cited its planting of 5000 native plants at Bon Thomas Grasslands in

Deer Park and a renewed commitment to tackling illegally dumped rubbish as highlights.

Council said its advocacy helped secure a range of road and transport funding commitments from both levels of government over the past financial year, including $300 million to construct a diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive and Calder Freeway, $12 million for a new bus route between Cairnlea and Deer Park, and $8.9 million to upgrade shared user paths in Taylors Lakes, Sydenham and Hillside.

According to the report, one of council’s key advocacy achievements included its

A school fiesta for families

Locals can enjoy a relaxed festival atmosphere at a family fiesta market hosted by Dinjerra Primary School next month, and maybe even get some early Christmas shopping done at the same time!

Primary welfare officer Carla Elgueta said the students can’t wait for the market event.

“Each class will put on a stall. They’re quite varied. There’ll be lots of stalls to pique different interests, she said.

Some of the stalls will sell lolly bags, slime, candles and gifts, among other items.

Classes will perform at the event and the teacher’s band, ‘Lost Property’, will also make a guest appearance.

There will also be carnival games,

lucky dips, spin the wheel, a coffee truck, an arts stall featuring students’ works, and a big raffle.

“If people are wanting to donate towards raffle prizes, that would be greatly appreciated,” Ms Elgueta said.

The family fiesta market will run from 4-8pm on Friday 5 December at Dinjerra Primary School, 44 South Road, Braybrook.

Entry is by gold coin donation. Attendees are encouraged to bring cash, especially coins, as student-run stalls will not accept card payment.

‘rail before runway’ campaign, which calls on the state and federal governments to build a Melbourne airport rail before Melbourne Airport’s third runway.

In the report, council listed the top 10 issues to address in Brimbank as: safety, policing and crime, traffic management, provision and maintenance of street trees, road and footpath maintenance and repairs, parking, council rates, rubbish and waste collection, cleanliness and maintenance, and parks, gardens and open spaces.

Council also stated the organisation’s main challenges which included rate capping, cost shifting, declining grants, popu-

lation growth and housing developments placing pressure on infrastructure and service delivery, and increasing long-term costs from climate change, among others.

Speaking at the October council meeting, Cr Maria Kerr said the report highlights a year of strong, practical results.

“Across Brimbank, we’ve focused on the fundamentals — safe streets, well-maintained roads and footpaths, reliable local services and a cleaner, greener city,” Cr Kerr said.

“These are the things that make daily life better and give ratepayers confidence that their contributions are being used wisely.”

Year 1 students Marisol and Huey. (Damjan Janevski) 517047_05

Escape to New Zealand

At this time of year Aotearoa New Zealand is bursting with exciting new escapes, unforgettable experiences and fresh culinary delights that make if very worth-while to trip across the Tasman for ashortbreak.

From the serene shores of Tasman Bay, where the luxurious new Domu Retreat offers a tranquil hideaway surrounded by nature, to an exciting three-day kayaking adventure through Mahurangi Regional Park, whether seeking peaceful luxury or outdoor exploration, there’s something to inspireeverytraveller.

Domu Retreat - Nelson Tasman

A luxurious new escape by Michelin-starred chef Toby Stuart has just been unveiled in Nelson Tasman, perched high on a coastal ridge with sweeping views across Tasman Bay and the iconic Abel Tasman National Park. Designed for ultimate relaxation and embracing stillness and presence, this exclusive retreat blends world-class cuisine and the naturalbeatifyofbreathtakinglandscapes.

Earnscleugh Castle Historic Coach HouseCentral Otago

From 1 November, the historic Coach House at Earnscleugh Castle welcomes guests to stay in a beautifully restored 19th-century retreat boasting impeccable stonework, warm timber, and refined design. The Coach House offers modern comfort wrapped in historical charm nestled on the grounds of the Earnscluegh Castle.Thiselegantaccommodationinvites guests to step into a world of heritage, surroundedbynature,countrysideandthe beautyofCentralOtago.

The Clements in Cambridge - Waikato

The Clement in Cambridge is a redesigned boutique hotel steeped in rich history,completewithrestoredEdwardian rooms with soaring ceilings and sweeping stained-gained-glass windows. Following a multimillion-dollar makeover of the original 1866 Beaux-Arts Masonic hotel, this luxurious restored 29-room property now offers the perfect blend of history and modernluxury.

New Experiences

Auckland Sea Kayaks - Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland

Aukland Sea Kayaks is now offering a new three-day kayaking adventure throughthestunningMahurangiRegional Park, featuring sheltered bays, native bush and remote beaches. This immersive experience takes paddlers on a journey alongsecludedcoastlinesandpastpristine

beaches. All set against a backdrop of lush naïvebushteemingwithbirdlife.

The West Coast Penguin Encounter/ West Coast

From 18 October, The West Coast Wildlife Centre has introduced its newest experience, the West coast Penguin Encounter.Thisnewexperiencemakesthe West Coast Wildlife Centre the only place in Aotearoa New Zealand where visitors can see kiwi’s, little blue penguins, and tuartara’sallunderoneroof.

Coastal Five Marathon/Taranak

On 15 and 16 November the Coastal Five beginsitsfiveuniquerunningeventsallset against the incredible backdrop of Mount TaranakiandtheNewPlymouthcoastline. Over two days runners can choose their

distance and number of events they would like to participate in. Run the world class Coastal walkway and see iconic spots like Pukekura Park. Pukeiti Gardens and Lake Mangamahoe throughout the Coast Five.

Keep up to date with the latest running, hikingandcyclingeventsinNewZealand. Coming up this quarter. The Spectacle kicksofffrom5Decemberfortrialandroad running lovers, the First Light Marathon on 24 January is perfect for those who like to watch the sunrise as they run, and the Coast-to-Coast marathon begins from 13 February for those who like to cycle, kayak andrunallintheoneday.

Food and Beverage

The Loft/ Hawke’s Bay

Now open, The Lort at Hawke’s Bay welcomes guests to enjoy seasonally inspired menus, exclusive wine pairings, and a setting that invites lingering conversations, all framed by sweeping viewsoftheTukitukiValley.Thisimmersive experience offers a refined yet relaxed atmospherethatcelebratestheverybestof HawkesBay’sfoodandwineculture. Dark Sky Reserve Gin/Wairapapa Launched on 22 October, Greytown Distilling Co’s new Dark Sky Reserve Gin is a must-try for all gin lovers. Inspired by Wairarapa’s newly awarded Dark Sky Reserve status, this limited-edition spirit celebrates the region’s crystal-clear night skieswithauniqueblendofbotanicalsand asmooth,celestialfinish.

The West Coast Penguin Encounter - West Coast Wildlife Centre.

Earnscleugh Castle Historic Coach HouseCentral Otago.

Earnscleugh Coach House - Central Otago. Domu Retreat - Nelson Tasman.

Domu Retreat - Nelson Tasman.

Kayaking the Hauraki Gulf and Mahurangi.

FULLY ESCORTED TOURS OF ADELAIDE & KANGAROO ISLAND

7 Nights

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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

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

Deer Park Christmas Carols

Sunshine Community Brass (Band) and the Lions Club of Deer Park present Christmas Carols 2025 to be held at Sassella Park, 119 Station Road, Deer Park on Saturday 6 December, including a visit from Santa, face-painting, a wheelbarrow raffle, glo-sticks, glo-bracelets, Lions Christmas cakes and a traditional barbecue. The fun starts at 7pm. Free entry and BYO chairs.

Street Greening Co-Design Workshop

Researchers from the University of Melbourne are using Alfrieda Street as a case study in a new project, ‘Re-imagining streets with green infrastructure’. As part of this work, they are hosting co-design workshops, working with local residents and stakeholders to develop a shared vision of what a greener Alfrieda Street could look like. Please submit an expression of interest to attend the next workshop which runs from 6-8pm on 24 November.

 ksoanes@unimelb.edu.au

Christmas deLights

Celebrate the festive season in the heart of Sunshine at Sunshine Christmas deLights! Enjoy a magical afternoon with Mr and Mrs Claus, Santa photos on the big red chair, roller skating elf, the mischievous Grinch, and Christmas stilt-walking beetles. Families can delight in face painting, candy canes, Christmas music, and more. This is a free community event, hosted by Brimbank council, running from 3-6.30pm on 28 November at 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine.

 zoee@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Fruit Tree Net Swap

If you’re a Brimbank resident, you can surrender your illegal netting and you

will be eligible to receive a replacement legal fruit tree net, free of charge. Limited nets are available and a limit of one net per household applies. Registrations are essential. Bring proof of address. The swap will run from 11am-2.30pm on 30 November.  environment@brimbank.vic.gov.au

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 Delahey Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive every Wednesday, from 1-2.30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

 Helpline, 1300 252 666

Sunshine Community Brass

Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than

Table tennis sessions

Brimbank residents enjoyed a morning of friendly table tennis as part of Brimbank council’s weekly intergenerational table tennissessions. Thefreeprogramaimstopromotemental wellbeing and support cardiovascular healthwhileencouragingsocialconnection. Sessions run every Tuesday during school terms between 9.30am-12.30pm at Sydenham Neighbourhood House, Level 1, 1StationStreet,WatergardensTownCentre, TaylorsLakes.

Sports equipment, including rackets and balls,isprovidedandwalk-insarewelcome.

Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovicswungbytocapturetheaction. Registration: call 9249 4224, email sydnh@brimbank.vic.gov.auorvisittinyurl. com/r6f8d8ar Hip Falcao. 512462_13

90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm.

 Andrew, 0419 444 620

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 noon. The club offers bus trips, lunches, morning melodies etc. New members welcome.

 0427 495 584

Keilor Park Tennis Club social night

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

 keilorparktennis@gmail.com

Brimbank Book Group

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

 library@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Create & Chat

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

 library@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Viviana Lange. 512462_14

Dennis Yeung and Albert Tang. 512462_11

Dennis Yeung. 512462_10

Gamini Kulatunga. 512462_12

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Delicate Lady, rode by Thomas Stockdale winning race four at the Kyneton Cup. (Damjan Janevski) 516055_01

Melodies to wow Wyndham

The Royal Australian Navy Band, the Bee Gees Revival and Australian Fleetwood Mac Show are just some of the acts heading to Encore Events Centre next year as part of the popular Morning Melodies program. Wyndham council has released the line-up for the 2026 program, with each month featuring a different musical genre and theme that brings the audience along on a musical journey Council said Morning Melodies is a great way to experience an affordable and entertaining show, with performances held on the second Tuesday morning of every month, between 11am and noon.

Doorsopenat10.30amandtheshowsrun for one hour. Each show is $15 and includes morning tea.

Cr Mia Shaw said Morning Melodies is one of Wyndham’s most popular arts events.

“The Morning Melodies program continuestoplayanimportantrolebringing peopletogethertoenjoymusicalshowsand connecting the community,“ she said.

“The2026programwillfeatureanexciting mix of classic hits, cabaret and musical tributes,featuringsomeofAustralia’sfinest touring acts and local talent.”

“From toe-tapping swing and rock ‘n’ roll favourites to heartfelt ballads and nostalgic performances – whatever your taste in music – there is something for everyone!

“Morning Melodies isn’t just about great music and entertainment, it’s a chance for residents to enjoy performances close

to home, share morning tea with friends, and be part of Wyndham’s vibrant creative culture. We’re proud to continue this much-loved tradition in 2026.“

The first performance is scheduled for 10 Februaryandwillbe all-timefavourite,the Bee Gees Revival which is sure to have the audiences singing along to ‘Stayin Alive’.

The season continues with the Royal Australian Navy Band who will showcasing their talents on 10 March with some old renditions that will have everyone tapping along.

For those that enjoy a fun upbeat sing along Piano By Request, featuring Joss Russell from Piano Bar on 12 May will be just the right tempo. Audience will have the opportunity to be part of the show, as Joss

Sunbury Streetlife is back for family fun

Sunbury is set to come alive as Sunbury Streetlife takes over the town. The annual event is a fan-favourite on the calendar, with O’Shannassy and Brook streets closing to traffic for the massive event.

OnthemainstagenearIGA,enjoyarange of performers, while sipping a cocktail or two at the bar.

Near the Royal Hotel, you’ll find the Roaming Range, where you can challenge yourself to a mini putt challenge on the

big screen.

Near Paint Spot, reach new heights and test your limits on the Rock Climbing Wall, and on the Brook Street end, have a go at pickleball and check out the Sunbury CFA fire truck up close.

In the Village Green, there’s plenty to do and see, with pony rides and an animal farmgettingyouupcloseandpersonalwith some furry friends.

Along the streets will be plenty of market

stalls, with the community showcasing its many talents for you to purchase, as well as plenty of food and drink.

There is over 120 market stalls planned, as well as live music from Gareth Huggett and The Remedy, Cold Snap, Insync Entertainment and more.

Sunbury Streetlife will return to O’Shannassy and Brook streets in Sunbury onSunday 23 November from 10am to4pm.

The event is free to attend.

Enjoy a taste of Africa at Footscray night market

Following the resounding success of its first edition in March, the Little Africa Night Market is set to return, bringing even more colour, culture, and community spirit to Footscray this month.

The event, which celebrates African culture through food, fashion, art, and live performances, will once again transform Nicholson Street into a lively marketplace filled with sights, sounds, and flavours from across the continent.

Organisers promise an evening full of family-friendly fun, with a variety of food stalls showcasing the vibrant flavours of Footscray’s diverse traders, handmade crafts,stunningfashiondisplaysandroving

takes live song requests, in this intimate and interactive show.

The Australian Fleetwood Mac Show will feature on 14 July, with the GYPSY tour and will have the audience reminiscing and wanting to go back to the ‘Edge of Seventeen’.

The Crooners, Issi Dye and Gary Johns will have the dance floor swaying on 11 August.

MikeBradywillperformforaspecialOne Day in September on 8 September followed byTheAustralianABBATributeShowon13 October.

Tickets for the 2026 Morning Melodies at Encore program are now on sale. Details: www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ morning-melodies

The king of pop is back

Looking for a ‘Thriller’ of a night?

MJ the Musical is showing in Melbourne and giving locals their Michael Jackson music fix.

Melton resident Zavier, who plays Little Marlon in the production, said actingtheiconicroleandperforming as part of the Jackson 5 has been incredible fun.

He was initially shocked and excited when he found out he’d been cast in the role.

“I had gone through a few audition rounds, and it was so cool to hear thatmyhardworkhadpaidoff.Itwas Christmas Eve when I found out, so it was the best time to receive the good news!” Zavier said.

“When I went through the audition process for MJ The Musical, it was a totally new experience for me and during that process, I really gained more and more confidence each step of the way. The team and cast membershaveallhelpedmesomuch along the way.”

MJ the Musical delves into the highs and lows of the king of pop’s life, music and career, bringing out all of his greatest hits along the way.

Zavier said he loves being a part of Michael Jackson’s story in the musical.

He shares the stage with a group of talentedperformerswhohe’sbecome good friends with throughout the production.

“The other young performers in the show are some of my best friends now, it’s been the greatest experience ever,” Zavier said.

MJ the Musical is showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until Sunday 1 March. Tickets: mjthemusical.com. au/tickets/melbourne/

entertainment throughout the night. There will also be free henna and face painting.

Visitorscanexpectavibrantprogramthat showcases both emerging and established talent.

The market will take place on Saturday 22 November, from 4-9pm, at the Little Africa Precinct Footscray, 138 Nicholson sSreet, Footscray

The market is presented by the Little Africa Traders Organisation and supported by Maribyrnong council and the state government. Entry is free. Details: https:// www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Events/ Little-Africa-Night-Market

Maribyrnong mayor Pradeep Tiwari can’t wait for the Little Africa Night Market to return to Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 513953_02

Melton resident Zavier plays Little Marlon in MJ the Musical. (Supplied)

Sunbury Streetlife committee members Sharyn Snook and Juan Carlos Rodriguez-Deller. (Damjan Janevski) 505559_02

SPORTS QUIZ

1. In which sport is the term ‘empty net’ used?

2. The Saints play NFL out of which US city?

3. In which year did Roger Federer win his first Grand Slam final?

4. And which event was it?

5. What is the name of Rey Mysterio’s wrestler son?

6. Which two tennis players are set to compete in a ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match in Dubai this year?

7. A recent addition to the senior Socceroos team, James Overy plays for which English Premier League club?

8. Which British Super League team will the Brisbane Broncos face in next year’s World Club Challenge?

Who was recently fired from their position as the head coach of the AFLW’s Sydney Swans?

After 352 games with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, NRL player Daly Cherry-Evans has signed with which club?

Which country recently won the Women’s World Cup cricket tournament for the first time?

Which sports brand makes the official ball of the Australian Open tennis tournament?

Which racing driver won the F1 World Drivers’ Championship seven times between 1994 and 2004?

14. How many gold medals did Jesse Owens win at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin?

15. What is the nickname of the Australian women’s national rugby league team?

16. Which MLB team won the World Series for the second consecutive year?

17. True or false: 1879 Wimbledon finalist Vere Thomas Goold was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of a Swedish widow in Monte Carlo?

18. Which AFL club has dismissed its 2004 premiership-winning captain from its board?

19. Jockeys Bobby Lewis and Harry White both won the Melbourne Cup how many times?

20. In which country was Australian cricketer Marnus Labuschagne born?

21. The 1996 Robert De Niro thriller The Fan revolves around which sport?

22. The AFL’s new wildcard round means that how many teams will now compete in finals?

23. Ashes squad member Jake Weatherald plays for which state team?

24. Which nation won the men’s cup at the 2025 Rugby League Pacific Championships?

25. And which nation won the women’s cup at the event?

26. How many of the upcoming Ashes Test matches will be day/night fixtures?

27. Which two nations have won every gold medal for skateboarding at the Summer Olympic Games?

28. Which Matildas stars released a 2024 memoir entitled Macca:MyStory So Far?

29. How many total players are on the ice during a game of ice hockey?

30. How many race meetings make up the annual Melbourne Cup Carnival?

YOUR NEW CAREER ...

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

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

South American carnivorous fish (7)

Decorative display (11)

Wet weather wear (8)

Mendicant monk (5)

Loop with running knot (5)

Admits (coll) (6,2)

Determinants (11)

Form of sugar (7)

Alliance (6)

Cherished (6)

Compromises (coll) (5,4)

7 Manipulating (5)

8 Written versions of speeches (11)

10 Attractiveness (6)

12 In date order (11)

15 Threatening actions of persuasion (9)

17 Uplifting (9)

18 People who abstain from all animal products (6)

21 Man’s formal evening suit (6)

23 Verity (5)

25 Effigy (5)

28 French term for a married woman (abbr) (3)

1 Sardinia is an island belonging to which nation?

2 The spirit Ariel appears in which Shakespeare play?

3 What makes up 60 per cent of the human brain?

4 The song NorwegianWood appears on which album by The Beatles?

5 Which prince governed the United Kingdom as ‘Regent’ during the years 1811–1820?

6 What literary movement began as a reaction to 18th-century romanticism and the rise of the European bourgeoisie?

7 The common barbel is a species of what?

8 'Stay gold, Ponyboy, stay gold' is a famous line from which novel?

9 True or false: champagne is only produced in the Champagne wine region of France?

10 Starring Julia Stiles (pictured) and Heath Ledger, the 1999 movie 10ThingsIHateAbout You was based on which Shakespeare play?

Room for improvement...

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

The QS is a car that is going to do big things for MG, or so it hopes.

The company’s first seven-seat offering, we’re told, has been designed with families in mind.

And MG says it’s a true seven-seater, not 5+2, combining practical versatility with premium styling.

But don’t expect an electric vehicle, this one’s powered by a good old conventional turbocharged petrol engine.

Styling

There are two grades: Excite and Essence. Both are powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

Excite is front-wheel drive and priced from$46,990,whiletheEssenceisall-wheel driveandpricedfrom$50,990-bothfigures are driveaway for a limited time.

Our test vehicle was the better equipped, all-wheel drive Essence, finished in metallicblackpearl,acolourthatadds$800 to the price.

Standard kit includes pop-out door handles, cloth trim and three-zone climate air with rear air controls, a micro-fibre leather finished steering wheel, power-adjustfrontseatsandmulti-coloured ambient interior lighting.

There are also 20-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, auto lights and wipers, LED head, tail and daytime lights, rear parking sensors, electric tailgate and a panoramic power-operated sunroof.

Along with all-wheel drive, Essence ups the ante with little extras like 21-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, six driving modesinsteadofthree,leathertrim,heated and cooled front seats, electric lumbar adjustment, wireless phone charging, auto dimmingrearviewmirror,autohighbeam, LED fog lights, front parking sensors, as well as 12-speaker Bose audio.

QSiscoveredbyMG’s10-year/250,000km warranty, provided it is serviced with MG - otherwise it reverts to seven years/ unlimited kilometres.

Service is required every 12 months or 15,000km.

Infotainment

Infotainment is supplied in the form of a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, voice control, satellite navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and generic, eight-speaker audio.

Another 12.5-inch screen provides the driver instrumentation.

There are five USB-C ports, two in front, two in the rear and one in the third row, with 12-volt outlets in the front and luggage area.

Essence adds wireless phone charging and it accommodates two phones simultaneously, but the right buts up against the centre console and won’t accommodate longer phones.

Access to iSmart connected services is valid for 12 months.

Safety

QS is yet to be rated for safety by ANCAP. It comes with seven airbags, 360-degree camera, forward collision warning and auto emergency braking (no details on the latter).

A string of safety systems includes lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane change assist, emergency lane keep, door openingwarning,blindspotdetection,rear cross traffic alert, drive monitor system, unsteady driver warning, traffic jam assist and intelligent cruise assist.

That said the driver is assaulted by continual warnings, the reasons for which are not always obvious.

Missing is head-up display.

There’s ISOFix child seat anchors for the outer rear seats as well as three top tethers, but no provision for placing a seat in the third row.

Engines/transmissions

A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 153kW of power at 5300 rpm and 360Nm of torque from 1750-3500 rpm, with drive to the front or all four wheels depending on the grade, via a nine-speed dual clutch style automatic.

Driving

At 4983mm in length, with a 2915mm wheelbase, QS is an appealing reasonably large vehicle that makes smart use of the available space.

The front seats are comfy, with plenty of second row legroom, which is where you want it most, and some room leftover for luggage with the third row of seats deployed.

There’s even a storage nook below the floor to stow the security screen when it is not in use. But access to the third row is easiest from the driver’s or traffic side of the vehicle which is not ideal from a safety point of view.

Our little one was distraught to learn that her car seat could not be placed in the third row. Not happy, not by a long shot!

Trendy, welcome back door handles pop out when the car is unlocked, but remain extended and exposed to damage until the car is locked again.

There’s no gear change paddles, nor for that matter can one change gears manually using the transmission lever.

However, there are six drive modes from which to choose: Normal, Snow, Off-road, Sport, Custom, and Eco.

All-wheel drive is a torque on demand system which means Essence operates predominantly in front-wheel drive.

Therearwheelscomeintoplayonlywhen the system senses a loss of traction.

This delivers better fuel consumption.

The level of power offered by the drivetrain feels adequate, but this could change easily with the car fully laden.

Throttle response is at best erratic, bordering on downright problematic.

It takes a second for the transmission to hook up and another second or two before the turbo spools up, then the car surges forward.

Trying to master or feather the response is nigh impossible.

The brakes are abrupt too, kicking in quickly and sharply.

In contrast the electric brake lags when you put the car into park, which can be a worry on a steep driveway.

The soundtrack to this is provided by the bings and bongs from the safety assist systems, constantly warning of transgressionsthatarenotalwaysapparent.

It’s enough to drive one troppo.

One of the benefits of stepping up to the more expensive Essence is the addition of variable, adaptive suspension.

We’vegottosaytheride,evenwith21-inch wheels and low-profile Michelin rubber is pretty good, erring towards comfort rather than handling.

At the same time, it is no soggy biscuit.

Ridequalityisbetteraroundtownthanin thebacklots,butitshouldbeborneinmind that the suspension is linked to whatever drive mode is active.

Sport obviously makes it stiffer, but the Normal setting works just fine.

Like many cars these days a pair of 12.3-inch screens, housed in a sweeping panel, forming the basis for instruments and infotainment.

You get satnav, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and, in the Essence, premium 12-speaker Bose sound.

Both screens can be configured to taste, while swiping the touchscreen reveals other menus.

Learning what controls what on the steering wheel is a matter of experimentation.

The up and down arrows on the right side are for volume, but there’s no labels to indicate this.

There’s no central volume control either, but a row of toggles along the lower edge of the dash do provide access to fan and temperature settings. The auto climate setting takes ages to cool the cabin and will have you reaching for the controls.

Thespecssuggestthecarhasrain-sensing

wipers,butwecouldnotfindanautosetting on the wiper stalk.

The front USB and 12-volt sockets are located in the lower console where it is difficult to see and access them.

On the morning of our final day with the car the infotainment system decided to revert to Chinese.

Good luck making it revert to English.

The power-operated tailgate had a mind of its own too. Sometimes it refused to respondtothekeyfob,atothertimesiteven refused to react when we pushed the close buttonlocatedontheundersideoftheopen tailgate.

Looking back across the road we were surprised to see it still open. Hmmm…

A mesh-style retractable screen filters light from the sunroof, but is liable to transmit heat during summer.

With a 65-litre fuel tank QS prefers premium 95 unleaded.

Fuel consumption is a claimed 8.4L/100km for Excite and 8.8 L/100km for Essence.

Weweregetting9.2L/100kmaftercloseto 600km. That’s not particularly bad, but it’s not particularly good either, especially in the context of hybrid and electric vehicles.

QS is rated to tow a 2000kg braked load and comes with a space saver spare.

This feels like a car that has been rushed into production before the engineers were happy to sign off on it.

Thismightforinstanceexplainthelegacy ‘Ultimate’ badge on the front three-quarter panel.

In the old days it took years for new models to come to market.

Summing up

The QS isn’t a bad car, it’s just that it could be a much better car.

The seven-seater offers a lot of car for the price, but a few bugs remain to be ironed out - some sooner than later.

Throttle response is erratic and could lead to problems in some circumstances where time is of the essence.

Fuel consumption is on the heavy side and ideally the petrol engine needs to be replaced by a more efficient hybrid. Take note the driveaway offer officially endedattheendofSeptember,butcertainly worth haggling.

The QS isn’t a bad car, it’s just that it could be a much better car. (Pictures: Supplied)

The rain held off long enough on Saturday for most sporting competitions to get back out on the field after a number of washouts across the past week. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Rain holds, sport goes on

Taylors Lakes’ Steffan Roberts. 517342_02

Ameya Sommer-Allie leads Grace Carter, Ashleigh Palmer and Alex Tzilantonis in the 400 metre gift. 517333_24

East Sunbury’s Venkatesh Howard-Smith. 517318_04

Hoppers Crossing’s Abbas Faiyaz. 517342_07

Rupertswood’s Rhys Berry. 517320_02

Caroline Springs’ Braedon Mulheran. 517356_14

Medal winners of the 400 metre gift, Mitchell Mullens, 2nd, Will Adams, 1st, and Sean Davidson, 3rd. 517333_19

Diggers Rest Bulla’s Travis Barratt. 517318_01

Lions feel ‘complete’ after the launch of women’s team

By Tara Murray

The decision to build a women’s side this seasonhasmadeTaylorsLakesCricketClub complete.

Having had junior sides along with a men’s side previously, the Lions felt it was timetofieldawomen’ssidethisseason.

In the space of just a month, they managedtogetasideupandrunningwhich is now playing in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.

Lions president Paul Wolf said things couldn’t have gone much better with the side.

“We are thrilled with how things are going,” he said. “We had the ambition and putouranexpressionofinterestinAugust.

“It has been fantastic and Taylors Lakes nowfeelscomplete.Wehavejuniors,seniors and a women’s side, it puts the whole place together.

“Itshouldhavebeendoneyearsago.”

The club initially planned to enter a side in the North West Metropolitan Cricket AssociationbutdecidedtoplayintheVTCA.

Wolf said they felt they had the talent to play in the higher competition which plays

normalcricketrulesandwithfullsides.

He said the club and the group were so focused on being successful and having a sustainableprogram.

“It has been successful and we’re delighted with the mix. We have a couple of experienced heads and some new starters andsomeupandcomers.

“We’ve got 13-14 players in the squad and it’sbeenreallyenjoyablesofar.”

Coach Thomas Hurst said he had really enjoyedworkingwiththeside.

“We’ve got some key values and it’s about development,” he said. “We want them to enjoy training and playing and success will naturallyfollowthat.

“There’s an eagerness to learn and learn quicklywhichispositive.

“They are driving it and the amount of improvementinthelastcoupleofmonths.”

Hurst said the group was gaining more confidenceinallelementsofthegame.

The side had been lucky to have Judi Donovan and Alisha Fowler come across who both provide plenty of leadership on thefield.

ForbothWolfandHurstit’saboutbuilding the program for the future and taking the

winswhentheycome.

“It’sbeenreallygoodasit’sbeenoneclub, one family and one purpose,” Hurst said. “Wetreattheclublikeacricketfamilyandit wastheonethingwewerelacking.

“There’s more kids and husbands

Jet peaks for draft

By Tara Murray

For some players missing out on the Vic Metro squad can be the end of the line, for Western Jets’ Oskar Ainsworth it was what led to him being on the AFL draft radar.

Ainsworth was one of the big improvers inthebackpartoftheCoatesTalentLeague season after a move forward.

Hewouldeventuallyfindhimselfplaying for Vic Metro along with being invited to the AFL draft combine.

Come later this week, he could find himself on an AFL list.

“If you had said this time last year that I would be having meetings with however many clubs and having been at the combine, I wouldn’t have believed you,“ he said. “I’m happy with my progress and everything that has happened.

“I’ve put my best foot forward and could not be happier.”

For Ainsworth, the biggest thing in his development was just focusing on football.

Having been a handy basketballer, Ainsworth just focused on football this year.

“I was a big basketballer,” he said. “Last year I made the Jets as a bottom age while still playing basketball.

“ThisyearIjuststraightfocusedonfooty.

“I did a pre-season at VFL [Victorian Football League] as well. I got a lot more experience and a lot more of the footy in my hands.

“The learning and growth come rapidly and peaked this year.”

Ainsworth said the decision to just focus on the football had been the right one and he was happy that he made it.

The footy season started a bit slowly for Ainsworth as he found his feet.

“I was open to coming into the season and play whatever role,” he said. “That was mid-half back and I worked on my size and fitness over the pre-season to help out Tom and Tom [Burton and McGuane].

“I trialed for metro and it didn’t go my way and I missed the original squad.”

Ainsworth then sat down with his manager and his Jets coach Christian Stagliano about what would be best for his game going forward.

Amovebacktotheforwardlinewherehe played last year was the decision.

“It was best for me and the chemistry of the team,” he said.

“I got back to playing my best footy and

Oskar Ainsworth. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 486900_12

got all these opportunities at the end.”

Ainsworth’sformwassogoodthathewas selected for the final couple of games of the national carnival, with selectors saying his formmeantthathecouldn’tbeoverlooked.

Looking back, he said missing the original metro squad was the best thing for him.

“It was the goal at the start of the year,” Ainsworthsaid.“Imade17smetrolastyear.

“What separates me is that I went even harder.”

Ainsworth was also rewarded with an invite to the national draft combine.

Hesaidhehadtodoublecheckthatitwas thenationalcombinehewasinvitedto,not the state one as he didn’t believe it.

“It was he best boys in the age group,” he said. “Meeting them was another amazing experience along with talking to clubs at the MCG.

Ainsworthhasspokento11or12clubsin the lead up to the draft.

He said he’d done everything he could now and it was now a nervous wait until the drafts.

WhileAinsworthwouldbehappytogoto anyclub,there’soneinparticularwherehe would love to land.

“My grandfather [Geoff Ainsworth] captained Geelong in the 1970s,” he said.

“I’m Geelong mad.

“IfIgotselectedbythem,youwouldhave to pinch me.”

watching games and they come to training aswellaswedon’twantthattobeabarrier.

“There’sagoodbuzz.”

The Lions, who are still looking for their first win of the season, were due to face CoburgonSunday,afterdeadline.

Blues lose three stars

Three Keilor premiership players are on the move as the Blues are set to welcome back at least one star from theVictorianFootballLeague.

After losing just three games this year, the Blues believe they are in a goodplacetoagainbeinthemixcome nextseason.

Blues coach Mick McGuane said they thought they still had a good squad.

“We need a bit of luck with injury at therighttimeoftheyear,”hesaid.

“Players like [Riley] Ham and [Stefan] Radovanovic guys like that who didn’t play a lot of football will be likenewrecruits.”

McGuane said Jack Brown was set to be back at the Blues full time next year, having played in the Victorian Football League the past three seasons.

Brown played one season game this yearfortheBlues.

McGuane said they were still waiting on confirmation on whether there might be a couple of more playersreturningfulltimefromVFL.

Premiership players Jovan Petric, Reuben William and Jermarl Daly are all departing the club with McGuane saying they leave with the club’s blessing.

Petric has signed with Swan Districts in Western Australia as he continues to pursue his dreams of beingdrafted.

William has joined Thomastown in the Northern Football League with workcommitmentsmeaninghecould no longer commit to play at premier level.

DalyisjoiningStBernard’swherehe hasaclosefootballcontact.

Jack Brown. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 362605_09

The first Taylors Lakes women’s side. (Supplied)

T20s get underway, Lions fire again

Rain may have halted play temporarily but the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition still got underway last week.

Most sides were set to kick off their competition on Tuesday night, but rain meant all matches were postponed.

Many sides took the opportunity to kick off two days later, with a number of matches on Thursday night.

In group A1, PEGS got a first up win against Aberfeldie.

Abers batted first and made 7-148 from their overs with Nilanka Rukshitha taking three wickets for PEGS.

PEGSmadetherunswithease,finishing 3-149 in the 18th over.

Seamus Lynch and Omar Phillips both made half centuries for PEGS.

In the other matches, Haig Fawkner beat Airport West St Christophers.

In group A2, Deer Park made light work of fellow senior division side St Albans.

The Saints were restricted to 7-102 from theiroverswithJamesMeggitttopscoring with 43.

The Lions got the job done with nearly half the 20 overs left, finishing 1-106.

Fawad Ahmed top scored with 46 at the top of the order.

In group A3, Footscray United and Westmeadows got first round wins.

Yarraville Club, Sunshine and Williamstown Imperials got first up wins in group A4.

The Clubbers got the job done against Maribyrnong Park St Marys.

Sunshine proved too strong for fellow division 1 side Seddon.

The Crows made 6-124 from their overs withAvishkaChenukatopscoringwith59 not out off 47.

The Dockers were bowled out in the final over for 107. Jacob Slator top scored with 30 at the top of the order.

Troy Stone took four wickets for the Crows.

The Imperials put on a display with the bat against Sydenham-Hillside making 6-212.

Callum Herron top scored with 62.

Akeem Springer was the only batter

to get started for the Storm as it finished 9-119.

Springer made 64 not out.

In group B2, Burnside Springs United got the first win of the competition as it accounted for St Andrew’s Footscray on Wednesday night.

TheSaintsdecidedtobatandmade7-107 from its overs with Thomas Stoneham top scoring with 52 at the top of the order.

Burnside Springs made the runs with more than three overs remaining, finishing 3-113.

Dan Fernando top scored with 44 not out.

Werribee Centrals got its first win of the season as it beat West Newport on Thursday night.

In group B3, Point Cook again got the points in the Point Cook derby, beating Point Cook Centrals.

Laverton was the other winner on Thursday night, beating Wyndham Vale.

The Vales were restricted to just 6-84 with Laverton getting the runs in the 12th over, finishing 4-85.

The Blues find form

By Tara Murray

A strong all-round performance was the key to Keilor getting its second win on the board in the Victorian Turf Cricket Associationseniordivision.

TheBluesfacedAltonaNorthonSaturday in a one-dayer, after the first day of play waswashedoutthepreviousround.

Altona North made 6-178 from its overs afterbeingsentin.

Keilor wasted no time with the run chase, making the runs within 30 overs as itfinished3-181.

ForKeilorcoachDuncanHarrison,itwas thesortofperformancetheyhadbeenkeen tosee.

“It was good and I thought we played really well,” he said. “It was a balanced game.

“We were tidy with the ball and in the fieldandthencynicalwiththebat.

“It was our most complete batting and bowlingperformance.”

Harrison said the score of 178 was below par and had they batted first they would have been aiming for at least 200-220

ontheboard.

He said they were really happy to keep themtothattotal.

Isuru Yaddehige, Matthew Gaskett and Matthew Strachan all took two wickets eachfortheBlues.

After being 2-36, the Blues two most experienced players in Malith Cooray and DimuthKarunarathnagottogetherandset thetempo.

The pair got the Blues within sight of victorywhenKarunarathnafellfor57.

It mattered little as the Blues made the runs with ease with Cooray finishing 71 notout.

“They batted well,” Harrison said. “They gotinandsetatempreallywell.

“They are very good players and it was nicetoseethemgetinthereandgetthejob done.”

ThewinmovestheBluesto2-2.

Harrison said it had been a slightly frustratingstarttotheseason.

“We had a one-dayer then a two-dayer and then a match which became a one-dayer,”hesaid.

“It’sbeenastop-startsetupsofair.Itwas

Omar Phillips. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Stars re-sign for Keilor Thunder

Keilor Thunder’s two biggest names have signed on for next year’s National Basketball League 1 South season.

The Thunder announced that Maddy Rocci and Isabelle Bourne had signed on for their third season attheclub.

Keilor said on social media that bothplayershavebeenintegraltothe club over the last two seasons, and the club is honoured that they will be returningnextyear.

The pair have been keys for the Thunder in their finals run both seasons and were both selected for theAustralianOpalsthisyear.

Rocci was named in the 2025 NBL1 South first team, and averaged 25.56 points and 8.94 assists per game, the highest in the NBL1 South competitionthisyear.

Rocci missed playing in the Asia Cupthroughinjury.

Inamessageonsocialmedia,Rocci said she can’t wait to return to the Thunderforathirdseason.

“I have had the best time and met the best people and seriously played my best basketball in front of you guys and can’t wait to see you all in thestandsnextNBL1season.

Bourne also joins us for her third seasonatKeilorThunder.

nice to have a reasonably good all round performance.”

The challenges don’t get any easier for theBlueswhonowfaceYarravilleClubina two-dayerstartingthisSaturday.

“The challenges keep coming,” Harrison said. “There’s not a week you go there and thinkthatit’swon.

“We’llhavetoplayextremelywelltohave anychanceofwinning.”

In other results, Deer Park continues to set the standard as it this time accounted forCraigieburn.

The Lions made 5-289 from their overs with Aaron Shellie (139) scoring his third 100 of the season and Daniel Sartori also hittingthreefigures,finishing102notout.

TheEagleswerebowledoutfor142.

St Albans snuck home against Airport WestStChristopher’s.

Airport West made 9-132 which the Saintschaseddowninthesecondlastover, finishing5-133.

Sydenham-Hillside was able to upset YarravilleClub.

The Clubber made 195, with the Storm finishing7-199inreply.

She was named 2024 NBL1 South most valuable player, and made the 2025 NBL1 second team, averaging 22.93 points per game this season.

She also made her Opals debut in Australia’s winning side at the FIBA AsiaCup.

Bourne will continue as vice-captainforthe2026season.

She said on social media she was excited to play for the Thunder again.

“I can’t wait to keep learning from coach Kristi Harrower and play alongside the great group she is recruiting.”

Both players currently play for the WNBL’s Southside Flyers, under Thunder and Flyers coach Harrower.

Rocci is currently averaging 15.25 points and 6.25 assists per game and Bourne is averaging 16 points per game and 5.50 rebounds per game.

455337_02

Malith Cooray. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Rusty Eagles get the job done after enforced rain break

A rusty Sunshine Eagles were still able to get the job done on Saturday in the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first nine competition.

The Eagles’ past two games had been washed out, meaning it had been two weeks between games.

Eagles coach Stuart Clayton said you could tell that the group wasn’t at their best.

“Saturday and Tuesday were washed out and we had a little bit of a break,” he said. “It was funny as it felt like we’d had a month off.

“We struggled with the timing of batting and everything. You would think two days off would refresh the body for everyone, but we had to start again.”

The Eagles were able to come away with an 8-1 win against Upwey FTG.

Clayton said it wasn’t the best performance but getting a win like that against Upwey was a really pleasing result.

“We scored all but one of the runs in the third innings,” he said. “We were flat after that.

“Everyone was hyped up and we got a couple of hits and were able to get away

seven runs.

“They changed their pitcher who was a bit slower and harder to hit.

“We had one big innings and then everyone tried to hit it too hard.”

Clayton said the slower pitching was something they had to adapt to as other sides would try that against them.

He said they would hopefully build on that this week.

The Eagles sit atop the table after seven rounds, with six wins from as many matches.

They are the only undefeated side.

Sunshine is set for two matches again this week, with a midweek match against Fitzroy on Tuesday night and then a weekend match against Newport Rams on Saturday.

Clayton said this was the time of year that always challenged sides.

“It will keep us on our toes with our pitching depth,” he said.

“The Young boys are currently holding it

Aloisi left in limbo

By Anna Harrington, AAP

Stuck in coaching limbo, John Aloisi is starting to get itchy feet.

But the Socceroos great, who is now Western United coach in name only, won’t be rushing to snap up just any job.

Aloisi is technically still contracted to United, who were put into hibernation as they fight an ATO wind-up order and the stripping of their A-Leagues licence.

But in reality, he is living the difficult life of a professional football coach without a team.

“It’s hard. It’s not easy, not coaching,” he told AAP.

“You’re trying to make sure that you stay as positive as possible. You want to be out there, you want to be coaching.

“But I just need to be prepared and ready for whatever comes my way.

“Whether that’s for next season, whether that’s next week, you just don’t know when you’re - I’ll say out of a job because I’m not coaching at the moment.

“But I’m just making sure that I’m

prepared for whatever comes my way.”

Aloisi has long held ambitions of joining Ange Postecoglou, Kevin Muscat and Tony Popovic in earning an overseas move, with the MLS and J.League among previous links.

“If it does come along, it has to be the right club, right environment that I believe that I can be successful,” he said.

“Whether that can still be here in Australia, it could be still Western United, I don’t know. You just don’t know what’s around the corner.

“Or if the right move came along overseas, I would like to test myself.

“But whether that does happen or not, I don’t know.”

Aloisi, who has knocked back interest from Central Coast and Perth Glory, looms as the top local candidate for any A-League club looking to make a change.

“I don’t wish it upon anyone, losing their job, so I don’t want to say too much,” he said.

“But if the right opportunity comes along, that means anywhere, whether it’s

up for us.

“Our seconds had a good win yesterday [Saturday. There’s guys there who are going OK in the seconds that might get an opportunity for an innings in the firsts the next couple of weeks.

‘Hopefully we keep going the way we’re going.”

In the women’s regional north-west competition, Sunshine Blues suffered its first loss of the season on Saturday, losing to Geelong, 13-12.

Meanwhile, Sunshine White lost to Newport Rams 14-6 in their match.

It’s a big couple of weeks coming up for the Eagles with the official opening of their inside tunnel being opened on 29 November.

Clayton said a lot of work had been put in over two and half years to get this up and it was an amazing facility.

Sports shorts

EDFL

Taylors Lakes has strengthened its squad for next year’s Essendon District Football League women’s season. Joyce joins the Lions from Darley where she has played in multiple premierships and was runner up in the Ballarat Football League women’s best and fairest in 2022. “Kali joins us from Darley, bringing key-position strength and serious athleticism,” the Lions said. “Kali fits our culture perfectly — she has strong family values, and with her niece and nephew playing in our juniors, joining Taylors Lakes was more than just football, it was choosing a club where family comes first.”

EDFL

St Albans has locked in a former Greater Western Sydney Academy player for next year’s Essendon District Football League season. Jack Foster joins the club after a few years off playing football. “Only 22 years old from outside Canberra and just moved to Melbourne, returning to footy, after few years off where he was riding dirt bikes professionally,” the Saints on social media. “Jack was GWS academy player few years back and is looking forward to his return to footy.”

EDFL

A-League or overseas.”

When United went into hibernation, their players scattered around the league and overseas, with Aloisi keeping tabs on them all.

“It’s actually good. You’re excited when you see your players,” he said.

“When I see Matt Grimaldi and Angus Thurgate, Rhys Bozinovski, all these players playing, I wish them all the best, obviously and hopefully we cross paths again one day.”

While waiting to return to the coaching fray,Aloisihasembracedthechancetolook back on 20 years since his famous penalty sent the Socceroos to the 2006 World Cup.

At the premier of JAM TV’s ‘The Kick that United a Nation’ documentary, Aloisi reflected on how then-coach Guus Hiddink’s uncompromising approach shaped his own coaching.

“There’s certain things that you look at andyouthink,‘oh,canIusethatinmyown coaching career?’” he said.

“But the biggest thing is that you’re clear in your decisions and he definitely was.”

A former AFL player is the first new signing for Hillside as it prepares for life in the Essendon District Football League premier division. The club announced last week that Atu Bosenavulagi will join the side next season. Bosenavulagi played 20 AFL games with North Melbourne and Collingwood. More recently he has played for St Albans, playing 16 games in each of the past two seasons.

Western FL

Jude Elcheikh is joining Albanvale for next year’s Western Football League division 2 season. Elcheikh joins the club from Caulfield in the Southern Football League where he was a regular senior player.

Before that, Jude spent his time at Sunshine where he was able to achieve the ultimate success in winning a premiership in 2024. He had previously also won back-to-back club and league best and fairests.

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John Aloisi. (Western United)

Tara Murray

Scott Moore. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465514_09