Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 16th December 2025

‘Major gaps’ in report

By Sam Porter

ResidentsarecallingonBrimbankcouncil to improve services and accessibility for people with disability, citing the council’s annual report to highlight areas needing improvement.

Brimbank Disability Advocacy and Support manager Shannon Meilak said the annual report reveals “major gaps” for people with disability.

Ms Meilak said while the report highlighted accessible car parking upgrades, council hasn’t addressed severalparksinthemunicipalitythathave been repeatedly flagged by the disability community as lacking accessibility, including yaluk barring park and Green Gully dog park.

Ms Meilak said the closest accessible

carparktoyalukbarringparkwasatKeilor Golf Club, over a kilometre away, and that the new accessible parking at Green Gully dog park does not have curb cutouts for people to access the park.

Another issue identified related to council’s community transport service.

Theannualreportstated“themajorityof clients using the service are older people and people with disabilities,” however Ms Meilak said buses used for the service do nothavethecapabilitytotransportpeople in scooters and wheelchairs.

“Thiscontradictsthereport’smessaging and leaves many disabled residents without transport to community programs and supports,” Ms Meilak said.

Council’s 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey also revealed respondents with disability have lower than average

Luba Grigorovitch

satisfaction with council’s services.

MsMeilakexpressedconcernthereport contains no commitment to address this gap.

She said she’s worried council is not properlyengagingpeoplewithdisabilities in its community consultation processes.

“Thereportstatesextensiveengagement was undertaken with seniors, carers, children and young people - but people with disability were not specifically targeted or mentioned, despite forming a significant portion of the population and historically facing barriers to participation,” Ms Meilak said.

While Ms Meilak highlighted concerns with the report, she noted that council also does a lot of great work in making programs and events accessible to people with disabilities.

Brimbank council community wellbeing director Lynley Dumble said council is always looking for ways to improve the way it includes people with disability.

“Council’s Disability Action Plan 2022-2026 is overseen by the Disability Advisory Committee and informed by robust consultation with community. The ActionPlanguidesCouncil’skeypriorities and actions in supporting people living with disabilities and their carer,” Ms Dumble said.

“Council provides a range of programming that is accessible and inclusive. People with disability are encouraged to contact Council directly to open a dialogue about how we can do things better to support and service the needs of people with disability.”

Children across Melbourne’s western suburbs, including Penelope, 4, are eagerly counting down the days until the big man in red arrives. As the end of 2025 draws near, the team at StarWeeklywould like to wish readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2026. The first edition for 2026 will be out on Tuesday 6 January.

Greg Lynn to face re-trial

By Emily Woods, AAP

A former pilot will face a fresh trial for the murder of a missing camper who died alongside her secret lover.

Greg Lynn, 59, faced a full Court of Appeal in Melbourne where three judges decided his fate on Thursday.

He appealed his murder conviction and sentence for the death of camper Carol Clay, 73, who went missing with Russell Hill, 74, from a remote campsite in March 2020.

The pair had been camping at the same site as Lynn, Buck’s Camp in the Wonnan-

gatta Valley in Victoria’s high country.

Lynn was charged with two murders and took the case to trial, admitting he burned their bodies but maintaining the deaths were accidental.

The jury returned a split verdict in June 2024 and Lynn was sentenced in October of that year to 32 years’ imprisonment with a minimum of 24.

The Caroline Springs man was found guilty of Ms Clay’s murder but acquitted over Mr Hill’s death.

He appealed the verdict with his lawyers arguing it was unsafe as prosecutors put for-

ward an unfair case and had failed to properly cross-examine Lynn.

However prosecutors rejected all claims the trial was unfair, despite admitting cross-examination could have been better.

The appeal judges asked prosecutors if they will pursue Lynn on manslaughter charges for both deaths if he faces a new trial.

Prosecutor Kathryn Hamill asked to be given time to discuss this with Victoria’s Director of Public Prosecutions and would pass a note to the court.

On Thursday three appeal judges re-

Club president Gavin Fischer. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 514375_04

Sunshine indoor baseball facility opens

Sunshine Baseball Club has celebrated the official opening of its new indoor training facility which will allow members to practise baseball regardless of weather conditions.

The multipurpose facility was constructed and given the building inspector’s tick of approval in January, however the club decided to hold a formal opening last month after final touches on the project had been completed. At the grand opening, club president Gavin Fischer spoke about the club’s recent history and cut the ribbon.

He said the community response has been wonderful.

“One of the things is that it’s a yearround training facility. Whether it’s raining or at night time, we can use it at any time of the day or night,” Mr Fischer said.

“It’s a big advantage from what we’ve had in the past. We’ve already used it significantly during winter.”

Mr Fischer said the new facility has attracted attention from other clubs, both locally and those visiting from interstate.

“We’ve had a lot of interest from people wanting to use the ground and the facilities because it’s there now,” he said.

The facility space is able to be adjusted to allow for other training exercises and activities.

“What we’ve decided to do with it is make it as modular as possible…we can retract all of the netting and have an open floor space for multipurpose training,” Mr Fischer said.

The project was a community effort with funding and support from Brim-

Have your say on how Brimbank can be safe and inclusive

Community members have been invited to share their feedback on Brimbank council’s draft ‘statement of commitment for a safe and inclusive Brimbank’.

The statement outlines how council approaches community safety by focusing on the social, health and environmental factors that help prevent harm before it happens.

According to council, the draft statement includes a vision, key principles, and council’s role and commitments.

The draft highlights three strategic priorities that work towards building stronger communities through social inclusion, cre-

ating safer streets and public spaces, and preventing gender-based violence to improve health outcomes and ensure gender equity across council’s facilities and programs.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said feeling safe is important for everyone.

“Community safety is a shared responsibility across all levels of government, police, service providers, business and the community,” Cr Tachos said.

“Council plays an important leadership role that relies on strong partnerships and collaboration.

turned to the court and allowed his appeal, ordering that he face a fresh trial over Ms Clay’s murder conviction.

The judges found there were a number of “serious irregularities“ that gave rise to a “substantial miscarriage of justice“ as they set aside the murder conviction.

Mr Hill’s daughters, Deborah and Colleen, sat in court and appeared emotional as the decision was handed down.

Lynn was remanded in custody and will return to the Supreme Court for a directions hearing on 28 January.

Covid VCE cohort receives results

Year 12 students across the west have received their long-awaited VCE results.

Braybrook College year 12 student Hanson Ha was named dux of the school with an ATAR score of 99.05.

“It was pretty good” Ha said of seeing his results, which will allow him to fulfil his goal of studying bio-medicine at either Monash or Melbourne university next year.

It’s a long way from six years ago when Ha was among the students starting year 7 as a global pandemic broke out.

“I was doing fair with my grades but not super good, but then I caught back up in year 9.”

Specialising in maths and science, Ha spent hours studying after school at Braybrook College’s VCE Centre Homework Club, while at home he often had to look after his older brother William who has autism.

“I’ve had to take care of him when my parents are not at home, cooking and cleaning and stuff like that,” he said.

Given his results and the amount of work he put into them, Ha would be forgiven for taking a well earned break over summer.

Instead, he’s hoping to pick up work helping other students study like he did.

“I plan to do work and maybe apply to be like a tutor, to give back to Braybrook College and become a tutor there.”

At St Albans Secondary College, college captain Ricardo Vom was awarded dux of the school with an ATAR score of 98.5.

Other students in the higher five performers included Haybel Verma (98.35), Ethan Shaw (98.1) who also received a perfect score of 50 for general mathematics, Muhammad Alvi (96.35), and college captain Minhthu Huynh (96.2).

St Albans Secondary College principal Craig Jennings congratulated all of the school’s VCE students on their results.

“We are proud of all they have achieved across their six years at St Albans Secondary College,” Mr Jennings said.

“These students started high school in 2020 and, for their first two years of secondary school, completed much of their learning online. These results are a testament to their hard work and resilience.”

“By working together, we can strengthen our community through inclusion, preventing gender-based violence and making sure our council public spaces are safe and enjoyable for everyone,” Cr Tachos said.

Council said that while police and justice agencies are responsible for law enforcement, council’s role is to help create the conditions for a safe, healthy and connected community.

The survey is open until 31 December and can be found at yoursay.brimbank.vic. gov.au

Braybrook College student Hanson Ha was named dux of the school with an ATAR score of 99.05. (Supplied)

West candidates named

By Cade Lucas

Labor’s stranglehold on the western suburbs will be put to the test at next year’s state election, with the West Party announcing five candidates to contest lower and upper house seats across the region.

After a strong showing as an independent candidate at the Werribee by-election at the beginning of the year, West Party founder and Wyndham businessman Paul Hopper will again contest the seat, but this time will be joined by a suite of candidates aiming to capitalise on vot-

er disillusionment with the two major parties, a long serving Labor Government and a sense of neglect across Melbourne’s west.

Gill Gannon in Williamstown and Luan Walker in St Albans will join Mr Hopper in contesting lower house seats, while Sahana Ramesh and Dr Joe Garra will campaign for the upper house.

“I’m very pleased with the calibre and quality of the candidates who have come forward to join the cause,” Mr Hopper said of those who will join him campaigning for the West Party, with more expected to be announced in the new year.

While failing to win the seat, Mr Hopper said the Werribee by-election result convinced him that there was an appetite for a centrist political party that solely focused on the west.

“There was an enormous swing from Labor, with not much of it going to the Liberals and most of the swing went to myself and other minor parties,” he said.

“I think that really shows where the mindset of the voting public are, they’ve had enough of the two party system, they’re looking for a genuine alternative who will put their interests first.”

Mr Hopper said the West Party would

RSL appeal brings Christmas joy

Sunshine RSL has launched its annual appeal to help bring Christmas joy to disadvantaged children in the community.

The RSL’s ‘wishing tree appeal’ is a partnership program with the Salvation Army to provide underprivileged children in the Brimbank area with gifts around Christmas time.

Sunshine RSL general manager Marj Gorman started the program at the club 11 years ago.

“I used to do it at another club I worked at. I spoke to the Salvation Army and they were happy for us to do

it for them,” Ms Gorman said.

“Everybody’s gotten on board. All the members.”

Ms Gorman said the appeal helps relieve stress for disadvantaged locals who are struggling to buy their kids presents during the holiday season.

“No matter what the circumstances, it’s not the kids’ fault and every kid deserves to have a great Christmas,” she said.

Local businesses have generously supported the appeal in past years by donating items and stock.

Money donated towards the appeal

also goes towards gifts.

“If we get money, we buy presents with it,” Ms Gorman said.

Locals wanting to participate in the program are encouraged to place a gift under the tree at the RSL and place a gift tag, from the tree, with the item to identify the age and gender of a suitable recipient.

The wishing tree is located at the Sunshine RSL, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine, with the RSL opening each day from 10am until late (10.30am opening on Sundays).

Taylors Hill school receives significant grant for sport facilities

Gilson College in Taylors Hill has received a $800,000 federal government grant to improve its sporting facilities.

The grant will go towards the reconstruction of the school’s oval as well as the addition of a synthetic turf junior soccer pitch, a longjumparea,downballanddiscuszones, and a hybrid basketball and netball court.

Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird said the project, funded through the capital grants program, will improve student educational opportunities and outcomes, and enhance physical education, sports training,

interschool participation and community events.

Ms Jordan-Baird said the new facilities will also provide Gilson College staff, teachers and students with better quality modern spaces to work, teach and learn.

“The teachers, staff and students at Gilson College foster a strong culture of leadership, community engagement and positive ethics,” Ms Jordan-Baird said.

“This project highlights the school’s well-rounded curriculum, balancing academics, outdoor education and personal

focus on crime, youth services, health, education and roads and public transport infrastructure.

He said the latter issues gave Williamstown candidate Gil Gannon a particularly good shot at winning the seat from Roads, Ports and Freight Minister, Melissa Horne.

“She’s been a foot solider for the people of Williamstown and Newport,” Mr Hopper said, referring to Ms Gannon’s role leading the campaign against closure of Champion Road as part of the Newport level crossing removal project.

“I think she’s got a very good chance.”

Briefs

Mosque graffiti

Police are investigating a report of criminal damage in Hoppers Crossing between 4 and 5 December. A fence near a place of worship on Hogan’s Road was graffitied sometime overnight on those dates. Star Weekly understands the premises in question is the Virgin Mary Mosque. The investigation is ongoing and there have been no arrests at this stage. Anyone with information about the incident can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Attempted robbery

Police are investigating and appealing for public assistance following an attempted armed robbery and assault in Melton West on 9 December. Investigators have been told a 17-year-old girl was walking her dog to a park off Centenary Avenue when she was approached by an unknown male about 2.30pm. The man made demands for the victim’s phone and a scuffle broke out, during which he produced a knife. The girl then attempted to flee and suffered a minor laceration to the upper body before the offender fled prior to police arriving. The girl was treated at the scene by paramedics. The offender is described as approximately 30 years old, 170-180cm tall, with a dark complexion, skinny build and was clean shaven. He was wearing a black hooded jumper, black shorts and red and white converse shoes.

Aggravated burglary charges

growth.”

Ms Jordan-Baird said the new facilities will benefit current Gilson College students, as well as future student cohorts.

“We have a young and growing community here in Melbourne’s west, and new facilities such as these are positive steps to enhancing educational opportunities for our local youth.” Ms Jordan-Baird said.

“I congratulate Gilson College and look forward to seeing the positive impact these new facilities will have on the school community.”

Police have charged a man after it was alleged a knife was produced during an aggravated burglary in Strathtulloh on 24 November. It is alleged the male offender entered the Basildon Crescent home just before 1pm, where the occupant of the house was woken by the offender who demanded cash whilst armed with a knife. The victim was taken to the garage where he managed to flee from the offender. Police executed a search warrant at a Strathtulloh address on 4 December and arrested a 38-year-old man who has since been charged with aggravated burglary, armed robbery, false imprisonment and threats to kill. He was remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 26 February. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Sunshine RSL general manager Marj Gorman. (Damjan Janevski). 521969_05

Tackling gambling harm

Council areas across Melbourne’s north-west continually record some of the highest gambling losses from Electronic Gambling Machines (EGMs), or poker machines, in Victoria. Advocates are calling on the state government to introduce measures to protect vulnerable people struggling with gambling addiction. Sam Porter reports.

Moving to Melbourne’s west was supposed to be a fresh start for Merapi and her husband.

After struggling with EGM addiction in their previous hometown of Auckland, the couple settled in Victoria to be closer to Merapi’s sister.

Once in Melbourne, Merapi noticed there were four gambling venues within a few-kilometre radius of her family’s new home.

“It doesn’t matter which way we went — north, south, east or west — there was a venue. We could even walk to some of them,” Merapi said.

“We found that the venues here were massive. We couldn’t believe it. Our gambling just grew and grew and we did try and stop but we just couldn’t.”

According to the state government, the social costs of gambling harm across the state were estimated to be $14.1 billion in 2023. In regions already experiencing social and financial disadvantage the impacts of gambling harm are much greater.

Living in poverty, that was our norm. I accepted that this was normal because I deserved it. Because I was the one that made these choices -

For Merapi and her husband, the high density of nearby poker-machine venues made it easy for them to gamble again.

“We were in the same place we were when we were in New Zealand, if not worse,” Merapi said.

As a result of gambling harm, the family was evicted from seven homes in 11 years, andMerapiandherhusbandhadtheircars repossessed. It affected the community around them, especially their children.

“The two older [kids] were jumping from school to school. There was no stability,” Merapi said. “Living in poverty, that was our norm. I accepted that this was normal because I deserved it. Because I was the one that made these choices.”

Merapi said she hit rock bottom after she was caught tampering with money at her local sports club where she was working as the treasurer.

It was the turning point she needed to get better.

“We knew this was not our values. This is not how we were raised, but something about gambling and our pokies addiction drove us to become this way.”

Merapi and her husband decided to self-exclude from local gambling venues and sought professional help.

Merapi received free, confidential financialandtherapeuticcounsellingfrom IPC Health over the course of three years.

“It (therapeutic counselling) changed my life. We have learned to celebrate the small things like staying in a house and not being evicted, like owning our own car, like making sure our children have stabilityintheschoolsthey’reat,”shesaid. “Butittakesalot.Thisisnotaneasything to overcome. You really need a village behind you.”

IPC Health community engagement officer Sarah-Jane Blunt is part of the organisation’s Gambler’s Help team.

She said EGMs are the most harmful products on the market.

“They’re designed to make people keep coming back for more because even when people have a near miss, with the sounds and the music and the lights that go off, their brain releases dopamine. So they’re still thinking that they’ve actually had that win when we know they haven’t,” Ms Blunt said.

Ms Blunt said communities are losing huge amounts of money from gambling harm.

“We’re losing more money because of all the financial impacts, the emotional psychologicalstressaswell,thedepression and suicide, relationships and domestic violence, and productivity.”

IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said people start gambling for many reasons, including for entertainment or social connection, and sometimes to cope with stress, financial pressure or difficult life circumstances.

However, she said in many cases gambling harm is about environments rather than individual choices.

“Regions become gambling hotspots when there is a high concentration of poker machines, long trading hours, and venues located close to where people live, shop and socialise. Harm is much higher in communities experiencing financial stress or disadvantage,” Ms Nelson said.

“In Melbourne’s west, we see all these factors come together.”

According to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission, the City of Brimbank has led in EGM losses statewide for more than a decade now.

In the 2024-25 financial year, more than $175 million was lost to the 953 EGMs in the municipality — an average loss of $1129 per adult.

Brimbank ranks in the bottom ten per centofcouncilareasinVictoriaonthe2021

SEIFA Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage, with a score of 912.

The council area’s unemployment rate is

also higher than the state average.

“There’s a statistical correlation between unemployment and gambling loss,” Ms Nelson said.

To reduce gambling harm in hotspot regions, Ms Nelson said measures should be taken to lower the number of EGMs in high-loss areas and introduce mandatory pre-commitment systems to allow people to set safe gambling limits.

“Reducing gambling harm requires systemic change, not just individual effort,” she said.

Alliance for Gambling Reform (AGR) chief advocate Tim Costello agrees.

He said the state government should mandate compulsory cashless cards that allow people to set their own loss limits, as voluntary use of such cards is not enough.

“You’re locking in your losses saying ‘I can’t afford to lose more than $200’ and then you are locked out for the time you designated… It might be 24 hours or a week,” Mr Costello said.

The initiative was recommended by the 2010 Productivity Commission Inquiry into gambling.

“You give people the right to still gamble and give them a proven method to safeguard them because we know once in front of the machine you will lose all track of time,” he said.

The state government said it’s investing more than $41 million to prevent and address gambling harm, including increased funding for the Gambler’s Help program.

“We’ve also slowed spin rates on new machines[and]reducedthecashloadlimit to $100 to prevent and address gambling harm across Victoria,” the spokesperson said.

According to the state government’s 2025-26 budget, 81.5 per cent of the estimated $2.7 billion gambling tax revenue will go towards the Hospitals and Charities Fund, the Mental Health Fund,

andtheCommunitySupportFund,leaving the remaining 18.5 per cent as direct revenue.

The state government also recently trialled the mandated cashless ‘YourPlay’ card in Monash, Ballarat and Greater Dandenong council areas.

The trial ended on 30 November with its evaluation to commence soon, the state government said.

However, the AGR criticised the trial for its lack of engagement with local councils andfornotincludingamandatory,binding loss limit feature.

As a result, Monash council withdrew its initial support of the trial.

In a joint letter signed by members of the AGR and 13 Victorian councils including, Brimbank, Wyndham and Maribyrnong, representatives expressed their dissatisfaction with the trial and called on the state government to meet to discuss gambling reforms.

Today, Merapi and her husband are well-supported by the people around them.

Merapi offered advice to her younger self.

“I would say to her to understand that gambling, it doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t actually care. It has no sense of family, has no sense of self or culture... nothing” she said.

Merapi, a respected community leader, works as the manager for Life Community Kitchen in Melbourne’s west.

The organisation provides thousands of free meals each year to disadvantaged locals.

“I knew that I was called for greater things. It was just delayed, but I got there in the end.”

Gambler’s Help Victoria: 1800 858 858 (24 hours)

IPC HEALTH (Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, MaribyrnongandWyndham):70372104or email gamblershelp@ipchealth.com.au

Merapi

Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello. (Supplied)

IPC Health community engagement officer Sarah-Jane Blunt with chief executive Jayne Nelson. (Sam Porter)

Trucks off local roads

West Gate Tunnel now open

With direct access for freight, the West Gate Tunnel is taking thousands of trucks off local roads every day. That means quieter, safer residential streets for our community.

Thank you for your patience while we delivered this vital project for Melbourne’s west.

Find out how your journey could change at bigbuild.vic.gov.au moreways to move

Christmas brunch invitation

Locals doing it tough on Christmas day are invited to a community Christmas brunch inBrimbank.

The ‘more hope for Christmas’ brunch is hostedbycharityorganisationInspireHope in partnership with the St Albans Tin Shed, andisfundedthroughBrimbankcouncil.

Inspire Hope founder and Tin Shed manager Tamara Carr said the event will be filled with delicious treats, fun activities andheartwarmingmoments.

“It’s designed for anybody who will potentially spend Christmas day alone… thosewhoaredoingittoughandwantafun environment to celebrate Christmas,” Ms Carrsaid.

The brunch will feature a range of activities including karaoke, a DJ set, food hampers, trivia games and prizes, a photo boothandgifts.

“It’s a really fun family kind of

environment, to just give back to the communityandprovideaspaceforpeople,”

Ms Carr said. “We did it last year and it was quite successful so this year we’re hoping forthesame.

“Bring your own Santa hat! Feel free to come all dressed up in your Christmas glam.”

A roast lunch and desserts will be offered ontheday.

“You’regonnaspendthedayalone?Come and spend it with us. Just bring your happy little smile and be a part of our Tin Shed family.”

The ‘more hope for Christmas’ event will run from 10am-2pm on Thursday 25 December at the Tin Shed, 309a Main Road East,StAlbans.

Registration is required for catering purposesandgifts.

Registration:shorturl.at/gI9gg

Briefs

Council service updates

Bin collection dates will change for some residents during the holiday period, Brimbank council said. There are no bin collections on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Bin collections over this time will move forward by one day:

• Christmas Day (Thursday) – collection takes place Friday 26 December

• Boxing Day (Friday) – collection takes place Saturday 27 December

• New Year’s Day (Thursday) – collection takes place Friday 2 December

• Collections on Friday 2 January 2026 move to Saturday 3 January 2026

Council’s Resource Recovery Centre will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. On public holidays all of council’s customer service centres will be closed, however council’s after hours service will operate for council emergency calls. Locals can call the after hours service on 9249 4000.

SES stats

SES (state emergency services)

Brimbank unit has posted its statistics for 2025. SES Brimbank unit members attended a whopping 374 requests for assistance, according to the unit.m Members have also given more than 1700 hours, the equivalent of 70+ days, of their time to help out in the community. On social media the unit said it was extremely proud of its volunteers and grateful for everything members do.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Manager Tamara Carr (front), with volunteers: Chris Karavas, Jeremy Boland, Kyriakos Tsitonakis, TomoJ Rupa, Nikol Stoyanova and Sumaiyaa Aklon. (Damjan Janevski) 521023_02

Out and about in nature

Locals soaked up the summer sun during morning walk along Kororoit Creek organised by Kororoit Creek NeighbourhoodHouse.

ThewalkinggroupmeetseachThursday morningfrom10amsharptostayactive.

People from all ages and walking abilitiesareencouragedtojoin.

After the walk, participants enjoy a cup of tea and some biscuits back at the NeighbourhoodHouse.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevskistoppedbytocapturewalkersin action.

Andrew Bodegraven and Alan Whitefield. 522407_09

Ann Ryan and Frank Auditore. 522407_08

Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House project officer Bridey Lokhorst-Blight. 522407_07

Ann Ryan and Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House project officer Bridey Lokhorst-Blight. 522407_01

Lyn Noble and Roxy Hull. 522407_05

Kororoit Creek Neighbourhood House project officer Bridey Lokhorst-Blight, Frank Auditore, Andrew Bodegraven, Lyn Noble, Sieglinde Kuhn, Roxy Hull, Ann Ryan and Alan Whitefield. 522407_10

MY PLACE

Kevin Lieu is a local barber operating his small business out of his parents’ garage in Albanvale. He spoke to Sam Porter about his community and his career.

What’syourconnectiontoBrimbank?

I’vespentliterallymywholelifehere.Ilivein the area, went to school down the road and it’s where I work and hang out. It’s definitely home for me and a place that I love. My barber business is based in the area and the majority of my customers are locals.

Whatdoyoulikeaboutwhereyoulive?

There’s lots of things I love. It’s easy to get everywhere. We have everything at our fingertips, in particular some amazing food options which I definitely take advantage of. When I was younger, I spent a lot of time outdoors exploring local parks and outdoor spaces. We would go skateboarding, biking, walking the trails. It was a great place to spend my childhood and I’ve got fond memories of being around the community. Obviously my business, Fineline Studio, is also at my home so I’m able to open up the doors and meet a lot of interesting characters.

What, if anything, would you change aboutwhereyoulive?

I wouldn’t change much to be honest. The traffic can sometimes be a bit annoying but that’s hard to control. There’s always going to be small things but ultimately it’s the quirks that make Brimbank so great.

Where is your favourite local place to spendtime?

Obviously I spend a lot of time in my garage barbershop working but I also really enjoy gettingawayfromthingsandheadingtothe gym. It’s part of my routine and has become agetawayformewhereIcanmentallyfocus and be disciplined. There’s also a lot of council-run facilities such as pools, sauna, spas and leisure centres where I can go and

switch off completely. I’m a big advocate for work/life balance so to be able to relax locally and then switch back into work mode is really important.

What’s something people would be surprisedtoknowaboutyou?

One thing that might surprise people is how much of a foodie I am. It’s definitely a passion of mine and I love having a cheat day and enjoying myself with nice food.

How did you get started in your career and what do you love about it?

I just love how it allows me to connect with like-minded and also different-minded people. I get a real cross-section of customers who come in and see me. We speak about all kinds of things and it allows me to network with people from all walks of life. I learn from them and they inspire me. Hopefully they might learn something from me as well. Deep down

Faces of the west

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west. Keep an eye on this new weekly section for faces you may know.

I really just enjoy the art and satisfaction of barbering. It’s a great feeling to help someone look their best which improves their confidence. I got my start by cutting my own hair actually. Just by experimenting and playing around with things I was able to learn pretty quickly. It alsohelpedtowatchothersandlearnfrom their styles and mistakes. I’m now keen to help others and pass on my knowledge to them.

Diggers Rest Primary School principal Sheridan Thomas with pupils Christie, 10, Jasmine, 12, Yusuf, 11, Charlotte, 11, Finn, 6, Maari, 6, Sam, 6, Liam, 6, Fyfe, 5, Willow, 6, Luz, 5 and Nephi, 6, are celebrating upgrades at the school. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520767_04

Elita Berisha, Tylah Shilligton, Majier Adut, Lachy Dovaston, Paul Curtis, Zac Banch, Bailey Scottand Jackson Archer took part in an all-abilities basketball clinic at Werribee’s Eagle Stadium. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520756_06

Sharon Warren with her dogs Honey and Cheeky at a special Christmas party at the Williams Landing dog park. (Damjan Janevski) 522006_04

Santa will join volunteers from Caroline Springs CFA including Ryan Baker, Daniel Pigott, Danny Vella, Ryan Greenleigh, Adam Blythe and Aaron Krizowsky on Christmas eve. (Damjan Janevski) 519748_04

Maci, 11, Tori, 13, and Hanna, 15, are counting down to Christmas. (Damjan Janevski) 522165_03

Reverend Ian Hennebry and Melton Anglican Church parishioners Robert Davie, Graham Watt, Meredith Welham and Sam Welham helped organised a Christmas Fair. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 520852_01

‘Heartbreaking’ trading issues

By Sam Porter

A local food truck owner said he is not sure hissmallbusinesswillsurviveafterattemptingtonegotiatetradingconditionsfollowing therejectionofatradingpermitextensionat Green Gully Reserve.

Despite a successful trial period in mid-November, Brimbank council said it could not extend the trading permit for Taste of Cyprus to operate at the site after council received an official objection to the selling of hot food at the location.

Owner Michael Athanatos said the situation was “heartbreaking”.

“I don’t know how long it’s going to be closed or if it’s going to survive,” Mr Athanatos said.

“I’masmall,small,business.Itseemslike nobody cares what happens to us basically.”

Mr Athanatos tried to negotiate through council a set of conditions that would allow him to operate at the location where he said he built a strong customer base during his one-month trial.

In an email seen by Star Weekly, council told Mr Athanatos it had negotiated with the complainant and reached an alternative agreement whereby Mr Athanatos could operate at Green Gully Reserve on Sundays,

Mondays and Tuesdays.

Council said it recognised the impacts caused to Mr Athanatos’s business and said it would attempt to find an alternate location for the food truck.

MrAthanatossaidthesuggesteddaysare theslowestfortradeandwouldbarelycover the business’s running costs.

“It’s not practical. Especially with the current prices, the lamb, the chicken, everything is so expensive. I wouldn’t make any money basically,” he said.

Mr Athanatos said moving location would also be difficult.

“If I move I have to go to Melton or Sun-

Excursion teaches Indigenous cultural practices

StudentsfromStTheresa’sPrimarySchool in Albion enjoyed a day out of the classroom on 10 December, learning about Indigenous Australian conservation practices, cultures, histories and stories.

Yorta-YortaBarapa-Barapaman,trainee ecologist and cultural educator for Habitat Warriors Kai Lane led the day’s activities.

“It’s about teaching [students] how they would have been taught 65,000 years ago,””he said. From Dreamtime stories, outdoor activities…basically creating that living classroom.

Mr Lane is part of a program that makes Yedabila habitat pods — traditional woven

huts — that have multiple uses including creating habitat for birds and small-bodied native fish, and providing safe shelters for turtles.

“So we’re going from teaching them how to care for Country with the habitat pods, and then we’re going to teach some Maan Grook.”

Maan Grook is a traditional Indigenous Australian football game where players compete to catch a ball, typically made frompossumskin,afterithasbeenpunted high in the air.

After the trip to the creek, students learnt about symbols, native animals and

animaltracks,andworkedwithMrLaneto create original artworks to tell stories.

Family school partnerships coordinator Greg Woolford said the excursion aimed to complement students’ in-classroom learning.

“We want the kids to get a deeper understanding of how Indigenous people lived on the country, cared for the country and how it was done in their environment,” he said.

“And get [the students] to have that sense of appreciation so that they become, themselves, carers and proud to be in the country.”

bury and I’m going to have to start again,” he said.

“I’m trying to find another spot and it’s really hard.”

Mr Athanatos said he has already experienced significant financial loss since his business closed last month.

He also expressed concern for his seven employees.

“At the moment they’ve got no job basically,” Mr Athanatos said.

“It’s really hard. Especially at Christmas.“ Councilpreviouslysaiditcouldnotcomment on the nature of the official objection due to privacy reasons.

Watergardens police operation

Eight people were arrested during a police operation at Watergardens on 4 December. Dozens of police and protective services officers (PSOs) saturated the shopping centre and nearby train station to detect and deter crime.

Local police, as well as officers from Victoria Police’s Transit Safety Division were part of the effort.

Watergardensrailwaystationand its surrounds was declared a designated area for weapon searches.

Police said 160 people were wand searched. Two people, a 21-year-old Hillside man and a 30-year-old Tullamarine woman, were both arrested after an alleged attempted theft from a store which was disrupted by officers during the operation.

A 21-year-old Roxburgh Park woman was also arrested for a series of outstanding shop thefts.

The remaining arrests were for a range of matters including outstanding whereabouts and cannabis possession.

Keilor Downs Sergeant Adnan Sarwar said no weapons were detected during the operation.

“Hopefully the message is getting clear – if you choose to carry weapons, it will absolutely not be tolerated,” Sergeant Sarwar said. “With Christmas shopping in full swing, the community can continue to expecttoseeanincreasedpolicepresence at busy areas such as shopping centres and transport hubs.”

Kai Lane with students from St Theresa’s Primary School in Albion. (Sam Porter)

Eating support available

The holiday period can be a challenging time for people with eating disorders, an expert has warned.

Around 80,000 residents of Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs fall into this category.

Tanya Durrand, the eating disorders service navigator at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN),urgedfriendsandfamiliesof people with eating disorders to recognise thatthiscanbeatimeofheightenedstress and concern.

“During December and January there are often a lot of social occasions that centre on food,” she said.

“Also, eating disorders and body image concerns can be very closely related. In the warm summer weather, there can be pressure to wear fewer clothes, which can be really stressful.”

Ms Durrand said the Butterfly Foundation – an Australian Government funded organisation that supports people with the conditions – had observed a regular holiday season spike in hospital admissions associated with eating disorders.

“The Butterfly Foundation also reports an increase in calls to its helplines in the December-January period,” she said.

“As well as the stresses inherent in big annual feasts, there is also a tendency to for some people to try out new dieting regimes for New Year, and that can also exacerbate some of the mental health impacts of eating disorders.”

Thankfully, though, there are some excellent tips and tricks freely available for people at risk, and those who care for them, to minimise the challenges of the holiday period.

Ms Durrand particularly recommended

by Eating

the

Foundation, and Eating Disorders Families Australia. “And it’s important to remember that help and support are available during business hours through Medicare Mental

Mini Christmas craft

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.

Stephanie starred in the first season of MakingItonNetwork10,whereshediscovered and ignited her passion for crafting.

Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.

This month, Stephanie is creating mini Christmas wrapping paper rolls.

Healthon1800595212,”sheadded.

For more information about Tanya’s work with NWMPHN go to https://nwmphn.org. au/news/navigating-eating-disorder-careservice-navigator/

Mini Christmas wrapping paper rolls

Materials

3 different Christmas wrapping papers

Red cardstock

String or twine

Equipment

Scissors

Straw

Glue

Ruler

Hole punch (or something sharp to poke a hole)

Step 1: Cut a 9cm strip from each wrapping paper.

Step 2: Roll each strip around a straw, glue the edge, then slide the straw out to make 3 mini rolls.

Step 3: From red cardstock, make a small top and bottom cap (simple shallow box shape)

Step 4: Punch a hole in the top cap, thread string through, and tie a knot inside.

Step 5: Glue the three rolls into the bottom of the cap, then glue the top cap on to finish.

Stephanie Martinez.

festive season support guides published

Disorders Victoria,

Butterfly

Centre backs refund scheme hitting 2 million containers

TOMRA Cleanaway congratulates the Wingate Avenue Community Centre on reaching an incredible milestone: collectingover2millioneligiblecontainers forrefundandmorethan$200,000through the Victorian Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic).

“Wingate Avenue CC’s efforts show what’s possible when a community gets behind the container refund scheme,” said James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway. “Every bottle and can is kept out of landfill and turned into funding for local people and programs. It’s a win for people and the planet.”

The program began soon after CDS Vic launched in November 2023, when TOMREA Cleanaway assisted the Wingate Avenue CC to become an over-the-counter (OTC) collection point. At first, general manager Angeline Courtenay was unsure whether the centre had the staff or the space to make it work.

“Steve from TOMRA Cleanaway and I worked together to find a storage space, set up efficient pickups and promote the over-the-counter collection point,” Angeline Courtenay, general manager of the Wingate Avenue Community Centre.

“We started with a small roster of staff and just two volunteers but demand grew so quickly that now we have a paid team of locals running the counter and sorting area.”

Funds raised through the Container Deposit Scheme Vic have gone right back into the community, helping Wingate AvenueCCemploylocalswhohaverecently migrated to Australia or who need support to enter and re-enter the workforce.

“I love meeting families with the bags of containers they’ve collected together,” said Hoodo Elmi, a Wingate Avenue CC

Over the Counter return point employee.

“They’re cleaning up the neighbourhood and helping the centre community at the same time.”

“Every bottle and can my daughter and I bring to the Wingate Avenue CC goes straight into a savings account for my grandson, we’ve raised $1,600 just by making deposits,” said Peter Spence, local and community centre regular.

“But it’s more than the money. The

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

50 years ago 17 December, 1975

Two of Sunshine Council’s most senior executiveofficershavebeenthreatened with the sack.

35 years ago 19 December 1990

Sunshine Council has been “stabbed in the back”. That was one reaction to current reports that the council might be deprived of funds from the sale of the Western Metropolitan Market.

centre is such a wonderful resource to our community, everyone is friendly, welcoming and supportive. Coming to the overthe-counter refund point has become asocialoutingforus,youhaveachat,share a luaght and walk away feeling good about what you’ve done.

Here’showyoucanhelpWingateAvenue CC reach 3 million containers!

• Bring your eligible containers to the Wingate Ave Community Centre

over-the-counter return point in Ascot

Vale

• Choose Wingate Avenue Community Centre as your donations partner via the CDS Vic West Zone app

• If you see members of the Wingate Community in your street collecting containers

• Spread the word! Find your nearest return location here: https://cdsvic.org.au/locations

25 years ago 19 December, 2000

Despite aggressive lobbying, Stenson Road residents will still have to pay to constructaroadinfrontoftheirhomes.

10 years ago 15 December, 2015

Federal Gellibrand MP Tim Watts is urging local drivers to be safe on the roads this Christmas after admitting he received seven speeding fines in six months last year.

Left: Tomra Cleanaway representative Steve Rainey, general manager of the Wingate Avenue Community Centre Angeline Courtenay and Hoodo Elmi, a Wingate Avenue CC Over the Counter return point employee. Right: Peter Spence is a community centre regular.

Festive sparkle in Hillside

Hillside is set to shine with festive cheer as the community comes together for TwilightChristmasatHillsideonFriday19 December.

Running between 3.30-6.30pm at the Hillside Shopping Centre, the free family-friendly celebration promises an afternoon packed with colour, music and Christmasmagic.

Shoppers and families can look forward to a special visit from Santa and Mrs Claus,whowillbeavailableforphotosand meet-and-greetsthroughouttheevent.

Little ones can dance the afternoon

away at the Lively Santa Disco, while roving performers bring added energy and excitementtothecentre’soutdoorspaces.

The event also offers the perfect opportunity to embrace the season of giving by supporting the area’s local cafes andrestaurants,withmanyeaterieswithin the centre offering special deals just for the evening, making it an ideal chance to enjoy a relaxed dinner, a festive treat or a post-shopping snack while soaking up the cheerfulatmosphere.

Residents, locals, community members, visitors and everyone in between are

Barnsey rocks on the green

Locals looking for an afternoon of classic tunes, great food and good vibes can head toamusicfestivalinKeilorthismonth.

Keilor Bowls and Community Club will hosta‘dayonthegreen’event,whichissure to get local music lovers grooving along to thegreatestColdChiselandJimmyBarnes hits.

Keilor Bowls Club social media and community director Lisa Dillon said it’s theclub’sfirsttimehostingtheevent.

“We don’t have a lot of local music festivals…Hopefully we can make it an annualevent,”MsDillonsaid.

“We’reactuallyrippingupthegreen.Ifit getsdamageditdoesn’tmattertoomuch.”

The festival will be headlined by Soul Chisel,aJimmyBarnestributeband,which isfrontedbyKeilorlocalSteveCallanan.

“It’sgoingtobeaneight-piecebandwith brassinstruments,”MsDillonsaid.

“We’re going to invite some other local talenttoentertaintoo.”

There will be food available to purchase aswellasfullbarserviceontheday.

“Come and spend a day on the green. Enjoy local music, local talent with the localcommunity,”MsDillonsaid.

TheKeilorBowlsandCommunityClub‘a dayonthegreen’eventwillrunfrom2-7pm on Sunday 21 December at 2 Mercedes Street,Keilor.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their ownchairsorblanketstositon.

Ticketsare$50perpersonwithkidsunder 16 years of age free to attend. Bookings: keilorbowls.com.au/day-on-the-green

Keilor Bowls and Community Club chairman Joe Watkins, Soul Chisel’s Steve Callanan and social media & community director Lisa Dillon. (Damjan Janevski). 519778_01

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

being invited to gather their family and friendstomakethemostofthecommunity celebration, which marks a highlight on thelocalfestivecalendareachyear.

Forthoselookingtoimmersethemselves even further in the Christmas spirit, a full line-up of seasonal events happening across the municipality can be found at www.melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/ Events/Christmas-in-the-City-of-Melton, withregularupdatessharedviatheMelton CityMuchMoreFacebookPage.

Christmas in Hillside, 2023. (Supplied)

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

Christmas Celebration Services

Ever thought about why it’s called Christmas? Come and find out when the Brimbank Presbyterian Church holds its two Christmas celebration services at Sydenham Neighbourhood House, Level 1/1 Station Street, Taylors Lakes. Services will be held at 10am on Sunday 21 December and 9.30am on Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December. The whole community is welcome to come and find out more about celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.

 www.brimbank.church

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. Please note we are closed Christmas Eve, New Years Eve and 7 January and will re-open 14 January.

 Helpline, 1300 252 666

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

Over 50’s club

The Keilor Over 50’s Recreation Club meets at Kealba Hall, 24 McShane Drive, Kealba, on Tuesdays, from 10am-3pm, and Wednesdays, from 7-10pm. Have a coffee and a chat, play social table tennis, pool and card games, go on organised outings and enjoy barbecues. First two visits are free then annual membership fees apply.

 Graeme, 0404 809 640, keilorover50@ gmail.com, or www.keilorover50.com.au

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

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.

 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

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/

National seniors meeting

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

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

Card games

Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday, from 7-10pm, at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine.

 Leisa, 0425 768 808

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

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

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Victorian soccer team defeated Marconi Stallions FC to win the 2025 Australian Championship?

2. Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer plays for which national cricket team?

3. Jessica Stenson recently became the fastest Australian woman over what distance?

4. The Socceroos are currently set to play the US and which South American country in Group D of the 2026 World Cup?

After a dramatic race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, who claimed the Formula 1 world title?

Which Canada-based WNBA team is Australian basketball legend Sandy Brondello set to coach in 2026?

Cameron Smith finished second to which Danish golf professional at the 2025 Australian Open?

8. Akech Aliir last played for which NBL club?

9. CanterburyBankstown Bulldogs will add what to the backs of their jerseys for their 2026 Las Vegas match?

10. College football coach Lane Kiffin is set to lead which team for the next seven years?

11. How many teams will participate in the 2027 Rugby World Cup?

12. Which three stadiums will host Men’s State of Origin matches in 2026?

13. In what year was tennis introduced as an Olympic sport?

14. Starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, which sport is the focus of the 2009 film Invictus?

15. Which sporting brand is the long-term apparel partner of Football Australia?

16. How many years long was LeBron James’ recently broken double-digit scoring streak?

17. Which National League team was recognised by the UN as the world’s first carbon-neutral soccer club?

18. How old is the youngest player to earn an official chess rating?

19. What is the controversial motto for the upcoming Brisbane Olympics?

20. In a recent Ashes match at Optus Stadium, who memorably caught-andbowled England opener Zak Crawley?

21. Former Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen is from which country?

22. In the NHL, the Sabres play out of which city?

23. How many metres can you run before the ball has to touch the ground in the AFL?

24. Who won the 2025 Bathurst 1000 race?

25. Which sport is the focus on the TV show Shoresy?

26. In which year did Melbourne Storm win its first premiership?

27. Tessa Virtue won Olympic medals in which sport?

28. And who was her partner?

29. Christian Brigham is the real name of which WWE wrestler?

30. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey previously played for which AFL club?

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the

1 Related to sound (5)

4 Retreat, climb down (9)

9 Of equal value (2,3)

10 Closest to the centre (9)

11 Workroom for an artist, photographer, etc. (6)

12 Plant scientist (8)

14 Inexorable (10)

15 Termination (3)

17 Stomach muscles (3)

19 Exaggerated representation (10)

23 Stigmatise (8)

24 Beauty treatment (6)

26 With many uses (9)

27 Temperate (5)

28 Assertion (9)

29 Pulled (5)

Marriage partner (6)

Roman equivalent of the Greeks’ Poseidon (7)

Crimson (7)

Sympathy (10)

Maybe (7)

Plants absorb carbon – (7)

Leeway (8)

13 Pretty (10)

16 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)

18 Drink made with wine, fruit and brandy (7)

19 Bravery (7)

20 Passage (7)

21 Colourful arc (7)

22 Redfaced (6)

25 Cosy retreat (4)

3 Who directed the films LadyBird (2017), Little Women (2019) and Barbie (2023)? 4 Winona Laura Horowitz is better known by what name?

VanderpumpRules was developed as a spin-off from which other US reality TV series? 6 Rachel McAdams (pictured), Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried star together in which 2004 teen comedy film?

7 ‘Come over to the window, my little darling/I’d like to try to read your palm’ are the opening lines of which song?

8 Spaghetti alla puttanesca, a pasta dish typically made with tomatoes, olives, anchovies, chilli, garlic and capers, originated in which Italian city?

9 What is the capital city of Peru?

10 MonkeyGrip, TheSpareRoom and The Children’s Bach are novels by which Australian writer?

A versatile family SUV

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Isuzu Ute MU-X is a seven-seat family SUV from a Japanese company that has a long history of producing hard working vehicles.

Indeed, Isuzu has a history dating back formorethan100yearsinlightcommercial vehiclesincludingacoupleofdecadeswhen theyweresoldhererebadgedasHoldens.

The MU-X is one of only two vehicles offeredbytheIsuzuUtebrandalongsidethe D-Maxutilitywithwhichitsharesthesame chassisandnumerousothercomponents.

MU-X has been a major success in Australia. Sitting on the same platform as the brand’s D-MAX utility it’s currently sitting in second place behind Ford Everest and well ahead of other ute-based rivals such as Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and Toyota Fortuner.

Originally powered exclusively by a 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, common-rail turbo-dieselengine,a2024upgradetoboth MU-X and D-Max added the option of a 1.9-litre,turbo-dieselunit.

The smaller engine proved to be short-lived and it was replaced in mid-2025 by a new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine that providedgreaterpowerandtorqueoutputs, lower emissions and greater towing capacity.

At the same time the chassis and suspension were upgraded along with technicalandsafetyimprovements.

A new flagship MU-X model called X-Terrain was added with the MY2025 update, joining the existing three variants: LS-M, LS-U and LS-T. The entry level LS-M is available with either two- or four-wheel drive.Allothersare4×4only.

Our test vehicle here was the X-Terrain. We’ll get into one of the 2.2-litre models earlynextyear.

Styling

MU-Xisagood-lookingvehiclethat’saimed at those looking for an attractive vehicle that’s going to appeal to family buyers looking for something that’s more than an upmarketstationwagon.

The bonnet is tall and slopes down at the outeredges.Thewindscreenhasapractical, relatively upright slope in that it doesn’t reach too far back and therefore keeps the sunoffthedriverandfrontpassenger.

The roof stretches back so that it provides atallloadarea,againaddingtothepractical natureofthisvehicle.

Two new exterior colours have been added to the MY2025 MU-X with Neptune BlueandSlateGreyjoiningtheprevioussix. Our test X-Terrain came with the exclusive SlateGrey.

X-TerrainaddsXTbadging,blackradiator grille, fender flares and 20-inch gloss black alloy wheels, lower body side skirts and highway-terraintyres.

Interior

Inside, MU-X has an upmarket look as it’s aimed at those who want a quality family vehiclenotsimplyanoff-roadmachine.

There’s excellent interior space for all occupantsineachdimensionwithtumbling second-row seats making passenger access tothethird-rowreasonablyeasy.

X-Terraingetsleatheraccentedseatswith red stitching, red ambient interior lighting anda360-degreesurroundviewmonitor. Therearecupholdersinallthreerows,12 intotalaswellas18storageoptions.

Boot space with the third-row seats folded is 1119 litres, dropping down to a reasonable 311 litres with all seven seats in place.

All models come with full size spare

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

wheels, all bolted beneath the rear of the vehicle.

Steel in the LS-M and LS-U, alloy in the LS-TandX-Terrain.

Infotainment

The LS-M variant comes with a seven-inch colourtouchscreenandfour-speakeraudio.

Others get a nine-inch screen and eight JVCKenwoodspeakers.

Likewise, LS-M comes with a smaller (4.2-inch) driver’s instrument display compared with the 7.0-inch screen in LS-U, LS-T and X-Terrain. In bright sunshine we struggled to read the screen with light bouncingoffit.

Fortunately, there are two physical controls for the audio and some toggles below the screen to adjust the air con settings.

Embedded satellite navigation is only included above the LS-M Connectivity is by way of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Engines/transmissions

The 3.0-litre four-cylinder common-rail turbo-dieselenginehasmaximumpowerof 140kWandpeaktorqueof450Nmfrom1600 rpm. Transmission is through a six-speed Aisinautomatic.

The new 2.2-litre drops to 120kW and 400Nm but gets an Aisin eight-speed auto transmission.

Safety

The Isuzu Ute MU-X gained a five-star safety when tested in September 2022. The subsequent upgrades in the past two years have added numerous extra features

as required by ANCAP to maintain the maximumscore.

Standard safety features across the MU-X range start with eight airbags including front centre and driver’s knee protection together with the mandatory stability and traction control and autonomous emergencybraking.

Isuzu’s Intelligent Driver Assist adds forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with engine stop/start, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, emergency lane keeping, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alertandbrakingandtrailerswaycontrol.

There’s also hill start assist and descent control, roll-over mitigation, post-collision braking, forward collision warning, mis-acceleration mitigation, intelligent speed limiter, driver inattention assist, rear cross traffic alert and ISOFIX child seat anchorsintheoutercentre-rowseats.

Rear parking sensors are standard in all variants but only the LS-U and above get front sensors. LS-T and X-Terrain also come witha360-degreesurroundviewcamera.

Driving

With its 235mm ground clearance, getting into and out of the MU-X X-Terrain can be challenging especially for occupants at opposite ends of the age range. Black sidesteps and grab handles at all doors do help.

As is the norm nowadays there are numerous safety settings that are accessed throughthetouchscreen.Theyarenowhere near as intrusive as many other, mainly Chinese vehicles, and can be turned off reasonablyeasily.

As is often the way with turbo-diesels MU-Xit’sabitsluggishoffthemarkbutonce it gains momentum it responds quickly. There’s strong mid-range torque delivering plentyofpullingpower.

Steering is on the light side, making low-speed manoeuvrers easier and providinggoodfeedback.

The vehicle turns in nicely and holds the path chosen by the driver without the need for small changes to keep it on the chosen path.

Keep in mind that you’re driving a 4WD not a passenger car but it is excellent in the waythatitrespondstoroadconditions.

The MU-X range is covered by Isuzu’s unusual six-year/150,000km warranty – most of its rivals have five years and unlimited distance. It does have capped price servicing and up to seven years roadsideassistance.

Fuel consumption with the X-Terrain as listed at 7.8 litres per 100 kilometres. We didn’t spend much time off-road and averaged just under 9.0 L/100 km. Pretty goodforsucharelativelylargevehicle.

Summing up

Isuzu’s stock-in-trade diesel power and genuine off-road ability have drawn consistently high sales numbers to the MU-X throughout the six years that it has beenontheAustralianmarket.

It’s well-priced, powerful and versatile, combining large and comfortable family transportwithgenuineoff-roadcapability. We have one in our family that spends mostofitstimeeithertransportingchildren around or using its 3500kg towing capacity tocomfortablypulladoublehorsefloat.

Isuzu Ute MU-X is a well-priced, powerful and versatile. (Pictures: Supplied)

The weather again played havoc on Saturday for local sports people but there was still plenty of action. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.

Playing through a storm

Western Crusaders’ Tyson Garnham and Geelong’s Euan Spikers. 520090_76

Western Crusaders’ Dennis John Battistella Jr tries to break through. 520090_54

Western Crusaders’ Kalisitiane Lotulelei. 520090_74

Werribee’s Darren Hooper. 523147_01

St Albans’ Sammika Perera. 524045_23

Sunbury’s Jackson Treweek. 523161_01

Deer Park’s Jair McAllister. 524045_01

Keilor’s Mark Jacobsen. 523147_03

PEGS’ Maddumaage Tharindu. 523161_13

St Albans’ Sammika Perera and Joshua Hine. 524045_08

The Deeble class of 2025

Some of the most talented athletes in the western suburbs will be vying for the prestigious 2025 Don Deeble Sports Star awardnextmonth.

The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January.

The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophiesand StarWeekly

The first nominee was Smrithi Adepu, a 14-year-oldrisingbadmintonstar.

Lastyearalone,shebecametheAustralian under-15 champion as she claimed gold in singles and mixed doubles, earned the Australian national under-17 silver medal in singles, and secured the prestigious VictorianOpenwomen’ssinglestitle.

She is already part of the Badminton Australia pathways squad, the Junior Falcons, and is focused on making the

seniorsquadandcompetingintheOceania Championships.

Western Jets star Thomas Burton was the Marchnominee.

Burton entered his AFL draft year with a resumemostpeoplecanonlydreamabout.

A member of the AFL Academy, he was later named co-captain of the Vic Metro side. While Burton wasn’t drafted, he is training with Richmond with the hope of beingaddedtotheTigersrookielist.

Young cricket star Jackson Martin was named the April nominee. Martin burst onto the season when he debuted in YarravilleClub’sfirstXIasa12-year-old.

He has continued to excel and made his Victorian Premier Cricket first XI debut this seasonwhilestillabletoplayunder-17s.

May nominee Kiara Boyd has a sporting career that only most can dream of. Boyd is in Victorian underage programs for both netballandfootball.

At this stage she isn’t keen on making a choiceofwhichsportshewantstofocuson.

JunenomineeLouisKaingistheyoungest of the nominees for 2025. At just 13, he is a two-time national and three-time state taekwondochampion.

After overcoming significant adversity, including being unable to compete for more than eight months, his passion and dedication to taekwondo drove an impressivereturntocompetition.

JulynomineeNicolaMorrisputsplentyof kilometres through her legs. After deciding to start triathlons, Morris fell in love with cycling. She was recently selected for the under-17 Australian track development team that went to Malaysia to train and competeintheYSDTrackSeries.

She is now part of the AusCycling VictorianRoadDevelopmentAcademy.

AnotherfootballerwasnamedtheAugust nominee, Thomas McGuane. McGuane has had a big name to live up to his whole life being the son of former Collingwood premiershipstarMickMcGuane.

Thomas has found his own way on the

football field having grown up at Keilor FootballClub.

September nominee Sam Simmonds startedplayingtennisashisbrotherdid. He quickly fell in love with the sport and haswonanumberoftitlessince.

October nominee Denise Chan didn’t quitehavethe2025shewasafterwithaback injury. The volleyball player represented Australia at under-16 level in Thailand beforebeingstuckonthesidelines.

“The next thing I knew I was getting an email saying I’d made the under-16 AustralianteamtoplayinThailand.Ididn’t even know they were scouting for that team,“shesaid.

The final nominee, Jobe Stewart, started taekwondo when he was just eight. Stewart soon made inroads and in October he was chosen to represent Australia in his first World Taekwondo Championships in China. He hopes to go to the Olympics following in the footsteps of his sister, Reba Stewart.

Ten elite young western suburbs athletes will be vying for the prestigious 2025 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month. The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January.

Smrithi Adepu

School: Maribyrnong

Sports Academy

Sport: Badminton

Achievements: Junior International tournament and part of the Badminton Australia pathways squad.

Quote: “The Asian players train full-time, and their precision, skill, and attacking strength are on another level, and seeing them train puts a lot of things into perspective and motivates me to keep pushing harder to keep up with them.”

Thomas Burton

Club: Western Jets/Point Cook Football Club

Sport: Football

Achievements: Named Vic Metro under-18 co-captain and captain of the Western Jets. Named in the AFL National Academy. Won Western Jets best and fairest.

Quote: “I feel that I must set the standards. I can see my younger teammates may be nervous or unsure, it’s my role to instill confidence in them.”

Jackson Martin

School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports

Academy/Essendon Cricket Club

Sport: Cricket

Achievements: Victorian Premier Cricket first XI debut, made Vic Metro under-17 team and bowled to the Australian cricket team in the nets.

Quote: “Bowling is my strength, but my batting is improving all the time.”

Kiara Boyd

School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy/Western Jets/Western Warriors Sport: Football/Netball

Achievements: Under-17 Victorian netball team and under-18 Vic Metro football side.

Quote: “My sporting goals are simple, I want to do my best and try and get as far as I can on both sports, and I don’t want to let people down.”

Louis Kaing

Club: Convergence Combat Sports Sport: Taekwondo

Achievements: 2025 World Cadet Championships, Australian Cadet Taekwondo team.

Quote: “My goal is to be the best I can be. I will try hard every time I compete to ensure I get better results next time.”

Nicola Morris Club: Brunswick Cycling Club

Sport: Cycling

Achievements: Under-17 Australian track development team, AusCycling Junior Pathways Program and has been offered a position with the AusCycling Victorian Road Development Academy.

Quote: “My dream is to one day be selected to represent my country at the elite level, to finish on the podium and to be the best I can be.”

Thomas McGuane School/Club: Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Keilor Football Club/Western Jets Sport: Football

Achievements: Vic Metro under-18s, Essendon District Football League premier division premiership, Western Jets vice-captain, made his Victorian Football League debut.

Quote: “You can have a 30-possession game but be more effective and influence a game more with better running patterns and 15 possessions.”

Sam Simmonds Club: Brooklyn Tennis Club Sport: Tennis

Achievements: Victoria captain in the School Sport Australia competition and represents Kooyong Tennis Club as a foundation scholarship holder. Ranked in the top 10 under-18 players in Australia.

Quote: “I found that I could change it up and match them tactically, but my consistency as a player must improve.”

Denise Chan

School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Volleyball

Achievements: Under-16 Australian Championships, under-16 Australian team.

Quote: “While we didn’t reach the ultimate success in that competition it taught us all so much about the game and what it takes to be the best.”

Jobe Stewart

Program: Taekwondo Australia Performance Pathway Program.

Sport: Taekwondo

Achievements: World Taekwondo Championships, finished fifth in the Canadian and Korean Open titles.

Quote: “You need a lot of discipline when you are 15, 16 and your mates are going out, you must train, remain disciplined with your training, missing socialising with friends and staying on a strict diet.”

Caroline Springs pulls off recruiting coup with Samason

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs has unveiled one of the biggest signings in league history for next year’s Western Netball League.

Former Melbourne Vixen Rahni Samason will join the Lakers next season in a big coup for both the club and league.

Samason has also played in the ANZ PremiershipinNewZealandandisknown for her shooting ability.

The Lakers said Samason’s composure under pressure and ability to change a game in an instant make her an incredible pick-up for the club.

Lakers netball coordinator Nadine Oborne said this was pretty massive for the club.

“We’ve gone big this year,” she said. “It’s very exciting.

“We have a strong junior program and we want to build that pathway between juniors and seniors.

“It’s not only huge for us in seniors and division 1 but juniors will look up to her

and see they are at the same club.”

Oborne said a family connection was what got Samson across the line to join the club.

Samason had been out to the club a couple of months ago for clinic and liked the vibe with both the juniors and seniors.

“She didn’t hesitate“ Oborne said.

Samason will be part of a new look goal circle for the Lakers next season.

Theclubhasalsoannouncedthesigning of Charlize Bellette.

Bellette made her SN reserves debut last season for the Melbourne Mavericks and has recently signed with the Western Warriors 23 and under Victorian Netball League side.

Sheisalsopartoftheunder-19Victorian squad.

“To play with someone in the circle with Rahni’s experience will help her game,” Oborne said.

The Lakers had five teams in 2025 with all but one team making finals. The division 1 claimed the minor premiership

before falling short of the grand final.

Oborne said the focus for the club has been to continue to bring players through the pathway and see them flourish.

She said they hoped that would result in some premiership success.

“We’ve got a lot of juniors coming through into seniors as soon as they turn 15,” she said.

“We had Heidi [Ete] who is 14 and one of the youngest players in the competition.

“She made team of the year in her first year.

“We have got so much talent coming through we will only get stronger.”

Pre-season is underway for the Lakers.

Obornesaidaftergoodnumbersattrials they were still deciding whether they entered five or six sides for next season.

They are also looking to enter a men’s side in the new division.

“It’s a new chapter for Lakers netball,” he said.

“We had about 15 players express their interest.”

From WA to Keilor

By Tara Murray

New Keilor Thunder signing Tana Kopa jumped at the chance to make the move to Victoria to take the next step in his basketball career.

The Western Australian native played all his junior basketball in the state before heading to America to go to college at Spring Hill, Long Island University and Canisius University.

He spent last season at his home club Willetton Tigers after returning from college.

Now it’s time for a new adventure in the National Basketball League 1 South competition.

“I’m super excited about it,” Kopa said from Perth. “I think there is more opportunity over there [Victoria], my goal is to play in the NBL.

“It’s closer to everyone else, Perth is so isolated.

“NBL1 South is a better league. I thought it would be better to play over there.”

ItwasaphonecallfromcoachAshArnott that got the ball moving on the move to the Thunder.

He said everything he heard about the Thunder was really positive.

“People I know, my agent and a couple of teammates, a couple of people I work out with, they all have had Ash as a coach and havesaidreallygoodthingsabouthim,“he said. “After talking with him, I really liked what he was talking about so I thought it was the right move.

“When he messaged me I was super excited. They have Daniel Foster too, who is also a Willo boy from back in the day.”

Kopa said he thought about making the move when he returned from college but the timing wasn’t right.

It gave him the opportunity to play NBL1 with his home club for the first time.

Kopaaveraged15pointspergameforthe Tigers in NBL1 West.

He shot at 44.14 per cent from 3-point range and 47.55 per cent from the field.

Kopa will make the move to Victoria early next year.

For now, he’s spending time with the Perth WIldcats NBL program.

“I’m working out with the Wildcats as a train on player for now,” he said.

“I’m training with them every day when there’s off days or they are off travelling, doing my own work, meeting up with some of the other players from Willetton.

“It has been unreal working out and seeing how the best in the league do it.

“Seeing the work they put in after training, really influenced me with how they approach things which has been awesome.”

Kopa said the squad they were putting together was exciting and he was keen to help build the culture.

As for what Keilor fans can expect from him?

“Maybe a couple of threes here and there,” he said.

Meanwhile, the NBL1 South fixture has been released.

The Thunder will kick off its season in the men’s and women’s against the Knox Raiders on 28 March.

Anastasio joins Lions for 2026

Deer Park has added some more experience for next year’s Essendon District Football League premier division season, with the signing of Anthony Anastasio.

Anastasio, played in two Victorian Football League premierships as he played 197 games in the VFL and VFL development competitions.

He has signed at Deer Park as a playing assistant coach.

“With absolute elite pace and goal sense unmatched in the VFL, Anthony is certain to make a massive impact in the EDFL adding to our elite group of VFL-AFL players on our list to give the clubs list a further shot of class,” the Lions said on social media.

“His career started at VFL level way back in 2012 at Williamstown.

“At Williamstown, Anthony would go in to play 102 VFL games and kick 159 Goals.

At the end of 2016 Anthony made the move to Port Melbourne and it paid dividends instantly playing in the 2017 VFL premiership for the Borough.

“ForthenextnineseasonsAnthony would call Port Melbourne home playing a huge role as a small goal kicking forward-on baller who also hunts down the opposition when resting with unbelievable tenacity.”

The Lions said that Anastasio when injured was heavily involved on match day assisting the senior coach.

“This stood out when the club started to peruse his service to be playing assistant coach,” the Lions said.

“A person of the highest integrity Anthony will certainly be pleasing on the eye to watch every Saturday afternoon.”

Anthony Anastasio. 287935_02

Rahni Samason. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)

Tana Kopa. (@id.shootz)

Caroline Springs join EDFL women’s premier division

Caroline Springs will join the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division next season, with the top flight to expand.

The EDFL released its women’s premier division fixture last week, with the competition to expand to 10 teams.

The Lakers will join premier division, while Maribyrnong Park, which finished bottomthisseason,hasavoidedrelegation.

Strathmore, which won division 1 this year, will return to the top flight after two seasons in division 1.

The Lakers top side has been playing in the Western Football League women’s competition where it has been a powerhouse of the competition.

Since the WFL started its own stand alone division, the Lakers have made the grand final every year, including winning two premierships.

The only season the Lakers haven’t made the grand final in a completed season was in their first year in 2017 in a combined EDFL-WFL competition.

This year the Lakers reserves side played in the EDFL women’s reserves competition with the Western league having only one division.

On the club’s social media, the Lakers said they were excited for the challenge.

“We’re excited to share that in 2026, our senior women will join the premier division of the Essendon District Football League senior women’s competition, and our reserves women will return to the Western Football Netball League senior women’scompetitionafterspendingayear with the EDFL,” it said.

“We would like to thank both the WFNL and EDFL for their ongoing support of this move and both teams are excited by the challenges that face them in 2026.”

Maribyrnong Park has recruited well in the off season, adding some more young talent to its list as it hopes to build on last season.

The women’s premier division season

Lions’ big chase

By Tara Murray

Deer Park’s batters will again have to step up if it is to sit atop the table heading into Christmas in the Victorian Turf Cricket Associationseniordivision.

The Lions have been tested in recent weeks, with St Albans putting up a good showing on day one of their clash on Saturday.

The Saints were 3-223 after 49.1 overs whenrainandthenlightningsawthematch halted.

Lions coach Mick Andriadis said the Saints batted really well before the game wascalledoff.

“We started alright before a couple of guysbattedwellforStAlbansandwehadno luck,”hesaid,

“It was challenging and they’ve got some qualityplayersandonereallygotgoing.

“[Sammika] Perera made 100 odd and we couldn’tgethimout.

“He hit a lot of boundaries and rode his luck.”

Perera was 132 not out when play was

haltedhavinghit22foursinthattotal.

Jair McAllister has two wickets for the Lionssofar.

Andriadis said the key early on day two wouldbetryingtogetthewicketofPerera.

“Theyonlybatted60oddoversandhewill bedangerousnextweek,”hesaid.

“They will bat for 15 overs roughly and we needtogethimoutatthestartofthedayand getanewbatterinandtakeitfromthere.”

Andriadis is backing his group in to get thejobdoneasthey’vealreadydoneseveral timesthisseason.

“We’vebeenchasingreallywell,”hesaid.

“The boys have batted well and the two openershavebeeningreatform.

“[Aaron] Shellie’s start to the season and DanielSartorihasbeengreataswell.

“Itisgoingtotakeafewrunstogetthewin thisweek.”

The form of Shellie has been one of the highlights this season, with three 100s alreadyinthebooks.

Two of those were in one-dayers with Andriadis saying scores like that take the gameawayfromtheopposition.

will be expanded to 16 rounds, the biggest season ever.

The action kicks off on Good Friday with Strathmore taking on Keilor in a twilight contest, providing a bumper finish to what’s set to be a big day at Lebanon Reserve with the men’s sides also facing off.

Those two will have the following week off as Hillside unfurls its flag against Aberfeldie at Shark Park to continue the action, and 2025 grand finalist Oak Park hosts Maribyrnong Park.

Essendon Doutta Stars will commence its season against Moonee Valley at Nipper Jordan Oval, with Greenvale hosting newcomer Caroline Springs at Section Road.

There will be more Anzac Day action in premierdivisionwitheverysideembracing the action as 25 April falls on a Saturday, the grand final rematch between Oak Park and Hillside to be played in the twilight.

A three-week finals series between the top four sides is set to commence on the weekend of 15 August, with the grand final currently slated for the weekend of 29 August.

Saints sign trio

St Albans has added some new talent to its squad for next year’s Essendon District Football League division 1 season.

After the departure of several players,newcoachShaunThompson has looked to bring in some new talent to the club who they hope will have an impact.

Finn Urie, Jeff Fox and Jacob Hunt all cross to the club from Victorian Amateur Football Association.

The Saints described Urie as a classy midfielder with an elite game sense and the ability to get into dangerous positions

“Finn broke into senior football at 17 with Woodend [Hesket], winning the reserves league best and fairest in 2021,” he said.

“After moving to UHS, he claimed the senior best and fairest and earned a spot in the 2023 team of the year.

“Finn adds smarts, composure, and ball-winning strength to our engine room.”

Huntisanothersigningwhostarted his career at Woodend-Hesket.

“A quick and versatile high half-forward-wing who loves hitting the scoreboard,” the Saints said.

The two-time defending champions have proventotheteamtobeatagainthisseason withonelosssofar.

Andriadis said they were happy with how thingsweretracking.

“We’ve been fantastic with the bat and bowl other than the Airport West [St Christopher’sgame],”hesaid.

“Westillgotthingstoworkon.

“WewinthisweekendontopatChristmas whichisagoodpassmarkforthefirsthalfof theseason.”

Andriadis said things were going well across the club and they’re continuing to givesomeyoungerguysopportunities.

Inothermatches,Keilormade330against Aberfeldie.

Thepartnershipof DimuthKarunarathna (117 not out) and Malith Cooray (94) was againthekey.

It’sKarunarathnafirst100fortheBlues.

Sydenham-Hillside will back itself in againstCraigieburnondaytwo.

TheEagleswerebowledoutfor166.

Sanka Ramesh Abeyruwan took four wicketsfortheStorm.

“Jacob is a proven big-game performer, winning two Norms [best on ground in grand finals] at under-18 level with Woodend.

“He began senior footy at 17 before joining UHS, where he played a major role in their senior side. Jacob brings speed, creativity, and a real goal sense to our forward half.”

Jeff Fox is the third new signing for the Saints, having also played at UHS which was in division 1.

The Saints said he is a quick, two-way midfielder who thrives on the contest.

“Jeff comes through the [Calder] Cannons system and has been playing senior football since the age of 16 with the Macedon Cats.

“He later moved to UHS in VAFA division 1, where he finished runner-up in the senior best and fairest.

“Jeff brings speed, toughness, and genuine midfield class to Kings Park.”

Jair McAllister. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 524045_02

Tara Murray

Caroline Springs will face a new challenge. (Kel Rowe)

2025 College Dux - Jasey Chu Pham ATAR 98.15. Jasey hopes to study a Bachelor of Science/Dental Surgery at University of Melbourne as a pathway to Medicine. Jasey is the first person in her family to graduate from high school and attend University.

As a child of Vietnamese immigrants, she grew up watching her parents work long hours so she and her siblings could have opportunities they never did. Jasey’s drive, hard work and determination has seen her excel in her studies, with the support of her teachers, to achieve her dream of studying medicine.

2025 Proxime Accessit – Caitlyn Lung ATAR 95.95. Caitlyn hopes to study a Bachelor of Design/Information Technology at the University Of Melbourne. The other seven students who achieved an ATAR in the 90s are expecting offers from the University of Melbourne in Science, Nursing and Commerce, and in Education at ACU.

Overall 30% of the cohort achieved an ATAR over 80.

Our overall study score median is steady at 29.

Our VCE English median 30.5, VCE General Mathematics median 31.5 and VCE Maths Methods median 28 are all higher than the State medians.

Highest study score attained was 49 in English.

Our College co-Captain, John Pakoti has been offered a full scholarship at Newman College with residency at the University of Melbourne. This is an extremely prestigious scholarship worth $30,000 which includes accommodation, meals, and access to tutorials, sports, arts, and social events. John plans to study Law under this scholarship.

We also congratulated two of our students who have obtained fulltime apprenticeships after commencing their trade during Year 12 under the HeadStart program:

HeadStart is a Department of Education program that bridges the gap between education and employment, enabling students to commence their apprenticeship or traineeship during their senior school education.

HeadStart supports and mentors students to complete their academic learning with hands-on industry experience, and offers an opportunity to gain practical skills and industry knowledge in their chosen career path.

We extend our congratulations to the following HeadStart students at VUSC:

• Victor Cilia, who is completing a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and will continue as a full-time apprentice in 2026.

• John Brisvokic, who is completing a Certificate III in Carpentry and will also continue as a full-time apprentice in 2026.

Throughout their HeadStart journey, Victor and John have shown determination, resilience, and dedication in balancing their weekly commitments; spending three days at school, two days in the workplace, and attending TAFE for their trade studies.

Achieving Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Victoria University Secondary College