Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 12th May 2026

Gaga glee at Sunshine PS

Sunshine Primary School has unveiled a new gaga pit used for the popular game gaga ball, which is similar to dodgeball.

The pit was officially opened in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday 6 May.

Principal Lyn Read said students have been using the playground equipment already despite heavy rains.

“The kids love it. And it’s something different for our school,” Ms Read said.

The gaga pit was designed and built by the school’s maintenance and garden worker Robert Suffolk, and fundraised through community efforts.

Fundraising began last year with a student market day where children designed and sold products as part of an economics learning unit.

“They made just over $1000 so that was the kickstart for the fundraising,” Ms Read said.

“The kids have been pretty much involved heavily from [the gaga pit’s] inception to its completion.”

With demand for the new space at an all-time high, the school is working to ensure every student gets a fair go.

“We just have to timetable different age groups until the novelty wears off a bit,” Ms Read said.

Community rally

By Sam Porter

BillboardshaveappearedacrossKeilorand Keilor Downs, urging residents to “save Keilor Downs Police Station” by joining a communityrallythisMay.

Funded by local real estate agents, the billboards come in direct response to the furtherreductionofcounterhoursatKeilor DownsPoliceStationinFebruary.

AsreportedbyStarWeekly,counterhours at the station are now 10.15am-5.45pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, temporarily reduced from eight hours a day.

The cuts follow earlier reductions in

November 2023, when Victoria Police announced it would temporarily reduce the station’s counter hours from 24 hours a daytoeighthoursaday.

Convenor of Keilor-Taylors Lakes Action and co-organiser of the rally, Fred Ackerman, also works as a Justice of the Peace(JP)atKeilorDownsPoliceStation.

He said the community-driven rally is “in support of the police who are under pressure in delivering the services they needtodeliver“.

“Theneedsofthecommunityarenotable to be met under the current arrangement,” Mr Ackerman said in relation to current counterhours,“hesaid.

“The community does require access to their local police station. The nearest 24-7 police station is in Sunshine, which is too faraway.

“Insimplewords,it’sanessentialservice thatpeoplearebeingdenied.”

Mr Ackerman said reduced counter hours disproportionately affect residents facing barriers to police access, including the elderly, people with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, and residentswhodon’tdrive.

Other rally organisers include former Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou, whoalsoworksasaJPatthestation,former Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire and

former Brimbank deputy mayor Daniel Allan.

In February, a Victoria Police spokesperson told Star Weekly that reduced counter hours would allow more officers to spend time in the community to preventandrespondtocrime.

The spokesperson said the updated reception hours reflect times when locals are most likely to need assistance with administrativematters.

The ‘Save Keilor Downs Police Station’ community rally will run from 10am on Saturday16May,withattendeesinstructed to meet at Keilor Downs Police Station, 1CopernicusWay,KeilorDowns.

Sunshine Primary School maintenance and garden worker and gaga pit

builder Robert Suffolk with students Huy, Kail, Kasen, Max and Ayla.

(Damjan Janevski) 551428_03

Mayor’s message

Cr Lara Carli

I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to share their views on the 2026/27 Draft Council Budget, which was endorsed for community feedback at the April Council Meeting.

The draft budget proposes a diverse mix of projects to support residents across the City of Melton. It features a proposed $255.23 million capital works program for roads and community infrastructure, including projects such as the Cobblebank Community Hub and the new aquatic and leisure centre in Fraser Rise. More than $27.6million has also been proposed to support 64initiatives identified through community feedback and previous consultation.

The draft budget will be presented back to Council for consideration at the June Council Meeting.

The Victorian Budget was announced last week, and I am pleased to see continued investment in the Melton Hospital and funding to support improvements to public transport in our City, including design and preparation works for the Melton rail line electrification and a new bus network for Melton South. We appreciate this support from the Victorian Government, and the recognition that our community needs investment in these areas. However, more needs to be done and we need to see clear timelines for the delivery of the electrification of the Melton rail line. Like all fast growing outer suburbs, transport and community infrastructure needs to keep pace with our population and support jobs, education and liveability. We will continue to advocate to both levels of government for the infrastructure and services our community deserves.

Feel free to contact me about Sugar Gum Ward or our City more generally on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au

Explore the Strathtulloh Night Market!

Atherstone Traffic School, Strathtulloh

Friday 22 May, 5pm-9pm

The next City of Melton Night Market will bring free family fun and a celebration of culture to Stathtulloh.

Join us for a vibrant evening of rhythm, experiences and discovery throughout the surrounding play spaces. Explore the market stalls and enjoy the cuisines on offer from a range of food trucks.

My first six months as Deputy Mayor have been fast-paced and rewarding, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to work alongside the Mayor, and my fellow Councillors, to deliver positive outcomes for the City of Melton.

Our community has been clear about what matters most to them; improved roads, upgrades to the Western Highway, better bus services and real improvements to train infrastructure. So, with the State Election coming up later this year, Council will continue to advocate for the infrastructure that not only supports, but makes a real difference, to the daily lives of our residents.

It’s great to see some exciting projects proposed for Mt Atkinson in the 2026/27 draft Council budget, including the Thornhill Park Active Open Space Precinct, Rockbank East

Experience a breathtaking, illuminated lantern trail celebrating Australia’s unique flora and fauna, and join interactive skate and bike workshops at the Atherstone Traffic School track.

Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/ night-markets

Lights on at sports reserves

To help residents stay active during the colder months, we are turning on lights at four of our sports reserves, providing free access for the community after dark. The lights will be on until October 2026 at the following locations:

• Bridge Road Recreation Reserve, Strathtulloh Athletics track available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7pm –9pm.

• Brookside Recreation Reserve, Caroline Springs Synthetic pitch and running track available Fridays 6pm–9pm.

Children’s and Community Centre, Mt Atkinson East Sports Reserve, and Bridge Road Recreation Reserve Stage 3. It’s important we plan for our growing community, and I will continue to make sure the needs of our residents are heard.

We’re also seeing some important road upgrades taking place across our City. While these works may cause some temporary delays, we do appreciate the community’s patience as they are completed. These improvements are essential to support our growing population and to ensure safer, more efficient travel for residents and visitors.

To stay up to date, visit melton.vic. gov.au/roadworks

Feel free to contact me regarding Mt Atkinson Ward or our City more generally on 0418 999 659 or at phillip.zada@melton.vic.gov.au

•Aintree Recreation Reserve Grassed oval available Mondays and Tuesdays 6.30pm–8.30pm.

• West Melton Recreation Reserve Tennis Courts available Wednesdays 6.30pm–8.30pm. For information visit, melton.vic.gov.au/lights

2026 Business Awards applications open

Applications for the 2026 City of Melton Business Excellence Awards open Wednesday 13 May.

This is an opportunity to celebrate the incredible businesses operating across our City. If your business is doing some amazing things, apply at melton.vic.gov.au/MBEA

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Dr Phillip Zada

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Brandi Morris Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

Cr John Verdon

Mt Atkinson Ward with Cr Dr Phillip Zada

State budget welcomed

By Sam Porter

Brimbank council has welcomed significant investments in the 2026-27 state budget including boosts to transport, health and safety.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said the budget also delivers cost of living relief for the community, with free and half-price public transport.

“Many of these announcements reflect the key priorities advocated for by council, but we will continue advocating for additional investment in local infrastructure and community services to make sure our residents’ needs continue to be prioritised,” Cr Tachos said.

Handed down on 5 May, the budget includes line remarking for Taylors Road in Keilor Downs and upgrade planning for its Delahey section.

It comes after council launched the ‘Fix Taylors Road’ campaign in March, which calls for the duplication of Taylors Road west of Kings Road.

Other transport investments include funding for the Calder Park Drive Interchange, and increased services for bus routes 408 and 476.

Cr Tachos said these investments “are critical to reducing congestion and keeping our growing community moving.”

Council also welcomed funding for an ‘assertive outreach team’ for homeless-

ness in Brimbank and Melton in addition to the $860 million allocated to the Social Housing Growth Fund over five years.

Safety initiatives outlined in the budget include 200 police reservists, Blue Light Victoria youth mentoring, extra Protective Service Officers at Sunshine and St Albans stations, and family violence prevention and response initiatives, all of which council welcomed.

Additionally, $5.3 million was allocated to the Multicultural Seniors Support Program which council said recognises the diversity of the community and supports older residents to access culturally appropriate services.

In relation to transport infrastructure,

Solar battery lights up Keilor bowls club

Keilor Bowls and Community Club is charging into a sustainable future after a government-funded solar battery was installed at its site last month.

Grants officer Keith Hinks said the solarbatteryisthenextstepintheclub’s journey to becoming self-sufficient. “It will keep costs down. It will help because this will store power when we’re not using it and it will give back to us when we want some,” he said.

Mr Hinks said the new solar battery

will also benefit members of the local community. “It’s important for us because we are part of the Keilor community. We do open our doors for people to come and use our facilities for seminars, functions, all sorts of things, so that [solar battery] will reduce their costs of coming in,” he said.

“We are not just a bowling club but we’re also a community club. We serve the community of Keilor.”

The club received an $18,000 federal

government grant to fund the project.

Once the funding was approved, the club upgraded its solar array to ensure the new battery would operate at peak efficiency.

“The joyful thing about this battery is it’s a series of batteries stacked on top of one another and then a control unit on the top,” Mr Hinks said. “What you can do is you can add more batteries to that unit. Put more batteries on and increase the power.”

Drink drivers caught on Western Ring Road during police blitz

Fifty-nine drivers have been caught over .05 on the Western Ring Road in Derrimut during a booze bus operation across the weekend on Friday 1 May and Saturday 2 May.

Members from Melton and Brimbank Highway Patrols, in co-operation with Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, Heavy Vehicle Unit, State Highway Patrol and Fawkner and Westgate Highway Patrols breath tested 4309 drivers.

council said it was pleased to see $152.7 million allocated to the Melton line.

There was also $730 million allocated for Sunshine superhub works and $58 million for the Melbourne Airport Rail (MAR) during the 2026-27 financial year.

However, the budget lacked specific timelines for the Sunshine Station Masterplan or Albion station upgrade, and a completion date for the MAR remains unconfirmed.

Health highlights for Brimbank include a new 24-bed post-natal ward at Sunshine Hospital as well as additional sonography appointments and special care nursery cots.

Ravenhall officers vote on strike

Correctional officers at Ravenhall Correctional Centre will vote this week on whether to take protected industrial action after rejecting a pay offer which Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) members deemed inadequate.

Ravenhall Correctional Centre, a medium-security male prison located on Boundary Road, is outsourced by the state government and currently operated by the for-profit American company GEO Group.

CPSU said GEO’s pay offer fails to recognise the demands and risks of work carried out by correctional officers at the facility.

According to the CPSU, many correctional officers currently earn only slightly more than the minimum wage.

The union is seeking a base rate of pay 10 per cent higher than the minimum wage – a proposal the CPSU said GEO Group has rejected.

CPSU Victoria branch secretary Jiselle Hanna said the current pay and conditions on offer are inadequate for an employer who seeks to deliver an essential public safety service.

“Our members are doing a difficult and often unseen job, and they do it in challenging and complex environments where there is a real risk of violence and, at times, serious injury,” Ms Hanna said.

The union said paid parental leave is another major concern for workers at the Ravenhall facility.

The CPSU said primary caregivers currently have access to two weeks of paid parental leave and that it is significantly lower than the rest of the public service.

The union’s request for an increase to eight weeks was met with a four-week counteroffer from GEO Group, according to CPSU.

Ms Hanna labelled the four-week counteroffer as “insulting.”

“Anyone who has given birth or taken on the role of primary caregiver knows that the current offer of four weeks of paid leave is nowhere near appropriate,” she said.

On the night of Saturday 2 May, officers were shocked to discover one driver recorded an alleged evidentiary breath test reading of .249, almost five times the legal limit. Police also detected more than 27 heavy vehicle offences, 14 defects and one heavy vehicle driver over .05.

Twenty-five vehicles were impounded.

Victoria Police said it conducts three mil-

During the operation, three drivers were clocked travelling more than 45km/h over the speed limit, five drivers were caught driving without a valid license and one learner was discovered driving unaccompanied.

lion preliminary breath tests annually.

Firsttimeoffenderswhoarefullylicensed and over 26 years of age caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.05 and 0.07 receive a $611 fine and immediate three-month license suspension, according to Victoria Police.

Drivers under 26, repeat offenders, or those exceeding 0.07 BAC face harsher penalties, including larger fines, extended suspensions, mandatory interlocks, and potential imprisonment for serious drink or drug driving violations.

CPSU members will have until 13 May to vote on whether to take industrial action.

While no safety-critical tasks would be part of this action, administrative, compliance and reporting tasks would be impacted, the CPSU said.

“No one takes protected action lightly – but workers need to be taken seriously by GEO, not treated like second class citizens,” Ms Hanna said.

GEO Group was contacted for comment.

Keilor Bowls and Community Club chairman Joe Watkins and grants officer Keith Hinks. (Damjan Janevski). 550874_02

NDIS office relocation concern

By Sam Porter

EXCLUSIVE

ThedirectorofanNationalDisabilityInsurance Scheme (NDIS) specialist disability accommodation developer in Melbourne’s west has said he is “very disappointed” after the NDIS quietly announced it would close its Sunshine office this year, relocating its services to a new site in Footscray.

An National Disability Insurance Agency (NIDA) spokesperson told Star Weekly the Sunshine office, located at level six, 12 Clarke Street, will be transferred approximately five kilometres away to Footscray.

“The Footscray office will provide participant services from a ground floor location,

providing improved accessible access as wellashavingexcellentlinkstopublictransport, with close access from the Footscray train station,” the NDIA spokesperson said.

“Participants can also access NDIS services via our contact centre 1800 800 110, or via the website and NDIS App.”

Star Weekly understands the new Footscray site is planned to open mid-2026, andthattheSunshineofficewillnotcloseits doors until the Footscray site opens.

It is also believed the office transfer will not affect staffing levels or reduce the NDIS’s ability to support participants who visit the office.

Sunshine office building owner and Leben Homes director Eugene Cester said he

is “very disappointed by the federal government’s decision to close the Sunshine office”

While he noted the new Footscray site’s accessibility, he said there is no need to relocate the office from Sunshine.

“Sunshine is more proximate and convenient to those in need, particularly to those in the outer western suburbs,” he said.

Mr Cester expressed concern that the short-notice transfer would disrupt his business and the surrounding community services in an area he described as a “thriving ecosystem” of private NDIS businesses and services developed over many years.

“[The Sunshine office] is in exactly the right spot for those in need. It’s the west’s

Overnewton teacher named as award finalist

OvernewtonAnglicanCommunityCollege teacher Natalie Di Sauro has been named as a finalist in the 2026 ResourceSmart Schools Awards for ‘Teacher of the Year (secondary)’

The outdoor and environmental studies teacher was nominated for her impactful, practical environmental programs that connect students with real world sustainability practice.

Ms Di Sauro said the nomination was incredibly meaningful. She said the school’s approach to sustainability focuses on hands-on activities, such as maintaining vegetable gardens, composting canteen food scraps, and de-

veloping original student-led projects.

In outdoor education classes, students work alongside organisations like Conservation Volunteers Australia on environmental initiatives.

These include planting native flora, conducting rubbish audits to support CSIRO research, improving habitats for endangered species, monitoring Maribyrnong River water levels, and designing and installing nesting boxes.

“The response from students has been incredibly positive. When learning is practical and connected to the real world, students become more engaged, more curious and begin to see

how they can make a genuine impact,”

Ms Di Sauro said.

A strong focus of the program is teaching students Indigenous perspectives on environmental sustainability, which Ms Di Sauro said is essential to understanding sustainability in a meaningful way.

“At our Yirramboi Campus in Keilor, there is evidence that the land has been used by local Indigenous peoples for tens of thousands of years, which brings a powerful sense of context to our students’ learning,” she said.

The ResourceSmart winners will be announced on Thursday 11 June.

Have your say on how people, goods move across Brimbank

Local residents, businesses and community groups are invited to have their say on the future of transport in Brimbank, with the release of the Brimbank council’s draft ‘Moving Brimbank – Integrated Transport Strategy’ for consultation.

According to council, the strategy provides a long-term plan to improve how people, goods and services move across the municipality, with a focus on accessibility and connectivity.

Council said the strategy is built around the pillars of connectivity, liveability and equity, and that it sets a vision

for 2050, responding to key challenges including population growth, car reliance, safety and emissions.

It also recognises opportunities linked to improved public transport and the role of Sunshine as a central transport hub, council said.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said the strategy sets a vision for a more connected, accessible and sustainable transport network.

“We know how people move around Brimbank has a big impact on daily life. We need community input to understand

local transport needs and priorities,” Cr Tachos said.

“This strategy is about improving connections while making our streets safer, more inclusive and more enjoyable for everyone.”

Community members can view the draft strategy and submit feedback online until Sunday 31 May.

There are also a range of pop-up sessions across the municipality where locals can chat the council team about the draft.

Details: yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au

CBD and next to what will turn out to be Melbourne’s most important suburban transport interchange!” Mr Cester said. He pointed to the office’s close proximity to Sunshine Station, highlighting the station’s future role as a ‘superhub’ for the Melbourne Airport Rail and Suburban Rail Loop.

“Why would you move when this station is, or is destined to be, at the confluence of rail lines between the city and Sunbury, Bendigo, Geelong, Ballarat and Melbourne Airport?” Mr Cester said.

“This level of public transport access is critical for NDIS participants, carers and providers, many of whom rely on trains and buses to attend in-person appointments.”

Derrimut recycling company fined

Derrimut recycler ReSource has been slapped with a $10,000 fine by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria following a processing machinery fire.

EPA said it is now working with Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) to investigate the Derrimut recycling company, which has had three fires so far this year.

ReSource recycles combustible recyclable and waste materials, including household goods and e-waste.

On Wednesday 4 March a fire broke out on the processing line of the Swann Street facility.

Internal fire management systems, including a sprinkler, deployed while FRV units also attended the scene.

The EPA said CCTV clearly shows the moment at which the fire broke out in recycling material which potentially contained lithium-ion batteries.

According to the EPA, ReSource has a clear duty, in the terms of its EPA Permission, to inform the independent environment regulator of such an incident in a timely fashion, which the EPA said it did not.

The company must also have controls in place to manage smoke, including filtration, to prevent the release of unfiltered smoke to the environment, the EPA said.

EPA west metropolitan regional manager Julia Gaitan said the company should know that it has to comply with its EPA Permission.

“Smoke, potentially harmful to the environment and the community, was able to discharge from the facility through open doors and venting holes in the ceiling with no treatment,” Ms Gaitan said.

“Their breach of the Environment Protection Act 2017 has resulted in a significant fine, and left the way open for further regulatory action.

“This was not the first fire at the facility this year. There was one in January and another [on] 20 April.

“We are conducting further investigations with FRV. ReSource claims on its website that it ‘safely recycles e-waste in the most advanced facility in Australia, following AS 5377 standards to ensure positive environmental effects’.

“ReSource needs to actually live up to their advertising claims. EPA will act to ensure they live up to their Permissions standard,” Ms Gaitan said.

According to the EPA, the AS 5377 standards outline requirements for managing, moving, and processing electrical and electronic equipment waste.

Overnewton Anglican Community College outdoor and environmental

studies teacher Natalie Di Sauro with students Amelia, Louis, Katia and Norah.

(Damjan Janevski). 549511_05

Service, sacrifice honoured

A new RSL Commemorative Flame has beeninstalledattheCarolineSpringsWar Memorial in honour of those who have served.

Developed by Melton council in collaboration with local RSL members, the project was completed in time for this year’s Anzac Day services.

Caroline Springs RSL Sub-branch president Peter Burquest said the flame added a “new dimension“ to the local commemorations.

“Itwasseveralyearsback.WeatCaroline SpringsRSLaskedMeltonCityCouncilifit was possible we could have a flame at our memorial on Lake Caroline. That request came to fruition,” Mr Burquest said.

“Theservicethisyearwasagainattended by a large crowd of our community. We reallyappreciatetheeffortourcommunity makes to this special day in Australian

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history. It presents a time for people to offer their respect to the service persons who put their lives on the line for this country.”

Melton mayor Lara Carli said the flame offers a dedicated space for reflection.

“Commemorative spaces like this play an important role in providing opportunities to pause and pay our respects, while ensuring the stories of service and sacrifice are passed on to future generations,” Cr Carli said.

“We are proud to deliver this important community asset, and we look forward to seeing it become a place where the community can come together to remember all those who fought so bravely for the country we call home today.

“Iwouldliketothank[RSLmembers]for theirguidanceinensuringthisisaplaceof dignity, reflection and lasting meaning.”

Briefs

Community survey

Locals are being invited to have their say on the Cairnlea Community Hub, a Brimbank council-run Neighbhourhood House at 59 Carmody Drive, Cairnlea. The two-minute survey asks residents what sorts of activities they would like to see offered at the community hub. The survey can be completed online with community feedback being gathered until 26 June. Details: shorturl.at/w0B3z

Sunshine woman arrested Police have arrested a Sunshine woman after an allegedly stolen vehicle was followed from Chapel Street to Werribee in the early hours of 5 May. Officers patrolling Chapel Street caught sight of the allegedly stolen white Jeep Grand Cherokee about midnight. Police kept their distance as the Jeep travelled west towards the Westgate Bridge, allegedly reaching speeds exceeding 20km/h over the speed limit. The Jeep was seen driving along the Princes Freeway towards Werribee eventually pulling up outside a Songlark Crescent address. Officers moved in and swiftly arrested a 29-year-old Sunshine woman, alleged to be the driver, and recovered the Jeep. There were no injuries and Victoria Police said the woman will be interviewed. Investigators allege the Jeep as stolen from a Mentone address in March.

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

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Caroline Springs RSL Sub-branch president Peter Burquest and Melton mayor Lara Carli. (Supplied)

Five machetes seized

Police have arrested four teenage boys and located and seized five machetes at a shopping centre in Taylors Lakes on Thursday 30 April.

Officers were on patrol as part of Operation Pulse, in which teams of police and Protective Service Officers (PSOs) patrol four major metropolitan shopping centres each day.

While on patrol, officers first noticed a male in the food court with what appeared to be machetes concealed in his pants about 1pm.

As police approached the boy, he fled the scene on foot.

After a short foot chase, the boy was stopped in a nearby car park.

The 17-year-old was searched, with officers allegedly locating and seizing a machete.

He was arrested and is expected to be charged on summons with possessing a prohibited weapon.

A short time later, police were made aware of three males allegedly stealing items from a store.

Officers followed the boys as they left the centre and headed to a car parked near a train centre carpark nearby.

A search of the car revealed four ma-

chetes, and the males were arrested.

The boys, aged 16, 12 and 16, are expected to be charged on summons for shopsteal and possessing a prohibited weapon.

Superintendent Matt Baynes said officersandPSOshavemademorethan1000 arrests since Operation Pulse began.

“Our officers are out every day in shopping centres, engaging with the public and working to stop potential incidents before they occur,” Superintendent Baynes said.

“Everyone has a right to feel safe in public. Our message to those that want to

Disruptions as airport rail works progress

Work to relocate major telecommunications lines and other utilities is underway at SunshineStation,preparingtherailcorridor for future trains to Melbourne Airport.

According to the state government, Melbourne Airport Rail stage one will untangle six kilometres of track between West Footscray and Albion and transform Sunshine into a transport superhub, with two new platforms and capacity for 1000 trains a day, including future airport trains and electric trains to Melton.

To create space for the new platforms, utilities adjacent to the rail corridor need

to be relocated, including telecommunication lines underneath the station car park on Sun Crescent.

To allow crews to undertake this work safely, 65 car spaces at Sunshine Station will be closed from Monday 11 May until September, with crews setting up site fencing, lighting and a site compound ahead of the arrival of machinery to start the boring and relocation works.

There will also be disruptions at times at the laneway north of City Place and beside the Dickson Street bus interchange.

Theutilityworksfollowpipelinetunnel

boring works underway at Albion Station car park to relocate a major jet fuel pipeline running between Albion and Sunshine.

Ongoing works mean Albion Station car park will remain closed until later this year.

Residents can access more information ondisruptionstoparking,andpedestrians and cycling movements around Sunshine Station via the link: shorturl.at/hdtik

Melbourne Airport Rail stage one will be completed in 2030, the state government said.

come to a shopping centre with weapons is clear - you won’t get away with it, and we simply won’t stand for it.”

Operation Pulse first commenced on 8 December, 2025 and has been extended to the end of this year.

According to Victoria Police, officers and PSOs will continue to patrol four major shopping centres each day, with sites of focus in the west including Pacific Werribee, Highpoint and Watergardens. All shifts are voluntary, meaning there is no impact on the rail network as PSOs are working at shopping centres in additiontoexistingshifts,VictoriaPolicesaid.

Two men charged over alleged crime spree in west

Two men from the western suburbs have been hit with more than 170 charges in relation to an alleged crime spree across the west that occurred between February and May.

Detectives have investigated 48 alleged aggravated burglaries, burglaries, and theft of motor vehicles in more than a dozen suburbs.

Among them were Thornhill Park, Weir Views, Hillside, Point Cook, Footscray, Maribyrnong, Somerton, Diggers Rest, Yarraville, Cairnlea, Hoppers Crossing, Truganina, Seaholme and Keilor.

On Tuesday 5 May, police executed three search warrants in Hoppers Crossing, Laverton and Werribee South.

Officers located and seized a number of allegedly stolen items during the warrants.

Two men, a 35-year-old from Hoppers Crossing and a 36-year-old from Laverton were arrested.

The Hoppers Crossing man is facing with 90 charges, including 33 counts of burglary, aggravated burglary and 28 counts of theft.

The Laverton man is facing 85 charges, which also included 33 counts of burglary, aggravated burglary and 28 counts of theft.

The pair were remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 12 August.

Sixty-five car parks at Sunshine Station will be closed until September due to Melbourne Airport Rail works. (Supplied)

The power of sleep: How to rest better in retirement

Time gifted by retirement should allow for more relaxation. However, older adults find that sleep becomes harder to obtain preciselywhentheyneeditmost.

Thelackofqualityrestdisruptsyourdaily energy levels, mood and health through frequentnight-timewakeupsanddifficulty bothfallingasleepandstayingasleep.

Better rest is possible for everyone who follows simple changes to their daily routines.

How Much Sleep for Seniors: How Many Hours of Sleep Do Senior Citizens Need? We receive this question frequently about senior sleep duration. Most older adults need seven to eight hours of sleep each night. It’s not only how much time you spend asleep that counts. Your sleep quality stands as the key factor instead of the number of hours you spend in bed sinceyoumaywakeupfeelingtireddespite sleeping for eight hours. The goal is to achieve deep, restful sleep, enabling you tofeelenergisedandalertuponwakingthe nextmorning.

Practical Sleep Tips for Seniors

Thefollowinglistincludesseveraleffective methods that have proven successful for enhancingsleepquality:

1. Stick to a Routine: Youshouldmaintain consistent bedtime and wake-up times throughout each day and throughout weekends. The body’s internal clock regulatesitselfbetterwhenyoumaintaina regular sleep-wake cycle, which helps you fallasleepmoreeasilyontime.

2. Create a Calming Bedroom: Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool. Use

blackout curtains, remove noisy clocks, and limit distractions. Your bedroom needs to be a rest zone rather than an entertainmentspace,asitmustremainfree ofdistractionslikeTVsandphonescreens.

3. Wind Down Gently: Begin your night with activities that help you relax. A warm bath, together with light reading materials or calming music, can help you relax beforesleeping.Breathingexercisesbefore bed can also help settle a racing mindexplore some gentle breathing techniques forseniorshere.

4. Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink: Consuming caffeine in the evening and alcohol before bed disrupts sleep quality. Avoid going to bed with a full stomach, and ensure you are not hungry.

ThestaffatCentennialLivingrecognises that quality sleep is essential to senior wellness.

We establish spaces that enable relaxation while maintaining quiet, as our mission centres on supporting residents whowanttolivewell.

A supportive environment helps you develop better habits and enjoy more restfulevenings.

Sleep functions as an essential foundation that supports both a healthy lifestyleandhappiness.

You can achieve restful mornings by adopting mindful changes that suit your body, helping you feel refreshed for daily activities.

Test one or two of these suggestions as you go to bed tonight to discover the transformed feelings you will experience whenyouwakeuptomorrow.

A supportive environment helps you develop better habits and enjoy more restful evenings. (Supplied)

Learning through action at Global Village Learning

At Global Village Learning, learning is something you do, not something you sit through.

Our learners don’t wait to apply knowledge later. They build, design, create,test,andrefinenow.

Whether it’s developing a prototype, workingwithmaterials,orshapinganidea into something real, learning happens throughaction.

This is driven by a simple belief: young people are capable of far more than we often allow . When they are trusted with meaningfulwork,theystepup.

At GVL, Personal Interest Projects and EDventurous Projects sit at the centre of theexperience.

Learners pursue what genuinely interests them while developing the skills needed to bring those ideas to life. It’s

practical,purposeful,andengaging.

There is structure, but it’s personalised.

Learners move through Learning Hubs based on readiness, building confidence andmasteryovertime.

What ties it all together is our vision: empowering learners to build communities that positively impact the world.

This is supported by a focus on agency,

mastery, and community connection. When learners have ownership, feel capable, and are part of something bigger than themselves, motivation takes care of itself.

The result is a learning environment withenergy.Focused.Creative.Real. Not preparation for life, but a place where young people are already shaping it.

Left: Cooper, Estee and Holly learning the art of pottery. Right: Charlie and Ethan working on their robot at the Southern Cross FRC Championship. (Pictures: Supplied)

Braemar College: Two campuses, one learning journey

A Braemar College education is shaped by place,definedbybelonging.

In the foothills of the Macedon Ranges, students begin a learning journey shaped bysomethingincreasinglyrareineducation today:adeepandlastingsenseofplace.

BraemarCollegeoffersadistinctiveyears 5 to 12 co-educational experience across two campuses, where every student is known personally and supported through everystageofgrowth.

The journey begins at our Woodend campus, home to the Middle School. Here, students in years 5 to 8 settle into secondary learning in an age-appropriate environment intentionally designed to build belonging, friendships and independence at the stage when those foundations matter most. Strong teaching, clear expectations and genuine care give students the confidence to aspire, achieve andthrive.

By year 9, students step into the next chapter of the journey at our Mount Macedon campus. Set within a landscape of striking natural beauty and shaped by a heritagestretchingbacktotheearly1900’s, this campus offers more than a place to learn. It offers a community defined by tradition,characterandconnection,where one generation of Braemar students is linkedtothenext.

Two campuses. One College. One continuous years 5 to 12 learning journey. From the warmth of Woodend to the established strength of Mount Macedon, our students grow in mind, body and spirit, well prepared for senior secondary learning,andfortheworldbeyondit.

To experience the Braemar journey for yourself,wewarmlyinvitefamiliestobook apersonaltourofeithercampus.

College Principal Russell Deer with (from left) Hayley, Chelsea, Oliver and Connor.

Education is about more than academics at Mackellar

Choosingtherightprimaryschoolisoneof the most important decisions a family can make,andatMackellarPrimarySchool,we are proud to offer a learning environment where every child is known, valued and encouragedtothrive.

At Mackellar Primary School, education is about more than academics. We believe children learn best when they feel safe, supported and inspired to explore their potential.

Ourdedicatedteachersworkcloselywith studentstobuildconfidence,curiosityand alifelongloveoflearning.

From the classroom to the playground, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, show kindness and develop strong connections with their peers and community.

Our school offers engaging programs acrossliteracy,numeracy,science,thearts, sport and wellbeing, ensuring students experience a balanced and enriching education.

We understand that every child learns differently, and our staff are committed to supporting individual strengths while helping students grow in areas where they needencouragement.

Families are at the heart of our school community. Mackellar Primary School values strong partnerships between home and school, creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where parents and carers are actively involved in their child’s learning journey. Whether through community events, classroom activities or school initiatives, there are many opportunities for families to connect and contribute.

We are also proud of the positive culture that exists within our school grounds.

Respect, resilience and responsibility are central to everything we do, helping studentsdeveloptheskillsandvaluesthey needforfuturesuccess.

For families considering enrolment, Mackellar Primary School offers more

than a great education – it offers a caring communitywherechildrenareencouraged to grow academically, socially and emotionally.Wewarmlyinviteprospective families to visit our school, meet our staff and students, and discover what makes

Mackellar Primary School such a special placetolearn. Enrolments are now open, and we look forward to welcoming the next generation of learners into our vibrant school community.

Yellow House captain Isabel, Green House captain Sasha, school vice captain William, school captain Xavier, Red House captain Jamie, school captain Katie, school vice captain Jumana and Blue House captain Levi. (Supplied)

St Albans Heights Primary enters new era with major upgrades

St Albans Heights Primary School is entering an exciting new chapter, with recently completed building upgrades transformingthelearningenvironment.

The modern facilities reflect a strong commitment to both academic excellence and student wellbeing, positioning the school as a leading choice for families in Melbourne’swest.

The new buildings provide bright, flexible learning spaces designed to supportcontemporaryteachingpractices.

These spaces encourage collaboration, creativity and critical thinking; skills essentialforsuccessintoday’sworld.

The new build encompasses the admin block,libraryandclassrooms.

Additionally, there is a new community space and canteen that house community hubactivities,beforeandaftercareservice andbreakfastclubdaily.

They’ve also had an upgrade to play spaces,whichstudentsareloving.

The emphasis of these upgrades is not just on infrastructure, but on enhancing studentoutcomes.

The school maintains a strong academic focus, with targeted teaching in literacy and numeracy supported by ongoing assessmentanddata-informedpractice.

Teachers work closely in professional learning teams to ensure every student is challenged and supported to achieve their best.

Equally important is the school’s holistic approach to wellbeing. St Albans Heights Primary School has embedded social and emotional learning into its weekly curriculum, helping students

build resilience, confidence and positive relationships.

A range of wellbeing programs operate across the school, including small group sessions, lunchtime clubs, social skills programs and unique initiatives such as dog and art therapy, which have proven popularwithstudents.

Theschoolalsoimplementsamulti-tiered system of supports that caters for both intervention and extension, ensuring all students are appropriately challenged and supported.

This structured approach enables early identification of learning and wellbeing needs, while also providing enrichment opportunities that extend high-achieving learners and promote continuous growth foreverychild.

Strong links with external support services further enhance the school’s capacitytomeettheneedsofstudentsand families.

Staff work closely with families, recognising that a strong home–school partnershipiskeytostudentsuccess.

These new facilities, combined with a clear vision for teaching and wellbeing, highlight St Albans Heights Primary School’s commitment to providing a safe, supportiveandhigh-qualityeducation.

As the school community settles into its upgraded spaces, the future looks bright foritsstudentsandfamilies.

School captains Lola, Kimberly, Ryder and Lucas with acting principal Glenn Groves. (Supplied)

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

Maltese Folklore Association

All seniors are warmly invited to join Klabb Ghannejja Maltin (Maltese Folklore Association) and enjoy the friendly atmosphere the club provides. The club is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with traditional Maltese folk music held every Friday night and social nights hosted once a month on Saturday nights. Come to 4/6 Gooding Street, St Albans, meet new friends, and enjoy the wonderful Maltese culture and entertainment. 9356 4638

Save Keilor Downs Police Station Rally

The rally is calling for operating hours to be restored to 24-7 at Keilor Downs Police station. Meet outside the station, 1 Copernicus Way, Keilor Downs, at 10am on Saturday 16 May.

Fred Ackerman, 0418 170 372 or Bruce Lancashire, 0402 006 399

Free Bingo

Locals, especially seniors, can enjoy bingo but with a twist. binGO move encourages participants to get active, make friends and improve physical and mental wellbeing all while enjoying a classic game. Sessions run fortnightly on Thursdays from 1.30-2.30pm at St Albans Tin Shed, 309a Main Road East, St Albans. 9366 4302

St Albans Bowls Club

Everyone is welcome at St Albans Bowlsno matter age, gender or ability. Whether you’re an experienced bowler or just curious to give it a try, the club would love to see more locals on the green. The club hosts social bowls every Thursday and Saturday at noon at Kings Park Reserve, off Magnolia Avenue, Kings Park. Come along for a friendly game, meet new people and spend time in great company. stalbans.bowls.com.au, stalbansbowlsclub@bigpond.com, or 9366 0290

Historical Pop-Up Open Day

Come and see the black powder mill, part of Victoria’s Munitions Industry history, where gunpowder was made. Hosted by the Sunshine and District Historical Society, and supported by Brimbank Council and the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), the open day will run from 1-3pm on Saturday 16 May at the corner of Parklea Avenue and Grassy Point Road, Cairnlea. Text: 0402 460 560

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

The Gathering Table

Join other locals for cooking and gardening workshops during May where participants make the most of the garden beds at commUnity+ Neighbourhood House. Sessions run gtom noon-1pm on Wednesdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. Food and plants provided.

Zumba Class in Deer Park

Locals can vibe and move during sessions of Zumba Gold Toning classes at commUnity+ Neighbourhood House, featuring light dumbbells for strength building. Sessions run from 6-7pm on Thursdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. No bookings required.

Budding Artists

Whether it’s your first time dabbling in art or you’re fully-fledged, Budding Artists is an art program for all abilities. This term’s theme is Celebrating Women in Art. Sessions are hosted by commUnity+ Neighbourhood House and run from 11am-12.30pm on Thursdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. No bookings required.

Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning

Join Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning, a free, evidence-based early education

program that combines music, play, and connection for families with children aged 0-5 years. Running for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, this program is designed to incorporate singing, stories, and fun activities to support your child’s development. Running from February 11 onwards at the Sunshine Heights Playgroup Centre, 105 Glengala Road. 9663 6733, or events@ds.org.au

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

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

Queers Out West

Queers Out West is social programming for LGBTQIA+ adults to build community, hosted by commUnity+ Neighbourhood House. The program features creative arts sessions and relaxed fireside-style conversations with queer icons across

diverse fields. Sessions run from 4.30-5.30pm on Tuesdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. 100% free with snacks included.

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

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of autumn leaves in the Macedon Ranges. (Damjan Janevski) 550878_01

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Graceful bird (4)

3 South Asian republic (10)

10 High-protein food pulses (7)

11 Largest of the Ryukyu islands, south of Japan (7)

12 Rump (8)

13 Of the nose (5)

14 Summit (4)

15 An automatic weapon (7,3)

18 Actually, truthfully (10)

20 Devoted followers (4)

21 Step-by-step guide (3,2)

23 Relating to cultivated land (8)

26 Of that (7)

27 Continuing (7)

28 Black and white (10)

29 Just (4) DOWN

1 Senior barrister (coll) (4)

2 Said or done so often as to become tiresome (2,7)

4 Partner; colleague (9)

5 Shine (5)

6 City in southern France (7)

7 Tests (5)

8 Front-page stories (9)

9 Perfect condition (4)

14 Indifferent (9)

16 Mirthful (9)

17 Subtle change by degrees (9)

19 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)

22 Revolver (5)

23 Horrible (5)

24 Carpets (4)

25 Unsightly (4)

3 LETTERS

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

20 words: Good 30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent

tide, tidier, tied, tier, tiered, tired, tried, trip, tripe

1 Shandong is a coastal province in which country?

2 The SVNS is a series of tournaments in what sport? 3 Brutalist architecture first emerged in what decade?

4 Which Australian author wrote Tenderfoot, Nine Days and Addition?

5 What is the only five-star rank in the Australian Army?

6 The High Altitude Medal is given to armed forces members of which country?

7 Name the highest-selling song released by Roy Orbison.

8 The Rebecca Yarros books FourthWing, Iron Flame and OnyxStorm are part of which fantasy series?

9 In golf, what is an albatross?

10 What nationality is Hamnet star Jessie Buckley (pictured)?

No.

MY PLACE

Ania Reynolds is a composer, music producer and multi-instrumentalist who performs regularly across Melbourne’s west. She spoke to Sam Porter about her career and the vibrant local community.

What’s your connection to the west?

I grew up in Sunshine. My mother’s family came here from Poland in 1959, and both my parents taught at local schools in the western suburbs. I went to Footscray West Primary School, where my mother was a teacher. It was a wonderful school. These days I work in the west as much as I can. I’mamusicianandcomposerwithtwosolo acts: solo piano, and baritone saxophone + original beats. I perform regularly on saxophone on the streets of Sunshine, St Albans and Footscray, and love playing at theSunshineandStAlbansLunarNewYear Festivals. I have also given several series of free solo piano concerts in Salvos op shops in Deer Park, Taylors Lakes, Sunshine and Derrimut. I’ve worked for Brimbank, Melton, Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley councils, performing at events including Lakeside Alive Caroline Springs, Be Bold St Albans and West Set Footscray. I’ve also played events in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay.

What do you like about the west?

The west is colourful, joyously chaotic and kaleidoscopic. People are kind, community-minded, and caring; spunky, animated and fun-loving. Nowhere in Melbourne do people dance on the street as much as in the west (Sunshine and Footscray especially!). In the west, especially on the streets, there is a sense of community and collectivity — people look out for each other, they’re thoughtful and willing to help and it’s quite different to other parts of Melbourne where I work. I adore feeling part of these communities. Culture here is so strong. People appreciate and value music, dance and self-expression; public spaces are vibrant gathering places; and it’s a great place to strike up a conversation on the street.

What, if anything, would you change about the west?

What I would like to see change is the

way the west is perceived by those from other areas. I feel that often the west can be subject to unjust stereotyping and prejudice.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

When I was five I wanted to be a horse, and then the next year I wanted to be a dog, so passionately that my very thoughtful mother ordered me a birthday cake that said ‘Happy Birthday Lassie’.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

40 years ago 14 May, 1986

Western suburbs police were the heroes of last week’s recapture of three BendigoJailescapeesinWestFootscray and Ardeer.

What do you love about performing, music and songwriting?

Through street performance you experience the natural theatre of life in all itsbeautiful,chaoticandunexpectedglory. Music and dance are universal languages that connect us. My performances out west often lead to spontaneous jams with musicians and dancing in the street. I love that with my music I can travel abroad and performwithothermusicians,regardlessof our mother tongues. I have been travelling to France and Japan in recent years where

I collaborate with extraordinarily talented musicians and dancers. I play keyboards (piano, organs, synthesisers), baritone saxophoneandpercussion,andIwriteand produceallmymusicmyself.Iamcurrently performing a series of street concerts called Footscray Street Sounds, supported through Maribyrnong City Council’s Love Your West Grants Program. The performances are on Tuesdays 12-2pm in June,OctoberandDecember.Thelocations are on my website: www.aniareynolds. com/footscray-street-sounds.html

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago 15 May, 1996

A $23.4 million police and court complex will be built in Sunshine.

20 years ago 16 May, 2006

The relocation of Albion Soccer Club to Cairnlea Park has been endorsed by Brimbank council by a majority of 10 votes to one.

10 years ago 17 May, 2016

Angry commuters are demanding that Brimbank council widen Taylors Road, claiming plans to remove a dangerous roundabout don’t go far enough to alleviate a traffic ‘nightmare’.

Ania Reynolds. (Damjan Janevski) 545685_10

Scoring hope for the future

What happens when music, light and imagination come together to tell the story of our planet?

Echoes of the Earth is a powerful immersive performance that places audiences inside a living experience of humanity’s relationship with Earth and the choices that shape what comes next.

Created by Altona resident, multi-instrumentalist and composer QiQi, the

work blends live music, evolving projections and atmospheric staging to create a world that surrounds and responds to the audience.

The project, developed over two years, will be staged for the very first time in Brimbank.

QiQi said the work aims to spark constructive dialogue about the climate crisis.

“Through music and shared experience,

the work invites us to reflect on the role we all play in the future of Earth,” QiQi said.

“I want to bring more hope into this discussion about climate change, and just how powerful we are when we work together.”

QiQi will join three live musicians as part of the work — a pianist, a percussionist and a double bassist— and will play the Chinese stringed-instrument, the guzheng, which has a 2500 year old history.

Sleepless weekend set for Footscray

Footscray’s Trugo Lane will be transformed into a three day cultural and arts streetpartywhenSleeplessFestivalreturns from 15-17 May.

Born from a desire to create space for emerging and independent artists in Melbourne’s west, Sleepless Festival is a volunteer led, non-profit arts charity that reimagines the laneway between Paisley andIrvingstreetsasamultistageprecinct, blending live music, installations, visual and street art, performance, and community workshops.

The 2026 festival will feature more than 60 different artists across the weekend, including Gusto Gusto, Ag Angenth Ayom, Vanessa Estrada, Asinine and Naive Atom.

The festival’s main stage will play host to a diverse mix of alt-rock, rap, jazz, afrobeats, R’n’B, punk, and pop, while electronic and boundary pushing experimentalperformanceswilltakeplaceatthe Irving Hub.

There will also be a creative program featuring live painting, a DNB musical, a fashion showcase and interactive instal-

lations and performances from Nxngtn, Gusteenee, Sausage Woman, Anna Luna, Rubyanna Edwards, Nat Thomas Steer and Mammet.

“We are so excited to be back taking over the streets of Footscray and showcasing the local arts scene,” Sleepless Festival head of programming Miles Brennan said.

Sleepless Festival begins at 6pm on 15 May and runs from noon until late on 16 May and 10am-8.30pm on 17 May.

Tickets and information: https://sleeplessfestival.com/

“I really love the instrument, especially for its history and tradition. It’s an instrument which tells stories almost with a magical quality,” QiQi said.

Echoes of the Earth, which has been developed and presented through Creative Brimbank’s Bowery Theatre Residency program, is showing at Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, on Thursday 21 May. Details: creativebrimbank.com.au

Wild Action is letting you get up close and personal with Australia’s furry friends.

Wild Action director and zoologist Chris Humfrey will lead sessions in May in Macedon to let the whole family discover more about endangered species.

At each session, you’ll be able to learn more about our native wildlife and take interactive photos with the animals in a fun, interactive and educational experience for all ages.

Animals featured at the workshops include koalas, echidnas, wombats, joey kangaroos, mountain pygmy possums, bats, snakes, lizards, frogs and more.

“You name it, we’ll have it here,” Humfrey said.

“Kids and adults alike can learn all about conservation, their threats, their habitats.

“Many of these animals are indicative to the Macedon Ranges. We live in a really amazing biodiversity hotspot, and I think people don’t realise how lucky we are.”

Humfrey said the event will also be accessible for everyone, with the ethical event something he hopes will become a monthly activity.

“You can pat a koala, you can hold a joey kangaroo … all of these animals are part of our family, so they don’t get stressed out, and the photo opportunities are amazing,” he said.

“It’s one of the most interactive wildlife programs around … and it’s probably the only place you can hold a mountain pygmy possum in your hand.

You’re the one that I want to come down to Wyndham Cultural Centre for Westbourne Grammar School’s rendition of Grease.

School dance, theatre and drama director Cassie Gray said audiences can expect a contemporary twist on classic themes.

“What makes Grease enduring is not just its music, but its reflection of teenage life. These experiences continue to resonate,” she said.

“At the same time, the world it presents does not fully align with the values we

hold today.

“Rather than ignoring this, we have embraced it as an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come, and to recognise how young people are.

“This is what makes the performance so special. It is a story about teenagers, told by teenagers.

“Our students have approached this work with insight and care, honouring the original context of the piece while thoughtfully interpreting it through their own lens.

“In doing so, they offer a version of Grease that is both respectful of its time and reflective of their own.”

The cast will be supported by a live orchestra, to give the audience a full theatrical experience.

The show will run 14, 15 and 16 May, with each show starting at 7pm.

So, you better shape and get your tickets: https://www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/ whats-on/grease-westbourne-grammarschool

“They’re critically endangered, there’s 2000 left, so everyone’s support actually helps us breed our critically endangered mountain pygmy possums. It all goes back into our conservation works.”

Wild Action is coming to Macedon’s Jubilee Hall on Saturday 16 May and Sunday 17 May with two sessions held each day.

Tickets are $30 per person, with spaces limited.

Details: weteachme.com/ classes/1044535-a-weekend-of-wildlife#details

Sleepless Festival organisers Victoria Marinho and Stewart Bruce in Footscray’s Trugo Lane where the community arts event will take place on 1517 May. (Damjan Janevski) 550998_01

Get wild with wildlife

Zoologist Chris Humfrey. (Supplied)

SPORTS QUIZ

1. How many players are on a soccer field during a match?

2. Former athlete Jim Courier is best known today for commentating

3. What is the term for a sporting contest between two teams from the same city, town or region?

4. Owen Wilson stars in which 2025 comedy series about golf?

Which Australian state is Olympian middledistance runner Jess Hull

Who was the first person to run a sub-four-minute

What are the two main divisions in WWE?

The All Blacks' loss to South Africa in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final is commonly attributed to what?

In squash, what is a boast?

10. What sport is Fenway Park associated with?

Jarome Luai recently announced a move to play for which NRL team in 2028?

Brisbane Lions player Oscar Allen was previously captain of which team?

13. Which golfing league has postponed a June tournament in New Orleans?

14. In May, Aussie Travis Bazzana made his debut in which sporting league?

15. Swimmer Andy Donaldson recently swam 55km in waters that are home to which deadly animal?

16. Which Australian NBA star has released a signature shoe manufactured by Puma?

17. Which nation has won the most FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments?

18. In what winter sport can a competitor perform a mule kick?

19. Cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne all played in which recent T20 tournament?

20. Which 1989 comedy about a hapless baseball team stars Charlie Sheen and Tom Berenger?

21. Which AFL club sacked CEO Paul Guerra after just seven months in the job?

22. Who won game one of the NRL Women’s State of Origin clash at McDonald Jones Stadium?

23. Which sport is historically celebrated as ‘America’s pastime’ having taken root in the 19th century?

24. What colour is the 3 ball in a game of pool?

25. Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar has finished either first or second in which major race for the last six years?

26. What discipline focuses on efficient movement to overcome physical obstacles in urban or natural environments?

27. In which decade of the 20th century was the sport of pickleball invented?

28. Which current legendary NRL coach has been diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder?

29. Which two AFL teams fought out a draw in round eight of the season?

30. Formula One’s two American teams, Cadillac and Haas, both use which famous car company’s engine?

Tadej Pogacar Tadej

Tiggo 4 is cheap, but beware

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

It’scheapandit’sahybrid–that’swhatitis.

In fact, Chery reckons the Tiggo 4 is Australia’s cheapest hybrid SUV as well as itsbest-sellingSUV.

It’s powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine together with the help of an electric motor, that combine to offer budget-friendly fuel consumption of 5.4L/100km.

TheTiggofeelscheap,butlet’sfindout.

Styling Tiggo 4 Hybrid is available in two grades: Urbanandtop-of-the-rangeUltimate.

Urban is priced from $29,990 driveaway, theUltimatefrom$34,990–bothpricesare driveaway. Metallic paint adds $500 to the price.

Be aware there’s a big $6000 difference between the regular Tiggo 4 Ultimate and theTiggo4HybridUltimate.

Competitors include the Honda HR-V, HavalJolionandMGZS.

Although billed as Australia’s cheapest hybrid SUV, Urban offers quite a few standard features, that range from dual 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and multimedia touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus innovative ‘Hello Chery’voicecontrolsystem.

Standard equipment includes cloth trim and dual zone climate air-conditioning, with rear air vents, height adjustable driver’s seat, remote start and walk-away locking.

There are also 17-inch alloys, adaptive cruise control, speed limit information, LED lights all-round, auto high beam, auto lights and wipers, and front and rear parkingsensors.

Ultimate ups the ante with artificial leather seats, heated front pews, power adjustment for the driver’s seat, electric sunroof, colour-select ambient interior lighting and a 360-degree surround view camera.

Tiggo 4 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, seven-year capped price servicing and up to seven yearsofroadsideassistance.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 12.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, steering wheel mounted controls, Hello Chery voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto,plusfour-speakersound.

Another 12.5-inch screen supplies the instrument cluster, both incorporated into thesamesweepingdisplaypanel.

There’s no built-in satellite navigation in either variant, so for that you will have to useyourphone.

USB-A and -C ports are located in the front with another USB-A port in the back, aswellasa12-voltoutletupfront.

Ultimate adds six-speaker sound and a 15Wwirelessphonecharger.

Safety

The Tiggo 4 scores a full five stars for crash safetyfromANCAP.

A reversing camera, stability control and seven airbags are fitted including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes isalsostandard.

Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car,VulnerableRoadUser,Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advanced speed assistance system (SAS)arestandard.

Two ISOFix and three top-tether child seatsanchorpointsareoffered.

Engines/transmissions

Under the bonnet is Chery’s new hybrid system, that operates in series and parallel mode as required, combining a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, together with a 1.83 kWh battery.

The petrol engine produces 71kW of power and 120Nm of torque, while the electricmotorprovides150kW/310Nm.

Combined power and torque outputs are not supplied, but the petrol engine should add something to the equation when both areoperatingtogetherinparallelmode.

The graphic displayed in the driver information panel suggests this to be the case.

There are no gears or gear changed paddles, with drive to the front wheels through a one-speed dedicated hybrid transmission(DHT).

Driving

At 4330mm long, with a 2604mm wheelbase, the Tiggo 4 Hybrid seats five occupants.

Front legroom is adequate, but there’s limitedroomtostretchyourlegsifyou’rein theback.

There is however a rear air outlet for rear seatpassengers,butonlyone.

The touchscreen is relatively easy to operate, with plenty of options to play around with and three different themes for theinstrumentcluster.

But try finding out how much fuel it averages for anything more than the last 50km–nocandoamigo.

A row of buttons provides easy access to oft-used features such as volume, driving modes and the around-view camera which getsinthewaysometimes.

The two centre cupholders will not accommodatesportsdrinkbottles,norwill thecupholdersinthefrontdoors.

A small centre console box is provided as wellasastoragetraybelowtheconsole.

Rather inconveniently the phone charger istobefoundsomewheredowntheretoo.

But, and it’s a big but, a lot of space has beensecondedtoflashyRangeRover-esque glass climate control panel and the gloss blacktrimthatrunsthelengthofthecentre –waytoomuch.

With a largish 51-litre tank, fuel consumption, using standard 91 unleaded, isaclaimed5.4L/100km.

That’s27percentlessthantheequivalent non-hybridmodel.

Therearetwodrivemodes,EcoandSport. In Eco mode the petrol engine remains dormantmostofthetime.

In terms of the overall drive experience, the Tiggo presents two different personalities, just like the proverbial Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It goes okay, or so we thought,untilweencounteredourfirsthill.

Even the ride quality is pretty good for an import, with adjustment for steering weight and some tyre squeal and tendency to oversteer when pushed hard through corners.

But point it at a long, steep hill such as the big one heading up the M1 north out of Sydney and it soon becomes apparent that thingsaren’tquiteright.

As the petrol engine cuts in, things becomeverynoisy,veryquickly–andyou’d be forgiven for thinking the thing is going toblowup.Mywifethoughtso.

Although CVT and one-speed dedicated hybrid transmissions are mechanically and fundamentally different, the seamless drive ratio transition is much the same –as the engine revs rise to keep pace with demandsfromthethrottle.

This is what produces the escalating

cabin noise and zoom-like acceleration (or lackthereof).

The majority of time, however, the Tiggo is a pussycat, operating on electric power alone, and as such surprisingly quick and responsive off the line – thanks to the instanttorquefromtheelectricmotor. It stays this way up to 80km/h or so, dependingonsystemload,deliveringavery EV-likedrivingexperiencearoundtown. Hillshoweverremainitsweakpoint. Then there’s the incessant warnings and interventions from the driver assistance systems, especially the lane-centring function.

Even with everything we could find turned off, the steering wheel continued to tugthiswayandthatsoonbecametiring. And what about the requirement to clip your driver seatbelt before the car will move?

It’sagoodideafromasafetypointofview, but damned annoying in practical terms, whenyousimplyneedtomovethecaraside toletsomeoneout.

Or move to another bowser at the petrol station because the one you have pulled up atisoutoforder–thescenarioscontinueto cropup.

The boot offers a reasonable amount of space, but an odd bump in the floor hides thestandard12-voltbattery.

Of note Urban gets a puncture repair kit while the higher priced Ultimate scores a spacesaverspare.

Weclockedup450kminourweekwiththe Tiggo4Hybrid.Wecantellyououraverage speedoverthisperiodwas50.2km/hwhich included motorways, suburban routes and countryroads.

Alas the Tiggo would not disclose the average fuel used over this same distance, producing only a figure for the last 50km (notworthmentioning).

We did however have 390km of range remaining. Whataboutsometransparency?

Summing up

Yeah, nah – it might be cheap, but it needs some refinement. The raucous powertrain and intrusive driver assistance systems springtomind.

The non-hybrid Tiggo 4 is an award winner, but we can’t see this one receiving any gongs until these problems are sorted out.

The Tiggo 4 might be cheap, but it needs some refinement. (Pictures: Supplied)

There was a winter blast on Saturday making the sports ball wet and the kicking more difficult.

StarWeeklyphotographerLjubicaVrankovic wasoutshootingsomeoftheaction.

Diggers Rest’s Dylan Stone. 550551_01

Gisborne Giants’ Mitchell Bongiovanni. 550551_15

Diggers Rest’s Joshua Wallace. 550551_26

The view from Tony Clarke Reserve. 550550_23

Macedon’s Nathan Bridgland and Woodend-Hesket’s Austin Corbell. 550550_21

Darley listens on. 548526_15

Darley’s Charlotte Hill. 548526_11

Woodend-Hesket’s Alistair Rae goes up with Macedon’s Jacob Gough and Jack Kernan. 550550_19 Bacchus Marsh’s Amy Garofalo. 550547_02

Female focus for the Saints

By Tara Murray

As St Albans Saints enjoys the ride of playing in FV state league women’s 1 north-west this season, it’s part of a bigger plan for the Saints.

Having risen through the ranks from state league 4 through to state league 1 this season for the first time, it’s an exciting time for the club.

Amanda Stella has been appointed the club’s first women’s and girls operation manager as part of the club’s female focus. She brings plenty of experience having formerly been the president of Calder United and has worked with Western United’s A-League women’s program.

Stella said the club has put a real focus on providing female soccer for everyone.

“It has predominantly been a boys and men’s club,” Stella said.“There’s lots of support in the club and from Football Victoria for its aspirations.

“The club wants to grow the female presence. They want a sustainable model of growth and development through their juniors.

“They don’t have tunnel vision and just want to be in the NPLW in two years. They want to keep the club culture and values at a higher level.

“They want to deliver programs for everyone and all abilities.”

Stella said the club’s three year vision attracted her to the club. to take on the role and help the club grow,

She said there were currently 10 female teams at the Saints as well as a Mini Tillies

program that is in second year.

Stella said they were aiming to achieve sustainable growth of 12-15 per cent each year in women’s and girls teams.

As well as looking at growing the number of teams, the Saints are putting in more resources.

The women’s program now has its own sports trainer and strength and conditioning coach for the first time.

Falcons take the points from western derby

By Tara Murray

It was an improved performance from the City West Falcons as they accounted for the Western Warriors in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday.

The two western suburbs teams entered the match on the back of disappointing losses and keen to get their seasons back on track.

The Falcons led at every break and were able to extend the lead in every quarter on the way to a 77-61 win.

Falcons’ coach Marg Lind was much happier than the previous week.

“I thought it was good,” she said.

“Lara [Turner] injected a bit of defensive pressure into the group and slipping Achel [Yout] back on to Kim [Borger] and Sussu [Liai] out the front worked quite well.

“I thought we valued the ball way more in attack. Jane Cook’s position was a lot stronger tonight and it gave us a good target.

“We certainly didn’t make the errors that we had made the last couple of weeks.

“I thought it was a good team effort.”

Cook shot 58 goals with just one miss for the night.

Lind said that Lani Fauonuku stepped up again in attack when she came on to the court.

She said their three youngsters, while still young, were showing some really good signs.

“She was feeding well and didn’t really make errors, presented well on centre pass,” Lind said of Fauonuku.

Lind said Turner should be playing in their 23 and under side, but had made it impossible not to pick her in the championship side.

“She is only 20,” she said. “She has no experience but she gets better and better every week

“Once she gets her voice up a little bit she’ll get even better.

“She turned the ball over heaps and was really valuable for us tonight [Wednesday].”

Georgia Berry got another chance in defence on Wednesday night with Lind said they would look to give her more opportunities in the coming weeks as they look to have a bit more variety.

Kim Borger shot 30 goals for the Warriors, with Ruby Shannon and Poppy Douglass having good games.

The Warriors now sit sixth on the ladder with a 4-4 record.

“Last week was a bad drop, at least this week was a win,” Lind said.

“We have to keep going week by week and see if we can chip a few each together.

“We’ll try and get our defensive efforts up, get a bit more turnovers which we did tonight [Wednesday].

“We’ve been working hard at it, not happen in one week.”

The Falcons 23 and under side is up to fourth on the ladder with it fourth straight win.

The Falcons beat the Warriors, 65-63.

Holly Adams-Alcock shot 40 goals for

Former A-League player Tomi Pondeljak continues on as coach.

After two rounds, the Saints state league 1 north-west side has one win and one draw. They were due to face Collingwood City on Sunday, after deadline, in round three.

In another positive for the side, seven senior women’s players coach girls teams at the club.

While the growth of the women’s program is massive positive, it comes with its challenges with grounds and facilities.

The club is working with Brimbank council on a masterplan that will redevelop the Saints facility with federal and local council funding already secured.

The upgrades will include designated women’s and girls’ changerooms which will be beneficial for the club.

WNL coaches announced

The Western Netball League will have co-coaches for the 2026 Netball Victoria Association Championships, to be held on June 14.

The new coaching group will lead some of the best netballers in the competition as they take on the state’s top association talent.

Following their involvement in a triumphant Interleague victory in 2025, Sunshine coach Mon Poliko and Albanvale’s Rhiannon Reti return to the program, but this time will join forces as co-head coaches.

Both were involved with helping coach Bec Hicks lead the side.

“Their proven leadership, experience, and success at representative level make them an outstanding pairing to guide the team in 2026,” the league said.

Rounding out the leadership group is an exciting new addition, Hoppers Crossing coach Ephraim Ormsby who has joined the league in 2026 as the Warriors coach and will step into the role of specialist shooting coach, bringing fresh energy and valuable support to the program.

Complimenting these coaches long-time WNL figure, Altona’s Samantha Pruscino, who returns for another year as team manager and all-round support.

“With a blend of championship experience, fresh faces, and trusted leadership these key pillars will oversee a highly competitive and driven group ready to represent the WFNL with pride,” the league said.

The league finished third in their pool last year with three wins, a draw and a loss across the two days, narrowly missing out on the finals, with the top two teams from each pool progressing through to finals.

This year will be the fifth time that the league has competed in the association championships.

The team will be announced in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the WNL competition kicked off proper on Friday night with grading completed.

Eleven teams will play in the combined division 1 and 2 competition.

the Falcons.

“They were good,” Lind said. “It took them awhile to get away. Credit to Warriors, they kept throwing things at us.”

The Falcons face the Peninsula Waves this week in what Lind said would be another big test.

Caroline Springs and Glen Orden have two teams in the division, with Altona, Werribee Districts, Braybrook, Albanvale, Point Cook, Sunshine and Yarraville Seddon rounding out the division.

St Albans women’s side. (Supplied)

Lara Turner had another strong game on Wednesday. (Tania Hardin)

Shahzad, Rangika shine

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs Farrukh Shahzad and Burnside Springs United’s Shohan Rangika were among the winners at the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.

Both players capped off seasons that included premiership success, with individual success.

Shahzad was crowned the Roy Picone Shield’s best player.

“It felt incredibly rewarding and humbling,” he said.

“After putting in consistent effort throughout the season, being recognised like that made all the hard work worthwhile and gave me a lot of confidence.

“It was a great surprise, and sharing that moment with teammates made it even more special.”

Shahzad finished with 564 runs for the season at an average of 56.4.

Only his team Salman Alfridi finished ahead of him for both runs and average.

Shahzad also finished with 20 wickets for the season, 14th best in the division.

Shahzad said he felt it was a strong and consistent season overall, in his second season at the club having crossed from Pascoe Vale Hadfield.

“I focused on contributing in every game, whether with bat, ball, or in the field,” he said.

“There’s always room to improve, but I was happy with how I performed under pressure.”

Shahzad said winning the medal was a bonus with the team focused on having team success.

Rangika made it back-to-back Victori-

an Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield player of the year medals.

He finished with 52 wickets at an average of 8.15 for the season, the best in the division.

Rangika also made 320 runs at an average of 32, putting him in the top 10 in the division.

The star all-rounder said having been the champion player on statistics, he thought he would have a good chance of winning the medal again.

“It’s a really really happy moment,” he said. “It’s not one day’s work, it’s all about my hard work.

“It was great because it’s another fantastic cricket season in my life.”

It’s the third time that Rangika has won the medal, having won it with Melton Centrals in 2018-19.

Player shortages put Thunder to the test

Rangika said he felt that he deserved to win the medal.

“I want to thank my coach and captain Ashan [Ranaweera], club president dazza [Darren Baillie] and all my team players,” he said.

“Especially my mom, dad and my wife and my daughter Celena.”

The medal is the icing on the cake after Burnside broke through for its first VTCA first XI premiership, after just missing the grand final the past couple of seasons.

“We had missed the two times [before that],” he said.

“This time we started the season only for the championship.

“However, we needed to get that. After the championship we are over the moon.

“All players have done a fantastic job for their club.”

Rocci joins Geelong

By Tara Murray Keilor

Keilor Thunder’s depth has been challenged in the National Basketball League 1 south women’s season, but reinforcements have arrived.

Coach Kristi Harrower knew heading into the season that there would be some challenges, but there has been even more than she expected.

“It hasn’t been easy,” Harrower said.

“I think we’ve got used to it after last year with all the disruptions and again this year.

“We’re 4-4 and I’m pretty happy with that. We’ve played a lot of teams at the top of the ladder, even though Knox is not up there, they are a quality time.

“We could have been 0-8 against the team that we have played.”

Harrower said while they have missed core players, they’ve had other players step up and play bigger roles.

She said it was encouraging to see what they had done.

“The girls have done well to hold down the fort while our superstars have not been there,” he said.

“We knew that there might be times without [Maddy] Rocci and Issie [Bourne] with Opals commitments.

“These girls have taken the opportunities and got more confidence.

“We brought them in for a reason.”

It has also allowed some of their younger players to step up and get a few minutes and sit on the bench.

One of them is Lilly Impey, whose mother Jodi Impey, made her name for herself iat the Thunder n the Big V competition.

Harrower said at just 17, Lilly was still learning but enjoying the experience.

While the Thunder won’t have their full side until June, the pieces are starting to come together.

Tess Heal made her debut having returned from college in round five.

Heal was a Thunder junior before heading to America.

“It will help a lot,” Harrower said. “She’s a one man, the same position as Rocci.

“She’s a scoring guard and brings toughness and reminds me a little bit of Lily Carmody which is a great get for us.

“She can put the ball on the floor and get to the rack.”

In a bigger boost for the Thunder, Rocci and Bourne were set to suit up on the weekend.

Rocci had missed the past few weeks after receiving a WNBA training contract, while Bourne has been playing in Europe.

“Issie arrived back this morning [Thursday],”Harrower said. “She’ll be straight back into playing.

“She’ll likely have to play big minutes for us.”

While those two are back, Lara McSpadden is away for the rest of the month, which the Thunder knew when they signed her.

Harrower said they need to kick start their season now.

“We know that it’s not going to be easy,”

she said.

“We’re not going to have a full team until June. We have to try and find that connection and that takes time.

“We have to do that and we don’t have much time.”

The Thunder faced Frankston on Saturday night before playing the Hobart Chargers on Sunday, both after deadline.

Thunder guard Maddy Rocci will have a fresh start in the Women’s National Basketball League, signing with the Geelong Venom.

After five seasons with the Southside Flyers, including the 2024 championship season, Rocci is making the move to the Venom.

The Venom says Rocci arrives at the club with an outstanding pedigree.

Rocci’s most recent WNBL campaign with Southside saw her averaging 16.04 points, 6.96 assists, four rebounds and 1.80 steals per game as she helped steer the Flyers to a finals berth.

She will reunite with new Venom coach Cheryl Chambers, who previously coached Rocci at the Flyers.

Chambers said that Rocci is exactly the type of player and person Geelong was seeking.

“I know what she’s capable of - I’ve watched her win championships, and I’ve seen first-hand the work she puts in behind the scenes to get there,”she said.

“As a point guard, she controls the game in a way that makes everyone around her better. Her vision, her ability to get into the paint and create,”

“Maddy’s experience at the highest levels - including her recent stint with the [Toronto] Tempo - means she arrives here ready to lead from day one.

“We’re building something very exciting here in Geelong, and having Maddy at the helm of it is a very significant statement of intent.”

Rocci played her 200th WNBL in the most recent season and has international experience with the Australian Opals.

Rocci recently had a training camp contract with new WNBA side the Toronto Tempo.

She scored 11 points in the side’s opening practice match before being waived.

Rocci said before heading to Canada that it was a really exciting opportunity.

“You have a lot of doubt in your mind and how long you have left in your career, and where your basketball journey probably takes you when you get older,” she said.

“I think this is coming off the back of the WNBL season that I had. I wasn’t going to walk away from the game, but you have those doubts when you miss out on the Opals and the unknown of where and how long you have left in the game.”

Tess Heal. (Sarah Pretty Creative/NBL1)

Dragons pinch a draw

By Tara Murray

There was a bittersweet feeling for Sunshine Heights after it had to settle with a draw against Braybrook in the Western Football League division 2 competition on Saturday.

The Dragons had to dig deep after trailing by 11 points heading into the final quarter despite having had 11 less scoring shots to that point of the game.

It was straight kicking that kept the Dragons in the game and they took the lead after kicking four of the first five goals of the final quarter.

Braybrook scored a goal late to level the scores and it was that way when the siren went, with the final score 15.3 (93)-13.15 (93).

Dragons’ coach Stephen O’Malley said it

was one of those games you don’t know how to feel.

“It’s better than a loss,” he said. “There’s mixed emotions.

“It was a good game. The boys dug deep to do what they did.”

The Dragons lost two players in the first half and only had two rotations for the second half putting the pressure back on them.

Despite this they were able to come from behind to share the points.

“We were down by 16 points [early in the last quarter],” O’Malley said.

“We looked to play our way of footy and we got back into it and nearly got over the line.

“That’s a credit to the players. It was a good game to watch, not so great to coach.”

Jackson Viola kicked eight goals for the

Dragons and was named their best.

O’Malley said he made the most of his opportunities, kicking eight goals straight.

Elliot Rosado and Matthew Dettman were other standouts.

The win has the Dragons sitting 2-1-2, equal on points with Braybrook and Albanvale, from fourth down to sixth.

The Dragons this week face Albanvale. O’Malley said they were hoping to start to get a bit of consistency going.

“We will get a few players back, but we will lose a couple as well,” he said.

“That has been the story of the year. We lose a couple, but get a couple back.

“We haven’t been at full strength but we have a lot of good players and talent out there every week.

“There’s good signs and I’m excited for the second half of the season. We’re starting to build.

“We think we can have a major impact in this competition, it will take time.”

In other results, Albanvale lost to West Footscray, 10.11 (71)-8.8 (56).

Tarneit, Wyndhamvale and the Suns were the other winners.

Kangaroos are building in season 2026

By Tara Murray

Sunshine already has more wins on the board in five rounds, than it had last season in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

The Kangaroos have shown to be one of the big improvers this season and on Saturday banked win number three for the season against Point Cook.

Kangaroos’ coach Guy Barbuto said it had been a pleasing start to the year.

“We’re very happy with the start to the year,” he said.

“We could have been 4-1 or even 5-0.

“We believe week in, week out that we can get the job done and that is the main thing at the moment.”

Barbuto said their performance wasn’t their best of the season with Point Cook making them work for it.

The Kangaroos led by three goals at quarter time.

The margin was reduced to four points at half time and one point heading into the final quarter.

The Kangaroos kicked three goals to one in the final quarter to seal the, 9.7 (61)-6.12 (48) win.

“We lost Brodie Davis to a knee injury early,” Barbuto said. “He went down after we jumped them.

“We were pretty happy with the start before that. We were then disappointed with how we played after that, but were able to walk away with the four points.”

Barbuto said Davis would have scans on his knee, but it didn’t look great.

He said 12 months ago they wouldn’t have been able to lead all day, let alone hang on for a win playing the way that they did.

Barbuto said in the final quarter they were able to respond when they needed to.

“The last quarter was fantastic,” he said “Point Cook matched us all the way.

“We led all day but I don’t know how we led all day and at three-quarter time I asked them for 25 minutes of our football and they worked away.”

Barbuto said it was making sure they got their balance in the side right as well.

They welcomed back their two Victorian Football League players in Frank Valpied and Xavier Kardachi into the side, and Barbuto said that sometimes changes things in the team mix.

Skipper Patrick O’Keefe, who kicked three goals, led from the front for the Kangaroos and was best on ground.

Ethan Sivija and Kurtis Barnard were other standouts.

The Kangaroos now sit 3-2 ahead of a clash with bottom side Point Cook Centrals.

Barbuto said nothing changes for them.

“We have to continue to work and we don’t take anyone lightly.

“We know they had a tough off season but we have to come ready to try and bank another four points.”

In other matches, Caroline Springs got a big win against Hoppers Crossing, while Albion lost to Werribee Districts Malik Elfakahani and Steven Kyriazis kicked five goals each for the Lakers as they won 21.9 (135)-7.7 (49).

Albion lost to Werribee Districts, 16.10 (110)-10.12 (72).

Sports shorts

EDFL

Keilor returned to the winners list, while Deer Park snuck home in the Essendon District Football League premier division on Saturday. After a disappointing performance the previous round, the Blues were too strong for Airport West, 19.18 (132)-9.15 (69). Christian Oliveri kicked four goals and was named the Blues best. Meanwhile Deer Park beat Greenvale, 12.11 (3)-10.14 (74). Nick Ebinger kicked four goals for the Lions, while Kwame McHarg was named their best. Elsewhere, Hillside lost to Essendon Doutta Stars, 16.12 (108)-6.13 (49).

EDFL

Caroline Springs remains undefeated in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division. The Lakers were on the road against Moonee Valley on Saturday and were able to get the win, 7.4 (46)-5.4 (34). Jacinta Kondis kicked four goals in the win. Elsewhere, reigning premiers Hillside slip to 1-3 after losing to Essendon Doutta Stars, 10.12 (72)-1.1 (7), while Keilor remains winless after losing to Maribyrnong Park, 10.14 (74)-0.3 (3).

NPL

St Albans Saints got their fifth win of the season as they accounted for Green Gully in the National Premier League on Friday night. The Saints scored through Lachlan Weier just after half time and that would be the difference in the 1-0 win. The Saints sit eighth on the ladder, while the Cavaliers remain bottom without a win. In other matches, Caroline Springs George Cross lost to Hume City 4-2. The score was locked at 2-all after 27 minutes before Hume scored another goal three minutes later. Hume scored the sealer in the 73rd minute.

FV

Western Suburbs came away with the three points against Westvale Olympic in the FV state league 1 north-west competition on Saturday. Western Suburbs sits in 11th spot, while Westvale is in 12th. Elsewhere, Sydenham Park lost 3-0 to Geelong, while Westgate beat Clifton Hill, 2-1.

Elliot Rosado. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 493523_22

Patrick O’Keefe. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 546145_14

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