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Street art as education Local artist Lukas Kasper recently brought his passion for large-scale mural art to Taylors Lakes, facilitating a hands-on project designed to introduce emerging artists to the craft of mural painting. Kasper worked with five local artists, sharing techniques, creative approaches and practical skills as the group collaborated on the new mural. The project provided participants with an opportunity to develop their confidence while gaining first-hand experience working on a large-scale public artwork. Kasper, who began his artistic journey in 2009 through street art, graffiti and skateboarding culture, specialises in murals and facilitating public art projects. His work explores themes including mental health, animals and the environment, often incorporating native flora and fauna, bold flowing lines and vibrant colour. He was also recently commissioned to create the new dog mural at the upgraded dog park at Sydenham Basin Reserve. Lukas (front), with Maxine Tang, Jorlene Lim, Monica Quiroga, Yan Lin Tay and Aimee Marlox. (Damjan Janevski) 579442 01

Injuries will tell story By William Ton, AAP Injuries a group of teenagers sustained after allegedly assaulting a good Samaritan will be used to identify their roles in his death. Grocer Van Viet Truong, 60, died from serious head injuries after he was allegedly set upon by a group of teenagers while trying to help a fellow retailer under attack in Melbourne’s west. One boy, 15, is charged with Mr Truong’s manslaughter while another boy, 12, and two girls, both 14, face lesser charges over the August 1 incident in Sunshine. A children’s court magistrate on Tuesday 22 September granted detectives ongoing

access to photo evidence and hand swab samples taken at the time of the three eldest juveniles - on the basis it could confirm or disprove each teen’s involvement. The youngest boy however, contested the application for legal reasons. Police argued that investigators could cross-check the material with CCTV and witness accounts to determine the alleged roles and responsibilities of each accused in the incident. The older boy had red markings and cuts on his knuckles, detective senior constable Cassandra Syddal told the court. One of the girls had minor bruising and redness on one knuckle while the other had faint red markings and discolouration

on one hand. The alleged offending “was physical assault - hand-on-hand, body-on-body contact,” the officer said. “It goes for one minute, is quite chaotic, with witnesses trying to describe a flurry of activity in one fight,” she said. The younger boy, who had a laceration further up his arm, was the only one of the charged quartet to contest the forensic procedure application. His lawyer argued his young age meant he might not have known his actions were seriously wrong. Doli incapax places a high bar on prosecutors proving children under 14 knew the wrongfulness of their actions.

The quartet’s cases return to court in October. The group allegedly stole items and were chased by a worker out of a clothing shop near Mr Truong’s Hong Hung grocery store. Mr Truong was going to the worker’s aid when he was allegedly set upon and dragged to the ground. His head hit the pavement and caused a “cracking sound” as the youths allegedly repeatedly struck him. Witnesses reported seeing the shopkeeper “changing colours and not moving” and heard “bubbling” sounds coming from his mouth. He died days later in hospital.

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Road duplication pledge The state government has pledged $170 million to duplicate Taylors Road between Kings Road and Kurung Drive in Brimbank if re-elected at November’s state election, but Melton council says the commitment falls short. Melton council said while the announcement is a positive step, the upgrade must not stop short of the sections of Taylors Road in Melton, where the liveability of residents is impacted by the need for more investment in roads. Considered a critical east-west link in Melton, Taylors Road carries up to 34,000 vehicles a day and meets the general

criteria for an arterial road, with traffic volumes projected to further increase to more than 40,720 vehicles a day by 2031. Council said increasing traffic volumes already had a significant impact on safety and congestion, with 83 traffic accidents recorded in the five-year period between 2020 and 2025, including 18 serious injuries, according to Victorian road crash data. Star Weekly understands current plans to upgrade Taylors Road do not include sections which sit along Melton’s growth corridor. Council is calling on all major parties

contesting the state election to commit to the full duplication and upgrade of Taylors Road through to Leakes Road, and to declare the entire corridor a state-managed road. When asked if the state government would support extending any upgrades of Taylors Road into Melton, Roads and Road Safety Minister Paul Hamer did not specify. “We know Taylors Road needs upgrading and that’s exactly what we’ll deliver if re-elected,” Mr Hamer said. Mayor Lara Carli said a commitment to fully upgrade Taylors Road was needed now, as council could not keep up with the

funds needed to deliver. “Council is investing in upgrading Taylors Road because we understand the need to ease congestion and improve safety, but we can’t do it alone,” she said. “The Victorian Government has collected more than $420 million in GAIC funding from development in the City of Melton, yet almost $165 million has not been reinvested back into our community. “That funding should be helping deliver the roads, and infrastructure our residents need and deserve.” The opposition was contacted for comment.

Empowering Afghan women to thrive in Melbourne As a former university professor in Afghanistan, Khatera Barez was forced to leave her homeland following the humanitarian crisis in 2021. Settling in Melbourne, Ms Barez recognised the significant challenges facing newly arrived Afghan women including social isolation, language barriers, unfamiliarity with Australian services, and limited opportunities to participate in community life. Determined to support her community, she established the Afghan Women Empowerment Association (AWEA) to create a safe and welcoming environment where women could rebuild their confidence, develop new skills, and form

meaningful social connections. Operating in Melbourne’s western suburbs, the organisation has become a welcoming space where women can connect, learn new skills, improve their health and wellbeing, and build lasting friendships. Over the past year, AWEA has delivered a variety of community programs, including women-only swimming sessions, educational workshops, community excursions, cultural celebrations, and wellbeing activities. These initiatives are aimed at reducing isolation, promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing confidence, and encouraging active participation in Australian society whilst respecting

cultural values. Ms Barez said her vision was simple, “to ensure that every Afghan woman feels welcomed, valued, empowered, and able to achieve her full potential while contributing to a stronger, more inclusive Australian community”. Looking ahead, AWEA is expanding its work through new health and wellbeing initiatives, including yoga, Zumba, swimming, and community education programs The AWEA welcomes new members, volunteers, and community partners who share the vision of supporting women and creating positive change across Melbourne’s multicultural community.

Khatera Barez in Brimbank. (Damjan Janevski) 577048 02

Margaret led a life of courage, caring and connection OBITUARY Margaret Elizabeth Mary Kelly (1936–2026) Margaret Elizabeth Mary Kelly (nee Smith), a beloved mother, community advocate, and long-time pillar of Sunshine, passed away peacefully on 1 September 2026 at the age of 89. Born in Bristol, England, on 29 December 1936, her childhood was shaped by the realities of World War II, during which she endured wartime evacuation and city bombing raids. In 1957, she married David Benedict ’Ben’ Kelly, establishing a loving 60-year marriage that became the foundation of a large, close-knit family In 1965, Margaret and Ben made the bold decision to emigrate from England to Australia as “Ten Pound Poms” aboard the Australis with their young children. Arriving in Victoria, they settled in Sunshine, where her life story became deeply intertwined with the growth of the local community After a brief stay in Monash Street below the overpass, they bought their permanent family home at 76 Northumberland Road, North Sunshine Her three youngest children—Mary, Petrina, and Jason—were born locally at the Sunshine and District Community Hospital in Albion. Raising seven children in a modest three-bedroom home on a single income demanded extraordinary resilience, yet Margaret’s door was always open. Her household became a welcoming community hub, providing shelter and meals to extended family—such as her nephew “Big Michael,” who lived in the driveway caravan while working at Sunshine’s Massey Ferguson factory on Devonshire Road—as well as neighbours and friends who needed a place to stay. Beyond her home, Margaret emerged

Left: Margaret Kelly and son John. Right: Man Lifting Cow honours the working-class life of Margaret and Ben. (Pictures: Supplied)

as a passionate civic advocate across Sunshine. Believing in fairness and community progress, she attended local council meetings and spoke out whenever she saw something that needed changing. As an active member of the Sunshine International Women’s Committee, she helped organise annual conferences that brought national figures to Sunshine, including Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and his wife, Margaret. Recognising the need for youth opportunities, Margaret vigorously campaigned for improved sporting facilities for girls in Sunshine, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to equality and local youth. Margaret’s resourcefulness continuously opened doors for her

4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

children and enriched her suburb. In 1982, when financial hardship threatened her son John’s art studies at RMIT, Margaret creatively entered a milk carton competition—wrapping her entry in Christmas paper—and won the national grand prize to fund his tuition. Her children went on to contribute significantly to society through teaching, local healthcare at Footscray Hospital, agricultural research, volunteer firefighting, police leadership, and the arts. Furthermore, Margaret served as a director handling Melbourne operations while John exhibited art internationally. Decades later, Margaret’s civic awareness permanently shaped Sunshine’s public

landscape. In 2015, after finding a notice in a local newspaper requesting sculpture ideas, she alerted John to the opportunity This led directly to Man Lifting Cow, a monumental public sculpture installed in Sunshine that honours the working-class life of Margaret and husband Ben. Federal MP Bill Shorten formally acknowledged Margaret for setting this landmark civic commission in motion. Margaret Kelly leaves a lasting legacy of warmth, civic advocacy, and motherly devotion in Sunshine. Her long life was marked by determination and generosity. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and the Sunshine community she served remain her enduring legacy.

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St Albans stabbing Detectives are investigating an incident in which three males were injured after an altercation in St Albans. It is understood two males, a 17-year-old and 23-year-old, met a 17-year-old boy at Highcombe Crescent Reserve as part of a marketplace exchange just before 1.20pm om Sunday 20 September. A physical altercation between the trio occurred, leaving all three with stab wounds. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/ dashcam footage or information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at http://www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

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MRWA thanked volunteers for helping. (Supplied)

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Community cleans up creek

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Local volunteers came together on Sunday 20 September for a community clean-up of the Jones Creek wetlands, helping remove litter from the creek surrounds and the Protected Native Grassland Reserve near Howardson Circuit, St Albans. Organised by the Maribyrnong River & Waterways Association (MRWA) Litter Blitz team, the clean-up provided an opportunity for residents to care for an important local wetland, enjoy the natural surroundings and help protect habitat for local wildlife. According to MRWA, litter dropped or dumped across the catchment can ultimately make its way into local waterways, where it can harm wildlife, affect water quality and detract from the places communities use and enjoy. The Litter Blitz works in partnership with

Teens charged

local councils, community organisations, businesses, schools and residents to support clean-up activities in their own neighbourhoods. “Litter is a shared community issue, and there are real opportunities when councils, businesses, community groups and residents work together,” Litter Blitz leader Lisa Field said. The event followed a successful Steele Creek clean-up on 27 August, where 10 volunteers collected approximately 40 kilograms of rubbish across four large bags. MRAW said it is planning further Litter Blitz clean-ups arefor October, November and December. Anyone interested in joining the Litter Blitz team or organising a local clean-up can contact Lisa on 0433 559 530 or litter@ maribyrnongriver.org.au.

Four additional teenagers have been charged following an alleged brawl in Deer Park that left an 18-year-old woman with serious stab wounds. A 16-year-old boy from the Melton area was among those charged by detectives on 24 September. Charges included affray, intentionally causing injury, violent disorder and possessing a controlled weapon. A 15-year-old Brimbank girl and two teenagers from the Yarra area were also charged. In total six teens have now been charged. Police were called to Robert Bruce Reserve on Gould Street at 7.15pm on September 16 after reports of a brawl.

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Offering refugees a voice A new four-part podcast series exploring Australia’s offshore detention regime has just been released, including firsthand accounts from people still detained on Naoero, and interviews with former detainees now living on short term visas in Australia. Cade Lucas reports.

or a quarter of a century Footscray’s Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) has been supporting and advocating for the rights of refugees, and people seeking asylum, providing everything from legal advice and representation, to help accessing housing, education and medical care, to emergency food supplies through its foodbank. But earlier this month, the ASRC embarked on a new way of advocating for the rights of refugees: by simply telling their stories. “Out of Sight Out of Mind is podcast that is really critical for our times,” ASRC chief executive and founder Kon Karapandgiotidis said of the new four-part podcast series telling the stories of those who’ve been detained in Australia’s off-shore detention system, primarily on the island Naoero (formerly Nauru). “Out of Sight and Out of Mind is important because for the first time in Australia, it’s a podcast that gives a voice to refugees themselves.” Once a hot-button issue, especially when the Coalition led by Tony Abbott returned to power promising to ‘stop the boats’ and re-established Australia’s off-shore detention centre network, the plight of asylum seekers languishing in places like Naoero has receded from view as the boats stopped, the detention centers closed, Covid-19 happened and the Coalition was turfed out of office. But far from going away, Mr Karapanagiotidis said the issue had instead morphed from concern about asylum seekers arriving by boat, to a much larger and uglier debate about immigration itself. “At a time where we’re seeing a rise of racism, far-right parties and the dehumanising of refugees, migrants and pretty much all of multicultural Australia, more than ever we need to hear the stories of the people behind the dehumanisation and bigotry,” he said, adding that while the the debate had grown into something bigger and places like Naoro and Manus Island were now rarely in the news, Australia was still holding asylum seekers in off-shore detention, hence the title of the podcast. “It’s called Out of Sight Out of Mind because that’s the whole intention of keeping people detained off-shore; if they’re out of sight, they’re out of mind.” The series attempts to address this from the beginning, with episode one ‘Naoero Now’ featuring the first person account of Ravi, a young Bangladeshi man currently being held on the tiny Micronesian island nation while seeking asylum in Australia. “They treat us like animals, we are animals. We don’t have any hope, any dreams,” Ravi said of life in Naoero, where he’s been for the last two years; the first six months in detention and the rest in the community. “Like if we’ve got any problem in Naoero, no one responds to that. If we have any problems, like health problems, like legal problems here, we are helpless.” The situation is better for former Naoero detainees now living in Australia, though not by a lot. Among those interviewed for episode two ‘Women and Children Last’, is Ethiopian born Betelhem Tebebu, who arrived in Australia by boat in 2013 after fleeing her homeland in search of safety. Transferred to Naoero, Betelhem spent years in detention before eventually being transferred to Australia in 2017 on a short-term bridging visa.

Chief executive of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) Kon Karapanagiotidis at its Footscray’s headquarters. The ASRC has launched a new podcast series. (Damjan Janevski) 579773 03

More than ever we need to hear the stories of the people behind the dehumanisation and bigotry - Kon Karapandgiotidis Now a mother of a young daughter and working for a major public transport company in Melbourne, Betelhem said the impact of her time on Naoero lingered. “Still I am like a cracked mirror trying to collect all the pieces and put myself back together. Offshore detention hurt us so badly that it takes many years to recover,” she said, adding that uncertainty over visa status was itself a form of detention. “I am now a half free woman on Naarm (Melbourne), but my sadness still remains because of this temporary bridging visa.” Betelhem’s story is detailed alongside that of Reza and Yasmin, a father and daughter who along with the rest of their family, have spent 14 years on bridging visas, firstly on Naoero and since 2018, in Australia. “Fourteen years is a lifetime to live without certainty,” Reza said. “We spent years in detention, we endured what no family should have to endure, and we came to Australia hoping to rebuild our lives. We did rebuild them. Australia became our home.” Yasmin, who was just 10 when the family was sent to Naoro and is now in her 20s, said while the bridging visas were temporary, their lives weren’t meant to be. “We are ready to stop waiting and finally start living.” In episode three ‘Blowing the Whistle’, Nicole, a humanitarian worker who spent

6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

two years supporting families detained on Naoero, and former Guardian journalist Paul Farrell reveal how whistleblowers, leaked documents and investigative reporting exposed the human rights abuses at the detention centre. Concluding the series, episode four ‘Taking Action’, contains interviews with refugee advocates and campaigners who helped release children from immigration detention on Naoero. The first three episodes Out of Sight Out of Mind are available now, while the fourth episode will be released on 1 October. An audio only podcast at a time when the industry is morphing into a type of cheap television, Karapangiotidis said the sensitivity of the issue and the fact many of those interviewed are still having their asylum claims heard meant a video version wasn’t really an option. With the exception of Betelhem, every other asylum seeker interviewed for the series has had their names changed and images withheld to protect privacy. Despite this, Karapanagiotis said the response to the first two episodes had been positive and that he was hopeful of partnering with a major podcast provider to help the series stand out in the crowded podcast space. “We’ve been in talks trying to see if one of the big podcast providers would be willing to profile it and push it out further, because you’re up against Joe Rogan and all these types,” he said. “We’ve just done it off our own bat.” Listen to Out of Sight Out of Mind at: https://action.asrc.org.au/out_of_sight_ out_of_mind A petition running alongside the podcast series demanding former off-shore detainees on bridging visas be allowed stay in Australia, can be found at: https:// action.asrc.org.au/let_them_stay_for_ good_petition

Former Naoero detainee Betelhem Tebebu is interviewed for episode two of the Out of Sight Out of Mind podcast. (Supplied)

Asylum seekers on Naoero. (Supplied)

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Dam proposal concerns The West Party and Friends of yaluk barring park have expressed concern about Melbourne Water’s shortlist of flood mitigation options for the Maribyrnong river. Earlier this year, state government authority Melbourne Water released a shortlist of potential mitigation options for further engagement with the community. Consultation closed 22 July with Melbourne Water now considering feedback. An option that has raised concern is the Arundel Retarding Basin. “Its exact location is unclear and if built near Arundel Road, could flood farmland, parts of yaluk barring Park, and Organ Pipes National Park,” said Sydenham West

Party candidate and former councillor Bruce Lancashire. Mr Lancashire says the proposed area is dangerously close to Melbourne Airport. “Any large body of water located near the alignment of the third Melbourne Airport runway increases the risk of a potential of bird strike for aircraft.” Mr Lancashire and the West Party was instead proposing the assessment of two smaller basins further upstream on Jackson and Deep creeks. “This could lower costs, reduce land impacts, avoid damaging key environmental sites and be safer for Melbourne Airport.

“Any captured stormwater should be considered for reuse, such as irrigation for parks, sports grounds, agriculture, and for industry including data centres.” Melbourne Airport has said it is aware of proposed plans but that “planning for and operation of retarding basins outside of Melbourne Airport’s estate are not managed by Melbourne Airport“. The state government said Melbourne Water is engaged in consultation and that no final decisions have been made. “The Maribyrnong River Flood Mitigation Study is investigating potential solutions to help reduce flood risk,“ a spokesperson said.

Brimbank council said it will continue to work with neighbouring councils on how to minimise the impact of future flooding in the community. “We are part of the project working group on the Maribyrnong River Flood Mitigation Study, which includes several proposed flood mitigation options, such as building a retarding basin at Arundel or smaller retarding basins along the catchment,” a council spokesperson said. “Any future flood mitigation proposals for Maribyrnong River would need to consider a range of factors, including the local environmental and cultural heritage, and the impact on surrounding properties.”

Consultation open on disability plan

From left, Wally Gatt (school president for 32 years), current principal Paul Busuttil and past principals Brian O’Dea (1994 – 2006) and Terry O’Riley (1986 – 1993). (Supplied).

St Albans East PS celebrates major milestones St Albans East Primary School proudly celebrated two significant milestones on Tuesday 15 September – 70 years of St Albans East Primary School and 25 years of the St Albans East Deaf Facility. The special celebration brought together past and present students, principals, staff, families and members of the wider school community to celebrate the school’s history and the many people who have helped shape it over the past seven decades. The celebration opened with a traditional Vietnamese dance, choreographed by current

staff member Tina Nguyen, who has worked with the Vietnamese community at the school for more than 30 years. The school community was honoured to welcome former principals Terry O’Riley (1986– 1993) and Brian O’Dea (1994–2006), along with Wally Gatt, who served as School Council president for 32 years. The school also welcomed Marie Fram, who, alongside Brian O’Dea, helped launch and coordinate the school’s deaf facility when it opened in 2001. Among the special guests were Joe Ribarow

and Nick Szwed, two of the school’s first enrolled students in 1956. Their connection with the school has continued, with Mr Ribarow and Mr Szwed documenting its history over the years. Guests and current students were also able to step back in time through a special photographic display arranged across the decades, showcasing the evolution of St Albans East Primary School. The display featured photographs of the school’s original buildings, classrooms and learning spaces alongside images of its current facilities and new learning environments.

Book lovers rejoice as Manga-thon returns to Brimbank Libraries Book lovers of all ages are invited to take part in Brimbank Libraries’ Manga-thon+ Reading Competition, returning this year with more ways to read, participate and win. Running until 31 October, the competition encourages library members to borrow and read as many manga, young adult (YA) books and graphic novels as they can for the chance to be crowned the Manga Master. To take part, participants can place their borrowing slips in entry boxes avail-

able at all library branches, or simply borrow eligible books and let the library’s system automatically track their entries. Only physical books from the eligible Manga, YA and Graphic Novel collections borrowed during the competition period will count. The competition is open to all current library members, with prizes including AirPods Pro or Samsung noise-cancelling earbuds for first place, Sony or gaming headphones for second place, and a

8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

$50 voucher for one participant at each branch in third place. Manga fans can also have their say on the future of the library’s collection by voting for their favourite titles from a selection of new and popular manga. Voters can nominate titles they would like to see added to the shelves and go into the draw to win one of four $50 book vouchers. Visit your local Brimbank Library and get reading!

Brimbank council has endorsed its Draft Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2027– 2029 for community consultation. The threeyear strategic framework seeks to reduce systemic barriers and promote equitable participation for people with disability and their carers across the region. The new strategy builds directly upon progress achieved under the preceding Disability Action Plan 2022–2026. Key initiatives delivered in recent years include the installation of a Changing Places facility at the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre, the rollout of wheelchair and scooter charging points, communication boards in leisure centres, and Auslan training for library staff. Underpinned by the social model of disability, the proposed plan focuses on overcoming environmental and institutional obstacles rather than treating disability as an individual impairment. The draft was developed following extensive community engagement involving individuals with lived experience, advisory committees, community workshops, and public surveys. Feedback from local residents highlighted the paramount importance of personal independence, accessible pedestrian infrastructure, inclusive community events, and addressing discrimination associated with non-visible disabilities. The strategy is structured around four primary pillars: People, Places, Prosperity, and Leadership & Governance. Together, these focus areas aim to expand accessible information, apply universal design across public spaces and transport infrastructure, strengthen inclusive employment pathways, and embed accessibility training into council operations. To ensure broad accessibility across the entire community, the final strategic document will also be published in an Easy English format. “While data helps us understand who lives in our community, lived experience helps us understand how people experience it,” council said. Public consultation is open from 16 September to 7 October. Members of the community can review the document and submit feedback online via the Your Say Brimbank platform or participate in scheduled engagement sessions. These include an online drop-in session on Tuesday 22 September from 6 to 7.30 pm and an in-person session on Wednesday 23 September from 10am to noon at Sunshine Library. Following the consultation period, a revised draft incorporating community feedback will be presented to council at its meeting on 16 November.

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Early intervention key Reservists deployed to west As part of an ongoing series examining the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Jack O’Shea-Ayres spoke with IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson about the role of disadvantage, trauma, and early intervention in preventing offending.

PC Health is a not-for-profit community health provider of affordable and holistic health and wellbeing services to support people to be well for life across the western suburbs. Ms Nelson said drivers of crime were complex and needed to be addressed through a range of services, rather than focusing solely on the justice system. “The drivers of offending are multi-layered and need to be seen that way,” she said. “Disadvantage matters, but it isn’t destiny. Multiple disadvantage and vulnerability has a cumulative effect, often due to trauma experienced in childhood and adolescence.” Ms Nelson said early intervention was important in helping people experiencing disadvantage before they come into contact with the justice system. “That’s why holistic, multi-disciplinary early intervention and prevention services, like those we deliver at IPC Health, are so important,” she said. While youth offending in Victoria fell by six per cent in the year to March 2026, adult offending rose by about 10 per cent, driven in part by breaches of bail and orders, and by retail theft. IPC Health noted there is a need to understand the circumstances that could precede offending, rather than focusing solely on its impacts. Young people in Victoria’s most disadvantaged areas are about six times more likely to be under youth justice supervision as those living in the least disadvantaged areas, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), suburbs like St Albans, Sunshine, Deer Park, Ardeer, and Braybrook are consistently ranked as some of Victoria’s largest and most severe urban clusters of disadvantage. Rapidly expanding outer-western growth corridors like Melton and Wyndham drive infrastructure lag, lower employment access, and a lack of education and support resources, leading to socio-economic disadvantage for many of the suburbs residents. However, IPC Health sourced data suggests the majority of young people experiencing disadvantage do not enter the justice system. Accumulated adversity, including experiences of trauma and contact with

Social worker Andrea Mejia and senior manager Danielle Barth from IPC Health’s Child, Youth and Family Services team. (Supplied)

the child protection system, served as an important factor for many people who later became involved in offending. Many people who experienced adversity never come into contact with the justice system, yet it’s believed the right support provided early on can improve the odds. IPC Health’s Well for Life model provides early intervention and prevention services across a range of issues, including family violence, gambling harm, alcohol and other drug use, mental health, and homelessness. During the 2025-26 financial year, the organisation supported 52,177 clients across its services, an increase of 4.7 per cent from the previous year. This included more than 3700 clients accessing mental health and wellbeing services, almost 500 adults supported by its Gambler’s Help team and 587 children and parents through the Brimbank Melton

Children’s Health and Wellbeing Local. But Ms Nelson said demand for support services was outstripping available capacity. “We’re grateful for funding from both state and federal governments, and more can be done,” she said. “Demand for our services exceeds capacity, which means people in vulnerable populations miss out on support that could help them find a more positive path.” IPC Health’s modelling suggests crime in disadvantaged communities can’t simply be understood as a policing issue. Many people who become involved in offending are shown to have experienced multiple forms of disadvantage and trauma throughout their childhood addressing the underlying problems early may help prevent later involvement in the justice system.

Police reservists will be deployed to two Brimbank police stations in a effort to free up serving police officers for front-line duties. Victoria Police said 75 reservists would be deployed to seven stations: Keilor Downs, Sunshine, Broadmeadows, Fawkner, Preston, Morwell and Swan Hill. Police said 48 stations across the state now have reservists. A total of 175 former police members have returned to take up the newly created frontline support officer role. Victoria Police has received funding for 400 reservist positions, double the original allocation of 200. Reservists work at police station public counters and perform back-of-house duties, allowing serving officers to be released into the community. The state government says a key focus of the roll-out is having reservists support police investigations. This includes reviewing incoming crime reports and identifying potential lines of inquiry for detectives. Reservists receive a full-time salary of $86,188 a year and nine weeks of paid leave. They can work full-time or part-time and do not work nights or weekends. The latest wave of 75 reservists will be deployed between September 21 and October 11. “We urge any former members out there to consider a return as the roll-out of this initiative continues,” Superintendent John Kearney said. “We’re especially keen to hear from former police interested in supporting crime investigations.”

The deployment of reservists to police stations allows serving officers to be released into the community.

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Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 9

SECTION

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Moving Ahead

29 September 2026

Mayor’s message Cr Lara Carli

Stay Informed

We have just celebrated this year’s 2026 City of Melton Business Excellence Awards. This was our 19th year of recognising some of our outstanding local businesses. This year, 10 exceptional businesses were celebrated across a range of industries, highlighting the innovation, dedication and excellence in our City. Congratulations to all winners, finalists and entrants, including our Business of the Year, Elite Tyre & Autocare – Melton, and Mayoral Achievement Award recipient, Melton Physio. Our local businesses are the backbone of our community, creating jobs, supporting local organisations and driving economic growth. Council is proud to support their success through initiatives that help businesses connect, grow and continue to thrive. Thanks also to the independent judging panel for this year’s awards. The Victorian Labor Party recently committed $170 million to duplicate Taylors Road between Kings Road and Kurung Drive in the City of Brimbank, if re-elected in November. While the announcement is a positive step, the upgrade must not stop short of the sections of Taylors Road in the City of Melton where more investment is needed. Taylors Road is an important road corridor for our residents and is expected to support significant growth over coming decades. Council is calling on all major parties contesting the election to commit to the full duplication and upgrade of Taylors Road through to Leakes Road and to declare the entire corridor a statemanaged road. Our residents have been waiting far too long for the roads they need. As the election approaches, we will continue advocating to all major parties to invest in the road and transport infrastructure our fastgrowing 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

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

Hard waste collections Each household that receives a Council waste service is entitled to hard waste collections during the financial year. This includes renters. Residents can either have two hard waste collections from their property, two visits to the Melton Recycling Facility with a car or trailer up to 1m3, or a combination of both.

of two). Unacceptable items include hazardous items, gas bottles, building materials.

To use the hard waste collection, make a booking and place the items to be removed within your property boundary (not on the nature strip), by 6am on the collection day. Collections can be up to three cubic metres. Acceptable items include bikes, barbeques, sporting equipment, whitegoods, furniture, mattresses (limit

Residents are encouraged to take items in good, working condition to the Melton Resale Shop to give them a second life.

Mt Atkinson Ward with Cr Dr Phillip Zada There’s plenty happening across Mt Atkinson Ward, with important projects progressing in Rockbank, Truganina and surrounding suburbs. I’m particularly pleased to see progress on the new Rockbank East Children’s and Community Centre, which will provide kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health, and community spaces where local families can connect and access services. We’re also seeing the progressive development of Mt Atkinson East Recreation Reserve, which will deliver new sporting facilities, a pavilion, play space, and paths. There was also a significant step forward for our transport network with the recent announcement of $550 million in Victorian Government funding for the Western Highway, building on the Australian Government’s existing $1 billion commitment. The upgrade will deliver additional lanes and improvements to key interchanges between Melton and Caroline Springs.

To book a hard waste collection, visit melton.vic.gov.au/hard-waste

2026 CARE Melton Expo

This has been a major priority for Council, and I’ll continue advocating for further upgrades, including better connections at Bulmans, Paynes and Christies roads.

The CARE Melton Expo celebrates older people, carers and people with disability and is an opportunity to find out what supports are available and to connect with other people.

I’m also continuing to advocate for electrification of the Melton line and improved bus services for growing communities including Mt Atkinson and Cobblebank.

This free event will feature 40 local organisations and Council services for residents in the City of Melton who require support.

Finally, thank you to everyone who joined me for my recent Coffee with a Councillor. I really value the opportunity to hear directly from residents about what matters most to them.

Visitors will have the opportunity to connect with service providers and hear from guest speakers who will be hosting a range of interactive workshops.

I look forward to continuing to advocate for our community and the infrastructure and services we need as our suburbs grow.

There will be giveaways and refreshments, and a sensory and chill out zone will also be available all day.

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

Thursday 15 October, 10am-2pm Cobblebank Stadium 14 Stadium Drive, Cobblebank For information, visit melton.vic.gov.au/care

Your Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors to find your ward Councillors and their contact details

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Dr Phillip Zada

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Kathy Majdlik

A welcoming and liveable City accessible to all 12842652-MS40-26

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

Cr Brandi Morris

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Civic Centre 232 High Street Melton VIC 3337

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

9747 7200 melton.vic.gov.au cityofmelton

Cr John Verdon

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

HISTORY

Tragedy in Nelson Place Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of a robbery gone wrong in Williamstown.

Melbourne University students have probably heard of the Isaac Samuel Crawcour Bursary, established as a gift from Rachel Alston, nee Crawcour, in 1951. Its purpose is to assist medical students in financial need and to keep alive the memory of a brave and gifted young man who died in defence of his father. Home invasions are nothing new. Towards the end of 1893, two unsavoury youths, John Jent and Ernest Knox, decided to shout themselves a late Christmas present and bought revolvers and ammunition at the Eastern Market. After a week’s target practice at Heidelberg, they fancied themselves as firearms experts and debated whom to rob. Elderly, wealthy people who couldn’t put up a fight and didn’t own savage dogs were their preferred choice. With the perfect victim in mind, they caught the last train to Williamstown and went quietly to the premises of Michael Crawcour, pawnbroker of Nelson Place. Michael Crawcour, aged in his early fifties, didn’t keep savage dogs on the premises, but as a believer in keeping up with modern inventions, he had taken the precaution of installing electric alarms in his shop. He also owned a revolver and had a young, athletic son living with him. Jent and Knox were completely unaware that their quarry was in a position to defend himself . At 2 am on 12 January, 1894, Michael’s shrewd investment paid off. He was woken by the shrill ringing of the alarm bells as Jent and Knox crawled through the dining room window and swiped a handful of jewelled rings, intending them to be disposed of by an obliging “fence.” Michael hurtled downstairs, and in the gloom, saw two intruders who fired shots at him, hitting his ear lobe. To the robbers’ horror, their victim then pointed a revolver at them. Michael took aim and they wisely decided to run. Jent dived through the window through which they had broken in. Knox tried wrenching open the front door but it was stuck. Again Michael aimed, but the revolver jammed. Then 20-year-old Isaac came running downstairs and wrestled with Knox, who had 28 rings in his pocket. Jent had escaped with half a dozen more but, not wishing evidence to be found on him, scattered them around the Crawcour’s yard before bolting off to Melbourne. A shot was fired at Isaac, but though mortally wounded, he still managed to pin Knox to the floor and hand the revolver to his father. Then he realised something. He was bleeding heavily from a major wounds to the torso, blood pouring from the pleural cavity, diaphragm, liver and stomach. Screaming for help, he crawled outside. Fortunately, two policemen and a local man were passing by and rendered assistance, though the young man pleaded with them to tend to his father first. Knox was placed under arrest. Detective Sergeants Whitney, Bannon and Fryer arrested Jent in Carlton where he boarded with Knox’s mother. The Werribee-born Detective Sergeant Henry Cawsey took a dying declaration from Isaac Crawcour in the presence of the handcuffed Jent, who had been taken to

Barb McNeill. (Damjan Janevski) 432421_03

Williamstown for this grim purpose. Jent agreed that the dying man was telling the truth. A word about dying declarations. It is assumed that a person on the brink of death will tell the truth, and for the document to be admissible in court, they must die. Isaac Crawcour died of his wounds at noon on the following day, Saturday 13 January . The case created such an uproar that the Crawcour family received cards and letters of condolences from many Williamstowners and others from all over the colony, and there was even a telegram from Premier Sir James Patterson. The cortege left Williamstown for the Bourke Street Synagogue on Monday 15 January, the same day as the inquest commenced. The loss of Isaac was well expressed by Rabbi Dr Joseph Abrahams, whose sermon dealt with the importance of actions over words, and the commandment to honour one’s parents. Isaac, unarmed, had unhesitatingly leapt to his father’s defence and even though terribly wounded, had insisted that his

father be the first to receive care. The rabbi then referred to the Anglican Bishop of Melbourne, the enchantingly named Reverend Field Flowers Goe, who was held in enormous esteem not for his sparkling sermons, but for his courage in stopping runaway horses dragging an overturned carriage full of terrified passengers. This, the venerable Abrahams said, is what the Lord requires of his creation. Meanwhile, as was noted with strong disapproval, the two accused didn’t take the matter very seriously at all. Whilst their victim was being laid in the earth, they were treating the proceedings with barely disguised contempt, guffawing and sniggering as the witnesses gave their evidence. The trial was held at the Central Criminal Court in Melbourne and Michael Crawcour was the first to give evidence of that dreadful early morning when his beloved son was taken from him. Not even a father’s grief could alter the accused’s demeanour. They continued to treat the court as a bizarre form of entertainment.

Presiding was Mr Justice Henry Hodges; who soon wiped the smirks off their faces by sentencing John Charles Jent to three years gaol for being an accessory after the fact. Ernest Knox was then coldly informed that the gallows awaited him for the crime of wilful murder. This seemed to shock some long-dormant decency in him. He rediscovered religion and spent a lot of time praying. He then wrote a piteous letter to the Crawcour family, beseeching their forgiveness and claiming that the shooting was an unfortunate accident. The reaction of the Crawcours is not known, but if Knox expected anyone to believe him and petition for a reprieve, he was sadly mistaken. At 10 am on Thursday 19 March, 1894, Ernest Knox, just 21 years old, calmly walked to the gallows of Melbourne Gaol. Asked by the chaplain if he wished to say anything, he replied firmly, “Yes. The wages of sin is death.” He then recited some verses from ‘Abide with Me’. The bolt was drawn, and his “wages” were instantly paid.

Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

IN FOCUS

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Early learning now coming to Sunshine West Nido Early School is preparing to open its doors at 2A Gregory Street. As the second Nido Early School in the area, it will provide local families with greater access to quality early education close to home for children from six weeks to school age.* A place where children are encouraged to explore, discover and imagine, the early school will follow its Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy that views children as curious and capable learners, with a hundred different ways of expressing themselves. At the heart of Nido’s approach are professional educators who partner with children and families to support each child’s learning and development.Through taking the time to understand each child’s interests, strengths and individuality, children build confidence, develop a sense of belonging and become active participants in their own learning. Thoughtfully designed for each age group, the environments will include a creative atelier art studio, natural outdoor playgrounds and classrooms that invite investigation, collaboration and imagination. These spaces encourage children to express ideas, solve problemsand develop confidence through hands-on learning. Families who start withNido Sunshine West will join one of Australia’s leading early learning networks with a 99 per cent success rate in ‘Educational Program and Practice’ based onACECQA (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality

Authority) ratings. Local families are invited tofind out more about Nido’s approach to early childhood

education and the environments being created for children to grow, learn and belong.

To enquire, visit nido.edu.au/ sunshinewestor call (03) 9970 7604 *Subject to department approvals.

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12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

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Cairnlea Family Medical Centre is here for the whole family Families seeking warm and welcoming general practitioners who are genuinely committed to delivering personalised, high-quality care need look no further than Cairnlea Family Medical Centre. A community staple, offering comprehensive, coordinated healthcare, Cairnlea Family Medical Centre understands how to meet the diverse needs of its patients, from young families to seniors and those living with chronic conditions. The centre is open seven days a week, ensuring that quality medical care is never out of reach, whether it’s a weekday check-up or an urgent weekend concern. As a dedicated bulk billing centre, Cairnlea Family Medical Centre has male and female GPs, making sure that healthcare is accessible to everyone in the community. What sets Cairnlea Family Medical Centre apart is the breadth and depth of its services. Dedicated Women’s Clinic: the practice offers a comfortable, supportive space for women to address their unique health needs, from reproductive health to preventative screening, and chronic condition management, with practitioners who listen and understand. Indigenous Health: Cairnlea’s GPs have a special interest in Indigenous health, ensuring culturally safe and respectful services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Seniors Healthcare: Older members of the community are equally well cared for, with a strong focus on seniors’ healthcare designed to support healthy ageing and independence. Chronic Condition Management: For patients managing ongoing health conditions, the centre’s expertise in chronic dis-

ease management provides continuity of care. The practice also offers minor procedures and attentive aftercare, meaning many treatments can be completed locally, helping patients avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

More than just another GP clinic, Cairnlea Family Medical Centre embodies a holistic approach to health, promoting wellbeing and prevention alongside managing illness. It’s this comprehensive, community-focused philosophy that has made it a cornerstone of local healthcare.

No matter your healthcare needs, Cairnlea Family Medical Centre is here for you and your family. To experience coordinated, compassionate care, visit Cairnlea Family Medical Centre today.

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Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMENT

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Salvias a spring favourite If, like me, you’ve been sustained by the winter plant colours of acacias and port wine magnolia flowers, you are probably hankering after some spring colour in the gardens. In that case, what do we have to look forward to in the months ahead? Early delights include cherry blossoms, daffodils, jonquils and ranunculus. And don’t forget the long-lasting winter glow of camelias and hellebores. Come October, a flowering plant that can last from early spring until the cooler autumn weather is the Salvia plant. There are over 900 different Salvias. Salvias provide long-lasting flowers with plentiful bursts of colour and minty scented foliage. Salvias are resilient plants that grow in a wide range of conditions but prefer free draining soil, some organic matter, full sun and are drought-tolerant once established. The Salvia plant genus belongs to the mint family, scientifically known as Lamiaceae. A common Salvia most people are familiar with is sage, best enjoyed in a sage butter with pasta. Some specialised varieties, like Salvia dorisiana or specific shrubby types push their hot pink flowers from July through to October. Other Salvias that I would recommend growing in Melbourne include: Spurflower (Plectranthus sp.), Germander

Sage is a popular ingredient in many dishes.

(Teucriumsp.), Coleus (Plectranthus sp. syn. Coleus sp.), Basil (Ocimum basilicum cv.) and Sage (Salvia officinalis). I love the purple varieties which include Salvia Rockin’ Deep Purple and and Salvia Mirage Deep Purple. Other features of Salvia plants are that they flower prolifically, attracting birds and bees. The flower colours range from pink, red, white, orange, yellow, blue, green and black. Of real benefit is that fact that they can often tolerate frost. A fun fact about this species is that it contains oils unappealing to rabbits – bonus! These plants can vary in height from 15cm to 3m. Salvias will benefit from pruning.

When it come to pruning, it is important to understand that are three main types of Salvia, and understanding which is which will mean greater success. These are (eg S.elegans and S.patens), also called shrubby (eg S. leucantha, S.greggii and S.chamaedryoides, S.coccinea and S.microphylla), and (eg S.nemarosa, and S. x superb). There are also small herbaceous types such as S.koyamae ‘Yamagata’ that die back completely. If you are interested in propagating your own Salvia plants, this works best by using vegetative cuttings rather than seed. Remove all but the top two leaves and place a stem of Salvia into a container directly into perlite

with soil around the outside. Continue to water and care for these cuttings until leaves start to populate the stems. Transplant into the garden when the plant has become more established. Some Salvias can be used in the home, in the kitchen or elsewhere. For example, White Sage (Salvia apiana) is traditionally used for smudge-sticks to cleanse a living space and Fruit Salad Sage (Salvia dorisiana) has edible, sweet and fragrant foliage that can be added to cakes and desserts. For further information about Salvias from passionate experts and home gardeners at the Victorian Saliva Study Group try: https://salvias.org.au

George Last: The musical chameleon who keeps on playing Off-Grid

Arts with Sebastian Conidi

In a new monthly series, Star Weekly reporter Sebastian Conidi profiles the many interesting and innovative artists working off-grid in the north-west. George Last’s musical story has been decades in the making. The 64-year-old – who now lives in Sunshine – initially began his rock ‘n’ roll crusade as a recorder player in primary school. “When I was about 10 years old, the school gave us a choice between violin and recorder, so I picked the recorder,” Last said. Last performed baroque music at various concerts with the school faculty before his descent into the world of guitars and noise. He formed his first band – The Citizens – which became a staple at friends’ 17th and 18th backyard birthdays. In the early ‘80s, after Last had finished school, he joined a pub band called Swinging Voters, before performing with various bands over the next 15 years, playing mainly bass. Last spent a period away from music before deciding to explore it again. “I didn’t play again until this century.”

George Last. (Damjan Janevski) 571303_03

Though a veteran of rock, Last’s return to the stage saw him adopt the role of guitarist and singer for bluegrass country band Barn Laid which he describes as “a fun band with violins and things”. Now Last has finally ventured into a solo career, recording and releasing his debut EP Last Looks Back. He now performs solo shows and open mics around the west, citing venues such as Mama Chens, Sloth Bar and Kindred

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

Studios as great places for nurturing creativity. “They’re really important to nurture musicians both young and old.” Last also joined blues trio The Cry Babies who are currently producing their first EP. He said embracing all genres of music is vital for fostering creativity. “All genres of music have got something to offer. You get into different genres in different periods of your life.”

Last has even flirted with hip-hop, playing bass in a community rap band based in the Flemington high-rise flats during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. This love for different types of music is captured in the varied entertainment he seeks out across Melbourne. “I like seeing jazz musicians, classical musicians. It’s wonderful the diversity we have here. Melbourne is a world-famous city for music.” When reflecting on influences, Last said he always goes back to the music he enjoyed as a teenager. “Your teenage years are really formative. David Bowie, Lou Reed, the Stones – they’ve all influenced me in terms of songwriting.” Last spoke about the different ways young people access music, highlighting how technology has changed discovery methods. “My son who is 16 picks up music from video games. It’s so diverse. It’s really an amazing phenomenon.” Last reminisced on the influence of television shows such as Countdown in his youth. “Because they were only around once or twice a week, we used to hang around to see them and get all the visuals. It was the way to be introduced to new things. It’s different nowadays because you can watch anything anytime.” After a long and varied music career, Last said his priority is making the music he wants to make. “I just want to make the music I hear in my head. That’s enough for me.” Last is excited by the opportunities modern technology creates for music making. “It’s like living in the space age for me. I’m happy as Larry with where I’m at.”

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Celebrating Seniors Month with movement and music at Rivervue Ever wondered what a day living at Rivervue is like? For some residents, it might begin with a walk through the Riverland gardens, following the nature trails beside the Maribyrnong River. For others, it could be a game of indoor bowls, a lively table tennis match against the neighbours, an afternoon of dancing or simply sitting down with friends for a chat. There is no single answer, and perhaps that is what makes life at Rivervue so interesting and full of possibilities. This Seniors Month, Rivervue is inviting the wider community to come along, meet the residents and experience a little of what everyday life is like within the village. On Wednesday 7 October,the Rivervue community is opening its gates with a ‘Come & Try Day’ allowing visitors to join in the fun of the regular activities residents enjoy. Visitors are welcome to join a guided walk through the magnificent village gardens and stroll along the two-hectares of private Riverland area. Then come inside and have a roll with a game of carpet bowls, or have a hit of table tennis, but be warned there are plenty of laughs, and it can get a little competitive! Or try something a little different with hula and line dancing. After all the fun, there’s happy hour an opportunity to put the activities aside, sit down and simply enjoy a conversation with the people who live here. While the gardens, facilities and activities are an important part of Rivervue, it is the people who give the village its character. Spend a little time here and you quickly discover that retirement living is not about slowing down unless you want to.

It is about having the freedom to choose how you spend your time, who you spend it with and what you want to try next. To celebrate Seniors Month, Rivervue has invited a much-loved Australian performer to the village. Denis Walter will perform in the community centre, bringing all his much-loved favourites, liveon

Friday 30 October from 11.30am, and we would love you to join us. Denis has spent decades entertaining audiences with his distinctive voice, warmth and unmistakable stage presence. This live performancewill bring together great songs, stories, humour and the kind of connection that comes from an entertainer who genuinely enjoys being in front of an audience. It promises to be a fitting finale to a

month celebrating everything that makes later life rich- friendship, movement, music, laughter, curiosity and community. Perhaps the best way to understand Rivervue is not to take our word for it. Come and meet the people who live here. Walk the gardens. Join a game. Share a laugh. Stay for happy hour. And see where the day takes you.Spaces are limited. Call 1300 298 439 or book at www.rivervue.com.au

DENIS WALTER LIVE AT FRI 30TH OCT | 11.30AM Join us for an unforgettable performance by one of Australia’s much-loved entertainers, Denis Walter. With his unmistakable voice, warm personality and incredible collection of songs, Denis will have you singing along to the classics & enjoying an afternoon of wonderful live entertainment.

BOOKING ESSENTIAL

CALL 1300 298 439 25 Bellavista Drive Avondale Heights

RIVERVUE.COM.AU

SCAN QR CODE For More Info

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Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

FEATURING ... SENIORS

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Downsizing can be more affordable than you think Downsizing from the family home is one of life’s biggest decisions. It is not simply about choosing a new address; it is about finding a home and community that offer financial confidence, security, connection and more freedom to enjoy the years ahead. At Avington Living in Point Cook, over50s can enjoy resort-style living without the premium often associated with it. Beautifully designed, low-maintenance homes start from $440,000, making an exceptional lifestyle more accessible—

just 22 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, with convenient access via the Princes Freeway. Avington’s land lease model can also make downsizing financially rewarding. You own your home and lease the land beneath it; there is no stamp duty or council rates to pay. There are also no exit or deferred management fees, and when you sell, you retain 100 per cent of any capital gain. A weekly site fee covers community management, maintenance

Our Most Spacious & Entertaining Home

of shared spaces and access to the village’s facilities, providing clarity over ongoing costs. Those facilities make every day feel like a holiday. Swim in the heated indoor pool, unwind in the sauna, meet friends at the clubhouse, watch a film in the cinema, or stay active with tennis, bowls, the gym and putting green. You can join in as much as you like, while always enjoying the privacy of your own home within a secure, gated community.

The best way to understand why residents love Avington is to experience it for yourself. Book a private tour to explore the display homes, discover the resort-style facilities and ask questions about whether Avington could be the right fit for your next chapter. Visit avingtonliving.com.au or call 03 8400 0408 to book your private tour today.

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FEATURING ... SENIORS

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Smart home devices that enhance safety for seniors As more technology is developed and brought to the shelves, more homes are seeing these gadgets brought into their homes. These smart home devices don’t just simplify life but can enhance safety, convenience, and peace of mind—particularly for seniors. As the population ages, the need for innovative solutions to support independent living and ensure the well-being of elderly individuals becomes increasingly important. Smart home devices offer a range of features designed to address the unique safety concerns of seniors, from fall detection to remote monitoring and emergency assistance. Let’s explore some popular tech being brought into homes for the elderly, exploring how these innovations revolutionise senior care and reassure residents and their families.

tals, allowing for timely interventions and personalised care plans. Emergency Call Buttons In the event of an emergency, the individual in danger can press a button to this device which will send out an alert to healthcare or emergency services. Emergency call devices can be fixed to a necklace, or a bracelet on their arm for easy access. These devices can be found in every home

at Centennial Living Retirement Villages, to provide an ease of mind to residents. As technology advances, the possibilities for enhancing senior safety and well-being through technology are limitless. Smart home devices offer a transformative solution to address the unique challenges faced by elderly individuals, empowering them to live independently while providing peace of mind to their

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Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

NEWS

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

1 October, 1986

2 October, 1996

26 September, 2006

27 September, 2016

Members of the Footscray-Moonee Ponds tram coalition, which earlier this year forced the State Government to backdown over its proposed closure of the route, have taken up a new challenge.

Brimbank council may share facilities at the Albion site with Victoria University and housing under plans unveiled by the Urban Land Authority (ULA).

Police have arrested more than 100 police for trafficking heroin in the cities of Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Moonee Valley and Moreland.

Road-over-rail is the only option being considered for the Melton Highway level crossing removal, despite fears from residents that motorists will have clear views into their backyards.

Khay Mina and Gerrina Power lead Zumba at Brimbank’s commUnity+ cultural festival.

Cheryl Adams is a member of the Broadmeadows & District Garden Club in her the garden.

(Damjan Janevski) 578847 08

(Damjan Janevski) 578420 04

Hesket-Kerrie Fire Brigade captain Daniel Bird and members celebrate the brigade’s 60th anniversary. (Damjan Jnaevski) 578507 04

Faces of the west

Macedeon Ranges council manager economic development & visitor economy Lydia Sorensen and heritage planner Dannielle Orr at the Malmsbury Viaduct. (Damjan Janevski) 577657_01

Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the north west. Artist and costume maker Sarah Seahorse with Victoria (10) at the St Albans Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 578479 03

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

Springside West Secondary College students Kayla, Amy, Helina and Nurin with principal John Goodman. (Damjan Janevski) 578869 02

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

MY PLACE Sunbury local Rodney Sciortino recently released his first book, Why We Golf: The Game was Never the Point. He chats to Georgia Tacey about his life in Sunbury, and how he become an author. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? How long have you lived in the area for? We moved to Sunbury in 1997 to raise a family. At the time I was working at Melbourne Airport, so Sunbury made a lot of sense, close enough to work, but still with a strong community feel and a great place to bring up kids. We ended up putting down real roots in the area over the years making life long friends and schooling our children here.

for a lot of good friendships and memories over the years.

What do you like about where you live? I like the sense of community. Sunbury has grown a lot since we first moved there, but it still has its own identity and a strong local feel. There are plenty of people who have been part of the area for a long time, and I think that creates a real sense of belonging . Is there anything you’d change or like to see in Sunbury? Probably just continued investment in the things that allow Sunbury to grow without losing the community feel that makes it attractive in the first place. Growth is inevitable, but maintaining good local facilities, open spaces and places where people can connect is really important.

Tell us a bit about your recently released book. The book is called Why We Golf: The Game Was Never The Point. It isn’t an instructional golf book and it isn’t really about improving your game. It’s about the friendships, characters, humour, frustration, resilience and life lessons that seem to come with golf. For most golfers, the shots are only part of the story. What tends to stay with us are the people we played with, the conversations between holes, the bad rounds we can laugh about years later, and the characters we meet along the way. That is really what the book explores, why so many of us keep coming back to the game long after we have forgotten the score.

Where’s your favourite local place to spend time? Goonawarra Golf Club would have to be high on the list. For me, golf has always been as much about the people and the conversations as the game itself, so the course and clubhouse have been the setting

Why did you decide to become an author? I’m not sure I ever consciously decided to become one. After the accident, I started writing down thoughts and reflections, mostly for myself. Over time, I noticed that golf kept appearing in those reflections, not so much the golf itself, but the perspectives

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you? Probably that I never really set out to write a book. I started journaling after an accident three years ago, mainly as a way of capturing thoughts and reflections that would otherwise just swirl around in my head. Somehow those notes eventually turned into a book.

Rodney Sciortino. (Damjan Janevski) 572481_05

that seemed to sit around it. Over the past few months I pulled those writings together, and, after a little prompting by a mate, I was

convinced there may be a book in there. I’m still getting used to calling myself an author though.

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Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication. Be Bold Festival This celebration of arts and culture in Melbourne’s west will feature live music, global food vendors and creative workshops for all to enjoy. Saturday 3 October, 3-7pm at the Bowery Theatre, St Albans Community Centre & Errington Oval Reserve, 33 Princess Street, St Albans. Free of charge. All welcome. Garden club The Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Glengala Community Centre, corner Simmie Street and Glengala Road, Sunshine West at 7pm. New members welcome. ■ Helen Reid, 9746 3933 or reidhm@ hotmail.com Master of the Mic Build confidence in public speaking, communication and leadership in this fun, supportive club for young people aged 15–25. Enjoy interactive speaking activities, challenges, feedback and opportunities to meet new people. No experience required. Meets on the last Wednesday of each month. ■ blfvisycareshub@brimbank.vic.gov.au INFuse Lab Looking for a relaxed space to create alongside other local artists? Join us weekly for an open studio style session where you can work on your own projects, meet new creatives and enjoy genuine conversation in a supportive environment. Takes place Wednesdays during the school term 3:30pm to 6pm at St Albans Community Centre. ■ 9249 4600, creative@brimbank.vic.gov. au Albion Primary School Albion Primary School is pleased to be celebrating 100 years of education Saturday 17 October from 9am-3:30pm. The day will include music, house competitions, a photo gallery, the opening of a time capsule from 1976, the planting of a 2026 time capsule, a community art project and a scavenger hunt. The school hopes to have as many past students, staff, and families as possible attend on the day. ■ 9311 1325 St Theresa’s Catholic Church St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Albion will celebrate 75 years on Sunday 4 October. There will be a mass followed by refreshment where past and present parishioners, past nuns and priests from St Theresa’s and Mother of God will be represented. There will be history boards, memorabilia and a slideshow of parish memories. St Albans Senior Citizens St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day. ■ Beverley, 040 3685 632 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

The week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Micah, 8, with artist Jennifer Tran during a Patch by Patch workshop at St Albans Community Centre. (Damjan Janevski) 580445

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 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 Bowls no 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, 9366 0290 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

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

women’s social group. Tuesdays during school terms, 9.30am-noon, at Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine. ■ 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au Crafternoons Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to a free adult social opportunity to get together and be creative. Learn a new craft or bring along your own craft projects. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.302.30pm, at the Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine. ■ 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au Al-Anon Family Groups Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Delahay Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive every Wednesday, from 1-2:30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary. ■Helpline, 1300 252 666 Deer Park Lions Club Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. ■Michael, 0417 307 572 Avondale Heights Probus Club The club meets at Doyle Street Community

Centre, Avondale Heights on the third Wednesday of the month at 9.30am. For retired or semi-retired people. The club offers lunches, bus trips, card and games days, walking groups. New members welcome. ■ Vee, 0400 886 758 Brimbank Book Group Be inspired by thought-provoking books with a group of like-minded, literary fans with our Brimbank Book Group. All welcomed. This group, for adults, meets on the first Monday of the month, from 2-3 pm, at Deer Park library. Bookings are not essential, but please feel free to register your interest. ■ library@brimbank.vic.gov.au Women working together A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Brimbank. ■ 9655 2131, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or cotavic.org.au/ourprograms/employment-support/ National Seniors meeting On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more. ■ 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook. com

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ENTERTAINMENT

Women tell stories Emerging theatre maker, performer, creative producer and director Izabella Day is bringing women’s voices to centre stage through pictureher, a new multidisciplinary performance being developed with the support of The Bowery Theatre’s 2026–27 Residency Program. Day is co-founder of Vixen Theatre Company, an Australian independent theatre collective established with Iris Warren, Roisin Wallace Nash and Natasha Pearson. Working under the ethos “by women, for women”, the collective creates bold feminist theatre exploring womanhood, identity and social issues. pictureher draws directly from interviews with women from across the west of Naarm, including retirement home residents, cultural and community leaders and young women. Their stories

Vixen Theatre Company. (Charli Bowers)

and perspectives will be brought together through theatre, dance, music and visual art. The work will feature women’s voices spoken aloud by an actor, interpreted by dancers and transformed onto canvas,

creating a layered exploration of how women see themselves — and how society sees them. For Day and the Vixen team, the residency provides an opportunity to take creative risks while developing a work rooted in the experiences of the local community. The Bowery Theatre Residency Program supports artists and arts organisations to create and present new work with and for the Brimbank community. The 2026–27 program features projects spanning theatre, music, expanded cinema and site-specific public performance. pictureher will culminate in a presentation at the Bowery Theatre, offering audiences a chance to experience local women’s stories through an energetic mix of performance, movement, music and art.

Marsh Rodders Swap Meet and Show & Shine Marsh Rodders Swap Meet and Show & Shine will return to Maddingley Park on Sunday 18 October. (Damjan Janevski) 353426_05

Bacchus Marsh and surrounds motoring enthusiasts won’t want to miss the upcoming 29th Marsh Rodders Show and Shine and Swap Meet, returning to Maddingley park for another huge day celebrating classic cars, hot rods, motorcycles and everything in between this October. With more than 600 vehicles attending last year’s showstopper event, visitors can expect an incredible display of cars, bikes, trucks, buses, and other unique vehicles from across the region. On Sunday 18 October, Maddingley Park

will host the local spectacle, as guests are invited to wander through the packed swap meet, browse trade stalls, enjoy a bite from food vendors, and see who takes home the coveted Show and Shine trophies. Whether you’re searching for rare parts, admiring beautifully restored classics or simply enjoying a great family day out, there’s something for every motoring fan. Hosted by the Marsh Rodders Hot Rod Club, this popular community event also raises funds for local charities and organisations supporting the Bacchus

Marsh community. Public admission is $5, with free entry for children under 16 when accompanied by a paying adult. Vehicle entry is $20 and motorcycles are $10. Trade stands and swap meet sites are also available. Swap Meet stall holders can enter from 6.30am, while public entry opens at 7am and award presentations start from 12.30pm. Maddingley Park is located at 1 Taverner street, Maddingley. For details: https://tinyurl.com/ mvpd4r4t.

Katy Steele brings stripped back show to Yarraville Following the release of latest solo album, Undressed, earlier this year, Little Birdy frontwoman Katy Steele is taking her intimate live experience to the inner west early next month with a performance at Kindred Bandroom in Yarraville. Known for the soaring anthems of Little Birdy and the richly layered production of her solo work, Undressed represents a departure for Steele, with songs stripped back to their purest form; voice, piano, guitar and nothing to hide behind. The album features interpretations of songs from her extensive back-catalogue, as well as covers of timeless classics including Patti Smith’s ’Because The Night’, Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’, and Michael Jackson’s ‘Ben’.

Like the album, Steele’s show at Kindred Brandroom on Sunday 4 October will represent a departure from the big stages she’s performed on in the past. Part of a she’s tour of small venues across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia, Steele’s Yarraville show will be a matinee beginning at 3pm on a Sunday afternoon instead of the usual Friday or Saturday night gig. And Steele will perform in an intimate duo setting rather than with the backing of a full band. It promises to be a raw and personal performance where the stories and lyrics take centre stage. For more information and tickets, go to: https://tinyurl.com/4x5sn8t7

Working bee group and building frame, c.1915 - Paul William Merlo.

Explore the past during October History Month is popping up in Lancefield and Kilmore to explore the history of both towns. This October, communities across Victoria will mark History Month in a state-wide celebration inviting locals to explore the histories of their own towns, suburbs and neighbourhoods. Around 100 local historical societies, museums, libraries and community groups from across the state are taking part, with the program including talks, walking tours, exhibitions, open days and community gatherings. Many participants are drawing on this year’s theme, “The places that made us,” exploring the buildings, streets and landmarks that shape local identity. Others are showcasing different aspects of their community’s history, with every organisation free to shape its event around whatever local history matters most to them. A two-day event will be held as part of the celebration across Lancefield and Kilmore. Hosted by the Historical Society Support Committee alongside Romsey and Lancefield Districts Historical Society and Kilmore Historical Society, this two-day event will explore the foundations of rural Victorian townships, with a focus on Kilmore and Lancefield. With the townships both dating back to the mid-1800s, the event will feature walking tours and talks on the development of Kilmore and Lancefield’s foundational institutions, including churches, schools, hospitals, banks, post offices and sporting clubs. Participants will also discover how the nineteenth century patterns of development remain visible in both these towns. On the first day, participants will start with a walking tour of Kilmore, before travelling into Lancefield for dinner and overnight accommodation and to hear from guest speakers Denis Graham and Chris Dynon from the Lancefield Football Club. On the second day, participants will take a walking tour of Lancefield, before spending the day hearing from guest speakers including Brain Clancy on the catholic church in Kilmore and Rosalie Triolo on the state schools and the school paper. You’ll also hear from Liz Dillon-Hensby and Fay Woodhouse about building hospitals in Kilmore and Lancefield, Craige Proctor who will tell the stories of pioneer women, and Paul Fearon on building the railways to country Victoria. The two-day event will take place on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October with the event starting at $45 with additional costs. Details: historymonth.org.au/ event/exploring-the-foundations-ofrural-victorian-townships/

Katy Steele will perform songs from her new album, Undressed, in Yarraville on 4 October. (Supplied)

Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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PUZZLES

easy

8 3 2

1 4 7 8 6

7 3 8 8 5 7 2 6 3 1 8 2 7

4 5 2 4 7 6 9 4 4 5 3 medium

8 7 6 5 6 2 3 9 1 3 8 4

1 9

3 1 3 1 5 9 7 4 9 3 7

ACROSS

18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 25 26

A 14

A 15

A 26

H 25

H 19

A 13

A 4

hard

16 3

17 4

18 5

19 6

20 7

21 8

22 9

23 10

24 11

25 12

26 13

5 6 8 3 2 9 1 4 7 7 3 9 4 6 1 2 5 8 2 4 1 8 5 7 9 3 6 4 8 5 7 9 3 6 1 2 9 7 2 6 1 4 5 8 3 6 1 3 5 8 2 4 7 9 3 9 4 1 7 6 8 2 5 1 5 6 2 3 8 7 9 4 8 2 7 9 4 5 3 6 1

9 3 1 2 4 5 6 8 7 5 8 4 6 7 1 9 2 3 2 7 6 8 3 9 5 4 1 7 5 8 1 9 2 3 6 4 6 2 3 7 8 4 1 5 9 4 1 9 5 6 3 8 7 2 1 6 2 3 5 7 4 9 8 8 9 7 4 1 6 2 3 5 3 4 5 9 2 8 7 1 6

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: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good 21 words: Excellent

E S

M A

No. 416 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

24 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

25 26 28

No. 309

S A G A

ALIBI AORTA ARENA ARVOS AWING CLONE COOEE CRAFT DEARS DOONA EDITS ELUDE ERODE FACTS FARES FLUFF GRASS GREED GRITS GROWN GRUBS IGLOO

4 LETTERS DYED EDGE FART ICES PUTT SAGA SECT SHED STEP STOW TAGS TOSS WAGE WAIF 5 LETTERS ADAPT ALIAS

QUICK QUIZ

IMAGE IRATE LYMPH LYRIC NOSES OPIUM PEONY RESET REVEL ROUSE SAGES SALLY SCOFF SENSE SHRED SNEER SOAPS SPEAR STEWS TENDS TESTS THESE

TOMES TONAL USHER WEAVE

URANIUM USURPED VERSION

6 LETTERS CLASSY FIDGET GARGLE REPELS

8 LETTERS DEMUREST DETECTED HERRINGS RELEASES

7 LETTERS GULCHES ROOSTER SEAWEED

02-10-26

Mozart’s famous Eine kleine Nachtmusik translates to what in English?

Which famous Australian bush poet appears on the country’s $10 note?

In which US state is Yosemite National Park located?

For which film did the late Diane Keaton (pictured) win the Academy Award for best actress?

Which Swedish car manufacturer filed for bankruptcy in 2011?

Famous music producer Brian Eno was a member of which 1970s glam art rock band?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

R A S P S A L L O T K O A L A E N T E R D E E D S

amid, calm, claim, clam, coma, domical, holm, HOMICIDAL, idiom, loam, macho, maid, mail, mica, midi, milch, mild, milo, mocha, modal, moil

1 3 7 2 9 6 5 8 4 9 8 2 7 5 4 6 3 1 6 5 4 8 3 1 2 7 9 4 9 5 3 2 7 8 1 6 3 1 6 4 8 9 7 5 2 7 2 8 1 6 5 9 4 3 5 4 1 6 7 2 3 9 8 8 6 9 5 4 3 1 2 7 2 7 3 9 1 8 4 6 5

A E

S O

hard

9-LETTER WORD

medium

A H

easy

5x5

I E G Y V S U Q X J N A H

8 2 5 3 7 5 3 8 1 5 8 5 9 4 7 9 8 1 2 2 3 9 8

4 1

K Z O R C D L M P F T W B

6 5

3 LETTERS ADS AGO APT ATE BED BIG DOE DUG EGG END GET ICE NAG NAP NET OAF OFF OWL PEA PEP PIG ROE SHE WOO

A 16

A 24

WORDFIT

H 25

No. 341 A

Depression (coll) (4) Make reprisals (9) Roller (5) Any prominent feature in the terrain (8) Sloping type (7) Score (5) Major sale (9) Graceful bird (4) Multiply by four (9) Capital (9) Largest Jovian moon (8) One who seizes control or authority (7) Hawk (5) Grey (4) Improvise (2,3) Buddy (4)

1 2 3 4

DECODER 1

DOWN

Digital protection (8) Alfresco meal (6) Paris cathedral, – Dame (5) City north of Sydney (9) Downhill ski race (6) Not one nor the other (7) Dilemma (8) Towards the back of the boat (6) Approach (6) Extremely small piece (8) Echo (7) Annual (6) Biological chemical made by phosphorus (9) Parasite (5) Wide-spreading dominion (6) Word-for-word (8)

1 5 10 11 12 13 14 15

No. 309

Which F. Scott Fitzgerald novel was first published in 1925?

How many edges does a cube have?

Which transparent material is made from melted sand, soda ash and limestone?

10 The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband are works by which Irish playwright? ANSWERS: 1. A Little Night Music 2. California 3. Annie Hall 4. The Great Gatsby 5. 12 6. Glass 7. Banjo Paterson 8. Saab 9. Roxy Music 10. Oscar Wilde

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD

A L I A S S H R E D F A C T S L Y M P H P E O N Y I G L O O E R O D E D O O N A I R A T E B I G D E A R S D U G N A P I C E S G R I T S R E P E L S N A G N E T A T E G R E E D G R OW N P U T T R E L E A S E S W A I F S H E U S U R P E D G U L C H E S T A G S D E M U R E S T B E D S T E P W E A V E F A R E S I C E G E T O F F G A R G L E A R E N A T O S S R O E A D S S C O F F P E A A R V O S E D I T S A W I N G C O O E E R O U S E S T E W S S A L L Y T E N D S T O M E S

No. 309

F I R E W A L L P I C N I C U E H A S T O L N O T R E N E W C A S T L E K A E D A L C A S L A L O M N E I T H E R I A C A A S T E R N Q U A N D A R Y U T K G X C A V E N U E P A R T I C L E D S N E R E S O U N D Y E A R L Y U W R R M D L C P H O S P H A T E L E E C H L O E B D I N U E M P I R E V E R B A T I M

SUDOKU

New Prado built for the bush By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Toyota says the new Prado delivers comprehensive improvements in driveability, off-road capability, safety, technology and functionality – all wrapped in a bold, stylish redesign that will appeal to urban families and off-road adventurers alike. We’ve spent a lot of time in the previous Prado, clocking up thousands of kilometres in Outback Western Australia. With four adults and their luggage, it was a bit of a squeeze at times and I would have loved to remove the two intrusive, fold-down third row seats to free up space. The focus for designers this time around, according to Mr Toyoda himself, was ‘practicality, durability and dependability’. Correct us if we are wrong, but that has always been the focus. What’s changed?

Styling Ten years ago, prices for the Prado started from $56,090; the Kakadu from $85,900. Fast forward and Prado now comes in five grades, kicking off with the bare bones GX from $73,200. GXL is priced from $79,690 (five-seat) or $80,690 (seven-seat), VX from $88,100 (seven-seat), Altitude $90,340 (five-seat) and top of the range Kakadu from $100,690 (seven-seat), excluding on-road costs. The three-figure sum for the Kakadu is quite frankly outrageous, putting it well beyond the reach of most families. The rest don’t aspire to own a Toyota. They want a Land Rover or one of the German brands, which leaves us wondering who will buy the new Prado. All grades of the Prado are powered by the same diesel-electric hybrid and all come with an automatic. There are eight exterior colours. Premium paint adds $675 while a two-tone paint job is $1675. Entry-level GX comes with five seats, fabric upholstery, dual-zone climate control, manually adjustment for seats, smart entry and start, LED headlights, all-speed adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic view monitor and 10-speaker audio. GXL adds a third row of seats and synthetic leather, heated and cooled front seats with power-adjust driver seat, leather-accented steering wheel and shift lever, rear aircon controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and power-fold side mirrors and a powered tailgate. VX steps up to 20-inch alloys, a black vertical grille with the Toyota bullhorn logo, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches. There’s also LED headlights with auto high beam, leather-accented upholstery, driver lumbar and seat memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power-adjustable steering wheel, refrigerated centre console box, a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor and 14-speaker JBL premium audio. Kakadu adds 20-inch wheels, heated and ventilated rear seats, manually-adjustable driver seat cushion length, illuminated side steps, and a limited slip diff. It also scores head-up display, a digital rear view mirror, heated steering wheel and tilt and slide panoramic sunroof. Our test vehicle this time was top of the range, seven-seat Kakadu.

Infotainment Multimedia across the lineup comes in the form of a 12.3-inch multimedia system

All variants of the Prado are powered by the same hybrid 2.8-litre turbo-diesel drivetrain, together with full-time 4WD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. (Supplied)

with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in satellite navigation with cloud function, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, Toyota Connected Services and a 10- or 14-speaker audio system. There are six USB-C charging ports, one 12V accessory port and a 220V charging port, plus a wireless charging pad.

Safety With nine airbags Prado has been awarded a full five stars for crash safety. Driver-assist features are designed to work on- and off-road, with an improved camera and radar system that is able to scan the road with greater accuracy and over greater distances. Systems include the autonomous emergency braking pre-collision safety (PCS) system, rear parking support brake, lane trace assist and lane departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency driving stop system and a driver monitor camera. A full-size spare is sequestered under the rear.

Engines/transmissions All variants are powered by the same hybrid 2.8-litre turbo-diesel drivetrain, together with full-time four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s the same diesel as used in Hilux and develops 150kW of power from 3000-3400 rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600-2800 rpm (same outputs as before). But the new Prado is heavier than the old Prado and the power to weight ratio is worse, which means it won’t be as quick.

Driving Prado sits on the same GA-F platform as its larger sibling the Land Cruiser 300 Series. It’s 30 per cent stronger than before and it also means the ‘all-new’ Prado is larger, inside and out. The figures show it’s 16.5cm longer and 9.5cm wider, with a 6.0cm longer wheelbase plus wider front and rear tracks (distance between wheels). Access to the third-row seats is via the single, passenger side second row seat that folds and tumbles to make way. When not required the third-row seats fold flat, but not into the floor because there’s not enough room down there with the hybrid battery and spare sitting under the rear. With all seats upright there’s 182 litres of luggage capacity, with the third row stowed 906 litres and with both second and third row seats not in use 1829 litres. The previous model offered 120, 620 and 1833 litres respectively. We’re surprised by the second figure. Maybe the way they measure it has changed,

because despite the figures it feels like there’s less space with the third row folded – much less usable space anyway. Only the seat backs fold leaving an awkward space between the end of the seat base and the tailgate that Toyota has filled with a cheap felt-topped detachable storage box. If we were handing over $100,000, we’d expect something better, something that reinforces the Kakadu’s status as a luxury model – not this piece of crap. There’s also the problem of what to do with the privacy screen with the third row in use – there’s nowhere to put it. We previously tested the five-seat version of the vehicle which also has an elevated luggage floor. However, the problematic third row in the seven-seater is a deal breaker, as far as we’re concerned. Moving on to the rest of the cabin, the dash has been flattened, with an upright, squared off design, and clearly defined separation between driver and infotainment screens. The flat Beetle-esque design has presumably been adopted to create more cabin space. Aircon gets its own space tucked under the centre screen. Physical air-con and media volume controls are available, with buttons for transfer, drive modes and off-road settings grouped around the transmission lever. Electric power steering promises easier handling off-road, with improved manoeuvrability at low speed – plus it permits lane trace assistance to be introduced. Maximum approach and departure angles are 32 degrees and 17 degrees respectively, with a break-over angle of 25 degrees. Ground clearance is 221mm (210mm for the GX and GXL), compared with the 220mm of the previous model and it has a wading depth of 700mm. The 48-volt V-Active mild hybrid system that made its debut last year in Hilux, with a lithium-ion battery and electric motor to capture energy normally lost through braking. It contributes a mere 8.4kW and 65Nm to the equation and is unlikely to be responsible for saving much fuel. With auto engine stop-start and an eight-speed replacing the six-speed transmission, however, the wider spread of gear ratios will extract better performance from the drivetrain and contribute to better fuel economy. A higher final drive ratio delivers a more relaxed driving experience at cruising speeds. The end result is that claimed fuel consumption is down from 7.9 to 7.6L/100km.

Be that as it may, we were getting 9.2L/100km after more than 750km of mixed driving. A significant difference. Of note, that’s exactly the same result as the 9.2L we got from the non-hybrid Kakadu we drove back in 2022. Also down is maximum fuel capacity, which was 150 litres before if you elected to put the spare wheel on the tailgate. The new one sees the spare located underneath and a capacity of 110 litres across the board. This translates to about 520km less in range and is a big negative when it comes to getting off the beaten track. You’ll need to top it up occasionally with AdBlue too, with the addition of a 17-litre tank to reduce harmful engine emissions. On this point, our test vehicle started to continually flash warnings that it needed to be topped up – get this – in 2500km. Nothing like getting in early. WTF? The move to the larger 300 Series platform sees Prado’s tow rating increase from 3000kg to a more respectable industry-standard 3500kg. Kakadu has a full-time 4WD system, with low-range gearing and a rear Torsen limited slip diff (not all grades get this). During normal straight line driving power is split 40:60 front-to-back. Only VX and Kakadu are equipped with the variable suspension system. There are five drive modes, together with multi-terrain select and a multi-terrain monitor which provides a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s underfloor and surrounds when off-road. Other driver assistance systems for on and off-road environments include vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist control and crawl control. Trailer sway control and a pre-installed wiring harness help facilitate the increased 3500kg braked tow capacity. Sure the ‘all-new’ Prado looks and drives better than the old one, and it would want to, given the price. With a lower centre of gravity and slightly lower ride height, the ride is noticeably less jiggly and there is less body roll in corners. But in typical diesel fashion you still need to wind the thing up. The cabin does not have the premium feel of the previous generation Kakadu nor do the front seats feel as spacious as before. In fact, describing the experience to a punter we realised it feels very like the Hilux from behind the wheel. On a final note, once again you can’t see the head-up display with polarised sunglasses and for those with multi-focal glasses, the digital rear vision mirror is a waste of space. To bring the image into focus you need to look towards the roof to access the lower section of the lenses.

Summing up The designers really need to go back and rethink the third row, because as it is the seats take up an enormous amount of room when folded. Toyota has filled the gap between the base and the tailgate with a silly, tacky plastic box which does not offer much utility, all in the name of a flat floor – or should we say elevated flat floor. That is to say for a large four-wheel drive the Prado does not offer much luggage space – how can that be seen as practical Mr Toyoda. The driver’s seat feels tight too, more like the Hilux than a luxury off-roader. If you’re not interested in going off-road the Kluger makes more sense. It’s much more comfortable and suited to city driving.

Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 25

SPORT

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Saints are looking to grow By Tara Murray Western Saints Superules are looking to expand next season. Having had a men’s side for more than 40 years, the club is keen to field a women’s over-35s football team in 2027. The new team will provide an opportunity for women in the local community to get back onto the football field, stay active and reconnect with the game in a fun and welcoming environment. Saints’ vice-president Anthony Viney said there was a need for an over-35s women’s team in the St Albans area and broader Brimbank region. “My wife played her first game at 41 but could not get to training,” he said. “There’s

Parkside, Sunbury and Werribee but nothing else in between. “There’s not as many opportunities for women. My wife enjoyed it and so did another woman who played with her. “They wanted to play something more local.” Viney said they have the backing of the St Albans Sports Club and they were aiming to make it free for the first season. He said they were applying for grants and looking for sponsors to help make that possible. With the idea of getting a team up now, the club is searching for players and coaches. “We have about a dozen players already,” Viney said. “The women’s

community is really good about helping other teams. The teams all play at the same venue on the same day and they are happy to share players. “But we want to rely on our own players if we can. If we can get a coach for the female side who can bring some players as well.” Viney said the interest had continued to grow and that a lot of people they were talking to had never played before. He said the culture allows players to play for the first time and learn the game as they go. Viney said they want the women’s side to have a real voice. “We want them to drive the culture and standards themselves,” he said. “We want

them to help design the jumper and we want them to own the team.” Viney said it was still early days but they were hoping to start training in November and get as many people as they can involved. They will look to have a catch-up in the next month or so. “There has been growing interest from women who want to play football but may not have an appropriate pathway once they reach their 30s,” he said. “We are hoping to change that by creating a team specifically for women who want to get back into the game, whether they have played recently, haven’t pulled on the boots for many years or have never played.”

El Nour switches to Coburg

Maddox Grima. (Archivist Media)

Grima continues on winning in the ring By Peter Howe Keeping things simple and focused works for this month’s Don Deeble Sports Star nominee, boxer Maddox Grima. Grima, who is the current Australian under-19 silver medallist in the 65 kilogram weight division, has just returned from the Oceania Championships in Samoa as the gold medallist. “It was an amazing moment and the highlight of my career so far,” he said. “It was the second time in two years Grima has represented Australia at the Oceania Games. While Grima now represents his country in boxing, the sport wasn’t his first sporting love. He played junior football for eight years with Werribee Districts. “I played junior footy for Werribee Districts for eight years. “While I loved playing footy, I wasn’t going anywhere in the sport,” he admits. “My dad wanted me to do boxing for self-defence at around the same time I started footy. “I could see my improvement in the gym and loved the challenge of getting better. “Eventually I had to choose between the sports and boxing won the day.” Grima’s first fight was as a 13-year-old in the 54 kilogram weight division for a

Victorian title. He won the event. “The adrenaline kicked in and having that immediate success gave me great hope for the future in boxing,” he said. Grima’s strict training regime includes a 6am wakeup call and a three to five kilometre run every Monday morning. The MacKillop College student’s days are filled with schoolwork until he hits the gym each night at 4.30pm. Training varies but normally includes skipping, sparring, bag and then pad work which all focuses on technique. While he doesn’t watch a lot of videos of fighters, Grima is quietly confident in his ability to work out his opponents while in the ring and on the move. Grima has had a stellar start to his career, winning three Victorian titles, while still striving for his first national win. He has represented Australia three times and is certainly on the pathway to success. He fought in his first national event when he was in the under-15 age bracket. Overall, his current record stands at 30 wins and five losses. Grima has had a very hectic 2026, with eighteen fights. “A normal year would see me have around five fights,” he said. “It has been exceptional. I made the

26 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 29 September, 2026

Australian under-19 team that went to Thailand. In the lead up to that event, I had three fights at the AIS, winning all three to make the team.” Grima said the lessons he learned from the trip will be invaluable. “I had to learn how to live by myself, become independent and learn to take instruction from someone other than my normal coach,” he said. Grima said his power, speed and defence are the keys to his fighting. “However, I must continue to work on all aspects of my fighting if I am to continue to improve. “I am not perfect and I will not stop trying to improve.” Grima has a passion for working with young emerging boxers and will often be found at his gym on a Saturday morning volunteering to put the young aspiring boxers through their paces. His goal is to represent Australia in the Commonwealth and Olympic Games and in the end would like to turn professional. The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail. com or 0408 556 631.

Deer Park Victorian Football League star Mutaz El Nour is making the move from the yellow and black to Coburg for next year’s VFL season. In the biggest VFL off season signing so far, El Nour will now call Coburg City Oval. He has played 83 VFL games for the Tigers and the Preston Bullants. El Nour joined the Tigers in 2023 and has been one of their stars, including sharing the club’s best and fairest award last season. He was named in the VFL 43 man squad for team of the year this year, after making the final team last year. The signing is a massive one for Coburg which only just missed out on finals this year. “We are thrilled for Mutaz to join us,” Lions’ coach Jamie Cassidy-McNamara said. “His strengths fit in perfectly with how we want to play, and his character and leadership will help us continue to grow both on and off the field.” El Nour said he was excited to join Coburg next season. “The club is on a huge upward trajectory and I’m excited to be part of the journey and contribute to what Coburg has been building together.” El Nour played junior football for Deer Park, St Albans and Hillside before making his senior debut with Caroline Springs. He returned to Deer Park in 2025, with the club being his local club the past two seasons. He has played five games for Deer Park across the past two seasons, including being named in the best in two of his three games this year.

Mutaz El Nour. (Richmond FC)

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Ready to take the next step By Tara Murray Sunshine Heights youngsters are set to thrive this season as the club aims to rise up the ladder in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield. Heights were set to be relegated after last season having finished second bottom, but got a reprieve with changes to teams in the higher grades. Heights’ president Giulio Venditti said they felt that they belonged in the division 4 competition. “We had a chat with the competition and we felt that we were more than competitive to match it with everyone and the league said they would have a look into it,” he said.

“A month or so ago we got a call from headquarters asking did we still want to step up and we were like we will take it. “Staying up, these guys keep learning from players against better sides.” Venditti said they felt the past couple of years that they had developed as the young group had grown older. He said last season they were in matches for longer than the previous season and were hoping to be able to take that even further this year. “The boys felt confident in this division and felt like we belonged in this division,” Venditti said. “We managed to be in games for 70 to 80 per cent in games for most of last year.

“If we put our heads down we feel like we can be better than a lot of sides. We managed to be in games for 70 to 80 per cent of the time for most of last year.” Venditti said they were a similar side to last season, with two or three additions who he believes will make a big difference. Riyan Bhasin returns to the club after a stint at Victorian Premier Cricket. Ethan Dalla Rosa joins the club from Yarraville Club, having also been involved in premier cricket as well. Both fit in with the age bracket of players the Heights have coming through. The biggest change for Heights is a new coach, with Terry Psaila coming on board. “The last seven or eight years we’ve been

used to Wayne Miller,” Venditti said. “He’s a fantastic person and coach. “Terry is a little bit different and a bit more laid back. I’ve never seen anyone analyse as much video.” “He was at Yarraville Club under-18s and they have been one of the premier clubs. “He’s been able to bring intel from one of the great clubs in the area.” Venditti said entering the third year of their four-year plan they were expecting to see further inroads this year. He said while they had the talent there individually, it was about clicking as a team.” Sunshine Heights is set to face Pascoe Vale Central in round one this Saturday.

Sports shorts VNL The Western Warriors have suffered a massive blow with reigning best and fairest winner Ruby Shannon departing the squad. The Melbourne Mavericks training partner has been a key for the Warriors since day one but is set to play with Melbourne University Lightning next season.

Bowls Deer Park Club has welcomed Scottish representative Bradley Buchan to the club for the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division season. “An incredibly strong all-round player and with plenty of time spent on indoor greens in the UK, it comes as no surprise the club is looking forward to seeing the Scotsman’s talents in the new Deer Park Dome and it’s UK sourced carpet,” the club’s head of bowls operations Mark Casey said. “It’s great to see how well Bradley is fitted in. He has made an immediate impact and we are thrilled to have him as part of our group moving forward. There’s no doubt there is some class about him so we are excited for what’s to come.”

Baseball

Andrew Warrick. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 449516_02

Gorillas will come out swinging with new-look By Tara Murray It will be a new-look Grand United which takes to the pitch in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association McNamara Shield. The Gorillas narrowly missed out on finals last season in what was a close competition, and with coach Andrew Warrick saying this year could be closer, every moment is important. Warrick said that they’ve had a strong pre-season and are ready to go. “It’s been a really good pre-season for us so far,” he said. “We’ve got a number of fresh faces around the group and it’s a really positive vibe. “So far I can’t complain.” Warrick said he was excited by the players that had come into the group. Dillon Hinge, who has been captain-coach at Bellbridge the past few years, has returned to the Gorillas where he was previously a captain-coach. His teammates Henro Dias and Daniel Stock have also come across to strengthen

their side. Sachi Silva, a Gorillas premiership player, has returned to the club having played at East Coburg last year. Warrick said there were a couple of other players from overseas set to join them, Theo Wright and Darcy Chapman. “It will be a fresh-looking group,” he said. “I hadn’t met Dillon before but he was a really popular figure around the club previously. “I spent time with Henro when he was at Essendon. Kyle Holden was there at that time as well. “It’s nice to connect together again.” After a close season where just six points separated second and sixth, Warrick said he feels like it might be even closer again this year. The Gorillas finished three points outside the top four last season. “If anything, the competition will be even more even,” he said. “There’s always the unknown with promotion and relegation and you don’t know much about

those two teams coming in. “Lots of clubs have gained and lost players. Other than West Newport last season, anyone could beat anyone on the day and we saw that on the grand final day.” Warrick said the key for them this season to ensure a top four finish was in the two-day format of the competition. He said their one-day form was strong. “On the two-day side we need to take games deeper with the bat,” he said. “We’ve got 80 overs but sometimes we get knocked out a little bit early in the day. “If we can take it longer with the bat it allows our bowling to thrive more. “We want to continue to be positive to take that next step.” Grand United is set to start its season on Saturday in a one-dayer against Sunbury at Clarke Oval. In other round matches, PEGS are at home to Tullamarine, Caroline Springs is set to host Newport-Digman, Williamstown Imperials is set to play Altona Roosters and Gellibrand is set to play West Coburg St Andrews.

Sunshine Eagles have signed Hunter Jones for the Baseball Victoria summer baseball league season. The Eagles said on social media that he is a talented pitcher with experience representing Team Canada at the 2016 Senior League World Series. “Hunter brings plenty of energy, excitement and competitiveness to Barclay Reserve,” the club said. The Eagles premier 1 first nine season starts on 3 October against Blackburn.

AFL Former Burnside Heights, Hillside and Keilor player Keighton Matofai-Forbes has been delisted by Geelong. Matofai-Forbes spent the past two seasons in the Cats program after being drafted at the conclusion of 2024. Despite an injury interrupted 2026 campaign, Matofai-Forbes appeared in seven Victorian Football League games, including a career-best outing against Frankston where he collected 17 disposals and two goals. He failed to make his AFL debut in those two years.

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Tuesday, 29 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 27

29, SEPTEMBER, 2026

Boxing star on the rise

New-look Gorillas

Mercieca, Egglestone crowned

Steffan Roberts. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 517342_02

Lions are looking for consistency By Tara Murray Taylors Lakes needs to bridge the gap between its best and worst with the red ball if it is to make Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-west finals this season. The Lions at times looked like a finals team last season, but after winning only one of its red ball games fell out of contention late in the season and finished in eighth spot, nine points outside the top six. Lions’ coach Peter Brasher said they had kept the core group together. “We lost two main players but we have replaced them,” he said. “We’re really enthusiastic that the season will go well. “Steffan Roberts is back, Shijit Chandran Poovathingal is back. Kavin Ravi will take over the wicketkeeping role from Nilan [Fernando]. “If we can get five to 10 per cent improvement from the guys that we have in the group, we will hopefully go from seventh-eighth to at least fifth or sixth.”

While the Lions have lost two players, they are two big ones. Fernando has gone to Victorian Premier Cricket, while Aidan Brasher has stepped away from cricket. Peter said with his son having been involved with cricket since he was five, Aidan wanted a break. The Lions are set to have a spinning all-rounder arriving from overseas, Yash Lakhani. He played one game with Hampshire in County cricket second XI and is currently playing in India. Mayank Sharma has joined the club from Laverton, where he took 43 wickets and scored 230 runs last season. Brasher said both would add depth to the squad that they have. A couple of younger players, including Arjun Upadhyay who played first XI cricket last season, have made the move to Victorian Premier Cricket. Brasher said while they were disappointed to lose them, it shows that they are doing something right with the junior development at the club and they go with the club’s blessing.

“That’s three or four players that have gone to premier cricket in the past few years,” he said. “We have strength through our junior and development programs. “There’s a couple of kids who are looking alright and hopefully we see that continued growth from the younger ones coming through. “There will still be opportunities like we have done the last couple of years.” Brasher said the biggest thing for them this season would be consistency, especially in the longer format. Three of the first five games are scheduled to be two-dayers. He said their one-day form had been good. “We need to have that consistent level of performance,” he said. “We need that improved performance with the red ball, we only won one of five games. “Consistency with the red ball stuff would bridge that gap to be up. The Lions are set to kick off their season on 3 October against Preston in a two-dayer at Lionsheart Reserve.

Essendon Doutta Stars’ Liam Mercieca and Strathmore’s Eloise Egglestone claimed the top honours at the Essendon District Football League awards night. Mercieca was the surprise winner among the five main best and fairest awards, with the ruck leading throughout the count. He led by four votes after seven rounds and that had extended to five votes after round 13 with Deer Park’s Anthony Anastasio, Strathmore’s Liam Cavanagh and Keilor’s Josh Honey leading the chasing pack. Both Mercieca and Anastasio polled three votes in round 14, before Anastasio was the only one of the four to poll in round 15 to reduce the margin to two votes. The new Deer Park coach took the lead after round 15 with another three votes, before Mercieca polled three votes in round 17 to regain the lead. Mercieca polled one vote in the final round to guarantee he took out the Reynolds Medal; it was a case of whether he would share it with Anastasio. Anastasio failed to poll, with Mercieca finishing on 27 votes and Anastasio on 24 votes. Cavanagh, who finished in the top three for a third straight year, and Honey remained in third and fourth despite not polling in the last four games. In the premier women’s division, Egglestone set the pace early and held on to claim the win with one round remaining. Egglestone and Aberfeldie captain Olivia Madden were at the top of table at each of the updates. Madden didn’t play in round 14, where Egglestone polled three votes. When Madden didn’t poll in round 15, Egglestone could not be captured. Egglestone would finish on 26 votes, with Madden on 18 and Oak Park’s Maggie Styles finishing in third on 16 votes. It’s the second best and fairest award for Egglestone, who won in 2022. In division 1 women’s, Gemma Wright claimed her fourth league best and fairest award. Wright led by eight votes after 10 rounds and was declared the winner after round 12. Wright finished on 29 votes, 11 clear of Gisborne youngster Amy O’Kelly. The Westmeadows captain-coach is the first female player to win four EDFL league best and fairest awards. In the men’s division 1 competition, suspension cost Taylors Lakes Lockie Rayner a chance of claiming the top honour. Rayner sat top two all night, but had been suspended early in the season for three weeks. He finished in second, three votes behind Craigieburn’s Brodie White. In division 2, Coburg Districts captain Riley Bentley pipped Burnside Heights’ Lachlan Evans. Bentley led through the final rounds with Evans right on his tail. With neither polling in the final round, Bentley won with 23 votes, one ahead of Evans.