Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 19th May 2026

Cause close to Sammy’s heart

Braybrook based ultra endurance cyclist, Sammy Muscat, will be getting on his bike on 23 May for a cause that is –quite literally –close to his heart.

“After surviving severe heart failure myself in 2015, it’s something that’s become very personal to me,” Mr Muscat said of his motivation for doing a 24 to 48 hours fundraising ride for the Heart Foundation.

For at least 24 hours, Mr Muscat will cycle around Albert Park Lake, with every $50 donation resulting in an extra lap. He’s hoping to attract enough donations to keep him going for the full 48 hours and to reach his $25,000 target, with all funds going towards heart research, prevention and support programs.

While a noble cause, cycling for two days straight might seem a little extreme, especially for some with a history of heart problems.

However, Mr Muscat said long-distance cycling has actually been a big part of his recover over the past 11 years.

Donate at: https://tinyurl. com/4y8sp7h6

Goats ravage creek

By Sam Porter

A population of approximately 70 wild goatsinBrooklyniswreakinghavoconthe local environment and vegetation along Kororoit Creek with local landcarers and businesses unable to find an easy solve to theproblem.

StarWeekly understands the feral goat herd, which has been present in the area since the 2000s, is primarily located along the lower Kororoit Creek corridor with sightings reported from the Somerville RoadBridge.

FriendsofLowerKororoitCreekpresident Jason Hocking said the community group has been concerned about the herd for years.

“The goats, which we believe have been

deliberately introduced into the area, have destroyed thousands of planted native trees and bushes on Kororoit Creek and have set back our efforts to restore the natural environment along the creek and improve the views from the shared path acrosstotheoldBrooklyntip,”MrHocking said.

“We welcome any corporate efforts to controlthegoats,asit’swaytoohardforus volunteers.”

Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG) community liaison officer Lisa Field said the herd moves between a number of industrialpropertiesinthearea,including sitessuchasCityCircleGroup.

In response to the ongoing issue, BRG established a ‘goat management’ group on WhatsApp with the intention to increase

visibility of the roaming population and help inform an appropriate management approach.

“We have heard from community members who are interested in rehoming the goats, and we have taken the time to considerthesesuggestions,”MsFieldsaid.

“While rehoming is a humane option in principle,itisalsohighlyresource-intensive andrequiresspecialisedskills,equipment, and coordination. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity or expertise to safely capture, transport, and rehome a populationofthissize.”

While professional contractors have previously been engaged to manage the population and protect the local environment, the herd’s numbers have continuedtorise,outpacingpastefforts.

“From my knowledge and discussions, feral goats are having a significant impact on the lower Kororoit Creek in Brooklyn. Plantings by the local Landcare group and Melbourne Water have been impacted, as has the planting works undertaken by the local businesses,” Ms Fieldsaid.

She added the feral goats contribute to soil degradation and erosion, reduce nativevegetation,underminebiodiversity, and also create conditions that allow invasiveweedstospreadmoreeasily.

“UnderourBetterEnvironmentPlanthe BRG has quite extensive planting works planned over the coming two years, and this will be completely undermined if the goat population is not addressed,” Ms Fieldsaid.

Braybrook’s Sammy Muscat is cycling around Albert Park Lake for up to 48 hours to raise money for the Heart Foundation. (Damjan Janevski) 548766_03

Calls for air-quality action

By Cade Lucas

One of the authors of a study that found inner-west children were far more likely to be hospitalised for asthma than those living elsewhere, said major mitigation efforts were needed to fix the problem.

A study of Victorian hospital data led by Deakin University researchers found children in Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay and Brimbank council areas attended hospital for asthma at rates well above the state average.

Over a 12 year period from 2007-2019, the rate that children attended hospital for

asthma in Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong was 53 per cent above the statewide average,whileBrimbankwas26percentabove.

In 2018-2019, the hospital presentation rate for asthma in Victoria was 92 per 10,000 children, compared to 144 in Maribyrnong, 137 in Hobsons Bay and 125 per 10,000 children in Brimbank.

The inner-west has long suffered from poor air quality due to the amount of truck traffic in the area.

Study co-author Dr Kate Lycett said while it was impossible to say if they were the sole cause, heavy-vehicle emissions were definitely a factor in the higher rates

of childhood asthma in the inner west and current measures like truck bans and curfews were not enough to fix it.

“If we’re going to improve air quality we’re going to have to have major mitigation initiatives,” Dr Lycett said, nominating dedicated freight routes and more incentives for electric trucks as options, along with so-called “green walls”

“Other countries have green walls, lines of trees near schools to filter the air.”

Both Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong councils responded to the study by calling for stronger action while Brimbank council said it was already implementing measures

Where in the west will Snowtunnel be?

Mystery surrounds the exact location of giant indoor skiing facility that has suddenly been announced for Melbourne’s west.

Australian urban skiing start-up Snowtunnel announced earlier this month that it had secured a location approximately 11km from the CBD where its first indoor snow park will open by the end of 2026.

“Securing our first site in Melbourne is a definitive milestone,” Snowtunnel chief executive and co-founder Scott Kessler said in announcing the new facility which will be based around a massive rotating snow-filled cylinder.

Roughly four-storeys high and 16-metres long, the Snowtunnel will serve as the snow park’s main attraction and also a showcase for the company’s patented

‘endless mountain’ technology.

Exactly where that will be based is less clear, with the company refusing to divulge its address, suburb or even council area. Renderings released by Snowtunnel show it located beside a river, possibly the Maribyrnong, though a spokesperson for the company said these weren’t indicative of the actual site. The Maribyrnong River isalsomuchlessthan11kmfromtheCBD.

The suburbs that are roughly that distance west of the city are Braybrook and Tottenham, but Maribyrnong council said it hadn’t received a planning application for Snowtunnel’s facility in those suburbs or anywhere else in the municipality.

Neighbouring Brimbank council said it hadn’t received a planning application either. Despite not being in Melbourne’s west and being much further than 11km from the CBD, Tullamarine is where the UrbanSurf wave pool is located, a facility the Snowtunnel is modelled on and whose former chief executive, Damon Tudor, is an investor. Hume council declined to answer questions about Snowtunnel.

A spokesperson for Snowtunnel said more details would be released later in the year.

Junior water heroes urged to unleash their creativity for water week

Students from across Melbourne’s northwest are being encouraged to unleash their creativity with the return a National Water Week poster competition.

Greater Western Water (GWW) said the competition is open to students from from early learning centres and kindergartens through to primary schools and year 7–8 across GWW’s service region.

GWW operates across Melbourne’s central business district and inner suburbs to Little River in the south, Myrniong in the west and Lancefield in the north GWW said the competition challenges

young people to explore this year’s theme, Water Heroes: Make Every Drop Count. Applicants are encouraged to paint, draw or use other creative materials to show how they can be water heroes and help save water for everyone.

GWW strategy and partnerships general manager Kessia Thomson said the competition is a fun and engaging way to help young people understand the importance of water and think of ways to make every drop count.

“National Water Week is a great opportunity to inspire the next generation

to think about how their everyday actions can make a real difference,” Ms Thomson said.

“Our statewide storages are down by 17 per cent compared to last year and at the same time our communities continue to grow. It has become increasingly important that communities understand how we can all do our part to protect our water resources.”

Submissions close at 5pm, 11 September. Winners will be announced during National Water Week, from 19 to 25 October.

Details: gww.com.au/nww

such as increasing tree coverage.

Premier Jacinta Allan pointed to the new West Gate Tunnel as evidence her government was already addressing the problem, saying it had taken thousands of trucks off inner west roads since opening late last year.

“That doesn’t just give those local roads back to the local community, it takes those truck emissions out of those communities as well,” Ms Allan said.

Maribyrnong Truck Action Group president Martin Wurt said the study was further proof that air filters needed to be installed in the tunnel’s ventilation stacks.

Charges laid after drugs, explosives found in rental

Two western suburbs men have been charged following a police investigation into the discovery of a large quantity of drugs, cash, firearms and explosives in a short-term rental in Keilor East in January.

Police will allege the property was an organised crime drug and weapons cache ‘safe house’.

Police executed two search warrants at residential addresses in St Albans and Point Cook on 14 May.

According to police, items seized included approximately one kilogram cannabis, approximately two ounces of cocaine, approximately $3000 cash, mobile phones and electronic devices and a Mercedes Benz vehicle

A 29-year-old St Albans man was charged with trafficking cocaine, methamphetamine and firearms, possessing and trafficking explosives, possessing body armour, possessing stolen goods and possessing proceeds of crime.

A 27-year-old Point Cook man was charged with trafficking and possessing cannabis and cocaine and possessing proceeds of crime.

The search warrants follow an incident on 24 January about 11.30am after a cleaner attended a Belle Vista, Keilor East, address and located a significant amount of illicit drugs, firearms, explosives and cash in excess of $2 million at the premises.

At least 100kg of cocaine and methylamphetamine with a street value of $25 million were seized at the address, police said.

During a police search of the property, a number of incendiary devices were located, and the Bomb Response Unit and Australian Defence Force were called. Controlled detonations occurred and the devices were rendered safe.

The property had been booked for a number of weeks in January.

Investigators interviewed a 19-year-old man from Hallam in relation to the booking and released him pending further enquiries.

As part of their investigation, detectives identified a white Toyota Camry hire vehicle which travelled to the address a number of times throughout the time it was rented

The Camry was seized by police on 24 January and has since been returned to the hire company.

Detective Inspector Jamie Walker, Major Drug Squad said, “As I have said before, this was not a run of the mill seizure of drugs and cash – there were incendiarydevicesandlargequantitiesof firearms and illicit substances”.

A render of the Snowtunnel facility planned for Melbourne’s west. (Supllied)

The facility will be based around a rotating snow-filled cylinder. (Supplied)

Community rallies for station

About 300 people attended a rally calling for the counter hours at Keilor Downs policestationtobereinstatedto24-7.

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

The cuts follow earlier reductions in November 2023, when Victoria Police announced it would temporarily reduce thestation’scounterhoursfrom24hoursa daytoeighthoursaday.

Saturday’s rally was addressed by organisersGeorginaPapafotiouandBruce Lancashire – who are former Brimbank mayors – Daniel Allan – a former deputy mayor – and Keilor-Taylors Lakes Action convenerFredAckerman.

Mr Ackerman said the turnout sent a strongmessagedtothestategovernment.

“At a time when we are experiencing an increase in crime and related issues, residents are fearful and angry that their local police station is now only open three days per week, and for limited hours, and maybeclosedaltogether.”

In February, a Victoria Police spokesperson told Star Weekly that reduced counter hours would allow more officerstospendtimeinthecommunityto preventandrespondtocrime.

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

Organisers are planning a second rally laterintheyear.

Briefs

Drink-drive operation

More than 1200 were breath tested in a police operation in Keilor Downs on Tuesday 12 May.Police conducted a preliminary testing site on Sunshine Avenue in Keilor Downs. A total of 1208 tests were conducted, with two drivers tested for exceeding the alcohol limit, both were three times above their legal limit of 0.05. The first driver, a 43-year-old male, was detected at and alleged reading of 0.154, his car was impounded at a cost of $1014.90. The second driver was a 65-year-old female, was detected at an alleged reading of 0.143, with her car impounded for a cost of $999.52. Both cars were impounded for 30 days. Both drivers will receive summons to appear in court.

Train disruptions

Sunbury line trains will start and end at Footscray from 8pm to the last service each night until 20 May. From the city, passengers should take a northern group train line from platform 5 or a city circle train from platform 1 at Flinders Street to Southern Cross and change to a Werribee Line train before changing to a Sunbury line train at Footscray. To travel to the city, passengers should take a Werribee line train to Southern Cross and transfer to a city circle train from platform 9 to Flinders Street.

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

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

The new Tottenham Station. Artist’s impression – subject to change.

The

About 300 people attended Saturday’s rally calling for increased counter hours at Keilor Downs police station. (Supplied)

Surgery a chance to survive

Kirsty Wesner was staring death in the face when friends, strangers and a US-Filipino surgeon stepped in to give her a chance at survival. She’s determined to make the most of it, Cade Lucas reports.

There’s desperate and then there’s the plight Footscray’s Kirsty Wesner found herself in at the beginning of thisyear.

Back in January, StarWeekly reported on the 41-year-old mother of three’s frantic efforts to raise enough money to travel overseasfor life-saving surgery.

Stricken with Superior Mesenteric Artery Compression Syndrome (SMACS), a rare digestive disorder that was slowly killing her, Ms Wesner needed to raise more than $40,000 so she could pay for a trip to the Philippines to undergo the Alvear procedure, a specialised surgical technique that is one of the few known treatments for SMACS and which is not available in Australia.

In fact, the Alvear procedure is mostly performed by the man it’s named after: Filipino-American surgeon Dr Domingo Alvear, who returns back to his homeland a couple of times a year to perform it and otherlife-changingoperations.

By the time Ms Wesner spoke to Star Weekly in late January, she had less than three weeks to come up with the money in time for Dr Alvear’s February visit, yet the GoFundMe page she’d set up had attracted littlemorethan$6000.

It’s Kirsty 2.0. I feel like I have an opportunity to survive now

- Kirsty Wesner

Raisingover$30,000inthreeweekswould be difficult for the most physically able, but for someone dangerously malnourished and underweight due to not having been abletoeatproperlyfortwoyears,itbordered onfantasy.Andadeathsentence.

“I will die without this surgery,” Ms Wesner said bluntly in the story published on22January.

While news of Ms Wesner’s plight was splashed across the front page in the inner-west, out in Melton, where she lived before moving to Footscray to be closer to medical care, a rescue attempt was quietly getting underway.

LoriKeelebecamefriendswithMsWesner after their daughters did the same. Despite the Wesners no longer living in Melton, the families remained close and Ms Keele was wellawareofherfriend’sworseninghealth.

“It was very hard to watch,” Ms Keele said of witnessing her friend’s decline while feelinghelplesstostopit.

With time running out, she reached for the break-glass option many locals go to in timesofcrisis:shecontactedKeithStephen.

Keith and Sallyann Stephen are what passes for moves and shakers in Melton. Keith runs an IT business and is a well knownlocaltrader,whilebotharemembers of Rotary Melton Valley, where Sallyann servesasthesecretary.

“It just really hit a chord with us” Mrs Stephen said of their reaction to learning aboutMsWesner’ssituation.

Thentheyswungintoaction.

“I discussed this with the members of my Rotary club to see if we could help and then reached out to most of my customers via email seeking donations to help fund Kirsty getting to Manila for this life-changing operation and many generous donations werereceived,”MrStephensaid.

“All donations were made via Rotary Melton Valley, who also donated $1000 and coordinated payment to the medical team inManila.”

Donations from Mr Stephen’s customers came in from all over the country and

while the exact total is unknown, it’s believed to have far exceeded the amount donated by the Rotary club or the $2000 provided by the Footscray Lions Club who Ms Wesner approachedherself.

“I received email correspondence from Kirsty and I said “right this seems like a desperate case where nobody else is going to help,” Footscray Lions Club member Bert Jessup recalled, pointing out that once the club had verified Ms Wesner’s story, the decision tocontributewasaneasyone.

“We had some funds available and we decidedtodonatethem,”MrJessupsaid.

While this was going on, Ms Wesner’s GoFundMe had crept up to over $9000 and with Ms Keele and her husband providing a substantialdonationaswell,thefundraising targetwassuddenlywithinreach.

“It was so touch and go,” Ms Wesner said of the last-minute dash for cash which was thenfollowedbythenotinsignificanttaskof getting$41,000tothePhilippines.

“Thebankswerecomplicatingthingsand shutting people’s bank accounts because theydidn’tthinkitwaslegitimate.”

The transfer was belatedly approved and finally, the night before Ms Wesner and her youngest daughter were due to fly out to Manillaon13February,realitysetit.

“It was kinda like, ‘okay it’s actually happeningnow,”shesaid.

Beingwheeledintosurgeryfivedayslater on18Februarywasevenmoreprofound.

“I became emotional and realised that it wasactuallygonnahappen.”

Theoperationatahospitalontheoutskirts ofManillaandlastedforroughlyfourhours.

While there were no complications, Ms Wesner awoke from the “very invasive” surgery to excruciating pain and stitches fromsternumtonaval.

“They took all of my intestines out and operated on all of it,” was her rough explanation of what Dr Alvear didintheprocedure.

Given the nature of the condition, it’s hard to think of anyotheroption.

SMACS involves the duodenum – the first part of the small intestine – being squeezed by two arteries, the SMAandtheaorta,restricting the amount of food that can bedigested.

In Ms Wesner’s case, the SMACS was further complicated by her also having Ehlers Danlos, a genetic condition that causes organs, ligaments and connective tissuetostretch,prolapseanddrop.

Having a combination of rare disorders made accessing viable treatment in Australia even rarer, with Ms Wesner claiming local doctors lacked knowledge about her ailments and often misdiagnosed herwithanorexiaorothereatingdisorders.

A rapid decline in her condition over the past two years forced her to look overseas andtoDrAlvear.

Once he began operating on her, the US-based surgeon found that not only did Ms Wesner have SMACS, but an especially badcaseofit.

“What they found was that the artery was compressing the duadenum, but there were also ligaments that were across the whole lengthofmyintestines,”MsWesnersaid.

The effect was such that not only were Ms Wesner’s intestines being squeezed, but twistedaswell,makingitalmostimpossible for food to get through. Dr Alvear and his staff were amazed that she had survived so long.

Ironically, the sagging effect from her Ehlers Danlos probably helped keep Ms Wesneralive.

“It kinda helped keep me alive for longer with that not compressing so severely,” shesaid.

Unfortunately, the Ehlers Danlos also meant Ms Wesner couldn’t take many common painkillers and with opiates such as morphine also restricted in the Philippines, her first week post surgery was rough

“Therecoverywasverybrutal,”shesaid. “It was still less pain than what I was experiencingbeforehand.”

Whatever pain there was disappeared onceMsWesnerateherfirstmealwithsolid foodsince2024.

“I cried,” she said. “When I had a burger I cried my eyes out. I hadn’t had a burger for twoyears.

“IfeltlikeIhadmylifeback.”

Discharged from hospital after 10 days and returning to Australia at the end of March, Ms Wesner has since been out for a meal with Ms Keele, the first time they’d eatentogetherinyears.

“Oh my God, she’s so much better. She’s unrecognisable,” Ms Keele said of her friend’simprovement.

The recovery has been uneven though. While Ms Wesner is able to eat and digest food and her weight has increased by 10 kilograms,hermobilityhasn’timproved.

“We’re still trying to figure that out,” she saidofwhyshewasstillwheelchair-bound.

Not that this has dimmed her newfound leaseonlife.

“It’s Kirsty 2.0. I feel like I have an opportunity to survive now,” Ms Wesner said, adding that she was preparing a presentation on SMACS that she hopes to show at Rotary clubs, while a foundation aimedateducatingAustralians,particularly clinicians, on the condition was also a possibility.

“I want my suffering to have been worth something,”shesaidofherfuturegoals.

As for all those who donated to make her new life possible, Ms Wesner is much less definitive.

“I don’t even know how to express how gratefulIamtothem.”

Left: Footscray’s Kirsty Wesner with her daughter Isla, 11, has returned from the Philippines where she had life-saving surgery. (Damjan Janevski) 546594_03 Top right: Kirsty with Dr Domingo Alvear and daughter Isla. (Supplied) Right: Kirsty and Isla with Rotary Melton Valley president Michael Dowling (left) and club member Keith Stephen. (Damjan Janevski) 546594_06 Inset: Kirsty recovering post-surgery in a Manila hospital in February. (Supplied)

Long-serving staff honoured

The dedication of 771 long-serving Western Health employees was recently recognised at the health service’s annual Length of Service Awards.

Theawardsrecognisedstaffwithservice ranging from 10 years to 50 years each –adding up to 12,660 years in total.

Two nurses from Footscray HospitalOlga Learoyd and Beverly Howard - were recognised for 50 years.

Children’s ward associate nurse unit manager Amanda Webster and plaster technician John Kinealy were recognised for 45 years of service.

Your commitment speaks volumes about why Western Health is so much more than just a place to work. It’s a place where people choose to be

- Jill Hennessy

Western Health board chair Jill Hennessy praised the dedication of the staff reaching these milestones.

“Your commitment speaks volumes about why Western Health is so much more than just a place to work. It’s a place wherepeoplechoosetobe,creatingatruly unique environment that’s strengthened through your ongoing connection with and support of one another,” Professor Hennessy said.

“For many of you, this dedication extends beyond your immediate roles.

You mentor students and guide newly graduated staff, helping to carry forward the legacy of excellence you have helped build.”

Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison thanked Length of Service

Help stop waste truck fires

Batteries and electronic devices with built-in batteries are causing about one fireeachmonthinBrimbankwastetrucks, according to council.

Council said that when risky items such as mobile phones and computers, e-bikes, electronic toys and vapes, go into waste trucks,theyarecrushedduringcollection. This pressure can cause batteries to spark and start fires. Burning waste must be emptied onto the street to stop trucks catching fire.

Mayor Virginia Tachos said the safety of the community depends on everyone doing the right thing.

“Placing e-waste and batteries in your regular household bins is dangerous. It puts waste truck drivers, thecommunityandemergencyservicesat risk,” she said.

“That’s why it’s important to take batteries and e-waste waste to proper

recycling centres or drop-off locations.”

Council recently opened four new e-waste hubs for small to medium items including batteries, phones and vapes at Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine; Keilor Community Hub, 704b Old Calder Highway, Keilor; Kororoit Creek NeighbourhoodHouse,61aSelwynStreet, Albion; and Sunshine Leisure Centre, 5 Kennedy Street Sunshine.

E-waste and battery drop-off points and e-waste hubs were already operating at Brimbank Resource Recovery Centre, Stadium Drive, Keilor Park; Brimbank AquaticandWellnessCentre,KeilorDown; Brimbank Libraries in Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham; CommUnity+ Neighbourhood House, Deer Park; West Sunshine Community Centre; and Westvale Community Centre, Kings Park.

recipients for their loyalty, dedication, and unwavering support to both the organisation and wider community.

“Whilethereasonsfordedicatingsucha largepartofyourcareertoWesternHealth will be different for each of you, I hope it’s

because you’ve found purpose in your work, built meaningful connections with your colleagues, and felt supported to grow, whether as a subject matter expert or as a leader in your field,” Professor Harrison said.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos at the new e-waste hub at the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre. (Supplied)

Western Health board chair, Professor Jill Hennessy, John Kinealy and Western Health chief exeutive Professor Russell Harrison. (Pictures: Supplied)

Above: Amanda Webster, Suzie Ristevski and Joan Reivers. Below: Footscray nurses Beverly Howard and Olga Learoyd.

MY PLACE

Jackie and Laurence Jackson are Sydenham locals. They spoke to Sam Porter about their community, and a short film they recently acted in called ‘A Long Goodbye’, which follows the story of a couple exploring the effects of dementia.

What’s your connection to Brimbank?

We arrived in Australia from the UK in August, 2007, arriving to a culture shock with the weather. Having had numerous holidays here before we settled we had never been after the month of April, and coming from the UK to Australia was always thought of as hot. Not so, as we foundout.Wedecidedtosettleintheareaof Brimbank,thisdecisionwasmadebecause wehavetwodaughtersalreadysettledhere and buying our home where we did would mean we would be living in the area in the middleofboththeirhomes.Wehavenever lookedtoliveanywhereelse.

What do you love about where you live?

Theareaisquiet.Wehavealovelyupgraded park right across the road from our home for the little children, the neighbours are lovely, we are not far from a bus stop, a doctororachemist,allthethingsyouneed as you age a bit. We are only a 20-minute walk to the train station, which is what we normallydo.

What do you love about Brimbank?

Brimbank covers a huge area all within easy travelling time to the city, St Albans and Sunshine - for its diverse multi cultures and restaurants. You can be on the freeway in no time, taking you to the beach or countryside. I have to mention the cleansing department at Brimbank council. Council’s get a bad press, sometimes you cannot please everyone all of the time. We have lived here for 18 years and have had dogs which require walking, so that means you become aware of things thatneedattention,Wehavehadtocontact the cleansing department on occasion and they have always responded in a timely manner, usually the next day. We cannot faultthematall.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

We have various places we like to spend our time. Brimbank Park is the top one, especially with the café. There is nothing nicer than having a good walk finished off with a hot chocolate and one of their enormous scones. We can highly recommend those. Laurence enjoys the interaction at the Delahey dog park where both he and Coco the dog start their day every morning. We also like going to the communitycentreatWatergardens.

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

We are avid ballroom dancers and can recommend Rosie’s dance on a Monday afternoon if anyone has an interest in dancing. Nice teacher, nice company. I think a lot of people would be surprised to learn that we are both qualified dance teachers ourselves but leave teaching to otherpeoplenow.

Howdidyougetinvolvedintheshortfilm, ‘A Long Goodbye,’ by Deepthy Nirmala? And what does the project mean to you both?

We have recently completed a short film titled ‘A Long Goodbye’ written and directed by an acquaintance of ours. She waslookingforacoupleinouragegroupto play a couple that was feeling the effects of onehavingdementia.InourcaseLaurence was the carer for Jackie, otherwise known as Betty and Peter. This is not something we would normally do but in doing this we hopefully gave someone a helping hand to further her career and also bring to the attention of people who fortunately have had no experience of having to care for someone with dementia - a little insight intothedisease.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago 21 May, 1986

St Albans Labor Party factions are in turmoil this week after the threatened mass resignations of hundreds of members from Victoria’s biggest branch.

30 years ago 22 May, 1996

Brimbankresidentswillvotebypostfor nine councillors, each with their own ward,inelectionstobeheldinMarch.

20 years ago 23 May, 2006

Construction on the long-awaited Deer Park bypass appears set to start in September - two months ahead of schedule.

10 years ago 24 May, 2016

Dog, cat and rabbit bites accounted for almost 140 admissions to Western Health’s emergency departments over two years, according to a new research report.

Laurence and Jackie Jackson. (Damjan Janevski) 551267_01

Faces of the north and west

The Work Studio

• Coworking & Serviced Offices with 24/7 Access and NBN connectivity

• Catering for individuals to large enterprises

• Fully furnished with desks and chairs

• Includes all outgoings and internet

• Amenities include phone booths, meeting and boardrooms, large training & conference rooms, kitchen and dining, breakout and quiet areas

• Flexible lease terms

• Move in immediately

• Lots of parking options

• Security concierge at lobby level

• Located next to Sunshine Public Transport Super-Hub

Premium co working and private offices now available on the fifth floor of an A grade building close to Sunshine Station. Excellent views, natural light and flexible options for individuals and teams. Contact us now for more information and to book an inspection.

Each week, Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western and northernsuburbs.

Sunshine Primary School’s Robert Suffolk with students Huy, Kail, Kasen, Max and Ayla. (Damjan Janevski) 551428_04

Jackie Ly and her daughter Isla, ,3, learn about keeping cats safe indoors. (Damjan Janevski) 550492_05

Vinnies Footscray is hosting a fashion parade fundraiser. (Damjan Janevski) 550494_05

Wyndham councillor Susan McIntyre at Saltwater Community Centre ahead of its 10th birthday. (Damjan Janevski) 552005_03

Sleepless Footscray organisers Victoria Marinho and Stewart Bruce. (Damjan Janevski) 550998_04

Belong exhibition curator Zahraa Al Zubaydi. (Damjan Janevski) 551193_01

Gunmen found guilty

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

Two men who gunned down gangland figure Gavin Preston have been found guilty of murder.

A Victorian Supreme Court jury delivered its verdicts for Jaeden Tito, 25, and Rabii Zahabe, 26, on Friday 8 May after three days of deliberations.

The two men had denied they were the masked shooters who stormed Preston, 50, at a Keilor cafe on 9 September , 2023.

Footage played to the jury showed Preston and his friend Abbas Maghnie sitting outside Sweet Lulus cafe when two

men dressed in black jumped out of a car and fired shots.

Preston was fatally struck while Mr Maghnie was also hit by a single bullet but survived.

Police believe the attack on Preston was a planned underworld contract killing and intelligence reports suggested he had amassed a number of enemies, the jury was told.

But the barristers representing Tito and Zahabe argued detectives charged the wrong men with murder and they were not the shooters.

Tito’s barrister Daniel Sala told the jury

it was illogical for someone to have hired two inexperienced men for such a serious job.

“You’re sending someone who knows what they’re doing, who has experience,” he said in his closing address.

Mr Sala said it was open for the jury to instead conclude Tito had been involved in moving the stolen getaway cars into position before the murder.

Zahabe’s barrister Paul Smallwood also argued his client was not involved, rather he was told about the shooting after it happened as he hitched a ride back to NSW.

Senior crown prosecutor Kristie Chur-

Dedication of volunteers celebrated

Brimbank’s volunteers are in the spotlight as the city celebrates those who give up their time to help others.

National Volunteer Week, which runs from 18-24 May, is a chance to recognise the volunteers in the community.

The theme of this year’s celebrations is ‘your year to volunteer’.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos said council recognised the extraordinary contribution volunteers make across the community each day.

“From supporting young people through the L2P Learner Driver Mentor-

ing Program, to assisting in our libraries, neighbourhood houses, civic events and environment programs, volunteers help make our city more connected, inclusive and compassionate,” she said.

“On behalf of council, I thank every volunteer for the time, care and dedication they generously give.”

Cr Tachos described volunteers as the heart of the community.

“Their willingness to give their time and skills strengthens local programs, supports vulnerable residents and creates opportunities for people to thrive,”

she said.

“This National Volunteer Week, we especially recognise the remarkable commitment of those celebrating significant milestones, including one volunteer marking 25 years of service and eight volunteers celebrating 15 years.

“Their longstanding dedication is an inspiring example of community spirit in action.

“This year’s National Volunteer Week theme ... is a powerful reminder that everyone has something valuable to contribute.”

chill SC urged the jury to convict the two men, saying the case was strong albeit circumstantial.

She pointed to DNA evidence which connected Zahabe and Tito to two balaclavas and a glove believed to have been used in the attack.

DNA also linked the pair to three getaway cars used immediately after the murder.

The jury also found Tito and Zahabe guilty of the attempted murder of Mr Maghnie.

They will each face a pre-sentence hearing at a later date.

Meningococcal B vaccines to be free for teens

Victorian teenagers will soon be able to receive free meningococcal B vaccines.

Health Minister Harriet Shing announced the free vaccines for the life-threatening disease will be made available to year 10 students from 1 January, 2027.

The state government said that while the vaccine is already available privately through GPs, it comes at a cost of more than $250 out of pocket.

The rollout of the free vaccine will cost $9 million.

“This free vaccination program will save lives and give parents the peace of mind that their teenager is protected from this awful disease,” Ms Shing said.

It will be available through existing school immunisation programs via GPs, pharmacies, local council immunisation services, and Aboriginal health services.

Year 10 students (or age equivalent) have been found to be one of the highest risk groups of contracting the disease, the state government said.

It also aligns with the timing of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine given to Year 10s under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule.

Brimbank volunteers Peter Thomson, Lily Simovic, Joan Ellis, Cecilia Gomez, Liljana Simonovska, Pauline Farrugia and Miranda Kwai Chan. (Damjan Janevski)542220_03

Classic hairstyles for women: Styles that shine at every age

As we age, finding a hairstyle that fits our changing hair texture and complements ourfeaturescanmakeallthedifference.

Whether you prefer a neat short cut or a graceful longer style, there are so many options in hairstyles for older women that canbringoutyourbest.

Here’s a look at some timeless haircuts for the older woman and a few tips to keep maturehairlookingitsbest.

Short and Chic: Haircuts for Senior Women

Short hair can be stylish and practical, adding a fresh touch that’s easy to manage. Hereareafewclassicshortstyles:

Pixie Cut: Short, sassy, and always stylish, the pixie cut is perfect if you want a low-maintenance look. It’s a great haircut forolderwomen,especiallyifyouaddlayers for a bit of extra texture and volume - ideal forthinninghair.

Classic Bob: The bob has been a timeless favourite among haircuts for the older woman. You can go sleek and straight for a polished look or add a few waves for something more relaxed. A chin-length bob can frame the face beautifully, while a longerversionoffers versatility.

Mid-Length Marvels: Hairstyles For OlderWomen

Shoulder-Length Layers: This cut keeps enough length to play with while still being easy to manage. It works beautifully with straight or wavy hair, adding softness and movement without needing too much styling.

Soft Curls: For those with natural waves or curls, a mid-length cut can help show off your hair’s texture. A bit of mousse or curl cream can help define the curls, giving

you a carefree yet elegant style that’s full of bounce.

Keeping It Long: Haircuts For Older WomanWhoLovesLength

Long Layers: Layers can keep long hair from feeling heavy, adding movement and shape. This style works wonders for those with thicker hair, letting you keep your lengthwithoutlosingthebounce.

Loose Waves: Loose waves create a

romantic, easygoing look that’s perfect for longhair.Youcangetthelookwithacurling ironorbybraidingyourhairwhenit’sdamp andlettingitdrynaturally.It’sagreatwayto addvolumewithouttoomucheffort.

At Centennial Living, we know that looking good is part of feeling good. At our friendly Retirement Living Villages, residentscanenjoyactivitiesthathelpthem feel their best – whether it’s sharing styling

tips over a cuppa, going to the hair salon together or enjoying a stroll through the gardens. We understand that self-care is an important part of living well, and a great haircutisonewaytokeepthatsparkalive.

If you would like to see more types of activities we offer in our Centennial Living Retirement Villages, please visit www.centennialliving.com.au today!

Centennial Living understands the importance of self-care. (Supplied)

Boosting women’s health

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Even though Australia has one of the best andmostaccessiblemedicalsystemsinthe world,it’simportanttonotethatsometimes overtheyearsithasn’tbeenwithoutfault.

One substantial area in which it was for decades less than ideal was women’s health. A combination of lack of focused funding, inadequate training and policy priority meant that conditions such as endometriosis, menopause and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) didn’t always receivetheattentiontheydeserved.

Across Melbourne’s north and west there are these days, thankfully, plenty of GPs very well aware of the pain and discomfort causedbywomen’shealthconditions.There are also specialist women’s health services availableatMeltonHealthandCommunity Services and the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’scentreatSunshineHospital.

Now, too, though, we have a whole new facility dedicated to the field. Funded by the Australian Government, there is a endometriosis and pelvic pain clinic in the west, one of 33 operating around the country.

Based at Werribee Medical and Dental Care, it provides expert, multidisciplinary services for endometriosis, PCOS, and other conditions. It also supports women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause andmenopause.

And that’s important, because it means women can discuss these matters without theanxietythatsometimesmayarisewhen talking about them with their regular GPs.

It also means that for thousands of women and girls in the outer western suburbs they

can find help and support much closer to home.

Endometriosis affects at least one in seven, often causing chronic pain and fertility issues. Many women can endure years waiting for a diagnosis, which may have a devastating impact on their daily lives.

Stories for other conditions are distressinglysimilar.

Now,though,thingsarelookingup.

Patients don’t need a formal diagnosis of endometriosis or a referral from another doctor to visit the Werribee Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic (as it’s formally known).

The focus is firmly on early access to intervention and support, to make sure treatment and management is as easy as possible.

And if Werribee is too far away to reach easily, telehealth appointments are available.

Werribee Medical and Dental Centre is a fully bulk-billing clinic. It is located at 1-5StationPlace,Werribee,3030. Call (03) 8734 0333 or visit werribeemedicalcentre.com.au for operating hours and to book an appointment.

Support for endometriosis and pelvic pain is available at a new clinic in Werribee.

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Office of the Pope (6)

4 Understood by a select few (8)

9 Fault (7)

11 Reindeer (7)

12 Quality of being experienced (11)

13 Determined (3)

14 BLT, e.g. (8)

16 Become liable to (5)

19 US city (5)

20 Tissue death (8)

22 ‘Born’ (3)

24 One who studies the development of words (11)

26 Tsar’s wife (7) 27 Flyer (7)

29 Faith (8)

30 Biological molecular catalyst (6)

1 Boll (3) 2 Baltic region (9) 3 Made well (5) 5 Football (6) 6 Defeating soundly (9) 7 Picture puzzle (5) 8 Fake (money) (11) 10 Jerk (6) 12 British parliament (11)

15 Bleaching (9)

17 A physical science (9)

18 Buddhist temple (6)

21 Electrical generator (6)

23 Cyber message (5)

25 Commonly used edible bulb (5)

28 Cereal (3)

16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 32 words: Excellent Today’s Aim:

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”. C A D N T E D A I

3

1 Which Russian playwright wrote TheCherryOrchard, Three Sisters and UncleVanya?

2 Greenware is the term for pottery that has not yet undergone what process?

3 What was the name of the moon in BearintheBigBlueHouse? 4 Fleetwood Mac’s three principal songwriters were Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and which other member?

5 The headquarters of the UN are located in which city?

6 Which British singer topped the 2026 Triple J Hottest 100 with the song Man I Need?

7 Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs were originally bred to hunt what animal?

8 Which conflict is widely recognised to have ended with the Good Friday Agreement of 1998?

9 Name the three countries whose national flags feature a dragon.

10 Caleb McLaughlin (pictured) plays Lucas Sinclair in which scifi TV show?

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

National Sorry Day

Join Brimbank council on National Sorry Day for a commemoration event to reflect on the historical and ongoing impacts of the Stolen Generations. The event will feature a keynote address by Aunty Eva Jo Edwards (Stolen Generations survivor), storytelling by Aunty Jacqueline Watkins sharing her mother’s poetry, a wreath laying ceremony and light refreshments and a chance to yarn with First Nations community members from noon. Please note: Personal stories may include distressing experiences. Please consider your wellbeing and seek support if needed. The event will be held at Visy Cares Hub Auditorium, 80b Harvester Road, Sunshine, from 11am-12.30pm on 25 May. Registration essential. https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1550309

Activities for older adults

Keilor Activities for Older Adults meets every Tuesday at 10am for walks and social connection. Whether you can walk for 30, 60 or 90 minutes, you are welcome to come along and join in. The group also has lunches and other social get-togethers throughout the year.

Lynda, 0431 345 161

Maltese Folklore Association

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

9356 4638

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

9366 4302

St Albans Bowls Club

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

Living and Learning in Sunshine Duke Street Community House invites community members interested in getting to know the local area whilst practicing their language skills to join this fun and social English class. Held Thursdays 12.30-3pm (term time only) at Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine. www.dsch.org.au/

Queers Out West

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of award-winning cabaret artist Miss Friby, who is taking over the historic Bluestone Church Artspace in Footscray. (Damjan Janevski) 552322_01

diverse fields. Sessions run from 4.30-5.30pm on Tuesdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park.

The Gathering Table

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

Zumba Class in Deer Park

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

Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning

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

Centre, 105 Glengala Road. 9663 6733, or events@ds.org.au

Budding Artists

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

Crafternoons

Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to a free adult social opportunity to get together and be creative. Learn a new craft or bring along your own craft projects. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.30-2.30pm, at the Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine. 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au

Over 50’s club

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

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

Sunshine Community Brass

Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays, from 7.30pm. Andrew, 0419 444 620

Deer Park Probus Club

The Deer Park Probus Club meets at the Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, Deer Park on the second Wednesday of the month from February to December. Meet at 10am followed by lunch available from 12pm. The club offers bus trips, lunches, morning melodies etc. New members welcome. 0427 495 584

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

Soccer at The Substation

The Substation in Newport is about to play host to a new billboard art project that puts women’s soccer front and centre.

‘Grassroots Never Dies, Worldwide’ is an exhibition of photography and embroidery from London-based textile artist Nicole Chui made in collaboration with local Melbourne soccer club, Brunswick Zebras.

The exhibition is an extension of Chui’s original project ‘Grassroots Never Dies,’

which was based on the London-based grassroots team she co-founded; Baes FC; a grassroots football community for women, trans, and non-binary people of Asian heritage to play soccer.

Thetitleofbothexhibitionsisinspiredby the community organising involved in local grassroots soccer, especially during periods of transition, and the difficult yet necessary changes needed to build a strong founda-

tion for the future.

Known for artwork that is messy, brash, and disruptive, Chui’s work explores her identitythroughsoccer,butalsoothersports forms of movement, especially dance.

Before focusing on art, Chui spent 10 years training to be a ballet dancer.

Grassroots Never Dies, Worldwide will be launched The Substation on Thursday 21 May alongside fellow artist Megan Stread-

Jackson returns home in new exhibition

Hume artist Kim Jackson’s exhibition has arrived at Sunbury’s Hume Global Learning Centre.

Jackson’s collection of works, titled Return, spans over a series of mediums, as she returns to her own past ideas and imagesasameansofquarryingdeeperinsights into changing feelings and exploring the potential of her imagery to communicate with the shifting emotions of her viewers. Featuring florals and plants, the series of pieces are designed to work togetherasacohesivegroup,Jacksonsaid.

“My hope was that each piece would strengthen the other and that I could create a sense of resonance through colour relationships and repetition of motifs,”

shesaid. “Thiswasimportantbecausethe art works are quite different in their composition - I’ve incorporated installation, soft sculpture, embroidery, drawing and painting.”

The Westmeadows-based artist said she was inspired by her recent return to theareawhereshegrewup. “Movingback toWestmeadowsandreturningtothearea I grew up in brought back a lot of memories, particularly of being at my grandparents, where being in and tending to the garden and being surrounded by flowers were central,” Jackson said.

“My uncle would grow orchids, and most of the vegetables we would eat, and the memories of being in that garden still

hold so much emotional weight for me.

“When I was making the work last year, I was grappling with grief related to my own health situation and some family circumstances, and making work related to plants and flowers provided an anchor and a lot of comfort.”

Jackson said being in the studio and creatingwasawayforhertostopandslow down. “I found myself making things that required me to work really slowly and deliberately, so that being in the studio felt like a way into a sense of contemplation, where I could really explore and enjoy the physicality of the material I was working withandalsohaveaspacetoprocesswhat was going on,” she said.

Catch the finest work-in-progress at Wyndham Cultural Centre

If you want to see some of Melbourne’s best creatives in action, then Werribee is the place to be on Friday 19 June.

The Green Room Project Showcase will be on full display at the Wyndham Cultural Centre from 7-9pm.

This initiative unleashes a new wave of emerging writers, each delivering original 10-minute plays that ignite the stage with raw emotion, striking originality, and unforgettable voices.

A collaboration between Wyndham Cultural Centre Theatre and Melbourne Writers’ Theatre offered the opportunity

for local playwrights to develop a fulllength play.

Participants were supported at every stage by an experienced dramaturg, which is a literary adviser, researcher, and editor in theatre, opera, or film who guides a playwright, for those who might not be familiar with the term.

Throughout the process, the emerging talent tried their hands at hands-on writing workshops, a script development session, a rehearsal and a live showcase. In this showcase evening, you will have the rare opportunity to see these

pieces as work-in-progresses, and experience stories that are on the path to becoming complete, finished plays– theatre in its most daring stage.

The show is suitable for audiences aged 18 years and older due to adult themes and strong coarse language.

It is also worth noting that this performance may contain smoke, haze and strobe lighting.

Tickets: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/whats-on/green-room-projectshowcase-emerging

er’s latest work ‘A Residual Pulse.’

Both exhibitions will be launched from 6pm and will be followed at 8pm with a screening of the art installation ‘Margaret and the Grey Mare’ in The Substation Main Space.

Thelauncheventisfree,butbookingsare essential.

Details: https://thesubstation.org.au/ program/grassroots-never-dies-worldwide

Western suburbs idol favourite to perform at the Royal

FreshfromastandoutrunonAustralianIdol, westernsuburbsfavouriteJacintaGuirguisis headingbacktoBacchusMarshforaspecial live performance that has already sent local fans into a frenzy.

Better known by her many fans as Cynta, she will perform a second show by popular demand at Royal Hotel on Sunday 24 May following a string of impressive performances which landed her a spot in the top six on this year’s season of Australian Idol.

Demand for a first show on Saturday 17 May saw tickets fly out the door, with organisers revealing tickets sold out before the show could even be officially posted online.

The show is expected to draw huge crowds, with the venue preparing for capacity attendance and advising ticket holders to arrive early.

Local performers Paul and Nath will kick off the afternoon’s entertainment from 1pm ahead of Cynta’s highly anticipated appearance later in the day.

Fans lucky enough to secure tickets have also been told there may be queues while staff check ticketing and issue wristbands for those staying beyond 4.30pm for the main performance.

For Bacchus Marsh locals, the performance marks a homecoming celebration for one of the region’s rising music stars after her breakout success on national television.

The show kicks off at 6pm on Sunday 24 May, and tickets are priced at $15.

Details and tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/cynta-second-hometownthank-you-show

Kim Jackson at her exhibition at Sunbury Library. (Damjan Janevski) 552487_01

Royal Hotel owner Tracey Seiarra with former Australian Idol Jacinta Guirguis. (Damjan Janevski) 548740_02

SPORTS QUIZ

1. This year’s Giro d’Italia started in which country?

2. Adidas recently unveiled a FIFA World Cup advert starring Lionel Messi, David Beckham and

3. Name the current world No.1 women’s tennis player.

4. Padel is a combination of which two other sports?

13. Players have threatened to boycott which major tennis tournament due to pay disagreements?

y

face left or right?

14. Which Australian cricket all-rounder scored a halfcentury and took four wickets in this years PSL final?

Is the Melbourne C trophy awarded to th jockey, the owner or the horse?

15. Soccer player Mary Fowler competes for which English Women’s Super League club?

NBA player Victor Wembanyama’s conventional offse training included tim with which group?

16. Which F1 driver has taken pole position and won each of the last three Grands Prix?

Stars from which TV series were selected torchbearers for the Milano Cortina Winte Games?

17. Which 22-year-old Australian batting allrounder scored a century in the current edition of the IPL?

22. Which Australian cyclist recently suffered a raceending crash in the Giro d’Italia?

27. How many weight divisions are officially recognised in professional boxing?

After the MCG, whi AFL stadium has the highest capacity?

18. Which NFL player has the most touchdown passes in the sport’s history?

23. Swimmer Alexa Leary recently missed out on selection for which upcoming sporting event?

28. In 1993, what type of animal was infamously released onto the field during a Sydney Swans match?

10 Which NBA tea won the lottery for first pick in the 202 Draft?

19. How much did the AFL fine Carlton over the Elijah Hollands on-field mental health episode?

24. Which site in Melbourne will be a hub for fans to gather and watch the Socceroos during the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

29. Which nation traditionally marches last during the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony?

11 What colour j does the leader o general classifica of the Giro d’Ita wear?

20. Which Australian city is constructing a golf course in order to host the LIV Golf and Australian Open tournaments?

25. A domestic cricket team in which country recently encouraged fans to work at their games rather than at home or the office.

30. The 2027 Cricket World Cup will be hosted by South Africa, Namibia and which other nation?

Which co has won the Men’s Rug World Cu

21. The Melbourne Victory FC AWT soccer team exclusively features players from which country?

26. Actors Kevin Costner, Tom Hanks and Sydney Sweeney have all recently attended matches of which sporting league?

Mary Fowler Fowler

New MG IM is superb driving

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Another week, another new brand name, although in this case it’s actually a new sub-brand.

It’s called IM and it’s the new premium electric division of MG. Think Lexus to Toyota,GenesistoHyundai,etc.

And just to confuse matters further we’re told that its complete name is ‘IM Presented by MG’. Good luck with anyone actually adhering to that. To keep things simple, we’ll just stick with the IM nametag here.

The two first models are the IM5 and IM6, not to be confused with MI5 and MI6 which aretheUKgovernment’sSpyCatchers.

IM5 is a sedan, IM6 is an SUV, both around the same length with variations of fastback styling but with the IM6 around 200mmtaller.

IM6 comes in three variants. The entry-level Premium has a 75kWh lithium-ion battery charging a single, rear-mounted battery. It’s priced at $60,990 driveaway.

The mid-spec Platinum model uses a 100kWh Nickel-metal hydride (NMC) battery, also with a single rear motor. Driveawaypriceis$69,990.

Top of the range is the IM6 Performance, priced at $80,990. It uses the same 100kWh NMC battery as the Platinum, but has a second, front-mounted motor providing all-wheeldrive.

Styling

Design of the IM6 is very smooth with none of the boxiness that used to identify SUVs. In that respect it can easily be mistaken for what’s likely to be its closest competitor, the TeslaModelY.

The most common feature that attracted attention from passers-by was the unfamiliar badge that sits on the front and rear of the vehicle. It features two bars at a 45-degree angle with small round dots on either side. Just for fun, we checked and found that dot-dash-dash-dot in Morse CoderepresentstheletterP.

Whilewecouldn’tfindanysignificanceto this,thereisafunctionalaspecttothebadge at the rear where, pushing the left-hand dot openstheboot.

TheonlycluetotheIM’sfamilyconnection is also at the rear where the ‘MG Motor’ badgeappearsontheleftside.

There’s a patterned black plastic trim along the side and also at the rear below a fullwidthlightbar.

As expected, all lighting is LED with the front wraparound headlight assemblies incorporating the turn indicators sitting aboveverticaldaytimerunninglights.

There’s much more character at the rear of the car than what we found a fairly bland front.

Afull-lengthfixedpanoramicglassroofis standard on all variants. It’s double-glazed butdoesn’tcomewithaslidingsunblind.

Entry-level Premium runs on 20-inch alloy wheels, with Platinum and Performance step up to 21-inch alloy with differingdesigns.Performanceincludesred brakecalipers.

Fiveexteriorcoloursareavailable.Athena White is standard. Ares Black, Rembrandt Grey, Raphael Beige and Nevis Blue are $1000options.

Interior

The dashboard has two screens. Spanning most of the top of the dashboard is a 26.3-inchscreenthatcombinestouchscreen multimedia features on the left and an adjustable driver’s instrument cluster on theright.

A smaller, 10.5-inch, touchscreen sits on an angle at the base of the dashboard within easy reach of the driver. Virtually every feature that operates the vehicle is controlled from here, many in combination with two rollers on the steering wheel. Even adjustingthesidemirrorsisdonehere.We’ll lookatthisissuelaterinourDrivingsection.

There is a choice of two quilted soft-touch synthetic leather seats ineither Dover Beige orHighlandGrey.

A ventilated wireless smartphone chargingpadisstandard.

Boot space in the IM6 Performance is 646 litres with the rear seatback folded, expanding to 1600 litres when they are folded. There’s also a 32-litre front storage space, ideal for keeping charging equipment. No spare wheel, only the typicallyunreliabletyrerepairkit.

Both driver and front passenger get poweredseatswithheating,ventilationand adjustablethighsupport.Rearseatsarealso heated.

Powertrain

IM6ispoweredbytwomotorsthatcombine to provide outputs of 572 kW and 802 Nm from The IM6 Performance is based on the same 800V architecture that’s been used in vehicles such as the Kia EV 6 and Hyundai Ionic 5. That higher voltage provides greater powerdeliveryandfasterchargingtimes.

Driving range on the WLTP combined cycle starts at 450km from the Premium 75 kWh up to 555km in the Platinum 100 kWh, dropping down to 505km with the heavier Performance.

The CCS Type 2 charge port is located at the rear left-hand side with an 11kW onboardchargingunit.

Maximum DC charging power from the 100-kWh battery is listed at 396 kW with a claimed DC charge time from 30 to 80 percentof15.2minutes.

There is a Vehicle to Load (V2L) feature withamaximumof6.6kW.

Infotainment

There are only two USB ports in the IM6, oneinthefrontandoneintherear.Bothare USB-C.

Audio in all variants is through a bespoke 20-speaker system that includes four sky speakersintheheadlinerthatcanbepaired with the vehicle’s 256-colour ambient lightingsystem.

IM6 is compatible with the MG iSMART smartphone application to remotely control functions monitoring, charging and checking vehicle location and route planning.

Safety

MG IM 6 was tested by ANCAP in July 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating. All three variants get the same features includingtheMGPilotsuite.

In addition to seven airbags there is a comprehensiveAdvancedDriverAssistance System(ADAS)withalargerangeoffeatures include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane support system, hill hold, blind spot detection, rear cross-trafficalert,drivermonitoringsystem, 360-degreecameraandsensors,rainynight mode,andautomaticparkingassistance.

Driving

Entry through the pop-out flush door handles is keyless either by touching the door handle, pressing on the key fob, using an NFC key card or the MG iSmart mobile app.

Large windows and side mirrors provide excellent visibility in these directions enhanced by side camera images that are projected onto monitors on either side of the dashboard when turn indicators are activated.

The big problem, and it’s quite serious, is rear vision. Although the rear window is quite large it lies at such an angle that it only provides a narrow slit from the driver’s mirror.

To compensate, there is a rear-pointing camera that is activated from the steering wheel buttons and displays the view onto a third monitor, this one in the centre of the dash. There are three timing options, 10 seconds, 30 seconds and two minutes after whichtheimagedisappears.

Call me old-fashioned, but I want to be abletoseewhat’sbehindmeatalltimes.

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The IM6 Performance model comes with air suspension that is operated by buttons on the side wall of the boot. It can adjust ground clearance across a range of 70mm.

There’s bi-directional steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 12 degrees of rear-wheel articulation that allows a low-speed ‘crabwalk’ mode to assist access totightparkingspots.

Turning circle is a class-leading 10.2 metres. By way of comparison the MG ZS smallhatchbackneeds10.4metres.

With virtually every feature controlled through one or other of the touchscreens, we were faced with the usual dilemma of having to locate and adjust even the most basicoffeatures.

There is no start/stop button. All that the driver needs to do is depress the brake pedal, select either Drive or Reverse and moveaway.

Being an EV acceleration is instant and spectacular, to such an extent that the zero to 100km/h sprint can be done in just a claimed 3.4 seconds. That’s supercar territory.

Acoustic glass windows, active noise cancellation and soft-touch materials combine to provide an impressively quiet cabinridequalityintheIM6Performance Summary

ThenewMIbrandtakesMGintoalevelthat the ex-British, now Chinese, brand could hardly have envisaged a decade ago. Gone isanysuggestionofthe‘cheapandcheerful’ tagthatearlyMGmodelscarried.

Technophiles will love the IM5 and IM6 and will revel in working through the myriadofhigh-techfeatures.Traditionalists –guiltyascharged–willbefrustratedbythe relianceonthesamethingandbythelackof physicalcontrols.

To keep it in perspective there is plenty of scope for creating shortcuts including the ability to turn off some ADAS features with a single touch as well as voice activation to minimise using the screens and the annoyingalerts.

Where both parties will agree is on the superbdrivingqualities.

Gone is any suggestion of the ‘cheap and cheerful’ tag that early MG models carried. (Pictures: Supplied)

A weekend of big match ups

There was a plenty of big match ups on Saturday across all sports. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shootingsomeoftheaction.

St Albans’ Finn Urie. 553487_03

Rupertswood’s Matt McDonald. 553487_04

Keilor’s Nick O’Kearney. 553484_02

Greenvale’s Daman Aujla. 553484_10

Craigieburn’s Mietta Datson and Burnside Heights’ Kynesha Barker. 553481_06

Keilor Park’s Caitlyn Crameri. 553479_03

Gisborne’s Amanda Crooks. 553479_12

Craigieburn’s Maddison Albrecht. 553481_01

Albion’s Joshua Bench. 553488_05

Albion’s Cody Bench goes to lay a tackle on Spotswood’s Sam Leitch. 553488_12

Sharks stun Aberfeldie

By Tara Murray

Hillside pulled off the upset of the Essendon District Football League premier division season so far, beating Aberfeldie on Saturday.

The Sharks, who already had one win in their first season in premier division, pulled off one of the biggest wins in the club’s history against Abers.

The match had periods of dominance from both sides and the Sharks had to get the win the hard way in their first ever match up with Abers.

The two sides traded the lead in the final quarter.

A goal to Nick Fluke in the 25th minute was enough to put the Sharks in front,

deep in the last quarter.

They were able to hold on, winning 14.7 (91)-14.6 (90).

Sharks’ coach Mo Kaakour couldn’t be prouder of the playing group.

“It’s awesome waking up after a win like that,” Kaakour said on Sunday.

“We’re a work in progress. Last week was a let down and the boys trained really hard during the week and they were able to put into place what we wanted.

“It was awesome.”

Kaakour said the biggest thing for the group was the way they went about it.

They found themselves down by 13 points heading into the final quarter.

“They had the ascendency,” Kaakour said of Abers.

“We had periods of time where we were able to implement our structures and what we wanted to put in place.

“Credit to the group that when a side looks like they will get away from us, we chip away ... and get it going the other way and hit the scoreboard, and then you’re always a chance to get the result.

“It was an arm wrestle all day and we were in front at the right time.”

Lucas Failli and James McNaughton kicked four goals each for the Sharks.

Atunaisa Bosenavulagi, Adeola Akintola and Noah Asciak were named their best.

After eight rounds, the Sharks sit eighth on the ladder with a 2-4 record.

The test now for the Sharks is to back it

Solid win helps keep the Cats on track

By Tara Murray

Everything is on track for Albion in the Western Football League division 1 competition.

The Cats moved to 4-2 on Saturday as they beat Spotswood in a solid performance.

Cats’ coach Blake Richards said they were happy with how they were going.

“We’re going OK and continuing to get better from last year,” he said. “We’ve got better personnel and a bit fitter as well internally.

“We beat them at home last year and Point Cook we had never beaten until a few weeks ago.

“The next couple of weeks we have Hoppers Crossing and Altona which are really winnable games for us.”

On Saturday, the Cats led the Woodsmen at every break.

It was game on at half time with the margin at 11 points.

After the break, the Cats kicked eight goals to four to come away with a 15.12 (102)-9.11 (65) win.

“Spotswood had one or two out includ-

ing David Iaccarino” Richards said.

“We adjusted the game plan and focused on their premier movers as our out layers are a bit stronger.

“That proved to be true. We were 11 points up at half time after we kicked one on the siren but we felt we were in control of the game.

“The midfield was quite even but our backs and forwards were in front. Our forwards stood up and controlled it in the air.”

Daniel Rosenzweig kicked five goals for the Cats.

Co-captains Caleb and Darcy McPherson were named the Cats best.

Richards said the pair, who have been leading the way with their performances this season, both finished the game on the bench as they looked after a couple of niggles.

He said both would be fine for round seven and that they’ve now got that extra depth outside of them to allow them to rest a bit and look forward.

The Cats sit sixth on the ladder, on the same amount of wins as Parkside and Sunshine, which sit above them.

The Cats now face Altona this week.

“We have two more games before the break,” Richards said. “We want to continue on in those games and if we can go in 6-2, we would be rapt.

“We should win one of those games, so we’ll see how we go.”

In other results, Sunshine also got its fourth win of the season, beating Point Cook Centrals.

The Kangaroos won 17.13 (115)-4.4 (28).

Mark Mazzeo and Steven Nabaki were named the Kangaroos best.

Caroline Springs continued its good form as it beat Point Cook, 23.11 (149)-8.9 (57).

Malik Elfakahani kicked eight goals in the win.

The Lakers sit second on the ladder with only a loss to ladder leaders Werribee Districts.

In division 2, Sunshine Heights won a thriller against Albanvale, 14.9 (93)-13.9 (87)

Braybrook was also on the winners list, beating the Western Rams, 16.17 (113)-7.3 (45).

The Dragons and Brookers sit fourth and fifth, both with three wins, a draw and two losses.

up again this week.

After the Sharks win against Airport West, they were disappointing against Essendon Doutta Stars the following week.

Kaakour said it didn’t get any easier as they face Strathmore and were searching for that consistency which teams like Strathmore have had for years.

“We come into every game thinking we can win and be competitive for long periods of time,” Kaakour said.

“We respect them as an opportunity and they are the yardstick.

“There is no bigger test than playing the reigning premiers, a side like Strathmore.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Nike FC Cup

Spring Hills, Keilor Park and Caroline Springs George Cross are all through to the final 16 of the Nike FC Cup. All three teams won their round four matches on Wednesday night. Spring Hills beat Geelong Galaxy 2-0, Keilor Park beat Altona City 4-1, while Caroline Springs George Cross won the match of the night as it beat Ringwood City, 5-4 on penalties. Meanwhile, Westside Strikers were knocked out after they lost to Beaumaris on Thursday night, 1-0.

EDFL

Reigning premiers Hillside have made a shock coaching change as it tries to ignite its Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season. After starting the season 1-3 and having lost their last three games, the Sharks parted ways with Chris Daley last week. Daley, who had previously coached the Sharks men’s side, was appointed coach of the women’s side this year. Premiership coach Blaise Ferraro steps back in to coach the side. Despite the coaching change, the Sharks lost to Strathmore on Saturday, 5.11 (41)-2.7 (19).

NBL1

Keilor Thunder is now on a roll in the National Basketball League 1 South women’s competition. With most of its team back, the Thunder accounted for the Kilsyth Cobras on Saturday night, 92-71. Skipper Maddy Rocci had 32 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. Meanwhile, the Thunder men lost 99-88 to the Cobras.

NPL

St Albans Saints had to settle for a draw in the National Premier League on Saturday night. Having won their last two matches, the Saints were away against the Dandenong Thunder. The Saints scored early in the match, before the Thunder scored twice in four minutes early in the second half to take the lead. A 90th minute goal to Mickel Platt ensured the Saints shared the points as it finished in a 2-2 draw. Meanwhile, Green Gully lost to Melbourne City, 3-1.

Johnathan O’Brien. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Sports shorts

Blues are finding form

By Tara Murray

Keilor got the job done in the first half to make it two in a row in the Essendon District Football League premier division.

Facing Greenvale for the Leukaemia Foundation Cup, which is held in memory offormerGreenvalesponsorJackDiGiantomasso, the Blues showed plenty of positive signs.

The Blues led by 20 points at quarter time and extended the lead to 42 points at the main break.

Greenvale showed plenty of fight in the second half, but the Blues had already done the damage as they won, 20.8 (128)-16.7 (103).

Speaking on Keilor’s social media, coach Mick McGuane said he was very proud of the outcome.

“Greenvale certainly challenged in that

second half for different periods,” he said.

“The first half won us the game. [A] little bit sloppy in the second half, particularly exiting D50 and Greenvale capitalised on that.”

Christos Kosmas kicked six goals and was named best on ground.

He had plenty of support from Christian Oliveri, who kicked four goals.

‘Both those boys when they get the chances, they certainly take them,” McGuane said.

McGuane said Andrew Vavra had a good game in the ruck, while the midfield led by Jack Brown, Kane Barbuto and Jamie Papalia all had strong games.

Nick O’Kearney was also named in the best.

McGuane said one of the highlights was a couple of debuts to players who are Keilor juniors.

“We introduced two debutants and unfortunately for one of them, who kicked two goals, Charlie Mackenzie-George, looks like might have disclosed his shoulder.

“He was terrific.

“Another debutant James Veal kicked a goal in the last quarter against the grain.”

The win moves Keilor to sixth on the ladder with a 3-3 record.

Keilor faces Maribyrnong Park on Saturday.

Falcons get the job done against Waves

By Tara Murray

It wasn’t the City West Falcons best performance but they still did more than enough to come away with another win in the Victorian Netball League on Wednesday night.

The Falcons were in action against the Peninsula Waves and got off to a flying start to lead by 10 goals at the first break.

That would be the difference in the game as the Waves kept the Falcons close.

The Falcons won 75-61.

Falcons’ coach Marg Lind the group wasn’t as focused as they needed to be.

“We were probably that up at the start in the first quarter,” she said.

“I thought we took our foot off the pedal in the second badly and lost a bit of momentum and they gained a bit of momentum.

“That really hurt us taking our foot off, we needed to be a little bit more vigilant and keep the speed up in the second which we didn’t do.

“It was a topsy turvy game for us.”

The Waves tried everything including moving Mwai Kumwenda from goal shooter into goalkeeper

Lind said it took Jane Cook a little bit to work it out but they also wasted a lot of ball and didn’t turn the ball over in the third quarter to help Cook’s wage.

She said they finished off strongly and ran some better structure off the centre pass and tied up the defence end.

In a big moment for the Falcons, Soli Ropati played her first game since the 2024 grand final after coming back from a knee injury.

Lind said she was able to get four quarters and she would be able to provide more depth in all three midcourt positions as the season goes along.

“It’ll be a slow burn over the next month for Soli and then back full strength,” she said.

“We’re mindful that it has been a while.”

Lind said their attack end was fantastic in the first quarter and then took their foot off the pedal.

Cook finished with 67 goals at 100 per cent.

Lind said Achel Yout did a good job on Kumwenda early in the game and was coming along nicely.

The Falcons sit in fourth with a 5-4 record.

The Falcons 23 and under side continued their good form, with a 67-56 win.

Lind said Mikaela Minns was playing really well in the defence end.

Molly Moylan retuned to the side and took a lot of pressure off the attack end.

Lind said they had managed Moylan’s load with having to travel from Albury and

In other matches, the injury curse continues to play havoc for Deer Park which slipped to another loss.

The Lions had nine changes at the selection table on Thursday night and forfeited their reserves due to a lack of players available.

The Lions were able to stick with Essendon Doutta Stars before the Stars kicked seven goals to none in the final quarter to seal a 13.17 (95)-6.8 (44) win.

Aaron Britten, Anthony Anastasio and Mark Galea were named the Lions best.

The Lions have just one win for the season.

Hillside pulled off the upset of the season, beating Aberfeldie in a thriller, 14.7 (91)-14.6 (90).

In division 1, Taylors Lakes lost a thriller to Craigieburn, 15.13 (103)-16.6 (102), while St Albans lost to Rupertswood.

being part of the state set up.

With the state program finished, they were hoping to see her more regular.

The Falcons sit third on the ladder.

The Falcons face Melbourne University

Lightning in round 10.

Lind said that it would tough challenge in both games. The Lightning beat Wilson Storage Southern Saints on Wednesday night.

Eagles, Georgies through in cup

North Sunshine Eagles and Caroline Springs George Cross are through to the final 10 of the Dockerty Cup, while just one win away from the national stage of the Australia Cup.

The two teams were among the winners on Tuesday night, when all eight round six matches were played.

The Eagles accounted for the Eltham Redbacks, 4-2

Itwasagoalscoringfeastearlywiththe Eagles trailing 2-1 after 22 minutes.

Corentin Chauve converted a penalty just before half time to level the scores.

The Eagles rang the changes and they worked as Ahmea Iedom gave the Eagles the lead in the 66th minute.

Sanih Zijai sealed the win in the 96th minute with the Eagles’ fourth goal.

TheGeorgieshadtocomefrombehind to beat Williamstown, 2-1.

Jose Arancibia gave Williamstown the lead in the 20th minute. Williamstown was one of the two lowest ranked teams left in the competition along with Uni Hill Eagles.

Josh Whiteley levelled the scores in the 54th minute for the Georgies.

Callum Pickford put the Georgies ahead in the 69th minute, with what would be the winner.

Meanwhile, St Albans lost to Oakleigh Cannons, 2-0.

Neither side scored in the first half before the Cannons got on the board just after half time through Brodie Boyce.

They doubled the lead in the 60th minute.

Heidelberg United ended Altona East Phoenix’s run with a 3-0.

The Phoenix stuck with Heidelberg for the first half, before Heidelberg scored two goals early in the second half, before a third goal in the second half.

Uni Hill Eagles’ run came to an end against the Preston Lions, 2-0.

The Lions scored in the 34th minute before they went a man down in the 50th minute when Matthew Bozinovski received a red card.

Despite that, the Lions scored in the dying minute to make sure of the win.

In other results, Bulleen Lions, Avondale, Bentleigh Greens, Brunswick Juventus and Goulburn Valley Suns are also through to round seven.

TheEagleshavedrawnAvondale,while the Georgies will play the Preston Lions.

The winner of both matches will be through to the Australia Cup final 32 and the Dockerty Cup semi finals.

Christian Olivieri. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 553484_22

Sussu Liai. (Tania Hardin)

Two scenarios on the cards

By Tara Murray

As relegation and promotion returns to the Western Football Netball League for next season, the league has two scenarios on the board, including two teams being relegated from the top flight.

Afterpromotingthreeteamstothemen’s division 1 competition at the end of 2024, the league didn’t have relegation or promotion last season as it settled the competition after a number of changes, including going from three divisions to two divisions.

The league in its 2027 senior competition structure (April) said there were two scenarios on the board for next season following its league board meeting in March.

The first scenario is if all current men’s teams were to remain, the division 2 premier would be promoted next season while

the bottom side of division 1 would be relegated.

“This approach ensures stability while continuing to reward on-field performance through promotion and relegation in the absence of external club movements,” the league said.

It would mean that division 1 would remain a 12-team competition and division 2 a 10-team competition.

The league also has a scenario for if a club was to leave the league.

Star Weekly understands multiple clubs have previously considered leaving the league in recent history.

If one team was to leave, the division 2 premiership team would be promoted into division 1, while the bottom two teams of division 1 would be relegated to division 2, excluding any club that exits the league.

It would mean a 10-team division 1 competition and an 11-team division 2 competition.

“Various structural scenarios were presented to clubs and the board, considering the potential for club movement and the league’s broader objective of returning to a ten-team division 1 competition as soon as practical,” the league said in its competition structure update.

“At the club meeting, it was agreed that a ten-team division 1 would be the preferred model, as it provides the most balanced competition for all teams, with nine home and nine away matches, ensuring every team plays each other twice.

“The discussion then turned to steps to return to this model, while acknowledging potential club movements and the implications for the promotion and relegation

Cameron-Smith selected for worlds team

By Tara Murray

Western Athletics’ Alexander CameronSmith only took up athletics about three and half years ago, but it hasn’t stopped him making the Australian team for the under-20 World Championships.

The Ardeer resident was last week named as part of the 75 athlete team which will head to America to compete in August. Cameron-Smith will compete in the 1500 metres.

“It’s so exciting and pretty amazing,” Cameron-Smith said. “I was at training last Thursday and dad came up and said you have made the world juniors.

“I was thinking what the heck?”

Cameron-Smith and his coach knew that he had the times for a number of events, so they were hoping that he would get selected.

He won the under-20 men’s Castella 3000 metres at the Zatopek: 10 in December in be named national champion and in March won silver in the open 800 metres at the Victorian state titles.

It was the 1500 metres that Cameron-Smith and his team told coaches was his preference.

He finished second in the under-20 1500 metres final last month, after leading into the final straight.

For Cameron-Smith, the focus had only recently turned to aiming for the World Championships.

“It was only a year ago that I thought I might be capable of performing at that level,” he said.

“Competing at the world championships became my goal and I was able to get the qualification times.

“I then head to college straight afterwards.”

The success he’s had and the world championships shows how far he has come in a short period of time.

Before athletics he played cricket, football and soccer.

“I joined Western Athletics and got involved in athletics and cross country when I was 15 or 16 years old,” he said.

“It’s funny my coach Burkey [Peter Burke] said the best time to start is when you are 15 and doing other sports helps a little bit with focus and attitude.”

system.”

The league said it considered a number of factors to balance competitiveness, sustainability, and fairness across all divisions.

“These considerations ensure that any changes support the long-term stability of the League, provide equitable opportunities for clubs, and maintain the integrity of the competitions.”

Western FNL chief executive David Jennings said longer term it would be ideal to have a competitive divisional structure that caters to every level of football in the west.

Final confirmation of the 2027 structure will be made once any potential external club movement is known, with the AFL Victoria transfer window closing 30 June..

Cameron-Smith said he wasn’t putting pressure on himself at the world championships.

He just wanted to go there and put out his best performance and see what happens.

“My mindset is to race as well as I can and see how I do.”

Bourne is bound for Sydney

Keilor Thunder star Issie Bourne will take her talents to Sydney for the WNBL season.

Bourne played most recently with the Southside Flyers where she played a key role in taking the team to the playoffs, while delivering 16 points per game, placing her in the top ten for scoring last season.

Bourne was part of the Opals squad that claimed gold at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup and has also represented Australia in the 3x3 format in recent years.

Following the recent WNBL season, Bourne joined Gernika in the Spanish league to further her international experience and continue to grow her game.

Her hunger for improvement has Flames coach Renae Garlepp excited.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Issie to the Flames,” Garlepp said.

“She’s a terrific athlete and one of the leading forwards in the league but still has so much upside. She brings versatility and a real desire to keep improving every day.

“I love her energy, athleticism and a strong presence, and we’re excited to have her in a Flames jersey.”

Bourne said the opportunity to join Sydney’s new-look program was one she was eager to embrace.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Sydney Flames this season,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to play under Renae and her staff and think this is the right environment for me to continue to grow as a player.

“The culture and style of play make this an exciting brand of basketball to be a part of, the Flames have put together a really amazing group of players and I can’t wait to get after it.”

Bourne made her National Basketball League 1 south season debut in round six on her return from Spain.

Cameron-Smith said it was a long term thing and wasn’t expecting sudden improvement in the next year or two.

For now the focus is the world championships and then college.

Cameron-Smith said he was excited by the opportunity to head to college later in the year.

For him, he would like to see progression as he goes into the senior ranks and believes that college will help him with that.

He has signed a scholarship with the Michigan Wolves.

He said it was the best option for his career.

“They don’t offer anything like this over in Australia where you get your education paid for off your sporting ability,” he said.

“The facilities are far superior and it’s the best option for me.”

She scored 22 points on Saturday night along with seven rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Bourne backed it up with 31 points and 12 rebounds the following day as the Thunder won both matches.

Alexander Cameron-Smith. (Neal Conder)

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