Study is a world-first
A team of independent experts will draft the guidelines for a world-first study investigating the impact on community health of Melbourne Airport’s third runway.
Led by Deakin University, a panel of health and built environment experts will developthetermsofreference(TOR)which will outline the scope, aims and expected outcomes of the Melbourne Airport communityhealthstudy.
The study will monitor health impacts relating to aircraft noise in communities surrounding Melbourne Airport both before the runway opens and for 20 years afteritbeginsoperations.
The third runway was approved by the federal government in September 2024, despite objections from residents and Brimbankcouncil.
In January this year, council lodged an application for a merits review to contest the approval of the runway due to its concerns about noise and health implicationsforresidents.
The study will be the first large-scale, long-term community health study undertakenbyamajorairportanywherein theworld.
Deakin’s Institute for Health Transformation epidemiology chair, Professor Catherine Bennett, will lead the TORproject.
Shesaidtheteamfocusedoncommunity engagementandinsightsinbiddingforthe project.
“Urban developments like this can be controversialandwefeltitwascriticalthat thisinitialset-upworkincludecommunity insights to help set the expectations and guard rails for the long-term study,” said ProfessorBennett.
Melbourne Airport is required to commission the independent health study as part of the federal government approval processfortheairport’sthirdrunway.
Aspartoftheprocess,MelbourneAirport tasked the independent panel to draft the TOR and present it to the government by September.
“We are very optimistic for the future study given that Melbourne Airport was so willing to invest in this approach,“ ProfessorBennettsaid.
The expert panel will include Dr Fiona Gray, a Victoria-based architect with 25 years’ experience in architectural, urban renewalandpublicinfrastructureprojects, and Professor Ben Cave who has 25 years’ experience in health impact assessment and environmental assessment, including health assessments at UK and Australian airports.
The team said that it will develop a TOR that reflects the key impacts concerning thecommunity.
Community members are invited to sharetheirexperienceofliving,workingor studying near the airport, as well as their views on the third runway development, via the M3R project website before the end ofJuly.
Art to inspire conservation
A colourful new mural has sprung up at Isabella Williams Reserve in Deer Park.
Painted by artist duo, Creature Creature, and funded by Brimbank council, the eye-catching artwork features a striped legless lizard and plains rice flowers — both endangered species from local grass and wetlands areas.
Chanel Tang and Ambrose Rehorek, the two artists behind the project, said they aimed to “highlight the importance of [the species] and how beautiful they are” through the work.
“We wanted to make it a very accessible image related to the area but we also wanted to make it more contemporary and visually engaging,” said Tang.
“It’s not really about the realism but about the feeling it creates.”
They said one of the best times of the day to view the artwork is just before sunset.
“The light just streams through the trees and creates a dappled effect on the mural. It’s really magical,” said Rehorek.
Creature Creature artists, Chanel Tang and Ambrose Rehorek. (Damjan Janevski) 487046_04
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Council 2025/26 budget adopted
A $225.8 million capital works program is at the heart of Melton City Council’s 2025/26 budget, delivering additional leisure facilities, new community buildings, major road upgrades, increased pathway connections, and more to support our growing community.
We will also continue to invest in more than 100 services that support residents of all ages – from waste collection and libraries to community events, and more. The average rates increase is 3 per cent, in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap for this financial year. A $90 pensioner rebate is again available to eligible property owners.
To view the budget in full visit melton.vic.gov.au/budget
Key highlights include:
Major Projects
$45.3 million for construction of Cobblebank Community Services Hub
$27.8 million to commence construction of Plumpton Aquatic and Leisure Centre
Playspaces
$11.17 million to upgrade 26 local playspaces
Cambrian Ward with Cr Bob Turner
The winter school holidays are here, and it’s the perfect time for families across the City of Melton to connect, explore, and make special memories together.
This year’s school holiday program is bursting with activities designed to bring joy to children and young people of all ages. From crafting and cooking, to storytelling, sports, or simply making new friends, there’s something for everyone. Our local libraries are cosy hubs of creativity with free events like Storytime, games, arts and crafts, and even boxing to keep the kids active indoors.
Children’s and Community Centres
$8.4 million to complete construction of Weir Views Children’s and Community Centre
$7.6 million to commence construction of Deanside Children’s and Community Centre
Recreation Reserves
$5.9 million for the redevelopment of the sportsground at Taylors Hill Recreation Reserve
$3.8 million to complete the Macpherson Park Rugby Pavilion
$2.5 million to reconstruct the Arnolds Creek tennis courts
Road projects
$9.7 million towards Taylors Road corridor upgrades
$2.8 million for turning lanes at Exford Road car park and Murphys Road
$1.9 million to upgrade the Exford Road/ Wilson Road and Exford Road/ Northcott Street intersection
Last edition I mentioned our 2025/26 Budget had been endorsed with an ambitious capital works program of a $225.8 million, our largest yet. You can see the key projects and budget areas in the article on this page.
One of the projects included in this year’s budget is Deanside Children’s and Community Centre. In exciting news, we recently received confirmation of $9 million in Victorian Government funding for the construction of the facility, as part of the Building Blocks Partnership Fund.
Once complete, the new centre will deliver vital early childhood and family services, including 3- and 4-year-old funded kindergarten and maternal child health services. It will also be a community hub where residents will be able to participate in a range of programs and events.
We are very appreciative of this generous contribution from the Victorian Government to help deliver this vital project for the fast-growing Deanside community and ensure some of our City’s youngest residents have access to the early childhood supports they need to thrive.
Young people aged 12 to 25 can join our Youth Holiday Program for exciting outings like ice skating and escape rooms or get hands-on with tie-dye workshops and cooking classes.
Community spaces like Cobblebank Stadium and Caroline Springs Leisure Centre are buzzing with energy too.
Our much loved Get Activated program invites local kids to try their hand at a range of sports, supported by our fantastic local clubs. Meanwhile, little ones can climb, dance, and play in our pre-school play areas.
We’re also proudly celebrating NAIDOC Week (Sunday 6 July
– Sunday 13 July) with family-friendly cultural activities. Share in the stories, song and dance of First Nations culture with Didgeridoo Australia, get creative with a boomerang art workshop, and help paint a community mural that reflects our shared values.
Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/ schoolholidays and melton.vic.gov. au/NAIDOC
You can contact me regarding Cambrian Ward or Council related issues by calling 0412 584 224 or emailing bob.turner@melton.vic.gov.au
Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors
This week, I’m looking forward to welcoming over 500 new Australian citizens in three special citizenship ceremonies. With more than a third of our residents born overseas — representing 160 nations and speaking over 167 languages — we are privileged to live in a wonderfully diverse community where we can learn from each other’s unique experiences and traditions.
For all of you taking a break for winter school holidays, enjoy and stay warm!
You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic.gov. au or on 0437 231 680.
Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli Cr Kathy Majdlik Cr Brandi Morris Cr Sophie Ramsey Cr Julie Shannon Cr Bob Turner Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg
Cr John Verdon Cr Dr Phillip Zada
Donate and help save lives
A Taylors Hill resident, whose late husband donated his corneas after his death, is urging the community to consider registering as an organ and tissue donor this month.
DonateLife – Australia’s national program aimed at increasing organ and tissue donation – hosts an annual awareness raising week to call on Australians to consider registering as organ or tissue donors. This year, DonateLife Week runs from Sunday, July 27 to Sunday, August 3.
Melissa Garwood’s husband Lynden Thorogood donated his corneas to two recipients following his death from ter-
minal bowel cancer in 2023 at age 33 after a diagnosis in mid-2022.
Prior to his diagnosis, Lynden had expressed to Melissa his wish to donate his organs and was a registered organ donor.
Due to his diagnosis, Lynden was informed that he was ineligible to donate, but Melissa said it was through a conversation with one of his childhood friends who worked for DonateLife that they discovered he could still donate his corneas.
“He was an organ donor – that was something he wanted to do as a person,” Melissa said.
“[It was] the last time he was real-
ly happy about anything. There was so much obviously to be sad about at the time … his face lit up … that was the last time I would see he was happy.”
Donating through The Lions Eye Donation Service, Melissa said a representative from the organisation contacted her to let her know that two transplants to two younger men were successful.
“The only way that he was [able] to donate his corneas is because I knew his wishes so clearly … we’d talked about organ donation when he was well enough,” Melissa said.
“Having the discussion about organ
Anti-theft screws provide a turning point
In an effort to curb number plate thefts in the community, police in Brimbank are hosting two ‘Safe PL8’ events where locals can learn how to secure anti-theft screws to their vehicle’s number plates.
Free anti-theft screws, also known as one-way screws, will also be given away to attendees.
The first session will take place at Bunnings Sunshine on Saturday, July 12 and the second at Bunnings Taylors Lakes on Sunday, July 13.
Botheventswillrunfrom10amto2pm.
Brimbank Inspector Matthew Bui encouraged locals to attend.
“We’ll be speaking with the community to raise awareness about the ways numberplate theft can be prevented and helping to assist install the screws to any cars,” he said.
The events were created in response to the “record high levels” of numberplate thefts in the area. Inspector Bui said the crime had “recorded a 40 per cent in-
crease over the last year.”
“These offences are often at the centre of more serious offending, and are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes.”
Anti-theft screws are harder to remove as they can only be turned in a singular, clockwise direction.
“If you can’t make it to the event, anti-theft screws are also available from hardware stores, automotive parts stores and petrol stations,” Inspector Bui said.
Albion trial aims to grow shrubs in concrete to enhance park
A new park, which uses recycled concrete to grow plants in, has popped up in Albion.
The Hamel Street park, created in conjunction with Melbourne University, is trialling recycled concrete as a media for growing plants, as part of a Woody Meadow feature of the garden.
The Woody Meadow project replaces typical low-maintenance plantings in city landscapes with diverse shrub plantings that are more resilient and cost effective. These plants are maintained through coppicing — a hard-pruning technique that encourages flowering and dense canopy growth to reduce weeds.
Associate Professor Claire Farrell from the University of Melbourne leads the Woody Meadow project and said the concrete trial was “exciting.”
“One of the problems with concrete is that it’s very alkaline so that’s quite challenging for plants,” she said.
Concrete has a typical pH level of around 12 whereas plants grow in soil pH levels of approximately six to seven.
“To use the crushed concrete, we’re taking that from demolition waste and then we grow plants in it,” said Associate Professor Farrell.
The research comes from Claire Ken-
donation with family is really important, and really considering and registering for organ and tissue donation – it’s a wonderful thing to be able to give life, or something almost equally as important like eyesight, to another individual like what Lynden did.”
She kept a brooch provided by The Lions Eye Donation Service after Lynden’s donation along with the letters regarding the successful transplants – all of which she said she plans to give to her daughter in future to “demonstrate to her the type of person her dad was”.
Details: donatelife.gov.au
New program to help west youths
A new community initiative targeting youth disengagement and crime prevention has launched in Melbourne’s north-west.
The Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) is designed to support 10 to 17year olds with complex life circumstances who are at risk of, or currently engaged in, the justice system.
Over two years, up to 100 children and young people will participate in the program delivered by Saints Education in collaboration with Brimbank council, Brimbank neighbourhood houses, Victoria Police, the Department of Education and The Youth Junction Inc.
The YEP is also backed by $1 million in federal funding.
Dr Karen Hart is the director of research, service improvement and partnerships at Saints Knowledge Institute — the research, training and advocacy arm of Saints Education.
She said the organisation is seeing the program as a “soft re-entry back into education“.
“There are concerningly high numbers of primary school children who are just attending school spasmodically, or not at all,” she said.
“The intention is to reintegrate [children and young people] back into their mainstream school, another education environment or to Saints College…What we want is a tangible outcome.”
Saints College is the organisation’s inclusive school for 12 to 25 year-olds which provides an alternative to mainstream education.
The YEP consists of five Intensive Mini-Projects (IMPs).
Each 12-week IMP combines education, group work, one-on-one case management, and a two-night leadership camp.
“The camp is focussed on confidence building, leadership building… being able to collaborate in social groups through a range of activities,” said Dr Hart.
Sessions are scheduled outside school hours – afternoons, evenings, and weekends – when young people are most vulnerable to risk-taking or criminal activity.
nefick, one of Associate Professor Farrell’s PhD students.
Ms Kennefick is investigating the potential of recycled construction and demolition mineral materials used to grow Australian shrubs as part of the Woody Meadow project.
Associate Professor Farrell, whose research focuses on working with plants to make cities more liveable, said parks with native Australian plants, such as the one in Albion, benefits locals greatly.
“...having local and Australian plants in such a beautiful way, in a pocket park, is really engaging,” she said.
After completing an IMP, young people receive an additional six months of ongoing monitoring and support.
The YEP will be led by a full-time program coordinator and three youth workers, working with children and young people in groups of ten.
“The benefit of smaller groups is that you have the opportunity to work with them individually but not have them singled out,” said Dr Hart.
“We’re going to be working closely in partnership with families as well, as they are integral to stabilising their child’s education.”
Acting Sergeant Sam Romano. (Damjan Janevski) 487805_06
Turning the page on reading
In a world of digital distractions, students are increasingly putting down books and pickingupphones.
Twin sisters and teachers at Catholic Regional College Sydenham, Chantal and Carolyn Moclair, are hoping to change that.
“We need to get some focus back on reading and literacy awareness,” said Chantal.
In an effort to encourage reading and writing outside the classroom, the sisters organisedayoungadultauthoreventatthe schoolonWednesday,June11.
The event gave students the opportunity to ask authors questions about the writing processandthebookpublishingindustry.
“As a whole I think there is a lack of enjoyment in reading among young people… a symptom of the world we live in, that desires instant gratification,” said Chantal.
“We want to get these kids interested in somethingthatisn’tsocialmedia.”
Guest authors at the event included
A $4 billion investment by the Australian and Victorian governments to untangle Melbourne’s most complex rail junction outside the CBD.
We’re seeking your feedback on planning matters, including:
– project boundary
– environmental management
– amenity
–traffic and access
– tree and vegetation removal
– construction-related impacts
– heritage impacts
Briefs
Keshe Chow, a multi-award winning fantasy, romance and speculative fiction writer, and Vanessa Len, an international bestsellingauthorandeducationaleditor.
Gabriela, a student who attended the event, said the experience was “eye-opening.”
“...Keshe and Vanessa both gave such genuine responses and advice. Both authors made writing and publishing a book seem much more possible than just a dream,”shesaid.
Participants also discussed the importance of writing stories about people from different cultural and racial backgrounds.
The Moclair sisters, who have a book publishing background, wanted to extend their love of reading to younger generations.
“Growing up we loved to read. It’s a bit of an escape. It’s something that helps kids find a sense of belonging… for us, that’s where we wanted to escape to when the worldwashard,”saidChantal.
Four arrested, clan lab seized Four men have been arrested and police have seized a dismantled clan lab at a St Albans property as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking. Police executed six search warrants in St Albans, Tullamarine, Keilor Downs, Tatura, Wallan and Strathmerton on July 3. Officers seized over 2kg of methylamphetamine, approximately 4.5 litres of 1.4 butanediol and a quantity of amphetamine during the warrants. Officers also discovered ammunition, a taser, approximately $2000 cash, and about 800 litres of herbicide across the six locations. A 46-year-old Keilor Downs man was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1.4 butanediol and was bailed to appear in court in July.
A 39-year-old Wallan man and a 55-year-old St Albans man were both released pending summons.
A 31-year-old St Albans man was also arrested, before being released pending further inquiries.
Suspicious Sunshine factory fire Thirty-one firefighters fought a major factory fire in Sunshine on July 2, which caused extensive damage to the building and to nearby power lines. Police have deemed the First Avenue fire as suspicious and will investigate the incident.
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Puppet workshop brings ‘wonder’
More than 100 students, teachers and family members from the Association for Vietnamese Culture Studies in Braybook attended a community puppet workshop, which explored how giant puppets are made.
The event on June 28 was co-presented by Vietnamese Australian Arts and Culture (AVAC) and Snuff Puppets — an arts organisation based in Footscray that specialisesinthecreationofgiantpuppets.
Participants had the chance to meet puppeteers and discuss ideas for the forthcoming showcase in October, which will bring Vietnamese stories to life through puppets and celebrate the year of thesnake.
President of AVAC, Mai Nguyen, said families reacted to the giant puppets “with amixofwonder,fascinationandawe…and somefear.”
“Most of [the participants] had never been to these workshops before… never seen or touched giant puppets. It captured the whole group’s attention…” she said. “Everyone was excited and had so much fun.”
A giant snake puppet was also featured aspartoftheworkshop.
“Everyone seemed surprised by the size of the snake… the actual fabric skin was removed,showingalloftheskullandbones ofthesnaketoo.Itwasjustfascinating!”
To create a giant puppet, artists first consider the puppet’s size, shape and how it will be controlled — such as by hand, by arodorwithstrings.
Materials,suchasfoam,arethenchosen to shape the puppet which is then covered by fabric. Artists may also incorporate mechanisms into a puppet to create extra movementsandsound.
Sunshine Station is set to become a superhub.
Isabella, Rahni, Danny, Jess, Carolyn Moclair, Keshe Chow, Chantal Moclair and Vanessa Len. (Supplied)
Justice of a different kind
By Sam Porter
A specialised court, which had its first sitting day at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court last month, is helping to improve thelivesofoffenderswithmentalillnesses, cognitive disabilities and intellectual disabilities.
The Assessment and Referral Court (ARC) was recently expanded to the Magistrates’CourtsofVictoriaatSunshine as part of a recommendation from the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental HealthSystem.
Thealternativecourtprocesswasformed in 2010 to reduce the number of people withmentalillnessandcognitivedisability
in court and prison systems – groups that ARC Supervising Magistrate Ros Porter said “are overrepresented in the justice system”.
“ARC is designed to provide a tailored response to those people. And it is a more structuredprogram,”shesaid.
AtSunshineMagistrates’Court,ARCsits for three days each month, with the model accommodating 25 participants at one time.
For participants, the experience is quite differenttoattendingmainstreamcourt.
Sessions take place in an adjusted courtroomwhereamultidisciplinaryteam of lawyers, case workers and other support people sit at an oval table. And instead of
sitting at the bench, the magistrate sits at thetableacrossfromtheaccused.
Proceedings are carried out in an informal, conversational style to best meet participants’communicationneeds.
“[It] very much provides an atmosphere for open discussion and it encourages the person before the court to participate in a very full and open way,” said Magistrate Porter.
ARC Magistrate Gregory Thomas has worked at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court for three years. The magistrate –who previously worked as a solicitor and a defencelawyer–saidonceparticipantsget to know the magistrates and workers, they begintoseeARCasaplacetheycantrust.
Initiative keeps green waste out of landfill
By Joseph Ibic
Brimbank residents’ waste is being used to help grow gardens on more than 80 roundaboutsthroughoutBrimbank.
Residents use of their food and organics bin has resulted in keeping thousands of tonnesofwasteoutoflandfill.
Thebinallowsorganicwastetobeturned into compost that is great for farms, parks andgardens.
Brimbank council recently obtained 150 tonnes of compost from its food and organics processing partner, Veolia, which
turns Brimbank’s organics waste into high-gradecompostsandmulches.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang is excited abouttheproject.
Sixty per cent of Brimbank residents are already using the opt-in food and garden organicsbinservice.
“We’re excited to see how this high-quality and nutrient-rich compost, will help create flourishing gardens on local roundabouts,” she said. “Council looking forward to other opportunities to use its food and garden organics compost forotherpurposesinthemunicipality.”
This project is supported by the Circular Economy Organics Council Fund, delivered under the state government’s Sustainability Victoria circular economy policy.
Councillor Dang is strongly encouraged moreresidentstostartusingtheirorganics bin.
“If every Brimbank household used council’s food and garden waste service wewouldsavealmost40,000tonnesofC02 emissions.”
“That is the same as taking about 17,500 carsofftheroadeachyear.”
“As [participants] get used to how the court works, they really do come in and talk to the magistrates about their serious problems,”hesaid.
“They’ll be sitting at the bar table, they might be crying about being in crisis, or on another occasion be celebrating an achievement such as obtaining housing or completingaprogram–it’sarealjourney.”
Magistrate Porter said the therapeutic court also benefits local communities by addressing the participants’ underlying causesofoffence.
“One of the really important things that ARC does is it provides really strong linkagesforpeoplebeforethecourtbackto thelocalcommunity,”shesaid.
Helping Hands Missions Op Shops has put out a call to locals, asking for donations of warm winter clothing to help those doing it tough in the community.
Scarves, jackets, gloves, beanies and more can be donated to the organisation’s ‘We Need Your Stuff’ winter clothing drive, which will run overthenextfewmonths.
Helping Hands relationships manager, Adam Volpato, said cold weather can make life even harder forthoseinneed.
“We’re now one month into winter, and we’re seeing more people than ever before rely on our op shops for the essential clothing they need to keepwarm,”hesaid.
“We would love the community to keep us in mind when wondering what to do with the clothes they’ve been meaning to donate - anything warm that they can spare would be verymuchappreciated.”
The organisation has seen an increased demand for clothing as cost of living pressures continue to rise — to a point where the shops are strugglingtokeepracksfull.
“When choosing to give to Helping Hands, donations serve multiple purposes – they not only fill the racks and give vulnerable members of the community access to low-cost preloved items, the sales of those items also help us raise the money needed to fund our emergency aid programs, with every dollar spent in-store going back into running our Community Pantries,” said Mr Volpato.
He encouraged people to donate net time they visit a Helping Hands OpShop.
Sunshine to star in new production honouring life of a tennis great
A new television series on a national sportingiconissettobefilmedinSunshine.
Goolagong, a three-part mini-series, follows the true story of national sporting icon Evonne Goolagong Cawley – the first Aboriginal woman to play professional tennis and one of Australia’s favourite femalesportingheroes.
Victorian Creative Industries Minister ColinBrooksmadetheannouncementthat the series is being filled across locations in metropolitan and regional Victoria includingKynetonandWoodend.
“We’re proud to support this mini-series which will bring the tennis legend’s inspiring story to the screen, with a team ofextraordinaryFirstPeoplesstorytellers.”
Filming will take place in Sunshine, Kyneton, Woodend, Tallarook, Seymour and Seaford, as well as tennis matches beingfilmedatKooyongLawnTennisClub and Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club.
A purpose-built set of Wimbledon’s Centre Courtisalsocurrentlyunderconstruction.
SettobroadcastontheABCandproduced by Victorian company Werner Film
“Evonne Goolagong Cawley is one of Australia’s most loved sporting champions and one of our all-time tennis greats,” he said.
Studios, part of BBC Studios, Goolagong has been developed with the support and participationofEvonne.
Indigenous screen leaders including director Wayne Blair, writer Steven McGregor, and co-producer Danielle Maclean, join producer Joanna Werner and writer Megan Simpson Huberman to bring this long-awaited dramatic portrait ofEvonneGoolagongCawleytothescreen.
Rising star Lila McGuire plays Evonne Goolagong Cawley with Marton Csokas as hercoachVicEdward,FelixMallardasher husband Roger Cawley, and Luke Carroll asherfatherKennyGoolagong.
MsWernersaiditwasaprivilegetobring thisstorytolife.
“From the outset, it was important to us that this series be developed with authenticity and in close collaboration with Evonne herself, and we are thrilled that she is an Associate Producer of the seriesalongwithRogerCawley,”shesaid. Ms MacLean said First Nations voices areattheheartofthisproject.
“Goolagongwillbefilmedonthelandsof theBoonwurrung(Bunurong),Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, and TaungurungPeoplesoftheKulinNations,” shesaid.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang and Sustainability Victoria’s markets acceleration manager Shannon Smyth. (Supplied)
We’re building the Metro Tunnel and there will be disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line
Until 13 JulyNorth Melbourne to Sunshine
First train to 9.30pm, 25 July 28 July
From 9.30pm 25 July to 27 July
Werribee and Williamstown lines
From 10pm 25 July to 27 July
Road disruptions: Closed lane and roads
Sunshine to Sunbury
North Melbourne to Sunbury
North Melbourne to Newport
Calder Park Drive, Calder Park Until late JulyAt the level crossing
West Gate Freeway, Spotswood 13 July to late AugustOutbound lane between Williamstown and Millers roads
Holden Road, Calder Park From 23 JulyPermanently closed at the level crossing
Arden Station
‘Shameful’ childcare response
By Callum Godde and Allanah Sciberras
A former royal commissioner has rebuked governments for dragging their feet on creating a national regime for working withchildrenchecks.
State and federal ministers have been scrambling to fast-track reforms to Australia’s childcare sector after it was revealed a Melbourne carer was charged withmorethan70sexoffences.
Joshua Dale Brown allegedly abused eight children aged under two at a Point Cook facility from April 2022 to January 2023. He also worked at a childcare centre inKeilor.
The26-year-old,whohadavalidworking with children clearance, was not known to police or subject to any complaints before hisarrestinMay.
TheRoyalCommissionintoInstitutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse called on the federal government in 2015 to “facilitate a national model” for working withchildrenchecks.
Robert Fitzgerald, one of five members of the royal commission, said the recommendationremainedunfulfilled.
“My view is that is shameful,” the now-age discrimination commissioner told AAP. “Ten years on, that job should have been completed and the fact that
it isn’t means there are gaps in our child safeguardingregime.”
Every state and territory maintains separate working with children schemes withdifferentrulesandrequirements.
Victoria, Queensland and NSW have all committed to reviewing or tightening up their regimes. Uniform schemes would not completely negate the risk of child sexual abusebutwouldbeanimportantfirststep, MrFitzgeraldargued.
Strengthening working with children checks will also be discussed at a meeting of state and federal attorneys-general in August.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare
Sunshine cricket club hits grants for six
Youngsters at a local Sunshine sports club aregearingupforevenmorecricketfun.
Grand United Cricket Club was one of 28 community groups to receive a grant from Greater Western Water’s (GWW) Thriving Communities Grants and Sponsorship program.
The club will use the funding for its Sunshine cricket blast program, which offers children in the area the opportunity toparticipateintensessionsofcricket.
Club president Alan Hale said everyone
was“delighted”bythenewsofthegrant.
“[The funding] gave us the opportunity toexpandonwhatwe’vebeendoingforthe last 15 years – getting boys and girls into cricket,”hesaid.
“We’re hoping we can open a few more doors for young people to get into cricket withouttheburdenofthecost.”
The foundation program encourages five andsix-yearoldstotrythesport.
After completing the program children often transition into the under-10s and
under-11steamsattheclub,withsomeeven goingontoplayintheseniordivisions.
GWW awarded about $180,000 in grants and sponsorships this year to groups, such as the Grand United Cricket Club, to boost projects,eventsandactivities.
OthergrantrecipientsfromtheBrimbank regionincludedAlbionFootballClub,West Welcome Wagon’s Community Reach Out Days, Jawbone Marine Sanctuary Care Group, the Aboriginal Wellness FoundationandWesternEdgeYouthArts.
described the system as complicated but conceded the reforms have taken “too bloodylong”.
The crisis has also cast a spotlight on educator-to-childratiosacrossthecountry. The ratios do not require more than one carer to be around a child or group at any given time, unlike the Netherlands’ “four eyes”principle.
NSWhasflaggedatrialofCCTVcameras in centres, while an urgent Victorian reviewislookingatmakingthetechnology mandatory.
1800RESPECT(1800737732)
National Sexual Abuse and Redress SupportService1800211028
Brimbank tackles its emissions
Brimbank council says its efforts to address climate change over the past five years have resulted in a 78 per cent reduction of operational greenhousegasemissions.
The Brimbank Climate Emergency plan 2020-2025 was presented at the councilmeetingonJune17.
The plan highlights many achievements that have slashed emissions such as LED street lights, solar panels on council buildings, the use of 100 per cent renewable electricity in council buildings and Australia’s first 100 per cent renewableenergyaquaticcentre.
Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said these actions showed commitment to taking local action on the climate emergency.
“Through our actions, both big and small, we are responding to our communities’ concerns and making inroadsonclimatechange.
“We must all play our part in protecting the planet for our communityandfuturegenerations.”
Brimbank’s key priorities are transitioning the remaining 38 council facilities that use gas for some appliances to electricity and converting their vehicle fleet to electric. Brimbank also aims to support the community and businesses to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040. Which will form part of the new Climate Emergency Strategy.
Club president Alan Hale with Grand United Cricket Club members Aryan, 6, Laurance, 10, Lucas, 10, Zayde, 8, and Jaylen ,9. (Damjan Janevski) 486709_01
Fighting friends remember
As he prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his fight of the century with Barry Michael and help him launch his biography, Lester Ellis tells Cade Lucas about his great foe turned friend.
In 1985, Essendon won back to back flags under Kevin Sheedy, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix took place around an Adelaide park not Albert Park, the Australian Open tennis was still played on the grass courts of Kooyong in November and 15/1 shot What a Nuisance won the Melbourne Cup.
But arguably Melbourne’s biggest sporting event of that year occurred not on the grass of the MCG, Kooyong or Flemington, but under the bright lights of an old pavilion wedged beside the train tracks in west Melbourne.
Festival Hall might’ve hosted the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and Frank Sinatra, but it didn’t become known as the “HouseofStoush’byaccident,andthefight held there 40 years ago between Lester Ellis and Barry Michael - two English born boxers from the western suburbsfor the IBF Super Flyweight World Title, is the biggest bout the venue, the city and arguably Australian boxing, has ever seen.
“It was a massive,” recalled Ellis in an interview with Star Weekly ahead of the 40th anniversary on July 12.
“All the judges got together and put it as the fight of the century in Australia. That’s a big rap innit? ” asks the now 60-year-old rhetorically from his home in Taylors Hill which is festooned with belts and trophies from his 22-year career in the ring.
That career brought him a world title and arecordof 41winsfrom49fights,including 28byknockout,butit’soneofhisonlyeight defeats that he’s most remembered for.
The same could be said for the man who defeated him, Barry Michael, who went onto defend his world title another three times in a distinguished career that included win 48 times from 60 fights, but which is often boiled down to those 15 gruelling rounds in what is now known as Australia’s ‘fight of the century’.
Thereasonsforthisaremanyandvaried.
One is that, like all great sporting contests, the bout was a product of its time.
Havinggonethroughthedoldrumsinthe 1970’s,Australianboxingwasexperiencing a revival by the mid-1980’s with the likes of Jeff Fenech and Ellis at the forefront.
With most fights happening overseas, the prospect for an all Australian world title fight in sport-mad Melbourne was box-office dynamite.
But beyond that Ellis vs Michael was a classic case of friends turned foes.
Both were ten pound poms (Ellis was born in the northern seaside town of Blackpool, while Barry Michael was born Barry Swettenham in Watford, just outside London), both were from families that settled in Melbourne’s west (Ellis in Sunshine and Michael in Williamstown) and both displayed brilliance in the ring, rising quickly though the ranks at similar weights.
The only real difference was age, with Michael 10 years Ellis’s senior and already a seasoned pro by the time the younger man started to make his name.
“I loved him, I loved the ground he walkedonmate,”saidEllisofhisthenhero, who he first shared a ring with as a kid.
“He [Michael] was a 24-year-old, Australian lightweight champion. I was a 14-year-old Australian flyweight amateur champion, and he used to come down and spar me.
“And I’m thinking what’s he wanna spar me for? I asked him one day, he goes, ‘oh, you’re fast, you’re clever, sharpen me up. You help me, you know.”
Given their profession, it’s unsurprising that these friends would eventually come to blows, but even by the low standards of the fight game, Ellis and Michael’s falling
I hated him that bad on the night, I just wanted to knock his block off ... I wasn’t thinking about boxing him and trying to get the points - Lester Ellis
out was both fast and furious.
Likeallgoodfeuds,theexactreasonforit is hard to decipher, but it seemed to begin when Ellis, then just 19, greatly offended Michael by winning a world title before him by beating South Korea’s Hwan-Kil Yuh in March 1985.
To add insult to injury, Michael’s American trainer, Dana Goodson, then walked out on him only to appear in Ellis’s corner soon after.
“I was filthy on him, which I was entitled to be,” said Michael of Goodson in an interviewwith Star Weekly earlierthisyear.
Seeking to settle the score Michael immediatelydemandedfirstcrackatEllis’s new world title, something the champ didn’t appreciate.
“I was a little bit disgusted when he challenged me for my world title,” said Ellis, hinting that jealousy on the older man’s part played a role too.
Ellis however, wasn’t so disgusted to turn Michael down and soon contracts were signed and Australia’s biggest boxing blockbuster was booked.
While he believes most of the bad blood in the lead up stemmed from his opponent, Ellis admitted to bearing plenty of ill-will towards Michael by the time they entered the ring.
“I hated him that bad on the night, I just wanted to knock his block off,” Ellis said of his approach which he believes cost him the fight.
“I wasn’t thinking about boxing him and trying to get the points.”
By contrast, the eventual winner credits
Ellis and Goodson with giving him motivation he needed.
“When I got in the ring I said, ‘thanks for the title Lester,” said Michael. He was good to his word.
After starting out behind the young champ, the raucous crowd of 7500 at Festival Hall slowly swung behind the old challenger, as Michael’s years of experience, guile and fitness took over.
“I’d never come across somebody that could talk for 15 rounds. He never shut up,” recalled Ellis of the fight in which Michael bashed his ears as well as his body.
After 15 gruelling rounds, Michael was announced the winner by unanimous decision, becoming world champion for the first time at 30 and ending Ellis’s reign after just four months.
The ex-champ spent the rest of the night peeing blood.
“Every time that I went for a wee [after the fight] it was just purple, red blood from the kidney shots.”
Fortunately, Ellis has been able to console himself in the years since with the knowledge that, contrary to reports, he didn’t actually lose.
“Watching the fight [back], up into the 10th round, I thought I was in front.
“In the last five rounds, I gave three to him and two to me, so with me being the champion, I should have got the result,” he said, adding that Michael’s father influenced the judges.
Michael scoffed incredulously when I relayed this to him, retorting that Ellis’s brother got to the judges too and that he’s since has admitted he wouldn’t have won a re-match.
There of course wasn’t a re-match, something which briefly extended the bad blood between the pair (and contributed to Michael’s bashing by notorious gangster Alphonse Gangitano) but which has been consigned to the past.
The pair have long since returned to being friends, something Ellis said began in the immediate aftermath of the fight.
“I was proud that he won the fight so instead of him waiting for the belt to come from America and getting it a couple of months later, I gave him my belt on the night so he could get photos with it,” he said of the arrangement which lasted a few months longer than expected.
“I wanted my belt back, so I rang him up, ‘Barry,where’smyfuckingbelt,mate?’That was my belt, buddy.”
Just a few months after fighting at Festival Hall, the two men met at the Deer ParkHotelwhereMichaelreturnedthebelt and they buried the hatchet.
“I gave him a cuddle and said ‘you deserved it,” said Ellis.
On July 12 the two old foes will meet at another western suburbs establishment, Pelican Waters in Williamstown, to mark the 40th anniversary of their fight of the century and launch Michael’s biography for which Ellis wrote the forward.
‘Last Man Standing: The Barry Michael Story’ is published by New Holland.
To attend the launch and pre-order the book: https://shorturl.at/vZ7W0
Boxing legends Lester Ellis and Barry Michael reunite ahead of the 40th anniversary of their fight of the century. (Damjan Janevski) 486471_01
Referee Gus Mercurio watches challenger Barry Michael connect with a right to Lester Ellis’s head during their world title fight in 1985.
(David Johns)
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ENTERNOW foryourchancetowinan8-day“RhineGetaway”cruisefortwo,departingBaselon 22November2026,includingreturnflights.Therivervoyagewilltakeyouthroughfourenchanting countries,offeringsixguidedtours,allonboardmeals,andenrichingculturalexperiences.
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CulinaryDelights:Allonboardmeals,withbeer&wineservedduringlunchanddinner CulturalExperiences:VisitstoUNESCOWorldHeritageSitesandViking'sCultureCurriculum Amenities:Allportcharges,freeWi-Fi,andallonboardgratuitiesincluded Flights:IncludedEconomyClassreturnflightsfromselectedmajorAustraliancities (upto$5,000percouple)
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Two worlds, one life
Essence Theatre Productions (ETP) and Nga Matai Purua Inc. (NMP) proudly bring audiences a gripping new work inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison, now set to closein2025amidmajorprisonreforms.
Based on NMP president Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience, at the heart of The Yellow Line stands Jordan - a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. As Jordan walks the metaphorical (and literal) yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, this compelling new Australian work asks ’What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justiceonyourshoulders?’
Co-written by Berne-Lee ’Nana’ Edwards, Alaine Beek and the ensemble cast - which includes first-time performers with lived experience - The Yellow Line delivers visceral honesty, unforgettable performances,anddeepemotionaltruth.
importantinsightintotheVictorianjustice systemthroughaMaori andPasifikalens,delvingintothesystem and its impact within these communities. It shines a crucial spotlight on the human storiesoftenburied behind headlines - particularly for communities disproportionately impacted byincarcerationinAustralia.
“The experiences that shaped The Yellow Line come from a part of my life I never expected to revisit - let alone reimagine for the stage,“ said NMP president Tyson Tuala.
“This show is not about me. It’s about all the people - seen and unseen - who carry their culture with them into places that were never built for it. It’s about Maori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concreteandsteel.“
Art explores impacts of colonialism
A story of humour, vulnerability, and connection, The Yellow Line also shares
“Even though the focus is Maoriculture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, adds co-writer/co-director Alaine Beek.“It’sbasedonaspecifictruestoryand audienceswillbeimmersedintotheMaori culture in a thought-provoking way. Each character is based on a real person and although dealing with a very significant topic, so much comedy shines through in theproduction.”
The Yellow Line will run for three performancesonlyatthenewlyrefurbished Wyndham Cultural Centre on July on 26 and27.Tobookgotowww.essencetheatre. productions/the-yellow-line-1
Museum treasures for children to explore
Take a deep dive into the wonders of the oceans and beaches at the fun and informative pop-up museum coming to Whittleseafortheschoolholidays.
Museums Victoria will be staging the pop-museum at two locations on Friday, July11calledtheOceanWonders.
The first of of those is Riverside Community Activity Centre in South Morang, from 10.30-11:30am and Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre,from2-3pm.
The pop-up museum will showcase real objects from the Melbourne Museum, helping kids learn all about incredible marine creatures while getting a close-up look at shells, sharks and ancient sea animals.
Highlights include a taxidermied green sea turtle and seagull, a tiger shark jaw and whale vertebra, as well as a tooth from a Megalodon, one of the largest sharks to everexist.
Thepop-upmuseumisfree,butbookings areessential.
Themuseumisforchildrenagedbetween threeand13.
Other school holiday activities happening in Whittlesea include youth taking over Mill Park library, girls day out, NAIDOCyoutheventand2000’sNostalgia.
To book tickets to the muesum: https:// tinyurl.com/3pee4476
Exhibition delves into concept of nature as home
Is caring for the Earth and caring for each other any different? It’s an existential question which is explored in a new exhibitionthatopenedinHobsonsBaylast week.
Nature is a Home is an exhibition at the Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre in Altona from June 28 to July 16 and features artworks that question our relationshipwithnatureandresponsibility tonurtureit.
CoincidingwithLJAC’s20thanniversary, NatureisaHomefeaturesartworkinarange a mediums like ceramics, photography, paintandpainting,sculpture,writtentext, film, paper and found materials which artists have used to to give voice to their artisticexpression.
ThoseartistsareallbasedinMelbourne’s west and include Ariana Lim, Augustine Ang, Elijah Cristiano, Dovey Dee, Julee Latimer, Lan Pagliaro, Fatima Measham,
Petra Tomecko, Nandita Nadkarni and JennyRütsch.
Also from the western suburbs is the exhibition’s curator, Jasmeet Kaur Sah, a writer, editor and arts programmer who has previously worked at Footscray Community Arts, Melbourne Writers Festival and Science Gallery at the UniversityofMelbourne.
Kaur Sahi and LJAC manager Karen Ingramareinvitinglocalstocomeandview the exhibition, particularly on Saturday, July 12 when a special public program will beheldattheLJACgalleryfrom11.30amto 1pm.
The public program features a range of free events, including floor talks, a workshop and exhibition prize announcements.Entryisfreebutbookings areencouraged.
Details: https://www.ljac.com.au/ natureisahome/
An art exhibition examining the impacts of colonial land and water management across Victoria has opened at the Brimbank Gallery and BrimbankProjectionGallery.
InOccupationStudies:Agriculture Exhibition, Tahlia Palmer — an artist of Yuwaalaraay and European descent — explores the environmental damage caused by industrial farming and colonial land use, as well as the suppression of local Indigenous knowledge systems in relation to land and water management.
The exhibition features field recordings, historical footage, abstract imagery and AI-generated soundsandimages.
Palmer said the research process for the exhibition began during her creative residency with the Public RecordsOfficeofVictorialastyear.
“I spent four months looking through the archives for information about land and water management in Victoria, and conducted field researchbasedonsitesandsituations Iwasdrawnto.”
Palmer then travelled to different Countries across Victoria where she conducted field recordings above and below different bodies of water including in dams, reservoirs, old mine sites, river revitalisation sites, and logging and plantation sites as wellastheocean.
“Because of the emotionally confronting nature of this research, and my acknowledgement of the sensitivities and protocols around speakingaboutCountrythatisnotmy own,myintentionwastomakeworks that speak to broader environmental impacts of the European invasion of thiscontinent,”shesaid.
Through her art, Palmer said she would like audiences to reflect on how colonial land was not managed with the best interests of Indigenous peoplesinmind.
“...those choices were made in the context of land theft. I want audiences to understand how much was lost because of those choices, and I want them to think about how hard Aboriginal people have had to fight to maintain our relationship to Country… the scale of violent disconnection that was forced,” she said.
Occupation Studies: Agriculture Exhibition is a free event at the Brimbank Gallery and Brimbank Projection Gallery, and is supported byCreativeBrimbank.
The exhibition will run until August29.
More info can be found on the CreativeBrimbankwebsite.
Artist Tahlia Palmer. (Supplied)
A pop-up museum is coming to Whittlesea. (Melbourne Museum)
Louis Joel Arts and Community centre manager Karen Ingram and curator of the Nature is a Home exhibition Jasmeet Kaur Sahi. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 484023_04
Jordan is a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates. (Supplied)
What do Viking guests love?
MANY readers have been introduced to the magic of Viking and their outstanding cruises through articles here and in the quarterly Travel Today magazine.
The cruise line, which celebrates ten years of ocean voyages in 2025, provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans, and lakes around the world and designed for curious travellers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine,
Some have taken the plunge and booked a long-awaited dream holiday, while many areontheirsecondorthirdadventurewith Viking and offer accolades to the company and the many ways they continually rise to exceed expectations.
Viking offer ‘Destination Focused Dining’ where regional cuisine is provided by passionate chefs for guests dine as they dine onboard at each location.
Onboard at the Chefs Table, known for its culinary experience savouring gastronomic delicacies, the sommeliers andculinarymasterscreatetheperfectfood and wine pairings during a multi-course tasting, enjoyed in the restaurant or in a private dining room.
Oneguest,BenH,recentlyreturnedfrom the Mediterranean Odyssey cruise with plenty of great memories.
“So many memorable nights at the Chefs Table on Viking, an intense dining experience that goes beyond just great food,“ he said.
“Eachcoursewaspartofathemedtasting menu highlighting different regions of the world and paired perfectly with wines selectedtobringoutthebestineverydish.”
Other guests have enjoyed the thoughtfully curated shore excursions offered in every destination some only offered to Viking guests.
GuestKimP,whorecentlyreturnedfrom theItalianSojournitinerary,saidsheloved going ashore and seeing the sites.
“What I enjoy most about the cruises are the excursions and here we visited the historic town of Trogir, which not surprisingly was a backdrop for the city of Qarth in the show Game of Thrones and more importantly a UNESCO World Heritage Site,“ she said.
“But the best excursion was continuing on to the charming small village of Jurlinovi Dvori in Draga, where we visited the farmhouse of a retired priest who welcomedustohishomeandchapelwitha tastingofhisfigsandalmondsgrownthere
as well as a home cooked meal and music.”
ThoseinEuropenowhavebeenenjoying the warm season with guests enjoying a romantic Danube experience with iconic World Heritage sites, stunning sunsets and sunrises on the Trades Routes of the Middle Ages itinerary, or a guest favourite, the Rhine Getaway.
Recent guest Juliana B said it was a wonderful time to savour the Rhine in full bloom with a Rhine and Main Explorer itinerary which offers a blend of culture history and natural beauty.
“Wevisitedsomanycutetownsthisweek enjoying the architecture, art museums, castles, churches, palaces, gardens and more. We also enjoyed relaxing on the ship watchingthescenerychangeandsampling regional dishes and delicious meals from thecomfortofourhomeawayfromhome,” she said.
As first time Viking cruiser Joe A loved the way the Rhine Getaway cruise was handled.
“OurfirstcruiseonViking,“heenthused.
“It was an awesome experience.
Everything runs so smoothly, and they handle the logistics so well.”
A firm favourite for guests on the Ocean Ships is the Kitchen Table, an onboard cooking school where guests experience firsthand how to prepare regional dishes. Onportdaysguestsareinvitedtohandpick ingredientsatalocalmarkettocreatethree course regional meals with the chef. Is it time to book a dream holiday where all the boxes are ticked? Then it’s time to contact Viking on 138 747 or visit www.viking.com.
Dark sky over Cologne aboard Viking on the Rhine.
The Acropolis in Athens is on many guests ‘must see’ list.
Viking ships offer comfort, attention to detail and is called the thinking persons cruise. While on-board settle in and have a glorious spa included in the trip.
LEE MCCARTHY
Full-Board River Cruise
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with
lunch and wine tastings including: Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout and Vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
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MEDITERRANEAN’S ICONIC SHORES
Barcelona to Istanbul or vice versa
29 DAYS | 8 COUNTRIES | 23 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; FEB-MAY, JUL 2027
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3 NIGHTS CAPPADOCIA
Explore the epic natural beauty and ancient history of captivating Cappadocia. Take to the skies for a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia and journey through the Dervent Valley admiring the “Fairy Chimney” rock formations. In Istanbul see historic landmarks such as the “Blue Mosque,” the Hippodrome of Constantinople and the Topkapi Palace.
ANCIENT ADRIATIC TREASURES
Venice to Istanbul or vice versa
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Youth careers expo
A free careers expo for young people (15-24) looking to land their first job will be held at Visy Cares Hub, 80b Harvester Road, Sunshine, from Thursday, July 10, 11am-3pm. Meet with friendly employers, find out how to land your dream job and get involved in activities that will get you ready for your first day at work. Free entry, lunch, coffee and exciting prizes. Enhance your resume writing and interview skills.
enquiries@youthprojects.org.au
Boomerang art
Visit Cairnlea library on July 9 to mark NAIDOC Week 2025. learn about Aboriginal culture and paint your own boomerang in this fun, creative workshop. Session could get messy, please bring your own art smock. This session is for children aged 5-12 years. All material supplied. Parent/guardian supervision is required throughout the whole session. From noon-1pm, at 59 Carmody Drive, Cairnlea.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1409009
Blue Light Disco
Calling all superheroes and masked crusaders of Brimbank. Come and dance with us at our upcoming Blue Light Disco. Prizes for best costume, best dancer and more. Bring your friends and make some new ones on the dancefloor. This event is for primary school-aged children in grades 3-6. Cost:$10. At St Albans Community Centre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans, on August 1, 6-8pm. Bookings essential.
thebrimbankmeltonbluelight@gmail.com
Westside wanderers
Take mouth-watering walking food tour in the heart of Sunshine. This 2.5-hour guided experience blends food, culture, and local storytelling across a compact 1km, fully accessible route – perfect for both curious locals and adventurous food lovers. Includes three courses across three beloved local eateries, two immersive visits to local grocery stores, live entertainment, tastings, giveaways, and a special Sunshine keepsake. On August 9, noon-2.30pm. Cost: $99 Bookings required.
https://events.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ westside-wanders-sunshine-2025/
Philately exhibition
Larissa MacFarlane’s exhibition of multi-layered linocuts is dedicated to all
A day out in nature
Over 100 locals gathered at Bon Thomas Grasslands in Deer Park on Saturday, June 28, for a day of planting and social activities.
Hosted by Brimbank council in partnership with Melbourne Mandir, International Peace Youth Groups and FriendsofIramoo,theeventwasattended by volunteers who planted 5000 native shrubs,grassesandwildflowerstoimprove habitatconditionsfornativewildlife.
Children were able to participate in a competitive potato sack race and create theirown‘monsterpots’totakehometoo.
Members of Melbourne Mandir provided volunteers with scrumptious vegetarian Indian food and hot Masala chaiafterthehardworkwasdone.
The event is part of council’s Nature Places Capital Works project at Bon Thomas Reserve, and was supported by a grant from the Environmental Protection Authority.
things Philatelic, as well as honouring the of Covid-times through a queer disability justice lens. It features stamped postcards, inspired by the patterns found within envelopes that have travelled the world via the Mail-Art tradition. With an installation of 100 origami cranes, the exhibition features postage stamps with reinvented postmarks to highlight contemporary socio-political issues. It is on display at Sunshine Art Spaces Window Gallery, 2 City Place, Sunshine, until August 7.
creativebrimbank.com.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
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 10am-2pm and also for the B grade mixed team on Wednesday, 7-9pm.
keilorparktennis@gmail.com
Brimbank Book Group
Be inspired by thought-provoking books with a group of like-minded, literary fans with our Brimbank Book Group. All welcomed. This group, for adults, meets on the first Monday of the month, 2-3pm, at Deer Park Library. Bookings are not essential, but please feel free to register your interest if you’d like to receive a reminder email.
library@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Create & Chat
Dig out your craft projects and get inspiration from fellow like-minded crafters with the Create & Chat sessions at Sunshine Library, from 10-11am, on the first Tuesday of every month. All skill levels are welcome.
library@brimbank.vic.gov.au
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with
meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Learn to Relax Group
IPC Health’s Living Well team is running a free Learn to Relax Group at IPC Health Deer Park, 106 Station Road, every Tuesday at 11am. This group is for people over 18 years who are interested in learning how to relax and finding ways to effectively manage their stress. Registration is required to attend this group.
livingwell@ipchealth.com.au, or 1300 472 432
Alcoholics Anonymous
Meeting every Wednesday 7- 8.30pm at the Westvale Community Centre, 45 Kings Road, Kings Park. Tea and coffee supplied.
0411 126 721
Card games
Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday, from 7-10pm, at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine.
Leisa, 0425 768 808
Keilor Day View Club
The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies.
Robyn, 0425 387 880
St Albans senior citizens
St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.
Roma, 0435 991 064
Caroline Springs Rotary
The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via Zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall, from 7pm.
rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Emmanuel College students: Sam, Maja, Matthew and Kayleigh who took part in a winter sleepout. (Damjan Janevski) 487099_01
Top left: Rohan and Hinal Patel with their son, Rihan. Top centre: Harshad and Manisha Patel with their son, Tarang. Above: Piyush Patel. Far left: Rekha Patel, Varsha Patel, Piyush Patel and Jignesh Patel. Left: Ankita and Jinkal. (Pictures: Nico Photography)
column or box.
ACROSS
1 Infatuated (8)
5 Portable computer (6)
10 Separately (5)
11 Authorise (the use of) (9)
12 Colour points of a digital image (6)
13 Area of level high ground (7)
14 Death notice (8)
15 Seas (6)
18 A sheep’s coat (6)
20 Calamity (8)
21 Water well (7)
24 Clamour (6)
27 Arranged (9)
28 Silly; pointless (5)
29 Formally inspect (6)
30 Vegetation (8)
DOWN
1 Prejudice (4)
2 Keep steady (9)
3 Heading (5)
4 Revelation (8)
6 Old (7)
7 Doubly (5)
8 Forerunner (9)
9 Aid (4)
14 Obtrusive; meddlesome (9)
16 Sub (9)
17 Unruliness (8)
19 Purify (7)
22 Sucrose (5)
23 Bird’s bed (4)
25 Strong thread (5)
26 Refute (4)
1 In which decade was Tutankhamun's tomb discovered?
2 Approximately how long does it take for the moon to orbit the earth: 18, 27 or 40 days?
3 Which two TV personalities were Australia's commentators for the Eurovision Song Contest from 2017 to 2024?
4 Name the Japanese shrine famous for its rows of red torii gates.
5 Sarah Burton, the designer of Kate Middleton's wedding dress, is the creative director of which luxury
6 True or false: horses can't breathe through their mouths?
7 To which demographic is the annual Stella Prize awarded, and for which sector of the arts?
8 The pasta dish cacio e pepe translates to what?
9 In which Australian New Wave film did Jacki Weaver (pictured) appear as maid Minnie?
10 What is the chemical symbol for lead?
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which 17-year-old Australian sprinter beat his own 200m national record by 0.02 of a second at his first senior international event?
2. In which year will the Tasmania Devils AFLW team enter the women’s
3. How many consecutive cricket Tests did Marnus Labuschagne play before being dropped for the series against West Indies?
4. Which Australian golfer won the 2025 Women’s PGA Championship in
What is the name for the main body of riders in a bicycle race, meaning
Filmmaker Joseph Kosinski, who made Top , directed which much-hyped, recently released sports
Which Richmond player was given a courtordered curfew of 10pm to 6am due to an assault conviction?
What is the name of the Nike sports brand logo?
Who was man of the match in England’s First Test win over India in the fivematch cricket
10. In rugby union, the British & Irish Lions were defeated by which country at Aviva Stadium, Dublin?
11. The British & Irish Lions tour only happens once per how many years?
12. Which NBA star tore his achilles in game seven of the 2025 NBA Finals?
13. In gymnastics, is parallel bars a men’s, women’s or unisex event?
14. Which premier league club is nicknamed The Bees?
15. How many forwards are in a rugby union team?
16. What is WWE wrestler John Cena’s catchphrase?
17. How many holes of golf are played in a Masters Tournament?
18. What informal animal name is also used for a beginners ski slope?
19. Cristiano Ronaldo recently commited to a £492 million contract extension with a club in which country?
20. Which Aussie recently became the holder of the most X Games Skateboard gold medals won by a woman?
21. Who was picked first in the 2025 NBA draft?
22. Test cricketer Steve Smith recently used facilities associated with what other sport to help recover from a finger injury?
23. In basketball, how many points is an alley-oop worth?
24. Which Richmond AFL player was recently given a suspension following a hit on Adelaide player Jordan Butts?
25. Which two former players recently became the first AFLW players to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame?
26. AFL players Joel Amartey and Isaac Quaynor both have heritage from which African country?
27. Gehamat Shibasaki plays for which NRL team?
28. In which state have the Matildas recently played four friendlies against Panama and Slovenia?
29. The French alps are set to host which 2030 sporting events?
30. Who was player of the match in the recent first cricket Test between the West Indies and Australia?
Elite package but pricey
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
Launched by Hyundai in 2017, the second-generation Kona was revealed in December,2022.
It is available with petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, while the earlier diesel engine option is no longeroffered.
Unlike the first version Hyundai claims second-generationKonawasdesignedfirst and foremost as a battery-electric vehicle before it was then adapted for use as other variants.
Whichever way it swings, it has been designed to blend in with the current environment, with no discernible radiator grille regardless of what’s under the bonnet. Still, accommodations must have been made during the design process whichmeanssomecompromise.
Styling
In effect, there are three electric versions of this car, Kona Electric Standard Range ($54,000), Kona Electric Extended Range ($58,000) and Kona Electric Premium Extended Range ($68,000), all of them front-wheeldrive.
The basic version comes with a 99kW electric motor and 48 kWh battery, with a rangeof370km.
The extended range is $58,000 and has a 150kW motor, larger 64kWh battery and range of 505km. Premium extended range with the 150kW motor and larger 64kWh battery as standard has a range of 444km, duetothefactithaslarger19-inchwheels.
You can’t get the Standard Range in Premiumtrim.
ThesportyNLineoptionpackbringsthe priceofthebasicversionto$62,000andthe Premiumto$71,000.Anycolourotherthan white or green adds $595. The optional Meta blue of our car appears mauve in some light. N Line includes body-coloured cladding, exclusive bumpers, skid plates and side effects, wing-type rear spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels and N Line badges/ wheelcentres
Our test vehicle was the top of the line Kona Electric premium with 19-inch wheels, premium paint and optional interior trim, priced at $68,890 plus on-road costs. Standard features include 17-inchalloywheels,LEDheadlights,DRLs and tail lights, dual-zone climate control, interior Vehicle To Load (V2L) power outlet, heat pump cabin heating, battery conditioning and a wireless smartphone charger.
Premium adds 19-inch alloys, leather upholstery, powered, heated and ventilatedseating,aheatedsteeringwheel, headupdisplay(HUD),Boseeight-speaker premium audio, remote smart parking, wide glass sunroof and a power operated tailgate.
Onanothernote,KonaElectricisthefirst EV in its segment to come standard with a spare tyre, which is comforting when it comestolongerjourneys.
Kona Electric is covered by a five-year/ unlimited-kilometre warranty, with a separate eight-year/160,000km warranty on the battery. Service is due every 24 monthsor30,000km.
Infotainment
Infotainment consists of 12.3-inch touchscreen together with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster that sit behind a single seamlessglasspanel.
It has a long list of features including Hyundai Bluelink and Over-the-Air update capability, improved natural language-based voice recognition, and a
dedicatedEVuserinterface.
Other features include Bluetooth with multi-connect, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, satellite navigation, along with wirelessAppleCarPlayandAndroidAuto.
A240-voltthree-pinsocketcanbefound at the rear of the centre console, which we usedtopoweracarfridge.
There are two USB-C ports in the front andanothertwointheback,butthere’sno poweroutletintheactualluggagearea.
Safety
Despite an extensive list of active safety and driver assistance features Kona scores onlyfourstarsforsafety.
It falls short in two key areas: safety assistandvulnerableroaduserprotection, achieving only an adequate result in the performanceofitsautonomousemergency braking system in tests with pedestrians andcyclists.
Powertrain
The electric powertrain in the extended version produces 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.
Driving
Second generation Kona Electric is bigger and roomier, 18cm longer with a 6cm longer wheelbase than its predecessor. This means a bigger boot and more legroom, with 7.7cm more legroom and 1.5cmmoreheadroomintheback.Seating is comfortable without being inviting and perhapsabitnarrowerthanbefore.
Heating comes from an energy-saving heat pump, with physical temperature controlsbelowthetouchscreen.
Up front you get two retractable cupholders, a 1.5-litre drink bottle holder in each door and generous centre console storage. In back there’s 700ml bottle holders in each door and a fold-down centrearmrestwithtwocupholders.
The luggage area has grown by 33 litres to407litres,witha27-litreplasticfrunkup front which is handy for stashing charge cables.
Never quite rising above its humble origins, hard plastic abounds in the cabin, disguised by soft touch material in such places as the armrests. Lifting the tailgate exposes a luggage area that looks
oh-so-averageingenericgreyfelt.
The look is distinctive with a long thin light bar that spans the breadth of the bonnet, matched by a tail light strip at the rear, which together give the car a space-agedappearance.
Both strips of lights are underpinned by large separate head and brake light assemblies. Studded, pixel-like inserts at the front and bottom of the rear bumper underlinethefuturisticlook.
But to get the cooler, high-flying rear spoiler you need to shell out for the N Line kit.
Someiterationsofthecarlookabitgoofy, butfromHyundai’spointofviewthere’sno mistaking the Kona for anything else on theroad.
An ‘active’ air flap opens and closes to reduce wind drag at the front and, believe it or not, extended range versions are pre-wired for towing and can pull a 750kg brakedtrailer.Evenmoreincredibleisthat this EV actually comes with a spare wheel, albeit a space saver - unlike the rest of its kind.
On a lesser note, Kona Electric is built on 400-volt architecture, so it does not offer the faster charging speeds of other HyundaiEVs.
Therearefourdrivemodes-Eco,Normal, Sport,Snow-plusiPedalone-pedaldriving (noneedtobrakeseparately).
With395Nmoftorquethefirstgeneration could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds.Heavierandwithlesstorque,this onedoesitinaslower7.9seconds.
Steering wheel mounted paddles can be used to control the level of regenerative braking (lesser or greater brake drag). There’salsoasmartmode.
With a DC fast charger, Hyundai claims 10-80 per cent charging can be achieved in 41 minutes, compared to 18 minutes for someofits800-voltmodels.
The liquid cooled, high-performance lithium-ion battery is incorporated in the floor plan, maximising interior space and providingaflatfloor.
Putting the battery down low gives the car a lower centre of gravity which enhancesrideandhandling,andseesitsit flatterthroughcorners.
The charge port is located at the front of the car where it is arguably more convenient to use. The capacity of the onboard AC charger has been boosted
to 10.4kW, compared with 7.2kW in the previous generation. But that requires a home with three-phase power and higher charging rates are really not required for overnightcharging.
With single phase power and a 7.2kW EVSE, the 48W standard range version can be fully charged in 6.75 hours, while the 64kW extended range will take up to 9.0 hours.
Plug it in when you get home and it will bereadytogoagaininthemorning.
Topping up the car from a 300W Tesla Supercharger took much longer than expectedandneverevencameclosetothe promised100kWlevel.
Konaalsoprovidesvehicle-to-load(V2L) support, but leveraging the full capability meansbuyinga$600V2Lconnector.
Energyconsumptionforthisspecversion ofthecarisaclaimed16.7kWh/100km. Our test vehicle was showing the long-term equivalent of 16.1 kWh after 2480km. We say equivalent because the tripmeterwassettokm/kWhnottheusual kWh/100km, and we could not find how to changeit-notforlackoftrying.
Moving from the Ioniq 5 straight into the Kona Electric was enlightening. They share the same twist-style transmission lever which is located on the right of the steeringcolumnandsamebasiclayout. The big difference is in the way Kona rides and handles. Although tuned for Australian roads, the ride is noticeably harsher and it is less able to absorb road shock,duemostlytoitssmallersize.
ThebouncethatcharacterisesEVsisalso present and sees the car bob up and down when it encounters a large bump such as a speedhump.
Rather than sporty the Kona Electric is easy and relatively comfortable to drive around town, but we suggest it is better suited to shorter trips. Its size will make it tiring to drive over longer distances and country roads are likely to produce a choppy ride. It’s quiet inside, but there’s some wind noise, even at lower speeds. Head-up display is almost invisible to thosewhowearpolarisedsunglasses.
LiketheIoniq5,theover-speedwarnings are often wrong and can be annoying, but arereportedlyquieterandcanbeswitched off - though they must be disabled each time.
A ‘Virtual Engine Sound’ (like a Tesla) is emitted from a front-mounted speaker to warn pedestrians of the car’s approach, andaddstothespaceypersona.Itwasloud enoughtodrawanaudiencewhilewewere doubled-parked, and trying to load some gearintotheback.
AndroidAutothrewusacurveballwhen we were unable to navigate back to the car radio screen and select a band and station tolistento.
Summing up
Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. But the result of this strategy is an unexpectedly high price tag,perhapstoohigh.
Tick all the boxes and the Kona is just over $77,000 by the time you put it on the road. And that’s before you start thinking about installing a Wallbox at home which is really the only practical solution to charging.Itmeansyouwon’tbeconstantly worrying about when and where you can chargeyourshinynewtoy.
At this point thoughts will probably turn to cheaper Chinese alternatives. Kona’s MainrivalistheBYDAtto3whichtopsout at$47,499pluson-roads. Overtoyou.
Kona Electric is a well-engineered, well equipped small crossover style wagon that doesn’t cut many corners. (Supplied)
Sporting around in the sun
There was plenty of action across the north-west on Saturday from the footy fields to the soccer pitch and basketball court. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out in the winter sunshine shooting the action.
Epping’s Marc Tartaglia and Mernda’s Declan Felle. 488180_19
Rupertswood’s Jackson Cardillo. 488178_09
Rupertswood’s Clayton Bonello. (488178_08
Keilor Thunder’s Adetomi Ayilara. 488186_01
Bernie Harrower in the coaching hot seat. 488185_09
Epping’s Corey Middleton. 488180_04
Lalor United’s Diego Miranda Ciudad Real and Whittlesea Rangers’ Nuoman Aliy. 488179_17
Whittlesea Pacers’ Chloe Crompton in defence mode. 488181_02
Keilor Thunder’s Daniel Foster. 488186_13
Lalor United’s Deon Roumeliotis. 488179_02
Whittlesea Pacers’ Isabella Ryan goes up for a shot. 488181_15
Keilor Thunder’s Penina Davidson. 488185_20
VTCA focused on improving in all areas during off season
By Tara Murray
Plenty is happening behind the scenes in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association off season.
Coming off its biggest season, the competition is set to increase again for the 2025-26 season.
All top grade sides will return this season, with Glenroy making a return to thecompetitionafternotbeingabletofield a side last season.
It will resume in division 5.
VTCA president Zoran Havranek said they were investing in the association in a number of different ways.
He said they’ve had to knock back some clubs increasing the number of sides that have due to not having enough grounds.
“We are landlocked and don’t have the grounds,”hesaid.“Cricketistheloserhere.
want to move onto turf,
He said they had changed their points system in recent seasons to try to attract players from other competitions, rather than take from other sides in the competition.
“There’salotofoverseasplayerswhowant to play given how good the competition is,” he said.
“The points are in place to ensure clubs go outside to get good talent to come in.
“It’s the beauty of a good competition.”
over 60.
“With Frogbox we are getting footage of our umpires and they can see what is happening.
“We’ve had more umpires rotate through the senior division. They’ve been able to educate captains of the standards of senior cricket and it’s kept them on their toes as well.
“The senior players have given good feedback and it’s one way to improve the game overall.”
“For that reason we are doing what we can to accommodate them. We’ve worked closely with clubs before on the brink to make sure it doesn’t happen.”
Havranek said there were clubs in the growth areas that could join the competition in the coming years as they
“We haven’t had one side drop off. We don’tlikehavingclubsfoldanddon’tliketo see mergers either.
Having formed a partnership with Vanuatu cricket last season, they will continue that as well as having formed a new partnership with Japanese cricket.
Havranek said improving their umpiring had been a focus the past few seasons.
“We’re doing a lot of training with our umpires,” he said. “It used to be when you went to an umpires meeting there were only 15 people attending, now there are
Westvale’s rise up
By Tara Murray
From looking to be in the relegation battle to being in the conversation for promotion, it’s been a big few weeks for Westvale OlympicintheFVstateleague1north-west season.
Westvalewassittingbottomoftheladder early in the season but has turned its seasonaroundandwassittinginthirdspot heading into round 14 on the weekend, after deadline.
Coach Bill Georgopoulos said a big loss toYarravilleGloryprovedtobetheturning point for the playing group.
“We had a 4-0 loss to Yarraville and it was embarrassing,” he said. “The last four games the boys have turned it around. “We play second placed Banyule [after deadline] to see if we can beat them. It’s a really good opportunity.
“Seven weeks ago we were sitting bottom and now we are able to play well and possibly playing for a promotion spot, it’s massive for us.”
Georgopoulos said he couldn’t have imagined the turnaround from when they were bottom to now.
He said they had seen some good signs at times early on in what is turning out to be a close competition.
“When we played Corio it was third last verus fourth last,” he said. “At that moment something changed.
“The mindset changed and we changed a few things and tinkered a couple of things in the system.
“It has worked.”
Georgopoulos was full of credit for the playing group and what they had been able to do. He said they had all stuck with the club despite a number being approached during the transfer window.
Westvale has upped the scoring during its four straight wins, scoring 14 goals in four matches.
Georgopoulos said it was a matter of confidence that is now within the playing group.
“The good thing is we are sharing the scoring load now,” he said. “Our wingers and midfielders have been scoring as well, which has been very positive.”
While encouraged with the run of form, Georgopoulos knows that one loss could see them drop down the ladder quickly.
HesaidthematchwithBanyule,whichis a pretty strong team and has a good record at home, would be a good test for them.
“We are up against it at the end of the day,” he said. “We have been up against it for the last four weeks.
“The start of the season we had a lot of injuriesandwerestrugglingtogetvictories on the park.
“It was pretty bad. To come together was the goal.”
Georgopoulos said their goal pre-season was to ensure they scored 25 points for the season,withonlyoneteambeingrelegated on that amount of points in the last 12 years.
After 13 rounds, Westvale was sitting on 21 points.
Georgopoulossaidtherewasastillalong way to go with several challenges ahead of them.
“We still want to hit that 25 point mark and whatever happens then, happens.
“After beating Upfield we said we wanted to try and poach second spot and it’s a testament to the players and there’s something to fight for rather than the relegation dogfight.”
Havranek said they were looking at having umpires for second grades this season as well this season.
Oneareatheyarelookingatisimproving the slow over rate.
The association’s junior academy has continued to grow in the past two years. A coaching academy is now being put in place as well in partnership with the Western Region Sports Club.
Victoria’s 20 state and metropolitan football governing bodies have aligned with AFL Victoria to formally endorse a unified strategic direction for the game’s future.
The newly established Victorian Community Football Charter is a culmination of more than two years of collaboration.
It marks the first time the state’s football bodies have aligned under a shared philosophy that through strong relationships, clearer governance, and effective structures, Victorian community football can thrive.
The charter developed under the future state project’s guidance reflects a commitment to overcome challenges, seize new opportunities and build a more sustainable and inclusive game for all Victorians.
AFL Victoria head Greg Madigan said that despite Victoria having the largest football community nationally,thegoverningbodieshave not shared a strategic direction or collaboratedasanindustryuntilnow. He described the charters signings as a “commitment to initial priority projects to align all governing bodies and AFL Victoria under one strategic vision.”
The charter outlines seven initial key priority projects, including player pathways, community umpiring programs, community female football and critical incident management
As well as the expansion of the club and competition sustainability project, community football conduct and standards, and a policy reference group.
Western Football League chief executive David Jennings said “The charter represents a powerful step forward for grassroots football and this collective approach ensures that every level of the game benefits from a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable future.”
VAFA chief Jason Reddick added, “whilst there are many challenges facing community football, our leagues are best placed to maximise the opportunities of growing male and female participation and supporting volunteerism when working collaboratively as an industry, whilst also encouraging leagues to drive initiatives.“
Trent Lawford. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 465587_22
Christopher Triantafilopoulos. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 421570_12
Eagles focused on promotion with fate in their own hands
By Tara Murray
Keilor Park’s promotion hopes are in its ownhandsinthebackpartoftheVictorian Premier League women’s competition.
After finishing third last season, the Eagles set the goal of going at least one spot better this season and earning promotion this season.
After 14 rounds, the Eagles were second ontheladderwithagapof13pointsbackto Bundoora United, which sits in third.
Avondale sits five points clear of Keilor Park on top.
Eagles coach Liam Drury said he was happy with how the group was going this season.
“We’re in a good spot,” he said. “It made
sense after last year and being third that we wanted to get promoted and get into the top division.
“We need four wins from our last eight games to make sure we get promoted.”
Drury said it was much easier having their fate in their own hands and it allows them to take it game by game.
“This is a great group to coach,” he said.
“They’ve been playing some really good football and it allows them to be creative and attacking.
“We kept the core team from last year and added some good international and Australian talent.
“We’ve got some good young players and we’ll see what they can do for the rest of this year and next year.”
The Eagles had been neck and neck with Avondale until the past few weeks.
A loss to Avondale and then a draw with Banyule in round 14, saw the Eagles slip behind them.
It means that everything would need to go the Eagles way if they were to claim the title as well as get promoted.
Drury said they know that is out of their hands.
“It is definitely something we’ve got our mind off,” he said. “We’re not thinking about it.
“If they lose a game it brings us back into it, but we are focused on how we can play our own game.”
The Eagles were set to face the Bayside Argonauts on Friday night, after deadline.
Taranto is a Matilda
By Tara Murray
Western United’s Adriana Tarnanto thought a message that would lead to one of the biggest phone calls of her life was spam.
The message was anything but as she soon found out and the phone call would take her a step to achieving a dream.
Taranto was left shocked by the news she was selected for her first Matildas squad.
“It was pretty crazy,” she said. “I had finished doing a gym session and was goinghomeinthecar,gotalittleWhatsapp message from the team manager, asking for a call.
“I thought, is this a scam? What is this? I said sure and got the call and they said on behalf of Joe [Montemurro] we would like you to come into camp.
“I was a bit like, why? Are you sure? I was absolutely stoked.”
Taranto said she didn’t even realise on the radar of the new Matildas coach.
She only returned from an ACL injury in January.
“I think this year for me I was really focused on my rehab,” she said. “Just getting myself back to playing and the way I was pre-injury.
“Tryandgetmyconfidenceback.Ididget quite a few games in with Western which I was really happy about.
“Intheend,Ididfeelalotmoreconfident in playing in my body, but I didn’t really think Joe was maybe taking note.
“I just think for me, in my head I was building back up season and see what happens.
“It was a very, very nice surprise.”
Taranto, who is now in camp with the Matildas, said it was slowly settling in that she is part of the environment.
She is part of the squad that will play two games against Panama, which started on Saturday.
“Sometimes I walk out to training and I look around and think what am I doing here?” she said.
“Once we got that first session out of the way, I settled in a bit more.
“You do all the introductions and once that is all out of the way, it has been pretty smooth, I would say that it is getting there [in believing it].”
Tarantobecomesthefirstplayerfromthe Calder United pathway through to Western United to be selected in a Matildas squad.
Shesaidthatwasaprettyspecialmoment with both clubs having a big impact on her life.
“Those two clubs, Calder and Western, have been a big part of my career and who I am as player. Everyone there Mark [Toscano], Amanda [Stella] and the coaches have been there have really helped me get to this point.
“The success we’ve had at Calder and even at Western, as team, has allowed me to build my game and learn, definitely helped me get to this point.
“Very proud to have played at both of them.”
Taranto said she has come into the camp trying to soak in as much as she can from the coaches and the staff.
She said she was loving the camp so far and being in the that professional environment.
“I want to show off a little bit of what I have got, and why I was bought in,” she said. “Just enjoying the camp and if I get to get on the pitch, it will be the cherry on the top.”
Taranto is one of two Western United players in the squad with Chloe Berryhill getting recalled.
She has taken Taranto under her wing and that they are so proud of each other to be in the spot they are.
It isn’t just the Eagles top side that has had a strong season, with plenty of good signs across the whole female program.
“Our reserve women are in the top four and our state league 3 side is really solid in that league.
“We’ve got NPL with our journey and we’ve seen the lift in professionalism with that.
“Hopefully we get promoted into [NPL] and we can create that pathways.
“If we get promoted we get an under-20s team.”
In other matches in the VPL, Calder United was set to Ringwood City, also on Friday after deadline.
Calder entered the round in fourth spot.
Ruhs
is set to depart United
WesternUnitedstrikerMichaelRuhs is headed for a new opportunity after his A-League Men’s contract finished.
Ruhs departs Western United after two-and-a-half years, after being a deadline day signing in February 2023 and went on to register 51 games for the club.
Ruhs scored eight goals in that time,mostnotablybaggingabracein thefirst-evermen’smatchatIronbark Fields in Tarneit, contributing to a stunning 4-2 win.
After confirming his departure from the west, Ruhs spoke of the special environment he has felt at the Club.
“This club has been more than just a team to me – it’s been a home. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms, and for that I will always be grateful,” he said.
“Thank you for believing in me, challenging me and helping me grow.You’vemademeabetterplayer and a better person.
“WesternUnitedwillalwaysholda special place in my heart. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together.”
Western United football general manager Mal Impiombato thanked Ruhs for his contribution to the club.
“Michael has been a valued member of our Western United family and I would like to thank him for his contributions during his time,” he said.
“His positivity and energy have been infectious throughout the group and a key part of our culture as a team.
“We wish Michael every success in his future endeavours and look forward to seeing his career continue.”
Meanwhile, Andrew Durante is also leaving the club.
After 45 appearances for the club as a foundation player, Durante returned to the west following a brief hiatus to begin his role as player welfare and development manager in 2022.
Durante then joined the senior academy coaching staff in 2023, working with no less than nine young talents who went on to earn theirfirstseniorcontractsattheclub.
That led to an assistant role under John Aloisi across the past two seasons, playing a particularly integral role in a record-breaking 2024-25 campaign.
Adriana Tarnanto. (Football Australia)
Georgies get two in row, bigger picture the focus
Caroline Springs George Cross is focused onthetaskathandintheVictorianPremier League 1 competition.
In the fight for promotion, every game is importantintherunhomefortheGeorgies and their hopes of returning to the top flight.
Coach Eric Vassiliadis said it was hard not to get caught up in the ladder and how things could go.
“We just know that at the end of the day you’ve got to be first or second to get automatic promotion after 26 games,” he said.
“The next game is always the most important one.
“Soyes,winningonemoretomakeittwo inarowwouldbeimportant,butyouknow, we’ve never really been focused on that.
“We just want to make sure we turn up, play to our true style, and wake up the day
after and say, ‘you know, we’ve given it a crack’anddiditthewaywewantedtodoit.”
On Friday night, the Georgies were able to get the job done against Northcote City.
The Georgies scored two second half goals to come from behind to win, 2-1.
Vassiliadis said it wasn’t the game that they were expecting.
“They came out slightly more defensively and conservative than what we had anticipated,” he said.
“They sat off, and I thought they really caused us some problems with that on the break in the first 25-30 minutes.
“We needed to make some changes at half time both in terms of the tactical side, but also the personnel side given what they were delivering. So, we did that.
“And thankfully for us, young Marc Petheriotis came on at half time, and he changed the game for us after 10 minutes
on the park.
“That gave us the impetus, the mindset, the aggressive nature. I thought we were deserved winners in the end and probably should have been by more.“
The Georgies sit third on the ladder.
The Georgies now have a break with the catch up round this weekend.
Vassiliadissaiditwouldbeagoodchance for them to work the new guys into the squad. He said they had looked to add some youth and experience, but felt their stability hadbeenakeyoftheirsuccesssofar.
Among those who have joined the club are Petheriotis, Christian Siciliano, Jed Zanos,
They will face Melbourne Victory in its first A-League pre-season match on July 15 during the break in what Vassiliadis said would be a cool experience.
Tough Thunder win
By Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder came away with a backs to the wall win against Diamond Valley Eagles in the National Basketball League 1 south women’s competition.
The first match of a six game period without coach Kristi Harrower, Issie Bourne and Maddy Rocci, the Thunder were defensively strong against the Eagles.
The Thunder led by three points at quarter time and kept that margin heading into the main break.
A21-8thirdquarterbrokethegameopen in the favour of the Thunder, which were strong enough to finish off with a 76-63 win.
Bernie Harrower, who has stepped up into the head coaching role with his daughter away, said it was a really good win.
“They were missing a couple away with the Opals as well,” he said. “It was a level playing field as far as I was concerned.
“Injuries have become a huge problem for us. Kasey Burton hurt her calf last night [Saturday] and we’re waiting for scans.
“We have two others on the crutches with season ending injuries. Maddy is out with her injury as well.
“It’s been a nightmare for us.”
Rocci hurt her knee in the final game before she was meant to head away with the Opals. Harrower said she was doing all her rehab and would hopefully be back for finals.
Saturday night’s game was a tough one according to Harrower.
“Both teams went at it defensively,” he said. “It was a bit of a war of attrition.
“We had some runs and it got us ahead at different times. We had good defensive connections.
“We spoke about it after the game, we neverletthemgetonabigscoringrunsand it was the difference.”
Jasmine Dickey led the way for the Thunder with 31 points, eight assists and four steals.
Harrower said that was what they were hoping for from their newest player.
“We gave her the green light to take the gameon,”hesaid.“Shedidthatandhadan exceptional game.”
Harrower said they were taking it one
Sports shorts
Western FL
Albion’s winning run came to an end in the Western Football League division 1 in a tough day out against Yarraville Seddon on Saturday. The Eagles showed the gap between the top four and the rest, with a 17.16 (118)-3.4 (22) win. The Eagles dominated all day and were able to extend the lead throughout. Sunshine was also on the losing side, going down to Point Cook Centrals, 7.11 (53)-5.11 (41). Elsewhere, Caroline Springs had a close win against Altona, getting the job done 10.5 (65)-5.9 (39).
FV
Keilor Park’s strong form continued with a big win against the Western Suburbs in the FV state league 1 north-west competition. The Eagles had no issues at all as they came away with a 3-0 win. The Eagles has increased its lead at the top of the table to four points. Third-placed Westvale Olympic and second-placed Banyule City had a 0-0 with both sides finishing with 10 men, while Sydenham Park beat Brimbank Stallions, 3-1.
EDFL
game at a time the next period while they were missing their Opals stars.
He said they knew this six game stretch without Maddy and Issie was going to be tough.
“It was great to get the win and if we can getafewmorewinsinthissixgamestretch, it will set us up for a good spot coming into finals.”
Harrower, who has stepped in as an assistant coach the past 12 months, said he would be happy to hand the reins back to Kristi when she returned.
Harrower was the Bendigo Spirit’s inaugural coach and coached them to two WNBL titles.
“I’ve been back for 12 months after quite awhileout,”hesaid.“Kristiisagoodcoach in her own right.
“I’m happy to offer advice here and there.”
TheThunder’smen’ssidealsogotthewin on Saturday night.
With coach Ash Arnott overseas on Australian coaching duties, the Thunder won 108-99.
Dante Thompson top scored with 23 points.
Hillside proved way too strong for Keilor in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division on Saturday. The Sharks started the better of the two sids and were able to build a lead throughout on the way to a 7.11 (53)-2.1 (13) win. Caitlin Sargent kicked three goals for the Sharks, while Mia Spiteri was named their best. Olivia Castello was named the Blues best. In division , Burnside Heights had a big win against Westmeadows, while Keilor Park fell short in the top of the table battle with Strathmore.
EDFL
Keilor Park left Rupertswood shocked in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition on Saturday. In what has been a close competition all year, the Devils bucked the trend and cam eaway with 16.10 (106)-5.11 (41) win. Joshua Bistisi-Nguyen and Jarod Pontin kicked four goals each in the win.
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