Issuu

12477071-CG03-21

JANUARY 19, 2021 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

(Damjan Janevski) 225056_01

Making a splash Children across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs made the most of the hot weather last week, flocking to local swimming pools. After a milder than usual beginning to summer, the mercury soared past 30 degrees on multiple days. Many pools – both indoor and outdoor – reported lockouts and queues of people waiting to get in because of COVID-19-related patron limits. With more warm days forecast for this week, swimming pools are expecting to be full as families make the most of their free time before school returns. Tara Murray

ISLAH, 5, AMAIA, 4, AND ROME, 6

Hit-run victim could lose leg The family of an Albanvale grandfather who was seriously injured in a hit and run in Deer Park is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Nick Topia was riding his motorcycle on January 1 when he was hit by a silver SUV performing a U-turn on Station Road, Deer Park. His daughter, Tiffany, said he was dragged 100 metres down the road, causing extensive leg injuries. She said the 55-year-old has had seven surgeries since the incident, including one which lasted 18 hours. He spent 10 days in induced comas. Ms Topia said the damage to her father’s leg was extensive and he faced the possibility of

losing it due to damage to the blood vessels. She described her father as a family man who would do anything for his grandchildren, who are heartbroken by the situation. The family has made posters and had T-shirts printed to help raise awareness of the incident. “We are trying to trigger people’s memories,“ she said. “Once people see our tops they remember the incident. My sister has written up something and sent it out to panel beaters and wreckers to get the word out.” Ms Topia has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money to help with her dad’s recovery.“ My dad is very hard-working and something like losing his leg will not sit well with him,” she said. “He’s a hard-working man and he doesn’t stop. “My dad is a humble man, kind, gentle, giving and all-round good guy. This is our way

of helping him as the bills don’t stop and will continue to pile up. “Any bit helps, we appreciate all the well wishes and prayers for our much-loved dad and pappa.” Police have released an image of the SUV, possibly a Ford Territory, which investigators believe may have had two female occupants at the time of the incident. Police said the occupants of the car failed to stop after the collision and were last seen heading north on Station Road. Police are seeking assistance from anyone who saw the incident or who may know the occupants of the car. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au To donate, visit: http://ow.ly/BXwG50D94Xd

Nick Topia. (Supplied)

OUT OF EGGS? Set up a recurring delivery to your door so you never run out again. Our Farm produce store is back in full swing and we’re still delivering! Our customers are loving our delivery service. No mess! No fuss! It’s as simple as a couple of clicks of your mouse, place your order and within 48 hours your Farm Fresh Eggs will be delivered straight to your front door step. 170-198 Bulban Rd, Werribee VIC 3030 | (03 9741 0185

www.casaccioeggfarms.com.au

12467551-JW47-20

By Tara Murray

Baby Spinach 1.5kg box (Pre-Order only)

Washed Potatoes 5kg

$9.99 only

$1.99 bag

Butternut Pumpkin Whole

Spinach Bunch

99¢ kg

3 for $5

Mint/Viet Mint

Spring Onion

75¢ bunch

75¢ bunch Kang Kong

Dragon Fruit White

$5.98 kg

Whole Cabbage

Rockmelon Premium XXL

$1.98 each Omo Washing Powder 9kg

Coriander

Ceylon Spinach

75¢ each White & Yellow Peaches

$3.98 kg White & Yellow Nectarines

$1.98 kg

$1.98 kg Carrots 1kg Bag

Fresh Coconut

2 for $1.50

$1.49 each

600g Eggs

Mehran Daily Basmati Rice 3kg

Taj Mahal Super Basmati Rice 20kg

$8.99 each

$33.99 each

Atlas Sunflower Oil 5l

Aashirvaad Atta 10kg (export pack)

$75.99 each

$10.98 each

$11.99 each

Masalista Corn Flour 2kg

Pattu Red Split Lentils 1kg

$8.49 only

78¢ each

99¢ kg

Medjool Dates Premium 5kg box

Vegeta 950g

Choy sum

$2.98 each

4 doz $6

$18.99 each

Organic Valencia Oranges

$6.99 only

800g JUMBO Eggs Tray of 30

$1.99 each

$7.99 each Tat Tomato Past 710g

$2.49 each

VICFIELDS FRESH FRUIT, VEGGIES, GROCERY, DELI AND BUTCHERS Underground parking facility available at Plaza SUNSHINE Shop 25, Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre 328 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine 3020 vicfields.sunshine@gmail.com SPECIALS ARE VALID FROM WEDNESDAY 20TH JANUARY TO TUESDAY 26TH JANUARY 2021 * Some limits may apply and specials available while allocated stock last. 2 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

12478475-DL04-21

SAT – WED: 6AM – 6PM | THURS – FRI: 6AM – 7PM

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Soil approvals questioned By Benjamin Millar The state opposition has accused the government of “scandalous” attempts to pressure the state’s environmental watchdog to cut corners in its approvals for the dumping of toxic soil from the $6.8 billion West Gate Tunnel. Star Weekly last month reported that Melton and Moorabool councils are demanding an urgent review of the state government’s approval for soil riddled with PFAS and asbestos to be dumped in Ravenhall and Bacchus Marsh after the Environment Protection Authority

admitted it may have lacked the legal grounds to sign off on the plans earlier in the year. The state opposition has also slammed the process, arguing that documents revealed following a Freedom of Information request show pressure was applied to the independent regulator to rush through the approvals. An August 2019 email from a senior staff member of Lily D’Ambrosio’s ministerial office to Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning secretary John Bradley and now former EPA chief Cathy Wilkinson referred to “options available for streamlined/ expedited process to assist soil to be received

at [REDACTED] site… Secretary, DPC to lead discussions on a resolution/pathway forward.” Opposition transport infrastructure spokesman David Davis said the emails are “extraordinary evidence” of attempts by senior Labor ministers to bully and pressure the EPA into cutting corners and expediting the process. Mr Davis said the emails clearly demonstrate the government crossing the line into “outright political manipulation”. “This is a disgraceful attempt to override proper environmental processes, putting at risk the safety of the community and the

environment,” he said. Opposition environment spokeswoman Bridget Vallence said the documents make clear the government is interfering in the processes of the environmental regulator. “It’s now clear the Andrews Labor government cares more about looking after big foreign-owned corporates on Labor’s botched tunnel projects, rather than the communities which are fighting to stop toxic soil being dumped next to homes and a school,” she said. The EPA and state government did not respond by time of publication.

Rodent poo prompts apology

The grassfire at Taylors Lakes. (Damjan Janevski) 225525_01 Inset: The aftermath of the fire; Police are appealing for help identifying a man seen in the vicinity of the fire. (Pictures: Tara Murray and supplied) 225809

Police investigate suspicious fire Police are searching for a man seen near a suspicious fire in Taylors Lakes last week, which damaged a number of sheds and fences. Emergency services were called to the fire at Rowell Place about 3.30pm last Monday. The fire burnt about 20 hectares, and more than 40 people were forced to evauate from neighbouring houses. At the height of the blaze, more than 50 Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters were on scene. Brimbank crime investigation unit Detective Senior Constable Euan Thoms said the man they were looking for was seen on CCTV footage in the vicinity of the fire. He said police were appealing for help identifying the man. “We have CCTV footage in the local area

which suggests that a person was in the vicinity of this area at the time of the fires,” he said. “Had there not been the same response from emergency services, the result could have been particularly different to what occurred. “It’s of great concern to myself and police, that there is someone deliberately lighting fires on hot days in built-up residential areas.” Detective Senior Constable Thoms said the grass had been mowed in the days leading up to the fire and was very dry at the time. Brimbank city development director Kelvin Walsh said the council had previously received complaints from residents about the maintenance of the land. “The grass fire happened on privately-owned land,” he said.

“Council issued a notice to comply and worked with property owners to make sure the grass was cut in late December last year and early January this year. “All property owners have a responsibility to keep grass short and properties clear of fire hazards. Council regularly inspects vacant properties and reminds landowners to keep grass short. “If a property is not maintained and poses a safety risk, the council can issue a notice to comply. Failure to comply can lead to fines and costs of more than $1600.” Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Woolworths has apologised to customers after rodent droppings were found on products in its Sunshine Marketplace store. A customer raised concerns on a local community group social media page, posting photos of droppings on two minute noodles on January 8. The customer said that they had raised the issue with the store manager. Several people commented that it wasn’t the first time droppings had been found at that store. A Woolworths spokesperson confirmed the incident. The spokesperson said this was the first time store managers had heard about rodent droppings on products. “We hold ourselves to the highest standards in store hygiene, so we’re really disappointed to have missed the mark at our Sunshine Marketplace supermarket on this occasion,” the spokesperson said. “As soon as we became aware of the issue, we conducted a thorough clean of the affected aisle to return it to our usual high standards. We also took the precautionary step of disposing the stock in the affected aisle. “We engaged pest control services to inspect the store and will take the necessary action to ensure this doesn’t happen again. “ Any customer who purchased Fantastic Noodles (85g beef and 70g chicken varieties) on January 8 can return them for a full refund. Sunshine Marketplace centre manager Anna Hickling said they had been made aware of some concerns and had been in contact with Woolworths. “It is our retailers’ responsibility to ensure their standards are in line with food safety regulations and that their premises are compliant,” she said. “We are working with Woolworths to ensure the store maintains strict standards of cleanliness and safety at all times.“ Tara Murray

Tara Murray

Have your say on airport rail link Brimbank residents are being encouraged to share their views on the Melbourne Airport Rail route. The route of the new link was confirmed late last year and Rail Projects Victoria is progressing with the next stage of community engagement online, in line with coronavirus health and safety guidelines.

The new line will allow trains to travel every 10 minutes between a new station at Melbourne Airport and the heart of Melbourne’s CBD in under 30 minutes, via Sunshine and the new Metro Tunnel. Melbourne’s west will have direct airport access via a single interchange at Sunshine station, or Footscray station for Werribee and

Williamstown line passengers. In this round of online engagement you can take an interactive tour of a virtual information session, complete an online survey and there’s the ability to add comments to a map of the project route. Construction on the rail link will begin next year, with a target completion date of 2029.

Brimbank council has said it would work with the community and all tiers of government to ensure it capitalises on the benefits of the new Sunshine super hub, which will be the centrepiece of the rail link. Community engagement is open until February. Details: https://airportrail.vic.gov. au/planning-and-investigations

3 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

www.buzz.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Get In2Tennis at no charge this February In2Tennis returns in 2021 as we get ready to serve up a COVID-safe version of our annual community festival of tennis fun this summer. The program will run alongside the Australian Open, from Monday 8 February to Sunday 21 February 2021, with no charge tennis activities planned at nine local tennis venues. In2Tennis is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to give tennis a go, no matter your age, ability or fitness level. It’s all about having fun and discovering all there is to love about tennis.

• ANZ Hot Shots – for children aged 3 to 12 years The 2021 In2Tennis festival has been modified to reflect our COVID-safe practices, such as limited program numbers, • Cardio Tennis – fun tennis workout for all ages, having hand sanitiser available and appropriate record keeping abilities and fitness levels of attendance, so you can safely try out a wide range of tennis • Open Court Sessions – social tennis with a soundtrack activities. • Tennis4Teens – social program for 12 to 17 year-olds Best of all it’s at no charge – including tennis court hire and all • Blind & Deaf Tennis – inclusive tennis program of the activities throughout the festival. All you have to do is register and turn up on the day. • Adult Social Play – no commitment, social league format for adults During In2Tennis, you can register to take part in: • No Charge Tennis Court Hire – at participating clubs with nominated times

WHAT’S ON Thank you to everyone who continues to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in our community. In line with current restrictions, our facilities and services are open with measures to protect the health and safety of our community. This includes: • Customer Service Centres in Sunshine and Keilor open Monday to Friday, 8:45am–5pm • Keilor Public Golf Course (limits and restrictions apply) • Sunshine Leisure Centre (limits and restrictions apply) • St Albans Pop-Up Gym (limits and restrictions apply) • Brimbank Libraries (limits and restrictions apply) • Brimbank Resource Recovery Centre • Brimbank Maternal and Child Health Service (face to face appointments, telehealth and/or telephone consultations for all children 0-3.5 years) • Tennis courts (limits

and restrictions apply - bookings need to be made via local tennis club). The following Brimbank Council facilities and services remain temporarily closed: • Community halls and meeting rooms • Watergardens Customer Service Centre. We understand community members are being impacted by COVID-19 in different ways. Visit our COVID-19 Support Services page for a list of emergency relief resources available to Brimbank community members at: brimbank. vic.gov.au/community/ covid-19-supportservices For up-to-date information about Council services during the pandemic go to Brimbank.vic.gov.au/ coronavirus or phone 9249 4000. All information in this week’s edition of Brimbank Buzz was correct at the time of printing. For the latest information about the impacts of COVID-19 on Council’s services visit brimbank.vic.gov.au

Your Councillors

Cr Victoria Borg

Cr Sarah Branton

Cr Thuy Dang

View the full In2Tennis 2021 program and register for programmed activities by visiting www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/In2Tennis or call Council on 9249 4000 to book.

Your opinion counts

COVID 19

Council services update

Tuning in to Teens Learn strategies to understand and communicate more effectively with your teen by joining this online webinar. Tuning in to Teens is a program that teaches parents how to help their teen develop better strategies to deal with peer pressure, improve mental health, manage conflict, make friends and more. When: Course runs for seven weeks on Wednesdays 6-8pm, 10 February - 24 March 2021 Where: Online only Cost: No charge Learn more and register at brimbankyouth.com or phone 9249 4110.

Host a COVID-19 safe event

Share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Learn more about Council projects that are open for comment including:

Would you like to run an event in 2021, but are unsure about what is involved in organising a COVID-19 safe event? This online workshop will provide you with some practical advice to get your event up and running. The workshop covers things like measures to deliver a project or event during COVID-19 restrictions and resources that will help you achieve this. When: Wednesdays 3 and 10 February Where: Online only Cost: No charge Register through the online form to receive a Zoom meeting link. Learn more at brimbank.vic.gov.au, or phone 9249 4792.

• Kevin Flint Memorial Reserve Dog Park – Council has completed a draft concept plan for this reserve in Cairnlea and is seeking community feedback. The closing date to provide feedback is January 2021. Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to learn more.

Next Council meeting: Tuesday 16 February 2021 Brimbank Community and Civic Centre Level 1, Council Chamber 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Due to the current COVID-19 emergency, the council meeting will be closed to the public. The council meeting will be publicly broadcast via live stream and the recording published on Council’s website www.brimbank.vic.gov.au after the meeting. Call 9249 4000 for more information.

Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/council to find your ward Councillors and their contact details.

Cr Sam David JP

Cr Maria Kerr

Cr Bruce Lancashire

Cr Trung Luu

Cr Jasmine Nguyen

Cr Jae Papalia

Deputy Mayor

Stay safe Brimbank Simple steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19 4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

9249 4000

Cr Ranka Rasic

Cr Virginia Tachos

Mayor

1.5m

Cover

Wear a mask

Distance

Wash

Support

Get tested

For up to date information about the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on Council services go to brimbank.vic.gov.au

009 - 0121

Service Update

Registration is essential.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Council moves to protect silos By Tara Murray The “iconic” Sunshine Silos could be protected from demolition after Brimbank councillors moved to seek an interim heritage overlay for the site. The council called a special council meeting last Thursday after receiving an application to demolish the silos and related structures on the site at 2 Wright Street, Sunshine. While the applicant withdrew the application, councillors went ahead with the meeting to put steps in place to protect a “significant urban landmark”. Councillors voted to ask Planning Minister

Richard Wynne to apply an interim heritage overlay to the site for 12 months, and to seek to apply a permanent heritage overlay once the necessary requirements are met. The silo site was sold late last year. City development director Kelvin Walsh told the meeting that the new owners of the site had not intended to cause any unnecessary angst with the application, and that they wanted to work collaboratively with the council and the community on the future of the site. Cr Bruce Lancashire said while the demolition application had been withdrawn, it was important to put the interim heritage overlay in place to ensure the council received

no further applications for demolition on the site. Mayor Ranka Rasic said the council understood the silos were cherished by the local community and a significant urban landmark within the City of Brimbank. “Council wants to both celebrate and protect our rich culture and history, and seeking the interim heritage controls is an important step in making sure that these iconic silos remain a feature of our landscape for this and future generations to enjoy,” she said. “These silos are very much a part of our community and we know from consultation with our historical societies and other

community members and groups, they are much-loved and revered. Being on the railway line they are also a strong visual identifier for Sunshine and recently they were even used for the Sunshine Silos Film Festival.” Greater Sunshine Community Alliance earlier this year wrote to Mr Wynne seeking protection for the site. The Alliance’s Stephen Torsi this week said so much history had already been lost in the community. “They [the silos] are worth saving. We’ve seen what has happened with other silo sites. Some have been painted and turned into tourism sites.”

Jump into reading Bookworms have the chance to win an Android tablet or book vouchers, just for reading. Brimbank council’s annual Summer Reading Challenge, which will conclude at the end of this month, encourages children aged 0-15 to pick up a book and read. Previously known as the Summer Reading Club, the challenge is a statewide initiative run by Victorian libraries which aims to keep children reading over summer. Sunshine’s Scout and Phoebe are among children with their heads stuck in books during the holidays. “Reading is my passion,” 12-year-old Scout said. “Through books I can explore the world. I can learn about the past, imagine the future, and discover different characters and experiences.”

Phoebe, who is also 12, said: “Reading doesn’t have to be expensive or time consuming – I love to borrow audiobooks from the library using Borrowbox, and I can listen to them while I’m doing something else”. To enter the competition, children can either read six books or read for six hours. They can enter as many times as they like if they are prolific readers. Details and entry form: http://ow.ly/ GfG350D4N5z Tara Murray

Phoebe and Scout have taken up the Summer Reading Challenge. (Damjan Janevski) 225230_01

PLANNING ON TRAVELLING INTERSTATE ?

ALL VICTORIANS RE-ENTERING VICTORIA WILL NEED A PERMIT

To help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), all Victorians travelling interstate must apply for a permit to re-enter Victoria.

Do not travel to a red zone. To find out whether your destination is in a red, orange, or green zone, visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, Melbourne

5 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Call for landfill spot fire probe By Tara Murray Brimbank council has called for an indpendent investigation into the management of spot fires at Kealba Landfill. At the most recent council meeting, Cr Virginia Tachos said the community had no faith in the landfill operator Barro Group or the Environment Protection Aauthority. It comes as remediation work recommences to put out spot fires that have been burning at the landfill for more than a year. “There have been residents reporting physical symptoms and mental distress caused by the invasive odours,” Cr Tachos said. “Many people are prevented from opening their windows for fresh air and some are concerned about their children’s safety when they are playing outdoors and the impact that the volatile chemicals may be having on their developmental and future health implications. “Reports that the odour is worsening with the new remediation process is causing further mental and physical distress with no end date.” Remediation work was halted during the Christmas period, but was resumed by the Barro Group on January 4. The Barro Group also temporarily suspended the acceptance of any incoming waste at the premises from December 23 until further notice. In November, the EPA issued a new regulatory notice to ensure minimum odour from underground hot spots at the landfill. The notice provides continued regulation of Kealba Landfill hot spot remediation through to the

Young Oliver was born on June 24 last year. (Supplied)

end of February 2021. Cr Victoria Borg raised a motion to write to the Barro Group, the EPA and the state government, highlighting the ongoing concern regarding the “significant impact” to the community and environment and the protracted timeframe to bring the matter to a conclusion.

‘‘

They want … meaningful and ongoing engagement

’’

- Virgina Tachos The council has also requested improved and more frequent engagement between the Barro Group and the affected community, and assurances the community and environment’s health and wellbeing is not being detrimentally impacted by the ongoing remediation. Cr Tachos added to the motion, calling for the EPA to initiate, as a matter of urgency, an independent investigation into the management of hot spot fires at the site and for the investigation to consider the impact of the remediation response on nearby residents’ health and an independent analysis of air quality. Cr Tachos said residents wanted better understanding of potential health impacts. “They want Barro and EPA to have meaningful and ongoing engagement, not one way engagement, but where they are listened to. “They want confidence that they are being heard.”

What’s in a name Youngsters named Oliver and Charlotte are in good company. A report released by the market research firm McCrindle last week has revealed that Oliver was the most popular boys’ name of 2020, while Charlotte was the most popular girls’ name. During the year, 1609 Australian baby girls were named Charlotte and 2206 boys named Oliver. In 2020, Olivia was the second-most popular name for baby girls in Australia, with 1575 infants given this name, followed by Amelia (1494 babies), Isla (1397 babies) and Mia (1386 babies). For boys, Noah ranked second with 1825 bundles of joy given the name, followed by Jack (1717 babies), William (1688 babies) and Leo (1414 babies). Tegan Forder, a first-time mother to young

Oliver who came into the world on June 24 last year, said she and her husband did not find out the gender of their baby until he was born. “We had a few names for each gender and my husband suggested Oliver for the boy and I liked it, it was one of the only boy names we agreed on,” she said. Another new mum, Rachael Miller, gave birth to a baby girl on November 14. Ms Miller said that she and her partner Adrian decided to name their infant Charlotte at the suggestion of their friends’ daughter, six year-old Kaelyn. “My partner asked her what we should call the baby,” Ms Miller said. “She said, ‘Thomas for a boy and Charlotte for a girl’. “We just fell in love with that name.”

EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP DOING THE THINGS WE LOVE Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

Alesha Capone

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

New life for old cricket gear By Tara Murray A Taylors Lakes family has launched a charity aimed at providing second-hand cricket gear to Australian families. The Brasher family had plenty of cricket gear it no longer needed, and was keen to pass on the items to other families so they could be put to good use. When they couldn’t find a charity or organisation that donated secondhand gear, they took matters into their own hands and started 2nd Innings Cricket. Mum Nicole said both her sons had amazing experiences with sport and they wanted to give others the same opportunity.

‘‘

We’ve always wanted to … help other kids enjoy sport - Nicole Brasher

’’

Dylan and Aidan started their cricket careers at Taylors Lakes and now play for Footscray in Victorian Premier Cricket. Dylan has represented Victoria on a number of occasions. “We’ve always wanted to do something and help other kids enjoy sport,” Nicole said. “We thought we would try and recycle the cricket equipment. Dylan is sponsored by ICON and there’s a lot of gear in good nick. “We tried to find somewhere in Australia to donate, but we couldn’t find anywhere. “We could find places to donate overseas, but wanted to donate to people in Australia.” She said 2nd Innings Cricket would look to donate gear to a different charity each year. This year, they’re donating to Reclink, an organisation which provides low or no cost sports, recreation and arts opportunities to

Nicole Brasher and her sons Dylan and Aidan started a charity to collect secondhand cricket gear to donate. (Damjan Janevski) 225390_06

people experiencing disadvantage. The family has put a call out to anybody else in Brimbank who has used cricket gear lying around that they want to donate. They’ve also

contacted cricket clubs in Brimbank, asking them to come on board. 2nd Innings Cricket will host a barbecue at Taylors Lakes Cricket Club on February 16

from 7pm for anyone wanting to drop off gear to be donated. To organise for equipment to be picked up, contact 2ndinningscricket@gmail. com.

NEW YEAR NEW CAREER NOW RECRUITING FOR OVER 3000 POLICE SCAN FOR POLICE CAREERS 12476714-SN04-21

7 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Power failure A suspected underground cable fault resulted in more than 5000 homes and businesses losing power last Monday. The fault occurred just before 8pm and affected 5100 properties across Caroline Springs, Burnside, Cairnlea, Deer Park and Sunshine North. Powercor crews and network controllers were able to restore power for about 4600 customers by 8.30pm, while the remaining 500 customers had power restored at 9pm.

PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR \ BEN SUTTON ben.sutton@starweekly.com.au GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

Substation upgradge

REAL ESTATE SALES DIRECTOR \ JACK GILLESPIE jack.gillespie@starweekly.com.au

Work has started on a new electrical substation at Albion train station which will eventually allow for more modern trains to run on the Sunbury line. The substation is expected to improve the capacity, reliability and frequency of services for passengers on the line. The existing substation at Albion would require a significant upgrade to provide the necessary power supply for the new services, and would have to cease its regular operations during an upgrade. The substation is being built on land set aside for rail purposes on Talmage Street, Albion. The project is expected to be completed later this year.

SENIOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER \ JONATHAN BAKER jonathan.baker@starweekly.com.au Mobile \ 0421 841 321 Office \ 03 8318 5763

EDITORIAL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

Top: Seven-year-old twins James (front) and William. Above: Finn, 10, races Cathy Freeman; Scienceworks school holidays program. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 225199

Colourful holiday fun Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

There’s a splash of colour at Scienceworks these school holidays. Scienceworks has a number of colour-themed activities running to keep curious minds – young and old – interested for a few hours. Whether it’s exploring the physics and chemistry of colour or celebrating and investigating the colours of the rainbow. Children can find out the difference between a maze and labyrinth and then challenge

themselves in the Rainbow Hunt. There’s also a free science show, Colour Uncovered! and an Air Playground exhibition. Visitors can be among the first to experience the new lightning room show Lights! Energy! Action! and the new Machines and Music-Programming workshop, which runs online and onsite.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tara Murray

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge that will create better connections across our city. We’re also easing congestion by building better roads and bridges across our suburbs. Closed roads, lanes and ramps Grieve Parade, Altona

11 Jan to 22 Mar

One lane closed in each direction at West Gate Freeway interchange

Geelong Road

10 Jan to 22 Feb

Outbound entry ramp to Princes Freeway closed

M80 Ring Road

6 Jan to 22 Feb

Inbound entry ramp to West Gate Freeway closed

Princes Freeway

10 Jan to 22 Feb

Inbound exit ramp to Geelong Road closed

Keep in mind there are other transport disruptions across summer. Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12477526-CG04-21

8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Ease pressure of stroke risk By Tara Murray Residents in Melbourne’s north-west are tipped to be among those most heavily impacted by strokes in the next 30 years, according to new Stroke Foundation data. The foundation has released the No Postcode Untouched 2020 study which looks at who is impacted by strokes and forecasts stroke figures. The Lalor electorate is expected to be one of the top electorates for people living with stroke and the number of new stroke cases in a given year by 2050. Lalor sits second behind Melbourne in the predicted top 20 electorates in Australia, ahead of the Gorton electorate in seventh for both categories and Calwell 10th and Gellibrand 13th. None of those four electorates were in the top 20 for stroke incidence and prevalence in 2020. The study also looked at risk factors for stroke and found Lalor and Calwell residents had a prevalence of high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 2020. Lalor and Gorton had a high number of daily smokers. All three electorates also recorded a high number of residents considered to be overweight or obese. Stroke Foundation clinical council chair Bruce Campbell said high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, was a key risk factor for stroke and the most modifiable.

He said having your blood pressure checked was easy, painless and potentially life-saving, but was too often overlooked. “I know the new year is a time for resolutions and a fresh start for many,” Professor Campbell said. “This year, rather than jumping straight into long-term health goals like getting fit or losing a few kilos, start with a blood pressure check at your doctor or pharmacy.

‘‘

it’s like checking your car is in good working order - Bruce Campbell

’’

“It’s like checking your car is in good working order before a big road trip.” Professor Campbell said the only way to know if you have high blood pressure was to have it checked regularly. “High blood pressure has no immediate symptoms … is also a risk for other cardiovascular conditions and increases the risk of death from the coronavirus. “High blood pressure can impact people of all ages, but it can be managed through medication, minimising salt intake and living a healthy, active lifestyle. “Research has shown the number of strokes would be almost cut in half (48 per cent reduction) if high blood pressure alone was eliminated.”

WESTERN MITSUBISHI

NOW OPEN! OPEN FOR SALES, SERVICE AND PARTS!

VISIT US TODAY FOR A GREAT DEAL!

Kelly Hawkridge with her children Ava, 8, and Billy, 5. (Damjan Janevski) 225167_02

Swim lessons resume Swimming lessons are back on the agenda in Brimbank, with places for up to 1000 new students available in term one at Brimbank leisure centres. The new ‘Swim and Survive’ program has places available for babies from three months of age through to adults at the Sunshine and St Albans pools. Lessons go for 30 minutes, with sessions available on weekends, after school and during the day for younger children. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic highlighted the importance of swimming lessons for all ages, especially children. “Many people have missed out on swim lessons due to COVID-19,” Cr Rasic said. “With great capacity at Brimbank leisure centres, the new year is an ideal time to get back into swimming lessons. “While it’s important to always observe

children in water, teaching them how to be safe around the water is a vital skill. “The revitalised 2021 Swim and Survive program is the first to be mapped on the new national swimming and water safety framework. “These changes ensure the curriculum and skill progression map provide the best outcomes for Brimbank children and families.” It is estimated 145,000 children per week missed out on swimming lessons due to COVID-19 restrictions. Term one lessons start at Sunshine Leisure Centre on February 1. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 6am-9pm, and 8am-5pm on weekends. Details: leisurecentres.brimbank.vic.gov. au/aquatics/swimming-lessons or email swimschool@brimbank.vic.gov.au. Tara Murray

GREAT FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

1300 290 305 1107 Western Highway, Ravenhall

westernmitsubishi.com.au *10 YEAR NEW CAR WARRANTY: With Australia’s first 10 Year/200,000km New Car Warranty, you’ll experience worry free motoring in your Mitsubishi well into the future. It’s confirmation of our faith in the reliability of every Mitsubishi. ^10 YEAR CAPPED PRICE SERVICING: With Australia’s first 10 Year/150,000km Capped Price Servicing, you’ll know the most your Mitsubishi scheduled regular service bill is going to cost for years to come. That’s peace-of-mind built in. 12472528-CG49-20

9 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

19 January 2021

STAY INFORMED

Mayor’s message

Reopening of council services and facilities: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19

Cr Kathy Majdlik Happy New Year everyone! It’s wonderful to see great optimism about what 2021 will hold and I sincerely hope it is a safe and joyful year for all.

COVID-19 restrictions: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

Make your own face filters and animations The artists behind two exciting new exhibitions in the City of Melton are inviting locals to join in online activities to create your own face filters and animations! You can also view the exhibitions #Socialmediology and Never be Late for a Parade at CS Gallery and Melton Library respectively.

As I look to what council has planned for the year ahead, there’s certainly a lot to look forward to.

Celebrate Australia Day Join in the Australia Day celebrations at The Willows Historical Park on Tuesday 26 January. We’ll have live entertainment by Un-limited, dingoes and reptiles for the kids to meet and pet, and a free barbecue and coffee. As part of the celebrations, 75 people will also be sworn in as new citizens. Entertainment will begin at 9.30am and the event will conclude at noon. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendees will need to register for a FREE ticket. For details and to book, visit melton.vic.gov.au/australiaday

When: Tuesday 26 January, 9.30am – 12.30pm

These and many more infrastructure projects will create critically needed local jobs this year, while also helping to improve liveability for local families.

Where: Willows Historical Park, Reserve Road, Melton

#Socialmediology Liam Herne uses photography, digital art and traditional art to look at concepts around our online identities and correlations between how we act in the digital world versus the real world. Exhibition: Now – 25 February, CS Gallery Event details – Make your own Face Filter: melton.vic.gov.au/events

Coburn Ward with Cr Sophie Ramsey Firstly, I’d like to wish all our residents a very happy New Year! With the challenges of 2020 behind us, I sincerely hope 2021 brings you all much success, good health and happiness, something we could all use after such a difficult year.

Exhibition: Now – 7 March, Melton Library & Learning Hub

Next week, kids will start back at school and last year’s year 12 students will embark on life’s next adventure. For parents, teachers and students alike, 2020 was like no other, testing our resilience and forcing everyone to approach learning in a completely different way. I sincerely hope that the next 12 months are less stressful and more productive than ever before, and that everyone has the renewed opportunity to thrive in our community, both academically and socially.

Event details – Learn to Animate Characters: melton.vic.gov.au/events

Council has hit the ground running this year and our draft 2021/2022 Budget is taking shape. I’d like to

Never be Late for a Parade A selection of brilliant images that celebrate children’s author illustrator Shaun Tan’s unique approach to storytelling from his best known titles including The Arrival, Cicada, and The Lost Thing.

Our program of capital works will deliver and progress key projects including the installation of traffic lights at some major intersections in Caroline Springs; significant road and path upgrades; playground redevelopments; the expansion of the Melton Recycling Facility; and sporting facility projects including the Diggers Rest community pavilion and oval, the six-court Cobblebank Indoor Stadium, and the MacPherson Park redevelopment.

thank all the residents, community groups and sporting clubs who put in a submission as part of the budgeting process and for providing input on the types of projects, services and facilities you need. Check our website in coming months for more opportunities to have your say. This is your budget and we want to hear from you. And finally, I’d like to thank Coburn Ward residents for re-electing me for another four years, and having faith that I will continue to keep our community’s best interests at the forefront of everything I do. I look forward to working with you all and helping to make the City of Melton an even better place to live, work and play. Don’t hesitate to contact me at sophie.ramsey@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 067. I’d love to hear your thoughts about Coburn Ward.

We’re also doing what we can to give residents more COVID-safe ways to enjoy the local area while supporting local businesses. You may have noticed alfresco dining areas popping up across our city and this is part of our outdoor dining program, in collaboration with the State Government. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to support your local eateries and enjoy these new areas. This year, we also plan to deliver a mix of face-to-face and online activities and programs, giving you all safe options to stay connected. Our current exhibitions and school holiday activities are a great example of this and I’d encourage you to check out what’s on offer this summer at melton.vic.gov.au/events You’re welcome to contact me regarding council matters at kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

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

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor Cr Goran Kesic

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Moira Deeming

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

MY BRIMBANK Joanne Fergusson has a passion for helping children reach their full schooling potential, so she wrote a book to help children, their parents and tutors achieve that. She talks with Tara Murray.

I live in Hillside which is in the area of Brimbank. I am a stay-at-home mother, married to Kevin and have a son named Andrew. What’s your favourite thing about the local area? I really like the community that involves my parish church, fantastic libraries, schools, restaurants and shops. Where’s your favourite place in Brimbank to eat? My favourite place to eat in Brimbank is, The Coffee club at Watergardens. I love the atmosphere and menu. What made you decide to write a book? It was mid-2019 when I decided to write, A Guide to Home Tutoring. I wanted to help tutors in areas such as organising, planning, assessing and more. I know that many parents are wanting their child/children to improve

and gain confidence in their learning. The book is about how to help give students the edge at school. How long have you been a tutor? I have been a tutor for four and a half years. I decided to become a tutor when, as a teacher I felt the need for extra money. I enjoyed tutoring a lot so I decided to stay with it. Also I became a tutor because I liked working with children. From your experiences, do you think home tutoring is more important than ever since COVID-19? The book is very helpful in the time of pandemic. Many students may have fallen behind in their 2020 learning when they had to do online learning at home. This book provides fun and easy ways to help improve students’ learning and give them the edge at school. Tell us something about you that most people wouldn’t know? Something that most people don’t know about me is that I run a few times a week at the gym.

(Supplied)

What is your connection to the local area?

12473562-CG04-21

Urban grassfires can spread at 25km/h. Urban fringe grassfires move very quickly. You’ll want to leave, but don’t drive. The smoke is blinding and you can block roads for emergency vehicles. Grassfires aren’t known to spread into built-up areas, so just walk two streets back and check the VicEmergency app for warnings. If you already live more than two streets away, just stay safely inside.

Plan. Act. Survive. Go to emergency.vic.gov.au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 11 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Shanul Sharma on stage at Teatro Bibiena in Mantova, Northern Italy. (Supplied)

Ready for the next act A Spotswood-based opera tenor who started out in a heavy metal band speaks to Goya Dmytryshchak of his extraordinary career path and how COVID-19 united humanity.

hanul Sharma is performing in Opera Australia’s Great Opera Hits at the Sydney Opera House until March 3. Born in India, Sharma arrived in Australia at age 19 to study information technology. He was living in the regional New South Wales city of Wagga Wagga and singing in a band called Subrusion, which released three albums. The band’s influences included Killswitch and Metallica, but even then reviewers were starting to notice something in Sharma’s voice. “The guitars and the drums were very, very heavy but then suddenly there was a guy singing on top of it all,” he said. “In some reviews, the reviewers actually said, ‘Who’s the major soprano who goes so high?’ “For me, the only way to cut through all of the backing was to sing really, really high. “That kind of helped me develop a technique for opera, which served me well later on.” After about a decade in the band, Sharma stumbled across an Italian operatic tenor who would change the course of his life. “One day, randomly, while browsing YouTube, I came across this guy called Luciano Pavarotti,” Sharma said. “I was just infatuated by his voice and wanted to learn how to do it.” About this time, in 2012, Sharma’s band broke up and he decided he would become an opera singer. “For me, that type of singing was the fullest expression of my voice,” he said. Self-taught to that point, Sharma moved to Melbourne to train as an opera singer at the Ciccone Academy of Singing.

Sharma auditioned with Ah! Mes Amis from Gaetano Donizetti’s La Fille du Regiment (The Daughter of the Regiment). “It has nine high Cs at the end, which is a very high note for an operatic tenor,” he said. “I sang that, not expecting anything at all, and two days later I get a call saying, ‘We’d like you to do La Cenerentola for the schools tour.’

‘‘

getting back on the stage at the Sydney Opera House was like getting oxygen back in my lungs

’’

Shanul Sharma (centre) performing in Opera Australia’s 2019 Wozzeck. (Keith Saunders)

“To be honest, I auditioned for Opera Australia in 2014 on a whim,” Sharma said. “An audition slot became available all of a sudden and my coach said, ‘Would you like to do it?’ “I said, ‘Well, why not’ – I wasn’t expecting anything from it.”

12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

- Shanul Sharma

“I was like, ‘Oh, that’s great, when are the rehearsals?’ “And they were like, ‘The show is already on the road, you’ll have two days to learn the music and two days to learn the blocking (stage directions) and you’ll be on the road for three months’. “I had to find some new brain cells to learn an entire role, something I had never done in my life … I had never sung an operatic role before but here I was. “Within a week, I was transformed from a heavy metal singer into an opera tenor.” Sharma’s opera career took him around the world, all the way to the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. And then COVID struck. “I was in Moscow in March last year and

made it back with a week of Australia shutting the borders,” Sharma said. “Basically, for nine months, I was just in Melbourne trying to keep my voice supple. “For a person whose career is on an upward trajectory, COVID really shut everything down, and it was a very difficult time for everybody in the business. “The depression caused by that – and I had family problems again in India … it just compounded all of it and it was a very difficult time for the business.” Returning to the stage after months of lockdown has taken on new meaning. “It’s the most thrilling and most exciting experience,” Sharma said. “For me, getting back on the stage at the Sydney Opera House was like getting oxygen back in my lungs. “I missed it so much. I was counting the days I’d be back in that theatre. “I had my first show back on stage on the third of January and there was all this built up energy that I just let it out into the theatre and it was such an exhillerating feeling to be back on stage. “The arts and high arts in general are very important for us to experience ourselves as human beings because they deal with emotions and desires at a very fundamental level. “The classical arts are vital to our development as people, especially now that we’ve been through something as a whole. “We’ve experienced COVID as a singular consciousness … kind of what happened after the Second World War: all of the classical works started to make more sense.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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. Deadline for copy and announcements is 9am Wednesday.

Farmers Market

71 Robertson Street, Gisborne on Thursday, February 4, 9.15-10.15am. All children and adults required to remain at the venue for at least 15 minutes after receiving any vaccination. Anyone who is feeling unwell or has travelled overseas in the past 14 days, cannot attend a session.

A range of the finest produce and farm products from the Macedon Ranges will be on sale at the Lancefield and District Farmers Market on Saturday, January 23, 9am-1pm, at High Street, Lancefield. The market is managed by the Lancefield Neighbourhood House.

Hanging Rock night walks Refocus and draw Spend a morning discovering, drawing and recording nature in the Hobsons Bay Wetlands, guided by Chris Rockley in techniques to visually record what you find in the field. Beginners welcome. Bring your sketchbook or pad, pencils (HB and 2B), watercolours (optional), colour pencils (optional), eraser and sharpener, camera or phone camera, and water for drinking and painting. Morning tea will be provided. It’s on Saturday, January 23 from 9.45am-noon. Tickets $20. Bookings via Eventbrite under Refocus and Draw.

LEGO play LEGO legends and learners are invited to experience Highpoint shopping centre’s latest school holiday experience, the LEGO Play Zone, running until Sunday, January 24, on level 2 at the David Jones forecourt, from 10am-2pm daily, with meet and greets from 11am-1.30pm. Each little LEGO master will receive a complimentary take-home LEGO pack.

Charity match Point Cook Cricket Club and Sanctuary Lakes Cricket Club will host a T20 charity

Match to raise funds for Beyond Blue on Tuesday, January 26 at Saltwater Reserve. An under-13 and under-15 T15 match will be held at 11am and a T20 for seniors at noon. There will be a gold coin donation barbecue and a Beyond Blue raffle. ■ https://fundraise.beyondblue.org.au/ t20charitymatchpointcookvsanctuarylakes

Story time is back Take part in story time in the garden at Thomastown library, 52 Main Street, Thomastown, on Wednesday, January 27, 10.30-11 am. BYO picnic rug. Registration essential for all adults and children 12 months and older. ■ www.yprl.vic.gov.au

READER’S PIC

Discover gliders, wallabies, native birds and more at night walks at Hanging Rock. Guided walks start at 7pm on February 5 and March 12, and take about three hours. Bookings required. Cost: $62 per family or $25 per adult and $12 per child. ■ 5422 0387

Luke and Kate with dog Squirt, taken in Station Place, Werribee.

Alcoholics Anonymous Regular face-to-face meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous have returned to St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, on Wednesdays from 7pm. All are welcome, including friends and family of people with drinking problems. For other face-to-face and Zoom AA meetings call 1300 22 22 22 or visit wwww.aatimes.org.au

Movie nights Catch a movie at Bundoora’s Norris Bank Reserve on Friday, January 29 or at Epping’s Meadowglen Athletics Stadium on Saturday, January 30 as part of Whittlesea council’s Summer Fun series. The events will also feature live music and entertainment from Curbside Circus with Sophie DeLightful. Top End Wedding will screen on January 29, with Strictly Ballroom planned for January 30. Bookings essential. ■ https://bit.ly/2XDBRnj

Connecting community

Immunisation sessions Attend free immunisation sessions at Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre,

Williamstown Community and Education Centre is hosting a ‘Neighbourhood Connect’ initiative to build community connectedness. Free workshops and mentoring provided. Attend the first workshops on Wednesday, February 17 at 6.30pm or Friday, February 19, at 12.30pm, at Joan Kirner House, 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown. ■ Irene, 0413 706 233

Never be Late for a Parade exhibition.

Get involved in art The artists behind two exciting new exhibitions are inviting locals to join them to create their own face filters, animations, clay monsters and more. Melton council is currently hosting the ‘#Socialmediology’ and ‘Never be Late for a Parade’ exhibitions. The #Socialmediology exhibition by Liam Herne, is on display at CS Gallery at the Caroline Springs library until late next month. Herne uses photography, digital art and traditional art to look at concepts around our online identities and correlations between how we act in the digital world versus the real world. In several events, participants can learn to create their own face filters, GIFs, memes, and digital art, or sit in on a panel discussion with

Herne about the impact of social media on our day-to-day behaviour. Never be Late for a Parade is an exhibition by one of Australia’s most celebrated children’s book author and illustrator, Shaun Tan. Showing at Melton library through to March, it features a selection of brilliant images that celebrate Tan’s unique approach to storytelling from his best known titles including The Arrival, Cicada, and The Lost Thing. Tan will host live readings online this month as part of the summer school holiday program. Event details: melton.vic.gov.au/ libraryevents Tara Murray #Socialmediology exhibition. 13 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessor, The Advocate

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

January 21, 1981

January 23, 1991

January 23, 2001

January 25, 2011

Gale force winds knocked over part of a wall at Invicta Carpets in Braybrook on Sunday, spreading bricks and debris across South Road.

Sunshine shopping centre is in a slump – and there is no need for it.

An anti-gaming lobby group claims Brimbank residents have been denied democratic rights after being refused the chance to comment on plans for more gaming machines in Taylors Lakes.

Taking them on: Women who break through in sport

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL

restrictions eased.” Mr Senserrick said people were forced to shop locally during the pandemic and many are now choosing to continue to shop at local stores. “People have discovered us.

“In the lead-up to Christmas, everyone I spoke with was pretty happy.” Mr Senserrick said his business, Senserrick’s Fruit and Flowers, had closed for a period during the holidays but trade had been strong since reopening. He said most other traders

were experiencing similar sales. Brimbank council ran a shop local campaign, encouraging the community to support local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic. Tara Murray

FOR ALL OF YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY NEEDS

Chinese Massage We specialise in

Health Private Insurance Applies

Everyday 10am to 8pm

Shop T5A, Watervale Shopping Centre 2-14 Calder Park Drive, Taylor Hill 3037

ozhealingbodycare@gmail.com

arthritis, stiff neck, frozen shoulders, sciatica, muscle & tissue pain, tennis elbow, sports & accident injuries, etc. Qualified Remedial Acupuncture Massage Treatment

0416 272 067

Specialising In:

Watervale Shopping Centre, Shop 16 Taylors Road Taylors Hill VIC

(03) 9307 2588

• Creative re-design cutting • Upto date Colouring techniques • Hollywood blow-waves • Classis facials • Bridal styling and make up • Threading facial hair removal • Keratin smoothing treatments • Tape hair extensions • Combined experience 44 years

Check out our reviews at https://www.womo.com.au

VANITY NAILS Nails, Manicure, Pedicure, Waxing

Sat - Wed 9am—5pm Thurs - Fri 9am—8pm 15/2-14 Calder Park Dr, Taylors Hill Phone: (03) 9307 8488

Indian Supermarket 9307 8488

9307 2277

10081080-01

www.watervaleshoppingcentre.com.au

12430092-FA44-19

12469444-SN49-20

Shoppers were out in force during the Christmas period, making the most of eased COVID-19 restrictions. For Brimbank business forced to close or rely on online shopping only during the pandemic, the return of shoppers was welcome. Watergardens centre manager Joe Galea said customers had been shopping up a storm during the festive and holiday season. “The lead-up to Christmas and during the Boxing Day sale period has seen very strong customer traffic off the back of what was a really positive Black Friday weekend,” Mr Galea said. “The Boxing Day sales period continued to be popular, as customers took full advantage of the fantastic range of savings and discounts on offer, including summer fashion apparel, luxury cosmetics, plus tech and audio equipment. “We are thrilled Watergardens and our retail partners are enjoying a strong holiday season after what was a challenging 2020.” Mr Galea said while it was good to see so many people back in stores, the centre was continuing to do all it could to help protect the health and wellbeing of its community. “We all have a part to play in keeping our community safe, and we ask those that visit Watergardens to uphold exemplary hygiene practices, maintain social distancing practices and most importantly, stay at home if they feel unwell.” Keilor Traders Association president Pat Senserrick said many shops in the Keilor Village strip welcomed a number of new customers during the pandemic. “The food places were doing really well,” he said. “The cafes remained open and 90 per cent of shops stayed open during lockdown, which was good for the strip. “The shops that weren’t, have reopened since

(Supplied)

Shoppers stay local

Watervale Shopping Centre, Cnr Taylor’s Road, Calder Park Drive, Taylor’s Hill,

With the Big Woolworths Supermarket 15 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

WEDNESDAY 7am-3pm

THURSDAY 7am-6pm

FRIDAY 7am-6pm

SATURDAY 7am-3pm

HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY

We are here to supply you & your family fresh food.

St. Albans Market

3 St Albans Road, ST. ALBANS

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

www.facebook.com/StAlbansMarketBigSam

12478628-DL04-21

www.stalbansmarket.com.au

FEATURING ... AUSTRALIA DAY

We all call Australia home For some, Australia Day is a great reason to don some fun patriotic clothing, throw some snags on the barbie, catch up with family and friends and enjoy the summer vibe. For others, it’s a deeply emotional day, reflecting on the history and significance of what it means to be an Australian. And for many, it marks the day they officially became an Australian citizen. COVID-19 may have rained on our parade this year, but no matter what your reasons are for celebrating on January 26, have fun, be safe and look after one another – it’s the Aussie way. Here are some of the ways we recognise Australia Day …

Citizenship ceremonies These are run by Victorian councils each year on Australia Day and people wanting to participate are welcome to take part by pledging the Australian citizenship affirmation statement.

Double celebrations Is your birthday on January 26? If so, you can join the Victorian 26er club! Members are sent a lapel pin and birthday card on this day each year. It’s free to join by emailing austday@dpc.vic.gov.au.

Babies born on Australia Day are eligible to receive a commemorative spoon as a special addition to their memory box. Email Australia Day Council (Victoria) via australiadaycouncilvictoriainc@iinet.net.au for more information.

FOR CONVENIENT SHOPPING PLEASE DON’T FORGET YOUR FACEMASK.

AUSTRALIA DAY

Specials

BUTCHER NOW OPEN 0469 347 888

12475590-DL04-21

Australia Day Ambassadors Recruited from a range of fields, ambassadors have demonstrated hard work, talent and a strong sense of patriotism in their achievements. The volunteer role includes attending community events to present awards and take part in local activities as well as delivering a speech of what being Australian means to them.

(iStock)

Australian of the Year awards These awards recognise leading citizens who are role models, inspire through their achievements and community participation and challenge others to make their own contribution to the community. Award categories include Local Hero, Young Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year and Australian of the Year. The 2021 Victorian Australian of the Year Award recipients were announced in October last year at an online ceremony due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Indian Supermarket 9307 2277

9307 8488

www.watervaleshoppingcentre.com.au Watervale Shopping Centre, Cnr Taylor’s Road, Calder Park Drive, Taylor’s Hill,

With the Big Woolworths Supermarket 17 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

FEATURING ... DANCE & MOVEMENT

Step into the world of dance a little chaotic but a good teacher has a plan. Kids generally find dancing uninhibitedly comes naturally and it’s actually the best starting point.

3. Don’t opt out of the end-of-year concert Even if you find yourself having to thread and attach a bucketful of beads to a costume or need to reorganise a heavy holiday schedule, the concert offers a chance to put aside personal needs and wants and focus on the kids. Concerts are essentially all about them. They instil confidence, spark joy and nurture crucial presentation skills in the kids, while teachers get their moment in the sun to show their creativity.

1. Do a trial class first This gives parents the chance to observe how the teacher delivers lessons, their communication skills and choice of words. Kids often want to observe a class before they feel comfortable joining in. With a toddler class, it’s often best to simply join in yourself and show the way.

4. Don’t underestimate the value of forming life-long bonds

2. Don’t compare your child to others in the class Parents can unintentionally find themselves comparing their child with others, even from the very first class. They may see their own child listening less, jumping and skipping around haphazardly, and make an assessment that the child isn’t really “into it” or the class isn’t right for them. It can seem

This applies to children and parents. Meeting other mums and dads can open up new social interactions, while kids have the same opportunity. Learning together in a fun environment is a great way for kids to bond. If they continue on with classes as they grow, they share the joys, pains and successes of their dance “career” with like-minded peers which can cement significant friendships.

(iStock)

Parents, especially if they haven’t been in dance classes themselves, can find it a bit of a challenge finding the right one for their child. And they can inadvertently form unhelpful expectations or not properly consider the whys and hows of it all. Some of the best dance teachers around offer the following advice to mums and dads who want what’s best for their child when it comes to the world of dance:

Have you been thinking about enrolling you or your child into dance classes? Looking for a fun and inclusive environment?

COME AND JOIN OUR

Classes commence Monday, 1st November 2021

12474467-DL04-21

ENROL TODAY!

DANCE FAMILY IN 2021

Dance classes for Toddlers All welcome through to Adults Phone: 03 9317 9737 Website: innerwestdance.com.au Address: Unit 11, 44-56 Hampstead Road, Maidstone Folllow us on @innerwestdancemelb

ENROL NOW AT www.derrimutdancestudio.com

2 Makland Dr, Derrimut

0430 923 413 lorisa@derrimutdancestudio.com 12473940-JW04-21

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

FEATURING ... DANCE & MOVEMENT

Instilling a love of dance

• Registered RAD teacher • Post Graduate Diploma in Classical Ballet Teaching (Vaganova) • Post Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Dance Teaching • Qualified PBT instructor • Certified Silver Swans (ballet for over-55s) instructor (the first in the west) • Trained creative dance teacher (Mangala Method)

ABOUT EMILY • Trained at Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School • Certificate II Dance • Qualified yoga instructor • Trained in classical ballet, theatrical dance, world dance, acrobatics, tap and hip hop

Emily Anketell and Amba Hawley. (Supplied)

technology and multi-media. “Teaching practices and ethos are current and, as dance teachers, we maintain our athleticism and artistry by being fit and strong. Our teachers are all highly trained dancers and deliver energetic dance classes. “The health and wellbeing of the students is at the forefront and we nurture each student throughout the different levels of

their development. We support an inclusive environment where dancers are not separated into elite or recreational streams, and encourage a non-competitive and supportive space.” Throughout the year, master classes and workshops are staged, with artists of The Australian Ballet, independent contemporary dancers and guest teachers, performers and choreographers in musical theatre.

“Our students may enjoy dance as a hobby, more intensive vocational training or as a platform into a professional career,” Amba notes. Love to Dance School of Ballet, 2/36 Aylesbury Drive, Altona. Opens 10am-noon and 4-8pm weekdays; 9am-4pm Saturday. Inquiries: 0405 767 494 or www.lovetodance.org

Love to Dance?

12473908-CG04-21

Amba Hawley, director of flourishing Love to Dance School of Ballet for the past 16 years, didn’t let COVID restrictions knock her down. Instead of teaching at her Yarraville-based venues, she threw herself into converting her home garage into a dance studio, and launched a rigorous online dance program. And that all happened within 14 days of the first lockdown, she says. “I’d been looking for a permanent venue for a while and during lockdown 2.0, I found the perfect space in Altona and began renovating it in readiness for our dancers’ return,” Amba says. “We’re now ready to roll, and taking enrolments – with 25 per cent off term fees until January 30, 2021.” Love to Dance offers classes – from beginners to advanced – for kindy students to adults. These include classical ballet (including pointe work); jazz; contemporary; and creative dance; as well as Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and yoga. The studio is a registered Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) school and offers RAD examinations. Amba, who has 25 years’ dance training experience and collaborates with Advanced Teacher Emily Anketell, says that the school focuses on creative development, healthy mind and body attitudes, and technical proficiency. “The training philosophy we foster is to engage students intelligently and creatively,” Amba says. “The students are active contributors in productions, costume design, choreography, stagecraft and the creative process. “And our professionally produced end-of-year performances are unique in their creation and staging, utilising dance, film,

ABOUT AMBA

Come Join Us At Love to Dance Studios 2/36 Aylesbury Drive Altona

0405 767 494 19 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

FEATURING ... DANCE & MOVEMENT

More than two decades have passed since principal Tracy O’Hare launched her LFK Dance & Gym in Williamstown North, creating along the way not just a high-standard dance studio and gym but a place where longstanding friendships have been forged. Tracy says that it’s no coincidence that many of her 50-strong team started out with her as kinder students. “We love it that they’re with us now, as dance assistants and birthday party staff,” Tracy says. “It’s a testament to our family-friendly approach, and that students loved being here so much they’ve come back to be part of the LFK family.” LFK was born out of Tracy’s own passion for dance. She trained at the Queensland Ballet School and Company, as well as competed in state-level aerobics and gymnastics. She believes that the poise and energy displayed by her students and staff underscore the credentials she brings to “the wonderful program LFK now offers”. The emphasis is on having fun, she notes. “The fun, though, goes hand-in-hand with maintaining discipline, and encouraging the children to be active both physically and socially. It’s a whole-lifestyle approach, involving the kids and their families. “We offer parents a social outlet with like-minded people, and it’s great to see friendships take root and thrive. “Essentially, LFK is a place to learn and grow through movement and fun, in physical and social activities that provide skills and confidence that will last a lifetime.”

(Supplied)

Part of the LFK family for life

mastering a routine for the annual end-of-year performance. What’s covered? Jazz, hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary, lyrical, cheerleading, classical ballet and tap.

Dance A variety of classes is offered for all ages and skill levels. Students work towards learning different styles and techniques, as well as

Gym A program for gymnasts, ALP WAG (Women’s Artistic Gymnastics) covers levels 2-7 and the

• Dance

• Kinder Gym

• Gymnastics

• Dance Parties

• Acrobatics

• Gym Parties

• Kinder Dance

• Holiday Program

Dance & Gymnastics School 193 Champion Road, Williamstown North, 3016 Phone: (03) 9397 7766 Email: lifestyleforkids93@icloud.com Website: www.lifestyleforkids.com.au Lifestyle for Kids 12475081-DL04-21

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

lfkdanceandgym lfkindustrysquad

GYMSTAR program, covering levels 1-6 is on offer to boys and girls. Gymnastics focuses on building the required skills and routines on apparatus, including vault, beam, floor, rings, and parallel and uneven bars. Gymnastics competitions are run in-house and externally. Competing or performing is entirely optional.

A free trial dance or gym class can be booked in today. LFK dance & gym, 193 Champion Road, Williamstown North. Inquiries: 9397 7766 or www.lifestyleforkids.com.au. Facebook: Lifestyle for Kids, Instagram: @lfkdanceandgym or @lfkindustrysquad

FEATURING ... DANCE & MOVEMENT

The hip hop high Popping, locking and breaking are just some of the hip hop dance moves keeping scores of students enthralled, whether they’re performing them, or just cheering from the sidelines. Hip hop is a kaleidoscope of acrobatic and jazz steps that promotes cardiovascular and muscle strength, agility and fast reflexes, and it has taken off in dance schools across Australia over the past decade. The style hails from the streets of New York and San Francisco where it emerged in the 1970s as a less troublesome way to settle differences between rivals. Those original dance-offs and the moves themselves have since gone on to be popularised, if not mythologised, in movies such as Save the Last Dance, Breakdance and Street Beat. Music video clips featuring dancers performing alongside rap artists from Eminem to Salt N Pepa, added an extra level of cool and helped make hip hop accessible to anyone from just about any background. The genre’s laid-back aspect is also what makes it so appealing, with comfortable clothes and runners being just about all a student needs to be prepped for class. Freya Stills-Blott chose hip hop because it always looked like it would be fun and because she preferred it over more fluid styles of dance. “Then I discovered I was good at it,” she says, and soon became hooked. Now the 14-year-old has a swag of medals and trophies from her performances at local and state hip hop competitions. Like many other students, Freya loves the creative side. “I like that I can take out all my emotions in my dancing and show off my personality,” she says, but of course, there are also the social thrills. “I like entertaining the Recreational & Competitive Classes

Hip hop brings a level of ‘cool’ to dance class. (iStock)

audience. Hip hop dance leaves the audience on a high.” While hip hop can seem amazingly complicated, it really is just a variety of steps joined together, and for new students, it all

No Sewing required

begins by understanding some of the basics. Locking involves freezing or suddenly pausing a movement. Popping is about isolating parts of the body by tensing and releasing the muscles. Breaking usually involves floor

spinning (including on your back) and a range of other body twists and turns. So if cruisy creativity is your style, have some fun and give hip hop a go. Jenan Taylor

Inclusive Fee Packages

Want to grow your child’s confidence? Visit our website to learn more.

WWW.SIGNATUREALLSTARZ.COM.AU

Book your trial month by January 25th

Sunbury and Kyneton locations All Star Registered Club

GIVE CIRCUS FITNESS A TRY AT 12476593-DV04-21

Classes available: Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Poms, Hip Hop, Cheerleading & Tumbling, TwinkleStars Toddler & Pre School Program

POLE & AERIAL DIVAS CAROLINE SPRINGS PH: (03) 8390 6699 Email: carolinesprings@poledivas.com.au 12475390-SN04-21

21 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

FEATURING ... EARLY LEARNING

Small steps to bright future

Families are given a personalised experience at Small Steps. (Supplied)

A newly-renovated boutique early learning centre, recently opened Small Steps in Keilor Downs, has a philosophy based on building strong and meaningful connections with its families. Centre manager Aristoula Pandazglous has been in the childhood care and education sector for more than 12 years and worked as a centre manager for the past two. She has strong beliefs in how a centre should be run.

“A smaller centre such as ours enables a different type of experience than found in larger ones,” she says. “We know our families by name and are able to ensure that each has a personalised experience when walking through our door. Our aim is to provide a highest-standard family day care feel where we welcome all families.” Assistant manager at Small Steps, Sarah Toney started in early childhood 16 years

ago and shares the same passion and high standards as Aristoula. “I’ve managed a few centres and truly enjoy working with families and children to see them feel safe and secure within our environment,” Sarah says. “My goal is to have a lasting effect on younger children by amplifying their individual talents and personalities.” The privately owned and operated centre offers care for children aged six weeks to

school age, plus a funded four-year-old kinder program with a bachelor-trained teacher and assistant. An Open Day is in the pipeline for later this year. Small Steps Early Learning Centre, 89 Lady Nelson Way, Keilor Downs. Inquiries: 9367 1114 or www.smallstepsels.net.au

- Care from 6 weeks to school age

We provide developmentally appropriate early childhood educational programs for children 0-6 years old,

- Freshly cooked nutritious meals - Funded Kinder Program

we operate 4 rooms– babies, toddler, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, which includes a state government funded sessional and integrated kindergarten program.

- Opening hours 6.30am to 6.00pm - Fun and exciting programs guided by children’s interests

Our centre is open 7.00 am - 6.00 pm

- Full Day and Casual Care We would love to hear from you if you are looking for care for your child, Call 9363 5918

- Experienced educators with a passion for working with children - Government Approved Rebates - $2000 off yearly fee for 4 year old kinder

‘Small Steps, Big Adventures’

24 Orama Street Deer Park Vic 3023 Ph: 9363 5918 Fax: 9360 4629

Phone: 9367 1114 89 Lady Nelson way, Keilor Downs Email:office@smallstepselc.net.au 12476234-SG04-21

22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

12476277-NG03-21

FEATURING ... EARLY LEARNING

Inspire curiosity in your children Centre manager Natasha Apap believes Sydenham Early Learning Kinders provides families an idyllic learning environment where every child is respected and empowered to become creative, resilient and thoughtful. Caring for children from three months to school age, Sydenham ELK offers a funded kindergarten program for children in the year before school. Natasha says families participating in the kindergarten program have a choice between a Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy and a Montessori program. “Children will spend their day with friends at our beautiful facilities, and develop a genuine love of learning and have the chance to explore our large shady yards that include an interactive garden,” she says. “We pride ourselves on offering healthy, culturally diverse meals where no one goes hungry, prepared with nutritional values to the fore by our in-house professional cook. “Our play-based learning programs are designed to inspire children’s love of learning, exploration and curiosity. Children will receive the very best start to life, learning from highly-skilled, qualified and dedicated staff.” The experience Families can keep up-to-date on their child’s development via the StoryPark app. Upon enrolment, each family will receive a secure login to access the app on their personal devices. “Children’s development, routines and daily activities are recorded each day to keep families fully informed and up-to-date on the child’s movements, but also aids to further expand on their children’s abilities, interests and strengths,” Natasha says.

Extra-curricular activities at the centre include sport, music, language and movement programs, which are included in the fees – as are meals, nappies, excursions and curriculum activities. A calendar of special events and cultural activities apply throughout the year. The air-conditioned and heated premises are security-monitored, and there’s on-site parking for families. About the team “At Sydenham Early Learning Kinders, we believe our early childhood educators are one of our most valuable assets. We couldn’t achieve our goals or honour our philosophies without their knowledge, support and hard work. “Our team approach ensures the individual and collective needs of the children are met in a friendly environment. By maintaining a consistent and professional team, we facilitate continuity and familiarity for the children and their families. “The bonds created make our centre feel like a home with a big family – not just a workplace.” Flexible session hours To support families, flexible session hours are offered, including options of full-day, nine-hour, and 10-hour sessions. Get in touch with the Sydenham ELK team to learn more about how to make the most of the Child Care Subsidy. Sydenham Early Learning Kinders, 550 Melton Highway, Sydenham. Operates 6.30am-6.30pm Monday-Friday (except public holidays). Inquiries: 9390 3551 or www.sydenhamelk.com.au

Dion, Raphael, Raizel (main), Aamyra, Chantelle and Hayden engage in play-based learning at Sydenham ELK. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski)

Sydenham Early Learning Kinders Providing a safe and caring environment for children and families

SYDENHAM

Early Learning Kinders Childcare & Kindergarten w w w.sydenhamelk.com.au

550 Melton Highway

9390 3551 sydenham@gmail.com 23 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

F th kid

12477844-SN04-21

Solve it

TODAY Message us on Facebook to share your recipes and activity ideas.

Cook it SAUSAGE ROLLS

Ingredients 1 kg sausage mince 1 onion (finely diced) 1 carrot (finely grated) 4 sheets puff pastry (frozen) 1 egg (lightly beaten) 1/2 cup milk Method 1. Preheat oven to 180°C. 2. Separate 4 sheets of puff pastry to defrost and cut each sheet in half. 3. Mix sausage mince with diced onion and carrot. 4. Mix egg and milk together. 5.Evenly divide the mince mix into 8 portions and lie along each pastry rectangle. 6. Roll one edge of the sausage mix and tuck the mix evenly under it with a knife. 7. Brush egg mix on the other edge and roll the pastry on top. Slice this into thirds and lie on a baking paper lined oven tray. 8. Continue until all the sausage mix is rolled and placed on the trays. 9. Brush each roll with the egg mixture and cook for approx. 25-20 mins. Recipe from www.kidspot.com.au

Make it M&M RAINBOW

g n j o k i t s u j

You will need M&M’s A plate Water

can’t walk? What has two legs but A pair of pants!

Method 1. Arrange the M&M’s in a circle around the outside edge of the plate. 2. Slowly add water to the middle of the plate until the edge of the water is touching the M&M’s. 3. Watch as the rainbow appears! TIP: Try this with Skittles or Mini M&M’s to get different colours and patterns. Idea from www.giftofcuriosity.com

Subscribe to our digital editions at www.starweekly.com.au - Care from 6 weeks to school age

‘Small Steps,

- Freshly cooked nutritious meals

Big Adventures’

- Funded Kinder Program

Phone: 9367 1114

- Opening hours 6.30am to 6.00pm

89 Lady Nelson way, Keilor Downs Email:office@smallstepselc.net.au 12475600-SN03-21

24 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

PUZZLES No. 012

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

easy

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

6 3 7 8 2 7 5 1 6 8

QUICK CROSSWORD Crustaceans (5) Daydreamers; jailbreakers (9) Climbing (7) Southern US state (7) Opera introductions (9) One part in 10 (5) Shakes (7) Juices (7) Bliss (7) Clear gemstone (7) Sword (5) Rash; hasty (9) Go back over (7) Foggier (7) Distributes (9) Stairs (5)

9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 24 26 27 28 29

Enthusiastic; impatient (5) Roughened (9) Synthetic material (7) Country on the Iberian peninsula (5) Large strips (7) Parachuters (9) Express regret (9) Made certain (7) Normal; mean (7) Painters (e.g.) (7) Abandons (7) Units of computer memory (5) Pressure increasers (5)

4 5 6 7

ACROSS 1 4

No. 012

8 14 16 17 18 20 21 23 25

DOWN Traditions (7) Schools (9) Saliva (7)

1 2 3

DECODER

No. 012

5 8

1 3 9 9 4 8 6 3 5 4

6 5

hard

6 8 2 1 3 5 7 4 9

5 7 4 6 9 8 1 2 3

2 4 6 8 5 7 9 3 1

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

Today’s Aim: 30 words: Good 45 words: Very good

G D

4 LETTERS ASKS DACE DENY ERSE FARM GAPS GEAR HERD ITEM PYRE SACK STAN VATS WERE

adhering, aged, ager, anger, danger, daring, darning, deign, deraign, ding, dirge, drag, earning, egad, ending, engird, gain, gained, gainer, gander, garden, gear, ginned, gird, grad, grade, grain, grained, grand, grannie, grid, grin, grind, grinned, handing, hang, hanger, HARDENING, haring, heading, hearing, herding, hinge, hinged, nearing, neigh, nigh, rage, raged, rang, range, ranged, reading, regain, reign, rending, ridge, ring, ringed

No. 012

IRATE IRENE LEVEL LEVER LISLE MIAMI OVARY PAPER PAYEE PLATO PRISM PSALM RAGES RESET RINDS SAMBA SAUTE SHANK SLICE STALK STEED

STEWS TAMPA TELLS THULE TORUS VERDI VIBES VISAS WARTY 6 LETTERS GAELIC NAILED ORMOLU RESALE

7 LETTERS ILLEGAL LAYERED LENIENT MONDAYS SURVEYS TERMITE 8 LETTERS AMPUTATE APERITIF FILAMENT UNDERSEA

22-01-21

No. 012 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

O A P S I

R A S S A R T H D O R E

B E A

M I

3 1 7 9 6 2 4 8 5

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

5 LETTERS ABASH ADAMS ADAPT AIDER ALONE APART ASPIC BEIGE CARTS CURIA DALES DEEDS ENTER ERWIN ESTER EVENT FEMUR GALAS GRIMM HURST

QUICK QUIZ

In what month is the Melbourne Cup traditionally run?

Which author created the fictional character Lestat de Lioncourt?

Ursine means to be like which animal?

A hat-trick refers to scoring how many times?

True or false: Foo Fighters lead singer Dave Grohl (pictured) was the drummer for rock band Nirvana?

What is the lightest known chemical element?

Which is the largest of the Earth’s oceans?

Is a chignon a type of shoe, dessert, hairstyle or music player?

From which country does the bagel originate?

5 9 4 3 7 2 1 6 8

9 3 1 7 2 4 6 5 8

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

10 11 12 13

A T 18

1 2 3 5 7 9 8 6 4

4 5 8 2 1 6 3 9 7

7 2 5 8 4 3 1 6 9

8 4 7 9 3 2 6 1 5

5 3 6 7 1 8 9 2 4

O A

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

1 8 2 9 4 6 5 3 7

3 7 6 1 8 5 9 4 2

8 1 3 4 5 9 7 2 6

9 1 2 6 5 4 8 3 7

4 9 3 5 2 6 7 8 1

6 7 1 3 8 9 4 5 2

S T

A A

7 2 5 6 1 8 4 9 3

6 4 9 2 3 7 8 5 1

9 5 1 8 6 3 2 7 4

4 3 7 5 2 1 6 8 9

2 6 8 7 9 4 3 1 5

2 5 8 4 7 1 3 9 6

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

58 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

medium

3 LETTERS ADA ASS ATE BIN DYE EGO ELI ELL ELM ERA ETA EVA FOR GEE HER HOI IBA IMF LOP OHM PLC TEL TIE YET

U I C V F O K NM L P J E

easy

B G Z QXWR H Y S D A T

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

WORDFIT

10 The ALDI supermarket chain was founded in which country? ANSWERS: 1. November 2. Bears 3. Three 4. Hydrogen 5. Hairstyle 6. Poland 7. Anne Rice 8. True 9. The Pacific Ocean 10. Germany

SUDOKU

25 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

Gap closes between mortgage repayments and renting costs More Australians think now is a good time to buy a new home than at any point since November 2013, writes Euan Black for The New Daily. Successive cuts to interest rates have increased the borrowing power of prospective buyers and reduced the gap between home loan repayments and renting costs. So much so that even continued job shedding across the country has failed to dent the enthusiasm for buying new homes. Never mind the gradual withdrawal of government support. The value of new home loans in September was up a massive 25.5 per cent on the same time last year. And data from CoreLogic shows property prices rose in every capital city except Melbourne the following month – with a separate report finding that roughly two-thirds of Australians (65 per cent) believe prices in their local area will either stay the same or increase over the next year. Based on a nationally representative survey of 1000 Australians, a recent report from ME Bank found that 38 per cent of Australians were feeling positive about the property market in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to 29 per cent in the second. Meanwhile, 20 per cent were feeling negative about the market – down from 27 per cent. “This is really promising and indicates that despite volatility in the market, Australians have a resilient mindset when it comes to property,” said Andrew Bartolo, ME’s general manager home loans. The survey also revealed a third of Australians (34 per cent) at the moment

Early predictions of a pandemic-induced house price crash are unlikely to materialise. (iStock)

are planning to buy property and 12 per cent are planning to sell – which is up from 29 per cent and 10 per cent respectively at the height of the pandemic in the second quarter. Combined with nationwide price increases and growing demand for home loans, the survey suggests early predictions

of a pandemic-induced house price crash are unlikely to materialise. Analysts are unsure what will happen to the market when home loan deferrals end in March and there’s no interest from overseas buyers thanks to closed international borders. It could hit a rough patch.

But most economists have nonetheless tempered their worst-case scenarios, with Commonwealth Bank for example forecasting a peak-to-trough fall of no more than 6 per cent and a rapid rebound in the second half of 2021.

Source: Real Estate Institute of Victoria

With our Price Estimator tool, realestateview.com.au is the trusted source for house value estimates & property data.

VISIT US TODAY

19 Manchester Drive, Sydenham An exciting opportunity presents itself for first home buyers, investors or downsizers with this three-bedroom two-bathroom single level family home. Spacious living area flows gently into the open planned kitchen boasting a generous meals and family area.

Auction Wed 10 Feb at 5:30pm

View 20 Jan 06:00PM to 06:30PM 23 Jan 11:00AM to 11:30AM 23 Jan 01:00PM to 01:30PM

raywhitetaylorslakes.com.au 26 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

31 22 23 Lorry Colussi 0418 337 751

25 Station Street, Armadale, VIC 3143 2 beds

1 bath

1 car

300 sqm

$940,000 - $970,000

12473721-SN49-20

SECTION

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au V Cabinet Makers

AA CABINETS

Placing your classiﬁed advert is so easy...

Grow your business with

TRADES & SERVICES

ANTE

SAME DAY

฀

฀ ฀

JAD COOLING AND HEATING ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

12429226-CG42-19

REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS ฀

KS Heating & Cooling

SERVICE TENNAS DIGITAL AN S AMPLIFIER ETS TL OU TV

D PERIENCE HIGHLY EX ANS TECHNICI ICE RV SE A ANTENN S ALL AREA

228 0409 888

Call Paul 0412

30 years experience

Call Joe on

T V CONCRETING GSpecialising in all types of concreting.

PTY LTD

V Bathroom & Kitchens

Plain • Colour • Stencil • Slate Pattern • Exposed Aggregate • Driveways • Pathways • Garage Floors • Factory Floors • Car Parks

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ace_cooling@hotmail.com

฀ ฀

฀

yes we can

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

12396477-DJ34-18

฀ ฀

Trades & Services

Lic No. AU 51273

AIR CONDITIONING COOLING & HEATING ฀ ฀

Find your Local Professionals in our

We NEVER

9998 3725 www.Ser viceToday.com.au

For free quote call David on 0413 789 755 AH: 9323 0977

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations

฀

· Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom. Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance

8348 5441

VM CONCRETING ฀

Call Victor on 0412

*FREE PAINTING OR DECK OILED ON MENTION OF THIS AD*

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

froggys.com.au

฀

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

CALL 1300 666 808

NATHAN FENECH CONCRETING

V Alarms

Residential & Commercial

EXCEL ALARM SERVICES Security, Intercom & CCTV Camera Upgrades To Full HD Install & Servicing Existing Systems and all areas.

0408 537 247

฀

084 469 or 9747 1999

Anthony 0433 907 720 or urbanpergolas@gmail.com G6069535

Call 1300 850 696 or 0433 874 699 www.surefreeze.com.au L065074

฀ ฀ ฀

"We do all the small jobs that the bigger companies don't have time for" Up to 60 square metres Shed floors, paths, driveways etc. Coloured, plain, slate and stencil. FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Workmanship guaranteed, with over 30 years experience

❖ Pergolas ❖ Verandahs ❖ Carports ❖ Decking ❖ Alfresco Areas ❖ Retaining Walls ❖ Insurance work

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS

URBAN PERGOLAS & OUTDOOR LIVING

Free quote, Fair & reasonable rates

฀ ฀

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

V Builders & Building Services

section of Network Classifieds.

All Types Of Concreting

12422200-LB29-19

฀

SERVICING ST ALBANS AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

12476756-SN03-21

Domestic - Commercial - Industrial s Slate s Exposed s Plain s Colour s Stencil s Restore Driveways Seal and Concrete Cutting Free quotes Call Ricky on 0431 261 855

124693

12420493-CG25-19

12447213-FA17-20

0408 993 912 or 9331 6391

D & R CONCRETING

74-CG46-20

V Air Conditioning

12461679-JW39-41

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

No job too small

MJ Paving (Vic) Pty Ltd

Call Us Today... For our Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts

Free Quotes

s Plain Concrete s Coloured Concrete s Slate impression s Stencil

12479050-JW04-21

FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE!

816 479

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE PAVING

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

St Albans Air Conditioning

*conditions apply

FLETCHERS

V Concrete Products & Services

Call 1300 666 808

Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

Call 0430 332 368

3 ROOMS FOR $90

BASED ON LOCATION CARPET CLEANING UPHOLSTERY CLEANING ABN 92 465 717 255 18 Years Experience FREE DEODORISING

12400595-SN40-18

12434534-LB03-20

NNA MAN

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

฀

“We advertise in the local paper to reach the local community - and it works for us!!!” - Richard

Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

V Air Conditioning

฀

Carpet Steam Cleaning

From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week.

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

฀ ฀

V Carpet Cleaning

12402111-RA43-18

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local ofﬁce)

C753520-KK1-10

We accept payment by:

12416265-CG17-19

(include your name, address and phone number)

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 2:30pm Friday.

Specializing in: ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Vu 0458 748 413 · Andy 0408 081 888 ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

12445949-RC14-20

V Trades Business Profile

9484 6954

www.excelalarms.com

12392210-ACM28-18

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Andrew 0425 852 621 12412038-FA09-10

General Classifieds section of Network Classifieds.

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀

FREE QUOTES

12427573-FA39-19

V Deadline

Mobile ~ 0478 129 330 | Abn ~ 43462185813

Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 27 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

Trades & Services

Place your ad in print and online www.networkclassifieds.com.au V Garden Services

REC 17959

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Registered and Insured

Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...

฀ ฀ ฀

Simon 0422 899 759 A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals 12360798-DJ33-17

฀ ฀

SERVICING ST ALBANS AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

9999-8193

We NEVER

w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

Lic No. REC 30504

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

9998-2905

We NEVER

TREE & STUMPMASTERS

MAINTENANCE PLUMBER

฀ ฀

฀

For A Free Quote Call MARK: 0425

772 304

Marcus: 0403 715 536 catcoplumbing@gmail.com

V Painters/Decorators 12430381-SN44-19

SAIDA’S PAINTING 1235523-DJ29-16

V Fencing & Gates

Domestic/Commercial New Homes/Renovation Interior/Exterior minor plaster repairs

FREE QUOTE

V Reblocking/Underpinning

WE USE TOP QUALITY PAINT

ALL AROUND

Call Ibrahim on 0403 610 782

977914

฀

12427253-FA39-19

MEL FENCING

12450405-AM23-20

www.rmfencing.com.au

Lic 38337

Lic 27257

฀

R & M Fencing (Vic)

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Email: admin@catoggioplumbing.com

FOR FREE MEASURE & QUOTE PH: 9336 0005 JORDAN: 0413 708 238

LOCAL PLUMBER

V Roofing

LATIN ROOF RESTORATION

t 3FQBJST 3FTUPSBUJPO t $FNFOU 5FSSBDPUUB 5JMFT t )JHI 1SFTTVSF $MFBOJOH t 3FCFEEJOH 1PJOUJOH t "DSZMJD $PBU 4ZTUFN t $MFBO (VUUFST %PXOQJQFT t 'SFF RVPUF t ZFBS HVBSBOUFF

$BMM (FPSHF PS 4FC

TILE COAT

For all roof restoration needs. Cleaning, repointing, painting, leak repairs, etc…

฀

9988 9159

LEON’S FENCING SERVICES Ph 0410 807 841

V Rubbish Removal

Looking for someone to remove some rubbish?

MIRMICLicPLUMBING 35031 ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

Employment

฀ ฀ ฀

section of Network Classifieds.

฀

฀ ฀

12450404-AM23-20

Competetive prices - time starts at your door. Will beat any reasonable quote.

Ph: 0413 693 216 | 0422 437 935

12401756-CG42-18

FUSSY FURNITURE REMOVALS

฀

฀฀ ฀฀

฀

12426454-DJ37-19

CHEAP BIN HIRE AND RUBBISH REMOVAL UÊÓ]Î]{]È]n ÎÊ ÃÊ>Û> >L i UÊ ÃÊÃÌ>ÀÌ }ÊvÀ Êf£ää Mixed rubbish accepted

PENSIONER DISCOUNT

CALL: 0415 177 388 ALL SEASON BIN HIRE

REPAIRS & REMOTES Roller Door Remote Controls Silent Drive 7 Year Warranty FROM $500 fully installed

9746 7785

12398667-SN37-18

F & J ROLLER DOORS

0412 184 772

฀ ฀

3 3

฀ Walk in Bins Lic No. 116785

28 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ Mix and Heavy accepted. 3

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

FREE CLASSIFIEDS • Available in the For Sale or Wanted Classiﬁcations only. • 4 lines of copy • Ad will run for 2 weeks • 1 item per advertisement • Item must be priced under $100 • Private party only – household and personal items • No animals, automotive or plants • Ads must be submitted via email to sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au 12477681-CG03-21

V Massage Therapists ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services. Relaxation Massage Clinic 5 City Place, Sunshine 9.30am-11pm 7 days Phone: 9311 0198 V Pets & Services

V Garage/Garage Doors

฀ ฀

General

Open 7 days

Natural Place

฀

Contact Bluey today! 0448 444 233

V Furniture Removals

Reliable & Experienced Removalist | 2 men - from $85 per hour.

฀

Lic No. 116785

12440392-SG06-20

Specialising in Timber and Colorbond Fencing

฀ ฀

Call Mark 0401 478 799

Senior discount Cards welcome

12370916-RC45-17

PH: 0402 264 750

1173390-DJ08-15

✓ Removal of old fences ✓ Specialist with any gates

Find it in the

V For Sale

Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042

FAST AND RELIABLE

$100/ 30mins

VANOSHY PRE LOVED GOODS We buy and sell household items, if you are having clean out we pay cash for unwanted items in good quality condition. Ph: 9360 4190 or 0466 907 714

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

OZTEC WINDOW SHUTTERS • 100% Australian Made & Owned • 10 years replacement warranty • Electric, manual or combination • Single and group remote controlled • Connected to smoke alarm (auto-lift)

฀

Colourbond and Timber Fencing

Call Ned for a FREE QUOTE

� 17 Years Guarantee � 10% Pensioner Discount � Council Permit Supplied � Computer Levelling

V Roller Shutters

12416765-SN19-19

Ph Sergio 0431 649 907

David: 0425 811 882 Ash: 0403 619 333

� Free Quote � All Suburbs � Insurance � Elevation

Lifetime Warranty!

Colorbond, Tubular & Timber Fencing & Gates

DB-L-29449

12363174-PB35-17

Ph: (03) 8360 9997 Ray 0422 118 920

0419 508 734

1233958-CG26-16

12424718-SN34-19 12402755-RA44-18

Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739

AAA YVONNE Slim, blonde, attractive, experienced and very sensual. I visit you only. 0456 414 344. Swa 3373xe

Rainbow Dolls

ABN 40 640 572 030

Tel: 9309 2351

BRAD DUNCAN PLUMBING & GASFITTING All facets covered! s Free Quote s Pensioner Discount

12447748-LB18-20

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

G6519072AA-dc21Jan

V Clearing Sales

REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING

177646

Call 0403 948 894

V Adult Services

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

V Plumbing

Specialising in ColorBond, Timber Fencing and all repairs.

General Classiﬁeds

C1093409-JO39-13

SPRINGLAKE EARTHMOVING Call JOE 0418 320 748

C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882

20 years’ experience

Real Estate

PAINTER & DECORATOR

Trees Pruned Reshaped Grubbed out. All Foliage/Rubbish Removed Fully Insured $10m Pensioner Discount

Free Quote 7 Day Service 45 yrs exp.

12386073-RC18-18

Truck and bobcat for hire. Earthmoving Rubbish Removal Site clearing

Installation of Split System Air-conditioners General Plumbing | Roofing | Sewer and Stormwater Drainage

฀

Free Quotes

ANY TREES LOPPED

1235322622-PB22-17

฀ ฀

C915642-JM14-11

฀ ฀

BOB CAT FOR HIRE

Steel Fences Made to Measure s Steel Fences s Double/Single Gates s Pools s Gardens s Auto/Manual Sliding Gates s Picket & Slat Fencing s Aluminium Security Doors & Windows s Fly screens s Window Roller Shutters Accessories Sale Now - Free Quote – Cheapest prices!

Lic 30742

CATCO PLUMBING AND AIR CONDITIONERS

KITCHEN FACELIFTS ฀

Fully insured

Steve - 0437 437 511

Call Tom on 0419 388 264

V Kitchens

Mini Loader, Excavator & Tipper ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

All trees removed or Pruned All Stumps Removed Mulching & Mulch for sale!

All Plumbing & Maintenance at low prices. 1231835-RC25-16

chopitexcavations@gmail.com

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ “Your Local Tree & Stump Removalist” ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 0421 836 152

Lic No. 116785

12477100-CG03-21

12475377-JW51-20

Call Wayne 0482 966 097

0422 881 957

Free Quotes

Melton Tree & Stump Removals ฀

www.ServiceToday.com.au

HOME MAINTENANCE • Concrete Pressure Wash • Concrete & Landscape • Roof Pointing • Plaster Repairs • Painting Interior & Exterior • Rubbish Removal • Free Quotes

12469374-CG46-20

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

ALL WEST

V Excavators

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

SERVICING ST ALBANS AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

V Home Maintenance

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

yes we can

0450 820 170 - 7 days

Call Sam

SAME DAY SERVICE

FRIENDLY SERVICE!

12451044-NG24-20

12451043-NG24-20

Lighting Power Points Phone & Data Hot Water And more... yes we can

For our FAST

MOWING PLUS MORE

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

Call Us Today...

g All Pricinnt Up-Fro

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

St Albans Electricians

ANTENNA MAN

St Albans Plumbers

Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

12327446-LN42-16

PLEASE CALL JESSE ON 0412 827 875

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

12393815-SN30-18

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE Switchboard upgrades ŽǁŶůŝŐŚƚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ^Ɖůŝƚ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ͬ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ All electrical service and repairs

V Television/Video/Audio

12340308-HM08-17

12411802-RC09-19

CALL ANE ELECTRICS TODAY

V Plumbing

Call 0437 770 077 12418035-SN21-19

Want to place an ad but not sure where to start? Call our helpful classiﬁed team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

V Electricians

Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au

SPORTS QUIZ 1. The St. George Dragons hold the record for most consecutive first-grade rugby league premierships with how many? 2. Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft received playing suspensions from Cricket Australia for their conduct during a 2018 Test match against which national team?

3. Since netball's introduction at the 1998 Commonwealth Games, how many times has the Australia national team been gold medallists?

9. Which German-born Australian tennis professional had a careerhigh ATP singles ranking of 17th in January 2016?

4. Which professional rugby union team based in Western Australia took part in the 2020 Super Rugby AU competition?

10. Which NFL team recently enjoyed their first postseason victory in 26 years, with a wild-card playoff win versus the Pittsburgh Steelers?

5. Australian hurdler Sally Pearson won the gold medal for the women's 100m hurdles at which Olympic Games?

Sally Pearson

11. Australian cricketer Nathan Lyon has what two nicknames starting with G? 12. What was the experimental pre-season tournament run by the AFL in 2018 and 2019 called?

6. What was the name of the Tasmaniabased WNBL team which played in the league from 1986 to 1996, and won the 1991 championship?

13. Which country leads the all-time Winter Olympic medal tally? 14. What country played a Tri-Nations Rugby Union series with Australia and New Zealand in late 2020?

7. Anthony Clarke won a gold medal for Australia at the 1996 Paralympic Games competing in which sport?

26. The Olympic torch relay was introduced at which Olympic Games? 27. What is the name of the trophy given to the NHL ice hockey champion each season?

20. Which country is playing host to the 2021 Dakar Rally?

28. Which Northern Territory Football League team has won the most premierships?

21. Which sport is also known as “chess on ice”?

15. What country will play host to the first Formula 1 Grand Prix of the 2021 season? 16. Before the invention of tees, what did golfers use when teeing off?

8. Teams including Canberra Chill, Brisbane Blaze and Perth Thundersticks field men's and women's teams in which Australian sporting league?

19. Which NFL team won their first playoff game since 1995, when they defeated the Indianpolis Colts in the wild-card round?

17. Which NBL team won the 2019-20 Finals series? 18. Which tennis player won the men’s singles title at the 2020 US Open?

29. Which driver has won the last three Supercar championships?

22. Which VFL player was the first to kick 100 goals in a season?

30. Which English fast bowler took 8/15 in an Ashes test match in 2015?

23. Which horse won the 2020 Caulfield Cup? 24. Who was the leading point-scorer in the 2020 WNBL season? 25. What nationality is NRL CEO Andrew Abdo?

Nathan Lyon 2201

1. 11 (from 1956 to 1966). 2. South Africa. 3. Three (1998, 2002, 2014). 4. Western Force. 5. 2012 Summer Olympics. 6. Hobart Islanders. 7. Judo. 8. Hockey One (Australia's premier field hockey competition). 9. Bernard Tomic. 10. Cleveland Browns. 11. Garry and Goat 12. AFLX 13. Norway 14. Argentina 15. Bahrain 16. Sand 17. Perth Wildcats 18. Dominic Thiem 19. Buffalo Bills 20. Saudi Arabia 21. Curling 22. Gordon Coventry 23. Verry Elleegant 24. Liz Cambage 25. South African 26. Berlin 1936 27. Stanley Cup 28. St Mary's 29. Scott McLaughlin 30. Stuart Broad Garage Sales

Motoring V

Positions Vacant

12400498-CG38-18

12415686-CG16-19

PLACE YOUR

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

WE PAY

for Drive-Ins

Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive

$250 min

฀

We also buy vans, min $400

Please call Roc: (03) 8390 6763 or 0433 084 269

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Ring Robert

0417 012 961 LMCT9297

Real Estate HOUSE for rent, fullyrenovated, Melton South, pool/spa, all amenities. Ph: Robert 0423 689 577

HAIRDRESSER To Let

ST ALBANS CENTRAL 4BR, heat/air, gas appliances, OSP, no garage, no pets, references $285 per week. 0417 100 099

Award-winning boutique hairdressing salon is seeking an experienced Hairdresser/Colourist with skills in all areas of hairdressing to join our outstanding team in Gisborne with immediate start. Will also consider 2nd/3rd year apprentice.

Apply now: Phone 0411 161 563 gszatbooks@yahoo.com.au

Monday - Friday with possible weekend work. Based in Melton and surrounds. Must be capable of working independently whilst maintaining great relationships with our customers. Email resume to: admin@tjph.com.au

TRUCK DRIVERS MC/HC Based in Laverton. Full time, part time or casual positions available. Local and interstate travel Wages per agreement.

Phone 0412 155 613

Motor Mechanic

Positions Vacant

We are seeking a fully qualified motor mechanic to assist in our busy workshop. We have excellent working conditions, very clean workshop with state of the art facilities. Competitive salary. No weekends, uniforms supplied. Immediate Start - Maribyrnong.

PROCESS WORKER Required to work full time in a cheese factory between 2am and 8am. Must be reliable, responsible and keen to work. Working unsupervised is an advantage. Early morning start.

Phone only between 9am-3pm Monday-Friday

9338 6644

Celebrations

Sab: 0410 318 310 info@sabsautos.com.au V

Positions Vacant

Molmic Furniture, are a leading manufacturer of Australian Made Furniture. We are looking for an enthusiastic skilled FURNITURE UPHOLSTERER with a strong work ethic and an eye for detail. Molmic offer a great work environment and friendly team. 03 9335 2413 careers@molmic.com.au www.molmic.com.au

Ready for take-off? Our industry is commencing its recovery from its longest ever shut-down, so there has never been a better time to start your career in aviation. Swissport, the world’s leader in airport ground handling services, some of the biggest names in aviation. If you have dreamed of working on the airport, working with Swissport is the opportunity you have been waiting for. From working in the baggage sorting room to driving baggage tractors, from pushing back aircraft to supervising teams, Swissport will provide you with comprehensive training to do these roles and more. We are looking for people from a range of backgrounds, particularly people with experience in operating vehicles and supervising teams and offering accelerated advancement opportunities for people with the aptitude and the drive to fast-track their career in aviation.

Buy & Sell in our

Motoring section of Network Classifieds.

Motor Vehicles

0422 108 512 LMCT 10268W

BMW X1 2011. x-drive 25i. Excellent condition. Low kms, full service history, AWD, 5 door wagon, all white leather interior and sun roof. Rego YGA 349. $15000 ono. Phone 0406 380 359

Advertise with us and get better results

Swissport has been committed to delivering safe and high-quality services in Australia since 1992. If you want to be part of Swissport’s growth in Australia and take part in the nation’s recovery from COVID, as our border restrictions are removed and the industry ramps up, there has never been a better time to join the Swissport team.

UPHOLSTERER

Pay up to $600 for all

Also Towing Service Available

12473485-DL49-20

Experienced Hook Lift Driver

12468783-LB45-20

Positions Vacant

FREE CAR REMOVAL

12439661-LB05-20

Employment V

0435 904 818

AIRLINE BAGGAGE HANDLING AGENTS

12477089-JW03-21

To Let

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

complete cars dead or alive!

12478220-DL03-21

Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL

Any car just bring it to 5 Holcourt Rd Laverton or we can tow away & still give you $200 min.

La Porchetta- Caroline Springs Location ฀

LMCT 10268W

SITUATION VACANT ฀ ฀

Auto Services/ Repair

12321532-HM36-16

Employment

12343255-HM12-17

General Classifieds

Looking for an exciting new challenge? If this sounds like you, and you’re looking for a new challenge, rewarding new career, lots of training and development opportunities, then don’t miss out APPLY NOW! www.swissport.com.au/work-with-us/

CALL:

฀

29 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Gladiator fired up to take on all-comers

Jeep calls on Gladiator to shake up the heavyweight pickup truck market. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

AT A GLANCE

Few vehicles live up to their title better than the new Gladiator. Just like the movie of the same name was a widescreen epic of Roman times, the eponymous Jeep is a larger-than-life depiction of the pickup version of the Wrangler SUV. And while Gladiator star Russell Crowe carries off the traditions of the Hollywood heart-throb, so the titular one-of-a-kind convertible truck does likewise with the rich heritage of the popular Jeep. Jeep pickups date back to 1947, with the Gladiator debuting Down Under in 1963, and as the only convertible truck of its kind, now comes to Australia. Ours is the first right-hand drive market in the world to receive it. Available as the well-equipped entry-level Overland and superior-specified Rubicon the dual-cab with tub serves up good on-road manners and excellent off-road performance with an unmatched open-air feeling of freedom with its detachable roof panels. Every Gladiator earns Trail Rated badging, which speaks to the vehicle’s superior off-road capabilities. Prices start at $75,450, plus on-road costs, for the Overland and nudge up to $75,450 for the Rubicon. The Overland can be fitted with a Lifestyle Adventure Package, at $3835, consisting of cargo versatility with trail rail system, lockable rear under-seat storage bin, roll-up material tonneau cover, spray-on bedliner, aux switch bank (four programable), 240A alternator, 700A maintenance-free battery and Bluetooth wireless speaker. One-hundred examples of a Gladiator Launch Edition are also on offer at $86,450. Each includes all Rubicon advantages and Lifestyle Adventure package, plus unique badging, wheels and interior highlights. The Gladiator is covered by Jeep’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, capped price servicing and 24-hour roadside assistance.

MODEL RANGE

Styling Based on an extended JL Wrangler, the Gladiator is a dual-cab with a 5-foot tub. Maintaining the Jeep design DNA are a removable body-colour matched Freedom roof

Jeep Gladiator Overland 3.6L V6 $75,450 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 3.6L V6 $76,450 Jeep Gladiator Launch Edition 3.6L V6 $86,450

Safety The Gladiator boasts more than 70 active and passive safety features including Forward Collision Warning Plus, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear camera with dynamic guidelines, forward view off-road camera, adaptive cruise control, and electronic stability control with electronic roll mitigation.

Premium paint $1035 Lifestyle Adventure package $3835

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Jeep dealer for drive-away prices.

panels and fender flares. Never-the-less, features are fit for purpose. The traditional seven-slot radiator grille openings have been widened to allow added air intake to cope with up to 2721kg braked trailer towing capacity. Wrangler’s removable body-colour Freedom roof panels are retained and four bolts at the top of the windscreen allow it to be folded, while the header bar between the A-pillars remains in place. Lightweight aluminium doors can also be taken off using one of the special tools supplied for the operations above. LED headlamps and tail-lights, together with foglights and daytime running lights, present a modern look all round, while under-rail lighting in the tub highlights the optional Rail Trail system designed to keep varying loads safe and secure. The Gladiator Overland gets around on 18-inch alloy wheels housed under body-colour fender flares and comes in a choice of seven standard Jeep colours, or Gobi and Gator, which are exclusive to Gladiator.

the roof and doors are removed. The centre console features metal highlights and is home to gearshift and transfer case levers and handbrake. Bolts on the shift, grab handles and infotainment screen surrounds emphasise Gladiator’s solid construction character.

Infotainment The 8.4-inch dash-mounted touchscreen announces Jeep’s fourth-generation Uconnect 4 system and is located on top of the centre stack. Improvements include quicker start-up times and better screen resolution. Satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and a nine-speaker Alpine premium audio, plus a separate 7-inch multi-view driver information display, make up an extensive equipment list. A portable Bluetooth wireless speaker behind the rear seat is also available. The ability to charge up to three additional devices is a boon in remote locations. A further confidence booster out bush, standard on Rubicon, is a forward-facing camera, which can clearly pick out obstacles ahead.

Interior Inside are McKinley leather seats with Overland logo. Front seats are heated, as is the sports-style steering wheel. Rear seat backs can be folded to make available an illuminated storage spot, which includes a net to secure items to the cab back wall. The seat cushions fold up to reveal space for an optional lockable storage bin for use when

30 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

Engines / transmissions The Gladiator makes use of Jeep’s proven 3.6-litre Pentastar engine putting out 209 kW of power and 347 Nm across a wide torque band, the latter necessary for work in extreme situations off road. It has an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Driving As far as driving is concerned the Gladiator belies its bulk, which is highlighted by its 13.6-metre turning circle. On the road it behaves like a much smaller vehicle, keeping up with traffic even in stop-start going in town. On the highway, the long wheelbase (3488 mm) ensures the pickup irons out any blemishes in road surfaces, the well-tuned suspension and cabin comfort providing little occupants can complain about. As for fuel consumption, the story is not so comfortable, though not unexpected for the powertrain in use. Jeep claims a combined urban / highway petrol consumption of 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres for the Gladiator. On test, the Overland chalked up 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres cruising on motorways, while it reached 15 litres per 100 around town. Off-road help comes in the shape of Selec-Speed Control, standard with the eight-speed tranny. This manages vehicle speed in ‘4LO’ during heavy going without the driver having to use the accelerator or brake. Selec-Speed is activated via a button on the dash and can be varied between one and 8 km/h using the AutoStick shift. The ingenious roll-up tonneau cover, which incorporates metal crossmembers, works a treat to cover loads taking up varying amounts of tub space. Well done, Jeep.

Summing up While the Overland is capable of taking on a variety of extreme off-road conditions, for those keen to press on to the ultimate test, the added investment in the Rubicon, with its rock-hopping ability, would appear worthwhile.

SPORT

Above: Riddell celebrates a goal. Below: Macedon’s Janelle Birch and Wallan’s Chloe Meulenmeesters. (Pictures: Shawn Smits)

RDFNL has bright future ahead By Tara Murray The Riddell District Football Netball League is aiming to get the competition back on track after ending its alignment with AFL Goldfields and returning to a metro league. After a number of tough years, including four senior clubs moving to other competitions, the RDFNL made a number of changes behind the scenes in 2020, while football and netball competitions were sidelined by the COVID-19 pandemic. RDFNL general manager Jordan Doyle said it was an exciting time for the league moving forward. AFL Goldfields, which is based in Ballarat, previously oversaw the running of three leagues, including the RDFNL and the Ballarat Football Netball League. Both the RDFNL and BFNL have decided to run their own competitions from this year. “It is pretty exciting,” Doyle said. “There’ve been a few hard years. The plan is to rejuvenate and get back into the local community more as many people saw the competition as a Ballarat one. “The board has taken back the competition. We want to get momentum and to get our identity back after the last few years in the wilderness.” Doyle said the board first spoke about moving away from Goldfields in late 2019 before continuing talks last year. He said all clubs were unanimous that they wanted to move away from AFL Goldfields and return to being a metro league. Doyle said the changes made off field wouldn’t impact on the football and netball competitions on field. “It will not be changing on the field. It’s still the same volunteers and the same faces.” He said they were already starting to see the results of leaving AFL Goldfields. Clubs had to pay an affiliation fee to Goldfields, which had 11 full-time employees. The RDFNL now has just two staff members

and a consultant. “We want to be able to engage with the local community,” Doyle said. “We want to work with sponsors in Melton, the Macedon Ranges, Sunbury and the Wallan areas. “There were costs associated with AFL Goldfields. It had been a lot of money before a footy was kicked or a netball was thrown and it was a toll on clubs.” Doyle said they had signed four new local sponsors and had moved some of the administration, such as banking and accounting, to local businesses. The league has been able to sign its own apparel sponsor, which will also result in a reduction in costs. Changes to salary caps across the state mean the RDFNL will be more competitive with neighbouring leagues. Doyle said the league would have

more say in the salary cap and points allocation, which were previously set by AFL Goldfields. “We were right on the border of three metro leagues and we got the rough end of that,” he said. “Clubs will be able to compete better with the salary cap coming down.” The league has already started looking to the future, with female football and expansion on the cards. Girls footy will kick off for the first time in 2021. Junior girls teams have previously played AFL Goldfields competitions. “It’s really exciting,” Doyle said. “We’ve maybe been a little bit slow and relied on AFL Goldfields in the past. “Junior girls have had to go up to Ballarat. Now they will play in RDFNL areas and will have that RDFNL branding and feel. “We’ve got some great juniors coming through. We’ll have our own pathway and hopefully a women’s competition down the

track.” The league will run the Club 18s competition, which had also previously been run by AFL Goldfields. Currently four clubs have committed to fielding sides in this competition, including Eynesbury which will field it’s first open age side. Doyle said it was exciting to get to this stage and he hoped a few new teams would have senior teams in the competition. “Eynesbury is looking to enter at least one side, possibly more, this year,” Doyle said. “The Gisborne Giants have been around for quite some time and have under-17s this year and under-19s next year. Gisborne is big enough to have two senior teams. “We’re in some conversations with clubs from other leagues. We’ve felt the brunt of other leagues looking for clubs and we have lost clubs. “We’re down to nine clubs, but hopefully we’ll expand with Eynesbury, Gisborne Giants and hopefully a couple of others.”

‘‘

We want to be able to engage with the local community

’’

- Jordan Doyle

31 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 January, 2021

It’s a New Year at

H&D FAMILY BUTCHER

9307 2277

9307 7473

0469 347 888

Taylors Corner Deli

FOOD SPECIALISTS

9307 9969

Our centre makes shopping a pleasure. Take a leisurely browse through Watervale with friends and visit our delicious eateries for a coffee and a bite to eat.

NEW DRAGON GOURMET CHINESE

BLUE HIPPO LAUNDRY

9307 2888

0468 961 491

Mini Taylors Charcoal WATERVALECorner Watervale Punjab Chickens FISH & CHIPS Fresh Meat & Poultry Redrocks Foods Deli 9307 9995 9307 2288

Freshly baked rolls.

Indian Supermarket A range of fresh cakes,

0433 678 979 9307 9190 Baked Fresh and Handmade Cup Cakes and Donuts.

9307 8161

9307 9818

9307 9969

OZ&Healing Body Care

0416 272 067

Mini Punjab MEMZ Foods GRILL

Indian Supermarket

8382 1101

9307 9190

Variety of Cheese, Tiramisu, Black Forest, Mousse and Coffee cakes.

0433 678 979

9307 8488

Divine Floral & 9307 2277 Giftware 9307 9813

9307 2277

9307 8488 9307 9161

0403 027 978

9307 2588 9005 1414 DENTAL CARE 9307 8620

(03) 9307 9969 Shop T 6, Watervale Shopping Centre Taylors Hill

CALTEXWatervale PETROL

Lotto 9307 8153 and News 9307 9995 9307 9248

8361 4713

Healing OPHONE ZMOBILE & AND

TABLETS Body Care REPAIRS 9307 0275 0416 272 067

9307 7494 WATERVALE MEDICAL CLINIC 9307 9161 DENTAL CLINIC 9307 8620Caltex

8361 4713

9307 8153

FOR ALL OF YOUR FRESH FOOD NEEDS

Cnr Taylor’s Road, Calder Park Drive, Taylor’s Hill

www.watervaleshoppingcentre.com.au

12475584-SN03-21

Ben Phone no. 0433 678 979 Australian Vanity Vanity Seafood Watervale Baguette 9307 7494 Open Nails Bakery TAYLORS CORNERLotto DELI News WATERVALE MEDICAL CENTRE Specialist Nails 7 Days 9307 2588 eat & Poultry & Gifts

422 340 350