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9 MARCH, 2021

Brimbank baby boom By Tara Murray Western Health’s Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital broke its own record for most babies born in a day – twice in one week. Last Tuesday, there were 29 babies – including a set of twins – born at the hospital. Just as staff were catching their breath from a busy day, another 30 babies, including one set of twins, entered the world on Thursday. Acting divisional director for women’s and children’s at Western Health, Wendy Watson

said there was an overall trend of increasing numbers of births. She believes the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns are a likely contributing factor. “The high number of births is a trend we’re seeing across Victoria, but it’s particularly busy in Melbourne’s west,” Ms Watson said. “We’ve never been busier at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s. “I want to thank our amazing medical, midwifery and nursing teams. They are working incredibly hard providing care for women and

their families across the west.” The hospital’s previous record for babies born on one day was 27. Ms Watson said the number of births at the hospital in February 2021 was up almost 20 per cent on February last year. Up to last Thursday, the hospital had delivered 157 babies in seven days. Olive Hawkins gave birth to her third child, a daughter, at the hospital last Tuesday. “I was told I would be induced two days later,” she said. “I had to get induced due to pre-eclampsia.

Open House Create The Future

“I was then told … they would do it on Tuesday. Four and half hours later it was happening.” Ms Hawkins’ daughter was born at 37 weeks, weighing 2.3 kilograms. Ms Hawkins said she didn’t know she was expecting until she was 30 weeks pregnant, which didn’t leave her much time to prepare for her first daughter. She said it was “crazy” to hear that so many babies had been born on the same day. “No wonder they rushed me down. We’re lucky to be here.”

Morning Campus Tours Tour 1: 9:20 am Tour 2: 10:30 am

Monday 15th March 2021

6:00pm Welcome and Information 6:15pm Presentation by College Principal 6:30pm Interactive Tours

Attendance at the Open House evening or school tours MUST be pre-booked at https://bit.ly/3axSCpL

Held in C Block at Junior Campus, Deer Park 88 Billingham Road, Deer Park 12485077-AV11-21

#ChooseToChallenge

Choose to challenge on Interna�onal Women’s Day “Choose to Challenge” gender stereotypes this International Women’s Day by joining our live stream online panel discussion. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women around the world. Brimbank will celebrate with an online event on Wednesday – where audiences can listen to a panel of four leaders discuss their experiences of challenging gender stereotypes.

• Aboriginal Elder & Brimbank Citizen of the Year Aunty Joyce Cooper

• Green Empire Street owner and entrepreneur Darlene Ladio.

Panel discussion When: Wednesday 10 March, 3-4.30pm

The panel will include: • Brimbank Mayor Cr Ranka Rasic

2021-event

Council has been issued with a notice of temporary occupation by the Department of Transport for a large part of land at 274 Forrest Street (Council owned land). The occupation is planned for 10 March 2021 to 10 November 2022 to complete the level crossing removal. Works on the site are expected to start from 10 March. Initial works on the site will include shrub and tree removal. Other works within the area include the construction of parking and equipment storage areas. For questions or queries, please visit levelcrossings.vic.gov. au or contact the LXRP 24/7 Contact Centre on 1800 105 105 or email contact@levelcrossing. vic.gov.au

Your Councillors

Cr Victoria Borg

Cr Sarah Branton

Cr Thuy Dang

No ge Char

Saturday 20 March 8am–1pm

Share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Learn more about projects that are open for comment including: • 2021 Communications and Engagement Survey Council is seeking community feedback on our communication and engagement activities.

Victoria University, St Albans Campus

• Carey Street, Sunshine North Nature Escape – Share your views on the draft concept plan to create a green oasis. Consultation closes 9 April.

Grant Writing Sons of the Workshops West Gain useful knowledge about applying for grants from a variety of funding sources including the Brimbank Community Grants during these online grant writing workshops. Learn more about where to find grants, strengthening your grant idea, writing an application, how to do a budget and understand the evaluation process. Visit brimbank.vic.gov. au/events to learn more.

Registrations essential: https://pvawhub. whwest.org.au/takingtheleadfilmfestival/

This free and fun 10-week health program for men 18 years and older kicks off on 16 March. Run by Brimbank City Council and Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, the program provides a safe and inclusive space for men to learn about their health, try out fun physical activities and connect with friends. To find out more visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/ events, or phone 9680 6355. 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

• Leslie Street, St Albans Pocket Park – Let us know what you think about the draft concept plan for this project. Fill the survey and vote in our poll by the closing date 16 April 2021. • Geographic naming proposal – Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre – Council is proposing this as the name of the facility replacing the former St Albans Leisure Centre. Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to have your say on these consultations.

Next Council meeting: Tuesday 16 March 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 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 Deputy Mayor

Brimbank Community Recovery Grants - Stage 2 2 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

9249 4000

Cr Jae Papalia

Cr Ranka Rasic

Cr Virginia Tachos

Mayor

The Stage 2 Brimbank Community Recovery Grants program assists with innovative local recovery solutions needed to respond to the challenges of COVID-19 and strengthen community resilience.

Applications are now open and close on 21 March 2021. To apply for a grant visit www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/grants

057-00221

Do you have unwanted items in good condition that are too big or too good to throw out? Items like white goods, furniture, bikes can all be dropped off at the ‘PopUp Drive Through and Recycling Day’ at Victoria University in St Albans, on Saturday 20 March from 8am-1pm. Brimbank residents can safely and conveniently drop-off their unwanted household items, for reuse or recycling all at no charge. Learn more about accepted items and register at popuprecycling brimbank.eventbrite. com.au Please confirm with Council closer to the date as changing COVID-19 restrictions may impact this event.

Fitzgerald Road level crossing removal update

Pop-Up Drive Through Recycling Day

When: From 8am on Tuesday 9 March to 8am on Wednesday 10 March.

043 - 0221

Pop-Up Drive Through Recycling

Enjoy an online film screening of CODED BIAS, which explores the fallout of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini’s discovery that most facial-recognition software doesn’t accurately identify darker-skinned faces and the faces of women. CODED BIAS is presented by Brimbank City Council as a part of the Taking the Lead Film Festival.

• Federation University Lecturer in Community, College of Health & Biomedicine Dr Mimmie Watts

Details: brimbank.vic.gov.au/events/brimbankinternational-womens-day-

WHAT’S ON

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Council agrees on new landfill contracts Flexibility and the ability to explore new waste management technologies in the near future is a key driver in Brimbank council’s decision not to lock in a four year waste management contract. The council’s current contract with Cleanaway expires on March 31. At a special meeting last Tuesday, the council agreed to a four-year contract with Cleanaway, guaranteed for 12 months – giving the council the power to review the contract annually. An officer’s report originally recommended the council award a four year guaranteed contract to Cleanaway.

Mayor Ranka Rasic said for far too long Brimbank and the western suburbs have been a dumping ground for waste. “The amended motion I have brought tonight will mark the beginning of a broader plan to minimise rubbish dumped right here in our backyard. “Committing to one year, gives us an opportunity to explore all other opportunities to waste management … That will have huge benefits for the environment and ratepayers too. My intentions are for Brimbank to lead by example and it’s time for long term solutions for waste management.

“We have been elected by the community first and this amended motion is just about giving council more flexibility to consider options that will benefit the community and our environment.” Cr Bruce Lancashire said waste management is going through a significant period of change. “The change of going from a four-year guaranteed contract to a one-year guaranteed contract over four years gives council certainty of waste disposal and the ability to look at new ideas in waste management and added incentives to investigate and explore these

new options,” he said. “Council will rely on some sort of landfill for the immediate future, however an array of new ideas and technologies need to be considered as a sense of urgency if we are to reach our environmental goal, minimise of waste going to landfill.” Councillors also agreed to a non-guaranteed four year contract with Hanson Landfill services for renewable waste energy. The contracts with Hanson and Cleanaway both start on April 1. Tara Murray

Property market slows

Registered nurse Rupinder Kaur holding the COVID-19 vaccine. (Damjan Janevski) 230083_01

Vaccine hub opens By Tara Murray The bottom level of Sunshine Hospital’s multi-level carpark was a hive of activity last Thursday as the first COVID-19 vaccination was administered at the Sunshine Vaccine Hub. The first vaccine was administered at 10am, with 153 people booked in to be vaccinated on the first day. Quarantine workers were first in line at the hub. Border, frontline health care and aged care workers and aged care residents are also eligible to receive the vaccine in the initial roll out. Western Health staff, from across all facilities, were expected to start getting injections from Saturday.

Unit manager Donald Johnson said it was a relief to get the program under way after such a big build-up. “It has been great,” he said. “The team we have brought in … we’ve brought them in for something historic.” Mr Johnson said they were expecting to run the hub seven days a week to start with, as they looked to get as many people as possible vaccinated. “We expect to have it running for six months, to get through [phase]1a and 1b [of the vaccination rollout]. It’s also quite suitable for the public in the future.” Each person will get two doses of the vaccine, three weeks apart.

Mr Johnson said the hub, which consists of three pods with 20 cubicles each, had taken just over a month to set up. Western Health is also running the Melbourne Airport vaccination hub, which started vaccinating airport staff two weeks ago. They will also run vaccine sub-hubs in places including Werribee Mercy. That is expected to start this week. Mr Johnson said that for all of the staff involved, being part of the team to help vaccinate the country was special. “There’s a sense of purpose,” he said. “It’s all part of a historic moment in time. A lot of the staff have stories and really strong reasons to be here.”

The Brimbank property market has slowed down in the past month, according to data released last week. Property data and analytics provider CoreLogic’s national home value index found property prices across Melbourne had increased in the past month by 2.1 per cent to an average median price of $717,767 by the end of February. In Brimbank, values increased by just 1.1 per cent for the same period. Despite the small increase, Brimbank prices still increased by 3.6 per over the past three months, 0.1 per cent more than the Melbourne increase over the same period. It capped off a strong year for Brimbank which recorded a property price increase of 3.2 per cent for the past 12 months to February. Across Melbourne, property prices decreased by 1.3 per cent, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Brimbank, the biggest growth during the past 12 months was in units, which increased by 7.2 per cent to a median price of $454,222. House prices increased by 2.2 per cent over the same time, up to a median of $647,353. CoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said Melbourne’s west was one of the more affordable markets. “Housing values were up 2.8 per cent across Melbourne’s outer west over the three months ending February, which was a slightly softer growth rate than the broader Melbourne average which recorded a 3.5 per cent lift in values, however the past 12 months has seen housing values rise at a faster pace than the broader Melbourne average, up 2.5 per cent,” he said. Tara Murray

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Mental health webinar Headspace Sunshine is hosting a COVID-19 webinar for parents and carers on how to support young people’s mental health. The webinar will include strengthening your understanding of mental health, building skills and strategies, building awareness of support for young people and showing Headspace Sunshine’s community resources. The webinar will be held on March 22, from 6pm. Registration: https://bit.ly/2MYQyQc

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West Welcome Wagon board chair Chris Scerri and Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic. (Supplied)

Making use of old stuff Need to clean out your house or shed, but don’t know where to take your items that are too big or too good to throw out? The Pop-Up Drive Through and Recycling Day at Victoria University in St Albans on March 20 could be your answer. Brimbank residents can safely and conveniently drop-off their unwanted household items, for reuse or recycling. Brimbank council is partnering with local charity organisations, including the West Welcome Wagon, to donate and reuse unwanted household items, including mattresses, white goods, electronic items and bicycles. Asbestos, construction waste, chemicals, biological waste, sharps, broken monitors,

fluorescent tubes and smoke detectors will not be accepted. There is a maximum of eight items per household. Only cars, small vans or cars with trailers will be able to drop off items, no trucks or commercial quantities allowed. To keep the event COVIDSafe you will be required to bring identification (driver’s licence or rate notice) and register onsite. You will also need to wear a face mask and remain in your vehicle at all times. Bookings are preferred at 9249 4000. The event runs from 8am to 1pm, with entry into the university through Willis Street.

A new shared path for pedestrians and cyclists has been constructed at Braybrook’s Cranwell Reserve, providing access to the Maribyrnong River Trail. Cranwell Reserve overlooks the Maribyrnong River valley and provides access to the trail and an outdoor playground, including public facilities such as a barbecue area, seating and drinking fountain.

Council award Brimbank council has been announced as one of the winners of the LGPro 2021 Awards for Excellence in the category of innovative management for its optimising waste collection initiative. The top 10 local government projects, including Brimbank council’s digital mapping for waste collection, were announced last month. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tara Murray

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Back to school Twins Colby and Sebastian, and Rania and Dania, were among the excited pupils starting school at Furlong Park School for Deaf Children last week. The school reopened for 2021 on Thursday and there was plenty of fun for the two sets of twins and their school friends. Colby and Sebastian, 8, and Rania and Dania, 6, are two of three sets of twins at the school this year. The school has about 65 students. A third set of twins will start on February 11 and will be part of the school’s early years program. Principal Lee Bullock said it was possibly the first time the school had welcomed three sets of twins.

(Damjan Janevski) 226450_01

Back to school

Twins Colby and Sebastian, and Rania and Dania, were among the excited pupils starting school at Furlong Park School for Deaf Children last week. By Tara Murray The school reopened for 2021 on Two western suburbs advocates are calling for government action after a waste management Thursday and there was plenty of fire fun for in Brooklyn last week.

Tara Murray

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

delayed for 12 months. “We’ve been waiting for so long to have confidence to be able to breath fresh air. Confidence that our creeks aren’t going to be polluted.” He suggests forming a steering committee which would include the EPA, WorkSafe, MFB and council representatives to have a co-ordinated approach to industry clean-up. “I don’t think questions are being asked on Spring Street as often as they should.” He also proposed government funding to help bring old industrial estates up to the 21st century and the introduction of better air quality monitoring systems. Ms Hartland is a member of the Facebook group Anti-Toxic Waste Alliance, which was

set up after the West Footscray warehouse fire which spewed toxic fumes across the western suburbs for days in August 2018. She said the group, a non-political alliance of community groups, organisations and individuals, wants action. “There’s been a spate of these fires,” she said. “There’s been three in the last 10 days. “The EPA and the state government don’t seem to be taking it seriously.” Ms Hartland said the group wanted more regulation on industrial sites, clear information about when the EPA is called in and when and for how long air quality equipment is set up. She has also called for the act to be introduced. ■ Fire

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There have been at least eight factory, waste management or tip fires across the west and Hume since October, while the Kealba landfill has had underground fires burning continuously for more than a year. Former LeadWest chief executive Craig Rowley and former state MLC member Colleen Hartland say enough is enough. “It’s a long-running issue,” Mr Rowley said. “It doesn’t matter which party has been in power at the time, they haven’t done enough clean-up of the west.

“The urgency to clean it [industry] up has never been greater.” Mr Rowley said during his time with LeadWest, from 2010-18, one of the biggest concerns raised by local councils was the need for a cleaner, greener and more liveable western metropolitan area. “We were constantly talking about it with the other tiers of government, about the investment needed in the west to make it cleaner and greener. “It just seems that it is taking a long time to get there.” Mr Rowley said an Environment Protection Act, which changes how the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regulates pollution, waste and contamination in Victoria, had been

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Fire sparks call to arms

kidswest

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Plaza gets corporate upgrade By Tara Murray Redevelopment plans for Sunshine Plaza, including a six-level commercial office, have been revealed. The essential services hub, which will be named Sunshine Plaza Corporate, will include a 15,300 square metre, six-level commercial office and a childcare centre. The plan was approved by Brimbank council last year. About 200 jobs are expected to be created during construction.

‘‘ ’’

it is an exciting time for the west - Mathew Kent

A spokesperson for Sunshine Plaza Corporate said the new-look building, designed by award-winning architects Gray Puksand, would be an ideal addition to the already high-profile site, with its commanding yet sensitive integration within the existing Sunshine Plaza retail facility. The spokesperson said the new building would acknowledge the area’s history and context within the build. Savills Australia director of office leasing, Mathew Kent, said the western suburbs is a major growth corridor for business, with Sunshine providing a thriving commercial office and retail hub. “Located only 11 kilometres from Melbourne’s CBD, Sunshine has been identified as one of the six National Employment and Innovation Clusters (NECs) and is proposed to become a major jobs centre in the west’s burgeoning economy,” he said.

Artist impressions of the new Sunshine Plaza Corporate Building. (Pictures: Supplied)

“With an expected 79 per cent of Victoria’s population set to reside in Melbourne by 2027, the swell in numbers means we can expect to see more people living and working away from the city, even more so in a post-COVID era as

people adopt a more flexible lifestyle. “Given its optimal location, just 20 minutes from the CBD and proximity to key rail and road infrastructure, the investment into upgrading local facilities like ours, along with

the likes of Sunshine Hospital and Victoria University, it is an exciting time for the west.” Expressions of interest for leasing are now open. Details: www.sunshineplazacorporate. com.au

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Mental health a ‘priority’ By Tara Murray A new mental health priority site in Brimbank will be fast tracked on the back of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. The report released last week recommended the establishment of local adult and older adult mental health and wellbeing services. In response, the state government announced last week that six priority sites, including one in Brimbank, would open next year. The six sites will be the first of up to 60 across

the state, providing a ‘front-door’ for anyone in the community to access mental health support including a range of therapies and expanded wellbeing treatment. The new services will work to a ‘how can we help?’ model, helping people seamlessly access the right support for them, close to home, across a transformed mental health and wellbeing system. The Department of Health will immediately investigate options to establish services within each priority region and local providers will be involved in the consultation process.

The first of these local services would open from mid-2022, with all six of the initial services open by the end of 2022. Brimbank has one of the highest levels of very high psychological distress (a measure of anxiety and depression) recorded across Victoria, according to the state government. About one in five Victorians will experience a mental health problem each year. Suicide is consistently the leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 44. The announcement of the new facilities is on top of $492 million to be spent on 120 mental

health beds in Epping, Geelong, Sunshine and Melbourne, announced in November. Meanwhile, a 12-bed Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) facility offering short-term mental health care for women is set to open at Sunshine Hospital next year. Mental Health Minister James Merlino said this was the first step in implementing the ambitious agenda set out in the final report. “It will take time, but these new localised mental health services will provide better coverage and easier access to services for Victorians, no matter where they live.”

Service shake-up Mental health services in Melbourne’s north-west are set for a shake-up under recommendations from the state government’s Royal Commission into mental health. The Royal Commission report contains 65 recommendations that establish a blueprint to transform mental health support and care to make it accessible, flexible and responsive. Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would implement every recommendation. Orygen executive director Professor Patrick McGorry said the recommendations would see changes to mental health services for youths and adults. He said services would be more local and better resourced. “I’ve never seen a premier so committed to mental health,” he said. “To see the premier and opposition leader admitting that they messed it up… over the last 20 years. … they now have a blueprint on how to fix it.” Orygen, which is Australia’s centre of

excellence in youth mental health, runs a number of services across Melbourne’s north-west, including headspace at Sunshine. Under the changes, Orygen’s clinical services that were previously overseen by Melbourne Health, will be overseen by the centre of excellence. Governance of adult mental health services in the north-west will also change. Currently Melbourne Health delivers public specialist mental health services to people living in northern and western metropolitan Melbourne, including at Western Health. Under the changes, Western Health will oversee adult mental health services in the area. In a statement, a Western Health spokesperson said they welcome the opportunity to enhance support services for mental health patients.

Professor Patrick McGorry. (Supplied)

Tara Murray

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8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

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Call to upgrade ‘dangerous’ roads By Tara Murray Brimbank council is calling for funding for a new signalised intersection on the Melton Highway and the upgrade of Taylors Road. Mayor Ranka Rasic raised two notices of motion at last month’s council meeting, seeking funding from the state government for the two road projects. The council will write to Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins and the Department of Transport requesting the construction of traffic lights and a signalised pedestrian

crossing at the intersection of Melton Highway and Sandpiper Drive in Taylors Lakes. Cr Rasic said the intersection was dangerous and needs to be addressed. “I think this is very important,” she said. “Motorists are travelling at 80 kilometres per hour and therefore putting drivers who use Sandpiper Drive at risk when using that section of road. “Motorists have raised safety concerns about turning onto the Melton Highway from Sandpiper Drive … this proposal would request funding from the state government to

rectify this issue.” The council will also write to Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz, Ms Hutchins, Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Tim Pallas and Roads Minister Ben Carroll requesting funding and support for the upgrade of Taylors Road between Kings Road and Watervale Boulevard. Cr Rasic said there was an urgent need to upgrade this part of the road, which is a single lane each way, causing congestion both in peak and off-peak periods. Cr Maria Kerr said she drives the road

every day and believed the upgrade was much-needed. “It’s a bottleneck,” she said. “It’s dangerous, it’s sub standard. “The west is continuously neglected when it comes to these large projects. I’ve seen multiple accidents at this site and I’m not sure how many more lives need to be lost on this section of the road, and how many more hours lost sitting in traffic. “We have developments happening all the way through Caroline Springs, up to Deanside and Plumpton and the road can’t take the amount of usage it’s taking.”

Show marks 100 years Even a pandemic wasn’t going to stop the Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club from hosting its 100th autumn annual show. With last year’s show held two days before the first pandemic lockdown, the club was eager to ensure this year’s event took place. President Chris Michalopoulos said it would be a special day. “We are celebrating our 100th birthday,” he said. “We’ve had a show every year since we were founded in 1921. To be able to get some normality and celebrate with the community … is really good. “It’s a momentous occasion and a happy occasion.” Mr Michalopoulos said there weren’t many gardening clubs that had been around for 100 years. The group has members from 26 different nationalities, and with a membership fee of just $2 a year, the group is also very affordable.

Mr Michalopoulos said this year’s show would provide something for everyone. He said the show wouldn’t have gone ahead without the support of Brimbank council and sponsors. “We have the nicest flowers,” he said. “There’s vegetables, herbs, fruit, cooking, hand craft and a children’s section. “Everyone is welcome and it’s totally free. It’s our gift back to the community.” The show is on between 11am and 4pm this Saturday at the Glengala Community Hall. A a cake cutting ceremony will be held about 12.30pm. Tara Murray

Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club’s Mary Evans in her garden. (Damjan Janevski) 230146_01

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9 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Motel plan to help boost tourism By Goya Dmytryshchak A proposal for a three-storey motel linked to an existing caravan park at Braybrook was last week approved by Maribyrnong council. The site at 125-155 Ashley Street is buffered from residences and no objections were received. Councillor Cuc Lam said the $20 million motel would promote tourism in Maribyrnong and help the local economy recover from the coronavirus pandemic. “I’m really, really so excited to see the project happening,” she said. “The proposal is seeking to provide improved facilities to the existing caravan park with an investment of $20 million in the local economy and creating local jobs.

“That is so exciting after the pandemic. “Hopefully, our local people have more jobs. “The proposal is promoting tourism within Maribyrnong with an increasing choice of accommodation offerings while respecting the amenity of the adjoining properties. “A number of significant trees are retained – this is so important for the environment – and additional trees will be planted during the construction to compensate for any loss of the native vegetation.” Parking and access were deemed appropriate and the Department of Transport had no objections to the proposal subject to conditions, which included relocating the bus stop along Ashley Street.

An image of the motel to be built in association with an existing caravan park at Braybrook. (Swanbury Penglase)

Rex adds Sydney route Travellers will have an extra option to travel to Sydney with regional airline, Rex, launching flights on Australia’s busiest route, Melbourne to Sydney. The airline announced last week it would operate three return services a day immediately and hoped to expand to nine arrivals and departures by the end of the month. The new flights are expected to add about 3000 seats a day to the Melbourne to Sydney route. Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Lorie Argus said expansion would give Victorians more choice and flexibility. “We’re delighted to see Rex move into the major city market, it means lower fares for travellers and even more choice and flexibility for Melburnians wanting to travel on their favourite route,” she said. “With international tourism on hold for the foreseeable future we believe Rex seized a golden opportunity at the right time. Rex has served the nation’s regional air needs for almost 20 years and its latest expansion provides even greater connectivity at a time when more people are seeking interstate adventures.” The airline already operates regional services to seven destinations from Melbourne Airport: Burnie, King Island, Mount Gambier, Mildura, Wagga Wagga, Albury and Merimbula. Tara Murray

Man sentenced over shooting

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10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

A St Albans man who was sentenced to 19 months jail last month for a 2019 shooting is free from jail. Joseph Johnson-Portelli last month pleaded guilty to two charges of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, one charge of reckless conduct endangering serious injury, possession of a drug of dependence, possession of cartridge ammunition without a license and possession of a prohibited weapon, over the shooting of a man who came to his house to confront him about a debt. Having served nearly two years in custody since his arrest, Johnson-Portelli was released on a community corrections order. The court heard that five men attended Johnson-Portelli’s address to recover a debt. The men left before returning a short time later. Johnson-Portelli then armed himself with an action pump rifle. As his partner at the time of the incident had a family violence intervention order out aginst him, he was a prohibited person under the firearms act. When the men returned, Johnson-Portelli fired a shot and struck one of them in the abdomen. The men then fled. Judge Michael O’Connell said he accepted that Johnson-Portelli had shown remorse for his offending. Tara Murray

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11 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Report calls for aged care reform By Tara Murray The Royal Commission into Aged Care in Australia has called for a fundamental reform of the system. In their final report, Care, Dignity, Respect, commissioners Tony Pagone and Lynelle Briggs highlighted a number of concerns about the country’s aged care system. “The extent of substandard care in Australia’s aged care system reflects both poor quality on the part of some aged care providers and fundamental systemic flaws with the way the

Australian aged care system is designed and governed,” they said. “People receiving aged care deserve better. “The Australian community is entitled to expect better.” The report found that there was “unacceptably high levels of substandard care”. It found that as many as 13-18 per cent of aged care residents in residential homes may have been assaulted and that there was an overuse of physical and chemical restraint. According to the report, almost half of residents had concerns about staff.

The commissioners said that for far too long, the funding requirements have focused on the aged care providers rather than the needs of older people, which needs to be addressed in a new aged care system. The commissioners made 148 recommendations including a new aged care act; integrated system for the long-term support and care; a plan to deliver, measure and report on high quality aged care; improved access to health care for older people; a minimum quality and safety standard for staff time; and more funding.

In response to the report, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced $452 million in funding to address immediate concerns. RMIT distinguished professor Sara Charlesworth said the report made it clear that aged care was a federal government responsibility. “For a long time they have said that it was providers and then during COVID it was the Victorian government,” she said. “This report makes it very clear they had to step up and take responsibility and provide funding for the system and provide accountability for that funding.”

Challenging stereotypes Brimbank council is calling on people to “choose to challenge” gender stereotypes this International Women’s Day. The council will mark International Women’s Day with an online panel discussion on Wednesday and the streaming of a movie CODED BIAS. Mayor Ranka Rasic, Aboriginal elder and Brimbank Citizen of the Year Aunty Joyce Cooper, Federation University lecturer Dr Mimmie Watts and Green Empire Street owner and entrepreneur Darlene Ladio will be part of the panel, discussing their experiences of challenging gender stereotypes. Cr Rasic said she was proud to be mayor of a council which includes eight female councillors. “As a progressive woman in politics, the advancement of female representation across all levels of government and sectors is a huge passion of mine,” she said. “I hope to be a voice of inspiration to all women of all backgrounds

RUGS

CANDLES

and support them on their journey. “Gender equality is important for the entire community. We know that workplaces and communities thrive in a society where men and women are treated equally.” This year the theme for IWD is “Choose to Challenge” – with communities invited to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. CODED BIAS will be screened on March 9 and 10. The movie explores the fallout of MIT Media Lab researcher Joy Buolamwini’s discovery that most facial-recognition software doesn’t accurately identify darker-skinned faces and the faces of women. The panel will be held on March 10, 3-4.30pm. Details: http://ow.ly/wLXB50DNt0v. Film registrations: https://pvawhub.whwest. org.au/takingtheleadfilmfestival/ Tara Murray

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Mayor Ranka Rasic and, at back, councillors Jasmine Nguyen, Virginia Tachos, Maria Kerr and Thuy Dang. (Damjan Janevski) 230378_01

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12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

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NEWS

Recycling site a fire risk: EPA A Brooklyn waste recycling facility has been directed by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria to deal with a shed full of waste to reduce the risk of fire. EPA western metropolitan regional manager Stephen Lansdell said a multi-agency team from EPA, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) and Brimbank council inspected Action Recovery and Recycling, run by the Sunshine Groupe, late last month. Mr Lansdell said the fire risk in a shed at 125 Bunting Road was deemed too high and immediate action was required to protect the community and the environment.

The Action Recovery and Recycling site recycles mixed construction and demolition waste. The EPA order instructs the Sunshine Groupe to clear waste away from entry points to the building to create access for fire and emergency crews, and take industrial waste to a premises that is properly licensed to deal with it. It will also need to install a fire suppression system in the building and have 24-hour security personnel, in case of fire. The company has already been banned from accepting waste timber at another part of its site, and in 2018, EPA suspended the Sunshine Groupe’s licence to operate the nearby Western Land Reclamation landfill for licence breaches

and overfilling. “EPA continues to monitor the Bunting Road site closely and conducted another formal inspection during the weekend,” Mr Lansdell said. He said the multi-agency team has been inspecting waste and recycling operation sites that are large enough to potentially create a stockpile that has a high risk of fire. He said fires in waste and recycling facilities are unacceptable. “Our community has had enough and we are taking a zero tolerance approach to fire risk. “Compliance is not unreasonable, it’s not hard to achieve, and it’s for the protection of the community and the environment.”

The inspection team and company officials at the Brooklyn facility. (Picture: EPA)

(Supplied)

By Tara Murray

VIRGINIA TACHOS

Tachos leads covid recovery

Brimbank Park Running Festival is popular with all ages. (Supplied)

Brimbank ready to run Get out your running shoes and hit the path for the Brimbank Park Running Festival. The community-focused festival has six different events to cater for everyone from parents with children in prams through to grandparents and serious runners. Organiser Brett Saxon said it was exciting to get the festival up and running after a tough 2020. His family company, Trailsplus, normally organises more than 15 events a year but was restricted last year due to COVID-19. He said the main aim of this year’s Brimbank

event, which offered distances from two kilometres through to 50 kilometres, was to make sure everyone feels safe. “Pre-covid we would have 600 people at this event,” he said. “Before the lockdown last year, we were allowed 500 people but only had 250 people. “At the moment for this year we have just over 200 people registered. We think that number will get to 400 and we’re hoping to get that. “It is a COVIDSafe event and is registered.” Mr Saxon said despite some changes, they were still focused on making it a family event.

The festival will also raise money for cancer charity, Canteen. Trailsplus has raised nearly $60,000 in total for the charity. Mr Saxon said they were still looking for volunteers for the event and invited local community or sporting clubs to reach out. Money raised at the event is donated back to the volunteer groups. The event is on March 21. Registrations are open online. Details: https://trailsplus.com.au/brimbank/

Brimbank councillor Virginia Tachos will take on a new portfolio to help the community deal with the impacts of COVID-19. The new portfolio will be operational for the next two years. The council introduced portfolios in 2019 to provide councillors an opportunity to become more engaged with, and develop an in-depth understanding of the issues the deal with. Mayor Ranka Rasic will take on the resilient Brimbank portfolio, which is looked after by the mayor of the day. If a new mayor is elected during the second year of the current council’s term, the new mayor will take on the portfolio. Cr Thuy Dang will manage the vibrant Brimbank portfolio. Sustainable Brimbank will be managed by Cr Jae Papalia. The proud Brimbank portfolio has been allocated to Cr Maria Kerr. Cr Victoria Borg has been allocated the people portfolio, while Cr Sam David has taken on liveable Brimbank. Healthy Brimbank goes to Cr Sarah Branton and connecting Brimbank to Cr Trung Luu. Crs Jasmine Nguyen and Bruce Lancashire have been appointed co-chairs for the prosperous Brimbank and innovation Brimbank portfolios. The council also allocated councillors to 20 committees and community groups including the Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee.

Tara Murray

Company at centre of complaints aims to regain trust AkzoNobel hopes to have addressed the source of odours coming from it’s Sunshine North plant by the middle of October. As reported by Star Weekly, the company has been ordered by the Environment Protection Authority to install an air motioning program after complaints from nearby residents about odours and noise. During an online community forum last week, which included representatives from AkzoNobel, the EPA, Brimbank council and local residents, AzkoNobel site manager Peter Black said the company was hoping to have an air treatment system running by mid-October. “We want to regain trust with you in the

community and improve the reputation that we have,” he said. “We’re very much focused on making sure that we operate within the legal and community expectations.” AkzoNobel is also working to suppress noise. Construction of acoustic enclosures and equipment upgrades are under way and are expected to be completed within months. Mr Black said the company hoped to broaden its relationship with the community so people can get a better understanding of the site. “We want to be judged by future actions and show we are serious about gaining trust.” EPA senior environment protection officer Sam Sparks said the number of reports from

residents had led to the action that is now occurring. He said there was a spike in complaints about AkzoNobel in 2015 and then again in 2019 through to today. Despite six inspections in 2015, the specific source of odours couldn’t be identified so no action was taken. AkzoNobel has been issued with two notices by the EPA as a result of reports over the past three years. Mr Sparks said it was likely more notices would be issued soon, including one to force AkzoNobel to change some of its monitoring processes. “There are a lot of pollution reports, we are listening,” Mr Sparks said.

“As the person who … reads through every single one of those pollution reports, I know that it is affecting a large section of the community. “I’m a resident of the west, I understand these issues … we really want proper long-term solutions.” While a number of community questions were answered during the webinar, several people, including Brimbank Cr Virginia Tachos, expressed frustration that it felt as though the forum was “controlled” and “questions were being moderated”. Tara Murray

13 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Rethink urged on land protection By Tara Murray Allowing agricultural landowners to pursue alternative viable uses for their land was highlighted in a Brimbank council submission to the state government’s review of green wedge and agricultural land. The council said that while it conditionally supported the government’s proposed changes to strengthen the green wedges, it had concerns about a proposal to update the Planning Policy Framework to ensure that all agricultural land is protected In its submission, the council said that protecting all agricultural land in Brimbank

‘‘

agricultural land in the Brimbank portion ... is constrained - Council

’’

wasn’t the most effective use of policy, with much of the existing agricultural land in the municipality “highly constrained”. “Agricultural land in the Brimbank portion of the Sunbury Green Wedge is constrained due to poor quality soil, lot sizes, low rainfall and a lack of reliable, affordable water sources,” the submission stated.

“Impacts from Melbourne Airport and restrictions … also impact the viability of agricultural uses. “These constraints should be recognised when seeking to protect agricultural land through the proposed changes to green wedge planning provisions. “Additional support for landowners to take advantage of opportunities for suitable alternative uses and alternative agriculture should accompany any policy changes, particularly for those landowners who are significantly restricted by airport operations.” Mayor Ranka Rasic said the council recognised the importance of protecting

green wedge and agricultural land around metropolitan Melbourne for agriculture, recreation, environmental conservation and natural resource purposes. “Green wedges and agricultural land have an important role to play in our municipality and council would like to see enhanced planning protection and support for these areas. “Council’s submission also asks that a range of matters are taken into consideration when strengthening planning controls for these areas, to ensure Brimbank’s needs are protected.” Organ Pipes National Park and Sydenham Park are part of the Brimbank Green Wedge.

Have your say on parks Brimbank residents are invited to have their say on two new parks planned for the municipality. The council has released draft concept plans for the Cary Street pocket park in Sunshine North and Leslie Street pocket park, St Albans. Both parks have been funded by the state government as part of the Suburban Parks Program. More than $1 million will be spent on each park. The Cary Street pocket park is located near Upper Stony Creek. The council’s draft plan includes extensive tree planting and greenery, exercise equipment, nature play and picnic facilities, seating and shelter, new pathways, bike racks, a drinking fountain, an open kick-about turf space, solar lights, a playground and new fencing.

The Leslie Street pocket park will be located on the lawn area near the Leslie Street shops. It will be upgraded to include better pedestrian access and areas for social connection including, a new paved plaza with seating and shelter, a new raised pedestrian crossing connecting both sides of Leslie Street, new car parking spaces, bike racks, a rain garden, street trees and landscaping to enhance biodiversity and provide shaded areas. Council is holding two events at the parks for locals to find out more. A listening post will be at Cary Street on March 27, between 10am and 1pm. A pop up event will be held at Leslie Street on April 6 between 11am and 4pm. Details: www.yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au Tara Murray

An artist impression of the Leslie Street pocket park. (Supplied)

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MY PLACE Leading Senior Constable Matt Mudie has spent his entire policing career in the western suburbs after falling in love with the area. The Brimbank community engagement officer speaks with Tara Murray. What is your connection to the Brimbank area?

rather than via Zoom or other platforms. What do you enjoy most about your role?

Why did you become a police officer? My father was in the air force and I have three older brothers who were army, air force, and army respectively. I think I was destined to end up in uniform but I didn’t like the fact that you could get posted interstate, and had my fair share of moves as a kid, so I decided the police force was a better fit for me. What does your role in the police force entail? My role is quite diverse, ranging from dealing with issues within our schools, giving presentations to community groups, liaising with Brimbank council, supporting victims of crime, conducting security audits etc. COVID really limited what I could do, but I was able to visit some of our more isolated elderly and distribute some face masks to them and just spend time and have a chat. That was particularly rewarding. I am finding now that more requests are coming in and am hopeful the role will really kick off as the restrictions lift and I can get out and see people face-to-face

I enjoy my work with victims of crime. As police officers we join because we want to catch the criminals, and this is our core business. As I spent more time in the job I realised victims outnumber offenders quite substantially and some victims can be left extremely traumatised from whatever incident they have been involved in. To go and spend time with those people and help them seek support and assist them in feeling safer in their own environment so they can move on with their lives, is extremely rewarding for me. What do you love the most about the Brimbank area? You never know what Brimbank is going to throw at you. It is such a diverse area. I love the progression/development the area is going through and in my work with Brimbank council, I get to have a little bit of input into some of those projects. Do you have a favourite place or somewhere to eat in Brimbank? I am quite partial to the banh mi (crispy pork roll), and I don’t think I have found a better one than from the ladies at VN Wrap n Roll in Furlong Road, Sunshine North. Lunchtime is always busy there so you know the food is good, and I never leave disappointed.

(Supplied)

I graduated from the Police Academy in April 1989 and was sent to the Sunshine Police Station as my training station. The station was in Sun Crescent and it’s fair to say it had a bit of character back then. I enjoyed the area so much I have spent my entire policing career in the western suburbs.

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

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

March 4, 1981

March 6, 1991

March 6, 2001

March 8, 2011

A 57-year-old invalid pensioner was taken to Pentridge Prison last week to serve a 35 day sentence for refusing to pay a council fine.

Dempster St, Tottenham, is a disgrace.

Brimbank council’s garbage collectors, street cleaners, library, park and garden staff and bylaw officers were poised yesterday on the verge of indefinite mass strike.

Sunshine Secondary College’s principal says the school’s west campus building is 30 years past its use-by-date and desperately needs to be replaced.

15 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Fighting a culture of silence Natalie Hutchins Member for Sydenham For many of us, the coronavirus lockdown was a challenging experience. As we respond to life in a ‘COVID normal’, we have emerged resilient, adaptive and changed. This year’s International Women’s day theme is “Choose to Challenge”. The choice towards advocating for equality, celebrating the achievements of fellow women, supporting one another and, as we saw with Brittany Higgins, speaking out against unacceptable victim-blaming at work. All my working life I’ve fought for equality for women in the workplace. It is extremely disheartening that this behaviour of blaming the victim and of not keeping women safe is happening at the highest levels of government. By choosing to challenge and calling out inequality we can achieve inclusivity and safety within our communities, workplaces and government – the highest decision-making body in our country. Many women face the extraordinary challenge of sexual assault and discriminations in our community and in our workplaces. Often women may be hesitant to report or share their lived experiences, the reluctance of not knowing if you will be listened to or, as prevailed with Brittany Higgins’ complaint, a fear of a possible loss of her dream career. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence but one that has no place in being normalised. Real change and reform are needed to dismantle the power imbalance that allows for women to be vulnerable in workplaces. Earlier this month, Australian of the Year Grace Tame expressed that she is proud to have inspired survivors to come forward through a

Natalie Hutchins. (Supplied)

“domino effect of change” when she expressed the importance for every voice to matter. The significance of choosing to challenge and demand accountability creates a conversation for other victims and those silenced to feel a sense of empowerment, knowing they can come forward without repercussions to personal and professional life. While gendered violence is not unique to government, workplaces, or even the Federal Parliament, it is a setting through which the “culture of silence” must urgently be addressed. Being through complaint handling, the employment process and by providing a support system that provides adequate, compassionate and effective means towards a duty of care. Like Higgins and Tame, who chose to challenge, the rhetoric surrounding workplace sexual assault is shifting from simple awareness to a call for accountability. For others who have been failed by the system, coming forward is not easy and potential fear of ramifications is very real. However, real progress comes with change and one much needed to address the profound impact of how gendered violence is addressed. This International Women’s Day I choose to challenge and champion justice for women – we need to demand accountability and encourage empowerment for those who have been silenced who were not provided with a choice, the structures that facilitated have no place in our society. If you have been impacted by sexual assault or family violence, please seek help. Call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au

V day in the fight against COVID Christopher Carter CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network 2020 was the year that wore out the word ‘unprecedented’, so much so that it’s still hard to recognise truly momentous events as they happen. But the beginning of the COVID-19 vaccination program is certainly worthy of slowing down and paying attention. On Sunday, February 21, 2021, just over a year after the first cases of COVID-19 reached our shores, the prime minister and a handful of aged care residents and health care workers received a vaccine against the disease. By the next day the program had kicked off in earnest across the country, with quarantine, border and front line health care workers and aged care residents lining up for their shots. This was a red letter day for our country and hopefully the beginning of the end of the pandemic. But the job is far from over. It is nothing short of incredible that there is now a range of vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 disease. But vaccines cannot stop this pandemic if they are sitting unused in cold storage. On the health system side of things, we need to build trust in the quality, effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccines approved in Australia. Clinical trials have shown the vaccines to be all those things, and those trials are being borne out in real-world results across the globe – for example, Public Health Scotland says hospitalisations have dropped by more than 85 per cent in people who have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The whole system is working hard to get this positive information about the COVID-19 vaccines out in the community. You can help by talking with your friends and family about the importance of being vaccinated when it is their turn, and linking them with reliable sources of information like their GP or health. gov.au/covid-19-vaccines if they have questions

The COVID-19 vaccination program is ramping up. (Supplied)

or concerns. Just as important as building trust is making sure the vaccine is accessible, so everyone can be vaccinated. Many people who don’t fully immunise their children don’t actually have any concerns about vaccination – they just can’t find the time in their day to get it done, or it’s not a high priority. We are still in the early stages of the

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

vaccination program and shots are being given at a limited number of sites to priority and vulnerable groups. But the program is already ramping up, with GPs, pharmacists, community health centres and mass vaccination sites all set to start vaccinating very soon. Vaccines will be given in order of priority group, which you can check at health.gov.au/ covid-19-vaccines. You can also use Health

Direct’s Vaccine Eligibility Checker to find out your group and whether you are able to book a vaccination yet. When it is your turn to get a COVID-19 vaccine, please don’t delay. Both vaccines approved in Australia are safe and effective and give us a path back to a normal life. But we can only take that path if we all do our bit – roll up your sleeve, get your shot and help end this pandemic for good.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

VU Vice-Chancellor Adam Shoemaker with students Oliver Kaiser, Ashfaq Lukman, Natasha Milner, Alice Growden, Zeel Patel and Joey Gattellaro. (Damjan Janevski) 229015_01

University in 2021 As a new university year begins, online learning is returning. Tara Murray spoke with students from Victoria University about the ups and downs of university life during a pandemic.

oseph Gattellaro didn’t expect his first year of university to start at home. The first year student from Tarneit, who is enrolled in a double degree in psychology and criminology, has been restricted to online classes as COVID-19 continues to limit the ‘normal’ university experience. “The main thing was I wanted to go on campus,” he said. “It’s all online at the moment, so that isn’t going to happen. The social inclusion is part of the uni experience and being online, you miss a huge chunk of that.” As someone who suffers learning difficulties, Mr Gattellaro said being able to get back into the classroom is vital. He said he and many of his friends suffered last year as they studied from home while the state was locked down. Fellow VU student Oliver Kaiser, who is in his third year of a criminal justice degree, said he found the online experience quite unique. He said he didn’t know how he would have coped if he had been starting university in the middle of the pandemic. “2020 was really different,” he said. “I benefited from studying at home, my grades got better. I was more involved in the co-curricular stuff over Zoom than in person. “I’m now in the student union.” Mr Kaiser said the big difference he found was that after classes online, he was still switched on and stayed on the computer. On campus, he would normally have headed home straight after class. While his grades have been on the rise, Mr Kaiser said he would love to return

to the classroom. “The vibe is off online,” he said. “I want to get back in the classroom, as I really enjoy that energy.” Victoria University Vice-Chancellor Adam Shoemaker said the key for the university at the moment was being able to provide students with the best opportunity possible for their learning.

‘‘

If you spoke with every university in the country, they’ve lost students

’’

- Adam Shoemaker “Our polytechnic space is really important for Sunshine and St Albans especially, as a lot is on the campus,” he said. “We have well over 1000 students who have started the last couple of weeks for that. “We are doing a lot of things for the higher [education] section that can be done online. If you have to be in-person we can facilitate that, but if you can be online, we make that the preferred option.” Professor Shoemaker said despite the uncertain times, VU had seen an increase in student numbers studying in the block model – studying one subject at a time. He said the ability to work your study around your life was a key to the success of the program. “Quite significantly, people are applying to study at the university directly as undergraduates in the block which is fantastic,” he said.

“People are realising that the university has to respond to their work and lives, and as you know, in the last year a lot of people have lost their jobs or working part-time, so it’s a wonderful time to reposition their career and that is what the block is great for. “You can accelerate the study if you want to or you can slow it down if you want to and you can match it to your life. “It’s not about how many people start, it’s how many people finish.” With Australia’s borders effectively closed as a result of the pandemic, Professor Shoemaker said VU had seen a decrease in the number of international student enrolments. He said the longer international students were prevented from travelling to Australia to study, the more students they would lose. “If you spoke with every university in the country, they’ve lost students as the borders are effectively shut,” he said. “In Victoria, many thousands of people were already here having travelled the year before, so what we are seeing now is a gradual reduction. “The students from last year are now in their second year and there’s not a new group of people coming, “It’s the lack of new starting students that you’re noticing. Some are in fact doing online study, but that can’t go on forever.” Professor Shoemaker said VU tried to provide support to the international students who are still in the country, many without any income. Zeel Patel was one of those students. With little help from the government, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to stay in Australia.

Going home to India, didn’t seem like a good option either. “It’s almost been one year of uni online,” she said. “To be frank it has been really hard with the government not willing to help international students in Melbourne during stage four lockdown. “I lost my jo,b which was a bit hard.” Ms Patel, who has since started a new job, said the whole experience had been tricky, but Zoom classes getting easier as time went on. She said studying from home did add some flexibility, but like many other students she’s keen to return to the classroom. Victoria University too is keen to see more students and staff back on campus. Professor Shoemaker said the uni was looking to bring more students back to campus for semester two. “It’s always governed by government health advice” he said. “We’ve taken the view that we’ll have a default setting, that where possible we’ll be online until the end of June and then if things improve, we’ll gradually look at getting people back. “It’s important to have clarity and consistency.” Professor Shoemaker said while ’COVID normal’ was a bit unpredictable, the university still has big plans for the future. “We want to be the best dual sector university in the world,” he said. “We want to see the twin wings of the polytechnic and higher ed working together, with the block and being famous for doing it.”

17 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication.

Lost and found exhibit Until Thursday, March 11 Hume locals can witness Lisa Buckland’s first solo exhibition, exploring a personal journey of grief and recovery through art. The exhibition is at the Town Hall Broadmeadows Gallery on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-4.30pm. Those unable to attend in person can view the exhibit online.

Through the lens

Show information session

The sun boxes at Altona beach take on a different look when not in use. When viewed side-on, they look a little like a doggie training course. Rachel and her dashhound Ernie, were kind enough to oblige when Star Weekly photographer Joe Mastroianni asked them to walk through the boxes, resulting in this slightly quirky image.

Whittlesea Agricultural Society is holding a show information session on Sunday, March 14, noon-2pm, at the Whittlesea Agricultural Society administration building, gate 1, McPhees Road, Whittlesea. Free sausage sizzle and heritage display included. ■ 9716 2835

Get into golf month March will be filled with golf activities and offers at Keilor Public Golf Course. The free events will run at 540 Calder Freeway, Keilor North. Stay updated on events happening each day by searching @ keilorgolf on social media. ■ 0414 918 533 or email kpgc@belgravialeisure.com.au

Movie night Enjoy live music and a screening of Beauty and the Beast on Friday, March 19 at The Nook, Sunbury. Gates open 5.30pm, with entertainment from 6pm and the movie screening at 7pm. BYO picnic and blanket or buy food. Registration required. ■ https://bit.ly/3tJGM4D

Make your own lantern Sunbury community members can join Indian artist Manan Walia to make individual bark ‘tree’ lanterns on Sunday, March 21, 10am-noon at the Hume Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/ humecity-council-16445167964

Brazen Hussies In celebration of International Women’s Day, Maribyrnong council is hosting a free online film screening of Brazen Hussies. The documentary reveals a revolutionary chapter in Australian history, the Women’s Liberation Movement (1965 -1975). You can watch the film anywhere and anytime between 9am-midnight on Saturday, March 13. Register via Eventbrite to get your free ticket.

Market day

Siva Somoa dance

Story time

The Regional Farmers Market is on Sunday, March 14, from 9am-2pm, at Robertson Reserve, corner Cole and Cecil streets, Williamstown. The market is also on the fourth Sunday of the month at John Morley Reserve in Williamstown.

Learn Siva Samoa dance with Hobsons Bay’s own Tama Tatau. The group supports young men who have been brought up in Australia to learn Samoan and Pacific songs and dances of their ancestors. Sessions are held Mondays, 5.30-8pm, and Fridays, 5-7.30pm during school term. Cost: $10 per class. ■ Victor, tamatatau@live.com or facebook.com/tama.tatau

Encourage a love of reading and help your child develop their literacy skills at Footscray Library story time on Wednesday, March 17, 11-11.30am. Suitable for children aged 2-5 years and their families. Bookings required. ■ www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/library

Flower show Sunshine is celebrating 100 years of community gardening with a free flower show. See dahlias, roses, floral art, hardy cuts, cookery, arts and crafts, and displays from local schools on Saturday, March 13, 11am-4pm at the Glengala Community Centre.

Heritage walks Enjoy a 90-minute leisurely heritage walk with guide John, starting at the Williamstown Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place, each Tuesday at 9.20am. Each week covers a different route. ■ John, 0418 377 336

(Pictures: iStock)

Computer course Rotary Club of Altona City is running a project for older Victorians to give them the confidence to use devices such as iPads, iPhones and computers. No prior knowledge is required. A local venue will be used for the project, which will run from March to June. There are no costs. Dates and times to be confirmed. Topics that may be covered include setting up an email account, using a web browser, Zoom, Facetime and cyber security. ■ Danny, 0425 769 253

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

Take off weight naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton. ■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Celebrate Riverdale Celebrate the Riverdale community at a free, family-friendly event at Riverdale Town Centre, Sunday, March 14, noon-3pm. There will be games, entertainment, live performances and food giveaways. ■ https://www.facebook.com/ events/414182066541935

National Ride2School Day Take part in Ride2School Day on Friday, March 19. More than 350,000 students across the country are expected to ride, scoot, skate or walk to school to promote active travel. ■ www.ride2school.com.au

Greek cookbook PRONIA is inviting Greeks from Melbourne’s west to contribute recipes to a new cookbook. People aged 65 years and older, from a Greek background can submit a traditional family recipe. ■ 9388 9998 or sonyat@pronia.com.au

Alcoholics Anonymous Regular face-to-face meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous have resumed. Meetings are held at St Thomas Anglican Church, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, on Mondays from 7.30pm, and St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, on Wednesdays from 7pm. ■ Werribee: 0412 432 760. For other face-to-face and Zoom AA meetings call 1300 22 22 22 or visit wwww.aatimes.org.au

Conservation volunteers Join the Friends of Cobbledicks Ford for conservation work in the reserve on the second Friday of the month, 10am-noon, March to October. Registrations open 9.30am in the carpark. BYO water bottle and gloves. Tools provided. ■ John 0407 546 235, cobbledicksford@gmail.com

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Your pictures Community spirit is shining in the west with a host of festivals, activities and special occasions bringing us together. Star Weekly readers shared some of their favourite pictures from recent events.

A Kids Lunar Fun Day was held at the Point Cook Pop Up Park recently, organised by Phebe Yeo (pictured left) from 8SENSES, a local multicultural education business. David Mullins captured these photos of the day.

Femy Francis snapped these photos during the Dream Big Festival at Melton recently. The event was a celebration of arts and culture.

Werribee Mansion lit up in blue, green and pink to mark Rare Disease Day on February 28. Wyndham mayor Adele Hegedich visited the mansion with her brother Eddie. (Supplied/Xavier Smeardon/Wyndam council)

Fifty youth and volunteers from the 4th Williamstown Sea Scouts recently took part in the annual Clean Up Australia event at Sandy Point Nature Reserve in Newport. Cub Scout leader Cameron Lay congratulated the effort. “In fantastically beautiful weather, the Scouts collected 15 large bags of rubbish from the coastal reserve, doing their small part in this Australia-wide event,” he said. “It was great to see so many of the Scout group spend the time to give back to the environment we are all part of.” 19 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

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EVERY WEEK

9, 2021

\ STARW EEKLY.COM. AU

JAf £ fn¹Ǥ

Life’s road trip record ed

Xiang Li.

(George Russell OAM)

Inset: Xiang

Australia’ s Deer Park outback has been last week in a new exhibition brought to . launched Self-taugh 5000 kilom t artist Xiang Li mad Australia etre solo road trip e a last year and used to outback inspiratio n for that The trip was her ﬁrst solo exhib as ition. anyth stayed in a vineyard ing but smooth – not long Li that burn ago car in a sand and was locked ed down outside her She said storm. female empthe trip was abou t self-conﬁd owerment and build ence ing “Life is just . like a road trip, never abou t and it is “It is abou the destination,” experienc t the people we she said. e we met and the On the trip, had.” she colle from her car for whic cted the red dust named. h the exhib ition is The exhib conjunctio ition, which is being run in be at the n with Brimbank council, Hunt Club will Centre in Com munity Deer Park until Marc Arts Details: au/red-du https://creativebrim h 11. st-exhibit ion-by-xia bank.com. ng-

Li’s artwo rk. (Supplied)

Crackdo wn on h oons

By Tara Mur

Tara Murr

ray

Brimbank on duty Highway last Mon crack ing patro day nigh down on surprised t, hoon drive l officers are rise in hoon fatalities. that either incidentsaid they were rs amid a meet recent Senior Cons s. The didn’t end A fema le in fema four occupants of table Aym police were le and three on Dalr ympl the after being was left with signi males, were Commodore, a 60 to 80 vehicattending hoon with e said ficant injur ejected meets, up wrap taken to people les in atten ies occu non-life-t hreatening ped arou from a car that a week. pants were dance, multwith up to Dela injuries. hospital people per car, you’re nd a pole ended hey. Two of the looking ejected iple times who turne in Kings “It’s unfo Senio at 450-5 d up. Park, belie r Constable from the car. In a secon rtunate, “Highway 00 said. it is expe d accident, Dalr ympl patrol was ved both four in the cted now, e investigato accidents out in force Last Mon “Both ” he Furlo vehicles were obser were hoon said they appe second accident was rs . -related. ared to be ng Road on ved racin were told who we were high speed on the freewThe car not far fromday, two serious g crash heading towa ramp near call crash well.” ay es, with drive The inexp the less rds Derrimutand Leading a hoon meet in Derr es occurred and cars split up on about 11pm. than 10 years erienced drivers rs Leading the Western imut. a short time as they have as expe Senior ConsSenior Constable “Seat rienc Ring belts seem later one e,” he said. Rod Hold Senior Cons Senior Constable table Dalr of the cars, Road to be an Lead table Dalr ymple, whoHudson and the en Commodore Hudson crack ing and ymple said back of a sedan, collid a black that ing Senior Cons issue too.” were both down vehicle trave 15 minutes polic table Huds on hoon ed into road. state and driving acrose were befor lling on the same into the pole, there e the first car on said cars that had a significan t database s the crashed atten Derrimut was a gathe -Lave on the Senior Cons ded hoon events. ring in the “There were rton area. attend hoon table Dalr ympl 150-plus e said meet cars, with about three $800 under couns in Brimbank those who can be cil laws, offences. on top of fined police OUT

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Albion Federation Residential Village 639 Ballarat Road Albion Sadie Black Cafe 31 Perth Avenue Ardeer Coles Express 1-5 The Avenue (Cnr Fitzgerald Road) Braybrook Coles Supermarket Braybrook 67 Ashley Street Braybrook Central West Shopping Centre 65-67 Ashley Street Braybrook Braybrook News & Lotto 127 South Road Burnside Burnside News and Lotto 15 Westwood Drive Burnside Heights Milkbar 102 Tenterfield Drive Cairnlea Cairnlea Town Centre 100 Furlong Road Cairnlea Harcourts Real Estate 1a/100 Furlong Road Caroline Springs Caroline Springs Civic Centre/Library 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs Brad Teal Real Estate Caroline Springs Shop 4, 242-244 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs Ray White Real Estate Caroline Springs Shop 8, 234 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs CS Square Centre 29-35 Lake Street Deer Park Smart Smile Dental Suite 4, 20 Clairview Road Deer Park Deer Park Club 780 Ballarat Road Deer Park Bells Real Estate - Deer Park 813a Ballarat Road Deer Park Biggin and Scott Real Estate Deer Park 817a Ballarat Road Deer Park Comm Unity Plus Community Neighbourhood Centre 822-824 Ballarat Road Deer Park Foodworks 803 Ballarat Road

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Deer Park Cellarbrations liquor store 809 Ballarat Road Deer Park Australia Post - Deer Park 827a Ballarat Road Deer Park Deer Park IGA 8 Hatchlands Drive Deer Park Brimbank Shopping Centre Cnr Neale Road & Station Road Deer Park Derrimut Village Shopping Centre Foleys Road Deer Park Coles Supermarket Deer Park Foleys Road (Derrimut Village Shopping Centre) Deer Park Deer Park Library 4 Neale Road Deer Park Burnham Real Estate Deer Park 93 Station Road Delahey Calder Real Estate 10/350 Taylors Road Delahey IGA Delahey 260 Taylors Road (Delahey Village Shopping Centre) Delahey Delahey Community Centre 80 Copperfeild Drive Derrimut Sunshine Golf Club 475 Mt Derrimut Road Derrimut YPA Estate Agents - Derrimut Shop 9, 20 Mt Derrimut Road Footscray Wards Newsagency 100 Nicholson Street Hillside Foodworks Hillside 49-69 Wattle Valley Drive Hillside Parkwood Green Community Centre 88 Catherine Drive Keilor Brad Teal Real Estate - Keilor 684 Old Calder Highway Keilor Daniel Real Estate 702 Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Community Hub 704b Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Newsagent 700 Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Retirement Village 868 Old Calder Highway Service Road Keilor Downs Centro Shopping Centre 80 Taylors Road Keilor Park Frank’s Supermarket 5 Fosters Road Keilor Park Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse Shop 32, 40 Keilor Park Drive

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Kings Park Westvale Community Centre 45 Kings Road St Albans Homes Group Real Estate 63 Alfrieda Street St Albans Westside Real Estate 1a Alfrieda Street St Albans IGA St Albans 18 East Esplanade 9364 3388 St Albans Barry Plant Real Estate St Albans 1-7 Elaine Street St Albans Sunshine Hospital 176 Furlong Road St Albans Joan Kirner Women’s & Childrens Hospital 176 Furlong Road St Albans ABC Real Estate 286 Main Road East St Albans St Albans Newsagency 304 Main Road East (9366 2273) St Albans Ray White Real Estate St Albans 308 Main Road East St Albans Raine and Horne St Albans 352 Main Road East St Albans YPA Estate Agents St Albans 67 Main Road West St Albans First National Eeal Estate St Albans 8/346 Main Road West St Albans Danny & Co Real Estate St Albans 352 Main Road West St Albans People In Real Estate 1 Princess St St Albans Stockdale and Leggo St Albans 9 Alfrieda Street St Albans Sweeney Real Estate St Albans 22 Alfrieda Street Sunshine Hocking Stuart Sunshine 134 Durham Street Sunshine Stockdale Leggo Sunshine 273 Hampshire Road Sunshine Thomson Real Estate Sunshine 3/473 Ballarat Road Sunshine Brotherhood of St Laurence Lvl 6, 12 Clarke Street Sunshine Bells Real Estate Sunshine 14 Devonshire Road Sunshine Sunshine RSL 99 Dickson Street Sunshine Barry Plant Real Estate Sunshine 271 Hampshire Road Sunshine GL Lee Real Estate

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Sunshine 275 Hampshire Road Sunshine Douglas Kay Real Estate Sunshine 280 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Library 301 Hampshire Road Sunshine Brimbank City Council 301 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Plaza 324-328 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sweeney Real Estate Sunshine 4a/282 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Marketplace 80 Harvester Road Sunshine Woolworths Supermarket Sunshine 80 Harvester Road (Sunshine Marketplace) Sunshine North North Sunshine Post, News and Lotto 69 McIntyre Road Sunshine West Morgan’s Super IGA Supermarket 475 Fitzgerald Road Sunshine West Bottler Sunshine West Drive in Liquor 79 Glengala Road Sunshine West Coles Supermarket Sunshine West 136 The Avenue Sydenham YPA Estate Agents Sydenham Ground Floor, 15-17 Overton Lea Boulevard Sydenham O’Brien Real Estate 17b Overton Overton Lea Boulevard Taylors Hill Taylors Hill Land Sales Cnr Taylors & Gourlay Roads Taylors Hill Watervale Shopping Centre 2-14 Calder Park Drive Taylors Lakes Professionals Real Estate Shop 27 3 Melton Highway (Taylors Lakes Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes Taylors Lakes Lotto Shop 8 3 Melton Highway (Taylors Lakes Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes YPA Estate Agents Taylors Lakes Shop 5, 399 Melton Highway (Watergardens Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes Watergardens Shopping Centre 399 Melton Highway

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20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT LOCAL

Sunshine competition spreads a little joy Sunshine’s Rebekah Deniese received the shock of her life when she found out she had won a car in the Sunshine Business Association’s shop local competition. Ms Deniese’s name was pulled out of a barrel of entry tickets on February 26.. The grandmother, who picked up the car last Wednesday with her husband and granddaughter, said the entire family was so excited to win. “When [Sunshine Business Association’s] Vu [Du] was trying to contact me and finally spoke with me, the enthusiasm had to be subdued as I was at a funeral,” Ms Deniese said.

‘‘

community can emerge stronger and more united - Carson Luk

’’

“The excitement was [later] shared by all who were with me, as they would see the pure joy of just having won a beautiful sporty MG car. “Firstly I would like to thank Vu for drawing my name out of the barrel. He has the magic fingers. “Next I want to thank the Sunshine Business Association for holding the competition and to Specsavers.” The shop local competition ran from February 1 to 25. To be eligible to enter, customers had to spend $25 or more at participating businesses. The campaign was aimed at bringing more customers to Sunshine, to experience the multicultural shopping precinct and enjoy the uniqueness of the shops and restaurants. SBA president Carson Luk said the competition had been a success. “The Shop in Sunshine and Win a Car

Rebekah Deniese with her new car. (Damjan Janevski)

competition saw our community and business community come together for a common goal of supporting local and supporting each other. “The success of the competition has shown that our community can emerge stronger and

more united through our collective resilience. “On behalf of the local businesses, thank you to everyone that participated.” SBA also gave away $3000 in $100 restaurant gift vouchers to 30 winners as part

of the competition. The competition was in partnership with the Victorian government as part of the Love Sunshine-Business Recovery Project. Tara Murray

FOR ALL OF YOUR HEALTH & BEAUTY NEEDS (SUBJECT TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS)

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With the Big Woolworths Supermarket 21 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

FEATURING ... EDUCATION CHOICES

Students empowered to take charge of their future Most of us will be aware of the sterling work of Melbourne City Mission (MCM), with its philosophy of “disrupting disadvantage to give people a chance to live the life they aspire to”, but do you know that MCM’s independent secondary school, The Hester Hornbrook Academy, has a new, purpose built campus? Named in honour of the brilliant woman who helped create MCM and was passionate about education, The Hester Hornbrook Academy’s strength is the fantastic staff who are proud to “shake things up” and offer a different kind of education experience. Principal Sally Lasslett, who has been an educational leader for more than 20 years, believes that traditional schooling isn’t for everyone. “We stray from the traditional format and offer our students flexible, rigorously applied high-quality education options, including accredited Vocational Education and Training and Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, as well as accredited short courses and other outreach education and workshops,” Sally says. “I’ve always had a keen interest in assisting students to find a passion for learning and ensuring they’re successful in developing post-school pathways. So we do things a little differently here.” One significant variance is that youth workers are provided in every classroom to support each student with any challenges they face regarding their education and overall wellbeing. Another is that class sizes are small to ensure students receive personalised attention. “We also connect our students to an array of youth and community services to assist them with any support they may need in any aspect of their life. And we individualise each student’s learning plan so they get to be in charge of it –

Open day Time: 4-7pm When: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 See the differences, meet the staff, have a chat. The Hester Hornbrook Academy “does things a little differently”. (Pictures: Supplied)

in a respectful and supported environment. “Another part of our unique environments is our Young Parents Program, with a classroom providing additional specialised supports for young women and men to remain engaged in their study and learning while experiencing the joys of being a parent.”

Join us at the new Sunshine campus

“Ultimately, The Hester Hornbrook Academy is about encouraging students to gain practical skills by engaging in education and training that will empower them to work toward personal goals and take charge of their future.” NOTE: Enrolments are always open and

taken throughout the year. The Hester Hornbrook Academy, Unit 1/131 Harvester Road, Sunshine. Inquiries: 1800 517 218, email enrolments@ hhacademy.vic.edu.au or visit mcm.org.au/ learning/hester-hornbrook-academy

open day

Traditional school not working? Our new independent, flexible secondary school in Sunshine is now taking enrolments for 2021. This purpose-built campus is designed and built perfectly for an applied learning Senior School in Melbourne’s west.

131 Harvester Road Sunshine

Wednesday 24 MARCH 4-7pm

1800 517 218 mcm.org.au/learning enrolments@hhacademy.vic.edu.au 12482377-MB11-21

22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

FEATURING ... EDUCATION CHOICES

Artists get to work as kids get creative The government is providing a boost for workers in creative industries through its Working for Victoria initiative, with dozens of creative professionals starting work in February on schools placements. A number of Victorian artists and creative professionals will be employed on six-month full-time contracts as part of the Creative Workers in Schools program. From Apollo Bay to Altona, Birregurra to Broadmeadows, Numurkah to North Melbourne and Paynesville to Point Cook – students across Victoria will benefit from the experience of on-staff animators, circus performers, designers, fashion designers, filmmakers, landscape architects, musicians, podcasters, poets, puppeteers, sculptors, theatre makers and visual artists. The Creative Workers in Schools program has been developed to offer new learning experiences to students and teachers in 2021 while providing employment opportunities to Victorians in the creative industries. Creative professionals will work with teachers and students from prep to year 10 on curriculum-aligned creative projects. Minister for Education James Merlino said: “Students missed a range of creative experiences during periods of remote learning last year – that’s why programs like this are so important for schools in 2021”. The program builds on the government’s long-running creative education programs which have seen artists and students work on projects including theatre shows inspired by history lessons, STEM-based digital games and song writing and filmmaking projects supporting the English curriculum. The program is a partnership between Working for Victoria, the Department of Education and Training and Creative Victoria, and will be delivered by Regional Arts Victoria,

Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience through the Creative Workers in Schools program. (iStock)

a peak body for artists and arts organisations with a track record of delivering statewide creative programs. Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said: “Creativity can play a powerful

role in education. This program is about supporting creative and community recovery, getting creatives back to work and providing inspiring learning opportunities for students.” Expressions of Interest are open for schools

and creative workers to apply for term two projects and placements. For more information, visit rav.net.au/ creative-workers-in-schools.

Victoria University Secondary College

Open House Monday 15th March 2021

Our College Vision inspires students to Create the Future, and challenges them to do this by upholding our school values: Aspire to Achieve, Strengthen the Community, Respect Ourselves and Others. Our College offers students a rich and diverse program of learning including: • AVID Program to prepare students for VCE and beyond • SEAL Program • Deep Learning Pathway • Instrumental Music and Concert Bands • Performing Arts and Theatre Productions • Student Leadership programs • Scholarships at Year 7 and Year 10 • STEM, Coding and Robotics

In 2021, we celebrate the bicentenary of Catholic education since the opening of Australia’s first Catholic school and commit to

• Sports Academy • Extensive VCE/VCAL/VET Curriculum • Study Tours to China • Debating Program

Morning Campus Tours Tour 1: 9:20 am Tour 2: 10:30 am

6:00pm Welcome and Information 6:15pm Presentation by College Principal 6:30pm Interactive Tours

living life to the fullest .

Additional Tours available by appointment, contact the office 9363 1155 Attendance at the Open House evening or school tours MUST be pre-booked at https://bit.ly/3axSCpL

Create The Future

victoria.university.sc @ education.vic.gov.au

Senior Campus 5A Jamieson Street St Albans Victoria 3021 P 03 8312 0200

Trade Training Centre Cairnlea Campus 43 Ken Jordan Road Cairnlea Victoria 3023 P 03 8312 0200

www.vusc.vic.edu.au

12485076-MB11-21

Junior Campus 88 Billingham Road Deer Park Victoria 3023 P 03 9363 1155

Join a College tour and learn about our commitment to Catholic education 65 & 204 Churchill Avenue Braybrook VIC 3019 03 9296 5311 cccc.vic.edu.au 12476781-CG11-21

23 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 019

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

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

3 8

4 9 6 7 5 2 5

Mixture (8) Seasonings (6) Dwelling (5) Thousands of years (9) Cover; protection (7) Researcher (7) Scatters lightly (9) Rough edge (4) Hats (4) Luggage items (9) Instructs; improves (7) Warship (7) Brightness; reflectiveness (9) 28 Accept; tolerate (5) 29 Sweet (6) 30 Laziness; inactivity (8)

No. 019

Implication (8) Integer (7) Skinned (6) Persists (9) Spread (7) Timepieces (6) Fixing (9) Flightless bird (3) Correct; on target (8) Dairy products (7) Network (6) Engraved; cut (7) Monitors (7) Greasier (6) Contemptuous (5)

DOWN

1 3

2 6 5 9 4 8

3 4 6 7 8 9 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 26

ACROSS 1 5 10 11 12 13 14 17 19 20 24 25 27

Lessons (7) Large deer (5)

1 2

medium

QUICK CROSSWORD

DECODER

No. 019

9 4 9 6

8 7 3 1 4 2

7 2 4

6 5 hard

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

10 11 12 13

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

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: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 37 words: Excellent

U E

4 LETTERS AIRS ARES DARE GOBS GOLF HARD IONS JOTS PARS REST SEES TEES TIES YETI 5 LETTERS ARGUE

BEATS CEASE CURIO DUNNO EATEN EERIE ELUDE ENDOW ENSUE EPOCH EXERT FLEAS FLOUR GALAS GALES GAMMA GIMME ICIER IDIOT INERT

No. 019

JUNTA LEDGE LOATH LODGE LOGIC LOUSE LYRES NEARS OCEAN ORGAN OUTER OVERT PESTS PLEAS PURER RACES RAIDS RESTS SENSE SHEAR

SOLES STAGS STEMS STOLE STUFF TACIT TEENS TIARA WEEPS 6 LETTERS GOSSIP LOGGER RENAME SHRIMP

7 LETTERS ANAEMIA ARRANGE CONSIST MEASURE ONESELF REALIST 8 LETTERS CREATURE ECSTATIC MATTRESS SHOELACE

euro, gesture, gout, GROTESQUE, grouse, grout, guest, gust, gusto, oust, ouster, outer, outre, queer, quest, quote, request, reuse, rogue, rouge, rouse, roust, rout, route, ruse, rust, segue, sour, suet, sure, surge, toque, torque, tour, true, urge, user

9 6 2 8 1 3 4 7 5

8 9 5 1 6 7 3 2 4

2 1 6 5 4 3 7 9 8

3 7 4 9 8 2 5 1 6

6 2 7 3 1 5 8 4 9

5 8 3 4 9 6 1 7 2

9 4 1 7 2 8 6 5 3

4 6 8 2 7 1 9 3 5

7 5 9 6 3 4 2 8 1

1 3 2 8 5 9 4 6 7

1 3 5 7 4 2 6 9 8

8 4 7 5 9 6 1 2 3

6 7 1 3 8 9 5 4 2

2 5 3 1 6 4 7 8 9

4 9 8 2 5 7 3 6 1

3 8 6 9 7 1 2 5 4

5 2 4 6 3 8 9 1 7

7 1 9 4 2 5 8 3 6

3 2 7 1 5 9 6 4 8

1 5 6 8 4 2 7 9 3

8 4 9 3 6 7 1 2 5

6 7 5 9 3 1 2 8 4

2 3 4 5 7 8 9 1 6

9 8 1 6 2 4 5 3 7

4 1 2 7 8 6 3 5 9

5 6 8 2 9 3 4 7 1

7 9 3 4 1 5 8 6 2

12-03-21

12482579-SN08-21

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

medium

X K AMR J N P E VQOU

easy

S C T Y GWD L Z F H B I

2 5 4

3 LETTERS ACT ALE APE ARE ATE AVO AXE CPA DOG EGO ERR FRO GAG GNU GUM ICE IFS ION IRS MES NAP ONE OPT USE

3 5 5 8 1 3 5 7

9 2 7

WORDFIT

24 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

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T V CONCRETING GSpecialising in all types of concreting.

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PTY LTD

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Andrew 0425 852 621 12412038-FA09-10

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

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We NEVER

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Bill 0410 48 14 17

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12445949-RC14-20 12476756-SN03-21

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE Switchboard upgrades ŽǁŶůŝŐŚƚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ^Ɖůŝƚ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ͬ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ All electrical service and repairs REC 17959

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V Excavators

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V Bricklayers

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12418345-SN21-19

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12429226-CG42-19

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

& Kitchens

CALL ANE ELECTRICS TODAY

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Carlton Jackson Adrian Jackson Damien Jackson Aaron Jackson

We NEVER

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9999-8193 w w w . S e r v i c e To d a y. c o m . a u

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Carlton Crew

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AIR CONDITIONING COOLING & HEATING ฀ ฀

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฀ 12396477-DJ34-18

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NATHAN FENECH CONCRETING

12479454-CG05-21

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V Concrete Products & Services

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

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FLETCHERS

Call Paul 0412

12425486-CG35-19

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

12422200-LB29-19

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8348 5441 ฀

Carpet Steam Cleaning 12420493-CG25-19

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g All Pricin t Up-Fron

V Carpet Cleaning

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

Close Lic No. AU 51273

St Albans Electricians

12479887-JW04-21

12461679-JW39-41

SERVICING ST ALBANS AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

V Electricians

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V Bathroom & Kitchens

yes we can

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

12451043-NG24-20

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9998 3725

AA CABINETS

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www.Ser viceToday.com.au

12482163-NG07-21

Due to a halt on a contract and an overstock of material, we are able to provide this discounted service in your area • DRIVEWAYS • CARPARKS • INDUSTRIAL AREAS Site preparation included | Free estimate

PH: 0408 484 899 OR 1800 902 202 www.roadsealaustralia.com.au

St Albans Air Conditioning

g All Pricin t Up-Fron

V Cabinet Makers

12416265-CG17-19

V Air Conditioning

Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

30% Discount on two - coat Seal 12434534-LB03-20

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 2:30pm Friday.

General Classiﬁeds

D & R CONCRETING

Colourbond and Timber Fencing 12400595-SN40-18

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

C753520-KK1-10

Licensed AU277A19 L067107

Repairs & Service

12402111-RA43-18

Silver Swallow

V Concrete Products & Services

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฀ ฀ ฀ Call Victor on 0412 084

฀

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469 or 9747 1999

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FENCING & R E PA I R S

0408 993 912 or 9331 6391

VM CONCRETING

✓ Removal of old fences ✓ Specialist with any gates 1173390-DJ08-15

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V Builders & Building Services

12411802-RC09-19

V Air Conditioning 12486137-NG11-21

฀

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12418962-22-19

V Deadline

฀

Phone Bernie 0408 455 305

Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 25 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

Trades & Services

General Notices

R & M Fencing (Vic)

Receive 10% OFF when you mention this ad

12427253-FA39-19

Reg No 8659

Registered Building Practitioner

177646

Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042

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12401756-CG42-18

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V Garden Services

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0450 820 170 - 7 days

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AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

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Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

0419 508 734

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V Guttering

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RJ GUTTERS ฀

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V Handy Persons

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Bill 0410 48 14 17

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For free quote call Mob: 0423 595 388 Email: sales@lnkitchens.com.au Showroom: 24 Berkshire Rd, North Sunshine

12367852-ACM41-17

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ADVERTISE

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772 304

26 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

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

NATURAL PLUS

For our FAST Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more... yes we can

CALL 1300 666 808

section of Network Classifieds.

Natural Place

Relaxation Massage Clinic 5 City Place, Sunshine 9.30am-11pm 7 days Phone: 9311 0198 V Pets & Services 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

section of Network Classifieds.

V Garage Sales

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

Free Quote 7 Day Service 45 yrs exp.

C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882

PLACE YOUR

Melton Tree & Stump Removals

We NEVER

Lic No. 116785

฀

General Classifieds

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

General Classifieds

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

SERVICING ST ALBANS AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

www.ServiceToday.com.au

V Health And Fitness 7 days, 9.30am - 9.30pm. 5 City Place, Sunshine. Phone 9311 0198.

Call Us Today...

9998-2905

฀

For A Free Quote Call MARK: 0425

12469374-CG46-20

฀

FRIENDLY SERVICE!

KITCHEN FACELIFTS ฀

0409 888 228

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V Massage Therapists

V Clearing Sales DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

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12451044-NG24-20

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V Kitchens

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St Albans Plumbers

1231176-CG24-16

Handyman Service

฀

V Television/Video/Audio

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12447748-LB18-20

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Rainbow Dolls

ANTENNA MAN

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

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V Adult Services

1235322622-PB22-17

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

PENSIONER DISCOUNT

CALL: 0415 177 388

12340308-HM08-17

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12370916-RC45-17

12360798-DJ33-17

฀

Call Sam

฀ ฀

General Classiﬁeds

Mixed rubbish accepted

1233958-CG26-16

฀

A copy of the Amendment can be inspected, free of charge, at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website at www.planning.vic.gov.au/public-inspection

G6133636AA-dc2Jul

UÊÓ]Î]{]È]n ÎÊ ÃÊ>Û> >L i UÊ ÃÊÃÌ>ÀÌ }ÊvÀ Êf£ää

MIRMICLicPLUMBING 35031

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals ฀ ฀

The Amendment amends schedules 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 to Clause 37.07 Urban Growth Zone by making corrections at sub-clause 2.3, Table 2 – Specific provisions – Use of land, to include guidance on the use of an ‘Office’ and a ‘Medical centre’.

CHEAP BIN HIRE AND RUBBISH REMOVAL

Lic No. 116785

Free Quotes & Fully Insured | Call Mal 0432 977 043

฀

The Amendment comes into operation on the date this notice is published in the Victoria Government Gazette.

V Rubbish Removal

12363174-PB35-17

9988 9159

• Lawn mowing/Edging • Hedge trimming • Gutter cleaning • Garden clean up • Green Waste removal

฀

Call 0434 525 311 Senior discount Cards welcome

MR GARDENS

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

Call Mark 0401 478 799

The Minister for Planning has approved Amendment C207melt to the Melton Planning Scheme.

• Demolition Specialists • Backyard Cleanups • Concrete Broken or Cut & Removed • Tree Lopping & Removal • Rental Cleanups • Deceased Estate Cleanups We Take Anything Away

฀ ฀ ฀

12480916-SN06-21

฀ ฀

Amendment C207melt

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

Simon 0422 899 759

฀ ฀

Notice of Approval of Amendment

12400498-CG38-18

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

TILE COAT

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

12327446-LN42-16

฀

฀ ฀

Planning and Environment Act 1987 MELTON PLANNING SCHEME

AARON & JOHN’S DEMOLITION & RUBBISH REMOVALS

MOWING PLUS MORE ฀

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

LOCAL PLUMBER

12450405-AM23-20

0412 184 772

V Roofing

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Marcus: 0403 715 536 catcoplumbing@gmail.com

V Garage/Garage Doors

12477100-CG03-21

Lic No. 116785

FUSSY FURNITURE REMOVALS

C915642-JM14-11

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

V Furniture Removals

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

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

12416765-SN19-19

Ph Sergio 0431 649 907

฀ ฀ ฀

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OZTEC WINDOW SHUTTERS

Colorbond, Tubular & Timber Fencing & Gates

F & J ROLLER DOORS

DB-L-29449

David: 0425 811 882 Ash: 0403 619 333

V Roller Shutters

MEL FENCING

9746 7785

ABN 40 640 572 030

Tel: 9309 2351

Lic 30742

12450404-AM23-20

12424718-SN34-19

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

G6519072AA-dc21Jan

REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING 977914

Call Tom on 0419 388 264 1231835-RC25-16

G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

ALL AROUND

All Plumbing & Maintenance at low prices.

12402755-RA44-18

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing

M0493 Avondale Heights: Milleara Shopping Centre, 235 Milleara Road, Keilor East VIC 3033 (RFNSA 3033003) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 4G/5G equipment and associated works as follows: r Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas, 0.59m long, on an existing headframe r Installation of new ancillary equipment, including twelve (12) Remote Radio Units, cabling and antenna mounts r Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter, including removal of redundant equipment and replacement of Remote Radio Units 1. Optus regards the proposed installations as permissible under A Code of Practice for Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria, based on the description above 2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Chan Chen at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Thursday 25 March 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3033003 12485797-SG11-21

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193

MAINTENANCE PLUMBER

Call 0403 948 894

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT KEILOR EAST WITH 5G

FREE SMOKE ALARM

V Plumbing

www.rmfencing.com.au

Specialising in ColorBond, Timber Fencing and all repairs.

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED

C1093409-JO39-13

Ph: (03) 8360 9997 Ray 0422 118 920

Domestic, Commercial, Fully Qualiﬁed Interior, Exterior, Smash Repairs Free Quote • Pensioner Discount • All Work Guaranteed

MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

12386073-RC18-18

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!

V Public Notices and Event

V Reblocking/Underpinning 12482742-LB08-21

12485736-JW11-21

V Painters/Decorators

12423634-SN31-19

V Fencing & Gates

ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Who was runner-up in the Women’s Singles Final at the 2021 Australian Open?

6. How many players are there on a lacrosse team?

11. The Australian national netball team is known by what nickname?

7. Who will Leicester City play in a 2020–21 FA Cup quarter-final?

2. How many minutes are the halves in a game of Rugby Sevens?

12. Which Sydney-born former Socceroo is the current head coach of English Football League Two club Oldham Athletic?

8. Who will coach the NRL’s New Zealand Warriors in 2021?

3. In what African country was the sport of miniature golf first played?

9. Which AFL commentator announced his retirement from calling the sport on the eve of the 2021 season?

4. A tetrathlon consists of swimming, riding, running and what other discipline?

Will Power

13. What year did Pauline Menczer win the women's world surfing championship? 14. How many teams are competing in the 2021 AFL Women's season?

10. In what Olympic event has New Zealand won their biggest tally of gold medals?

20. In golf, what is a score of two strokes under par at hole known as?

15. What sport was featured in the 2002 Australian film Crackerjack?

21. Which batsman has scored the most runs in the history of the Indian Premier League?

16. Which current NBL head coach will also be the head coach of the Australian men's national basketball team for the upcoming Olympics? 17. What year was the inaugural NRL season of the Gold Coast Titans? 18. Which country won the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup?

5. How many total gold medals has Australia won at Winter Olympic Games?

26. Which Indigenous rugby league player represented Australia, NSW and Queensland between 1964 and 1981?

19. Australian professional darts player Simon Whitlock is known by what nickname?

22. How many drawn grand finals has there been in VFL/AFL history?

27. Which champion Australian female athlete has won both WNBA championships and AFLW premierships?

23. Which Australian swimmer won the men’s 100m freestyle at the 2016 Rio olympics?

28. Will Power is the only Australian driver to win which famous motor race?

24. Which horse won the 2021 Australian Guineas after being at 301/1 odds?

29. In 2017, which Australian bowler took match figures of 12/70 against India in a Test match?

25. The participants of which sport can be referred to as toxophilites?

30. Who has scored the most goals in the history of the FIFA World Cup?

Simon Whitlock 1203

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FEATURING ... AUTO

Hyundai ix35 2010 - 2015 USED CAR CHECKOUT Most Hyundai ix35s are used as family wagons rather than SUVs. In all-wheel-drive format they can be driven on mild forest trails. In August 2012 the ix35 received a mild facelift and satellite navigation was introduced in the Elite and Highlander variants. November 2013 saw the arrival of the Hyundai ix35 Series II. Mechanical updates included new direct-injection petrol engines and revised suspension. The turbo-diesel remained virtually unchanged. Projection headlights with LED positioning lights, aerodynamic roof rails and striking new alloy wheel designs certainly changed the appearance. Significant suspension changes to suit Australian conditions and drivers’ desires were made in the Series II. It has revised coil springs and stabiliser bars front and rear. A major upgrade was the use of a solid-type sub-frame mount to a more flexible bush-type system. The latter giving better isolation of impact harshness and vibration and sharper steering. Three trim levels are offered: Active, Elite and Highlander, with a choice between 2.4-litre petrol and 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines. The topline Highlander is pretty upmarket for its class, with a panoramic glass roof, leather trim, powered and heated front seats, a rear-view camera, dual zone air conditioning and a topline audio system. There’s also keyless entry, Aux and USB port with iPod connectivity, steering wheel mounted audio and cruise control. There’s good leg and headroom in all seats. Cleverly, the rear seat is on rails to slide back or forward to permit juggling of seat/luggage space. Shoulder room in the back is marginal if you want to carry three adults of average size. The size of the multiple stowage areas inside the cabin is impressive.

• BRIDGESTONE • FIRESTONE • SUPERCAT

2010-2015 Hyundai ix35. (Pictures: Supplied)

Even with all seats in use the Hyundai ix35 still has a generous luggage capacity of 591 litres. This increases to 1436 litres with the rear seats folded down. The loading platform isn’t too high off the ground and the shape of the cargo area makes it easy to access. Hyundai has become a major player in Australia in the recent years. No longer the maker of cheap ‘n’ cheerful hatches it has an extensive range of models in various categories. As a result of this expansion the emphasis on quality customer service has also grown, as has the number of dealers. We’ve had no real complaints on availability of parts and prices are about average for this class. These are relatively simple vehicles, at least by the standard of the early years of the 21st century, and most good amateur mechanics can do a fair bit of work. Don’t tamper with safety items, though. Insurance premiums are about average for this vehicle type and there doesn’t appear to be a lot of difference from company to company. Oddly, the Hyundai ix35 replaced the

Hyundai Tucson when it was launched in 2010. In a backflip the new model of August 2015 was again called the Tucson.

What to look for Check out the door trims, carpet fit, including in the boot and the backs of the front seats. Look at the condition of the engine oil by checking the dipstick. If it’s too dark the servicing may not have been done on time. The turbo-diesel engines should start within a few seconds, if not there may be problems. Definitely one for a professional inspection. Make sure the automatic transmission shifts gears quickly and without any shuddering, A\ and that you think it’s in in the correct ratio for the conditions. If there’s any doubt, have it looked at by a transmission specialist at their premises. Manual gearboxes that are reluctant to change or crunch during shifts may have had a hard life. Or it could be the clutch is on its way out. Off-road use, even gently driven, may have

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All pictures are for illustration purposes only. All prices are recommended sale prices. Excludes fleet, government and wholesale accounts. Offers valid 28/02/2021 28 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

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resulted in scratches in the doors from foliage, scuffs on the corners of the front bumpers and door sills. Underbody off-road damage is a no-no in a semi-SUV like the ix35 and is almost certainly a sign to keep well clear of the crossover.

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Power shift a two-way street By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring For almost 30 years, Ford and Mazda buddied up, building one-tonne utes, but now with the latest BT-50, the manufacturers have gone separate ways, the latter palling up with fellow Japanese auto maker Isuzu and its new D-Max one-tonner for 2021. With it come gains in safety, reduced fuel consumption and reliability but setbacks occur in the drive department – 140kW/450Nm, compared to Ranger’s 149kW/470Nm – and fewer design features. In a range of 17 manual or automatic models, the new BT-50 carries on the tradition of the dual-cab pickup with eight variants in three equipment grades – XT, XTR and GT. Pickup prices start at $45,490 for the XT Dual Cab 4x2, rising to $53,260 for the XT Dual Cab 4x4 (auto, the test vehicle), $57,210 the XTR Dual Cab 4x4 (auto) and on to $59,990 the range-topping GT Dual Cab (auto), all plus ORCs.

Styling Plain and simple is the best way to describe the new BT-50 from the outside, no go-faster visuals here. Mazda says its goal was to fuse Kodo design – a blend of pure movement and attention to detail – with truck-like robustness. The pickup presents its modern-day design credentials with a characteristic four-slat radiator grille flanked by slimline LED headlamps set into prominent front guards. A robust road presence is supported by a bold bumper below and 17-inch alloy wheels. Solid crease lines flow in an unbroken fashion from the grille to the windscreen, adding a feeling of (Kodo) movement to the truck. This is repeated at the rear with a practical gate sitting between large tail lights which wrap around the tub sides giving the vehicle a sense of width.

Interior Black cloth seat trim is joined by improved floor carpeting manufactured by moulding the bottom and insulation layers to ensure a close fit with the floor space. The dual cab doors have wide openings and indents in the lower trim and B-pillars, giving ample space for occupant toes and knees. Getting in and out of the back seats is given a lift by B-pillar-mounted grips which help support occupants. A 60/40 folding rear seat base gives access to under-seat storage. A second glovebox above the main dash storage space has been added for the first time on BT-50.

AT A GLANCE 4x2 High Rider

Infotainment

XT Dual Cab Chassis $44,090

The XT includes a 7-inch full-colour infotainment touchscreen that supplies access to Apple CarPlay (wireless or via USB) and Android Auto (USB) and Bluetooth hands-free telephone and audio with DAB+ digital radio. A reversing camera image is displayed on screen, while rear-seat occupants have a USB charging point.

Engines / transmissions The generation BT-50 features a new 3-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which delivers 140kW power peak at 3600rpm and a 450Nm peak torque, from 1600rpm to 2600rpm. The new engine’s improved torque spread is matched by a choice of more efficient six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.

Safety The BT-50 gained the top five-star safety rating from the latest stringent standards of the Australasian New Car Assessment Program designed for 2020 and beyond. Standard features across the range include blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking, automatic high beam, dynamic stability control, emergency lane keeping, lane departure warning and prevention, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, roll-over protection and traction control. On top of this are eight airbags – driver, front passenger, side, curtain, driver’s knee and

XT Dual Cab Pickup $45,490 XTR Dual Cab Pickup $49,470 4x4 XT Dual Cab Cab Chassis (man) $49,360 XT Dual Cab Cab Chassis (auto) $51,860 XT Dual Cab Pickup (man) $50,760

A minimalist exterior is in sharp contrast to the extensive suite of safety technology in the new Mazda BT-50 pickup. (Pictures: Supplied)

driver’s far side. Seatbelt reminders are fitted to ensure occupants are strapped in.

Driving The driver is well serviced by a tilt-and-reach adjustable steering wheel. The seats are adjustable for rake, slide, height and lumbar support. Movable head rests add further comfort. Passenger comfort extends to cabin noise (or lack of it) with improvements to cabin insulation from engine and road noise. Pulling relatively smoothly, the engine is not a class leader but leaves the Ranger 3.2-litre five-cylinder unit in the shade on fuel consumption. A claimed 8 litres per 100 kilometres combined urban/highway fuel consumption (Ranger 8.9) was well supported by test-car figures of 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres around town and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.

XT Dual Cab Pickup (auto) $53,260

From memory, the Mazda BT-50 did not get off to a good start when it first appeared Down Under. The six-speed manual transmission on offer was clunky and most uncomfortable to operate. The auto version had no such hiccups and this has continued to the 2021 model. Suspension and steering are straight out of the one-tonner playbook. The suspension picks up even minor blemishes in the bitumen, while the latter is on the light side, an advantage in off-road tough going but tricky in smoother stuff. The BT-50 is a truck, after all, so on-road ride and handling improve markedly with a load up the back. A switchable on/off locking rear differential plays a welcome part off road. A 4.2-inch colour LCD multi-information display is situated between the instrument cluster’s two main gauges, allowing drivers to monitor key systems without the need to take their eyes off the road for too long.

XTR Dual Cab Pickup (man) $54,710 XTR Dual Cab Pickup (auto) $57,210 GT Dual Cab Pickup (man) $56,990 GT Dual Cab Pickup (auto) $59,990

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

I do miss the old multi-function Command Control on the centre console, dropped in favour of the dash-mounted touchscreen. Satellite navigation is a sad omission in the XT.

Summary Having not yet driven the latest D-Max, XT comparisons can only be related to the “Rangered” BT-50 and they are mixed, with less power to call on and blander looks. Safety features save the day with unmatched advantage over the opposition.

29 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

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Young stars hold court Hume Tennis and Community Centre served up a weekend of big hitters when it hosted the JT Bronze tournament at the weekend. More than 160 participants took aim during the three-day event for under-12 and under-14 players. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured some of the action during the under-12 girls competition.

MINHEE

NATASHA

YASEMIN

EMMA

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NATASHA

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SARAH

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SPORT Aiming for the big time For Bol Dengdit, the opportunity to play basketball for Australia is particularly special – the 18-year-old had never played basketball until he moved to Melton from South Sudan when he was 12. At 15, he was invited to a basketball camp in Canberra and has never looked back. Now a member of the under-19 Australian extended squad, he is hoping to be selected in the final team for the World Cup to be held in July. “When I came to Australia, I only played soccer,” he said. “At school one of my classmates said I was pretty tall and to come and play basketball … I fell in love with it. “Everyone encouraged me to play basketball and I loved it and kept playing. It’s all about basketball now, I grew too tall for soccer. “It would mean a lot to play for Australia,

especially where I came from.” Dengdit took part in a four day camp with the rest of the under-19 squad recently. Speaking before the camp, he said he wasn’t surprised to have been selected in the squad, as he is part of the NBA Global Academy, an elite basketball training centre at Basketball Australia’s (BA) Centre of Excellence based at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. “At age 15, I got offered one of the NBA Global Academy camps and a couple of camps for the ADC [Australian development camps]. “It felt good and showed me different options than just going to the states and stuff [for high school].” Dengdit, who was recognised while playing for the Longhorns Basketball Club, is the latest in a number of players to be produced by the

club, which is based at Sunshine. Former Longhorns player Kuany Kuany, who is now in college in America, was one of Dengdit’s idols. He says it’s nice to now be someone others can look up to. “When I go back to Melbourne I want to pass that on and work on that and be a leader and encourage other kids. Deng Adel [another former Longhorns player] is in the NBL and it’s good for the kids to see. It feels good to be a role model. I try to give advice and be a leader and show they can make it as well. “I was in the same situation as them.” The future is looking bright for Dengdit, who made his first state team last year, and he’s keen to make the most of it. His end goal is to play in the NBA. Tara Murray

Bol Dengdit. (Floyd Mallon, the NBA Global Academy)

United names NPL squad

Dean Ieremia has been promoted to Melbourne Storm’s senior squad. (Supplied)

Ieremia creates a Storm By Tara Murray Former Sunbury Tigers player Dean Ieremia has landed a contract with the Melbourne Storm for the upcoming NRL season. The reigning premiers announced last week that Ieremia, who had been on a development contract with the club, had been promoted to the senior squad for this year. The 19-year-old grew up loving both AFL and rugby league, being a Richmond and Melbourne Storm fan respectively. Ieremia started playing rugby with the Sunbury Tigers when he was 11. It was his coach at the Tigers who recommended he try out for the under-14 Victorian Thunderbolts side. The rest is history. “One week after the trial I found out I made the squad at full-back,” Ieremia said. “I developed through the system in the under-15s, 16s, 18s and the 20s … which is when I was picked up by the Storm.” Ieremia played for the Storm in the NRL

Nines competition last year. In doing so, he became just the second born and raised Victorian to play for the club. Ieremia said teammate and star full-back Ryan Papenhuyzen is his number one influence on the field. “Paps is a talented player but his work ethic around the game motivates me as a young player to put my best foot forward in everything I do,” he said. “To be honest, I’ve learned a lot from everyone in the Storm system, not only game-related things but things outside of footy – the importance of family for one.” Ieremia scored a try in the Storm’s recent practice match against Newcastle. He will be contending with Reimis Smith, Isaac Lumelume and George Jennings for the right wing position position. Storm general manager of football Frank Ponissi said it was very pleasing to see another Victorian junior become part of Storm’s top squad.

He said they would be looking to extend Ieremia’s contract beyond this season. “NRL Victoria has done a great job in developing Dean through their junior grades and then into the Thunderbolts system,” Ponissi said. “They identified him early on as a player with potential and he is starting to vindicate those predictions. “Unfortunately he missed out on basically a year of football in 2020 but the time he spent with us in what was largely a training role throughout that season, and the continued improvement he has shown during this pre-season, has warranted this upgrade to our top 30 list. “He will continue to work hard on his game and push for a spot in the game day 17.” Ieremia is the 28th player signed by the Storm for their 30-man squad. Melbourne Storms kicks off its season on Thursday at home against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Some of north-west Melbourne’s best talent has joined Western United for its inaugural National Premier League 3 season. United is fielding both a senior and under-21 team in the NPL for the first time as it continues to grow its pathway from juniors through to the A-League. The NPL season kicks off for both sides on March 21. NPL senior coach Ante Moric said he was pleased with the squad so far. “The first two weeks have been really positive,” Moric said. “We’ve had a chat with the boys and the mindset and the culture that we’ve spoken about has been great. “The boys don’t know each other, which is hard, but they’ve come in and they’re believing, they’re working together. Most importantly there’s a togetherness here, I can see it already. “That’s the framework of becoming a successful football club.” Players from across Melbourne’s north-west are among the 29 players in the senior squad. Caroline Springs’ Abel Walatee, Atwood’s Giovanni Stellitano, Delahey’s Sebastian Neceski, Meadows Heights’ Peter Lay, Mill Park’s Luka Krstevski, Rockbank’s Eligian Kifle, Wyndham Vale’s Sabit James, Kealba’s Samuel Ghobrial, Werribee’s Charlie Emery, Sunbury’s Nathan Dib, Hoppers Crossing’s Ajak Deu, Lalor’s Jake Anagnostopoulos, Truganina’s Manylauk Aguek, St Albans’ Adisu Bayew and Taylors Lakes’ Rhys Bozinovski are all part of the squad. Former New Zealand international Vaughan Coveny has been appointed head coach of the under-21 team. United’s general manager of football Ante Kovacevic believes the NPL squads will be a breeding ground of future Western United footballers. “Establishing our NPL teams is vitally important to the club. It will provide opportunities to the next generation of footballers to feed into our A-League team,” Kovacevic said. “We want to have these young players provided with an elite environment that helps instil the values and expectations of a professional football club.” The Western United NPL program will be based at City Vista Reserve in Caroline Springs. Tara Murray

31 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021

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32 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 March, 2021