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Grants for community Four Brimbank community groups have received a funding boost from Australia Post. The Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens in Sunshine received $984 to produce an e-newsletter and update their website presence to raise awareness of the gardens. The heritage-listed gardens were formed in 1908 and the Friends of HV McKay Memorial Gardens group was set up in 2007 to support the improvement of the gardens and to ensure its historical significance is respected and maintained. Secretary Russell Smith said the friends group runs annual community festivals, tours, weeding and planting days, and advocates on behalf of the gardens. The Refugee Migrant Children Centre in Sunshine received $1000 to purchase supplies for its school holiday program, while the Keilor Basketball Association received $1000 to hold a First Nations round, and the Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association in Cairnlea received $1000 for its program to encourage girls to become involved in soccer. Max Hatzoglou

Friends of McKay Memorial Gardens secretary Russell Smith. (Damjan Janevski) 283926_01

Scathing spoil findings By Olivia Condous The Victorian Ombudsman has condemned the state’s environmental regulator over the handling of the dumping of West Gate Tunnel Project (WGTP) spoil into the western suburbs. The report, tabled by Ombudsman Deborah Glass in parliament on Tuesday, May 31, says the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) failed to properly engage with local community groups over the soil disposal, and lacked accountability which in turn increased local concern.

It also found the EPA had approved earlier versions of Environment Management Plans (EMPs) with “deficient information” due to government pressure “to ‘fix’ problems”, as well as overlooking the human rights of locals. However, the report said the EPA’s decision to approve EMPs for spoil disposal was “environmentally sound” and didn’t place local communities at significant risk. Melton and Bacchus Marsh residents raised strong concerns over the dumping of the soil, after the Maddingley Brown Coal and the Cleanaway site in Ravenhall were initially approved as possible sites to store the soil.

Bacchus Marsh Community Coalition member Kat Barlow said the report was “rightly scathing” of the EPA. “It vindicates our longstanding community concerns that we weren’t being considered and no one had bothered to consult with us because they’d decided how we felt,” Ms Barlow said. She said the community remained concerned about the EPA’s management of environmental issues and feared it’s approach was more reactive rather than responsive. “We certainly remain concerned about community and environmental health,” Ms

Barlow said. “The EPA have asserted that they were trying to build trust within the communities, but we haven’t heard from the EPA.” The Ombudsman launched the investigation in August 2021 following concerns from local communities near three sites in Bacchus Marsh, Ravenhall and Bulla approved by the EPA for the dumping of spoil from the WGTP, after the discovery of PFAS chemicals in the project’s groundwater. ■ Continued:

Page 5

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Urgent call for social housing By Max Hatzoglou The Council to Homeless Persons has called on the federal government to urgently fund social housing as Victoria’s rental crisis worsens with rising prices. The peak body for homelessness in Victoria is calling on the government to kick start delivery of its election promise of building 20,000 new social houses amid the worsening crisis. Median rental prices in Brimbank and Melton have risen in recent months, according to Victoria’s March quarter 2022 Rental Report. In Brimbank, the median rent was $360 in December 2021, rising to $370 in March,

‘‘

People will stay on in unsafe homes rather than leaving - Jenny Smith

’’

while Melton’s media rent rose from $380 to $385 during the same period, according to the report. Statewide, median rental prices rose by $10, with metropolitan Melbourne rising to $410 per week and regional Victoria rentals rising to $390 per week. Council to Homeless Persons chief executive Jenny Smith said the rise is causing a higher

need for social and affordable housing as rentals become too expensive. “More people are being pushed beyond breaking point and into homelessness,” she said. “People will make every other household budget cut before they miss rent – that means skipping meals, shivering through winter with the heating off, or forgoing study and social opportunities. “People will stay on in unsafe homes rather than leaving, if they can’t see a way to afford rent for their families on their own.” Tracey Gaudry, chief executive at Deer Park-based CommUnity Plus Services, said the Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre,

which is run by CommUnity Plus Services, had recorded a rise in the number of clients at risk of eviction due to increasing rental costs. “A high percentage of our clients are experiencing severe financial hardship, and increasing rents are causing great difficulties on top of the rising costs of many other living expenses, placing more and more people in our community at risk of homelessness,” she said. “We believe that the state and federal governments can and need to do more to increase the supply of social and public housing, and to seek to lift the incomes of the most vulnerable people in our community by increasing the rate of JobSeeker.”

Three year old dies in hit-run

St Albans North Primary School pupils Jye, Jaslyn, Kayla and Joelle creating the ‘Sorry’ mural during Education Week.

(Damjan Janevski) 283886_04

Parents welcomed back to school St Albans North Primary School welcomed parents back into the school for the first time in two years last week, as part of its education week celebrations. To mark the week, pupils took part in activities promoting literacy, numeracy and design technology and dressed in their favourite party clothes in celebration of 150 years of public education. Other activities included storytelling in an

outdoor garden area, a numeracy competition to make 150 in the most creative way, the creation of a Sorry Day mural and a paper plane fly off. Assistant principal Rob Guppy said the week was successful and positive in welcoming parents back on campus. “Education Week was a successful event, It was fantastic to have students and parents engaging with school and to see the smiles back

on the students faces,” he said. “Our school feels it is important to bring the school community back together. “It is important for families to be involved in their students learning and education week will be a stepping stone into getting families back into school support roles, such as listening to a student read or attending school excursions.”

A 73-year-old Heathcote Junction woman has been interviewed and released pending further inquiries following a fatal hit-run collision in Sunshine North on Thursday, June 2. Police said a three-year-old boy was critically injured in the incident on McIntyre Road about 6.30pm. He was taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where he later died. Superintendent John Fitzpatrick said the woman handed her herself into a police station in the northern suburbs about 9.30am on Friday. A red sedan allegedly involved in the collision was seized and will be forensically tested. “Having a quick look at the vehicle it is pretty evident that you would know that you hit something. But whether that driver knew that they had hit a child is something that is yet to be determined,” Superintendent Fitzpatrick said. The woman was released by police on Friday. Superintendent Fitzpatrick said the child had been dragged under the car for up to 30 metres. He said police were still working to determine whether the boy was being picked up from a nearby child centre, however they had confirmed the boy was walking with his mother and broke free before attempting to cross the road. He said the boy’s mother was “beside herself with grief”. “As you can imagine, losing a beautiful young child like that is going to be devastating.”

Max Hatzoglou

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Call to electrify trains to west

-----------------> I N B R I E F

Drop off your unwanted things, support sustainability and people in need

By Max Hatzoglou

Declutter your home, help someone in need and support a more sustainable future by being part of the Brimbank Reusable Goods Drop-off Day. Brimbank residents can conveniently drop-off a range of unwanted household items for reuse at this no-charge event on Saturday 18 June, 9am-2pm. You’ll find it opposite the Brimbank Operations Centre, on Stadium Drive in Keilor Park. Items in good condition will be donated to local charities, West Welcome Wagon which supports asylum seekers and Australian Red Cross. Textile recycler BlockTexx will take recently washed linen such as sheets, towels and pillow cases that cannot be reused and turn it into new products. You can bring along bags full of linen (but no pillows, quilts or doonas) for BlockTexx and bags full of clothes (in good condition) for the Australian Red Cross. Only cars, small vans or cars with trailers will be able to drop off items. No trucks or commercial quantities allowed. For more information visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/events or call 9249 4000.

Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Learn more about projects that are open for comment including: • Third runway – Council is calling for a range of actions by Federal and State governments to minimise the harm to human health • Creating Streets for People Policy – Tell us what you think of Council’s policy to adapt our street network for a growing municipality • Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre – Join our mailing list and stay up-to-date on the new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre as we get ready to open later in 2022 • Melbourne Airport Rail in Sunshine and Albion – Sign our petition

Sports Activity Day

Free Flu shots

Connect with others in your neighbourhood, enjoy sports, healthy food and giveaways at no charge, at this event hosted by Impact Brimbank on Saturday 18 June from 12noon, at Errington Reserve, 309 Main Road East, St Albans. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/ events for more details.

Free flu vaccinations at all COVID-19 popup vaccinations clinics in Brimbank. Walkin clinics - No appointments required. Visit: Brimbank.vic.gov.au/COVIDvax to learn more.

Improve ventilation in your business To help businesses and workplaces improve ventilation and reduce COVID-19 transmission, the Victorian Government has released new guidance and support on building ventilation. This includes the Small Business Ventilation Guide and a video with tips for business. There is also a ventilation rebate and grant available to eligible businesses. Go to coronavirus.vic. gov.au/ventilation to learn more.

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All information was correct at the time of printing. For latest information about the impacts of COVID-19 on Council’s services visit brimbank.vic.gov.au. For the latest information on restrictions visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au 4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

service in the outer west would enable more commuters to catch the train, and create a faster, more frequent service. A government spokesperson said: “We’re working hard on the Western Rail Plan to create faster journeys and boost capacity in the rail network for Melbourne’s growing west. “The new nine-car VLocitys which started running from Wyndham Vale this week are 50 per cent bigger than the previous trains, meaning over 200 more passengers can travel on each service.” Detailed engineering and design work is currently being undertaken by Rail Projects Victoria, according to the state government.

ter the Contribute to the health and PRIZE wellbeing of Brimbank by draw answering our survey. You can also go into the draw to win either a $200 Coles voucher, a y six-month rvMeIT u S SUB membership to Brimbank Leisure Centres, or 10 family swim passes. Visit https://bit.ly/HealthyBrimbank to complete the survey.

brimbank.vic.gov.au 131 450 Local call costs apply

The state government is being urged to “get on” with the Western Rail Plan and the electrification of train lines to Melbourne’s outer west to enable more sustainable, faster and efficient train services. Rail Futures Institute president John Hearsch said the plan was announced by the government in 2018 as a way of electrifying rail lines to the west and delivering fast rail to Geelong and Ballarat. However, rail lines to Wyndham Vale and Melton have yet to be electrified. Late last month, the government announced that the nine-car VLocity trains would run from Wyndham Vale station in a bid to improve services. But Mr Hearsch said the nine-car trains were a short-term solution and were not environmentally friendly. “These nine car trains are not very environmentally friendly, I have to say, because each of those carriages has got a big diesel engine and an auxiliary engine as well to drive the lighting and air conditioning,” he said. Mr Hearsch said electrifying the lines was the best solution. “The message is to get on with the Western Rail Plan and deliver a permanent solution which is a proper electrified suburban line just like the rest of Melbourne,” he said. Mr Hearsch said a suburban electrified

Artists Ken McKean and Fiona Clarke at the sculpture unveiling on Thursday. (Sam O’Reilly)

Sculptures unveiled Sculptures completed by Aboriginal artist Fiona Clarke and Ken McKean have been unveiled at The Bug Rug at Kororoit Creek. The rock sculptures named ‘Walan-walan’ featured different animals and Aboriginal symbols shaped onto them with a range of tools including an angle grinder, chisel, hammer and an air hammer. The project began after Clarke and McKean attended a Friends of Kororoit Creek planting day in where they met president Jessica Greger. “So it started from there and then we came up of the idea, with the rocks and representing the seven Aboriginal seasons,” McKean said. McKean said they found rocks from Cherry Lake in Altona which were then transported to the Hunt Club Community and Art Centre in Deer Park. Clarke said they planned what animals they would put on the rocks after analysing the shapes of them.

“There was one there that appealed to me and that was the goanna one, it was a nice sort of shape that would fit the goanna on there nicely. “There was another one which we happened to put an eel on there and it was so strange how the eel got onto that particular rock because the rock had a bit of a curve in it and it looked like it was speared.“ Ms Gerger it was pleasing to take a step forward towards reconciliation. “We feel like the stones feel really permanent and symbolic and quite a big monument to first nations culture. “That was definitely missing and we’re really pleased to be able to have this down on Kororoit Creek and make it a destination for people to come and learn about the first nation culture and just to be in nature.” Max Hatzoglou

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Melton racing to harness funds By Olivia Condous Race-goers will enjoy the benefits of new upgrades to Tabcorp Park Melton, allowing for more community involvement and enjoyment of the grounds. The state government will invest $1.63 million from the Victorian Racing Industry Fund, in order to upgrade the infield to be suitable for public use and upgrade the park’s lighting. Harness Racing Victoria is also contributing $545,000 in funding for

the upgrades. Racing Minister Martin Pakula said the Victorian government was working to support the racing industry. “We’re backing these upgrades to support the harness racing industry to create a strong and viable future,” Mr Pakula said. The upgrades will allow the refurbished infield to be used as space for marquee’s, children’s activities and entertainment on race days, as well as equestrian events, festivals, trade shows or community activities

on non-racing days. The funding will also provide new LED floodlights, which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the facility by 40 per cent and save more than $500,000 in electricity costs over 15 years. The new lighting will also improve broadcast quality and provide a better view of the track for visitors. Melton MP Steve McGhie said the government investment would mean the local community had another “terrific asset”. “Tabcorp Park Melton is an important

facility for the local community, attracting visitors and participants to the region and providing a focal point for entertainment in Melton,” Mr McGhie said. Harness Racing Victoria chair Dale Monteith said the organisation was grateful for the funding boost from the government. “Thanks to the Victorian government’s support we’re able to progress these two great initiatives that strengthen our operation and further enhance our relationship and involvement with the Melton community.”

Scathing spoil finding ■

Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen, West Welcome Wagon’s Jude Twyman and Red Cross’ James Lewis.

Call to drop-off reusable donations Brimbank council and local charities are encouraging residents to donate unwanted household items that can be reused. Council is hosting a Reusable Goods drop-off Day on Saturday, June 18, from 9am opposite the Brimbank Operations Centre on Stadium Drive, Keilor Park, to promote a sustainable future and help those in need. Items in good condition will be donated to the West Welcome Wagon and Australian Red Cross.

Textile recycler BlockTexx will take recently washed linen, such as sheets, towels and pillow cases, that cannot be reused and turn them into new products. Items that can be donated include televisions, computers, bikes, homewares, clothing, shoes, backpacks, jewellery, small household appliances, furniture – especially small items that will fit into small apartments – and bed frames of all sizes. Only cars, small vans or cars with trailers

will be able to drop off items. No trucks or commercial quantities will be allowed. Mayor Jasmine Nguyen said it was a great opportunity for the Brimbank residents to support local charities. “I really encourage residents to look through their homes and bring along items they no longer need that are in good condition, and we’ll do the rest,” she said.

From page 1

“This failure to provide appropriate information and opportunities for communities to participate when making its approval decisions for sites to receive the spoil for the Project was unreasonable,” Ms Glass said. “It also gave no specific consideration to human rights, even though human rights were very much a focus for affected communities, who were worried about the impact of PFAS on themselves and their children, as well as waterways and wildlife.” EPA officials told the Ombudsman they believed at the time that consulting the community would be a “waste of time” and that discussions “could not be fruitful because of the level of anger in the community”. The Ombudsman made four recommendations in its report, including a review in the approach to community engagement, consideration of improvements to the EPA’s Charter of Consultation, the implementation of a human rights assessment procedure and for the EPA to seek consent to publish the redacted EMPs and related reports. The EPA said in a statement it accepted the Ombudsman’s recommendations in full, and acknowledged their “shortcomings” in community consultation and engagement. “While our decisions will always be based on science and the law, we have made significant improvements to how we engage with local communities about issues that affect them. This has been acknowledged by the Ombudsman in her report,” the EPA said.

Max Hatzoglou

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Tuesday, 7 June, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 5

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Charges over hoon meets A man, who is believed to be one of the organisers of illegal hoon meets across Melbourne’s western suburbs has been arrested. The 21-year-old Melton man has been charged with a string of offences including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, intimidate emergency service worker, incitement, affray and theft. It’s alleged the man has been stealing council street signs and roadwork signs, which were then used to illegally block streets to allow for hoon activity in areas including Derrimut and Sunshine.

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Alleged car theft

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North Sunshine Tennis Club members with Brimbank councillors.

(Supplied)

Upgrades will be ace

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

Female-friendly change rooms will be built at Dempster Park tennis courts, as part of a $408,318 upgrade. The park’s kitchen and kiosk will also be improved as part of the works, which will benefit the North Sunshine Tennis Club. An externally accessible Disability Discrimination Act compliant (DDA) toilet and the Tennis Australia ‘Book a Court’ system will also be installed. The state government contributed $204,159 to the project, with Brimbank council providing $135,000, the federal government $10,000 and the club $59,159.

Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the project would bring benefits to the community. “We are thrilled about the many benefits this new facility at Dempster Park tennis will bring to our community,” she said. “The flexible design will create a useful, welcoming and inclusive environment for females, juniors and people with diverse abilities.” Construction is expected to be completed in June 2023.

Three men have been charged after a car sped off from police in Deer Park on Sunday, June 5. The men, aged 19 21 and 23 have been charged with theft of motor car. The charges follow an incident where police attempted to intercept an allegedly stolen black Holden Barina sedan in Neal Street about 2.50pm. The car sped off and was later found dumped, with the three men arrested by police shortly after. It is believed the vehicle was allegedly stolen in an aggravated burglary in Cairnlea earlier that day.

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

Max Hatzoglou

Sent – 15th Feb

Sent – 23rd Feb

Getting there.

Glad I’m back!

Eliza (work) – 1st Feb

Eliza (work) – 20th Feb

How are you?

See you soon.

The sooner you get in touch after an injury, the better the return to work journey. If you’re recovering from a psychological or physical workplace injury, or if you are an employer supporting an injured worker, make contact as soon as possible. It just takes a few simple words to make a big difference. The sooner, the better. worksafe.vic.gov.au/thesoonerthebetter

6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

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Call to ease rules for tiny homes By Max Hatzoglou Amid rising interest rates and the rising issue of housing affordability, a Tullamarine tiny homes builder has called for councils to consider relaxing restrictions around tiny homes. According to an unpublished survey of 146 tiny house owners in 2021 by the Shearer, Burton & Australian Tiny House Association, 17.1 per cent of the owners were from suburban major cities. Mr Todd, who owns NJ Tiny Homes, is hoping that councils can ease residency restrictions associated with tiny homes as he says councils typically don’t approve them for use as permanent or long-term homes. Periods of permitted occupancy can be for up to three months, depending on the council. “Councils need to consider easing restrictions on tiny homes as the housing crisis takes another turn for the worse with the recent rise in interest rates,” Mr Todd said. “Standard houses continue to remain unaffordable and more needs to be done to address the housing affordability crisis. “Councils can play their part by enabling residents to permanently call their tiny houses ’home’ and removing the barriers associated with living in them. “The property landscape in Australia has changed and as the housing crisis worsens, we need to be able to adapt and perceive tiny homes as an alternative and affordable, permanent housing option.” Mr Todd also said the cost of tiny homes makes living a lot more affordable for people. “If someone had a property or land already, the tiny house would cost around $115,000,” he said. “It’s all pre-fabricated and built in a factory in five weeks – compared to six to eight months

NJ Tiny Homes owner Nick Todd. Right: Tiny homes can be easily transportable.

with a traditional build.” Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the Brimbank Planning Scheme did not distinguish between a tiny home that was not on wheels and other forms of dwelling. Cr Nguyen said the council understood the need for more social and affordable housing in the municipality. “The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified

(Pictures: Supplied)

the demand for social and affordable housing, and a strategic approach to addressing this with the state and federal governments is essential,” she said. “Brimbank council adopted its first position statement on Social and Affordable Housing in May this year, following a period of public consultation in February and March. “The position statement will guide council’s

efforts to support and encourage increased supply of social and affordable housing in Brimbank. “Guided by the position statement, council will continue to advocate for increased, ongoing, and equitable investment in suitable, well-located, and maintained social and affordable housing that is suitable to the needs of Brimbank.““

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Tachos wants state seat By Max Hatzoglou Brimbank councillor Virginia Tachos is standing as an independent candidate in the state election on November 26. Cr Tachos, who is in her sixth year as a councillor, publicly announced the move after making a Facebook page with the slogan, ‘Prioritising the west’. Cr Tachos, who grew up in the south east and has since moved to the west and lived in the Brimbank for the past 18 years, hopes to take local issues to a higher level to bring more action and better outcomes for the community in the west. “I feel that for years I have been trying to raise this issue but I feel that I will have a greater impact at the state level if I am given that opportunity because I am very single minded about getting this for our community,” Cr Tachos said. “We should be allowed to live in a community where we feel safe in our air quality, that we have access to green spaces just like every other part of Victoria, that people are able to access green spaces for their mental and physical health and that we have infrastructure that is inclusive. “I think the community here is crying out to be heard and I feel that people are seeking people that are representing the community. “I feel I can be that person as an independent candidate.” Cr Tachos highlighted seven key issues to address in the west, including air quality, gambling reforms, increased tree canopy, contamination, reducing landfills, funding for outreach programs to support homelessness, greater access to parks, green spaces and shared paths. “We have had dire needs for infrastructure, upgrades, investment but we’ve been bypassed and it’s got to change.

Virginia Tachos.

(Supplied)

“This narrative has to change and it changes by independence and people that are wanting that shift to be put into action through politics. “I think the west has got so much positivity to offer but it’s being held back by these issues that

need to be confronted and dealt with. “The time has changed and it’s time for the west to actually take that step forward and say we want these issues addressed and we’re not prepared to be left behind.”

Buses replace trains in June Buses will replace trains between Sunshine and Sunbury stations for almost all of June as part of works to upgrade the Sunbury line. The $2.1 billion Sunbury Line Upgrade will see various upgrades within the rail corridor extending from Sunbury to Footscray. Public Transport Victoria advise travellers to allow an extra 35 minutes for travel, with buses replacing trains until the last service on Wednesday, June 29. Express and limited express buses will run from Watergardens to Sunshine Station and then stop at all stations to Sunbury. From Monday to Friday, buses will depart at various times through either express, limited express or stopping at all stations. Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll said: “We are continuing to invest significantly in the growing community of Sunbury to ensure residents have access to better and safer public transport, while also easing congestion on some of our busiest arterial roads.” The Sunbury line upgrades will create room for 113,000 more passengers every week, according to the state government. The upgrades will allow for bigger, more modern trains to run more often on the line in future with platform extensions to occur at eight stations between Sunbury and Footscray. Works on the project are scheduled for completion by the end of 2023. Details: https://bit.ly/3x6jutv

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800GM JUMBO EGGS (12’S)

SMOKE PORK HOCKS

GRANA PANDANO

GRAND KAFA GOLD 500GM

79¢kg

GINGER JUMBO

$16.99kg

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JAP PUMPKIN WHOLE

79¢ea

$2.49ea

NONNA HAM

$1.49kg

ROCKMELON

$1.49kg

99¢ea

PINK LADY/ROYAL GALA/ GRANNY SMITH

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GOLD SWEET POTATOES PREMIUM

KITCHEN XPRESS FROZEN VEGGIES 312GM

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MINI ROMA/CHERRY TOMATO

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$13.99ea

MED FOODS CHICK PEAS 1KG

$1.99ea MORO OIL 1L

$9.49ea

$1.99ea

MED FOODS BERLOTTI BEANS 1KG

MED FOODS SEMOLINA 1KG

$1.99ea

$3.49ea UNISOFT BATHROOM TISSUES 24 PK

OMO 9KG

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VICFIELDS FRESH FRUIT, VEGGIES, GROCERY, DELI, BUTCHERS AND SEAFOODS Underground parking facility available at Plaza SUNSHINE Shop 25, Sunshine Plaza Shopping Centre 328 Hampshire Rd, Sunshine 3020 vicfields.sunshine@gmail.com SPECIALS ARE VALID FROM WEDNESDAY 8TH JUNE TO TUESDAY 14TH JUNE * ricotta offer is for alba ricotta only. * Some limits may apply and specials available while allocated stock last.

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

Tuesday, 7 June, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 9

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7 June 2022

Mayor’s message Cr Goran Kesic

STAY INFORMED

Recently Minister for the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford MP paid us a visit to announce State Government investment in better mobile connectivity for the City of Melton as part of the Connecting Victoria program. Partnering with Optus and TPG, mobile towers will be upgraded or built to cover 160 square kilometres across Brookfield, Cobblebank, Aintree, Weir Views, Exford, Melton South and Toolern Vale. Mobile and broadband connection is not only essential for our local businesses and residents, but incredibly important in emergency situations. These upgrades will help protect our residents, so I want to thank the State Government for this investment. Speaking of emergency services, Council together with the Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN), opened a new warehouse in Ravenhall for WERN to provide emergency relief to our communities. WERN supports people experiencing homelessness, mental health conditions, family violence, fire or flood situations, or those who are refugees, by supplying them with quality second-hand furniture, electronics, and whitegoods. In recognition of how much we value this service, we’ve offered WERN a low-cost lease for 20 years. We’re confident that this lease agreement will allow this not-for-profit organisation to expand its reach and help even more people in need. Last week I also had the pleasure of opening our City’s annual Youth Forum. What a pleasure it was to engage with our young people, and agencies who support our youth, to work together and create opportunities to enrich and improve their lives. One thing is for certain, our future is in good hands. Please feel free to contact me on 0437 241 436 or goran.kesic@melton.vic.gov.au regarding any Council issues.

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

New funding for recreation spaces across the City of Melton The Victorian Government recently announced funding from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund to support priority projects across the City of Melton. At Bridge Road Recreation Reserve, $250,000 was allocated for a multipurpose football and cricket oval, LED lighting and a new floodlit competition standard netball court.

This adds to Council’s $1.6 million contribution.

2 to a senior size oval, adding to $1.03 million from Council.

The Mt Atkinson Active Open Space Precinct will receive $231,000 for competition standard LED lighting on two soccer pitches, with $154,400 from Council.

These spaces help our communities connect and improve the health and wellbeing of our residents.

Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve will receive $250,000 to upgrade Oval

All three projects will enable new community and sporting groups to grow their participation numbers.

We’re conducting phone surveys

2023 Kindergarten registrations now open Kindergarten registrations for 2023 are open. Round 1 Kindergarten applications close 17 June, 2022. We recommend submitting your application by this date to give yourself the best possible chance to be allocated your first preference. Register your child at melton.vic.gov.au/kindergarten

Selected City of Melton residents will be asked to participate in a survey measuring community satisfaction with Council services and facilities. The survey involves phone interviews with 800 randomly selected residents from across the municipality until Monday 27 June. Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/satisfactionsurvey

Coburn Ward with Cr Bob Turner Late last month the State Government announced funding from the Local Sports Infrastructure Fund to support three key projects across the City of Melton, including the Bridge Road Recreation Reserve. Council has received $250,000, adding to the $1.6 million contribution from Council for this project, to fast track construction of a multipurpose football and cricket oval at Bridge Road, including LED lighting and a new floodlit competition standard netball court. On the local investment and jobs front, we’ve had some big-name businesses

open their doors, or commence construction, in our City over the past few weeks. We welcomed Electrolux in late May, after they opened their purpose-built facility in Ravenhall. This will serve as the Victorian and Tasmanian hub for distribution of household appliances, and create more than 40 local jobs. Electrolux joins Amazon, Myer, Hello Fresh and Scalzo Foods, who have all recognised the strategic value the City of Melton has to offer, creating dozens of local jobs and boosting investment. And finally, just a reminder that waste entitlements for 2021/2022 will expire at the end of the financial

year (30 June). Residents who’d like to use their waste entitlements should book a hard waste collection online at melton.vic.gov.au/ hardwaste before 16 June or visit the Melton Recycling Facility by 30 June. For information about your waste entitlements, visit melton.vic.gov.au/waste I am available to meet with residents most Saturday mornings from 9am, by appointment. Please contact Barb McKenzie on 9747 7200 to book a time, or contact me on 0412 584 224 or bob.turner@melton.vic.gov.au

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

Mayor Cr Goran Kesic

Deputy Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Moira Deeming

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all 10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Finn to lead DLP into state poll By Elsie Lange Hard-right politician Bernie Finn has announced he will be leading the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) into the November state election. The announcement follows his expulsion from the parliamentary Liberal Party last month for disobedience around controversial social media posts, including his comments that abortion should be banned even in the case of rape. Mr Finn told Star Weekly his campaign

platforms would be defending workers, supporting small businesses, supporting regional Victoria and protecting “traditional” families, particularly in light of the high cost of living. “There’s still very strong DLP support in the northwest of Melbourne and I’m looking forward to reigniting that, and bringing that power back to Spring Street,” Mr Finn said. He said an issue he would like to see dealt with immediately is the cost of energy, and would be taking a hard stance against clean energy because “they’re not renewables, what they are

in fact is unreliables”. “We have enough coal, we have enough gas, for everyone. We should allow the gas to be mined and for the coal to be burnt and we can get on with people living a reasonable standard of living,” Mr Finn said. Mr Finn will run in the Western Metropolitan region, an area he’s represented in the Victorian upper house since 2006, covering multiple local government areas including Hume, Moonee Valley, Brimbank, Melton, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong and Wyndham. The DLP broke off from the Australian Labor Party in 1955 – it was deregistered by the Australian

Electoral Commission in March this year due to low membership, but remains registered for state and territory elections in Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. “If people take a view of what our policies will be when they are presented, they will be impressed,” Mr Finn said. “They will in fact give the party their support, and those who are angry with the Andrews government, and there are a lot of people there, but are still very concerned that the Guy opposition isn’t ready to govern – they can vote for the DLP. “They now have an alternative.”

Albion is a star school Albion Primary School was named as a finalist in the ResourceSmart Schools Awards in recognition of its sustainability efforts. The school was nominated for Emerging School of the Year award for its work achieving three-star status in less than two years. Overnewton Anglican Community College was named as the category winner during a ceremony at the MCG on Friday, June 2. With the help of school leaders and physical education teacher Marita Ryan, Albion pupils created a garden that has evolved to having a habitat that attracts frogs, birds and bees as well as a chicken coop. The school has also become environmentally savvy by creating a recycling hub to recycle products for their art room as well as recycling bread clips and other commonly used products. The school also has a three-bin model featuring a compost, landfill and soft plastics bin all in hope of reducing landfill rubbish. Ms Ryan said the school community has

been on board and supported the initiative greatly. “Teachers and students have embraced the new bin systems in their rooms and in the yard and have continued to support new initiatives introduced – soft plastic collection, house points for bottle caps, bread tags, ring pulls, oral care, old pens, WOW Wednesday and Fruity Friday. “Student leaders have daily and weekly jobs that they do to ensure our sustainability actions are happening. “Families have supported students collecting goods at home and bringing them to school. Many families have set up systems at home to replicate the school system.” Albion Primary School principal Adrienne Williamson (left) with PE teacher Marita Ryan (right) and school student leaders Hayley, 11, Cindy, 11, Thomas, 10, Abby, 11, Noah, 10, Jasmine, 11 and Tasneem, 10. (Supplied)

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions upgrading the Sunbury Line, removing Sunbury Line Until last train 29 June Sunshine to Sunbury the Gap Road level crossing and upgrading Sunbury Road. We’re also Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes expanding the West Gate Freeway Gap Rd/Station St, Sunbury Until October Road closed between Horne and Evans streets from eight to 12 lanes. Sunbury Road, Sunbury At times, in June Lanes closed between Powlett Street and Bulla Diggers Rest Road Footscray Road, Footscray

8pm to 5.30am each night, 7 to 10 June

Eastbound road closed from Dock Link Road to Appleton Dock Road

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

1761

Find out if you’re affected at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Tuesday, 7 June, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Update on paint odour and noise By Max Hatzoglou Paint manufacturer AkzoNobel hosted its sixth community forum late last month to inform the community about how it’s addressing issues of odour and noise. AkzoNobel revealed that routine volatile organic compound (VOC) monitoring by air quality consultants, Golder, continues to show levels well below Environment Protection Authority (EPA) standards. The information revealed odour had still been detected during odour monitoring

around the site, albeit with less frequency and intensity. The paint manufacturer in Sunshine North said the installation last year of a regenerative thermal oxidiser (RTO) on the resin plant has been effective in reducing the most significant odour from the plant. Eight community members attended the face-to-face forum. AkzoNobel Pacific and South Korea hub manager Peter Black said it was good to be able to tell the community that good progress was being made on the issues.

“This was our first opportunity since COVID hit to host a face-to-face meeting with residents and we’re grateful to those who attended,” Mr Black said. “It was a constructive conversation. We were able to provide updates on our progress in addressing odours and noise, to explain some of the solutions we have implemented and others we’re exploring. “We’ve made some good progress on these issues but there’s more to be done. We value dialogue with the community, as the input of residents has helped us understand the impacts of our operations, and how we can

minimise them. “Ultimately we want to be a good neighbour. We’ll continue working on these issues and welcome the community’s input.” AkzoNobel also highlighted that EPA’s records of complaints also suggests odours have reduced, and are more concentrated around the plant’s boundaries. AkzoNobel had also introduced an online form to allow residents to easily report odour or noise concerns; using the ‘Report a Complaint’ form on AkzoNobel’s community webpage. Details: https://bit.ly/3x7gv2K

Bansuri show at library Bansuri player Vinod Prasanna will visit the Deer Park library on Friday, June 17 to perform traditional Indian music in a lunchtime library concert. The Bansuri, known for its hauntingly beautiful sound, is a traditional Indian woodwind instrument constructed from bamboo. Prasanna has played all over the world and become popular for his emotive melodies, exquisite improvisations and divine flute song. “I am [excited], I’m very excited actually to share my music and my culture because my family has been doing music for 250 years,” Prasanna said. “So it’s a long tradition in my family and I do quite regular meditation as well so I actually take that meditation practice into my music. “Whenever I do shows, I start my recital with a short meditation as well because I feel it is very important. “Music is actually a beautiful thing that

connects all of us and it is very important when we do anything to include people, talk to them in the building and maybe do a few minutes of mindful meditation where people feel very relaxed and calm and peaceful.” Prasanna described the meditation as a way of showing care for the audience so they felt welcomed and looked after. He also said he improvised his music to suit the atmosphere. “When I look at the audience I do connect with them and I do feel them and according to that atmosphere I improvise my music,” he said. “I do enjoy performing for people and sharing what I have to offer.” The concert will start at noon. Details: https://bit.ly/3z3Way7 Max Hatzoglou Bansuri player Vinod Prasanna.

(Supplied)

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(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 283516

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Libraries celebrate Reconciliation Week Members of the community visited the St Albans library on Wednesday, June 1 to learn more about Aboriginal culture and tradition through stories and art during Reconciliation Week. Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said Reconciliation Week was an important community event. “I’m very proud our Brimbank Libraries celebrated National Reconciliation Week with a wonderful collection of community events. These included Deer Park Library’s story time reading of the traditional creation story ‘How the turtle got it’s shell’, using our Story Box Library to play videos of First Nations authors orating traditional stories by First Nations people, and reading stories followed by craft

SISTERS ESAIA, 6 AND DESPINA, 8

SALINA, 6

activities at the After School Activity Zone,” Cr Nguyen said. “Sydenham Library also read ‘Welcome to Country’ by Aunty Joy Murphy, and the children collaborated to make Bunjil the eagle. “Brimbank City Council is dedicated to supporting reconciliation with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by working towards maintaining strong, meaningful and respectful relationships, demonstrating respect to the people and their culture, and working in partnership with other stakeholders to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have equal access to local opportunities. “I encourage everyone to view our Reconciliation Action Plan to learn more.”

ESAIA, 6

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14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

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OPINION

Tips to ensure project success

I believe there are three key elements for success: 1. Understand what the project really requires. 2. Take the time to plan properly. 3. Manage change requests.

The first seems obvious, but it is frequently not well done. This part of the project is termed ‘feasibility analysis’ an is about ensuring that the four key elements of a project (scope, cost, schedule and quality) are in balance before anything starts. Assuming that quality is mandatory, then stakeholders can dictate any two of the three remaining elements, but the Project Manager must have control over the final one, e.g. if

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS IAN ASH scope and budget are fixed, then the PM must be able to derive the schedule and if scope and schedule are fixed, then the PM must calculate the cost. The graphic below shows what happens when feasibility analysis is not done properly; the project becomes a voyage of discovery and ends up costing (perhaps >36 per cent) more with massive effort at the end (the “hockey stick effect”). Assuming feasibility analysis has been properly conducted, then the next key element is accurate project planning. There are a number of tools and techniques to ensure this but the most important thing is to ensure that everything has been considered and included. Things that are often overlooked include documentation, training, testing and allowing for rework since things will always go wrong to some degree. The activities should be estimated in terms of the effort required and then staff availability applied to work out a reasonable duration, i.e. if a task is estimated at four days and someone is 80 per cent available, then required timeframe for the task should be planned at five days (four days / 80 per cent). Finally, one of the most common reasons for project failure is lack of proper change management. Changes for any project are pretty well inevitable since even the customer may not

Pain

What makes projects succeed or fail? Is there a common underlying set of things that must be done to make a project succeed or is it purely a function of complexity or luck? Back in the 1980s and 1990s, software development projects were renowned for not meeting expectations, coming in late, over budget or even getting cancelled completely. The Standish Group (formed in 1985 to improve the success of software development projects) produces “CHAOS” reports annually and in 1995 found that only 16.2 per cent of software projects were completed on-time and on-budget and for larger companies which was just 9 per cent of all projects (projectsmart. co.uk/white-papers/chaos-report.pdf). Unfortunately, there are still plenty of examples around today of projects failing to achieve their objectives, on-time and within budget, so what can be done to improve things? As it turns out, success tends to be less a function of the expertise in the team(s) and much more about how they are defined, planned and managed.

Poor Planning Good Planning

Time know exactly what they want at the start and even if they do, it is far from certain that the supplier interprets this 100 per cent correctly. Any change to a project (even apparently simple ones) should be analysed and the impact on cost and schedule calculated and then referred back to the customer for approval.

18-36%

Too often changes are done for free (often cited as “for reasons of goodwill”) so that the customer assumes virtually no effort but any change to a project introduces an additional level risk and usually additional cost so should be managed very carefully. Ian Ash is the managing director for OrgMent Business Solutions.

Changed traffic conditions on the West Gate Freeway outbound From June 2022

Changes to how you get to Millers Road We’re rebuilding the West Gate Freeway to increase capacity, and building an entrance to a new tunnel to take trucks off local roads and provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. From June, there will be changes on the West Gate Freeway to get to Millers Road.

What to expect On the West Gate Freeway (pictured right):

To access the Millers Road exit, stay in the two left lanes. Remember:

Drivers travelling from the West Gate Bridge towards Brooklyn or Altona, will need to decide at the West Gate Bridge and move into the left lanes, to exit at Millers Road. As you approach Williamstown Road after going over the bridge, two of the four lanes will veer left, and will re-join after Millers Road.

•

All lanes continue to Grieve Parade, the M80 Ring Road and the Princes Freeway

•

While you’re on the road, look out for road signs. If you miss the Millers Road exit, please avoid making unsafe last-minute lane changes. You can get back to Millers Road by exiting at Grieve Parade.

Keep in mind there are other disruptions in June. Find a detailed list at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Tuesday, 7 June, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

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Braybrook drug raids net heroin By Matthew Sims Major Drug Squad detectives arrested several Braybrook men following a seven-month investigation into a Malaysian syndicate linked to trafficking commercial quantities of heroin. Detectives executed warrants and searched three residential addresses in Braybrook on Tuesday, May 31. Detectives also searched houses in Box Hill, Springvale and Dingley Village. On Friday, June 3 detectives charged a 27-year-old Braybrook man with trafficking a large commercial quantity of heroin and

knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime. He faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. During raids police seized a number of items including a large commercial quantity of heroin, a large sum of cash, a Lexus and an Audi, a large number of luxury goods including designer handbags, watches and jewellery. Police also arrested a 31-year-old Braybrook man, a 24-year-old Braybrook man, a 23-year-old Braybrook man, a 20-year-old Braybrook man, a 30-year-old Braybrook man and a 53-year-old Braybrook man. They are expected to be charged on summons.

Major Drug Squad Detective Inspector Jim Sullivan said police would allege that those arrested have been involved in a syndicate of Malaysian nationals trafficking large commercial quantities of heroin, but investigations remain ongoing. “This result should serve as a warning to criminals who attempt to target our community,” Mr Sullivan said. “Victoria Police is determined to make our state a hostile place for organised crime, particularly those involved in the importation and manufacture of drugs. “As this investigation shows, we are often

dealing with organised crime syndicates that have immense reach both nationally and internationally. “Victoria Police will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure those who bring that harm to our state are held to account, and that those serious and organised crime groups involved in the trafficking of illicit drugs are strongly and deliberately targeted.” Major Drug Squad detectives also charged a 29-year-old Box Hill man, a 27-year-old Springvale man and a 49-year-old Dingley Village woman with similar charges. They will front court in September.

Helping writers shine Melbourne-based writer Sam van Zweden will be teaching Braybrook residents about how to weave the real world into fiction writing in a nuanced and subtle way. The Writing Your World workshop will be held at the Braybrook library on Saturday, June 25 from 11am until 1pm, with visitors welcome from 10.45am for light refreshments. Ms van Zweden is a writer interested in experimental nonfiction, essays, mental health, body writing, food and memory. Her collection of personal essays, ‘Eating With My Mouth Open’, won the 2019 KYD Unpublished Manuscript award and was published in February 2021. Writers and performers Thabani Tshuma and Bella Waru will also present their writings as part of the Writing the Stars event, which will involve attendees enjoying a show in the Melbourne Planetarium followed by star-inspired original performances.

A group of three writers will also share their thoughts about what attracts them to write about the west as part of the Writing the West workshop. Jinghua Qian, Harry Reid and Khalid Warsame will present as part of the workshop at the Footscray library on Tuesday, June 21 from 6pm until 7pm. The festival will also include the launch of a multi-disciplinary exhibition named Same River Twice. Same River Twice is an outcome of Footscray Community Arts West Writers program and is presented in partnership with Footscray Community Arts. The exhibition is running from Wednesday, June 15 to Sunday, July 3 at 45 Moreland Street in Footscray, while the launch will be held on Tuesday, June 21 from 7.30pm. Tickets are limited in all events, so people are encouraged to book online as soon as possible.

Writer Sam van Zweden will be teaching aspiring writers about how to weave in reality to fictional worlds at a Braybrook event. (Supplied)

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16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

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NEWS

MY PLACE Michelle Muscat has lived in Sunshine since she was six years old, enjoying the time she spends with the community including the Friends of Kororoit Creek group, where she has volunteered for the past seven years. What is your connection to Brimbank? I grew up in Sunshine since I was six years old and still live in Sunshine West with my daughter. My father migrated from Malta as a young boy with his parents and 10 siblings. My parents have lived in Sunshine since 1984. What do you love about where you live? The community spirit and community connection are filled with many diverse cultures which bring everyone together when there are events happening. We are lucky to have great restaurants as well as cafes which are a perfect meeting spot to catch up with friends.

There have been a lot of changes around my area. Some of the best changes for me would be putting in some more greenery as not only is it better for the environment, but it just makes the area look better. What are some of your favourite places to visit? Some of my favourite places would be the local cafes which can be a great spot to socialise with friends and other people. Also, the Kororoit creek trail, which benefits the wellbeing of myself and others, and just to see all the plants growing and getting planted. How has it been to be involved with the

(Damjan Janevski) 283930_06

What have been some of the best changes you have seen occur?

Friends of Kororoit Creek group for the past seven years? Being involved in the Friends of Kororoit Creek group and being able to get involved in

the community to look after the environment while meeting new people has been great for my health and wellbeing. Tell us something people might not know

about you. Something about myself, which I haven’t told many people is that I might be on TV with a famous chef.

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

35 years ago

25 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

May 27, 1987

May 28, 1997

May 28, 2002

May 29, 2012

Seventy employees of the Albion Explosives Factory have “a noose around their necks” and are being neglected in the redevelopment of the 500-hectare site, according to some senior staff.

Prison squad officers raided the Metropolitan Women’s Correctional Centre in Deer Park last week as part of its investigation into last month’s riot at the prison.

A $40m investment by Australia Post will centralise 600 jobs in Ardeer as part of a revolution in the infrastructure of Melbourne’s mail network.

Sixty Brimbank workers face an uncertain future after losing their jobs when a Derrimut print company collapsed last week.

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Demand for foster carers heightens

Andrew and Anna are part of the Williams family. (Pictures: Supplied)

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare suggest one in 32 children required child protection services in 2019-20. For those needing out of home care, the state relies on foster homes, like the Williams family, to keep children safe and secure. Fatima Halloum talks with the family about the need for more carers.

athryn and Nathan Williams do what only a small percentage of good Samaritans in Victoria do, but the couple are adamant they’re not saints. “We had always imagined that we’d have kids, always expected that we would share life with kids, we were pretty unlucky on that front,” Mrs Williams said. “We signed up for the training to get a better feel for what would be involved, we were both really excited about the prospect of fostering.”

‘‘

They certainly have found it really tough … [they’re] just trying to be little kids - Kathryn Williams

’’

There are more than 14,000 kids in the state’s child protection service and two of them are under the care of the Williams family in Melbourne’s western suburbs. Eight-year-old Anna* and her six-year-old brother Andrew* have lived with the Williams family for just over two years. “They’re from a family who loved them, lots of reasons they can’t look after them,” Mrs Williams said. “Domestic violence played a big factor in why these kids required out of home care … they’re loved by us, but they’re also loved by the families they come from. “We talk about about violence against women, which is shocking, what’s often hidden is the impact that has on kids in these families, it’s real trauma, real trauma that they’ve experienced at a very young age.” Mrs Williams said it’s a difficult situation for children to be in as they don’t have much say in big decisions that are made in their best interest.

Kathryn Williams believes the most important thing a carer can give children is care and safety.

“They certainly have found it really tough … [they’re] just trying to be little kids and have the same experience of life as every other kid,” Mrs Williams said. “They were very used to doing things themselves and not really trusting that we could look after them, that understanding that it’s our job to do.” Mrs Williams said there’s a common misconception that fostering is too difficult for people who worry they’ll grow too attached to the kids. “It’s not really about that, it’s about providing for a young person, it’s providing what you can for a kid who needs it now,” she said. “I was really worried about this, these kids were coming in, what do they call us? I think it might have been the first week and the little

fella, who wasn’t very verbal when he came to us – he didn’t say much – he looked at me and said ‘my Kathryn’. “You worry about ‘how does this work?’, how do you parent another person’s children without trying to overstep or replace something that’s so important – a relationship with their mum – but I think you learn to follow their lead.” Mrs Williams believes most people are unaware of how few carers there are for the number of kids desperately needing a stable and safe home. “It is a hidden kind of an issue … I think out in the west here, we have a big need, you’re surprised when you actually learn how many kids are in and out of home care and how many kids are visible to child protection,” she said.

Mr and Mrs Williams foster through Uniting Vic.Tas, a community services organisation that delivers services such as emergency relief, mental health, aged care and family services across Victoria and Tasmania. Uniting child, youth and families senior manager Philip Yew said now more than ever, vulnerable children and young people were in dire need of a place to call home. “Children and young people living away from their birth families are among the most vulnerable people in our community,” Mr Yew said. “We’re in critical need of carers for children and young people with the COVID pandemic having a significant impact both on the numbers of young people requiring care, but also on the recruitment of foster carers.” Mrs Williams said there’s “a lot of different ways” to be a carer and “anyone” could do it. “I don’t think people realise how much we, as carers, get out of it, like it is by far the best and most important thing that my husband and I have ever done,” she said. “Just do the training, you can be an accredited foster carer without ever having a placement, you can do respite once a month, whatever your availability, they will take anything that you can give. “If we’re good enough, you’re good enough. If we can help, anybody can help a child in the system.” Anna and Andrew will be with the Williams family for long-term placement and might need out of home care for “quite a while”. “It’s not permanent placement … but we’ll grow them up. We’d love them wherever they live,” Mrs Williams said. “At the moment they need us this way, but they’re such a special part of our family that they’ll always be part of our family.” Details: unitingvictas.org.au/foster-care. *Children’s names have been changed to protect their identities. Tuesday, 7 June, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

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

Brimbank Girl Guides Brimbank Girl Guides are holding come and try nights for girls aged 5 – 17 and adults. If you are interested in checking out Girl Guides without any commitment, come along for a night. ■ 0418 536 084

CWA CWA Keilor Downs meets at 10am on the first Monday of the month at Keilor Downs Community Centre, 90 Taylors Road, Keilor Downs. ■ Dorothy, 0428 874 488

Sunshine Business Awards The inaugural Sunshine Business Awards are now open for nominations. Organised by the Sunshine Business Association, with support from Brimbank council, the awards recognise small businesses in Sunshine and their owners. Customers can vote for their favourite businesses in the Sunshine CBD. ■ https://www.sunshinebusiness.com.au/

Sunshine Fly Fishing Club Are you interested in learning to fish with a fly rod and artificial flies and lures you made yourself? Sunshine Fly Fishing Club is looking for new members. The club can teach you all you need to know to get started. It meets every Tuesday at 7pm at Barclay Reserve, King Edward Avenue, Albion. ■ Ted, sunshineflyclub@gmail.com

Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre has set up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday, from 1pm, as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting. ■ 9311 9973

Jackson Coombs is heading off to Harvard University to study science and join a dance team after getting an ATAR of 99.85. (Damjan Janevski) 283204_01

each month. ■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

U3A Werribee U3A Werribee Region is a not-for-profit organisation consisting of semi-retired and retired residents of Wyndham. It conducts a variety of weekly classes run by volunteers. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220

Community Lunch and morning tea AL-ANON

The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub. New members welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801

Wednesday Walking Group The Williamstown Community Centre offers a regular Wednesday walking group that walks the local area, 10.15-11am. New members are warmly welcome. This activity is free and includes morning tea. ■ 9397 6168

Werr-I-Bee Long photo comp

Musicians wanted

Submit your photos, and digital art, to the Werribee River Association annual photo competition. three prizes awarded, $650 in-total. Open to amateur skill levels and to people who live, work or study in Wyndham. Email photos and queries to comps@ werribeeriver.org.au and include full name, address and phone number, and indicate the photo category. Competition closes June 15.

Sunshine Community Brass is looking for new members to join its vibrant band of musicians. With over 90 years of history, the band is looking to grow for the future. Sunshine Community Brass is currently looking for trumpet and percussion players. It rehearses Tuesdays from 7.30pm, 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine. ■ Andrew Wilson, 0419 444 620

Keilor probus

Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7-9.30pm. ■ Vince Camilleri, 0413 734 707 The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Williamstown will be holding a free community morning tea and lunch every Friday at the Parish Centre on Nelson Place. The morning tea starts from 10am. Tea and coffee will be served, alongside a variety of fun activities like knitting, board games and puzzles. The lunch will run from noon-1pm, with takeaway options available. Check-in and vaccination status are required.

The Werribee RSL hosts Bingo every Monday, except public holidays. Eyes down at 12.30-2.30pm. ■ 9741 5525

Western Budgerigar Club The Western Suburbs Budgerigar Club meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at Masonic Hall, 223 Watton Street, Werribee. Meet other members who are also passionate about breeding Budgerigars. ■ Don, 0414 975 862

Wyndham Ladies Probus Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of 20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

The All Aboard Club has been going for 85 years. It is a social club which works for charities, with speakers, theatre and trips. It meets in the chambers at Williamstown Town Hall at 1.30pm on the first and third Tuesday of the month. New members welcome. ■ Wendy, 0421 747 040

Women’s Choir Willin Wimmin choir welcomes new members. They meet every Wednesday in term time from 7.30-9.30 pm at the Church of Christ Hall in Douglas Parade, Williamstown. There are no auditions and members don’t need to be able to read music. Come along for a free try out. ■ willin.wimmin@gmail.com

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers

Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-CraftMarket

Diabetes support group The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Musicians welcome Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

Altona North combined probus Computers for beginners Williamstown Community and Education Centre is now taking enrolments for classes to help those with limited computer skills. Classes are run daily at both Joan Kirner House, Williamstown, and North Altona Library. ■ Lynne or Tahlia, 9397 6168

All Aboard Club Bingo for all

10am-4pm. ■ https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/

Walking group Altona Meadows and Newport residents are invited to take part in a Heart Foundation walking group that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group walks for 60 minutes, and is a great way to socialise and get active at the same time. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation to join. ■ Ian Watson, 0411 566 862, or https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Altona-Meadowsand-Newport-Heart-Foundation-WalkingGroups

The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

Rotary club Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. ■ Pam, 0418 347 691 or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190

Friendship Group Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. From

Altona Day View (Voice Interest and Education of Women) Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. The club is always open to new members, and anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch today and see what it’s all about. ■ Janet 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

PUZZLES

3 2 8 7

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

DECODER

No. 084

8 1 9 2

5 hard

8 9 6 7 1 4 8

7 1

3 7 1 4

10 11 12 13

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

Today’s Aim: 25 words: Good 37 words: Very good

7 2 3 1 6 8 5 9 4

1 5 7 6 8 3 4 2 9

ADORE AGREE AISLE AMONG AORTA APTER AROMA AWARE BEADS BRAWL CARES CITED CRAMP DINER EERIE ENTRY ERODE EXIST GIRTH HEEDS ICONS

7 LETTERS ANTHRAX FIREMEN GLUCOSE INSTALL TEETERS TRAILER

6 LETTERS CEASES NEARED SALTER STEREO

8 LETTERS BITTERER CALLABLE CHARCOAL ELEVATOR

What is a wasp’s (pictured) nest called?

Which country has the most species of flightless birds?

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

In which Japanese city was the first capsule hotel, designed by Kisho Kurokawa, opened on February 1, 1979?

Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?, published in 1976, was the first short-story collection by which American writer?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

What invention did plastic surgeon Dr Fiona Wood patent?

What is the capital of Angola?

In which year did the London Underground begin operation?

S F

W H

T A C K I T R E T T A R

5 LETTERS ABATE

SURLY SWEEP TEETH TEPEE TREED VEERS VERSE

No. 084

C T

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

4 LETTERS ERRS HISS KEEP LEGS MA’AM ONCE PECK SACS SAGA SASH SEES SPAS STAG SWIM

IGLOO KEYED LEFTS LEMON LOVER MAMAS MULTI NERVE OLIVE OTTER PARSE PROBE REMIT SAMES SENDS SIEVE SNAPS SNEAK SOOKY SPANK SPEED

10-06-22

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

eloign, engirt, ergo, ergot, gelt, genitor, gilt, girl, giro, girt, give, given, giver, glen, glint, glove, glover, goitre, gone, gore, govern, grin, grit, grove, ignore, ingot, legion, linger, lingo, loge, long, longer, loving, ogle, ogre, region, reign, REVOLTING, ring, ringlet, roving, tiger, tinge, tingle, toeing, tong, trig, vertigo, vetoing, voting

2 6 4 7 9 5 1 8 3

3 8 1 9 2 6 7 4 5

9 7 5 8 4 1 2 3 6

2 9 4 6 3 5 1 8 7

4 7 3 5 8 9 6 2 1

9 2 8 1 7 6 4 3 5

S L A

5 9 6 4 3 2 8 7 1

8 7 4 2 9 3 5 6 1

4 1 8 5 7 9 3 6 2

No. 084

3 5 2 % (

2 6 5 1 8 4 7 3 9

3 1 9 7 5 6 4 2 8

9 5 8 6 4 7 2 1 3

4 3 6 9 2 1 8 5 7

7 2 1 8 3 5 9 4 6

5 9 7 3 1 2 6 8 4

1 8 2 4 6 9 3 7 5

6 4 3 5 7 8 1 9 2

5 1 6 3 2 4 9 7 8

1 8 5 7 9 2 3 6 4

6 4 2 8 5 3 7 1 9

7 3 9 4 6 1 8 5 2

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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”.

50 words: Excellent

hard

medium

9-LETTER WORD

easy

3 LETTERS ADD ASH ASS AWE DIM ERA EVE GIN GNU ICE ICY IVY OWE PEN RAW RIP SIR SIT SOS TEE TEN TIE TVS WIN

L CMH P E O Y G F Z DQ

3 7 7 1 5 9

U T N I J VWS K X R A B U T

5x5

5 6 5 9

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

Approximately how many metres high are the letters that make up the Hollywood sign? In clout archery, what object do the archers aim at?

10 What do sufferers of anthophobia have a fear of? ANSWERS: 1. A vespiary 2. Osaka 3. Spray-on skin 4. 15m 5. A flag 6. New Zealand 7. Raymond Carver 8. Luanda 9. 1863 10. Flowers

$ 5 2 0 $

medium

Driven by the wind (8) Old type of trombone (7) Unseen (9) Tuneful (9)

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Elevate (5) Finished (5) Dates (7) Australian city (6) Prudish (9) Conglomeration of fabric scraps (9) 16 Sharpest vertical angle (8) 18 Ordinary; unromantic (7) 20 Country (7) 21 Online money transfer service (6) 23 Articles (5) 24 Beautiful maiden in Muslim paradise (5) 5 6 7 8 14 15

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 15 17 19 22 25 26 27 28 29

No. 084

( 1 7 5 <

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

7 ( 3 ( (

No. 084

6 3 $ 1 .

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 7 June, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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A welcome break for Dragons as injuries bite A two week break has come at the perfect time for Sunshine Heights in the Western Region Football League division 3 competition. After a surprisingly strong start to the season with two good wins, the Dragons have struggled with injuries in recent weeks. With a bye at the weekend and the Queen’s Birthday Day break this week, the Dragons get a mini break. Dragons coach Colby Blyth said the break was exactly what they needed. “The first couple of weeks were really up beat and good vibes and we had two wins,” he said. “We’ve had quite a few injuries to key players and it knocked us about. “We’re looking to bounce back once we get everyone back on track. We will definitely get some players back after the bye.” Blyth said they had been shocked by their start to season, having come together late after more than 30 players left the club.

The side has three wins on the board and could have easily had a fourth, after being in the game against Albanvale. Blyth said it had shown they were moving in the right direction. “We’re confident that we can match it with the best teams in the competition,” he said. “Against Braybrook and the Suns, depth hit us pretty hard. We don’t want to make excuses, but we had no bench with so many injured players against the Suns.” Blyth said now there was the belief in the group that they could be competitive, it’s about putting it all together. He said they always knew it would take some time. “We have so many areas to improve and work on,” he said. “We have the personnel there to take us to the next level. “We’ve only played six games together and a couple of guys haven’t played in seven years. “We’ve been able to get on the board in such

a short period of time, it’s a bonus how much we can improve. “It’s looking good for the future.” Among those to shine for the Dragons is Blyth himself who has kicked 26 goals to sit fourth in the division goal kicking. Blyth originally didn’t intend to play. “I put a clearance in, but I wasn’t planning on playing,” he said. “It was a last minute decision. “I knew the guys would be excited if I was to play. I decided to go out there and set an example for the guys and I’m enjoying it.” Blyth said the focus the next few weeks would be on the track, where they will continue to implement structures and strategy. “Training, it comes down to that.” Tara Murray Sunshine Heights’ William Tsam. (Damjan Janevski) 283765_01

D’Ambrosio becomes a Bomber

Keilor is sitting nicely at this point of the season. (Jamie Morey Photography)

Blues happy in top spot By Tara Murray Keilor knows it can’t take the foot off the pedal in the Essendon District Football League premier division. The Blues sit atop the ladder after seven rounds, but Aberfeldie, Pascoe Vale and East Keilor are among the chasing pack. Blues coach Mick McGuane said there had been a lot of good signs, but still a lot of hard work to come. “We’re quite happy with how we sit,” he said. “We’ve had no Dean Galea for most part of the season and had a couple of players who haven’t play. We’ve had seven debutants. “There’s a lot of upside and that next generation of players is coming through. “We have to maintain the rage and play consistent football. If you can manage that, you play at the end of the season in a high position.” The Blues, who were set to play Pascoe Vale after deadline, showed first hand what they could do against East Keilor. After an even start, the Blues kicked away in 24 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

the second half to get a big win against a side looking to make an impression in the premier division. McGuane said it was a great game of football. “It was first versus second on the ladder,” he said. “We were pretty happy. “We were efficient with the ball and our conversion was good. We defended the ground the best we could in the first half. “We were quite happy how we finished off the second half.” The win was a handy one, after losing to second-placed Aberfeldie in an unlike Blues performance earlier in the season. McGuane said that match didn’t even cross their mind heading in the East Keilor game, knowing that they had been missing 11 players out of their best side. With key players out, the Blues have had to try some different things down forward and give young guys a go in the ruck against experienced opposition. Leading the way for the Blues this season has been the next generation of leaders who have

had to step up in the absence of others. Galea has played just two games, while premiership winning captain Kane Barbuto may miss the rest of the season. The premiership winning coach said Galea was getting closer to a return to the field, they just wanted to make sure he was fully fit. McGuane said that the next group were leading both on and off the field. “Kane is possibly out for the year,” McGuane said. “He’s got a new job in the fire brigade. “He might be back at the end of the year, but we have to plan for the next generation to fill the spot. “Nick O’Kearney has been captain and rightfully so. He’s an outstanding player and it was Kane’s decision for him to take over. “That next generation of leaders, Brad Xavier, Jesse Wallin and Brett Stillman are doing outstanding roles.” As well as playing the Panthers on Saturday, the Blues have a tough couple of matches ahead against Strathmore and Greenvale in coming weeks.

The rise of Western Jets co-captain Massimo D’Ambrosio this year has been rewarded, with the defender picked up by Essendon in the AFL mid-season draft. After missing out on being drafted last year, D’Ambrosio has taken his game to the next level and attracted the interest of AFL clubs. A shoulder injury last weekend did little to diminish interest in the 19-year-old, with the Bombers taking him at pick three in the draft on Wednesday night. D’Ambrosio, who hails from Point Cook Football Club, is known for his pace across half-back and had averaged 27.7 disposals across his four NAB League matches this year. He has also played three Victorian Football League matches, including a stand-out performance against Essendon where he collected 25 disposals on the hollow turf of the MCG. He was also part of the under-23 Colgate Young Guns game where he was named as one of the best. Point Cook took to Facebook to congratulate D’Ambrosio on being selected. “Massimo is the first Point Cook player to be drafted by an AFL Club,” the post said. “The club sends a massive congratulations to Massimo, his parents Louie and Nadia and siblings Marco and Alana. We wish him all the best for the future.” Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor said in the lead up to the draft, that D’Ambrosio had been an absolute star and was making the most of being able to play football after a number of injury setbacks and COVID-19. Essendon national recruiting manager Rob Forster-Knight said the Bombers were pleased with their two selections, with South Australian Jye Menzie being taken at pick 18. “We are really happy with our selections tonight, both Massimo and Jye will bring different aspects to our line-up,” Forster-Knight said. “Massimo is a really exciting player who plays off the halfback line and is a really good ball user and has shown he can set up lots of play through his time at the VFL and Western Jets.” Tara Murray

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Sargent ready to start AFLW career For Caitlin Sargent, knowing she didn’t have to sit through another AFLW draft period waiting and wondering was such a relief. A star for the Western Jets last year, Sargent went undrafted and returned to the Jets in the NAB League Girls competition. This year she led the league goal kicking with 21 goals and was a key in the Jets first premiership. She also kicked three goals for Vic Metro during a game in the national championships. Her performances had AFLW clubs watching. Essendon was among them and signed Sargent as an open age player to its inaugural AFLW list. Sargent said she was thrilled to have realised her dream of making the AFLW. “It was a sigh of relief,” she said. “I’d been in contact with them late in the Jets season and had a couple of meetings with them. “They told me the good news the day after the grand final. It was pretty big and I was relieved

not to go through the draft again.” Sargent said while missing out on being drafted last year was disappointing, she knew that she could return to the Jets for another year. It would be her fourth year at the Jets. It was a year to remember, with the Jets stunning everyone to claim the premiership. “It was a really good team,” she said. “We did really well and performed really strongly.” Making an AFLW list has been something Sargent has dreamed of since she started playing football. She started at St Bernard’s, before moving to Melbourne Uni and later Caroline Springs. “I have played footy pretty much since I was 10,” she said. “I’ve been through all of the rep programs. “I’ve always wanted to play. I’ve been part of Robbie Campbell’s Rookie Me program since I was nine, that has been the biggest help for me.” Sargent has already started to immerse herself at Essendon.

She has been training with the club’s Victorian Football League Women’s side for more than a month. The decision was made that she wouldn’t play with them, but just train, with the focus on the future. She will start pre-season training with the AFLW side this month. Among her new teammates is Bonnie Toogood. “I watched Bonnie Toogood closely for her forward craft,” she said. “When I found out she was coming to Essendon I couldn’t believe it, it’s a bit crazy. “I’ll definitely look to spend time with her.” Sargent said now she was keen to just start training and get to meet everyone. Tara Murray Caitlin Sargent has signed with Essendon’s AFLW side. (Shawn Smits) 205915_20

Still living out a dream By Tara Murray Playing AFLW is the dream for Krystal Russell, but the biggest moment of the Yarraville Seddon footballer’s life might have already happened. A star in the ruck for the Western Jets in the NAB League Girls competition, Russell was the hero in the club’s first grand final win. A goal in the final seconds of the game, sealed the match and title for the girls from the west. “The first ever goal in my life, in a grand final and to win the game, that’s crazy,” she said. “It’s still crazy and I’ve watched back the vision so many times, it’s still unbelievable that I kicked it. “I see it from a third person perspective and I don’t really think it’s me still. I got to keep the ball … I’ll get all the girls from my club to sign it. It’s a good little memory.” For Russell, the goal capped off a season of growth with the Jets, where she became one of the top rucks in the competition. While many of her teammates had been in the Jets system for a number of years, it was only her second season. “It has been a great season,” she said. “It’s been a good experience, a two year experience so far. Learning from all the girls has been so great, to talk to all the girls and see how they’re going.” Russell didn’t have much time to rest after the NAB League season as she went straight into the Vic Metro set up for the national championships. She said it had been a pretty crazy time. “I hadn’t had an actual break,” she said. “I went from the Jets to the grand final and then straight to metro and now my local season. “It’s something that I love, so I’m not fussed about it.” Russell said she had stepped up her game, but knows there’s still plenty of run for improvement. She said fundamentals such as running, her strength and mentality were things she was looking forward to. Russell was among those invited to the AFLW draft combine testing, after impressing AFL recruiters. While she was unable to test due to being unwell, it was still a massive moment. “I had been training prior to my cold … but I haven’t been able to step foot out of my house let along run a 2km,” she said at the combine. “It’s crazy how people I don’t know know about me, things people say about me and how I’ve been going, and the recognition, shows hard work has paid off. It’s exciting, very nerve-wracking things could change so dramatically in the next

Garuccio is named United’s best A big 12 months for Ben Garuccio got even bigger, with the left back winning Western United’s player of the season medal. Having joined the club this season, Garuccio played a key role in the club’s first championship last weekend. Garuccio won the medal with 83 votes, one ahead of Connor Pain, while Lachie Wales finished third on 79 votes. Garuccio was stunned to take home the top award at the club’s inaugural awards night. “To be honest I didn’t expect it,” he said. “To be standing here is just out of this world for me. I’m so happy to be part of this club. “Twelve months ago I was probably in the worst place I’ve ever been in my career, but if it wasn’t for this club, all the support I’ve had since day one, I wouldn’t be here. “You play in a championship team [and] there was so many good players this year.” Garuccio also claimed the fan’s goal of the season award for his stunning scorpion kick which many described as one of the greatest goals ever. He said it was a moment that he still couldn’t believe had happened. Jerry Skotadis scooped the young player of the season award after a breakout season in midfield saw him make 17 appearances across the regular season and finals. Goalkeeper Jamie Young was recognised by the fans for his remarkable season in goal as he won as the fans’ player of the season award. Aleksandar Prijovic was recognised for his lethal season in front of goal with the Golden Boot award, scoring nine goals throughout the regular season and another four during finals, while Ryan Scott won club person of the season for a third straight year.

Krystal Russell. (Western Jets)

month or so, we’ll wait and see what comes.” The AFLW draft is being held on June 29.

Russell said she would continue to work hard and be in the best possible shape for what happens next.

Ben Garuccio after winning Western United’s player of the season medal. (Supplied)

Tuesday, 7 June, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 25

Westvale is keen to continue their good start Westvale Olympic was aiming to be in the promotion mix in FV state league 3 north-west, but never predicted to be undefeated at the halfway mark of the season. After sitting bottom when last season was called off, Westvale has looked to step things up under coach Bill Georgopoulos. He said they were thrilled with how things had gone so far. “At the moment we’re not complaining, but it can quickly change,” he said. “We’ve gone through the first round of matches undefeated. We didn’t aim for that and if it [staying undefeated] happens, it happens.” Georgopoulos said one of the keys to the success this year was that he had been in the coaching role the whole pre-season and then throughout the season. Last season he took over after round two. It’s the first time he has had a pre-season with

the club in his two stints coaching them. “The first game I was in charge of was with the players that we already had, we lost 9-0 to Fawkner,” he said. “I approached the past president George Loulakis. and asked him if he could come back. “He stepped in and contributed financially on and off the field. “It put us in good steps for this year. The core group is back from last year and we added a few more players.” The majority of the players signed by Westvale this season are in the age group of 19 and 22 and had been playing at higher levels. Georgopoulos said the first key piece of the puzzle was goalkeeper Franco Saric and they were able to build from there. Westvale were set for a big test on Saturday against Sunbury United after deadline. Sunbury was in second spot, seven points

behind Westvale heading into the match. “If we lose to Sunbury, it brings us back,” he said. “Fawkner won last round and have won six in a row and are also seven points behind as well. “If we lose, it’s a four point gap and the pressure is back on us. We need to get going.” Having exceeded early expectations, Georgopoulos said they were now focused on continuing their run and going for promotion. “In George’s mind he wants us to win a championships,” he said. “He’s been in and out of the president’s role the last 10 years and been at the club 40 years. “Under him the club has been promoted, but never won a championship. We’re now in a good position, but there’s a lot of work to be done.” Tara Murray

Thunder’s close losses

26 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 June, 2022

Sports shorts Nike F.C Cup Caroline Springs George Cross’ dream run in the knockout Nike F.C Cup came to an end on Wednesday night. The only state league team left in the last eight, the Georgies faced National Premier League Women’s powerhouse South Melbourne for a spot in the semi finals. The score would be 9-0 at half time and 15-0 at the final whistle, despite the brave efforts for the Georgies. Calder United, which has won the previous four titles, won through to the semi finals the week before with a 5-0 win.

By Tara Murray It’s a case of close, but not close enough for the Keilor Thunder in the National Basketball League 1 South competition. The Thunder had won just one match this season so far after the weekend’s matches, but had an averaging losing margin of just five points, showing how close they are. Thunder coach Liam Glascott said it had been one of those seasons so far. He said lack of experience at this level was showing through. “We just can’t get over the line,” he said. “Once the boys see they can get a win and they are capable of doing it, they will be fine. “We’re a new team and have not played at this level. We’ve got 14 or 15 players who have rolled through, but only three had played at this level before. “It’s a small portion and we don’t have that experience down the stretch.” Glascott said it was frustrating for the players and the coaches that they haven’t been able to turn them into wins. He said the key was not only to have composure in the final minutes, but play their basketball for the full 40 minutes. “We have little patches where we don’t play the brand we are after,” he said. “We are very capable. “When the opposition takes the lead in the last quarter, it’s hard to get it back. It’s that inexperienced stuff at this level.” Glascott said injuries hadn’t helped the side either. Melbourne United development player Triplett, a Keilor junior, broke his hand in the Mt Gambier game and will miss most of the season. Glascott said Triplett was one player who had that extra experience. “Zac was one guy that could have got us over the line,” he said. “He hurt his hand and played out the game as he didn’t realise he had hurt it until the next day. “He’s had surgery already.” Abiola Akintola and Carlo Camp are both out with ankle injuries. Akintola hurt his ankle during a pre-season tournament and rushed back too quickly. Scans later showed ligament damage and bone bruising. After hurting one ankle during the pre-season, Camp hurt his other one but is expected after the Queen’s Birthday break. Glascott said it was a chance for the younger players and those who had been the club’s Big V program to get more experience. With the injuries, the Thunder has looked to add another bigger body in Jake Martin. Glascott said that it would take a little bit for

Damian Rastocic and Joel Charles contest the ball. (Joe Mastroianni) 283635_07

EDFL Keilor Park moved back to the top of the table with a win against Hadfield in Essendon District Football League division 2. The inform Devils could have had the game over with at half time if not for poor kicking. Their accuracy was better in the second half, as they ran away with a 17.17 (119)-9.6 (60) win. Rhys Deacon kicked five goals. Burnside Heights and Taylors Lakes suffered losses to Oak Park and Coburg Districts respectively. In premier division, Keilor beat Pascoe Vale.

WRFL Deer Park proved too strong for Spotswood in Western Region Football League division 1 on Saturday. The inaccurate Lions took control of the game in the second half, winning 8.15 (63)-3.8 (26). Kier Bol was named the Lions best. In other matches, Caroline Springs remains unbeaten after accounting for Hoppers Crossing, Sunshine lost to Point Cook, while St Albans fell short against Werribee Districts.

NB1 Keilor Thunder broke through for its second win of the National Basketball League 1 South season. After losing a number of close ones, the Thunder were in a fight for the win until the final siren against the Melbourne Tigers. A 19-15 final quarter sealed the 66-62 win for the Thunder. Tyler Kidd in action for Keilor Thunder.

(Supplied)

Martin to get up to speed. “Jake and Hume [City Broncos] parted ways,” he said. “I knew him from previous years. “With a few more weeks of training, we think he’ll step into a good role.” The Thunder were due to face Melbourne

Tigers on Saturday night, after deadline. Glascott said before the match, they were hoping to get back on the winners list. The Thunder’s women’s team that had won three of its last four games, was also due to face the Thunder.

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

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