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‘Blessed’ by OAM honour By Matthew Sims Having lived in Australia for 30 years, Sydenham resident Yasseen Musa has been an integral support for African communities across the north-western suburbs of Melbourne. He has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division (OAM) as part of this year’s Australia Day honours list. Mr Musa said he was “blessed” and “very happy” to receive the honour. “I am very proud as an African who is involved to mediate between my people and the government,” he said. A member of the Jeberti people within the Eastern African country of Eritrea, Mr Musa said when he came to Australia three decades ago, there was a limited number of Eritrean immigrants and a limited amount of support for the broader African communities.

‘‘

We have to get them help to settle smoothly. They have very positive ideas - Yasseen Musa

’’

He said he quickly discovered a need to volunteer to create support for those in need, particularly young African individuals. “There was a big problem with the youth,” Mr Musa said. “We have to get them help to settle smoothly. “They have very positive ideas.” Coming to Australia with limited knowledge of work opportunities, Mr Musa started working as a welder and then started work as a driving instructor and created his own driving school business 20 years ago. “We come to Australia with no English at all,” he said. Mr Musa has since become a board member and assistant treasurer at the Footscray-based African-Australian support organisation Africause, as well as a volunteer for the group’s Flemington homework club. He has also been involved with volunteer work within the Australian Football League (AFL), including as a North Melbourne Football Club’s multicultural community ambassador in 2020, a key volunteer involved in the creation of the Team Africa AFL team

Sydenham resident Yasseen Musa celebrated being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia with his daughter Kafiana, 14.

and a member of the Multicultural Australian Football League Committee. Mr Musa said he was also proud of his volunteer work as part of the reaction to the lockdown of North Melbourne and Flemington public housing towers on July 4, 2020. “They blocked all the roads and everything,” he said.

“We started to communicate with the police.” Mr Musa said his work involved communicating what the residents needed, including culturally-appropriate food, to police and other authorities. “The government brought a lot of food, but they were not going to eat them,” he said. Mr Musa said the work he has supported

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had made a “big difference” on the lives of African-Australian citizens. “In Africa, there is always talk of war,” he said. “This is heaven. “We are lucky here.”

■

More Australia Day honours: Page 5.

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Specials available Wednesday 01/02/23 until Tuesday 07/02/23 or while stocks last. Pictures used for illustration purposes only. While stocks last. Retail quantities only. No trade supplied. All prices include GST where applicable. Some products or varieties may not be available at all stores. IGA Liquor supports the responsible service of alcohol. Tobacco and alcohol not sold to under 18’s. We reserve the right to correct printing errors. 12588140-JC05-23

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Know the COLOURS

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TAKE THE ACTIONS TO SURVIVE

Across Australia, the Fire Danger Rating system has changed. Using real-time scientific data, it now gives you a more accurate rating of the risk level if a fire was to start in your area. Each colour represents the actions you need to take to stay safe. If it’s orange, the fire risk is Extreme, so you need to take action now and be ready to go. The safest option is to leave early.

Plan. Act. Survive. For more information on the new simpler and smarter Fire Danger Ratings, search Fire Danger Ratings. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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NEWS

Grants help groups thrive

Charlie Desira OAM. (Damjan Janevski) 316808_02

Two honoured by OAMs Carmelo “Charlie” Desira has been volunteering up to 30 hours a week delivering hampers and collecting, sorting and handing out food at the Loaves and Fishes food bank in St Albans for the past 23 years. In recognition of his unfailing dedication to the community, Mr Desira was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in this year’s Australia Day honours list. Also honoured was fellow St Albans resident, Valentina Brjozovkia, who received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her services to the Russian community. Mr Desira, 78, began volunteering after

being approached by a priest at Holy Eucharist Catholic Church in St Albans, who asked him to open a food bank for refugees and the underprivileged. “I wanted to help. In the 1990s while working in Melbourne’s CBD, I would talk to homeless people and vowed to try and help them one day. This was a way for me to help those in need,” Mr Desira explained. Every Friday Mr Desira and other volunteers give out hundreds of food parcels to those in the community most in need. “We started out in 2000 collecting food donations for refugees who had just arrived

here, but as time went on we realized that it wasn’t just those who were new to Australia who were struggling. A lot of people in the community were in need,” he added. “The foodbank grew over time, and now we provide hundreds of food donations every week. People can collect them or we can get them delivered to them. Eighty per cent of the food we as volunteers provide ourselves and the rest is very generously donated by the Salvation Army. We hope as time goes on it will continue to grow. It’s a gift doing this volunteer work. I thank God that he gave me this opportunity to do it.”

Concern Australia is one of this year’s recipients of Greater Western Water’s ’Thriving Communities’ grants It were one sixteen local groups awarded funding of between $5,000 and $20,000 to help their projects become a reality. Concern Australia is a non-for-profit organisation located in Sunshine Westhey which works with vulnerable young people, aged 5-25 years, creating opportunities for them to enjoy full and meaningful lives in the community. “This funding will support our work in assisting young people in disadvantaged communities to obtain employment,” said Holly? Ambrosino who works at Concern Australia. “It will also enhance our support of multicultural, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people; and allow us to develop a water sustainability strategy to reduce our environmental impact.” she added. Greater Western Water (GWW) awarded over $125,000 to community organisations through its inaugural Thriving Communities grants and sponsorship program this month. General Manager Strategy & Partnerships for GWW, Kessia Thomson said it was fantastic to see locally led projects creating opportunities to increase participation in community life. “We received many outstanding applications for projects across our area, all with the purpose of inspiring and connecting people to community or Country,” she said.

Changed traffic conditions at the M80 interchange From February 2023

West Gate Freeway N

Changes to how you get to Princes Freeway and M80 Ring Road As we continue to build new ramps and re-build lanes along the West Gate Freeway and at the M80 interchange, we need to move traffic onto the new ramps and make room for ongoing works. So, from Monday 13 February, the way you get to the Princes Freeway and M80 Ring Road will change.

Geelong-bound You’ll need to make sure you’re in the left-hand lanes to use the new ramp and continue on through to Princes Freeway, instead of the right-hand lanes.

Ballarat/ Greensborough-bound You’ll need to be in the right-hand lanes to get onto the Ring Road, instead of the left-hand lanes.

Other works during this time In preparation for this change, we’ll need weekend closures for two of the interchange’s ramps in advance. Detours will be in place, but plan ahead before your journey.

PRINCES FWY

M80

To Geelong

To Ballarat

GRIEVE PARADE

Learn more about these changes and check for disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/lanechanges Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

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What to expect

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 5

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Greg Lynn to stand trial

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By Karen Sweeney, AAP Former Caroline Springs airline pilot Greg Lynn has been ordered to stand trial for the murders of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay at a remote campsite in Victoria’s alpine region. Lynn replied “not guilty Your Honour” when asked by magistrate Brett Sonnet on Wednesday 25 January how he pleaded to the two charges of murder. The order that he stand trial follows days of evidence about covert recordings, blood spatter analysis, phone data and a secret but potentially explosive police interview. Lynn was charged in November 2021 with murdering the campers, whose missing persons case became one of Australia’s most high-profile crime stories in March 2020. It’s alleged Lynn, 56, killed the couple on March 20 that year, while they all camped in the remote Wonnangatta area of Victoria’s alpine region. How he allegedly killed them or what the motive was have not been revealed in a hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court where prosecutors and Lynn’s defence team have tested the e vidence against him. Lead investigator, Detective Sergeant Brett Florence was the final witness in a committal hearing on Wednesday afternoon. He revealed there was at least one other person of interest when Lynn was first spoken to by police in mid-2020. Det Florence said officers had concerns about Lynn’s mental health on the morning of his arrest, at a campsite at Arbuckle Junction in the high plains, but rejected a suggestion by Lynn’s barrister, Dermot Dann KC, that the pilot had been at “mental breaking point”. The officer also admitted that despite those concerns early in the day they did not seek a

Greg Lynn will stand trail for murder. (AAP)

physical or mental health examination of Lynn after his arrest. Following Lynn’s arrest he was formally interviewed by Det Florence and another officer over four days. Details of what was said during that interview, as well as in a conversation with police on July 14, 2020 and a formal statement he made that day have been suppressed after a successful application by Mr Dann. He said the contents of those pieces of evidence could be viewed as potentially explosive and argued they posed a real and substantial risk of prejudice to the administration of justice. Among the details aired over a four-day committal hearing were allegations Lynn killed Mr Hill and Ms Clay - childhood sweethearts who reunited later in life sometime after 6pm on March 20 at their Bucks Camp campsite. In a summary of some of the evidence, police claimed the circumstances of the couple’s

deaths and Lynn’s behaviour afterwards were consistent with him having intended to kill them, or at least cause really serious injury. It’s alleged Lynn contaminated and staged the crime scene - setting fire to the camp to intentionally destroy evidence. He’s also accused of removing evidence and disposing of the couple’s remains, involving burning, dispersing and partially interring them at a separate location near Dargo in May 2020 and/or November 2020. Listening devi ces were installed in Lynn’s Caroline Springs home and car, and he was allegedly recorded having conversations with himself about the deaths of Mr Hill and Ms Clay. Lynn was formally charged with murder on November 25, 2021. The couple’s remains were located four days later. He has not applied for bail and will remain in custody until a directions hearing in the Victorian Supreme Court in March.

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

(Damjan Janevski) 226450_01

Back to school

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

Volunteer Grace Lococo holding items of stationery and a CAS calculator.

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

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

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

probed: Page 3

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

(The West Welcome Wagon)

Tara Murray

Helping students learn School essentials will be delivered to 400 households across the west, thanks to West Welcome Wagon. The Sunshine-based not-for-profit group collected the items as part of its education drive. West Welcome Wagon chairperson Chris Scerri said the group would deliver almost 200 uniform vouchers and 540 backpacks this year. “We have had teams of workplace volunteers work throughout the year to pack resources ready to be delivered (mostly) with our Christmas drive to prevent double handling,”

Mr Scerri said. “All items collected were delivered directly to clients homes by volunteers, in time for the new school year. “It is great to see the families that we support. “We are hearing about the cost of living increases and this time of the year places a heavy burden on families. “We hope that with our assistance, the children of our clients will arrive at school prepared and ready to learn.” Jordan Doherty

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AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS

Professor Wijeratne honoured By Tara Murray

‘‘

Hopefully we can keep doing good things in the west

’’

- Professor Tissa Wijeratne

(Supplied)

Western Health professor Tissa Wijeratne thought someone was playing a joke on him when he was told that he had been awarded a medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Having only moved to Australia in 2005 from Sri Lanka, via New Zealand, Professor Wijeratne thought there were much more deserving people to be awarded the medal. The mountain of work he had done was recognised as he was awarded the medal for service to medicine as a neurologist. “I still can’t believe it, it has come as a complete surprise,” he said. “When I got the phone call I thought it was a prank call and I was not really expecting anything. “I told them to send me the email and I would check that. I told my register it was most likely a prank and thought nothing of it. “I’m very humbled and satisfied with it. Hopefully we can keep doing good things in the west.” Professor Wijeratne has done a lot in his short time in Australia. He’s been a neurology and clinical associate professor in Mmedicine at Western Health Clinical School since 2013 and been the director of the department of neurology and stroke services neuroscience research unit at the hospital since 2006. Among his other roles, he’s the chair of the global police and advocacy committee, former president of the Asia Pacific ssociation of Young Neurologist and Trainees, chair of the World Federation of Neurorehabilitation special interest group for headaches and migraines and founding member of the Australian and New Zealand Headache Society. He set up a National Migraine Foundation in Keilor East.

While Professor Wijeratne has made his mark in the medical world, it nearly didn’t happen. A job in journalism once beckoned as unrest in Sri Lankan meant that he couldn’t attend medical school. Then came the decision, to stay with journalism or study medicine and start a new career. “In 1989 the youth movement was crushed,” he said. “I could choose to live as a journalist or get back into medicine. “I felt that it was more cut throat in

journalism. I saw there was a gap in the medical industry and I decided to combine the two. Professor Wijeratne is the author of more than 200 peer reviewed publications and published more than 3000 media segments as a medical journalist. He met his wife when she was studying in Sri Lankan and he eventually made the decision to move out to New Zealand. While he questioned his decision, due to having to retrain, he stuck with it and moved to Australia. Western Health has been home even since,

with Professor Wijeratne saying he couldn’t have done what he has if he was elsewhere. “Melbourne’s west is a magic place,” he said. “Western Health is unique and has 166 languages that we cater for. I really enjoy being able to help those from diverse backgrounds. “I’ve had the opportunity to do research during stroke, headaches, and multiple sclerosis. Western Health has given me the opportunity to be good at multiple things. “I don’t think I would work in with any other organisation. Western Health has given me so much.”

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line, building the Metro Tunnel and widening the West Gate Freeway. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Sunbury Line

8.30pm 3 Feb to last train 5 Feb

North Melbourne to Sunbury

8.30pm 8 Feb to last train 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Sunshine

Williamstown Line

8.05pm 8 Feb to last train 9 Feb 8.30pm 10 Feb to last train 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Williamstown

Werribee Line

8pm to last train, 8 Feb and 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Werribee

8.30pm to last train, 9 Feb 8.30pm 10 Feb to 8pm 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Newport

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps West Gate Freeway

Until 5am 27 Feb

One outbound lane at Williamstown Road

Williamstown Road

Until 5am 27 Feb

Outbound entry ramp to the West Gate Freeway

Footscray Road, West Melbourne

Until early Apr

Eastbound from Dock Link Road to Appleton Dock Road

Tilburn Road, Deer Park

6.30pm to 6am each night, 30 Jan to 13 Feb

Between Station Road/ Mt Derrimut Road and Fitzgerald Road

6am to 6.30pm each day, 30 Jan to 13 Feb

Lane closed at Station Road and Mt Derrimut Road intersection

6pm to 6am each night, 30 Jan to 13 Feb

Eastbound Deer Park Station/ Tilburn Road bus stop closed

2216

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

2216

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au 12581356-MS05-23

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 7

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Brimbank’s finest recognised Local business owner Poonam Singh, who is dedicated to supporting and empowering local women, has been named the Brimbank citizen of the year. Twelve months after being a finalist in the award, Ms Singh was announced the winner on Thursday at Brimbank council’s award ceremony. The council recognised Ms Singh as citizen of the year and Kayla Parker as the young citizen of the year. The awards recognise the exceptional contributions, hard work, and determination of individuals making a positive difference within Brimbank. As a respected community leader, Poonam is dedicated to supporting and empowering local women while breaking down gender barriers as a bus driver. “Poonam is an inspiring leader for the local Indian community who prioritises others and is ever eager to assist, motivate and support others,” the council said in announcing the winners. “She is held in high regard amongst women in Brimbank for the work she does with her own organisation and others in Brimbank. “Despite her busy schedule, Poonam continues to lead a non-profit group that helps local women, in particular migrant women. “She is the founder and director of Women of Brimbank, a non-profit organisation with over 50 members. “She also lends support to numerous other organisations in Brimbank, including Kororoit Creek, SCATS, and Polish clubs.” Ms Singh has also provided safe spaces for women, taught skills to women from Third-world nations, and assisted victims of domestic violence.

Ms Singh shares her community spirit with her daughter Devika Chaudhary, who was Brimbank young citizen of the year in 2022. Ms Parker is involved with St John Ambulance, the Western Bulldogs’ leadership program and her local school community. She suffers from a rare form of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and has spent many years raising awareness about the disorder. “Kayla is confident, compassionate, and always willing to stand up for the underdog,” the council said in announcing the award. “She is determined to make the world a better place and is willing to put herself out there to help others. “After completing her 200 voluntary service hours with St John Ambulance, Kayla was recently promoted to senior leader. “She also teaches younger cadets all about their role and first aid. “She has helped set up many programs aimed at the local youth community to promote student wellbeing, equality and provide a safe platform for students to raise issues with the school staff.“ Ms Parker has also been involved in the Brimbank council youth leadership program over the past few years. Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire congratulated both award winners. “Council is pleased to publicly acknowledge the people who make a valuable and selfless contribution to our community. “These awards are an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the individuals working tirelessly to make Brimbank a wonderful place to live, work in and visit.” The awards ceremony was also a special occasion for 200 residents who became Australian citizens.

Young Citizen of the Year Kayla Parker, Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire, and Citizen of the Year Poonam Singh. (Supplied)

Melton welcomes 200 new citizens on Aust Day On January 26, Melton City Council hosted a special citizenship ceremony and recognised the winners of the 2022 Community Achievement Awards at The Willows Historical Park. Around 200 people were sworn in as new citizens, with a sausage sizzle and live entertainment by Alexi Cola Duo. Koti Ivaturi said it “felt great” to be sworn in as an Australian citizen at the event. “It’s been about 4 years waiting for this day so I’m really glad it’s happened. It’s on a beautiful day as well… nothing beats being in person here in front of everybody celebrating with friends,“ he said. Four community achievers were recognised on the day. Daphrose Tuyisabe was awarded Intercultural Engagement Leader of the Year, John McVie received Disability, Access and Inclusion Leader of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year went to Shilpa Kumar and Les Chitts was named Melton’s Citizen of the Year. Over the 43 years he’s spent in Melton Mr Chitts has been involved in more than a dozen charities and community groups, and has given enormously to ensure that Melton is inclusive and accessible for people living with disability. He said he felt “very privileged” to receive the award. “You don’t do these sort of things to be recognised, you just do it because you’re helping people, and that’s what I’ve always done,” he said. “I feel very privileged to be able to help people at my stage in life, and to be recognised for it I’m truly gobsmacked, and I’m proud to be a Meltonian.” Federal Hawke MP Sam Rae said it was an “honour” to attend the event. “Melton is one of the most diverse communities in Australia and it’s such an honour to be here today to welcome so many new Australians as we also celebrate our great country,” he said.

Melton City Council’s January 26 special citizenship ceremony. Top right: Melton MP Steve McGhie, Cr Steve Abboushi, Cr Kathy Majdlik, mayor Lara Carli, deputy mayor Julie Shannon, Cr Sophie Ramsey, MP Sam Rae, and Cr Bob Turner. Bottom left: New citizens Koti Ivaturi and Ramya Kandregula. Far right: Citizen of the Year Les Chitts. (Pictures: Liam McNally and supplied) 317280

Melton MP Steve McGhie said it was a lovely to see the “multiculturalism of Melton” out on a “beautiful day”.

8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

“Obviously, Australia Day is not a day of celebration for all and we have to respect and recognise that, but for the new citizens I wish

them well and I thank them for coming to the melton electorate,” he said. Liam McNally

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

O’Reilly joins Brimbank council Thomas O’Reilly is Brimbank council’s newest councillor after being elected last week. The Victorian Electoral Commission conducted a countback to fill a vacancy after former councillor Trung Luu was successful in being elected to the state parliament upper house at last November’s election. “Thomas O’Reilly has been elected as a councillor for Harvester Ward within Brimbank City Council, after the Victorian Electoral Commission conducted a countback of votes at 10 am on Monday 23 January,” the VEC said in a statement. “Only those candidates who were unsuccessful at the general election and who were still eligible to be elected were included in

the countback process.” Cr O’Reilly, a life long Brimbank resident, stood on a platform of people, places and communities, environment and sustainability, and infrastructure and services for the last council election in 2020. “I’m a passionate volunteer, educator and have served as a Brimbank youth councillor, where I have collaborated with like minded people to promote initiatives around mental health and sustainability,” he said leading up to the last council election. “I’m standing for council because I want to play a part in creating a future that people are going to enjoy living in. “I want to see an inclusive and transparent

council that is community first; valuing amenities, services, sustainable developments and more open green spaces.” “I will advocate to upgrade our parks and trails with new equipment; and promote safety through extra CCTV and lighting.” Cr O’Reilly said he wanted to increase the amount of green spaces in the community and push for sustainable developments. Cr O’Reilly will serve on council until late 2024 when the next council elections are held.

Thomas O’Reilly is Brimbank’s newest councillor. (Supplied)

Our summer of tennis The Caroline Springs Tennis Centre has been serving up a series of events this tennis season as a part of the Caroline Springs Summer of Tennis. The centre has held a number of tournaments at the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre over summer for more experienced players, but most recently, the courts were open to the community for a day of fun and skill development on Monday, January 23. The summer of tennis coincides with the Australian Open to get people involved on a community level while they’re watching games on the big screen. Coaches from the Caroline Springs Tennis Club hosted two free tennis workshops on the day, a 10am session for kids aged eight to 11, and an 11am session for teenagers aged 12 to 16, followed by a free sausage sizzle.

The aim of the sessions was to get kids on the courts to learn some basic tennis skills, providing a pathway to the club for future play. More experienced young people also had the chance to hone their developing skill sets. Melton Council Facilities Activation & Engagement Officer Catrice Lumley said the booked-out event was a big success. “It was a really great day - great turnout, great weather, great fun,” she said. “We had a barbeque afterwards which was really nice for all the kids and parents to sit and refuel.” Anyone interested in learning more about Caroline Springs Summer of Tennis is encouraged to contact the Caroline Springs Leisure Centre. Details: 9747 5327 or leisurecentreprograms@melton.vic.gov.au.

Giana, 7. (Damjan Janevski) 316479_02

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 9

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

31 January 2023

Mayor’s message Cr Lara Carli

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

Last week Council made a submission to the upcoming Federal Budget showing what we need in our city to attract more local jobs and build skills in our community. We’re asking for support on projects that will help create jobs and provide higher education such as building a local freight terminal and delivering a local TAFE and university, as well as better connecting people to new and existing employment and education by electrifying and upgrading the rail network, upgrading the Western Highway, and delivering the Outer Metropolitan Road and Rail Link. We’ll share details with you once we know more about any Federal Budget outcomes for the City of Melton. Right now, we’re constructing park upgrades across our city with play equipment, picnic facilities, seating, shaded areas and barbecues. I’m pleased to tell you that two of the projects, Centenary Park in Kurunjang and Banchory Green in Hillside have begun and are expected to be complete by May. The Victorian Electoral Commission held a countback last week to declare a new Councillor following Moira Deeming’s departure from Council. I’d like to welcome Justine Farrugia to Council after she was declared the successful candidate by the Victorian Electoral Commission. Justine joins us at an exciting time as Council plans for our city’s future and I’m pleased that she has accepted the opportunity to represent our community. Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au or visit my Facebook page at: facebook.com/Cr.LaraCarli

Have your say

Caroline Springs CCTV Have you seen the security cameras at Lake Caroline Reserve? Council is assessing the effectiveness of closed-circuit television security cameras - also known as CCTV – installed at Lake Caroline Reserve in 2021 and we want your feedback.

when they visit Lake Caroline after the first year of the trial. Those who complete the survey can go into the draw to win one of three $50 Coles/Myer gift vouchers!

By completing a short survey, you will help us understand how residents feel You can complete the survey at: conversations.melton.vic.gov.au/cctvsurvey

Keep up to date with roadworks and closures in your area Did you know that you can look up roadworks and road closures in your area to help plan your travel around the City of Melton? Whether it’s closures due to planned works or weather conditions like

flooding, we have a map that shows the location of works that may cause delays. You can also see a list of roads that are closed or recently reopened. Visit our website at melton.vic.gov.au/roadworks

New Hillside park – works underway! Works have just begun on Banchory Green in Hillside with groundwork for an upgraded play and recreation space underway. After asking the community what you wanted for this outdoor space, a design was created and is now becoming a reality. We’ll install fun new play equipment, upgraded picnic facilities and barbecues, shaded areas and seating, as well as new footpaths and beautiful garden beds and trees. Excavation works have been completed and we’re now working on the footpaths. We expect works will be complete by May this year.

Coburn Ward with Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg I’d like to wish all our residents a very Happy New Year! With the challenges of 2022 behind us, I wish everyone good health, wealth and success in 2023. This week, students return to school and I would like to welcome all the preppies commencing this year. I’d also like to congratulate last year’s year 12 students and wish them good luck for the future. This can be a daunting time, so please reach out to your community for support. We’re here for you. For parents, teachers, and students, I hope the next 12 months are more

productive and successful than ever, and that everyone can thrive in our community.

mowing progress, as well as make a report at melton.vic.gov.au/ parksandreservesmaintenance

Council takes the wellbeing of our residents seriously and we want to ensure the new school year is enjoyable for everyone. So, please remember to take care on our roads, particularly around schools and kindergartens where we’ll be seeing increased traffic and pedestrian activity.

Finally, the next meeting of Council will take place on Monday 27 February in Council Chambers, Melton. Interested residents can attend in person or join the livestream on the night. Visit melton.vic.gov.au for more details.

Long grass and mowing requirements continue to be a priority for Council. With improved conditions, our team is working hard to get our city clean and accessible. You can find updates of

Feel free to contact me regarding Coburn Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 183; email: ashleigh.vandenberg@ melton.vic.gov.au or like my Facebook page @crvandenberg

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

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all 12587288-MS05-23

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Meet Melton’s newest councillor By Liam McNally Justine Farrugia will be City of Melton’s newest councillor after the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) announced the results of the countback following Moira Deeming’s departure from council. Ms Deeming was elected to the Watts ward at Melton’s 2020 council election, and in December 2022 was elected to Victorian Parliament as a member of the Legislative Council for Western Metropolitan Region for the Liberal Party. Her departure resulted in an extraordinary

vacancy in Melton council, requiring a VEC countback of the 2020 election results. Ms Farrugia was declared the successful candidate on Monday January 23 following the countback. She will be officially sworn in as a councillor representing the Watts ward at a date yet to be disclosed by council. Councillor-elect Justine Farrugia said she is “delighted” to be elected councillor for Melton City Council. “I look forward to working with my fellow councillors and officers to deliver for our community,” she said. “My priorities

this term are delivering safer streets, better infrastructure, and more services for our growing population, and I’m excited to work with a team all laser focused on delivering this.” Melton mayor Lara Carli said council is pleased Ms Farrugia has “accepted the opportunity to represent our community and specifically residents in Watts Ward.” “Justine joins us at an exciting time as council plans for our city’s future,” she said. “We welcome Justine to council and look forward to working together for our community.”

Justine Farrugia is Melton’s newest councillor following the departure of Moira Deeming. (Supplied)

A festival for I, You and Us For kids, there will be popcorn, fairy-floss and slushies flavoured with middle-eastern Juddo’s Juice. HMDC is a non-for-profit organisation that since 2019 has aimed to elevate and support migrant communities in Melton with the vision to empower a sense of social responsibility in the community. Ms Rahayu said the bazaar is designed to be “a fun way of introducing and sharing our cultures with other people”. “I would really love for everyone to come and meet up with people, meet up with neighbours, whether you are a Muslim or non-Muslim, any religion,” she said. “If this takes off well, we want to do it on a yearly basis and with more cultures and more religions involved together with us.” The event will be held on February 4. Liam McNally

I, You and Us organisers Abdul Aziz Manan, Fadilah Oyhman, Rahayu Johan, Shahruddin Alwi, Andit Budiman, Haji Mohamad Rashid and Suhana Salim. (Damjan Janevski) 315975_01

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A multicultural bazaar showcasing international food, clothing and art, will be held at the Melton Community Centre next month. Organised by Human and Moral Development Centre (HMDC), the bazaar, called I, You and Us, will be a platform for Melton residents to learn more about the multicultural Muslim community living in the municipality, according to event co-ordinator Rahayu Johan. “We may share the same religion but each of us have our own cultures that will be shared either through food, clothes, art, games and activities” she said. “All residents in the City of Melton are welcome to join.” Visitors to the I, You and Us festival will be able to sample food from Malaysia, sweets from Indonesia, clothes from Somalia, Sri Lankan Henna, and much more.

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘Life changing’ rare diagnosis More than 7000 rare diseases are currently known by experts worldwide. Fatima Halloum hears the challenges faced by sufferers, their families and professionals whose lives are affected by a rare disease. Ornithine Transcarbamylase Deficiency

Elliott was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome when he was 14 months old.

Wyndham councillor Adele Hegedich wants people to know that for all intents and purposes, her family was completely normal before their lives were turned upside down ten years ago. “Rare disease can affect anyone at any time. That’s what happened to us,” she said. “We didn’t discover it until 2012, when my brother Eduardo had a hyperammonemic episode. As a result of that we were all genetically tested and that’s how we discovered mum and my sister also have it.” Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency affects the liver’s ability to create the enzymes that remove ammonia, more commonly known as waste, resulting in high levels of ammonia remaining in the body. “It’s something that they were all born with but they were what is known as adult late onset,” Adele explained. Because Adele’s family were unaware they carried the illness, doctors initially believed her brother’s episode was drug induced, and by the time he had been diagnosed, the elevated levels of ammonia had caused irreparable damage to his brain.

(Damjan Janevski) 266764_02

‘

Sometimes I think there’s a stigma attached, they’re not bad things, they’re just things we need to understand

’

said. “I came across someone who’s just joined our group and they were forty years old when they found out and he had a lot of questions. He had to rethink everythin that he did.”

- Adele Hegedich

“It was almost four days before they were able to diagnose it and by then the damage had already been done,” she said. “Had we known that my brother was having a hyperammonemic episode, the doctors would have intervened earlier with medication. “As a result of his episode, he suffered a severe brain injury. He requires 24/7 care, and lives in specialist disability accommodation.” Adele says that one of the difficulties of the disorder, is how differently it can present between people who have the disease. “In my brother’s case he was very hyperactive, in my sister’s case, she suffered migraines and low mood, and mum, she’s got no symptoms,” Adele said. “People we’ve spoken to are in the same boat, they’ve only discovered it because one person had an episode and the rest of the family had been tested. “Unfortunately it’s the worst case scenario before people know that they have it.” Adele and her father were not found to carry the disorder, but she says she definitely believes that they have a responsibility to raise awareness about the life-changing disease. “Sometimes I think there’s a stigma attached, they’re not bad things, they’re just things we need to understand. It’s making it okay to talk about it rather than there being this negative stigma because it can happen to anyone at any time,” she said. Adele’s mother, Nancy, said that as a parent, she feels guilty about what her children have endured. “At 24 when he got diagnosed, he had a life ahead of him that was exceptional, now his life is changed,” Nancy said of her son. Nancy said she hopes people don’t feel frightened, but need to be made aware of the disorder. “I’ve been to so many doctors and said ‘my son has OTC’ and they look at me like I’ve come from space because they have no idea what they’re dealing with,” Nancy said. “There are rare diseases, and people just living in our community have got them.”

Angelman Syndrome

Left: Adele Hegedich’s family has been devastated by OTC. Her sister Leonora and brother Eduardo De Crescenzo are sufferers. Right: Catherine Kruljac spent much of her childhood in and out of hospital receiving treatment for Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia. (Damjan Janevski) 300521

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Most 11-year-olds wouldn’t know what Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia is, but when little Catherine Kruljac found out she had it, the Sunbury resident wasn’t surprised. The now 53-year-old had spent so much of her childhood in and out of hospital, the foreign-sounding words doctors often used were familiar to Catherine. “I had recurrent chest infections and I had half a lung removed when I was four,” she said. “It was constant exacerbations and having a cough, coughing up phlegm, which just sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? “I knew it was something I was going to have for the rest of my life.” Despite needing physiotherapy twice a day, requiring the use of a nebuliser to bring up all the phlegm and mucus that Catherine’s lungs couldn’t naturally filter, she still works full time. “People just think you’re normal, when you do cough people might think you’ve got a really bad cold, or you’ve got COVID so

12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

people give you odd looks,” she said. “You have to explain to them, ‘I’m not infectious, you can’t catch what I’ve got’, not unless genetics can fly out and hit people in the face.” Ten years ago, during a stay in hospital, Catherine decided she wasn’t seeing the services that herself and other PCD sufferers needed and she became a founding member of PCD Australia. “I just wanted to have something that people could go to once they’re diagnosed, they know that there are other people out there going through the same thing as them, and they’re not having to walk that path alone,” she said. “It might not make it any easier, but at least they know they can check in with people or ask somebody something.” Catherine also hopes to help spread the word about PCD not only amongst the broader community, but medical professionals too. “There are a lot of people that haven’t been diagnosed that are walking around with a condition that some GPs are not aware of,” she

Six year-old Elliott is a cheeky, loving boy according to his mother, Chrissy Cimino. Even as a baby she said Elliott was very smiley and easy-going. “He was known to be the perfect baby. Everyone used to say ‘look how much he smiles’,” the Wollert mum said. “Aren’t babies meant to cry though?” By about six months of age, Chrissy said Elliott hadn’t hit his typical milestones. He couldn’t sit up and wasn’t able to hold himself up very well. “That’s when we started to ask questions. We took him to a paediatrician, who said he was fine he was just a ‘happy baby’ but by that time, he was ten months old and still not looking like other kids in my mother’s groups,” she said. “We did our own research and stumbled across Angelman Syndrome Association Australia which is the big major support and advocacy group. We watched the information video and we went ‘Oh my goodness, Elliot has Angelman Syndrome.” Elliott is missing a little part of his chromosome 15, which leaves him, and others with Angelman, with physical and intellectual issues, as well as severe epilepsy. People with the syndrome are also known to have a happy demeanour. “When he starts giggling, he’s makes you smile, he wins people over pretty quickly,” Chrissy said. “He helps you enjoy the finer things in life.” Chrissy hopes to normalise Angelman, so that it can be diagnosed more quickly in other children in the future. “It’s all about increasing awareness in the medical field. We were at the child and maternal health nurse quite frequently and they just didn’t know,” she said. “And listening to the parent’s concern, the mother’s gut is a strong thing. When we say ‘There’s something going on with my child’ to take it seriously.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

‘‘

You’re being told there’s nothing wrong with you, of course you think you’re going crazy. How can you diagnose this thing? You can’t see it

Elliott now goes to Glenroy Specialist School, he does occupational therapy and physical therapy and visits the children’s hospital often because of his complex severe epilepsy. “I feel as though the community has a long way to go when it comes to inclusion, it’s the simple things of accessibility,” she said. “Elliott’s now in a wheelchair, we’ve had it since October and I didn’t realise how out of my way I need to go. “The level of accessibility in our community is rather limited.”

Visual Snow Syndrome Joanne Fielding doesn’t have a rare disease herself, but much of the associate professor’s time has been dedicated to researching Visual Snow Syndrome. People with the disorder see static, similar to what you would see on an old TV, flickering tiny dots that fill an individual’s entire visual field. Through Joanne’s research, 200 people with Visual Snow Syndrome have been tested but she says researchers are still at the beginning of finding out what the disorder is exactly, and how it is caused. “We see an unusual pattern of responses in people with Visual Snow Syndrome, that you don’t see with anybody else, demonstrating definitively that the brain is abnormal in the sense that there’s a change in function,” she said. “It’s that filtering mechanism that’s broken in effect, so the brain isn’t getting rid of what you’re seeing.”

’’

- Joanne Fielding

Associate Professor Joanne Fielding. (Hynesite Photography)

Using a highly advanced 7T MRI scanner, Joanne and a team of researchers have found a signature, a tiny detail that differs between people with the disorder and people without it.

“It was simple changes. If I put up a suddenly appearing object in the visual field, somebody with visual snow responds to it more quickly, which is odd, considering that you’ve got snowy vision,” she said.

BEHIND THE NEWS

“If I’m asking you to not look at something popping up in your visual field, someone with visual snow has difficulty not looking at it.” Joanne says people with the disorder have varying levels of discomfort and anxiety about what they’re experiencing, which can be further worsened by a lack of awareness of the disorder by healthcare professionals. “Some people are very comfortable with it, they’ve had it all their lives and they have a curiosity, for other people it’s incredibly disabling,” she said. “You’re being told there’s nothing wrong with you, of course you think you’re going crazy. “How can you diagnose this thing? You can’t see it, you have a brain scan, you have your eyes tested, normal, normal, normal, so we’re looking for those very subtle changes. “There have been people that have said ‘this isn’t a thing, stop trying to scare people’ and that’s not what we’re trying to do, we’re trying to educate the medical community to say that if you see someone that’s reporting these symptoms, you reassure them that this is a thing.” As far as experts are aware, Visual Snow Syndrome won’t result in blindness, but “entirely crucial” funding needed to continue the research can be difficult to obtain. “It doesn’t progress, it doesn’t kill you, think about what we’re up against in terms of other diseases,” she said. Joanne says the team is always collecting data, and individuals who have the disorder can assist by completing surveys or participating in MRI studies run in Melbourne. Details: visual.snow@monash.edu

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Dykes on Bikes were out in force.

(Jacob Pattison) 317003_01

Taryne Fletcher and Nathan Perry were among the musical acts on show.

(Jacob Pattison) 317003_04

Pier-fect party marks Midsumma Seaworks in Williamstown was alive and awash with all colours of the rainbow on Saturday, January 28 as part of the Pier Festival. As part of the Midsumma Festival event, queer women, gender-diverse people and their friends came together to enjoy live music, burlesque shows, interactive queer art mural, entertainment, queer market stalls, food trucks, queer films. Star Weekly photographer Jacob Pattison stopped by to capture some of the fun.

Emily Hawkins and Xanthe Keaney.

(Jacob

Mel Kelly, Naomi Bartley, Shaunie B, T Rex, Dodger and Tee Kay from Dykes on Bikes.

(Jacob Pattison) 317003_02

Pattison) 317003_16

Amanda Cousins, Cory Richardson, Jake Cousins and DJ Melistik (Jacob Pattison) 317003_12

Fern from Aurum and Fern and August from Bad Jewellery.

Will from Glitch Kitty and Adidti from Lil Ditti’s. (Jacob Pattison) 317003_08

Adrienne Ringin and Cat Filer from Hook Turn Craft. (Jacob Pattison) 317003_09

(Jacob Pattison)

Jess and Netty from BrickNetty.

(Jacob Pattison) 317003_07

317003_05

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

Lily joining in on the festival mural. Pattison) 317003_14

(Jacob

Lisa and Steve Bishop.

(Jacob Pattison) 317003_17

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Meredith Thomas exhibition BAY is a selection of themed works from Port Phillip Bay. The larger studio works consider colour, surface reflection and depth in a more leisurely fashion, and are richer and more textural. The exhibition is on show at the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre from Friday, February 3 to Thursday, April 20. The exhibition launch will be from 6pm to 7.30pm on Friday, February 3. Light refreshments will be served. ■ artspaces@brimbank.vic.gov.au or 9249 4600

Chinese kite making Come and celebrate the Lunar New Year with a hands on program about the cultural significance of Chinese kite making. Sunshine Library from 4pm on Thursday, February 9. ■ 9249 4640

Sunshine Lunar New Year celebrations The SBA’s Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival will be a multicultural family-friendly day full of live entertainment, street food, roving street performers, children’s rides, face painting, circus activities, sporting fun, lion dancing, firecrackers and more. Proudly supported by Brimbank City Council. Hampshire Road, Sunshine. Sunday, February 12 from noon to 10pm. ■ www.sunshinebusiness.com.au/events/ sunshine-lunar-new-year-festival-2023/

Deer Park Lions Club Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. ■ Michael, 0417 307 572

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

St Albans senior citizens St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am to 1.30pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day. ■ Roma, 9338 3815

Brimbank Guides Brimbank girls aged five to 17 are being encouraged to give Girl Guides a go. Brimbank Girl Guides will hold come and try sessions on Mondays in Keilor and Deer Park, from 6-8pm, for girls aged five to 10, and on Tuesdays in Deer Park, from 7-9 pm for girls aged 10-17. ■ Carolyn Maggs, 0418 536 084

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old. ■ Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets weekly, every Thursday from 5-8pm at The Gap on Graham, 5 Graham Street, Melton. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and physical wellbeing. The group invites new

Liahona, 5, and Pacifika Festival organisers Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden. (Damjan Janevski) 316428_01

members to come for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool and table tennis. ■ https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

meets at 10am on the second Tuesday of each month at the Melton Country Club. The group is open to everyone, new and old members, to get together and discover the social aspects of the group. ■ Ann, 0425 705 150

Bacchus Marsh Market Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at the gorgeous location of Maddingley Park. On the second Saturday of every month there will be a lovely variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

Parkinson’s support group The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

Melton Friendship Group Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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

Melton South Knit & Natter All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576 U3A Melton offers among its activities a book group, Australian history and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. ■ 0419 563 016

Melton Combined Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. ■ 9746 0271

New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857

Zonta club meets Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton Melton Cycling Club Melton Cycling club meets for regular Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa. ■ 0403 057 003

Community singing group If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

Rotary Club of Melton The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park in Melton. ■ meltonrotary@gmail.com

Melton Trauma Teddies Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens.

Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. ■ Jean 0412 931 498

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES

10 11 12 13

ALIVE AORTA AROMA AROSE ATONE CASTE CEASE CHINA DENIM DENSE DETER DRESS EASED EDGES EERIE EMAIL ERODE EVENT EXUDE GOOSE HOSES

Today’s Aim: 24 words: Good 36 words: Very good

3 8 9 5 4 7 1 6 2

7 5 3 4 6 8 2 1 9

ante, anti, arena, arrant, avian, earn, entia, errant, inert, inter, intra, invert, naive, narrate, NARRATIVE, native, nave, near, neat, nitre, rain, rani, rant, ranter, raven, ravine, rein, rent, reran, retain, retina, retrain, riven, tarn, tavern, tern, terrain, tine, train, trainer, trine, vain, vainer, vane, variant, vein, vent, vine

No. 118 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

E D S

N T E R I R A L N O D E A U D E

9 1 6 8 2 4 7 5 3

2 7 5 1 9 3 6 4 8

8 3 4 6 7 5 9 2 1

6 3 5 4 8 2 7 1 9

7 9 2 3 1 6 4 8 5

9 5 1 6 7 8 3 4 2

8 2 3 5 9 4 6 7 1

4 6 7 2 3 1 5 9 8

3 8 6 7 2 9 1 5 4

5 7 9 1 4 3 8 2 6

2 1 4 8 6 5 9 3 7

6 4 1 7 2 8 9 3 5

9 8 2 5 3 1 7 6 4

1 7 8 3 6 2 5 4 9

2 9 6 8 5 4 3 7 1

5 3 4 1 9 7 8 2 6

3 1 9 4 7 5 6 8 2

8 2 7 6 1 9 4 5 3

4 6 5 2 8 3 1 9 7

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

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

5 LETTERS AISLE

THEIR TREES TRUES UNITY USHER WAITS WEARY

7 LETTERS BATSMAN FERRIES LISTENS MASSAGE RAMMING TRACING

6 LETTERS EASIER GALAHS GANGED PREFER

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03-02-23

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QUICK QUIZ

What is the capital city of Afghanistan?

What is the sacred language of Hinduism?

In what city was the world’s first formal stock exchange?

In 1992’s My Cousin Vinny, what is the profession of the titular Vinny (pictured)?

Phobos is a moon of which planet?

What is the Flavian Amphitheatre more commonly known as?

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In cooking, what term describes adding alcohol to a hot pan and creating a burst of flames?

Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded which company in 1998?

Which of the seven ancient wonders of the world still exists?

10 What is the main ingredient in Vegemite? ANSWERS: 1. Kabul 2. Sanskrit 3. Amsterdam 4. Lawyer 5. Mars 6. The Colosseum 7. Flambé 8. Google 9. The Pyramid of Giza 10. Yeast extract

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”.

9-LETTER WORD

48 words: Excellent

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • ALBION Sadie Black Cafe 31 Perth Avenue • ALBION Sunshine City Club 24 Talmage Street • BRAYBROOK Coles Supermarket 67 Ashley Street • BRAYBROOK Central West Shopping Centre 65-67 Ashley Street • BRAYBROOK Braybrook Hotel 353 Ballarat Road • BRAYBROOK Braybrook Community Centre 107-139 Churchill Avenue • BRAYBROOK Braybrook News & Lotto 127 South Road • BURNSIDE Burnside Hub Shopping Centre 15-25 Westwood Drive • BURNSIDE Burnside News and Lotto 15 Westwood Drive • BURNSIDE HEIGHTS Milk Bar 102 Tenterfield Drive • CAIRNLEA Cairnlea Town Centre 100 Furlong Road • CAIRNLEA Harcourts Real Estate 1a/100 Furlong Road • CAROLINE SPRINGS Lakeside Hyundai 11/13 Eucumbene Drive • CAROLINE SPRINGS Caroline Springs Civic Centre/Library 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard • CAROLINE SPRINGS Professionals Caroline Springs RE Shop 16, 218-222 Caroline Springs Boulevard • CAROLINE SPRINGS Brad Teal Real Estate Shop 4, 242-244 Caroline Springs Boulevard • CAROLINE SPRINGS Ray White Real Estate Shop 8, 234 Caroline Springs Boulevard • CAROLINE SPRINGS CS Square Centre 29-35 Lake Street • DEER PARK Deer Park Club 780 Ballarat Road • DEER PARK Bells Real Estate 813a Ballarat Road • DEER PARK Biggin and Scott Real Estate 817a Ballarat Road • DEER PARK Comm Unity Plus - Community Neighbourhood Centre 822-824 Ballarat Road • DEER PARK Foodworks 803 Ballarat Road • DEER PARK Cellarbrations Liquor Store 809 Ballarat Road • DEER PARK Australia Post Office 827a Ballarat Road • DEER PARK Deer Park IGA 8 Hatchlands Drive

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE & OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT EXISTING ROOFTOP AT 80 TAYLORS RD, KEILOR DOWNS VIC 3038 INCLUDING 5G

Due to an increase in freight volumes, we are currently looking for both new & experienced drivers to join our Followmont Emerald family! Our drivers are critical in supporting the Emerald community with local pickups & deliveries. Being local, our team members are home every night & weekend! We also offer above award rates, employee benefits such as recognition programs and health fund discounts. Contact: Jess 07 3608 4647 Email: recruitment@ followmont.com.au

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Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

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SUV in step with hybrid energy By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring With electric vehicles making landfall Down Under like lightning strikes in a tropical summer storm, the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid stands out from the deluge, being one of the few family-size sports utility vehicles to take up EV status. It’s not the ‘Full Monty’ electric model but retains in tandem an internal combustion power plant. Until recently the only seven-seater SUV hybridised was the Toyota Kluger. Now the Santa Fe joins the Kia Sorento hybrid and Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid in adding to the mix. No plug-in hybrid here, with its interminable search for external charging points, the Santa Fe hybrid has the brains to charge its lithium-ion battery through conversion of kinetic energy while working in conjunction with the petrol engine and regen brakes when on the move. Available only as upper-crust Elite and Highlander variants, the hybrid is kitted out essentially like its petrol- and diesel-powered cousins. However, an electric shock comes in the price differences – a high voltage $6500 over the petrol and $3000 the diesel, which equates to $63,000 for the Elite and $69,550 for the Highlander, the test vehicle, without on-road costs. Both are seven-seaters but can be reconfigured as a six-seater with two captain’s chairs in the second row instead of the bench. With seven seats, the third row is fit only for littlies’ use in comfort, although it does have its own air-con.

Switched on . . . the Santa Fe has taken on petrol / electric hybrid guise with Elite and Highlander models. (Pictures: Supplied)

Interior With the Hybrid in the higher-grade Elite and Highlander corner, the interior has a classy look and feel, with Nappa leather in the latter and other quality materials shared. An option for the Hybrid is six seats, in which the second-row bench is replaced with a pair of captain’s chairs. With seven seats, the third row is fit only for littlies’ use with comfort. Head room is restricted by the intrusion of the sun roof workings. The boot has a spot for a full-size spare wheel under a flat cargo area with third row folded, there’s room for family shopping or a stroller. With five seats in use there is up to 782 litres on offer. A power tailgate takes away the trauma of loading in the rain.

Styling

Infotainment

What’s new? Not much. A major facelift three years ago saw the Santa Fe put on a fresh face and interior. The new Hybrid differs from the petrol and diesel versions only in the wheels – smaller 19-inch alloys with different design here – said to be more aerodynamic and save fuel. The shapely Santa Fe exterior is well known for its so-called cascading grille, which in the Hybrid case covers a yawning chasm of a radiator. In profile, looks are toned down a tad in readiness for a robust, yet shapely rear.

There’s a configurable 10.2-inch instrument display, which features a digital energy meter and a 12.3-inch infotainment dash-mounted touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and digital radio. A 10-speaker Harman / kardon premium audio is standard.

Engines / transmissions Under the bonnet a 1.6 litre, four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine with a combined output of 169 kW and 350 Nm are hitched up to a six-speed automatic transmission and

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

AT A GLANCE

monitor and reverse automatic emergency braking.

MODEL RANGE Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Elite $63,000 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander $69,550 SPECIFICATIONS Santa Fe Highlander 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 44.2 kW electric motor, 6sp automatic, AWD

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

all-wheel drive. While this compares favourably with petrol and diesel performance, when it comes to towing, the hybrid is left behind with 1650 kg to the internal-combustion pair with 2500 kg.

Safety The Santa Fe Hybrid comes with all the latest safety systems from Hyundai. These include automatic emergency braking, which operates at intersections, blind-spot warning, lane keeping assist, rear- cross-traffic alert, rear occupant alert automatic high-beam head lamps and adaptive cruise control. The Hybrid Highlander also takes on 360-degree surround-view camera, blind spot

Driving At a whisker less than 4.8 metres long, the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander is on the cusp of bursting out of the mid-size SUV mob into the big time. However, a well-sorted suspension and responsive steering come up with relaxed ride and handling. Off the mark, there’s more than a hint of sporty performance, while a centre console dial is in charge of driving modes from Eco to Smart to sand, snow or other obstacles thrown up of road. In a fraction of more than 400 kilometres of mixed urban / highway going the Santa Fe Hybrid Highlander recorded fuel consumption of 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres, in line with the claimed 6 litres per 100 kays. More buttons than the pantomime Cinderella’s eponymous family servant, known for having rows of gilt buttons down the front of his tunic, the floating centre console controls offered up a few missteps. However, familiarity came with repeated use.

Summary Not exactly early adopters, Santa Fe Hybrid buyers get the latest in hybrid technology at a price. But what’s new about bidding for a pollution-free climate.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Knights shaping up nicely ahead of NPL season Things are starting to come together for a new-look Melbourne Knights ahead of the National Premier League season. Under new coach Ben Cahn, there have been a number of changes to the playing group as the side looks to rise up the ladder. Cahn said it had been a busy time getting ready for round one which is quickly approaching. “There’s been lots of changes,” he said. “We’ve been trying to make changes and implement them, but there seems like there is never enough time.” Cahn said he had looked to recruit players that would fit his style of coaching and work well with his game plan. He’s looked not only locally, but internationally to fill out his squad. The first two signings and the two biggest were Ivan and Joseph Franjic. Both have previously played at the club, with Ivan playing 20 games for the Socceroos since his last played with the Knights.

“Both are very good players,” Cahn said. “They are experienced players in their own right and they know the club and know the community. “They know what it is like to play and to win for the Melbourne Knights. It’s more than what they bring to the pitch.” Cahn said there were plenty of other players that fans would be excited to watch. The Knights have at least eight new players this season. “Steve Whyte has been my captain for a long time,” he said. “I also coached him at the Mariners youth team. “He’s had lots of opportunities to come down to Melbourne in recent years. He’s keen to prove a point. “Josh Phelps has been playing professionally in the US for the last six or seven years. He’s a really good pick up for us. “Mitch Hore and Corey Sewell are coming from Bentleigh Greens and have done well in this league and it’s really important to the way that we play.”

The Knights have played several practice matches in the pre-season so far, with some more to come and a trip to Canberra also scheduled in. For Cahn, it’s been so far, so good. “I don’t have a crystal ball,” he said. “I’ve been really happy and we’ve been growing from what I’ve seen in the pre-season. “There’s been some good steps, but we still have a lot of work to do. We’ll continue to evolve throughout the season.” The Knights kick off their season on February 19 against St Albans. Cahn said they had done enough work in the lead up to the season to be ready for when the first whistle goes. “We have a difficult start with matches against last year’s finalists in six and seven games,” he said. “There’s no pressure on winning x amount of games as a starting point. We think we’ll be there at the end of the season.” Tara Murray

Joseph Franjic.

(Luke Hemer) 204315_01

Roadrunners lock in coach

Mathew Medcraft has joined Sunshine.

(Shawn Smits)

Kangaroos’ only focus By Tara Murray It’s the signs off the field that are showing that Sunshine is headed in the right direction in the Western Region Football League. After being relegated to division 2 after finishing bottom of division 1 last season, the Kangaroos have been putting a lot of work in behind the scenes. New coach Ben Chapman said it was about making sure they were doing everything they could to make it a good place to be. “The club got relegated and you don’t know what you’re getting,” he said. “We can’t control what happened. The focus has been to get that one club mentality vibe back. “On Monday night at training we had 10-15 of the old faithful down at training. Long term supporters who are still coming down, the club is pretty fortunate.” It will be a different looking line up for the Kangaroos next season. Some players have followed former coach Heath Scotland to Deer

Park, while others have departed elsewhere. Chapman said it opened up plenty of opportunities to get in some new players, many of them familiar faces. “The numbers are great and we’re getting high numbers of quality players which is good,” he said. “We’ve been able to bring in a fair bit of youth which should hold us in good stead moving forward. “One of our big focuses was getting Sunshine players back to the club. “It’s really encouraging that when you go down a division, players want to hang around and we’ve had plenty of players come back too. “Sunshine guys are seeing that others are coming back, so it’s easier to get them to come back.” Dylan Payne, Nick DeLeur, Jordan Rizzardo, Mathew Medcraft, Kyle Frahm, Jarrem Jeffries-Hayes, Josh Abrogar, Austin Rizzardo, Mitchell Bonnici, Buckley Chapman and Mitch Fitzpatrick are some of the Kangaroos recruits. Chapman said they believe they have the right mix of experience and youth, as they have

one eye on the future. “The youth will hold us in good stead moving forward,” he said. “There’s a real good energy and it makes it easy. “We’ve got young footballers at the start of their careers who are looking good on the track. How that relates to game day, it will take some time. “The guys are doing what they need to do.” The Kangaroos have already resumed pre-season training after the Christmas break. He said they were keen to focus on what they’re doing and see progression throughout the season. “Everyone is in the same boat at this time of year,” he said. “Until games start, everyone is optimistic. “We want to be competitive. If we can get improvement, that is our number one focus to get that every week. “It’s a great club.” The Kangaroos kick off their season on Good Friday against Albion, one of just two matches in the league that day.

North Sunshine has locked in Max De Groot as its coach for this year’s Western Region Football League division 3 season. The Roadrunners had a late coaching change with Andrew Scimone having to step down from the role after taking on the club’s presidency. The club last week said that De Groot brings plenty of experience to the role. “Max brings a wealth of experience in the WRFL with stints at Tarneit, Glen Orden and Manor Lakes,” the club said on social media. “We hope he can help develop our new look youthful playing list into a side that can get the [side back to where we belong, being driven and respected.” De Groot was Tarneit’s inaugural coach when it joined the competition, spending two years in charge. After that he spent several seasons as a reserves coach for Manor Lakes, before the club’s senior men’s program folded. Scimone told Star Weekly earlier this year it was a new beginning for the club. “The club isn’t where we want to be,” he said. “The goal is to get there and set it up for seasons to come. “This year will be a small step and hopefully things start to take shape behind the scenes and we can have a bit more stability.” The club is still seeking more players for both its men’s and women’s senior programs. Pre-season has resumed, with both training Mondays and Wednesdays nights from 6.30pm at Tallintyre Reserve. Tara Murray

Max De Groot.

(North Sunshine Facebook)

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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Pain signs on the dotted line for Western United Western United’s games record holder Connor Pain will remain in the green and black for another three seasons. The A-League club announced last week that Pain had signed a new three year contract which would increase his time at the club to at least seven seasons. A foundation player of the club, Pain has played a significant role for the club in its first few years. Pain said it was a significant moment for him to commit his future to the club and continue on the journey. “It feels great. It’s something that’s been really important for me to get the future sorted so I can knuckle down and play as well as possible,” he said. “We’re building something really cool and special here in the west and I just wanted to be a part of it.”

Connon Pain.

(Supplied)

Pain has already made more appearances for Western United than his previous two A-League clubs and said he has made a home for himself in the west. “It means a lot to me, because obviously it’s

the longest I’ve spent at any club at this point so another three years on top of that – it’s just great to be part of it from building it from the ground up,” he said. Pain has played 92 league matches for United and is on track to become the first player to reach the century for the club this season. The left-winger has seven goals and 18 assists in that time and has finished in the top three in the club’s player of the season voting in all three season’s to date. Pain was a key player throughout the 2021-22 season and was particularly vital throughout the finals series, registering three assists in the four matches which included one in the grand final. Football general manager Mal Impiombato said keeping hold of a foundation player and a key presence within the club was cause

for celebration. “We are delighted to retain foundation player and championship winner Connor Pain for another three seasons,” he said. “Connor’s contribution to the club both on and off the field has helped us build strong foundations and a solid platform for continued success. “Well respected by his peers and fans, Connor’s extension signifies our intent to strengthen our squad for next season and beyond.” United was set to be back in action on Saturday night against Macarthur at Campbelltown Stadium, after deadline. United was sitting in ninth spot heading into the match. Tara Murray

Baliton’s a rising star By Tara Murray A new set of golf clubs is on the wish list for Louise Baliton after being named the Sunshine and Western Region Sports Club Don Deeble Sports Star Award. Baliton was named the winner for the 2022 award, after being selected from the 10 monthly nominees. She received $5000 for winning the award. Young rugby league star Suliasi Prescott and taekwondo star Jake Buhagiar finished joint runners up. AFLW player Charlotte Baskaran, badminton rising star Om Neelam and baseballer Jayden Kim all received encouragement awards. Baliton said winning the overall award had come as a big shock. She was recognised for her achievements on the golf green. “It’s very exciting,” she said “I’m shocked honestly. “It’s just a big opportunity for me and I’m so grateful for all the support that I’ve gotten from friends and family, especially from everyone that is involved from this Don Deeble award.” Baliton said when she was first nominated it was exciting as it was another opportunity to get her foot in the door and get her name out there. With several of the other nominees also attending Maribyrnong Sports Academy, Baliton knows how hard they work. “It is like, it’s such a big opportunity,” she said. “I didn’t even think golf was such a big sport, like it’s not that big. I know there’s many people that I go to school with [who were nominated], who have worked much harder than me and I’m just so grateful.” Baliton’s golf career started when she was six and was following her dad around on the practice green at Mt Derrimut Golf Community Club. She started playing when she was seven-years-old and played her first tournament when she was nine, winning that. Now playing off a 0.3 handicap, Baliton is hoping to hit scratch and even better than game. She said that “of course” she’s now a better player than her dad. “He is as surprised and excited as I am,” she said. “I think I know he loved the game and he loved the game and it’s something we share and it’s so special for me.” Baliton said she would look to use the money to go towards playing some more tournaments, while was also keen to get some new clubs. Heading into year 12, Baliton is planning to focus a bit more on her studies as she aims for a scholarship at an American college, preferably in Florida. Long term she wants to go pro. But before then, you’ll likely find Baliton who finished 19th on the Golf Australia’s

Jelena Savic.

(Supplied)

Thunder young guns selected

Louise Baliton.

(Supplied)

girls order of merit, on the golf course hitting millions of shots. The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park

22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 31 January, 2023

Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and The Star Weekly Newspapers. If you would like to nominate a monthly winner or attend a dinner, contact swrsportsclub@gmail.com or 0408 556 631.

A number of Keilor Thunder’s rising stars have been named in the Victorian under-18 teams for the national basketball championships in April. Basketball Victoria announced metro and country sides for both the under-18s, while they also named the Kevin Coombs Cup for wheelchair athletes. In the under-18 country women’s side, Jelena Savic has been selected in the squad. Savic has come through the junior ranks at the Thunder. Thunder’s Sa Pilimai, who is originally for Melton, and Woodend’s Cooper Duff-Tytler were both named in the under-18 Vic Country side. Duff-Tytler captained Vic Country at the under-16 Australian Junior Basketball Championships last year. He averaged 12 points and six and half rebounds per game. Keilor’s Erinn McAlary was named as an emergency as the under-18 Victoria metro side. McAlary joined the Thunder in recent years from Knox. High performance general manager Grant Wallace said the regular calendar of play and preparation plus recent stellar performances at the East Coast Challenge and Country Cup has determined a high calibre group of athletes to be selected from. “After an extensive process and a jam-packed start to the high-performance program in 2023 – it’s a good problem to have so many athletes pushing each other and being supportive during the recent tournaments,” he said. “You could see the sense of urgency and passion from the players, and it was an extremely difficult task to finalise the teams. “Our biggest strength is our culture, and we have seen the success of our high-performance hubs as part of our state development program that has helped drive the standards and competitiveness to a new level.”

Keilor steps up and shows promise Keilor is starting to play the type of cricket it knows it can play in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division. After a slow start to the season, the Blues have taken a liking to the return of the two-day format, which is back for the first time since COVID-19. Having claimed the points in the first of the two-dayers and on top after day one against Westmeadows, there are some good signs. Blues coach Duncan Harrison said the group was starting to gel together and play some good cricket. “It’s long overdue,” he said. “We’re starting to play the cricket we have wanted to play all year which has been good. “I don’t think we were too far away early in the season. We had been competitive at times and not at other times. “Two-day cricket has been a nice restart and

it’s a chance to start again.” Harrison said looking at their list they were better suited to the longer format of the game. He said while many teams had a dynamic opener or top order batter who could take the game away from you, they were more about building an innings. The Blues batting has been boosted by the arrival of Malith Cooray from Victorian Premier Cricket just before Christmas. Harrison said he was the perfect player to add to their squad. “He has been sensational,” he said. “He’s a class player who can bat and bowl. “We were bowler short at the start and then a batter short later on. “He’s come in and balanced the side. He prepares really well.” On Saturday, the Blues responded against Westmeadows after losing the toss.

The Warriors were bowled out for 110 in the 51st over. Cooray and Matthew Gaskett took three wickets each for the Blues. Harrison said Cooray and Miguel Cummins bowled well early and helped the side get on top. The Blues will resume at 2-76 with Robert Clements 39 not out. “We’re really happy and we’re in a good position,” Harrison said. “We batted really well and then we had to consolidate and bat for stumps which is something we have done for two or three years. “We’ll try and get the win and see what happens. It’s hard to make finals because of our early results, but we’ll turn up and try and win and see what happens from there.”

Matthew Gaskett took three wickets on Saturday. (Jacob Pattison)316224_11

PEGS welcome back Philpot

Tina Ma and Joanne Joseph. (Supplied)

Squash win over Kiwis By Tara Murray Two rising squash stars made the most of the opportunity to represent their country at the 2022 Trans Tasman Test Series. Hillside’s Joanne Joseph and Melton’s Tina Ma were part of the Australian team that took on New Zealand in late December, with the Australian team coming home with the win. For Joseph, it was the chance to finally represent Australia after being selected two years ago, but not being able to play due to COVID-19. Ma was selected to play in the under-15 age group, despite just being 12. Joseph, who started playing squash after watching her father play, said she was thrilled to finally get to play for Australia. “I felt very grateful for being able to represent my country in the first Trans Tasman in the past two years,” she said. “It was an amazing experience and I was so happy to be selected as I was chosen for the Trans Tasman team in 2020 but unfortunately the event got cancelled due to COVID and I never got my chance to play for my country. “Being in the 2022 Trans Tasman team and

contributing to our win against New Zealand was such a significant moment for me and I will work hard to get into the next one. It was a successful tournament for Joseph, being both of New Zealand’s top players in the under-17 age group. She said she took a lot out of the event. “I am very proud of myself that I was able to contribute to our success even though it was my first tournament playing in under-17s,” she said.. “I feel that one of the biggest things I will take away from this is the fact that all my hard work and training leading up to representing my country paid off and I was able to beat two New Zealand girls. “I will definitely work harder now to improve my game and strive to be selected for the national team once again. “ For Ma, representing Australia caps off a big 12 months. She said it was an honour to represent Australia. “I never would’ve thought I would be wearing the green and gold top to represent my country when I was 12,” she said. “I felt very accomplished that all the hard work and training I was doing got

me somewhere I dreamed of when I first started this sport.” Ma faced some big challenges in the titles, facing New Zealand’s top two players in the under-15s. Ma said it was something different for her. “Even though I lost both my matches, I played my best and had nothing to lose, but I still felt like I had a lot to work on and adapt to their style of playing. “Overall, I was fairly pleased with how I played in the Trans Tasman.” Ma said she was keen to represent Australia again this year and would train hard to make that happen again. For both girls, who are part of the Squash Logic Melton’s Oz squad program, the next focus is the Australian Junior Open “My coaches have created a new training plan for me, so I’ll do my best playing in the under-15 girls for the next upcoming tournament, the Australian Junior Open,” Ma said. Joseph said, “ I look forward to playing in under-17s and trying hard to reach a podium place. “Although it is my first year playing under-17s, I am going to go into the tournament with a goal to reach the finals.”

PEGS has received a boost for the upcoming Victorian Amateur Football Association season. Going up to premier C division after winning the division 3 last season, PEGS announced that Max Philpot had agreed to commit to the club in a massive boost for the side. “We are very excited to announce that Max Philpot has agreed to sign on with PEGS as his feeder club when not representing Williamstown VFL as we look to chase success again this season,” the club said on social media. “Maxy is a former PEGS student [and] in his last two seasons at the PEGS he was a runner up best and fairest and best and fairest winner as well as VAFA senior state representative. “In recent seasons he has worked his way into a strong Williamstown VFL side. He is a great person and a fantastic attribute for the club. “We are super excited to have Max back around the club, we look forward to also seeing more of his incredible family at the runway.” Philpot played 16 games with Williamstown last season, averaging more than 12 possessions a game, having joined the club in 2017 from the Western Jets. Philpot is the first signing announced by PEGS. The side will this year be coached by Andrew Horne and Andrew Beever. The pair replaced premiership winning coach Lee Hannah. Horne, who won the league division 3 best and fairest award last season, will continue on in a playing capacity. Tara Murray

Max Philpot in his most recent stint at PEGS. (PEGS Facebook)

Tuesday, 31 January, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 23

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