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Preps jump into school The youngest learners at Cairnlea Park Primary School have successfully completed their first week of school. More than 100 preps commenced their learning journey at the school, and one thing was consistent among the cohort – the playground was the place to be. Engagement and transition co-ordinator Natalie Roach said it was exciting to welcome the pupils to school. “They were all very excited about making new friends and starting at their new school,” she said. “The students were most excited to play on the playgrounds, especially the monkey bars.” She said one of the reasons the transition is so smooth is because when the kids are in kinder they get a year four buddy. “We had lots of transition sessions last year and we do kinder visits,” she said. “This means when they come to school they know those familiar faces in the yard. “Learning to be independent is huge for the preps – they don’t have mum and dad around. “The teachers have been really happy with the way they have settled.”

Cairnlea Park Primary School preps Isaac, Xania, Jason and Kaia. (Damjan Janevski) 317659_04

Housing crisis deepens By Liam McNally Eight thousand Brimbank and Melton households seeking crisis accommodation and private renal assistance were turned away last year, while another 7000 households are on a waiting list, according to the Salvation Army. Data from Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) reveals that Melbourne’s west as Victoria’s highest proportion of unmet housing needs, with more than 20,000 households – or 6.9 per cent – deemed inappropriate. This means people are either experiencing homelessness, living in

overcrowded homes or spending over 30 per cent of their income on rent. In Brimbank and Melton, the figure jumps to 7.2 per cent, or 4800 houses in Brimbank and 4100 houses in Melton. Salvation Army Vicwest homelessness manager Cheryl McKinley said rising rents and inflation are causing a “very big” increase in people needing housing services in Melton and Brimbank. “We’re seeing a move away from those just on a Centrelink … payment that are struggling with their rent working families are coming through our services for the very first time,” she said.

Ms McKinley said the Salvos are dealing with the increase in an already under-resourced emergency housing sector and wait-times are as long as “a ball of string”. “There needs to be more affordable housing. There needs to be more social housing that is built,” she said. CHIA Victoria acting chief executive Jess Pomeroy said the report highlights the urgent need for more social housing in Victoria. “The inner, west, and south-east parts of Melbourne are among the top 10 areas in Australia with the highest number of households facing unmet need,” she said. “Victoria has the lowest proportion of social

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housing in the country. We urgently need governments to provide a clear, long-term funding pipeline for social and affordable housing beyond the Big Housing Build.” Victoria’s Big Housing Build program is a $5.3 billion investment in social and affordable housing that aims to deliver 12,000 new dwellings including 9,300 new social housing dwellings by 2026. A government spokesperson said there is a “high demand” for social and affordable housing options across Victoria and Australia. “We are using all the levers within our control to house as many people as possible as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said.

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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

• DEER PARK Brimbank Shopping Centre Cnr Neale Road & Station Road • DEER PARK Derrimut Village Shopping Centre Foleys Road • DEER PARK Coles Supermarket Foleys Road (Derrimut Village Shopping Centre) • DEER PARK Deer Park Library 4 Neale Road • DEER PARK Burnham Real Estate 93 Station Road • DELAHEY Calder Real Estate 10/350 Taylors Road • DELAHEY IGA Delahey 260 Taylors Road (Delahey Village Shopping Centre) • DELAHEY Delahey Community Centre 80 Copperfield Drive • DERRIMUT Sunshine Golf Club 475 Mt Derrimut Road • DERRIMUT YPA Estate Agents Shop 9, 20 Mt Derrimut Road • FOOTSCRAY Frank Trimboli Real Estate 169 Barkly Street • FOOTSCRAY Wards Newsagency 100 Nicholson Street • HILLSIDE Foodworks Hillside 49-69 Wattle Valley Drive • HILLSIDE Parkwood Green Community Centre 88 Catherine Drive • HILLSIDE Hillside Neighbourhood House Recreation Reserve • KEILOR Brad Teal Woodards 684 Old Calder Highway • KEILOR Keilor Community Hub (Council Office ) 704b Old Calder Highway • KEILOR Keilor Newsagent 700 Old Calder Highway • KEILOR Keilor Retirement Village 868 Old Calder Highway Service Road • KEILOR DOWNS Centro Shopping Centre 80 Taylors Road • KEILOR PARK Star Weekly Office Unit 6/1-9 Thomson Road • KEILOR PARK Frank’s Supermarket 5 Fosters Road • KEILOR PARK Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse Shop 32, 40 Keilor Park Drive • KINGS PARK Westvale Community Centre 45 Kings Road • MELTON Melton Shire Offices 232 High Street • MELTON Harrison Hyundai 158-162 High Street • MELTON Melton Toyota 143-147 Main Street • ST ALBANS Homes Group Real Estate 63 Alfrieda Street

• ST ALBANS Westside Real Estate 1a Alfrieda Street • ST ALBANS St Albans Library 71a Alfrieda Street • ST ALBANS St Albans Senior Citizens Cnr Alfrieda St & Williams St • ST ALBANS IGA St Albans 18 East Esplanade • ST ALBANS Barry Plant Real Estate 1-7 Elaine Street • ST ALBANS Club Italia Sporting Club 128-152 Furlong Road • ST ALBANS ABC Real Estate 286 Main Road East • ST ALBANS St Albans Newsagency 304 Main Road East • ST ALBANS Raine and Horne 352 Main Road East • ST ALBANS YPA Estate Agents 67 Main Road West • ST ALBANS First National Real Estate 8/346 Main Road West • ST ALBANS Danny & Co Real Estate 352 Main Road West • ST ALBANS Brimbank Community Centre 358 Main Road West • ST ALBANS People In Real Estate 1 Princess St • ST ALBANS Stockdale and Leggo 9 Alfrieda Street • ST ALBANS Sweeney Real Estate 22 Alfrieda Street • ST ALBANS St Albans Sports Club 96a Gillespie Road • SUNSHINE Hocking Stuart 134 Durham Street • SUNSHINE Stockdale Leggo 273 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE The Youth Junction 80b Harvester Road • SUNSHINE Thomson Real Estate 3/473 Ballarat Road • SUNSHINE Brotherhood of St Laurence Lvl 6, 12 Clarke Street • SUNSHINE Bells Real Estate 14 Devonshire Road • SUNSHINE Metro Real Estate 2/5 Devonshire Road • SUNSHINE Sunshine RSL 99 Dickson Street • SUNSHINE The Glengala Hotel 214 Glengala Road • SUNSHINE Barry Plant Real Estate 271 Hampshire Road

• SUNSHINE GL Lee Real Estate 275 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE Douglas Kay Real Estate 280 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE Sunshine Library 301 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE Brimbank City Council 301 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE Sunshine Plaza 324-328 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE Sweeney Real Estate 4a/282 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE EGF Solutions - Sunshine Plaza Shop T43, 324-328 Hampshire Road • SUNSHINE Sunshine Marketplace 80 Harvester Road • SUNSHINE Woolworths Supermarket 80 Harvester Road (Sunshine Marketplace) • SUNSHINE NORTH North Sunshine Post, News and Lotto 69 McIntyre Road • SUNSHINE NORTH Malaga Real Estate 3/23 Suffolk Road • SUNSHINE WEST Morgan’s Super IGA Supermarket 475 Fitzgerald Road • SUNSHINE WEST Bottler Sunshine West Drive in Liquor 79 Glengala Road • SUNSHINE WEST West Sunshine Community Centre 25 Kermeen Street • SUNSHINE WEST Coles Supermarket 136 The Avenue • SYDENHAM Natalie Hutchins MP Shop 11, 28a Hume Drive (Aqua Gardens Convenience Store) • SYDENHAM YPA Estate Agents Ground Floor, 15-17 Overton Lea Boulevard • SYDENHAM O’Brien Real Estate 17b Overton Overton Lea Boulevard • TAYLORS HILL Taylors Hill Land Sales Cnr Taylors & Gourlay Roads • TAYLORS HILL Watervale Shopping Centre 2-14 Calder Park Drive • TAYLORS LAKES Taylors Lakes Lotto Shop 8 3 Melton Highway • TAYLORS LAKES Watergardens Hotel 431 Kings Road • TAYLORS LAKES YPA Estate Agents Shop 5, 399 Melton Highway (Watergardens Shopping Centre) • TAYLORS LAKES Watergardens Shopping Centre 399 Melton Highway • TAYLORS LAKES Centrelink Watergardens 1/399 Melton Highway (Watergardens Town Centre)

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2 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

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NEWS

High hopes for racing at Calder By Tara Murray Circuit racing could be back at the Calder Park Raceway for the first time in more than two decades. Having held its last circuit race in 2001, there has been limited use of the raceway since for drag and drift racing. That could change later this year with the final round of the Victorian State Race Series scheduled at the track on the weekend of October 27. The calendar said that racing at Calder Park

is subject to a track licence being granted. VSRS board chair Paul Zsidy confirmed that they were hoping to get the go ahead to have circuit racing back at Calder Park. “We would love to see racing on that track, it’s part of the motor scene in Melbourne’s history,” he said. “Most of the motor tracks are at least an hour out of town, this is right on our doorstep. “I can’t wait to see motorsport back at Calder Park.” Zsidy said the reaction so far had been really positive, with a lot of old motorsport fans keen

to get back to the track. He said they were hoping it would help develop a new breed of motorsport fans as well. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive,” he said. “A lot of people remember racing at the track and are high fiving at the thought of it being back. “For the young generation, they’ve only seen it in the media. Everyone is excited by the prospect of racing at Calder Park.” The race return to Calder Park hinges on Motorsport Australia issuing a track license.

Zsidy said he believed that the track owner, Rodney Jane had already been in touch with Motorsport Australia to see what is needed to get the licence. He applauded the Jane family for wanting to get circuit racing back to the area. He said he hoped that the local community would get behind the return of racing. “It’s a positive outlet for motor racing enthusiasts to go and enjoy their toys,” he said. “Motorsport brings a lot of money into the community. Hopefully the community will embrace it being back there.”

Staff shortage at Ravenhall

Abbey’s brother Joshua, 10, with committee members Monica Cioccia and Michelle Buckley.

(Damjan Janevski) 317788

Going into bat for a good cause The A+ Abbey Solo Foundation T20 cricket match fundraiser is back after two years of postponement due to COVID-19. The charity, which supports families facing childhood cancer, in collaboration with Victoria Police Cricket Club and Sunshine Heights Cricket Club will hold the cricket match on February 14. The charity helps families pay for accommodation costs so they can be close to the hospital where their children are receiving

treatment, as well as emotional support. The foundation was set up to file the dying wish of Abbey Solo who died of cancer in 2015 at just nine. Her wish was to support families who live in country Victoria or interstate who have children receiving cancer treatment at the Royal Children’s Hospital. As well as the action on the field, there will be plenty of action off field as well. There will be barbecue, DJ, face painting, an

ice cream van and pending no emergencies, the mounted police branch horses, police cars, fire trucks and firefighters. There will also be raffles with all funds going to the charity. The match will be played from 5pm at Ainsworth Reserve. Details: https://www.facebook.com/ abbeysolofoundation/

GEO Group Australia, which runs the Ravenhall Correctional Facility, has admitted it is experiencing “staffing challenges”. Ravenhall is a medium security prison located near the Western Highway, Ravenhall in Melton. It has the capacity to house over 1300 prisoners. A GEO Group spokesperson said that “like many businesses and industries impacted by COVID-19, GEO is also experiencing staffing challenges”. “GEO’s commitment to the safety and security of Ravenhall Correctional Centre – our staff, prisoners and visitors – is our top priority,” the spokesperson said. “Ravenhall Correctional Centre continuously recruits to ensure adequate levels of staffing are maintained for a safe and secure environment.” A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson confirmed that staffing pressures are occurring at prisons across Australia. “Like many industries, we are managing staffing pressures at some of our medium security prisons and are putting in place appropriate arrangements to ensure the safety, security and good order of the system,” the spokesperson said. “The safety and wellbeing of our staff and prisoners is our highest priority. Corrections Victoria regularly reviews and updates our operational arrangement across the state to ensure the needs of staff and prisoners are met. “We are continuing to recruit new corrections staff where there are vacancies.” GEO Group encouraged anyone interested in working in the corrections industry to visit its careers page. Details: geogroup.com.au/careers/ Liam McNally

Tara Murray

A Blood-y good donation effort thanks to ‘great veins’ When Graham Becker donated blood for the 300th time, he was challenged by a nurse to keep going. The western suburbs resident was told he has “great veins” and should easily be able to reach 1000. “I said, ‘alright, I’ll see what I can do’,” he said. In late January, Mr Becker made a “milestone donation” and donated for the 600th time. “I’m in my 42nd year of donating, I have helped save 1800 lives so far,” he said. Mr Becker began donating in the 1980s and is adamant the process is not as painful as some believe.

“When I first got my drivers licence I ticked the box to become an organ donor, and I figured I’m donating my organs, what else can I donate?,” he said. “I gave blood for the first seventeen years and because I’ve got such good veins, the nurses switched me over to platelet. “You got to see the patients in the oncology first hand so that was a bit of motivation to keep going, and then they switched me over to plasma. “Now I give blood, plasma, platelet, and I’m on the bone marrow registry as well.” Mr Becker says he classes his actions as “community service” but says the heartfelt

thanks he receives in return is welcome. “I’ve had certain times when the blood bank would issue out a video, letting you know your blood might have gone to this patient, like a 16-year-old leukaemia from Queensland.” “You’re a part of that girl surviving. “I’m just doing my bit for the community.” Mr Becker shares his contributions on social media, and hopes other people can be inspired to donate too. “I always say on my posts, roll up your sleeves, come on down and join,” he said. “Everyone is precious.” Graham Becker has donated blood 600 times.

Fatima Halloum

(Damjan Janevski) 317914_01

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 3

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Vandals attack cricket club

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

Meet the Brimbank Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year

By Millicent Spencer Vandals have taken to the wicket at Leo Dineen Reserve leaving the Tullamarine Cricket Club with no choice but to call on the community for help. Police believe an unknown number of offenders went to the reserve on Spring Street in Tullamarine in the early hours of January 29. Police believe the offenders were on motorbikes and performed burn outs and circles on the cricket pitch, causing significant damage. The club called on the community to come forward with any information on the incident. Tullamarine Cricket Club president Justin Shield told Star Weekly he is very disappointed as this is not the first time the club has been attacked this season. “We’re a blue collar club and we work really hard to keep everything going and keep our community happy with sport,” he said. “It hasn’t been the first time this season … we have had some graffiti too.” Mr Shield said the club is working with Hume council and police to investigate the issue. “We were hanging around after the game and we left at about 9.30pm,” he said. “We got there on Sunday at 8.30am and

Congratulations to two Brimbank residents who have been recognised for their exceptional service to the local community. The 2023 Brimbank Australia Day Awards, presented across two categories, were awarded to: • Citizen of the Year: Poonam Singh • Young Citizen of the Year: Kayla Parker Poonam is the founder and director of Women of Brimbank – a non-proﬁt women’s organisation providing programs and events for the community. Brimbank’s Young Citizen of the Year, Kayla, is a St John Ambulance volunteer, and the 17-year-old has also helped set up many programs for local youth to promote student wellbeing and equality. Visit news.brimbank.vic.gov.au and learn more about these award winners.

New Councillor for Harvester Ward Thomas O’Reilly is the new Councillor for Harvester Ward, replacing former Councillor Trung Luu who was elected to State Parliament in late 2022. Cr O’Reilly was sworn in as a Brimbank Councillor on 30 January. He takes on the role after a countback conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission on voting undertaken at the 2020 Local Government election for Brimbank. Cr O’Reilly served on the Brimbank Youth Council for two terms in 2020 and 2021. He has also been involved in projects aimed at youth, mental health and digitally engaging with the community. For more information visit brimbank.vic.gov.au

Brimbank residents can borrow a reusable party kit at no charge for their next celebration. There are ﬁve kits available for loan, and each includes 15 cups, plates, forks, spoons, a 5L water cooler, fabric bunting decoration and tablecloth. Two-week loans are available from Council’s Community Centres. Email environment@ brimbank.vic.gov.au or call 9249 4000 for more information.

Fun for all the family Join the fun at the Sunshine Lunar New Year Festival – a multicultural family-friendly day of live entertainment, street food, roving street performers, children’s rides, facepainting, circus activities, sporting fun, lion dancing, ﬁre-crackers and more. The no charge event is on Sunday 12 February, 12noon-10pm in Hampshire Road, Sunshine. For more information visit brimbank.vic.gov.au

Community Drop-in Session for Maribyrnong River Flood Review Learn more about a review into the causes and contributors of significant flooding which occurred within the urban catchment of the Maribyrnong River last October, and how to make a submission. The community can also share their flood experience and other relevant information that may inform the review. The drop-in session will be on Thursday 16 February, 6.30 – 8.30pm at Keilor Meeting Place (Old Shire Hall) 777 Old Calder Hwy, Keilor. Visit yoursay.melbournewater.com.au for more information.

Community Festival The McKay Gardens Festival oﬀers something fun for everyone in the family. The no charge event includes a kid’s corner, sport activities and you can learn all about the heritage-listed gardens. It will be on Sunday 5 March, 12noon–5pm at 120 Anderson Road, Sunshine. Visit brimbank. vic.gov.au/events to learn more.

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Your Councillors are always happy to hear from you Cr Victoria Borg Cr Sarah Branton Cr Thuy Dang Cr Sam David JP Cr Maria Kerr Cr Bruce Lancashire (Mayor) Cr Jasmine Nguyen Cr Thomas O’Reilly Cr Jae Papalia Cr Ranka Rasic (Deputy Mayor) Cr Virginia Tachos

noticed all the tire marks on the pitch. “We don’t know if it is a targeted attack.” Mr Shield said while the wicket was badly damaged, next week’s play would not be affected. “The curator is confident that he will be able to get the ground up and running for Saturday,” he said. Police are appealing for public help and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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0429 365 527 0407 836 064 0437 744 803 0429 355 239 0437 796 630 0429 637 689 0437 740 042 0409 210 431 0437 838 710 0437 861 296 0428 915 671

CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrOReilly@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au All information was correct at the time of printing.

4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

Aunty Joyce, Aunty Fay Muir (top right) and Celeste Liddle (right) will take part in the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival next month. (Pictures: Supplied)

Book a place at festival Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival is back with 10 days of talks, workshops, activities, and books. The festival will feature a diverse and multicultural array of participants, who will come together to celebrate the books, stories, food, and ideas of people from all walks of life. The line up for the festival was launched last week and there’s something for everyone with food-focused events, LGBTQ writers, people from immigrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds all the way through to the ‘Soul Lounge out West’, a spoken word night with an open mic session. Among those to be involved in the festival are Aunty Fay Muir, Jacinta Parsons, Parminder Kaur, Tiff Tan, Hamed Allahyari, Dani Valent, Andre Dao, Jaclyn Crupi, Najib Warsame, Yves Rees, Anastasia Le, Tiff Tan, Emily Spurr,

Flora Chol and Hamed Allahyari from Café Sunshine. Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said the festival is crammed full of diverse authors, writers, poets, and artists that the community will want to see. “Our municipality is the proud home of more diverse and multicultural stories than anywhere else in Victoria,” he said. “There is no cost to attend any of the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival events [and] everyone is welcome to come along. “Don’t miss out, book today – I hope to see you there.” The free festival is taking place from March 16 - 25 at various locations across the municipality. Details: https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic. gov.au/writersfestival

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Elective surgery pain

EPA waterway inspections

By Elsie Lange In the four years Brendan Thorneloe has waited to have his hip replaced, he’s felt himself slipping away from the world. The 57-year-old was a truck driver and labourer before he had to stop working in 2018 due to the excruciating pain. He said he was put on the category two elective surgery waiting list at Western Health back then, but still has no idea when he’ll be treated. “I’m fed up. I just want it fixed,” he said. “I just want to go back to work.” Since then, his sense of isolation has steadily increased – even doing the shopping is hard some days – so catching up with friends and fostering relationships is difficult when he’s in pain all the time. “In 2021, just before we were locked down again, there was preparation for me to get it done. But as soon as the lockdown came in, it was called off,” he said. “It’s debilitating some days. Some days it’s good depending on the weather.” Mr Thorneloe is emblematic of the elective surgery backlog, which the Australian Medical Association (AMA) said is expected to reach more than 500,000 by June this year “if no action is taken by governments”. AMA president Professor Steve Robson said the country needs a national plan to address the backlog, with “an immediate injection of funds required”. “The AMA is calling for a new funding agreement between the state and territories and the Commonwealth that includes an upfront advance payment provided by the Commonwealth to support state and territory governments to expand their capacity (including workforce) to address the elective surgery backlog,” the AMA said.

Brendan Thorneloe has been waiting years to have his hip replaced. (Elsie Lange)

Professor Robson said there also needed to be more data on waiting lists reported more regularly and transparently. According to Victorian Agency for Health Information data, as of September 2022 the wait list for category two elective surgeries at Western Health was 3400 patients long across Footscray, Sunshine, Sunbury and Williamstown hospitals. While Western Health could not comment on Mr Thorneloe’s individual situation due to confidentiality, acting chief operating officer Jason Plant said Western Health would

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continue working with the Department of Health on the management of patients on the planned surgery wait list. “As part of the state government’s COVID Catch-Up Plan, we have completed an additional 400 cases and collaborated with private hospitals to perform surgeries for 179 Western Health patients,” he said. On Friday, January 27, after Star Weekly raised Mr Thorneloe’s case with the health service, he said he received a call to arrange an appointment to discuss his concerns, though a date as not yet been set.

Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria officers have been attending a number of sites along Kororoit Creek in Sunshine to search for any risks of contamination for local waterways. As part of the ongoing program to resolve issues before they can cause a spill or allow chemicals to escape into stormwater drains, creeks or rivers, officers also targeted businesses around Edgars Creek in Thomastown in Melbourne’s north. EPA Victoria chief executive Lee Miezis said officers provided more than 130 pieces of compliance advice and would return for follow-up inspections, “Businesses were cooperative and most of the issues we found could be fixed easily,” he said. ‘ “We issued 17 remedial notices; each one is an instruction from EPA to take specific actions to fix a problem. “They come with a set deadline and there’s no fine if the business complies.” Mr Miezis said he and the team were “pleased” to report they were only considering fining one business, with the focus on providing sensible preventative measures. Issues found during the inspections included the lack of a bund or a surrounding barrier to stop spills reaching a drain or leaving the property, the lack of proper storage and management systems for liquids, inappropriate storage or handling of waste which could burn, such as tyres or timber and wastewater escaping to stormwater drains.

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Motorcyclist dies Police are investigating a fatal collision in Keilor East on Thursday morning. A truck and a motorcycle collided at the intersection of Keilor Park Drive and Western Ring Road about 4.50am. The male rider died at the scene. The driver of the truck stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their inquires.

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Duke Street Community House’s food relief program and its food relief markets require volunteers to continue running. (Supplied)

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Duke Street Community House is calling for more volunteers to support its pop-up food relief markets. The pop-up food relief markets are kicking off on Wednesday, February 8, with further markets scheduled at Duke Street Community House on Wednesday, March 8, Wednesday, April 5, Wednesday, May 10 and Wednesday, May 31. Food markets will also be hosted at the Yarraville Community Centre and Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House throughout the first half of the year. Duke Street community development officer Rajdeep Kang said the project was delivered thanks to state government funding to respond to food insecurity in the Maribyrnong and Brimbank local government areas.

“These markets are going to feature culturally appropriate food, fresh produce, support service information, healthy cooking demonstrations and children’s activities in a farmer’s market style atmosphere,“ she said. “This project is an initiative to get food to those people who need it the most. “It is an opportunity for the community to come connect through food and fun activities.“ Duke Street Community House is also running its weekly food relief program from the Central West Shopping Centre each Wednesday from 1pm to 2.30pm. Residents from the 3012, 3019 and 3020 postcodes are eligible to access hampers for free or for a $5 donation to support the program. Details: dukest@dsch.org.au or 9311 9973

A Cairnlea man has been charged after allegedly crashing a stolen car in Ascot Vale on Thursday morning. It is alleged a Toyota Landcruiser ran a red light at the intersection of Maribyrnong and Ascot Vale roads, before colliding with a brick fence about 12.40am. Another vehicle was also damaged which in turn knocked down a traffic pedestrian light. The car which allegedly ran the red light is believed to have been stolen in an aggravated burglary in Peel Street, Kew on January 20. Officers cordoned off the area, with the 19-year-old found in an alleyway nearby. The man was later charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle, driving in a dangerous manner, possessing drug of dependence, possessing a controlled weapon, failure to remain at the scene of a collision and entering intersection against red light.

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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 8 Feb to last train 12 Feb

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

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Boost to help access aged care By Matthew Sims IPC Health will soon deliver an expanded service to help older people in Brimbank navigate the aged care system, thanks to receiving a tender through the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) worth about $2.8 million. Service delivery is expected to have a limited start up in March and will be fully operational in April. IPC Health chief executive Jayne Nelson said the service will focus on connecting with people 65 years and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

community members 50 years and older or those experiencing homelessness across the western and outer western areas of Melbourne. “IPC Health, through providing a wide range of health and wellbeing services for 40-plus years and local community and health partnerships, is deeply embedded in western and outer western Melbourne and well known, non-stigmatising, trusted by and accessible to communities,” she said. “This funding will help us continue to assist older, diverse and vulnerable communities to navigate and access aged care. “We are looking forward to working

with the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) to provide service navigation tailored to the needs of local populations in Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Melton, Moorabool and Wyndham local government areas, including culturally and linguistically diverse communities, people with disability, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.” IPC Health will expand, deliver and maintain a partner network to provide face-to-face specialist and intensive assistance, through assertive outreach

and engagement strategies, to support and assist people within our target populations understand and access aged care services and connect with other relevant supports in the community, including My Aged Care. IPC Health is currently recruiting staff for this service. The new service follows on from recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which called for a dedicated workforce to assist people who require intensive support to navigate and access aged care services and supports through the My Aged Care system.

Back to the classroom It was back to the classroom for more than one million students across Victoria last week, and for 28 preps at Albion North Primary School it was the first of many first days back. Across the state, 1566 government, 499 Catholic and 230 independent schools returned last week, with more than 77,000 students beginning secondary school with a similar number also diving into prep. Albion North Primary School teacher Lee-Anne Veteha said pupils were jumping for joy as they started back in the classroom. “Our students are most excited about face-to-face learning, getting back into a school routine, catching up with their friends and exploring new learning opportunities,” she said. “I’m most excited about watching our students grow, problem solve, develop thinking skills, collaborate, communicate

and develop a positive sense of self.” Ms Lee-Anne Veteha said the teachers were just as excited as the children to be back at school. “The teachers are feeling excited to be back at school, especially without any COVID-19 restrictions allowing teachers to plan with certainty,” she said. Education Minister and Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins was out visiting a number of schools last week to welcome students new and old into the classrooms. “I’d like to wish every student returning to school this week the best of luck in the coming year – it’s an exciting time filled with new friends, learning and experiences that shape you forever,” she said. “More students than ever have the facilities and first-class education they deserve... ensuring Victoria remains the education state.”

Albion North Primary School preps Charlie, Nina, Charlie, Noah and Izabela. (Damjan Janevski) 317826_01

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Bosnian music, songs, culture

Laverton MP Sarah Connolly, Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll and Kinetic chief executive Michael Sewards check out the buses. (Supplied)

Transport for the future By Tara Murray Sunshine West is one of the new homes for an electric bus fleet that will play a major roll in Melbourne’s public transport fleet. Bus operator Kinetic will roll out battery buses as part of its bigger bus fleet, with new electric stations completed at the company’s Sunshine West and Heatherton depots. The upgrades, which were done in partnership between the state government and Kinetic are part of the Metropolitan bus franchise, which will result in 36 battery electric buses introduced to their Melbourne bus fleet by mid-2025 – an average of one new

electric bus joining the network each month. Nine electric buses already run out of Sunshine West. To support the roll out, new undercover bays have been built to provide weather protection and charging infrastructure for the buses at Sunshine West, including 24 charging dispensers. More than 300 solar panels have been installed to reduce the depot’s carbon footprint, while the electricity to power the buses is 100 per cent green via a carbon offset program. Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll who visited the Sunshine West site late last month, said tackling emissions in the bus industry is

critical to Victoria meeting the government’s target of net zero emissions by 2045. Kinetic co-chief executive Michael Sewards said the Sunshine West and Heatherton depots are an investment in a safe, reliable, and sustainable network that will encourage more Victorians to get out of their cars and onto our buses. “Electric buses are better for the environment, better for our communities and make better financial sense,” he said. “The transport industry is a significant contributor to Victoria’s CO2 emissions, and we are proud to play a key role in delivering a cleaner future for all Victorians.”

A celebration of Bosnian cultural music, song, dance, and story is coming to Brimbank. The ‘Homelands’ concert has been three years in the making with planning for the event starting prior to the pandemic. The Boite adminstrator and event organiser Therese Virtue said the performance will bring various cultural groups from the Brimbank community together. “One of the things we’ve realised in the process of creating the performance is the significance of the culture keepers in the community,” she said. “There are several Bosnian migrants living in Brimbank. “The Bosnian culture particularly is a very cosmopolitan culture and embraces people of different faiths.” Ms Virtue said the concert offers a sense of homecoming for the Bosnian community, but also an opportunity for others to experience a culture they may not be familiar with. “To have some cultural practice maintained is really good … it helps you feel like you have an identity in these places,” she said. “[For the community] the concert will give them a little window into how other people spend their time, enjoy leisure, and make art.” The artists appearing at the concert include Saray Iluminado led by Nela Trifkovic, Sevdalinka, Bosnian Choir, Senada Ekic’s DUKAT, Bosnian Dance Ensemble, and Brimbank Multicultural Choir directed by Veronica Gauci.

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China clarifies student situation China’s education ministry has clarified the effects of its decision on the recognition of online degrees obtained from foreign institutions. Under the initial announcement on Saturday, January 28, more than 40,000 Chinese students would be required to travel from China back to Australia, leading to an influx of student visa applications. However, China’s education ministry released a statement on Sunday, January 29 stating that students who had already enrolled for online learning or who were unable to

receive a student visa in time could receive an exemption, as long as they could provide the correct documentation. A Victoria University (VU) spokesperson said only a small number of students remained in China during the pandemic. “We are now keen to welcome them back as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said. “Most Victoria University (VU) students from China are already in Australia. “They have been returning since April 2022 when the borders re-opened, and we resumed on-campus teaching.”

A VU spokesperson said VU’s model of teaching would allow for any arriving international students to start with minimal delay. “VU’s block model, which is the intensive teaching of one unit at a time over a four week period, offers great flexibility,” the spokesperson said. “This means if students cannot begin their program of study when they planned, they can start later and catch up quickly. “When students arrive in Australia, ample accommodation is available at UniLodge at our

Footscray Park campus.” Universities Australia chief executive Catriona Jackson said any additional international students returning to Australia were welcome. “Happening so close to the new academic year, there are obvious logistical issues that need to be worked through,” she said. “We will be working closely with government and industry to ensure universities can quickly respond to this influx and facilitate the safe return of students from China as well as students from other nations.”

Origami entrepreneur A Hillside teenager has been nominated in two categories in the 2022 Victorian 7NEWS Young Achiever Awards after developing a successful small business, and using that platform to launch a social enterprise. Kiana Jackson has been nominated for the HR Gurus Career Achievement Award as well as the Strategic Alliance Network Small Business Award. In 2020, the now 17-year-old returned from three months of study at a Japanese international school to a Melbourne in lockdown. During lockdowns she began practising origami, a hobby which quickly developed, into a small business, Kiana Mei Design. Kiana Mei Design sells origami-based art at over 70 markets in Melbourne, including at permanent stalls at St Kilda Esplanade and Queen Victoria night markets. Kiana said with hard work and determination she built her business to a

$70,000 a year income stream while studying year 11 full-time. “Being nominated for both the awards is definitely something that I feel very honoured about, especially to have my work and what I do recognised, it definitely is such a privilege to have been chosen for both categories.” Kiana is ready to use her business platform to launch a social enterprise, a series of “zero-cost” markets for stallholders under the age of 18. Kiana said she hopes to support young people with their entrepreneurial journey. “Mentoring them and giving them advice and allowing them to start their business in a supportive environment … and allow young people to earn an income from their passions and ideas just as I did,” she said Winners will be announced on April 28. Liam McNally

Kiana Jackson. (Supplied)

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Runway maintenance under way Work on Melbourne Airport’s runway maintenance program is continuing, with the project moving into a new phase of works. The project involves replacing about 2500 metres of pavement on the existing north-south runway as part of maintenance undertaken every decade or so to ensure the runway can continue to support heavy aircraft operations. Melbourne Airport said the runway is the longest of Melbourne Airport’s two existing runways and supports the bulk of long-haul international fights. Melbourne Airport chief of aviation Jim Parashos said the new phase of work is being undertaken on the intersection of the two runways, which will result in the temporary

Crews are carrying out maintenance work on Melbourne Airport’s north-south runway. (Supplied)

shortening of the north-south runway at night-time, five nights a week. “Throughout February, we will be working

on the intersection of the two runways during our night-time closures. This means that the north-south runway is temporarily shortened overnight, which slightly changes the way that aircraft land and take off from the north-south runway,” he said. “This may have some temporary noise impacts on nearby communities. Noise impacts may be lessened for neighbours to the north, but areas to the south may experience some additional temporary noise during this short works period. “We have strategically scheduled some heavy aircraft types, such as A380s, to arrive and depart earlier or later than the night-time closures, due to operational limitations on the

east-west runway. This will have the added benefit of minimising overnight impacts to nearby communities.” The work on the runway intersection will occur during February for about a month, as well as in May. The full runway maintenance program started in November last year and will continue until around September. Anyone with questions can contact community@melair.com.au. Noise complaints or feedback can be directed to Airservices’ Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS) at 1800 802 584 or https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/ community/environment/aircraft-noise/aboutmaking-a-complaint.

Bringing history to life on the smallpox epidemic, which echoed a number of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She said she approaches her characters by thinking about who would have been the key people within a small Australian town in the 1800s. Stuart said ‘The Homecoming’ also features a murder mystery, inspired by her Harriet Gordon murder mystery series written under the pen name of A.M. Stuart. “I enjoy the puzzles of writing murder mysteries,” she said. Stuart said while she is bidding farewell to the Maiden’s Creek series, she is also planning for the next Harriet Gordon book to be the series’ last. “I’m looking forward to starting something new,” she said. Details: www.alisonstuart.com

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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. 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. 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 new Deer Park Station taking shape

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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. Tara Murray

Fire sparks call to arms

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contact@levelcrossings.vic.gov.au 1800 105 105 levelcrossings.vic.gov.au

“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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Everyone is welcome.

(Damjan Janevski) 315732_01

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Mt Derrimut Road project update

The team will talk about construction progress on the rail bridge and new station, upcoming changes to the way you travel around the area, sustainability initiatives and how you can stay up to date with the project.

Hobsons Bay author Alison Stuart.

(Damjan Janevski) 226450_01

Western suburbs author Alison Stuart is returning to the fictional town of Maiden’s Creek for one last time. Her third book in the Maiden’s Creek series, titled ‘The Homecoming’, is now available in local bookstores, including Book and Paper in Williamstown. Based on the town of Walhalla and set in 1892, the book follows Charlie O’Reilly and her return to the town as acting matron of the local hospital. Stuart said her passion is writing historical fiction and incorporating romantic elements into the story. “I believe the history is very important as part of the story,” she said. “I just think so much of the past dictates how we think today. “It puts us into context.” Stuart said the first book in the Maiden’s Creek series, titled ‘The Postmistress’, focuses

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NEWS

Transport tops council wish list Melton council is calling for funding for construction of the Outer Metropolitan Rail and Road Ring and the Western Intermodal Freight Terminal in this year’s federal budget. The council released its budget wish list last week, outlining the projects it believes need funding to help support more jobs, create better infrastructure and to help invest in the future of young people’s education. The Outer Metropolitan Road and Rail Link is a critical transformational project that would connect the outer north, west and south-west of Melbourne along with freight hubs and employment precincts.

The Western Intermodal Freight Terminal at Truganina would be the catalyst for thousands of local jobs and see the removal of up to 2,000 daily truck movements from Melbourne’s west. The council is also calling for further funding for upgrades to the Western Highway, with $10 million allocated last year for a business case. The council is also continuing to seek the electrification of the rail line to Melton and new stations at Mt Atkinson, Thornhill Park and Calder Park, and the adoption of the Melbourne Metro 2 East- West Rail Link. Tthe council wants the creation of a new tertiary school of medicine to train doctors and

allied health specialists for outer metropolitan areas and regional centres locally. An expansion of the state government’s announcement of a TAFE in Cobblebank for the construction sector to also include logistics, health, education and community services is also on the list. Melton mayor Lara Carli said the budget submission is about securing investment in key major projects that will boost our economy and create significant long-term jobs. She said it’s a chance to create easy lifestyles in the outer west where people can work close to home and spend more time with family.

“Council’s jobs and investment attraction strategy demonstrates how an accelerated pipeline of investment can deliver 100,000 jobs in the City of Melton by 2050 contributing $19 billion to the economy and an additional $10 billion in supply chain impacts,” she said. “Our federal budget submission is founded on this strategy. We’re wanting all three levels of government to work together to provide an equity of opportunity to our residents with access to local, quality diverse employment, skills and education as well as upgraded roads and efficient frequent public transport.”

Bloomin’ good ideas Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden (FMBG) is hosting a free guided tour as a part of the National Sustainable Living Festival on Sunday, February 12. The National Sustainable Living Festival runs throughout February, and comprises more than 130 events across the country that are aimed at celebrating and showcasing ideas and actions for sustainability. For the festival, FMBG is hosting a guided tour of the Melton Botanic Gardens to give people a chance to learn about climate-resistant plants that can tolerate a dry climate and low water requirements. FBMG president John Bentley said they’ve been running the Sustainable Living Guided Tour for almost a decade. “We think it’s really important because one of the underlying principles of the Melton Botanic Garden is sustainability,” he said. “We showcase that through the types of

plants that we have, low water use once plants are established, trying to reuse and repurpose materials where we can, sourcing from sustainable organisations, and through our practices at the depot. On the tour guests will see sustainability principles and re-purposing in practice over a gentle 90 minute walk and see garden beds that mimic conditions in Western Australia, South Australia, Southern Africa, the Mediterranean, California, and Central and South America. Other highlights include the Dryland Eucalyptus Arboretum, Bush Foods Garden, Sensory Garden, and indigenous plantings along Ryans Creek and beside the lake. The event will take place from 10am to noon on Sunday, February 12, walkers will meet at Depot 21, Williams Street in Melton. To book for the free event, contact Mr Bentley on 9743 3819. Liam McNally

Friends of Melton Botanic Garden president John Bentley is leading a free sustainability tour through the Melton Botanic Garden. (Damjan Janevski) 317778_02

Plan ahead for summer works From Wednesday 11 January to Monday 27 February 2023

This summer, crews are completing a series of works across the West Gate Tunnel Project that affects how you’ll move to and from the city. There are 24/7 lane, road and ramp closures in place across the network. These works are part of delivering a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge.

Locations • Footscray Road (continues to June) • West Gate Freeway lanes • Williamstown Road outbound entry ramp • Williamstown Road interchange • Hyde Street, Douglas Parade and Simcock Avenue

We understand that these closures are disruptive and thank you for your ongoing patience as we work as quickly and safely as possible to get the job done. Major delays are expected—please plan ahead. Please note there may be other works happening across the network during this time. Visit bigbuild.vic.gov.au for more information. Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 12581457-DL02-23

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Racers competed in circuits around the Melton Reservoir.

(Jacob Pattison) 316628_01

A range of classes of boats competed in different races over the weekend.

(Jacob Pattison) 316628_06

Reservoir shenanigans impress Australia’s fastest Blown Alcohol Displacement (B.A.D.) racing boats descended on the Melton Reservoir for a weekend of spectacular racing. Spectators could watch the action from the grandstands over February 3-5. Chris Pugsley took his boat, Shenanigans to the top spot for both the Jack Kavanagh Trophy and the Keith Harrison Unlimited, and Darryl Quinn took out the coveted Melton Gold Cup in his boat Bad Influence. Winners of the races will receive a trophy board and prize money of up to $6000. Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club vice commodore Chris Dynon said it was a “great weekend”. “A big thanks to Melton shire for all there ongoing support,” he said

The event was hosted by the Melbourne Runabout and Speedboat Club. (Jacob Pattison) 316628_09

The action went down over three days in the first weekend of February. (Jacob Pattison) 316628_02

Boats can reach speeds of over 200km/h

The Melton Gold Cup is one of Australia’s biggest speed boat races. 12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

(Jacob Pattison) 316628_13

(Jacob Pattison) 316628_04

Racers were competing for cash prizes of as much as $6000.

(Jacob Pattison) 316628_11

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

MY PLACE Brimbank’s newest councillor, Thomas O’Reilly was sworn in officially last week having won a count back to replace former councillor, Trung Luu. The Harvester ward councillor shares with Tara Murray his connection with Brimbank and what local residents can expect from their new councillor. What is your connection to Brimbank? Harvester ward’s history of manufacturing and acceptance of people from different cultures is part of my own family journey in Brimbank. My connection begins with my maternal grandparents, who migrated from Malta to Australia in the 1950s and settled in Sunshine West. My mother, a community advocate, has lived in Sunshine West her whole life. My father first came to Sunshine, travelling from country Victoria for employment, in the 1970s. I come from a diverse, working class family and I am a proud, third generation resident of Brimbank. I have lived in Brimbank my whole life and have grown up across Sunshine. I served on the Brimbank youth council for two terms, in 2020 and 2021, and graduated from the Brimbank community leadership program last December. I have also been involved with engaging community online, as well as initiatives focused on crime prevention, community safety, languages, education and mental health. Tell us about your favourite places in Brimbank? I enjoy heading down to my local shopping village for some spring rolls, dim sims and baked desserts. Businesses that sell any type of sweets are always a favourite for me. I also like spending time with nature along the Kororoit Creek Trail, and that helps me to take a break and to recharge. What do you love about Brimbank? I believe our greatest strength is the

How does it feel to be elected as a Brimbank councillor? It has certainly been an unexpected opportunity that I have been given the privilege of taking up. Whilst there are many things to learn and to take in over the next few months, I am very excited to be able to create change at a grassroots level. I am looking forward to continuing my involvement in the community as a councillor to create a more beautiful, safer, engaged and resourced Brimbank.

Councillor Thomas O’Reilly (right) with his mum, Tess, and brother, Christopher. (Supplied)

combination of our close proximity to the city and the diversity of cultures, opportunities and experiences that can be found within our local region. Brimbank is a place where people can live, work, study and shop locally. It is a place where people can grow up, have the opportunity to receive an education at the

tertiary level locally, and become immersed in different cuisines and traditions. It is a place where people and businesses can capitalise on its untapped potential and geographical location, which is at the heart of the western region and as little as 30 minutes away from the Melbourne CBD.

What can Brimbank residents expect from you as a councillor? As the now youngest councillor representing Brimbank this term, I want to reassure the community that I want to be here and I understand our local issues and the functions of local government. For my time in council, I would like to create further opportunities for authentic community engagement, and provide my support for council advocacy priorities. With the upcoming Melbourne Airport Rail Link, our population is expected to increase significantly over the following decades, and we need additional amenities to support this growth particularly in health, transport and education. I want to see a Brimbank that is more beautiful, safer and resourced which values amenities, services, sustainable developments and more open spaces. I believe in a community first council that takes into account our history, our heritage and the needs and perspectives of local voices in decision making.

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Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future. The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark salescareers@starnewsgroup.com.au

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

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Walking the heritage high wire A group of West Footscray residents have questioned the value of Maribyrnong council placing interim heritage controls on their homes, despite many being unable to carry out basic repairs and having their market value slashed. Matthew Sims spoke with property owners about how a permanent heritage overlay would impact their dreams for the places they wish to call home.

est Footscray resident Arthur Richardson is a Vietnam War veteran who has been unable to work since 1996. Now, he said that due to Maribyrnong council’s planned amendment to implement an interim heritage overlay on his house, the projected market value of his Duke Street house according to a local real estate agent has dropped by up to $400,000 or about 18.4 per cent – from $1.85 to $1.9 million to $1.45 to $1.55 million. “Besides the mental fuss it’s caused, the financial loss is enormous,” Mr Richardson said. In September 2021, council endorsed the West Footscray Inter-war and Post-war Heritage Precinct Study 2021 for community consultation conducted across 1400 property owners in December 2021 and requested the planning minister provide authorisation to prepare and exhibit a planning scheme amendment to implement interim planning controls to protect the precincts in the study.

‘‘ ’’

They are ruling people’s lives - Arthur Richardson

The minister granted authorisation in November 2021, with interim controls then implemented on December 12, 2021. Under the interim heritage overlay controls, more than 900 affected property owners across eight precincts need a planning permit to demolish, alter or extend a building or construct a new building, with the intended aim to conserve and enhance the heritage value of the impacted properties. Maribyrnong council conducted public consultation of the permanent overlay from February 28 to April 7, 2022. After receiving 199 submission during this process, the council requested the planning minister to appoint an independent planning panel, with public hearings held in late November and December of last year. Mr Richardson said as Duke Street contained a mixture of inter-war, post-war austere and post war brick veneer houses, it should not be considered as part of any heritage overlay. “Our street should not be on it at all,” he said. “We are so far removed from the viewing public.” Mr Richardson said he was “disgusted” with the council’s decision and lack of proper consultation with the community. “They are ruling people’s lives.” Maribyrnong chief executive Celia Haddock said the controls are the result of 18 months of community engagement of the draft West Footscray Neighbourhood Plan, beginning in 2017. “A key theme that emerged in community feedback across this engagement focused on retention of existing neighbourhood character and the perceived lack of guidelines for heritage,” she said. “The interim overlay approved by the planning minister is designed to safeguard existing character while potential ongoing heritage protection is considered. “No decision on permanent heritage controls has been reached and the amendment is yet to be considered by council.” West Footscray resident Cameron Goodison said he and his wife bought their Wellington Street home with the hope to make it their dream home and add a third bedroom despite it having a number of issues, such as a leaky roof and floorboards in need of replacement or repair. “We are planning to have a family,” he said. Mr Goodison said he and his wife had been left “frustrated and angry” in the wake of

West Footscray residents have opposed Maribyrnong council’s decision to implement an interim heritage overlay on more than 900 properties across the suburb and push for a permanent heritage overlay. (Jacob Pattison) West Footscray resident Cameron Goodison and his wife bought their Wellington Street home shortly before the interim heritage overlay came into effect. (Damjan Janevski) 315719_04

The heritage overlay stretches across West Footscray, Footscray, Tottenham and Maidstone.

the decision to implement interim controls and push for a permanent heritage overlay with little to no direct consultation with homeowners. “We’ve contacted the councillors and had no response,” he said. “It would have been so easy to do consultation.” Mr Goodison and his wife have now had to move forward with renovation and extension plans six times more costly so as to not infringe with the heritage overlay controls, with any other work such as installing solar panels visible from the street or removing asbestos restricted. “To do any work, we need to get a planning permit,” he said. “I’m not sure it is all that safe.” Mr Goodison said he believed the majority of affected properties within the overlay were not of significant heritage value and required immediate repair work. “My personal opinion is they should have done a development overlay,” he said. “Almost none of these houses are intact. “To limit development on 20 per cent of the suburb is a crazy idea.” Maribyrnong council conducted a heritage review across 2000 and 2001 focusing on a number of properties and houses, but did not

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

A number of West Footscray residents have expressed their opposition to the heritage overlay, citing many impacted properties require repair work. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 315581

recommend any houses currently within the interim heritage overlay controls. Mr Goodison said with the influx of young families coming to the west on the back of large-scale projects such as the Metro Tunnel, the council should be looking at supporting development to support projected growth. “I think we’re sitting in one of the perfect spots for medium-density housing,” he said. Royal Historical Society of Victoria heritage committee deputy chair Ian Wight said the controls are still able to change further. “The community needs to understand that people have still had the full opportunity to object to the amendment and the council and the panel can recommend changes to the amendment in the light of these objections,” he said. “We have not yet heard from the panel and the council may make further changes before it goes to the minister for approval. “The interim control will lapse in favour of an amended permanent amendment.” Mr Wight said he believed the distribution of the heritage overlay in the amendment was “fairly selective”. “This is a difficult decision for councils,” he said. “This follows a standard procedure that has been applied in most municipalities across

Victoria to identify and document significant heritage places.” Mr Wight said his impression is that similar heritage overlays had delivered benefits to a number of areas, including heritage overlays in Brimbank and Wyndham. “Having had extensive experience assisting councils with heritage studies and implementation, I have found most residents in proposed heritage overlay areas have welcomed the introduction of the overlay for the benefits it brings,” he said. “There are now around 180,000 properties in Victoria covered by the heritage overlay, most of these in residential precincts.” The next step is for the independent planning panel to provide a report advising council and the planning minister, with the report expected early this year. Maribyrnong council must then consider the panel’s recommendations before deciding on the amendment and submit it to the planning minister for approval, with the whole process scheduled to conclude mid-2023. Details: www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ amendmentc172 or www.change.org/p/ ma r iby r nong- c it y- c ou nc i l-v ic- delw p objection-to-proposed-heritage-overlays-inwest-footscray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

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

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

February 3, 1988

February 10, 1993

February 4, 2003

February 5, 2013

Mr Gantcho Taskor of Albion is waiting for a call from Buckingham Palace.

St Albans and Sunshine students are travelling to and from school on some of the most over-crowded buses in the western suburbs.

Keilor residents and business surrounding Cliff Harvey Lagoon Reserve are angry about a proposed new car park and public toilet.

Housing failure: 4000 on waiting list

12544962-AV15-22

35 years ago

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

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

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 until Thursday, April 20. ■ artspaces@brimbank.vic.gov.au or 9249 4600

Chinese kite making

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of meditation teacher Ananya Tomar.

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

(Damjan Janevski) 317331_01

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 Bacchus Marsh Market

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

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.

The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club 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

Take weight off naturally

Melton South Knit & Natter

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

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

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 7-9pm 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 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/

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

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 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 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

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 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

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

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

Melton Friendship Group.

Community singing 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

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

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

Melton Cycling Club

Melton Trauma Teddies Zonta club meets

Parkinson’s support group

Tuesdays at 10am. Val, 0418 667 150

■

(iStock)

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

PUZZLES

6 3 5 2

No. 119

9 2 1 3 9 8 3 4 hard

10 11 12 13

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

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good

8 2 6 7 4 9 3 5 1

1 8 5 9 2 3 4 7 6

3 2 6 7 4 5 8 1 9

7 9 4 8 1 6 3 5 2

9 1 2 3 5 7 6 4 8

5 LETTERS ACTED ADMIT ALIBI ALLAH ANGLE AORTA ASPEN BARON BESTS BLESS BLUES BOOMS BUTTE EASES ELOPE ENROL ERROR EVENT FORGE GEESE

No. 119 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

N A C T

G I V E R A N O L E M A C E S

7 9 3 2 8 5 6 4 1

7 LETTERS ANAEMIA EMPOWER GIMMICK GRABBER NIPPLES PRESUME

SPERM SPREE STARE STRAW TALES TEARS UTTER WASTE WEAVE 6 LETTERS BASTED BEWARE ERASES NEARED

8 LETTERS ALARMIST SERENEST WARBLING WEARIEST

10-02-23

E B T

2 4 9 5 8 1 7 6 3

6 7 8 4 3 9 1 2 5

5 3 1 6 7 2 9 8 4

5 2 1 4 6 7 3 9 8

8 5 6 7 4 9 1 3 2

9 3 7 5 1 2 4 8 6

4 5 3 1 6 8 2 9 7

4 LETTERS CHEF DEER DISC MUMS NEST NETS OPUS SEEM SHES SIGN SPED SWAT TEAM TUNE

GREET HABIT ISLES LAMBS MENUS MOVIE NERVE NESTS OMEGA ORALS PAGED PALED PASTA PIANO RABBI ROUGE SAWED SEEDS SKATE SLEDS SLUTS

deeper, deer, deter, enter, entered, entree, erne, erred, peer, peered, pert, peter, petered, preen, preened, preteen, pretend, PRETENDER, reed, rend, render, rent, rented, renter, repent, repented, tender, tenderer, tern, tree, treed, trend

8 6 7 2 9 4 5 3 1

6 4 8 3 9 1 2 7 5

No. 119

( 5 5 2 5

9 7 1 3 8 5 4 6 2

5 4 3 1 6 2 8 7 9

4 1 5 6 2 8 9 3 7

4 1 2 8 3 6 7 5 9

1 7 4 6 5 8 9 2 3

2 8 9 1 7 3 5 6 4

V Y

2 8 9 5 7 3 6 1 4

3 6 7 4 9 1 2 8 5

7 3 2 9 5 6 1 4 8

1 9 4 8 3 7 5 2 6

6 5 8 2 1 4 7 9 3

3 6 5 9 2 4 8 1 7

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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

32 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

5x5

6 1 7 9 8 2

1 9 7 4

3 LETTERS ACE ADD ADS AMP ARC ATE AVO CAT DEN DIE EBB ERR EVE ICE LID LOT ONE OPT ORE PAP PEW SEE SPA TAG

F N X P S E C D T AWOQ

8 1 5

I U RMB G Z J K L H V Y

2 3 1 6 2 7

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

What is the name used in industry for pure, crystalline glucose sugar?

Nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of which part of the human anatomy?

In what year did Home and Away debut on Australian television?

Lambaré, Luque and Limpio are major cities in which country?

Which star of American Graffiti said 'I’m like a fireman. When I go out on a call, I want to put out a big fire, I don’t want to put out a fire in a dumpster'?

Which Indonesian volcano erupted in 1883?

Lars Ulrich (pictured) is the drummer and co-founder of which US heavy metal band?

Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium located in which US city?

English cricketer Andrew Flintoff plays for which county cricket club in England?

10 A golden wedding celebrates which anniversary? ANSWERS: 1. Dextrose 2. Kidney 3. 1988 4. Paraguay 5. Harrison Ford 6. Krakatoa 7. Metallica 8. Chicago 9. Lancashire 10. 50 years

DECODER

5 2 8 * (

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ACROSS 1 3

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Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services V Deadline

V Trades

V Fencing & Gates

BEST STYLE FENCING

Placing your classified advert is so easy...

12555984-NG26-22

All styles of Fencing and Gates • Colorbond • Picket • Wrought Iron and more

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

Call for a FREE QUOTE 0431 477 232

(include your name, address and phone number)

We accept payment by:

LEON’S FENCING SERVICES

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

Free Quotes

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

Ph 0410 807 841

V Garage/Garage Doors 12398667-SN37-18

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

12434534-LB03-20

Deadline for all classifications is 2:30pm Friday.

12440392-SG06-20

Specialising in Timber and Colorbond Fencing

9746 7785

0412 184 772

V Air Conditioning

V Garden Services

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals

12560928-HC35-22

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services Pergolas • Decks • Retaining Walls • Renovations • Landscaping

Renovations at budget prices

Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

V Cabinet Makers

AA CABINETS

Bill 0410 48 14 17

Specializing in: • Kitchens • Wardrobes • Vanities • Custom Built Storage Space For a free quote please contact Andy 0408 081 888 Showroom: 45 Knight Ave, Sunshine North Email: aacabinets@outlook.com.au

12420493-CG25-19

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations · Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom.

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Employment section of Network Classifieds.

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Disinfection cleaning using hospital grade quality ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ For a Free Quote call Pavlina on 0431 116 544 www.koprivacleaning.com.au

V Bricklayers

12418345-SN21-19

AK BRICKLAYING All Types of Bricklaying Restoration Work ฀Brick Fences ฀Repair Work

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

0450 820 170 - 7 days

Contact Adam 0422 250 675

฀

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

V CONCRETING GTSpecialising in all types of concreting.

THE JOLLY GIANT

PTY LTD

Plain • Colour • Stencil • Slate Pattern • Exposed Aggregate • Driveways • Pathways • Garage Floors • Factory Floors • Car Parks • Driveway Pressure Cleaning FREE QUOTES. Call Matthew: 0413 789 755

LAWN MOWING • ALL GARDEN MAINTENANCE • DRIVEWAYS & PATH CLEANING (High Pressure) Free Quote – Big or Small Jobs – Pensioner Discounts

Ring David – 0437 369 162

Need cash?

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

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

V Cleaning Services

Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance

8348 5441

12586003-MS03-23

& Kitchens

12425486-CG35-19

Beautiful Bathrooms

฀ ฀

NATHAN FENECH CONCRETING

Sell it local V Guttering

RJ GUTTERS

Residential - Commercial - Industrial All • Footings • Slabs • Foundations • Concrete Paving • Concrete Restorations NO JOB TOO SMALL!

FREE QUOTES Mobile: 0478 129 330 | ABN. 43462185813

ADVERTISE

with us and get better results

CALL 1300 666 808

12589150-AI06-23

CONTRACTING

V Bathroom & Kitchens

฀

Call Sam

12589153-MS06-23

Froggys

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

12416265-CG17-19

Call 0430 332 368

V Concrete Products & Services 12533274-HC09-22

V Builders & Building Services

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

12479887-JW04-21

KS Heating & Cooling

฀ ฀

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

jadhc@live.com.au

12447233-NG17-20

AU 21094 Lic 42666

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

★ New & Existing ★

Homes

฀

1232632-ACM26-16

฀

฀ ฀ FREE QUOTES

0421 421 640

V Handy Persons

Handyman Service 20 years experience. All types of house repairs & renovations

Bill 0410 48 14 17

1231176-CG24-16

JAD COOLING AND HEATING Jad 0425 804 593 or 9336 1996

12563025-JC33-22

• EVAPORATIVE COOLERS • SPLIT SYSTEMS • HOT WATER SYSTEMS • DUCTED HEATING

12360798-DJ33-17

REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS

12565627-SN35-22

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

Trades & Services

General Classifieds V Tree Lopping/Surgery

• Domestic • Commercial • Interior • Exterior • New Homes • Renovation • Plaster Repairs • Home Repairs

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

Free Quote 7 Day Service 45 yrs exp.

0416 561 594 0403 610 782 www.saidaspaintingau.com

฀

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

& ARCHIE’S

12543772-HC15-22

Lic 49728

• Stumps Removed • Fully Insured OR • Woodchipping TRIMMED & Mulching • Pensioner Discounts

ROB'S SHEEP MANURE, 40 litre bags, $7.00 per bag, minimum delivery 15 bags, sms preferred, 0429 954 259 V Garage Sales

12530339-JW02-22

Call Mick 0417 352 040

V For Sale

Certiﬁcate in Tree Climbing & Tree Felling

Lic 35031

FREE Quotes

Please ring Dad urgently on 0450 859 020 Love Dad.

REMOVED

MIRMIC PLUMBING

Find local work in the

SUNSHINE WEST 5 Buckingham Cres., Sat. 11th and Sun. 12th Feb., 9am 2pm. Downsizing.

Employment

V Reblocking/Underpinning

ALL SUBURBS ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING

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

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193

General Notices

G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

V Television/Video/Audio

V Pets & Services

Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc.

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

Weighbridge Operator

Contact: Kerri 0429 214 229

Admin and adhoc duties, full time position, computer knowledge is essential. Saturdays required.

Buy, & Sell in our

Motoring

Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

section of Network Classifieds.

0428 568 004

Buy, Rent & Sell in our

Real Estate section of Network Classifieds.

1. The proposed facility consist of the addition of new Vodafone and Optus 5G equipment and associated works as follows:

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

12469374-CG46-20

V Tiling

ASAP.E TILING

Local professionals in our

Trades & Services section of Network Classifieds.

9RGDIRQH DQG 2SWXV UHJDUG WKH SURSRVHG LQVWDOODWLRQ DV low impact under The Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above. 3. ,Q DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK 6HFWLRQ RI & 0RELOH 3KRQH %DVH 6WDWLRQ 'HSOR\PHQW &RGH ZH LQYLWH you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact: Abhishek Gampala IURP 1RNLD 6ROXWLRQV 1HWZRUNV RQ RU DW FRPPXQLW\UHODWLRQV YKD#JURXSV QRNLD FRP E\ COB Wednesday 15 February 2023. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3023022.

12588585-RR06-23

12587929-FC05-23

• Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

5HSODFHPHQW DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ 7KUHH (3) Vodafone passive antennas not more than 2.8m LQ OHQJWK RQWR SURSRVHG QHZ PRXQWV 5HSODFHPHQW DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI H[LVWLQJ 7KUHH (3) Optus passive antennas not more than 2.8m in OHQJWK RQWR SURSRVHG QHZ PRXQWV ,QVWDOODWLRQ RI 7KUHH 9RGDIRQH DQG 6L[ Optus 5G antennas (Nine (9) in total) onto the H[LVWLQJ KHDGIUDPH • Installation of Twenty-Three (23) Radio Remote Units 558·V LQVWDOOHG RQWR WKH H[LVWLQJ KHDGIUDPH ,QVWDOODWLRQ RI DQFLOODU\ HTXLSPHQW FDEOLQJ *36 antennas and other items associated with the VDIHW\ DQG RSHUDWLRQ RI WKH IDFLOLW\ DQG 5HFRQÀJXUDWLRQ DQG LQVWDOODWLRQ RI HTXLSPHQW ZLWKLQ WKH H[LVWLQJ HTXLSPHQW VKHOWHU

Motoring

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

V Positions Vacant

NEED

V Motor Vehicles

FREE CAR REMOVAL

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

12565959-HC35-22

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE AN EXISTING 30M MONOPOLE AT 72 - 80 CAROLINE SPRINGS BOULEVARD, CAROLINE SPRINGS VIC - 3023 INCLUDING 5G

SAME DAY SERVICE

Tel 0427 963 906

Excavator Operator Loader Operator and Labourer required.

V Wrecking

V Public Notices and Event

0409 888 228

OPERATORS/ LABOURER /WEIGHBRIDGE OPERATOR

section of Network Classifieds.

V Professional

ANTENNA MAN

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

Distributors DO YOU NEED EXTRA $$$$'S MRA Distributors are seeking Individuals and families, Community Groups, Sporting Groups and Schools to participate in the distribution of Telephone Directories. There are many areas available and a great opportunity to earn some extra $$$$'s or to fundraise. Must have an ABN. Contact Kerri either by email : info@mrad.com.au or mob: 0429 214 229 and leave your name, contact number and area/s of interest.

3/381-385 Williamstown Road, Yarraville Contact: Darren 0419 328 365 MIDAS YARRAVILLE

Employment

FREE SMOKE ALARM Registered Building Practitioner

General

A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, Science, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese. Phone 0418 871 203

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

APPRENTICE MOTOR MECHANIC

V Positions Vacant

Find it in the

V Tuition

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

RELAXATION MASSAGE 7 days, 10am - 8pm. St Albans. Phone 0458 891 066 or 0438 842 866.

Dylan and Beau Ward

on presentation of this ad

0418 378 097

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

V Self Employment Opportunities

Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive

12321532-HM36-16

LOCAL DRAIN CLEARING • Blocked Drain & Emergency Plumber • Drains Reline

12586475-SN03-23

12553448-JC23-22

V Personal

5% DISCOUNT

TREE SERVICE

• General Plumbing & Maintenance • Spouting & Roofing • Hot & Cold Water Services • Gas work

Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

Melton Tree & Stump Removals

0423 288 893

$110/ 30mins

C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882

V Plumbing

Reg No 8659

Rainbow Club

12327446-LN42-16

Call for a Free Quote

ANY TREES LOPPED

V Apprenticeships /Traineeships

V Massage Therapists

12423634-SN31-19

Top Quality Guaranteed EST. 2008

12340308-HM08-17

SAIDA’S PAINTING

V Adult Services

12561969-JC32-22

12567906-MS37-22

V Painters/Decorators

Employment

LMCT 10268W

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

0435 904 818

MAZDA 2012 BT50, tray, 2600x180, ladder racks, tow bar and nudge bar, steps, one with the lot, 2.2 turbo diesel, 6 speed, 6 months reg, RWC, will not fault, 265.000kms, $13,000 ono, IUZ 2TN, Phone 0425 775 955

Advertise in the

Professionals section of Network Classiﬁeds.

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

NEW STAFF? Fill your position online www.networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

CALL 1300 666 808

29 .00

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly

Melton & Moorabool Star Weekly

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly

Maribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly

• All advertisements must be pre-paid. For $29.00 you get a 4 line, ONE ITEM ONLY advertisement, restricted to “For Sale” or “Motoring” items only for private advertisers, run initially for 13 weeks or until sold. Additional lines will be charged at $3 per line per publication. • After your advertisement has run for 13 weeks you must call us each fortnight to renew it for a further 2 week period AND reduce the price of your item by a minimum 5% for items in the “For Sale” section or 3% for items in the “Motoring” section. This process may continue until you have sold your item. If we do not hear from you we will assume you have sold your item and your advertisement will not appear. • The sale price must be included in the advertisement and the only alterations you may make are to the PRICE of your item. • Business advertisements, rental hire, pets & livestock and real estate are not included in the offer.

Wyndham Star Weekly

• The publisher reserves the right to decline any booking for the purpose of ongoing gain. Run my advert in:

Northern Star Weekly

2 papers - $7 extra 3 papers - $14 extra 4 papers - $21 extra 5 papers - $28 extra 6 papers - $35 extra

ADD A PHOTO FOR AN ADDITIONAL $8.00. 12588887-ET06-23

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Toyota Corolla hybrid hatch

Toyota Corolla Hybrid is stylish, affordable and has excellent fuel economy.

(Pictures: Supplied)

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring If ever there was a car that needed no introduction it’s the Toyota Corolla. First released in 1966 and arriving in Australia the following year, it is the all-time biggest-selling car worldwide, passing the 50-million mark in 2021. The current (12th generation) Corolla has been on sale here since 2019 with an upgrade for the 2023 model year providing the latest fifth-generation hybrid powertrain, the latest version of the Toyota Connected Services system as well as upgrades to the multimedia system. As before MY23 Corolla comes in three grades: Ascent Sport, SX and ZR, each with the choice of petrol-only or petrol/electric hybrid. Toyota is very serious about electrification and has put a lot of work into making all its vehicles low polluters. Since 2016 Corolla has come with the option of a petrol/electric hybrid and this week’s review is on the entry-level hybrid Ascent Sport hatch.

Styling With the growth in SUVs, designers of traditional sedans and hatchbacks have tended to lean towards lower, sleeker profiles as a point of different to the boxier SUV shapes. The Gen 12 Corolla is a good example. It’s longer, lower and wider than before with a more coupe-like silhouette which combine to give a much bolder stronger road presence. The front is quite low and the slim headlights are connected across the complete car and run well up into the sides of the bonnet. The lower grille is very large and makes a nice styling statement. Exterior changes for the upgraded model include new 16-inch wheels for Ascent Sport and SX grades, and a redesigned front grille for both hatch and sedan variants.

Interior The interior is neat and tidy with everything in the right place. Seats are wide, comfortable and supportive. Headroom is fine in the front seats but marginal for taller rear-seat passengers

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Ascent Sport petrol hatch or sedan: $28,130 Ascent Sport hybrid hatch: $30,630 Ascent Sport hybrid sedan: $31,180 SX petrol hatch or sedan: $31,280 SX hybrid hatch or sedan: $33,780 ZR petrol hatch: $35,120

with narrow rear doors making entry difficult for larger occupants. There’s no sunroof option which would otherwise reduce space. There is reasonable width for three adults sitting in the rear seat although legroom is limited even in the longer-wheelbase sedan. At 217 litres with the rear seats in place boot space is quite poor. 60/40 Capacity with the rear seats folded has not been listed.

Engines / transmissions The upgraded hybrid system uses a newly-developed high-output motor generator, power control unit and downsized hybrid transaxle. These provide a 13kW increase in peak power to maximum combined petrol / hybrid output of 103kW with the 1.8-litre engine. Petrol hatch and sedan variants comes with the ongoing 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 126kW / 202Nm for the hatch and 126kW / 203Nm for the sedan. Both petrol and hybrid models are front-wheel drive through a CVT with 10-speed sequential shift mode.

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

Corolla Hybrid has a 72kW/142Nm 1.8-litre Atkinson Cycle and a 53kW/163Nm synchronous permanent magnet electric motor. They drive the front wheels by way of an e-CVT automatic.

Driving There’s height and reach steering wheel adjustment. The driver’s seat has eight-way power adjustment. The front seats are comfortable and provide good support in normal driving even without side bolsters. As with all Toyota hybrids, Corolla takes off silently under battery power before transitioning smoothly to the when needed. The same thing happens with the stop/start system in slow traffic. In gentle downhill cruising on the open road the battery will again take over. There’s excellent vision all round and sharp acceleration for safe urban manoeuvring. The steering responds promptly and gives excellent feedback through the wheel. Claimed fuel consumption for the Ascent Sport hybrid is listed at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometres. We averaged around 4.8 L/100 km

ZR petrol sedan: $36,620 ZR hybrid hatch: $37,620 ZR hybrid sedan: $39,120

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

during our week behind the wheel. Tyre noise is low at slow speeds on very smooth surfaces increasing quite a bit on rougher surfaces.

Summing up Toyota Corolla Hybrid offers excellent value with hatch prices ranging from $30,630 to $37,620. For these prices you get a great looking small car with a large range of both safety and convenience features. And one that’s now fun to drive. Toyota Corolla has been one of the world’s best-selling cars for many years, often the best seller. Having driven the latest model, now offered as a hybrid, it seems inevitable it will remain at the top of the list for years to come.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Georgies ready for new premier level challenge It’s a different challenge, but the same focus remains for Caroline Springs George Cross. After earning promotion from state league 1 north-west following two years of hard work, the Georgies are back in the National Premier League competition, where they want to be. The side will be in NPL3, the first time in the NPL since they were relegated from NPL2 west at the end of the 2018 season. Coach Eric Vassiliadis said they were keen to test themselves back at the higher level. “It’s an exciting time for us,” he said. “There’s some new challenges and it will be a significantly different ball park. We’re pretty positive, it’s seven weeks to go before round one. Vassiliadis said they know that they came off a pretty impressive season last year in state league 1 north-west. He said they had freshened up the squad with some new faces and he said they were

looking OK. He said they believed they had the right personnel and balance in the squad. “There’s that natural attrition,” he said. “Jake Wardle who played a big role in squad has joined Melbourne Victory’s NPL side. “We’ve brought in some new international players and some local players to give some more support.” Wardle said he was keeping the names of who they had signed close to his chest until the transfer window closes. He said with the transfer window closing four weeks before the season starts, it’s another challenge they’re dealing with. In a positive sign, the club is finding not only players, but coaches and sponsors are keen to get involved. Having focused on promotion back into the NPL competitions, the club has had to reassess their goals.

Vassiliadis said they have three key performance indicators that they are looking at. “Everyone is on the same page for the club,” he said. “There’s a real edge at training and people want to grow the club. We’re not resting on our laurels, we want to push and go again. “We want to continue to invest in infrastructure and our junior platform. We want to have a real foot in the door for the B-league and be in those conversations. “And we want to ensure we have everything in place to be in a position to push for promotion.” The Georgies start their season on March 18 against Box Hill United. Tara Murray

Eric Vassiliadis. (Luke Hemer)

Sports shorts

United is aiming high

A-League Western United academy goalkeeper Mayan Mayan has been called up to the South Sudan squad for the upcoming under-20 African Cup of Nations in Egypt. Mayen will join the squad in camp ahead of the tournament’s commencement on February 19. Western United academy director Anthony Frost said the call-up to a major youth international tournament was a significant milestone and one that would boost both Mayen and the academy in the future. Mayen’s call up comes after academy goalkeeper Michael Vonja was selected in the Joeys squad for the under-17 Antalya Youth Cup, taking place in Turkey in February.

By Tara Murray Grand United is hoping a strong back end to the regular season will put in a good spot for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 finals. The Gorillas sit second on the ladder, having played some really good cricket before the break. While the batters have struggled getting back into the longer format of the game, things are looking nice for the side. Gorillas coach Sam Crea knows that they can’t take anything for granted. “Obviously before Christmas we were quite happy to be sitting second,” he said. “We’ve put in a lot of hard work to be in a good position to ramp things up as we head to finals. “It’s a tight race in division 3. Sunbury is sitting nine points back in fifth and it’s a logjam. There’s a big chance if we drop some games we miss out on finals.” Crea said they had been happy with how they played in the one-day games, but that form with the bat was yet to be transferred into the two-day games. They lost their first two day game, while their second two-day game was eventually poised after day one. “Red ball cricket is completely different,” he said. “We didn’t nail the first two-day game and we were bowled out in 60 overs. “Bowling wise we have been up to standard, but our batting hasn’t been. We need to start nailing that before the end of the season.” Crea said they were sticking with the same positive mindset with the bat, no matter the length of the game. He said at times they need to bat the situation and try and bat out the whole 80 overs. The Gorillas were set to be in action on Saturday in the second half of their game against Sunbury, which was after deadline. On day one, the Roar was bowled out for 125. The Gorillas finished the day at 4-35. Crea said it was a day of two halves in a massive match in the context of the season. “We were happy to restrict them to 125,” he said. “To be 4-35 though was quite disappointing. “They have nothing to lose and we know they’re going to come out hard. “They bowl like we do, in good spots. “We think it is game on and believe the first hour will be pivotal. We need to be batting at our best.” Crea said overall things were sitting nicely at the club. He said they had several sides still in the finals mix, which is what they had been hoping for at this time of the year. He said they were also looking ahead to

EDFL Taylors Lakes has announced the signing of Aaron Vendramini for this year’s Essendon District Football League division 2 season. Vendramini is no stranger to the EDFL having played with Westmeadows and Craigieburn, playing predominantly half-back and midfield as a senior footballer. The Lions said on social media that Vendramini has a good football brain and would add to the club’s culture and standards. He is the latest signing for new coach Steve Burns.

WRFL Braybrook has lost a key target up forward with Matthew Turcinovich on the move for this year’s Western Region Football League season. Turcinovich, who kicked 50 goals for the Brookers in the club’s 2022 premiership side, has joined West Footscray. Matthew Grubb is also making the move from Braybrook to West Footscray.

NPL Green Gully’s list is starting to take shape in the National Premier League. The Cavaliers have announced a number of re-signings in recent weeks. Josh Hope, Nahuel Bonada, Mitchell Graham, Matthew Crooks, Gianluca Iannucci and Liam Driscoll have all recommitted to the club as it aims to build on last season’s final appearance. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Grand United’s Rhys Mutch. (Joe Mastroianni) 274015_09

next season. “There’s strong commitment,” he said. “We’re talking to a few people for next year. “We’ve got big plans for the next two to

three years to build the club and move up the grades. “We want to be competing in senior division within five to 10 years.”

Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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Kangaroos add experienced duo to their lineup Sunshine’s hopes in the Western Region Football League division 2 competition have been boosted by two late signings. Having locked in a number of younger players who had returned to the club, new Kangaroos coach Ben Chapman thought their recruiting was done. But things changed last week, with former Spotswood premiership pair Murray Boyd and Wayne Patak committing to the club. Chapman said the two signings were a bonus after a busy off season. “We weren’t thinking about them coming on board a month ago,” he said. “Through friends of friends they started talking and decided to come down to training last night [Monday] and committed. “To get players of that calibre is really big for the club.” Patak played with Woodend-Hesket since leaving Spotswood, while Boyd has had the last few years off. Chapman said the two were keen to play together again.

“They played a lot of football at Spotswood,” he said. “Wayne reached out and asked Murray if he would be interested and he liked what he saw.” Chapman said both were in fantastic condition and were experienced enough to know how to handle the late start to pre-season. Chapman said adding those two and the likes of Mathew Medcraft, who have premiership winning experience at higher levels was exactly what they needed. “Early targets for us were the younger players,” he said. “We’ve got those three guys relatively late. “They all have premiership experience and leadership qualities. It will be beneficial for the young group.” Chapman said while they didn’t have any plans to add anyone else, “you never, say never.” Dylan Payne, Nick DeLeur, Jordan Rizzardo, Kyle Frahm, Jarrem Jeffries-Hayes, Josh Abrogar, Austin Rizzardo, Mitchell Bonnici,

Buckley Chapman and Mitch Fitzpatrick are some of the Kangaroos other recruits. Chapman told Star Weekly late last month that there would be plenty of opportunities for players to step up this season. “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.” The Kangaroos kick off their season on Good Friday against Albion, one of just two matches in the league that day. Murray Boyd has joined Sunshine.

Tara Murray

(Damjan Janevski) 317772_01

Australia Cup fixtures out

Hannah Keane has been a star for United this season. (Joe Mastroianni) 309000_08

United’s ‘amazing’ start By Tara Murray Western United coach Mark Torcaso wants his playing group to continue to keep a level head as they get into the second half of the A-League Women’s season. Having exceeded all expectations in their debut season with nine wins from their first 10 matches, there’s plenty of excitement surrounding United. Torcaso wasn’t keen to set expectations heading into the season. He said the start they’ve had has been pretty incredible and he’s not setting any limits on what they can achieve. “It’s been pretty amazing to be honest,” he said. “I’m very proud of how fantastic the girls have been. “The whole squad and their application. The results are starting at training, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. “We take each game and each week as it comes, it’s been so enjoyable.” While many people have been surprised how a large amount of the group had stepped up from the National Premier League Women’s competition, Torcaso is not one of them. Having coached a bulk of the group at Calder United, where they won several trophies, Torcaso expected good things from them.

“Those Calder girls who have come through with me, it has been amazing,” he said. “It’s an unbelievable feeling that these women each week keep going. “They’ve exceeded my expectations. I knew they would adapt to it and they stuck with and were patient, whether they’ve played five minutes or almost every game. “They’re good enough to play in this league.” Many of the players have spoken about the Calder United culture and the impact that has brought to the group. All the players are buying and the results are showing. On field, Hannah Keane has been the star, leading the golden boot award for the highest goal scorer. Having been cut by Melbourne City at the last minute a few years ago, she’s been keen to make her mark. “I knew Hannah had this quality,” Torcaso said. “I was surprised no one had picked her up and I had followed her progress since she was last in Australia. “I kept track of her and said if I ever get to an A-League club, I would contact her as I wanted her to play for me. “She has so much more to give, the surprises are still to come.” United’s early success has seen the club

22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 7 February, 2023

continue to attract good players in the midseason transfer window, Alana Beard, another to play under Torcaso at Calder, joined the club bringing plenty of experience, as did Danielle Steer, who was playing overseas. Having lost Jessica McDonald back to America with her stint over, the arrivals came at the perfect time. Torcaso said the pair would be important in the run home. Another player Torcaso is hoping will play a big role in the run home is Matildas star Chloe Logarzo. “Chloe has a bit of a foot niggle so she had to pull out of the Matildas camp. Hopefully she can continue her progress so she can be available for the world cup. “Hopefully we’ll see her back on the field in the next few weeks.” As for the second half of the season, nothing changes for Torcaso and the playing group despite being the hunted. United was set to face Perth Glory on Saturday, after deadline. “We want to keep level headed, keep challenging, keep on being a nuisance to the opposition side,” he said. “I keep telling them to be annoying and focus on each week and each game.”

The magic of the cup is back, with the fixture for first round of the Victorian stage of the Australian Cup revealed. With more teams joining the competition, there’s 133 teams in the preliminary round one draw. Teams from state league 3, 4 and 5 are joined in this round by regional sides and some metropolitan teams. With so many teams, 19 teams were given byes in the first round, including the Westside Strikers and Western Eagles. State league 4 west side Spring Hills is in action in round one, hosting Old Trinity Grammarians. The Stallions had a tough 2022 season, finishing on the bottom of state league 4 west. St Albans Gospic Bears will play host to Noble Hurricanes and Tullamarine is set to travel to Mount Martha. Keilor Wolves, which made it through to the last 20 Victorian teams last year, has been drawn to play Aspendale. In other matches, Sunbury United will host the Falcons 2000, Greenvale United will play Gold Plains and Gisborne will play Knox United. West Point, which knocked off a state league 1 side on the way to the fourth round, will face the Waverley Wanderers. Meadow Park will face the Sebastopol Vikings, while Craigieburn City will play state league side, Melbourne City. State league team Williamstown will play Balmoral, Roxburgh Park United will travel to play the Rowville Eagles. La Trobe University will host Seaford United, while Plenty Valley Lions face Deakin University and Point Cook will play Bentleigh. Mitchell Ranges will host Melton Phoenix and Tarneit United state league 5 side will play its first official match against Doreen United. Bundoora United will play the Bayside Argonauts, Wyndham will play the Glenroy Lions and the Maribyrnong Greens will play Monash University. The Truganina Hornets will play Boronia, while Maidstone United will travel to the Surf Coast, Laverton will play Ballarat and Uni Hill Eagles will play Barton United. Matches are set to be played this weekend.

Keilor turns focus to weekend pennant finals Keilor has the opportunity to fine tune its game ahead of finals in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant division 2, section 1. Having moved into a harder division this season, Keilor wasn’t sure what to expect against some tough opposition this season. But with two rounds to go, the side had already locked in fourth spot and a finals berth. Keilor’s Joe Watkins said it was a good position to be in at this point of the season. “We can’t go any lower than fourth,” he said. “We’re done really well and everyone has trained really hard. The first part was to make finals. That was the first part of the equation. The second part is to rely on what you did during the year and hope it holds you in good stead.” Watkins said they would look to fine tune their game in the next couple of weeks and try and take some real confidence into finals.

He said they know when they’re on their day, they can beat anyone, despite some tough opposition. Keilor finished runners-up in a different division last season. “In this section there’s three sides that have premier division teams, so their second sides have some really strong players,” Watkins said. “We have done really well and we can hold our heads up pretty high in this competition. We had a good win against Altona, who were second, but Werribee [which is now second] gave us a bit of a touch up.” Overall it has been a strong season for Keilor. Watkins said they would have taken this position at the start of the season. “We are thrilled with how the season has played out so far,” he said. “We’ll have some sides in the finals which is really good. Our second side will play finals,

while our third side is pretty close, we’re not sure how that will play out. “The fourth side, there has been a lot of illness, COVID and heat. They haven’t played many games, but are still a chance to play finals.” Keilor’s top side was set to face Melton 2 on Saturday, after deadline. Melton is trying to avoid relegation. In other matches set for the weekend, Deer Park was set to face Mentone in premier division on Saturday and then Bundoora RSL on Sunday. The Parkers entered the weekend’s matches in second spot. Tara Murray Keilor’s Mark Neicho and Robert Duddington discuss tactics. (Joe Mastroianni) 305646_01

Crows impress with bat

Storm out, wait on for other teams

By Tara Murray Sunshine was able to overcome a disastrous start with the bat to get a crucial win in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 1. With several matches not going ahead on day two due to rain, the Crows’ result against PEGS became even more important. Needing 241 for victory, the Crows were in trouble at 4-17 with Kaushal Lokuarachchi among those back in the sheds. But some positive batting and some key partnerships got the Crows back into the game. They ended up hitting the winning runs with more than 16 overs remaining, finishing 8-246. Crows captain-coach Troy Stone said they felt on top for most of the batting innings despite the start they had. “It was a great win,” he said. “We started off on the back foot, but we were able to develop some partnerships in the middle. “We’re an experienced group, so we knew what to do.” Stone said with the pitch the way it was, the aim was to continue to play their shots and bat really positively. They did exactly that with most of the middle and lower order contributing. “We made 90 for the seventh wicket partnership,” he said. “That really helped get us going. “We just had to put the bad ball away for boundaries and put them on the back foot. “We were going at four or five runs an over, so they essentially had to bowl us out to get the win.” Selva Tharaka top scored with 88 for the Crows. Shakeem Clarke was the pick of the bowlers for PEGS with five wickets. The match was one of three to get results in division 1, with two other matches ending in draws with no play on Saturday. The Crows sit in third spot with two rounds remaining. Stone said with several of the teams near them on the ladder not getting results, the win was even more important. This week they face second placed St Francis de Sales, which suffered a shock loss to bottom side Tullamarine. Stone said except for an upset loss to Tullamarine before Christmas they had been playing some good cricket. He said they were happy with where they were sitting. “We haven’t lost since Christmas, but cricket is a funny game,” he said. “Essentially it looks like [two-day cricket is suiting them],

Sunshine’s Troy Stone. (Damjan Janevski). 202948_02

but everyone is looking to score and sides are being bowled out, it makes for interesting cricket. “We’re happy with where the group is at guys finding form at the right time. “Bowling has been our weakness, but we’re bowling sides out at the moment, but we’re always looking to improve.” In other matches, there was no play in Sydenham-Hillside’s match with Seddon, but that result is being disputed. In senior division, there was no play in any

match with all matches declared as draws, but as of Sunday afternoon three of those results appear to be disputed. Haig Fawkner disputes the result against Sunshine United due to the Tigers failing to cover the wicket and it was left uncovered and both umpires witnessed upon arrival on Saturday. Westmeadows and Keilor’s match, and Deer Park’s Craigieburn’s matches results are also disputed according to MyCricket.

Sydenham-Hillside’s Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 campaign is over, while PEGS, Sunshine and Deer Park had their matches postponed. The region round of the competition started on Tuesday night, with the final 16 teams split into groups of four. The Sydenham-Hillside made it through the pool knockout stage, where it was drawn to face senior division side, the Druids in one of the first matches scheduled for this round. The Storm won the toss and elected to bat on their home pitch. They were out for 128 on the final ball of the innings. Stefon King top scored for the Storm with 36, in an innings which included three fours and one six. Asela Rangana Dasanayaka Aluthge was the pick of the bowlers for the Druids, taking two wickets. After losing an early wicket, the Druids steadied and were able to chase down the runs with more than four overs remaining. Dasanayaka Aluthge top scored with 43 off 25 balls. He hit four fours and two sixes. Muhammad Sajawal took 2-17 off his three overs for the Storm. The Druids’ opponent in the next round is yet to be decided. Deer Park was set to host Sunshine in the other game of the pool on Thursday night. Wet weather prevented the game going ahead, with it to be rescheduled. PEGS fate in the competition is also undecided. West Coburg and PEGS were set to face each other on Tuesday night, but the game was cancelled due to the ground being wet. The winner of that match will play Jacana, which accounted for Sunbury. Werribee Centrals advanced with a win against Gellibrand and will now face Maribyrnong Park St Marys which beat Sanctuary Lakes. The remaining games are scheduled to be played within the next week. The next round of the competition is scheduled for February 14.

Tuesday, 7 February, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 23

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