Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 8th August 2023

Hunting for wild treasure

Dotted along the trail of Kororoit Creek is a wildlife treasure hunt, where locals are able to discover and learn about all the creatures that call the creek home.

Photographer and ceramic artist Ursula Dutkiewicz has captured 19 images of local wildlife that have been placed onto metal stakes which poke out along the creek, encouraging locals to try and spot the wildlife in action.

With help from metal worker Peter Hinton and jeweller Jason Patterson, each stake is adorned with a ceramic tile that has a photograph and a corresponding label of the featured creature.

Dutkiewicz said the new installation was inspired during lockdown, when she spent much of her time photographing the local birdlife at the creek.

“This installation is to help make people aware of what is actually at the creek, and show that there is a treasure trove of wildlife that lives there,” she said.

“It is also an exciting treasure hunt for children as the installation is near the adventure playground, kids can discover and learn about all the local birds, lizards and insects.”

Public dental tooth ache

By Hannah Hammoud

The wait time to access public dental care in the west has continued to grow, according to data obtained by the Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch (ADAVB).

The ADAVB obtained data under freedom of information from Dental Health Services Victoria shows the wait time to access general dental care at Western Health was 22.7 months in the 12 months from July 2022 – June 2023.

ADAVB president Jonathan Teoh said long waiting times for dental care can lead to

worsening problems resulting in the need for emergency care. The ADAVB reports that one third of all courses of care are for emergency treatment rather than routine and preventive care.

“A lot of dental diseases are progressive in nature, and so we know that the longer people are waiting for care, and the longer you leave it, the worse it is going to get,” Mr Teoh said.

“If you leave a hole in your teeth for a long period of time, it is only going to get bigger. If we get to things earlier, then we might be able to save … teeth instead of having to remove them. Losing teeth is going to impact not just

people’s dental health, but it will also impact their wellbeing and more broadly their ability to participate in society.”

Mr Teoh said that without further ongoing investments into the public sector, he predicts that the waiting time for public dental care is only going to rise.

“We had some injection of funding in the public sector post-covid that has certainly been welcome. However, inevitably waitlists are going to creep up after that point as the system does not have enough capacity to meet the needs of the population“ he said.

WesternHealthprioritisesthenextavailable

appointment to those needing emergency care or people who are priority clients such as people experiencing homelessness, pregnant women, children and young people, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Western Health deputy chief medical officer Associate Professor David Smallwood said despite a 14 per cent increase in presentations at Western Health’s dental clinic, the team has brought down wait times and provided care to more than 9000 patients in the past year.

“Those needing urgent or emergency dental treatment don’t need to join the waitlist and are able to access walk-in care,” he said.

Jeweller Jason Patterson, Friends of Kororoit Creek president Jessica Gerger and photographer Ursula Dutkiewicz. (Damjan Janevski) 350428_01

Help support youths in need

Join the Sydenham Park Consultative Committee

We are looking for people to join the Sydenham Park Consultative Committee and share ideas about the park’s future. It’s an opportunity for discussion about the Sydenham Park Master Plan, as well as help Council advocate for future development of Sydenham Park. We want this committee to reflect our community and encourage nominations from people with diverse backgrounds.

The Sydenham Park Consultative Committee is being formed to:

• provide a forum for sharing ideas and discussions about the Sydenham Park Master Plan

• help Council advocate for investment and development of Sydenham Park

• help with discussions between stakeholders on matters impacting the park.

How to join

Read the Terms of Reference and complete a nomination form. The selection panel will review all nominations, select three people to represent the community and notify successful nominees. Council will confirm appointed nominees at the October Council Meeting. Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to nominate.

Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Learn more about projects that are open for comment including:

• Sunshine Energy Park – help create a vision for a new major parkland destination

• Draft Sports Facility Development Plan - give feedback on our draft plan

Comedy show

Some of the most experienced and upcoming comedians with disabilities are part of the GrinWest Comedy Show. Catch the performance at the St Albans Community Centre on Saturday 12 August, 6.308pm. Tickets cost $15 or $10 concession. Visit brimbank. vic.gov.au/events to learn more.

Getting off Gas

Experience the health, environmental and long-term cost saving benefits by getting off gas.

The Getting off Gas online webinar offers answers to the many questions around making this transition. It is on 16 August, 2023, 6.30-8pm. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/events to register and for more information.

Building a website for your business

This workshop can help you understand the pros and cons of the different website platforms and options for creating or upgrading your business website.

To be held on 23 August 2023, 6pm at iHarvest Coworking Sunshine.

Cost: $20. Registrations needed. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/events for more information.

One-stop spot for job seekers

Brimbank Learning Futures is a place where you can get help with questions on training, education and employment. Drop in on weekdays from 9am-5pm and speak to staff on a range of job-related topics.

It is located at the Visy Cares Hub, 80B Harvester Road, Sunshine. Visit brimbank. vic.gov.au or call 9249 4116 to learn more.

Your Councillors are always happy to hear from you

Cr Victoria Borg 0429 365 527 CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Sarah Branton 0407 836 064 CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Thuy Dang 0437 744 803 CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Sam David JP 0429 355 239 CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Maria Kerr 0437 796 630 CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Bruce Lancashire (Mayor) 0429 637 689 CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Jasmine Nguyen 0437 740 042 CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Thomas O’Reilly 0409 210 431 CrOReilly@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Jae Papalia 0437 838 710 CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Ranka Rasic (Deputy Mayor) 0437 861 296 CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Virginia Tachos 0428 915 671 CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au

By Hannah Hammoud

Youth services organisation Sparkways is making a plea to locals in Brimbank to help drive down the wait list for its one-to-one mentoring service this August.

Sparkways team leader Fletcher Curnow said there are a number of young people in Brimbank who are waiting to be matched with a mentor.

The one-to-one youth mentoring is a 12-month program that involves weekly or fortnightly catch-ups and is designed to support and empower young people who want a positive role model in their lives.

Mr Curnow said for those wishing to mentor, having experience with young people is helpful but anyone is encouraged to apply as the program runs mentors through training sessions.

Dilani De Silva put her hand up to become a mentor in Brimbank through Sparkways less than three months ago. She said the mentoring program is as rewarding for herself as it is for her mentee.

“I saw a post about becoming a mentor and it really grabbed me. I went through lots of training and I was paired with my mentee who was a perfect match for me, we clicked

immediately,” she said. “My mentee lives quite close to me, I pick her up in my car and we go to parks, or go for walks. We are also on a food journey where we are experimenting with and exploring new foods to try, it has been lots of fun.”

MsDeSilvasaidsheencouragesanyonewho is interested in helping someone, regardless of their experience, to take up this opportunity to mentor.

“If you are open to learning about someone else and also them learning about you, and helping them to become more confident then you should sign up to this program,” she said.

“To be able to see someone open up to you and be happy, it is so rewarding, I come back home with a smile on my face.”

Details: https://sparkways.org.au/ mentoring/sparkways-mentoring-program

Drive for a warm winter

Charity West Welcome Wagon is running a winter appeal to support asylum seekers in the west.

West Welcome Wagon chair Chris Scerri said, “We continue to see massive increases in calls for help from the refugees and asylum seekers living in our community.

“All funds received during our winter appeal will be matched by a generous donor, so now is theperfecttimetodoubleyourimpactandhelp us deliver more much needed items to those doing it tough this winter.”

The team is trying to raise $25,000 as the

demand for clothes, bedding and heaters increases for the 200 new families they help per year.

The charity is looking for anything that can support those doing it tough.

“We need beds, linen, sheets and of course money to buy things like underwear, socks and doona’s that we can’t accept from donations.

“Seventy per cent of the people we help are children, any donations go towards giving them a fresh start.”

Details: https://www.givenow.com.au/ winterappeal2023

Colette McInerney, Jude Twyman and Patrick Massaguoi at the West Welcome Wagon warehouse. (Damjan Janevski) 350127_01

‘‘

To be able to see someone open up to you and be happy, it is so rewarding ’’ - Dilani De Silva

Stay close, go further.

VISIT GRAMPIANS

Hadyn Black

Hounds Run Vineyard & Black and Ginger Great Western, Grampians

The Grampians is an inspiring place where you can chase your dreams. Hounds Run is our vineyard and off-grid tiny house. I love making wines and keeping the process as hands-off as possible, while visitors enjoy the serenity, looking out over the vineyard as the sun sets. Where else would you want to be?

Jospin lights up the ‘G’

A Sunshine Auskicker has made his way under the bright lights of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), named as the most recent AFL Auskick recruit for 2023.

Die-hard Richmond fan, and Sunshine star, Jospin is the 19th Auskicker to join the team.

Jospin and his chosen nominee – Auskick teammate Tyson – are now set to join the other 2023 recruits for a once-in-a-lifetime grand final experience that will stay with them forever, including presenting the winning grand final team their premiership medals.

First falling in love with football at age three, Jospin has been obsessed with AFL ever since, kicking the football with his friends at school, playinginhisbackyardandpractisinghisskills at the weekend.

“My favourite thing about playing football is I get to kick some goals and have fun with my friends,” he said.

Jospin’s favourite thing is his beloved Tiger’s jumper which has been signed by some of the game’s biggest stars including Daniel Rioli and Noah Cumberland.

Jospin is training hard to one day become a football player just like his Richmond heroes. He said this whole experience has been a “dream come true” for him.

“Playing halftime Auskick at the MCG and being interviewed by Hamish McLachlan was a very exciting experience for me … The most wonderful day yet,” he said.

Hannah Hammoud

Briefs

Safepl8 Screws

The Sunshine and Keilor Downs police stations have refreshed their supply of one way screws to help curb number plate theft. The screws are free of charge and can be easily fitted with a flat head screwdriver. As there are four different screw sizes, locals are encouraged to remove one screw from the front and rear number plates and bring them into the station to ensure they can be matched correctly.

Youths

Police have charged two 16-year-old boys from Sunshine North following an alleged assault in Braybrook on July 28. Police allege a 15-year-old boy was approached by two males on Churchill Avenue about 3.30pm. The two males allegedly produced machetes and threatened the victim. Police allege the boy ran from the offenders and was chased for a short distance before offenders gave up and fled the area. One 16-year-old Sunshine North boy was arrested in Braybrook on August 1. He has been charged with affray, assault with a weapon and possessing a controlled weapon. The other 16-year-old boy from Sunshine North has been charged with affray and assault with a weapon. They have both been bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Sunshine Auskick Centre’s Jospin is the newest AFL Auskick recruit for 2023. (AFL Photos)

Respect, responsibility and trust at Stevensville PS

In a rapidly changing world, the foundation of a child’s education is crucial to their future success. At Stevensville Primary School, staff recognise this responsibility and embrace it wholeheartedly.

The school’s core values of respect, responsibility and trust are at the heart of everything the team at Stevensville Primary School do, as they strive to empower students to achieve their full potential and become lifelong learners.

At the heart of the school’s educational philosophy lies a strong sense of community. Staff believe that collaboration and inclusivity are the keys to fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment. All members of the school and the wider community are encouraged to have a voice and actively participate in the diverse programs on offer.

Teaching, learning and student wellbeing are the cornerstones of Stevensville. The dedicated staff collaboratively plan together to ensure that each student can continually develop to their next point of learning need. Staff firmly believe that every child is unique and has individual needs, and are committed to catering to those needs. With small class

sizes, teachers can provide personalised attention to every student, allowing them to flourish and reach their full potential.

At Stevensville, staff are dedicated to ensuring that every child’s journey is enriched with experiences that build character, empathy, and a strong sense of community. Parents, guardians and the broader community are invited to join the Stevensville team on this meaningful journey of education and personal growth.

Together, a future can be created where students not only excel academically but also become compassionate, responsible, and active contributors to society.

As Stevensville Primary School continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of students and the community, staff hold steadfast to their mission of providing an education that empowers, uplifts, and unites all.

Assistant principal Ozlem Coskun (back) and principal Leanne Keane. (Supplied)

Burnside preps celebrate 100 days of learning

Burnside Primary School prep celebrated reachingamilestoneof100daysofschooling on Tuesday, August 1.

Students were invited to dress up as 100-year-olds and parents were invited to the school for a morning of activities celebrating the number 100 and exploring its significance.

Burnside principal Davide Lombardi said the creation of T-shirts showcasing the number 100 in creative ways and reflecting the students’ knowledge of this significant number stole the spotlight during the festivities.

“This exciting celebration signifies 100

Youths gather for summit

Overnewton Anglican Community College students joined 14 secondary schools from across Victoria to present their ideas about diversity and inclusion at the inaugural Victorian Youth Summit

The summit was held at the University of Melbourne, where students presented their ideas to politicians and community leaders.

A recent study from the Australian Institute of Family Studies found that one in three Australian teens report experiencing discrimination. Shining a light on the issue of prejudice, the summit was an opportunity for students to engage in advocacy with state leaders on diversity and inclusion.

Students were divided into breakout groups, providing them with a platform to exchange ideas from the presentations and collaborate on combined presentations which they later presented.

Overnewton Anglican Community College student Isaiah said the summit was

an insightful and engaging experience which looked at the idea of tackling racism.

“The programs offered gave students the opportunities to develop new ideas and solutionsonhowracismcanbesolved,”Isaiah said. “The environment was supportive and encouraging for students to learn and form new relationships. Overall, the Victorian Youth Summit was a proactive experience on how children can combat racism.”

Overnewton’s synergy leadership coach leader Suzan Kasif said the summit proved to be a thought-provoking and empowering event.

“The summit provided an excellent platform for our students to showcase their leadership skills and collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding,” she said.

Hannah Hammoud

days of learning, growth, and friendship for our young learners,” he said.

“It’s a time to reflect on all the progress they’vemade,thenewskillsthey’veacquired, and the wonderful memories they’ve created with their peers, teachers and parents.

“By commemorating this day, we encourage our students to embrace the joy of learning and to continue their educational journey with enthusiasm and curiosity.”

MrLombardisaidit’simportantforthenew school to celebrate the little achievements that add up to big accomplishments as they look forward to many more days of discovery and fun in the class.

ENROL NOW

Only three schools in Victoria achieved Gold for our Behaviour Management Program in 2021 and five in 2022!

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS

• Individual and differentiated programs to cater for individual student needs

• An advanced STEM (Science & Technology) learning centre

• We have a strong partnership with ACMI and RMIT University

• Diverse extracurricular program including camps, swimming & sport

• A range of specialist programs including Visual Arts, Sport, Japanese and Cooking

• Student Leadership opportunities

• Tutoring Program and weekly

• Strong parental involvement opportunities

• $13 million building upgrade – starting 2023

• Gold Status 2 years in a row for our Positive Behaviour Framework

Students from Overnewton Anglican Community College shared their presentation with the theme, ‘Knowledge is power’. (Supplied)

Burnside Primary Preps. (Jacob Pattison) 350917_01

Small acts make a big impact.

Add food scraps and garden waste loose, not in plastic bags (including biodegradable and compostable ones).

You can line your kitchen caddy or any container for collecting food scraps with paper towel or newspaper instead. Using your green bin correctly means your organics can be turned into compost.

Learn what goes in your green FOGO bin at melton.vic.gov.au/FOGO

Seize the day and embrace a new, liberating lifestyle

In the quiet whispers of time passing, there lies a profound truth that we often overlook – the ephemeral nature of moments, like fleeting butterflies, flutter by, leaving us with memories etched in the sands of time.

Life’s journey is a dance of choices and opportunities, a symphony of chances that beckon us to take hold of the reins. Among these,awhisperurgesustoembracethechange thatawaits–adownsizerhome,asanctuaryfor a new chapter.

Picture it, if you will – a charming haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle, where the weight of unnecessary possessions fades away. The clutter that once weighed upon your shoulders will find solace in the arms of benevolent charity, making space for cherished treasures and memories to blossom.

Inadownsizerhome,timefindsitselfagentle master, and moments of joy, love, and laughter aresavouredlikefinewine.Thedaysofmowing vast lawns and maintaining unwieldy spaces will be replaced by a manageable sanctuary, where you’ll find more time to bask in the warmth of cherished company.

You will find a newfound sense of liberation. Letting go of the past, you’ll embrace the present with arms wide open.

The shackles of maintenance yield to the freedom of exploration, travel, and adventures that await your eager heart.

Seize the day and make way for the winds of change.

By choosing to downsize at Lifestyle Communities, you’ll discover the art of appreciating a life well-lived, where every day is cherished.

Book the tour today on 1300 50 55 60.

Downsizing has never been easier at Lifestyle Communities. (Pictures: Supplied)

Search goes on for the missing

By Hannah Hammoud

Across Australia there are about 2500 cases of long-term missing persons.

Nicole Morris is the director of Australian Missing Persons Register (AMPR), a not-for-profit association dedicated to assisting families and friends of missing persons.

Founded by Ms Morris more than 18 years ago, AMPR utilises its website and Facebook group with an audience of more than 177,000 people to search for missing individuals.

MsMorrissaidalong-termmissingpersonis someone who has been missing for more than

three months.

In 2005 Ms Morris created the register featuring profiles of long-term missing persons in the country - a decision she said was sparked afterfindingouttherewasnonationaldatabase.

“I thought to myself, what happens when a persongoesmissing?Theydon’tjustdisappear,” she said.

Ms Morris’ register shares the circumstances of long-term missing persons, such as missing Ardeer woman Veronica Green.

Veronica Green has been missing since February 13, 1976, and was last seen in Albion.

Veronica left her Ardeer home in her car on

Tunnels near completion

Construction on the internal road surface of the twin tunnels in the West Gate Tunnel Project is nearing completion.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan joined workers on the project to travel the length of the tunnel for the first time.

Now 70 per cent complete, more than 4.5 kilometres of road deck has been installed across both tunnels, with a specialist machine lifting and installing more than 2,000 giant 24-tonneconcretesegmentstocreatethefuture road surface.

The removal of both tunnel boring machines is also underway, with a 400-tonne crane moving into position to lift the final pieces of TBM Bella’s 15-metre wide cutterhead out of the outbound portal.

Dismantling of TBM Vida is also nearing completion.

According to the state government, the twin tunnels will have capacity for thousands of

vehicles per day across three lanes of traffic.

Ms Allan saidimportantpiecesoftheproject are coming together, with widening works on the West Gate Freeway nearing completion and the giant launching gantry crane above Footscray Road preparing for its final lifts.

Work is also underway to construct the tunnel entries and exits and prepare for the installation of the timber net structures.

The state government predicts the project will slash congestion and travel time in the west, removing about 9000 trucks a day from local roads and creating 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths.

This is the first Australian tunnel to be constructed with an elevated road surface, providing another tunnel underneath to serve as an important point for maintenance of critical services, ventilation and emergency access.

February 13, and drove to the Albion railway station, where she parked the grey Morris Minor and caught the train to Melbourne but didn’t return.

Ms Morris said it is likely Veronica Green, who would now be 85, is alive.

“There is a high chance that Veronica is alive and well out there somewhere,” she said.

“This wasn’t a case where she went missing under suspicious circumstances, her family is sure she’s out there somewhere. For some reason she decided to abandon her life and start fresh somewhere else, which back then was easier to do.”

In 2020, police dug up the backyard of Veronica’s former Ardeer home in search of finding human remains, but came up empty-handed.

Ms Morris said when it comes to missing persons, the role of the public is “absolutely vital”.

“Some people might have something they’ve had in the back of their mind for years, and when information is released about the person … it might spark their memory and a tip can lead to a case being solved,” she said.

“It is never too late to come forward with information.”

YOURNEWCAREER ...startshere

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan joined workers on the project.

Homelessness support

By Hannah Hammoud

The theme for this year’s Homelessness Week is “It’s time to end homelessness”, a message that the Salvation Army Social Housing Service (SASHS) in Sunshine is helping to spread.

The week,which runs from August 7-13, is aimed at raising awareness of the impact of homelessness, and the solutions needed to end homelessness.

The Council to Homeless Persons reports that in Australia, there are over 116,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night.

The SASHS is hosting a barbecue at its Sunshine address, with a cross-sector of community services organisations, including IPC health, coHealth, Foodbank and the Salvation Army who will be available for the community to meet with their services.

Salvation Army Vicwest homelessness manager Cheryl McKinley said the day is open to not just those who are impacted by homelessness, but also the greater community.

“We know there’s still a stigma attached to homelessness but we’re trying to break down those myths and talk about how homelessness can affect anyone,” she said.

“With the cost of living many people could be one pay packet away from homelessness. We want to debunk the myths of what people see as a homeless person.”

Ms McKinley said people often associate homelessness with mental health as well as alcohol and other drug (AOD) usage.

“Inthewidercommunitytherearestaggering numbers of people affected by mental health, we know that especially since Covid. People self-medicate with AOD but it doesn’t mean they’re going to be homeless, so it’s about breaking down those stereotypes and shining a light on the reality of the situation,” she said.

Ms McKinley said this event is also an opportunity for the Brimbank community to learn how they can support someone who is experiencing homelessness.

SASHS assists people who are homeless, or thoseatriskofhomelessness,acrossBrimbank,

Art proposals encouraged

The Creative Brimbank visual arts team is inviting local artists, curators and collectives to submit an exhibition proposal for 2024.

Available Brimbank galleries include the Bowery Gallery, Brimbank Gallery and the Brimbank Projection Gallery.

Creative Brimbank is strongly encouraging Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander applicants, applicants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, applicants living with a disability and LGBTQIA+ applicants.

The team recommend visiting the spaces in advance to assess suitability, prior to submitting an exhibition proposal.

Applications must be received by Monday, September 4, 11.59pm.

Notifications will be received by November.

Creative Brimbank will also be hosting two free sessions for expression of interest drop-in support during the month of August.

Interested locals can pop into one of the drop-in sessions and get tips on how to prepare their application for the annual exhibition call out. The sessions are an opportunity to ask questions and receive feedback from the Creative Brimbank visual arts team.

Melton and surrounding areas in the west, providing a broad range of housing and support services. The community barbecue will take place on Friday, August 11, from 10am-2pm, at 6/147 Harvester Road, Sunshine.

The first session will run on Tuesday, August 15, from noon-1pm and will take place online. The second session will run on Wednesday, August 16, from noon-1pm and will take place in-person with light refreshments provided.

Details: https://shorturl.at/goFN2

Tyre & Auto Service

(L-R) Tiana Bugeja, Mareta Saolotoga and Lee Viergever from the Salvation Army’s Western Metro Homeless Services. (Damjan Janevski) 350666_01

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

Sunshine Repair Cafe

Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Cafe in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.

■ sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082

Senior citizens AGM

The Senior Citizens of Deer Park are holding their annual general meeting on August 14 at 1pm at the club rooms at 119 Station Road, Deer Park. The meeting is to elect the new committee and for general business.

■ 9693 7326

Follow your organics tour

Brimbank council is inviting the community to find out what happens to garden waste and food scraps once it is collected by participating in an education tour of Veolia’s state of the art organics recovery facility. The tour will run on August 11 and depart from the Brimbank Community Civic Centre, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine, at 10am and will return by 1pm.

■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ follow-your-organic-waste-tour-tickets637671381267?aff=oddtdtcreator

Environmental grant writing workshop

The Teachers’ Environment Network (TEN) is running a free, professional development event for school staff to learn how to write a successful environmental grant application. All school staff, educators, teacher aides and playgroup leaders that live or work in Brimbank are welcome. The workshop will run on August 17, from 4-6pm at Visy Cares Hub, 80b Harvester Road, Sunshine.

■ https://shorturl.at/LVY14

Community consultation

Brimbank Neighbourhood houses are inviting the community to share their ideas for what they would like to see from their local Neighbourhood House and Community Centres. An free, online session will take place on August 21 from 7-8pm.

■ https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/events/ neighbourhood-houses-communityconsultations-0

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. The group meets every Wednesday at Sydenham Neighbourhood House from 1-2.30pm. New members are welcome.

Be Bold Blakout art exhibition

Brimbank council has partnered with Aunty Jean Mason and Jinkigi Consultancy to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Artists and Youth that work and live in the Brimbank area. The exhibition is free and will be on until September 6 at the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre.

■ https://creativebrimbank.com.au/be-boldblakout-exhibition

Keilor Day View Club

The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place,Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies.

■ Robyn, 0425 387 880

Card games

Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday from 7-10pm at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine.

■ Leisa, 0425 768 808

Palliative volunteers needed

Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support.

■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

Deer Park Lions Club

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

■ Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass

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

■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

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

■ Roma, 0435 991 064

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

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 meet every Thursday from 5pm to 8pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis.

■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

Take weight off naturally

Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Weight Off Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton.

■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Parkinson’s support group

The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers are 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

Community singing group

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

■ Val, 0418 667 150

Melton Friendship Group

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

■ 0406 493 734

Melton Ladies Probus Club

The Melton Ladies Probus Club meets at 10am on the second Wednesday of each month, at the Melton Country Club and are welcoming new members.

■ Diane, 0438 611 552

Melton South Knit & Natter

All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from 10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa.

■ 9747 8576

Zonta club meets

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

■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

Melton Cycling Club

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

■ 0403 057 003

Community Band

Greater Western Community Band, (founded 1991) is based in Melton. Rehearsals are on Thursdays, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at Blackwood Drive Hall, Melton South. The group welcomes musicians young and old to come along and join in with the band. Also available for performance at events and festivals.

■ Sally Hamond, 0401 474 582

Melton Trauma Teddies

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Sunshine Model Railway Club president Joe Saliba ahead of the 25th annual model railway exhibition held in Braybrook. (Damjan Janevski) 350535_01

PUZZLES

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

CROSSWORD

3 Parable (8)

ACROSS

1 To support (7)

5 Supervisors (7)

9 Russian guitar-like instrument (9)

10 Doctor who stands in temporarily (5)

11 Former glacial geological period (3,3)

12 Strongly emotional (8)

14 Stick of coloured wax (5)

15 Field of floating ice (4)

19 United States federal agency that provides mail services (1.1.1.1)

20 Admission (6)

24 Irritated skin bubbles (8)

25 Person who looks after children (6)

27 Spanish island (5)

28 Journeyed (9)

29 Greek goddess of harvest (7)

30 Atrocity (7)

DOWN

1 Surrender (6)

2 Internal organ (6)

4 Tip of the finger (4)

5 Brotherhood (10)

6 Breaker (6)

7 Former US first lady, – Obama (8)

8 Of no consequence (2,6)

13 Machine for producing print (10)

16 Having impaired vision (arch.) (8)

17 Looking at the positives (8)

18 Inhabitant (8)

21 Historical royal family of Scotland and Britain (6)

22 Roma is its capital (6)

23 Clear river bed (6)

26 Edible rootstock (4)

15 words: Good

23 words: Very good

31

I W I

T L Y

R L

N

T E T D E

entice, enticed, gene, genet, genetic, genie, need, netted, nice, niece, teeing, tend, tenet, tent, tented, tinct, tine, tinge, tinged, tint, tinted

ceding, cent, decent, deign, dent, DETECTING, dine, dinette, ding, dint,

No. 145

S N E M A S T S A W A I T T A L L Y T R O L L S E N S E

QUICK QUIZ

1 In which country would you find the Waitomo Glowworm Caves?

2 True or false: holding in a sneeze can damage your hearing?

3 What is the name for the area of Turkey located in Europe?

4 The Xihoumen, Humber and Mackinac Bridges are all what type of bridge?

5 Who provided the voice of Eudora in The Princess andtheFrog?

6 The Bosphorus Strait connects the Sea of Marmara to which other sea?

7 Who played eight roles in the 1949 film Kind Hearts and Coronets?

8 Michael 'Duff' McKagan (pictured) had a 12-year stint with which hard rock band?

9 What is the chemical symbol for lead?

10 Who wrote SevenLittle Australians?

words: Excellent Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS ALI ASP ASS ERE IRE ISM ITS LAP LIE LSD MAT MOO NIL NOT NOW ONE PRY PUB SPA USE 4 LETTERS DAMN ECRU EERY ELLS MENU RAGS SLUG SODS STUB STYE SUSS TEST 5 LETTERS ACTIN ADIEU ALIAS AMATI ANTRE ASSET AWARE BALSA BLARE BWANA CENTS DOILY DROIT EDICT ENATE GIANT GIVES GOODS GUEST INDIE INERT LISLE LISTS LOREN MOREL NODDY OPINE PACTS PROMS PURSE RAVEN REDLY RENAL RESET SATIN SCRIM SET IN SONIC STEMS STETS STRAW SYNCS THERE TRAMP TYPAL U-BOAT UNION VEILS 6 LETTERS ALBEIT BALSAS PIMPLE TALENT 7 LETTERS AUDITEE CODEINE DICTATE LEOPARD REVERIE STATUES 8 LETTERS ABETTORS ALBINISM ASSORTED CHARADES TALLNESS UPPERCUT 9 LETTERS MERRINESS TASTELESS 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 L V G T M A Y B X N P Z O W D K I C R S U F H Q E J 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 11-08-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 415786392 938261547 394658721 683942175 546837219 751429863 279315486 127594638 862173954 easy medium hard 739148652 172865943 216783495 651932784 963214578 384659127 428576319 845397261 597421836 157346892 618952743 321495678 932781465 273614589 485267931 864529317 549873126 796138254 1 14 7 20 2 15 8 21 3 16 9 22 4 17 10 23 5 18 11 24 6 19 12 25 13 26 QJ ANSWERS: 1. New Zealand 2. True 3. Thrace 4. Suspension 5. Oprah Winfrey 6. The Black Sea 7. Alec Guinness 8. Guns N’ Roses 9. Pb 10. Ethel Turner

No. 145

No. 145

No. 145

localnewspaper...

Sadie Black Cafe Albion

Sunshine City Club Albion

Coles Supermarket Braybrook

Central West Shopping Centre Braybrook

Braybrook Hotel Braybrook

Braybrook Community Centre Braybrook

Braybrook News & Lotto Braybrook

Burnside Hub Shopping Centre Burnside

Burnside News and Lotto Burnside

Milkbar Burnside Heights

Cairnlea Town Centre Cairnlea

The Club Caroline Springs

Caroline Springs Civic Centre/Library Caroline Springs

CS Square Centre Caroline Springs

Smart Smile Dental Deer Park

Deer Park Club Deer Park

Community Neighbourhood Centre Deer Park

Foodworks Deer Park

Cellarbrations Liquor Store Deer Park

Australia Post Deer Park

Deer Park IGA Deer Park

Brimbank Shopping Centre Deer Park

Derrimut Village Shopping Centre Deer Park

Coles Supermarket Deer Park

Deer Park Library Deer Park

IGA Delahey Delahey

Delahey Community Centre Delahey

Sunshine Golf Club Derrimut

Wards Newsagency Footscray

Foodworks Hillside

Parkwood Green Community Centre Hillside

Hillside Neighbourhood House Hillside

Keilor Community Hub Keilor

Keilor Newsagent Keilor

Centro Shopping Centre Keilor Downs

Frank's Supermarket Keilor Park

Fergusson Plairre Bakehouse Keilor Park

Westvale Community Centre Kings Park

Melton Shire Offices Melton

St Albans Library St Albans

St Albans Senior Citizens St Albans

IGA St Albans St Albans

Sunshine Hospital St Albans

Joan Kirner Women's & Childrens Hospital St Albans

Club Italia Sporting Club St Albans

St Albans Newsagency St Albans

Brimbank Community Centre St Albans

St Albans Sports Club St Albans

Speedway Sunshine Petroleum Sunshine

The Youth Junction Sunshine

Brotherhood of St Laurence Sunshine

Sunshine RSL Sunshine

The Glengala Hotel Sunshine

Sunshine Library Sunshine

Brimbank City Council Sunshine

Sunshine Plaza Sunshine

Sunshine Marketplace Sunshine

Woolworths Supermarket Sunshine

North Sunshine Post, News and Lotto Sunshine North

Morgan's Super IGA Supermarket Sunshine West

Bottler Sunshine West Drive in Liquor Sunshine West

West Sunshine Community Centre Sunshine West

Coles Supermarket Sunshine West

Watervale Shopping Centre Taylors Hill

Taylors Lakes Lotto Taylors Lakes

Watergardens Hotel Taylors Lakes

Watergardens Shopping Centre Taylors Lakes

Centrelink Watergardens Taylors Lakes

IS UNLAWFUL

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.

The Venue is cheap and cheerful

By Chris Riley, Marquee Motoring

Today we’re looking at the cheapest of the cheap, the bottom feeders of the Australian new car market.

They’re cars offered at a rock bottom price, targeted at those who can’t afford anything else, but are still prepared to dig deep to get something new rather than second hand.

Wearing the crown as the cheapest new car currently available is the Kia Picanto hatch, priced from $16,290 plus on-roads. Cheapest SUV is the Suzuki Ignis at $19,490.

With no equivalent to match Picanto, Hyundai’s cheapest offering these days is the equally cheap and cheerful Venue, a smaller than small SUV priced from $22,000 plus on-roads.

It’s a rather boxy, odd-looking five-seater that’s just been updated, with comfort, convenience and connectivity upgrades across the three-grades, including Qi wireless charging which is now standard.

Styling

Venue aspires to be fun and funky like a lot of tiddlers. But it’s more fugly than funky, with its weird-looking front and over and under lights.

It looks okay up close, but not so good from a distance. Hopefully, this faux pas will be addressed at some stage.

The front-wheel drive Venue comes with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, the latter adding $2000 to the price.

It is followed by the better equipped Active at $26,250 and range-topping Elite at $28,750, both of which come with an auto as standard.

A contrasting roof in black or white is a no-cost option, while mica/metallic paint is an extra $595.

Butifyouwanttheroof,youhavetoforgothe sunroof (not sure why).

Standard kit includes cloth trim and manual air conditioning, with contrasting stitching and piping for the seats, steering wheel and gear shift boot, along with silver surrounds for the air vents and transmission lever.

There’s also alloys, a touchscreen, cruise control, power windows, auto headlights, auto high beam, daytime running lights, one-touch turn signals and an auto reverse wiper for the back window.

Venue rides on 15-inch alloys, while Active and Elite step up to 17s -- all come with a space saver spare.

Elite adds a sunroof, climate air, combo cloth and artificial leather seat trim, rear privacy glass, LED tail and daytime running lights, auto-dimming mirror and rear parking sensors.

Venue is covered by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with 12-month roadside assistance which extends with each service, provided it is with Hyundai.

Service intervals are pegged at 12 months/15,000km and lifetime capped price servicing is available.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with a system that features Bluetooth with audio streaming, AM/FM radio, four-speaker audio, plus wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.

Qi wireless charging is standard on all variants and there are also USB-A and USB-C portsanda12-voltsocketinfront,withanother two USB-C charge ports in the back for Elite.

Elite also adds another two speakers, digital radio and built-in navigation, but reverts to wired CarPlay and Android Auto.

You also get Sounds of Nature, with six background soundtracks.

ThelatestupdateseestherolloutofHyundai’s Bluelink connected car services, which offers Automatic Collision Notification, Natural Voice Control and segment-first remote vehicle control functionality via an app.

It’s free of charge for the first five years and transferrable if you sell the car within this period.

Engines / transmissions

Motivation comes from a non-turbo 1.6-litre petrol engine with old-time multi-point injection that produces 90kW of power at 6300 rpm and 151Nm of torque at 4850 rpm.

Drive is to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

You can change gears manually using the transmission lever, but steering wheel change paddles are not provided.

Safety

Venue scores a four-star safety rating, with six airbags, a rear-view camera and autonomous emergency braking (City, Interurban and Vulnerable Road User).

There’s also a lane support system with lane keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK) and tyre pressure monitoring across the range.

Elite adds Blind spot alert and rear cross-traffic alert.

The car lost a star because of marginal performance in its ability to avoid a rear-end impact with vehicles in front.

Driving

There are three drive modes from which to choose (Normal, Eco, Sport) plus a further three traction modes (Snow, Mud, Sand), both selected via a central rotary/push button knob.

But with a mere 170mm of ground clearance wewouldn’tbetakingitoffroadanytimesoon.

One of the big attractions of this car is ease of getting in and out, something that will be appreciated by older buyers.

Once inside it has stacks of headroom too,

even with a sunroof fitted.

Venue is simple to operate and super easy to drive which should also endear it to oldies.

The driver’s seat is height adjustable and the steering wheel is both reach and height adjustable.

Analogue dials have made way for a digital instrument cluster, with a small centre area that can be configured and choice of three colour schemes.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine makes a fist of it, but with just 151Nm of torque, it’s never going to set the world on fire. Bear in mind,however,thatthecarweighsonly1200kg which partially compensates for this.

With another 20Nm of torque, the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo found in the Picanto might be a better choice?

This is offered with Kia’s slightly more expensive Stonic but it comes at a price.

At just over four metres in length, Venue shinesaroundtownwhereitiseasytodriveand park and the engine comes under no pressure.

Steering is sharp and light, and combined with compact dimensions, makes low speed manoeuvring a piece of cake.

While Venue can keep up with traffic on the motorway, it never really feels relaxed in this environment.

More surprisingly, however, was the way the transmission began hunting between gears.

This was in the 100-110km/h speed range withcruisecontrolengaged,whereitconstantly switched between gears on reasonably flat terrain.

The thing tends to become a bit breathless and lacks punch around 110km/h, making

Venue: $22,000 (manual), $24,000 (automatic)

Active: $26,250 (automatic)

Elite: $28,750 (automatic)

SPECIFICATIONS

Hyundai Venue Elite 1.6-litre five-door wagon

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

overtaking problematic most of the time.

Gear hunting used to be a thing with four-speed autos when they ran out of options on hills, but never on the flat.

Ride quality is firmish, but not uncomfortable, though it can become drummy on coarse bitumen.

With a short wheelbase, speed humps are the enemy because the front doesn’t get time to settle before the rear wheels lift. One thing missing from the mix that we have come to appreciate in more recent times is adaptive cruise control.

The small boot hides a two-level floor, with 355 litres of cargo capacity.

With a 45-litre tank, Venue uses standard 91 unleaded with fuel consumption a claimed 7.2L/100km.

We were getting as low as 6.5L/100km but finished on 7.6L after more than 300km. The long-term average was showing at 7.0L/100km. That’s a good result considering the engine’s size and lack of sophistication, but it could be better.

Summing up

Venue is basically a good jigger (journo talk for okay).It represents a cheap and cheerful solution to transport if you’re not in the market for something fancy.

The boxy design delivers a spacious cabin, with easy access, although rear legroom could be an issue, so be sure to try it on for size. Importantly, it provides high levels of safety and doesn’t use much fuel unless you flog it -- but is best confined to city use rather than venturing out onto the open road.

Hyundai Venue – bland styling but excellent value.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Abbas relishes chance to lead Sunshine Heights

Moshin Abbas has been with Sunshine Heights through the good times and lows and wants to help the Victorian Turf Cricket Association team get back to the highs.

Abbas who has been at the club for the past 10 years has been named captain for the upcoming season.

Having helped the club win silverware in his first season, he was there last season as the club finished bottom in division 3.

Abbas said he is adamant on returning the club to the glory he experienced a decade ago.

“I wanted to take a leadership role because I want to bring some change in the culture and bring some winning momentum,” he said.

“It’s exciting news for me because leading a prestigious club is a great opportunity.

“I’m looking forward to doing well this year.”

Although last place usually means relegation, Sunshine Heights have been granted an opportunity to stay in division 3 for the upcoming season.

“That was a big tick for us, not worrying about going down,” Abbas said.

“My plan is to bring more positivity in the team.

“My planning is horses for courses, so I might not be speaking to the same team for one day games and two day games.”

After only winning one game last summer, Abbas said there were some clear gaps in the team that he wanted to help fill. He has looked to add some more players to the squad.

“I have managed to get some local, really good positive players,” he said.

“I’m feeling very confident this year that we will have better results compared to last year.”

Some of the players Abbas has recruited to the club include Babur Nadeem and Ali Mughal to boost their batting stocks.

“Ali is a top order batsman who can bowl some off spin, he’s been scoring runs for the last two, three years consistently,” he said.

“[Nadeem] will be an X-factor for the team… he recently scored 100 from 20 balls.

“It’s just something you don’t see in your life.

“We scored 300 runs in a T20 and he scored 100 off 20 balls. I’m looking forward

to the two or three innings in the season that he can win by himself.

“He is such a player, he has scored 600 (runs) in his last nine innings, so he’s in good red hot form and hopefully he can keep continuing to do wonders in Saturday cricket with me as well.”

Abbas said he is still on the lookout for an extra fast bowler to round out his attack, while also hoping to retain other key players including former skipper Luke Simpson.

The bar has been set high for the first season under the new regime.

“I’m looking at minimum finals, that’s my goal for this year and winning a premiership would be amazing,” Abbas said.

Harper Sercombe

Green Gully finals belief

By Harper Sercombe

Finals remains the goal for Green Gully in the National Premier League season.

Currently sitting in seventh spot and only one point behind sixth, coach Stephen Downes remains confident his squad can secure a finals berth.

However, a loss to Dandenong Thunder last Saturday means results will have to fall its way to achieve it.

The eighth placed Thunder won 1-0 in the Saturday night clash with Grad Damen scoring the game winner through a 68th minute penalty.

“It’s unfortunate that it (making finals) is not in our own hands with the weekend’s result,” Downes said.

“We’ve been inconsistent across the full year, but there’s many reasons for that.

“There’s been a lot of injuries … I don’t want them to sound like excuses because we’ve got a good squad, but injuries do take its toll.

“Injuries have impacted the season and the results and the consistency and continuity of

Exciting finish ahead in state league 2

Ralph Reserve is already buzzing this year, but promotion and a title would cap off the year for Western Suburbs in FV state league 2 north-west.

Twelve months after just avoiding relegation, Western Suburbs need just one point from the final three rounds to seal a top two spot and promotion.

Sitting equal on points with ladder leaders Clifton Hill, the dream of winning the championship is still alive too.

Club media spokesperson Sasha Pete said it was an exciting time for the club.

“We are neck and neck with Clifton Hill and only goal difference between the two of us,” he said.

“The players want to give everything to win. The seniors are really confident and they want to keep playing the way we have been.

“There are nine points available and we have the utmost faith in the group. There’s a strong belief and buzz at the club.”

Pete said the turnaround this season hadn’t just been on the field for the senior team, but a whole club thing. He said everyone can see that they are headed in the right direction.

the group who’s on the pitch … has probably played out and is a fair reflection of where we sit in the league.

“But the hopes are we still make the finals, and we give it a good shake up.”

Green Gully’s goal difference sits at 12, much higher than the teams around them on the table, which Downes said shows the quality within the squad.

However, against the top three clubs, Avondale, South Melbourne and Oakleigh, the Cavaliers have conceded 14 of its 38 goals.

“We can be competitive, it’s just the inconsistencies,” he said.

“We’ve been able to compete other than the games against the top three sides. Irrelevant of what the match day squad’s been like.”

After unexpectedly losing 10 players last seasonDownessaidconsistencyiskeytofuture success.

“There’s always been heavy turnaround with the squad. It needs a couple of years with the same group,” he said. “Continuity is a key platform. With continuity you can get consistency, you can get a level and an

understanding of relationships on the pitch.

“Keeping a large percentage of the squad [will be key].

“The highest we can finish this year is fifth so if we want to improve you’re going to look to add quality, so there will be changes.

“Butasaclubwewouldliketoretainasmany (players) as we can.”

Although Downes did not hint at where the on field improvements he is seeking to make will be.

“Those things will be assessed at the end of theyear,”hesaid.Therewasacompetitionwide by on the weekend with the Dockerty Cup final being held on Sunday.

The Cavaliers face 10th placed Heidelberg United this week, before facing the 11th ranked St Albans in the last round of the season.

In other matches this weekend, the Saints will play Moreland City and Melbourne Knights will face Dandenong Thunder.

In NPL3, Caroline Springs George Cross will aim to go one step closer to the title against Ballarat City, while North Sunshine Eagles will face Doveton.

“We had no juniors at the club last year,” he said. “There’s a really good community involvement and we’ve been running free women’s sessions every Saturday.

“We now have six junior teams at the club and there’s the infrastructure. On August 12 we are having a reverse raffle night at the club and it will be a club room full of people.

“We’ve brought life back to Ralph Reserve and it’s the start of the whole club going to the next level.”

There was a catch up round on the weekend, giving Western Suburbs the weekend off.

Pete said with a few niggles it was an opportunity to freshen the guys up before a big finish to the season.

Western Suburbs face Altona North this Saturday at Duane Reserve.

Tara Murray

New skipper Mohsin Abbas smashes one through point. (Luke Hemer) 203005_02

Green Gully’s Jordon Lampard. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 347368_31_3

Cobras set to be ‘ruthless’ heading into finals

Albanvale’s ability to hit the scoreboard will be a key for the side in the rest of the Western Region Football League division 3 season.

The second-placed Cobras had the bye at the weekend following four consecutive 100-plus point wins

Coach Nick Smith said he is happy with the way the team has been able to cash in and score heavily. He said they had been really happy with the last month of football.

“We’ve been really trying to focus on using these games as real preparation on how you want to play and move the footy,” he said.

“We’re trying not to go into those games like youcan’tgetanythingoutofthem,becauseyou can get lots out of them.

“We’ve certainly got a lot of players that now feel like they’re in form. In particular we’re trying to focus on keeping other teams scoring down.

“When you play a less competitive team, the defencemightrelax,andcangiveupeasygoals, get into bad habits.

“We’re trying to prepare as if it’s a finals game and go in with trying to score heavily, defend well and we’re really trying to practice our game plan.”

The Cobras have guaranteed themselves a finals berth and are keen on trying to finish in the top two and secure the double chance.

Smith said he is happy with the way the team has spread the goal kicking load unlike some other teams in the competition.

“We think it’s a real strength of what we’ve got, especially in comparison to maybe the Suns and others,” he said.

“They seem really reliant on one or two goal kickers.

“We think it makes us a little harder to stop because you can stop one player but that won’t stop us from scoring.

“It also gives us an indication that we’re being fairly unselfish in terms of sharing the ball around.

“[We say] it’s not about you scoring it’s about us scoring.

Following the weekend’s bye the Cobras face third placed Sunshine Heights, before coming up against the ladder leaders, the Suns.

Smith is looking forward to the challenge.

“We think it’s important to get tested,” he said. “We’ve dropped two games to the Suns and we’re trying to learn from that.

“We’re looking forward to our next hit out with them, and we rate Sunshine Heights highly too.”

Smith said he and the team wants to take good form into finals and there is no better way than to do that by taking wins from fellow finals competitors.

“From our point of view we want to be really ruthless,” Smith said.

“We’re really trying to focus on playing the type of footy that will win you a premiership.”

Harper

Corey Hall in its clash with the Suns (Ljubica Vrankovic) 338828_31_8

Caruso’s grand final joy

By Tara Murray

Twelve months is a long time in football, just ask Lauren Caruso.

Last year she sat on the side lines as an emergency for Essendon as it claimed the Victorian Football League Women’s premiership.

ShewouldlaterhelpKeilorwintheEssendon District Football League premier division flag and was unlucky not to be named best on ground.

This year, Caruso played a key role in helping Port Melbourne claim its first VFLW premiership.

“I’m still pinching myself,” she said a few days after the premiership success.

“It doesn’t feel real. It was completely differentanditwasnicetogooutthereandplay my game.”

Caruso had 22 possessions and 11 tackles as the Port Melbourne beat Collingwood, 5.5 (35)-3.5 (23).

She was awarded the Lisa Hardeman Medal as the best player on the ground. It was something Caruso said she didn’t see coming.

“I was reeling off names that I thought deserved it,” she said. “It never came to my mind it could be me.

“Ihadagoodgame,butyouknowthatthere’s others that deserve to have the medal.”

Caruso said for her entering big games like grand finals, she just treats them like any game and doesn’t take it too seriously.

“It’s more about fun and having another opportunity to play a game.”

For Caruso the decision to make the switch from Essendon to Port Melbourne wasn’t an easy one.

While she loved the Bombers, she knew she needed a change.

“I don’t like change, so it was a really difficult decision to leave Essendon,” she said. “I’ve loved the Essendon program that has been created the last few years.

“The time was right to have a bit of a change and re-find who I am as a footballer and a person.”

When Caruso was making the decision, it was a Keilor teammate that had a big influence in deciding to join the club.

“Kaitlyn O’Keefe enjoyed the program so

much,” she said. “Her great words and she loved it, and it really attracted me to the club.”

O’Keefe was beside Caruso on grand final day receiving a premiership medal. Another Keilor player, Laura Wright, missed the grand final after hurting her knee at training in the lead up to the game.

Caruso said Keilor had been a good base for her football, having joined the club when it first started having female football.

Having loved the sport since she was a kid, Caruso wanted to show that you can open doors in football and if you back yourself in anything can happen.

While the VFLW season is over, Caruso isn’t putting the footy boots away just yet.

OnSaturday,shewassettoplayforRichmond in an AFLW intra club match.

Caruso said she’s keen for the opportunity to test herself against some AFLW players.

“I’m going with the flow,” she said. “I would love to be drafted to the AFLW.

“I want to play good footy and enjoy it and see where it takes me.

“I’m super excited and I just want to enjoy myself and play high quality footy.”

Sports shorts

VSDCA

The signings continue for Taylors Lakes which has announced the signing of Nilan Fernando for the upcoming Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season. Fernando joins the Lions from Victorian Turf Cricket Association club Grand United, where he has spent the past five seasons, playing in two premiership teams, including captaining the 2022-23 premiership side. He is also a two time club champion at his former club, and runner-up in association club champion award last season. Fernando is also part of the club’s coaching panel.

NBL1

Keilor Thunder will host Chinese Taipei for two exhibition games on August 26. The Chinese Taipei women’s and men’s national teams are touring Melbourne and will face Keilor as part of the tour. The women’s team recently finished eighth at the Asian Cup, while the men’s team is ranked 69 in the world. Both Keilor squads will feature NBL1 stars of the past season as well as some up and coming Big V youth league players.

VTCA

Caroline Springs has appointed Shiran Rajakaruna as its coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 season. Arriving from Sub-District club Endeavour Hills, Rajakaruna possesses a wealth of both playing and coaching experience. He has also previously played at Mulgrave and he is no stranger to the VTCA having coached at senior division club Deer Park as well as played at Williamstown CYMS.

Australia Cup

Melbourne Knights and Western United will be in action this week in the round of 32 of the Australia Cup. Western United will face Edgeworth Eagles on Wednesday at Jack McLaughlan Oval, while the Knights will host the Lions at Knights Stadium on Thursday night.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly

@starweeklynews @star_weekly

Sercombe

The Cobra’s

Lauren Caruso during the VFLW grand final.

(Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

PEGS’ selection race tightening ahead of finals

With three weeks to go of the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier C season, PEGS remains in a strong position.

Moving up a grade with a new captain and coaches was never going to be easy, but sitting in third position with three rounds to play, they are well above anyone’s expectations.

Afterstartingtheseasonundefeatedfromthe first eight rounds, things have slightly tapered for the club, losing key players to injuries and overseas trips. With players making their way back into the side and selection tightening up, co-coach Andrew Beever and skipper Zach Genovesi remain confident they can venture deep into the finals series.

“It’sbeenareallygoodstart,fromwhenIfirst walked in and met all the players, especially off the back of a really successful year, you saw the players still had this inner drive, and burn, to get better this year,” Beever said.

“We’re starting to get players back, Jack

Mckernan’s back now, he’s played a couple of games. Simmo (Riley Simmons) played in the twos, Riley Macdonald will be back after the break [and] Sagg (Tom Saggio) as well, so things are looking good.”

Genovesi said while the season has been positive it has still had its ups and downs. He said the biggest thing he noticed in venturing up a grade was the lack of easy wins, and every game felt like a grind.

“We sort of had a bit of a form slump mid year, which is standard procedure with most local footy teams,” he said.

“I felt like those losses were sort of coming because those games before the losses we were just sort of scraping over the line.

“It really made us regroup and think twice about a few things and how to deal with different situations. So I think it’s been a good learning curve. But there’s still a long way to go.”

With adversity through selection the club has been able to blend younger players through its senior side.

“It’s opened up so many opportunities for guys like Ethan Caddeo who we knew could play, but has stepped up when he’s had to and he’s still in the team,” Genovesi said.

“We need to get these young guys playing as much as we can.”

BeeveraddedplayerssuchasZachHertz,Ben Thomson, Damian Belia and Jamie Akhurst have all been able to play senior football which keeps the club in good stead moving forward.

“Our depth has been really good and to be able to play these young guys, who in three to four years are going to be so good, has been one of the best things for the year,” Beever said.

PEGS will play bottom placed Marcelin at the weekend after having a bye during round 15.

New coach for Taylors Lakes

Taylors Lakes has announced the resignation of its coach ahead of the upcoming Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season.

Former coach Alex Deuchar had resigned leaving Kris McMullin to the role of interim senior coach. McMullin, who is also the director of coaching, has ruled out the possibility of him holding the mantle, he said the club is already on the lookout for a permanent replacement.

“Hopefully something transpires in the coming weeks and we can appoint someone,” he said. “We’re confident we will find the right person.”

Taylors Lakes finished bottom last season after only managing two wins, to Byaswater and Endeavour Hills.

The Lions have been busy throughout the off season recruiting four players including a keeper-batsman, an opening batsman, an opening bowler and a leg spin bowler to add some much needed depth and experience to their side.

Blues out of finals race

By Tara Murray

Keilor’s hopes of a third straight Essendon District Football League women’s premier division premiership are over, with the Blues knocked out of the finals.

The Blues only sealed their finals spot in the final round of the season, knocking off top side Aberfeldie.

Full of confidence heading into the finals, the Blues faced Moonee Valley in a knockout semi final on Saturday at Greenvale Recreation Reserve.

The Blues kicked the only goal of the first quarter to lead by eight points at quarter time, before the Fog kicked two of its own in the second quarter to lead by 10 points at the main break.

The Blues were able to reduce the margin back to three points at the final break as they tried to keep their season alive.

Georgia Marsland kicked her second goal to allow the Fog to open up a nine point lead 11 minutes through the last quarter.

The Blues got one back quickly, before Marsland kicked her third in the dying seconds to seal a 4.7 (31)-3.3 (21) win.

Blues coach Brooke Surgeon said in the end they were beaten by a better team on the day.

“It was a four quarter effort by the girls,” she said. “At half time we were really happy and we said that we wanted to win the next quarter.

“We won the third quarter and we set up well in the last quarter and were in control of the footy. We couldn’t get on the scoreboard which hasbeenalittlebitofanissueforusthroughout the season.

“We weren’t able to make the most of the opportunities.”

It was all single goal kickers for the Blues.

Bianca Micthetti was named the Blues best alongwithAnnabelStrahanandEmmaPicone. SurgeonsaidLeahSpargoandMadelineBarton were others to have a strong game.

For the Blues, it’s the first time that their number one women’s side has failed to make a grand final.

Surgeon said they will take plenty of positives out of the season with a young list.

“Every club goes through peaks and troughs,” she said. “We lost four players to VFLW [Victorian Football League Women’s]

and one retired and they were all key players. We didn’t have under-18s last year either.

“Finals is a solid effort and this year gave the girlstheopportunitytotryandplayindifferent positions.

“The next few years will be very exciting for us.”

The Fog move through to the preliminary final where it will face Oak Park.

The Kangaroos lost to Aberfeldie in the other semi final, 6.5 (41)-3.5 (23). Aberfeldie is the first team through to the grand final.

Meanwhile, Burnside Heights will come again after a heartbreaking semi final loss in the division 1 competition.

The Bears seemed destined for the first grand final spot for much of the match against Greenvale, having taken a lead early on.

The Bears held strong as the Jets came hard in the second half and remained in front of most of the last quarter.

A free kick to Talia Motta in the Jets forward line gave her the chance to win the game with four seconds to go.

She did exactly that and caused a 3.6 (24)-3.4 (22) loss for the Bears.

“We’ve got a good young group, but we’re under no illusions it’s a strong comp and every year you need to be improving your list,” McMullin said. Aamir Raza will continue as an assistant coach, and take on the fielding responsibilities, he will also coach the JG Craig Shield side.

NilanFernandowilljointhecoaching ranks for the upcoming season as the club’s batting coach, having crossed to the club in the off season.

Peter Brasher will fill the newly created role of senior assistant coach where he will be responsible for a range of aspects including player development.

Brasher, who is no stranger to Taylors Lakes, brings more 30 years of experience to the club, such as his work as an assistant coaching-development role in 2016-17 at Footscray Cricket Club whilst captain of the 4th XI.

The fixture has dropped for the upcoming VSDCA season, with the west back facing the north for the 2023-24 season.

Taylors Lakes will play Werribee when the season kicks off on October 7.

Harper Sercombe

Bianca Louise Michetti (Jacob Pattison) 351739_02

Harper Sercombe

Ethan Caddeo has ‘stepped up’ this season (Jacob Pattison) 346094_10