Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 5th September 2023

Literacy to the fore

University Park Primary School in St Albans has rallied the community to donate more than 300 books to the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation (ALF).

The initiative involves collecting books to support the ALF, an organisation dedicated to closing the gap and improving literacy outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children across Australia.

Assistant principal Linda Bekhet said the donation drive has been a school-wide effort, with books being collected from students, parents, and teachers, as well as from within the local community. Ms Bekhet said this initiative has enabled students to develop their leadership skills and extend their community awareness to learn about disadvantage in remote and rural areas.

“Students also learned how small actions can make a big difference in the lives of other young people, and inspire others around them to contribute to worthwhile causes,” she said. The school will be collecting books up until the end of term 3, before they are donated to the ALF which will then distribute them to schools, libraries, and community centres in Aboriginal communities.

Urgent action on poverty

By Hannah Hammoud

One in three children are living in poverty in St Albans according to data from a new report.

The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) released the Mapping Poverty in Victoria report highlighting that rates of poverty are more acute in certain areas. The report found that more than one in eight people in the state are experiencing significant economic disadvantage based on data from the 2021 census.

Brimbank recorded an overall poverty rate of 18.1 per cent, the fourth highest rate in the state, behind Hume, Central Goldfields

and Greater Dandenong.

In Brimbank, there are 32,349 people living in poverty.

St Albans south recorded the highest percentage of residents who are living in economic disadvantage (24 per cent) in Brimbank, followed by St Albans north (23 per cent), Deer Park (22 per cent) and Kings Park (22 per cent).

Across greater Melbourne, St Albans south had the second highest levels of children under the age of 15 living in poverty at 33.7 per cent, closely followed by St Albans north (32.5 per cent) which was ranked at number five.

VCOSS chief executive Emma King said

people in the outer suburbs faced more pressures on having to travel for work, not being close to public transport and services which impacted people financially.

She said with the changing environment since the last census including the cost of food, energy and other essentials rising dramatically meansitislikelytherearemorepeoplelivingin poverty than what the report shows.

“If the census was done tomorrow, there would be more people living in poverty in Victoria,“ she said.

Ms King said changes in the workforce have pushed many in the outer suburbs into casual jobs, further aggravating their economic

disadvantage.

“Finding a job that pays enough and has enough hours to make ends meet is hard. If they’re on income support they are more likely to be in poverty,” she said.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire this data is further confirmation that the state and federal governments need to urgently invest in Brimbank.

“This data reflects the entrenched structural disadvantage that persists across much of Melbourne’s outer suburban areas due to a range of factors such as unemployment, low levels of educational attainment, high levels of homelessness and financial stress,” he said.

University Park Primary School students, Khan, Aldric, Tan, Numera, Tyler, Fina and Alara. (Damjan Janevski) 356478_01

Learning to boost employment

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank council is continuing to tackle unemployment in Brimbank, with the municipality continuing to record rates well above the Victorian average.

CouncilendorseditsdraftLifelongLearning

Strategy 2024-29 at the most recent meeting on August 22, citing shortfalls in learning outcomes among Brimbank residents.

The strategy is a long-term approach taken by council to improve the social and economic outcomes of the community. The strategy recognises learning as a key driver for change.

The strategy also celebrates improvements

achieved during the lifespan of the previous 2018-23 strategy such as a 3.7 per cent increase in residents who have completed year 12, and an additional 3.8 percent of residents now holding a Bachelor degree or higher.

Councillor Jae Papalia said it was pleasing to see learning outcomes headed in the right direction.

“We’ve got a long way to go in our community as stated in this report, but it’s important work and I’m glad it’s happening,” she said.

Data from the 2021 census lists the unemployment rate for Brimbank at 7.9 per cent, compared to Victoria’s average

of 5 per cent.

Council noted that more work needs to be done to address further areas including high levels of developmental vulnerabilities for children under five, lower literacy and numeracy standards across all tested year levels in Brimbank compared to the state average, and adults in Brimbank recorded as being more than three times as likely not to have attended formal schooling compared to the state average.

Council said the draft strategy has been developed after initial consultations with the community and stakeholders that captured more than 300 voices.

Students addressing world poverty

Students from Victoria University Secondary College stepped into the shoes of state ambassadors to tackle world poverty. Hosted by the United Nations Association of Australia (UNAA), year 8 and 9 Advancement

Via Individual Determination (AVID) elective students took part in a model United Nations conference with a simulation session of the General Assembly.

AVID elective teacher Clare Mercadante said students were assigned a country and challengedtodebatethetopicof‘ZeroHunger’. Students investigated the major issues of their

country and researched what their nation was doingtosupportpeoplewhodonothaveaccess to food.

“Students negotiated with other countries on the day and drew on their diplomacy skills to create a draft resolution and ensure that their countries’ views were heard on the day,” Ms Mercadante said. “They each created a position statement and delivered a two minute speech to talk about the issues taking place in their countries, and discussed any amendments they wanted to make to the draft. The day was full of debate and, by the end of the day, a final

resolution was voted on with an agreement reached by all the ambassadors.”

Ms Mercadante said students were excited to take on their roles in representing their country, and were joined via Zoom with peers from their sister-school in China

“The conference was a great way for students to further their skills in public speaking, collaboration, leadership and critical thinking. It also opened their minds to bigger issues that are going on in the world,” she said.

Hannah Hammoud

are many ways you can give us a hand.

Council is now seeking additional community input before the draft strategy can be finalised, with community consultation open until September 22.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said the strategy will be used as a guide for council to better support learning and wellbeing for the community.

“We want to encourage residents to participate in lifelong learning activities; to build better outcomes for social and economic wellbeing; developing skills and building knowledge and to look after their health and wellbeing,” he said.

Details: yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Shop theft ring arrest

PolicehavearrestedamaninSunshine North and seized more than $40,000 of allegedly stolen goods following an investigation into organised shop theft rings in Melbourne’s north.

Police executed a warrant at a Sunshine North address on August 25, and seized a large amount of baby formula, medication, cosmetics, vitamins, clothing and electrical appliances.

Police will allege the man paid associates to steal the items from supermarkets and retail outlets over a period of months.

Police said he would then allegedly sell the items to overseas and local buyers.

During the search police said an imitation firearm and over $3000 in cash was also seized which they allege to be the proceeds of crime.

The 34-year-old man was arrested and later charged with handling stolen goods, dealing with property suspected of being proceeds of crime, knowingly dealing with proceeds of crime, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a controlled weapon.

The man has been bailed to appear before the Sunshine Magistrates Court next year on February 12.

Anyone with information about anyone dealing in stolen goods is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Ambassadors for Peru, Tanzeela, Jennifer, and Henok. (Jacob Pattison) 356192_03

We Are Brimbank Awards back for 2023

Nominations are open for the 2023

We Are Brimbank Awards.

The Awards recognise the exceptional contributions, hard work and determination of businesses, groups, social enterprises and organisations that make a positive contribution within Brimbank.

You can nominate your own business, organisation or group; or an organisation you admire and think deserves recognition.

Nominate by completing the online form on Council’s website: brimbank.vic.gov.au/waba

Nominations can be made till midnight on Sunday 10 September 2023

The award categories are:

• Arts, Culture or Tourism Award

• Community Engagement Award

• Environment or Sustainability Award

• Innovation Award

• Learning Excellence Award

The winners of the We Are Brimbank Awards will be announced at a special presentation event on Thursday 26 October 2023. Visit brimbank.vic. gov.au/waba to learn more.

Angry objection to action plan

By Hannah Hammoud

At a council meeting on August 22, council accepted a petition with 97 signatories objecting to the action plan.

Cr Kerr said she believes it is not council’s roletoinvolveitselfinfederalissues,butshould rather stick to its duty of collecting waste, maintaining infrastructure and providing community services.

“I do not believe council is the right level of government to involve itself in state, federal and social issues. Subjects like religion, and sexuality should not be included in local council matters,” she said.

Cr Kerr said it was “vitally” important community voices are heard in the spirit of freedom of speech.

“There are times residents may not support a council initiative and it is OK to agree or disagree, respectfully. Regardless if the subject is sensitive in nature, and as long as the opposition is not hateful and is objective,” she said,

controversy following its initial endorsement in June, where the council meeting was adjourned for 15 minutes to allow security to escort disruptive residents, who were objecting the plan, out of the gallery.

On multiple occasions, Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire asked members seated in the gallery to remain quiet. Words of “grooming”, “evil” and “paedophiles” were shouted across the meeting room as upset members of the public contested the action plan.

In July, police were present at the council meeting in what council described as a “precautionary measure” given recent behaviour.

As the petition was presented to council on August 22, Cr Kerr said she agreed with the concerns raised by residents.

“This petition articulates that the signatories are concerned with protecting the safety of children, protecting the rights of families to raise their child with their own beliefs and protecting the rights of biological women,” she said.

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:

• Draft Brimbank Lifelong Learning Strategy 2023-2029 – Share your feedback

• Planning for the future of kindergarten in Brimbank – What are your priorities when choosing a kindergarten for your child

• Development Contributions Plan 2022 and Planning Scheme Amendment

C214 – Tell us what you think

Join our

first birthday celebrations

Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness

Centre turns one and celebrations are happening on Sunday 10 September, from 12 – 5pm.

All casual entries on the day will enjoy complimentary access to our two huge waterslides, water polo sessions and the aqua inflatable. There'll be many other fun and no-charge activities all afternoon for kids including face painting, dry games and music.

Planting Day at Matthews Hill Reserve

Help restore one of Brimbank’s amazing grassland reserves at Matthews Hill, Sunshine on Saturday 9 September, from 10am to 12.30pm. It is our final planting day of the season, and there’ll be a no-charge barbecue and some kids’ activities. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/ events for more information.

Lighting Up Errington

As part of Brimbank Youth Fest, we’re lighting up the sports oval at Errington Reserve, St Albans, Wednesdays to Sundays until the end of September.

So come along and enjoy the multipurpose soccer and basketball courts that will be lit up from sundown to 9pm

Discounted cat desexing offer is back

We've partnered with Westside Community Desexing to offer Brimbank residents discounted cat desexing and microchipping services. Brimbank residents will pay $99, or $45 for concession card holders. Costs will cover desexing, microchipping and vaccination. You’ll also receive free registration through to April 2024 Bookings are essential and can be made directly with Westside Community Desexing on 9364 8742.

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

-----------------> IN BRIEF 12618715-JB36-23

Use Brimby, the online virtual assistant

Your Councillors are always happy to hear from you

Cr Victoria Borg 0429365527 CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Sarah Branton 0407836064 CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Thuy Dang 0437744803 CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Sam David JP 0429355239 CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Maria Kerr 0437796630 CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Bruce Lancashire (Mayor) 0429637689 CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Jasmine Nguyen 0437740042 CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Thomas O’Reilly 0409210431 CrOReilly@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Jae Papalia 0437838710 CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Cr Ranka Rasic (Deputy Mayor) 0437861296 CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au

The action plan has been a hotbed of

The petition was referred to council’s chief executive Fiona Blair for consideration in conjunction with the community consultation process that was undertaken for the action plan.

Brimbank is home to a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander centre. (Supplied)

A new place to connect

A new community-led Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre, ‘Cooinda’, has officially opened in Brimbank.

Brimbank council has joined with Cooinda Community Group to provide a culturally safe and welcoming space that offers programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Brimbank.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said council is delighted to have a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Brimbank can connect on a regular basis.

“Cooinda is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘happy place’ and this is indeed the intention,” he said.

The dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Centre is the first of its kind in Brimbank.

The centre will be led by members of the local Aboriginal community, the Cooinda Community Group.

Located in Furlong Road, Sunshine North, Cooinda is a place where communities can come together to connect with each other and enhance reconciliation, healing and wellbeing.

Cooinda is currently operating three days a week, offering a Koorie Homework Club, Elders’ group, art classes and yarning circles.

Over time the centre will provide a diverse range of programs, events and activities to the whole of Brimbank.

The centre is supported by $184,000 in funding from the state government for council toworkinpartnershipwiththelocalAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

The funding will be delivered over two years undertheNeighbourhoodHouseCoordination Program.

Cr Lancashire said the funding has assisted council to work alongside Aboriginal Elders and community leaders to provide a much-needed welcoming space for programs and activities.

Cooinda Community Group spokesperson and Aboriginal Elder Graham Cooper (Uncle Boots) also offered his thanks.

“We’re enjoying having a meeting place wheretheAboriginalandTorresStraitIslander community can connect, heal and learn from each other and for the Elders to pass on knowledge,” he said.

Brimbank councillor Maria Kerr has thrown her support behind a petition from residents objecting to council’s draft LGBTQIA+ action plan

Governance rules put on hold

Brimbank council has deferred the endorsementofthedraftBrimbankgovernance rules to a future council meeting to allow for further consideration.

Council was scheduled to adopt the new rules at the council meeting on August 22, but amotionmovedbycouncillorJasmineNgyuen citedtheneedforfurtherdiscussiontoconsider potential amendments to the rules.

“Having received feedback from the wider community … I do propose to councillors that there needs to be further consideration of the

governance rules,” she said.

The proposed rules had undergone a three week period of community consultation with a majorityofsubmissionsreceivedfromresidents referencing concerns about the introduction of rule 55.16 that allows the chair or a nominated council staff member to choose not to read out any part of a public question that is in the nature of a submission.

The submissions objected to the new rule particularly due to concerns about the censoring or editing of public questions.

One of the submissions submitted by a resident said they disagreed with the proposed rule as they believed it impeded on the community’s right to have their questions voiced.

“The council’s role is to listen to the community, and if they can pick and choose what questions they answer then they’ve lost the purpose of their job. Let the community voice their questions and do your job to listen,” read part of the submission.

Prior to the council meeting, council

New research hub a first for Victoria

AusTrials, a leading multi-site private clinical trials organisation in Australia, has found a new home in Melbourne’s west.

Sunshine Private Hospital hosted the grand opening of the latest clinical trials site marking the first AusTrials establishment in Melbourne, and the third across the country.

AusTrials is a leading medical innovation organisation that has been operating since 2009, dedicated to the ongoing evaluation of new medical treatments.

The organisation works alongside pharmaceutical companies, contract research organisations and academic research institutes to make clinical trials available to patients.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said the opening of the new site represented an invigorating step forward for the region.

“Thecutting-edgeresearchanddevelopment fostered here will not only bolster our local economybutdriveadvancesinhealthcarethat will resonate globally,” Cr Lancashire said.

The opening ceremony featured a guided tour of the new facilities, remarks from key AusTrials executives, a Q&A session with leading researchers, and opportunities for one-on-one bookings with interested parties.

AusTrials chief executive Dr Munro Neville said the new site is a manifestation of the organisation’s dedication to advancing medical treatments in a responsible and

ethical manner.

“We’re thrilled to extend our reach to Melbourne’s west and look forward to the transformative impacts this will have on patients’ lives,” he said.

The new site will play a pivotal role in becoming a hub for innovation and research, and is expected to contribute significantly to Melbourne’s west, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and advancing medical science.

AusTrials has already begun gathering interest from members of the public for upcoming trials through its website.

Details: www.austrials.com.au

Hannah Hammoud

conducted a legal review of the rules, undertaken by Maddocks with updated wording changes to rule which emphasised the intent of the rule was in the interest of maximising the number of questions that can be answered during the time allowed for public question time.

Other key proposed changes to the governance rules include, allowing virtual meetings ongoing and to create a mode of attendanceprocesstoincludewhethermeetings will be held in person, virtual or hybrid.

Nominate now for awards

Brimbank council is calling on nominations from the community for the 2023 We Are Brimbank Awards in celebration of the pride and potential of locals.

The We Are Brimbank Awards recognise the exceptional contributions, hard work and determination of businesses, groups, social enterprises and organisations that make a positive contribution within the community.

Locals are encouraged to nominate a project, organisation or community group that deserves to be recognised.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said these nominations will help council recognise the wonderful contributions made within the community.

“These awards are a great way to pay tribute to the groups and organisations who are making a positive difference to Brimbank,” he said.

There are five categories open for nomination including, the arts, culture or tourism award, the community engagement award, the environment or sustainability award, the innovation award and the learning excellence award.

Nominations can be made online through council’s website, and are open until September 10.

A panel of judges will assess the nominations and select finalists. The winners of the We Are Brimbank Awards will be announced at a special presentation event on October 26.

Details: brimbank.vic.gov.au/waba

Free information sessions to tackle diabetes in the west

Across Victoria, diabetes is most prevalent among locals living in Melbourne’s west includinginBrimbank,MeltonandWyndham.

Victoria University has partnered with the Wyndham Health Foundation to provide a series of free, health information sessions to educate the community in Melbourne’s west about the issues most affecting them.

The first of these series is a diabetes information session featuring a panel of health experts who will share their latest findings and practical tips on managing diabetes, including the role of exercise, nutrition, and other interventions in preventing or treating the disease.

The Western Health Chronic Disease Alliance reports that 35 per cent of all inpatients at Western Health have diabetes,

the highest in Melbourne.

Professor Vasso Apostolopoulos said the information session aims to educate the community and enhance their understanding of both type-1 and type-2 diabetes.

She said for many in the west who are living with type-2 diabetes, they are unaware of just how damaging the effects of unmanaged diabetes can be.

“People don’t think about the long-term effects of diabetes and what it will mean for theminthefuture.Theytendnottothinkabout that, but research shows that diabetes is linked to heart disease, kidney failure, increased risks of depression and a lot of other effects that can result long-term,” she said.

Professor Apostolopoulos said type-2 diabetesiswidespreadinthewestduetoarange

of factors including the low socio-economic status of households, and lack of access to quality foods. Type-2 diabetes is also often concentrated in areas that are further away from access to recreational spaces such as ovals, parks and bike tracks.

She said it is important to understand that when diabetes is first diagnosed, it can be managed by small changes in lifestyle, exercise and diet which can make a significant difference to the impacts of diabetes.

The free information session will take place on September 12, from 6-7.10pm at Victoria University Lecture Theatre Werribee Campus. Registration is required.

Details: https://shorturl.at/DJPR8

Hannah Hammoud Diabetes can be managed by small changes in lifestyle, exercise and diet.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire unveiled the new clinical trials site at Sunshine Private Hospital. (Supplied)

Survey says council tracking well

By Hannah Hammoud

Brimbank council has outscored state-wide ratings for council performance, achieving positive results in the recently released 2023 community satisfaction survey for local governments.

Nowinits24thyear,thesurveymeasuresthe opinions of residents and is used to track the annual performance of local councils across Victoria.

Brimbank recorded an overall performance score of 62 out of 100, on par with the average

metropolitan score and above the state-wide rating of 56.

Council’s top three performing areas as ranked by residents were arts centres and libraries (71), customer service (70) and recreational facilities (68).

Council’s lowest three performing areas concerned local streets and footpaths (54), population growth (54) and consultation and engagement (55).

More than 400 Brimbank residents were contacted via telephone for the survey which was conducted by research firm JWS Research.

A new top dog in town

Caroline Springs Staffordshire bull terrier

Violet has been crowned the top office dog for 2023.

Violet claimed the title as part of people2people recruitment’s #OZTOPDOG competition which celebrates dogs across Australia who have taken on important roles and responsibilities.

Taking centre stage, the resilient pup was born with a deformed front leg, and was surrendered at just one week old.

The top office dog category had the judges deliberatingforhourstodecidebetweenthetop two entries, Violet and runner-up Australian shepherd Zard.

Violet has emerged as a source of inspiration for her workplace at a local veterinary clinic, where she was first embraced as a baby and bottle-fed by every member of the clinic.

Veterinarian Dr Gloria Perkovic said Violet brings joy to the workplace and is a beloved colleague amongst the staff at the clinic.

“She forces people to take a break, and it is sometimes really hard to pull yourself away from work but just having Violet there really encourages staff to take some time away from working,” she said. “Violet has a really playful personality and is just so joyous. She loves getting people to give her a part or cuddle, and really helps them to feel calmer and take some time to spend with her.”

The Australian Veterinary Association reports that veterinarians have been shown to be up to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population.

The competition highlights the positive effects office dogs can have on the workplace environment, and encourages further support for pet-friendly workplaces.

Hannah Hammoud

Council’s rating for traffic management took a hit in 2023, dropping down to a score of 59 compared to the 2022 rating of 65.

The most improved area for council was found in community and cultural services, increasing by four points to a score of 66 compared to the 2022 rating of 62.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said that overall the survey results indicate council’s ratings have remained stable compared to last year, and are generally tracking well.

“Council welcomes the survey results as they provide an insight into the needs and

expectations of our community and tell us what’s foremost on their minds,” he said.

“We are determined to build on the results and work towards further improvement.”

The council’s performance was rated the highest among residents living in the south of Brimbank (64), and was scored the lowest among residents in the north of the municipality (59).

The appearance of public areas (61) was recorded as council’s only service area rated significantly lower than both the metropolitan group (68) and state-wide averages (67).

Tyre & Auto Service

Caroline Springs locals, Gloria Perkovic and her dog Violet. (Damjan Janevski) 357162_01

Briefs

Attempted armed robbery

Police have arrested two men following an alleged attempted armed robbery in Deer Park on August 29. Police were told a teenage male was confronted by a group of males on a bus travelling through Sunshine at about 9.30pm. The victim got off the bus on Neale Road, Deer Park and police said the group allegedly made demands for the victim’s property before attacking him with a knife. The 16-year-old victim received lacerations to his hands and cheek and was taken to hospital.

Alleged ‘syndicate ringleader’ arrested

Fun with Bev and Kev

The unlikely pair of Bev and Kev have wandered their way into the library of Albion North Primary School.

Early childhood book of the year in 2023, ‘Bev and Kev’ explores themes of friendship andacceptancethroughthestoryofgiraffeBev and elephant Kev, who become best friends.

The heart-warming tale written by Katrina Germein and illustrated by Mandy Foot is set in the African savanna and shares lessons about loving yourself in your own skin, and the value of a true friend.

Students from each year level took part in a different activity that was related to the book, withafocusonchallengingtheirliteracyskills.

Assistant principal Ian Murdoch said the end result of the book display is “incredible”, taking up an entire wall in the school’s library.

“Thekidswerephenomenal,theyallgaveita go and it has come up a treat,” he said.

“The display was a joint effort from the entire school. Our preps created a collage of Bev the giraffe, the years 1 and 2 wrote adjectives to describe Bev’s feelings inside the outline of an giraffe, years 3 and 4 came up with synonyms for the word ‘big’ and drew them into an outline of an elephant, and years 5 and 6 researched fun facts about different animals which they wrote into outlines and then coloured in.”

A Taylors Hill man and a Deer Park woman have been charged and police have seized in excess of a tonne of cannabis as part of an investigation into an Albanian organised crime syndicate allegedly involved in the cultivation and trafficking of cannabis. Five warrants were executed on August 29, at residential addresses in Taylors Hill, Taylors Lakes, Deer Park, Rockbank and Greenvale. Police seized approximately $200,000 cash from the Taylors Hill address, more than 260 cannabis plants from the Taylors Lakes property, more than 185 cannabis plants from the Deer Park address, almost 200 plants from the Rockbank property and 100 plants from Greenvale.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Albion North Primary School students twin sisters Madison and Scarlett. (Damjan Janevski) 357147_02

Move to Lifestyle Communities and do what you love

Picture this - you find yourself stranded in a sea of wrapping paper and ribbon, keeping an ear out for the gingerbread in the oven and running through your mounting to-do list in your head.

You’ve heard each Christmas carol about a billion times each, and you still haven’t oiled the deck, fixed that hole in the wall or raked the garden.

We’re all familiar with what a whirlwind the lead-up to Christmas is, and no, you’re not dreaming, it’s nearly time to do it all again!

It isn’t just the stress of all the planning, shopping, catering and present-buying, it’s thatnaggingfeelingthatsurelyit’simpossible for time to pass so quickly. Well, we say no more! No more crazy Christmas chaos! No more panic at the passing of time!

When your days are spent doing things you love, you’ll never look back and wonder where the time’s gone. And when you’re living in a sparkling, brand new home, you can wave goodbye to the stress of gardening and home maintenance and say hello to no council rates and a lower cost of living.

Now that’s a Christmas present that won’t be re-gifted!

At Lifestyle Communities, life is what we do. Lifestyle Communities is about opening up new opportunities, experiences and connections for the people who live in its communities.

Why wait when a low-maintenance home and a low-stress life could be yours today?

Give yourself an early Christmas present – a life of opportunity, of peace, and of knowing that the best things in life come to those who reach out and grab them!

Call to speak with one of the amazing team – 1300 50 55 60.

Independent retirement with Centennial Living

Centennial Living is a company that prides itself on generating a relaxed friendly atmosphere in its villages, where residents feel welcome and have a sense of belonging to a community.

The benefits of social connection and friendship, stimulating activities in a range of amenities, a safe environment and the feeling of support being there when needed has made Centennial’s villages happy places in which to live.

Centennial Living Keilor offers two levels of accommodation – independent living and serviced apartments.

Whilst maintenance and gardening is provided in the village, people who choose independent living reside in their own home and have the freedom to take care of meals, cleaning, laundry, and other household tasks how they wish.

When people may need more help, serviced apartments can be a good choice. Daily meals are served in the dining room or delivered to the apartment and weekly cleaning and heavy laundry is provided for serviced apartment residents. Other in-home care services can also be arranged to suit individual requirements.

Both styles of accommodation are fitted with emergency call systems.

While the seven Centennial villages in Victoria vary in some aspects, recreational facilities include indoor heated swimming pools, barbecue areas, a community centre and lounge, hobby garden, games room, arts and crafts, senior’s gym, bowling green, indoorbowls,men’sshed,aquaaerobicsanda hair and beauty salon. Pets are also welcome.

The resort-style living is ideal for people who want to downsize from the family home and have a lifestyle that offers social connection and absolute independence.

Inez, who has asked to have her surname omitted from publication, has been living in the Keilor village for eight years. She says that she really enjoys village life, and that the activities are very popular at Keilor but with no pressure to participate.

“You’ve always got support. You’ve always got someone here,” Inez says.

“You can do as much or as little as you want. There’s so much offering at the village, you’ve just got to tap into it and most people do.”

Like all Centennial Living villages, the Keilor village is close to shops, amenities, and recreation in the wider community. It is particularly close to health care – there’s a medical consultation suite near the entrance of the village.

For more information, visit www.centennialliving.com.au.

Inez has resided at Centennial Living’s Keilor village for eight years and absolutely loves it.

(Supplied)

New Friends

Sensory overload a dogged issue

With finals fever spreading throughout Victoria, Zoe Moffatt talks to AFL fans about Marvel Stadium and how its lighting is affecting spectators with sensory sensitivities.

Going to an AFL game is a ritual for many Victorians. Throwing on your team’s guernsey, indulging in some hot chips and sipping on beer is a weekend familiar to hundreds of thousands of fans across the state.

Western Bulldogs supporter Chris Von D is no exception, he loves the game. He lives and breathes red, white and blue, and once he starts talking about his team you can hear the passion bubble out.

However, for supporters like Chris who have epilepsy or other health conditions, the lighting and post goal celebrations at Marvel Stadium are throwing doubt on their future as beloved spectators.

“Footballisareallyimportantplaceformeto go to,” Chris said.

“My whole leg is inked up red, white and blue, bulldogs everywhere over me. So yes, I’m a big Bulldogs supporter.”

For Chris, who is a diagnosed epileptic, going to watch games at Marvel Stadium –which he calls ‘the kennel’ – is a risk, but one he’s willing to take.

“I was diagnosed with epilepsy 10 years ago … medication way I take about seven morning tablets [and I] take another five at night time. At the end of October last year I ended up going in for brain surgery.

“With everything over the years that’s gone on I just find going to a Bulldogs’ game is just my place.

“I can have a bad week and my wife knows thisandshewilltakemetothefootballbecause I can just switch off you know, you forget about everything.”

Chris said he has noticed the lighting and noise at the stadium increase, and he now chooses to look away from the lights.

“Over time I’ve noticed that they’ve tinkered with the game day setup. The music went up a bit louder, then they put the Bulldog running on the scoreboard [where] he comes running and charging and stuff.

“Me and my wife were sitting there for a game and as the first goal kicked, they flicked the lights and my wife straight away put her hand over my head.

“I asked what she was doing and she said ‘look, it’s flashing lights. It’s not good. We don’t need you having a seizure here.’

“There’s the Bulldog side of me that’s like ‘I want to watch this’ but I do look away … I put my head down and look at my knees.

“There’sbeensometimeswhereI’vebeenata game and … I just sort of zone out.”

Chris said he understands that the AFL is trying to make the game more entertaining, but it should not come at the cost of excluding supporterswithhealthconditionslikeepilepsy, anxiety or autism.

“I just feel they don’t put much thought processintoit.Ithinkit’smoreofa,dowewant to surprise 90 per cent of our supporters [and the] 10 per cent can just close their eyes or look away.

“Footballistryingtoentertainthesupporters Iguess,butIdon’tgotheretoseethelights,Igo to see my team play.”

Consultant Neurologist at Austin Health Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Dr Saul Mullen said light sensitive epilepsy is relatively uncommon.

“Light sensitivity happens in people who have generalised seizures… and in a practical sense, is really only a minority of those people with generalised epilepsy,” he said.

“People are likely to be provoked by fast

flicker… more than eight flashes per second… brightness matters… the size of the flash matters… and very fine patterns matter.”

Dr Mullen said for people with light sensitivity epilepsy, sunshine, reflections and flickers are problems and sunglasses and medication can help.

“We don’t see a lot of people who have seizures at concerts and venues in general… polarised sunglasses make a big difference… [and] medication helps.”

For people with anxiety and on the autism spectrum, Dr Mullen said it is a different set of problems, and bright lights and loud noises can be uncomfortable for people with physical problems.

“People with various levels of autistic spectrum disorder are going to be uncomfortable in various kinds of sensory environments depending on the contact,” he said.

Marvel Stadium, which is set on the banks of the Yarra River in Docklands, is also the home ground for Essendon, Carlton, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

The stadium has a retractable roof, and in

2009itrecordeditslargesteverAFLattendance with 54,444 spectators.

Fellow Bulldogs fan Amber Holland describes herself as a long life die-hard supporter, and has three kids on the autism spectrum and with varying levels of anxiety.

Amber said she would like to see more information given to spectators about what they can expect at the game, but said the introduction of a sensory room is a “fantastic initiative”.

“Ihonestlydon’tthinkit’sunfairtothelarger population at football games, to enjoy these sorts of celebrations after a goal or upon entry to the ground,” she said.

“What could possibly be done before a game is to announce or put up a warning on the screen perhaps to allow people that may not be aware of what happens during a game, so they can be better prepared.

“I do also believe that Marvel Stadium does nowhaveasensoryroomthatpeoplewithsuch issues at loud and noisy events, can escape to.

“I think it is a fantastic initiative by the stadium to be inclusive and also embrace disabilities, [but] ... perhaps more awareness of

“Football is a really important place for me to go to,”

said.

the existing sensory room could be beneficial to some, as it’s not well known about or advertised.”

Marvel Stadium partnered with non-profit KultureCity to make the stadium sensory inclusive with a sensory room and sensory inclusive training for stadium staff.

KultureCity USA director Uma Srivastava said sensory sensitivities can include bright lights, sounds, crowds, smell of concession foods and more.

“It truly depends on the person… [but these aspects] can all be overwhelming and can cause a sensory overload,” Ms Srivastava said.

“One in four of us has a sensory need and we want to make sure that all venues, big and small, are welcoming to everyone, regardless of their ability.”

Sensory bags, noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards and weighted lap pads are available to guests who feel overwhelmed by the environment.

The AFL said it has not received complaints about lighting at the stadium.

Western Bulldogs were contacted for comment.

Chris Von D

(Jacob Pattison) 354922_03

‘‘ Football is trying to entertain the supporters I guess, but I don’t go there to see the lights, I go to see my team play ’’ - Chris Von D

Die hard Western Bulldogs supporter Amber Holland (right) celebrating Marcus Bontempelli’s 200th game; Amber with her son who got to run through the banner with the team; Amber (left) with club supporter and legend Irene Chatfield. (Pictures: Supplied)

Reclink finals action packed

Reclink Australia has commemorated the conclusion of its 2023 season with three days of grand final games in Port Melbourne from August29toAugust31.

This year’s season was rounded out by eight thrilling games between teams from all over Victoria, and follows three decades of providing opportunities for some of the most disadvantagedcommunitymembers.

TheopeningdaysawtheCohealthKangaroos, Frankston Dolphins and Port Melbourne prevail over Wynbay Tigers, Maryborough RavensandBendigoGoldrespectively.

The Port Melbourne side marked its long-awaited Reclink Football League debut with a thrilling last-gasp victory over the regional-basedGold.

The action continued to heat up despite the wintery conditions on day two, which saw SunburyPhoenixdefeattheCardiniaTigers.

The Reclink All Stars prevailed in an extraordinary ‘golden point’ extra time win over Odyssey House; before the Collingwood MagpiesprovedtooclassyforagallantGeelong outfit.

The final day featured another tight contest astheBallaratBushiesscoredamatch-winning goalinsidethefinalminuteofplaytodefeatthe Salvo Hawks, and the Casey Cobras overcame theMorwellPanthers.

A wide variety of past and present AFL personalities attended the competition, including current North Melbourne goal kicking superstar and recently-announced All AustralianNickLarkey.

Former champions Terry Daniher, Dermott Brereton and Billy Brownless also attended, as well as special guest commentary from Andy Maher, Anthony Hudson and Graham ‘Smokie’Dawson.

NEWCAREER ...startshere

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

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

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Sunbury player and coach Luke devising the strategy for the game. (Damjan Janevski) 356379_04

Left: Sunbury player Braydon. (Damjan Janevski) 356379_01 Right: Reclink 2023 Grand Final matches were held in Port Melbourne. (Sean Fenning)

A successful 2023 season of Reclink football was rounded out by eight thrilling games. (Pictures: Sean Fenning)

Have your say on kinders

By Hannah Hammoud

A Western Health researcher is leading a world-first trial to assess whether an existing anti-depressantcanalsobeusedtotreatatrial fibrillation (AF).

Western Health cardiologist Dr Youlin Koh said the SAD-AF clinical trials will test the effect of a common serotonin-based antidepressant on patients with AF.

Atrial fibrillation is a fast and irregular heartbeat that can increase the chance of a blood clot forming in the heart and travelling up to the brain, where it can cause a stroke.

Dr Koh said symptoms of AF can often lead to people also experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. She said both conditions are controlled by the autonomic nervous system - commonly known as the fight or flight system.

Dr Koh said the study is a “two birds with onestone”approach,usingasinglemedication for the treatment of two conditions, which often occur together.

“We already have some evidence that antidepressants can help to stabilise this systemofnerves,andhopefullyourstudywill show that the medication not only works for the mind, but also the heart,” she said.

Dr Koh said if the trial is successful it will help reduce the pill burden for patients, especiallythosewhohavemultiple,co-existing conditions.

The study recently received approval to begin recruitment across the three trial sites at Western Health, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Alfred Health.

Dr Koh said they are seeking to target 150 patients, who will be followed during the course of their trial across a period of

Western Health cardiologist Dr Youlin Koh is leading the SAD-AF clinical trials. (Damjan Janevski) 356688_01

12 months.

The study has the potential to deliver significant benefits for those experiencing AF, particularly in Melbourne’s west such as Brimbank and Melton where coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death,

and a significant risk factor for the development of AF.

Dr Koh said final results from the study maynotbeknownuntil2026,butpreliminary resultscouldbeavailableasearlyas12months into the trial.

Council said the state government’s introduction of three-year-old and free kindergartenhasresultedinanincreased demandforkindergarteninBrimbank.

Council is seeking feedback from residents as to how these changes to kindergarten will impact the way local families plan to access kindergarten and childcare.

Council is also seeking to understand what most influences residents’ decision whendecidingonalocalkindergarten.

Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said council is committed to providing a fair, equitable and transparent approach to kindergarten registrations for local families.

“The feedback will help inform whethernewlocalcriteriaareintroduced to Brimbank’s kindergarten registration policy,” he said. “Your feedback is importantinhelpingusunderstandlocal prioritiesaroundaccessingkindergarten. I encourage families and carers to have a say and help ensure more kids get the mostoutofearlyeducation.”

When planning for the future of kindergarten in Brimbank, any changes to council policy will be implemented for the 2025 kindergarten year, when allocationbeginsinJuneof2024.

Communityconsultationwillcloseon Sunday,September17.

Details: www.yoursay.brimbank.vic. gov.au

10 McNicholl

Way

every Thursday 5.00pm - 5.30pm | Saturday 12.30pm - 1.00pm Brilliant

AUCTION

World-first trial underway

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

Caroline Springs Rotary

The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm.

■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Casual basketball shooting

The Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium is hosting free open shoot-around sessions every Monday from 1-3pm in September. Participants can bring their own basketball, have fun and improve their game.

■ https://shorturl.at/bsEY0

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 Café 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

Afterschool hangs

As part of Youth Fest 2023, for the month of September council will be hosting an after school hangout session every Thursday with a friendly artist who will work with young people aged 12-18 on different creative activities. Young people can drop in to the free session at the St Albans Community Centre anytime between 3-5pm from Thursday, September 7.

■ https://shorturl.at/boW78

Community basketball clinic

As part of Youth Fest 2023, council is inviting young people to drop in to try organised full court scrimmage basketball with Clutch Sports and/or chill with friends, listen to music and enjoy a BBQ. The free activity will run at the West Sunshine Community Centre from 4.30-6pm and is open for ages 12-16 years. Registration is required.

■ https://shorturl.at/wABC4

Learn how to use reusable nappies

The Nappy Project is inviting locals to register to learn more about reusable nappies and how it can save over $2000 for each nappy-wearing child. The free workshop will take place on September 9, from 10-11am at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

■ https://www.thenappyproject.com.au/

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.

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

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

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-2pm. 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 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

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 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 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, 7.30-9.30pm, 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

westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Nick Wilson with the ‘Snuff Puppets’, appearing in a new show called ’Swamp’. (Damjan Janevski) 356507_01

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 19 76 85 659 82

QUICK CROSSWORD

43 851 49 13 37

48 4827 49 2

easy 52 1 94 48 7

DECODER WORDFIT

52 26 4 423

medium 81 2 1895 26 3

23 6 5239 82

hard

645 48 7 98

D A S E A A O A I E

9-LETTER WORD

21 words: Good

A C I A L

agar, agate, agile, alga, algae, argil, cage, cagier, cartage, CARTILAGE, cigar, crag, gait, gaiter, gala, gale, garlic, gate, gear, gelt, gilt, girl, girt, glacier, glare, grace, grail, grate, great, grit, lager, large, raga, rage, regal, regalia, taiga, tiger, tragic, tragical, triage, trig

No. 149

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”. R E N E D E A N S R E C A P A R O M A W I R E D S E N S E

2 In medical science, what is the equivalent of gynaecology for men?

3 Panama is bordered by which two countries?

4 What word in English is formed by two words that end in -gry, and is also a combination of their meanings?

5 The astronomical theory that the planets revolve around the sun is known as what?

6 Dhivehi is the official language of which country?

7 Viola, Olivia and Sebastian are all characters in which Shakespearean play?

8 The city of Darwin (pictured) has had to be almost entirely rebuilt twice as a consequence of what two events?

9 Which religion follows the Eightfold Path?

10 And what is the country of origin of that religion?

good 42 words: Excellent Today’s Aim: 3 LETTERS ACE AGE ASH ASK ATE AWE AYE BAN BAT EAR ERA EWE FRO NEW NIL NOR OIL ORE OUT ROT RUG SAT SOW TWO 4 LETTERS ARCS BAWL ELKS ELSE ESKY HOWS KERB LYRE OBOE PANG STAB TEST TRIP YARD 5 LETTERS AORTA APPAL AWAIT BATON BEERS BENTS BRINE CLEAT CORNY CURSE DOUBT EAGER EARLY EARNS EDGES EGGED ELDER GRITS NERVE OFTEN OUNCE PARKA PASSE PASTA PEACE REUSE RINSE RIVET ROUND SCABS SCARE SECTS SORTS SPEAK SPOTS STEEL STEER STEWS STYLE SWEAT TORSO TREED TRIBE TROUT TSARS TULIP WAIST WEDGE WREST YOU’RE 6 LETTERS BANNER RETYPE STEREO YEASTS 7 LETTERS AEROSOL ARSENAL ROOSTER ROSTERS SPONSOR WARPING 8 LETTERS ALLIANCE APPOINTS ASTUTEST CLOSURES 12 345678910111213 1415 1617181920212223242526 D S Q N T J F K U I C Z B R W G Y E L O P V M X A H 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 08-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com 847529163 931672584 264987315 523861497 752418639 198253746 619734852 486395271 375146928 easy medium hard 523814679 368579214 734265198 186957342 271346985 659781423 947632851 495128736 812493567 786139524 318274956 429856731 932645178 594361287 653917842 145782369 267598413 871423695 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 XH ANSWERS: 1. Billy Idol 2. Andrology 3. Colombia and Costa Rica 4. Hangry (angry and hungry) 5. Heliocentrism 6. Maldives 7. NightTwelfth 8. Japanese air raids during WWII and Cyclone Tracy in 1974 9. Buddhism 10. India

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

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which popular AFL star recently retired after a final game against Collingwood?

2. And which team did he play for?

3. How old was Conor McGregor when he made his mixed martial arts debut?

4. Which of these FIFA women’s teams do not have an official nickname: a) Canada, b) Sweden or c) Argentina?

5. Fourteen-year-old Sky Brown is best known for what sport?

6. Which 2009 sporting film has recently resurfaced over a legal battle between real-life athlete Michael Oher and his parents?

In which round was the United States eliminated in the women’s FIFA World Cup?

Which Australian state is tennis star Alexei Popyrin

Who will Damien Hardwick replace as the new head coach for Gold Coast?

10. And for which team were these coaches premiership teammates in 2004?

11. How many AFL/VFL premierships has Collingwood won in the last 60 years?

Trades & Services

12. Social media star Olivia Duane is known for which sport?

13. Which Australian city will host the Matildas’ 2024 Olympic qualification matches later this year?

14. Which Australian tennis star recently announced a return to the court at this year’s US Open?

15. Australian Nina Kennedy recently agreed to share a gold medal with a competitor when taking part in which track and field event?

16. Which state recently announced a short-lived ban on Melbourne Victory fans for the upcoming A-League Men’s season?

17. What is the surname of Australian boxer siblings Nikita and Tim?

18. What is the lowest position Geelong has ever finished on the AFL/VFL ladder?

19. Sam Burgess recently left a coaching position with which NRL team?

20. Hannah Priest is the captain of which AFL Women’s team?

21. Luis Rubiales was recently asked to resign as the soccer federation president of which country?

22. Retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady is a minority owner of which NFL team?

23. Which national men’s rugby team inflicted New Zealand’s heaviest ever loss, a 35-7 defeat?

24. Laura Kane is the executive general manager of football in which Australian sporting league?

25. Which national men’s team defeated Australia 85-82 in their second game of the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

26. Which team finished last on the 2023 AFL ladder?

27. Which national men’s team did South Sudan record their first ever FIBA Basketball World Cup victory against?

28. Which Polish tennis professional won the 2022 US Open Women’s Singles title?

29. Which Spanish tennis professional won the 2022 US Open Men’s Singles title?

30. How far did Australia progress through the 2019 Rugby World Cup before being knocked out?

General Classifieds Motoring

Alexei Popyrin Tom Brady

Plugging the generation gap

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

Mazda sports utility vehicle sibling rivalry just got hotter, with a reborn five-year-old CX-8 refitted out and snapping at big brother CX-9’s heels, while fending off the challenge of the mid-size CX-5.

Available in six grades - Sport, Touring, Touring Active, GT SP, Asaki and Asaki LEwith petrol or diesel power front or all-wheel drive, the entry-level Sport FWD petrol comes to market at $42,060, plus on-road costs, while the Asaki LE diesel AWD tips the scales at $71,410.

Rearranging the chairs, the Touring Active takes over where the old Touring diesel stood, while the GT SP fills the gap left by the absence of the petrol and diesel Touring SP and GT models. On test was the GT SP petrol, which takes in premium touches such as power sliding and tilting sunroof and burgundy or black leather seat trim.

Mazda’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with roadside assistance, applies across the model range, with service intervals of 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

Styling

Mazda designers have modernised the CX-8 exterior with bold new front and rear bumpers, and tailgate, LED headlamps and tail lights, while a new front grille maintains the company’s Kodo - Soul of Motion design tradition.

New signature wings add a premium quality feel, a metallic finish reflecting light in motion, enhancing vehicle dynamics, maybe the colour too,inthiscaseSoulRedCrystalMetallic.Black metallic and machined finish 19-inch wheels give a lift to the sleek styling and sophistication of the GT SP.

Interior

Three rows of seats, with quality finishes, offer enough space to fit all but the most broad-beamed family members comfortably on short trips or long journeys. Massive rear doors open to almost 90 degrees - there are sun shades too - but there’s still some clambering to do to settle in the third row.

Once in, the upright back rest and the cramped knee situation are not conducive to long-distance comfort. There’s limited head room here but the GT SP does have the power adjustment and rear seat heaters of upper

specced variants.

A non-too generous 209 litres of cargo space is available with all seats in operation.

A removable base boots capacity to 242 litres. With the third row folded the total rises to 775 litres.

Infotainment

Call me out of touch but I remain a fan of the switch-and-knob style of control of in-cabin tech. There is nothing worse than sticky fingerprints on the touchscreen. The CX-8 centre-console rotary control set-up is my kind of connection.

Some previous CX-8s had only half-smart levels of phone mirroring. Mazda has fixed this and updates now offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly. Also newly included is wireless device charging and 10-speaker Bose audio.

Engines / transmissions

On offer is the choice of two engines - a 2.5 litre four-cylinder petrol or 2.2 litre turbodiesel - both mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. The test vehicle included the former, which came up with maximum power of 140 kW at 6000 rpm and maximum torque of 252 Nm at 4000 rpm.

Diesel versions boast all-wheel drive, while petrolmotorshavetomakedowithfront-wheel operation only.

Safety

The Mazda CX-8 was a five-star rating when it was introduced in 2018. As little has been significantly changed the Australasian New

Mazda CX-8 G25 Sport FWD: $42,060

Mazda CX-8 G25 Touring FWD: $48,960

Mazda CX-8 D35 Sport AWD: $49,060

Mazda CX-8 D35 Touring Active AWD: $56,910

Mazda CX-8 GT SP G25 FWD: $58,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki G25 FWD: $61,810

Mazda CX-8 GT SP D35 AWD: $65,560

Mazda CX-8 Asaki D35 AWD: $68,810

Mazda CX-8 Asaki LE D35 AWD: $71,410

SPECIFICATIONS

Mazda CX-8 GT SP 2.5L 4-cylinder petrol, 6sp automatic, FWD SUV

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

Car Assessment Program says it will not be retesting the latest version.

Includedareblindspotmonitoring,lane-keep assistance, rear-cross traffic alert, tyre pressure monitoring, traffic sign recognition and Isofix child seat anchors for two of the rear seats. A reversing camera is standard across the range but only in the Asaki and LE is there a full 360-degree system.

Driving

The 2.5 litre four-cylinder motor sends a

maximum 140 kW of power and 252 Nm of torque to the front wheels only, putting the brake, so to speak, on top-notch towing.

Maximum rating is 1800 kg.

The six-speed transmission is left behind by rivals with more cogs but it doesn’t seem to affect the CX-8 unduly, producing a smooth run through all but the upper echelons of the rev band. Engine noise is the downside here.

Fuelconsumptionisclaimedtobeanaverage of8.1litresper100kmforthepetrolfront-wheel drive on the combines urban / highway cycle. The test vehicle came up with 11.4 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburban work and 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres on motorway cruising. With a bit of heft to handle, the ride can be hostage to some bumps and bangs over bad roads. Steering responds with feeling and is particularly efficient in parking manoeuvres at lower speeds.

Front-wheel-drive versions of the CX-8 miss out on the Mazda Mi-Drive switchable driving modes allowing the driver to choose between Normal, Sport, Off-Road and a towing mode. All-round vision for the driver is limited by large rear-view mirrors and a slim rear window but I do rate the clarity of the head-up (any head-up) windscreen display.

Summary

Fitting in can be a challenge to anyone going through adolescence. Doing a person’s best for elders can be elusive and so could be the case of the CX-8. Thankfully Mazda has taken the large SUV and planed off some of the prickly sides to its character, leaving an acceptable member of a growing family.

The upgraded Mazda CX-8 does well fitting into the shape of Mazda’s range of SUVs. (Pictures: Supplied)

Second chance saves Cobras after loss to Suns

Albanvale are going to have to do it the hard way if it wants to make the Western Region Football League division 3 grand final.

The Cobras lost to ladder leaders Suns on Saturday, where a win would have seen them with a spot in the big dance.

After losing to the Suns by 91 points in the penultimate round of the season, the Cobras seemed on early and ready to prove they were a better side than what they showed only three weeks ago.

At half time only a straight kick separated the sides at Hansen Reserve.

The second half began with drama, as a Suns player was yellow carded for an incident late in the second quarter, meaning the Suns were down to 17 men for 15 minutes of the third term.

The Cobras were unable to exploit their extra man on the field, only adding one more goal than the Suns. When the player was able to be reintroduced to the match, the Suns began to assert some dominance, growing their lead to 28 points at three quarter time.

In the last term the Cobras couldn’t finish

their hard work, missing five shots on goal, with the Suns winning 15.8 (98)-9.13 (67).

Cobras coach Nick Smith said up until half time he was wrapped with the way that we had responded.

But like all year, inaccurate goalkicking was his side’s achilles heel all year.

“I was quite happy, we got plenty of the ball,

structured up well, we just couldn’t execute,” he said.

“We kicked ourselves out of it again. I’ve been hanging on to ‘all we need to do is kick straight’ all year.

“It just feels like you’re missing goals all the time, but maybe it’s that we’re just having shots from the wrong spots, hard spots, long

Cats through to finale

By Harper Sercombe

An epic grand final awaits Albion in the Western Region Football League division 2.

TheCatsovercamelastweek’sdisappointing loss to Parkside as they defeated Newport in a tough and tight battle at Pennell Reserve.

On the back foot early, the Cats found themselves down by 14 points at quarter time, but they were up for the fight, kicking three majors in the second, while only allowing the Panthers one behind.

The Panthers made their way back into the contest during the third quarter as they took a four point lead into the last.

The game began to crack open for the final term, with the Cats adding four foals to the Panthers three with the Cats doing enough to seal a 10.10 (70)-10.6 (66) win.

After 11 years out of finals, a grand final berth is the outcome of a lot of hard work and dedication according to coach Blake Richards.

“The players were good enough yesterday [Saturday], just, but we got there,” he said.

“I said to the group that our time will come and when it does come we just have to score and then shut them down once they’ve got the footy.”

With the reserves also in the grand final Richards and his coaching team are bound to have headaches at the selection table.

The reserves will face Wyndhmvale in the grand final.

“There’s quality footballers that are still missing out in the twos at the moment,” Richards said. “We do have pretty good depth.

“That’s probably the reason we are where we are, we don’t have many stars, we do have a couple of really good players but it’s a lot of depth and a lot of decent footballers here.”

The depth in players without a standout has been evident in their spread of goal kickers in games. This was again on show yesterday with eight players kicking a major. Leading goal kicker Ben Doll led the way with three.

With the grand final now the sole focus for the Cats, recovery is their first priority.

“We just need to concentrate on recovery and getting our bodies right,” Richards said. “We’re not going to get much fitter at the moment.”

The Cats will face Parkside in the grand final.

After losing to the Magpies in last week’s qualifying final, 7.4(46)-4.6 (30), the Cats have confidence in their ability to get the job done in what is guaranteed to be a fierce contest.

“They’re very physical but so are we,” Richards said.

“They’re defensively minded which we are

as well, so it was a pretty low scoring game last time and I’m pretty sure it will be again.

“It’s just about those little moments in the game and the little things that we need to

improve on.

“We’ve been slowly and slowly getting there with that stuff so I think we should be able to have a red hot crack.”

spots.

“The problem is that it gives me hope every time, I feel like we do match up alright… and we were really happy how we went about [the game], we just didn’t make the most of it and win.

“It’s hard to sit with because you know the guys aren’t missing on purpose, so it’s a little bit hard to handle when you’re trying to get to sleep at night.”

Reece Field kicked three in the loss, Matthew Taylor had two while Darren Borg was the Cobras best.

However, it is not all doom and gloom for the Cobras, as they face West Footscray in the preliminary final.

“You hope you don’t need to use it but that’s why you win all those games in the year, so if it doesn’t go to plan you get another chance,” Smith said.

“That’s definitely the way we’re looking at it.

“We’ve got winning records against them, so we’re pretty confident… but as the last few years have shown, finals is a different time.”

Harper Sercombe

Dragons out of the finals race

Sunshine Heights season has come to an end following its knock out semi final loss to West Footscray in the Western Region Football League division 3 on Sunday.

The Dragons came into the match as favouriteshavingwonthreemorehome and away matches than the Roosters.

It was a tight contest early in the game with only a point splitting the sides at the first break.

The Roosters started to run away with the game in the second term, enjoying a three goal lead at the main break.

In the third the Dragons proved they were up for the fight, coming out hot and booting five majors. The lead was back down to just six points at the 25 minute mark of the third quarter, thanks to a James Vella major.

The Roosters responded and with the Dragons’ effort only good enough to slice seven points off the half time margin.

In the last the Roosters added another four goals to seal the win, 15.10 (100)-12.10 (82)

James Vella led the way with three goals for the Dragons, while Kyall Parker, Dylan Pascoe and Blake Toseland kicked two goals each.

Jack Agius was named the best for the Dragons.

For the Roosters, Thomas Stelluto, Nathan Smith and Matthew Turcninovich booted three goals each and Joshua Bird kicked two.

It’s a second straight year that the Dragons have been knocked out in the semi finals.

The Roosters will now play Albanvale in a preliminary final where the winner will face the Suns in the big dance.

Meanwhile in division 1, Werribee Districts is the first team through to the grand final after beating Point Cook, 16.11 (107)-8.8 (56).

The Bulldogs will now face Altona in the preliminary final after last year’s premiers beat the Yarraville Seddon Eagles, 9.14 (68)-6.18 (54) in the other semi final.

Harper Sercombe

Corey Hall (Jacob Pattison)357617_10

Dylan Sloman (Jacob Pattison)357616_23

Deer Park is peaking at the right time with the side the first team through to the Essendon District Football League division 1 grand final.

Havinglosttojusttwoteamsthisseason,the Lions have dispatched them in back-to-back finals sending a message to everyone.

On Saturday, the Lions inflicted West Coburg’s first loss of the season in stunning fashion.

The Lions kept West Coburg goalless in the first quarter and led by 32 points at half time. The Lions put their foot down in the third quarter to extinguish any hopes of a West Coburg comeback.

Five goals to two increased the lead to 54 points at the final change. With the game well and truly over, the match opened up with the Lions still winning the last quarter to seal a 17.12 (114)-6.8 (44) win.

Lachlan Smart kicked five goals for the Lions with Todd Elton kicking three goals and

Jack Dorgan and Spiro Amarantidis kicking two goals each.

Levi Greenwood, who missed the semi final win was best on ground, while Dorgan and Nash Holmes were other standouts.

The Lions now have this week off before the grand final.

West Coburg will aim to regroup ahead of a preliminary final against Rupertswood.

Rupertswood was able to bounce back after a qualifying final loss to Deer Park with a big win against Hillside on Sunday in the knockout semi final.

Hillside led at quarter time but after that it was all Rupertswood which ran away with a 13.10 (88)-5.11 (41) win.

The loss was Charlie Denaro’s final game in charge of Hillside

“It was some really good basic football stuff and they worked hard for each other and they beat us in the inside and they got us on the outside,” Denaro said after the loss.

“I thought our backs were really brave and I don’t know how many goals they kicked, but Rupo is a really high scoring team.

“Theycangetarunonandtheycandosome serious damage. We tried and gave ourselves some good looks in the third quarter but we couldn’t capitalised and in the end they outplayed us in all facets.”

Denaro said they entered the game worried about how the group would back up from winningtheirfirstdivision1finaltheprevious week.

While they started well, the group tired and all the forays forward and shots on goal after quarter time were the result of a lot of hard work.

Denaro said he walks away pleased that he has left the place in a better place than when he started.

For the full wrap up on Hillside’s loss, go to www.starweekly.com.au

Tara Murray

Season over for Calder, Knights

Calder United’s title defence is over in the National Premier League Women’s competition, while Melbourne Knights’ run is over in the NPL.

Having already won two titles this season, Calder was hoping to make it a hat-trick of titles.

Having built into the season late, Calder snuck into the finals in fourth spot and faced the Bulleen Lions in a preliminary final.

Calder scored the opening goal just four minutes in through new Western United signing Keiwa Hieda.

Calder led 1-0 at half time.

Lions win through to the division 1 grand final Lions crash out of finals

By Tara Murray

Taylors Lakes was left shattered after its grand final hopes went up in smoke in the Essendon District Football League division 2 competition.

After finishing second on the ladder, the Lions were keen to make it to the final game of the season.

The Lions suffered a first up finals loss to Oak Park but having matched them after quarter time were confident ahead of Saturday’s preliminary final against the Sunbury Kangaroos.

The Lions started well and led by 19 points at the first break, before the Kangaroos got back into the game in the second quarter.

There was nothing in the game at half time and again at the final break.

The Kangaroos would lead by seven points late in the final quarter, with the Lions having opportunities to first reduce the margin and then level the score.

Unable to convert the Lions fell short, losing 12.10 (82)-10.17 (77).

Lions coach Steve Burns was bitterly disappointed after the game.

“I’m not happy at the moment,” he said. “We tried our hardest and we had another three guys go down which really hurt us, two of our best defenders, which made all the difference.

“They took a couple of marks late which hurt us, unfortunately we’ve fallen a goal short which is really disappointing.”

Burns said they continued to push until the final siren, with the ball in their forward line when the siren went.

He said he is really proud of the group.

“We were still coming forward when the siren went,” he said. “To be one player left on the bench and still trying and going through what we were doing, I was pretty proud of them.

“I really came here today expecting to win and wanting these boys to win, to get something out of their season that deserved.

“It didn’t happen, make us even better and bigger for next season hopefully.”

Raafat Rachrache was the only multiple

goal scorer for the Lions, kicking two goals.

Christopher Vulic, Jack Burns and Mitchell Jones were named the Lions best.

While the Lions had achieved their goal of making finals this season, Burns said the final outcome would burn deep for the group.

“We wanted another chance at Oak Park,” he said. “That is footy and I’ve been around for a long time and I’ve been disappointed a lot. It makes winning better when you do

“I’m really proud of the boys. They gave it their all that you can ask for.”

The Lions will still have one team on grand final day, with their reserves having already won through on the first week of finals.

Burns said the club was starting to get back to where it wanted to be.

“We won a couple of junior grand finals as well which is great,” he said. “We’re on the rise again which is what I came here to do and try to get the club back on the map.

“I think we’ve managed to do that and hopefully most of them will come back next year and we can build our list and get bigger and stronger.”

The Lions were able to level the scores in the second half, with neither side able to find a winner in regular time.

The match went to extra time, with the Lions finding the winner to win through to the grand final, 2-1.

Meanwhile, the Knights first NPL finals run came to an end on Saturday in a preliminary final match against Avondale. Playing their second game within a week after a mid week Australia Cup match, the Knights needed a big effort if they were going to knock off Avondale.

Scores were locked at nil-all at half time.

Kristian Trajceski would become the hero for Avondale, scoring in the 71st minute after a turnover from the Knights right on the defensive line.

The Knights weren’t able to find an equaliser with its NPL season coming to an end.

Avondale will play South Melbourne in the grand final.

The Knights season isn’t completely over with the club still alive in the Australia Cup.

Jack Burns (Ljubica Vrankovic) 347357_30

Keiwa Hieda (Jacob Pattison)346097_02

Jack Dorgan was one of the standouts on Saturday. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 356247_21

Melbourne Knights through to the quarter final

Melbourne Knights are continuing to break history,makingitsfirsteverquarterfinalinthe Australia Cup.

On Tuesday night the Knights took on South Australian National Premier League side Campbelltown City at Knights Stadium.

The Knights were dominant in the 2-0 win, holding possession for over 60 per cent of the match and recording 22 shots to City’s eight, with six on target to none.

Attacker Mohammed Sumaoro opened the scoring account in the 40th minute. Midfielder Mitchell Hore added another just after the break in the 51st minute.

“I’m very pleased,” coach Ben Cahn said. “WeknewCampbelltownwouldbeadifficult side to break down. They’re very organised, they defend very well. They’ve obviously done

well in their domestic competition.

“We’re very pleased with the result and very pleased to progress into the quarter final.”

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good news for the Knights with Sumaoro going down with a suspectedACLinjurywhichwouldbeabigloss

with a big few weeks ahead of the club.

“It’s not looking great,” Cahn said. “It’s a huge loss, Mo’s been fantastic all season.

“Even when things haven’t gone his way, his work ethic, attitude at training, and ability to put the team first and contribute when we’ve needed him, it’s been fantastic.

“He’s been very influential for us, it’s certainly a big loss.”

In the Knights, 70th season there has been plenty to celebrate with this feat sitting alongside the clubs preliminary final berth in the NPL which was played on Saturday night, after deadline.

“It’s been brilliant, this is the reason I came here,” Cahn said. “I’ve watched [the Knights] from a distance for a long time and seen them under achieve, under perform.

“So when the offer came to have the opportunity to try and change their fortunes and bring some good times back to Somers Street it was a very appealing project.

“These are the nights and these are the weeks that I had in mind when taking the job.”

Knights remain as only one of three NPL teams left in the competition and the one of two from Victoria which is an incredible achievement in itself, whilst also balancing its league finals.

The Knights will play the other Victorian NPL team, Heidelberg United in the quarter finals on Wednesday, September 13.

“Both of us have done very well to get this far and represented Victoria very well,” Cahn said.

Harper Sercombe

Harrower to coach Keilor

Australian basketball legend Kristi Harrower will coach the Keilor Thunder women’s side in the National Basketball League 1 South competition next season. The Thunder on Thursday announced thesigningcoupoftheformerAustralian Opals captain.

Harrower’s impressive basketball journey includes representing Australia at four Olympic Games, bringing home three silver medals and one bronze and most notably a gold medal at the 2006 World Championships, she has showcased her exceptional leadership skills and deep understanding of the gameallovertheworld.Herachievements on the court have solidified her as one of the country’s most respected and accomplished athletes.

Beyond her playing career, Harrower has honed her coaching skills through various roles, including her involvement in the development of young talent and her contributions to elite-level coaching programs including current assistant coach roles with Melbourne Boomers in the Women’s National Basketball League and the Australian Opals.”

Seb Pasquali. (David Campo/Western United)

United one of eight left

By Harper Sercombe

WesternUnitedisthroughtotheAustraliaCup quarter-finals for the first time after downing Gold Coast Knights 2-0 in a thrilling round of 16 clash on Wednesday night.

The Knights started the match much more comfortably on their home turf, immediately putting United under pressure in the opening exchanges.

It was an end-to-end first half but despite plenty of chances at both ends, the game was still awaiting its first goal when the referee blew for half-time.

The opening to the second half was nowhere near as chaotic as the beginning to the first half with United able to calm things down and hold more possession early on.

A brilliantly worked free kick finally found the opening goal at the 72nd minute mark as Lachie Wales clipped the ball to Josh Risdon at the back post and the captain put his header in a brilliant position across the face of goal. A

Knights defender slid in knocking the back to the back of the net as it went down as an own goal.

In injury time young midfielder Matthew Grimaldi put the ball into the bottom right corner thanks to a Michael Ruhs assist following a fast break to give them the 2-0 win.

The goal capped off a good night’s work for United, who navigated a difficult test to come away with the victory.

United midfielder Seb Pasquali said it was a toughtaskbutonethatwasexpectedatthislate stage of the tournament.

“We showed a bit of character, it was a really good hit out for us so early in our pre season preparation, so we’re all pretty happy to move onto the next stage,” he said.

“Theywereputtingafairbitofpressureonus and we just had to sustain it.

“Stick to our structure and ultimately at the end we were able to capitalise on some of the chances we created.”

United will face fellow A-League side Sydney

FC away from home in the last eight as the race for the first trophy of the season continues.

“Sydney are always tough opposition,” Pasquali said.

“We expect nothing less than a tough game. We’ve just got to bring our best and bring the right attitude and mentality.

“Continue with our pre season preparation and view it as another opportunity to win.”

With United’s A-League campaign kicking off on October 21, every win will build momentum as the season gets closer.

“Pre-season’s been great so far,” Pasquali said. “We’ve been training really hard, we’re developingsomereallygoodteamcamaraderie.

“We’re really building on our game style and ourgameplaywithallthenewplayerswhohave come into the club this year, they’re all getting accustomed to the way we want to play and enter the culture that we want to develop.

“It’s really quite positive and energetic.”

United will face Sydney in the semi finals on Wednesday, September 13.

We are absolutely delighted to welcome Kristi Harrower as the new NBL1 women’s head coach,” said Keilor Basketball Association general manager Jackson Taylor.”

Kristi’s extensive experience, strategic insight, and unwavering passion for basketball, makes her the perfect fit to lead our NBL1 Women’s team to new heights. We are confident that her leadership will inspire our players and contribute to the continued success of our program.”

Harrower expressed her enthusiasm about the opportunity.“I am very excited to be a part of the Keilor Thunder family and lead the women’s program. I can’t wait to work with the emerging young group of athletes at Keilor and to contribute to a culture of excellence, competitiveness and development.”

In its release the association said it looks forward to a promising season under Harrower guidance.”

Her appointment marks a significant milestone for the organisation and exemplifiesitscommitmenttoadvancing women’s basketball and fostering a thriving basketball community,” the Thunder release said.She replaces Trevor Burnette as coach.

Mo Sumaoro. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 350275_17