Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 22nd April 2025
Landfill levy, rates up
By Tara Murray
Brimbankratepayersaresetforanonaveragethree
per cent rate increase as the council continues to face various financial and environmental challenges.
The council released its draft budget last week, which included setting a rate increase at the maximum allowed under the state government’s rate cap.
The council is set to allocate $273.2 million for operations, funding 76 different services that span maternal and child health, arts and culture, statutory planning, economic development and public realm.
In addition, the council will invest in initiatives including the crackdown on illegal rubbish dumping,andtheintroductionofarapidresponse team to improve the community’s access and enjoyment of the city’s parks and gardens.
The council proposes a $56.7 million capital works budget which includes the planning of two off the leash dog parks, a new sports pavilion at JR Parsons Reserve, tennis courts upgrade at Lionheart Reserve, Glengala Village streetscape upgrade and various public art projects.
Ratepayers will have to pay a landfill levy or nearly$170perhouseholdwhichisalmosta28per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
Mayor Thuy Dang said they were focused on initiatives that will make a real difference to residents’ everyday lives.
“In the year ahead you will see council deliver essential services and infrastructure, while balancing financial sustainability to ensure Brimbank remains a thriving inclusive and future focused community,” she said.
Councillor Virginia Tachos and councillor Maria Kerr both supported the budget but highlighted the challenges faced by council.
Cr Tachos said the draft budget prioritises people, place and prosperity.
“We face huge challenges through rate capping, cost shifting, rising costs, high service demands with increased population growth, and environmental challenges.”
“The focus is on value for money and the best community outcomes.”
Cr Kerr said Brimbank needed more state government support to ensure the council is focusing on the services it is meant to deliver.
“It’s challenging times with rate capping imposed by the state government,” she said.
“Brimbank residents are some of the most disadvantaged in Victoria, we need more funding towards infrastructure and services.”
Residents are encouraged to have their say on the draft budget online.
Rian strikes for gold
A force to be reckoned with in the ring, 11-year-old Brimbank local Rian Kumar is all set to represent Australia in an international youth Muaythai tournament later this year.
The year 7 Victoria University Secondary College student will make his global debut after nabbing the gold medal at last month’s Muaythai National Championship, held in the Gold Coast. According to his father, Ashnil Kumar, Rian has been punching above his weight.
“When people look at him, they think he’s really humble and might not even pick up that he can fight really well,” Ashnil said.
“This was only his second time participating in the national tournament so it’s amazing.”
Rian started the full-combat sport seven years ago. Since then he has taken home five medals, and has earned the opportunity to wear Australian colours in an international arena.
“I’m so happy for my son, so proud,” Ashnil said.
“He’s following his dreams and he’s very excited.
“Rian is so disciplined, humble and kind – he always thinks about his opponent and is always respectful towards them. I think these qualities have helped him win.”
Ashnil hopes his son is also setting a good example for other kids who’re looking to pursue a sport.
“It’s good to see kids developing in a positive way,” he said.
“I think it’s inspirational for other kids as well because it’s a great way to be on track.
“Balancing sports and studies is also a good skill to learn.”
Victoria University Secondary College student Rian will represent Australia at an international Muaythai competition. (Damjan Janevski) 469702_03
Push on for more police hours
By Prealene Khera
InNovember2023,atemporarymeasureledto reduced reception hours at the Keilor Downs police station. Nearly 18 months on, with the change still in effect, residents are pushing for the station to re-open around the clock.
Victoria Police cut the station’s front desk hours from 24 to eight hours per day amid staff shortages.
At the time, the organisation said the move was temporary but now residents are calling for the station to revert back to its original timings.
Former vice president of the Brimbank
ratepayers group, Jenny Isa said she was worried about the reduced hours.
“We need to go back to it being open for 24 hours because we need to feel protected,” she said.
“When it’s open for limited hours it can lead to us not feeling safe in our communities — people can take advantage of that.
“We’ve got an aging population so it’s really important to have that sense of security.”
CouncillorMariaKerralsospoketotheStar Weekly as a concerned resident.
“There’s a huge necessity for more police in the western suburbs in general but the population of Keilor Downs is set to increase
so the police station needs to be resourced more,” she said.
Ms Kerr said she was also hoping for the establishment of a police hub at the Watergardens Shopping Centre.
“There’s a lot of antisocial behaviour happening at the centre,” she said.
“I would be good to get some police rostered there, especially on Friday nights and during the school holidays.”
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the decision to reduce the hours at the Keilor Downs station was “made with a clear objective”.
“...to ensure as many police as possible were
Encouraging creativity in Brimbank
A community-driven art initiative is coming to Brimbank in May, inspiring locals to explore their creative side collaboratively.
In partnership with Brimbank council, Fandata Studio is offering a free community art workshop as part of its NOMADIK initiative.
The workshop presents an exciting opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage in the creative process and contribute to a collaborative public art project, according to the Fandata Studio’s artist Mito Elias.
“We are a local arts platform deeply rooted
in the Sunshine community since 2014 and this event continues our longstanding commitment to fostering connection through creativity,” he said.
The theme of the workshops is ‘The Center of My Hearth,’ with participants invited to create individual puzzle pieces using sustainable materials.
These pieces will later be assembled into a large-scale paste-up mural, symbolising unity and collective creativity, Mr Elias said.
The finished artwork will be prominently displayed on a wall in Sunshine.
Mr Elias said participants would get to
nurture themselves through their creative impulses.
“Nomadik is a vibrant, traveling event that activates parks across Brimbank, uniting people through art, culture, and sustainability,” he said.
“It invites communities to connect, share, and imagine new, healthier ways of being together.”
These workshops are open to individuals of all ages and skill levels.
TheeventwillgetunderwayonMay10from 10 am onwards at the Buckingham Reserve in West Sunshine.
diverted to the frontline,” the spokesperson said.
“When given the choice, police know crime is most effectively deterred and detected by community patrols, rather than from behind desks.”
The spokesperson said police provide a 24/7 response to the Keilor Downs area, with targeted patrols taking place around the clock, including at shopping centres and public transport hubs.
“The Keilor Downs reception counter remains open between 10am and 6pm, with the nearest 24-hour police reception only 7 km away in Sunshine,” the spokesperson said.
Ardeer park design underway
During the consultation process for the Ardeer Community Park, residents largely voted in favour of preserving its “community-focused character” and recommended the addition of various amenities.
Brimbank council is now working on designing upgrades to the park based on feedback received from nearly 80 residents.
Currently the park’s facilities include play and fitness equipment, a basketball court, a dirt bike track, a shelter, barbecue, a dry creek bed and nature zone, sculptures and public artworks, seats and walking paths.
However, some of these features needed to be updated and replaced as they are more than 15 years old.
In line with those proposed changes, respondents were asked which facilities they thought should be retained, which ones needed to be repaired and what could be done to make the park a better place.
A majority of respondents said the park was well used and enjoyed by a broad section of the community.
People said they most valued the park’s existing layout, the variety of spaces, range of activities, its community-focused character, and its natural features.
Broadly, residents agreed that more than a dozen facilities needed to be upgraded.
Students from the Ardeer Primary School also provided the council with some drawings and a wish-list.
Ifthedesignisapproved,construction is expected to start in 2026/2027 financial year.
Easter egg hunt marks the opening of new park at LUMA
On April 13, more than 400 community members gathered to celebrate a significant milestone for Development Victoria’s local LUMA residential development with the official launch of Willowbark Park.
LUMA development is a result of the government agency transforming a vacant site in Sunshine North into a new community located close to existing jobs, schools, roads, and hospitals.
When completed, LUMA will feature approximately 300 townhouses designed to suit a range of households and budgets, surrounded by green open spaces.
The new park is a central feature of the
development,andisdesignedtoofferresidents and the wider community a welcoming, inclusive green area to gather and enjoy.
Willowbark Park, spans over 3600 square metres and includes two custom-built shelters, picnic seating, electric barbecues, expansive open lawns, and a nature-inspired playground featuring climbing structures, timber steppers, and balance beams.
The design prioritises natural elements and sustainability, with over 40 new trees planted to complement the existing mature canopy.
A standout feature of the playground was the introduction of three hand-carved timber wombats, created by Indigenous
artist Glenn Romanis. Guests were invited to suggest names for the wombats, with the final selections to be engraved in the coming weeks.
The launch featured a variety of Easter-themed activities, with children enjoyinganEasteregghunt,andfacepainting.
The event also marked the completion of stage one of the development, with the first residents now moved in.
Development Victoria’s Easter-themed launch event for the Willowbark Park was a success. (Supplied)
Mito Elias is hosting a community art event for locals at the Buckingham Reserve. (Damjan Janevski) 471202_01
Petition calls for special school
Local volunteer organisation, Equality for Autism, is pushing for the development of a new specialist school in Brimbank to address a “critical shortage” of facilities catering for children with profound or severe disabilities in the area.
Founded to support and advocate for people with autism, the group is now petitioning for a cause that members believe needs to be urgently delivered.
CurrentlytheSunshineSpecialDevelopment School is the only education facility of its kind in Brimbank, and according to Equality for Autism co-founder Jeff O’Donnell, it alone can’t meet the high demand.
“There’s a huge need for another school,” he said.
“Even in 2009, when my son needed to go to a special development school, it was really hard to get him into one.
“Since then, the situation has become even worse.”
Mr O’Donnell, along with fellow members, havestartedacampaigntobuildanappropriate needs-focusedschoolinDeerPark—atthesite of the current Victoria University Secondary College (VUSC).
TheexistingVUSCcampusispartofanother extensive development, which when complete will shift the entire school to Cairnlea.
VUSC’s senior campus is already operating out of the new location, with the junior campus expected to be relocated under the development’s stage two works that haven’t commenced yet.
As part of the campaign, the group is calling on the state government to fund the stage 2 of the VUSC to consolidate its junior and senior campuses in Cairnlea and repurpose that land in Deer Park to construct a new specialist school.
Thepetition,whichisavailabletoviewonthe parliament’s website, has so far received nearly 200 signatures.
“Families in the region face significant
Buddhist event a time of reflection
Members of the Buddhists of the West group are hosting a community event to mark the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha.
The group is inviting the community to come along and celebrate those key moments together — with the event a promotion of interfaith and cultural harmony.
According to the Buddhists of the West’s Nina Toh, the program is rooted in inclusivity and shared human values.
She said it’s about bringing “communities togetherinasharedspiritofpeace,compassion, and reflection”.
The celebration will include multicultural performances, light chanting and blessings, guest speakers, food stalls, and interactive activities for all ages.
There will also be time for quiet reflection, incense or light offerings, and community sharing.
“The event blends tradition and culture with a warm, welcoming atmosphere,” Ms Toh said.
Ms Toh encouraged all residents to come along to the event.
“The event is open to everyone — regardless of background, religion, or experience with Buddhism,” she said.
St Albans upgrade hits sixes
With the completion of a significant upgrade, the St Albans Sports Club is now ready to offer game-changing training to all players.
The club’s new $633,000 multi-purpose facility opened to the public recently — boasting six synthetic wickets and retractable nets.
This state-of-the-art facility is expected to help cricket players of all levels hone their skills, while also providing a space for casual play.
According to the club’s general manager Jonathon Halliday, the upgrade “is much grander, bigger and better than anybody could have ever expected“.
Being multi-purpose means this facility can also be used for other sports like netball and soccer, helping to improve access to much needed facilities, and increase sporting participation for the whole community, Mr
Halliday said.
“It replaced an unusable piece of very aged infrastructure and while it repaired an old cricket nets facility, this is now much more than that — it’s for other sports as well,” he said. “It’s probably one of the best pieces of cricket nets and multipurpose infrastructure you’ll see around.”
The St Albans Sports Club contributed $533,000 to the project, and the state government $100,000.
Mr Halliday said it would also attract new people to the grounds.
“There’sacoupleofteamswhotrainclose-by, and I think they’ll want to have a go at this facility,” he said. “It’s one of the best things Kings Park has had in a long time. I think it’ll be the envy of a lot of clubs, and it’ll also be a big drawcard for a lot of new players for the cricket club.”
challenges in accessing appropriate education, with existing schools at or over capacity,” the petition reads.
“Thislackofinfrastructurelimitseducational opportunities and support for children who require specialised care, forcing many families to travel long distances for suitable schooling.” In relation to stage two works at VUSC being finalised, a Department of Education spokesperson said the infrastructure needs of all schools are considered every year, and funded accordingly.
“Families, individuals, and community members of all ages are warmly welcome.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate together in a respectful, inclusive setting.”
Ms Toh said it would also offer locals an insight into Buddhism.
“It’s a chance to learn about Buddhist values, enjoydiverseculturalexpressions,andconnect with others,’ she said.
“Many leave feeling grounded and uplifted by the shared spirit of compassion and joy.”
The event will be held at the St Albans Community Centre on May 10 from 10 am onwards.
Brimbank residents who need to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals from their sheds, cupboards, and under kitchen sinks can drop them off at the free Brimbank Detox your Home event.
Sustainability Victoria’s Detox your Home events are a free and convenient disposal service for residents — helping to keep local families, waterways, animals and the environment safe.
Commonproductssuchasweedkiller, pesticides, bleach, brake fluid and rat poison are all harmful to the environment and should not be placed in kerbside bins or poured down sinks, according to council.
Instead, residents should dispose of them at the event.
Common chemicals collected at Detox your Home events cover cleaning formulas, including bleach, rust remover, hydrochloric acid, and oven cleaners.
Gardening items such as fertiliser, fuel (old lawn mower/power tools fuel), weed killers/herbicides, insect sprays and pesticides are also accepted.
Fire extinguishers, cosmetics, empty aerosols and oils, including cooking oil are no longer collected.
These events are staffed by chemists who identify and sort the chemicals for safe transport back to a licensed facility in Melbourne where they are processed for reuse or safe disposal.
TheBrimbankeventwillgetunderway on June 14, from 9am onwards.
Buddhists of the West’s Nina Toh is encouraging west residents to attend the event. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 470502_02
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building the Metro Tunnel and its five new underground stations, with three stations now complete. Work is continuing on two stations, and we’re testing trains through the tunnel to make sure they operate smoothly and safely.
While we work, disruptions could affect your travel
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Sunbury Line 26 to 27 April
North Melbourne to Sunbury 10 to 11 May
Road disruptions: Road closed
Ferris Road, Melton 4am 3 May to 11.59pm 4 May
North Melbourne to Sunshine
Arden Station
Upgrades for local ovals promised
Two local sporting clubs are set to receive game-changingupgradestotheirreserveswith both the federal government and opposition committing funds towards essential works. As part of the fresh election pledge made by the Labor candidate for Gorton Alice Jordan-Baird on April 10, $600,000 will be put towards improving lighting at Brimbank’s Lionheart Reserve and Keilor Recreation Reserve Oval.
AnelectedLiberalgovernmentwillalsoback those works, with an investment of $550,000. Both sites will get competition-standard and energy-efficient LED lighting which will
improve overall safety and visibility.
They will also bring the lighting systems up to national standards for AFL.
Welcoming both announcements, Taylors Lakes Football Club vice president Matt Noy said it would support the growing demand for sports activities in the community.
“It means a lot to us because we’ve been advocating for these improvements for two years,” he said.
“It’s fantastic for so many reasons – it’s great from a safety point of view but it will also help us build our club.
“We’ve worked so hard to develop our
programs and this would be crucial for us in improving facilities, and improving our registrations.”
The Caroline Springs Recreation Reserve wouldalsobearecipientof$186,000infunding if the federal government retains office.
The funds would support a lighting and scoreboard upgrade for the reserve.
The current scoreboard at the reserve is no longer up to AFL standard and the upgrades arenecessarytosupporttheclubtohostmen’s, women’s and youth games in the WFNL competition next season.
The improved lighting will also support
Nic Banon is excited for the new all-abilities program.
(Damjan Janevski) 464998_01
Take a shot at playing basketball
A new all-abilities program is coming to Keilor Basketball Association as it aims to try and cater for more players.
The new program which will start on April 30willruninthesecondtermforchildrenaged five to 12 years old.
The program is specially designed with additional needs in a fun and supportive environment.
Program coordinator Nic Banon said it was exciting for the association to be putting together a program like this.
“It’s something we’ve been looking at over the years,” he said. “We are big on the belief that anyone should be able to play.
“Looking over the last six months, even longer, that our strategic plan is that basketball is for everyone and everyone needs that opportunity.
“Fromfouryearsoldtoelderlypeople,weare working hard to support them.”
Banon said they previously ran a clinic and had 25 people attend which showed that there was interest in an all-abilities program.
The program will involve 45 minute sessions on Wednesdays at Overnewton at Taylors Lakes.
While this program is for younger people, Banon said they would look at expanding the programinthefuturetocaterforthosewhoare older and want to take to the court.
“Wewanttomakesurewefollowthatmodel, basketball is for all.”
Details: nic.banon@keilorbasketball.com.au
Tara Murray
night games and more training sessions at the reserve.
Caroline Springs Lakers Football and Netball Club president Terry Azzopardi said it was “exciting and relieving” to receive the news.
“It takes a lot of effort to raise that kind of money for a sporting club,” he said.
“For us it’s really huge — it’s probably the biggest thing since the extension of our club rooms which was about seven eight years ago
“It’ll also showcase what our club is about, keep us relevant and keep us afloat.”
Free RSV protection
The long-acting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) immunisation is now available free for eligible families until 30 September.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn opened the upgraded Tweddle Early Parenting Centre in Footscray on Monday March 31, and announced that RSV immunisation would be free for all newborns if their mother wasn’t vaccinated during pregnancy. RSV is a highly infectious virus that infects up to 90 per cent of children within the first two years of life. The state government is delivering a free program to protect around 40,000 Victorian babies born this RSV season.
As part of the program, the long-acting monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, is administered in hospital as part of standard post-birth care – helping parents save and avoiding visits to the GP.
Eligible infants aged up to two years who are vulnerable to severe RSV disease will be protected thanks to a dedicated catch-up program.
The state-based program complements the Commonwealth maternal vaccine, Abrysvo, which commenced in February as part of the coordinated national effort to protect as many babies as possible.
Mothers are encouraged to get vaccinated during their pregnancy to help build immunity in their baby as early as possible. However, for those unable to be immunised with Abrysvo, or mums immunised less than two weeks before delivery, the Victorian-funded, nirsevimab, will now be available for babies.
Labor promises to fund upgrades to Churchill Reserve
A re-elected federal Labor government would put $3.5 million towards the upgrade and redevelopment of the clubrooms at Churchill Reserve in St Albans.
The funding will help redevelop the out-dated facilities to accommodate the senior and junior teams and allow for further growth in the women’s competition.
The project will include more change rooms to enable greater participation by women’s and girls’teams,asyntheticjuniorpitchtoenhance opportunities for young players to train and play and more storage and hospitality options.
St Albans Dinamo Football Club president
Ilija Dragicevic said the club and its supporters have been calling for these upgrades for nearly two years.
“It’s been a long time coming for us, so it’s really big,” he said.
“It feels so rewarding that we’ve received this commitment because the improvements are so important for the growth of our club especially for the women’s program which has expanded significantly.”
Inthelastfiveyears,thewomenprogramhas gone from two teams to 12.
Out of the eight new changing rooms, two will be developed specifically for women.
“It’ll definitely help attract new members but alsohelpretainexistingplayers,”MrDragicevic said. “We’ve found that competing with other clubs that have better facilities is quite hard and girls have chosen to leave our club because our facilities weren’t up to standard and didn’t meet their expectations.”
Mr Dragicevic added that the investment would help cement the club’s future.
“As a club we’re proud to have come this far,” he said. “We’re all volunteers so we really do
spend a lot of time improving our clubs so this is a big one for us in ensuring we’ll have a big future as well.”
Fraser MP Daniel Mulino said since St Albans Dinamo was outgrowing its facilities at Churchill Reserve, this funding would bolster their expansion.
“Theclubcurrentlyhasmorethan130senior and junior women members, and this number continues to increase,” he said.
“This redevelopment will enable young people to get involved in a fantastic and inclusive club.”
Zoo mourns lion cub
TheAfricanLioncubrecentlybornatWerribee Open Range Zoo (WROZ) has died from kidney issues after its mother unexpectedly stopped producing maternal milk.
Atthreeweeksold,thecubwasshowingsigns of lethargy, weakness and poor weight gain which prompted an emergency examination under anaesthesia at the zoo’s veterinary hospital on Sunday, April 13.
Following extensive care that included fluid therapy and high density oral supplements, the veterinaryteamconcludedtherewasnochance of recovery and made the decision to euthanise the cub to prevent suffering.
WROZ director Dr Mark Pilgrim said staff were heartbroken but had done absolutely everything possible to support first-time-mother Asali and her cub during its critical early life phase.
“Although the early signs after birth were encouraging, the early life stages of a cub can be quite delicate and present some natural challenges for lionesses,’ Dr Pilgrim said.
“First-time mothers can sometimes
experiencedifficultieswithlactationwhilethey navigate the demands of motherhood.
“The labour and post-birth interactions were monitored remotely via 24-hour cameras, disturbing the natural bonding process.”
Intervention was a last resort, only made when the cub’s health was at risk, separating it from its mother carries a high risk of maternal rejection.
A necropsy was conducted on the morning of Monday, April 14 and confirmed the lack of milk supply.
Further tests are expected in the next few weeks to rule out any other cause of death.
Dr Pilgrim said this is an extremely sad time for the entire zoo community.
“Our thoughts are with them and all who cared for this precious cub, and especially with our keepers and vets who worked tirelessly to care for the cub,” he said.
The cub was born on the evening of Sunday, March 23 to seven-year-old mother Asali and eight-year-old father Sheru, marking the first single-cub litter in the zoo’s history.
Briefs
Solar savers
Brimbank council is helping residents and small businesses that want to electrify their properties through the free Solar Savers program. The initiative can make installation easy, affordable, and reliable for households and businesses. It can help with things like choosing the right product, finding a credible installer, and upfront costs. Interested people can use the program to get solar panels, split system air conditioner/heaters, a heat pump hot water system, and solar storage batteries. When people go through the program, they’re put in touch with a trusted, council-backed installer, get help understanding which government rebates can be claimed, are provided free support throughout, and providers independently audit at least 5 percent of all installations for continued peace of mind. Details: news.brimbank.vic. gov.au/solar-savers-helping-you-selectand-install-energy-products/
Transport tracking
Metro Trains Melbourne has announced it is trialling a replacement bus live tracking system at St Albans Station. The system will allow commuters to access real-time information about when their bus will arrive. The tool will be useful when rail replacement bus services operate for the Sunbury line during planned works.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
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Lioness Asali with her late cub. (Supplied)
Keeping women’s hearts healthy
By Oscar Parry
Australia’s national heart health awareness week Heart Week, May 5–11, is a chance for people to consider their heart health and take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of illness and death among Australian women, taking more women’s lives than breast cancer each year.
Almost every hour, an Australian woman dies of heart disease and women are more likely to face worse outcomes after a heart attack compared to men.
Heart Foundation senior manager of healthcare programs and clinical strategy
Natalie Raffoul said that while chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women, data shows that women are more likely than men to have non-chest pain symptoms, including shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; pain that radiates down thearm,shoulders,back,neck,orjaw;dizziness or a faint feeling; sweating or cold chills; and nausea or vomiting.
“We know that women are less likely to be recognised in terms of their symptoms of heart attack,” Ms Raffoul said.
“These symptoms often are overlooked or are not triaged as fast as they are for men … so,
as a woman, you experience greater delays in accessing treatment when experiencing a heart attack compared to men,” she said.
“Sadly,wealsoknowthatwhenwomendoget treated after experiencing a heart attack, they are more likely to experience worse outcomes – higher rates of mortality and complications compared to men.”
Ms Raffoul said that while further research is needed, possible reasons for these worse outcomes could be under-recognition of symptoms, delay in getting to hospital, or possible complications relating medicines and
procedures that are used to treat heart attacks that need to be studied further.
“Historically, not a lot of women are represented in clinical trials in this research area.So,someofitmighthavetodowithbetter understanding how women respond to the treatment strategies available in hospitals,” she said.
She said that while research has improved in this area, there is still room to improve.
Ms Raffoul said this could be anything that helps researchers prioritise the presence of women in their clinical trials and “research that’s funded to specifically answer questions about how women respond to treatments,” includingthoseatriskorpronetocertaintypes of heart conditions.
She said that risk factors among women for a higher chance of cardiovascular disease down the track may relate to complications during pregnancy – including a life-threatening high blood pressure experienced during pregnancy called preeclampsia, which can put women at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease even years later.
“Another complication experienced during pregnancy is gestational diabetes, and now there’s some really strong data to suggest that … if you experienced gestational diabetes during pregnancy, your risk of developing a heart condition yourself is significantly higher down the track. Even five to ten years down the track,” Ms Raffoul said.
She said that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has also been linked with higher rates of cardiovascular disease and premature menopause or early menopause put women at higher risk of cardiovascular conditions in
the future – due to the changes in hormones that women experience at that time, impacting their cholesterol levels and heightening their heart attack risk.
Ms Raffoul said the “traditional risk factors for heart disease absolutely apply to women too,” including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, and being overweight or obese.
As part of Heart Week, Heart Foundation is calling on anyone aged over 45 to see their GP regularlyfora20-minute,Medicare-subsidised heart health check – with some people eligible for these checks earlier, including First Nations people from 30 years and people living with diabetes from 35.
“For women, we’re absolutely calling out that if you have or do experience any of those conditions mentioned above … it’s even more important for you to see a doctor for that heart healthcheck,andthatmightmeanseeingthem earlier than the age of 45,” Ms Raffoul said.
“People appreciate that heart disease is terrible and it might be our leading cause of death, but often they don’t recognise how personally relevant the condition is to themselves until it’s too late – until they’re unfortunately having an incident themselves,” she said
“We know only about half of eligible adult Australians even have their risk factors screened as they regularly should … people need a sort of a prompt to get them thinking about their heart health and prioritising it.”
Further details about Heart Week and other resources, including a heart age calculator, are available on the Heart Foundation website.
Details: heartfoundation.org.au/heart-week
New health clinic now open at Sunshine Hospital
Women across Melbourne’s west can access free, comprehensive care and support under one roof as part of the new Women’s Health Clinic at Sunshine Hospital.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas toured the clinic on Monday April 14.
The new Western Health clinic will provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience – enabling women to receive services or advice on issues from contraception to menopause and pelvic pain. The clinics will facilitate access to interdisciplinary care for women, girls, and gender diverse people.
The Sunshine clinic is already improving access to outpatient gynaecologist appointments and medical abortion via specialised GPs.
These services are delivered by health professionals including gynaecologists, urologists, specialist GPs, specialist nurses and allied health support – all under the one roof, for medical abortion, conditions including
pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, prolapse and incontinence, contraception and menopause services.
St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman, who accompanied Ms Thomas, said the new
additiontoWesternHealthwouldbebeneficial for all local women.
“The new clinic at Sunshine Hospital is already improving access to care for women in the west and will help to remove the barriers
many women face for different health concerns throughout their life,” she said.
Theclinicsarepartofa$153millionwomen’s health package that includes a mobile women’s health clinic, Aboriginal-led clinic and virtual women’s health clinic.
As part of those virtual clinics, women and gender diverse people accessing the service via phone or video consultation will be connected to a specialist nurse who will provide an initial health assessment and treatment, and, if required,connectpatientswithaGP,specialist, or other health practitioner as close to home as possible.
Thevirtualclinic,settocommenceoperation in 2025, will provide sexual and reproductive health services including contraception and medical termination of pregnancy.
It will also include specialist services for endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, perimenopause and menopause care, breast health care, and cervical screening.
Heart Foundation senior manager of healthcare programs and clinical strategy Natalie Raffoul. (Supplied).
Dr Corrine Glenn, Daniela Gashi, Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, Cynthia Chaffey, Tania McKellar, Kat Theophanous, Russell Harrison, and Lisa Smith. (Supplied)
Election battle to bypass Fraser
By Cade Lucas
A host of marginal seats across metropolitan Melbourne could decide the outcome of the May 3 federal election, but the western suburbs seat of Fraser isn’t among them.
Held by Labor’s Dr Daniel Mulino by a margin of more than 16 per cent, the seat covering all of of the Maribyrnong council area, most of Brimbank, and following a redistribution, some northern parts of Hobsons Bay, is one of the Albanese government’s safest, immune to even a historic swing against it.
That hasn’t stopped five candidates from across the political spectrum lining up to take on Dr Mulino in the seat named after for Liberal Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser and which was only created in 2018.
The Greens Huong Truong, the Liberal Party’s Satish Patel, Jasmin Duff of the
Victoria Socialists, Rob Rancie of Family first and One Nation’s George Rozario will join Dr Mulino on the ballot on May 3.
Buoyed by their strong performances in Footscray and Maribyrnong at both the last state and council elections, the Greens campaign has been particularly enthusiastic, with a $4 million dollar public art gallery at the Footscray Community Arts Centre their bigges proposal so far.
The Victoria Socialists also performed strongly in Footscray at the 2022 state election and their candidate Jasmine Duff has been joined by the party’s senate candidate, affordable housing advocate and Tik Tok star, Jordan van den Lam, aka Purple Pingers, on the campaign trial.
Like the Greens, the Victoria Socialists are benefiting from the continued gentrification of Footscray and the addition of inner-west suburbs like Spotswood and Yarraville from
neighbouring Gellibrand.
Further west in the the old industrial suburbs around Braybrook, Sunshine and St Albans, the Greens and Victoria Socialists are likely to be less of a threat to Labor, which is committing $2 billion to the redevelopment of Sunshine Station, by far the biggest election promise in the seat so far.
The Sunshine Station funding is opposed by the Liberal Party, making the job of its candidate, Satish Patel, even harder.
A candidate for Wyndham council at last year’s municipal elections, Mr Patel was only announced as Liberal candidate for Fraser on April 7, more than a week after the election was called.
Thedelaywascausedbytheparty’sprevious candidate, Luan Walker, having to stand down in March after being found in breach of Section 44 of the constitution by having dual Vietnamese citizenship.
What the Fraser candidates say
Huong Truong - Greens
I’m the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and a local mum. As a policy-maker, I’ve worked for decades to protect our environment anbd the livability of our suburbs. As a community organiser, I know when our diverse communities see a need, we’ll find a way. Only the Greens have a plan to tax the billionaires and invest in the West. Let’s get dental and mental health into Medicare; stop unlimited rent rises and bring down mortgages; ensure no new coal and gas. The Greens never take dirty corporate donations. So I’ll always work in our communities best interests. This election, Vote 1 Greens.
Rob Rancie - Family First
I know what hard work, family, and common sense look like. I started a financial planning business over 40 years ago—now it’s run by my three sons and employs over 10 staff. With a degree in economics and years spent as a school teacher, I bring real-life experience to the table. My wife and I raised ten children, spent four years in China doing charity work and I’ve also been a local church pastor. I’ll work to bring down power prices by scrapping net zero, protect faith-based schools, and stand up to radical gender ideology being pushed in our classrooms.
Daniel Mulino - Australian Labor Party
It’s been a privilege to represent Fraser for the past six years. It’s a vibrant, hard-working community and you’d struggle to find more generous people than those who call the West home. But we have our fair share of challenges. I am asking for your vote so we can meet those challenges together and continue to build on the progress we’ve made since the last election. More access to bulk-billed GP appointments; more affordable housing; $2 billion for Sunshine Station. This election, Australians face a choice: Dutton’s cuts or a Labor government committed to a brighter, fairer future for all.
Jasmine Duff - Victoria Socialists I’ve spent years as a community activist, and I’m running for Fraser because I can’t stand watching the rich get richer while working class people struggle to put roofs over our heads. It doesn’t have to be like this. I’ll fight for price controls on staple goods, lower mortgage interest rates and caps on rents to make housing affordable. We need a rapid expansion of public housing, free and accessible childcare and to reverse privatisation of core services. If I’m elected, I will only take the wage of an average nurse and donate the rest to community campaigns
George Rozario - One Nation
I’m running for Fraser because our community deserves a strong, honest voice in Canberra—someone who puts Australians first. As your One Nation candidate, I will fight for secure borders, lower living costs, better local services, and real support for working families and small businesses. I stand for free speech, traditional Australian values, and accountable government—not political games or global agendas. Fraser needs a representative who listens and acts with integrity. I’m ready to stand up for everyday Australians—no spin, just straight talk and action. Let’s bring real change to Fraser - together.
Patel - Liberal Party
My name is Satish Patel, your Liberal candidate for Fraser, I live in Melbourne’s west with my wife and adult daughter, and I understand the daily challenges our community faces. I’m standing to represent you and fight for real solutions—to tackle the cost of living, fix the housing crisis, and build a strong, secure economy. I will work to deliver quality healthcare, affordable and reliable energy, and help keep Australia safe. I believe in stronger, more sustainable communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Let’s build a better future for Fraser—together.
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has confirmed it will not place any voting information advertisements in local community newspapers across Melbourne ahead of the upcoming federal election, sparking outrage from local publishers and community leaders.
The decision means crucial details about where and how to vote will be absent from dozens of free local community newspapers that serve Melbourne’s diverse and often disadvantaged outer suburbs.
The AEC claims that information for these areas will be “covered by the metro papers.” However, this ignores the fundamental role local community newspapers such as Star Weekly play in reaching culturally and linguistically diverse communities, newly settled residents, and those who may not access or trust mainstream media.
“Our democracy relies on everyone knowing how to vote correctly and being informed about their options,” said democracy campaigner at the Australian Democracy Network, Ray Yoshida.
“Local community newspapers can be a vital source of trustworthy information, so it’s surprising to hear that the AEC has cut election advertising to these outlets.
“Given a number of seats in Melbourne’s west could decide the election outcome, why is the AEC cutting down on advertising in local papers that serve those areas? These voters – including many first-time voters –need more information about the electoral process, not less.”
Star Weekly managing director Paul Thomas said the move was discriminatory and undermined democratic values.
“The AEC’s decision effectively disenfranchises the very communities who need support the most. Our local community newspapers are trusted, local voices— cutting them out of the electoral process is indefensible,” he said.
Many publishers of local community newspapers have expressed frustration at the AEC’s unwillingness to reconsider the move, noting that fringe suburbs are home to large populations of migrants, elderly voters, and young first-time voters—groups traditionally under-represented at the ballot box.
Community groups and media organisations are calling on the AEC to reverse its decision and include local community newspapers in its election advertising campaigns, ensuring every Australian has fair and equal access to voting information.
Requests for clarification from the AEC were not answered directly.
Satish
The electoral map for the seat of Fraser. (Supplied)
Where to pay your respects and remember on April 25
Brimbank residents will join citizens across the country this Anzac Day in remembrance — with a number of local services planned for April 25.
The Keilor Historical Society will host an Anzac commemoration event at the Keilor Cenotaph.
The service will begin at 10.30am with brief speeches by the society’s president and retired servicemen, followed by the presentation of wreaths by Scouts and local school students.
Anzac badges will be available to purchase, with complimentary coffee on offer.
Keilor Historical Society executive member Frederick Ackerman said the day will also mark the 110th anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli during World War I.
“I think that’s very significant,” he said.
Alongside the anniversary, Mr Ackerman saidthisyearwasalsoimportantbecauseofthe increased youth presence — with the 1st Keilor Village Scouts joining students from the St Augustine’s Primary School and Overnewton Anglican Community College for the service.
“We have more young people participating which is great because ultimately they will carry this forward,” he said.
“Wewantthemtohavemoreownershipover the ceremony and so we’re increasing their involvement.”
Morethanathousandpeoplewillalsogather for a dawn service hosted by the Sunshine RSL Sub Branch at the Cenotaph from 6.45 am, at 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine.
“We try to put on a good service and I think a lot of people enjoy it,” Sunshine RSL Sub Branch president Garry Collins said.
“A great number of people attend to honour and pay their respects — it’s a very important day.”
Breakfast at the Westwaters Hotel.
Caroline Springs RSL will also mark Anzac Day at Lake Caroline.
The day will begin with a dawn service at the War Memorial on Lake Street in Caroline Springs at 6 am, followed by a $5 Gunfire
The service will be followed by a breakfast, with a gold coin donation to be provided by those participating in the breakfast.
Caroline Springs RSL president Andy Marshall said he was expecting between 2000 to 3000 people to attend.
“It’s a service to remember the fallen,” he said. “It’s a chance to honor people who have given their lives in the service of the country.
ANZAC DAY 2025
LEST WE FORGET
“The Melton mayor and a naval officer from Canberra will be speaking, and we’ll have students from various schools in attendance.” Mr Marshall said badges can be purchased from the Caroline Springs Shopping Centre, outsideColesTaylorsHillshoppingCentreand the Watergardens Shopping Centre.
Fred Ackerman and Susan Jennison are looking forward to marking Anzac Day. (Damjan Janevski) 471200_01
Bert’s screen odyssey
Kingsville filmmaker and projectionist Bert Murphy’s career has come full circle, or in keeping with the theme, full reel as Cade Lucas reports.
It was Murphy’s love of going to the cinema and watching movies that first got him into being a projectionist and then a filmmaker.
And it was that love of film and film projectors that eventually led him to making a feature length documentary, one that finally saw him projected onto screens rather than being the one doing the projecting or sitting in the cinema watching.
That documentary is Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, originally released in 2022, but which is now streaming on SBS On Demand where it will remain for the rest of the year.
Part biography, part cinematic and cultural history and partly a tale of how one of the world’s most famous directors and his newly released blockbuster were lured to an independent Yarraville movie theatre, Splice Here is centred on the movie business’s early 2010’s transition from film to digital.
“I guess, in a nutshell, it’s about the survival oftheprojectedfilmexperience,”saidMurphy who as a projectionist - the person in bowels of the theatre operating the arcane machinery that transports a movie from a film reel to a cinemascreen-hadbothavestedinterestedin and a ringside seat to, the most consequential change in motion picture history.
“Itreallycoversthe10yearsofthetransition from protecting film to digital, so it goes into all of the arguments that occurred at the time, and still carry on, about what’s the difference, why is it better or why is it worse and why should we hang on to it?”
Such arguments are hardly unique to cinema. From music to photography to television and even journalism, the 21st Century has brought about a change from analogue to digital formats and the array of pros and cons that come with it.
But with film, this change is much more definitive.
Given the size, expense and complexity of analogue film making and projecting equipment, the scarcity of theatres able to accommodate them, and the fragility of the film reels themselves, the move to digital has meant vast swathes of movie making history, quite literally, being thrown in the bin.
And while most movie goers were unaware this fundamental change was occurring, for a film nerd like Murphy, it was a moment in time that just had to be captured.
“When the transition to digital started, I kind of felt like I just wanted to document what we’re about to lose.”
At the time Murphy was working as a projectionist and filmmaker at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre, a role he still has today and which proved pivotal in allowing him to make the documentary.
The owner of the Sun Theatre, Michael Smith, would eventually become executive producer of Splice Here and remembers working alongside Murphy when he first had the idea.
“My memory of it is that the project came about organically because when we started removing film projects - I have another business installing projectors - and all of a
sudden we found ourselves going around removing machines in some cases been around for 50 years to replace them with electronic projectors that we knew wouldn’t last as long,” recalled Smith.
“Bert, as an inquisitive filmmaker, thought thatthiswasamomentoustimeinfilmhistory and it needed to be recorded.”
With assistance from producer and cinematographer, Joanne Donohoe-Beckwith, Murphy set about doing just that while weaving in his own story and a potted history of Australian cinema, as well.
The film begins by retracing Murphy’s own path into film making and projecting, from a Star Wars obsessed teenager living on Melbourne’s outskirts in the late 70’s, to later becoming a regular at grand old Melbourne theatre houses such as the Valhalla in Richmond and the Astor in St Kilda, in the 1980’s and into the industry proper in the 1990’s
Murphy then ventures back further still to the halcyon days of the 1940’s and 50’s and venues like the Regent Theatre on Collins Street, which was the only Australian theatre equipped with cutting-edge ‘Cinerama’ technology that used 35mm projectors to project images onto a deeply curved screen, turning movie going into a theatrical event.
He also travels around Australia and overseas to interview fellow projectionists and film industry luminaries such as director Douglas Trumbull and reviewer Leonard Maltin.
And of course there’s footage of Murphy and his fellow projectionists on the job, performing the precise, labour intensive and complex work of projecting a film onto a screen.
But according to Smith, the crucial point in the development of the documentary and the story it tells came in 2016, courtesy of one of the world’s most famous directors.
“The turning point is Quentin Tarantino deciding that film need to be saved at all cost and the Hateful Eight came along and turned everything round again.”
A western thriller starring Samuel L Jackson and Kurt Russell, the Hateful Eight was Tarantino’s ninth movie and in keeping with the director’s enigmatic, Hollywood history buff reputation, he decided a longer
about the
of
a
versionshoton70mmfilmwouldbesubjectto a limited, roadshow release in select theatres worldwide.
Murphy was determined for the Sun
Theatre to be one of them and the latter half of the documentary follows his quest to find and install a 70mm projector in order to secure a screening and, hopefully, an appearance from Tarantino himself.
As the documentary shows, he also had to overcome Smith’s pessimism.
“I was enthusiastic, but we were doing it not even knowing if we would get a print, so we proceeded cautiously,” said Smith, who was also preparing for a solo flight around the world at this point, also the subject of a documentary.
Fortunately, Smith returned from his round the world flight to good news; they’d secured a 70mm projector and a screening.
The Hateful Eight screened at the Sun Theatre in January 2016, with Samuel L Jackson and Quentin Tarantino making the trip as well.
“Ohmygoodness,diditworkout,”declared Smith almost a decade on.
“It put us on the map.”
After the screening, Tarantino made his way up to the ‘box’, the booth where Murphy had been at work on the 70mm projector, putting the Hateful Eight on screen.
“HecameupandsaidhelloafterwardsandI had 15 minutes alone to chat with him, which was lovely,” said Murphy of his conversation with Tarantino, some of which was filmed for the documentary which the man himself showed great interest in.
“Hesaid,‘thedocumentarysoundsfantastic and if you can get over to LA, you know, I’ll give you an interview,’ recalled Murphy.
“And of course, that didn’t happen because of COVID-19 and so forth.”
Even getting Tarantino to sign a release form allowing his image to be used at all, proved difficult, until a chance encounter that reads like a movie script.
“I tried for years, and I could not get to him (Tarantino) and then, quite by chance, I was in LA, and I got into an Uber, and the guy who was driving said ’I used to work for WME’ which is Tarantino’s agency. And he said, ‘ I can get this for you.’ And he did!”
It sounds like scene out of another of Tarantino’s movie’s : Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey is streaming now at: https://www.sbs.com.au/ ondemand/
Western suburbs filmmaker Bert Murphy has made
documentary
end
film which features Quentin Tarantino’s visit to Yarraville’s Sun Theatre in 2016. (Damjan Janevski) 468099_04
Top: Producer and cinematographer Joanne Donahoe-Beck at work on the documentary. Centre: Bert Murphy pictured on set during the filming of his documentary Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey. Bottom: A picture of a projector taken during the filming of Splice Here: A Projected Odyssey, which depicts the phasing out of such machines during the transition from analogue to digital film making.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Unique nomadic adventure
SCROLLING Facebook in the middle of the night, I came across the profile of a lady with an eagle on her arm. She was mounted on a horse. The post said, “If you can’t stop thinking about something, it’s a sign from the universe you should do it…”
The following morning, I woke and wondered if I had imagined the horse-ridingeagle-lady.Ifoundher.“Westillhaveaplaceor twoavailableonTheGreatNomanExpedition starting First of July in Mongolia. -Come ride with us from the bottom to the top by camel, horse, yak and reindeer…”
No way, it was seriously 19 June! I hadn’t ridden a horse in about four years.
My mum lives in Melbourne, I called her. “Only you would be crazy enough to ride a reindeer from China to Russia right about now, Amelia!” Laughing, I reassured her, “It’s ok mum, the Russians are looking the other way!”
As a last-minute wild card entry, I joined the expedition.
Ten ladies from across the world met in Ulaanbaatar, ready for the trip of a life time! Three Aussies, five Kiwis, a Canadian and Yank. I know it sounds like the start of a joke, but these women had the grit to ride over 1200kms across the desert, the steppe country, mountains, valleys and up into the snow where we stayed in a tee-pee near the Russian border.
Ten Mongolian men were hired to put up our ‘ger’, cook our food, catch and saddle our animals and help us across the countryside. Every 30-40kms we would change animals, the dozen or so horses we were riding would be herded back to their family and we would ride on.
Over three weeks, we camped in beautiful places and stayed with nomadic families. At the end of another 100km day in the saddle, we rolled out our little mattresses in their circulartentstiedupwithhorsehairandlined with animal skins and blankets for insulation. Stacked in like sardines, us riders were warm and cosy in homes that are full of love. Thefamiliesshowedustheirbesthospitality, blessed us with their home-made vodka and shared their meat and milk products. They entertained us with displays of horse racing, archery and a group of local dancers performed a concert for us is in the desert.
They shared their double clotted cream on bread, rhubarb jam and milk tea. They sacrificed goats for us and we were blessed in their country. Our translator, relayed back to us their words of kindness, “We wish you
gold and silver and we hope you live until you are one hundred years old,” followed by the jokes and laughter, they added, “Not even Mongolians are crazy enough to ride four differenttypesofanimalsacrossourcountry!”
We survived saddle sores, sprains, strains, squat toilets and minimal showers for three weeks on the trip of a lifetime.
We have a new appreciation for the stamina and striking beauty of everything Mongolian. The gentleness of their Bactrian two humped camels, their spectacular yaks which were like riding big hairy cows who would shy every time they caught a glimpse
of their rider on their back. The horses were fast paced and phenomenal endurance animals, trotting and cantering non-stop for 2.5 to 3 hours at a time.
And finally, the reindeer who would graze the snow as we walked along, listening to the clicking of their tendons making a snaping noise over the sesamoid bones in their feet, which was an amazing adaptation to hear where the rest of their herd are in a blizzard.
For me, The Great Nomad Expedition was a soul-searching experience where music is like medicine.
Mongolians sing for the baby camels until they drink from their mothers, they sing to bless the last horse in a race.
One of the most beautiful experiences was listening to a dad hum in the middle of the night to put his baby girl back to sleep so she wouldn’t wake us up as we slept on the floor of their tent.
Nearly a whole year later, it really does feel like a fairy tale…and my goodness as a culture, we have so much to learn.
For further information please visit The Great Nomad Expedition at thegreatnomadexpedition.squarespace.com
Three Aussies, five Kiwis, a Canadian and Yank booked a spot on the adventure.
AMELIA OLSEN
A journey on camel, reindeer and horse.
Traditional Mongolian dress.
The Great Nomad Expedition guests travelled 100km each day.
Your next journey awaits
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LEE MCCARTHY
Visit stunning Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city on route to Antarctica. (Supplied)
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Visit the magnificent Vatican City.
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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.
ACROSS
1 Department (6)
4 Sequence (6) 10 Paunch (5) 11 Grant (9)
12 Belonging to a thing by its very nature (9) 13 Sound (5) 14 Habitations (6) 15 Border (4) 19 At the top (4) 20 Dramatics (6) 24 Perfume (5)
25 Tequila cocktai (9)
27 Exhibition rooms (9)
28 Indigenous people of New Zealand (5) 29 Foil (6) 30 Harmony (6) DOWN
1 Of the Bible (8) 2 Link (8) 3 Whenever (7) 5 Improve (7) 6 Roma is its capital (6) 7 Appeared (6) 8 Video discs (1,1,2) 9 Candied citrus peel (7) 16 Obsolete email service (7)
Guests (8) 18 Relating to cultivated land (8)
Hobbyist (7) 21 Monty Python member, Graham – (7)
22 Trapped (6)
23 Succeed (6)
26 Flower (4)
1 What is the longest river entirely within the state of Queensland?
2 Which 2008 movie did Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson (pictured) film in Queensland?
3 What is the original national animal of Canada?
4 Steinway is famous for selling which musical instrument?
5 What shape is the national flag of Switzerland?
6 In which fictional town did the characters of Dawson's Creek live?
7 Which season is coming, according to the Starks in Game of Thrones?
8 Dushanbe is the capital city of which Central Asian country?
9 What breed of dog did Queen Elizabeth II favour?
10 Who created the characters Ali G and Bruno, among others?
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
Anzac Day
Anzac Day 2025 marks the 110th anniversary of the Australian and New Zealand 1915 Gallipoli landings. Anzac services across the nation will honour all those who have served in wars and peace keeping operations. The local service will get underway on Friday, April 25, Keilor Cenotaph, Community Hub, 704B Old Calder Hwy, Keilor, from 10.30 am onwards.
Fred, 0418 170 372
Tennis club social night
Join the club on Monday nights for a free social hit and get to know other club members. All levels are welcome. Female players are also required for Thursday Competition — 10 am to 2pm , also for the B grade mixed team on Wednesday night 7 pm to 9pm.
keilorparktennis@gmail.com.
Brimbank Book Group
Be inspired by thought-provoking books with a group of like-minded, literary fans with our Brimbank Book Group. All welcomed. This group, for adults, meets on the first Monday of the month, 2-3pm at Deer Park Library. Bookings are not essential, but please feel free to register your interest if you’d like to receive a reminder email.
library@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Create & Chat
Dig out your craft projects and get inspiration from fellow like-minded crafters with the Create & Chat sessions at Sunshine Library 10-11am on the first Tuesday of every month. All skill levels are welcome.
library@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Women Working Together
A program connecting women aged 50 and above and in need of assistance, with mentors and mentees. Open to women across the western suburbs, including Brimbank.
9655 2131, or EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/
Family & Local History Help
Need help in researching your family or local history project? Reserve a spot for this free tailored one-on-one 30 min session at Keilor Library to kickstart your project! Due to high demand and event waiting lists, please only book tickets for people participating in event. Multiple sessions are available.
library@brimbank.vic.gov.au
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Learn to Relax Group
IPC Health’s Living Well team is running a free Learn to Relax Group at IPC Health Deer Park, 106 Station Road, every Tuesday at 11am. This group is for people over 18 years who are interested in learning how to relax and finding ways to effectively manage their stress. Registration is required to attend this group.
livingwell@ipchealth.com.au, or 1300 472 432
Women’s only conversation English Duke Street Community House is inviting locals to make friends, learn new skills and practice English in this fun and free
women’s social group. Tuesdays during school terms, 9.30am-noon, at Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine. 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au
Expressive Art Program for Adults
Explore art making, prompted by thoughts and feelings, guided by a facilitator. Free, all materials provided. Every Monday from April 28 onwards, from 10 am to 12 pm at the Duke Street Community House.
Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play Woodwind, Brass or Percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon, at Braybrook College.
westgateconcertband@gmail.com
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
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. Confidential meetings held at the Delahey Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive, Delahey (next to Copperfield College - senior campus) every Wednesday, from 1-2.30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.
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
Fun and Games
Adults Social Program. Play games, have fun, make friends as part of this weekly free program. BYO Lunch. Every Monday from April 28 onwards, from 12.30-2.30pm at the Duke Street Community House.
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
This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Iva Rosebud who is starring in Club Kabarett, Melbourne’s bold new circus-cabaret. (Damjan Janevski) 471695_01
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
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
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
Walk and talk in Footscray Park
Footscray Park is a well known part of the inner-west,thoughaccordingtoStevenWilson, it’s not well known enough.
“Itamazesmehowmanypeoplehaven’tbeen down there,” said Mr Wilson, the secretary of the Footscray Historical Society.
It’sasituationMrWilsontakenuponhimself tochange,byhostingtwohourhistoricalwalks through the park on the weekend of April 26 and 27.
Thewalkandtalkswilltakeplacefrom10am to 12pm on both Saturday and Sunday and will involveMrWilsontakingparticipantsthrough the park and through its history from 1911 to the present day.
He said there will also be particular focus on certain features of the park and the stories behind them.
“There’s the Henry Lawson statue and the pagoda built by Footscray tech students and I’ll also talk about the nature of the park,” said Mr Wilson who noted that it was probably the most intact Edwardian Park left in Australia.
“It was built towards the Edwardian Park scheme which includes bluestone edging, wandering paths and secluded alcoves.”
The walks are free of charge, though a gold coin donation is recommended, as are bookings.
Mr Wilson said numbers were limited and encouraged those interested to email the society now.
“There’s a maximum of around 25 otherwise it gets too big for me to talk to people”
To book, email: footscrayhistoricalsociety@ gmail.com
Drop in to the Dromkeen Gallery
DromkeenGalleryisprovidingarangeofevents this month, offering art and entertainment to Riddells Creek residents and beyond.
The beauty of nature is on display at the gallery, with the work of 30 Macedon Ranges artists displayed in a fundraiser exhibition towards repairs of the historic Dromkeen Homestead.
Open from 10am–5pm every day until Sunday, April 27 the exhibition – titled The Wonder of Nature – depicts natural splendor
through a variety of media including painting, woodwork,photography,textilesandsculpture.
A small commission from each sale will go towards restoring the building’s side decking, which has degraded over time.
On Saturday, April 26, travel sketch artist Alissa Duke will provide a nature sketching watercolour pencil class from 11am–1pm.
Attendees can bring along their own sketch pad, watercolour pencils, and brush, but a sketch kit can be bought on the day.
Then, from 7–9pm on Friday, May 2 pop legend Issy Dye will perform two sets of hits by Elvis Presley and Johnny O’Keefe in full costume.
The audience is invited to show up dressed in a rock’n’roll outfit, with a prize for the best costumeofthenightanddoorprizesforothers.
Further details on pricing and booking for these events are available on the Dromkeen Gallery website.
Details: dromkeen.com.au/whats-on/
Yes, Yes, Yes a nod to healthy relationships
A theatre show for young people will take centre stage on May 9 in Brimbank exploring themes around sex, consent and relationships.
Part documentary, part confession, part open conversation, Yes Yes Yes is a showcreatedspecificallyforyoungadults exploring the knotty and necessary topicsofhealthyrelationships,desireand consent.
Featuring in-depth interviews with teenagers, the show is emphatic, empowering and engaging.
Accordingtoperformerandco-creator oftheshow,KarinMcCracken,whileYes, Yes, Yes deals with some heavy issues, it also has lighthearted moments.
“It was made with teenagers in mind, but really it’s for anyone,” she said.
“It’s a solo performance with a lot of laughs in it, despite some of the more delicate material around consent and bodily autonomy.”
Ms McCracken said that viewers will be able to take “lots of things” away after watching the show.
“At the very minimum, we want everyone to walk away feeling they saw a compelling piece of theatre,” she said.
“I think people have a sense that theatre for social good or education generally sucks, so we really tried to make something quality and not-condescending.
“In terms of consent, people will walk away with actual usable skills about talking to friends and family about consent, and what to do if someone discloses sexual violence to you.”
Yes, Yes, Yes will be playing at the Bowery Theatre from 6 to 7 pm. Details: creativebrimbank.com.au/yes-yes-yes
Drums herald the return of Point Cook’s African Festival
Whether you’re tasting your first bite of injera, learning the rhythms of west African drumming, or supporting a local artisan, you will definitely discover something new when the Africa Festival returns to Point Cook on Saturday, April 26.
Presented by Junubi Wyndham, it will cost nothing to immerse yourself in the beating drums, the bright colours of traditional dressesandexperiencethevibrancy,warmth, and richness of African cultures.
From dances that tell ancestral stories, to soulful songs that stir the heart, to the tantalising aromas of African cuisine
drifting through the air, the event is about bringing people together.
Junubi Wyndham program manager Poly Kiyaga said it is a space where conversations are sparked and African-Australian businesses proudly showcase the best of themselves.
“In a world where division can often dominate the headlines, the Africa Festival is a living, breathing reminder of the power of cultural exchange to build bridges between communities,” Mr Kiyaga said.
“This festival is about bringing a piece of Africa to Wyndham, but more importantly,
it’s about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, seen, and connected. That’s what community is all about.”
In its third year, the festival is quickly becoming a beloved fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.
As Wyndham continues to grow in diversity, events like the Africa Festival remind us that when we celebrate each other’s cultures, we grow stronger together,” Mr Kiyaga said.
The Africa Festival will run between 2-9pm at the Point Cook Town Centre and is part of Kaleidoscope 2025.
Dromkeen Gallery artist and curator Kathy Madbury, artist Robyn McIntyre, and owner Bernadette Joiner standing with works from The Wonder of Nature art show. (Damjan Janevski). 472066_01
Footscray Historical Society secretary Steven Wilson (centre) with Ian and Betty Johnson at Footscray Park. (Damjan Janevski) 470882_01
The Africa Festival will return to Point Cook. (David Mullins)
SPORTS QUIZ
1. With a UFC 314 win, Australian mixed martial artist Alex Volkanovski reclaimed his title in which weight division?
2. Which Northern Irish golfer won the 2025 Masters Tournament?
3. Which Australian state has been home to the NRL's annual Magic Round since 2019?
4. Which Australian state has been home to the AFL's annual Gather Round since 2023?
5. How many points did Luka Dončić score the first time he played against his old team, the Mavericks, in Dallas?
6. Australian golfer Jason Day finished the 2025 Masters Tournament tied for what top 10 position?
Suffering from lingering concussion symptoms, which 27-year-old has announced his retirement from cricket?
And which Australian state or territory did that player represent in first-class
Via Sistina recently matched the record set by Winx with how many Group 1 race wins in a season?
Retired professional wrestler Jesse Ventura was governor of which US state from 1999 to
Which two clubs started the 2025 AFL season with five losses?
12. US golfer Ryan McCormick used what unusual method to manage his anger at the recent Korn Ferry Tour event?
13. Which current AFL assistant coach is set to take over from Ken Hinkley as head coach of Port Adelaide in 2026?
14. Which new event has replaced equestrian in the modern pentathlon at the 2028 Olympics?
15. Matildas goalscorer Mary Fowler plays for which club in the English Women’s Super League?
16. Why were Gout Gout’s two sub-10-second 100m sprints at the recent Australian Athletics Championships considered ineligible for official records?
17. Which major golf championship forbids the presence of mobile phones on tournament grounds?
18. Which country’s national soccer team lost twice to the Matildas in a pair of friendly games played in early April?
19. Who recently broke Raelene Boyle’s national under-18s record for the 100m sprint, which has been held since 1968?
20. Geelong midfielder Bailey Smith is in hot water after doing what to a fan following a win against the Adelaide Crows?
21. Which NBL team shares its name with a popular fictional movie team?
22. In what year was badminton officially included in the Olympic program?
23. Who won the Brownlow Medal in 2008?
24. Which state won the Sheffield Shield most recently?
25. And after how many years since their last win?
26. Super Rugby team the Waratahs are from which Australian state?
27. Current Collingwood captain Darcy Moore debuted in which year?
28. True or false: regular season NHL games can end in draws?
29. The Cincinnati Reds play which sport?
30. Which WWE wrestler has the nickname ‘The Viper’?
Dr Joe Hu will consult in our clinic
For appointments, please ring 03 9367 6648 Referral: Fax 03 9367 7756 Emai: info@westernskininstitute.com.au
Mary Fowler Fowler
Big brother gives Prado a lift
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
TheprideoftheToyotaSUVparade,thePrado, is showing off a new stiff upper lip thanks to TNGA-F architecture shared with its bigger LandCruiser300Seriessibling.
Also on board is the latest in the company’s on and off-road driver assistance technology, including a new 48-volt V-active powertrain matedtoaneweightspeedautomaticshifter.
The pedigree has its origins in the iconic LandCruiser with all its on- and off-road capability and functionality. The latest generation consists of five members – GX, GXL,VX,AltitudeandKakadu–allfeaturing the new V-Active powertrain and eight-speed automatictransmission.
Withthestifferladder-frameunderpinnings the LandCruiser family members have grown compared to the previous generation. Wheelbase is now 2850mm, 60mm more than before and front and rear track widened to 1664mm, 79mm and 83mm, respectively, up on previously. Overall length is stretched, providingmorecabinspace.
The range is priced from $72,500, plus on road costs, for the entry-level five-seat GX. Up a notch to the GXL adds a third row of 50:50 split seating for $79,990. The mid-range VX seven-seater (on test) comes in at$87,400,whiletheoff-roadfocusedAltitude ($92,700)issecondonlytotheflagshipKakadu ($99,990.
The Toyota Warranty Advantage sets up each Prado buyer with five years unlimited kilometre cover and five years’ capped price servicingforthefirst10servicesoversix-month intervals or 10,000km, whichever comes first. There is also the option of a full-service lease throughToyotaFinanceAustralia.
Styling
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past, while retro design characteristics offer substantial functional benefits. For example, a low beltline, flat bonnet and extensive glass allow good visibility in tight off-road situations, while chamfered edges and high-mounted lamps keepclearofpotentialdamage.
The VX wears a black vertical grille with Toyota bullhorn branding, body-coloured bumpers and wheel arches, 20-inch alloy wheels and high-grade LED headlights with automatichighbeamandauto-levelling.
Interior
While the cabin has undergone an extensive makeover to ensure up to five or seven occupants, according to the grade, are carried in comfort and safety, it does have a twist. Look, we know the md-hybrid battery needs ahomebutwhybuilditsuchaquirkycorner. Toaccommodatethis,thethirdrowofseats does not fold flat. It sticks up above the load floor leaving a narrow gap to the tailgate. Toyota’ssolutionistofillthegapwithaskinny removable storage box with lid that takes shoppingbagsthreeabreast.Itmakesforquite alifttoloadandunload.
The rear fares no better with occupants. Despite the Prado’s bulk comfort for even the average build occupant is at a premium. However, access is just the opposite, with the single pull of a lever freeing one of the second-rowseatstotumbleforward.
A single USB-C outlet and a pair of cupholders on each side await borders and there’s a 220V/120W outlet in the adjoining boot area. There are also air vents in the roof. There is 182 litres of load space behind the third row, expanding to 906 litres with it folded and 1829 litres with the second row foldedaswell.
The VX boasts leather accented upholstery with black/tan colour schemes, driver’s lumbar support with memory, four-way power adjustable front passenger seat, power adjustable steering wheel, carpet mats, refrigerated centre console cubby, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multi-terrain monitor, 14-speaker JBL premium audio and tyrepressuremonitor.
Infotainment
RATINGS
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 6/10
Safety: 7/10
Thirst: 6/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 8/10
Value: 7/10
All variants are fitted with the latest gen multimedia system accessed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen or via steering wheel-mounted controls.OnhandarewirelessAppleCarPlay or Android Auto, plus Bluetooth, AM/FM/ DAB+ radio and embedded cloud-based satellite navigation.
Engines/transmissions
The Prado is powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine putting out 150kW between 3000 and 3400rpm and 500Nm of torque from 1600 to 2800rpm. A new eight-speed automatic transmission has a broader spread of ratios than previously and feeds a full-time all-wheel drive system, dual range transfer case and a lockable centre limited-slip differential.
Safety
Prado occupant safety is testament to Toyota’s Safety Sense technology and Toyota Connected Services which supplies a wealth inbuilt of vehicle information via smartphone app. Driver assistance applies on- and off-road through an improved camera-cum-radar system that scans the road with greater accuracy and at longer distances.
Other advanced technology includes autonomousemergencybrakingpre-collision system, all-speed adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and departure warning, road sign assist, blind spot monitor with safe exit assist, emergency stop and driver camera,
along with front and rear parking sensors and nine airbags.
Driving
The tried-and-tested 2.8-litre diesel donk is given a hand by 48-volt V-Active technology, adding smoothness, driveability and fuel economy to the Prado on bitumen and in the rough. Toyota claims diesel usage of 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the VX on the combined urban/highway cycle. The test vehicle managed 9.6 litres over a week of mixed driving, tending towards city usage.
Driver assistance systems span on- and off-road going with vehicle stability control with active traction control, downhill assist and crawl control, while across-the-board trailer sway control and integrated towbar pre-wiring harness frees the Prado’s increased 3500kg braked towing capacity. With double-wishbone front and four-link solid axle rear suspension, enhanced handling and ride comfort have come via the addition of adaptive variable suspensionThebrakingandsteeringsystems showed an improved response and feel, the latter through the debut of electric power steering. Pity about the squeaky brakes in reverse.
Summary
For those who like the idea of genuine off-road capability the new Prado has the goods wrapped in a ‘modern’ retro design to have city dwellers drooling. The mid-range VX is the way to go.
The Prado’s striking exterior draws on LandCruisers of the past. (Pictures: Supplied)
Alleyne steps up for Sydenham-Hillside as coach
New Sydenham-Hillside coach Anthony Alleyne is keen to help the Storm continue to rise up the ranks in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
Alleyne has been named the club’s coach for the next three seasons, which will provide plenty of stability at the club.
“It is exciting,” he said. “I’m going into my fourth season and it’s a good group of guys and club members.
“They have achieved so much since starting in the VTCA structure and getting up into senior division.
“It’ll be good to help them continue as a club to improve their standards and take the next step.”
Alleyne joined the club after having first class experience in Barbados. He has become one of the premier players in the competition.
Alleyne, who was captain in the recently completed VTCA season, was last season the
club’s technical director as part of an overall leadership team.
He said he was looking forward to coaching and playing this season. Alleyne has a level 3 coaching certificate.
The club said he would have a major focus on development and performance improvement across the senior grades.
Alleyne said signing for three seasons means theycanhavesomeconsistencyinthecoaching set up having had a few changes in recent seasons.
“It gives us time to work to achieve our goals.” We were unlucky to fall short in the bowling department in the semi final when we couldn’t get a breakthrough to put Deer Park under pressure.
“Hopefully next season we can go two steps further.”
Alleyne said they still see the season as a success after finishing third, after making the
grand final last season.
“There’s some other teams like Deer Park and Yarraville Club, which are really strong,“ hesaid.“It’soursecondseasoninthetopflight.
“We’ve had some really good growth in the club.”
Alleyne said from a club point of view things were going really well as the club continues to grow.
There’s also works being done to the facilities at the ground
“It is great to get wins but being around the club and the social life point of view is really good as well.
“People want to come to the club and it’s just as important as winning flags. We have a good culture to come and play cricket at and play with our mates.
“It’s a good environment to be in.”
Tara Murray
Solid start for Thunder
By Tara Murray
Keilor Thunder is seeking to build more consistency in the National Basketball League 1 South men’s season.
The Thunder has a 2-3 record at the Easter break, having won a thriller against the Frankston Blues in its most recent match.
Coach Ash Arnott said it had been a solid start to the season for the new-look group.
“We are content with how we are building so far, the style of play that we have been playing,” he said.
“Right now it’s about how we find that style for 40 minutes and build that consistency is really important for us.
“We are a new team, have a new style and it’s been challenging at times how we work.”
Arnott said there had been some really good patches in the first five matches, while they had also found some areas that they would be able to build on.
He said their best basketball was really good, it was just doing it for longer.
The Thunder’s start to the season hasn’t been helped with a season injury import to Magnus Richards. Richards arrived in the country just weeks before the season having played in South Australia last year.
Arnott said they were looking to bring in another player to replace him but were still doing their homework on who that would be.
“We’ve had some challenges put to us,“ he said. “Different challenges and we’ll have some players missing games coming up for a variety of reasons.
“It’s next man up and they will take it on. Nothing changes from what we have been working on at practice.
“It’s a long season and we’re building the foundations which we’ll hopefully start to see have an impact later in the year.”
Arnott said one of the most impressive things early in the season had been how some of their younger players had stepped up. He said they had one of the youngest sides in the competition with some young leaders among the group.
“Some young guys are taking on larger roles and it is exciting to see how they are getting that experience,“ he said. “Daniel Poelsma, Jayce Beasley and Ryan Philippe took on roles on the weekend in an important win. There’s others off the bench and will take it on and I’m excited to see how they go.”
The Thunder entered athe break on the back of a win against the Blues by three points.
Arnott said it was nice for the group to see that they were building the right way and see the hard work they were putting in at training paying off.
“The guys never quit.” he said. “They’ve been great and will fight it out for 40 minutes.
“If we can stick to the game plan for 40 minutes we’ll get some more wins on the board.”
Sports shorts
Football
Five Western Jets featured in the 2025 Victorian Diversity All Stars matches, featuring emerging Indigenous and Multicultural footballers on Wednesday. The showcase matches for boys and girls provide opportunities for talented players, most of whom are not currently listed by a Coates Talent League under-18 team, to experience a talent pathways program and showcase their ability against talented peers. Kai Malou, Nartasha Elbayeh and Ella Royston were part of the girls Vic Metro side, while Maahi Patel and Isaac Gawne were part of the boys Vic Metro team.
VFLW
The Victorian Football League women’s clubs have released their playing lists for this season. Among those on lists is Keilor’s Matilda Connell, Eleanor Cornish, Maddison Albrecht, Olivia Woods, Laura Wright, Lauren Caruso, Eloise Ashley-Cooper, Kaitlyn O’Keefe and Kiera Leare. Caroline Springs Molly Eastman signed at Collingwood along with Hillside’s Caitlin Sargent. Hillside’s Jemima Woods has signed at Geelong, Caroline Springs’ Stephanie Asciak is at Footscray and Burnside Heights’ Krissy Trang has signed with Williamstown for her first VFLW contract.
EDFL
St Albans has received a boost after the signing of former AFL player Jacob Townsend for the Essendon District Football League season. A clearance for Townsend has been approved, with him last playing at Southport. Townsend, a Richmond premiership player, played at four AFL clubs playing 62 games and kicking 44 goals after making his debut in 2012.
Football
Good Friday football was the story of the day for several Brimbank clubs. In the Essendon District Football League, Keilor was to face Strathmore in premier division, St Albans was against Hillside in division 1 and Keilor Park was at home in division 2. In the Western Football League, Albion was set to face Parkside. For more on the results, head to www.starweekly.com. au
Anthony Alleyne. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 463997_09
The Thunder head to Tasmania for a double header with Hobart and Launceston this weekend.
Daniel Foster. (Neil Rough, @ruffysport)
United focuses on finals as it hits the pointy end
Western United’s Aimee Medwin hopes they are building at the right time of the A-League women’s season.
After a slow start, Western started to find its feet to qualify for finals with a couple of rounds to go.
The side finished the regular season on Sunday against the Wellington Phoenix.
Medwin said it was exciting to be in the finals for a third successive season and it was good to have locked that up a couple of weeks ago.
“It has come around quickly,” she said. “A few of the girls were saying that it felt like round one was a few weeks ago.
“We’re 21 rounds in, which is pretty crazy. The longer season has been really good, but time flies.”
Medwin said they always saw themselves as a finals team and a team that could have success.
IttookWesternabitoftimetogetgoingthis season.
“We had a rocky start,” she said. “It’s been a good back end and now we’re starting to find a lot of consistency with the way we are playing.
“Hopefully we can continue that in finals.”
Medwin said while they had a number of players return this season there was a new bunch of girls come in.
She said they had to change things up to work out what suited them best.
“We adjusted our game style and played a few different formations and starting positions,” she said.
“It was a short pre-season and were still figuring it out early. We had some good team results and some really poor ones as well.
“We were able to solidify the way we wanted to play at the back end of the season and it’s now the most important part of the season.”
Medwin, who moved into the attacking role earlier in the season, has moved back to her familiar role at full back.
She said she was still getting forward when she had the opportunity.
Having only come back for the last part of last season after an ACL season, it’s the first full season Medwin has had in a couple of seasons.
She said it had been really good to have been able to be part of it for the whole season.
“I’ve played a couple of different positions,” she said.
“It’s good to integrate in for a whole season.”
Speaking ahead of their final home game of the season, Medwin said it was an important match to try and lock in a home elimination final and get to play in front of their home crowd.
United finishes the regular season against Wellington Phoenix.
Tara Murray
Warriors on the board
By Tara Murray
The Western Warriors have responded after a tough start to the Victorian Netball League season, getting their first win on the board on Wednesday night.
The Warriors had been inconsistent in the firstfourroundswithacoupleofdisappointing results in there.
Afteracoupleoftoughweeksonthetraining court, the Warriors showed positive signs as they beat the Melbourne University Lightning, 58-48.
Warriors coach Kim Bailey was relieved to see her team come away with the points.
“It’s a weight off my shoulders to be honest,” she said. “The girls were on a mission.
“We knew we hadn’t been playing to our full ability, so we really made a conscious effort to gooutandgiveit110percentandjustplaywith tenacity and just take on the leads and take on the drives.
“I was really happy with it.”
Bailey said the start was something that they had focused on in the lead up to the game. She said it was something the group had said they wanted to improve on.
After leading by four goals early, they were alwaysinfront.TheLightninggotitbacktoone goal on a few occasions.
“Weknowandithappenedinthelastquarter at the start, we have peaks and troughs a little bit,” Bailey said.
“We’ve got to make sure that when we have a drop, we continue on and recover from that and that is what we did.”
The Warriors put the foot down in the final minutes to blow out the margin to seal the win, which Bailey said had been a reflection of their training earlier in the week.
The Warriors had the legs late in the final quarter led by Ruby Shannon, who played all four quarters, including three at centre. Shannon got better as the game went on.
‘She’s a running machine and just goes and goes and is just fearless,” Bailey said.
“We changed our line a little bit, we brought Simona Di Filippo on more this game.
“She played exceptionally well with that speed and Sarah Croft as well.”
Bailey said they rested Tayla Honey, who only played one quarter, which made the win even more impressive.
Kim Borger returned to the line up after missing a couple of weeks with a calf injury.
Bailey said she was fantastic out there. She scored 32 goals with two misses.
“We ran her out at goal attack for a little bit and those fast feet,” Bailey said.
“We’ve been really concentrating on change of direction and fast feet.
“I don’t expect that from Kim and she’s a veteran player, but OMG she’s good.”
Bailey said every player impacted when they came on the court.
Poppy Douglass played her best game of the season, while Molly Kennedy continues to be a
Cavs, Eagles go through
Green Gully and North Sunshine Eagles are through to the next round of the Australia Cup with wins on Wednesday night.
The Cavaliers faced FV state league 1 side Keilor Park in a local Brimbank derby.
A goal just on half time to Jalil Regague gave the Cavaliers a lead heading into the break against ranked three divisions below it.
It would be the only goal of the night, with the Cavaliers winning 1-0 to progress through to round five.
Meanwhile, North Sunshine Eagles had a convincing win against Croydon City on Wednesday night.
It was the first half where the Eagles got the job done, scoring four goals.
They sealed the win with a fifth in the second half, winning 5-0.
There were five individual goal scorers for the Eagles.
Caroline Springs George Cross’s came to an end in a thriller.
The Georgies faced the Bentleigh Greens on Tuesday night with scores locked at 2-2 at the end of regular time. The Greens found a goal in extra time to seal a 3-2 win and knock the Georgies out.
Albion Rovers’ run came to an end against Pascoe Vale.
ItwasallPascoeValeinthefirsthalf, leading 3-0 at half time. It continued going in the second half to get a 5-0 win against one of the lowest ranked sides left in the competition.
The rest of round four was being played across the Easter long weekend. There as no state league or National Premier League action over the break.
The Western Eagles were in action on Thursday night against Mill Park and Sydenham Park was set to face Dandenong City.
workhorse in defence.
The Warriors 23 and under side lost to the Lightning, 56-45. Bailey said they were still finding their feet at this level.
Grace Hay was the standout for the Warriors in that performance.
The Warriors face the Gippsland Stars this week.
On Sunday, Westgate had a big task against Avondale and St Albans Saints were at home to Heidelberg United, all the Thursday and Sunday games were after deadline.
Aimee Medwin. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Western Warriors’ Ruby Shannon. (Grant Treeby/Netball Victoria)
