Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 19th August 2025

A novel idea

Residents are now able to browse, borrow and return books outside of their local library after Brimbank libraries launched its first book locker in Derrimut this month.

The locker works similarly to a parcel locker, with users able to borrow books using their library card and navigating a touch screen on the machine.

Readers can use the locker as a pick-up point for requested library items and are able to use the internal chute for returns too. Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said the book locker makes access to library services easier.

“The new book locker at Derrimut Community Centre brings library access closer to home, so that Brimbank library members in the area can borrow and return books, magazines, and games,” Cr Dang said.

“The book locker reflects our commitment to meeting the growing demand for library resources in Derrimut and surrounding areas.”

The locker is available 7am to 6.30pm from Monday to Friday at the Derrimut Community Centre.

An ‘urban blight’

By Sam Porter

At Solomon Heights in Sunshine North, 430 privately owned lots have remained undeveloped for a century.

Former Brimbank mayor and president of Brimbank Progress Association Bruce Lancashire said the estate is “Melbourne’s worst example of urban blight”.

“It’s been a subdivision that’s been sitting there for 100 years without the owners having a reasonable expectation of developing their land,” said Mr Lancashire – who is also a qualified town planner and civil engineer.

Land in the estate is owned by a mix of private individuals and companies.

Brimbank council acts as the responsible authority and planning authority for the subdivision, and owns roads in the estate’s north.

Council highlights multiple issues impacting the development of the industrially-zoned precinct, one of which is the presence of critically endangered flora and fauna species protected under federal and state laws.

Of these species is the spiny rice-flower –a small plant with spike-tipped stems and pale yellow flowers.

Luba Grigorovitch

Luba Grigorovitch

There were 436 spiny rice-flower plants recorded in Solomon Heights in 2021, as previously reported by StarWeekly

However,GrassyPlainsNetworkVictorian national parks association facilitator Dr Adrian Marshall expects this number has since decreased.

“The owners haven’t been managing the grasslands, which includes the spiny rice-flowers, so it’s been in slow decline,” he said. “It’s illegal to bulldoze grassland but if you just let the weeds take it over it’s perfectly legal. It’s really frustrating.

“[The flowers] are really important. It’s as close to extinction as it can get.”

To protect native flora and fauna in the estate, Mr Lancashire believes council should support the position of environmentaloffsettingacrosstheentirety of the estate, which he said would allow development to progress.

Environmental offsets compensate for significant biodiversity losses by securing landatanothersitewhereanecosystemcan be maintained and protected over a period of time.

“There’sanopportunityhereforcouncilto be highly innovative,” Mr Lancashire said.

 Continued: Page 4.

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City of Melton Learning Festival

Saturday 30 August - Saturday 13 September

The City of Melton Learning Festival is back in 2025 exploring all things food, from growing, to eating and enjoying!

There will be dozens of programs over two weeks at Council’s libraries and community centres. With author talks, workshops, DIY crafts and demonstrations, there’s truly something for everyone.

The festival kicks off on Saturday 30 August with a free event at Melton Library & Learning Hub. Come along to enjoy fun activities for the whole family, browse our information stalls, and book your place in one of the many activities on offer.

Explore the full program and book your place at melton.vic.gov.au/ LearningFestival

Reminder to microchip your furry friends

Remember to make sure your pets are microchipped, and details are up to date so we can reunite you with your pet if it gets lost and impounded.

All dogs and cats must be microchipped, and these details provided to Council when you register your pet.

You can get your pet microchipped at your local vet, or for just $30 at Council’s pound until the 29 August 2025. To book call 9747 7251 or visit melton.vic.gov.au/registration

Mt Atkinson Ward with Cr Dr Phillip Zada

There’s nothing I enjoy more than getting out and connecting with our amazing community.

I recently co-hosted the second in-person Ward Talk at Bridge Road Community Centre with Cr Brandi Morris, and Cr Sophie Ramsey. It was a great opportunity to hear directly from residents of Mt Atkinson, Coolibah, and Watts wards, and to discuss the priorities that matter to us all.

The discussion was robust, respectful, and real—just how I believe community engagement should be, and I’m already looking forward to the next one.

At the July Council Meeting, I put forward a Notice of Motion calling for stronger protections against potentially misleading marketing by property developers and real estate agents, and I’m pleased to share that Council supported this motion.

Council will now advocate for clearer rules, greater transparency, and stronger enforcement, so that homebuyers are clear about when promised infrastructure will be delivered. Council also supported a motion to be submitted to the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council to push for better consumer protections across Victoria.

Explore our revitalised parks!

With spring nearing and the weather starting to warm up, pack a picnic lunch and head outdoors to check out some of our newly upgraded parks and reserves!

Council has been busy transforming the following parks and reserves into vibrant and inclusive spaces for the community to play, relax, and enjoy:

• Hillside Recreation Reserve

• Navan Park, Harkness

• Blackwood Drive Reserve, Melton South

• Bridge Road Community Hub, Cobblebank

For information on these and other parks in the City of Melton visit melton.vic.gov.au/parks

Mayor’s message Cr Steve Abboushi

I was thrilled to have been elected as a representative of the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Strategic Advisory Committee recently. The Committee plays a vital role in advocating for improved infrastructure, services, and strategic planning in Australia’s fast-growing outer metropolitan areas. Growth areas like ours need support from all levels of government. As one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, I look forward to sharing the experiences of our residents and contributing to national conversations about growth, equity, and liveability.

This week, I also look forward to attending the official opening of Stage 2 of the Bridge Road Community Hub in Cobblebank. This $15.25 million project has transformed this space into an accessible and connected recreation reserve for our community with a range of sporting facilities, a new community pavilion, and informal spaces for people to meet and play. I’d like to thank the Victorian Government for also supporting this project.

As Council’s delegate, and Chair of LeadWest, we continue to advocate for important issues across Melbourne’s west on behalf of all member councils. I’m proud to report that after many years of advocacy, seven out of nine of LeadWest’s priorities were committed to during the Federal election campaign. In the City of Melton, this included investments in rail, road, and wellness infrastructure.

Don’t hesitate to reach out— I’m always available to listen and address your concerns on 0418 999 659 or at phillip.zada@melton.vic.gov.au

Finally, we continue to see important works happening across the City of Melton to upgrade our roads and make it safer for residents to get around. Alfred Road in Cobblebank will be closed for a few months and detours put in place as essential road upgrades are completed by the developer. We know these works will cause delays, and we appreciate everyone’s patience as the project is completed. You can stay up to date at melton.vic.gov. au/roadworks

You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at Steve.Abboushi@melton.vic. gov.au or on 0437 231 680.

Restaurateurs ‘vulnerable’

A Sunshine business owner and his family have been left shaken and confused after their restaurant was allegedly burgled and cash stolen on August 6.

Dum Matka restaurant owner Deepak Kumar Gadde, who runs the business on City Place with his wife, said he felt shattered when he realised what had happened and saw the damage.

“My missus is still in a bit of stress. She’s avoiding talking about it …. every time I try to speak to her about it she’s crying,” Mr Kumar Gadde said.

“We’re so small I don’t know what the thief thought he could find in it.”

While Mr Kumar Gadde doesn’t know why his business was targeted, he said burglaries and robberies have increased overall in the area.

“It’s happened to other businesses multiple times,” he said.

He said he had experienced incidents of people entering the restaurant and demonstrating antisocial behaviour over the past month too.

“On the odd day, people used to come in

and push their limits for a free meal or a free drink. If they don’t get what they want they just abuse us and go,” he said.

“We had a couple of those people come in the past four weeks, try to push for it. When we said ‘no’ then it sounded like they got offended. A couple of warnings, a couple of verbal abuse situations. Besides that no one was physically hurt.

“This was the first time we had an instance where there was property damage and a theft.”

Mr Kumar Gadde said he was grateful for

Bocce upgrades roll out at Keilor Downs

Refurbishments have been rolled out at Keilor Downs senior citizens bocce club.

The $309,463 facility upgrades, funded by Brimbank council, include concrete surrounds to the playing areas as well as a major shelter that covers the courts, shielding players from the effects of intense hot and cold weather.

The new concrete paths surrounding the courts also mean spectators can watch games without having to stand in mud.

Club committee member Anthony Sesto said the upgrades are encouraging people to play bocce every day.

“It’s going to benefit us all year round because in the past during winter we couldn’t play. We can have tournaments because we know the weather isn’t going to affect us,” he said.

The refurbished courts have also helped the club attract more attention.

“It’s only been open since the weekend and I’ve already had a couple of people reach out to me to become members. We’ve got around 120 members and it’s increasing weekly,” he said.

Mr Sesto said he encourages new players to join the club, regardless of age and ability level.

“We’re trying to encourage more young people too. You don’t have to be a senior citizen to join,” he said.

For Mr Sesto, bocce is an enjoyable activity that brings the community together.

“I just love being competitive and playing and having a good time. Sometimes I can’t wait to finish work and go and have a game,” he said.

“If you have somewhere to go, have some fun and keep fit, that’s great.”

thecommunity’ssupportsincetheburglary, with regulars coming to dine in the restaurant more often and a long-time customer even volunteering to start a fundraiser to cover the damage costs.

“People with deep pockets, it might not be an issue for them, but when you’re so small you’re so vulnerable,” Mr Kumar Gadde said.

A 41-year-old Tarneit man was arrested on August 11 and charged with burglary and theft. He was bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on November 5.

Grants for Indian community hubs

Indian community organisations in Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham are being encouraged to submit expressions of interest for state government funding to establish new community centres.

Grants of up to $2.4 million are available for each centre, to support local organisations to deliver culturally appropriate spaces where communities can gather, connect and celebrate their heritage.

In a statement, Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt said the grants will help to create more community spaces for Indian Victorians to connect, celebrate and thrive.

“We know that having dedicated spaces to come together, allowing for celebrations of unique culture and tradition, is essential to the health and wellbeing of all Victorians,” Ms Stitt said.

“Supporting culturally diverse communities to create and maintain their own spaces and facilities helps to build community connection, share cultural understanding, and foster a more inclusive society.

“Victoria’s Indian community is incredibly diverse, with people from many different cultural, linguistic and faith backgrounds. We encourage applicants to consider this diversity in their proposals and put forward plans for a community space that is inclusive, welcoming and accessible to all.”

Details: www.vic.gov.au/community-centre-expressions-of-interest

Upcoming overnight West Gate Freeway outbound closures

August and September 2025

Plan ahead for overnight closures on the West Gate Freeway outbound, in sections between Williamstown Road and the M80 Ring Road interchange, as we test freeway management systems ahead of the West Gate Tunnel opening in late 2025. Delays are expected – plan ahead and check for updates before you travel.

High rate of heroin deaths

Brimbankhasrankedasthesecond-highest local government area in Victoria for heroin-involved overdose deaths over the pastdecade,accordingtonewdata.

In a report, the Coroner’s Court of Victoria revealed Brimbank recorded 134 heroin-involved overdose deaths between 2015 to 2024 – equal with the City of Melbourne.

The City of Yarra recorded the highest number during this period with 173 heroin-involvedoverdosedeaths.

Victoriaalsorecordedthehighestnumber offataloverdosesinadecadein2024.

The report is the first release of 2024 full year overdose data and reveals 584

Victorians died from overdose last year, comparedto547in2023and552in2022.

A significant finding in the 2024 data was the continuing rise of illegal drug involvementinVictorianoverdosedeaths.

In 2024, illegal drugs contributed to 65.6 per cent of Victorian overdose deaths, up from 58.9 per cent in 2023 and 54.9 per cent in2022.

While heroin-related deaths have remained stable, overall overdose deaths in Brimbank declined in 2024 compared with the previous two years, according to IPC Health.

IPC Health said this suggests community-led support and harm

reduction efforts are having a meaningful impact.

According to IPC Health, alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependence is often rooted in social and structural adversity, such as trauma, mental health challenges, housing instability, unemployment, and socialisolation.

Brimbank experiences significant socio-economic disadvantage: in 2021, its SEIFA Index of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage (IRSD) was 913, placing it in the bottom 10 per cent of all LGAs across Victoriaforadvantage.

IPCHealthgeneralmanagerofoperations andclinicalcareJasonHodgesaidreducing

Grant proves a lifeline for Hillside Probus

Hillside Probus club members are all smiles after receiving a $1500 grant from Bendigo Bank.

Club president Eric Horridge said the grant has given the club a “lifeline”.

“It certainly helps us go forward because, funds-wise, we were struggling,” Mr Horridge said.

“Being a new club we obviously didn’t have enough funds to hire the rooms for beyond three to four months.”

Mr Horridge said the grant will also help fund flyers and posters that advertise the group’s events such as its

walking and film clubs.

“It’s actually enabling people to go to shows because we can support them to do that,” he said.

The club has also increased its membership since the funding was announced.

Mr Horridge said Probus clubs are important in helping reduce loneliness.

“It creates a community of like-minded people who can do things together, rather than people sitting at home with closed doors, wondering what to do with the rest of their lives,” he said.

“It gives people in the process of thinking of retiring an outlet to look forward to.”

For Mr Horridge, who is also an author, themonthlymeetingsallowhimtogetout and meet new people.

“You get the opportunity to get out of your head … when you’re writing books, you’re living inside your head,“ he said.

Hillside Probus club meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month at 10am the Taylors Lakes Hotel, 7 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes.

Solomon Heights land labelled an ‘urban blight’

Brimbank council city futures director Kevin Walsh said council has no plans to pursue acquisition of land for environmental offsetting.

Mr Walsh also said council isn’t considering any proposals for offsetting or overlay schemes at this time.

“Councilwillcontinuetoadvocatetothe federal and state governments and other entities to achieve an appropriate outcome to protect environmental values of the SolomonHeightsprecinct,”MrWalshsaid.

A2016reportpreparedbyenvironmental

consultancyfirmbiosissuggestedoffsetting tooccurinaproposedconservationareain the estate’s north, which would allow the southern half to be developed.

Dr Marshall agrees this is the best solution.

But he also said the conservation area would likely result in unfairly distributed profits as land owners in the estate’s south would be able to retain their lots in the prime location.

Dr Marshall believes the state government should step in and create a large-scale precinct plan for the estate to satisfy all land owners.

AOD dependence requires a holistic, integrated,community-basedresponse.

“Because every person’s circumstances are different, there is no single solution. We work to understand the root causes and connect clients with a full spectrum of support— including within IPC Health and through referrals —so that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to be well for life,” Mr Hodge said.

IPC Health also highlighted that substance dependence is not a personal failing,rather,it’softenanadaptiveresponse to financial hardship, social exclusion and othervulnerabilities

Quiz reveals west doesn’t feel safe

Residents of Melbourne’s west feel less safe in their homes than in any otherpartofthestate.

That’s one of the findings of a new study conducted by the RACV and Neighbourhood Watch examining how safe Victorians feel in their homes.

The Victorian Community Safety Perception report analysed 8021 responses to Neighbourhood Watch Victoria’s’HowSafeIsMyHouse’quiz collectedbetween2021and2024-the first Victoria-wide review focused not just on crime data, but on how safe people feel in their homes and what protectiveactionstheytake.

Residents of Melbourne’s western metropolitan region, which takes in the Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Brimbank, Melton and Moonee Ponds council areas, recorded the state’s lowest safety ratingof7.29.

Western regional, which takes in all council areas west of Melbourne, including Moorabool and Macedon Ranges, recorded the state’s highest safetyratingof7.87.

Northern metropolitan, which includes Hume and Whittlesea councilareas,recorded7.56.

Thestatewideaveragewas7.66.

Western metropolitan residents also adopted safety measures at a higherratethanthoseelsewhere,with home security system use increasing from 53 per cent of respondents in 2021,to63percentin2024.

The percentage of residents installing home security in northern metropolitan increased from 53 to 59 percentoverthesameperiod.

Western regional residents bucked the trend, with the proportion adopting home security systems dropping from 45 per cent in 2021, to 43percentin2024.

“Unless somebody owns it all, it’s like the landowners in the northern half will end up with a lot of money lost, and the southern half will gain a lot of profit. That’s why it has to be a large-scale solution,” Dr Marshall said. “What we need is a process where the government steps in and does a plan for the whole area and does an equitable distribution of profit.”

A state government spokesperson said mattersrelatingtothefutureuseofthesite are for Brimbank council.

“Any proposal by council to rezone the land would be considered on its merits,” the spokesperson said.

Neighbourhood Watch chief executive Bambi Gordon said the research was important as it revealed how Victorians actually felt about theirhomesafety.

“The data shows that while crime statistics are important, people’s perceptions of safety are shaped by many factors including their environment, community connections, and personal experiences,“MsGordonsaid.

“Understanding how residents perceive their safety is crucial for developing effective community safetystrategies.“

The full report is available at www. nhw.com.au.

Netball club scores a grant

St Albans Netball Club is one of eight Brimbanksportingclubstoreceivefunding inthelatestroundofthestategovernment’s sportingclubsgrantsprogram.

Club treasurer Allison Burns said the grantwentintofundingteamuniforms.

“We wanted to use that money to get uniforms for players to represent our club on a bigger scale within a bigger community,”saidMsBurns.

Acting Community Sport Minister Gayle Tierney said the grants help sports clubs to better support their local communities.

“These grants create real opportunities for the people at the heart of local sport, helping players grow, volunteers stay engaged, and coaches give their best both onandoffthefield,“shesaid.

The netball club was formed in October last year, and started actively recruiting

playersinJanuary.

Therewereinitiallyfiveteamsbutrapidly increasing community interest meant the clubexpandedto17teams.

“There was a huge demand … obviously weweren’texpectingit,”saidMsBurns.

A previous grant from Brimbank council helped the club accommodate the surge of newplayers.

Ms Burns said the council and state government grants have also helped to reduce financial pressure for club members.

“We’ve been able to subsidise costs for families and engage these kids and keep them in sport, and give them a purpose outsideofschool,”MsBurnssaid.

“We’re trying to give [kids] a place of community, and a place where they can feel part of something and learn to be a partofateam.“

Briefs

Weapons and firearms charges

A 41-year old Sydenham man has been charged with 13 offences, including possessing prohibited weapons and imitation firearms, after police seized over 30 weapons from his home. Investigators located the man in his vehicle in a Port Melbourne carpark about 8.45am on Thursday, August 14. Police will allege they located an imitation revolver, 10 rounds of .38 special cartridge ammunition, a pistol magazine, a butterfly knife and a flick knife as well as a small quantity of counterfeit money in the vehicle. The man was arrested and a search warrant executed at his residential address in Sydenham. Investigators seized over 30 items, including two imitation pistols, an imitation assault rifle, assorted cartridge ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sword, varying quantities of drugs.

Kings Park house fire

A fire that blazed through a Kings Park home on August 13 is under investigation. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) responded to the house fire on Main Road West at 4.31pm. Firefighters assisted one male occupant out of the home who suffered smoke inhalation. FRV declared the fire under control at 5.12pm.

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Brain group is ‘visionary’

A new brain health friendship group was launched in the Victorian Parliament on August12—thefirstofitskindinthestate.

The event was attended by members of parliament, industry experts and community members from Melbourne’s western suburbs who shared their lived experiences with brain and mental health challenges.

Chair of Migraine Foundation and directorofWesternHealth’sneurologyand strokedepartmentTissaWijeratnesaidthe friendship group will help promote brain health awareness across the state.

“When you establish a parliamentary

friendship group it gives you a platform to gather, share ideas, and promote, and eventually be part of policies, procedures and legislation,” Mr Wijeratne said.

“This launch is not just symbolic, it is visionary, positioning Victoria as a national and global leader in brain health awareness and equity.”

According to the National Library of Medicine, 43 per cent of the global population is affected by neurological disorders.

“There is no family in the world which is not impacted by one of these conditions… it impacts the way that you live,” Mr

Wijeratne said.

He said the launch will set the stage for a bottom-up approach to promoting preventive brain health for Victorians.

“We now need to talk to the community in a language they can understand, in a language they can follow and then get them involved and engaged,” he said.

MrWijeratneemphasisedbrainhealthis a matter for the economy too.

“If our brains aren’t functioning well we can’t build a great economy. So you need to promote and support brain health whether you have a brain disorder or not to maximise capital… so we can maintain

a healthy, wealthy, resilient, inclusive society.” Mr Wijeratne said Melton mayor Steve Abboushi was present at the launch.

Inhisspeech,CrAbboushisaidadvocacy for better education, greater empathy and more resources for people living with neurological disorders is vital.

In a council meeting in April last year, Cr Abboushi raised a notice of motion stating that Melton council should support preventative brain health campaigns as well as initiatives that raise awareness and facilitate access to brain health resources for the community.

Iranian refugee pleads with government to let her stay

By Jaidyn Kennedy

A Werribee woman is fighting for her right to stay in Australia after more than a decade of detention and legal limbo.

Sara, not her real name, fled Iran on a boat in 2013 as a 26-year-old with the hope of seeking asylum in Australia.

Now 38, she has still not been granted asylumandherlatestapplicationtoextend her visa has been rejected.

“I feel like I am in a game – I am not happy,” Sara said. “I am exhausted and I can’t get back my youth.”

Living on bridging visa E (subclass 050), which she has been extending every six months for the past two years, is a life of uncertainty.

She has no working rights, is not allowed to study, has limited access to Medicare and must survive on a Centrelink payment of less than $200 a week.

“I begged [the federal government] for permission to give me the right to study,” Sara said.

“I could be a helpful person in my community, but I don’t have an identity.”

The past 12 years have been marked by traumatic events and a series of waiting games, Sara said,

Soon after escaping Iran, the damaged boat she was on was seized and she was detained on Christmas Island for more than eight months.

She said she was then transferred to Nauru where she lived in detention until 2019.

Trips to Papua New Guinea in 2015 and Taiwan in 2018, both for urgent medical treatment, were the only times she left the island in more than five years.

Her first two years on Australian soil were spent in detention at the Melbourne Immigration Transit Accommodation (MITA).

In 2021, she was given permission to live in community detention.

Sara said she avoids dwelling on the past because she cannot change it.

“The point is to do what I can today, because each person has their own history to make,“ she said.

“Eachsituationgivesyoualesson,sothat is how you keep moving forward.”

She said her faith and the power to be kind have been her pillars strength.

Sarabelievesthesilverlininginherstory is the people she has met at West Welcome Wagon, a not-for-profit organisation based in Sunshine West.

Iranian asylum seeker Sara, who cannot show her face for safety reasons and West Welcome Wagon’s operations and community engagement coordinator Fay

The organisation helps more than 2800 asylum seekers and refugees in the western suburbs with goods such as furniture.

West Welcome Wagon’s operations and community engagement co-ordinator Fay Salem-Demezierers is someone Sara has grown particularly close with.

Fay said Sara’s most recent visa rejection meant she no longer has the chance to apply for refugee status in Australia.

“[The government] has basically said your options now are to stay living as you are on this bridging visa or leave the country,“ Fay said.

“Her application has failed and at the moment the current government isn’t sending people like her back because it is not deemed safe.

“But that could change at any time –it is frightening.”

Sara has sought hope elsewhere, but her asylum application to the United States was cancelled by the first Trump administration in 2017 and her application for New Zealand has not progressed in two years.

Fay said time is of the essence.

“You have got to factor in the Iranian government, too,” she said.

“Peopleleavingillegallyarepunished–as a woman she will end up locked up at the very least for sure.”

She said if Sara was sent back to Iran, the West Welcome Wagon community would be “devastated.”

“We are all equal regardless of where we were born and what our culture is and therefore we all deserve to be treated the same and have the same opportunities in life.”

“People aren’t coming here just because they were bored with their previous life, people are escaping with their lives, they are escaping war, physical trauma, sexual abuse.”

“We need to open up our doors and our hearts to them.”

Fay said Sara does everything in her power to reciprocate the generosity she receives.

“Sheisjustsogivingandcaring,youknow Sara won’t come to our warehouse without providing a packet of Persian biscuits for me to take home to my daughter,” she said.

“When she is there and we help her–she’ll be back and stay there to volunteer as well.”

The Department of Home Affairs was contacted for comment.

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Anne is off on an 8-day “Rhine Getaway” river voyage for two, departing Basel on 22 November 2026, including return flights – all thanks to Viking and your local newspaper. A huge thank you to the 25,500+ readers who entered! We value your support of local media.

Stay tuned for more great competitions – you could be our next big winner!

Voice for inclusivity

By Sam Porter

Keilor local Daniel Vadnjal is making tennis history.

He’s the first ever graduate of Tennis Victoria’s future leaders program to identify as having a disability.

Vadnjal said he got a lot out of the program and met some amazing people.

“We all had a fun time. We all communicate with each other, we’ve helped each other with projects and everything,” he said.

For Vadnjal, a notable part of the three-day program was an inclusion session in which participants were able to experience wheelchair tennis and blind sport by wearing goggles.

As part of this session, Vadnjal spoke abouttheintellectualdisabilityandautism (IDA) pathway, which his mother Kathryn saidwaseye-openingforotherparticipants to learn about.

Since then four people with disabilities have joined the program.

“Nowthere’sachanceforthesepeopleto promote more of their own roots,“ Vadnjal said.

“If they do their own come and try day with the clubs they can get more numbers to come into the program.”

The project that Vadnjal undertook as part of the program led him to host and lead an all-abilities come and try day at Keilor Tennis Club.

His advocacy led to the club being ranked third for a new inclusive facility and inspired a grant application to support ongoing inclusive events.

Hehasalsobroughthisadvocacyintohis workplaceattheAustralianOpenwherehe

works in court services.

Vadnjal has been asked to return to the futureleadersprogrambyTennisVictoria’s inclusion leader, Adam Watson, as an ambassador and facilitator too.

“He’s not only asking me to speak up but he’saskingmetogetinvolvedwiththekids again in the program,” he said.

“I want to inspire different people to come and give it a go.”

Vadnjal’s tennis coach Stefan Visser said continual awareness around inclusivity in sports is vital.

“Hopefully there are the right people in the right roles who have that love and passion to help grow it,“ Visser said.

“The biggest thing is being able to show there are no barriers, no limits.

“We’re making progress. It’s just we need more people like Daniel.”

Plans for new tech school

Architectural renders for a new Brimbank tech school have been released by the state government, giving locals a taste of what’s to come when the building is completed next year.

Brimbank Tech School will be located at Victoria University’s Sunshine campus and will provide unique learning environments for students pursuing STEM study and career pathways.

The state government said Brimbank Tech School will provide 14,000 students from 14 local secondary schools with immersive, hands-onSTEMlearningexperiences to develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in emerging industries.

Students will receive free bus transportation from their schools, to participate in immersive high-tech programs at the tech school, which will be offered alongside regular schooling

Therewillbeplacesfor120students to access the school’s programs each day.

Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll said the school will inspire more students to pursue STEM careers.

“We are backing students to learn beyond the classroom, keeping them engaged and building the vital STEM skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow.”

Entrepreneur heads council

The state government has re-established the Small Business Ministerial Council appointing a west entrepreneur to lead thebody.

Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman on Tuesday appointed a chair and members to the recently re-established council, who will advise on key issues affecting thesector,includinggovernmentpolicies, programs and services designed for Victoriansmallbusinesses.

Dr Suji Sanjeevan has been appointed as the new council chair. Dr Sanjeevan

is the founder and director of a multi-award-winning business creating boutique candles in Truganina, Light & Glo Designs. Dr Sanjeevan is also the co-founder and director of scent marketingcompanyBrandScent.

The council members bring a mix of skills, business experience and perspectives, which will drive stronger outcomes for the sector. The other membersare:

•Dr Michael Akindeju – principal consulting process engineer at MKPro Engineering

•SusanBenedyka–founderandmanaging director of The Regional Development Company

•Niti Bhargava – founder and principal brokerofGBFinancials

•John Burgess – CEO of Little Rocket and directorofFirstNationsNetwork

•Orianna Edmonds – dairy farmer and founderandCEOofNaturallyGoat

•Claire Elkin – founder of Engineering Equilibrium

Together with the Multicultural Business Ministerial Council, which advocates for the needs of culturally

diverse business owners, the Small BusinessMinisterialCouncilhelpsensure all Victorian small businesses have a voice.

Minister for Small Business and Employment Natalie Suleyman said “Having an expert council representing our small businesses is yet another way we are strengthening a sector that contributessomuchtoVictoria.”

“I look forward to working closely with the Small Business Ministerial Council to make sure Victoria’s small businesses continuetogrowandthrive.”

Turning another page on 80 years of book week

Now in its 80th year, children’s book week has sparked wonder and imagination in kids and adults for decades. To mark the event, which runs from August 16 to 23, Star Weekly spoke to Sunshine librarians Christian Arjona, Tram Le, and Michelle Sanahon. Whatisyourfavouritebook?

Christian: My favourite book has to be The Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. I’ve read it over 10 times. A comedic story aboutovercomingtheodds,thestruggles of survival and finding ultimate success andhappiness.Alightandenjoyableread foranyagegrouporaudience.

Tram: The Singing Mermaid. I enjoy reading this book for the children and talk about life lessons behind the story narrative.

Michelle: It would have to be The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis-notjustforitsstoryline,butitwas also the first novel I read as a kid, which makesitverymemorable.

What are you reading at the moment?

Christian: One of the books that I am reading… slowly… is Roadside Picnic by the Strugatsky brothers. A science fiction tale of the remnants of an alien landingwhohavelefttheir“trash”which happens to cause strange and dangerous phenomena within the “zone”. These artefacts are sought by government, scavengers and the military for their powers.

Tram: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins.

Michelle: CleopatraandFrankensteinby Coco Mellors. I’m halfway through and reallyenjoyingit.

What is one book everyone should read?

Christian: I have to recommend the Japanese manga series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure by Hirohiko Araki. It features a multitude of flamboyant, masculine and humorous characters in Araki’s

distinctive art style. It follows the Joestar family throughout different generations who battle supernatural forces using superpowers called Stands. My favourite characterisJotaroKujo!

Tram: The Happiness Trap: how to stop

strugglingandstartlivingbyHarrisRuss.

Michelle: I think any book by Freida McFadden. I’ve recommended her books to a few people who wanted to get back into reading. Her books are easy to read, andwhodoesn’tloveaplottwist?

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

Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning

Join Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning, a free, evidence-based early education program that combines music, play, and connection for families with children aged 0-5 years. Running for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, this program is designed to incorporate singing, stories, and fun activities to support your child’s development. Running from February 11 onwards at the Sunshine Heights Playgroup Centre, 105 Glengala Road.

 9663 6733, or events@ds.org.au

National seniors meeting

On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at The Club in Caroline Springs, 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

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 to noon, at Braybrook College.

 westgateconcertband@gmail.com

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, EmploymentSupport@ cotavic.org.au, or cotavic.org.au/ our-programs/employment-support/ Crafternoons

Duke Street Community House is inviting

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

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

Deer Park Lions Club

locals to a free adult social opportunity to get together and be creative. Learn a new craft or bring along your own craft projects. Tuesdays during school terms, 12.30-2.30pm, at the Duke Street Community House, 27 Duke Street, Sunshine.

 9311 9973, or dukest@dsch.org.au

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. Confidential meetings held at the Delahay Community Centre, 70 Copperfield Drive every Wednesday, from 1-2.30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

 Helpline, 1300 252 666

Acing the game

Brimbank locals can enjoy ezee tennis—amodified,indoortennis game designed to be social and accessible for adults of all ages and skill levels. It’s played on a smaller court with a softer ball and with smaller racquet, making iteasiertolearnandplay.Noprior experience is necessary, and it’s a greatwaytoimprovecoordination and fitness while enjoying a friendly and social atmosphere. You can join in the fun at the West Sunshine Community Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 12.30pm-2pm,untilSeptember18. Cost:$3persession.

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

 Michael, 0417 307 572

Sunshine Community Brass

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

 Andrew, 0419 444 620

St Albans senior citizens

St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day.

 Roma, 0435 991 064

Pride film festival is a first

The Melbourne International Film Festival mightbeunderwaynow,buttheinner-west will soon play host to a unique film festival all of its own.

The inaugural Pride Short Film Fest will take place on August 28, September 3 and September 10 at the eponymous Footscray bar on Barkly Street.

As the name suggests, the Pride Short Film Fest will be a celebration of local queer filmmakers, with six movies shown each night and introduced by the director or a member of the cast and crew.

Festival director Tom Nguyen said the

idea for the festival was inspired by the regularfilmnightsheldatthebarfeaturing Hollywood movies popular with queer people.

“I’ve worked on movie projects around Melbourne and I know that there’s a community of people that not only love watching movies, but making them as well and a lot of them are gay and queer,” Mr Nguyen said.

“My Idea was to find local queer films andfilmmakersandshowtheirworktothe audiencewealreadyhaveandalsocreatea spaceforthemtomeeteachotherandmeet

the audience.”

Pride of Our Footscray manager Mat O’Keefe said the festival would feature a broad range of films.

“It’s got everything from camp horror to social commentary on Melbourne’s fascination with cool cafes,” Mr O’Keefe said.

“It’s rare to have a film festival in a bar such as this and you get to meet the directors so it’s more personal than going to Hoyts.”

Details and bookings: https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1416708

Students bring Spamalot to the stage

Do you like to look on the bright side of life? If so, you should see St Albans Secondary College’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot.

Spamalot takes the classic story of King Arthur and his knights and turns it on its head. The quest for the grail is a series of hilariously chaotic events which highlight theabsurdityofepicjourneys.

St Albans Secondary College musical appreciation club director Melissa Tamraz said students have poured their hearts into rehearsalsfortheshow.

“They are bravely uncovering their

comedictalents,ignitingtheirinnerjoy,and unlockinghiddendanceabilitiestheynever knewtheypossessed,”MsTamarazsaid.

She said the production is sure to make peopleofallageslaugh.

“Inspired by Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is full of funny one-liners, silly situations, and hilarious parody,” Ms Tamrazsaid.

“The show pokes fun at musical theatre, with exaggerated songs, sparkling costumes, and even knights dancing tap. It makes fun of the genre in a loving way, whilealsoshowingwhatmakesitspecial.

“Beneath all the silly moments, the show is really about friendship, never giving up, and following your dreams, your own ‘holy grail.’ It’s funny, but also warm and full of heart.”

Justbewareofanykillerrabbits.

Monty Python’s Spamalot, performed by St Albans Secondary College, will be showing at the Bowery Theatre from Wednesday, August 20 to Friday, August 22 at7pmeachevening.

Tickets are $15 for adults and children. Familyticketsare$55.

Details:creativebrimbank.com.au

The Addams Family prove to be spookier than ever

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, they’re mysterious and spooky.

They’re all together ooky, so clap twice and welcome Point Cook P-9 College’s performance of The Addams Family.

Fresh on the acting scene, Irene is embracing life as Morticia the macabre queen.

“This is my introduction to acting, and the character I am playing is very distinct from my natural character,” Irene said.

“I have a very bubbly personality and Morticia is super dark.”

Morticia’shusbandGomezisnostranger to romance, but Dylan, who plays him, is.

“He is a very passionate person I would say, perhaps a little too romantic–especially for me,” Dylan said.

“Simply when Gomez talks to Morticia, words like darling get me. It is very hard to be romantic at 14.”

Abigail has no intention of fixing what isn’t broken when she transforms into Wednesday Addams.

“I have tried to mostly keep it the same, I have read about the character and stayed mostly on track with being Wednesday, because I am the opposite.

“I am always laughing and smiling, so I struggle with keeping the deadpan look.

Go back in time

Travel back in time and experience film in a whole new way with The Sounds of Silent.

Back by popular demand, the Lancefield Mechanics Institute will bring back The Sounds of Silent for a vibrant and entertaining musical andmovieeventforthewholefamily.

On the night, catch a 1920’s classic silent film alongside a live jazz performance from The Sounds of Silent.

This time the institute will be showing the 1926 silent comedy The General, starring Buster Keaton. The film was inspired by the Great Locomotive Chase, which happened in 1862 in America, and filmed towards the end of the silent era.

Also on the night, catch a Laurel andHardyshortforafunnightoutin yesteryear.

Lancefield Mechanics Institute committeeofmanagementpresident John Sevenson encouraged the community to come on down.

“Come along to a family friendly night and enjoy how entertainment used to be in the 1920s enhanced with a modern jazz band, The Sound of Silent,“ he said.

The Sounds of Silent is a five piece ensemble, featuring some of Melbourne’s most versatile and accomplished musicians. Recreating the silent movie experience all over Melbourne, they’re once again coming back to Lancefield and bringing another classic experience with them.

The Sounds of Silent will be performing on Saturday, August 23, at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute. Doors will open at 6pm, for a 7pm start. The night is BYO drinks and nibbles, however popcorn, choc tops and drinks will be available to purchase.

Tickets will be $10, and are available online at https://tinyurl. com/599u8d5w

“My favourite part is how my friends have been helping me, and it has basically just been a staring showdown.”

The youngest of the bunch, Geronimo was the right man to channel Pugsley.

Pugsleyhasbeenagreatwaytofindinner strength and empathise with a character’s sibling rivalry.

“He has different ways of being himself, and I mean, yes he does have lots of problems with his sister,“ Geronimo said.

“But if his sister went away, he’d miss her.”

Place, date and tickets: https://www. trybooking.com/events/landing/1395423

The snowfields of New Zealand

NEW Zealand’s winter season kicked off with a bang, with lots of early snowfall setting the stage for an exciting few months on the slopes.

This year, Cardrona Alpine Resort has beenatthecentreofthebuzz,launchingits much-anticipated Soho Basin expansion and officially becoming New Zealand’s largest ski resort.

On 14 June, Cardrona’s 2025 ski season began with perfect conditions: a stunning sunrise above the clouds, crisp temperatures, and no wind in sight.

Snowmaking guns fired at full blast as the resort team worked to open even more terrain and lifts in the coming weeks.

Eager skiers and snowboarders wasted no time - some lined up at the bottom of Cardrona’s access road from 1am, hoping to snag the coveted “First Chair” t-shirts. By 5:30 am, when the road opened, it was a race to the McDougall’s Chondola lift line, where six lucky riders earned braggingrightsasthefirsttorideupforthe season.

While experienced skiers carved their first turns down McDougall’s, newcomers and families made the most of the Beginners’Area,soakingupthefreshsnow and bluebird day.

“It’sincredibletokickoffthe2025season and see so many happy people out there,” Chief Mountains Officer for Cardrona and Treble Cone Laura Hedley said.

This year’s Opening Day also marked the culmination of one of the biggest development summers in modern New Zealand ski history.

The resort’s transformation includes the new Soho Basin and Soho Express lift, adding 150 hectares of terrain for guests

to explore. Opening at the start of July, the new Soho Basin saw its first excited riders test untouched slopes, mostly ungroomed andrecommendedforadvancedskiersand boarders.

The “Soho It Begins” t-shirts were claimed by the first six to load the new lift, marking the start of an exciting new era.

“It’sahugemilestonefortheAotearoaski industry,” Hedley said.

“To open this terrain after decades of dreamingisaprettyemotionalmomentfor our team.”

Alongside the new terrain, Cardrona has unveiled a new base building with an atrium, expanded dining and retail options,anewt-barforworld-classtraining facilities, upgraded snowmaking, sealed lower access road sections, and improved carparking.

“It was down to the wire,” said Hedley. “Our team worked late into the night to have the new spaces ready. We’re so stoked with how it’s turned out and can’t wait for everyone to enjoy these new facilities.”

With winter now well underway, Aotearoa New Zealand’s long ski season, typically through to spring, has been primed for one of its biggest yet.

Full-Board River Cruise

3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing

Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse

Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat

Taste Riverland food and wine

Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour

Hotel Stays

3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast

1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner

Fully Escorted

Barossa Valley Tours

Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including:

Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement

Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours

2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park

All Flights, Taxes & Transfers

Key details

Expressions of Interest opens: 9am, 20 August 2025

Expressions of Interest Closes: 5pm, 20 September 2025

How to apply: Email your application to community@melair.com.au

We encourage individuals from a range of backgrounds, including:

• Local and neighbouring communities to the airport.

• Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups

• Local businesses and industry

Experience in aviation, public health, stakeholder engagement or environmental matters is welcomed but not essential.

Successful applicants will be appointed for a three-year term and are expected to attend regular meetings and actively participate in discussions.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.melbourneairport.com.au/community/cacg

Help shape the future of your airport – apply today!

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part time Sales Executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au www.starnewsgroup.com.au

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 Electric guitar accessory (3)

3 Generous or forgiving (11)

9 Affable (7)

10 Silhouette (7)

11 Examines (8)

12 Drawer (6)

14 Long fish (3)

15 Scandalous (11)

17 Semi-transparent (11)

19 A can (3)

20 Solution (6)

21 Interpret (8)

24 Passivity (7)

25 Resident of Jerusalem or Tel Aviv (7)

26 Treacherously (11)

27 Miniature (3)

DOWN

1 Designer of buildings (9)

2 Sunshade (7)

3 Corn (5)

4 Jelly-like (10)

5 Behave uncontrollably, run – (4)

6 Forbid (9)

7 Perspective (7)

8 Pleasing taste (5)

13 Distinct classes (11)

15 Possibly guilty (9)

16 Long life (9)

18 Pustule (7)

19 Flood (7)

20 Excuse (5)

22 Grouchy (5)

23 Holy aura (4)

1 Celine Dion appears in which 2023 rom-com?

2 What three colours appear on the Armenian flag? 3 Lydia Tár, played by Cate Blanchett, was the chief conductor of which orchestra?

4 Who played Atticus Finch in ToKillaMockingbird?

5 Is the maximum length of a male or female orca larger?

6 US television personality Michael Strahan (pictured) played which sport professionally?

7 In what year did a structural fire break out at the Notre Dame?

8 Which country borders Nicaragua to the north?

9 Where was the 1976 Summer Olympics held?

10 In which century was the British Museum established?

GR has premium pedigree

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The GR Corolla is not something cobbled togetherfromoldracecarremnants.

Its roots may lie in the Celica GT-Four WorldRallycarfromtheendoflastcentury, as far as pedigree is concerned, it is among today’sgenuinehothatches.

Back in the day, with Carlos Sainz Sr behind the wheel, the Celica was crowned world champion in 1990 and 1992. Five years later the Celica turbo ST205 was shuntedinfavouroftheCorolla,withSainz taking up with Toyota Team Europe to win the Monte Carlo Rally; the GR Corolla followedupwithitsfirstWRCvictoryinthe RallyofNewZealand.Apremiumpedigree, indeed.

Fast forward to 2023 when Toyota Gazoo Racing had the GR Corolla GTS joining the GR 86, GR Supra and GR Yaris in its high-performanceroad-goingstable.Based ontheCorollaHatchtheGRisblessedwith theTNGA-Cplatform,boostedbyrace-style dynamics, setting the car well apart from therestofthefamily.

Featuring the same super-power 1.6-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine as the GR Yaris the GR Corolla six-speed manual is tuned to develop 221kW of power at a high-end 6500rpm and 370Nm of torque overawide3000-to-5550revspread.

Now, Gazoo has added the option of a race-bred eight-speed automatic transmission and upgraded the 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, boosting the torque by30Nmto400Nm.Thisisfedtogroundvia a GR Four all-wheel drive set-up. On test was the latter, which sells for $67,990, plus ORCs, as opposed to the new Auto, costing $70,490.

Further design features include wider track front and rear, a completely overhauled suspension and styling enhancements.

Asafootnote:25luckyownerscangoone better with the special edition GR Corolla Morizo priced at $77,800 – a lightened, more torque from the turbo 1.6-litre three-cylinder engine, and track-honed hardware including semi-bucket seats and grippyMichelinPilotSportCup2tyres.

The GR Corolla comes under the Toyota Warranty Advantage, offering up to five years unlimited kilometre coverage, extending to seven years on engine and driveline.

Capped-price servicing applies to the first three years or 60,000 kilometres and each six-month/10,000km service costing $300.

Styling

Both variants are enhanced by unique front and rear bumpers accommodating the wider track, more air ducts to improve aerodynamics (0.35Cd) and cooling, raised bonnet and unique 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance Yokohama tyres.

The GR Corolla also features a new wider front lower grille which provides improved airflow to the radiator, intercooler, brake ducts, sub-radiator and automatic transmissionfluidcooler.

Triple exhaust tips leave more than a farewell sign to other road users in the wake of the GR Corolla sprinting past. They reduce exhaust back pressure and a tendencytoholdupthehothatch.

Interior

Changes to the inside reflect the body’s sharp looks, while not at the expense of comfort., with creature comforts including heated front seats and steering wheel, wirelessphonecharging,dual-zoneclimate

control and eight-speaker premium JBL soundsystem.

Back in the performance mood, gains include dedicated gearshift, and centre console, aluminium pedals, manual parking brake and leather-bound steering wheelpluckedfromtheGRYaris.

With room for five, front seats provide good lateral support under spirited driving, with suede and synthetic leather upholstery and contrasting silver stitching. Luggage volume of the GTS is a slim 213 litres.

Infotainment

Connectivity has gone up a notch with an 8-inch touchscreen displaying the latest Toyota multimedia system including Toyota Connected Services, paired with a digital 12.3-inch multi-information set-up andcolourhead-updisplay.

Other updates for the GR Corolla include full wireless Apple CarPlay and wired AndroidAuto,mirroringforthemultimedia system, and the inclusion of Active Noise Control which guards against unwanted disturbancethroughthecabin.

Engines/transmissions

The new powertrain pairs an eight-speed Gazoo Racing automatic transmission tuned to high-performance shifting on the racetrack with an upgraded version of the turbocharged 1.6-litre three-cylinder motor.

Maxpowerisunchangedat221kW,while the high-revving engine is gifted with an added 30Nm of torque (400Nm), feeding all four wheels via GR Four with an auto transmission tuned to the track through sharp-shifting paddles on the steering wheel. A larger, higher-output cooling fan hasreducedtransmissiontemperatures.

Safety

The GR Corolla features a full bag of Toyota Safety Sense active safety tech to help with optimum occupant safety. These include intersectionturnassist,thankstoimproved camera and radar sensors, which pick up object and 3D motion, while extending the rangeofthesystemsused.

Automaticvariantsgainadditionalsafety technology through parking support brake with object and vehicle detection and all-speed adaptive cruise control. Seven airbagstakepassivecontrol.

Driving

With a ‘zero to 100’ time of 5.29 seconds on the way to a top speed of 230kmlh, it’s undeniable the Toyota R Corolla GTS has a lot to offer. Fuel consumption (premium unleaded) is put by the maker at 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres over the combined urban/highwaycycle.

Drivers of the GR Corolla are treated to exceptional handling and cornering, courtesy of the GR-Four all-wheel drive system supported by Torsen limited-slip

differentials front and rear for optimal torquedistribution.

And an optimised suspension set-up, major chassis reinforcements, weight reduction and ventilated disc brakes all contributetoputtingasmileonthedriver’s face.

Lastly,onthe‘southern’endofthecentre consoleliestheGR-FourDriveModerotary controller. A default mode splits torque 60:40 front/rear for stability and cornering performance.

For those who prefer a rear-biased driving experience, spin the wheel to the second mode, which offers a 30:70 torque split perfect for winding roads and linear steeringinput.

Press for Track mode for evenly split front/rear torque distribution to optimise traction where vehicle load regularly shifts betweenthefrontandrearaxles.Thisisbest suited for driving on dirt or low-traction roads.

Summary

There’s no getting over the fact that Aussie roads, generally, are not made for the GR Corolla GTS. Even the smoother surfacestreattheoccupantstosomejarring stuff that only gets worse as the journey goeson.

Better to leg it down to a dedicated race day at the local circuit to get the best out of arace-bred‘Academyperformance’.Onthe ‘meanstreets’,suckitup,son.

Final spots are on the line

It’s shaping up to be a thrilling final round of football, with several clubs still needing towintocementtheirplaceinthetopeight – and others fighting to secure a coveted top four double chance.

The 2025 AFL season has delivered a brilliant run into September, full of twists, high-quality contests, and dramatic finishes. Round 24 promises more of the same, with a true marathon of must-win clashes that will decide the fate of multiple clubs.

Below is my snapshot of the weekend’s match-ups – the merry-go-round of who wins, who loses, and where they are likely to finish in the top eight.

Round 24 Match Stakes –

One Week Out from Finals Essendon (15th) vs Carlton (12th): Both eliminated. No finals implications. Carlton wins.

Collingwood (4th) vs Melbourne (14th): Pies must win to lock in top four. Collingwood wins.

Port Adelaide (13th) vs Gold Coast Suns (9th): Sunsmustwintojumpintotopeight and stay alive. Gold Coast Suns wins.

North Melbourne (16th) vs Adelaide (1st): If the Crows win they are minor premiers. North Melbourne wins – upset of the round.

Richmond (17th) vs Geelong (2nd): CatsmustwintokeeppressureonAdelaide for top spot and secure top two. Geelong wins.

West Coast (18th) vs Sydney (10th): Swans cannot reach finals. Sydney wins.

GWS (6th) vs St Kilda (11th): Giants still a top four chance if they win and percentage swings. GWS wins.

Western Bulldogs (8th) vs Fremantle (7th): Dogs win = finals secured. Dockers win = possible top four finish. A real elimination-style clash. Western Bulldogs wins.

Brisbane (3rd) vs Hawthorn (5th): Both fighting for top four-top two. Winner could move into top two; loser may slide into elimination bracket. Brisbane wins.

Gold Coast (9th) vs Essendon (15th) –midweek: If Suns beat Port, this becomes a win-and-in finals decider. Gold Coast Suns wins.

Key One-Week – Out Finals Scenarios Adelaide: Win and finish minor premiers. Geelong: Locked in top two if it beats Richmond.

Brisbane v Hawthorn: Could shape the top two-top four order.

Collingwood: Win over Melbourne = top four guaranteed.

GWS / Fremantle: Win plus results its way could lift them into top four.

Western Bulldogs: Win and stay in. Lose and Gold Coast can pinch their spot. Gold Coast: Winbothround24games(Port and Essendon) = first ever finals berth.

Final Word –

The Countdown to September Round 24 isn’t just the end of the home-and-away season – it’s effectively the first week of finals in disguise. With so much still on the line, every contest carries weight, from the Bulldogs fighting for survival, to the Suns chasing history, to Adelaide and Geelong battling for the minor premiership. The rare Wednesday nightclashbetweentheSunsandBombers – a hangover from the opening round schedulingdisaster–meansthefinalsrace won’t be officially settled until the very last bounce of the season. After 23 weeks of twists and turns, it all comes down to this: one last stop before finals – and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Bright future ahead for Kangaroos says former captain

Former North Melbourne captain Anthony Stevens has seen the highs and lows over the years at his beloved Kangaroos. Now supporting the Roos on the sidelines, Stevens is positive about what the future holds for his former club.

I can say with absolute conviction, North Melbourne are not far away from success.

Just as in the 1970s and 1990s, when premiership glory united our club, the building blocks are there.

After 16 years as a player for North Melbourne,followedby12yearsawayfrom the club, I returned to contribute through the NMFC Past Players Association before serving a further three years on the board until mid-2024. Across this timeparticularly during my board tenure - I have developed a deep understanding of our football department under Todd Viney and Alastair Clarkson, from the playing list and coaching set-up to the unwavering passion of our diehard supporters.

A recent media article by Collingwood and Carlton great Mick McGuane, one of the most astute football minds in the AFL,

Success isn’t far away for the Kangaroos, believes former great Anthony Stevens.

(AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)

struck a chord with me. In his article Mick was spot-on: the modern game is built on processes and structures. If players don’t buy into them and execute with discipline, the side is on the back foot from the

opening bounce.

No coach - even a four-time premiership coach like Clarkson - can succeed without that on-field commitment. Yet in today’s commentary climate, it’s the coach who often wears the brunt of the criticism.

From watching the 2025 season unfold, I believe our leadership group must take greater accountability. Leadership isn’t just about a title or an armband - it’s about setting and upholding standards every single day, both on and off the field. It’s about ensuring that our structures are more than diagrams on a whiteboard; they are lived, executed, and reinforced until they become second nature.

Can you blame our senior boys in the leadership group? No - they’ve remained loyal and committed to the club through some of its most challenging years,

enduring multiple coaching changes and significant shifts within the football department. But when I watch them of late, especially with several senior players sidelined through injury, I see a tendency to slip back into old survival-mode habits. Inthosemoments,theystartchasingkicks, believing it’s what’s best for them and the team - but in reality, it’s not.

We’ve seen what North Melbourne can achieve when everyone is aligned and committed. The pathway back to the top is clear: embrace the processes, lift our standards, back our coaching team, and demand accountability from within.

To our loyal fans - keep the faith. The climb is tough, but with unity, discipline, and a fierce commitment to our values, we can return to the level of success that defines our great club.

Falcons fly to historic win

The City West Falcons added another piece of history to the record books as they won a fourth straight Victorian Netball League championship title. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting all the action and celebrations.

Co-captain Lind overcomes injury for premiership joy

By Tara Murray

It would have taken a broken leg for City West Falcons co-captain Maggie Lind to have missed the Victorian Netball League grand final on Wednesday night.

A stalwart of the Falcons and the VNL competition, Lind has battled her way through lower leg injuries for the last part of the season.

She looked done after her side’s shock semi final loss to the Hawks a couple of weeks ago before playing all 60 minutes in the preliminary final.

Lind backed it up with another 60 minutes in the grand final to help her side come from nine goals down to win, 60-58. “It was very ugly and it was probably the worst game of the year,” Lind said postgame.

“We got the win, so that was good. “It will sink in later.”

Lind admitted her calves weren’t in a great way after the game.

Privately,hermumandcoachMargLind, hadsaidforanumberofweekstheyweren’t

sure how she would get up each week.

They had adjusted the way they played to allow Maggie to get the most out of herself.

“They are pretty f***ed,” Maggie said of her legs. “I think both my calves are off the bone at this stage

“Definitely the last six weeks, it has been pretty tricky. We were hoping to go straight through so I could have a week off, it didn’t happen.

“I was on a pretty strict routine and I’m pretty heavily strapped at the moment. It has been really tough.

“I said last week that if they fall off the bone, who cares, I’ve got six months to recover.”

Lind said in hindsight she probably shouldn’t have played the Hawks in the semi final.

Herdeterminationthoughsawhergetup each week to at least give it her best shot.

“I was brought up pretty tough, it would take a lot for me to not be out there, especially in a grand final,” she said.

“There was no chance that I wasn’t playing in a grand final

“I would have to have a broken leg, It was never had doubt that I wouldn’t get up to play.”

Lind said despite being nine goals down in the second quarter, she always had faith in their playing group.

She said she never panicked when they were on court.

“Even when we were playing terribly, we’ve got a lot grunt in this group and we

don’tgiveupwhichisoneofourstrengths,“ she said.

“This year has been a bit tricky. We haven’t really been pushed that much, whichIthinkisanegativegoingintofinals.

“Losing the final was good for us and it made us bounce back.

“Nine down, you do go holy s***, but it’s a long game.”

The championship is the Falcons fourth in a row, with Lind having played in all of them.

Montana Holmes, Lucia Fauonuku and Jane Cook have also been part of all four.

Lind said they were all special.

“All different, this one is good, but nothing beats the one against Geelong when we eight games in a row after we’d had a pretty poor season.

“We have a target on our back every week, we love the pressure, every win as good as the last.“

Lind said despite her injury concerns she’s keen to continue on next season.

“Definitely, nothing better to do,” she said. “As long as my calves hold up.”

Four straight for Falcons

By Tara Murray

The City West Falcons had to use every trick in the book to claim a remarkable fourth straight Victorian Netball League championship on Wednesday night.

Already the most successful club in VNL history,theFalconspulledoffasecondhalf comeback that will go up among their best in history.

The minor premiers were down and out for the count in the first half against the Hawks in the grand final.

After losing to the Hawks in the semi finals, the side’s only loss of the year, the Falcons found themselves down by nine goals in the second quarter on Wednesday night.

The young Hawks were up and about and the Falcons looked headed for grand final heartache.

That’s the beauty of the team. Everyone got on, everyone played a role

- Maggie Lind

There was a pulse and things started to turn to the Falcons way.

It was back to just three goals at the final break with the Falcons crowd getting into the game.

The Falcons hit the front in the last quarter before it was back on the centre pass.

It gave the Hawks the opportunity to win the game in the final minute.

But a missed shot from Jessica Tetley was rebounded by Charity Nasalio and it was quickly done to Jane Cook to put the Falcons in front.

Cook would score the sealer in the dying seconds, with the Falcons winning 60-58.

Falcons coach and birthday girl, Marg Lind, said it was pretty incredible what they had done.

“I can’t believe that,” she said. “It nearly caused a heartache on the bench for a number of the staff.

“All the homework we did, we threw out the door as it wasn’t working. We had to swallow our pride and rethink it

“I thought we were done and was philosophising on the bench thinking we weren’t going to come back from this.

“Then just this little piece of hope and it came.”

Lind said she felt quite confident coming into the game that they would win, but was rethinking her thoughts midway through the game.

She said the Hawks came ready to play.

“I thought they were outstanding and they played a really smart game in the first half,” she said. “We didn’t react early enough, it was that momentum in the second half.

“We got a bit of momentum and I think our experience in the end really counted for something in that last five minutes.

“It was really hard to watch.”

Lind said the message to the group at half time was about reducing the margin to four goals heading into the final quarter to give themselves a chance, which they did.

While they had momentum, Lind wasn’t suretheywouldhavethelegstorunoutthe game.

Adding to the drama, Falcons centre Montana Holmes left the court with a foot injury in the third quarter.

Lind admitted afterwards they believe that Holmes had torn her plantar fasciitis.

Maggie Lind has been battling a tibialis

posterior muscle injury and shouldn’t haven’t been playing.

Jane Cook revealed after the game that she had also injured her hamstring in the Hawks semi final loss.

“We were cooked and I think they were cooked too,” Lind said. “Everyone threw so much at it, the last quarter was just a drag.

“It was who could get the opportunity when it counted. We got that one little opportunity.”

Lind said the moment she felt they would get the win was when goal attack Olivia Cameron picked up a turnover late in the piece.

Cameron finished with four goals from five attempts after playing three and half quarters was named player of the match.

“I thought Jane [Cook] and Liv were our two best on,” Lind said. “We beat Boroondara with Maddie [Romios] and really did not give Liv much opportunity but tonight [Wednesday] it was the reverse.

“That’s the beauty of the team. Everyone got on, everyone played a role.”

The move of Lucia Fauonuku into wing defence in the second quarter also played

a key in the turnaround. Cook finished the game with 55 goals for the Falcons.

Lind was full of praise for the crowd.

“When they started shouting defence we started to get a little bit more turnover,” she said. “We knew we needed a good crowd and we prepped that as well.

“Altona Netball Association, all their staff were sitting behind the nets.

“The feeling of community makes the club special and helped us get the win.”

Lind admits she could have never imagined winning four straight premierships at the start of the season.

Soli Ropati and Mel Oloamanu both missed the whole season with injuries, while Uneeq Palavi didn’t play a game due to SSN commitments.

“It’s really rewarding,” Lind said. “It’s been a great team this year, going undefeated [in the regular season.

“Theyaregoodfriendsthatpaidoffinthe end.”

It’s the first time they won four in row andit’stheirninthtopflightchampionship overall.

Sharks big finals win, now ready for the next challenge

Hillside has ticked off a finals win and now is focused on bigger things in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division.

For all the success that the Sharks have had the past two years, a finals win wasn’t somethingthatithadbeenabletoachieve.

That changed on Saturday as they easily accounted for Essendon Doutta Stars in an eliminationfinal.

Thetwosidesfacedeachotherinthefinal round of the season and it was much of the sameastheSharkswon15.16(106)-1.1(7).

Sharks coach Blaise Ferraro said it was prettymassiveforthegroup.

“It’s definitely a bit of a reward for the last couple of seasons,” he said. “Even though we finished higher last season, we are still inthesamegameoftheseason.

“It’s a much better feeling going into the game after kicking 100 points than going in afterlosing.

While the Stars were missing a few, the Sharks focused on their game and tried to stickwithwhatworkedforthem.

They jumped out to a 23-0 first quarter

lead and made it 46 points heading into the mainbreak.

It was much the same in the second half as they kicked at least three goals in every quarter.

“We focused on what we needed to do,” Ferraro said. “There was a good vibe taken intothegame.

“We played pretty well. We had a lot of rotations and everyone was on the same page.

“We moved the ball well despite it being quite congested and we were able to keep hittingthescoreboard.”

Caitlin Sargent kicked eight goals in the bestongroundperformance.

Ferrarosaiditwasniceforhertogetsome continuity with her football and put out a performancelikethat.

“Her and Patty [Emily Paterno] take turns each week,” he said. “It’s good as whichever oneisonthatday,welooktofeedthem.”

Kiara Rigg kicked three goals for the Sharks as well in a pleasing performance as shecamebackintotheteam.

Ferraro said she really sets the vibe in the

front half for the Sharks when she is up and going.

AnneGrayandAnnaliseWilkiewerealso busy in the middle of the ground for the Sharks.

It was a good weekend for the Sharks, with their women’s reserves side beating Aberfeldietowinthroughtothegrandfinal.

The Sharks kicked a goal with less than twominutesontheclocktosealthewin.

The Sharks seniors now face Aberfeldie in the preliminary final for a second straight seasoninthepreliminaryfinal.

Aberfeldie lost the qualifying final to Oak ParkonSaturday.

Abers has a 2-1 record this year against theSharks.

Ferraro said they would look to change a fewthings.

“Mo Hope has killed us the last two times, so we need to shut her down,” he said.“HavingMakaylahBrnebackfromthe WesternJetshelpsusacrosshalfback.

“We’ve got a bit more fitness into the playersandhopefullykeepupwiththemfor fourquarters.”

Lions into decider

By Tara Murray

TaylorsLakesisembracingtheopportunity after winning through to its first Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 grand final.

In just their second season in having a standalone side, the Lions have won through to the final day of the season.

After a first up finals loss to Gisborne-Kyneton United, the Lions faced the Sunbury Kangaroos on Saturday in the preliminary final.

Like the Lions, the Kangaroos were aiming for their first grand final.

It was a fast start for the Lions and it was what would be the difference in the end. They led all day and were able to hold off the Kangaroos in the last quarter, winning 6.5 (41)-4.4 (28).

Lions coach Joseph Antonetti said it was an amazing feeling.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. “I said to thematthestartofthepre-seasonit’sabout being in the last game of the year.

“Throughout the season it might seem further away than other times. We were abletoputitalltogetheranditwasourbest all-round performance.

“We set it up in the first half and were able to hold on.”

Antonetti said they had learned a numberofvaluablelessonsthroughoutthe seasonandhadputthemalltogetherwhen it counted.

TheLionskickedtheopeningthreegoals of the game as they used the wind to their advantage.

A goal just before half time gave the side even more momentum heading into the main break.

“Our tackling pressure was really good and we didn’t let them have time with the ball,” Antonetti said.

“Wewantedtocomeoutinthefirstreally strong and not think about what has come before.

“We have some really young kids and they stepped up and didn’t take a backwards step.

“It was awesome.”

Havingincreasedthemarginto28points at the last break, Antonetti said they knew that the Kangaroos would still come hard at them in the final quarter.

Hesaidtheyhadtostayfocuseduntilthe end.

“We knew they would come and needed to put the same effort in for the full game,” he said.

“We thought we had done enough but

Amelia Alexander. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 492156_02

therewasstilltimeforthemtogetbackinto the game.

“We were able to hold them off.”

Stefania Valerio kicked two goals for the Lions and was named amongst the best with Emma Villani and Rebecca Foggie.

The Lions now face Gisborne-Kyneton United in the grand final on Saturday.

Antonetti said they were not trying to think about the grand final too much and

Saints, Lions miss the finals

St Albans and Taylors Lakes have fallen just short of finals in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition.

The two teams started the final round outside the top five and both needed a win and a Craigieburn loss if they were to have any chance of moving into the top five.

While the Saints snuck home against Roxburgh Park on Saturday, Craigieburn upset Avondale Heights to seal its finals berth.

The Saints had to work hard for a final round win against the bottom placed Magpies.

The Magpies led early and were able to hold onto the lead until the third quarter.

St Albans kicked five goals in the third quarter as the Magpies missed opportunities to take a three point lead into the final break.

The Saints kicked the first two goals of the final quarter through Andre Srour to take the lead out to 15 points.

The Magpies kept coming but ran out of time, as the Saints held on to win, 11.9 (75)-9.18 (72).

Lachlan Calder was the only multiple goal kicker for the Saints with two.

Former skipper Jack Sims in his final game was named best on ground.

The Saints finished percentage outside the top five.

Taylors Lakes finished its season with a loss to longtime rival Hillside.

While the Lions upset the Sharks last time, there would be no repeat this time round.

The Sharks led 31-1 and kept the momentum going on to a 15.15 (105)-6.5 (41) win.

Josh Covelli finished with six goals with Sulaiman Elleissy named the Sharks best.

Bowey Larizza was named the Lions best.

wanted to enjoy the experience.

“Making a grand final doesn’t come aroundeveryweek,”hesaid.“Wearegoing out to win it.

“It’saboutputtingfourquarterstogether.

“We need to bring the same tackling pressure and sustain it for as long as we can.

“They are the best team in the competition.”

The Sharks win was enough for them to secure third spot and the double chance.

In division 2, a final round win for Keilor Park sealed third spot and first week of the finals off. It will play Westmeadows in a knockout semi final the following week.

Bears into granny after another strong performance

BurnsideHeightshotfinalsformcontinued on Saturday as it won through to a second straight Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 grand final.

The Bears slowly built throughout the season and have produced their best two performances of the season come finals.

After a flawless first half in the elimination final, the Bears produced their best team performance of the season to knock off Keilor Park in the preliminary final.

Bears coach Michael Davis couldn’t be happier with his side.

“I thought we could win and believed thatwewouldwin,butIdidn’texpecttoget 53 points on them,” he said.

“Everyone played their role and they were led by Kayla [Ravanello] with her leadership skills.

“Kiara Asani-Davis controlled the ruck and we controlled up forward.

“It was the best team performance we’ve had.”

The Devils, who hadn’t lost to the Bears

entering the preliminary final, kicked with the wind in the first quarter and led by eight points at quarter time.

The Bears used the wind well in the second quarter to open up a 21-point lead heading into the main break.

After half time it was all the Bears.

Theykickedtwogoalsinthethirdquarter to increase the lead before finishing off with three final quarter goals to seal a 9.7 (61)-1.2 (8) win.

TheDevilsdidn’tscoreafterquartertime as the Bears defence locked in.

Isabelle Young was the only multiple goal kicker for the Bears with two goals.

Davis was full of praise for his whole squad.

He said Abbey O’Mara was strong in the middle, while Nikkita Asani-Davis controlled the backline and laid a big tackle that got them going.

Holly McGregor, Krissy Trang and Ravanello did what they normally do.

Davis said the biggest thing for the side was the growth that they’ve had this year.

“The kids are coming up,” he said.

“Taylia Iglesia, Hannah Seward. They are stepping up and filling holes which is what we’ve been talking about for two years.

“There’s that next player up mentality and it gives us more run and availability to do different things.”

Antonietta Parisi, Talisa Bartolo and Taylor Evans were named the Devils best. Parisi was the goalkicker for the Devils.

The Bears now face Strathmore in the grand final on Saturday.

The Mores are looking to complete the perfect season.

Davis said this was the one they’d been looking for all season.

“We lost people at the end of last season and people said they didn’t know what to expect,’ he said.

“That is what we used and round 10 was the focus on playing better footy and we started to do that.”

Georgies celebrate

By Tara Murray

Caroline Springs George Cross held its nerve to secure the Steph Catley Plate for the first time.

The cup is for the highest state league teamsleftintheNikeF.CCupcompetition.

The final between the Georgies and the Manningham United Blues was a thriller.

Minami Yamasaki opened the scoring in the first minute of the game for the Georgies, giving them the perfect start.

The Blues hit back in the dying minutes to send the game straight to penalties, with the Georiges winning the plate, 4-3 on penalties.

Georgies general manager Liza Djuric said it was the first plate win for their women’s side. She said they felt confident that the group could get the job done.

“We have been building for the last five yearssincemovingtoCityVista,”shesaid.

“We have really tried to build the foundations of the program from the grassroots up to senior football.

“This year is one of the strongest years

that we’ve had. There is great belief in the girls and great coaching staff and support.

“Everyone has come together.”

Djuric said walking into the halls of the home of Matildas was pretty special for the group having never been on that stage before.

She said being in that environment was something different and a a really good feeling for the club.

Davide Gualtieri took over as coach this season.

Gualtieri said he always had confidence in the playing group despite a couple of injuries at training on Thursday night.

“Weputourselvesunderalotofpressure and we want to get the Georgies’ women’s sidewheretheybelong,inahighergrade,” he said.

“Our senior team is third, our reserves are second and we’ve now won the cup.

WewanttobringtheGeorgiestotheNPL.”

Gualtieri said he would normally prefer to pass from where the opening shot was, but Yamasaki decided to take the risk and it paid off.

“I couldn’t be angry with her,” he said.

Brookers nab

fifth after win

A final round win ensured that Braybrook would play finals in the Western Football League division 2 competition.

The Brookers were in the box seat for the fifth final heading into the final round, but faced a tough challenge against the Suns.

WithAlbanvalelosing,theBrookers match against the Suns didn’t matter in terms of ladder position, but will give them confidence as the two sides play each other again in an elimination final.

The Brookers led at quarter time before scores were level at half time with both sides wasteful in front of goal.

It was just eight points the difference heading into the final quarter, with both sides again missing opportunities.

TheBrookersfinallygotgoinginthe lastquarterastheykicked8.1to4.3to come away with a 13.17 (95)-8.17 (65) win.

Brandon Austin and Jack Vivian kicked three goals each for the Brookers.

North Footscray and West Footscray will play in the qualifying final in the other opening round final match.

Gualtieri said they felt they dominated the game but weren’t able to make the most of their opportunities.

It kept the door open for the Blues who equalised in the 87th minute.

Gualtieri said he was glad there was no extra time.

“It was hot and sunny and the girls were tired,” he said. “The girls that took the penalties were 19, 20, 21 and 23.

“They are very young and they had to step up and take responsibility which made it even greater.”

Gualtieri,whohadbeenassistantcoach when Essendon Royals won the trophy a couple of years ago, said a lot of hard work had been put in to get them to this spot.

While the Georgies have won the plate, there’s still plenty of work to do.

TheycurrentlysitsecondontheFVstate league 1 north-west ladder, four points behind Clifton Hill.

Only the top side earns promotion.

Djuric said they know it will be tough but winning the plate will definitely add more motivation and drive for the group.

Wyndhamvale will have the the week off after claiming the minor premiership.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing end to the season for Sunshine Heights and Albanvale.

The Dragons proved no match for North Footscray, losing 14.17 (101)-.10 (52) after trailing all day.

John Whitehouse and Jacob Poa were named the Dragons best.

Albanvale never got going against Wyndhamvale, losing 17.20 (122)-1.3 (9).

The Cobras only goal came in the final quarter.

In division 1, Albion’s finals hopes are all but over after losing to Point Cook on Saturday.

A win would have left the Cats equal on points with Spotswood heading into the final round.

But instead after the 8.10 (58)-5.7 (37) loss to Bulldogs means they are a game and nearly 24 per cent outside the top five.

Albion faces Hoppers Crossing in the final round.

TIPPING 2025