Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 2nd December 2025

Serving our community with dedication and expertise

By Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch

As your local Member of Parliament, one of my greatest privileges is leading an office that is firmly focused on supporting our constituents, advocating for our community, and delivering outcomes that make a real difference in people’s daily lives. Every day, residents reach out to my office seeking help, advice, or guidance, and I am proud that we are known as a place where people feel heard, respected, andsupported.

My office handles a wide range of inquiries from urgent issues with state government departments, to complex matters involving housing, public transport, education, community safety, healthservicesandmore.

Whether someone is struggling with a government process, needs assistance navigating an agency, or simply wants to raise an idea or concern, we are here to help. No matter how small or challenging themattermayseem,ourgoalisalwaysthe same: to ensure every constituent receives timely, professional, and compassionate assistance.

What truly allows us to meet this commitment is the exceptional team working alongside me. I am incredibly fortunate to have a group of highly knowledgeable, skilled, and dedicated staff who approach every case with both expertiseandempathy.

My team bring a deep understanding of government systems, strong problem-solving abilities, and a genuine

passionforservingourcommunity.

Fromhandlingcaseworkandcommunity issues, to preparing briefings, organising events, supporting local groups, and keepingresidentsinformedmystaffarethe backbone of our office. They consistently go above and beyond to ensure that constituents get the support they need. Many people who contact us comment on howhelpfulandthoroughourteamis,and thatissomethingIamextremelyproudof.

Our work extends beyond resolving individual matters. We are committed to advocating for better services, infrastructure, and opportunities across our electorate. Every phone call, every community visit, and every conversation helps shape the priorities that I take to Parliamentonyourbehalf.

My office is here for you. If you ever needassistance,advice,orsupport,please know that I and my team are only a phone call or email away. Together, we will continue working to deliver outcomes that strengthenandupliftourcommunity.

MyofficeislocatedonCommercialRoad, CarolineSpringsandweareopenMonday - Friday 9am to 5pm, why not drop by one daytosayhi?

To join our mailing list and keep up with local news please email kororoit. electorate@parliamnt.vic.gov.au or phone 8361-7133

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch (centre) with a group of constituents at Parliament House. (Supplied)

Spectrum of festive colours

Christmas cheer has arrived in Fraser Rise as a local family’s glowing display shines light on a good cause.

The Selle family has put on Christmas displays for five years, donating money raised by visitors to charity organisations.

Resident Patrick Selle said the show is very interactive.

“We started with a humble set up and every year it’s got better and better. We started introducing Santa visits on the weekends,” Mr Selle said.

“It was really just adding value back to the community. It’s always been for kids.”

This year’s display promises even grander moments with the family putting on a full light, sound and snow show.

“We’ve brought in some snow cannons

from overseas we’re using… We’ve got penguins, we’ve got a lot of snowmen there,” Mr Selle said.

“Peoplecancomein,takeaphotoinour snow village.”

Mr Selle encouraged locals visiting the display to make a donation to the Royal Children’s Hospital via a fundraising campaign.

“Everyone’s welcome. We just want it to be for the community and a celebration for everyone,” he said.

The light, sound and snow shows run for ten minutes and begin at 8.30pm and 9.30pm at 7 Spectrum Drive, Fraser Rise, showing predominantly on Friday and Saturday nights.

Donations: shorturl.at/tJoF7

• Reverse Cycle Air Con

• Stone Benchtops

• 900mm Westingate Appliances

• Timber Look Flooring

• Downlights throughout

• Full Landscaping

A hot summer of reading

Brimbank bookworm Stuart is gearing up for a big summer of reading.

The four-year-old will participate in his first Big Summer Read, a challenge run by Public Libraries Victoria, which encourages youngsters aged up to 18 to pick up more books during the holiday period.

Participants log their finished books into an online portal and go in the draw to win prizes.

Stuart said he loves reading.

“A lot of books! All of the books,” he said when asked what his favourite book was.

Mum Donna Coutts said she signed up to the challenge to avoid a summer reading slump.

“The Big Summer Read is something to keep us engaged with reading and learning,” she said.

Ms Coutts began sharing her love for reading with Stuart when he was very young.

“He’s got my books from when I was a kid … He often reads books by himself in his room,” she said.

Locals can sign up online with Brimbank libraries for the Big Summer Read, which runs from 1 December to 31 January.

Details: readbooks.com.au/bsr

Trading troubles

By Sam Porter

food truck owner Michael Athanatos was initially optimistic about extending the trading permit for his family-owned business, Taste of Cyprus, at Green Gully Reserve.

He’d just finished a successful one-month trialperiodatthesiteinmid-Novemberand contactedBrimbankcounciltoaskwhatthe next steps would be for trading.

He said he was verbally told his permit would be approved to operate at the site for another year.

However, days later he received an email

saying the permit could not be renewed for the Green Gully Reserve site due to an official objection received by council to the selling of hot food at the location.

In an email seen by StarWeekly , council said “the grounds for objection were consideredbymanagementandwerefound to be valid”.

Mr Athanatos was not provided with any additional details as to what the objection was about.

“At the moment we’re closed … It is frustrating because it doesn’t just affect me as a business but the staff I’m hiring as well,” Mr Athanatos said. “For me it was just

excuses … It feels like the council doesn’t even care about small businesses. If I was a different person, I’d give up.”

Mr Athanatos said he’d worked hard to build customer loyalty in the area.

“I bring people to the area at the same time … We’ve got great local support,” he said.

The local community quickly rallied behind Taste of Cyprus, with a petition receiving more than 340 signatures to help the business stay at Green Gully Reserve.

On social media, locals also shared their support.

One commenter wrote, “you can’t catch

a break. Keep going! You’ve got this and we will continue supporting”.

The business has previously provided struggling families with free souvlakis during the Covid lockdown period and cost of living crisis.

“I do give back to the community,” Mr Athanatossaid.“Reconsider.Atleastgiveus a chance, at least for a year.”

Council declined to comment, citing privacy regulations restricting it from commenting on the status of individual applications.

Council confirmed it had not formally received a petition on the matter.

Cats contained in new plan

A new cat containment initiative will be introduced to Brimbank next year under council’s Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for 2026-2029, which was adopted in the November council meeting.

The cat containment initiative, proposed to be fully operative by 2028, would require that all cats be contained to the property of their owners at all times.

According to council, the initiative aims to reduce roaming, prevent nuisance complaints, protect local wildlife, and limit overpopulation caused by unplanned breeding.

Implementation would follow extensive

community education and guidance, along with a transition period commencing in July, 2026.

Council said it recognises the initiative will bring additional financial costs to owners as well as drastic changes to cat ownership practices but said the transition period will allow cat owners necessary time to carry out works required to contain their cats to their properties.

As part of the DAMP, council will also exploretheintroductionofasubsidiseddog trainingprogramtosupportresponsiblepet ownership following an increase in reports of dog aggression, often linked to limited

training and socialisation.

The DAMP outlines a range of programs, services and strategies which council said are designed to reduce overpopulation and high euthanasia rates for cats and dogs, increase registration and microchipping, and support compliance with animal management laws.

Council also said the new DAMP aims to ensure animal control services meet community needs, manage dangerous and restricted breed dogs, and minimise the risk of dog attacks on people and animals.

Outgoing Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said the plan reflects council’s commitment

St Albans mental health hospital reopens

A new 21-bed hospital, which will provide private mental health services to residents in Melbourne’s west, has opened in St Albans.

The Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital (SCPV) reopened on Wednesday 26 November under a new 15-year lease with Australian Unity, one year after Sunshine Private Hospital, operated by a different tenant, entered administration

TheSCPVwillprovideinpatientservices and outpatient day programs to diagnose and treat a broad range of mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD

andaddictionandsubstanceusedisorders.

SCPV chief executive Joy Schaffner said the demand for mental health services in the west is increasing.

“We know that there’s a real gap in mental health services, particularly in the private sector, in the west,” Ms Schaffner said. “We want to be able to bridge the gap for patients to allow better access to world class mental health facilities.”

Ms Schaffner said residents living in Sunshine, St Albans, Deer Park, Caroline Springs and the broader western corridor often have to travel to Werribee, Essendon, inner Melbourne or the eastern suburbs

to receive specialist private mental health care.

“For many, unfortunately that distance becomes a barrier for seeking help,” she said.

“[SCPV]existstochangethat,toprovide the western suburbs with timely, local, high-quality mental health services close to home and tailored to the community we serve.”

Western Metropolitan region MP and former Brimbank councillor Truung Luu said the hospital’s reopening was a “major milestone” and a “cornerstone of support in our region.”

Melton line contract awarded, works start soon

The state government has announced the contract for the Melton line upgrade has now been awarded, as works on the project this month.

John Holland, Kellogg Brown and Root (KBR), Metro Trains Melbourne and V/ Line have been awarded the contract to deliver the $650 million project, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.

According to the state government, the Melton line upgrade will boost passenger capacity along the Melton

Line by 50 per cent.

The upgrade will also ensure that from 2027, modern and accessible nine-car VLocity trains will be running, paving the way for future Melton Line electrification.

The project will extend platforms at Cobblebank, Rockbank, Caroline Springs and Deer Park stations, allowing the longer trains to park at the stations.

However, as reported by Star Weekly, platforms at Ardeer Station and Bacchus Marsh Station will no longer be extended

to responsible pet ownership.

“This plan will help our community enjoy the many benefits of pet ownership, while reducing nuisance behaviours and promotingresponsibleandconsideratecare for animals,” Cr Dang said.

“It ensures we continue to support pets, their owners, and the broader community.”

The new plan was informed by communityfeedbackfrom206onlinesurvey responsesandanin-personlisteningpostat a local off-leash dog park last October. Accordingtocouncil,therearemorethan 3000 cats and over 6700 registered dogs in Brimbank.

Police briefs

Speedster charged Police have charged the driver of a vehicle which was allegedly speeding in Keilor Park on 27 November. Officers caught sight of a Volkswagen Golf travelling along the Western Ring Road about 11pm. The Volkswagen was allegedly spotted at speeds exceeding 220km/h with no headlights on. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle however the driver — an 18-year old Tarneit man — allegedly failed to stop and continued driving whilst weaving in and out of traffic. Air Wing came in to assist and the Volkswagen was followed to Furlong Road in Sunshine where officers successfully used stop sticks. The man was charged with numerous offences including dangerous driving while being pursued by police.

Pedestrian killed Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Brooklyn on 22 November. It is understood a car struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Geelong Road and Docklands Highway about 4.30am. The male pedestrian, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is assisting police with their enquires.

Pair arrested in drive-thru Police arrested a 39-year old man and 35-year old Werribee woman in an allegedly stolen car at a St Albans drive-thru. Officers were patrolling Paringa Drive when they observed the allegedly stolen Subaru about 1.50am on 26 November. They continued to follow the vehicle into a drive-thru bottle shop on Sunshine Avenue and attempted to intercept the car. The Subaru came to a dead-end and allegedly reversed into the police vehicle. Realising there was no way out, the driver and passenger allegedly attempted to run off but were quickly arrested. It is alleged the Subaru was stolen from Yarraville on 22 October.

Altona death

as part of original project plans.

A new train stabling yard at Cobblebankwillbeconstructed,withsite establishment works already underway.

The state government said the Cobblebank stabling yard will allow the new nine-car VLocity trains to start from first service to the city, improving reliabilityandfrequencybetweenMelton and Southern Cross.

Gorton MP Alice Jordan-Baird said the Melton line upgrade project is a critical investment for the western suburbs.

A man has died after being found with a gunshot wound in Altona. Emergency services were called to Second Avenue just after 3.30am on 25 November, where they located the man. The 26-year-old from Werribee died at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and are yet to determine if it is suspicious.

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Partnership helps local charity

A local charity organisation has said its new corporate partnership “means the world” to its workers and volunteers.

Melbourne Airport and Helping Hands Mission, with locations in Sunshine and Airport West, announced the new five-year partnership on Friday 21 November.

As part of the deal, Melbourne Airport will donate $30,000 annually for five years, and commit to a new five-year corporate volunteer program.

Helping Hands Mission chief executive Melanie Gill said the partnership will offer security for the future.

“To have a big business want to support a hands-on charity means the world to our team, especially our volunteers. It’s recognition for all the hard work they do,” she said.

“Running a food pantry is expensive. It costs us about $3 million dollars a year. And we’re lucky that we’re relatively

self-sufficient.”

The community pantries are supported by the op shops which are visited by around 1200 people a day.

“Demand [for food] is super high at the moment so to have some funding locked in for five years, that just makes an enormous difference.”

Melbourne Airport previously donated $15,000 to renovate the Helping Hands space in Sunshine.

“There’s a lot of need in Brimbank. In Sunshine there’s a lot of younger families with kids who need support,” Ms Gill said.

The corporate volunteer program will allow airport staff to be paid by their employer to work specific days at Helping Hands Mission.

“It’s literally helping hands,” Ms Gill said.

“We want to make sure they get a hands-on experience that reflects who we are as an organisation.”

BRIMBANK

Briefs

Confined canine

SES (State Emergency Service)

Brimbank and Essendon volunteers were called out to Deer Park on the night of Saturday 22 November in the rain to rescue a trapped dog. Kenji the shiba inu was found lodged between a garage and a fence and unable to get himself out. Volunteers accessed the neighbouring property to remove some fence panelling and rescued the pup. The fence was reassembled by volunteers following the dog’s rescue.

Pop-up donation centre

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging Brimbank locals to donate blood at its pop-up blood donation centre in Sunshine when it opens next month. According to Lifeblood, one in three people in Sunshine will need blood during their lives. And in Australia, one blood donation is needed every 24 seconds. Donating blood regularly is important as it only lasts 42 days after it’s donated. The Sunshine pop-up blood donation centre will be open from 8-12 December at the Croatian Catholic Centre, 22 Fitzgerald Road, Sunshine West, on 8 December, from 11.30am–7pm; 9 December, from 11am– 7pm; 10 and 11 December, from 9am–5pm; and 12 December, from 8am–3pm. Pre-book your spot at lifeblood.com.au, on the app or on 13 14 95.

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Delivering on Christmas

Australia Post’s Hoppers Crossing Delivery Centre is in the middle of its busiest time of year. Jaidyn Kennedy visited the team to get a peek at how they keep up with peak.

While the concept of mail itself is timeless, the way it is delivered is anything but.

AftermorethanthreedecadesatAustralia Post, Raymond Brown has seen first-hand how the delivery of mail has transformed.

“I have been in the job for 37 years, and 20 years ago, when I was a postie, your postie woulddeliveryourmail,theoddparcel,and your passport,” Mr Brown said.

“Then a guy in a van would pull up next and would deliver your parcel, another guy would deliver something else.

“Now, the postie can deliver it all. They have condensed their work area, but given them more to do in the area.“

Now the operations manager at the HoppersCrossingdeliverycentre,oneofthe busiest in that state with 141,000 addresses on its routes, devising ways to keep up with change is part and parcel of the job.

The busy season – or peak– is one of those things that keeps on changing Mr Brown said.

“Peak used to be December. Now, some years it will start in mid-November and then the next year it is the first week of November– so anytime October starts to come around, get ready for peak.”

We still have an obligation to the community because our grandma still posts a letter. We’ll get that letter to you for sure, but the rest of the community want their parcels

- Raymond Brown

Mr Brown said the global pandemic fundamentally changed consumer habits, and Australian retailers adopting the North American Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales that fall in late November super-charged online shopping.

“People stopped going to the shops – a lot of the older people still like going to the shops, but a lot of the younger ones just say I’ll shop online,” he said.

“Like anywhere in the world, someone says go a week earlier– we’ll get to the market.”

And if Australia Post’s latest quarterly eCommerce report is anything to go, the market is certainly in their catchment area.

The 3029 postcode, which includes Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Truganina, topped the list for online shopping nationwide.

Postcode 3030, home to Point Cook, Werribee and Werribee South, wasn’t far behind in fourth position.

Postcodes 3024, 3027 and 3028 in Wyndham and a small part of Hobsons Bay also fall under its catchment.

The centre delivered more than 2.8 million articles last peak, and is expecting a 20 per cent increase this season.

Delivery manager Alex Luca, who has been with the company for more than 40 years, said rapid population growth and shopping trends equate to having to hire three new people each year.

“Last year we delivered 501,000 small parcels and 635,000 large parcels and that was just in peak–like six weeks,” Mr Luca said.

“This year the expectation is for posties with the small parcels to go up to 572,000 and for the large parcels to be 660,000 – so there’s significant growth.”

Mr Brown said growing suburbs are not easy to keep up with.

“In the growth areas it’s still difficult because there might be a house at number one and then vacant land until number 17,” he said.

“You go down one street one day and you go down it a month later and you are like there are six new houses here.”

The map he put up in his office a year ago is living proof of that.

“I made that for me because we are in the process of change and I’m trying to capture the growth as it’s growing,” he said.

“It was great when I put it up 12 months ago, but I think I might have to go back to Melways and get another one.”

And while its been a while since Mr

Brown and Mr Luca were posties, but they still haven’t lost the sense of what it takes to get the job done.

Naturally, that starts with the mode of transport.

Australia Post has been rolling out new electric three-wheel bikes with built-in canopies, aptly named Rapide 3.

The vehicle can reach 80km/h, allowing posties to alternate between main roads and pedestrian paths.

Itcancarryupto150parcelsataonce,but there’s no avoiding having to cut inventory at times.

“They can only carry so much on the vehicle, so we send it out in bags and they gettothatpointwiththegreenbin,getwhat is left and keep going,” Mr Brown said.

The expansion of 24-hour parcel lockers have been one of the ways to meet the consumer half way – especially as their habits have changed.

“Yougethomeat7pm–postofficeisshut–ah great, I can go to the parcel locker and scan, Mr Brown said.

And as parcel numbers continue to surge, Mr Brown said Australian Post still takes its obligations to letters seriously.

“We don’t forget this [letters], but we work reallyhardtosustaintheparcelvolume,”he said.

“We still have an obligation to the community because our grandma still posts a letter.

“We’llgetthatlettertoyouforsure,butthe rest of the community want their parcels.”

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Pathology people power

By Christopher Carter, CEO, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Being a passive patient can be very frustrating. Not knowing what’s making you feel ill, waiting to be told by your GP or specialist, and then waiting again to be told whattodonextcanmakeyoufeelpowerless.

It’s been recognised for a long time that putting decisions back into a patient’s hands – by making them a key part of their own care team – can lead to much better outcomes.

It’s cliché, but a true one: knowledge is power. The more information – reliable, evidence-backed information – that a patient has, the better the questions they can ask their care team.

Important changes introduced a couple of weeks ago by the Australian Government go a long way towards making sure people have access to information about their own health.

Pathology tests are a big part of health care. We get tested for all sorts of things –sometimes, multiple times within a short period.

But until now, once you’ve had the test done you’ve had to wait to find out the results. There’s always a bit of time needed forthepathologylabstoanalysesamples,of course, but then the real waiting starts.

TheresultsgotoyourGPoryourspecialist and sometimes days pass before you’re able to discover what they’ve found. That can be frustrating, and worrying.

But now – no more.

Changes to how pathology results are distributed mean that your results are uploaded to your centralised health record – known, predictably, as My Health Record

– at the same time they land in your GP’s inbox.

My Health Record is also linked to an app, called – you guessed it – my health. Test results will also be uploaded there, for people who prefer that kind of thing.

Of course, it is vitally important for every one of us to discuss any results with a GP or specialist before making any decisions. But this new immediate access makes it easiertodoso,becauseyouarebothlooking

at the same data.

It means patients have more information. And that means deeper understanding, smarter questions, and more meaningful conversations.

It’s important to know that this system isn’t fully automatic. As a patient, you can always tell the pathologist that you want the results of any particular tests kept private –and they won’t be uploaded.

But this change also means that if

Festive craft to bring Christmas cheer

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.

Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting.

Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary.

This month, Stephanie is creating mini Christmas trees.

Mini Christmas Tree

Materials

Green and white yarn

Styrofoam cone

Coloured felt

Equipment

Glue

Scissors

Needle

Step 1: Wrap the green yarn around the entire styrofoam cone, securing it with glue as you go until the cone is completely covered.

Step 2: Cut the coloured felt into strips, then trim them into small squares. Thread the white yarn through the needle, and string the felt squares onto it to create a festive garland.

Step 3: Attach one end of the garland to the base of the tree with glue. Wrap it gently around the cone, securing it in place as you go.

Step 4: Finish your tree by gluing the glitter foam star to the top.

Scan the QR code and follow the links for more creative fun.

managing your health means you have to bounce around between your GP, a hospital and some outpatient clinics, the information they all might need is in your digital record. This ensures that everyone in your health care team is in the loop – and that you can make sure of this.

If you’re not sure whether your My Health Record is fully set up, it’s easy to check. Just go to the My Health Record website and follow the instructions.

Faces of the west

Each week StarWeekly photographers are out and about capturing events and people across the west. Keep an eye on this new weekly section for faces you may know.

Celebrate Christmas cheer

Western Eagles Football Club is inviting locals to its Carols by Candlelight event taking place next month.

Juniors president Richard Gill said the event is also a way to celebrate the year as well as Christmas.

“It’s the first time the club is running an event like this and it’s a good opportunity to get everyone together and have a wonderful night out on the grass,” Mr Gill said.

The picnic-style event will be held at the venue’s pitches with a stage for live entertainment.

“We’ve got a few performers coming along. We’ve got a Polish band and a Polish boys choir and we’ve got DJs,” Mr Gill said. “A couple of our own players and families are doing some entertaining as well.

“People can bring a picnic blanket, some

chairs and enjoy it.”

The club’s canteen will be open, selling hot food items including kransky sausages, hot chips and chicken nuggets.

Mr Gill said the family-friendly club has alwaysbeenheavilyinvolvedwiththelocal community.

“We’re a multicultural club and community involvement means a lot to the club,” he said. “We have people from all around the surrounding areas that come to the club and we’d like to make ourselves known in the community.”

The club’s Carols by Candlelight event will begin at 5.30pm on Saturday 13 December at the Polish Club Albion, 19 Carrington Drive, Albion.

“Come along for a relaxed evening and a social atmosphere, and come celebrate the spirit and joys of Christmas,” Mr Gill said.

Tachos elected new mayor

By Sam Porter

Independent councillor Virginia Tachos has been elected Brimbank mayor for the next 12 months.

The third term councillor was elected mayor at a council meeting on Tuesday 25 November, after defeating Cr Katharine Nikolic by six votes to five.

CrMariaKerrwillserveasdeputymayor for the next 12 months, after the Liberal councillor defeated Cr Duyen Anh Pham also by six votes to five.

Cr Tachos, who will serve her first term as mayor, said she was thrilled, humbled and honoured to serve her community.

“I know that I will do my utmost and work assiduously for the community,” Cr Tachos said.

MY PLACE

Tamara Carr is the new manager at Tin Shed in St Albans. She spoke to Sam Porter about her new role and her connection to the community.

What’s your connection to Brimbank? I’ve had a strong connection to Brimbank since childhood. Most of my family grew up here, and I went to high school in Sunshine. Even though I moved away for a few years, I always felt drawn back and eventually returned in 2007. In 2020, during the height of Covid, I started a charity supporting people in St Albans experiencing insecure housing. The Tin Shed quickly became a place where outreach services, volunteers, and community members could come together—andthat’swheremyconnection tothisorganisationreallybegan.

How are you feeling about being the new Tin Shed manager?

Stepping into the manager role is both exciting and deeply meaningful. We’re fortunate to have a wonderful team of dedicated volunteers who inspire me every day. Brimbank has shaped so much of who I am, and having the opportunity to give back in this way feels incredibly special.

“I’m not going to shy away from the challenges either because people know that I’ve been very open and outspoken on

things like contamination, particularly in my ward, in Kealba.

“Gambling harm is another [issue] I’m really passionate about, and minimising the harm so that our community has the opportunity to thrive.

“Brimbankisenteringanenergisingnew chapter, and I’m committed to guiding council to create a more liveable, inclusive and opportunity-ready city.”

Crs Kerr, Joh Bauch, Victoria Borg, Daniel Kruk and Lucy Nguyen voted in supportofCrTachos,whileCrsPham,Kim ThienTruong,ThuyDangandRankaRasic voted for Cr Nikolic.

Cr Tachos was first elected to council in 2016.

Inherspeech,CrTachosspokeaboutthe experiences that shaped her dedication to

What do you like about where you live?

I live in Broadmeadows, and I love how convenient it is. Everything is right at my fingertips–publictransport,shopping,the freeway, restaurants, the aquatic centre, schools, and so much more. Living out in BroadmeadowsfeelsmuchlikeBrimbank with just how accessible services are and communitywelcomingitis.

What would you change about where you live?

I think we all have things we’d change

about where we live, but honestly, I’m grateful to have a safe roof over my head – especially with the housing challenges many people are facing right now. Being manager at Tin shed and seeing how the housing and cost of living has impacted our communities has made me feel so much more blessed to have what I have.

What’s your favourite local place to spend time?

Honestly, it’s the Tin Shed. The volunteer team is amazing, and it’s a joy to be

public service.

“Growing up in a working-class migrant family shaped who I am. My father, a staunch unionist who tragically lost his life to workplace-related cancer, inspired mylifelongcommitmenttostandingupfor people whose voices aren’t being heard,” she said.

“Every part of my journey – from raising a family in the west, to working across the corporate, not-for-profit and disability sectors – has strengthened my commitment to this community I love so deeply.”

On social media, Cr Kerr said she looks forward to serving alongside Cr Tachos.

“...I’m committed to working hard to ensure our community’s priorities are heard,” Cr Kerr wrote.

surrounded by people who are so dedicated to serving the community. I get to spend time with community members who drop in for programs, communitylunches,afriendlychat,food relief, or outreach services. It’s a place full of heart, and I feel lucky to be part of it.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?

People are often surprised to learn that I joined the Army Reserves at 19. I was based at the Duke Street barracks in Sunshine with 5/6 RVR A Company. My time in the ADF was one of the best experiences of my life—full of learning, discipline, and very fond memories. In the ADF I ranked up to Corporal and moved to Norforce in Darwin for 2 years. Ibelievethishelpedshapemyleadership skills.

Any plans for the Tin Shed you’d like to share?

One of my priorities is to create more opportunities for people in our community to share their talents and get involved in ways that inspire them. Whether it’s through social media, peer support, mums and bubs groups, or creative projects like art exhibitions, film, or photography—there’s a place for everyone here.

IwanttheTinShedtobeaspacewhere we showcase local strengths, celebrate culture, build confidence, and empower each other to thrive. I’m looking forward to building partnerships, expanding programs, and creating more opportunitiesforourdiversecommunity toconnect,learn,grow,andcelebrateour cultures together.

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

Deer Park Christmas Carols

Sunshine Community Brass (Band) and the Lions Club of Deer Park present Christmas Carols 2025, to be held at Sassella Park, 119 Station Road, Deer Park on Saturday 6 December, including a visit from Santa, face-painting, a wheelbarrow raffle, glo-sticks, glo-bracelets, Lions Christmas cakes and a traditional barbecue. The fun starts at 7pm. Free entry and BYO chairs.

Sunshine Plaza Christmas Carols

Join the festive fun at Sunshine Plaza as local school choirs perform your favourite Christmas carols. The free event will run from 11am-2pm on 4 December at Sunshine Plaza, 324-328 Hampshire Road, Sunshine. Find the stage inside Sunshine Plaza Hampshire Road entrance, next to the Sunshine Plaza News and Lotto.

 reception@sunshineplazasc.com.au

Christmas Village Night Market

Shop local and support small businesses. The market will run on Wednesday 3 December, from 6 to 9pm, at Keilor Bowls Club, 2 Mercedes Street, Keilor. Entry is a gold coin donation, which goes to a different charity each month.

Community Repair and Recycle Day

Clear out your clutter and join Brimbank council and local e-waste recycler

ReSource for a free community event offering Brimbank residents the chance to recycle tricky household items and access safe disposal and repair services. This event is for household quantities only. No commercial waste will be accepted. Bring proof of Brimbank address. The event will run from 10am-3pm on Saturday 6 December at Victoria University Carpark, St Albans Campus. University Boulevard, St Albans.

 environment@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Brimbank Libraries Christmas Show

Celebrate the festive season with Brimbank

Libraries at a joyful, theatre-style Christmas Storytime event for young children and their families. This extra-special storytime session features Christmas-themed picture books, singalongs, and surprise visits from favourite characters. The show will run from 10.30-11.30am on Tuesday 9 December at the Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess Street, St Albans.  creative@brimbank.vic.gov.au

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

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

50 years ago

3 December, 1975

Sunshine’s rates will rise by twenty per cent this year. This will mean that residentswillpayanaverageof$25per householdextrain1975/6.

30 years ago

5 December 1995

Reports of a scaling down of the operations of Neil Thomas Ministries should be treated with caution, according to Pascoe Vale State MP KelvinThomson.

Deer Park Probus Club

The Deer Park Probus Club meets at the Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, Deer Park on the second Wednesday of the month from February to December. Meet at 10am followed by lunch available from 12pm. The club offers bus trips, lunches, morning melodies etc. New members welcome.

 0427 495 584

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, from 2-3pm, at Deer Park library. Bookings are not essential, but please feel free to register your interest.

 library@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Create & Chat

Over 50’s club

The Keilor Over 50’s Recreation Club meets at Kealba Hall, 24 McShane Drive, Kealba, on Tuesdays, from 10am-3pm, and Wednesdays, from 7-10pm. Have a coffee and a chat, play social table tennis, pool and card games, go on organised outings and enjoy barbecues. First two visits are free then annual membership fees apply.

 Graeme, 0404 809 640, keilorover50@ gmail.com, or www.keilorover50.com.au

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

Dig out your craft projects and get inspiration from fellow like-minded crafters with the create and chat sessions at Sunshine Library, from 10-11am, on the first Tuesday of every month. All skill levels are welcome.

 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

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

20 years ago

6 December, 2005

New Grasslands Ward councillor Ken Capar is a highly relieved man after the Victorian Electoral Commission ordered a recount of ballot papers becauseoftheclosenessoftheelection resultforhisposition.

10 years ago

1 December, 2015

The level crossing on the Melton Highway in Sydenham is expected to beremovedbyearly2019.

Exploring Filipino culture

AnoriginalFilipinomonodrama,exploring themes of migration, nationhood, identity, and political history through the lens of Filipinofolklore,isopeningearlyDecember.

‘The Encounters - Mga Salubong’ creator and director Ricardo Magno said the play focusesonthreemaincharacters.

“It’s about a grandmother, a mother and a daughter … it’s largely about intergenerational relationships and family but also about migration…migrants grappling with questions regarding their identity and wanting to know more about theirfamilyandrelationships,”Magnosaid.

The play incorporates the physical theatre genre, which emphasises the

actor’s movement of their body through storytelling.

Magno said movement of the body helps Mayen Estamero, the sole performer of the play, distinguish between the three characterssheplays.

“... Really just letting the actor’s body and voiceenrichthetextandevencommunicate certain ideas that might not be in the text but intuited by the actor and their body,” Magnosaid.

Magno said the show provides an opportunity to share Filipino culture with locals, while connecting with members of theFilipinocommunity.

“Wewanttheaudiencetobeabletoknow

a little more about Filipinos — where we come from, what we go through. It’s largely aboutmigrationaswell,”Magnosaid.

“There’s a big Filipino community in Brimbank and we want to reach out to them.”

‘The Encounters - Mga Salubong’ will be showingattheBoweryTheatre,33Princess Street, St Albans on Friday 5 December, from 7-8pm, and Sunday 7 December, from 6-7pm.

The show is supported by Brimbank council through its Bowery Theatre residencyprogram,andissuitabletowatch forpeopleaged14andolder.

Details:creativebrimbank.com.au

Preparing for Melton’s merry carols event

Hannah Watts Park is set to light up with festive cheer as Melton’s Carol by Candlelights returns on Saturday 13 December.

The much-loved, free family-friendly celebration will begin with a special screening of The Santa Clause movie, followed by performances from local schoolsandcommunitygroups.

Thoseplanningtoattendcanlookforward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with food trucks, market stalls, face painting, and a festive neon trail featuring large colourful lightdisplays.

The little ones can also write their own letter to Santa through a craft workshop, with the Santa Claus himself taking part in themerryevent.

Folks taking part are encouraged to bring along a picnic blanket and settle in for an evening of music and joy, with a dedicated accessible viewing area and a sensory friendly area being made available for all those to enjoy the festive fun.

Melton Mayor Lara Carli said the event is the perfect opportunity to bring the communitytogether.

“CarolsbyCandlelightisawonderfulway to welcome the festive season, enjoy each other’s company, and embrace community spirit,”CrCarlisaid.

“Carols are such an important part of Christmas, and this is one of my favourite events of the year. I can’t wait to see everyone come together for this wonderful communitycelebration.”

The event is set to kick off at 5pm on Saturday 13 December at Hannah Watts Park, 183-225 High Street, Melton, and will concludeat9.30pm.

Details:melton.vic.gov.au/carols

Saturday of the dog

Saturday 6 December will be a dogs’ day out in Yarraville with the Sun Theatre hosting a cinematic celebrationoftheWesternBulldogsto mark the club’s 100th anniversary in theVFL-AFL.

Unsurprisingly the day will begin with a screening of the iconic 1997 documentary, Year of the Dog, that captures raw passion, loyalty, and heart of the Bulldogs community as theclubgoesthroughanon-fieldand off-field transition ahead of the new century.

A much more recent documentary, Dogma, will then have its premiere screening.

The locally produced documentary offers a fresh and intimate look at the club’s cultural significance through the eyes of fans and filmmakers from thewesternsuburbs.

A panel discussion and book launch will then be held, including special guests Shaz and Carlos who feature in the film, as well as the publishers of Bulldogs Through and Through, the club’s official 100-year commemorativebook.

3AW’s and Laura Spurway will moderateasMC.

The third and final film of the day, The Outsiders, a powerful and emotional documentary chronicling the Bulldogs’ historic rise, resilience, andultimatetriumphinthe2016AFL Premiership,willthenbeshown.

BulldogiconBobMurphy,whowas famously on the dias to help raise the premiership cup that day, will be on-stage for a panel discussion to closeoutthisdogdaytoo.

Copies of Bulldogs Through & Through will be available for purchase as will Western Bulldogs merchandise.

To book tickets and for more information, visit: https://tinyurl. com/w885mtjv

Learn to decorate gingerbread people at free Christmas workshop

As the calendar flicks over to December and Christmas decorations come out of closets and into shopping centres and onto streets, you may start to crave the taste of gingerbread.

For those more inclined in the culinary arts, making gingerbread men might be part of their festive season fun. However, even gingerbread men or ladies deserve to go out in style. Wyndham council will be hosting severalgingerbreaddecorationworkshops in Werribee and they are free for all ages.

SituatedattheWedgeStreetPiazzanear

Watton Street and the Werribee River just across the road from the Cultural Centre, the workshops will not be hard to spot. Participants will have creative control over icing and sweets, as they work towards creating their masterpieces and enticing treats.

The first session will run 3-6pm on Saturday 6 December, and is not far from the screening Home Alone 2 at Kelly Park.

Coinciding with the Twilight Christmas Market on Station Place, the second session will happen 4-7pm on Friday 12 December.

And last– but certainly not least– the

final chance to join in will be from 10am-1pm on Sunday 14 December.

No bookings are required for any of the sessions.

While in Werribee town, people can have a gander at the big Christmas tree in Station Place and snap a photo at one of the designated selfie spots to share on social media.

Those wanting to share their memories can use the #werribeecitycentre and #wyndhamchristmas hashtags.

To see all of Wyndham’s Christmas events, visit: https://www.wyndham.vic. gov.au/events

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.

13 Distasteful (9)

14 Point above focus of an earthquake (9)

15 Distressing (9)

17 Dissect (7) 18 Directories (7) 21 Bottles, windows, etc. (5) 23 Furniture item (5) 24 Laundry appliance (5)

be included and each letter may only be used

No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

1 TheVirginSuicides (1999), Lost in Translation (2003) and Marie Antoinette (2006) are all films by which American filmmaker?

2 Stretching roughly 30,000km from Alaska to Argentina, what is the name of the longest motorway in the world?

3 Published posthumously, Ariel is a 1965 collection of poetry by which American writer?

4 Paccheri, garganelli and bucatini are all kinds of what?

5 Which animal has the largest eyes of any land animal?

6 True or false: monocytes are a type of red blood cell?

7 SpicksandSpecks is a 1966 song by which band?

8 Corsica is an island belonging to which nation?

9 Which Greek god was the twin brother of Artemis?

10 Emma Thompson (pictured) plays which character in the Harry Potter film series?

PUBLIC NOTICE

CSF PROTEINS PTY LTD ENTERS ENFORCEABLE UNDERTAKING WITH EPA VICTORIA

CSF Proteins Pty Ltd, a subsidiary of Ridley Corporation Limited, operator of an animal proteins and oils company in Laverton North, Victoria, has entered into an enforceable undertaking with the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, committing, amongst other things, to contribute $50,000 to Friends of Kororoit Creek community group.

CSF Proteins has agreed to the terms of the undertaking and takes active responsibility for any conduct that constitutes:

•Failing to comply with an EPA licence condition in January 2022, requiring that offensive odours to the senses of human beings are not emitted beyond the boundary of the premises;

•Failing to implement a monitoring program that would enable compliance with the above licence condition to be determined by CSF Proteins and EPA between 1 July 2021 and January 2022; and

•Failure to comply with the General Environmental Duty in January 2022, owed under s25 Environment Protection Act 2017, by failing to minimise the risk of offensive odours from its facility having impacts on the surrounding community and environment, so far as was reasonably practicable.

Over a period of three months in late 2021 through to early 2022, EPA received reports from the community about offensive odour, of the kind consistent with deceased animals and rendering processes, traced to a CSF Proteins site in Laverton North. Investigation by EPA revealed issues with the biofilter implemented on site and escape of odour due to the insufficient negative pressure in the buildings where animals were being processed.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842 or providing details online at epa.vic.gov.au/report-pollution/reporting-pollution

This public notice is published and paid for by CSF Proteins Pty Ltd, in accordance with the terms of the undertaking entered into.

Barro Group Pty Ltd recently undertook consultation seeking feedback on the community’s experience living in proximity to Barro’s Sunshine Concrete and Rock Recycling Facility. Barro thanks those community members who provided feedback.

Barro’s response to the community feedback will be provided to community members who nominated to receive the feedback.

If you want to receive Barro’s response to the community feedback or future communications from Barro about the Sunshine Concrete and Rock Recycling Facility please provide your contact details to sunshinerecycling@barro.com.au.

Tasman is good - it had to be

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the Kia Tasman is Kia’s first ute.

And it has a big task ahead of it as Kia attempts to acquire a chunk of the lucrative light commercial market.

Now the number four brand in the Australian market, the South Korean car maker has come a long way in the past decade.

But it can’t take the fight up to market leader Toyota without a ute as part of its arsenal – and what a ute it is.

Together with partner Hyundai, the pair arenownumbertwoinsales,withToyotain its sights.

Styling

The Tasman dual cab ute is priced from $46,490 driveaway for the 4×2 S.

There are five grades: S, SX, SX+, X-Line, andX-Pro,withallbuttheentrySfour-wheel drive.

Single Cab Chassis is offered in either S 4×2 ($38,010), S 4×4 ($45,010), or SX 4×4 ($49,520),whiletheDualCabChassiscomes as either S 4×4 ($48,240) or SX 4×4 ($52,740).

On road costs must be added to the cab chassis prices, but the following dual cab figures are driveaway – no more to pay.

TheDualCabPick-Upspansallfivegrades, from S 4×2 ($46,490) to S 4×4 ($53,890), SX 4×4 ($58,490), SX+ 4×4 ($66,490), X-Line 4×4 ($70,990), and X-Pro 4×4 ($77,990).

In this report we’re looking at the dual cab version and our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line X-Pro priced from $77,990 driveaway.

The Kia design team has deliberately shunned the familiar form language that has dominated the pickup genre for decades.

It says this fresh approach strips away the unnecessary to begin with a basic, honest form that highlights the vehicle’s sense of solid power through simple yet functional elements, without relying on the oversized styling that has come to dominate the pickup segment.

Note the X-Line and X-Pro are fitted with a differently styled grille and front bumper. Standard equipment includes 17-inch steel wheels, cloth trim and dual zone climate air, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, dusk-sensing lights, auto wipers for SX+ and above, auto-dimming rear view mirror on SX+ and above, LED head and daytime running lights, smart key with push-button start, front and rear parking sensors,andintegratedtrailerbrakecontrol.

By the time you get to X-Pro there’s alloys with all-terrain rubber, artificial leather trim, tinted windows, heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, power adjust front seats, ambient mood lighting, tilt and slide sunroof, auto-dip on reverse mirrors, front, side and reverse parking sensors as well as a tray liner – to name some features.

Tasmanincludesthebrand’s10must-have sustainability items such as a crash pad made from bio-plastics, seats crafted with recycled PET fabric and bio-PU synthetic leather, a paint composition that includes BTX-free and bio-paint, and an interior carpet is made from recycled PET material.

Tasman is covered by Kia’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with three-, five- and seven-year prepaid service plans available.

Infotainment

Kia’s latest integrated infotainment display, comprises a 12.3-inch driver screen, 5.0-inch climate control and 12.3-inch multimedia displays.

There’s also voice control, multi-connect

Bluetooth, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Sounds of Nature background noise, six-speaker generic audio and Kia Connect with intelligent remote-control functions as well as innovative in-car services and Over-The-Air (OTA) updates.

SXaddsbuilt-insatellitenavigation,while X-Lineaddsdoublewirelessphonecharging and X-Pro adds eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound.

Weirdly SX+ only gets single wireless charging. Stepping up to the X-Line reverts to a double charger.

There are two USB-C ports in the front as well as a 12-volt outlet and another two USB-C ports on the side of the front seats for use in the back, along with a 240-volt outlet. The position of the front passenger seat can also be adjusted from the back.

Safety

Tasmangetsafive-starratingforsafetyfrom the ANCAP organisation, but this rating specifically excludes the X-Line and X-Pro versions of the ute which remain unrated.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag which provides added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

There’s also a 360-degree reversing, together with Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing and Head-On), as well as a lane-support system with lane keep assist(LKA),lanedeparturewarning(LDW) and emergency lane keeping (ELK), and an advancedspeedassistancesystem(SAS)are standard across the lineup.

Notably absent on the top-of-the-line X-Pro is head-up display.

Two top tether and two ISOFix child restraint anchor points are provided in the rear.

A full-size alloy spare is provided.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.2-litre engine produces 154kW of power at 3800 rpm and 440Nm of torque from 1750-2750 rpm.

It’spairedwithaconventionaleight-speed automatic transmission, including paddle shifters.

Driving

Basedonanall-newladderchassisplatform, Tasman has a kerb weight of 2237kg and is 5410mm long, 1930mm wide, with a 3270mm wheelbase and in the case of X-Pro

240-volt power outlet.

However, the plastic corner steps appear prone to damage because of their position and one had already received a scrape.

The dash with its sweeping infotainment panel is a feature of most models in the Kia lineup, but the surrounding honeycomb trim is a departure.

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 7.5/10

Separatecontrolsareprovidedforvolume and air, with other touch sensitive shortcut buttons located below the air vents. However, there’s no shortcut for the radio which we found difficult to access.

Powered by Kia’s proven R2.2 turbo-diesel, Tasman is built for durability and longevity.

Safety: 7.5/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 7.5/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7.5/10

Value: 7.5/10

Overall: 7.6/10

stands 1920mm high.

The off-road focused X-Pro has been specifically engineered for off-road performance, with 252mm of ground clearance and an 800mm water fording ability.

It’s equipped with 17-inch gloss-black alloys with all-terrain tyres and offers enhanced off-road performance thanks to a 28mm higher ride height.

There are also no pesky side steps to get hung up on, but of course that makes entry and exit more difficult for the 99 per cent of the time it will spend on the road.

Suspension is double-wishbone at the frontwitharigidaxleandleafspringsunder the back, incorporating vertically mounted shock absorbers to ensure more effective damping and greater control, even at the extremes of suspension travel.

The suspension units are enhanced by Kia’s frequency selective Sensitive Damper Control (SDC) and Hydraulic Rebound Stop technology.

The brakes are ventilated discs front and back.

A gross vehicle mass of 3250kg across all variants,contributestoagrosscombination mass (GCM) rating of 6200kg.

AllTasmanscancarryapayloadinexcess of one tonne, with even the better equipped X-Pro 4×4 capable of carrying 1013kg. All grades are rated to tow 3500kg braked load.

Dual cab variants are also available with a reduced payload option specifically at meeting the criteria for novated leases, which often require a payload of under 1000kg.

Helping to make towing heavier loads as safe as possible is an Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC) which integrates with Towing Mode (TBC), enabling the driver to set up specific loads and optimise all other towing related functions including Trailer Sway Control.

Dual Cab pick-up set a new benchmark for tub size, at 1512mm in length, 1572mm wide and 540mm deep, with the ability to accommodate an Australian-sized pallet.

Given its size we expected more legroom in the back, but it’s not much more than adequate.

X-Line and X-Pro feature under-seat storage with a slide and recline function for the second-row seating.

Another segment first is a folding console table on X-Line and X-Pro.

Rear bumper corner steps provide easy access to the tub which has two lights plus a

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 10.4 seconds and, with an 80-litre tank, fuel consumption is a claimed 8.1L/100km. That gives it a theoretical range of 988km.

The advanced 4×4 system includes a low-range transfer case, rear differential lock, and an intelligent traction control system – the requisite for serious off-road adventure.

A Ground View Monitor (GVM) provides drivers with a further level of confidence while traversing challenging off-road terrain.

Drive is to the rear wheels in 2H, or to all four wheels as required in 4A.

Lock in 4H and Drive is split evenly between the front and rear wheels.

Moving to 4L requires stopping and putting transmission it engages, which takes only a few seconds.

Drive modes include Eco, Sport, Normal, Tow and MyDrive, plus Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock all-terrain selections.

There’s also an off-road section in the infotainment system.

It’s a lot of information to digest, so we’ve tried to keep it to the essentials.

With zero preconceptions, we found Tasman engaging and comfortable to drive, with predictable handling.

Even Mrs Riley enjoyed driving this one and she’s no pushover.

We took the time to take the X-Pro for a spin down our favourite fire trail, which includes some low range sections.

No worries. Tasman is just as enjoyable and capable to drive off-road as it is on. It feels relaxed and confident, and ride quality is impressive – even over rough terrain.

This is a real ute, not a pretend one, with the necessary credentials to take up the fight to the three established utes that are now a regular inclusion in the list of the top 10 selling vehicles in Australia.

We clocked up 534km at a rate of 8.9L/100km. A 60km run down the freeway returned 6.5L while the trip computer showed a long-term average of 11.2L after 3700km.

Not bad. Not bad at all.

Summing up

Kia Tasman is good and it had to be, as Kia’s first offering in this segment of the market. It’s easier to lose customers than it is to win them back again and Tasman has all the hallmarks of a winner.

Having said that, buyers, especially ute buyers, tend to be followers of fashion – and that means they want the same Hilux or Ranger as their mates.

Tasman’sstylingwillbepolarisingandwe note both the brand and name are stamped onthetailgate,justsothere’snomistakingit for anything else.

At the end of the day there’s no point doingthesameoldthingaseveryoneelse,is there? But who’ll be the first to break ranks?

Sunshine Heights has some luck, gets win on the board

Sunshine Heights didn’t even realise it had claimed its win of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Clark Shield season on Saturday.

After a tough start to the season, the Heights had some luck on Saturday as it was able to take to the field on day two of its match with Seabrook.

Heights had made 218 on day one of the match.

Rain throughout match day meant getting a result was going to be difficult.

Heights bowlers stuck to the task and managed to have Seabrook at 9-132 off 59.3 overs.

While the Heights waited for the last batter, the players soon realised that was it and they had won the game.

“They played with 10 players and we didn’t realise,” Heights president Giulio Venditti said. “They kept it a secret.

“We didn’t realise until they lost the ninth wicket when they were both walking off and we thought what was going on there.

“We were a bit flat when we realised they were one short. We were a bit deflated with the celebration.”

Venditti said after play was stopped for about 90 minutes due to rain he thought the match was headed for a draw.

But the Heights bowlers had other ideas.

Seabrook went from being in control at 2-114 to to 9-132.

Arun Joiya took 5-9 off 10.1 overs to be the pick of the bowlers for Heights.

“It was a really great effort by a group of kids with a couple of older guys.”

Venditti said it was a monkey off the back to get the first win of the season.

As luck would have it, Heights second XI also got on to play and got its first win of the season as well.

All the club’s junior sides that played on Friday and Saturday also got wins.

Venditti said the turning for the first XI had been its round two T20 match.

“We were struggling there and then we’ve been able to turn our season around 10 days ago.

“We got the win and were pipped on Tuesday by a couple of runs in a super over.”

The win moves Heights off the bottom of

Eagles continue on

By Tara Murray

Sunshine Eagles have made it the perfect 10 to start the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first nine competition.

After close midweek win against Upwey FTG, the Eagles were at home on Saturday afternoon against the Williamstown Wolves, a rematch of last season’s grand final. It would be the same result with an Eagles win, but the ladder leaders didn’t have it all their own way this time round.

Eagles’ coach Stuart Clayton said for a while it didn’t look like they would get on the mound.

The seconds earlier had their game called off after heavy rain in the lead up to the game.

“It was a big day for the club,” he said. “With all the rain we weren’t sure that we could get a game in.

“We spent a couple of hours on the ground beforehand to get a game up and going.”

While the scoreboard will show a 16-2

win to the Eagles, Clayton said it felt a lot closer than that.

He said they were pushed early on by the Wolves.

“It was pretty right early and they pitched really well,” he said.

“Their import struck out our first three batters. We made a couple of adjustments and got a couple of hits and got him off his game.

“It blew out in the end.”

Eagles import Aidan Duda got his first home run in the win, proving to be one of the highlights of the day.

As well as the grand final rematch on Saturday, the Eagles officially opened their new indoor tunnel.

Clayton said it meant they had 24-7 access to a facility where they could train.

After the strong start they’ve had, the Eagles are just focused on playing each game as it come.

“We will eventually lose a game,” Clayton said.

“We’ve been playing some really good baseball and everyone is enjoying being

the ladder.

This weekend it’s got a Saturday-Sunday match against Barkly St Uniting.

Venditti said playing back-to-back days wouldbedifferentforsomeoftheplayinggroup.

“Hopefully we can get over the line and then we have the game before Christmas,” he said.

“We’re pushing for two wins and that’ll put us near the top four.”

In other matches that managed to get on, Caroline Springs lost to Point Cook in the Roy Picone Shield.

In the Steve McNamara Shield, Grand United had Newport-Digman 6-141 in reply to 259 when that match was called off.

Tara Murray

VTCA T20 drama

PEGS continues to shine in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition, while Sunshine Heights lost in a super over.

Facing Airport West St Christophers, PEGS timed its run to perfection getting the winning runs with one ball remaining.

The Eagles made 6-115 from their overs.

PEGS started well and were in control before wickets started to fall.

The tail was able to get it home, finishing 8-116.

In group B3, Sunshine Heights and Point Cook went to a super over. Heights made 8-133 from its overs. It came down to the final ball and Warriors couldn’t find the winning runs with Chathura Demuni run out.

The Warriors finished 7-133 to send the match to a super over, Heights finished with 2-1 off its over with Point Cook finishing 0-8.

In group A2, Deer Park chased the runs down in the final over against Sunshine United.

The Tigers made 8-114 from their overs with Matthew Sipala top scoring with 32.

The Lions were sitting comfortably at 4-94 before losing wickets.

It would go down to the final over, with the Lions hitting the winning runs with three balls remaining.

The Lions finished 8-118.

Grand United got home against St Albans,

The Saints made 4-116 from their overs with Joshua Hine top scoring with 51 not out off 45 balls.

It was nervous going for the Gorillas but they managed to get home, making 6-117.

around each other.

“We have a tough one against Malvern at Malvern on Tuesday night and they will have their Melbourne Aces players available.

“It will be a big challenge and then we have Melbourne at Melbourne on Saturday who have a few Aces players as well.”

The Eagles are set for a boost as well this week, with Melbourne Aces and Australian player Darryl George set to play his first game for the season.

“He fractured his hand before the season started,” Clayton said. “He has been back training and will hopefully play on Tuesday.

“He’s been training with the boys. If you’ve ever met Darryl he always has a smile on the his face and brings a good spark to the club.”

Meanwhile in the women’s regional north-west competition, it was mixed results for the Eagles teams.

Sunshine Blue had a 15-4 win against Essendon, while Sunshine White lost to Fitzroy, 18-2.

Sunshine Blue sits third on the ladder and Sunshine White is 10th.

In group A3, Keilor had a big win against Sunbury.

The Blues made 6-176 from their overs with Dimuth Karunarathne top scoring with 96 not out off 48 balls.

The Roar’s batting order struggled to get going and it finished 9-98.

In group A4, Sydenham-Hillside got its first win of the competition, beating Sunshine .

The Crows batted first and made 123 as they were bowled out with seven balls remaining.

All the Storm top order made contributions as it made 4-124.

In group B2, Burnside Springs United piled on the runs against West Newport.

Burnside made 4-190 from its overs with West Newport bowled out for 100 in reply.

Japanese visitors hit for six during visit with Keilor players

By Tara Murray

Cricket provides opportunities and friendships across the world and Keilor Cricket Club is hoping the recent visit of threeJapaneseplayerstotheclubisthestart ofsomethingbigger.

The three players spent time at the club and at Maribyrnong Sports Academy for two weeks, embracing all they could about Australiancricket.

Coach and player Ben Ito Davis and players Juto Ball and Nanoha Yasumoto made the trip out to Australia after the recent completion of their season back home.

Keilor coach Duncan Harrison said these different opportunities provide a lot to everyoneinvolved.

“IdosomeworkwithJapanesecricketand therewasanopportunitywithMaribyrnong Sports Academy, where I also do some work,“hesaid.

“We set up three players to come out. Ben Ito Davis is in the national team and is an assistantcoachwiththewomen’sside.

“Juto Ball is in the national squad and Nanoha Yasumoto is in the under-16 girls nationalsquad.”

Harrison said the trio got to experience lifeatMaribyrnongCollegewheretheywere able regularly train and learn about the off fieldsideofthingslikenutrition.

TheythenalsotrainedwithKeilor.

“It was a great experience for them to comeout,”Harrisonsaid.

“Nanoha played a game with Essendon Maribyrnong Park and spent some time aroundKeilor.

“Jutoplayedinunder-16sandinourthirds andfourthandhelovedit.

“Ben was meant to play a T20 but it washedout.”

Harrison said the playing group loved havingtheplayerscomeoutandspendtime withthem.

He said former Sri Lankan captain and now-KeilorplayerDimuthKarunaratnehad met some other Japanese players previously whichhadhelpedthegroupbond.

Harrison said cricket can create friendships all across the world with different connections and this was a way of doingthat.

“TheboysweretryingtogetBennystayon a bit longer, they were in his ear,” Harrison said.“He’sagoodplayer.

“Hopefully in the future we can get some more players out here and have a bit of a partnershipwithJapan.”

HarrisonsaidtherewereseveralJapanese playersalreadybasedinAustralia.

He said the players wanted to come out andplayatahigherstandardmoreregularly.

“In Japan there is only one turf ground,” hesaid.

“They come out to get more games and trainingsessionsonturf.

“It’sahugebenefitforthem.”

Crows training offer

By Tara Murray

Western Jets’ Tom McGuane’s AFL dream remains alive after being invited to train with Adelaide in the pre-season.

The 18-year-old from Keilor missed out having his name called in the AFL drafts after being spoken about as a possible draftee.

Collingwood, which could have taken McGuane as a father-son pick, had earlierruledouttakinghiminthenational draft.

Tom’s father Mick McGuane played 152 games for Collingwood and Tom had been part of the club’s academy for a number of years.

The Magpies had left the door open to takehimintherookiedraft,butultimately went a different direction.

Justdaysafterthedraft,Adelaideinvited McGuane to train with them with the club still having a supplementary selection period. spot available.

He is one of two players currently training with the club.

Less than 24 hours later, McGuane was landing in Adelaide and ready to get to

work on Tuesday.

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get stuck in,“ McGuane told media at Adelaide Airport.

“I had an interview (with Adelaide) yesterday [Monday].

“Obviously it was a pretty crazy week how it all unfolded. They gave me the opportunity to train over pre-season.

“Can’t wait to get started.

“My ultimate goal is to play AFL footy and I’ll do whatever it takes.”

McGuane said not being taken by Collingwood and then going through the draft was tough to take.

He said it wasn’t how he had expected it to all pan out.

“It was a little bit disappointing,” he said.“Iwasinthemixwithafewclubsand didn’t know what was going to happen, so for this opportunity to happen, super happy.

“There’s always a little bit of that (wanting to prove Collingwood wrong), but I’m always trying to prove myself right. I believe I’ll be good enough at the top level and I’ll stick by that.

“I’ve had the same mantra, controlling

EDFL division 2 reverts to top four

The Essendon District Football League division 2 competition will revert to a top four for next year.

The league released its fixtures for the three men’s divisions last week, with a change to the division 2 finals series among the key elements.

This year the league ran with a top five with finals matches played over three weeks, with no second chances.

The league has announced it will revertbacktothetraditionaltopfour.

The grand final is set down for the weekend of 5 September.

“Despite the success of the innovative top-five finals format of 2025 the league adopted based on club consultation, further consultation was conducted for the 2026 season with a return to a traditional top-four finals series the outcome,” the league said.

The EDFL season will kick off on Good Friday with action across all three grades.

Strathmore will host Keilor in its annual Good Friday clash, with the match also doubling as a grand final rematch.

The newly promoted Hillside, which also traditionally plays on Good Friday, will make its top flight debut against Pascoe.

what I can control and for me it’s just work hard.

“My dad’s always told me the harder you work, the luckier you get so I’ve stuck by that.

“This opportunity has arisen … I want to get to work.”

McGuane averaged 27.9 disposals this year for the Jets and made his Victorian Football League debut.

Heisn’ttheonlyWesternJetsplayerwho has been invited to train with AFL clubs.

Tom Burton has joined Richmond and headed to Yarrawonga as part of the Tigers’ AFL Community and Training Camp as pre-season got underway.

Burton averaged 29.6 disposals across 12 matches in the Coates Talent League to be named in the team of the year and as the Jets’ best and fairest, Burton also co-captained Vic Metro this year, where he impacted games with his speed and energy.

Forward Oskar Ainsworth is training with St Kilda.

Ainsworth found form in the back half of the Coates Talent League season after switching positions.

In division 1, Taylors Lakes will host West Coburg on Good Friday while in division 2, the annual Keilor Park and Coburg Districts match will also be played.

The rest of the clubs will kick off their seasons the following week.

In premier division there will be a split round across round 14 with the home away season to conclude on August 22.

The grand final is set down for the weekend of 19 September.

In division 1, Rupertswood will make its return to division 1 against Oak Park on 18 April.

In other round one matches, Leo Dineen Reserve will see an improved Tullamarine outfit take on preliminary finalist Craigieburn, with Moonee Valley set to face St Albans at Ormond Park.

The top-five finals series will commence on the weekend of 15 August with the grand final set for the weekend of 12 September.

Kearney gives hint on playing future after Roos’ big win

North Melbourne legend Emma Kearney has hinted that her AFLW career will continue on after winning a third premiership.

One of the competition’s best players since its inception, Kearney said in the leaduptothegrandfinalwiththeBrisbane Lions that she had a contact in front of her but was yet to sign it.

The Kangaroos on Saturday night became the first club to go back-to-back in the AFLW, beating the Lions, 9.2 (56)-2.4 (16).

Speaking on the post match coverage on Channel 7, Kearney said she just loves playing football.

“It’s hard being a woman too as you want to start a family and things like that and Kate’s [Shierlaw] obviously playing as well,” she said.

“I’ll weigh it up. I’ll more likely play on.

“Ilovethisgroupandwhenyou’rehaving success like that, it makes it easier

“I know that I can play a really simple role off half back and help the younger girls coming through.”

Kearney has a girls football academy at Albion Football Club and lives locally with her partner and fellow Kangaroos premiership teammate Shierlaw.

Kearney,whonowhasthreepremiership

medals having also won a premiership at theWesternBulldogs,saidthispremiership was different to last season.

“I reckon there was additional pressure on this one, just because last season we

went through undefeated,” she said.

“It was this constant narrative of 26 in a row whatever it was.

“That pressure was startingto build. I felt like we were nervous in the prelim against

Burnside’s top start

By Tara Murray

Burnside Springs United is taking it one week at a time despite a perfect start to the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Russell Pollock Shield season.

Coming off a finals appearance last season, Burnside is keen to continue the growth this season.

Captain-coach Ashan Ranaweera said things had been really good so far.

“Cricket wise it’s so exciting with all the juniors coming through,” he said.

“The committee and club have been really helpful and we’re doing the right things.”

Ranaweera said there was a lot of talent at the club and it was just about helping them take the next step with the small things.

“They needed someone to help on the right path,” he said. “They wanted a change and wanted a new voice.

“The kids really like learning. I’ve tried to change their mindset and get their confidence back.

“They have that now.”

Ranaweerasaidhehadlookedtochange

their training up with a focus on fitness.

Hesaidtheywantedtobuildthroughout the season.

“We are trying to do it one week at a time, not the bigger picture,” he said.

“Just do the right things every day and go with the plan.

“Normally my experience at every club, come in semi finals and finals it’s a different game.

“We need to train hard. Sometimes it’s for two and half hours.

“It’s more fitness. We want to start and finish the same.”

Burnside was one of the lucky teams on Saturday to come away with the points as rain washed out many washed.

The side was in control of its match against St Andrew’s Footscray after day one.

The Saints were bowled out for 154.

“Thewicketwasreallygood,”Ranaweera said before day two.

“At one stage they were 8-80 before the last two got runs.The wicket was flat.

“After 80 overs 154 it’s really good and we think we can chase the runs.”

Burnside Springs managed to get out and bat, making 4-158 to get the win.

Melbourne, and hadn’t played them in the home and away season.

“A very skillful team and got tested really well against them.

“I think once we got over the line against them, that full belief our best was good enough against Brisbane.”

Kearney finished the grand final with 17 disposalsinthegrandfinal,whileShierlaw had eight.

Shierlaw, who also kicked a goal, said the forward group had a really good energy with different players stepping up each week.

While she’s been a key in the forward line, it’s been a different season for her.

“I’ve played ruck, forward and back this year,” she said. “It’s been really good and I’ve enjoyed the versatility and enjoyed different things.

“The girls have helped me a lot.”

The pair were among a number of North players with connections to Melbourne’s west.

Kangaroos skipper Jasmine Garner started her football journey with Yarraville Seddon while also representing Braybrook and St Albans.

Ruby Tripodi is from Williamstown and played her football with Williamstown CYMS and Williamstown.

Sports shorts

EDFL

Hillside has signed a former AFLW player for next year’s Essendon District Football League women’s premier division season. Abbey McDonald joins the club, having played AFLW and in the Victorian Football League women’s competition with Geelong. She played for Essendon in the VFLW last season. McDonald is no stranger to the EDFL having played with the Sunbury Kangaroos and Sunbury Lions, along with Aberfeldie.

NBL1

Deng Dut will return for Keilor Thunder for next year’s National Basketball League 1 South program. This will be Deng’s second season at the Thunder. In the 2025 season, he averaged 18 points per game and 5.25 assists per game. He has also had a stint in the New Zealand National Basketball League playing for the Taranaki Airs, where he averaged 9.25 points and 3.5 assists per game. Previously, Deng played college basketball and was named in the NJCAA division 1 All-American first team in 2021.

It needed just 42.2 overs.

Shohan Rangika finished with 89 not out, while Ashan Ranaweera finished with 41 not out.

Burnside sits three points clear on top of the ladder.

Ranaweera, who joined Burnside Springs United this season from Sunbury, said he was loving his time at the club.

“Two hundred per cent,” he said. “It’s so good that I chose them.

“Thecommitteeespeciallythepresident Darren [Baillie] are a big help.

“They wanted a change and this what is happening.”

Burnside now faces Roxburgh Park in a topofthetableclashinaSaturday-Sunday match this weekend.

Donnybrook and Roxburgh Park were the other winners in the Russell Pollock Shield on Saturday.

In other results, Deer Park was one of the losers in the senior division.

The Lions conceded first innings points toAirportWestStChristophersondayone of their match.

There was no action on day two. Only one other match got a result.

FV

Brimbank Stallions has unveiled its coaching line up for next year’s FV state league 2 north-west. Dom Diliberto has been named coach with Andrea Mantini and Vince Loschiavo named as assistant coaches. After a number of seasons contending for the title and promotion, the Stallions had a tough 2025 and finished bottom of state league 1 north-west and have been relegated.

Western NL

Caroline Springs has made a bang with its first signing for next year’s Western Netball League division 1 season. The Lakers have announced former Melbourne Vixen Rahni Samson as its first player for next year. “Rahni is a dynamic, high-impact goaler with elite skill, exceptional court vision, and the confidence to go to the post from anywhere,” the Lakers said. “Her composure under pressure and ability to change a game in an instant make her an incredible pick-up for our club.

Albans and Sunshine

As the year draws to a close, the team at OBrien Real Estate would like to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support throughout 2025. It’s been our pleasure helping you with your property goals, and we look forward to guiding you through many more exciting opportunities in the year ahead. May this festive season bring you joy, peace, and special moments with the people who matter most. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and a happy, prosperous New Year. CONTACT Benny Nguyen on 0417 349 884 or benny.nguyen@obre.com.au