Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 9th December 2025

Barro suspended

By Sam Porter

Community tensions have risen around operations at the Kealba landfill after the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) announced it will suspend Barro Group’s licence to operate at the site.

The EPA informed the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) that it could no longer defend the revocation of Barro’s previous operating licence, which was based on hotspot remediation only, as three of the four hotspots have now been remediated.

Instead, the EPA has informed Barro Group of its intention to now begin the processofsuspendingitslicencetooperate at the entirety of the site.

As reported by Star Weekly, the EPA dropped criminal charges against Barro in July for its mismanagement of the site where underground fires have been burning for six years.

At a community meeting on Monday 1 December,theEPAinformedresidentsofits intenttopursuelicencesuspension,saying its new regulatory actions reflect a broader approach,beyondsiteremediation,tohold Barro Group to account.

Local resident Nicole Power, whose health has been negatively affected by noxious odours for years from fires at the landfill, said a licence suspension is not enough.

“The fact that we’re back on the merry-go-round and starting again is just so deflating,” she said.

“I just feel like the EPA has failed us. The legislation has failed us and we need to look at it in another light.”

Ms Power welcomed a protest at the meeting where residents demanded more action from the EPA.

“It just sends a message that we’re not going to go away,” she said.

Brimbank mayor Virginia Tachos and St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman joined the protest along with Brimbank councillors Lucy Nguyen and Daniel Kruk.

MsSuleyman,wholivesnearthelandfill, toldresidentsshebelievesthere’salotmore that can be done.

“The community will fight tooth and nail all the way in every juncture to ensure Barrodoesnotoperateandownthelandfill full stop,” Ms Suleyman said.

Cr Tachos agreed the suspension of

Barro’s licence is not enough.

“Suspension still allows for appeal. If the laws aren’t working, change the laws because our community is suffering,” she said.

“We would like Barro to be shut down completely.”

CrTachossaidresidentshavetherightto breathe clean air.

“We would like to know [results of] longitudinal studies on the impact of these chemicals to residents,” she said.

Ms Suleyman said she would meet with Cr Tachos and Brimbank councillors to “look at what can be done…and not leave any stone unturned“.

EPA interim chief executive Joss

Crawford said residents could be assured the prohibition notice will ensure operations and acceptance of waste at the landfill will not recommence.

“The only action Barro is permitted to take on the site relates to ongoing actions to extinguish the remaining hotspot and implementingtheenvironmentalauditors’ recent recommendations,’’ Ms Crawford said.

“We share the local community’s continuing frustrations with the site. Whether it be the landfill or the nearby concrete crushing operation. We accept the latest changes with the licence have added to the concerns. However, I want to assure you, EPA will not stop

regulating this site.

“Wewanttoseethehotspotextinguished in a manner that is safe for community. We want to make sure the site no longer impacts the life of the people who live near it,andtheenvironmenttheywishtoenjoy.’’

MsCrawfordtoldresidentsatthemeeting that “if we progressed with the current revocation and lost, [Barro] would’ve got their licence immediately.”

According to the EPA, Barro is entitled to makesubmissionswhichEPAwillconsider before making its decision.

Barro declined to comment.

Residents affected by odours at the landfill are encouraged to submit reports at epa.vic.gov.au/report-odour

Vaccine plant now open

The Southern Hemisphere’s first cellbased vaccine manufacturing facility has opened in Tullamarine.

The new CSL Seqirus facility will be able to supply Australia with critical health products, including pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines, lifesaving antivenoms and Q-Fever vaccines.

The $1 billion, ten-year agreement between the federal government and Seqirus will see the company, a subsidiary of CSL, manufacture and supply critical health products through to 2036.

The state government said the new world-class facility is the product of a strong commitment from the federal and

state governments and CSL Seqirus to protecting Australia’s health security.

Health, Disability and Ageing Minister Mark Butler and Economic Growth and Jobs Minister Danny Pearson officially launched the new manufacturing plant on Tuesday 2 December.

Mr Butler said the new plant would help ensure Australia is better prepared for the next pandemic.

“This new world-class manufacturing plant in Melbourne means we won’t have to wait in a queue to receive critical vaccines from overseas suppliers in an emergency,” Mr Butler said.

According to the state government,

the new facility will create more than 350 high-skilled jobs in Victoria’s advanced manufacturing sector, and more across thelifesciencesandmedicaltechnologies supply chain.

Mr Pearson said the investment cements Victoria as a global leader in cellbased influenza vaccines.

“Victoria leads the nation in vaccine innovation and medical research, with the largest sector in Australia supporting more than 30,000 jobs,” Mr Pearson said.

“[The investment] strengthens our state’s research, commercialisation and advanced manufacturing capabilities.”

The plant is on track to commence op-

to its annual Christmas Toy Drive which is underway now. (Damjan Janevski) 518832_01

Western suburbs toy drive on the move

The annual Christmas Toy Drive run by western suburbs based not-for-profit, West Welcome Wagon, is underway again in an effort to ensure children from asylum seeker and refugee families have a merry Christmas in 2025.

The toys donated during the drive will be wrapped and distributed to more than 500 asylum seeker and refugee families across Melbourne’s west so their children have presents to unwrap on the morning of 25 December.

This year West Welcome Wagon is

collaborating with inner-west Bandego Bank branches for the toy drive, with donations being accepted at Seddon, Altona and Laverton and Williamstown community banks now.

Donations can also be dropped off at the Sunshine office of Fraser MP Daniel Mulino and at the West Welcome Wagon warehouse in Sunshine West.

West Welcome Wagon chief executive Colette McInerney said the Christmas Toy Drive was a highlight of the year.

“Each Christmas, West Welcome Wagon delights in providing gifts to more than 1000 children from asylum seeker and refugee families across Melbourne’s west,” Ms McInerny said.

“Right now, we’re urgently needing gifts for young people aged 11 to 16.

“Your generosity brings joy where it’s needed most.”

To find out more and to donate, visit: https://www.westwelcomewagon.org. au/

Deer Park station wins national landscape architectural award

Deer Park Station has topped the 2025 National Landscape Architecture Awards, and has been recognised for its native gardens showcasing the area’s rich cultural history.

Built as part of the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing removal in 2023, the station forecourt was designed to complement a protected ecological zone for remnant grasslands and habitat for local fauna.

The award jury praised the project for protecting the landscape through community engagement while fulfilling the safety

and movement needs of a train station.

“Integrated cultural references in the design brings an added dimension to the outcome,allowingstoriesoftheplacetobe shared with commuters,” the jury stated.

The landscaping was designed by Hassell architects in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Elders Aunty Gail Smith and Aunty Julieanne Axford.

It is based on the ‘layers of Country’ - a set of stories recognising Bunjil the Great Creator Spirit who usually takes the form

erations from the start of next year for influenza vaccines, and the middle of next year for antivenoms and Q fever vaccines.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull said the plant will strengthen the community’s place at the heart of Victoria’s advanced manufacturing future.

“We’re proud to support world-leading facility to open right here in Sunbury [electorate] – delivering hundreds of highskilled local jobs,“ Mr Bull said.

The state government said Melbourne is now the home of two-world class manufacturing facilities that are the only ones of their kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Partial demolition for ‘unsafe’ building

Emergency works have started on the partial demolition of the former council building at 6-18 Alexandra Avenue in Sunshine, due to concerns over the structural safety of the building.

According to Brimbank council, the municipal building surveyor issued an emergency order in mid-November to evacuate the building on 2 December.

The order allowed a team of experts to assess the building’s condition.

The surveyor then issued an emergency demolition order for parts of the building assessed as structurally unsafe, including the western brick wall, the front glazed mural external wall and the cantilevered front portion of the building.

Demolition works commenced shortly after and have been undertaken by licensed demolition contractors at the cost of the owner of the site.

Council said the safety of the community was paramount and the partial demolition order would ensure the building can be made safe.

As reported by Star Weekly, residents in the area have long expressed concernsaroundthebuildingbeingalure for criminal activity, with reports crime had escalated in the past six months.

Sunshine resident Sally Glenn, who lives near the building, previously told Star Weekly she had taken extra measures to secure her property.

“There’s a lot more people coming and going and squatting there and it’s becoming really volatile and really unsafe,” she said.

“Lots of smashing of glass … stolen cars have been dumped there.“

Locals have previously called for council to order the demolition of the entire building, with an online petition attracting over 295 signatures.

During the first week of December, the site was evacuated by police and secured against trespassers in preparation for the building assessment and works.

Council said any occupants at the site were being assisted by council to relocate to alternative accommodation.

of a wedge-tailed eagle as the creator of all layers of Country.

The station features a rooftop garden and over 50,000 new trees, shrubs, and grasses.

Three giant boulders, weighing 7-10 tonnes each, stand as a monument to the history of Deer Park, pointing towards well-known mountains — including the You Yangs, Mt Disappointment and Mt Macedon — which were used for navigation since before colonisation and are part of Indigenous creation stories.

The site has a heritage overlay for its local historical, social and architectural significance, with the glass mosaic mural at the front of the building also a heritage-protected artwork.

Council confirmed specialist contractors had been hired to dismantle the mural to ensure its preservation.

Council said any additional demolition would will depend on the outcome of further investigations that are still underway.

Artwork from the inside

By Jena Carr

Calendars featuring artwork by former prisoners are helping to break down barriers for women looking to reintegrate into society after prison.

Sharon* was incarcerated for four years and said she felt prison would be safer than remaining in a domestic violence situation.

“Iwasmarriednearly40yearsatthetime, but it would have been the last 15 years of that marriage where it got really bad,” she said.

“You leave everything behind, and I’m not the only one that makes that decision, as there were a lot of people in with me who had done the same thing.

“You’re also impacted by a lot of things after prison, like to be able to get a job now is very difficult and you’re looked at differently, but the other side of the coin is worse.

“No one is saying things like ‘you’ll wear this’ or ‘you’ll do this’, so it’s totally different and I’m very lucky that I had the support of my family, which some women don’t get.”

Not-for-profit organisation Prison Network helps women reintegrate into society after incarceration and distributes calendars to prisons during December. The calendarsfeatureartworkbywomeninandout of prison.

“Every year we’ll put together a hamper, that includes a calendar, so that every woman in prison gets a gift at a time that is obviously very difficult for them on the inside,” chief executive Amelia Pickering said.

“Anything that we can do to help destigmatise these women and present them as women who have got so much to offer and so much to give to society is so important.

“Nine out of 10 women in a Victorian prison have been a victim of violence and abuse, so there are a lot of tragedy, heartbreak, poverty and disadvantage that come before prison.”

Sharon’s art features heavily in the calendarandsaidshehopedherworkwouldhelp remind women in prison that people were still there for them.

“It’s really lovely to be seen and people enjoy what they see, so I’m really happy to contribute some of my artwork to the calendar,” she said.

“Art saved my life and if I didn’t have that while I was in prison, it would have been a very different experience, and it can put you in a different headspace.”

Sharon said life after prison had been

“wonderful” as she has had no contact with the alleged domestic violence perpetrator since she was incarcerated.

Visit prisonnetwork.org.au/shop to purchase a calendar or gift one to a woman in prison.

*Sharon’s name used in this article is an alias for the individual’s protection, and the details are their own words or observations.

Cricket match celebrates connection

More than 80 people attended a friendly T20 cricket match in Sunshine West on 27 November, played by members of the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club (SHCC) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) cricket team.

According to SHCC, the annual event, now in its fifth year, celebrates community spirit, inclusion, and the power of sport to bring people together while providing an opportunity for Navy personnel – mostly from HMAS Cerberus – and the local community to connect through cricket.

SHCC committee member and RAN Leading Seaman Nick Magafas said the

match was a great success.

The event featured a flag ceremony and the Ode of Remembrance, led by Sunshine RSL president Garry Collins, a performance by Navy Cadet unit TS Voyager, a free barbecue and a DJ set. SHCC won the match.

“But it really is played in a genial spirit,” Leading Seaman Magafas said.

“It’s more about communication and people getting to know each other a bit … There’s a great spirit about it.”

SHCC said the event transcends a mere cricket match and stands as a celebration of diversity, inclusivity, and the unifying power of sports.

Cannabis vote rejected

By Sam Porter

A Western Metropolitan MP has accused the state government of ignoring its own Labor members after a motion to legalise cannabis for personal use was rejected in Victorian Parliament last month.

Western Metropolitan MP and Legalise Cannabis member David Ettershank said Labor members had voted for the legalisation of cannabis as part of Australian Labor Party (ALP) policy and called for immediate decriminalisation at the 2025 Labor Party state conference.

“Why is Jacinta Allan ignoring the wishes of ALP members and the ALP state conference?” he said.

Mr Ettershank and South Eastern Metropolitan MP colleague Rachel Payne, said the state government had also chosen to ignore the recommendation to decriminalise personal cannabis use in a report from a joint party parliamentary committee that included Labor MPs.

The report, tabled in March this year, took into consideration the impacts of the ACT’s decriminalisation of the personal use of cannabis.

“That committee heard from pre-eminent health and law experts who also argued for decriminalising,” Ms Payne said.

According to Fitzroy Legal Service, almost 4000 people are arrested across the state for possession of cannabis per year.

Dentists take to the road

The newest mobile dental van has been unveiled, set to bring accessible dental care to more primary schools.

The Teeth on Wheels founding director, and dental practitioner, Joseph Zeid said the service now reaches about 200 schools.

“We service about 25,000 kids a year,” he said.

Joseph said the experience is positive for students, who get their dental checkups in the van at school, which has space for them to bring friends along, and a TV to watch cartoons.

Joseph said he started Teeth on Wheels with his brother, Rami, 10 years ago, to

help remove the stigma associated with the dentist.

“We both grew up having a negative outlook of the dentist … because of the language [our mum] used,” he said.

“She used keywords like … ‘don’t be scared, we’re going to be okay, be brave’,” he said.

Joseph said the service does as much as it can to help parents who can’t find time to take their children to the dentist.

“Our vans are set up so that we have the licenses to do X-rays and some fillings and extractions... which prevents bigger treatments.”

Book series inspired by inventor brother

A Taylors Hill author has penned a series of books inspired by her late brother.

The first book in Nina De Goederen’s ‘Johnny the inventor’ series will be released on 5 December.

De Goederen, a retired English teacher of 39 years, said her main character, Johnny, was based on her brother John, who was called Johnny by their mum.

In the book, Johnny invents products using broken items his mum and dad are planning to throw out.

In the first book, Johnny tries to create a garbage gobbler, while in book two, he believes he has invented healing soap. In the third book, Johnny tries to make flying shoes.

“[My brother] always though he could create things to better the world,” De Goederen said.

“He did make the soap.

“I remembers … he mashed up all the soap in the house with water and mum’s perfume and chopped grass. There was no soap in the house!”

De Goederen said she hopes the books, aimed at six-eight-year-olds who are just becoming independent readers, will encourage creativity and personal growth in children.

De Goederen will have a stall at Watergardens Shopping Centre from 15-21 December where she will be signing copies of Johnny the inventor: The garbage gobbler.

“The vast majority just for possessing or consuming small amounts,” Mr Ettershank said.

Across Melbourne’s north-west, Hume recorded 296 cannabis drug use and possession offences for the 12 months to June, followed by Brimbank (244), Wyndham (212), Melton (203), Maribyrnong (151) and Hobsons Bay (86), according to the Crime Statistics Agency.

Ms Payne said the costs of police arrests, court proceedings and other agencies associated with cannabis arrests is a waste of taxpayers’ money.

She said First Nations, LGBTQ+, young people and culturally and linguistically diverse community members are the

most likely to get in trouble, with cannabis arrests often impacting future employment and housing opportunities.

A state government spokesperson said there are no current plans to change laws regarding personal use or possession of cannabis.

“However, the government will continue to monitor and consider emerging evidence,” the spokesperson said.

The state government said it supports diversion programs as a way for low level offenders to avoid a criminal record and promote rehabilitation, and that it will use the report’s findings to inform future changes to these programs.

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Lynn supression lifted

By Tara Cosoleto and Emily Woods, AAP

Convicted murderer Greg Lynn’s interactions with police decades before the missing campers’ deaths can now be revealed after a years-long suppression was lifted.

The order, which was first made in January 2023 during a pre-trial hearing in the magistrates court, lapsed on 3 December after media fought for it to be overturned.

The suppression prohibited media from reporting on Lynn’s criminal history, including any interactions with police in relation to his first wife Lisa Lynn.

Mrs Lynn was found dead outside her MountMacedonpropertyinOctober1999.

A coroner determined she died after consumingaquantityofdrugsandalcohol, and no one was charged in relation to her death.

But it can be revealed she obtained an intervention order against Lynn after their relationship broke down.

On two occasions, Lynn breached the order by attending the Mount Macedon home and then having a heated phone call with Mrs Lynn.

She complained to police and Lynn was asked to return a personal organiser he had taken from the family home.

Officers took him to where he said it was located but instead of returning it to police, he just kept walking to the train station.

Lynn was subsequently charged with two counts of breaching the intervention order and escaping police.

He pleaded guilty to the offences in the magistrates court in May 1999 and was given a good behaviour bond without conviction.

During a pre-trial hearing in May 2024, prosecutors told the court they wanted Mrs Lynn’s parents to give evidence about her relationship before she died.

Crown prosecutor Daniel Porceddu alleged Lisa was subjected to frequent physical and mental abuse at the hands of Lynn.

He told the court Lynn “exploded into a fit of uncontrollable rage when out in Macedon for dinner” first at a man and

Volunteer recognised for giving back

ABrimbanklocalhasbeenrecognisedforher extensive contributions to the community.

STEM educator and volunteer Devika Chaudhary won the ‘outstanding contribution to the community’ award at the 2025 Multicultural Youth Awards in October.

Devika said she was simultaneously excited and overwhelmed to receive the award.

“It was the first time that both of my parents were there for any of my awards ceremonies. It was nice to see my parents feel so happy and humble,” she said.

The award recognised numerous contributions Devika makes to the local community, including through her work with Brimbank council, Victoria University (VU) and the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC).

“I feel like the community has always given me so much and I just like giving back,” Devika said.

Devika provides free tutoring services for students in English, maths and physics at a Brimbank Neighbourhood House each Friday afternoon.

At VU, Devika volunteers as a member of the alumni community action group which helps organise social functions and keynote speech events.

As part of her role with the AAFC, Devika works as a STEM advisor for cadet educational programs.

“I know that a little bit goes a long way, especially when it comes to education,” Devika said

“Obviously I hold [education] quite close

to my heart because I am a teacher and I understand that in areas like in the western suburbs it can be quite challenging for some of the schools to have available resources.”

In addition to her other roles, Devika also volunteers for the local women empowerment organisation, Women of Brimbank, which is run by her mother Poonam Singh.

“I got into volunteering because of AAFC but also my mum…. learning from her how much of a difference you can make for a community,” Devika said.

Devika recently became a lawyer and said she would like to focus on communityrelated legal work, helping out in criminal defence and community legal centres.

In 2022, Devika was named as Brimbank council’s young citizen of the year.

Brimbank adopts 10-year biodiversity strategy

Brimbank council has adopted its new 10-year biodiversity strategy plan, which it saidwillprotectandrevivethemunicipality’s natural environment.

Adopted at the November council meeting, the Brimbank biodiversity strategy 2025-2035 sets out five goals that guide council’s investment, policy and actions. The goals include protecting ecologically valuable places and species, restoring degraded landscapes through active management, and creating a more connected ecological network for plants and animals to move and live across public and private land.

Other goals highlighted in the strategy include building community knowledge and providing meaningful ways for community involvement, and engaging Traditional Custodians, local residents and partner organisations to make informed decisions.

Outgoing Brimbank mayor Thuy Dang said the strategy places Brimbank’s unique biodiversity at the heart of council’s decision-making.

“Our vision is for Brimbank to be beautiful, thriving, healthy, and connected. To make that a reality, we need to look after the natural places our community loves –

then redirected his rage at his wife. Lynn’s barrister Dermot Dann KC hit back that it was all “hearsay” and argued that none of this material was permitted to be aired before the jury.

The jury in Lynn’s double murder trial was not told about his prior dealings with police.

He has always denied he murdered Carol Clay, 73, and Russell Hill, 74, in March 2020, claiming their deaths were instead an accident.

The jury convicted him of Mrs Clay’s murder in June 2024 but acquitted him over Mr Hill’s death.

He is fighting his conviction in the Victorian Court of Appeal, with a decision yet to be handed down.

Weapons seized

A man has been charged after weapons were seized in Ardeer on 3 December. Officers responded to reports of three males spotted allegedly in possession of a machete and a baseball bat knocking on the door of a Chesley Street property about 5pm. The three men, all from Truganina, were allegedly seen a short time later travelling nearby in a green Holden sedan. Police pulled over the Holden and it is alleged the vehicles occupants matched the description of the trio spotted earlier. Officers searched the vehicle and seized a firearm, baseball bat and machete. A 19-year-old man was charged with possessing a general category handgun, possessing cartridge ammunition, possessing a prohibited weapon, possessing a controlled weapon and carrying dangerous article. He was bailed to appear before the Sunshine Magistrate’s court on 3 March.

Armed robbery

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an armed robbery in Braybrook on 5 November. It’s believed the offender, armed with a kitchen knife, approached the victim on Churchill Avenue about 5pm as they were sitting in their car. The offender leant across the passenger seat holding the knife demanding the phone, passcode, keys and laptop, according to police.

St Albans attack

now and for future generations,” Cr Dang said. “Protecting our plants, animals, and grasslands is essential as we face growing pressures like urban development and climate change.”

The strategy was formed following 31 community online survey responses, workshops with local environmental community groups and three email submissions.

Council said it manages 1070 hectares of open space across the municipality.

Three-hundred and ninety-six of these hectares are managed mainly for conservation and biodiversity.

Police have charged a man after he allegedly assaulted another man in a random attack in St Albans on 29 November. Police will allege the victim was walking along Main Road East when the man walked past him just after 4pm. The man allegedly circled back and physically assaulted the victim, rendering him unconscious. The 73-year-old St Albans man was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries where he remains in a critical but stable condition. Officers arrived on scene and located the offender before arresting him. The 45-year-old man, of no fixed address, has since been charged with intentionally causing serious injury and recklessly causing serious injury.

Councillor wins award

Brimbank councillor Katharine Nikolic has received a state government award at a ceremony celebrating the achievements of women in local government.

The first-term councillor took home the ‘emerging women leader award’ at the inaugural ‘Mary Rogers awards’ which the state government said was awarded to Cr Nikolic for demonstrating exceptional leadership and for her work empowering young people to shape local government decision-making through youth-led projects.

On social media, Cr Nikolic said she was “humbled and enthused” to receive the award.

“This award isn’t just a reflection of what has been achieved so far but about the future we are building together where our communities are heard, where young leaders rise with confidence and where Melbourne’s west continues to shape the agenda at every level of government,” Cr Nikolic wrote.

Cr Nikolic is currently co-chair of the Brimbank Youth council and served as deputy chair of LeadWest, an advocacy alliance for Melbourne’s western metropolitan region, this year.

According to the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA), Cr Nikolic has empowered young people to influence decision-making and lead campaigns on mental health, inclusion and civic participation.

VLGA said she is also having an impact regionally, contributing to major infrastructure commitments including Melbourne Airport Rail, Sunshine Station and the Calder Park Drive interchange.

According to the state government, the ‘Mary Rogers Awards’ was launched earlier this year to support women in local government and highlight the importance ofgenderequalityinlocaldecisionmaking.

Mary Rogers was the first woman to be elected to a Victorian Municipal Council in 1920.

Briefs

Truck rollover

Firefighters responded to an incident on South Centre Road, Tullamarine on Thursday 4 December after reports that a truck had rolled over with a person possibly trapped. Firefighters arrived on scene at 2.05pm to find the occupant had exited the vehicle. The incident was deemed under control at 2.17pm. Police and paramedics were also on scene and VicRoads notified.

Carbon monoxide leak

Sixty people evacuated a Derrimut pork processing plant due to a carbon monoxide leak on Monday 1 December. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) said there were multiple people suffering the effects of carbon monoxide exposure. Crews assisted by applying oxygen therapy to the patients until paramedics arrived on scene. Firefighters entered the factory with gas detectors to take readings and assess the situation. It was found the carbon monoxide readings inside the building were still dangerously high. Crews ventilated the building until the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dropped to safe levels. The leak was found to have come from some meat preservation machinery. WorkSafe has been notified of the incident.

Mayor’s message

Cr Lara Carli

With Christmas just around the corner, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, safe and prosperous New Year. Our community is buzzing with Christmas cheer. There are so many wonderful activities happening around our City and I encourage you to find out what’s on offer and embrace the Christmas spirit.

I am especially looking forward to attending Carols by Candlelight this Saturday 13 December at Hannah Watts Park and sharing this special night with our community. This is one of my favourite events of the year, and I look forward to the wonderful performances by our local schools and community groups and seeing everyone enjoy each other’s company and embrace the community spirit.

I encourage you to see what else is on offer around our City, from the Santa roadshow, the CS Gallery Christmas windows, and Twilight Christmas at Hillside, to other festive community events and creative workshops. There is sure to be something for everyone. For information, visit melton.vic. gov.au/christmas

It is also important that we all look out for one another at Christmas. For some, this time of year can be difficult, and I encourage you to reach out to your neighbours or people you know who are doing it tough. There is support for those who need it too. For information on what’s available and who to contact, please visit melton.vic. gov.au/support

Merry Christmas, everyone. Feel free to contact me about Sugar Gum Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton. vic.gov.au

Christmas hours and service changes

On Christmas Day, 25 December 2025 and Boxing Day, 26 December 2025, all kerbside bin collections will take place one day later than usual. There are no changes to bin collection on New Year’s Day, 1 January 2026.

There will be some changes to opening hours at Council facilities:

• Melton Civic Centre: closed from 12pm on Wednesday 24 December and will reopen at 8:30am on Monday 29 December.

• Melton and Caroline Springs Libraries: closed from 12pm on Wednesday 24 December and will reopen on 10am Saturday 27 December.

• Animal Pound: closed on Thursday 25 and Friday 26 December. An animal ranger will be on call on 9747 7200.

• Melton Recycling Facility: closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and open 8am to 4.30pm every other day.

• Hardwaste collections will not be undertaken between Monday 22 December and Friday 26 December 2025 or on New Year’s Day, Thursday 1 January 2026.

• The Civic Centre, and libraries will be closed on New Year’s Day, Thursday 1 January and Friday 2 January 2026. The animal pound will be closed on 1 January and open as usual on 2 January 2026.

Visit melton.vic.gov.au/ christmas-hours

2026/27 Plan and Budget ideas

Council is inviting residents, community groups, sports clubs and local organisations to contribute ideas for 2026/27 Council Plan and Budget.

Ideas should support the delivery of the Community Vision and the Council and Wellbeing Plan and be deliverable by Council on land and buildings that it owns or manages.

You can share your idea until Tuesday 27 January 2026 at conversations.melton.vic.gov.au

Summer school holiday fun!

Council will be hosting a range of activities this summer school holidays for kids and young people. Check out what’s on offer at melton.vic.gov.au/schoolholidays

Jackwood Ward with Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

As the weather starts to warm up, it’s important to know that the CFA has officially declared the Fire Danger Period for the City of Melton. This means there are some important rules around things like burning off, using fire pits or chimineas, and even certain types of outdoor cooking.

To help get properties fire-ready, residents can drop off green waste for free at the Melton Recycling Facility until 12 January 2026. It’s a great chance to clear out garden clippings, branches, and other bits and pieces that can build up over the year. You can find out more about free green waste or the Fire Danger Period, melton.vic.gov.au

Community ideas for the 2026/27 Council Plan and Budget are now invited. This is a fantastic opportunity to share the project or initiative you’d

like to see happen in our community. Visit City of Melton Conversations to contribute your idea. As part of the budget process, I will be suggesting critical transport infrastructure projects and services for Jackwood Ward. I look forward to engaging with the community on our budget. And of course, I’m always happy to chat if you’ve got ideas you’d like to raise.

With Christmas around the corner, Council has plenty of festive events planned. Check out our website to see what’s happening in your neighbourhood. Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe, happy New Year.

Feel free to contact me regarding Jackwood Ward or Council related issues on 0499 801 183; email: ashleigh.vandenberg@melton.vic. gov.au

An uncle’s waves of grief

Seth Crane, a young man from Tasmania’s north west coast, recently took his own life at just 19 years of age. His uncle, Star Weekly journalist Cade Lucas, reflects the loss of his nephew and the numbing experience of youth suicide.

It’soneofthosemomentsthatmakesyou wish smartphones didn’t exist. If I had a flipphone,aNokiaoroneofthosebricks from the 1980’s that needed to be tuned in likearadio,Ilikelywouldn’thaveknown,at least not straight away.

Better still, if there were no mobiles or internet, my week off down the Surf Coast would’ve continued in ignorant bliss until I got back to Melbourne at the weekend and my landline rung with someone bearing bad news.

Instead, I was standing on a lookout above Bells Beach, only a few hours after leavinghome,usingmysmartphonetotake pics of the surf below when it buzzed with one of its many other functions.

It was my older sister Erin messaging the family group chat.

Erin’s calm, sensible and taciturn so the fact her message began with a profanity repeated three times in a row hinted that the rest of it wasn’t good.

And if the previous 19 years were any guide, something to do with my older sister that wasn’t good likely involved her eldest son.

Seth had always been a difficult kid.

He was loud, rude and could be stunningly self-centred. He was prone to wild outbursts that would upset those around him, but for which he showed little or no remorse.

His ears were deaf to the word ‘no,’ he had no concept of the word ‘share’ and ’sorry’ was just something to say to get out of trouble rather than a word with any real meaning.

The rest of our family used to (only half) joke that Seth would end up in jail by the time he reached adulthood, yet when he didgetthere,hisvastreservesofenergyhad been channelled towards something much more positive.

His thirst for attention, absence of shame and ability to charm and manipulate at will saw him gravitate towards performing arts rather than prison, and having finished high school in Tasmania last year, he recently started work as a theatre assistant at a local private school.

That he’d only sporadically attended school himself and needed ChapGPT to disguise the fact he was functionally illiterate, made it even all the more impressive.

He still had rough edges; empathy and generosity weren’t strong suits and neither was financial management or personal hygiene, but these were neither here nor there.

They didn’t matter.

Seth was on his way and he was gonna be fine.

He had an abiding passion that he was pursuing and he had the combination of charismaandchutzpahtobluffandbullshit around any obstacles that lay ahead.

It’s why I wasn’t too worried when my mum told me last year that Seth has spent time in the mental health unit at Burnie Hospital after breaking up with his long-term girlfriend.

And it’s why I was concerned, but not too concerned, when I learnt that Seth had recently gone back there after the end of another relationship and that having been discharged, he’d been re-admitted again.

And it was why, after reading the rest of my sister’s message and learning that earlier in the afternoon, nurses at the unit had found Seth unconscious following a suicide attempt and that after performing CPR and keeping him alive, he was now in ICU, I felt more stunned and numb than outright concerned.

After replying to her message with some profanities of my own, I stood there on a

sunny spring afternoon above the waves crashing below, feeling more worried about the welfare of my older sister and for my parents who were on holiday in Spain, than Iwasformynephewwhowasnowbreathing with help of a ventilator in a hospital on the other side of Bass Strait.

Afterall, he was alive and in the best of care. And he was Seth. He always found a way. He’d be alright. Wouldn’t he?

I avoided answering that rhetorical question as I left the lookout, destination unknown.

I’donlyleftthatmorningonawhimandin typical fashion hadn’t organised anything, but I’d come too far to turn around now and what was there to turn around for?

I was on holidays and had come down heretogetoutofthehouse,soIwasn’tgoing back. And I couldn’t organise trip down to Tassie and wouldn’t be of any use down there even if I could.

And I wasn’t certain that was even necessary because, after all, Seth was gonna be fine, right?

My mind was scrambled to the point where I probably shouldn’t have been driving, but drive I did: Anglesea, Aireys Inlet, Moggs Creek and finally to Lorne where I booked into an overpriced room in a cheap motel, just in time for my sister to send a picture of Seth hooked to a machine in the ICU.

His hair was dark, thick and shaggy like mine at the same age. His eyes were closed. He looked at peace.

The sun was up in Spain and my parents said they were cutting short their tour and looking at ways to get an early flight home. I’d contacted my brother who’d long checked out of the group chat and after a flurry of sorries and swear words, everything went calm.

I spent a couple of days wandering around Lorne trying to pretend things were normal, before heading off to Apollo Bay feeling slightly optimistic.

Seth was now breathing on his own and was booked in for an MRI on Friday afternoon.

I lulled myself into thinking the worst had passed when Erin dropped another message.

It was Friday night and I was having a drink at the pub when I opened and read it.

There were no swear words this time, just a matter-fact update on the results of the MRI which showed Seth had suffered too much brain damage to ever regain consciousness.

By the time I got to the crying emoji she’d posted at the end I’d already made it redundant.

The next day I drove home via the inland route to avoid any reminders and on Monday I returned to work; the deadlines that I’d recently sought to escape now provided a timely distraction.

But while Seth was no longer alive, his healthy heart and lungs meant he wasn’t dead either. So for the the next two weeks I found myself in the purgatory of wanting to tell people about it, but not wanting to add a qualifier: “he attempted suicide and was mostly successful.”

The lag period allowed my parents to complete their trip and come home (they decided against spending $10,000 on new flights to return three days early) and also for my youngest sister Peri, to return from overseas too. They took it in turns staying with Erin at the hospital while Seth slowly passed.Mumspoketohim.Peripaintedhis toenails.

By Melbourne Cup Day, a fortnight after attempting suicide in another part of the

hospital, he finally succeed.

Aswasnowcustomary,Erindeliveredthe news with a simple message to the group chat. It was a relief.

Since Apollo Bay, I’d been thinking about Seth in the past tense anyway.

I’d been thinking about the first time I met him as a baby at my sister’s old place in Burnie, near the hospital where he died. About the force of nature he was as a little boy, a wrecking ball trapped in an infant’s body. About how since moving to Melbourne in 2009, I hadn’t seen much of him, yet I still witnessed him grow-up. His mother posting pictures on Facebook messenger helped. So too his outsized personality that transcended any distance.

I remembered trying to be a good uncle and messaging him during his relationship struggles, telling him that I was there if he ever wanted to talk. I got a cheery ‘Thanks!’ in reply.

I recalled that in more recent years as he grew taller, we’d stand back to back to see who was now tallest in the family. Having conceded the title a few years ago, I wasn’t planning on regaining it so soon.

I included some of these anecdotes when I spoke at Seth’s funeral last month. It was much bigger and also much worse than I expected. Seth’s fabulous flamboyance won him a lot of friends. All of them were distraught.

Everyone knows suicide is bad, youth suicide especially.

Yet the reality is immeasurably worse than I could ever have imagined.

I don’t think I’ll be going back to the surf coast.

Lifeline: 13 11 14

https://standbysupport.com.au/resources/

MY PLACE

Eric Horridge is the president of the Hillside Probus Club and an author. He spoke to Sam Porter about his community and his new novel.

What’s your connection to Brimbank?

I have lived in Taylors Lakes for over two years now, having lived in Sunbury since 2000 (with the exception of spending four and a half years in London from 2014 to 2018). My wife lived in Taylors Lakes for many years and after we married in the UK we decided to come home.

What do you like about where you live?

The area is quiet. There are a lot of young families around which makes the place vibrant. We have good neighbours which creates a sense of community. The council does a good job by sticking to what a councilshoulddo…addressingcommunity issues, collecting the rubbish and focusing on local matters.

What would you change about where you live?

Dog walkers should pick up after their dogs; those who graffiti or litter or damage property should realise that they are damaging the area by their actions. As a consequence, a police station or better accesstopoliceresourcesinthearea(when needed) would be useful. Improved access to a local hospital would be beneficial too. The new Melton Hospital is some years awayandwiththeincreasingpopulationin the Northwest, it can’t come soon enough.

What do you like about being part of Hillside Probus Club?

The club is new and growing, so being part of it from the beginning has allowed

IN FOCUS

me to see how our members have gone from being strangers to becoming friends. Club members are beginning to embrace theactivitiesthatarebeingputinplaceand we hope that more and more members of the community (retired and semi-retired)

will join us.

What do you love about writing?

Writing allows the imagination to roam but it also gives one the opportunity to tax the brain. My books are murder mysteries

and to make them work with so many characters I have to make sure that the stories make sense, that the characters are credible and all the strands of the story are brought together in the end. Sometimes that can be quite challenging. I enjoy doing the research for my books as well; every street, every restaurant, pub or building exists for real. I even make sure that every journey in the book (by car/train etc) takes the same amount of time in the book as it does in real life.

What’s your new book about?

The latest book, Death asks no questions, is centred around a kidnapping. It is set in the UK (Oxford) and it is the eighth book in the series, with the events over the years occurring in real time. My main character is an ex-DCI who is a racehorse trainer and has been for well over 15 years. He is reluctantly dragged into finding out why the individual was kidnapped and by whom. Ultimately the police get involved and it is established that there is a lot more to the kidnapping than meets the eye. The biggest scam in British Racehorse history is being organised and it is centred around the Cheltenham festival, held annually in March of each year. There are murders, deceit, lies and ultimately death. The decision for the main character ultimately is this: ‘Is winning a horse race more important than saving a life?’ The answer? Read the book. It’s available to be put on kindle or to be bought on Amazon in soft and hard copy.

Enjoy super savings and a new look at Deer Park IGA

By Pat Panetta

Have you been to IGA in Deer Park lately? You’vegottocomebackandseethefriendly team as things have been improved, with morestock,betterprocessesandevenmore savings plus a new look store.

“I’m proud to say that I have been the boss at IGA Deer Park for five years and my team and I have worked hard to serve our customers in the best way we can,“ said owner Hitesh Kumar.

“I feel now it’s time to give the Deer Park community a greater choice when it comes to supermarket shopping and we’re determined to provide an improved shopping experience. That’s why we have made these exciting changes and I invite youtoenjoytheshoppingexperiencethatis the new look IGA Deer Park.”

That’srightthestorehasanewlookwhich is guaranteed to improve your shopping experienceso,beingaboyfromthewestern suburbs, it was my pleasure to drop in, check it and get a tour of the store with smiling Rubel the store manager – I also created a video when I was there so be sure to visit the IGA Deer Park Face book page to see it for yourself.

So, what did I find out? Well the new design is awesome, easier to navigate with an open plan look fully stocked with all your grocery needs with big super special savings as part of the launch of the new design. There is also a family day being planned which sounds like loads of fun. Rubel and his team are just lovely people and enjoy their jobs and being part of the Deer Park community plus they are very open to your suggestions as to how to improve the store even further like new products to add to their liquor department which is also looking great as part of the re-design.

The inhuman beast, impervious to her cries, had held her under the water until she drowned

- Barb O’Neill

A Footscray farce one February

Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of marital antics on the Maribyrnong River that could have caused an innocent man to hang.

On Friday, 24 February 1893, Mr and Mrs Horner of Yarraville decided that a moonlit summer night called for a gentle boat trip. They hired a craft fitted with oars, and, for some unfathomable reason, chose the malodorous Saltwater River (now called the Maribyrnong) for the evening’s romanticvoyage.

As Mr Horner rowed through the detritus of the boiling down works, they noticed a fire on Coode Island sending a sinister red gleam onto the murky waters of the Saltwater. His attention thus diverted, he ran the boat into a sandbank, and his wife screamed in mock terror, “Jack! Are you tryingtokillme?”

An equally impish soul, Mr Horner shouted at her, “If you don’t mind your mouth,I’llthrowyouintotheriver!”

Getting well and truly into her stride, his wife screamed even louder, at which her husband lost his balance and toppled towards her, sending both into the hellish waters. Mrs Horner, thoroughly enjoying this impromptu acting performance, spat the mud from her teeth and, unaware that they had an audience, screeched, “Don’t, Jack!Don’tkillme!Please,don’tdoit!”

On the opposite bank, under the railway bridge and in the shadows of the abattoir, JohnRalstonandhismateTommySheehan, aged 13 and 11 respectively, were angling. The only adult nearby was an elderly fisherman, who being completely deaf and intentlyfocusedoncatchingeels,hadheard

and seen nothing. The lads decided that it was their job to inform the authorities and rushed off to find a policeman. They found Senior Constable McGrath walking his beat in Hopkins Street and gasped out their dreadfulstory.

They were taken to Footscray Police Station where Sergeant Routledge spoke to them separately. Vividly they described the murderer’sbrutalthreatsandthedesperate screamsformercyfromtheterrifiedwoman as she begged for her life. The inhuman beast, impervious to her cries, had held her underthewateruntilshedrowned.

Police raced to the spot and spent the entire weekend dragging the waters with grappling irons. Crowds gathered to gawk andamongsttheghoulswasAndrewYoung a 28-year-old groom who worked for Kirk’s Bazaar, horse sellers. Shortly before the excitement in Footscray, he had had his fingers badly bitten by a horse and, ever an opportunist, charged into the Apollo Hotel, waving his injured digits and claiming to have fought with the killer. In florid terms, he informed his audience how he had tried but failed to affect a citizen’s arrest and save the victim. The saga of his desperate struggle went on and on as he chugged down glass after glass, regaling the boozers with his amazing bravery. Nobody noticed thathewasn’twet.

Police, meanwhile, visited the Ralston andSheehanhomesforfurtherquestioning of the only eyewitnesses. John Ralston, overwhelmed by the whole business, said it was all made up, and he didn’t know why they had done it. Sheehan was contemptuous of his sissy older mate and stuck to his story. Nothing would shake his testimony.

Then word reached police that a brave fellow was in the Apollo, and had not only witnessed the murder, but had actually

fought with the killer. In the muck and stench of the river, attempting to affect a citizen’s arrest, he had sustained badly bittenfingers.

The Apollo Hotel, formerly on the corner ofDynonandKensingtonroads,hadearned itself a fearsome reputation over the years for cock-fighting, landlords who bashed payment-evading patrons, Sunday trading andotherheinouscrimes.

There in the notorious bar, the police found Andrew Young, regaling his pop-eyed audience with tales of his heroic fight with the murderer. Every time he paused for breath, his glass was refilled, and his story promptly expanded with fresh exaggerations. The licensee, Bridget Murphy, shrewdly thought that he was laying it on a bit thick, describing the vile oaths of the ruffian, and the last, pitiful shrieks for mercy from the dying victim. He continued, relating how he and the killer had engaged in desperate combat, until the cowardly crook plunged his fangs into Andrew’s fingers, thereby escaping the hero’s grasp. Mrs Kelly said nothing, however. As long as money changed hands, she wasn’t voicing any doubts about his yarn.

AndrewYoungwasluggedofftoFootscray Police Station and subjected to a frightful grilling. His description of the murderer wasvague,hecouldn’tdescribethewoman, he had no idea where he had gone after watching the dragging of the river, where he’d been drinking or how he’d got home to South Yarra. Maybe by train, maybe by cab, or perhaps by walking. He really didn’t know.

Accustomed to interrogating dodgy characters, the police knew a guilty person when they had him in their clutches .This they happily demonstrated by charging him with wilful murder of an unknown

woman.AndrewYoungnearlyhadafit.

“Arrest those two boys,” he screamed at thedetectives.

“You’ve got the wrong man. They’re the oneswhodidit!”

The detectives laughed rudely in his face and informed him that he’d soon be swinging on the gallows. In vain did Andrew Young protest that he had been bitten by a horse, not a murderer, but the police just repeated their remarks about capital crimes and what happened to those whocommittedthem.

Meanwhile, Mr and Mrs Horner, dry and comfortable in their Yarraville home, read aboutthemurderinthepapers.

“How strange, “said Mrs Horner to her toast-munchingspouse.

“This happened when we were there. At thesametime,too.Howdreadful!”.

Then they stared at each other in consternation, realising that the boys on the opposite bank had witnessed their tomfoolery. Greatly embarrassed, they popped into Footscray police station to explainthattheirmaritalanticshadcaused all the drama, and they didn’t want an innocentmantohang.

Their statements were taken, signed and witnessed, and Sergeant Routledge squasheddownhislaughteruntiltheywere wellontheirwayhome.

He then summoned the detectives and went to the cells. Andrew Young’s fingers were again examined; his injuries were found to be consistent with the choppers of a nag’s bite and the murder charge was quietlydropped.

Vowing never again to tell lies, Andrew Youngskippedoff,afreeman.

Knowing that the Apollo’s tough patrons who had shouted him dozens of beers would soon be on the warpath for a refund, heavoidedthatpubfortherestofhislife.

Coping with holiday stress

Across much of the world, December and January are special. The change of year, the change of season, the sense of renewal – it’s no coincidence that this period contains special days for most people, religious or secular.

These days can be fun, or sacred, or both. But they can also be highly stressful, triggering, trauma-inducing and utterly exhausting.

Self-management and self-care are critical to making it through the holiday seasonfullofgoodcheerandinonepiece.

So here is our handy list of tips and tricks for taking care of your mental health this season – provided by the good folk at North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network.

Takeitadayatatime: Forsomepeople,this is the season of the invitation. You might be invited to work events, family events, sporting club events, social club events, street parties – all sorts of jolly occasions. And that can be fantastic, but it can also be completely draining. Too much of a good thing can leave people tired and cranky –whetherornotalcoholisinvolved.

Think carefully about how many get-togethers you want to go to, and try to makesureyouleaveyourselfadayortwoto restupandrecoverbetweengigs.Somaybe you miss out on seeing your cricket mates at the clubhouse this year. It’s ok. They’ll understand.

Keep it nice: At this time of year, we’re all people-pleasers, which means declining an invitation for a gathering of friends or family can feel challenging. We don’t want to disappoint, after all. But sometimes we

have to. And here’s the thing: saying no politely,kindly,andopenlymakesthewhole processeasierforeveryoneinvolved.(Andif someone gets angry because you’ve gently declined their invitation, well, that rather suggestsyou’vemadetherightdecision…)

Not all friendly families are family-friendly: We live in a world where the concept of family is often portrayed as central and supportive. Family is everything,wehear.Familycomesfirst. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it does. But not all families are sweet like sitcoms. Sometimes there can be conflict, or isolation, or judgement. Your mental and physical health are more important than once-a-year family obligations. Don’t be afraidtoturndowninvitationsifthethought ofattendingdoesn’tfillyouwithjoy.

Beingaloneandbeinglonelyaredifferent things: Sometimes the public holidays

or employment shutdowns that happen over the season are a glorious excuse to spend some time in solitude, and that’s a wonderful thing. Sometimes, though, for people who for whatever reason have few social connections, they can be a time of loneliness and sorrow. But they can also be a good opportunity to build and find new connections.

Many community centres, neighbourhoodhouses,faithorganisations, librariesandotherplacesputonfreeevents at this time of year. It can be fun, doing a bit of research, learning where and when these are happening, taking a deep breath and attending. True, it might require some new-found confidence to attend –but, equally, it might be the start of new friendshipsandnewadventures.

Reach out, people will listen: The holiday season can be difficult, and sometimes all you want is someone to talk to, to explain

how you feel. Friends and family can sometimes provide help – but sometimes tooit’sgoodtoreachouttoothers.

MedicareMentalHealthisafreenational service that can help you find the help you need, in the right place at the right time. Dedicated mental health counsellors will talk with you and link you with the most appropriate service to provide you with supportandcare.

Youcanmakecontactthroughthewebsite –medicarementalhealth.gov.au–ormakea free call on 1800 595 212 between 8.30am5pmweekdays(exceptpublicholidays).

If it all gets too much: If you feel overwhelmed, help is available, right now. Here are some options for immediate support:

Lifeline - call 13 11 14 for this free, Australia-wide crisis support and suicide preventionservice

Suicide Call Back Service - call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts or for family or friends affectedbysuicide

SuicideLine -call 1300651251 forfreeand anonymous support, 24 hours a day, seven daysaweekacrossVictoria

13YARN – call 13 92 76 to reach this free crisissupportlineforFirstNationspeople. Kids Help Line - call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling for young people between the agesoffiveand25

Mensline Australia - call 1300 78 99 78 to access this free telephone support serviceformenwithfamilyandrelationship issues

Poisons Information - call 131 126 if you haveoverdosedorbeenpoisonedormadea mistakewithyourmedications.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

50 years ago 10 December, 1975

Because of personality clashes between staff and management at the Deer Park community health centre residents have no longer the services of a physiotherapist, welfare officer-counsellor, or a community nurse.

30 years ago 12 December 1995

Fresh doubts on the future of the City Link development have been raised following the federal government’s announcement of a major strategic studyinvolvingMelbourneAirport.

20 years ago 13 December, 2005

Councillor Natalie Suleyman is once more the mayor of Brimbank City Council-andnobodyissurprised.

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.

10 years ago 8 December, 2015

Westside women are rising. A plan to train 12 women to lead multicultural communities marred by domestic violence has been put to the government.

Service is at the heart of Braemar’s schoolies alternative

Braemar College’s motto, One Body, Many Parts, speaks to a foundational belief that our community is strengthened by the diverse contributions of individuals workingtowardasharedpurpose.

Whenthisprincipleisappliedtoaglobal context,itremindsusthatwearealsopart of a much larger body, the greater body of humanity. Our responsibility, therefore, extends beyond our own community and into the wider world in which we live, learn,andserve.

This year’s Year 12 Schoolies Alternative group, travelling through Himachal Pradesh in northern India, has had the privilege of witnessing this idea in action. Himachal Pradesh is a region of deep cultural, spiritual, and humanitarian significance.ItishometoHisHolinessthe Dalai Lama and to thousands of Tibetan refugees who have rebuilt their lives in exile.Itisalsoaplacewheremanyfamilies worktirelesslytoprovideopportunitiesfor theirchildrendespitelimitedresources.

One of the most inspiring moments of the program occurred when the group visitedtheYouglingSchool,foundedmany years ago by local leader Dawa Tsering. Students, teachers, and Principal Mr RussellDeerheardfirsthandaboutDawa’s remarkablecontributiontohiscommunity and the way in which his vision for education has eased the hardships faced by Tibetan refugee families. His story offered a powerful reminder of what one person, one “part” of the body, can do to upliftmany.

The touring group then put their own commitment to service into action. Over several days, students renovated a local primary school, installed three water tanks, and refreshed classrooms that were

in urgent need of refurbishment. Their effortswerepractical,heartfelt,anddeeply appreciated. Service to others is central to Braemar’s

identity, and these young people have demonstrated a purpose far beyond traditional Schoolies celebrations. In a world often defined by self-interest, their

actions offer a refreshing and hopeful example of compassion in practice; one body, many parts, working together for good.

Opportunity suburbs revealed

Four suburbs in Melbourne’s north-west have been revealed as locations providing the most opportunity for first home buyers.

New figures from Equifax’s quarterly consumer credit insights ranked the five most affordable suburbs within a 60km radiusofMelbournebyaverageloanamount for July-September.

Four of the five suburbs listed included MeltonSouth,Burnside,KeilorDownsand Roxburgh Park, recording median loan amounts of $477,000, $489,000, $492,000 and $524,000 respectively.

In collating the data, Equifax said it “mapped the intersection of intent versus affordability” to reveal the suburbs with

the most opportunity for first home buyers.

Equifax chief solution officer Kevin James said the suburbs represent ‘opportunity zones’ for first home buyers.

“We know that many Australians, particularly those looking to purchase their first homes, are being priced out of major cities, and we also know that this factor won’t be completely aided by federal government incentivisation,” Mr James said.

“Young Australians looking to break into the housing market could consider alternative regions where these government incentives are likely to provide the greatest benefit.

“What’s more, at the same time, for lenders, these suburbs could represent a key growth market for the new first home buyer incentive scheme.”

Across the country, Equifax recorded a mortgage application increase of 10.3 per cent, the strongest growth year-on-year since 2021.

First home buyer appetite also climbed with Equifax recording the largest number of first home buyer enquiries since quarter one (January-March), 2022.

However, total mortgage accounts declined year-on-year for the second consecutive quarter, likely driven by an affordability threshold challenge, Equifax said.

Fired up for Christmas at Caroline Springs

Santa Claus is joining the Caroline Springs CFA (Country Fire Authority) for its annual ‘Santa run’ this month.

On Christmas Eve from 2pm, Father Christmas will ditch the sleigh for a fire truck and roam the streets with local CFA volunteers.

Caroline Springs CFA first lieutenant and community safety officer Ryan Baker, who’s been involved in previous Santa runs, said the statewide event gets everyone excited.

“It’s a great afternoon, it’s a great day out for us, for the community, for the

kids,” Mr Baker said.

Families can interact and get photos with Santa and CFA volunteers, and collect lollies offered by the team.

“There’s the usual excitement, yelling, screaming, all of that. It gets everyone going — mums, dads, the lot,” Mr Baker said.

“Occasionally we mix it up…Last year, we managed to take the grinch along. Thatwasquiteinterestingtosaytheleast.”

Mr Baker said the Santa run is also great for locals to get to know their neighbours better.

“It brings everyone out onto the streets

too. It’s an opportunity for everyone to engage as one,” he said.

“Celebrate with your wider community. Get to know each other and break the ice.”

On social media, the brigade said the Santa run is one of its favourite days of the year.

“We can’t wait to share the Christmas spirit with our community once again,” the brigade wrote.

The Santa run routes will be confirmed bythebrigadeatadateclosertotheevent.

Details: facebook.com/CSFireBrigade

“While we have seen an increase in property-buying intention, specifically in the Gen Z and Millennial demographic, housing affordability was cited as a primary concern in the 2025 iCIRT (Independent Construction Industry Rating Tool) consumer research,” Mr James said.

“It’s important to remember that while firsthomebuyershaveaccesstoincentives such as the government’s five per cent deposit scheme, it is not enough to close the gap for many. With rising house prices demanding higher LVRs (Loan-to-Valuation Ratio), the barriers to entry persist regardless of the applicant’s deposit size or credit quality”.

Ambulance wait times increase

Ambulance response times in Brimbank have increased during the last quarter as the state hits a new record for emergency callouts.

The latest quarterly performance data released by Ambulance Victoria (AV) showed that from 1 July to 30 September, the average response time for emergency code one cases in Brimbank was 14 minutes and 40 seconds.

While the average response time falls within the 15-minute target, the data reveal an increase of 14 seconds compared with the same quarter in 2024-25. Of the 3174 emergency callouts in the municipality, 68.5 per cent were responded to within the 15-minute target, down 1.3 per cent compared with the same period last year which recorded 3279 callouts.

The average emergency response time in Brimbank was better than the statewide average of 15 minutes and 46 seconds.

During the July to September quarter, AV crews responded to 64.1 per cent of code one cases across Victoria within the state-wide target of 15 minutes.

AV regional operations executive director Michael Georgiou said during the last quarter, demand for ‘lights and sirens’ ambulances across Victoria increased by 2.8 per cent compared with the previous quarter.

up tobacco and paper (9)

18 Ancient Greek goddess (9)

21 Thoroughfare (6)

22 Courting (6)

24 Assume (5)

25 Sheep’s cry (5)

26 Celebration (4)

1 Which spice is derived from the flower of Crocus sativus?

2 What is the northernmost capital city in the world? 3 Jack Black (pictured) plays which children’s author in the Goosebumps series of films? 4 True or false: jelly babies were originally known as 'unclaimed babies'?

5 Which of the following is not a cut of

skirt, shirt or shank?

New Zealand was named after a province of which country?

7 What does the ‘E’ stand for in BASE jumping?

8 Mickey Mantle is best known for playing which sport?

9 What is the name of Linus’ sister in the Peanuts comics?

10 Who wrote the novel Crime andPunishment?

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

Cypriot Turkish Festival

Join the North Cyprus Turkish Community Centre and locals for a vibrant celebration of Cypriot Turkish culture. Live music, cooking classes, film, dancing, art, children’s activities, food and more. The festival will run from 10am-6pm on Saturday 13 December at 547 Ballarat Road. Albion.

St Albans Christmas Magic

Celebrate the season in St Albans Town Centre, Library Square with a special visit from Santa and a day full of festive fun. The free event, hosted by Brimbank council, will feature free face painting for kids and a live music performance from the Brimbank Multicultural Community Choir. The event will run from 11am-2pm on Saturday 13 December at 69 Alfrieda Street, Library Square.

 gostalbans@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Christmas Window Colouring Session

Join artists from Little Picture Window for a free festive Christmas window drop-by colouring session. Outline drawings will be created on the outside of the Sunshine Art Spaces Gallery window and everyone is invited to help bring them to life with colour. The event, hosted by Brimbank council, will run from 10.30am-noon on Saturday 13 December at Sunshine Art Spaces Window Gallery, 2 City Place, Sunshine.

 artspaces@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Weed ‘n’ Water Event

Join local businesses, Melbourne Water, and the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek to continue to work on improving the amenity around old Geelong Rd, working in the industrial precinct in Brooklyn. Work will be focussed on weeding. The event will take place from 9-10am on Friday 12 December at 174 Old Geelong Road, Brooklyn. BYO Gloves.

 brooklynrecyclinggroup@outlook.com or 0433 559 530

St Albans senior citizens

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

 Roma, 0435 991 064

Caroline Springs Rotary

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

 rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

Al-Anon Family Groups

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

 Helpline, 1300 252 666

Crafternoons

Duke Street Community House is inviting 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

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, 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

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

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

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/

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

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

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, 10.30am12.30pm, 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

Uplifting tales of recovery

A moving exhibition telling women’s stories of family violence recovery will have its first presentation in Melbourne’s westaspartoftheexhibition’sfinalseason.

“Black and White Exhibition – stories of the hearts reflected through diamonds” is a project initiative of Underneath My Umbrella’s founder and chief executive, Julie Kelly, and has previously exhibited in Upper Ferntree Gully, Forest Hill and Boronia.

The exhibition, which features photography and visual art, creates a thoughtful and reflective space that honours survivor resilience, sparks empathy, and strengthens community

understanding of abuse and healing.

Ms Kelly said the exhibition has been well-received.

“It’sreallyimpactedpeople,reallystirred them a lot. The stories are quite real … it’s presented in a way that people can still take it in,” Ms Kelly said.

Ms Kelly said the recovery journey for women who have experienced family violence is not often talked about.

“Often the women and children are left with mental health issues. It’s actually an ongoing process and ongoing journey for many women,” she said.

Ms Kelly said the impacts of family violencealsoimpactthewidercommunity.

Local Brimbank artist Shannon Meilak, who created 10 intimate photographic portraits for the exhibition, said it’s been an honour and privilege to contribute her work to the exhibition.

“Capturingtheseportraitsallowedmeto see the incredible resilience and courage in each woman,” Ms Meilak said.

“It’s a powerful testament to the strength of these women and a crucial step in supporting those who are healing. Ihopethatviewingtheseartworksinspires empathy and drives vital conversations about recovery and support.”

The free exhibition, supported by Brimbank council, will be showing from

Summer daze at Seaworks in Williamstown

SeaworksWilliamstownwillcomealiveon

Saturday 13 December, from 10am – 5pm, as BIG Summer Daze brings a full day of entertainment, market shopping, food, and family fun by the bay.

Perfect for those chasing last-minute gifts, the BIG Summer Daze Market will feature a vibrant mix of local makers, artists, designers, and creatives.

From handmade treasures to unique homewares and festive treats, there’s something for everyone and plenty of reasons to support the west’s incredible community of stallholders.

The entertainment line-up is set to thrill audiences of all ages, with roaming performances by the Giant Seagulls (hold onto your chips!), incredible aerial artistry from The Sway, the high-energy soul sounds of Sweethearts, and the crowd-favourite Super Amazing Dolphin Show is sure to leave everyone with a huge smile on their faces.

Visitorscanalsoenjoydeliciousofferings from a range of food trucks, while the Pirates Tavern will be open throughout the day.

Andofcourse,adayatSeaworkswouldn’t

be complete without a nod to maritime heritage.

A beautiful wooden boat display will be on show, celebrating the craftsmanship and seafaring history of Melbourne’s West.

BIG Summer Daze is a free community event supported by the Westgate Tunnel Neighbourhood Fund and will take place at Seaworks, a working maritime precinct on the Williamstown waterfront.

For more information about BIG Summer Daze and other upcoming events at Seaworks, visit: seaworks.com.au.

Friday 5 December until Monday 12 JanuaryatBrimbankGalleryandSunshine Library, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. UnderneathMyUmbrellaisacommunity organisationdedicatedtoassistingwomen who have experienced domestic, family, sexual, or spiritual abuse.

The exhibition aims to educate the community, inspire action, and generate vital support for recovery programs.

Details: creativebrimbank.com.au

Lifeline: 13 11 14

1800Respect domestic family and sexual violence counselling service: 1800 737 732

TheMeltonLibrary&LearningHubis rollingouttheredcarpet(andmaybe a few booby traps) for its festive film night on Thursday 18 December with a special community screening of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The film kicks off at 5.45pm and runsto7.45pmwithfamilies,friends, and Christmas tragics alike invited to settle in for a night of laughs, nostalgia, and yuletide chaos. If you’ve ever worried about losing your keys, spare a thought for the McCallisters, who have once again managedtoloseKevin,provingsome Christmas traditions are harder to shake than fruitcake. This time, Kevin hops on the wrong flight and findshimselfinNewYorkCity,where he uses his dad’s credit card to check into the luxurious Plaza Hotel before running into his old enemies The Wet Bandits, who are back to cause more mischief than a naughty elf on a shelf.

This year’s screening is PG and open to all, so feel free to deck yourself out in your best Christmas gear - ugly sweaters, Santa hats, or even a pretend Talkboy if you’re feeling extra nostalgic are more than encouraged.

Bring along some snacks, cushions and picnic rugs to get comfy - just maybe leave the paint cans and micro-machines at home.

So, mark your calendars and jingle all the way to 31 McKenzie Street, because this festive flick is guaranteed to leave you laughing, gasping and feeling all the holiday heart.

Login with your library membership to book online at https://libraryevents.melton.vic.gov. au/event?id=176389

Pack the marmalade and a picnic and catch Paddington 2 in the park

Many people in Wyndham might be able to relate to Paddington Bear in some way shapeorform.

Like many Wyndham residents, Paddington found a new home, a place he loved in London and a community for whichhecares.

As part of Wyndham council’s summer activity schedule, there will be a screening ofPaddington2atKellyParkinWerribeeon Saturday24January.

Following his departure from Peru after anearthquake,beingadoptedbytheBrown family and braving many culture shocks in

the first movie, the friendly bear is happily settled.

In the sequel, a special gift for his Aunt Lucy is stolen, and it is up to Paddington and his friends to solve the mysteryleadingtoplentyoflaughter,adventure,and marmaladealongtheway.

Pre-movie entertainment starts at 5pm, withthemoviecommencingat6pm.

The movie is free, so gather the family, relax under the summer sky, and enjoy this wholesome story that’s sure to warm hearts ofallages.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early

to enjoy family-friendly pre-movie entertainment and activities, and don’t forget to grab dinner or treats from nearby Werribeerestaurantsbeforethefilmbegins.

In the case of poor weather, the session maybecancelledormoved.

Check for updates on the council website or on the Werribee City Centre Facebook pageonthedayoftheevent.

This session is part of the Movies in the Park series taking place in Werribee City Centreuntil14March.

For the full program: https://www. wyndham.vic.gov.au/moviesinthepark

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team did North Melbourne defeat to win the 2025 AFLW Premiership?

2. Australian athlete Nicola Olyslagers competes in which track and field event?

3. US-born AFL player Mason Cox is set to play

4. Perth Thundersticks defeated which team to win the 2025 Women’s Hockey One Grand Final?

5. Which AFL team did Ross Lyon coach first in his senior coaching career?

6. Which Spanish golfer won the 2025 Australian PGA Championship?

HC Melbourne defeated which team to win the Men’s 2025 Hockey One Grand Final?

R360 is a proposed international competition showcasing which team

Eli Katoa plays for which NRL club?

Idrissa Gueye was sent off during a match against Manchester United for slapping which Everton teammate?

Argentina has lodged a formal complaint against which England rugby union player for alleged bad behaviour?

12. What is the name of Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s iconic WWE elbow drop move?

13. Which F1 team had two drivers disqualified from the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix?

14. What happened for the first time in 104 years during a recent Ashes Test match between England and Australia?

15. Former basketball player Luc Longley part-owns which two NBL teams?

16. Performed by many athletes before major events, what does the term ‘tapering’ refer to in sports training?

17. The domed Macquarie Point Stadium has been proposed for which Australian city?

18. In which year did Mike Tyson infamously bite Evander Holyfield’s ear during a boxing match?

19. Waldi, the first ever Olympic mascot, was created for which Olympic Games?

20. And what type of animal was Waldi?

21. What was the nationality of F1 driver Ayrton Senna?

22. What is the name of the track by Blur that is featured on the soundtrack of FIFA 98?

23. Which team won the very first AFLW premiership in 2017?

24. Stephen Amell starred in a TV show called Heels, which is about which sport?

25. Tarni Brown, who recently retired, played for which two AFLW teams?

26. True or false: in gymnastics, women compete in the pommel horse event?

27. In the NBL, how long is an offensive player allowed to stay in the key?

28. Which sport features in the movie Inside Out 2?

29. The Washington Nationals play in which league?

30. How many times has Ronnie O’Sullivan won the World Snooker Championships?

Flawed but impressive MG

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Wow. MG’s Cyberster is a knockout.

You can see why the company lavished so much time and money developing a car that realistically few people will buy.

The Cyberster (great name) provides a direct link between the modern Chinese company and the storied British manufacturerfromwhichittakesitsname.

It’s a modern interpretation of a very old idea, based on such classics from the company’s past as the famous MGB sports car from the 1960s.

MG says Cyberster isn’t just here to be another car, it’s here to make a statement and continue to propel the legacy of MG into the modern era, with discrete badges that celebrate its 100th anniversary.

As impressive as it is, however, the fully electric roadster is not without its flaws.

Styling

Believe it or not there’s actually two versionsofthecar,althoughtheybothlook exactly the same. In April this year MG added a cheaper, less powerful, rear wheel drive version, presumably for those who like the style but who don’t feel the need to compete with Ferrari.

Cyberster RWD is priced from $115,000; CybersterAWDfrom$129,000–bothprices before on-road costs.

Our test vehicle was the top-of-the-line twin-motor, high performance all-wheel drive model finished in Diamond Red Metallic.

StandardkitintheAWDincludes20-inch alloys, Alcantara leather trim, two-zone climate air, heated power-adjust seats (but not cooled), a heated steering wheel, sporty metal pedals, ambient lighting and sun visors with a mirror and illumination.

There’s also LED lights front and back, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, autohighbeam,andfrontandrearparking sensors.

There are six colours from which to choose: English White, Sterling Silver Metallic, Camden Grey Metallic, Mayfair Blue Metallic, Royal Yellow Premium and Diamond Red Metallic. They can be teamed with a red or black cloth roof.

English White is the only colour that does not incur a charge. Sterling Silver Metallic, Camden Grey Metallic, and Mayfair Blue Metallic add $1000 to the price.RoyalYellowPremiumandDiamond Red Metallic $1200.

There are also two interior colour options: Century Red is standard; Victory Grey adds $1000.

Cyberster is covered by a 10-year/250,000km warranty and that includes the battery. However, the convertible roof is only warranted for five years.

Infotainment

Infotainment comes in the form of two 7.0-inchtouchscreenswhichflankacentral driver 10.25-inch centre screen. The two smaller screens are partially obscured by the steering wheel most of the time and being small are difficult to operate on the move.However,theycanalsobecontrolled from the two unlabelled buttons on the wheel. It’s a learning experience.

Dark mode works best, especially in bright sunlight which makes them hard to see.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, FM and DAB+ digital radio (but no AM), satellite navigation, wired Apple CarPlay and AndroidAutoandeightspeakerBoseaudio for both grades.

Access to connected services is free for 12 months.

USB-A and -C ports are provided as well asa12-voltoutletintheboot(Notsurewhy – the car fridge isn’t going to fit).

Safety

Cybersterremainsunratedforcrashsafety. It is fitted with four airbags and a 360-degree camera, blind spot monitor, as well as Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User, Junction & Crossing, Backover and Head-On).

There’s also a lane support system with lane keep assist, with lane departure warning,emergencylanekeepingandrear cross-traffic alert with braking, plus an advanced speed assistance system with a speed sign recognition system.

Andgetthis,dooropenwarningprevents the doors from being opened into the path of an oncoming vehicle or cyclist. Firstly, they’re too slow and secondly, they go up, not out? LOL.

Engines/transmissions

The two electric motors in the AWD model generate a total 375kW of power and 725Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100km/h in a supercar 3.2 seconds, with a top speed that is limited to 208km/h. RWD is rated at 250kW and 475Nm, with 0-100km/h taking 5.2 seconds (199km/h top speed). Not to be sneezed at.

Driving

Built on the same platform as the MG4, Cyberster is 4.5 metres long and weighs in at 1985kg.

One of the more eye-catching features of this two-seater is its electric, scissor-style doors.

They are what turn it from a sports car into a fully-fledged, electric supercar. It just had to have them (red upholstery too).

Unfortunately, the doors are also Cyberster’s main weak point. Although they look sensational, they are totally impractical when it comes to day-to-day use.

Gettinginandoutislaborious,especially if you forget something and have to open the car again.

What’s more, as we discovered, they don’t actually work if the car is parked on

putting the boot into their new Ferrari and Lamborghini, only to wrap the car around the nearest power pole, stunned by the sudden response of the accelerator.

Just saying.

Theseatsarecomfortableandsupportive once you’re in, but the dash feels a little cramped and busy. The right screen is wasted.

UnlikeotherMGs,theblinkersareonthe left which is kind of understandable, given that it is probably targeted at the American market.

RATINGS

Looks: 8

Performance: 8.5

Safety: 7

Thirst: 7

Practicality: 5

Comfort: 7

Tech: 7.5

Value: 9

Overall: 7.4

a slope. Yep. They open a few centimetres, but that’s as far as they go.

WTF? The first time it happened we were perplexed. What to do? How to get out?

Should we call for help?

Somedeepbreathslater,wedecidedthat brute force was called for and using both hands we were able to push the doors far enough upwards to get out. However, it required force to close them again and we were concerned this operation could damagethem,althoughthistimewehad the advantage of leverage.

Older or infirm folk might find this task beyond them. How come this anomaly wasn’t picked up in the research and development phase?

We’ve been to factories where robotic armsopenandclosedoors24/7,thousands oftimesadayforweekstoensurereliability. The doors don’t always respond to the key fob either.

Also of note, your seatbelt must be fastened or the car will not move off when you put it in Drive. Great idea, but highly impractical in execution.

This combined with the clumsy doors made positioning the car for our photo shoot extremely difficult.

Still, Cyberster is a head turner and heaps of fun to drive – easy or flat out.

The roof is made of cloth and takes 15 seconds to raise or lower and this can be accomplished at speeds of up to 50km/h. When dropped it does not impinge on boot space which at 249 litres is surprisingly large.

There’s also a bit of storage behind the seats.

A puncture repair kit is provided.

Convertibles are great fun, especially in Spring or Autumn, but you can forget dropping the roof in summer because it’s too damn hot.

Incasethingsarealittlelibrary-likewith the top up, you can tell the sound system to generate a traditional engine note or a more futuristic electric sound.

Of course, there’s always music to fall back on and the car is equipped with eight-speaker Bose audio, but sadly we couldn’t get any sound out of the system.

Cybesterisalotofcarandinexperienced drivers could easily get themselves into trouble.

There’s plenty of examples of drivers

Over the shoulder vision is terrible with the roof up and it is also difficult to see the extremities ofthecar,butcamerasareprovided to compensate for this.

Disconcertingly, the reverse camera displays to the right of the steering wheel, instead of centre of dash.

The 360-degree camera is so tiny however that it is almost useless –day or night.

Ridequalityisquitegoodoverall, but can become a bit unsettled on back roads.

A low centre of gravity and sticky Pirelli rubber sees the car corner flat with plenty of mid-corner grip.

However, undulations in the road can really unsettle the suspension (the driver too), suddenly snapping the car sideways. The regenerative brakes are discs all round, with Brembo calipers up front, but braking could be stronger. They don’t quite give the driver the confidence to go really hard into corners. That said the car more than makes up for this on the way out.

The driver-assist systems work okay, with the usual caveats, but the car slows unnecessarily on bends with cruise active. Range for the AWD is 443km; the RWD 507km, under the widely accepted WLTP test procedure.

With energy consumption rated at 19.1 kWh/100km, we were getting 19.4 kWh/100km after about 300km of driving, some of them pretty quick.

During this period the car reportedly recovered 21.6 kWh of energy from regenerative braking, believe it or not?

The button on the left of the steering wheel labelled KERS can be used to modulatethelevelofbraking,rightdownto one-pedaldrivingwhereitisnotnecessary to physically apply the brakes.

The red button on the right selects drive mode: Comfort, Sport, or Custom, or Super Sport. Comfort mode is fine and the one in which we spent most time. Be careful with the latter.

There’s Launch mode too for impressing the neighbours, in case they aren’t impressed already.

Both models are fitted with a 77kWh ternary lithium-ion battery.

Recharging can be performed in as little as 34 minutes with the right DC fast charger.

But this is from 30-80 per cent which leaves you 50 percent out of pocket.

ThreephaseACpowertakesninehours–that’s to 100 per cent. The supplied granny charger is good for 144 hours.

Summing up

Bravo. What a great effort.

The price is a bargain for this type of car too and it could well become a collectable item in years to come.

But the tech already feels a little dated and those scissor doors need some work.

Whoever signed off on them has rocks in their head, or doesn’t have a job anymore.

Local sports people were again greeted with rain on Saturday as they were keen to get out on the fields, greens and pitches. While many matches were called off on Saturday, others went ahead. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC managed to find some of the action.

Weather again the story

Davis heads to Sydney to join the Giants

By Tara Murray

Greater Western Sydney was the first AFL club to show interest in possibly drafting Western Jets’ Finn Davis.

While he would later speak to other clubs,itwastheGiantsthatwouldtakehim in the AFL draft with pick 51.

Speakingduringhisfirstweekoftraining for the Giants, Davis said the realisation that he had been drafted had started to settle in.

“It’s still pretty unbelievable,” he said. “I’ve still got to come back down to earth in the next week or so.

“It’s been easy to be honest, the club has made the move pretty smoothly.

“Ithasbeennicemovinginwiththeother two and the second year Joey [Delana] has been great for us so far.”

Davis said it was pretty emotional to get picked up.

He said his parents had been on the phone a bit since he had made the trip up to Sydney.

“They’re definitely missing me,” he said. “They put in all the work as well.

“It’s definitely emotional as I’m the first kid to leave the house.”

The Williamstown Junior and WilliamstownCYMSdefenderhadamixed top age year.

Injuries early meant he missed the start of the season.

Once he was on the field, Davis starred and ended up finishing second in the Jets’ best and fairest.

“I knew if I came back and played the footy that I wanted to play,” he said.

“If I could put myself in the best possible position and get drafted and make the dream come true.

“It all panned out pretty well.

“The Giants were watching closely from thestartandIalwaysknewtheywereinthe running.”

While Davis missed some early rounds, a strong off season including time with Williamstown’s Victorian Football League side had helped him.

“It was good that I was introduced into next level,” he said.

“Thenextlevelofintensitygotsomegood training under my belt to prepare me for the Coates season.

“It is definitely still a step up from VFL to AFL.

“It was good to get the early exposure in the pre-season helped when I came here.”

Now having taken the next step to achieving the dream he’s had since he was 11 and first started playing football,DavisissettlingintolifeasanAFL player.

He said he was trying to get into the swing of things before Christmas and then ramp it up post-Christmas.

Helping make the transition a light bit easier is having former Jets coach and now Giants assistant Trent Dennis-Lane to call on.

“It’s a bit reassuring that having that if I need to talk to any of the coaches about anything, I’ve got that comfort with him, it’s been good.”

AFLW dream alive

By Tara Murray

Western Jets’ Charlie O’Connor Moreira thought her AFLW draft chances were over when she got injured at a training session earlier this year.

The injury had her in a moon boot for a few weeks and out of football for another two or three on top of that.

O’Connor Moreira returned through the Victorian Amateur Football Association with Williamstown CYMS before making her way back into the Jets side.

Somestrongformsawherrewardedwith alatecalluptotheAFLWstatecombineand she’s now among the hopefuls wanting to hear her name called out on 15 December in the AFLW draft.

“It’s very nerve wracking,” O’Connor Moreira said in the lead up to the draft.

“I’m pretty grateful to be able to experience it this year.

“My ultimate goal is to get drafted and after what happened at the start of the year I didn’t think it was going to happen.

“Whatever happens on draft night happens.”

O’Connor Moreira landed funny in

training resulting in a grade two ankle sprain and set back her season.

While she couldn’t fully train, she was keen to stay involved with the Jets.

“I was trying to get back to footy with rehab and I was able to get that social contact at training,” she said.

“I could do the upper body in the gym. I was able to see the physios to get tasks to build my ankle strength.”

Once fit, O’Connor Moreira came back through the reserves at the CYs before stepping into the senior side in May for her senior debut.

She had joined the club in the off season after Point Cook, where she had been playing, didn’t have the numbers for the side.

“Iwaspumpedtogetoutthere,”shesaid.

“There was a lot of work to get out there.

“I really enjoyed the reserves and then had four or five games in the seniors.

“It was good to experience that level of footy. The girls were more skilled and helped me come back from injury.”

O’Connor Moreira worked her way back into the Jets and found her groove.

She said she was happy with how her

Sports shorts

Western FL

Sunshine has announced two signings for next year’s Western Football League season. Fred Valpied will play for the Kangaroos in between his Victorian Football League commitments with Footscray. He was part of the Bulldogs’ premiership this year. Dude Kelly is also joining the Kangaroos. “Having moved to Melbourne for uni studies, Dude is eager to get started,” the Kangaroos said. “Dude is a wing-half forward with a classy left foot & known to enjoy kicking a goal.”

NBL1

Keilor Thunder has announced its first new signing for next year’s National Basketball League 1 South season. Tana Kopa the club from the Willetton Tigers, where he played in the NBL1 West during the 2025 season. He averaged 15 points per game for the Tigers with a highest scoring game of 30 points. He had an impressive 44.14 per cent 3-point percentage and 47.55 per cent field goal percentage for the 2025 season. Kopa has also played college basketball at Spring Hill, Long Island University and Canisius University.

EDFL

season panned out.

O’Connor Moreira also cemented her spotinanewposition,playingonthewing.

“I was able to use my speed,” she said. “I loved playing forward and kicking goals, but at the Jets I’ve been able to learn how to play on the wing.

“I like playing on the wing more.”

O’Connor Moreira ended up being a late invitee to the AFLW draft state combine which she said was unexpected.

It gave her the opportunity to speak with AFLW clubs.

“I had a couple of clubs talk to me and them watching me it was pretty daunting,” she said.

“I did my best, which was good.”

O’Connor Moreira was able to take her mindoffthedraftwithatriptoQueensland for Schoolies.

Whilebeingdraftedistheplan,shehasa back up plan for next year.

“I did some training with North Melbourne VFLW [Victorian Football LeagueWomen’s]andtheyhaveofferedme a contract,” she said.

“It’sprettyexciting.They’vewonacouple of premierships,”

Keilor has added some much needed height for next year’s Essendon District Football League premier division season. Andrew Vavra will cross to the Blues from Strathmore where he played games games last season with four of those in the senior side. Blues coach Mick McGuane aso announced on social media that Zai Millane, nephew of former Collingwood player Darren Millane will play with the club when not playing in the Victorian Football League.

EDFL

Burnside Heights is set to suffer the loss of another star for next year’s Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 season. After already losing gun midfielder Krissy Trang, ruck-forward Holly McGregor has put in a clearance to join Oak Park. McGregor kicked 20 goals this year.

Allen Vella keen to step up to challenge at Westvale

Allen Vella had made the decision to step away from Westvale Olympic until he got an offer too good to refuse.

Vella had been an assistant coach at the FV stage league 1 north-west club for the past two years but was looking at different opportunities for 2026.

He had finished up at the club but when coach Bill Georgopoulos decided to step down, Vella ended up taking on the coaching role.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” he said. “I had moved on and Bill had committed to it.

“It’s really good. I’ve got a good handle with the boys and we really got along after being there for two years.

“I jumped at the chance straight away. It was going to happen no matter what.”

Vella said a lot of the players knew what was going on making it even easier to step into the role.

He said the majority of the playing group was building as they look to build on the past few years.

Westvale finished in fifth spot this year, in its first time at that level. Georgopoulos had led the side the past five years which saw them promoted twice,”

“The last five years for the whole club it has been really outstanding to come to winning leagues and get promoted, probablyquickerthaneveryoneexpected,”

Vella said.

“We started a bit scratchy at the start of last season.

“Six rounds in we sort of got used to the league not new to us after that, we went on a really good run.

“I think we went 12 results without losing, that set us for the end,

“We faded at the end. We had injuries, suspensions, that bit of push promotion at

the end faded away too.”

Vella said they would look to add four to five players to the squad for next year.

Hesaidtheywerealreadygettingtowork with a focus on next season.

“At the start of last year [season] we weren’t settled enough straight away,” he said.

“This year we’re settling on the team a lot quicker we’re working on things a lot earlier, going in prepared more.

“We want to start strong and hopefully be at promotion stage at the end.

“If it doesn’t that is fine as long as we’re sitting around the middle of the table and we’re still convincingly being in the league and showing we’re not a pushover, that’s what we want.”

Jet ready for AFLW

By Tara Murray

Being selected in the AFLW draft would mean everything for the Western Jets’ Alex McBride-Loane.

Having fallen in love with football after she started playing it at school, McBride-Loane has done everything she could to be selected on 15 December in the AFLW draft.

“I’ve been trying not to think about it too much, but then someone will ask me, ‘oh, how far away is it?’” she said.

“I’ve wanted to do it since it was created, 10-11 years ago.

“It was basically my first year playing for a girls team and I was like 100 per cent that’s something that I want to get into.

“Obviously with the past few years having it actually become something that couldhappen.I’mexcited,butI’mnervous.

“It would mean everything.”

McBride-Loane started her football with MooneeValleybeforejoiningMaribyrnong Park as the Fog didn’t have a girls side. It was a move so she could continue to the sport she loved.

A big stepping stone in her football journey was going to Maribyrnong Sports Academy on a football scholarship.

“That definitely helped me,” she said. “I wenttherefromyear7-12throughthefooty academy which was cool.

“We started doing gym from year 7 so physically wise that helped a lot and it was kind of how I got into the Jets so early.” With a crossover between coaching staff at the Jets and the Sports Academy, McBride-LoanegotinvitedtotheJetswhen she was 13 or 14.

It was an environment that she’s loved since.

“I think that the environment and the people at that school are a big reason on how I am, where I am at the moment,” she said.

“It was definitely a bit intimidating, I knew some people who were in there like Sierra Grieves and Charlotte Baskaran because I went to school with them.

“It was definitely a higher intensity training to what I was used to. I guess I would say an eye opener and was like OK well this is what I’ve got to get used to.”

McBride-Loane had to wait for her chance to play for the Jets due to her age though.

Former coach Robbie Chancellor said he would have picked her earlier on during their premiership season in 2022 if he could have.

McBride-Loane said her final year with the Jets was really exciting.

“I feel like I developed a lot not just in terms of my football but also off the field

Alex McBride-Loane. (Jacob Pattison)346076_18

and a little bit of the leadership side.

“With a new coach there was a new perspective on training and training standards like that. I feel like that’s what helped that a lot.”

McBride-Loane played four games for Vic Metro at the national under-18 championships showing her flexibility as she played two different roles.

She was really happy with her season and saw her selected for the AFLW draft state combine.

“I was just happy to have at least gotten one of them,” she said. ”I didn’t really care if it was the national or state as long as I got an invite to one of them.

Lions get home

Deer Park returned to the winners list with a final over win against Westmeadows on Sunday in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.

Two-day matches were scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday, but rain washed out day one of most matches across the competition. Most matches became one-dayers AtJohnMcLeodReserve,DeerPark won the toss and sent Westmeadows in.

The Warriors made 4-243 from their overs.

Upul Bandara was the only multiple wicket taker with two wickets for the Lions.

All the Lions top order made starts with the match coming down to the final over with the Lions needing three to win.

Daniel Sartori only needed one ball as he hit it for six to get his side the win.

The Lions finished 5-247.

Sartori top scored with 78 not out.

The Lions remain at the top of the ladder six points clear of Yarraville Club and Airport West St Christopher’s.

St Albans and Keilor also got wins on Sunday after day one of their matches were washed out.

It was the Saints bowlers that set up the win against Aberfeldie.

Abers made only 9-110 from their 40 overs with only two batters reaching double figures.

Daniel Blatherwick took four wickets for the Saints.

The Saints lost an early wicket but had no troubles after that, finishing 3-113 in 22 overs.

Sammika Perera top scored with 40 for the Saints.

Keilor got an important win against Sydenham-Hillside in its match.

The Storm won the toss and decided to bat, making 8-185 from its overs.

“I’ve learnt not to put heaps of pressure on it, like realistically, you’re just having a chat with them.

“I’ve enjoyed talking to different people.”

McBride-Loane said finishing school last year had been massive for her so she could focus more on her football this year.

“I’m going out there to just play footy, which is what I love to do,” she said.

McBride-Loane said she was trying to keep herself busy ahead of the draft and not change things too much.

She’s been training with the Jets to keep her fitness up while also training with Maribyrnong Park while she waits to find out her footballing future.

Stefon King top scored with 59 not out.

The partnership for Malith Cooray and Dimuth Karunarathna was again the key for the Blues, with the pair putting on 136.

While Cooray was out for 97 in sight of victory, the Blues did enough to win 3-188.

The Storm, Saints and Blues sit in fourth, fifth and sixth spots, all on 21 points.