Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 10th March 2026

Be transported through history

Brimbank locals can travel back through time at the Keilor Historical Society’s (KHS) open day this month.

This year’s theme is ‘early transport in the Keilor region’, giving locals the opportunity to learn about transport in the Keilor region from the 1850s to today.

KHS general executive Fred Ackerman said an exhibition and publication on the topic will also be launched at the event.

“Keilor was the first major stopping point on the track to the goldfields. People literally walked from the city and they stopped off at Keilor and were catered for there with [supplies],” Mr Ackerman said.

The open day will feature information stalls, food and drinks, and guided tours of the historical Harrick’s Cottage and Police Hut.

KHS is also hoping to recruit new members on the day.

The KHS open day will run from 12.30-4.30pm on Sunday 14 March at Harrick’s Cottage and Police Hut, 152 Harrick Road. Keilor Park.

Details: keilorhistoricalsociety.org.au/ membership/

Keilor Historical Society general executive Fred Ackerman and vice-president Susan Jennison. (Damjan Janevski) 535561_02

Clean-up complete

After an operation lasting more than a year and costing millions of dollars, the site of Melbourne’sbiggestindustrialfireinnearly a decade has now been cleaned up, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoriahasannounced.

In July 2024 a blaze broke out at the ACB Group’s chemical blending facility in Swann Drive, Derrimut, and burned for six hours before firefighters could bring it under control, using about three million litres of water and 40,000 litres of foam in theprocess.

At the time of the fire, nearby residents were advised to remain indoors to avoid the smoke, and the blaze triggered an intense

EPA program of air and water quality monitoring.

EPA said risks of impact to human and environmental health were fortunately foundtobelow.

What was left were fire-damaged, unsafe buildings and thousands of burnt-out chemical drums, each of which had to be individually inspected before being removed.

EPA west metropolitan regional manager JuliaGaitansaidthatasoflateJanuary2026, there were no remaining environmental noticesonthesite.

“It was the biggest fire clean-up in the westsincetheTottenhamblazeof2018,”Ms

Gaitan said. “Not only was environmental harm reduced by the controlled removal of the waste, it was done in a very timely way giventhechallengesfaced.”

EPA was one of a suite of agencies that participatedintheoperation.

WorkSafe, EPA, Energy Safe and Fire RescueVictoriaworkedcloselytoensurethe health and safety of those directly involved inremovingthewaste,theEPAsaid.

“It’s a great example of regulators uniting and using the most appropriate tools to ensure waste was safely removed,” Ms Gaitansaid.

EPAissuedmultipleimprovementnotices requiringwastetobeassessed,removedand

lawfully disposed of, as well as storm water to be contained to prevent contaminated runoff

The watchdog said it also wanted to make sure the public wasn’t left footing the bill after ACB Group, the company that operated the site at the time of the fire, went intoliquidation.

“EPAworkedhardtoensuretheliquidator and the landholder funded the clean-up,” Ms Gaitan said. “The clear message here is that organisations can’t evade their environmental obligations by going into liquidation.”

EPA and WorkSafe investigations of the incidentareongoing.

Call for rail timelines clarity

By Sam Porter

While an alliance of five councils in Melbourne’s west has welcomed the start of stage one of the Melbourne Airport Rail Project (MARP), it has renewed calls for the state government to provide project timelines and to deliver the Sunshine Precinct Station Masterplan in full.

LeadWest, representing Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham councils, is urging the state government to prioritise and fast-track the MARP with the same urgency as the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East.

The alliance also wants construction of

the full MARP completed before Melbourne Airport’s third runway becomes operational in 2031.

LeadWest said the state and federal governments must fulfil commitments to deliver the MARP via Sunshine in full.

The state government said stage one of the MARP will be completed by 2030 and is critical to future stages, including dedicated airporttracksandnewstationsattheairport and Keilor East.

The state government did not rule out completing the project by 2031 and said stage two could technically begin alongside stage one works, but that it was dependent on several factors.

According to the federal government, the MARP is expected to be completed late 2033.

Thestategovernmentsaidithascommitted to deliver the MARP in full, along with the federal government and Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne), after each party signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last year.

The MoU commits the parties to develop a pathway for an above-ground station to be built at the airport, with planning for the delivery strategy and timing for future stages informed by the Melbourne Airport Rail Link Steering Committee, the state government said.

Sunshine Fly Casting Club members Harold Hodge, Ted Boen, Brian Cox, Bob Olerhead, and Wendy and Steve

536442_03

Club goes fishing for fresh faces

The Sunshine Fly Casting Club is looking toreelinnewmembers,especiallywomen and younger residents.

However secretary Wendy Sullivan said locals can still join regardless of age, ability and gender.

“We need to start to bring new members in to breathe a bit of life in the club,” she said.

Locals considering joining don’t need to worry about a lack of fishing skills either.

“The members are quite willing to spend their time teaching young mem-

bers how to tie flies and how to cast and how to fish,” Ms Sullivan said.

“I think new members would give the older members something to focus on which is to mentor them.”

In fly fishing, the angler casts a lightweightlureknownasafly,usingspecialised casting techniques and a weighted line to mimic the movement of natural prey such as insects.

“With fly fishing it’s more you versus the fish. You have to stalk them and try to find them and have the right flies so they’regoingtobeattractedtoit.There’s

a little bit of art to it,” Ms Sullivan said.

She also described flyfishing as a “dying art” .

“If we don’t start to get new people through there won’t be a club.”

Ms Sullivan said she loves the community feel of the group.

“It’s the banter. It’s the camaraderie that you see between all the members.”

The group meets on Tuesday nights from 7pm in its clubrooms at 24 King Edward Avenue, Albion. Contact: flyfishingsunshine@gmail.com or sunshineflyclub@gmail.com

Property developer Pelligra joins Brooklyn Recycling Group

Property developer Pelligra has formally joined the Brooklyn Recycling Group (BRG) under Victoria’s first statutory Better Environment Plan (BEP).

As a major landholder within the industrialprecinct,Pelligrawillworkalongside Delta Group, ResourceCo, EcoGypsum and Fertiliser (Sunshine Groupe), and City Circle Group as contributors to Brooklyn’s future redevelopment.

According to BRG, the BEP, authorised by the Environment Protection Authority in July 2024, provides an adaptive framework that enables businesses of varying sizes and operations to work collectively

toward cleaner air, improved local amenity and stronger collaboration between industry, community and government.

BRG foundation member Christon Buxton, of EcoGypsum and Fertiliser, said Pelligra’s involvement strengthens the shared vision for the precinct.

“Ourgoalhasalwaysbeentoworkprogressively with industry, community and regulators to achieve better outcomes for everyone,” he said. “Having Pelligra formally join the BEP strengthens our collective capacity and reinforces that this is a long-term commitment.”

The BEP, now in its second year, is a

LeadWest is also calling for full implementation of the Sunshine Precinct Station Masterplan — a 2022 state election promise — and the development of a precinct plan focused on investment in civic spaces and facilities.

The state government said upgrades to the broader station precinct will be deliveredalongsidestageoneoftheMARPworks. Works will be completed while construction teams are already in the area to minimise disruption and revitalise the Sunshine Station precinct, guiding future development of nearby land, the state government said.

Council highlights its MAV priorities

An expanded bus network and the further rollout of gambling reforms are among Brimbank council’s top priorities ahead of the state council meeting of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in May.

Meeting twice a year, the MAV enables councils to propose their priorities of statewide significance for the association to advocate on their behalf.

In its proposed motions for the upcoming MAV meeting, council is urging the state government to boost bus funding to improve service frequency, speed, route efficiency,operatinghoursandintegration with activity centres, industrial precincts and other transport modes.

In its submission to the association, council said demand for bus services continuestooutpacesupplydespiterecentinvestments made by the state government.

“Manyservicesremaininfrequent,indirect,orpoorlyintegratedwithothermodes of transport, while high-demand routes are at capacity and can leave passengers stranded. Around one-third of bus trips connect with trains or trams, highlighting their role in network integration,” the submission said.

“This [increased funding for bus services] will better support population growth, reduce car dependence and address transport disadvantage by improving access to jobs, education and activity centres.”

Another proposed MAV motion calls on the state government to roll out further gambling reforms, including expanding gaming venue closure hours, lowering daily EFTPOS withdrawal limits at gaming venues, and extinguishing all forfeited electronic gaming machine (EGM) licences.

As reported by Star Weekly, Brimbank has led in EGM losses statewide for more than a decade now, with locals losing a total of $1.36 billion from July 2014 to July 2024.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, Brimbank residents spent $175,897,780 to EGMs – up $4,229,998 from the 2023-2024 financial year.

three-year statutory agreement designed to drive higher standards of environmental performance.

In year two of the program, participants are advancing a coordinated precinct-wide monitoring and response system, expanding vegetation plantings to establish natural windbreaks, advocating for improved road conditions, enhancing workforce capability in dust and health management, and strengthening stakeholder engagement and education, according to BRG.

BRG said dust management remains a central priority.

In its submission, council said financial losses contribute to significant social costs including financial distress, mental health impacts and relationship harm.

“Around 330,000 Victorians experience gambling harm each year, with many harms linked to easy access and high machine availability,” the submission said.

“Reforms at gaming venues in recent years are welcome, but without further action… harm will continue to disproportionately affect individuals, families and communities.”

The next MAV meeting will be held on 29 May.

Desk hours reduced again

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Caroline Springs Police Station has again come under the spotlight after the station hours were reduced for the second time in a month.

Victoria Police announced temporarily reduced hours for the station on 24 February via a post on the EyewatchMelton Police Service Area Facebook page, despite reducing the hours not a month earlier.

According to the post, the station’s counter hours have been reduced to Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 10.15am and 5.45pm, a 30-minute

difference from the already reduced 10am to 6pm desk hours for the same days.

The announcement by Victoria Police comes just a day after Melton council backedapushtorestore24-houroperations at the station at its 23 February meeting.

Cr Kathy Majdlik said council has long advocated for the station to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, since it opened as a non-24-hour facility in 2017.

“As one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, our population is increasing at an unprecedented rate,” she said. “With that growth comes the need for services, including police personnel, to keep pace.”

The reduction in hours follows a

statement from Victoria Police indicating the move would prioritise freeing up officersfromdeskdutiestobolsterfrontline patrols.

However, councillors questioned why the community should have to choose between an accessible police station and visible on-the-ground policing.

“It was disappointing to hear that news. The justificationjustseemsabitone-sided. Why is this happening in the west but not the east? ” Cr Zada said.

CouncilwillwritetoPremierJacintaAllan and Police Minister Anthony Carbines to express “strong disappointment” at the reducedhoursandseekclarificationonthe

Educational visit takes flight

at school

community benefit of the change.

Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said the governmentbacksthechiefcommissioner’s plans for a “new-look” Victoria Police.

“We back the chief commissioner’s plan to deliver a safer Victoria and a new-look Victoria Police - retaining more members and getting more of them on the streets deterring crime,” she said.

“The best place for highly skilled police officersisoutinthecommunitypreventing crime and keeping people safe.

“Keeping Victorians safe in 2026 means prioritising frontline police patrols.”

Ms Allan and Mr Carbines were contacted for comment.

YOUR SAY

Council rejects safety alarm story I write regarding the Star Weekly article published on 27 February about the installation of fire safety alarms at the Brimbank Multi-Deck Car Park in Sunshine.

Despite Council providing comprehensive information prior to publication, the article failed to include critical facts and instead presented a narrative suggesting the alarms were installed to deter people experiencing homelessness. That claim is incorrect and deeply concerning and does not reflect Council’s advice.

The alarms have been installed solely within the fire stairwells of the Brimbank Multi deck Car Park to ensure emergency exits remain clear and accessible. Council is legally obligated under the Building Act 1993 and Victorian Building Regulations to keep fire exits unobstructed at all times. Failure to do so places lives at risk and exposes Council to significant penalties. Maintaining safe egress is not optionalit is a fundamental safety requirement. No alarms have been installed in other areas of the multi deck car park or in surrounding public spaces.

When Council became aware that the alarms were at times audible beyond the stairwells, it took immediate action to reduce the volume, and we’re continuing to investigate other alternatives including motion sensors.

Students from St Peter Chanel Primary School in Deer Park got a thrill during a visit from the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service (WLRHS) to mark the first-ever ‘Red and Yellow Day’ on Wednesday4March.

Helicopter crew members delivered vital watersafetyeducationto75yearsixstudents during a visit to Life Saving Victoria’s (LSV) state centre in Port Melbourne, which also showcased the lifesaving service’s critical roleinprotectingVictoriancommunities.

The interactive visit allowed students to learn from crew members about the importance of water safety, and explore lifesaving equipment onboard, including radio and navigation systems and the helicopter’stwo-personrescuewinch.

WHLRS crew member Wayne Cartwright said the visit was an opportunity for students to learn about lifesaving and meet thepeoplebehindtherescues.

“It’s an incredible feeling to bring this

According to LSV, the inaugural ‘Red and Yellow Day’ is a nationwide celebration of Australia’s volunteer lifesavers, who give their time and energy freely to keep the communitysafeinthewater.

iconic service to students and inspire the nextgeneration,”MrCartwrightsaid.

“It’s a unique way to connect with young Australians and show them the importance of helping others and staying safe in and aroundthewater.”

The WLRHS, operated by LSV, plays a crucialroleinthestatebyconductingsearch and rescue missions, aerial surveillance andbeachpatrols,accordingtoLSV.

LSV said the school visits highlight the importance of education in fostering a culture of safety and emergency preparedness.

Council investigates Deanside Village traffic issues

Melton council has moved on tackling trafficissuesraisedbyresidentsof Deanside Villageestate.

At its 23 February meeting, council resolved to undertake an assessment of traffic congestion and safety concerns arising from the operations of two significant places of assembly within the estate.

A traffic and safety assessment will analyse traffic flow and congestion issues, pedestrianandcyclistsafetyconsiderations surrounding the entrances and exits of the

twosites,andparkingcapacity.

Council officers will also engage with the operators of the two places of assembly in a bid to explore collaborative solutions to reduce traffic congestion and improve safetyforbothresidentsandvisitors.

The move comes after multiple reports of safety concerns came from concerned residents of Deanside Village estate, accordingtoCrSteveAbboushi.

“This is pretty straightforward,” Cr Abboushisaid.

The council report also noted issues

raised relating to queuing vehicles, a lack ofparking,andsafetyconcernsforchildren andelderlyresidents.

“Given the growing population and ongoinguseofthesefacilities,itisimportant for council to proactively address these matters to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors,” Cr Abboushi said inhispreamble.

Abriefingwillbereportedbacktocouncil following the findings, recommending actions to improve traffic management and safetywithintheestate.

Council rejects any suggestion that these measures are punitive. Our approach to homelessness is grounded in dignity, inclusion and practical support.

We continue to work with other levels of government and specialist organisations to connect people with safe, sustainable housing and long-term assistance.

Ensuring public safety and advocating for compassionate responses to homelessness are not competing priorities - they are both essential responsibilities.

Given the serious mischaracterisation in the original article, I request that this letter be published in full to correct the public record.

Fiona Blair CEO, Brimbank City Council

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Cafe’s purposeful blend

Soulful Spreads is a social enterprise cafe located in Tarneit that helps young women and people with disabilities gain hands on experience. Jaidyn Kennedy paid the cafe a visit and learned its story.

Coffee, catering and confidence might sound like an strange brew of concepts, yet they are exactly what a local cafe in Tarneit serves to its customers and team.

Tucked away near the Julia Gillard Library is Soulful Spreads, a social enterprise that supports young people andwomenwithdisabilitiesbyproviding hands-on hospitality training.

Put simply, a social enterprise is a business that reinvests the majority of its earnings into a cause it supports rather than chasing profit.

Founded in July last year by Samira Fazal with the help of her sister Noshi, the purpose always stemmed from a personal calling.

“It is a bit of a personal story, because I have two sisters with disabilities, and I have always wanted to work to help people,” Ms Fazal said.

“Until last year, I worked in the corporate world and in community service, but I just didn’t feel much fulfilment from it.

“Then I gave up my job in April last year and that is where this came about.”

Everything staked on one sentiment.

“I have always said disability is not inability,” Ms Fazal said.

There are lots of fancy cafes out there–don’t expect fancy and that’s because there is a bigger cause you are supporting

Which is where the name was born.

“My sister and I were just chatting about, and it is the spread of abilities we wanted to be looking at – instead of just looking at disabilities that people have.”

Now in the swing of things, the cafe provides five-week programs, opportunities for volunteers and community catering services.

The program is designed as a stepping stone to confidence, independence, and a pathway to meaningful employment.

Everything on the menu – from cappuccinos to toasties – is deliberately capped at $5.50 to make it affordable for locals.

The weekly menu is also designed by those participating.

“They select what they want to put on the menu, so I get them the ingredients and we cook it together,” Ms Fazal said.

“Ourmenuisverysimpleonpaperbut changes all the time.”

She was asked why designing and implementing a menu is an important operating feature.

“They need to be able to decide things and exercise that decision making power, because not all of them have it yet.

“People need to have a bit of control and autonomy over their space, I want them to be able to have that control because when they go out in the real world, they have to make a lot of decisions.”

Program participant Anjali Manral is currently learning on the job.

“I love coming to the cafe because it helps give me lots of confidence that I am able to do something,” Ms Manral said.

“I really enjoy meeting people, making coffee and learning different skills.

“My skills have improved, if someone orders multiple choice, I’m confident with all the prices and know I’m not going to make a mistake.

“AndifIdo,it’sokaythere’snopressure on me, so it’s good like that.”

Silky Somani volunteers and gains something slightly different from her involvement.

“It has played a major role in my life because I have two kids and so back home I’m occupied with them most of the time, but here it is just me time.

“Which gives me a lot of satisfaction, happinessandIlookforwardtoMondays, so I can come and make some coffees.

Learning has not been a one-way street.

“I have learned a lot, but I think the most important thing I have learned is just being patient,” Ms Fazal said.

“I put a sign up in the cafe saying please be patient.

“I have become very humble and patient, so personally I have grown learning from them, too.

“There are lots of fancy cafes out there– don’t expect fancy and that’s because there is a bigger cause you are supporting.”

Ms Fazal wants to carry on the momentum she and her sister have built.

“The goal for the next year is to get more people in the program.

“My vision for the next five years is to open a cafe and employ more people.

Integral to that vision is taking the sting out of the word disability.

“I have come from a background

where disability is hidden, it’s a taboo, but I want to be able to talk about it,” Ms Fazal said. “As mothers, sisters and daughters we need to talk about it.

“I strongly believe that everyone has a purpose and something they can give back to the community.

“It’s just human nature to focus on what we can’t do— and not what we can do.

“So why don’t we build on the abilities we have and build that up for them.

“It’s made a huge difference, not only for me but for the community.”

Soulful Spreads certainly seems to have the community part of the equation down pat, with a mixture of youth and experience showing an interest in their mission.

On Mondays, many retired residents havemadeabitofatraditionofgathering at the cafe.

“For them it is really about getting out and avoiding isolation, they come and socialise– so a big part of this is providing that safe space for the community.

“Most of them come from the retirement community next door or pop in after their Tai Chi sessions.

“They see it as a nice place to chat instead of just going back home.”

“There is storytelling, there is knowledge sharing – we gain so much learning from them through their stories and experiences.

“Someone taught us how to make scones, which are now on the menu.”

The youth volunteers are certainly contributing to that sense of community.

“We have a bimonthly book club which encourages young people to come–thatisopentoeveryone,”MsFazal said.

“Last holidays, they ran three workshops, including origami and arts and crafts– everything was organised by them.”

She said she hopes to see more social enterprises pop up to have more of this community spirit in Wyndham.

“It is not a competition, we should work together to make Wyndham a global village instead of competing with each other.”

In the meantime, there is plenty to do.

“We are always looking for volunteers, especially on the days we have cooking classes,” Ms Fazal said.

There’s even a way for customers to feed into spirit of giving.

“We have a pay it forward model in where you buy a coffee for someone else, and then they buy one for the next person,” Ms Fazal said.

“Giving back to the community is very fulfilling – knowing someone is not going to sleep hungry or start their day.”

Me Fazal said she is eternally grateful for those community members and wants everyone to pop by if they get the chance to see the work they do.

“If we work together, we can make so many changes, and the community support is what makes this happen.”

Soulful Spreads is open 8.30amnoon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Details: https://soulfulspreads.com

A window on natural beauty

A new window installation celebrating Melton’s natural beauty has transformed the CS Gallery space windows at the Caroline Springs Library and Learning Hub.

Melbourne-based multidisciplinary artist Sasha Heath has been awarded the 2026 CS Gallery Windows Commission, with her work Tones of Country featured prominentlyatthelibrary.

Known for her hand-painted murals and whimsical illustration style, Heath said she relishes the idea of incorporating the naturalenvironmentintoherwork.

“I love the idea of creating a design that connects not only with the local landscape but also with the people who call this regionhome,”shesaid.

“For me, it feels important to celebrate thenaturalenvironmentandtohonourthe migratory birds that return to these areas yearafteryear.”

Tones of Country draws inspiration

from Melton’s botanic garden, nature reserves and parklands, reflecting what Heath describes as a unifying palette of warm, earthy tones synonymous with the Australianbush.

Thedesignworkstoechotherichhuesof the region while celebrating the landscape whichconnectslocalgreenspaces.

At the heart of the artwork is the Eastern Great Egret, a native bird commonly found in Melton’s wetlands. As a migratory species, the egret symbolises connection toCountry,seasonalchangeandwater.

“Ichosethisspeciesforitsquietelegance and its connection to Melton’s own storya place shaped by continuous migration, cultural growth and an ever-evolving communitylandscape,”Heathsaid.

Residents can view Tones of Country for themselves at CS Gallery inside the Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub, located at 193–201 Caroline Springs Boulevard,CarolineSprings.

Briefs

Lynn refused bail

Accused camper killer Greg Lynn’s bail has been refused by a judge ahead of his murder trial.  Lynn, formerly of Caroline Springs, applied for bail at Melbourne’s Supreme Court, where his lawyers argued he should be released as the prosecution’s case against him was weak. On Thursday  5 March, Justice David Beach announced he would not be released. Lynn is charged with the murder of Carol Clay, 73, who went missing in March 2020 from a remote campsite in Victoria’s northeast, alongside her friend Russell Hill, 74. Lynn maintains his innocence claiming the incident was accidental.

SES Brimbank Unit

Earlier this month volunteers from the SES (state emergency services) Brimbank unit supported SES Essendon members in successfully rescuing a cat that had become stuck between a water tank and a fence. On social media, the Brimbank unit thanked volunteers for giving up their Saturday night to help someone in need. “The little furry friend was very happy to be reunited with his owner safe and sound. Another great outcome for the community,” the unit said.

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An election to remember

Williamstown amateur historian Barb McNeill is Star Weekly’s history columnist. This week she tells the tale of a tense tussle over the seat of Melbourne Ports at the 1931 state election.

In 1931, politicians were making life miserable for everyone, what with diminished exports, government cutbacks, and Premier Lang’s reluctance to cough up the cash required to pay interest to Britain. The Great Depression was gnawing away at Australia, and Williamstown felt its bites keenly. However, when the legendary Phar Lap romped home to win the Underwood StakesatWilliamstown, everyonecheered up, though some gloomy souls predicted that this would be the last excitement for the year.

Their predictions were proved true and life resumed its dreary course. And then - William Howey came marching in from Port Melbourne, bursting with confidence that his credentials would ensure him glory in the forthcoming election. He was a returned soldier and a member of the recently formed United Australia Party. TheseatofMelbournePortshadbeenheld by Labor since 1906, but Mr Howey was 100 per cent certain that the electorate wouldgivethemthebootatbothstateand federal levels, and joyfully install him in the former.

WilliamstownTownHallwaspackedfor a meeting on 8 December. Amongst the usual hecklers was an intoxicated Martin Moore, loudly interjecting, much to the annoyance of Mr Howey, other speakers and the audience. Told by Constable Browne to behave himself, he stacked on such a turn that he had to be dragged outside kicking and biting. He was handcuffed to the Town Hall steps, where he sat swearing at Constable Morgan. He was duly hauled off to the police station, where he immediately attacked the watchhouse keeper, Constable Jones. At the Williamstown Court on 15 December, with just four days left until the voting stampedes began, Mr Moore had three charges to answer to: insulting words, obscene language and assaulting Constable Browne.

The defendant told a different story. He was the victim of police brutality having been punched and batoned by three burly policemen for no reason at all, and beaten to jelly by Constable Browne who had never heard of freedom of speech. It did him no good whatsoever. He was fined two pounds for insulting words, five pounds for obscene language and three pounds for assaulting police. Failure to pay would net him 21 weeks in the clink.

One the eve of the election, Mr Howey andhissupporters,decidingthatthe open air was better suited to spruiking than the TownHall, bellowedtheircampaignfrom a truck parked in Ferguson Street. One of thesesupporters,ThomasBriggsofLenore Crescent, walked into Ferguson Street to cheer for the UAP candidate.

This produced a very strange effect on Ernest Roberts of Rennie Street, who had just enjoyed wrecking an Electra Street political meeting with much jeering and howling down of various speakers. He spotted Mr Briggs standing near the lorry and stopped. Ernest Roberts harboured an intense dislike for Thomas Briggs and, followed by hundreds of men, headed straight towards him. Raising his voice above the racket made by the UAP, he screamed “Have you got Brother Briggs

there? The Christian brother with the Christian spirit?”

Briggsfacedhim.Robertsthengotdown to business by accusing Briggs of bringing sectarianism into Williamstown by virtue of having attended no fewer than seven different churches. “You’re a mongrel! A sectarian mongrel!” This he repeated several times loudly, albeit inaccurately, apparently confusing sectarianism with ecumenism.

Noting the army of heavies behind Mr Roberts, Briggs wisely said nothing. He may have been a Christian, but he was not willing to forgive and forget rude Mr Roberts of Rennie Street. He took him to court charged with insulting words.

Awitness,RobertFaulknerfromHannan Street who had been standing behind Briggs on the night, had seen Roberts near the truck and heard his accusations of bringing sectarianism to Williamstown. Briggs had merely replied, “Don’t be silly.”

Then anther witness, Robert Johnston of OsborneStreet,statedthathehadbeenon the lorry, and had seen Roberts confront

Briggswiththebackingofseveralhundred men behind him. Yes, Roberts accused Briggs of sectarianism, and mentioned several churches, but he hadn’t heard the word “mongrel”. In fact, the racket made by the spruikers and audience was such that it was a miracle that anyone could hear anything. Other witnesses agreed that the hellish hubbub made by Mr Howey, the shouts of his supporters, the clanging of bells and the jeering of political foes made it wildly improbable that Briggs could have heard a thing.

Mr Jackson, Justice of the Peace, had the wisdom of experience and allowed for tempers heating up at political meetings. Hebelievedthat the words had been used, but dismissed the case as a trifling matter, with each party to pay their own costs.

Disappointed by the anti-climax, the crowd filed out, but then Sergeant Ellis, keeping the peace at the court door, heard Robertssuddenly kickingupafearfulfuss about something. He rushed to report this to the Bench, and Roberts was recalled.

“What’s this all about?” demanded a

very fed-up Mr Jackson.

Mr Roberts was incandescent with rage. As he had left the court, Robert Johnston hadhissedintohisear,“Whydon’tyougive Briggs a nice kiss and become friends?”

Mr Jackson understood why this constituted an intolerable provocation and again demonstrated his wisdom by declaring the incident closed.

Mr William Howey, having learned what Williamstown could be like in the grip of political passions, was deeply demoralised. Rather than hankering for UAP gentlemen to usher in a new era of peace and prosperity, the locals seems to prefer tokickpolicemen, screamdrunken threats , wreck meetings, and haul one another into courts and police stations.

Mr Howey had done his utmost and nobody could blame him for all that had transpired. After all his heroic efforts, it would be pleasant to report a landslide win, but alas. The damage was done. So, who won the seat of Melbourne Ports? Jack Holloway, for the ALP and Mr Howey abandoned Williamstown to its fate.

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Is it worth keeping old jewellery that you will never wear again? The extra cash may help now or in the future rather than unwanted jewellery sitting in your drawer!

We buy all gold Jewellery, Antiques & Contemporary Jewellery Diamonds, Silver Jewellery, Gold Sovereign Coins and other coins, Precious Stones, Including Broken Jewellery and Watches and unusual Items.

“Your Jewellery maybe worth a lot more than what you think!”

Lamonte Tiles has been supplying quality tiles for 17 years

Inasuburbknownforitshardworkingspirit and growing homes, one name continues to stand out for quality, reliability, and designexcellence-LamonteTilesinKeilor Park.

This year marks an exciting milestone: 17 years in business. For nearly two decades,LamonteTileshasproudlyserved homeowners, builders, designers, and developers across Melbourne’s northwest a testament to the trust and loyalty of the localcommunity.

Whenitcomestobuildingorrenovating, tiles are more than just a finishing touch they define a space. They shape first

impressions, elevate functionality, and add long-term value. Lamonte Tiles understandsthisbetterthananyone.Over the past 17 years, the company has built a reputation on premium products, expert guidance,andgenuinecustomercare.

Step into the Keilor Park showroom and you’llimmediatelyseethedifference.

From sleek modern porcelains to timeless natural stone, statement splashbacks to durable outdoor pavers, every collection is carefully curated with both style and performance in mind. Whether you’re planning a contemporary kitchen,aluxuriousbathroomretreat,ora

large-scale commercial project, Lamonte Tiles offers solutions tailored to every visionandbudget.

WhattrulysetsLamonteTilesapartisits personalised approach. Renovations can feel overwhelming but the experienced team simplifies the process. Customers receive practical advice on materials, finishes, layout trends, and installation considerations, ensuring confidence from selection to completion. It’s this commitment to service that has sustained thebusinessfor17successfulyears.

Quality matters. So does longevity. Lamonte Tiles partners with leading

local and international manufacturers, ensuring products meet Australian standards for durability and design. The result? Surfaces that look exceptional today and continue performing for years tocome.

Seventeenyearsismorethanamilestone it’s a promise of consistency, integrity, and dedication to the community. For those seeking to transform their space with craftsmanship and confidence, the messageisclear:exceptionalresultsbegin with exceptional materials. And in Keilor Park,thatjourneycontinueswithLamonte Tiles.

LA MONTE TILES & FLOORING

0pm S

Stamp Duty savings a benefit of retirement village living

For many older Victorians, moving into a retirement village represents more than just a lifestyle change—it can unlock meaningful financial benefits, with stamp duty savings among the most tangible. Stampduty(officiallycalledlandtransfer duty) is one of the largest upfront costs when purchasing residential property in Victoria.

However, for those downsizing into a retirement village under loan/lease type contracts, the way duty is calculated can often lead to significant savings compared withbuyingatraditionalhomeatthesame price.

How Stamp Duty Works in Victoria In Victoria, land transfer duty is calculated on a sliding scale based on the purchase price (or “dutiable value”) of the property. The presence of certain concessions—like principal place of residence (PPR) rates for homes up to $550,000—can reduce this amount, but above that threshold the standard general rates apply.

Illustratively, based on current rates:

• A $500,000 property attracts approximately $21,970 in stamp duty.

• A $600,000 property attracts around $31,070.

• A $750,000 property generally attracts about $40,070.

These estimates are broad guides and may vary depending on specific eligibility for concessions.

Downsizing

and Stamp Duty

Savings

When retirees move into a Centennial Living retirement village via a loan/lease contract, the upfront payment for the retirement village unit reflects a license or lease payment rather than a freehold

purchase, and this means stamp duty may not be payable at the same level as a conventional property purchase. These savings can be significant when weighed against ongoing fees like deferred management fees (DMFs)—the periodic charges many retirement villages apply when exiting. While some prospects are waryofDMFs,thereductionsinstampduty alone may offset a portion of these costs over time, freeing up funds for lifestyle,

What This Means for Downsizers

For older Victorians considering a move into a Centennial Living retirement village, the prospect of lowering upfront costs through stamp duty savings— coupled with the lifestyle and support benefits of retirement villages—can make

downsizing more financially viable. While DMFs should always be factored into any retirement village decision, the stamp duty advantage offers a real, immediate cash-flow benefit.

Find out more about Centennial Living retirement villages by going to the website and filling in the form on the Contact Us page at www.centennialliving.com.auor call 1300 098 000

Faces of the west

Each

MY PLACE

Jodie Gorman-Robinson is heavily involved in the community and volunteers for multiple local organisations and initiatives, including organising the Keilor Night Market. She was recently recognised by Brimbank council for her volunteer efforts in organising care packages for families affected by the January bushfires. She spoke to Sam Porter about her work and her community.

What’s your connection to Brimbank? Inmy56yearsontheplanet,Ihavelivedin Brimbank for 55 of them. Being connected to a community is important to me, so when my son started primary school at St Augustine’s, I knew I would be a volunteer at his school. I started my first year as a parent helper, then I was treasurer on the parents’ auxiliary. I was assistant in the canteen and there wasn’t much I wasn’t involved in.

I play tennis at Keilor Tennis Club where I am a team manager and secretary. I volunteer my time as the Ladies Competition Delegate, supporting the men’sandmixeddelegates.

In December 2021, I started the Village NightMarket.AsMelbournewastheworld record-holder for the strictest and longest lockdowns, I believed it was time to get people back in the community. Our local andsmallbusinessesthatreliedonmarkets were forced to close. Our stallholders rely on these markets for funds to contribute to theirhousehold.IbelievedthatIcouldadd another income for these people, whilst gettingthecommunityoutandabout.

What do you like about where you live? I love where I live, and joke to my husband that he will have to door-knock to find a house in my street when it’s time to downsize. I believe that if you want to be part of a community, you can, you just have to add it into your lifestyle. The community feel is amazing especially in Keilor. If you plan on walking your dog, set aside an hour of the day because you will be stopped along the way chatting to people. As I have the market at the Keilor Bowls Club, I have gotten to know a few there, so I have started playing barefoot bowls for fun on a Wednesday night.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

We need more tennis courts. Trying to promote the sport is difficult because we don’t have the courts to accommodate it. Our ladies teams are now at capacity, and we now have a team at another venue

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Nothing really. What you see is what you get.Iwilltalktoanyoneandprobablyshare too much. I am a mad North Melbourne supporter.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

40 years ago 12March,1986

In Keilor, a chapter of Anglican history is being written. The city is home to one of Australia’s first female Anglican deacons.

What drove you to support your community during the recent bushfires?

The Longwood fires broke my heart. My husband and I have an onsite caravan at Nagambieandseewhatcountrylifeislike. I won’t take credit for my recent toiletry care packages. I asked the community for help and they delivered; I was only the driver of it all. I did purchase products like combs, hair ties, face washers, toothbrushes and deodorant myself, but so did the community. I had support from the Keilor Tennis Club, giving me a drop-off space. They even purchased products for me. Lisa Mayoh, our president, would come everyday and meet me and we would transfer shampoo, conditioner and body lotion to small bottles so we could get more packages made up. We made over 300 care packages for fire victims, and volunteers. We dropped our first delivery to Seymour that went to the Highlands Hub Community and the following weekend we went to Longwood Football and Netball club where we were met with localsatareliefcentresortingoutdonated items.

Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

30 years ago 13March,1996

Victoria University of Technology vice-chancellor Professor Jarlath-Ronaynehascomeunderattack fromstaff

20 years ago 14March,2006

BrimbankmayorNatalieSuleymanhas vowed to go ahead with the council’s proposed development of the Sunshine pool and says it is time the ongoing campaign by minority groups was stopped.

10 years ago 8March,2016

A $5 million contract to supply almost a thousand tonnes of steel to four new Victorian schools has come at the perfect time for a Sunshine West company.

Fifteen day luxury cruise

Imagine sailing down the Mississippi and the Ohio Rivers for 16 days taking in the sights of colourful New Orlean, musical Memphis and lovely Louisville.

Viking have announced their new itineraries for the region for 2027 and bookings are now open.

Sailing on board the Viking Mississippi, guests can choose the new fifteen day Bayous, Blues and Bluegrass itinerary, which operates between New Orleans and Louisville, with ports of call along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

A shorter option is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer itinerary which offers a journey between Memphis and Louisville.

Viking Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen believes wherever they are in the world, Viking guests are interested in the history, culture and culinary traditions of the destinations they visit.

“The towns and cities along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers are close to home for quite a few of our guests and are fantastic destinations that many have yet to discovering,” he said.

He believes the new itineraries expand the company’s destination-focused offerings on the Mississippi River.

The itineraries explore the rich heritage of the American South, birthplace of some of the country’s most beloved culinary and musical tradition with the 2027 Bayous, Bluesand Bluegrass15dayNewOrleansto Louisville cruise.

Along the Mississippi River, grand homes preserve the South’s past. Step into Civil War history at Vicksburg and feel the rhythm of the blues in Greenville. Further north, sample smoky barbecue in Tennessee and discover Kentucky’s legacy of craftsmanship, from the powerful Louisville Slugger to smooth bourbon.

Also new for 2027 is the eight day Mississippi and Ohio River Explorer from Memphis to Louisville. Sail on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as they wind past scenic wetlands, quaint towns and storied cities.

Classic American musical genres with the blues, rock ‘n’ roll and bluegrass arose along these waterways. Discover the legacies of icons such as BB King and Elvis Presley in Memphis, Tennessee. In Kentucky, Louisville’s baseball museum preserves the spirit of America’s favourite pastime while its bourbon distilleries honour generations of craftsmanship.

The 22-day Mississippi River Odyssey

from New Orleans to St Paul gives guests the opportunity to revel in the charm of “America’sGreatRiver”astheshipsetssail along the Mississippi.

Admire the historic mansions and grand homes atop its bluffs, and delve into America’s Civil War history.

Delight in the region’s famed Southern cuisine and sample Memphis’s renowned barbecue, alongside artisan beers. Birthplace of American music, blues, jazz and soul, the Mississippi celebrates its musical heritage in the towns and cities that line its legendary shores.

The eight-day Mississippi Delta Explorer from New Orleans to Memphis allows guests to discover Darrow, the gateway to the grand homes of the Lower Mississippi and explore the fascinating towns along the banks of the Mississippi that preserve the memory of the American South’s early history.

Learn about Natchez’s French and Acadian heritage and pay respects at the Vicksburg battlefield. Savour delicious Cajun and creole cuisine, as well as Memphis’s famous barbecue, as you celebratemusicallegendsinthebirthplace of rock ’n’ roll.

Discover the Heartland of America over eightdaysfromStLouisto StPaulasguests journey along the Upper Mississippi and hear stories of intrepid pioneers and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Walk in the footsteps of famed writer MarkTwainandlearnabouttheNorwegian

migration to the Midwest.

Enjoy the view as the luxury ship navigates through the river’s intricate lock system and experience the region’s many cultural treasures from ragtime, polka and NorwegianfolkmusictoWisconsincheese, craft beer and hearty stews.

On the eight day New Orleans and Southern Charms leaving New Orleans for a roundtrip, discover the Lower Mississippi’s rich charm, history and hospitality. Explore historic estates and visit notable Civil War sites.

Sample the bustling French-flavoured port cities of New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Sway to the tempos of Dixieland jazz, gospel and blues. Savour gourmet Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as

traditional Southern fare. Join this special VikingcruiseandseewhylocalCajunssay, “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll).

The Viking Mississippi hosts 386 guests in 193 all-outside staterooms. The state-of-the-art Viking Mississippi is inspired by Viking’s award-winning river and ocean ships and features elegant Scandinavian design, as well as public spaces that are familiar to guests but reimagined for Mississippi River voyages. The ship’s cutting-edge design, expansive windows and comfortable amenities make the Viking Mississippi the first truly modern ship in the region.

For further information please phone 138 747 or visit www.viking.com.

EUROPE

$5,695* pp

Book now and choose your preferred offer valued up to $5,000 per couple: Free economy class flight offers, upgrade to business class with an airfare credit, or save on your cruise fare.

Available until sold out on select river, ocean and expedition voyages*.

ROMANTIC DANUBE

Budapest to Regensburg or vice versa

Explore Göttweig Abbey, one of Austria’s most revered monastic centres and make dumplings with Wachau Valley apricots.

8 DAYS • 3 COUNTRIES • 5 GUIDED TOURS

JUN-NOV 2026; 2027; MAR-NOV 2028

From $5,695pp in Standard Stateroom From $6,695pp in Veranda Stateroom

PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE

Bucharest to Budapest or vice versa

Sail the Danube’s Iron Gate, witness Hungary’s Puszta horsemen, and behold Budapest’s grandeur—Eastern Europe unveiled.

11 DAYS • 5 COUNTRIES • 8 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $7,595pp in Standard Stateroom From $9,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

CAPITALS OF EASTERN EUROPE

Bucharest to Vienna or vice versa

Discover the “City of Waltzes,” Austria’s elegant capital and European centre of classical music. In Bratislava, view grand palaces from the Hapsburg era.

17 DAYS • 7 COUNTRIES • 12 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • APR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027; 2028

From $11,495pp in Standard Stateroom From $16,795pp in Veranda Stateroom

Introducing our 2026-2028 River Voyages brochure. Uncover the immersive experiences that await you along the world’s waterways with Viking.

Retain VicHealth: Council

By Sam Porter

Brimbank council has called on the state government to retain VicHealth as an independent statutory body, saying it is needed to help councils, community organisations and local sports groups fund and deliver health promotion programs.

In December last year, the state government announced it would dissolve the health promotion agency and integrate its functions into the Department of Health.

Council said VicHealth is a key enabler of councils’ public health and wellbeing role, supporting efforts to address physical inactivity, social isolation, mental wellbeing, alcohol and tobacco harm.

At the February Brimbank council meeting, councillors noted that mayor Virginia Tachos had written to the health minister, urging for VicHealth to remain independent and fully-funded.

At the meeting, Cr Lucy Nguyen said VicHealth is critical to enabling the work of councils.

“Abolishing VicHealth into the Department of Health will impact longstanding local government and community partnerships that will potentially lessen our focus on prevention within a department under immediate pressures of managing hospitals and acute services,” Cr Nguyen said.

She said VicHealth’s statutory independence allows it to act without short-term

political pressures and to challenge corporate interests linked to junk food, alcohol and tobacco.

“The pressures of chronic disease, mental health and growing inequities make VicHealth’s evidence-based, community-led health promotion more important than ever. This is especially important for the Brimbank community whose health and socio-economic status poses significant risk for the wellbeing of our residents,” Cr Nguyen said.

A state government spokesperson told StarWeeklytheintegrationofVicHealthinto the Department of Health would reduce duplication and ensure public health funding is directed to where it is most needed.

“VicHealth was established almost 40 years ago, and significant changes have occurred in the public health landscape since that time,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to invest in preventative health and will consult with key stakeholders in relation to the new model that will be established within the department.”

The government said some of VicHealth’s research, policy and community initiatives overlap with work undertaken by the Department of Health, independent community health organisations and Local Public Health Units.

The Department of Health said it will work with VicHealth to implement changes.

Vegetation cover around Kororoit Creek almost doubled

Vegetation surrounding Kororoit Creek has nearly doubled over the period from 20112025 with new plantings supporting 19.84 per cent of the milestone, according to new data from InCanopy.

In collecting the data, information technology company InCanopy said it analysed vegetation within 50 metres on both sides of Kororoit Creek, across more than 100 kilometres of the waterway.

Friends of Kororoit Creek (FOKC) president Jessica Gerger welcomed the news.

“It is fantastic to know that the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, across all municipalities, is paying off,” she said.

According to InCanopy, vegetation along the creek has increased by 28.68 per cent since 2011.

Ms Gerger said, in the Brimbank area, FOKC members have established a rich mix of Indigenous plants over approximately 50,000 square metres of creek reserve with added habitat features, signage and artworks.

“We have done mass plantings of beautiful wildflowers and grasses with groundcovers, shrubs and trees sprinkled throughout,” she said.

Ms Gerger thanked the wider community, Brimbank council, Landcare Australia, the state government, and corporate sponsors, among others, for their support.

“As the old adage goes, it takes a village! And of course, our indefatigable FOKC team,” she said.

Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek (FOLKC), which is active along the creek in Brooklyn and Altona, has planted hundreds of thousands of locally Indigenous trees and plants since the group began in 2001, according to president Jason Hocking.

He said Kororoit Creek in the Altona area previously resembled an ignored industrial drain.

“Almost all native vegetation had been removed by 150 years of agriculture and the destruction of the natural land surface by quarrying, the use of old quarries as rubbishtipsandtheadditionofhugequantities of waste dirt from construction,” he said.

Mr Hocking said the sediment at the base of the creek, as well as the water itself, was formerly contaminated due to industrial activity.

“Added to this was the domination of the environment by pest animals,” he said.

“These threats are still present today but thanks to the establishment of tree cover, the removal of most destructive illegal access and noxious weeds, and the reduction in industrial pollutants, there is now far more viable habitat for native animals.”

He thanked Melbourne Water, Hobsons Bay council and numerous corporate sponsors for their support, as well as former FOLKC president Geoffrey Mitchelmore.

The InCanopy data show vegetation cover along the creek is forecasted to reach 83.31 per cent by 2035.

Mr Hocking said FOLKC will focus on re-establishing natural tree cover in the Al-

tona-Brooklyn sections of the creek.

“What we are still missing is the ‘ground storey’ or the native grasses and wildflowers that used to surround the trees,” Mr Hocking said.

Ms Gerger said FOKC will continue improving and extending vegetation along the creek.

“We do a huge amount of maintenance at our sites so endless planting extension is only possible with more people power (and of course funding!). Come get involved,” she said.

Details: facilitator@naturewest.au (FOLKC) and www.fokc.org.au

of

of

1 Assimilate (6) 4 Leads an orchestra (8)

Complementary item (9)

Throw (5)

Chits (abbr) (4)

Colouring matter (5)

Humming sound (4)

Musician, Jim – (8)

Provided (8)

Declare (4)

Beautiful maiden in Muslim paradise (5) 26 Web addresses (abbr) (4)

Black mineral (4)

Hat (5)

Harmony (9)

1 A Middle Eastern language (6)

Yield; submit (7)

Corrosion (4) 5 Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8) 6 Be full of censure (10) 7 Commentators (7)

8 An instance of seeing something (8)

9 Minute skin opening (4) 15 Central Asian nation (10) 18 Ban (8) 19 Embezzle money (8) 21 Unbiased (7)

23 Forest workers (7) 24 English city on the River Exe (6)

27 Old stringed instrument (4)

29 Self-referential (4)

3 LETTERS

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

17 words: Good 26 words: Very good 34 words: Excellent

4 LETTERS AVOS AYES BASS BUSS EKES EVIL FADE FADS LEGS LOSS PEON SEWS SODA SWAP VERY

5 LETTERS ACING AGENT AGREE ALONE ANGLE AREN’T AROSE ASKEW ASSET

toil, tonic, topic, tulip, tunic, unclip, uncoil, unit, unlit, until

pilot, pint, pinto, piton, point, politic, PUNCTILIO,

1 Steve Carell (pictured) and Timothée Chalamet play father and son in which 2018 film?

2 What is the title of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s debut cookbook, released in 1999?

3 Convallaria majalis is a woodland flowering plant better known by what name?

4 Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats was based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book ofPracticalCats by which author?

5 In which year did construction on the Sydney Harbour Bridge commence?

6 If something is ephemeral, it is what?

7 Which four African countries border the Red Sea?

8 Which band released the 2010 album The Suburbs?

9 What is the name given to the Catalonian sauce made from tomato, garlic, nuts and capsicum?

10 Who wrote the 1985 novel OrangesAreNottheOnly Fruit?

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

Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival

The Pacific Ocean Short Film Festival is coming back to Melbourne for its second year, bringing powerful Pacific short stories, culture, and community together for one unforgettable night. There will be a massive outdoor screen, live cultural performances, a filmmaker Q&A, and Pacific Island food trucks and desserts. Registration for free tickets is required and entry is by gold coin donation. The event will run from 6-10pm on Saturday 14 March at 614 Ballarat Road, Ardeer. shorturl.at/mwomF

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

Zumba Class in Deer Park

Locals can vibe and move during sessions of Zumba Gold Toning classes at commUnity+ Neighbourhood House, featuring light dumbbells for strength building. Sessions run from 6-7pm on Thursdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. No bookings required.

Budding Artists

Whether it’s your first time dabbling in art or you’re fully-fledged, Budding Artists is an art program for all abilities. This term’s theme is Celebrating Women in Art. Sessions are hosted by commUnity+ Neighbourhood House and run from 11am-12.30pm on Thursdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. No bookings required.

Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning

Join Popcorn Musical Fun and Learning, a free, evidence-based early education program that combines music, play, and connection for families with children aged 0-5 years. Running for eight weeks, on Tuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm, this program is designed to incorporate singing, stories, and fun activities to support your child’s development. Running from February 11 onwards at the Sunshine Heights Playgroup Centre, 105 Glengala Road. 9663 6733 or events@ds.org.au

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

Sunshine Repair Cafe

Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Café in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items.

sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au or 0413 434 082

Al-Anon Family Groups

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

Helpline, 1300 252 666

Musicians Wanted Westgate Concert Band is seeking new members. Do you play Woodwind, Brass or Percussion and are looking for a welcoming place to play enjoyable and challenging music? Rehearsals are held Saturday mornings during school terms, 9am-noon, at Braybrook College. westgateconcertband@gmail.com

Deer Park Lions Club

Deer Park Lions Club is looking for new members. It holds dinner meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at the Deer Park Senior Citizens Club, 119 Station Road, Deer Park. Michael, 0417 307 572

Avondale Heights Probus Club

The club meets at Doyle Street Community Centre, Avondale Heights on the third Wednesday of the month at 9.30am. For retired or semi-retired people. The club offers lunches, bus trips, card and games

days, walking groups. New members welcome. Vee, 0400 886 758

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

Keilor Park Tennis Club social night

Join the club on Monday nights for a free social hit and get to know other club members. All levels are welcome. Female players are also required for Thursday competition from 10am-2pm and also for the B-grade mixed team on Wednesday, 7-9pm.

keilorparktennis@gmail.com

Brimbank Book Group

Be inspired by thought-provoking books with a group of like-minded, literary fans with our Brimbank Book Group. All welcomed. This group, for adults, meets on the first Monday of the month, 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

Lake Caroline comes alive

One of Melton’s favourite annual events is set to return to Lake Caroline this month, with Lakeside Alive celebrating the city’s rich cultural diversity by the water.

This year’s event on Saturday 21 March will coincide with Harmony Day, an annual celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity, and offers plenty of entertainment for the whole family with intercultural performances, market stalls, roving performers, live music and fireworks.

The whole family is being invited to

the day of fun, where children can get creative at Lady Mohawk’s Craft Tile Workshop, enjoy the Bebop Circus, or have their faces painted, while Melton’s older kids can join in on the excitement of the 10-minute dance parties.

Parents and friends can explore the event’s broad range of market stalls, while roving fire twirlers, circus performers, and giant puppets make their rounds showing off their impressive talent throughout the event.

Live music will also feature throughout the day across two stages, with rock band The Vanns and indie-folk singer Didirri featuring on the main stage.

A new, second stage dedicated to Harmony Day celebrations will showcase intercultural performances from Melton’s diverse community, with a special Harmony Day walk featuring workshops and activities suited to all ages and an international food market showcasing a variety of cultural cuisines.

Explore desire at Cafe Philosophique

Desire. An indivisible feature of the human condition.

For some, desire is a catalyst for achieving one’s goals and purpose. For others, it is the key ingredient in their demise.

A simple phenomenon deserves considered discussion, which will be happening in Werribee on Wednesday 18 March. Cafe Philosophique meets at the Bridge Hotel on the third Wednesday of each month and explores the hidden forces shaping our lives through creative arts, writing and conversation. Each session explores a new theme through a per-

formance or workshop, a feature poet, prompted creative writing, an open mic, and facilitated conversations.

The night will begin with a workshop led by an art therapist from Chrissie’s Creative Therapies whose mixture of media types will help you explore the concept of desire

Feature poet Thuy On, whose work draws on life’s loves, losses and desires, will set the scene for the guest writing time, using prompts to help put pen to paper to explore everyone’s own relationship to the night’s theme.

Does desire lead us towards our goals, or is it an all-consuming distraction?

How does desire show up for you? Should we try to calm it, realise it, or live with it burning inside?

Your perspective is as good as anyone’s.

After an open mic, desserts will be served and the “philosophy cafe” - itself, will consist of conversations where each person listens and learns from each other about how we navigate desire within our lives.

Details: https://events.humanitix. com/cafe-philosophique-desire

Audiences invited to experience Spaghettification black hole

Inner-west youth theatre company

Dramawerkz is launching its debut production this month at Altona’s Louis Joel Arts and Community (LJAC) centre. Spaghettification follows young people acting as the arbiters of what survives the apocalypse, as they defend the entrance to a black hole that is slowly sucking up the world’s small joys.

Inside a blanket fort they have built to protect themselves from danger, they decide what and who should be taken into

the abyss, and watch reality warp as they get closer to the centre of it all.

Spaghettification will play out both on stage and on the walls of the LJAC gallery, with an exhibition running concurrently to the production.

This exhibition will exist as a starry, blankety installation during the day, before coming to life as a stage show each night.

The stage show opens on Friday 13 March and will be followed performances

Mayor Lara Carli said the event is set to feature diverse, free entertainment with a picturesque backdrop.

“What better way to spend a day than with family and friends, enjoying some delicious food and free entertainment by picturesque Lake Caroline,” she said.

Lakeside Alive runs from noon to 8pm. Details: melton.vic.gov.au/LakesideAlive

Six artists join forces to inspire

Six local artists, based at the Hunt Club and Community Arts Centre, have come together to host an open day and foyer exhibition to inspire locals through the power of art.

The foyer exhibition will feature works by Brimbank council resident studio artists Lee Agius (Artful Warrior), Lukas Kasper, Fiona Clarke, Kenneth McKean, Amra Pajali and Elzette Bester.

Artists will also run free community workshops on their different creative practices at an open day on 14 March.

Curator and studio artist Lee Agius came up with the open day idea last year.

“I just thought, people don’t realise that the artists are at the Hunt Club. [The event] would be a good way to bridge that gap between the studios upstairs and the communities,” she said.

“Even though we all work individually, we’ve all done community work before.”

Ms Agius, a qualified creative arts therapist and mental health and disability practitioner, has worked in creative arts therapy for more than two decades.

Artist Elzette Bester is a graphic designer and illustrator who has worked in the creative industry for 25 years.

She said she wants locals to know the studio artists are accessible.

“Come and have a coffee with us. We want some engagement so we can continue to do what we love and help the community at the same time.”

on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March, before returning for the following weekend from 20-22 March and then finishing from 27-29 March.

All shows begin at 8.30pm and most seating will be on the floor of blanket fort, with rugs and cushions provided and chairs available on request.

The Spaghettification exhibition opens on 10 March and runs through until 1 April.

Details: https://events.humanitix.com/ spaghettification

The ‘Creative Ground - From Studio to Community’ exhibition, supported by Brimbank council, will be on display until 2 April at Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre, 775 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. The exhibition open day will run from 12.30-4.30pm on Saturday 14 March at the same location.

Registration for free workshops is essential, and spaces are limited.

Details: shorturl.at/kVflK

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Is H7 aimed at ‘blokes’?

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

Haval has gone for a rugged, almost retro-look with its new the mid-sized H7 Hybrid, emphasised by bolt-on mudguard flares.

Well,theylookliketheybolton,butdespite the rugged exterior it is actually front-wheel drive and shares its underpinnings with the softer H6 plug-in hybrid that we tested recently – though you can’t plug this one in. Which is kinda funny, we had planned to grab a charge spot across the road from the Orpheum Theatre in crowded Cremorne –until we discovered it doesn’t have a charge port.

Nope.PlanBturnedouttobearatherlong hikebacktothetheatreandalonglinetoget in.

In any case, H7 is designed to bridge the gap between the H6 and larger Tank 300 (which is designed to go off-road with low-range four-wheel drive).

Haval claims the H7 strikes the perfect balance between weekend adventure and everyday versatility, and it has the best-selling Toyota RAV4 in its crosshairs.

Styling

There’s just the one H7 Vanta HEV, priced from $44,990 plus on-road costs, although there’s talk of an AWD and PHEV to come.

That’s only $5000 more than the similarly-equipped H6 Ultra HEV. Any colour but white adds $495 to the price.

H7’s squared-off proportions and upright stance create a rugged appearance, with assertive design elements like the round LEDheadlightsandabold,squared-offface.

Thegrilleandroundheadlightsremindus of something (an early Mitsubishi perhaps) while the hanging tail lights channel those of the Mazda CX-3 and CX-30.

Add to this 19-inch machined alloy wheels and a suite of blacked-out finishes, including the badging, front grille, mirror caps,windowtrims,roofrailsandtaillights.

Standard equipment includes artificial leatherwithrealleathergarnishes,two-zone climate air with rear outlets, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable heated and cooled front seats, with driver-seat memory.

There are also 19-inch alloys, with 235/60 profile tyres, push-button start, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, auto high beam, traffic sign recognition, LED lights all-round, auto lights and wipers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, front and rear parking sensors, rear privacy glass, with side blinds, along with an electric tailgate and electric, panoramic sunroof.

Not to mention push-button, automatic parking.

H7isconvertedbyaseven-yearunlimited kilometrewarranty,alongwithaneight-year unlimited-kilometrebatterypackwarranty.

There’s also five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing.

Infotainment

Infotainment consists of a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by the GWM’s Coffee OS.

There’s Bluetooth, voice control, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, plus eight-speaker audio – but alas no built-in satellite navigation.

For that the general idea is to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on your poison – both connect wirelessly.

Two USB-A ports are provided, one in front and another in the rear, plus a 12-volt socket in the front, along with wireless phone charging.

It also misses out on telematics which

The H7 looks like it will go off road, but really doesn’t have the necessary credentials

provide remote access and control of various vehicle functions.

Safety

H7 carries a full five-star safety rating from ANCAP. However, during the full-width frontal test, the head restraint dislodged from the driver’s seat back.

While ANCAP says this does not affect scoring under 2023-2025 rating criteria, it may increase the risk of injury to the driver.

Asaresult,GWMhasinitiatedavoluntary safetyrecallforvehiclesbuiltbeforeOctober 15, 2025.

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre airbag to stop those in the front from banging heads in a side impact crash.

A 360-degree camera with 180 degree overhead transparent chassis view is fitted.

Autonomous emergency braking applies to car-to-car, vulnerable road user and junction assist scenarios.

There are also blind spot alert and a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and emergency lane keeping,plusanadvancedspeedassistance system that keeps to current speed limits. Head-up display is part of the deal, but as we have pointed out on many occasions it does not work very well if you happen to wear polarised sunglasses.

Engines/transmissions

The self-charging hybrid powertrain is the same as that in the H6 and produces 179kW of power and 530Nm of torque in front-wheel drive form, with a dual-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

Driving Inside the H7

blends versatility, comfort,

andtechnologytosupportanactivelifestyle.

The boxy, upright design and five-seat configuration deliver plenty of head and shoulder room, along with excellent visibility.

A removable boot floor reveals a tyre repair kit but no spare wheel in the event of a puncture – not very off-roady.

But Haval reckons you can use the boot floor as a picnic table – we’d like to see that.

Pseudo studs reinforce the utilitarian feel inside,withadigitalinstrumentclusterthat is inset rather than freestanding.

A forward-tilted top section displays the current gear but little else, while its major role appears to be as a sunshade for the lower section. Smart thinking.

A panoramic sunroof has a retractable shade that is power operated.

With a 61-litre fuel tank, it takes standard 91unleaded,withclaimedfuelconsumption of5.7L/100kmandaCO2outputof131g/km. We were getting 7.1L/100km after 450km of driving.

There’s the usual drive mode options: Normal, Eco, Sport or Snow.

Steeringweightcanalsobeadjusted,with comfortable, sport or light settings.

The regenerative braking also adjusts, right down to one-pedal driving, although it does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

With plenty of torque, the H7 gets up and going pretty smartly, with well weightedsteering,butbrakesthatarealittle touchy.

Althoughtheridequalityisnotasgoodas the Australian-tuned H6 PHEV, it’s not too bad either.

With 210mm of ground clearance, it rides a bit higher than the H6 and as such

doesn’t handle as well, but again it’s okay for an SUV.

Front-wheel drive means dirt roads are okay, but we wouldn’t be taking it any further off road than that.

More worrying was the throttle which failed to respond at all for two or three seconds when we punched the accelerator hard on two occasions.

Obviously, this could become an issue in some situations.

Lots of beeps and warnings from drive assist, but not as bad as some.

The eight-speaker sound system is interesting, with a DTS setting that makes a huge difference to the sound quality, so be sure to tick it. But getting the volume right can be an issue.

There are no physical controls provided, and control from the steering wheel is a bit hit and miss – perhaps missing?

Fortunately hitting the mute button brings up a slider on the touchscreen after you un-mute it, allowing the volume to be adjusted.

It does leave the front passenger at a loose end, however.

There’s no physical controls for the air-conditioning either.

Summing up

You get the feeling the H7 is targeted at blokes.

My wife wasn’t fussed on the styling, but styling is as they say a very personal thing. Other than the minor quibbles that we have identified and lack of satellite navigation, it looks like being another winner for Great Wall which incidentally is doingagreatjobrespondingtothedemands of the market.

Finals action aplenty

There was plenty of finals action across Melbourne’s north-west on Saturday. Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

New challenge for Sharks

By Tara Murray

Hillside will be more unpredictable as it enterstheEssendonDistrictFootballLeague premier division for the first time.

It will be a new challenge this year for the Sharks after they claimed their first division 1 premiership last season.

Coach Mo Kaakour said the season had come around pretty quickly.

“We’re looking pretty good and we’ve had good numbers on the track,” he said.

“We’ve put in a new game plan and structure in place the boys from last year have built on that.

“We’ve added four or five and they’re coming in and trying to learn that as well.”

The Sharks have kept most of their squad

from last season, but there’s a couple of big outs.

Captain Zac Wunhym has signed with Tullamarine, as has star forward Josh Covelli.

The loss of Covelli, who has won a league division 1 best and fairest and multiple goal kicking awards, is a big one for the Sharks.

Kaakour said they look to change up how they set up their forward line.

“Anytime you lose a two-times 100 goal season goalkicker, it’s a big loss,” he said.

“We’ll look at spreading the load and have multiple goalkickers.

“We’ll have three or four targets in 50, rather than just Josh.

“It makes us unpredictable when you’re looking forward.”

Kaakour said they didn’t look to add too many new players to the squad, as they wantedtogivesomeoftheiryoungerplayers plenty of opportunities.

“Ithinkwe’vegotsomegoodkidscoming through and we want to develop them as well,” he said.

“We’ve got some good kids that can make the transition to the next level and we’ve added what we’ve needed.

“It’s not to say that if someone doesn’t pop up, we won’t look at it.”

Adeola Akintola, Atunaisa Bosenavulagi, Josh Neralic, Josh Petrie and Riley Allan are the signings announced by the Sharks.

Kaakour highlighted Nick Fluke, Noah Asciak, Khalil Kaakour and Riley Miksa as four that he thought would take the next

Sydenham Park aiming for promotion

By Tara Murray

Sydenham Park is hoping the hurt of last season will help it launch into this year’s FV state league 1 north-west season.

The Reds were in the hunt for promotion deep into the season but ultimately finished in third spot, two points off top and the only promotion spot.

Sydenham Park has long been a contender for the title and promotion, but has yet to get the ultimate result.

After a stable off season, coach Mate Dugandzic said the group was keen to progress even further this year and finally get what they were after.

“There was a bit of heartbreak last year,” he said. “In the second last game we conceded a penalty in extra time.

“We drew the match and then lost the league by two points. We were disappointed and there’s still that bitterness there.

“We’ve retained most of the guys which is really good and been able to pick up a couple of others.”

Three key signings for the Reds are former Corio captain Cameron Lee and Englishman Paul Hodges. Both will add some extra experience to the Reds line up.

James Costello joins the Reds from Tasmania side, Glenorchy Knights.

“Paul was with Green Gully last season and is a local player,” Dugandzic said. “He’s a really big pick up having played 20 NPL games last year.

“He’s no longer a visa boy which is good. He played overseas in England before last year in the NPL and played nearly every game.

“He will help add to the group with his know-how.”

Among the recently announced re-signings are Daniel Slovacek, Kurt Kouakou, Gera Bilyansky, Lochie Johnston, Marvin Braweiler,Gus Greer, Dylan Murnane and Chris May.

Dugandzic said they hurt themselves last year with their start to the season and had to work hard to get back into it.

They won just three of their first nine games before losing just two games for the rest of the season.

step this season.

Kaakour,who was best on the ground in the division 1 grand final and finished in the top three in the league best and fairest is also listed with Coburg.

Tristan Rudic will take on the captaincy role this season.

“He led the side last year for most of the year,” Kaakour said. “He stepped up and played a big role and galvanised the group and helped set the culture.”

TheSharkshavepracticematchesagainst Eltham and Thomastown before kicking off their season on Good Friday against Pascoe Vale.

Kaakour said they were hoping it would be another good day for the club, with a lot of hard work being put in.

Keilor Thunder’s Maddy Rocci was one of the big award winners at the Southside Flyers awards night. Rocci played a key role for the Flyers, who made the WNBL. Rocci was awarded the players’ player and most impactful player. Fellow Thunder player Issie Bourne claimed the coaches award.

Dockerty Cup Rounds three and four of the Dockerty Cup- Australia Cup competition have been released. The next round of the competition will be played on the weekend of 14 March. Among the round three matches are, Old Ivanhoe against Western Suburbs, Westside Strikers take on Epping City, Melton Phoenix is at home to Albion Rovers, Clifton Hill and Western Eagles will do battle, Balmoral will face Sydenham Park, Brimbank Stallions are in action against Corio, Westvale Olympic is away to Deakin Ducks and Bundoora United and Westgate will do battle.

NBL1

Keilor Thunder has been dealt a blow with Issie Bourne signing with Lointek Gernika Bizkaia for the rest of the Spanish Women’s Endesa League season. Lointek Gernika expects Bourne to be “a great help in these final days of the tournament”. Finals end in late May, with the Thunder’s National Basketball League 1 season to kick off on 28 March. Bourne had signed with the Thunder for a third straight season.

He said he hoped there would be consistency throughout the season.

“We understand what needs to happen for us to get promoted,” he said. “We realise how close we are.

“We’ve got a couple of tough games to start the season with a local derby with Lalor United and then against Altona East Phoenix, which have had some really good results in the pre-season.

“I think it will be a lot tighter than last year.”

Dugandzic said it had been a pretty uneventful pre-season with not many injuries.

He said everything was tracking well and they were ready to get into what was hopefully a positive season.

The Reds will kick off 21 March against Lalor United, which has been promoted this season.

In other round one matches, Western Suburbs will play Altona East Phoenix and Westgate is away to Yarraville Glory.

Meanwhile, the Reds found out their fixture for their first match of the Dockerty Cup-Australian Cup.

FV

Balmoral has announced the appointment of Cihan Kara as coach for the FV state league 3 north-west season, The club says that Kara brings a wealth of football experience and strong leadership while setting high standards and building hard-working squads driven by a winning mentality. He has coached at Albion Rovers, Hume United and Upfield most recently, including helping Upfield to back-to-back championships in state league 3 and state league 2 in 2021-22. Balmoral will play in state league 3 north-west for the first time.

Roadrunners working hard

By Tara Murray

North Sunshine is pulling out all the stops after a tough Western Football League off season.

The Roadrunners have had a fair bit of turnover in their senior men’s program after their best season in a number of years, while their women’s side has folded.

The one bright spot for the Roadrunners is their junior program which is set to expand from two teams to four this year.

Roadrunners’ junior coordinator Cameron Howitt admits it hasn’t been the off season they were after.

He said they had been hoping to return to having seniors and reserves sides, but a number of players had left to play elsewhere

and they’ve decided to remain in the thirds competition.

The club dropped to the thirds competition last season after only having the numbers for one team.

“There’s been a bit of turnover which has been a bit annoying,” Howitt said of the senior men.

“We’re doing our best to keep the doors open and trying a few different things.

“It has been a bit bleak but we’re looking to get them going and Rob Telfer has them training.

“We’re starting again.”

Howitt said they felt the writing was on the wall for the women’s side midway through last year, after a number of tough seasons, with no wins and big losses.

Meanwhile, the club’s juniors are growing, which is a real positive for the club going forward.

On the junior side, the club is offering free memberships to juniors’ 12 and under.

The club is hoping to field under-8, under-9, under-10 and under-12 sides.

“We’ve had under-8s and under-10s for the last few years,” he said. “We hadn’t been able to kick on to under-12s, but we’ve bit the bullet and it will happen one way or another.

“Hopefully this will set us up going forward.”

Howitt said he had been getting out to a number of local schools to run clinics and help get the club’s name out there.

He said being in a very multicultural

area, they were trying to attract new people to the sport.

“We’re trying to do something different,” he said. “We’ve been to a few schools and we’ve had some players come down.”

Former AFLW player Emily Smith is running some clinics in schools in the next few weeks to further help out.

Smith played her junior football at the Roadrunners and previously coached their women’s side.

Howitt said they were looking for players for their men’s side and all four junior sides.

He said they were also still looking for volunteers to help with both seniors and juniors.

Details: https://www.facebook.com/ northsunshinefootballclub

The McPherson brothers lead the way

By Tara Murray

Albion is keeping it in the family with two sets of brothers to lead the club into the Western Football League division 1 season.

The Cats announced that Darcy McPherson will continue on as captain and be joined by his brother Caleb McPherson as co-captain.

Another set of brothers, Josh and Cody Bench, have been named joint vice-captains.

Both Darcy and Caleb have captained the club individually, but it will be the first time they’ve captained together.

Both boys said it was a bit weird to be co-captains alongside each other.

“It’s funny as six boys [brothers] we don’t have a lot of sentiment towards each other,” Caleb said. “Everyone else loves it and mum loves it.

“It will be cool by the time it’s all said and done.”

Darcy added, “it is a little bit different, you never see brothers share the reigns.

“It is pretty cool. We do respect each oth-

er on the field but we tend not to show it and keep things level headed.”

It was coach Blake Richards who pitched the idea of the boys captaining together.

He spoke with both boys individually about it.

“I was captain three years ago before I went to play with Preston in the VFL [Victorian Football League],” Caleb said

“Last year I was assistant coach at Albion and was not in the leadership group.

“Blake asked me if I wanted to be playing assistant coach, but I didn’t want to with work commitments increasing.

“He then asked me if I wanted to be co-captain with my brother.”

Darcy said he wasn’t sure what Richards wanted to chat to him about the captaincy.

He said it wasn’t something that he had expected.

“I said yeah, I didn’t really know what to say,” he said. “I think it’s a good mix.

“Obviously there were a few of us with six kids and I’ve done my whole footy career with him and him and I am the closest.

“Now as adults we understand each oth-

er pretty well.”

Darcy said that both boys were different and said that his brother had a bit of white line fever once he got on the field.

He said he sees himself as an on field leader.

“I would say he is professional,” he said.

“He’s not a bad bloke.

“I’m a little more outgoing than he is. So it might be a good mix with each other.”

Caleb agreed that the pair were very similar but at the same time they were different.

“Darcy he is the bloke that has fun and is a larkin and galvanises everyone,” he said.

“I’m probably more of an introvert and lead with my on field experience.

“Socially we are very different. It will work really well with him being a bit younger.”

Both brothers said the Bench brothers like them had grown up at the club and it speaks of the club and culture that all four are in leadership roles.

Caleb said both of them could easily be captains.

The Cats season will kick off on 11 April against Point Cook.

Burton a Tiger

Former Western Jets captain Tom Burton was brought to tears when he discovered his AFL dream had come true.

The Point Cook product was overlooked in last year’s drafts but was invited to train with Richmond over the pre-season during the supplemental selection period.

On Monday, the final day club’s could make SSP rookie selections, the Tigers told Burton he was on the list.

Richmond national recruiting manager Rhy Gieschen commended Burton’s ability to train strongly across the summer after the difficulty of being overlooked in the draft.

“It can be really difficult to miss out on the draft for a player such as Tom, who has come through the talent pathways and squads,” he said. “To his credit, when given the opportunity to train as an SSP, he has worked extremely hard and continued to develop his game,” Gieschen said.

“We love Tom’s running ability, with his mix of high-end speed and endurance, he continues to add some real running power to our squad.

“He showcased this by coming second in our Bronco test post-Christmas and backed it up with some high running numbers on the weekend against Casey.

“We see Tom being versatile, as he showcased his ability to play as a midfielder in the Coates Talent League last year, and has been training the majority of this pre-season as a forward, and was able to impact the VFL game on the weekend in both of these roles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tom and his family officially to Richmond and cannot wait to watch him on his journey.”

Burton averaged 29.6 disposals across 12 matches for the Western Jets in the Coates Talent League last year to be named in the team of the year and win the Jets best and fairest.

As well as captained the Jets, he was co-captain of Vic Metro.

In video released by Richmond, an emotional Burton told coach Adam Yze he was preparing not to be selected.

Sunshine Eagles women’s side proud in defeat

By Tara Murray

A late Sunshine Eagles comeback fell short in the Baseball Victoria women’s regional north-west grand final on Saturday.

The season had already been a successful one for the Eagles no matter the result of the grand final.

But glory was on the line on Saturday morning at the Melbourne Ballpark.

After a slow start, the Eagles were on the back foot against Preston-Doncaster, trailing 9-3 before bringing the score back to 9-8 in the fifth innings.

Preston-Doncaster was able to hold off the Eagles in the last few innings to win, 9-8.

Eagles’ coach Kelvin Hartigan said he was so proud of what the group had achieved this season despite falling short at the last hurdle.

“They had an amazing year,” he said. “I’m really proud of how they did.

“I put them through their paces through training and games.

“In situations like finals the way they played, they rose to the challenge.”

Hartigan said he told the group at the start of the season that he thought they could make the grand final come the end of the year.

He admits he was hit with some skepticism from the playing group about his

bold prediction.

“They rose to the challenge and I challenged them at trainings,” he said.

“They put in the hard work through the season to get there.”

Hartigan’s belief was right with the group

(Ljubica Vrankovic) 537956_05

Lions, Blues out

By Tara Murray

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division semi finals threw up some surprises, with Deer Park and Keilor both eliminated.

The two sides had been the best teams all season and battled out for top spot in the final round of the season.

That mattered for little on the weekend as Yarraville Club and Airport West St Christopher’s caused upsets to win through to the grand final.

The Clubbers proved too strong for Deer Park in their semi final.

Trent Lawford was the star for the Clubbers early as he made 124 off 97 balls at the top of the innings after being sent in.

The Clubbers middle order then showed plenty of resistance to push the total past 300.

The Clubbers finished 8-335.

Vishwa Fernando took 4-59 from his overs to be the pick of the bowlers for the Lions.

The Lions lost early wickets on day two before Daniel Sartori set about rescuing the innings.

He found support in Upul Fernando to give the side some hope.

When Sartori was out for 93 and Bandara out for 43 not long afterwards things became tough.

The Clubbers were able to clean up the tail, which included three ducks, to bowl the Lions out for 200.

Yarraville Club will face Airport West St Christopher’s in the grand final, after the Eagles beat Keilor.

The key for the Eagles on day one was a 231 fourth wicket partnership between Ranga Cooray and Ben Walkden.

Both men got 130s as the Eagles made 317 as they were bowled out in the 79th over.

Blues captain Dimuth Karunarathna took 4-64 for the Blues while Malith Cooray and Jonah Koch took two wickets each.

The Blues lost early wickets before their two stars Karunarathna and Malith Cooray came together.

The pair put on 71 before Karunarathna was out.

Malith Cooray stuck around but couldn’t get any real partnerships going.

When he was out for 115 it was almost game over.

The Eagles then got the last wicket to bowl the Blues out for 239.

putting their best performance of the season out in the semi finals to win through to the decider.

It was tougher going in the grand final, but the Eagles showed plenty of resilience.

“Wedidn’tstartwell,”hesaid.“Weclawed back from 9-3 which was difficult.

“To lose 9-8 from where we were. It was pleasing to fight back.”

The Eagles’ hopes of coming from behind suffered a setback with pitcher Susan Thomas hurting her hamstring.

Hartigan said despite better judgement, Thomas battled through the game and injury to try and help her side get over the line.

Having made the grand final and having had two women’s sides this season, the Hartigan and the Eagles hope this is only the beginning of things to come for the group and the wider female program.

“As a whole the goal is to reach division 2,” he said. “That is where the club wants to end up.

“In discussions with the girls throughout the season, that is where a lot of them want to end up as well.”

Eagles sneak home

Sunshine Eagles and Newport Rams produced another thriller with the Eagles getting the win in the opening round of the Baseball Victoria summer league premier 1 first nine finals.

The last three games between the two sides had been decided by one run, with the Rams holding a 2-1 advantage.

So it was no surprise that Saturday’s first final between the sides was also decided by one run, with the Eagles winning 4-3.

Eagles coach Stuart Clayton said it was a really good match.

“It was a tight one,” he said. “It was a good game with tough conditions with the wind.

“Our pitchers played well through it and we had some good defence and timely hits to get over the top.”

The Rams opened the scoring with the only run in the first couple of innings.

Clayton said they got three runs in the fifth innings before hitting another one in the sixth innings to extend the lead to 4-1.

The Rams kept coming.

Meanwhile, both Caroline Springs and Burnside Springs United are through to the Roy Picone Shield and Russell Pollock Shield grand finals.

It’s third time lucky for the Falcons, having missed out the past couple of seasons.

Pascoe Vale Hadfield was bowled out for 162 in the 69th over after a strong performance with the ball by the Falcons.

The Falcons got the runs in with ease, finishing 2-164 in the 42nd over.

Salman Alfridi top scored with 90 not out off 99 balls.

The Falcons will face Point Cook in the grand final.

Meanwhile, Burnside Springs United has sealed promotion as it made the Russell Pollock Shield grand final.

Burnside was able to restrict Glenroy to 152 before finishing 6-155 in reply.

Mathew Sanders took 6-48 for Burnside to help set up the win.

Burnside will play Roxburgh Park in the grand final this weekend.

To read all about Caroline Springs and Burnside Springs United’s wins, including coaches comments, head to www.starweekly.com.au

“They got two in the eighth,” Clayton said. “They had some runners on base in the last couple of innings.

“Our pitchers were able to get them out when needed.”

Jamie Young opened the pitching before his brother Jeremy Young finished off the game, with both pitching well.

Clayton said what was good about the performance was they were able to get hits with runners on base which they haven’t done for a few weeks.

“We’re turning things around.”

All eight finals teams will play on Tuesday night.

The Eagles will face Moorabbin on Tuesday night. A win would see the Eagles face Essendon or Waverley on Saturday for a spot in the grand final.

A team needs to lose twice in the finals to be knocked out.

“We want to win the next two,’ Clayton said. “It gives us a little bit of a break and we don’t have to use up our pitchers.”

TIPPING 2026