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Celebrating foster carers The theme of this year’s Foster Care week, Sunday 13 to Saturday 19 September, is ’Open Doors. Open Hearts. Open Opportunities’. The week encourages Victorians to explore how caring for a child may fit into their lives. Deer Park resident Christopher Schildt became a foster carer four years ago finding fulfilment in helping those in need. He is an accredited therapeutic trainer who currently has two children in his care. “I had the will to give back something and make a difference,” he said. Mr Schildt emphasised the importance of “connection over correction,” stating “a lot of behaviour comes from trauma and being rigid or disciplinary can only reinforce that. The most important thing is showing them consistently that you’re that safe adult.” The Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare and Fostering Connections says foster carers are needed from diverse backgrounds, varied family structures and different stages of life to give children and young people care and support. Christopher Schildt emphasised the need for foster carers in the community. (Damjan Janevski) 575728_01

Taylors Road fix Taylors Road will be widened, if the state government is re-elected in November. On Thursday, the state government made the promise to widen Taylors Road from Kings Road to Kurungg Drive if it wins the state election. The $170 million investment would extend the four-lane section of Kings Road by another 1.5 kilometres. The government also said it would deliver a new walking and cycling path. “Taylors Road is a busy east-west connection through the growing north-west,” the state government said. “Heading west, its four lanes narrow

to two at Kings Road creating a major bottleneck.” The state government stated that because “this section of the road is council-run, not state run”, that it “will take it over – because [the state government] need to fix it up.” “We’ve heard from you that Taylors Road needs upgrading – that’s exactly what we will deliver,“ Labor candidate for Sydenham Uros Rasic said. Brimbank council welcomed Labor’s election promise, with mayor Virginia Tachos urging the state opposition and other parties to match the pledge. “Since launching our Fix Taylors Road

campaign in March, more than 1700 people have signed our petition calling on the government to declare Taylors Road as an arterial road and to duplicate it,“ Cr Tachos said. She thanked the community for submitting their stories to the Fix Taylors Road campaign. “We’ve heard more than 100 stories about your daily difficulties with Taylors Road. Your stories have made a real difference. You have helped the decision makers realise how important Taylors Road is to our community. “No matter who is in government, Taylors

Road must be fixed. Declare, duplicate and deliver.” The Taylors Road funding was part of a package of road works promised for the west if Labor is re-elected. Premier Ben Carroll has also promised to duplicate Point Cook Road in Seabrook and fix the intersection of Ballan and Bolton roads in Wyndham Vale. “We have listened to the community. Better local roads in growing areas are my priority,“ he said. “I want to help working people in the west spend less time on the road and more time where they need to be.”

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Youth Fest hits the west Brimbank youth Fest is set to kick off in September. This month-long celebration is held as part of the Victorian Youth Fest, highlighting the contributions and achievements of young people aged 10 to 25. Here are some of the highlights to get excited for. Between the Stacks: Youth Fest Creative Showcase This free competition is a chance for young creatives to showcase their talent. Participants have the chance to show off their creative work across visual arts, music and video and writing and literary arts. This competition is hosted by Brimbank li-

braries with entries closing 10 September. Youth Boxing (ages 13 - 25) Come along to these fun sessions to learn the basics of boxing and develop technique with experienced professionals. Sessions take place between 4.15-5pm every Tuesday of September at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, and 4-4.45pm every Thursday of September at the Sunshine Leisure Centre. Afterschool Hangs (Ages 12 - 17) St Albans Community Centre will host weekly arts and craft sessions on Friday 4, 11 and 18 September from 3-5.30pm. Each week will feature a talented and friendly artist to facilitate creative activities.

Upcycled Arts Night Brimbank youth arts are set to host a crafty Zero Waste Week event, encouraging sustainable art-making. St Albans Community Centre Friday 4 September, 3.30-6pm. Get Learner Ready The L2P team is hosting a drop-in-session for anyone considering getting their Learner’s Permit. Sydenham Library will host a session at 4-5.30pm on Friday 11 September and Deer Park Library will host a session from 3.30-5pm. Table Tennis Drop - In Sydenham Neighbourhood House is hosting casual sessions for all skill levels from 3-5pm, 14-18 September.

Paint and Unwind A way to relax and de-stress through canvas painting. Sydenham Neighbourhood House, Tuesday 15 September, 3-5pm. Street Smart - Youth Self Defence A fun and practical self-defence class focused on simple leverage and distance control techniques. Sydenham Neighbourhood House, Wednesday 16 September, 4-5.30pm. Activate the Rainbow Help the Crystal Queer crew plan to activate an exciting event for Midsumma 2027 at Visy Cares Hub, Monday 21 September, 2-5pm.

Hybrid trains pledge for Melton line

Rosanna Sfameni, Susan Jennison and Sam Sfameni outside the former Christ Church in Keilor. (Damjan Janevski). 573497_02

Fears for deteriorating Keilor church The owners of the former Christ Church in Keilor say the building faces decay after they were denied approval to use the site for a childcare centre. The owners blame state government planning restrictions linked to Melbourne Airport. Dr Sam and Rosanna Sfameni bought the church in 2006 and recently set out to renovate the building for use as a childcare centre. The couple say they were unable to secure a planning permit due to Melbourne Airport Environs Overlay Schedule (MAEO). MAEO is a planning control designed to limit the impacts of aircraft noise on land use and development in areas close to Melbourne Airport. The Sfamenis sought a ministerial intervention in 2025 with the backing of

now-Premier Ben Carroll in his capacity as Niddrie MP. The request was denied with a Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson stating, “this overlay is an important planning control that seeks to limit the establishment of new sensitive uses in areas subject to high levels of aircraft noise”. Dr Sfameni says that the planning restriction is causing the heritage site to deteriorate. The Keilor Historical Society wants the building saved. “The members of the Keilor Historical Society applaud the idea of preserving this important building which is interwoven into the history of the Keilor region,” said society vice-president Susan Jennison. A Melbourne Airport spokesperson

said the MAEO is designed to protect the community from “inappropriate developments in areas that are, or could be, subject to aircraft noise from the airport’s operations”. Brimbank council director of city futures Kevin Walsh acknowledged the heritage significance of the building whilE confirming the restrictions outlined in the Brimbank Planning Scheme. “The Brimbank Planning Scheme states that land within the MAEO1 must not be used as a childcare centre. This position was confirmed by VCAT in November 2024,” he said. A state government spokesperson reiterated that the MAEO “limits the impact of aircraft noise on sensitive land uses, including childcare centres and hospitals.”

Brimbank locals urged to stay away from dead or sick birds Brimbank residents are urged to take precautions if they find sick or dead birds. While there are currently no recorded cases of bird flu in Brimbank, bird flu has been confirmed in Wyndham after a wild greater crested tern tested positive in Werribee on 23 August. Brimank council has outlined key safety and reporting steps for locals. If you encounter a sick or dead bird, follow these three steps:

■ Do not touch or move the bird. ■ Keep children and pets away. ■ Avoid contact with feathers, droppings, or any surrounding materials. If the bird is found on council-managed land, locals are urged to report it using council’s ‘Report It – Dead animal’ form which can be found at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/reportit_dead_animal. Include the exact location, number and type of birds (if known). You can also

include a photo if it’s safe to take one. Council will assess the situation and notify DEECA where required. Alternatively notify the council on 9249 4000. If the bird is on private property, follow DEECA’s current advice for reporting, safely handling and disposing of sick or dead birds at www.agriculture.vic.gov. au/birdflu For further advice, call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

The state opposition is promising new hybrid trains for Melbourne’s west if it wins November’s state election. The coalition has committed to investing $1.7 billion for 25 hybrid diesel-electric trains for the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines. The investment would lead to the delivery of suburban rail services for Melton and Wyndham Vale passengers, while paving the way for potential City Loop services every hour during peaks on both lines, increasing capacity by more than double, the coalition said. Both lines are serviced by smaller V/ Line VLocity trains and were originally promised electrification in 2018 and 2022. It’s a system opposition leader Jess Wilson slammed the current state government for. “Labor has twice promised and twice failed to deliver the modern train services communities across Melton and Wyndham Vale deserve,” Ms Wilson said. “Our plan will deliver metro-quality train services to Melbourne’s west sooner – meaning more trains, more seats and greater capacity.” However Melton MP Steve McGhie defended the west’s public transport system, saying current and forthcoming upgrades had already improved operations. “We have added over 120 additional services on the Melton line and as of next year we will increase the capacity by 50 per cent due to the introduction of 9 carriage trains,” he said. “We will be delivering electrified trains to Melton - that’s why we have built a four-platform station at Melton.” Melton council and the West of Melbourne Economic Development Alliance (WoMEDA) have welcomed the commitment by the opposition. WoMEDA executive director Giulia Baggio said the major investment must be matched with a re-designed and properly connected bus network. Melton council said it supports any proposal that delivers more rail services and greater capacity for commuters along the Melton rail line, but is interested in understanding more details about how the proposed hybrid services would operate and when they would be delivered. Council also said while hybrid trains could provide a short-term boost to capacity, the proposal must still support the full electrification of the Melton rail corridor. Mayor Lara Carli said the Melton rail line must be duplicated and fully electrified by 2030, in line with Infrastructure Victoria’s recommendation, with additional stations at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park.

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Sunshine trader ‘on edge’ As part of an ongoing series on the causes and solutions to crime in the west, Glenn Fisher asked a local business owner whether they felt safe in their area. Sunshine business owner Julie Tran told Star Weekly the “street has changed” and that she was “on edge” most of the time. “Eighteen years ago when my husband and I started this business, I felt safe. But the street has changed,” said Ms Tran, who runs the Thuan An Vietnamese Restaurant in the Civic Green area of Hampshire Road. “Now there are people hanging about drinking alcohol in public from concealed containers, others who are on drugs, and general anti-social behaviour, and those people attract similar people to the area,” she said. “And the kids and teenagers who gather in groups obviously have no parents or guidance from anyone.” Ms Tran said after sunset, the area felt especially ominous. “There used to be a lot of parallel parking available out the front of the shops, but that is gone now,” she said, and business operators and staff now had to walk to their cars at the back of the shops, many times through small laneways in the dark. “I’m always on edge now,” Ms Tran said. “Even if nobody is around, there’s something in the back of my mind when I walk to my car and I’m always looking over my shoulder. “My female staff always get accompanied to their cars or get picked up right out the front of the restaurant.” Premier Ben Carroll recently announced the recruitment of 150 extra Protective Services Officers (PSOs) to patrol shopping centres around Melbourne, that announcement coming just days after the tragic death of Sunshine grocer Van Viet

Sunshine trader Julie Tran. (Damjan Janevski) 575884_05

Truong, who died after he was attacked on 1 August while trying to stop a robbery across the road from Ms Tran’s restaurant. Ms Tran said since then, there seemed to be extra police and city compliance officers in the Sunshine business district on most days, but “we know it won’t last”. Ms Tran said members of the Sunshine Business Association had held multiple discussions with police, Brimbank council and Laverton MP Sarah Connolly following the tragedy to try to get more police presence on the streets, while Mr Carroll

had also visited the business precinct in the days after Mr Viet Truong’s death. Mayors from Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham and Melton came together recently to urge the state government for more visible, local police across Melbourne’s west, with recorded crimes having increased a combined 12.7 percent across Melbourne’s west so far this year. A state government spokesperson said Labor had built Australia’s biggest police force to put more police where they were needed most and that 200 more PSOs and

400 more reservists would be recruited. PSOs will be able to patrol in more places where there was crime and anti-social behaviour, such as local shopping strips, the spokesperson said. “We’re also establishing a $10 million Local Community Safety Infrastructure Fund for councils to strengthen their security including in Melbourne’s west,” the spokesperson said. “The fund will back councils to purchase practical upgrades such as CCTV and improved lighting to make community spaces safer.”

Stride in September to reduce stroke risk Brimbank residents are being urged to get moving this September to reduce their risk of stroke and other chronic conditions. Throughout September, the Stroke Foundation is encouraging people to ‘Stride4Stroke’ and get active in any way they choose, while raising money for the foundation. Data from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that nearly two in every five Australian adults aged 18-64 do not meet the recommended guidelines for physical activity. Stroke Foundation chief executive officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, said this is a concerning statistic. “This equates to around 10.5 million Australians who are not getting the recommended amount of physical exercise. Being physically active is important for good health and wellbeing at any age, and is one of the most simple and effective ways you can reduce your risk of stroke,” she said. Western suburbs resident Erin Simmonds was only 30 years old when a stroke struck in 2023. The mother-of-one was at home playing with her daughter when she realised something was not right. “I went to put my hand to my daughter’s face but couldn’t feel her. I thought it was a pinched nerve,” she said. 12879329-GS32-26

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Ms Simmonds was taken to hospital where scans revealed the situation was much more serious than a pinched nerve – she had experienced a stroke. It was a diagnosis she never thought she would have to face at such a young age. “I remember thinking, ‘I’m too young it only happens to people who are elderly’. I didn’t understand why it was happening to me,” she said. Ms Simmonds was admitted to a stroke ward in hospital and had specialised rehabilitation hand therapy. Three years later, she still does not have feeling in her left arm Stroke is one of Australia’s leading causes of death and disability, with about 46,000 stroke events impacting Australians of all ages every year, according to the Stroke Foundation. That translates to one stroke every 11 minutes, the foundation said. In addition to this, the single biggest modifiable risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. “Eighty per cent of strokes are preventable, so the good news is you can lower your risk of stroke by making healthier changes in your life such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing your alcohol intake,” Dr Murphy said.

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The art of history

Joesph Ribarow in front of the Visions of St Albans mural. (Damjan Janevski) 572871_01

History and art is more than packed museums and prestigious universities. The Tin Shed in St Albans knows this is the case, and has spent the last few decades putting together a thorough archive of the brilliant culture that was forged in the western suburbs. Sebastian Conidi spoke to local historian Joseph Ribarow about his process and how he built a rich tapestry of records and oral history over time.

hen we think of history our minds may immediately go to ancient Roman Emperors, Greek philosophers or medieval knights rolling around in the mud. Often, however, our own history faces a danger of becoming easily obscured. For many residents of Melbourne’s western suburbs, family history is not a simple linear line. It is not uncommon to have only one or two generations that grew up in a completely different country with a different language and way of life. Documents get lost, people forget to write things down and the general pace of life leaves little time to keep clear records. We may know who Alexander the Great or Julius Caesar were without ever knowing the name of a great-great grandparent. There is a comprehensive record of history being completed in Melbourne’s west and it’s not a university library. The St Albans Community Tin Shed is home to an archive of invaluable community history, centred around the lives of local artists who brought craft and imagination to the area. In the hall lies the mural Visions of St Albans, a dazzling artwork originally conceived by Thea Dukic that celebrates the art and artists embedded in St Albans past. This art however does not stand alone. It is brought alive by rich documentation that has been collected over time. Joseph Ribarow has been recording St Albans history for decades. He edited the Oral History From the Tin Shed Archives which features an incredibly thorough account of the suburb, spanning all the way back to the 1860s. Ribarow was born in Germany in 1948 and settled in St Albans in 1951. He was

first involved with the youth centre in his teens in the 1960s, eventually becoming more involved in the history in the late 1990s. “If we don’t record who the people are, we lose them,” he said. Ribarow’s turn to volunteer history work was influenced by the passing of his sister who died of cancer at 52. “She was a long-term volunteer here. In families we think we’ll write about family history later.” Ribarow was determined to record his own family’s history in her memory. “Because she spent so much time here as a volunteer, I came looking for information. That’s when I came across the oral history studies that had been done previously and were gathering dust in the archives.” Ribarow was aided by long-time Tin Shed member and former coordinator Elfie Haggblom as they began to restore materials that had been stowed away. As Ribarow was recording history, he came across the works of Pino Calati. “I was rummaging around for stories, and suddenly found these paintings [by Calati].” Calati was an artist and sculptor born in 1916 in Pulsano, Italy. He and his family emigrated to Melbourne’s west in 1949. Calati made a name for himself in the St Albans community through his art classes which he ran from the 1970s to the 1990s. Calati’s own work covered a wide range of local structures including the St Albans bungalow, St Albans native plant reserve, Sacred Heart Presbytery, Errington Reserve and St Albans presbyterian church. “It’s art of a particular locality, a particular neighbourhood, a particular era,” Ribarow said.

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If we don’t record who the people are, we lose - Joseph Ribarow them Haggblom said Calati had a likeable personality. “He would always offer people some of his lunch. He was very warm. He really encouraged his art students,” she said. Working as a carpenter by trade, Calati devoted himself to teaching and creating in his spare time. He contributed to a number of exhibitions across the west. St Albans Community Youth Club chairperson Richard Carthew noted how Calati’s diverse origins influenced his art. “He grew up in the southern part of Italy where the history was influenced by the Greeks and Romans, and later on the French and Spanish. It’s never monocultural, there’s a lot of influence,” he said. Calati’s work has now found a new home with Brimbank council, which was gifted the works by the Tin Shed last month.

It is clear the Tin Shed’s care for local artistry and history has influenced a fruitful artisan culture in St Albans. As I was conducting the interview in the office, an art group was painting in a workshop. “That is purely coincidental,” Carthew remarked. “We did not manipulate that at all.” The archival work done by the St Albans community youth club is a testament to the importance of recording both local and family history. The Tin Shed continues to run an arts and craft workshop on Monday mornings from 10am-noon, showing dedication to the cause. In his dystopic magnum opus 1984, George Orwell remarked that “who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past”. History is much more than kingdoms and empires or leaders and battles. It is a chance to understand who we are and where we come from. The greatest stories are not necessarily always of great conquerors or epic battles, rather they are found in the humanity of everyday lives before us. There may be many great stories that are lost to time, either because someone has forgotten to write something down, or a box of documents has been left to collect dust in a garage. The work of the Tin Shed is a testament to the importance of local history. In keeping a comprehensive archive, the area pays tribute to the brilliant work that has come before whilst continuing to keep arts and culture in the west alive. It is a reminder that we should strive to remember those that came before us so that – ultimately – we can understand ourselves.

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St Albans stabbing A 68-year-old man was stabbed at 3.20am on Thursday 3 September near Ginifer Railway Station at the intersection of Mulhall Drive and St Albans Road. The man managed to contact family and was taken to hospital with serious injuries. The motivation surrounding the incident remains unclear as no demands or exchange or words was involved. The offender, is described as a caucasian male with a solid build who was wearing dark clothing. Call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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EDITORIAL

Officer charged with assault

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Brendan Hitchens (Essendon FC), Uncle Shane Charles and Jack Peris (The Long Walk Foundation).

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(Damjan Janevski) 571028_01

Little Long Walk in the west

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Sunvale Park recently hosted the Little Long Walk, bringing Melbourne’s west community together to show support and pay their respects. The event commenced with a Welcome to Country, followed by an introduction from The Long Walk team. Throughout the day, attendees engaged in cultural activities such as banner making and the interactive Mangarook program. This program offered participants hands-on learning through traditional games, storytelling, language, art, and educational sessions focused on historic tools and artefacts. The gathering was inspired by the legacy of former Essendon footballer and Indigenous rights activist Michael Long.

In November 2004, Long embarked on a 650-kilometre walk from his suburban Melbourne home to Parliament House in Canberra. His campaign sought to raise national awareness and spark vital discussion with then-Prime Minister John Howard. Joined on the road by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal supporters from across Australia, his landmark journey laid the foundation for The Long Walk organisation. Today, the group hosts community-level walks across the nation. These events serve to pay tribute to Long’s original journey while continuing to advocate for the rights, representation, and overall wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has charged a Victoria Police officer with four counts of assault linked to the October 2025 arrest of a teenager in Braybrook. Operation Bunya investigated allegations that the Leading Senior Constable unlawfully assaulted the teenager, who was under 18-years-old at the time, during an arrest in Braybrook. It is alleged that the Leading Senior Constable unlawfully struck the teen with a baton multiple times and stood on the teenager while they were being restrained on the ground.

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Hillside has a new place to turn when life gets heavy. Aspire Health & Psychology has opened a psychology clinic at 10 Gourlay Road, giving residents of Hillside and the surrounding suburbs another option for mental health and wellbeing support close to home. The practice already operates in Newport and Werribee. The Hillside site is a response to a community that keeps getting bigger, and a recognition that people should not have to travel across the west to find care. Among those consulting from the new rooms is clinicial psychologist Katherine Ritchens, who works with adults facing anxiety, depression, relationship strain, workplace injury and the quieter struggles that rarely make headlines. The clinic has also recently welcomed a child psychologist, Farida, so families can now seek age-appropriate support for their children without leaving the neighbourhood. Appointments can be arranged privately or through Mental Health Care Plans, TAC, WorkCover and NDIS. The aim is straightforward: quality help with fewer barriers to getting the help you need. Aspire says it intends to keep building the Hillside clinic as the area grows. For a suburb still filling in around the edges, that extra choice, a clinic on Gourlay Road, staffed for both adults and children, is a small but welcome shift in how mental

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Every day is a good day to ask the question R U OK? For west resident Tony McManus, asking someone “R U OK?” is about much more than a single day on the calendar. After losing his brother Mick to suicide, Mr McManus turned his grief into a commitment to helping others speak openly about mental health. Now a sought-after speaker for Beyond Blue and R U OK? across south-east Australia, Mr McManus is urging people to make checking in with friends, family, colleagues and teammates part of everyday life. This year’s R U OK? Day will be held on Thursday 10 September with the theme ’Ask R U OK? Any Day’ encouraging Australians to keep meaningful conversations going throughout the year. Mr McManus said his own experience had reinforced the importance of breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health. “After the loss of my brother and getting through a rough period with my own mental health I have become passionate about increasing awareness and reducing the stigma about mental health in our community,” he said. “My strongest message is that it’s okay to open up and talk about anything that is troubling you. Whatever the issue is, a solution is available to either fix it or to manage it.” Mr McManus said simply asking the question could give someone the opportunity to talk about what was weighing on them. “Asking the R U OK? is so important. It can provide an opportunity for your friend, family member or work colleague to share and get what may be top of their mind at the moment and deal with it in a supportive conversation,” he said.

Tony McManus.

People around the country will mark R U OK? Day on 10 September.

“This is much better than not dealing with it and letting the concern fester and become overwhelming over time. A problem shared is a problem halved.” R U OK? says its research shows nine in 10 people who are asked if they are okay report feeling grateful, cared for and supported, while one in four people may hesitate to ask even when they think someone is struggling. For Mr McManus, social connection is also an important part of tackling loneliness and isolation. “Social connection, particularly through engaging in volunteering or mentoring, is a great way of tackling the problem(s) of iso-

lation, loneliness and disconnection in our community,” he said. His advocacy has included successfully lobbying the Geelong and Hawthorn football clubs to play annually for the AFL Beyond Blue Cup, using the reach and social connections of sporting clubs to promote conversations about depression and mental health. The idea came after Mick’s funeral, when his widow suggested supporting Beyond Blue in his memory. Mr McManus said the suggestion gave him a way to channel his grief into something that could help others. He pitched the idea to then Geelong

Football Club president Frank Costa, who supported it and helped introduce him to Jeff Kennett, then chairman of Hawthorn and Beyond Blue. The AFL Beyond Blue Cup went on to become a vehicle for mental health awareness across football, with the concept spreading into interstate, regional, urban and rural leagues, as well as soccer and rugby. “It was a powerful way of using the social connection that sporting clubs provide for men (and women) to be a conduit for messages to increase awareness and reduce stigma,” Mr McManus said. R U OK? says the 2026 campaign is designed to reinforce that support should not be limited to one day, with regular conversations helping people know they have someone they can turn to when life becomes difficult. For Mr McManus, the message is simple: don’t wait for R U OK? Day to ask. “If you’re thinking it, ask R U OK? any day,” he said. “It’s okay to open up.”

R U OK? — Looking Out for Each Other A simple question can start an important conversation. Life can be challenging, and sometimes the people around us may be going through more than we realise. Taking the time to ask “Are you OK?” can let someone know they are not alone and that someone genuinely cares. As a community, we can all play a part by checking in with our family, friends, neighbours and colleagues — not just on R U OK? Day, but throughout the year. Luba Grigorovitch MP is proud to support the message of R U OK? and encourages everyone to take a moment to connect, listen and look out for one another. You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, simply being there and listening can make a world of difference. Ask the question. Start the conversation. Show you care.

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MY PLACE Maureen Mohr is a longtime resident of Melton who grew up in Footscray. Last year, Ms Mohr was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women, recognised in the Local Champion category for her work as a compassionate and tireless community leader. Jack O’Shea-Ayres spoke with Ms Mohr about her connection to Melbourne’s north-west, what she loves most about where she lives, and how it felt to be recognised for her work in the community. What’s your connection to Melbourne’s north-west? I grew up in Footscray so I have lived all my life in the west. What do you like about where you live? I like the quiet. We have great neighbours, and the diversity of people all around is terrific. There is a lot to do for all ages, if only people would go out of their way to find out what’s on and where. What, if anything, would you change about where you live? I am pretty happy with the progress in Melton at the moment. It’s been a long time coming but it’s happening now with the railway crossings about to be gone. The new railway station and the hospital are both greatly needed - and perhaps a little work on the highway and surrounding roads would be great to see, but I am sure it will happen. Where is your favourite local place to spend time? I like walking around our botanical gardens and chatting to those I meet along the way, and a coffee at the library is always good, as well as checking out what exhibitions may be on there at the time. Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. One thing people might be surprised to

COMMENT

Maureen Mohr. (Damjan Janevski) 561756_02

know about me is my volunteering work among the community. I love being able to do the volunteering work I do, especially with Vinnies soup van - through that we have made a connection with Woodlea

Islamic Network as they are doing similar work in the area. By giving out meals to those that are in need or just lonely sometimes, it’s great learning from the various groups. I would love to see

more young people getting involved in volunteering in the area. During 2025 I was inducted into the Women’s Leadership Board as a local Champion, which was a very special honour.

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Make a fuzzy pom pom friend Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity. Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited her passion for crafting. Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into something extraordinary. This month, Stephanie is creating fuzzy friends.

Fuzzy pompom friend Materials Coloured yarn Coloured foam Googly eyes Equipment Scissors Glue Gun Pom pom template Step 1: Create your pom pom template: Draw two matching circles onto cardboard. Draw a smaller circle in the centre of each and cut it out to create a ring. Cut a small wedge from each ring to make wrapping the yarn easier. Step 2: Place the two cardboard pom pom templates together. Wrap yarn evenly around both templates until the centre hole is almost

Stephanie Martinez.

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

completely filled and there is no room to wrap any more yarn. Step 3: Carefully cut the yarn all the way around the outer edge, inserting the scissors between the two cardboard templates. Step 4: Slide a separate piece of yarn between the cardboard templates and tie a knot. Remove the cardboard templates. Save them to make more pom poms. Step 5: Cut shapes from foam sheets, such as feet, moustaches, ears, wings, or other fun features to create your character. Use a hot glue gun to attach foam pieces and googly eyes to your pom pom.

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

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NEWS

Low donor numbers in west Organ and tissue donor registrations in parts of Melbourne’s west are among the lowest in Victoria, new data from DonateLife reveals. According to DonateLife, while most Australians support organ and tissue donation, only 35 per cent of eligible Australians are registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register. In Victoria, just 23 per cent of eligible people are registered – and across the west, the figures are even lower. Organ and Tissue Authority 2025 Aus-

tralian Donation and Transplantation data reveals that in Brimbank, just 10 per cent of the eligible population is registered, while 13 per cent are registered in Wyndham and 14 per cent in each of Hume and Whittlesea. In Melton, 15 per cent of the eligible population is registered, while in Maribyrnong, 22 per cent are registered and in Hobsons Bay, 25 per cent are registered. According to DonateLife, there are about 2000 Australians on the waitlist for an organ transplant and an additional 14,000 people

on dialysis for kidney failure, many who could benefit from a kidney transplant. DonateLife Victoria state medical director, Dr Rohit D’Costa, urging all Victorians to register as an organ and tissue donor. “Then, tell your family you want to be a donor - someone’s life depends on it,” Dr D’Costa said. “It doesn’t matter how old or healthy you are – you can still register as an organ and tissue donor. Registering is quick, easy and only takes one minute.”

Wattle Day honour was worth the wait Having arrived in Australia from Mongolia in 2018, Braybrook’s Chinges Tumurkhuyag was recently granted permanent residency. The decision meant the 37-year-old could look forward to a future in Australia with his Japanese born wife Shiori and their three-and-a-half year-old son, Jhonon. But becoming a permanent resident also meant Mr Tumurkhuyag could finally be recognised for an act of bravery not long after he arrived On 23 November, 2019, Mr Tumurkhuyag was in Cairns on holiday after finishing his university studies for the year. It was late in the afternoon and he’d just returned to his hotel room when he heard shouting outside. “I was curious and I went out on the balcony on the fifth floor where I was staying,” Mr Tumurkhuyag recalled. “I saw the girl just waiting to jump from the seventh floor balcony, two levels above me.” Suddenly Mr Tumurkhuyag was clamouring up to the sixth floor balcony above and then onto the seventh where the woman stood. “It was pure instinct. I just tried to stop her as quickly as I could,” he said. For the next 10 minutes Mr Tumurkhuyag clung onto the woman’s arms through the railing, while trying to talk her around. When a police officer finally arrived and tried handcuff the women onto the balcony fence, it only made matters worse. “She became more aggressive,” Mr Tumurkhuyag said of the women who finally loosened his grip. “She fell down onto the sixth level balcony and then I told the police officer to go down quickly and I straight away jumped back (down) to the sixth level.” Mr Tumurkhuyag then again grabbed onto the woman, before an off-duty firefighter staying at the same hotel climbed onto the balcony and helped him drag her inside. He hasn’t seen or heard of the woman since. In fact, Mr Tumurkhuyag didn’t

Braybrook man Chinges Tumurkhuyag, pictured with wife Shiori and son Jhonon. Mr Tumurkhuyag has been awarded a Bravery Medal for stopping a woman from jumping from a Cairns hotel balcony in 2019. (Saruul Tumurkhuyag)

think about the incident again until receiving an email in 2024 informing him that he was to receive a Bravery Medal (BM) in the National Wattle Day honours on 1 September. There was just one problem.

“At that time I wasn’t a permanent resident so I wasn’t allowed to get the award,” he said. Along with permanent residency, Mr Tumurkhuyag now has permanent recognition.

It is not too late to vaccinate against respiratory illnesses Western suburbs residents are being reminded that it is not too late to get vaccinated against the flu, covid and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with cases on the rise across the state. Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Caroline McElnay, said this year, flu, covid and RSV infections were showing a later-than-usual increase compared to previous years. Dr McElnay said that cases of flu and covid were continuing to rise in Victoria,

while RSV cases remained high despite peaking in July. Dr McElnay said respiratory infections can affect all age groups however, young children, pregnant women, older adults and people with certain underlying medical conditions or a weakened immune system were more at risk of severe illness and hospital admission from respiratory infections. She said vaccines were available for the

flu, covid and RSV, adding that it was never too late to be vaccinated. “Many respiratory infections such as flu, COVID-19 and RSV cause similar illnesses with symptoms and signs of fever, cough, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, body aches or pains and tiredness,” she said. “Vaccination, good hand hygiene and staying home when you’re sick are some of the best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory infections.”

West Footscray resident Greg Ferrington backed the calls for western suburbs residents to register as organ and tissue donors. Mr Ferrington was the fourth person in his family to be diagnosed with renal failure and started haemodialysis when he was younger until receiving his first kidney transplant. A second kidney transplant has left him thriving and healthy with a “glass overflowing” attitude to life. To register: donatelife.gov.au

Now is the time to update asthma action plans As temperatures rise and Victorians look to spend more time outdoors, Ambulance Victoria is reminding the community to get ahead of the season and update their asthma action plans. Spring conditions often present allergens and triggers for people living with asthma, and if unmanaged or not prevented, it can develop into a serious health concern. Ambulance Victoria director emergency management Dale Armstrong said early preparation is key. “Asthma affects people of all ages and while it can become life-threatening, it is usually well managed when people understand their triggers and have an upto-date asthma action plan,“ he said. “An asthma action plan is one of the most important tools for managing your condition. It helps you recognise worsening symptoms early and know exactly what steps to take.“ Common spring triggers include pollen, dust, air pollution and thunderstorms, while indoor irritants such as mould, dust mites and fumes from gas cooktops can also contribute to asthma symptoms. Thunderstorm asthma is thought to be triggered by a unique combination of large amounts of grass pollen in the air and a certain type of thunderstorm. For people who have asthma or hay fever, this can trigger severe asthma symptoms. Symptoms to be mindful of include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. “It can be easy to become complacent if you haven’t experienced symptoms for a while, but asthma doesn’t disappear,“ Mr Armstrong said. “That’s why we encourage Victorians to check their medication, review their action plan and book in with their GP before symptoms become a problem.” Adults should review their asthma action plan at least once a year, while children’s plans should be updated every six months. Asthma can also develop for the first time in adulthood. People experiencing persistent allergy or hay fever symptoms, such as a runny nose, itchy eyes or ongoing congestion, should speak with their GP about appropriate treatment and whether further assessment is needed. For non-emergency care and advice, Victorians can access a range of alternate healthcare options, including: Virtual Emergency Department (VED) at ved.vic.gov.au, providing free video consultations with emergency doctors and nurses from anywhere in Victoria, 24 hours a day; Urgent Care Clinics; and Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.

Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

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Little girl faces a big fight By Glenn Fisher A parent knows when their child is unwell. Especially when that child is usually an energetic two-year-old who suddenly becomes exhausted and clingy, with recurring infections, fevers, night sweats and weight loss. It was March last year when western suburbs mum Katy Rayner noticed the change in daughter Dotty. After several rounds of antibiotics failed to help, Dotty began vomiting blood one night. Katy and husband Jacob rushed her to the Royal Children’s Hospital, where tests revealed the devastating news. Dotty had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. “Everything happened so quickly after that. They started treatment within five minutes. There was no chance to process it,” recalls Katy. Dotty spent 10 days in the paediatric oncology ward as her family faced the overwhelming reality of cancer treatment. Katy and Jacob took turns staying by her side while the other went home to rest and care for Dotty’s older brother, Lincoln, leaving little time for the family to be together. This was when Camp Quality became a source of light. Child life therapists helped Dotty understand her treatment through play, while Lincoln, who often felt left out as his family’s energy went into his sister’s care, found comfort of his own. After discovering Camp Quality via a poster at the chemotherapy day clinic, the family attended their first family camp last December.

Dotty with mum Katy Rayner and brother Lincoln. (Damjan Janeski).

“It was amazing to be with other families in our situation, who looked like ours,” Katy said. The camp also gave her and Jacob a rare chance to reconnect, while Lincoln made close friends with other siblings who understood exactly what he was going through. Dotty has since returned to kindergarten, made plenty of friends and has got back to having a social side of life. She is now in maintenance chemotherapy, continuing three-month treatment cycles and nightly medication at home.

Dotty is due to finish treatment on 10 June 2027, her fifth birthday. “I can see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I know we’re going to get there, and every day is a step closer,” Katy said. “The change in Dotty from diagnosis to now has been incredible to see. At the beginning, she was so unwell and treatment took a huge toll on her physically. “There was a point where she was incredibly weak and even had to relearn how to walk, which was heartbreaking to watch. Now, seeing her running around, playing, laughing and just being a normal little girl

again is something we don’t take for granted.” Katy said the family couldn’t speak highly enough of the nurses and doctors in the Royal Children’s Hospital oncology ward. “They have been such an important part of our journey with Dotty, and we’ve felt incredibly supported by them from the very beginning,” she said. “They’ve not only looked after Dotty medically, but they’ve also looked after us as parents. There have been so many scary and overwhelming moments where we’ve had questions, worries or just needed reassurance, and they’ve always taken the time to listen and explain things to us.” This September, Dotty and her family will participate in the seventh annual Camp Quality’s Big Walk for Little Kids to raise funds for children facing cancer. Every month, 64 Australian children are diagnosed with cancer. The Big Walk invites people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities to choose their own challenge, walking 64km, 128km or 192km throughout September. Funds raised help Camp Quality provide their supportive programs and services, including family camps, kids’ camps, family retreats and emergency respite, which give kids and families facing cancer a vital break from hospital stays, treatment and stress. Participants can sign up online as an individual or a team, and ask friends, family members, school or work mates to sponsor their efforts to help raise funds. Since Camp Quality’s Big Walk started, it has raised more than $9 million to give families a break from cancer. https://www. campquality.org.au/

Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au 12899283-EA37-26

12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

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Supporting women’s health, every step of the way This Women’s Health Week, Fernwood Fitness is celebrating something that has always been at the heart of who we are: women supporting women. This year’s Women’s Health Week theme, ‘Do It Anyway’, is a powerful reminder that looking after your health doesn’t have to mean having everything figured out. Sometimes, it’s simply about taking that first step, making time for yourself and doing something positive for your wellbeing, even when life is busy. At Fernwood, health and fitness is about so much more than exercise. It is about creating a space where women feel comfortable walking through the doors, supported to prioritise themselves and encouraged to take positive steps towards their health and wellbeing, whatever those steps may look like. Across our Fernwood communities, we see the power of women supporting women every day.

It’s in the friendly face at reception, the instructor who remembers your name, the training partner encouraging you through one more rep, and the friendships formed over a class, workout or coffee. Every woman’s health journey is different. Whether you are working towards a new goal, rebuilding confidence, looking for connection or simply wanting to feel stronger and healthier - start where you are and do it anyway. In celebration of Women’s Health Week, Fernwood Fitness is inviting local women to experience our community with a $7 for 7 Days Pass. That is seven days to move, connect, try something new and make a little more time for you. Because when women support women, we are all stronger together! To redeem go to https://bit.ly/ fernwood-7-day-pass-whwtrackable link

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Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Star Weekly looks back through the pages of our predecessors

40 years ago

30 years ago

20 years ago

10 years ago

10 September, 1986

11 September, 1996

5 September, 2006

6 September, 2016

Last week’s Essendon Airport disaster, which took the lives of six people has seen local residents renew calls to have the airport closed down.

Brimbank residents are likely to have two rubbish bins under a new waste disposal scheme Brimbank council is considering.

St Albans resident Marguerite Breach got the fright of her life when traces of ecstasy were found in her luggage.

Police have ramped up overnight patrols in response to fears of increased criminal activity in Keilor.

Laverton P-12 College student wellbeing officer Sef Agahzaman (front), with students Brooklynn, Bella, Duler, Ben, Elina and Pauleen, and music teacher Mark Hunter.(Damjan Janevski) 574423_04

Gisborne Vintage Machinery Society members Chris Dixon, Len Redway, Ian Northcott and John Beaty, and Theo the dog. (Damjan Janevski) 573848_01

Dotty, 4, with mum Katy Rayney and brother Lincoln, 9.

Werribee Orchid Club president Alex Christou. (Damjan Janevski) 574809_04

(Damjan Janevski) 573106_05

Faces of the west Each week Star Weekly photographers are out and about capturing the people and events across Melbourne’s western suburbs. Just Dancing organisers Emilia Rossi and Marina Domoney.

Local residents concerned about lack of parking and overall traffic management around new West Tarneit train station. (Damjan Janevski)

(Damjan Janevski) 573369_03

574420_01

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

BUSINESS PROFILE

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Turning growth into opportunity: Ensuring Brimbank thrives By Ben Malpass, Executive Vice President, Local Government, TechnologyOne When people think about growth, they picture new infrastructure: a rail line, a road upgrade, a new precinct or housing development. Less visible is the work councils do to ensure services, facilities and community outcomes keep pace as a city grows. Few places illustrate this challenge and opportunity better than Melbourne’s west. Brimbank is preparing for significant change. Major investments, including Stage 1 of the Melbourne Airport Rail and the Sunshine Super Hub Precinct, are expected to strengthen the area as the emerging CBD of Melbourne’s west. The precinct alone could welcome up to 43,000 more residents and 29,000 new jobs by 2051, adding to what the council must deliver. For residents, growth means more jobs, better transport and improved access to services. For councils, it means scaling the services and infrastructure that communities rely on every day - from planning activity, inspections and customer enquiries to the roads, public spaces and services that must evolve alongside a growing population. However, demand is not only a matter of scale. Brimbank is one of Australia’s most diverse communities, home to people from more than 150 nationalities. That diversity means the council must ensure services remain accessible, responsive and inclusive as community needs evolve. Across local government, one of the biggest barriers to scaling services is organisational complexity. Disconnected systems, fragmented processes and manual workarounds consume valuable resources. Staff spend time locating information, reconcil-

ing data and navigating processes rather than delivering community outcomes. As demand grows, so does the cost of that complexity. That is why councils are focusing on simplifying how they operate. Technology can help by connecting information, reducing duplication and creating the capacity needed to support growing communities. The goal is to ensure that growth in demand does not automatically require growth in administration. Research by Intelligent Business Research Services shows what councils can achieve when they use technology to simpli-

fy operations and track the value delivered. Some councils have absorbed three years of population growth without adding to their field workforce, while others have accelerated development approvals by as much as 47 per cent. In one council, digital self-service saved the community around 75,000 hours a year, time residents would otherwise spend waiting for answers or filling in forms. These outcomes show that simplifying operations is not just about efficiency, but about creating the capacity to deliver better services. The ‘We Are Brimbank’ community plan sets out an ambition for a thriving and connected city. Delivering on that vision re-

quires more than investment in physical infrastructure. It also requires the council to scale the services, systems and operations that sit behind it, something Brimbank has already recognised through its commitment to modernising services and improving digital capability. With the right digital foundations in place, the council will be able to focus on what matters most: connected suburbs, thriving local businesses and a city where people feel they belong. Successful growth is not measured by what gets built, but by the outcomes it creates for the community and future generations.

missing ad: 12899254

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Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

FEATURING ... EDUCATION

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A village where learners grow and progress together At Global Village Learning, a four-year-old and a twenty-year-old are at very different stages of life. They need different challenges, different levels of independence and different kinds of support. But they can still belong to the same community. That idea sits at the heart of GVL. Across their time at GVL, learners move through four Developmental Learning Hubs. The age ranges deliberately overlap because development does not happen neatly according to a calendar. Learners grow and progress at their own pace, with increasing opportunities for independence, leadership and contribution along the way. But Developmental Learning Hubs are not walls. Throughout a learner’s journey from four to 20, there are opportunities to connect, collaborate and build relationships with young people of different ages. Mixed-age learning is an important part of our Montessoriinspired approach. Younger learners can see what is possible by spending time with older learners. Older learners have opportunities to mentor, lead and contribute. And sometimes the learning flows in the opposite direction. A six-year-old can

have an idea a sixteen-year-old has never considered. That is the point. We are building a village, not a collection of separate classrooms. Learning happens within Learning Hubs, but community happens across GVL. It happens through EDventurous Projects, shared spaces, community activities and the countless informal moments that make up a day. It happens when learners create together, solve problems together and help one another. We play together too. And we eat together. Our Healthy Food Program is more than providing a meal. Sitting around a table, sharing food and conversation with people of different ages is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to build relationships and community. At GVL, we believe young people thrive when they experience agency, mastery and community connection. From four to 20, a learner will grow and change enormously. Their interests will change. Their capabilities will develop. Their independence will grow. But throughout that journey, one thing remains constant. They are part of the Village.

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16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

FEATURING ... EDUCATION

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An intentional learning journey at Braemar College At Braemar College, education is more than a sequence of year levels. It is an intentional learning journey, beginning in Year 5 and building purposefully through to Year 12, with students known, challenged and supported at every stage. Our youngest students arrive at around 10 years of age and become part of our dedicated Middle School at the Woodend Campus. Purpose-built facilities, specialist teachers and an ageand-stage appropriate approach provide an environment designed specifically for young people as they learn and grow. Beginning in Year 5 Braemar provides something particularly valuable: time. Across eight years, students progressively develop the skills, language and habits that support increasingly independent learning. Organisation, preparation, flexibility, collaboration and responsibility are established in Middle School and strengthened as students progress towards their senior years. Being a Years 5–12 College also allows us to celebrate important transitions while maintaining continuity across the learning journey. At the end of Year 8, students attach a ribbon to the windmill at the entrance to the Woodend Campus before walking

overland to the Mount Macedon Campus with the Head of Middle School. On arrival, they are greeted by the Head of Senior School, symbolically marking the conclusion of one stage and the beginning of another. Four years later, another Braemar tradition awaits. As Year 12 students conclude their education, they climb the tower of historic Braemar House and add their signatures in pencil to its timber. Around them are names stretching back generations to Clyde School, including the 1926 signature of E Greene, later Dame Elisabeth Murdoch. These traditions represent something much deeper. At one transition, students leave a ribbon before walking towards the next stage of their education. At the conclusion of Year 12, they leave their name alongside those who travelled before them. Between those moments lies an intentional journey of learning, challenge, opportunity, connection and growth. From a ribbon on a windmill in Woodend to a pencilled signature in a tower on Mount Macedon, every stage of the Braemar journey matters.

Join us for an Open Day to Celebrate 19 September, from 10am Woodend Campus 241 Romsey Road, Woodend

! s u n o t a e r g s ook

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For further information regarding enrolments the Registrar: registrar@braemar.vic.edu.au For further information regarding contact enrolments or Phone: contact the Registrar: registrar@braemar.vic.edu.au or Phone: 5427 9161 5427 9161 12897558-RV37-26

Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

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Procurement policy adopted Brimbank council has overhauled the way it spends public money, with new procurement rules putting greater emphasis on local, social and environmental benefits when awarding contracts. Under the revised Procurement Policy, at least 10 per cent of the assessment for every quotation and tender process must be based on local, social and environmental benefits. That means businesses competing for council work will not only be judged on price and quality, but on the wider benefits they can deliver to the Brimbank community.

The policy also strengthens council’s commitment to supporting Indigenousowned businesses, disability suppliers and certified social benefit suppliers. It forms part of a broader push to ensure council purchasing supports employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, people with disability, LGBTQIA+ communities, women and genderdiverse people, and culturally and racially marginalised communities. Council adopted the revised policy after consultation with key stakeholders

and procurement experts from Victorian councils. The policy is required under the Local Government Act 2020 and is based on a best-practice template developed by the Municipal Association of Victoria. Council said the changes would ensure purchasing decisions considered more than simply the bottom line. Economic, environmental, social and ethical impacts will all be taken into account, alongside value for money, transparency and accountability. The policy will also work alongside

Brimbank’s Climate Emergency Plan, with sustainability to be considered when council buys goods and services. Council said the revised policy reflected its commitment to making the most responsible use of public funds while delivering stronger outcomes for the community. The policy states that procurement should help deliver the Brimbank Community Vision 2040, which aims for an inclusive, resilient, innovative and vibrant city where residents share equally in prosperity and opportunity.

Feedback open for local flood maps

Brimbnak Mayor Virginia Tachos and VU deputy chancellor Wade Noonan. (Supplied)

Council extends partnership with VU Brimbank City Council has renewed its agreement with Victoria University (VU) through to 2030. By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) both organisations committed to work together transparently and co-operatively to improve employment, education and community health and wellbeing outcomes for the community. They will also work co-operatively to care for Country and take climate action. Since the first MoU was signed in 2023, council has worked with VU on the Sunshine precinct as well as the new

Brimbank Tech School and National Centre for Excellence in Paramedics. The partnership has also supported the establishment of a Brimbank Social Inclusion Action Group, a dedicated Economic Employment Advisory Group and more bus services for the community. VU has provided careers counselling at Brimbank libraries, short courses, free TAFE in community settings including at the St Albans Community Centre and sponsorship of community events, such as the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival. Mayor Virginia Tachos signed the MoU

on behalf of council. “Over the past three years, council and VU have worked closely to deliver for the Brimbank community, and we look forward to continuing that partnership,” she said. “VU’s research expertise has helped council strengthen its local health and wellbeing programs while supporting our advocacy for better mental health funding for young people in Brimbank. “Over the coming years, we look forward to working together on the further development of the Sunshine National Employment and Innovation Cluster.”

Melbourne Water is currently seeking feedback from the Brimbank community on its newly released draft flood maps. Brimbank residents, property owners, and business operators have until 11.59pm, 9 September to review the documents and submit their input before the maps are finalised. Flood mapping serves as an essential tool for community safety, helping individuals understand and prepare for potential environmental impacts. For Brimbank community members, the draft maps offer several key tools: • Property Search and Map Navigation: Residents and business owners can search specific property addresses on the interactive portal to view localized flood hazard data. • Understanding Local Risk Classifications: The maps classify areas into low, medium, or high risk (from H1 to H6) based on expected flood depth and flow speed, which indicates how floodwaters behave and the potential risks they pose. • Sharing Local Knowledge: Community members can share specific local information—such as past flooding events, engineered flood protection structures, or landscape earthworks—to help Melbourne Water refine and validate the draft maps. • Flood Preparation: Proactive steps can be taken using resource guides to prepare homes for flooding, including establishing emergency plans, compiling flood kits, and securing personal belongings. Interested parties can view the draft maps, complete the consultation survey, and provide feedback through Melbourne Water’s official consultation portal at https://letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/ flood-information/brimbank.

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18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

PUZZLES

19 13

18 19

18 14

3 11

20 18

3 11

8 23

22 9

23 10

24 11

U J

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: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 32 words: Excellent

1 2 6 4 8 5 3 7 9 7 5 8 9 3 2 1 4 6 9 3 4 6 1 7 8 5 2 3 8 5 2 7 6 4 9 1 4 6 7 1 5 9 2 8 3 2 9 1 3 4 8 7 6 5 6 4 9 8 2 3 5 1 7 8 7 2 5 6 1 9 3 4 5 1 3 7 9 4 6 2 8

7 6 5 3 8 4 9 1 2 8 1 4 5 9 2 7 3 6 3 2 9 1 7 6 8 5 4 2 3 1 8 4 5 6 9 7 9 7 8 2 6 1 5 4 3 5 4 6 7 3 9 2 8 1 4 9 3 6 5 7 1 2 8 1 5 7 4 2 8 3 6 9 6 8 2 9 1 3 4 7 5

Y E Y

V S

3 LETTERS ACT ALE CUP DAD EBB ERA FIN IRE LAG MIX NIL ODD OIL ORE PAR RUE SEA SPA TAG TAR TEA TOE

No. 306

M O O D

ALTAR AMBLE ASSET ATLAS ATONE BRICK COBRA DEEDS DRUNK EAGLE EERIE ELDER ENTER ENTRY ERASE EXERT GLOVE HASTE HATED HIRED LOOSE

4 LETTERS APES GAVE GULP KEEP MOOD PATS SAKE SEEM THUS WEED 5 LETTERS ADEPT AFOOT AGENT AGLOW ALERT ALIBI

METER OLIVE OVERT PAINT PRESS PSALM RAVEN REVUE RINSE ROARS SEEDY SENSE SIDLE SNEER SNIDE STABS STYLE SUEDE TIARA VENUE VILER

6 LETTERS CASKET CHORAL GRADER STEERS TEASES WETTER 7 LETTERS AMIABLE AWESOME LEISURE SCUTTLE

SEASIDE URGENCY 8 LETTERS GUNSHOTS REALISTS WEAKENED WRESTLER 10 LETTERS DISAPPEARS DISPERSING

11-09-26

No. 413 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

W A R P S I D E A L N O B L Y C R U E L E N T R Y

aver, avers, averse, avert, averts, ever, rave, raver, raves, reave, reaves, revert, reverts, revest, revs, save, saver, serve, server, sever, starve, stave, traverse, TRAVERSER, vase, vast, vaster, veer, veers, verse, vest, vets

5 4 3 9 6 1 2 8 7 1 2 6 4 7 8 5 3 9 9 8 7 2 5 3 6 4 1 7 9 5 1 4 2 3 6 8 4 6 1 3 8 7 9 5 2 8 3 2 5 9 6 1 7 4 3 5 4 8 1 9 7 2 6 6 1 8 7 2 5 4 9 3 2 7 9 6 3 4 8 1 5

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

Charlotte Aitchison is the real name of which British pop singer?

Which of the world's railway stations is the largest by number of platforms?

What is the motto of both the Australian Girl Guides and Boy Scouts?

In Olympic volleyball, how many points are required to win a set?

Who directed the 2025 film One Battle After Another?

What is the only part of the human body with no direct blood supply?

Which political activist coined the term ‘satyagraha’ to describe a practice of nonviolent civil resistance?

The television series Slow Horses, starring Gary Oldman (pictured), is based on the Slough House series of novels by which author?

For how many days does the Glastonbury Festival run?

10 True or false: the Great Sphinx has a moustache? ANSWERS: 1. Charli XCX 2. Grand Central Terminal, NYC (44 platforms) 3. Be prepared 4. 25 points 5. Paul Thomas Anderson 6. The cornea 7. Mahatma Gandhi 8. Mick Herron 9. Five 10. False

E O

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

medium

3 4

9-LETTER WORD

easy

5x5

5 5

P C Y F A R N Q S L W U J

No. 338 15

9 5 3 6 3 1 3 8 7 9 2 4 4 8 1 7 2

8 7

H A S T E D R U N K C O B R A A L T A R E E R I E H I R E D E A G L E O L I V E T I A R A S I D L E P A R C U P E B B C A S K E T D I S P E R S I N G R E S C U T T L E A S S E T S T Y L E A P E S G U N S H O T S P A T S A L E L E I S U R E S E A S I D E S E E M W E A K E N E D O D D R O A R S E N T R Y W E E D A W E S O M E S S G R A D E R D I S A P P E A R S T A G A T L A S F I N L A G A M B L E A T O N E O V E R T V E N U E V I L E R L O O S E E X E R T M E T E R E N T E R

hard

16 17

DECODER

9 6

1 9 7 6 5 3 2 9 1 2 3 8 8 5 9 8 1 9 6 7 1 2 8 7 2 6 9 5

6 7

20 24 25

4 5

medium

12 14 15 19

22 23

Rough hut (6) Alarm (6) Series of meetings (8) Anecdote (4) Security for repayment (10) Surrender (6) Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8) Scalpel wielders (8) Very generous (10) Lively (8) Punitive bans on relations with certain bodies and their goods, etc. (8)

1 2 3

4 8 5 2 6 5 2 9 3 5 6 4 6 1 9 8 3 3 7 6 4 3 1 7 5 7 9 4 2 8

10 11

1 2

5 9

A type of shot in cue sports (8) Bottle for the table (6) Lunatic (6) Glutinous or sticky in consistency (6) A desert in Central Asia (4)

DOWN

easy

Meet requirements (7) Traditions (7) Inherited from one’s family (9) Purchaser (5) Unimportant details (6) A male voice (8) Brew; steep (6) Midday (4) Illuminated sign (4) Slanted font (6) Engineer (8) Chemical base that reacts with acid (6) Popular aquarium fish (5) One with obsessive self-love (9)

No. 306

Disagree (7) Persuaded (7)

29 30

ACROSS 1

X M T D V G K H Z B I

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

QUICK CROSSWORD

No. 306

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

COMMUNITY

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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. Walk with Us Community Event Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins is hosting the annual Walk with Us community event on Saturday 12 September, from 2pm to 4pm, to help raise awareness for domestic violence. Participants will meet at the front of Hoyts Cinemas at Watergardens for a 3.6-kilometre return walk to Linear Park in Taylors Lakes. All community members are welcome to attend ■ natalie.hutchins@parliament.vic.gov.au Be Bold Festival This celebration of arts and culture in Melbourne’s west will feature live music, global food vendors and creative workshops for all to enjoy. Saturday 3 October, 3-7pm at the Bowery Theatre, St Albans Community Centre & Errington Oval Reserve, 33 Princess Street, St Albans. Free of charge. All welcome. Zumba 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. Keilor Park Tennis Club 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 Master of the Mic Build confidence in public speaking, communication and leadership in this fun, supportive club for young people aged 15–25. Enjoy interactive speaking activities, challenges, feedback and opportunities to meet new people. No experience required. Meets on the last Wednesday of each month. “blfvisycareshub@brimbank.vic.gov.au” ■ blfvisycareshub@brimbank.vic.gov.au INFuse Lab Looking for a relaxed space to create alongside other local artists? Join us weekly for an open studio style session where you can work on your own projects, meet new creatives and enjoy genuine conversation in a supportive environment. Takes place Wednesdays during the school term 3:30pm to 6pm at St Albans Community Centre. ■ 9249 4600, creative@brimbank.vic.gov.au Queers Out West Queers Out West is social programming for LGBTQIA+ adults to build community, hosted by commUnity+ Neighbourhood House. The program features creative arts sessions and relaxed fireside-style conversations with queer icons across diverse fields. Sessions run from 4.30-5.30pm on Tuesdays at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. 100 per cent free with snacks included

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Werribee Orchid Club’s first show in seven years at Werribee Racecourse. (Damjan Janevski) 575090_01

Albion Primary School Albion Primary School is pleased to be celebrating 100 years of education Saturday 17 October from 9am-3:30pm. The day will include music, house competitions, a photo gallery, the opening of a time capsule from 1976, the planting of a 2026 time capsule, a community art project and a scavenger hunt. The school hopes to have as many past students, staff, and families as possible attend on the day. ■ 9311 1325 Garden club The Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club meets on the second Wednesday of the month at Glengala Community Centre, corner Simmie Street and Glengala Road, Sunshine West at 7pm. New members welcome. ■ Helen Reid , 9746 3933 or reidhm@hotmail.com St Theresa’s Catholic Church St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Albion will celebrate 75 years on Sunday 4 October. There will be a mass followed by refreshment where past and present parishioners, past nuns and priests from St Theresa’s and Mother of God will be represented. There will be history boards, memorabilia and a slideshow of parish memories. Women’s Wellbeing Day Flourish is a free community wellbeing event being delivered during Women’s Health Week. It brings together local health, wellbeing and community organisations

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

to provide health education, free screenings, movement activities like yoga, zumba and pilates, nutrition session on women’s health, free chair massages for women in Brimbank, with the aim of improving preventative health, increasing service awareness and strengthening community connections. Join the team Wednesday 11 September upstairs at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre. ■ EHartley@comm-unityplus.org.au BELONG – A Cultural Festival BELONG is a free multicultural community festival celebrating the diversity of Melbourne’s west. Held at commUnity+ Neighbourhood House and aligned with the Mid-Autumn Festival, it will bring together culturally diverse communities through interactive cultural experiences including lion dance, Bollywood dance, African drumming, lantern making, mooncake activities and multicultural food. Join the tean on Thursday 17 September at 822 Ballarat Road, Deer Park. ■ EHartley@comm-unityplus.org.au Maltese Folklore Association All seniors are warmly invited to join Klabb Ghannejja Maltin (Maltese Folklore Association) and enjoy the friendly atmosphere the club provides. The club is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday with traditional Maltese folk music held every Friday night and social nights hosted once a month on Saturday nights. Come to 4/6 Gooding Street, St Albans, meet new

friends, and enjoy the wonderful Maltese culture and entertainment. ■ 9356 4638 Free Bingo Locals, especially seniors, can enjoy bingo but with a twist. binGO move encourages participants to get active, make friends and improve physical and mental wellbeing all while enjoying a classic game. Sessions run fortnightly on Thursdays from 1.30-2.30pm at St Albans Tin Shed, 309a Main Road East, St Albans. ■ 9366 4302 St Albans Bowls Club Everyone is welcome at St Albans Bowls no matter age, gender or ability. Whether you’re an experienced bowler or just curious to give it a try, the club would love to see more locals on the green. The club hosts social bowls every Thursday and Saturday at noon at Kings Park Reserve, off Magnolia Avenue, Kings Park. Come along for a friendly game, meet new people and spend time in great company. ■ stalbans.bowls.com.au, stalbansbowlsclub@bigpond.com, 9366 0290 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

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

ENTERTAINMENT

Deeply human monologue Written by Emma Dennis-Edwards and directed by Candy Bowers, Funeral Flowers is a raw, lyrical, and deeply human monologue about growing up, fighting back, and finding hope where it seems impossible. The story follows 17-year-old Angelique, who dreams of being a florist. For Angelique, flowers serve as an escape from bullies, the care system, and the reality of her mum serving time. Inspired by the true story of Tottenham community leader Gina Moffatt, the production explores social inequality, self-discovery, and the human ability to create beauty in the midst of struggle. Winner of the Scotsman Fringe First Award at Edinburgh Festival, the play now makes its Australian premiere.

Presented in partnership with Red Stitch Actors Theatre, the production will be staged at the St Albans Bowery Theatre. A special evening performance is scheduled for Wednesday 9 September. The Wednesday night show includes supper at 6:00 pm, the performance at 7pm, and an interactive question and answer session at 8pm. Additionally, two dedicated school-only shows will run on Wednesday 9 September, from 1.30pm to 2.45 pm, and Thursday 10 September, from 10.30 am to 11.45 am. School bookings can be arranged by emailing bowery@brimbank.vic.gov.au. The play is not suitable for children under 14 due to strong language and mature themes. For support, patrons can contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

The production will feature Lucy Ansell in the solo role. (Supplied)

The King is back at The Plough

Salesian College Sunbury students will have their work featured in an exhibition. (Damjan Janevski) 575473_04

Salesian students shine in new exhibition Sunbury’s young talent will be on display for the inaugural Savio Visual Arts Exhibition at Salesian College. Salesian students from years 7-10 will feature in a curated collection of works, from visual arts, visual communication design and photography, providing students with an opportunity to showcase their work. The event, a first of its kind for the school, will also provide students with an authentic opportunity to exhibit their work in a professional, public-facing setting while sharing their creativity with family, friends and the wider community.

Visitors will be invited to explore the exhibition trail throughout the halls of the Rupertswood Mansion, encountering works that demonstrate creativity, technical skill, innovation and personal expression, while enjoying canapes and beverages. Families, friends, alumni, prospective families and members of the wider community are welcome to attend and help support the next generation of Sunbury artists. Visual arts teacher Kara Richards invited the community to see the students’ hard work. “The Savio Visual Arts Exhibition is

a chance to see the Salesian value of Excellence brought to life through the creativity, skill and dedication of our young artists,” she said. “We want our community to come along, see what these students are capable of, and help us celebrate the incredible work being created across the College.” The Savio Visual Arts Exhibition will be held on Wednesday 16 September from 6-8pm at Salesian College Sunbury. Tickets will be $7 per person, and are available to purchase online. Tickets: events.humanitix.com/saviovisual-arts-exhibition

The King is returning to Myrniong this October. Elvis Presley fans can relive the music and magic of the King when award-winning tribute artist Damian Mullin brings Elvis Forever to The Plough Bistro in Myrniong on Saturday 3 October. Following a successful previous performance at The Plough, Mullin is set to return in full swing to the stage for a royal evening celebrating one of the world’s most iconic entertainers. The four-hour dinner and show will feature some of Elvis’ greatest hits, with Mullin bringing the King’s unmistakable sound, charisma and energetic stage presence back to life. Guests can settle in for an evening of classic songs and timeless favourites while enjoying a three-course dinner, making the event a night out for both local music lovers and foodies. Whether you’ve been a royal attendant of the King for decades, or you’re simply looking to enjoy a memorable evening set to the tune of Elvis’ greatest hits, this night’s for you. The performance will run from 6-10pm, giving audiences plenty of time to enjoy the dinner, entertainment and the nostalgia of Elvis’ legendary catalogue. Tickets are $95 per person and include the three-course dinner and show. With Elvis’ greatest hits on the menu alongside a three-course feast, Elvis Forever offers a chance to spend a Saturday night dining, singing along and stepping back into the golden age of rock ’n’ roll. Tickets: https://tinyurl. com/3f6ar5fd.

Tune into animal audio for a unique encounter with wildlife A constellation of radios will spark an uncanny encounter with the animal world in Newport at the end of this month when the world premiere of The Enormous Radio takes place at The Substation. The latest work from innovative documentary theatremaker Roslyn Oades and internationally acclaimed sound artist Bob Scott, The Enormous Radio features a ring of old radios, replete with glowing dials, crackling speakers and twitchy

antennas that somehow transmit messages from wildlife. “I have interviewed humans from all walks of life from professional boxers to nursing homes to schoolies on the Gold Coast,” Oades explained. “I wanted to turn my attention to Australia’s wildlife.” A member of Australian Wildlife Sound Recording Group, Oades has an extensive catalogue of documentary field recordings

which provide key source material and inspiration for The Enormous Radio. With assistance from editor Sarah Walker, Oades feeds these animal recordings into voice enhancement software, instructing it to translate as if they were spoken English. The result is an uncanny aural and textual language that taps into our human desire to communicate with the animal world. Old radios are central to the work,

reflecting the vital role they still play for Australian communities in emergencies and natural disasters. Oades and Scott are long-time collaborators, with their previous theatrical installation, The Nightline, appearing at the Malthouse Theatre just last month. The Enormous Radio is on at The Substation from 30 September-10 October. Tickets: https://thesubstation.org.au/ program/the-enormous-radio

Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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Dr. Tony Stubbs, Eye Surgeon, says that just about anyone can have their vision restored and be rid of their glasses for most of the time. And this is without the use of laser surgery. Dr Stubbs formerly at the Royal Victorian Eye Hospital who has worked with the Fred Hollows eye department at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, says he began his career through the inspiration of his father, Dr Maxwell Stubbs. “My father was a pioneer in cataract implant surgery from 1963! He has now passed away but some of his patients still come in for a check-up. Not only is this inspirational, it also demonstrates that good surgery outlasts the surgeon,” Dr Stubbs says. A specialist who helps people who have been advised they are unsuitable for laser surgery, Dr Stubbs is also committed to demonstrating that age, corneal distortion or astigmatism are no barriers to eliminating the need for glasses. One of my best moments was treating a 12-year-old girl who was struggling at school because of poor vision due to congenital cataracts even with the use of thick glasses. Now 10 years later, she still has 20/20 vision without glasses. That inspires me. “Seeing my patients’ bright smiles after surgery, as they stop squinting and can read without glasses, is definitely the best part of my job.” No referral is needed and no out-of-pocket expenses are incurred for an assessment to enable all options available to be considered.

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22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

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Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority. Any comments received will be placed on the public file associated with this application and will be available for inspection. An objection must be in writing and sent to the Responsible Authority either: • Online at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/building-development/ planning/planning-permit-applications/planning-permit- supportor-objection • Email info@brimbank.vic.gov.au • By post to PO Box 70, Sunshine, Vic, 3020 In person at Brimbank Community and Civic Centre, 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Objections must include details of the application you are objecting to, your contact details and the reasons for the objection. If you do object, the responsible authority will tell you its decision. Planning & Environment Interim Regulations 2026 (Form 2)

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Matter for which a permit is required Proceeding under Section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988 to create, vary or remove an easement or restriction or vary or remove a condition in the nature of an easement in a Crown grant Proceeding under Section 24A of the Subdivision Act 1988 Proceeding under Section 36 of the Subdivision Act 1988 to acquire or remove an easement or remove a right of way

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Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 23

SPORTS QUIZ 3. The late Tony Mundine boxed professionally in which four weight divisions?

1. What is the 100m world record time set by Usain Bolt, in Berlin in 2009? 2. Is Australian athlete Ellie Beer a sprinter or a longdistance runner?

11. What medieval sport involves charging with lances on horseback? 12. How many sports were played in the very first Olympics in the summer of 1896?

4. After 442 Collingwood games, which player is set to continue his career with the Gold Coast Suns?

13. In which US city was basketball invented?

5. Which European country won the right to host the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup?

14. Which country’s men’s rugby team is known as the All Blacks? 15. How many holes are there in a standard round of golf?

6. Which Melbourne player was announced as captain of the AFL's 2026 All-Australian team?

16. Which Collingwood player missed a gamewinning set-shot after the siren against the Western Bulldogs in a recent wildcard final?

7. After retiring in 2024, defensive tackle Aaron Donald has returned to play for which NFL team? 8. Which ice hockey team did Newcastle Northstars defeat 2–1 to win the 2026 AIHL championship? 9. Vern Cotter is head coach of which Super Rugby team? 10. Which US golf professional won the 2026 Tour Championship?

Usain Bolt

The Sydney Marathon

25. How many teams currently make up the Super Netball league?

20. Which two nations are currently competing in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series?

26. The Australian MotoGP race will be held in which city in 2027?

21. Which free-to-air network will broadcast NBL Basketball games in Australia in 2026/27?

27. Who is the most recent recipient of the Norm Smith Medal?

17. Prior to this year, have the NZ Warriors ever won an NRL minor premiership?

22. Prior to 2026, in what year did Melbourne Storm last fail to qualify for the Finals series?

18. What is the most recent team without an animal in their nickname to win an AFL premiership?

23. Which Australian cricketer recently hit No.1 in the Test bowling rankings for the first time?

19. Which tennis player recently lost their Grand Slam first round winning streak of 78 matches?

24. In what year did Fitzroy play its last game in the AFL before merging with Brisbane?

28. Jett Cleary recently debuted for which NRL team? 29. In what year was the Sydney Marathon first held? 30. The Kennedy Community Centre is the new home ground of which AFL Women’s team?

1109

1. 9.58 seconds 2. Sprinter 3. Heavyweight, cruiserweight, light heavyweight and middleweight 4. Scott Pendlebury 5. Germany 6. Max Gawn 7. Los Angeles Rams 8. Canberra Brave 9. Queensland Reds 10. Scottie Scheffler 11. Jousting 12. Nine 13. Springfield, Massachusetts 14. New Zealand 15. 18 16. Tim Membrey 17. Yes (2002) 18. Melbourne Demons (2021) 19. Novak Djokovic 20. South Africa and New Zealand 21. Nine Network 22. 2010 23. Mitchell Starc 24. 1996 25. Eight 26. Adelaide 27. Will Ashcroft 28. New Zealand Warriors 29. 2000 30. Hawthorn

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SPORT

Wyndhamvale’s Chloe Prior tries to tackle Parkside Spurs’ Naomi Diong. 576220_15

Parkside Spurs’ Rita Ceravolo. 576220_26

The Suns’ Keshena Kinkaid celebrates a goal. 576218_41

Wyndhamvale lines up. 576220_03

Final joy and heartbreak It was a big day of grand final action across Melbourne’s north-west. Star Weekly’s

Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action.

Westmeadows’ Francis Keenan. 576236_29

Westmeadows’ team manager Deb Sparks. 576236_21

Laurimar. 576224_04

Westmeadows’ Jordan Hollow. 576236_08

Yarraville Seddon’s Susan Prashanth. 576218_01

Laurimar’s Rylan Herrick. 576224_17

Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 25

SPORT

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Eagles earn promotion By Tara Murray Western Eagles have finally achieved the goal of earning promotion into FV state league 1 north-west. The Eagles locked in a top-three finish in the second-last round of the FV state league 2 north-west season, meaning they will be heading up next season. Speaking before the final round, Eagles’ coach Paul Falzon said it’s a really special feeling. “Four years ago when I came into the club, promotion to division one was something we wanted to work towards,” he said. “We’ve taken steps forward each season, promotion to division 2 in 2024 and to finally achieve it with a round still remaining is incredibly rewarding. “I’m really proud of the players and everyone involved at the club because it’s

been a genuine team effort over a number of years. “We can enjoy the week coming up without the added pressure of securing promotion.” Falzon said there was a sense of relief and satisfaction knowing that they had achieved what they set out to do. He said seeing the players celebrate and knowing how much work they’ve put in was probably the best part for him. Falzon said when he arrived the club wanted to build something sustainable and they wanted to keep improving every season. “It wasn’t just about getting promoted as quickly as possible, it was about attracting the right people, developing the players, improving the standards around the club and creating an environment where everyone wanted to be.

Western Eagles after claiming promotion. (Western Eagles)

“We’ve had setbacks along the way, but each year we’ve been able to take another step forward, and the coaching staff couldn’t be happier. We have secured the second promotion in four years. “Division one was the aim when I first joined the club.” Falzon said nothing changed for them when it went from two sides being promoted to three, besides making the goal of pro-

motion a little more achievable. While promotion has been sealed, Falzon said they were keen to finish on a high and wanted to finish in second position. The Eagles suffered a final round loss which meant they finished the season in third. Focus has already started for next season and state league 1. “The club has been on the front foot straight away and already trying to book in meetings so we can plan for next year,” he said. “State league 1 is going to be a big step up, so we’ll need to look at where we can improve, what the squad needs and what areas of the club we need to strengthen. “The important thing is that we don’t just want to go up and survive, we want to be competitive and continue the progress we’ve made over the last four years.”

Sports shorts VTCA Taylors Lakes has signed Nida Rehman for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s season.Rehman is a slow left arm orthodox spinner, who hails from Chennai in India and has represented Tamil Nadu senior women’s team in T20 and one-day first class cricket. “Nida will be our primary spin bowler and will also assist the team from a coaching perspective,” the Lions said on social media.

FV Sydenham Park finished the FV state league 1 north-west season with a draw on Saturday. The Reds were at home to Yarraville Glory, and took the lead in the 68th minute through Lochlan Johnston. The Glory scored an equaliser in the 87th minute and that would be it, with the match finishing 1-1. The Reds finished in fourth spot with 10 wins and four draws for the season. Elsewhere, Westvale Olympic lost to Geelong, 4-0, while Western Suburbs had a 0-0 draw with Lalor United and Westgate lost to Pascoe Vale, 1-0.

Tyler Gysberts. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 574819_08

Lakers into prelim after overcoming Cats By Luke D’Anello Caroline Springs had the answers each time Albion threatened a fightback on Sunday. The Lakers held a comfortable, yet not insurmountable, 21-point advantage at three-quarter-time of the Western Football League division 1 sudden-death semi-final. The Cats nailed the opening goal of the final term to reduce the deficit to 15 points, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling climax. But Brian Lake’s side then flexed its considerable muscle to turn a serious contest into a stroll, piling on the last seven majors to power to a 56-point triumph, 16.8 (104)6.12 (48). “You’re always nervous throughout until you get to that point where the game’s yours,” three-time AFL premiership player Lake said. “When sides are down at three-quarter-time, they’re going to take risks, so it’s about weathering that storm in the first five, 10 minutes ... and trying to absorb the pressure. But we also knew there were going to be opportunities going the other way. “Last time we played them we gave up

10 goals from turnover, so we were just very conscious of not giving those goals away. If they can score from stoppage, well they’re a really good stoppage side and it’s hard to defend that. “But are they going to have the ability to kick 10, 15 goals from there if we can limit and be careful with our ball use and control the ball. That was always going to make it hard for them to put a score on the board that was going to beat us.” Skipper Max Tessari, Ben Caluzzi, Alipate Bryant, Alexander Paech and Daniel Kitanovski led the way for the winning side. Jamie Ristoski bagged four goals and Zen Christofi three. Caroline Springs will next face Yarraville-Seddon in a rematch of last year’s preliminary final. The pair have met three times this season, with the Lakers winning both homeand-away clashes before the Eagles prevailed in the qualifying final. “We’ve reviewed that already and tried to correct a few things (on Sunday),” Lake said. “We’ll go in confident. We’ve got some injuries and so have they, so it will be a re-

26 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 September, 2026

ally good challenge, similar to last year.” Caroline Springs lost last season’s decider to Werribee Districts, who knocked off Yarraville-Seddon in the major semi-final. Little has separated the three clubs in 2026, but the Tigers have the edge in experience on the big stage as they shoot for a third premiership in five years. “Werribee had some injuries early, but they’ve got all their players back,” Lake said. “We beat Yarraville twice and lost the last game, and they’ve had some injuries as well. “You can have your top 22, but it’s very rare you get your best 22 out there in finals with injuries and whatnot. “We’ve had some guys out as well, but we’re fine. We’ve got a strong seniors, reserves and under 19s as well. “It makes it a lot easier as a coach knowing you’ve got people to choose from.” Harley Tanti made his first senior appearance in the semi-final and earned Lake’s praise. Caroline Springs face headaches at the selection table, with Cooper Pepi and Beau O’Connell set to return for Saturday’s preliminary final at Avalon Airport Oval.

A final round win was enough for the Westside Strikers to avoid relegation in the FV state league 4 north-west competition. The Strikers were on the road against the Sebastopol Vikings and scored just before half time to lead 1-0 at the break. That would be the final margin. The Strikers finished third last, only one point ahead of second last Point Cook which will be relegated.

EDFL The Essendon District Football League division 2 grand final went down to the wire, with Westmeadows claiming premiership glory. The Tigers trailed Coburg Districts at each of the breaks, but took the lead when they kicked the first three goals of the final quarter. The Lions had their chances late to snatch the win, but could only muster six behinds in the final quarter with the Tigers hanging on to win, 7.9 (51)-5.20 (50). Francis Kennan was named best-on-ground. The Tigers will play in division 1 next season.

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Falcons through to decider By Luke D’Anello Wyndhamvale will enter Sunday’s Western Football League division 2 grand final against North Footscray as the underdog. But that does not faze premiership coach Daniel Smith, who is looking to lead his team to back-to-back flags and promotion to the top flight. The Falcons advanced to the decider with a dominant 49-point win over West Footscray in Saturday’s preliminary final, 14.16 (100)-7.9 (51). The talent-laden Devils have won 18 of 19 games in 2026 and will enter the season finale at Yarraville Oval fresh from a week’s rest. Wyndhamvale is the only side to con-

quer them this year, prevailing by 16 points in May, while it also triumphed in the 2025 grand final between the pair, with Smith’s team remaining in the second tier after the league pushed pause on changes to the senior grades. The match will showcase three of the division’s leading forwards, with Falcons sharpshooter Lewis Stanton bagging 106 goals from 21 games, while North Footscray’s Mathew Serafin (78 goals) and Lynden Dunn (70) have formed a damaging one-two punch inside the attacking 50. “I’d say they would be favourites going in,” Smith said. “But I’m not too fussed on all that. We’re in now and I want to win. “The ground is a momentum ground, so

when you have the momentum, you have to put the score on the board. “Obviously both teams have a very good forward line, so whoever can get the cleanest entries inside 50 is probably going to come away with it.” Wyndhamvale started its finals campaign with defeat to West Footscray, coughing up a 40-point advantage to go down by seven points. “That was the wake-up call just to stay in the game, stay in the moment that hopefully gets us the win next week,” Smith said. But it has responded with two convincing wins to show it remains a force.The Falcons also lost their first final after finishing minor premiers last year before claiming the ultimate prize.

Their line-up received an injection of class after the loss to West Footscray, with premiership quartet Jack Tessari, Saad Ali, Noah Cooney and Luke Di Mauro returning for the semi-final against Albanvale. “You’re in there, so you’re always a puncher’s chance,” Smith said when asked if his side was in good shape. “We’ll definitely take in our last two performances. I think the team is settled and starting to work. Having last week brought in (four) premiership players from last year, they’ve definitely helped us structure up behind the ball and in front of the ball.” Wyndhamvale set up their preliminary final win with an 11-goal-to-five opening half and held firm in the second half to prevent a repeat of the qualifying final.

Mitch Kook. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 563558_05

Div 2 TOY named

Liam Hude. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 563559_03

Blues pay the price for a costly 15 minutes By Tara Murray Keilor will have to do it the hard way if it is to win through to the Essendon District Football League premier division grand final. For a third straight year, the Blues have finished on top of the ladder but haven’t been the first team through to the grand final. After a bye in the opening week of finals, the Blues were defeated by a red-hot Strathmore The Blues led by 16 points early in the third quarter after young guns Christian Oliveri and Tom McGuane hit the scoreboard. The Mores then turned on a show as they kicked the next seven goals to lead by 27 points heading into the final quarter. While the Blues got the first two goals of the last quarter, the Mores had the answers as they won through to the grand final, 17.10 (112)-14.12 (96). Speaking on the club’s media, Blues’

coach Mick McGuane said it was 15 minutes of football that was the difference. “We were beaten by a very good team in Strathmore by 16 points by game’s end,” he said. “I don’t think that was a true indication of the first half dominance that we had but we didn’t take our chances going inside 50. “I thought we played too straight, that is not our go and to their credit they certainly bounced out on counterattack and got their leap frog forward game going particularly in the third quarter after we got to 16 points in front. “Then the disappointing part was that last 15 minutes of that third quarter where we as a side gave up seven unanswered goals, which was the point of difference by game’s end.” Christos Kosmas kicked five goals for the Blues, while Liam Hude kicked three goals. Harvey Wilkes, Kosmas and Hude were named their best. McGuane said they would take a lot of

learnings out of the game ahead of the preliminary final with Pascoe Vale. “We’ll certainly get to work,” he said. “The best thing about finishing top in this competition you get a second chance and see who wins to plan for our next appointment “Our season is not finished, naturally disappointed not to advance to the grand final, lick our wounds and get back on the horse.” The Blues will face Pascoe Vale in the preliminary final. Bouncing back from losing to Strathmore last week, the Panthers beat the Lions, 13.18 (96)-11.8 (74). It wasn’t all bad for the Blues with their reserves winning through to the grand final. Their under-18 boys division 1 side will have to go through the preliminary final to win through to the grand final after losing on Saturday. Meanwhile in division 1, Oak Park won through to face West Coburg in the grand final this Saturday.

Westmeadows, Hadfield and Glenroy have the most representatives in the Essendon District Football League division 2 team of the year. Revealed last week, the team includes players from every team Westmeadows co-captains Jarrod Peterson and Ryan Capron were named in the backline and interchange respectively. The move from the backline into the middle has worked for Jordan Kosteas who was named in the middle of the ground. Shaun O’Grady was named in the forward line. The Hawks’ Ryan Potter was named in defence, Jacob Polizzi on a wing, Mohammed Moustafa in the forward line Sam Godden on the bench. Glenroy’s Cody Wight and Julian Hemala (half back line), Nicholas Maric (half forward and Daniel Micevski (rover) all made the team. Three of East Sunbury’s biggest names made the team. Coach James Strauss was named at half back, while Robbie Gray and Todd Elton were named on the half forward line. Coburg Districts have just two players in the team: Riley Bentley and Curtis Rawlings. Coburg Districts coach Damien Cavka was named coach of the team, whi;e Bentley was named captain. Others named in the team were Sunbury Kangaroos’ Mitch Kook (back pocket), Keilor Park’s Jai Bahnert (wing), Burnside Heights’ Lachie Evans (ruck), Northern Saints’ Hisham Kerbatieh (interchange) and Roxburgh Park’s Travis Cooke (interchange).

Tuesday, 8 September, 2026 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 27

8, SEPTEMBER, 2026

Blues fall short

Eagles earn promotion

Lakers’ premiership joy By Tara Murray Caroline Springs broke through for its first Western Netball League premiership and it didn’t come much bigger, winning the division 1 flag. Having made the division 1 grand final for the first time, the Lakers put out a strong all round performance to defeat Albanvale Cobras Blue. The Lakers’ division 2 side was also in a grand final on Friday night, making it an even bigger night for the club. Netball coordinator Nadine Oborne said it was still settling in that they had won the premiership. “It was amazing and I’m so happy for the girls,” she said. “I still can’t believe we have got that inaugural premiership. We’ve finally done it and especially our first being a division 1 premiership.” The Lakers looked to add some key pieces to their squad in the off-season and the decision paid off. Oborne said some of the group like Charlize Bellette had never played in a senior grand final, so there were some nerves going into the game. For the Cobras, making the division 1 grand final was a major step forward for their program. It was the Lakers who jumped

out of the blocks and led by eight goals at quarter-time and 16 goals at half-time. It continued in the second half with the Lakers winning 54-34. “We stuck to the basics,” Oborne said. “We wanted to do that from the first centre pass and we were able to do that. “It was a 20-goal win in the end and when the siren went, no one was celebrating as we didn’t know how to celebrate.”

Rahni Samason shot 22 goals for the Lakers, while Bellette, who played at both ends of the court, shot 21 goals, and Olivia Craske shot 11. Defender Jacqui Mitrevski was awarded the best-on-court medal. Oborne said she was outstanding. “It was intercept after intercept,” she said. “She is such a pillar in the defensive end and was able to get her hands on the

ball, and we were able to convert at the other end.” In the division 2 grand final, the Lakers lost to Sunshine Schwartz, 68-32. The Kangaroos jumped out of the blocks and led nine goals at quarter-time and were able to continue to build throughout. Oborne said while it was disappointing not to get the win, they were proud of that season. “It’s such a young group,” she said. “We had a lot of injuries and we have five or six division 3 players in the grand final. “They got experience in the higher level and it will only make the club stronger next season. “I’m stoked for the girls.” Oborne said speaking to the playing group most are looking to stay next season and they will look to continue to build. “It’s exciting for next year,” she said. “Expressions of interest come out this week and then it’s into trials.” In the men’s grand finals, the Cobras Blue side lost the division 1 grand final to Hawks Eclipse, 68-56, while the Cobras White beat Sunshine Alexander in the division 2 grand final, 41-37.

Lakers division 1 premiership side. (Western FNL)

Georgies claim championship after ‘winning in style’ By Tara Murray Caroline Springs George Cross has achieved the goal it set out to achieve the past two seasons, earning promotion and the championship in FV women’s state league 1 north-west. With only one team earning promotion each season, the battle to finish top has been fierce and hotly contested. After missing out by four points last season, when two teams were eventually promoted with Calder United withdrawing, the Georgies came back stronger this season. With a 4-0 in the second last round, the Georgies sealed top spot and with it the championship and the much wanted promotion. Coach Davide Gualtieri said it was an amazing feeling. “When I came to Georgies last year the long term plan was to bring them to the NPLW (National Premier League women’s),” he said. “So we are half way there and a step closer.

Caroline Springs George Cross women’s side. (Luke Hemer)

“It has been fantastic and I’m so proud of the girls, all the coaching staff and everyone. It means a lot for the guys at George Cross and for the junior girls and the pathway.” Gualtieri had set big expectations when he came to the club. He said while they wanted to achieve a lot, having fun was still a big key for them. “We look at trying to be professional

with the girls,” he said. “They knew what was at stake and we had to bring in some players with some experience. “It’s not easy with only one getting promoted.” Gualtieri said Mill Park and Altona City, which will finish second and third, had pushed them all season in the fight for promotion.

The championship and promotion goes with the Steph Catley Plate, which the Georgies won in the middle of the year. It’s the second straight year the Georgies have won the plate, which is for the highest state league teams like in the Nike FC Cup. While the Georgies have achieved what they set out to do, Gualtieri isn’t satisfied just yet. The Georgies faced Craigieburn City in the final round of the season and they came away with a 5-0 win to finish the season. They will now play in the state league 1 grand final. “We want to get as much out of the season as possible,” he said. Gualtieri said one of the proudest things for him was receiving messages from people saying they enjoyed how they went about things. “We were winning in style.” The Georgies will now play in the Victorian Premier League women’s competition next season. “Maybe we’ll start thinking about that next week,” Gualtieri said