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2 MARCH, 2021

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Survivor’s living ‘hell’ By Tara Murray Peter Thomson wasn’t sure he would survive having coronavirus. The 61-year-old was already suffering health problems when the virus hit him hard last August, forcing doctors to make the decision to put him in a coma and on a ventilator. Peter doesn’t remember much of that first month in hospital fighting for his life. It would be six weeks before he was free of COVID-19 and he could be moved out off the coronavirus ward to a normal ward. More than six months later, Peter is still suffering the side effects of the virus and remains hospitalised. “I’ve been in hospital since August,” he said. “It was touch or go if I lived or not. I was petrified.

‘‘

I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy

’’

- Peter Thomson

“For a lot of people it’s [coronavirus] not just three or four days being crook. Those people are the lucky ones. “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.” Peter described the past six months as “hell”. His once booming voice is now quiet as he struggles to breath properly. He has to use a wheelchair to get around. “It hit the lungs pretty badly, they weren’t 100 per cent beforehand,” Peter said. “Coronavirus will hit whatever part of the body that is not 100 per cent. “I’ve had bowel trouble most of my life and it’s made them worse. I’ve had blood clots and a blood infection. “My smell went completely and hasn’t come back after six and a half months. I’ve only got about 30 per cent of my taste and don’t really taste what I’m eating.” Peter also needs knee surgery, but isn’t sure whether it’s due to pre-existing health issues or due to the side effects of COVID-19. However, doctors have ruled out surgery any time soon because of the condition of his lungs. Peter said the long stint in hospital had affected his mental health, as he struggles with not being able to live his life. He said his depression has increased 10-fold since being sick, while the slightest thing makes him anxious.

Peter Thomson was diagnosed with COVID-19 in August last year and is still in hospital. (Damjan Janevski) 229489_01

Peter, who was nominated for the Brimbank Citizen of the Year this year, said he was unsure whether he would be able to return to his community work. He’s currently unable to be part of the Brimbank Register, which would normally involve him calling Brimbank residents for a chat. “The doctors can’t tell me if my voice will go back to normal,” he said.

“I just don’t know what I’ll be able to do. There’s so much that is still unknown.” As well as the ongoing health problems, Peter is frustrated by the lack of information available about people who are still suffering. “People don’t know about it,” he said. “How many people are still in the hospital with side effects? “You don’t hear about the numbers who are still affected by it. When you finish feeling sick,

Open House Create The Future 12484307-SG10-21

that isn’t always it. “It’s an extremely dangerous virus and it needs to be taken seriously.” He is looking to start a group for people who have been through similar situations. “If you’re finding yourself having side effects a few months down the track, go and see your doctor. There are still so many unknowns.” Peter is hoping to get into rehabilitation soon and begin the process of going home.

Morning Campus Tours Tour 1: 9:20 am Tour 2: 10:30 am

Monday 15th March 2021

6:00pm Welcome and Information 6:15pm Presentation by College Principal 6:30pm Interactive Tours

Attendance at the Open House evening or school tours MUST be pre-booked at https://bit.ly/3axSCpL

Held in C Block at Junior Campus, Deer Park 88 Billingham Road, Deer Park

Big Sam guarantees the “Freshest” quality

St.Albans Market WEDNESDAY 7am-3pm

Mushrooms

89¢

$ 99 M&K Fruit and Veg

Stall 24 & 25

Piccolo Fresh Fruit & Veg

Stall 26 & 27

Lamb Cutlets

Pork Chops

$ 50

(Skin On) TD Quality Meats

Stall 22 & 23

Ross’s Meat Supply

(Chemical Free) Market Place Poultry & Game

Stall 4

Ramb Deli

Stall 16 & 17

Great Northern Beans

Australian Continental Deli

McGaurans Meats

Stall 1

European Deli

Asiatic Lillies

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HVK Fresh Fish and Seafood

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Stall 18

1299

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$ 99

Paramount Poultry & Game

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$ 99 Hanna Coffee

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bunch

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$ 99

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$ 80 Dried Fruits, Nuts & Confectionery Stall 9

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$ 49

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for 6 pieces

Amy House

Stall 13

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THE FRESH FOOD SPECIALISTS Specials Valid WEDNESDAY 3RD MARCH TO SATURDAY 6TH MARCH 2021 or until stocks last. Retail limits may apply.

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Teresa’s Gifts

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2 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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NEWS

JobSeeker increase ‘not enough’ By Tara Murray A permanent $25 per week increase to the JobSeeker payment is nowhere near adequate, according to a Brimbank Salvation Army captain. The JobSeeker payment was increased from $282 to $557 per week during the COVID-19 pandemic, before being gradually decreased. Currently people on the JobSeeker payment are receiving a $150 coronavirus supplement but the payment is due to end at the end of this month. Last week, the federal government announced a $25 per week increase to the

JobSeeker payment, taking the payment to $307 per week. Sunshine Salvation Army captain Colin Reynolds said while any increase was welcomed, it was a long way from what the Salvation Army has been advocating for. “We’ve been advocating to government agencies and relevant stakeholders especially during COVID-19,” Mr Reynolds said. “There should be an increase to the minimum amount of no less than an extra $125 a week.” Mr Reynolds said the extra money wouldn’t make much difference to job seekers, with inflation meaning the price of fresh food has increased.

“It’s not enough to make a significant difference, in our view,” he said. “It’s something, but we’re really disappointed … it’s not going to benefit those who need it.” Mr Reynolds said that when the JobSeeker payment was increased last year, the Salvation Army saw a number of regular clients a lot less. However, some of the clients returned for help once the JobSeeker payment started to decrease, he said. The Australian Council of Social Service [ACOSS] chief executive Cassandra Goldie said the government’s JobSeeker decision was devastating news for people. “Today, the government has turned its back

on those with the least, plunging people further into poverty,” Dr Goldie said. “It’s a cruel decision that shows a complete lack of humanity and empathy. It comes as devastating news for so many and will have serious consequences for people’s lives, including homelessness and crushing debt. “Already, at $51 a day with the temporary coronavirus supplement, people on JobSeeker are currently being forced to make impossible decisions, choosing between housing, food, medication … they are expected to struggle on even less – just $44 a day to cover the essentials of life, including rent, as well as the cost of job searching.”

Air pollution under scrutiny

Drayden, 6, is one of six LEGO junior model builder finalists.

(Damjan Janevski) 229755_03

Young Drayden’s a LEGO master Australia’s next master builder could be in Caroline Springs. Six-year-old Drayden was selected as one of six winners of the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre’s Junior Model Builders final. Just 18 children aged between five and 10 were selected to participate in the final from hundreds of applicants. The finalists competed in a number of fun challenges run by LEGOLAND Discovery Centre’s master model builder, Kieran Jiwa,

to test their creativity, enthusiasm and LEGO skills. Drayden was announced as one of six winners. Drayden said he was excited and happy to be named one of the winners. He said he found LEGO fun because you can “twist, bend, break and make it into cool stuff”. His favourite sets are the Harry Potter sets, while his love of LEGO started when he discovered he could make cars out of the blocks.

Robots, Minecraft, houses and buildings are among the other things he likes to build. His mum Rowena said he started playing with Duplo LEGO when he was about two years old, before starting to play with proper LEGO just before he turned four. The six winners will get exclusive one-on-one workshops with Jiwa throughout 2021, along with heaps of LEGO goodies.

Victorian residents are being encouraged to make a submission to an inquiry into the health impacts of air pollution in Victoria. The Legislative Council’s Environment and Planning Committee has set up the inquiry to try and determine what can be done to minimise the impacts from pollutants. Exposure to common air pollutants can exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, lead to premature death and cost the Victorian economy hundreds of millions of dollars per year, according to the committee. Committee chair Sonja Terpstra said they want to hear from people across the state who have information or suggestions on ways to ensure that all Victorians can enjoy clean air. “Clean air is an essential part of living a healthy life, so I encourage anyone who has views to share on Victoria’s air quality to make a submission to our inquiry,” Ms Terpstra said. The committee will seek to identify statewide practical, real-time, cost-effective mitigation strategies and determine to what extent these strategies are ensuring that Victorian air quality continues to track towards meeting or exceeding current international best practice standards. It will also seek to determine the impact of economic and population growth on air pollution and health outcomes and strengthen commitments across all Victorian government portfolios to reduce air pollution and minimise the impact on the health of the Victorian population and environment. Submissions are due by April 2, with public hearings to be held in May and June. A final report will be presented in Parliament in August. Details: http://ow.ly/l2TG50DG35n

Tara Murray

COVID-19 vaccine hub launched at airport There was a flurry of action last week at the Melbourne Airport international terminal as Western Health started rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine. Western Health, one of nine vaccine hubs across Victoria, last week set up a sub-hub at the airport to vaccinate high-risk, priority recipients. Vaccine hub unit manager Kylie Roper said there was plenty of mixed emotions. Western Health nurse Laloma Carstens was the first person to receive the vaccination at the hub, and among the first in the country. “It was a bit crazy, but absolutely amazing to get things under way,” Ms Roper said.

“Our first vaccine was on Monday just before 9am. It was really exciting and it’s been amazing to see an international lounge turned into a hub so quickly.” Ms Roper said they had about 35 staff members, a combination of administration, pharmaceutical and registered nurses working in the hub each day. They vaccinated 140 people on the first day, 160 people on the second day with that number increasing across the week. “We’re vaccinating people working in the red zone, people in international arrivals,” Ms Roper said. “Baggage handlers, booking staff, ground crew and security.”

Ms Roper, who said she had been working from 7am to 6pm most days, said she was hopeful of having the majority of staff in the red zone vaccinated in the next few weeks, including their second dose. Western Health’s main vaccination hub will be the ground floor of the multi-deck carpark at Sunshine hospital. It’s expected vaccines will start at the hospital in the next couple of weeks. Western Health is also managing other vaccination clinics across the west, including at Werribee Mercy and Djerriwarrh Health. Samira Hamidi prepares the vaccine. (Penny

Tara Murary

Stephens/Western Health) 3 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

Platinum Pool award for Sunshine Leisure Centre Brimbank’s Sunshine Leisure Centre has been accredited with Life Saving Victoria’s prized Platinum Pool award – becoming one of just 40 pools across the state to achieve the award for outstanding safety levels.

and its staff are proud to be recognised as industry leaders in water safety, so that our community can visit Sunshine Leisure Centre knowing they’ll receive the best possible standard of supervision.

Sunshine Leisure Centre undertook a rigorous series of assessments to ensure it met Life Saving Victoria’s criteria for the Platinum Pool status. This accreditation is awarded to aquatic centres that provide outstanding levels of safety, including the best possible standard of supervision by lifeguards and other staff.

Sunshine Leisure Centre had also recently transformed its swimming lesson program, mapping it to the new national swimming and water safety framework.

Safety is an important part of everything Council does

WHAT’S ON Brimbank Seniors Operational Grants are also available. Eligible seniors groups can apply for grants of up to $600 to assist Applications are open with day-to-day operating for a second round of costs. Community Recovery Grants Grant applications close to continue supporting on Sunday 21 March 2021. local organisations and To apply for a grant, and community groups in their for more information efforts to tackle COVID-19 including online training recovery and help build sessions or to book an community resilience. interpreter, please visit The Stage 2 Community www.brimbank.vic. Recovery Grants program gov.au/grants or phone provides assistance to 9249 4000. not-for-profit organisations and community groups support with innovative local recovery solutions We want to hear from needed to respond to the young people who identify challenges of COVID-19. as LGBTIQA+ and their Two categories of Stage 2 Community Recovery Grants allies, to understand what’s important to you. are available, to support If this is you, we’d love local community: you to take part in a • Brimbank Partner survey and/or focus group Organisations – up to session to help guide $15,000 per grant for future Brimbank Youth eligible not-for-profit Services programming and organisations providing advocacy for LGBTQIA+ services or programs in young people. The survey Brimbank. will be open until Friday • Eligible community groups and organisations 19 March. To complete – up to $8,000 per grant. the survey, or to learn more about the focus

Community Recovery Grants

Consulting the Rainbow

Cr Sarah Branton

Cr Thuy Dang

For more information or to enquire about booking a swimming lesson, please visit leisurecentres. brimbank.vic.gov.au/aquatics/swimminglessons and submit an enquiry.

Facilities which have qualified for the Platinum Pool award are certified and provided with internal materials within the facility. The accreditation is valid for 12 months and forms an important part of the overall safety planning and

Your opinion counts

Brimbank Community Recovery Grants - Stage 2 Share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Learn more about projects that are open for comment including:

Apply now group sessions, visit brimbankyouth.com/ programs/crystal-queer or use the QR code below. The Resonate - Bowery Online Stage Series showcases the talents of local musicians, artists and performers of diverse backgrounds. This month, 15-year-old Brimbank artist Lavinia Tosev will be bringing her unique blend of pop-rock folk songs to the screen in her video performance, premiering on Stay safe Brimbank 7 March, 3.30pm. Where: Creative Brimbank’s Thank you to everyone Facebook page facebook. who is helping stop the com/CreativeBrimbank spread of COVID-19 in our and YouTube channel youtube.com/ community. For up-tocreativebrimbank date information about Cost: No charge COVID1-9 restrictions visit Learn more at creativebrimbank.com. coronavirus.vic.gov.au au/resonate or call 9249 4600.

Bowery Online Stage Series

All information in this week’s edition of Brimbank Buzz was correct at the time of printing. For the latest information about the impacts of COVID-19 on Council’s services visit brimbank.vic.gov.au

Your Councillors

Cr Victoria Borg

continual improvement strategy.

• 2021 Communications and Engagement Survey - Council is seeking community feedback on our communication and engagement activities. Visit yoursay. brimbank.vic.gov.au to learn more. • Melbourne Airport Rail – The route of the new link was confirmed late last year after Council advocated heavily for Brimbank residents. Brimbank residents are being encouraged to share their views. Visit airportrail.vic. gov.au to learn more. • Geographic naming proposal – Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre – Council is proposing this as the name of the facility replacing the former St Albans Leisure Centre. Visit yousay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to learn more.

Next Council meeting: Tuesday 16 March 2021 Brimbank Community and Civic Centre Level 1, Council Chamber 301 Hampshire Road, Sunshine Due to the current COVID-19 emergency, the council meeting will be closed to the public. The council meeting will be publicly broadcast via live stream and the recording published on Council’s website brimbank.vic.gov.au after the meeting. Call 9249 4000 for more information.

9249 4000

brimbank.vic.gov.au

Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/council to find your ward Councillors and their contact details.

Cr Sam David JP

Cr Maria Kerr

Cr Bruce Lancashire

Cr Trung Luu

Cr Jasmine Nguyen

Cr Jae Papalia

Deputy Mayor

Cr Ranka Rasic

Cr Virginia Tachos

Mayor

Saturday 20 March 8am–1pm Victoria University, St Albans Campus Recycle and donate your large unwanted household items at no charge. Simply register online at popuprecyclingbrimbank.eventbrite.com.au 4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

No ge Char

043 - 0221

Pop-Up Drive Through Recycling Day

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NEWS

MP calls for pool funding By Tara Murray Fraser MP Daniel Mulino is calling on the federal government to provide funding for the new St Albans Leisure Centre. Brimbank council has committed to building the leisure centre, which is set to be called the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre, but is yet to secure any federal funding for the project. The new leisure centre is estimated to cost more than $60 million. So far, just $2 million has been allocated to the project from the state government, with ratepayers to cover the rest. Mr Mulino voiced his frustrations in Parliament late last month, questioning why such an important project is yet to receive any federal assistance. “Why has there been no support for such a large and important project?” he said. “The old pool was past its use-by date and the council has designed a facility that integrates a lot of health services into the facility. “I’ve had several residents approach me about it.” Mr Mulino made an election promise that if Labor took government in 2019, it would contribute $5 million to the centre. “Without any federal funding that cost goes back onto the ratepayers,” he said. “The federal government needs to come to the party.” Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the council would welcome any further government funding and support for the project. She said work was progressing on the centre.

Public consultation on the name of the centre has begun, with the Brimbank Aquatic & Wellness Centre the council’s preferred choice. “The final design work is now almost complete, along with significant on site progress,” Cr Rasic said. “Work is on track to complete construction in 2022 as planned.

‘‘ ’’

Why has there been no support? -Daniel Mulino

“The exciting new hub will include a 50-metre,10-lane swimming pool, two massive water slides, wellness centre, 24-hour gym, community program room and more. “The new health and wellbeing hub is strategically positioned to become a ‘COVID-19 Support Centre for Melbourne’s west’ and help us rebound from the COVID-19 crisis. “It will create approximately 100 jobs during construction and 120 ongoing jobs once operational, providing a range of preventative health, wellbeing, social, educational and support services, programs and initiatives that will be vital in supporting our community throughout the COVID-19 recovery phase.” Brimbank infrastructure and city services director Neil Whiteside said earth works were completed on the project in February, with the pouring of concrete slabs expected to be finished by the end of this month.

Former boxer Ivan Rukavina with his book. (Damjan Janevski) 228874_03

Ivan’s fighting life Ivan Rukavina has swapped the boxing ring for the literary world, writing a book about his boxing journey. Born in Croatia before moving to Australia, Rukavina was one of Australia’s top boxers in the 1980s and 1990s, winning Australian titles. He headed to America to try his luck and lived there for nine years before returning to Australia. Later settling in St Albans, Rukavina decided several years ago to put his journey into words. His story is filled with incidents of humour, romance, failure and disappointment, as well

as a fighting spirit both in the ring and outside it. Another former Australian boxer, Barry Michael, wrote the introduction for the book, calling Rukavina a world class boxer and a man of principle and his word. Rukavina said he was looking forward to launching My Fighting Life, which is available in both English and Croatian. The book is being launched at the Melbourne Knights Soccer Club on Friday. Tara Murray

EVERY TEST HELPS US KEEP CATCHING UP WITH MATES Every test keeps us on top of this virus. And keeps us doing the things we love. So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

5 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

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Road safety funding Electronic speed limit signs will be installed at Station Road and Tulloch Street, Deer Park in a bid to improve safety at the intersection. The federal and state governments have provided $22,600 for the signs as part of a road funding package. The governments will also spend $72,100 to install road safety signs along the Melton Highway at Plumpton.

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EDITORIAL

Brimbank council will hold a special council meeting on Tuesday to discuss the future of its landfill service. The council was due to award a new landfill service contract at its last meeting but councillors instead voted to defer the item. The current landfill contract expires on March 31.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF \ LISA KORYCKI lisa.korycki@starweekly.com.au

Recycling day

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Bonsai and orchids will be on display at Sunshine North this weekend. (Supplied)

Bonza Bonsai Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

A wonderful collection of bonsai and orchids will be on display this weekend at an exhibition in Sunshine North. The Vietnamese Bonsai Club Victoria and the Vietnamese community are hosting the exhibition under the theme of ‘Living safely with COVID-19’, to encourage community members to positively re-engage and participate safely in community events. The exhibition, which will include plants from a number of Victorian artists, has been

designed to allow participants to move slowly through the collection of bonsai and orchids, while social distancing. The exhibition will run on March 6 and 7 between 10am and 5pm at the Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Centre. There will also be an outdoor concert on Saturday from 7pm involving a number of local young artists. Entry is $5.

Brimbank council is running a drive-through recycling day on March 20 at Victoria University in St Albans, from 8am-1pm. There will be no fee for dropping off items. Televisions, computers, electronic appliances, whitegoods, furniture (in good condition), mattresses, bicycles (in good condition) and clothes accepted. There is a maximum of eight items per household. To register, visit: popuprecyclingbrimbank.eventbrite. com.au FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Tara Murray

12482439-SN10-21

6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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Hospital plans unveiled By Tara Murray Work on the new Sunshine Private Hospital is set to get under way next month. Plans for the hospital were unveiled last Wednesday at an information evening for key local and state government representatives, and stakeholders The $140 million private facility will be built directly opposite the Sunshine hospital on Furlong Road and is due for completion in late 2022. Works are scheduled to begin on April 27. Australian Unity’s general manager healthcare property, Chris Smith, said the occasion was a historic event. “There is no other catchment area in Australia with such a strong case for a new state-of-the-art private hospital,” Mr Smith said. “Australian Unity is proud to be making history in Melbourne’s west. “We know that the older population in western Melbourne is forecast to grow by 153 per cent by 2036, compared with 96 per cent in the rest of the state. More than one-quarter of Melbourne’s western suburbs residents have private health insurance.” He said Sunshine Private Hospital’s modern design and business model will enable it to take advantage of short-stay and day procedure specialist groups such as orthopaedics, ophthalmology, plastic surgery and ear, nose and throat surgery. The facility will also focus on the treatment of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorders, including inpatient and outpatient support programs. The new hospital is attracting some of Australia’s best medical specialists and will create 530 jobs at its completion.

Artist impressions of the new hospital. (Pictures: Supplied)

The development will include a 30-bed medical and surgical ward, endoscopy suite, high dependency beds and a mental health inpatient unit. Modelling data by Hardes & Associates estimates that once operational, the hospital will conduct 10,000 day and 3500 overnight procedures per year. The hospital will be within the state government’s Sunshine Health, Wellbeing

and Education precinct which includes the Sunshine hospital, the new Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital and a $51 million health teaching and training campus. The proposed Metro Tunnel and the new Sunshine transport super-hub is also expected to bring patients to the area on public transport from regional centres such as Geelong, Ballarat, and Bendigo.

NEWS

Pool hailed for safety focus The Sunshine Leisure Centre is one of just 40 pools across the state to receive Life Saving Victoria’s prized Platinum Pool award. The award, which is for outstanding safety levels, involved pools and centres taking part in a rigorous series of assessments. Facilities which have qualified for the Platinum Pool award are certified for 12 months. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the award considered a number of things including safety and staff. “We’re proud to be recognised as industry leaders in water safety, so that our community can visit Sunshine Leisure Centre knowing they will receive the best possible standard of supervision.” Life Saving Victoria public training and pool safety general manager Andy Dennis said the award recognised facilities that have attained the highest level of safety requirements and standards. “The award is similar to accrediting a lifesaver, and therefore facilities must undergo a thorough assessment of their skills and performance and attain a high standard throughout,” Mr Dennis said. “We are very selective when awarding Platinum Pool accreditation. LSV must be satisfied that exemplary levels of aquatic safety are being achieved and constantly maintained before the award is issued.” Tara Murray

Do you have concerns about odors and noise around Sunshine North? You are invited to a community forum to learn more about what AkzoNobel is doing to resolve recent issues raised by community members about odor and noise. An independent community engagement specialist will facilitate the forum. You will also hear directly from EPA Victoria staff about compliance and enforcement. Date: Thursday 4 March 2021 Time: 6.30 – 8.30pm RSVP is essential by 6pm, 3 March www.surveymonkey.com/r/ RSVP4March 12484817-SG10-21

7 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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Plan to ease parking squeeze By Tara Murray Brimbank council is working with the Department of Transport (DoT) to install proper car parking and a shared user path on the east of Sydenham Road, near Watergardens. The council-owned land at 346 Sydenham Road has been used as commuter parking for the Watergardens station, due to a lack of parking in the area. At the December council meeting, mayor Ranka Rasic raised a notice of motion asking for an update on the current and future

upgrades to Sydenham Road and for the council to consider prioritising the curbing, car park installation, road works and beautification of Sydenham Road as a matter of urgency. A report presented at the council’s most recent meeting stated the council was working with the DoT in relation to the land’s future use. While parking around train stations is the responsibility of the state government, the council has been looking at ways to improve commuter transport services and facilities along the rail corridors. “The roadside has not been constructed for

parking and therefore the unconstructed swale drain is often impacted by cars, particularly during periods of wet weather,” the report noted. “Council has continued to allow car parking in this area, even though it has not been constructed for this purpose, given limited commuter car parking in the vicinity of Watergardens train station. “Council officers are currently working on a proposal with the DoT to formalise the eastern side of Sydenham Road with the provision of parking, a shared user path and kerb and

channel.” The report stated plans for the proposed works have been prepared and funding and approval are being sought. The railway owner/operator also needs to give approval to the plans due to the proposed works encroaching onto railway land. Sydenham Road is classed as a local connector road. Connections to both Taylors Road and the Melton Highway have been removed in the past 10 years due to changes to the rail line in the area.

Evolving Watergardens The next step in transforming Watergardens into a go-to food and drink location is under way. Late last month, works commenced on upgrades, including a new children’s outdoor play area, at the centre’s Station Street. Watergardens centre manager Joe Galea confirmed works are progressing. “Forming part of our multi-year vision to evolve Watergardens into a true town centre that embodies the aspirations of our community, this project will enhance the amenity, convenience and look and feel of Station Street as well as introduce a new kids’ play area and a number of exciting new hospitality offers to the community,” Mr Galea said. “While it is still too early to confirm final timings or other specific details, we are excited to be able to share some exciting announcements as our plans are finalised and

we reach key project milestones.” Hoarding will be installed at Station Street until later this year, meaning shoppers might have to change the way they navigate through Station Street. A number of new paths will be installed to help access retailers, amenities and Zone Bowling, which remain open during works. It’s expected the upgrades will be completed later this year. Tara Murray

Artist impression of Station Street, Watergardens. (Supplied)

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re upgrading the Sunbury Line allowing bigger, more modern trains to run on the line. We’re also building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. Train disruptions: Buses and coaches replace trains in both directions Sunbury Line

Until 7 Mar

Flagstaff and North Melbourne to Sunbury

8.30pm to last train each night, 8 to 10 Mar

North Melbourne to Sunbury

Bendigo and Echuca lines

Until 7 Mar

Southern Cross to Gisborne

Swan Hill Line

3 to 7 Mar

Southern Cross to Swan Hill

Werribee and Williamstown lines

8.30pm to last train each night, 3 to 4 Mar 1am to 4.30am each night, 6 to 7 Mar

North Melbourne to Newport and Williamstown

West Gate Freeway

10pm 2 Mar to 5am 3 Mar

Freeway closed in both directions. Inbound closed between M80 Ring Road and Grieve Parade and outbound closed from Millers Road to M80 Ring Road.

M80 Ring Road

10pm 2 Mar to 5am 3 Mar

Inbound ramp to West Gate Freeway closed overnight

Cherry Street, Werribee

From 5am 11 Mar

Closed permanently at the level crossing

Keep in mind there are other transport disruptions over autumn. Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne 8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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Serial criminal a community ‘risk’ By Goya Dmytryshchak A 31-year-old man has failed to have his visa reinstated after it was cancelled over a string of crimes, including trying to set fire to a St Albans service station and a group attack on a man catching a train from Footscray to Sunshine. The Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia has agreed with the visa cancellation of the man, given the pseudenym of JJNY, who was born in Sudan and arrived in Australia in 2002.

JJNY had been sentenced for 68 offences since 2007, the tribunal heard. He was convicted of crimes including armed robbery, assaulting police, recklessly causing serious injury, assault with a weapon and firearms offences. Since October 2016, he has been held in, firstly, criminal custody and, subsequently, immigration detention. A Victoria Police incident summary report stated that one of JJNY’s victims had caught a train from Footscray to Sunshine before being assaulted and robbed by a group. The tribunal said JJNY’s most serious offence

Passing on traditions Greek senior citizens from the west are being invited to submit a family recipe for a cookbook which will celebrate the traditional food and memories of first-generation migrants. PRONIA, a welfare society for the Greek community, is putting the cookbook together with the help of funding from the Western Region Aged Care Foundation, as part of its post-lockdown engagement programs to help tackle loneliness and isolation among the elderly. PRONIA community projects leader Sonya Tsakalakis said people aged 65 and above, from a Greek background, who live in the Wyndham, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Sunbury areas, are invited to submit a recipe. The cookbook, to be titled Almonds in the Olive Grove, will include the personal stories of those who submit recipes and participants

of reckless conduct endangering life happened at 5.07pm on December, 14, 2016, when he entered a 7-Eleven service station in Taylors Road, St Albans, and unsuccessfully used a cigarette lighter to try to ignite petrol fumes from two petrol nozzles. The prosecution had told the Sunshine Magistrates Court: “This incident was witnessed by a male who immediately feared the accused’s actions and knew if he did not act he and other persons present would almost certainly have been killed. The witness grabbed a nearby fire extinguisher and began spraying

the accused who attempted to set fire to the petrol.” Tribunal deputy president John Sosso said: “It is very fortunate that the petrol station incident did not result in loss of life. “The tribunal has formed the view that there is at least a medium risk, and possibly a significant risk, to the Australian community of the applicant (JJNY) engaging in further criminal or other serious conduct if he were to be released back into society. “That risk includes, but is not limited to, the commission of acts of violence.”

PRONIA community projects leader Sonya Tsakalakis

will have their photos taken at Philhellene, a Greek restaurant in Moonee Ponds. Ms Tsakalakis said that PRONIA is hoping to collect about 30 recipes for the cookbook. “We are getting some really wonderful recipes, it’s great,” she said. She said that many of the recipes submitted have a unique regional flavour, such as an orange cake with filo pastry called portokalopita; stuffed green peppers and moussaka. Ms Tsakalakis said she enjoys talking to the Greek senior citizens who submit recipes. “Just to hear the delight in their voices, that people are interested in their stories, is wonderful,” she said. Details PRONIA on 9388 9998 or email sonyat@pronia.com.au for details.

(Supplied)

Alesha Capone

Seeking nominations for Melton Transport Community Reference Group

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Back to school

Twins Colby and Sebastian, and Rania and Dania, were among the excited pupils starting school at Furlong Park School for Deaf Children last week. By Tara Murray The school reopened for 2021 on Two western suburbs advocates are calling for government action after a waste management Thursday and there was plenty of fire fun for in Brooklyn last week. There have been at least eight factory, waste management or tip fires across the west and Hume since October, while the Kealba landfill has had underground fires burning continuously for more than a year. Former LeadWest chief executive Craig Rowley and former state MLC member Colleen Hartland say enough is enough. “It’s a long-running issue,” Mr Rowley said. “It doesn’t matter which party has been in power at the time, they haven’t done enough clean-up of the west.

Applications Close: Friday 12 March 2021. For a copy of the Terms of Reference for the Community Reference Group, or a nomination form, please visit Council’s website melton.vic.gov.au/transportCRG

Scan this QR code to subscribe Or visit brimbanknorthwest.starweekly.com.au/subscribe 10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

Twins Colby and Sebastian, and Rania and Dania, were among the excited pupils starting school at Furlong Park School for Deaf Children last week. The school reopened for 2021 on Thursday and there was plenty of fun for the two sets of twins and their school friends. Colby and Sebastian, 8, and Rania and Dania, 6, are two of three sets of twins at the school this year. The school has about 65 students. A third set of twins will start on February 11 and will be part of the school’s early years program. Principal Lee Bullock said it was possibly the first time the school had welcomed three sets of twins. Tara Murray

Fire sparks call to arms

• formulate campaigns to secure funding from the State and Federal Governments to improve our transport systems.

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“The urgency to clean it [industry] up has never been greater.” Mr Rowley said during his time with LeadWest, from 2010-18, one of the biggest concerns raised by local councils was the need for a cleaner, greener and more liveable western metropolitan area. “We were constantly talking about it with the other tiers of government, about the investment needed in the west to make it cleaner and greener. “It just seems that it is taking a long time to get there.” Mr Rowley said an Environment Protection Act, which changes how the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) regulates pollution, waste and contamination in Victoria, had been

delayed for 12 months. “We’ve been waiting for so long to have confidence to be able to breath fresh air. Confidence that our creeks aren’t going to be polluted.” He suggests forming a steering committee which would include the EPA, WorkSafe, MFB and council representatives to have a co-ordinated approach to industry clean-up. “I don’t think questions are being asked on Spring Street as often as they should.” He also proposed government funding to help bring old industrial estates up to the 21st century and the introduction of better air quality monitoring systems. Ms Hartland is a member of the Facebook group Anti-Toxic Waste Alliance, which was

set up after the West Footscray warehouse fire which spewed toxic fumes across the western suburbs for days in August 2018. She said the group, a non-political alliance of community groups, organisations and individuals, wants action. “There’s been a spate of these fires,” she said. “There’s been three in the last 10 days. “The EPA and the state government don’t seem to be taking it seriously.” Ms Hartland said the group wanted more regulation on industrial sites, clear information about when the EPA is called in and when and for how long air quality equipment is set up. She has also called for the act to be introduced. ■ Fire

probed: Page 3

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• prioritise actions from Moving Melton, Council’s Integrated Transport Strategy, to address congestion and reduce reliance on private motor vehicles, and

(Damjan Janevski) 226450_01

We’re looking for nominations from community members and local businesses for the Melton Transport Community Reference Group to help us:

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Do you find it hard to get around the City of Melton? Are you tired of congested roads and packed trains? Are you frustrated by the level of public transport service? Then join Council in its campaign to the State and Federal Governments for improvements to public transport and road networks in our community.

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2 March 2021

COVID-19 STAY INFORMED

Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik

Council services and facilities: melton.vic.gov.au/COVID19

Right now, we’re undertaking some important work designed to shape our city’s future, and we’re asking residents to take part in a survey that will help guide which projects and initiatives we prioritise over the next four years. The survey results will guide our priorities as we develop the new four-year Council and Wellbeing Plan – Council’s plan towards achieving the aspirations set out in the Community Vision 2041. Your feedback will help us better understand and plan to meet everyone’s needs, and solidify the actions we’ll take to achieve the best health and wellbeing outcomes for you and your families. So, whether you’re a resident, business owner, or visitor, make sure you tell us what a future City of Melton looks like to you at conversations.melton.vic.gov. au/help-shape-city-melton (survey closes midnight, Monday 8 March). As we approach International Women’s Day on 8 March, I hope that you’ll all take the opportunity to celebrate the important women in your lives and in history. When I think of this year’s theme, ‘choose to challenge’, I think of the many outstanding achievements of local women in the City of Melton and their efforts to inspire positive change for everyone. To mark the day, we’ll be screening the highly acclaimed Australian documentary, Women of Steel at Melton Library this Friday. It will include an in-person Q&A with the film’s director Robynne Murphy and local resident Sobur Dhieu who will share her own experiences and challenges as a migrant woman in Australia advocating for equality. To book your place, visit melton. vic.gov.au/womenofsteel You’re welcome to contact me regarding council matters at kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

COVID-19 restrictions: dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

Get ready for kinder Is your child looking forward to all the excitement of becoming a kindergarten kid? During Kindergarten Readiness Month in March, we’ll run an open week and information sessions together with local kinder providers to help young families make the leap into preschool education. The information sessions and open week are great opportunities to meet

teachers, ask questions and find out whether your child is ready for kinder. Kindergarten Open Week is on from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March. Information sessions will be held online on Thursday 25 March and Monday 29 March 2021. Kindergarten applications for four-year-old kinder in 2021 will open on Wednesday 24 March. For open evening dates and information session bookings, visit melton.vic.gov.au/kinderready

Council recently commenced its community consultation for the development of our new Community Vision and Council and Wellbeing Plan. Our community panel, made up of 40 local representatives, is an exciting new initiative in our approach to community engagement, providing unique insight into the issues and priorities that will help inform our plans and shape the future of our city. I encourage all residents to visit conversations.melton.vic.gov.au to find out more about how they, too, can help shape the future of our community. Council recently made the decision

Our community grants are designed to support activities that increase community participation, promote and develop local pride, provide services and facilities that strengthen local health and wellbeing, and promote community leadership. We currently have grants open for applications in the following categories:

Coburn Ward with Cr Bob Turner Firstly, it’s an honour to have been re-elected by the residents of Coburn ward to represent our community. This is a privilege I have never taken lightly and will continue to do my utmost to act for the betterment of our city throughout my term as Councillor.

Apply for a grant to boost your work in the community

to defer this year’s Harmony Day celebrations due to the unpredictable nature of the coronavirus pandemic. Of course, we hope the worst is behind us, and that our community can remain open and continue to rebuild after the challenges of 2020. However, it’s still important to remain vigilant when it comes to COVID-19 and ensure we get tested if we experience even the slightest symptoms and follow state government directions as they are announced. The battle may be in-hand at the moment, but the fight isn’t over yet, and it’s my wish for everyone to remain safe and healthy until the risk of COVID-19 is eliminated. I am available to meet with residents most Saturday mornings from 9am, by appointment. Please contact Barb McKenzie on 9747 7200 to book a time, or contact me on 0412 584 224 or bob.turner@melton.vic.gov.au

Young Communities Individual Grants ($500): to support the goals of local young people aged 12 - 25 in arts, sports, social civic responsibility, leadership and environmental & sustainability. APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT SUNDAY, 14 MARCH.

Young Communities Project Grants ($5,000): to support community groups, organisations, and schools undertaking projects to address issues faced by local young people aged 12 – 25. APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL MIDNIGHT SUNDAY, 14 MARCH.

COVID-19 Community Relief and Recovery Fund (up to $5,000): for groups providing emergency relief and support to meet immediate, basic needs of vulnerable community members impacted by COVID-19. SEVERAL ROUNDS OPEN UNTIL FRIDAY 30 APRIL.

To find out more and apply, visit melton.vic.gov.au/grants

Your Councillors – Visit melton.vic.gov.au/councillors to find your ward Councillors and their contact details

Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

Deputy Mayor Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Moira Deeming

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

11 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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EVERY WEEK

9, 2021

\ STARW EEKLY.COM. AU

JAf £ fn¹Ǥ

Life’s road trip record ed

Xiang Li.

(George Russell OAM)

Inset: Xiang

Australia’ s Deer Park outback has been last week in a new exhibition brought to . launched Self-taugh 5000 kilom t artist Xiang Li mad Australia etre solo road trip e a last year and used to outback inspiratio n for that The trip was her ﬁrst solo exhib as ition. anyth stayed in a vineyard ing but smooth – not long Li that burn ago car in a sand and was locked ed down outside her She said storm. female empthe trip was abou t self-conﬁd owerment and build ence ing “Life is just . like a road trip, never abou t and it is “It is abou the destination,” experienc t the people we she said. e we met and the On the trip, had.” she colle from her car for whic cted the red dust named. h the exhib ition is The exhib conjunctio ition, which is being run in be at the n with Brimbank council, Hunt Club will Centre in Com munity Deer Park until Marc Arts Details: au/red-du https://creativebrim h 11. st-exhibit ion-by-xia bank.com. ng-

Li’s artwo rk. (Supplied)

Crackdo wn on h oons

By Tara Mur

Tara Murr

ray

Brimbank on duty Highway last Mon crack ing patro day nigh down on surprised t, hoon drive l officers are rise in hoon fatalities. that either incidentsaid they were rs amid a meet recent Senior Cons s. The didn’t end A fema le in fema four occupants of table Aym police were le and three on Dalr ympl the after being was left with signi males, were Commodore, a 60 to 80 vehicattending hoon with e said ficant injur ejected meets, up wrap taken to people les in atten ies occu non-life-t hreatening ped arou from a car that a week. pants were dance, multwith up to Dela injuries. hospital people per car, you’re nd a pole ended hey. Two of the looking ejected iple times who turne in Kings “It’s unfo Senio at 450-5 d up. Park, belie r Constable from the car. In a secon rtunate, “Highway 00 said. it is expe d accident, Dalr ympl patrol was ved both four in the cted now, e investigato accidents out in force Last Mon “Both ” he Furlo vehicles were obser were hoon said they appe second accident was rs . -related. ared to be ng Road on ved racin were told who we were high speed on the freewThe car not far fromday, two serious g crash heading towa ramp near call crash well.” ay es, with drive The inexp the less rds Derrimutand Leading a hoon meet in Derr es occurred and cars split up on about 11pm. than 10 years erienced drivers rs Leading the Western imut. a short time as they have as expe Senior ConsSenior Constable “Seat rienc Ring belts seem later one e,” he said. Rod Hold Senior Cons Senior Constable table Dalr of the cars, Road to be an Lead table Dalr ymple, whoHudson and the en Commodore Hudson crack ing and ymple said back of a sedan, collid a black that ing Senior Cons issue too.” were both down vehicle trave 15 minutes polic table Huds on hoon ed into road. state and driving acrose were befor lling on the same into the pole, there e the first car on said cars that had a significan t database s the crashed atten Derrimut was a gathe -Lave on the Senior Cons ded hoon events. ring in the “There were rton area. attend hoon table Dalr ympl 150-plus e said meet cars, with about three $800 under couns in Brimbank those who can be cil laws, offences. on top of fined police OUT

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Albion Federation Residential Village 639 Ballarat Road Albion Sadie Black Cafe 31 Perth Avenue Ardeer Coles Express 1-5 The Avenue (Cnr Fitzgerald Road) Braybrook Coles Supermarket Braybrook 67 Ashley Street Braybrook Central West Shopping Centre 65-67 Ashley Street Braybrook Braybrook News & Lotto 127 South Road Burnside Burnside News and Lotto 15 Westwood Drive Burnside Heights Milkbar 102 Tenterfield Drive Cairnlea Cairnlea Town Centre 100 Furlong Road Cairnlea Harcourts Real Estate 1a/100 Furlong Road Caroline Springs Caroline Springs Civic Centre/Library 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs Brad Teal Real Estate Caroline Springs Shop 4, 242-244 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs Ray White Real Estate Caroline Springs Shop 8, 234 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs CS Square Centre 29-35 Lake Street Deer Park Smart Smile Dental Suite 4, 20 Clairview Road Deer Park Deer Park Club 780 Ballarat Road Deer Park Bells Real Estate - Deer Park 813a Ballarat Road Deer Park Biggin and Scott Real Estate Deer Park 817a Ballarat Road Deer Park Comm Unity Plus Community Neighbourhood Centre 822-824 Ballarat Road Deer Park Foodworks 803 Ballarat Road

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Deer Park Cellarbrations liquor store 809 Ballarat Road Deer Park Australia Post - Deer Park 827a Ballarat Road Deer Park Deer Park IGA 8 Hatchlands Drive Deer Park Brimbank Shopping Centre Cnr Neale Road & Station Road Deer Park Derrimut Village Shopping Centre Foleys Road Deer Park Coles Supermarket Deer Park Foleys Road (Derrimut Village Shopping Centre) Deer Park Deer Park Library 4 Neale Road Deer Park Burnham Real Estate Deer Park 93 Station Road Delahey Calder Real Estate 10/350 Taylors Road Delahey IGA Delahey 260 Taylors Road (Delahey Village Shopping Centre) Delahey Delahey Community Centre 80 Copperfeild Drive Derrimut Sunshine Golf Club 475 Mt Derrimut Road Derrimut YPA Estate Agents - Derrimut Shop 9, 20 Mt Derrimut Road Footscray Wards Newsagency 100 Nicholson Street Hillside Foodworks Hillside 49-69 Wattle Valley Drive Hillside Parkwood Green Community Centre 88 Catherine Drive Keilor Brad Teal Real Estate - Keilor 684 Old Calder Highway Keilor Daniel Real Estate 702 Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Community Hub 704b Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Newsagent 700 Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Retirement Village 868 Old Calder Highway Service Road Keilor Downs Centro Shopping Centre 80 Taylors Road Keilor Park Frank’s Supermarket 5 Fosters Road Keilor Park Ferguson Plarre Bakehouse Shop 32, 40 Keilor Park Drive

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Kings Park Westvale Community Centre 45 Kings Road St Albans Homes Group Real Estate 63 Alfrieda Street St Albans Westside Real Estate 1a Alfrieda Street St Albans IGA St Albans 18 East Esplanade 9364 3388 St Albans Barry Plant Real Estate St Albans 1-7 Elaine Street St Albans Sunshine Hospital 176 Furlong Road St Albans Joan Kirner Women’s & Childrens Hospital 176 Furlong Road St Albans ABC Real Estate 286 Main Road East St Albans St Albans Newsagency 304 Main Road East (9366 2273) St Albans Ray White Real Estate St Albans 308 Main Road East St Albans Raine and Horne St Albans 352 Main Road East St Albans YPA Estate Agents St Albans 67 Main Road West St Albans First National Eeal Estate St Albans 8/346 Main Road West St Albans Danny & Co Real Estate St Albans 352 Main Road West St Albans People In Real Estate 1 Princess St St Albans Stockdale and Leggo St Albans 9 Alfrieda Street St Albans Sweeney Real Estate St Albans 22 Alfrieda Street Sunshine Hocking Stuart Sunshine 134 Durham Street Sunshine Stockdale Leggo Sunshine 273 Hampshire Road Sunshine Thomson Real Estate Sunshine 3/473 Ballarat Road Sunshine Brotherhood of St Laurence Lvl 6, 12 Clarke Street Sunshine Bells Real Estate Sunshine 14 Devonshire Road Sunshine Sunshine RSL 99 Dickson Street Sunshine Barry Plant Real Estate Sunshine 271 Hampshire Road Sunshine GL Lee Real Estate

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Sunshine 275 Hampshire Road Sunshine Douglas Kay Real Estate Sunshine 280 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Library 301 Hampshire Road Sunshine Brimbank City Council 301 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Plaza 324-328 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sweeney Real Estate Sunshine 4a/282 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Marketplace 80 Harvester Road Sunshine Woolworths Supermarket Sunshine 80 Harvester Road (Sunshine Marketplace) Sunshine North North Sunshine Post, News and Lotto 69 McIntyre Road Sunshine West Morgan’s Super IGA Supermarket 475 Fitzgerald Road Sunshine West Bottler Sunshine West Drive in Liquor 79 Glengala Road Sunshine West Coles Supermarket Sunshine West 136 The Avenue Sydenham YPA Estate Agents Sydenham Ground Floor, 15-17 Overton Lea Boulevard Sydenham O’Brien Real Estate 17b Overton Overton Lea Boulevard Taylors Hill Taylors Hill Land Sales Cnr Taylors & Gourlay Roads Taylors Hill Watervale Shopping Centre 2-14 Calder Park Drive Taylors Lakes Professionals Real Estate Shop 27 3 Melton Highway (Taylors Lakes Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes Taylors Lakes Lotto Shop 8 3 Melton Highway (Taylors Lakes Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes YPA Estate Agents Taylors Lakes Shop 5, 399 Melton Highway (Watergardens Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes Watergardens Shopping Centre 399 Melton Highway

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12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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Push for all abilities parks By Tara Murray

the meeting. “We have an obligation to the community to support families and people with a disability. “I would like to see fully functional and enclosed playgrounds in every ward, even though I was elected in Taylors ward. “It’s really important families with kids with disabilities have the ability to take their kids to a park locally, and at this stage they can not.” Cr Virginia Tachos said the council had the opportunity to become a leader in providing inclusive parks. “A lot of parents have had continued anxiety

A Brimbank councillor has called on the council to consider creating more all abilities parks in the municipality. Cr Maria Kerr raised a motion at the latest council meeting, calling for the council’s ‘creating better parks policy plan and review’ to focus on all abilities parks. She said there was a need for more play spaces for families and children with disabilities. “Currently in Brimbank there are no fully gated kids playgrounds,” Cr Kerr said at

about it and they haven’t been able to take children to playgrounds surrounded by water or other risks. “It doesn’t make it easy for parents. There are groups looking to collaborate with the council for play equipment for all ability-type playgrounds.” Cr Kerr also called for outdoor exercise equipment, especially for older people, at parks. Mayor Ranka Rasic said it was the council’s goal to make sure it provides accessible, safe, fun and inviting public spaces for all Brimbank residents.

“Council will be seeking community input in reviewing the creating better parks policy and plan to provide accessible quality green open spaces that are safe for everyone, clean, and well-maintained outdoor spaces. “We encourage everyone to keep updated and have their say when the consultation opens.” She said that Alice’s Playspace at Errington Reserve in St Albans is an exciting inclusive playspace where children of all abilities and ages can play together, which the council worked on with local disability groups.

Childhood inspires mural Action Project is a positive step to educate communities about the importance of putting rubbish in the bin.” Melbourne Water’s waterwatch co-ordinator Dr Teresa Mackintosh said the mural is eye-catching – aimed at capturing the attention of passersby – especially children. “We wanted a design that was bright, colourful and playful,” Dr Mackintosh said. “At first glance you see the birds, trees, frogs and platypus. Then you realise there are coke cans and plastic bags surrounding them. The artwork’s message is clear – bin your rubbish and keep our local rivers and creeks litter free.” Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said the mural is a permanent reminder to the community of the beautiful environment that surrounds their suburb – and the importance of keeping it clean of litter for all to appreciate.

A mural in Sunshine is providing a bit of colour while also educating the community about the local environment. The mural was commissioned by Melbourne Water and Brimbank council as part of the water authority’s Litter Action Project Sunshine Business Association and Friends of Kororoit Creek also supported the project. Artist Kathy Holowko said childhood memories of exploring Kororoit Creek had provided her inspiration for the piece. “My grandparents lived near the banks of Kororoit Creek and as a child, I loved to explore it,” she said. “After floods I would see the impact of litter being caught in the branches of trees along its banks. I’ve captured this childhood memory in the mural. “The creek has come a long way since then thanks to regeneration, bike paths and community care. “Programs like Melbourne Water’s Litter

Tara Murray

5 FOSTERS RD, KEILOR PARK

Sunshine Business Association vice president Vu Du, Dr Teresa Mackintosh, Cr Ranka Rasic, Brimbank Friends of Kororoit Creek Group member Jodie Williams and Kathy Holowko. (Supplied)

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12484449-JW10-21

6 FOR

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13 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Paws for thought Adopting a pet helps the thousands of animals surrendered each year to find a new home, writes Alesha Capone.

very year, thousands of animals are surrendered to pet shelters and rescue groups across the nation. The pets are often given up through no fault of their own, when families face a change in their circumstances, such as moving overseas, or not being able to afford a pet any more. In the 2019-2020 financial year, RSPCA Australia took in 112,530 animals – 28,072 dogs and 45,364 cats among them. While many of these animals were reclaimed or rehomed, more than 33,000 were euthansed, including 3466 dogs and 9714 cats. Animal welfare agencies and charities have long been encouraging people who want a fluffy, feathered or scaled companion to “adopt, don’t shop” to help save the lives of surrendered and rescued pets. PETstock’s charity foundation, PETstock Assist, is one of the organisations which supports this message. Across the past six years, PETstock Assist has helped to rehome more than 12,000 animals through its annual National Pet Adoption Days. This year, the organisation has decided to extend the initiative into a month-long event. Throughout March, Petstock stores across Victoria – including in Melbourne’s north and west – will celebrate National Pet Adoption Month to find new homes for pets, educate people about animal adoption and celebrate the rescue community. This will include animals that have been rescued, the owners that have committed to giving them the best life possible and foster carers. PETstock Assist charity and events lead, Jessica Curtis, said that she wanted everyone – not just people who adopt an animal – to think differently about what they can do to help break the cycle of pet homelessness. “Those who choose to adopt not shop play a critical role in reducing the number of animals in need,” she said. “Not only by providing a loving home and second chance, but also leading by example. “Our rescue parents take the time to learn a pet’s unique personality to find their perfect match, they make a long-term commitment, and ultimately, build a relationship that improves a pet’s life and their own.

PETstock Assist has helped more than 12,000 animals find a new home through its National Pet Adoption Days. (Pictures: Eugene Hyland)

“But it’s not just pet parents who are changing the lives of rescue animals in Australia. “There are countless rescue groups, volunteers and foster carers right across the nation who are all helping break the cycle.” AFLW star player and animal lover, Sharni Layton has teamed up with PETstock Assist to support National Pet Adoption Month. Ms Layton is herself a ‘pet parent’ to three rescue cats, one dog and a horse.

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

“Knowing that I’ve given my cats a second chance at a safe and loving home brings me so much joy,” Ms Layton said. “The companionship and support that they’ve provided in return, especially throughout 2020 and now during the AFLW season, has made such a positive difference to my life off the field.” On Saturday, March 13, volunteers and animals from local rescue groups will be in attendance at selected PETstock stores for the

seventh annual National Pet Adoption Day. The day will include education and training tips for new rescue pet owners and help for people who are looking to adopt a pet, or become a volunteer foster carer. Petstock stores are located in areas including Altona North, Bacchus Marsh, Craigieburn, Gisborne, Hoppers Crossing, Melton, Sunbury, Sunshine and Taylors Lakes. Details: petstock.com.au

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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.

Through the lens Sunflower field in Greendale, a perfect landscape. Damjan Janevski

Knit & Natter Knitting Group Starting Wednesday, March 3, 9.30-11.30am at Craigieburn Leisure Centre, Craigieburn Road, and Hume Global Learning Centre, Craigieburn, from 1-3pm. Knit for the needy. ■ Brenda, 9308 4456

World Day of Prayer You’re invited to pray for the needs of Vanuatu and its people at local church services and events on World Day of Prayer, Friday, March 5. This year’s theme is ‘Build on a strong foundation’. ■ www.worlddayofprayeraustralia.org

Lost and found exhibit

Flower show Sunshine is celebrating 100 years of community gardening with a free flower show. See Dahlias, roses, floral art, hardy cuts, cookery, arts and crafts, and displays from local schools on Saturday, March 13, 11am-4pm at the Glengala Community Centre.

Show information session Whittlesea Agricultural Society is holding a show information session on Sunday, March 14, noon-2pm, at the Whittlesea Agricultural Society administration building, gate 1, McPhees Road, Whittlesea. Free sausage sizzle and heritage display included. ■ 9716 2835

Celebrate Riverdale Celebrate the Riverdale community at a free, family-friendly event at Riverdale Town Centre, Sunday, March 14, noon-3pm. There will be games, entertainment, live performances and food giveaways. ■ https://www.facebook.com/ events/414182066541935

Get into golf month March will be filled with golf activities and offers at Keilor Public Golf Course. The free events will run at 540 Calder Freeway, Keilor North. Stay updated on events happening each day by searching @ keilorgolf on social media. ■ 0414 918 533 or email kpgc@belgravialeisure.com.au

Movie night Enjoy live music and a screening of Beauty and the Beast on Friday, March 19 at The Nook, Sunbury. Gates open 5.30pm, with entertainment from 6pm and the movie screening at 7pm. BYO picnic and blanket or buy food. Registration required. ■ https://bit.ly/3tJGM4D

National Ride2School Day Take part in Ride2School Day on Friday, March 19. More than 350,000 students across the country are expected to ride, scoot, skate or walk to school to promote active travel. ■ www.ride2school.com.au

heritage walk with guide John, starting at the Williamstown Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place, each Tuesday at 9.20am. Each week covers a different route. ■ John, 0418 377 336

Alcoholics Anonymous Regular face-to-face meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous have resumed. Meetings are held at St Thomas Anglican Church, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, on Mondays from 7.30pm, and St Andrew’s Church Hall, Williamstown, on Wednesdays from 7pm. ■ Werribee: 0412 432 760. For other face-to-face and Zoom AA meetings call 1300 22 22 22 or visit wwww.aatimes.org.au

Make your own lantern Sunbury community members can join Indian artist Manan Walia to make individual bark ‘tree’ lanterns on Sunday, March 21, 10am-noon at the Hume Global Learning Centre, 44 Macedon Street, Sunbury. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/humecity-council-16445167964

Childcare places

Take off weight naturally

Computer course

Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Tuesday at 6pm at the Darlingsford Barn, Darlingsford Boulevard, Melton. ■ Catherine, 0416 612 517, or Bob, 0411 824 739

Rotary Club of Altona City is running a project for older Victorians to give them the confidence to use devices such as iPads, iPhones and computers. No prior knowledge is required. A local venue will be used for the project, which will run from March to June. There are no costs. Dates and times to be confirmed. Topics that may be covered include setting up an email account, using a web browser, Zoom, Facetime and cyber security. ■ Danny, 0425 769 253 or jakeandco1958@gmail.com

Heritage walks Enjoy a 90-minute leisurely

Occasional child care is available at Outlets, Newport Community Education Centre, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Sessions are available from 9am-12pm, 9am-2pm or 11am-2pm. Child care subsidies offered. ■ 9391 8504 or www.outletsco-op.com.au

Siva Somoa dance Learn Siva Samoa dance with Hobsons Bay’s own Tama Tatau. The group supports young men who have been brought up in Australia to learn Samoan and Pacific songs and dances of their ancestors. Sessions are held Mondays, 5.30-8pm, and Fridays, 5-7.30pm during school term. Cost: $10 per class. ■ Victor, tamatatau@live.com or facebook.com/tama.tatau

Greek cookbook PRONIA is inviting Greeks from Melbourne’s west to contribute recipes to a new cookbook. People aged 65 years and older, from a Greek background can submit a traditional family recipe. ■ 9388 9998 or Sonya Tsakalakis: sonyat@pronia.com.au

Conservation volunteers Join the Friends of Cobbledicks Ford for conservation work in the reserve on the second Friday of the month, 10am-noon, March to October. Registrations open 9.30am in the carpark. BYO water bottle and gloves. Tools provided. ■ John 0407 546 235, cobbledicksford@gmail.com

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets on Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. New members (players or beginners) are very welcome to come along and enjoy great music in a friendly atmosphere. ■ 9399 2190 or email ymob1933@yahoo.com.au (Pictures: iStock)

Until Thursday, March 11 Hume locals can witness Lisa Buckland’s first solo exhibition, exploring a personal journey of grief and recovery through art. The exhibition is at the Town Hall Broadmeadows Gallery on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-4.30pm. Those unable to attend in person can view the exhibit online. ■ 9205 2200 or gallery@hume.vic.gov.au

15 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Out and about The sunshine beckoned as western suburbs residents made the most of the last weekend of summer. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski caught up with some of them.

Face painting and a juggler kept the kids amused when Explorers Early Learning centre in Tarneit held an open day on Saturday to mark its official opening. Local MP Sarah Connolly dropped by the Homebush Road site to join the festivities and cut the ribbon.

Your pictures Youth cricket for boys and girls is flourishing in Williamstown. The Williamstown Imperials Cricket Club, which dates back to 1926, now has more than 155 members and competes weekly with five senior teams and nine junior teams. There are 30 Blasters, young players ranging upwards from eight years, who are coached weekly and will play competitively when fully trained. The club is managed by an enthusiastic group of local business owners, professionals and parents and sponsors who ensure a supply of good quality sporting equipment. One of the major sponsors is the Calleja Group, a large family-owned, waste-management company which has operated from its Altona North site for 35 years.

The slow food movement is gaining momentum. Crowds were happy to browse the stalls at the Slow Food Melbourne Market in Spotswood at the weekend.

Sebastian is very proud to be wearing his grade 6 uniform. He has faced many challenges during his schooling due to disabilities. His parents send a special shout out to his teachers at Thomastown Meadows Primary School.

1/ Juggler ‘Amazing Hazel’ and Mateo, 3, at Explorers Early Learning; 2/ Elijah, 2; 3/ MP Sarah Connolly; 4/ Hiren Patel and daughter Veeha; 5/ Yunita and daughter Qiana, 2; 6/ John Howel at the Slow Food Melbourne Market; 7/ Yoshi Katayanagi and Rachele Nilan with their son Aoi, 2; 8/ Erin Carswell and Jonathan Giddings and their kids Georgina, 3, and Magnus, 3 months; 9/ Amber and Andrew McLynskey and their children Stella, 9, and Flynn, 7; 10/ Connie Materia and Mim Faranda. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 229750, 229752 16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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17 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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

February 25, 1981

February 27, 1991

February 27, 2001

March 1, 2011

The Sunshine Shopping Centre is dead and dull, a disillusioned Rosa Crea said this week as she prepared to move her business out of the district.

The former railway electrical switch-house near the Albion railway station may soon get a new lease of life as a disco, sporting centre or arts complex.

The Mark Viduka grandstand was rocking – Croatia, Croatia, Croatia – and the ‘Quarry Hill’ boys were jumping for joy.

The developer at the centre of an alleged planning document forgery plans to sue Brimbank council for more than $1 million.

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FEATURING ... HEALTHY LIVING

A reason to smile with confidence Pacific Smiles Dental, a brand synonymous with excellent value, caring service and professional expertise, has just become the newest addition to the dental network, opening its doors yesterday in Watergardens shopping centre in Taylors Lakes. Pacific Smiles, as its name suggests, is all about giving children and adults a reason to smile with confidence, knowing their teeth look and feel healthy and attractive. It’s what the team is all about, providing many options to achieve optimum results. The dental service offers free kids’ dental work for eligible families under the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. An eligible child will receive up to $1000 in benefits from the Commonwealth government to spend on selected dental services every two calendar years. Check-ups include examination, scale and clean or removal of plaque, fluoride treatment, x-rays, and OPG dental imaging as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist. All general dentistry is carried out, as well as veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic dentistry including crowns and implants, and Invisalign teeth straightening, as well as root canal treatments and dentures. Pacific Smiles Dental has opening hours that promise convenience for busy families, as well as emergency appointments. All sparkly new, the clinic adheres to strict hygiene protocols at all times, with extra precautions taken to ensure patient safety during the pandemic.

Pacific Smiles Dental is opening in Taylors Lakes this week. (Pictures: Supplied)

Pacific Smiles Dental, Watergardens shopping centre (near JB HiFi), 399 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes. Opens 8.30am-5.30pm Monday-Wednesday; 8.30am-8pm Thursday-Friday; 8.30am-5pm Saturday; and 10am-4pm Sunday. Inquiries: 7379 3400 or www.pacificsmilesdental.com.au

Watergardens Taylors Lakes // 7379 3400 Fixed Price Dental Check-ups* $190 Adults // $85 Kids includes exam, scale and clean, fluoride treatment and x-rays #

Child Dental Benefits Schedule Eligible kids may be entitled to a $1000 benefit to be used on selected dental services

Book your appointment online pacificsmilesdental.com.au

OPEN NEAR JB Hi-Fi

Terms and Conditions: Offers only available at Pacific Smiles Dental, Taylors Lakes. *Fixed Price Check-ups are $190 for adults over the age of 12 and $85 for kids 12 and under and include examination (011,012), scale and clean (114) or removal of plaque (111), fluoride (121), x-rays (022 x 2) and OPG (037) as deemed necessary and appropriate in the clinical opinion of the dentist. #Free Kids Dental when services covered by the Commonwealth Government’s Child Dental Benefits Schedule are bulk billed by participating practitioners for treatments provided to eligible patients. Fixed Price and CDBS offers not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or government scheme, nor substitutable or redeemable for cash. Dental services are provided by independent practitioners Pacific Smiles Dental is owned and operated by Pacific Smiles Group Pty Ltd ABN 42 103 087 449. 12480031-DL10-21

19 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

Read the fine print before ‘chasing the rate’

With little room for interest rates to fall further and negative rates unlikely in the face of a stronger-than-expected economic recovery, many mortgagees will be wondering whether now is the right time to lock in their rate. Although analysts say that rates were unlikely to fall much lower, they warned home owners against rushing to fix, as variable loans are more flexible and changing loans can be expensive. RateCity.com.au research director Sally Tindall says fixing home loans would make sense for some people, as banks were offering some of the lowest fixed rates on record. But she said they typically have caps on additional repayments, which prolong the length of the loan, and often have no access to an offset account. “Plus, if you want to get out early, there can be hefty break fees,” she notes. Canstar editor-in-chief Effie Zahos says fixing your mortgage seems like a “no-brainer” at the moment, given the average Big Four customer is paying 3.6 per cent and the cheapest three-year rate is 1.75 per cent. But she advised home owners to read the fine print first. Firstly, she says that people who refinance should avoid extending the term of their loan. So, if they initially took out a 25-year mortgage and stayed with their lender for five years, they must ensure their next loan has a 20-year term. “Otherwise the benefit of going to a

(iStock)

Home owners are being told to do their research before fixing their mortgages, after the Reserve Bank’s recent hold on interest rates at 0.1 per cent, reports Euan Black.

cheaper loan is wiped out, because you’ve extended your term [and will therefore pay more interest over the life of the loan].” Secondly, borrowers should check whether they have money in a redraw or offset account. Offset accounts are easily accessed and will have no impact on their refinancing plans. But redraw accounts are held within the home loan, so borrowers will need to decide with their lender whether they withdraw the money held in this account, or let the lender absorb it into the loan, which would reduce the amount they need

PRIVATE SALE

to borrow.” Finally, borrowers should find out how much their lender will charge to switch loans, so they can work out how long it will take to break even after switching. “You have to add up all the fees it takes to move – and there are fees, because you may need a valuation fee, you’ll have a settlement fee and a discharge fee,” she says. “And if it costs $1000 to switch, and you’re only saving $50 a month, it will take you 20 months to recoup the costs of moving – [by which point], can you guarantee your new lender is going to be

the cheapest in the market again? So, if you’re just chasing the rate, you’ve got to be careful that you don’t get caught out.” Ms Zahos added that not all homeowners will be able to secure a competitive fixed rate, as the lowest rates are only available to people with low loan-to-value ratios. “And if you have borrowed over 80 per cent and are still highly geared … then you may have to pay lenders mortgage insurance again if you switch.”

This is an edited version of a story from realestateview.com.au

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20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

PUZZLES No. 018

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.

easy

3 2 8

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

4 1 8

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Swamp (7) Slid; dashed (7) Tribes (5) South American (9) Wrath (3) Connect; associate (11) Struggles; filters (7) Dried or cleaned without wiping (6) Scottish delicacy (6) School (7) Bug poison (11) Common pet (3) Emitting (9) Expel; escape (5) Accounts (7) Feather cleaners (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 13 15 18 20 22 24 25 26 27 28

No. 018

Strangest; craziest (8) Exchange (5) Descending with rope (9) Argues (7) Boxed; fought (7) Oily fruit (5) East Asian nationality (9) Tangoed (e.g.) (6) Epic; instrumental (9) Those with faith (9) Grows in the womb (8) Alcohols (7) Winced (7) Reflector (6) Seat (5) Greek island (5)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 14 16 17 19 20 21 23 24

DECODER

No. 018

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

2 1 3 hard

2 9

1 7 1 3

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

O B 21

20 words: Very good

2 3 5 4 6 7 9 8 1

9 7 1 8 2 5 6 4 3

7 4 3 9 5 8 2 1 6

4 LETTERS BANI BARS EMIR ERAS GORE HYMN MAST MESS MIRE MOBS PLAN TERM THUS WATT 5 LETTERS ABLER

No. 018

MUCUS NAPPY OCEAN ONSET OUTER PAUSE PRESS RAISE REARS RESTS REUSE SECTS SEEDS SHADE SHRED SLEDS STEAM STERN TEPEE THETA THOUS TIARA

TOPIC TRACE TREAT UNDER WANDS 6 LETTERS FOSTER OODLES SENILE THRILL

GIRAFFE LINEAGE MISSILE REACHES 8 LETTERS BARRENER OFFICIAL REGULATE SCENARIO

7 LETTERS CLEARER ENLIVEN

05-03-21

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

Which children’s picture book by Raymond Briggs was first published in 1978?

How many times has Australia qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

Arrival and The Visitors are albums by which pop group?

Who said 'World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones'?

Which 2018 sci-fi horror film stars Robert Pattinson and Juliette Binoche (pictured)?

Who has won the Artist of the Year category the most times at the American Music Awards?

No. 018

R E S

E V U E B A S E A L I D K I N G

A V E

5 1 6 7 3 2 8 9 4

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

actuary, canary, cant, carat, cart, carta, cast, causa, cray, crust, crusty, curt, curtsy, cyan, cyst, racy, sacra, SANCTUARY, saucy, scan, scant, scanty, scar, scary, scat, scut, truancy

8 2 9 6 1 4 7 3 5

5 6 8 9 1 2 7 3 4

1 6 8 2 4 9 3 5 7

3 5 7 1 8 6 4 2 9

1 2 4 5 7 3 8 9 6

4 9 2 1 6 5 3 8 7

6 5 1 3 8 7 4 2 9

ABUSE AGENT APART ATLAS AURAS CEASE CHINS CREST DREAM EAGER EATEN EDICT ERECT EVADE FLORA GARBO HATES HAULS HEATH INERT LOPES LUNCH

QUICK QUIZ

4 1 5 8 6 3 9 7 2

6 8 4 3 9 1 5 7 2

Today’s Aim: 13 words: Good

3 LETTERS ACE APE ATE BED CPA FIB FOE HEN ICE INN MES NEE ODE ORE PAR RED REV RUB SAC SAD SEA UGH USE VCR

8 2 7 1 4 9 5 3 6

9 3 6 5 2 7 4 1 8

7 9 2 4 5 8 3 6 1

3 8 7 2 9 4 5 6 1

2 3 9 4 5 1 6 7 8

7 4 5 8 2 6 9 1 3

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 words ending in “s”.

1 5 4 6 3 2 8 9 7

3 6 8 7 9 1 2 4 5

2 8 1 9 7 4 6 5 3

5 4 3 2 1 6 7 8 9

6 7 9 3 8 5 1 2 4

8 1 6 7 3 9 2 4 5

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

27 words: Excellent

hard

medium

N V I MCQK Z D TWP L

4 5

easy

7 4 3 4 6 5 6 6 8

5x5

X J S E G F H R U A Y OB

5 6

WORDFIT

How many sides does the Australian 50-cent coin have?

The two hosts of SBS World News are Janice Petersen and who?

Which city of New South Wales derives its name from an Aboriginal word meaning 'clear waters'?

10 What Australian news, current affairs and satire TV series began airing on SBS Viceland in 2013? ANSWERS: 1. The Snowman 2. Five 3. ABBA 4. Albert Einstein 5. High Life 6. Taylor Swift 7. 12 8. Anton Enus 9. Queanbeyan 10. The Feed

SUDOKU

21 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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chopitexcavations@gmail.com

"We do all the small jobs that the bigger companies don't have time for" Up to 60 square metres Shed floors, paths, driveways etc. Coloured, plain, slate and stencil. FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Workmanship guaranteed, with over 30 years experience

30 years experience

Call Us Today For our FAST FRIENDLY SERVICE!

SERVICING ST ALBANS AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

Kitchens, Bathroom & Building Renovations Family owned and operated business for over 35 years Creating timeless designs of the highest standard at affordable rates & we will go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction. For all your Bathroom, Kitchen & Renovation needs phone Carlton Jackson on 0407 328 103

We NEVER

www.Ser viceToday.com.au

฀

12479454-CG05-21

Reg: 99382

yes we can

*conditions apply

FLETCHERS

SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS

12461679-JW39-41

Service Sales All Brands Finance Available Senior Discounts

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Beautiful Bathrooms

12425486-CG35-19

St Albans Air Conditioning

3 ROOMS FOR $90

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St Albans Electricians

BASED ON LOCATION CARPET CLEANING UPHOLSTERY CLEANING ABN 92 465 717 255 18 Years Experience FREE DEODORISING

D & R CONCRETING

V Bathroom & Kitchens

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

REC 17959

V Concrete Products & Services

ABN: 226 347 499 92

Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

Call 0430 332 368

12482163-NG07-21

PH: 0408 484 899 OR 1800 902 202 www.roadsealaustralia.com.au

KS Heating & Cooling

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE Switchboard upgrades ŽǁŶůŝŐŚƚ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ ^Ɖůŝƚ ƐǇƐƚĞŵ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ͬ ŝŶƐƚĂůůĂƟŽŶƐ All electrical service and repairs

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Carpet Steam Cleaning

Call Paul 0412

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

Place Your Classified Ads Online Your advert will appear in print and online! 22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

฀

CALL ANE ELECTRICS TODAY

V Carpet Cleaning

Due to a halt on a contract and an overstock of material, we are able to provide this discounted service in your area • DRIVEWAYS • CARPARKS • INDUSTRIAL AREAS Site preparation included | Free estimate

฀ ฀ ฀

084 469 or 9747 1999

12451043-NG24-20

12434534-LB03-20

Deadline for all classiﬁcations is 2:30pm Friday.

BITUMEN

฀ ฀ ฀

V Electricians

Specializing in: ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Vu 0458 748 413 · Andy 0408 081 888 ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

V Cabinet Makers

AA CABINETS

Real Estate

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS

Call Victor on 0412

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12411802-RC09-19

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12416765-SN19-19

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12476756-SN03-21

We accept payment by:

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12402111-RA43-18

(include your name, address and phone number)

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12416265-CG17-19

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Andrew 0425 852 621 12412038-FA09-10

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1173390-DJ08-15

JAD COOLING AND HEATING

VM CONCRETING

12445949-RC14-20

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Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

12400595-SN40-18

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12479887-JW04-21

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C753520-KK1-10

Online: networkclassiﬁeds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

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12429226-CG42-19

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All Types Of Concreting

12418962-22-19

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V Concrete Products & Services

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General Classifieds V Plumbing

For our FAST Emergency Plumbing Hot Water Blocked Drains Taps and Toilets Water Leaks And more...

V Roller Shutters

OZTEC WINDOW SHUTTERS • 100% Australian Made & Owned • 10 years replacement warranty • Electric, manual or combination • Single and group remote controlled • Connected to smoke alarm (auto-lift)

yes we can

General Classifieds

FOR FREE MEASURE & QUOTE PH: 9336 0005 JORDAN: 0413 708 238

Showroom @ 18 Quinn Drive, Keilor PArk, 3042

SERVICING ST ALBANS AREA FOR OVER TEN YEARS

section of Network Classifieds.

12477681-CG03-21

We NEVER

www.ServiceToday.com.au

FUSSY FURNITURE REMOVALS 12401756-CG42-18

Reliable & Experienced Removalist | 2 men - from $85 per hour. Competetive prices - time starts at your door. Will beat any reasonable quote.

Ph: 0413 693 216 | 0422 437 935

For all roof restoration needs. Cleaning, repointing, painting, leak repairs, etc…

All Plumbing & Maintenance at low prices.

Call Mark 0401 478 799

฀

Call Tom on 0419 388 264

9746 7785

Mixed rubbish accepted

PENSIONER DISCOUNT

0412 184 772

CALL: 0415 177 388

Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

• Demolition Specialists • Backyard Cleanups • Concrete Broken or Cut & Removed • Tree Lopping & Removal • Rental Cleanups • Deceased Estate Cleanups We Take Anything Away

Call 0434 525 311

BRAD DUNCAN PLUMBING & GASFITTING All facets covered! s Free Quote s Pensioner Discount

MOWING PLUS MORE ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Registered and Insured

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0419 508 734

Simon 0422 899 759 • Lawn mowing/Edging • Hedge trimming • Gutter cleaning • Garden clean up • Green Waste removal

12450405-AM23-20

12480916-SN06-21

MR GARDENS

V Television/Video/Audio

Lic 38337

SAME DAY SERVICE

LOCAL PLUMBER

HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

Lifetime Warranty!

Free Quotes & Fully Insured | Call Mal 0432 977 043

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

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ANY TREES LOPPED

0450 820 170 - 7 days

V Guttering

Senior discount Cards welcome

฀

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CATCO PLUMBING AND AIR CONDITIONERS

0421 421 640

Homes

Installation of Split System Air-conditioners General Plumbing | Roofing | Sewer and Stormwater Drainage

V Handy Persons

1231176-CG24-16

Handyman Service 20 years experience. All types of house repairs & renovations

Bill 0410 48 14 17

Marcus: 0403 715 536 catcoplumbing@gmail.com

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ALL WEST

฀

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12481950-JW07-21

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MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE FREE SMOKE ALARM

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193 Registered Building Practitioner

G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

772 304

ALL AROUND

G6519072AA-dc21Jan

REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING

V Painters/Decorators 977914

WASHING MACHINE REPAIR Call out $40

Mob: 0414 484 932

Rainbow Dolls $100/ 30mins Open 7 days 48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

ABN 40 640 572 030

12482742-LB08-21

Tel: 9309 2351 Receive 10% OFF when you mention this ad

Domestic, Commercial, Fully Qualiﬁed Interior, Exterior, Smash Repairs Free Quote • Pensioner Discount • All Work Guaranteed

177646

M0888 Braybrook North: 78 Berkshire Road, Sunshine North VIC 3020 (RFNSA 3020008) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 4G/5G equipment and associated works as follows: r Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas, 0.59m long, on an existing headframe r Installation of new ancillary equipment, including twelve (12) Remote Radio Units, cabling and antenna mounts r Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter, including removal of redundant equipment and replacement of Remote Radio Units M0914 Tottenham Station: 4 South Road, Braybrook VIC 3019 (RFNSA 3019003) The proposed facility consists of the addition of new 4G/5G equipment and associated works as follows: r Installation of three (3) new 5G panel antennas, 0.59m long, on an existing headframe r Installation of new ancillary equipment, including twelve (12) Remote Radio Units, cabling and antenna mounts r Reconfiguration of existing equipment on the facility and within the equipment shelter, including removal of redundant equipment and replacement of Remote Radio Units 1. Optus regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), based on the description above. 2. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Chan Chen at Axicom, 02 9495 9000, community@axicom.com.au or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Thursday 18 March 2021. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3020008, www.rfnsa.com.au/3019003. 12484514-DL10-21

General Classifieds V Adult Services

ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED

฀

For A Free Quote Call MARK: 0425

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ “Your Local Tree & Stump Removalist” ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 0421 836 152

V Reblocking/Underpinning

Reg No 8659

฀ ฀

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KITCHEN FACELIFTS ฀

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V Kitchens

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

V Washing Machines

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

Melton Tree & Stump Removals

20 years’ experience

MIRMICLicPLUMBING 35031

V Home Maintenance

HOME MAINTENANCE • Concrete Pressure Wash • Concrete & Landscape • Roof Pointing • Plaster Repairs • Painting Interior & Exterior • Rubbish Removal • Free Quotes Call Wayne 0482 966 097

C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882

Lic No. 116785

฀ ฀ FREE QUOTES

★ New & Existing ★

Free Quote 7 Day Service 45 yrs exp.

9988 9159 12477100-CG03-21

฀

1232632-ACM26-16

12436763-JV03-20

RJ GUTTERS ฀

Trees Pruned Reshaped Grubbed out. All Foliage/Rubbish Removed Fully Insured $10m Pensioner Discount

1235322622-PB22-17

฀

Call Sam

฀ ฀

12469374-CG46-20

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

12370916-RC45-17

12360798-DJ33-17

฀ ฀

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals ฀ ฀

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT SUNSHINE NORTH, BRAYBROOK WITH 5G

ANTENNA MAN

FAST AND RELIABLE

Natural Place

Relaxation Massage Clinic 5 City Place, Sunshine 9.30am-11pm 7 days Phone: 9311 0198

G6133636AA-dc2Jul

12340308-HM08-17

฀ ฀

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identiﬁcation number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identiﬁcation number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

V Public Notices and Event

12327446-LN42-16

฀

1233958-CG26-16

Lic No. 116785

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

General Notices

AARON & JOHN’S DEMOLITION & RUBBISH REMOVALS

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

V Pets & Services

NATURAL PLUS

7 days, 9.30am - 9.30pm. 5 City Place, Sunshine. Phone 9311 0198. V Massage Therapists

UÊÓ]Î]{]È]n ÎÊ ÃÊ>Û> >L i UÊ ÃÊÃÌ>ÀÌ }ÊvÀ Êf£ää

V Garden Services

฀ ฀ ฀

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CHEAP BIN HIRE AND RUBBISH REMOVAL

12450404-AM23-20

12398667-SN37-18

REPAIRS & REMOTES Roller Door Remote Controls Silent Drive 7 Year Warranty FROM $500 fully installed

฀ ฀

V Rubbish Removal

Lic 30742

V Garage/Garage Doors

F & J ROLLER DOORS

V Health And Fitness

TILE COAT

Lic No. 116785

MAINTENANCE PLUMBER

1231835-RC25-16

• Available in the For Sale or Wanted Classiﬁcations only. • 4 lines of copy • Ad will run for 2 weeks • 1 item per advertisement • Item must be priced under $100 • Private party only – household and personal items • No animals, automotive or plants • Ads must be submitted via email to sales@networkclassiﬁeds.com.au

V Roofing

9998-2905

V Furniture Removals

FREE CLASSIFIEDS

12423634-SN31-19

12424718-SN34-19

12451044-NG24-20

Call 0403 948 894

9366 7831 - 0417 556 963

FRIENDLY SERVICE!

www.rmfencing.com.au

Specialising in ColorBond, Timber Fencing and all repairs.

• Fridges • Freezers L011010 / AU-05387 • Air Conditioners • Car Re-gassing

C915642-JM14-11

12427253-FA39-19

Ph: (03) 8360 9997 Ray 0422 118 920

& AIR CONDITIONING - DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL

Call Us Today...

g All Pricinnt Up-Fro

12473978-JW50-20

MEL-ASH REFRIGERATION

St Albans Plumbers

Steel Fences Made to Measure s Steel Fences s Double/Single Gates s Pools s Gardens s Auto/Manual Sliding Gates s Picket & Slat Fencing s Aluminium Security Doors & Windows s Fly screens s Window Roller Shutters Accessories Sale Now - Free Quote – Cheapest prices!

V For Sale

12386073-RC18-18

R & M Fencing (Vic)

V Refrigeration

12363174-PB35-17

V Fencing & Gates

DB-L-29449

V Clearing Sales VANOSHY PRE LOVED GOODS We buy and sell household items, if you are having clean out we pay cash for unwanted items in good quality condition. Ph: 9360 4190 or 0466 907 714 V Garage Sales ST ALBANS 98 Oleander Drive. Sat 6th and Sun 7th March, 8am-4pm. Lots of baby clothes and other items, tools and other. Everything must go.

Find it in the

General section of Network Classifieds.

David: 0425 811 882 Ash: 0403 619 333

� Free Quote � All Suburbs � Insurance � Elevation

� 17 Years Guarantee � 10% Pensioner Discount � Council Permit Supplied � Computer Levelling

Employment section of Network Classifieds. 23 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Australian wheelchair tennis player recently won their seventh consecutive Australian Open wheelchair quad singles title? 2. Naomi Osaka, winner of the 2021 Australian Open women’s singles title, was born in which Japanese city? 3. Which NBA team did Australian basketballer Ryan Broekhoff play for from 2018 to 2020?

5. Which team won three consecutive AFL Premierships from 2001 to 2003?

10. Which team did the Melbourne Aces defeat to win their second straight ABL championship?

6. What are the names of the two Sydney-based Big Bash League cricket teams?

11. In what city will the 2021 NBA All-Star game take place? 12. In what year did the first MotoGP season take place?

7. The Hunter Mariners were a short-lived professional rugby league club based in which NSW city?

13. Which Australian batsman scored 45 in the recent first Twenty20 International match against New Zealand?

8. Which Super Netball team won premierships in 2011, 2015 and 2016?

4. In which country is Super Rugby team the Jaguares based?

Greg Norman

20. How many players are there in a baseball batting lineup?

14. What form of martial arts will make its debut at the Tokyo Olympic Games?

21. How many times did Australian basketball Lauren Jackson win the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award?

15. What is the name of the Super Rugby team based in Perth?

9. Which WNBA team did Australian basketballer Michele Timms play for from 1997 to 2001?

16. What AFLW team plays their home games at RSEA Park?

27. Which AFL footballer won the Brownlow Medal in 2018 then missed the entire 2019 season through injury?

22. In Super Rugby, the Blues are based in which New Zealand city?

17. What type of farm was the first ever golf course located on?

28. Which cricketer was named player of the series in the 2020/21 Big Bash League competition?

23. Scuderia Ferrari racing driver Charles Leclerc races under which flag?

18. What Australian state is interested in bidding for the 2032 Summer Olympics?

29. In which FIFA World Cup did the infamous vuvuzela make its presence felt?

24. In which major sporting competition is the Commissioner’s Trophy presented?

19. In what city is the Supercars Championship event known as the Tasmanian SuperSprint held in?

Charles Leclerc

26. How many times did golfer Greg Norman win the British Open Championship?

30. Which F1 champion did Chris Hemsworth portray in the 2013 film Rush?

25. Which EPL club did goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer play for from 1997 to 2008?

0503

1. Dylan Alcott. 2. Osaka. 3. Dallas Mavericks. 4. Argentina. 5. Brisbane Lions. 6. Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. 7. Newcastle. 8. Queensland Firebirds. 9. Phoenix Mercury. 10. Perth Heat. 11. Atlanta 12. 1949 13. Mitchell Marsh 14. Karate 15. Western Force 16. St Kilda 17. Sheep farm 18. Queensland 19. Launceston 20. Nine 21. Three 22. Auckland 23. Monaco 24. Major League Baseball 25. Middlesbrough 26. Twice 27. Tom Mitchell 28. Josh Philippe 29. South Africa 2010 30. James Hunt V

Public Notices and Event

For Lease (Commercial)

8 Charles St, St Albans 235sq mtrs.

• Taylors Creek Valley, Keilor • Green Gully Reserve, Keilor

MV1171

All areas will be clearly sign posted.

For more details regarding the areas being baited please contact Council’s Environment Department on 9249 4000.

MELTON SOUTH 33 Toolern St. 3 bed, 2 bath. Roughly quarter of an acre. Prime location, close to station, schools and shopping centres. Zone for development, (possibly 5 units will fit). Would prefer to sell to developers. $1.3 million. Phone: 0448 137 072.

The Rabbit Control Program will take place at the following locations:

The poison used is Pindone on carrots. There is an antidote for this poison which is Vitamin K1 available at all vets. Unrestrained pets may be at risk if they eat poisoned carrots, or rabbits. Contractors will inspect the area daily to remove rabbits.

Houses & Units For Sale

12400545-LB38-19

To Let

HOUSE FOR RENT, totally modern home in Melton West, with central air, heating, new kitchen and 2 x bathrooms and 2 x toilets, large outdoor entertainment area with barbecue facilities, large landscaped gardens front and rear. Security system. Long term lease available. Ph: Frank 0424 600 676.

ROOM FOR RENT Bacchus V To Let Marsh, close to train station, furnished room, CENTRAL Sunshine area. 2/3 bedroom house. $350 $180 per week, 2 weeks per week plus bond up bond required. Call Ronald: 5367 4410. front. Ph 0416 049 335

WE PAY for Drive-Ins Any car just bring it to 5 Holcourt Rd Laverton or we can tow away & still give you $200 min.

Get 10% Discount Use code: EMPDISC

Fill your position online ZZZ QHWZRUNFODVVL´HGV FRP DX

Find your Local Specialist in our

Professional Services

Motoring

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Positions Vacant 12415686-CG16-19

12483622-CG09-21

Real Estate Businesses For Sale

BEAUTY SALON for sale in Ballarat. 5 working rooms, reception, kitchenette and bathroom. Very modern fit out, long standing location, fully renovated premises, loyal strong client base suits owner operator or investor. Current owner willing to work through a transition period, property is also available for purchase. Please call 0408 847 291.

For Lease (Commercial)

La Porchetta- Caroline Springs Location

Machinery included 8 Charles St, St Albans 235sq mtrs. Can be used for storage.

฀ ฀

฀

section of Network Classifieds.

24 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

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฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W

0435 904 818 ฀

฀

Please call Roc: (03) 8390 6763 or 0433 084 269

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $600 for all

Ring Gregory on 0419 029 621

Real Estate

฀

Wrecking

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

SITUATION VACANT

BAKERY FOR LEASE

Ring Robert

0417 012 961 Buy, & Sell in our

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au

We also buy vans, min $400

LMCT9297

Employment V

Auto Services/ Repair

$250 min

NEW STAFF?

Ring Gregory on 0419 029 621

Brimbank City Council is conducting a Rabbit Control Program to take place between Monday 1 March 2021 and Monday 5 April 2021.

NEED

STORAGE AVAILABLE

Brimbank City Council Rabbit Control Program

Positions Vacant

12343255-HM12-17

Employment

Real Estate

12321532-HM36-16

General Notices

Find local work with an advert in the

complete cars dead or alive!

Trades & Services

0422 108 512

section of Network Classiﬁeds.

Also Towing Service Available 12439661-LB05-20

LMCT 10268W

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

The present-generation Nissan Qashqai is set to stop at Midnight. (Pictures: Supplied)

Qashqai fades to black By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring With a completely new Qashqai waiting in the wings, Nissan has come up with something special as a swansong to the present generation of the top-selling crossover vehicle – the Qashqai Midnight Edition. Selling more than a million units since its introduction in Europe in 2014, the new Qashqai will introduce to the motoring world Nissan’s ePower drive system, which offers full electric drive to the wheels. A high-output battery and powertrain integrated with the petrol engine, power generator, inverter and a motor, in a conventional hybrid the wheels are driven by electric motor and petrol engine combined. With ePower, the petrol engine is not connected to the wheels, it simply charges the battery and unlike a full electric vehicle, the power source is the engine, rather than battery only. However, I digress. While the third generation of the Qashqai is clocking up the kilometres in testing on European roads in preparation for a world launch in the northern spring, Nissan Down Under is maintaining interest in the present model with the addition of the Midnight Edition. Slotting in between the N-Sport and Ti variants, at $35,900, plus on-road costs, the compact SUV, as the name suggests, takes on dramatic gloss black highlights in contrast to its five body colours. Standard features offered across the range include Intelligent Key with keyless entry and close, push button ignition, electronic park brake, handsfree phone system, cruise control, manual tilt-and-reach adjustable steering column, 60 / 40 split fold second-row seating, ISOFIX child restraint anchorage points and four rear cargo area luggage hooks.

reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors. The Midnight Edition also takes advantage of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility active system, which includes blind spot and lane departure warning, emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and Intelligent Driver Alert.

Driving

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Nissan Qashqai 2.0 ST $28,290 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 ST+ automatic $32,290 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 ST-L auto $34,300 Nissan Qashqai 2.0 N-Sport auto $35,000 Nissan Qashqai Midnight Edition auto $35,900 Nissan Qashqai Ti auto $38,790

Note: This pricing does not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Nissan dealer for drive-away prices.

centre, complemented by body-coloured front and rear bumpers and side mouldings, all with gloss black inserts, roof rails and side mirrors. Darkened LED headlights with integrated LED turn indicators, 19-inch Black Wind alloy wheels, fitted with unique 225 / 45 low profile tyres complete the Midnight Edition picture. In contrast to the dark theme, LED headlights, sensing dusk, spring into action and as with the range-topping Ti, Nissan’s adaptive low beam tracks the steering angle, illuminating around corners.

Interior Styling In keeping with the Midnight moniker, the Qashqai pays homage to darkness, with the gloss black signature V-motion grille front and

The cabin lets in some light with illuminated Qashqai kick plates. However, it’s back to black with the interior: brushed black accents across the dashboard and door trims, plus black

headliner and air vents defined in gloss black. The steering wheel, gearshift knob and stick surround are accented in black, while a similar design is carried by a leather centre console lid. Alcantara and leather accented seats are standard on the Midnight Edition, with the driver and front passenger seats manually adjustable six ways. A two-way lumbar support tops off the lot. The 60 / 40 split rear seat set-up incorporates a centre armrest, which folds down to provide two extra cup holders.

Infotainment Class-leading audio and connectivity set the standard here with DAB+ digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming with voice recognition and satellite navigation with traffic tracking. All are controlled through a 7-inch colour touch-screen display, which sadly at times, because of the angle at which it is set, loses definition through reflection of exterior light.

Engines / transmissions As with all other models in the Qashqai range, the Midnight Edition relies on the carried-over 2-litre direct injection petrol engine, mated with an Xtronic continuously variable automatic transmission with shift and Eco modes.

Safety Standard safety specification includes a 360-degree surround view camera system with

Midnight’s performance on test was par for the Qashqai course. At cruising speed, so long as there was no call for instant response to the accelerator pedal, the car fairly skipped along. The motor was generally quiet, unless pushed, when there was a resulting rasp. Unlike some CVTs with an intrusive whine at high revs, the Xtronic acts like a traditional automatic gearbox, stepping through the changes under hard acceleration. It also uses Intelligent Engine Braking to mimic standard shifting to a lower gear to deliver smooth deceleration. With a maker’s claim of combined urban / highway fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres the test car a couple of times tipped over 10 litres per 100 kilometres around town, while 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres, popped up on a motorway run. The ride was on the firm side, a consequence of the low profile tyres on 19-inch rims, but there was plenty of grip and little body roll on bends. However, the car did pick up plenty of road noise and every blemish was noted on uneven surfaces. The boot capacity of the Qashqai is good, with 430 litres of cargo space. There is a space-saver spare wheel under the boot floor. Towing capacity is 729 kg unbraked, 1200 kg braked.

Summary It all comes down to a straight choice: sticking with the striking looks but dated technology of the Midnight Edition, or hanging in there for the next-gen Qashqai with the possibility of owning the ePower petrol / electric hybrid option.

25 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Aiming high There were plenty of rising stars on show when little athletes joined in the Western Region Little Athletics Track and Field Carnival at Newport. Photographer Damjan Janevski caught some of the action.

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1/ Ella, from the Werribee club, contests the under-15 long jump; 2/ Werribee’s Ava is focused in the under-11 javelin; 3/ Evie, of Bacchus Marsh, makes light work of the under-13 hurdles; 4/ Williamstown’s Riley lands the under-13 triple jump; 5/ Altona’s Jayden in the under-10 shot put; 6/ Xander, of Werribee takes on the under-16 hurdles; 7/ Taranveer, of Melton, throws strongly in the under-11 javelin; 8/ Werribee’s Katarina clears the bar in the under-11 high jump; 9/ Ava, of Werribee, in the under-11 javelin; 10/ Werribee’s Arshad gives it his all in the under-10 shot put; 11/ Brimbank’s Oscar in the under-14 discuss; 12/ Xavier, of Werribee, concentrates during the under-14 discus; 13/ Under-14 triple jump winner Jeeva, of Williamstown. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 229754 26 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

SPORT Young Seagulls ‘super strong and super fit’ It was a young and new-look Williamstown team that stepped out onto the field for the start of the Victorian Football League women’s season on Sunday. Just eight players from the 2019 squad have returned, with 32 new faces making up the rest of the team. For coach Penny Cula-Reid, getting out on the field has been a long time coming. The former Collingwood VFLW coach was appointed the Seagulls coach after the 2019 season, but due to COVID-19, the weekend was her first official game coaching the side. “Exciting is an understatement,” she said ahead of the first game. “It’s been 12 months plus in the making. It’s been a long time. Cula-Reid said they went through a recruitment process ahead of the season, focusing on local players in Melbourne’s west. She said they want to be a destination club

for players in the west who want to take their game to the next level. Erin Meade will captain the side and is joined by returning players Eliza Straford and Ruby Tripodi in the leadership group. Liz McGrath, Ashlea Melnikas, Scarlett Dunell, Tahlia Merrett and Lauren Suleiman have also returned. Cula-Reid said they had all come back to the club in really good shape. “Most of them were really fortunate to have had the opportunity to go to the Northern Territory to play football over COVID,” she said. “It is really good for us as a club to continue to build those relationships with external groups. And it’s good for them to get some footy under their belts … they’ve come back super strong and super fit.” Cula-Reid said they had some exciting prospects that had come to the club including

VU Spurs Northern Football League division 1 premiership players Aleisha Casley, Tori Snelleksz, Amy Wheelhan and Elise Muller. Claire Ryan and Lisa Loughnane are two of the club’s Irish recruits, while Allana Dickie is from Western Australia. After a couple of pre-season hit-outs, Cula-Reid said she was happy with the team but admits they have a few things to iron out. “Our average age is 23,” she said. “It’s just about building connections and a strong solid foundation, not just for this year but working towards the seasons to come. “We want to get them playing the Williamstown way and get involved in Williamstown and the Hobsons Bay community.” The played Darebin Falcons on Sunday. Visit www.starweekly.com.au for results. Tara Murray

Williamstown VFLW captain Erin Meade and coach Penny Cula-Reid. (AFL Photos)

Hourigan makes history By Tara Murray History was made on Saturday when Jessica Hourigan walked out onto the field for East Sunbury’s Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup match against Diggers Rest Bulla. The 17-year-old, who has played with the Thunder since she was 10, became the first female to be part of the club’s top side. GDCA president Rob McIntyre said he believed she was also the first female in the competition to be selected in the top grade. Speaking before the match, Hourigan said she was honoured to be the first girl to have the opportunity. The Thunder, in their first season in the top division, sits sixth with two rounds remaining. “I’m nervous but excited,” Hourigan said. “I was meant to captain the thirds this week, but they were short in the ones and dad [Mark Hourigan] was playing up, so they decided that I would play ones too. “I was a bit shocked, I don’t think I would play ones.” She described the chance to share the moment with her dad as special. The pair have played several games together in the lower grades, but Hourigan said this is “even better”. Mark, a former coach at the club, has been playing in the lower grades in recent seasons. “I think it’s something that he wanted, to play in the first XI with his daughter,” she said. “He is really keen for it.” Hourigan said she expected stepping up into the top grade would be a challenge, but at the same time a lot of fun. It would be a chance to test her skills at a higher level, where she expected the ball to be hit harder and the catches harder to take. “I’ve spent most of the season in the twos this season, after captaining the thirds last season,” she said. “They pushed me up to the twos to help them out a bit and I love it up there. “The change of quality from the thirds, where there are a lot of little kids and their dads … It’s more competitive and I’m a competitive type of person, I love it.” Hourigan, who has previously played premier cricket second XI, has focused on playing with the Thunder the past couple of seasons to be closer to home as her brother Brody battled cancer. Brody died late last year. Hourigan said she would consider playing at Carlton next season or staying with East Sunbury, depending on what pans out with university. Whether she steps up to the next level, the Thunder will also be close to her heart.

West Footscray new coach Ian Fox. (Supplied)

Fox locked in for Roosters

Top: Jessica Hourigan is congratulated on her selection by GDCA president Rob McIntyre. Above: Jessica Hourigan with the East Sunbury and Diggers Rest Bulla teams before the match. (Pictures: Supplied)

“You get used to being around the boys, it’s good form, I’m not going to lie. “I love it.” Hourigan’s top grade debute was made even more special, when she was thrown the ball when Thunder opening bowler Shubham

Kapadia got injured. She finished with the figures 1-27 off 4.4 overs, bowling Ryan Peters. The Thunder had a big win to rise to fifth on the ladder and all but secure a spot in the top division for next season.

West Footscray has moved quickly to appoint a new coach for the Western Region Football League division 2. The Roosters announced on Thursday that Ian Fox would replace Shane Lucas who stood down the previous week. Lucas had been senior coach since 2016. Under his helm the side finished outside the finals in 2019. Fox, a premiership-winning reserves coach at Altona in 2018, has been senior team assistant coach at Altona and more recently at Braybrook. He has also coached at junior level for a number of years. The club said that Fox brings a deep love of footy and a long history of leadership with a strong focus on player development and pathways. “His resume is adorned with finals results, revealing Ian’s drive for excellence, underpinned by the preparation, research and strategy of his coaching approach,” a Facebook post said. “The West Footscray Football Club are particularly keen to leverage Ian’s experience to strengthen the talent and depth of the senior playing group for years to come. “We look forward to seeing his strong leadership in action, as he guides our senior Roosters, and the wider club, into a new era of success.” Fox said it was both exciting and a privilege to be given the opportunity to help grow and develop the historic club. “I’m looking forward to the 2021 season to consolidate and build on the past five years,” he said. “There will be many challenges, but as a team – players, coaches, support staff and all associated with the West Footscray Football Club – we look forward to not only meeting those challenges, but exceeding them.” Tara Murray

27 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 2 March, 2021

CALLING FOR NOMINATIONS

AusNet Services is seeking nominations for members for three Western Victoria Transmission Network Project Community Consultation Groups THE PROJECT The Western Victoria Transmission Network Project is a proposed new approximately 190km long transmission line extending from Bulgana in western Victoria to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. This project will increase transmission capacity in the western Victorian network to unlock renewable power generation and deliver more clean, affordable, and reliable energy to Victorians. To be built and operated by AusNet Services, this critical, State-significant project is a major economic investment in western Victoria that will create jobs and unlock economic development opportunities.

r one of o f e t a in To nom Community e the thre ion Groups at Consult website visit the .au/ np.com t c i v t s e www.w -involved get

The Community Consultation Groups (CCGs) will be based in the east, central and west of the project, with the aim of enhancing communication both within the community and between the community and the project. The Community Consultation Groups will:

Consideration will be given to those that:

• Provide a transparent, representative and accessible forum to assist with identification and discussion of issues of community interest related to the project. • Provide a forum for information about the project to be shared with community representatives and invite feedback and suggestions on a range of project matters. • Receive briefings on specific local issues, impacts and benefits associated with the project and provide feedback to the project team. • Increase understanding about the project within the community, capture community feedback and suggestions and help identify and shape future community engagement opportunities. • Provide advice on potential benefit sharing projects recommended by the community.

• Have a clear interest in or connection to the project. • Bring a broad range of backgrounds and interests in the community, such as in agriculture, environment, business, cultural heritage, transport and emergency services. • Be able to represent different elements of the community, such as gender, abilities, age, ethnicity and cultural background.

Members will be selected so that the groups are geographically representative, comprise a diverse range of perspectives, demographics and backgrounds, and have strong community connections.

If you need further information or clarification about the Community Consultation Groups or on the project in general, please contact us, call 03 9021 0674 or email info@westvictnp.com.au To register for updates, visit westvictnp.com.au

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