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Lighting up the night An art exhibition projected nightly in Sunshine through a photographic narrative is turning heads as the images explore the societal impacts of COVID. The exhibition called ‘Street photography goes viral’ was created by Australian photographer Adrian Whear who captured shots throughout various phases of COVID including lockdowns. Carrying a camera with him while riding his bike to work as an essential worker, Whear was able to capture different moments of the pandemic. The exhibition has been playing every night from 7pm since March 1 at the Brimbank Community and Civic centre and will continue until April 30. “From my perspective seeing my images projected on a building at four, five storeys is just an incredible feeling,” Whear said. “For a local artist, it’s pretty amazing to see my images up there. It does make me feel proud. “To actually have it in a public place, on a building is pretty special and it’s something that I never thought would happen for me and it has.” Adrian Whear and, inset, Whear standing by his projection. (Damjan Janevski and supplied) 272713_01

Brimbank crime rate falls Brimbank’s overall crime rate fell 16 per cent in 2021, driven by a drop in breaches of family violence orders and thefts. Latest Crime Statistics Agency data reveals 17,022 offences were recorded in Brimbank in 2021, down from 20,231 in 2020. Family incidents fell 6.5 per cent from 3002 in 2020 to 2808 in 2021. According to the data, St Albans recorded the highest number of offences in the municipality (4161) despite recording a fall in the number of offences, while the number of offences recorded in Sunshine North rose by 257.

Brimbank Inspector Trevor King said the declining crime rate could be attributed to last year’s lockdowns. “It was positive to see a steady reduction in serious offences which impact the community such as robberies and car thefts and we continue to remain focused on reducing these types of crimes,” he said. “While it is likely that overall crime will increase as the community returns to normality, the early signs are relatively positive.” Inspector King said police had been working on minimising the number of incidents. “Brimbank police have re-established the

highly visible and effective Brimbank Safer Community Tasking Unit which is dedicated to preventing crime at high risk locations such as transport hubs and community locations,” he said. “The safety of the community is a top priority for police and we will continue to maintain a strong presence in the area, including highly visible patrols in busy community locations such as shopping centres and transport hubs. “We have teams of dedicated officers and detectives who are sharing intelligence on a daily basis to investigate crime and arrest offenders.” Inspector King said the community

KNOW YOURSELF. SHOW YOURSELF. GROW YOURSELF. A mental health festival by the people, for the people

Monday 21st March to Friday 25th March 2022

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could expect to see police ramping up their community engagement in the coming months. “Local members will be reaching out to businesses, local traders, sporting and community groups to understand specific concerns relating to community safety and working together to address these,” he said. “This is about going back to the very basics of police work. “We’re not just listening to what the community’s worried about but getting police to specifically address those concerns. “We’ll then report back on what’s been done.” 12539415-CG12-22

By Max Hatzoglou

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Happy 25th Anniversary KEILOR RETIREMENT VILLAGE

Keilor Village welcomed its first happy resident back in March 1997 Today there are many residents enjoying life in this vibrant, happy village*. For more information on Keilor Village go to www.centennialliving.com.au or call 1300 098 000 *In the most recent DCMI National Retirement Village Resident Survey, Keilor Village rated 8.8 out of 10, a very high level of resident satisfaction. 97% of residents considered the village to be maintained and operated responsibly and professionally.

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2 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

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Taylors Road upgrade approved By Max Hatzoglou Taylors Road will be upgraded after a motion put forward by Brimbank councillor Ranka Rasic passed on March 15. Taylors Road has been causing headaches for motorists as congestion thickens because of new housing developments being built in the area. Cr Rasic said an upgrade was needed immediately. “My passion for upgrading Taylors Road is no surprise, I did it six months ago and I

thought I would revisit it,” Cr Rasic said. “This congested and grid lock road needs to be fixed and it needs to be fixed now. Responsibility for maintaining Taylors Road, west of Kings Road, lies with Brimbank and Melton councils, however responsibility to upgrade the road to accommodate regional transport requirements lies with the state government. “There is an urgent need of upgrading, there is congestion at peak and off peak times causing delays for commuters in Brimbank,”

Cr Rasic said. “We also need traffic lights. “There are tens of thousands of homes currently being developed in the suburbs directly off Taylors Road and this is not sustainable without serious upgrades to the stretch of Taylors Road.” Cr Bruce Lancashire labelled the road as dangerous. “It is certainly an important issue,” he said.’ Cr Maria Kerr, who has driven on the road for over 10 years, said it was one of the most

pressing issues in the area. “This is probably one of the biggest issues that we face in Taylors Ward at the moment,” Cr Kerr said. “The congestion on Taylors Road is unbearable. We’ve also got flooding issues on Taylors Road, it happens every time there is heavy rainfall. “I took this stretch of road from Caroline Springs to Keilor for 10 years straight and it’s not just during peak time, there is congestion there, it is a fatality waiting to happen.”

Crossing over to retirement In her 23 years as a crossing supervisor at Sydenham-Hillside Primary School, Paula Borg has witnessed generations of families grow up before her eyes. “I say about one thousand good mornings every single morning,” Ms Borg said. “They all call me by my name. they’re gorgeous kids. There are kids that were in their mum’s tummy who have since graduated and started work.” On April 8, Ms Borg will retire from the role to enjoy her retirement. She first saw the job advertised in a newspaper in 1999. She had just moved into a home in Hillside at the time located across the road from the school, and thought it was the perfect opportunity. “I rang and I got the job straight away,” she said. “My grandkids went to that school and now my great grandkids go to that school. I get to see him everyday.” She said she had loved the job, but was looking forward to her next chapter. “The school’s so great, I love being around kids, they keep you young,” she said.

Paula Borg is retiring from her position as crossing supervisor at Sydenham-Hillside Primary after 23 years.

(Damjan Janevski) 272667_04

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Calls for rethink on masterplan Former Brimbank mayor John Hedditch has raised concerns about the proposed plans for the new Sunshine precinct, which he labels as “a masterplan based on really poor planning”. The Sunshine Precinct draft masterplan was released by the state government on March 7, and consists of nine different projects which would change the landscape of the area in and around Sunshine Station. Proposed changes included transforming the Harvester Road bridge exit into a bike path and footpath and moving the bus interchange

to the existing car park next to the station on the east side. Mr Hedditch, who is a part of the Victorian Transport Action Group, said the proposed changes to the Harvester Road bridge would cause major congestion issues. “People won’t be able to get around easily and some of the masterplan actually makes it worse by closing down the Harvester Road exit on the bridge and bringing in the footbridge. “Bringing in the footbridge is a good idea but closing down the Harvester Road is a shocker.

“It was built 20 years ago to reduce congestion that was happening all the way up to West Sunshine and down to Wright street. “It was actually built to decongest Sunshine and now what will happen is it will get congested again even more.” Mr Hedditch is calling for an independent expert review of the masterplan. “We’re looking for an independent expert panel review pulled together by the minister for planning before any of this stuff gets built,” he said.

A state government spokesperson encouraged locals to provide feedback on the plan. “We’re encouraging locals to have their say on how we can best plan for the future of the area around Sunshine Station – with all feedback critical to ensuring it’s done right,” the spokesperson said. “Whether you walk, ride or take public transport – we’re asking locals near Sunshine Station to tell us what’s important to them for the future of this key connection in the west.”

Learning in harmony St Albans Heights Primary School will host an event on Thursday, March 24 to celebrate the cultural diversity of Australia during Harmony Week. Harmony Day, which was celebrated on Monday, March 21, is all about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. This year’s Harmony Day event at the school will also include the opening of a new learning space available for multiple purposes including at play time and for outdoor classes. The school will also host a number of activities, including penne and mandala art and auskick AFL footy with parents. Community hub leader Dannielle Tomlinson said the day was a great chance for parents and students from different cultures to connect. “There’s a big range of diverse backgrounds at our school,” Ms Tomlinson said. “We also have a lot of newcomers to the country and people that have English as a second language, a lot of families that have their own communities, but we’ve got some families

that have not connected to their communities yet either. “Harmony Day is going to be a great way for them to connect to familiar people and people with familiar cultures.” Ms Tomlinson also spoke about the importance of inclusion and belongingness in the community and wanting to help achieve that on the day. “I think for a lot of our family that come to Australia and are new to our country and new to our school and a lot of the time, it can be isolating, especially during COVID and lockdown, it made that situation worse,” she said. “Back at home they have their own communities, villages, family members and everyone there to have that input into raising their children. “That’s what we hope the school can help with, give them a new community and a new sense of support, but lockdown really put a dent in that so now we’re really hoping to encourage them to get that back with the families.”

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St Albans Heights Primary School.

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Redevelopment vision for silos By Max Hatzoglou The Sunshine Silos will be transformed into a vibrant community destination, according to a draft masterplan for the site. The masterplan was unevilled during a community meeting on Tuesday, March 15. The site, built between 1965 and 1977, is no longer in use and the owners want options assessed to make it more accessible to the community. The masterplan hopes to make the silos an urban landmark incorporating hospitality venues and services.

For the masterplan to be implemented, the site will need to be rezoned from industrial to multi-purpose. Senior urban designer Will Priestley said the existing silos would need to be knocked down as there weren’t strong enough to be used safely. He said the silos would be reinterpreted in the new construction. “We are also really keen on reinterpreting the concrete silos that are on the site and maintaining it as a landmark role in a new building, that’s a contemporary interpretation of the silos,” he said.

Mr Priestley said the plan was to transform the silos site into a mixed-use neighbourhood. “We think there is a real opportunity for quite a vibrant local destination on the edge of one of the biggest parks in Sunshine and in an area where there is a great opportunity to celebrate the history of Sunshine with something quite special (silos) at the end of that park,” he said. “We think there is an opportunity for a really exciting active ground level.” Mr Priestley spoke about some of the features that would come with the new project.

“A key part would be providing public access all the way along our interface with the park to connect surrounding areas. “We would also be looking at some hospitality uses on ground level so people can get a coffee next to the park. “We are also looking at uses that enhance the recreation role at JR Parsons reserve, we know there are a lot of sports clubs that use the reserves so we were wondering whether we would have uses such as a fitness centre, gym or physio that would help elevate the site as a sports hub.” Details: https://bit.ly/3whvtEP

Council’s green pledge Brimbank council has committed to using 100 per cent renewable electricity from solar, wind and water by 2040, as part of a plan to achieve zero-net greenhouse gas emissions. The target is part of the 100 per cent Renewable Brimbank program, which will be launched on Saturday, April 9. The program aims to help residents, businesses and community groups find solutions to cater for their needs while using renewable energy. In a statement, council said making the change to renewable energy would not only be beneficial to the environment but also to costs for residents and businesses. Mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the program will be a positive step forward for the future. “Brimbank council declared a climate emergency in 2019. In 2020 it set an ambitious target of zero net emissions by 2040, and council believes the key way we can get there is by ‘electrifying everything’ and committing to

100 per cent renewable electricity,” Cr Nguyen said. “By taking action today we can all help make Brimbank’s environment cleaner, greener, cooler and healthier for generations to come. “Investing in renewable electricity from the grid and from solar on our roofs, and electric appliances such as electric heating cooling and appliances, is not only an investment in our environment but also a good long-term investment for our home and business budgets. It is the way of future. “Everyone’s efforts – big and small – will make a difference. Let’s work together to achieve 100 per cent Renewable Brimbank.” The event will be held at St Albans Community Centre, from 10-am-1pm Details: brimbank.vic.gov.au/events Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen announces 100% Renewable Brimbank campaign. (Damjan Janevski) 271572_02

We’re backing you. If you’re looking for work, or you need staff, Jobs Victoria is ready to back you with personalised support, wage subsidies, job search and more. Learn more at jobs.vic.gov.au or call 1300 208 575.

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Let’s Talk

Brimbank Come and meet your local Councillors! You’re invited to join your local Councillors for a chat. You can ask questions and find out more about what Council is doing in the community. Grasslands Ward Saturday 2 April, 10am-12noon Y Kevin Flint Memorial Reserve, Cairnlea (near the off-leash dog park) Cr Victoria Borg

✉ CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0407 836 064

Cr Thuy Dang (Deputy Mayor)

✉ CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0437 744 803

Harvester Ward Saturday 2 April, 2.30-4.30pm Y Hampshire Road, Sunshine (near the Brimbank Community and Civic Centre)

Cr Trung Luu

Cr Jasmine Nguyen (Mayor)

(Damjan Janevski) 272581_02

Temple upgrade pledge

✉ CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0429 365 527

Cr Sarah Branton

Cr Sam David JP

Andrew Giles,Thich Phuoc Tan and Daniel Mulino.

✉ CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0429 355 239

✉ CrLuu@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0437 826 450

Braybook’s Quang Minh Buddhist Temple will be upgraded if Labor wins the upcoming federal election. Fraser MP Daniel Mulino and opposition multicultural affairs spokesperson Andrew Giles visited the temple last week to pledge $100,000 in funding. The proposed upgrade includes new roofing and improved accessibility for the elderly and community members with a disability. The Quang Minh Buddhist Temple is one of the main centres for community gatherings and the expression of faith for Vietnamese Buddhists in the west of Melbourne. Mr Giles said the investment would help celebrate and share the tradition of Australia’s Vietnamese Buddhist community. Mr Mulino said the upgrade would help with economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic by creating jobs. “Quang Minh Temple plays an important role in the lives of many Buddhists across

Fraser and the west and I am delighted that Labor’s new investment will help sustain the outstanding contribution that Quang Minh Temple and its members make to our community,” he said. Quang Minh Temple abbot Thich Phuoc Tan said the upgrades would provide a great opportunity for more people to connect. “Physically all the buildings will be connected so it will be weatherproof when people are moving from one hall to another but it will also mean different generations will be able to connect together,” Mr Phuoc Tan said. “At the moment, when we hold activities we tend to localise in just one building now this connection will help them to come together but it also means that we will be able to expand our range of our activities. “It is a very important development for the future.” Max Hatzoglou

Print and Online Sales Executive

Upcoming Pop-up sessions

✉ CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0437 740 042

Star Weekly Wednesday 23 March, 12-2pm Civic Plaza, Alfrieda Street, St Albans Friday 25 March, 12–2pm Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across Brimbank Central Shopping Centre, Deer Parkand online platforms. our print, digital, social

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

Horseshoe Bend Ward Sunday 3 April, 10am-12noon Y Keilor Village, Old Calder Highway, Keilor Cr Jae Papalia

✉ CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0437 838 710

Cr Virginia Tachos

✉ CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0428 915 671

Taylors Ward Sunday 3 April, 2.30-4.30pm Y The Lakes Reserve, Taylors Lakes

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail Effective time management to meet deadlines Have your• say about how your • Ability to operate in a team household waste is collected. • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication

Key proposed changes: Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we

Cr Maria Kerr

✉ CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0437 796 630

Cr Bruce Lancashire

✉ CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0429 637 689

Cr Ranka Rasic

✉ CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au Î 0437 861 296

provide an allowance. • A new weekly Foodwill Organics and Garden Organics collection The position is salaried, plus we offer an recycling collection • A new monthly glass open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: garbage • A fortnightly collection MandyofClark Group Advertising Sales Manager • Garbage bin lid changed to red, and mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

• Ongoing fortnightly recycling collection

For more information visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au/letstalk

The Victorian Government requires all Councils to move to a 4-bin system by 2030. The 4-bin system will increase recycling and reduce waste going to landfill. Brimbank Council is proposing to introduce the 4-bin system as soon as 2023.

131 450 Local call costs apply

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6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

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Date set to extinguish tip fires By Max Hatzoglou The Barro Group has until August 22 to complete remedial work on hotspot fires at Kealba Landfill, according to a new notice issued by the Environment Protection Authority. Fires have been burning underground at the tip for about two and a half years, generating odours which are impacting nearby residents. In September 2021, the EPA suspended the landfill’s licence due to breaches caused by ongoing hotspots and odour impacting nearby residents.

The suspension followed a notice of intention to suspend issued by the EPA in July, alleging Barro was in contravention of its operating licence due to the odour impacts of the hotspots. Barro Group and the EPA were also involved in legal action in the Supreme Court regarding Barro’s request for an extension to a clean up notice that was issued by the EPA. As reported by Star Weekly, Barro Group asked for further time to resolve the issues at the landfill, which led to the two parties withdrawing from their legal obligation. The new Environmental Action Notice replaces an earlier notice from the EPA which

was recently withdrawn. The new notice will provide extra time to have the works completed in extinguishing the hotspot fires. EPA western Metropolitan regional manager Stephen Lansdell said the new notice will give the local community an indication of when the issue would be resolved. “EPA has been highly vigilant of the situation at the Kealba landfill site and has total empathy with the local community who have endured this issue and odours for far too long,” Mr Lansdell said. “The Environmental Action Notice will help

the community understand when it should expect remedial action will be completed by Barro Group.” Mr Lansdell said Barro Group had already made progress on extinguishing hotspot fires and assured excessive odour would be less frequent. “Progress is being made at the site, with three of the four hotspots now extinguished, and evidence indicates that excessive odour, while still present, is less frequent,” he said. “Our aim is to ensure there are no days of odour impacting outside of the Kealba landfill boundaries.”

Rapping is ON TRACK perspective but just from creating friendships from people they wouldn’t necessarily see otherwise,” Ms Schaefer said. “Getting these kids together and using creative expression in songwriting is really important and key to talking about some of the things that they want to talk about that is going on in their lives.” The program is designed for students to engage with industry specialists and music, in order to learn new skills, instill confidence, have a voice and make new friends and connections through creative collaboration. On Track mentor Ed Moon said he “cannot wait to be back mentoring with On Track in April”. Contact ontrack@mushroomgroup.com. Max Hatzoglou Preet, Regina and Janet. (Joe Mastroianni) 203021_01 ADVERTISEMENT

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ON TRACK, a school holiday music program run through St Albans Secondary College will go into its 16th iritiration in the April school holidays. The program developed by Mushroom Group and supported by the Department of Education and Training, will host a four day program where students will be able to connect through music creation. The program invites neighbouring secondary students from the area to join the free event, which includes turning their experiences into music and lyrics, creating a collaborative track and film clip, undertaking creative workshops and watching live artist performances and interviews. Project director Rebecca Schaefer said it was a great platform for people to connect and express their thoughts through music. “What they get out of it is really meaningful, not just from a music and songwriting

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 7

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Albanvale fire A woman has died following a fire at an Albanvale property on Monday, March 14. Emergency services were called to the Sutherland Street property about 5.20pm following reports of a fire. A 36-year-old woman was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries, where she died on Friday, March 18. A 17-year-old girl was taken to hospital with serious injuries. A 38-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains under police guard. All parties involved in the incident were known to each other and the fire is being treated as suspicious.

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Murder charge Join Friends of Organ Pipes in their 50th year.

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Friends care for nature

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Fifty years ago, in 1972, Organ Pipes National Park was proclaimed. Its stunning and unique basalt columns were formed from ancient molten lava, and rise up in a rocky facade like an organ in a cathedral of Australian scrub. With the park’s creation came the establishment of the Friends of Organ Pipes National Park (FOOPs), to protect and regenerate the area to its original glory, and they want more people to join them. Celebrating their 50th year, FOOPs convener Loretta Beliniak said 15 to 20 people make their way down to a working bee on the fourth Saturday of every month to take part in caring for the land straddling Brimbank and Hume. “We are preserving the national park, it’s the closest national park to Melbourne. “We’re regenerating the area … it was completely farmed out and full of artichoke

thistle, but to get involved, people are bringing back what used to be there,” Ms Beliniak said. “Planting trees, planting understory, and now we’re going to be looking at revegetating along the Calder with beautiful grassland species.” Ms Beliniak said it was “so nice to see” the return of native animals after FOOPs re-planted the area’s indigenous tree species. “We get this great feeling when we’re doing our sugar glider monitoring and our bat monitoring that not only are we looking after the flora, but we’re actually bringing back the fauna and giving them habitat,” she said. Their next working bee will be a joint event for Clean Up Australia Day. To be a part of it, head to the Organ Pipes National Park visitor centre at 9am on Saturday, March 26.

An 18 year-year-old Ascot Vale man has been charged with murder over the death of Chris Habiyakare in Sunshine North last year. The man was arrested in Docklands on Wednesday, March 16. A 21-year-old Tarneit man and a 20-year-old Keilor Downs man were also arrested but later released from custody. Mr Habiyakare died in his home on August 24. Emergency services were called to the home about 8.35pm and provided medical treatment, although Mr Habiyakare died at the scene. Two other men have also been charged with murder over Mr Habiyakare’s death after being arrested by police on November 30, 2021.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Elsie Lange

Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly

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Digital Edition

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The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication

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.

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

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.

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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

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Fire sparks call to arms

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

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Friday 18 & Saturday 19 March TOURS NOW AVAILABLE!

We are excited to let you know we are hosting more open days at Essendon Terrace, so if you were unable to make it last time, now is your chance. You’ll be impressed by the spacious one and twobedroom retirement living apartments, with many enjoying spectacular views of Melbourne’s skyline. With one-bedroom retirement apartments starting at $510,000, Essendon Terrace is the perfect choice if you're looking to downsize. BOOK YOUR TOUR

Tours are available on Friday 18 & Saturday 19 March between 10am and 4.30pm. To maintain Covid-safe protocols, bookings are essential. Scan the QR code or call 1800 314 425.

Please note, to visit Essendon Terrace vaccine certiﬁcates are required.

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Schools record positive results By Max Hatzoglou A number of Brimbank school recoded above average results during last year’s NAPLAN tests. The NAPLAN test occurs nationally and is a test of numeracy and literacy taken by students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 each year. St Albans Heights Primary School had pupils recording above average results across reading and writing. Sunshine Harvester Primary School, St Albans Meadows Primary School and University Park Primary School also recorded above average results in all three categories.

‘‘

This goes to show the spirit of our teachers

’’

- Natalie Suleyman

University Park Primary School assistant principal Natalie Cummaudo said a focus on wellbeing helped pupils achieve strong results. “Teachers have supported student wellbeing as a priority during the COVID pandemic, leading to increased engagement,” Ms Cummaudo said.

“Teachers have worked with students to develop their test taking skills and their ability to monitor their own progress and to set personal goals, resulting in success for our students.” St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman said she was pleased with the results despite the challenges that students have been presented with. “I’m very proud of the schools in St Albans,” Ms Suleyman said. “In particular with what we have seen in the last two years with the pandemic, St Albans has really been able to achieve the best results and that’s thanks to the teachers, the school community and families for making

this possible.” Schools did not take part in the NAPLAN test in 2020 due to lockdowns as students had to take up schooling from home through online classes. Ms Suleyman said she was satisfied with the way schools were able to recover from these interruptions. “This goes to show the spirit of our teachers, the dedication and the commitment we all have to make sure our kids are getting the best education,” she said. “Our schools in St Albans have always been doing well.”

YOUR SAY Re: ‘Call for airport curfew’ (Star Weekly, March 2, 2022)

Australian Navy at the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club in 2019.

I would like to support Jan Xi’s call for a curfew on Melbourne airport. I live in Newport and although under the flight path I am one of the least affected by the current and proposed third runway, I am often woken by the heavy aircraft that come in at 3am. My heart breaks however for those in Braybook and Footscray who are so much closer to the airport, families with little children and babies, people whose health and well-being are going to be so seriously threatened by the noise, and the pollution of this third runway. I am also angered by the members of Parliament, both state and federal who are doing nothing to protect the people of the west, the people whose interests they are supposed to represent. I have written to both and received nothing but dismissive replies. Who will speak up and insist on a curfew?

(Supplied)

Australian Navy bats up at Sunshine The Royal Australian Navy will be visiting the Sunshine Heights Cricket Club on March 22 to play in a special T20 cricket match. The community is invited to attend the match which will feature presentations from navy representatives, Brimbank councillors and Cricket Australia officers as well as action on the cricket field. The T20 match is set to feature Perth Scorchers Big Bash leg spinner Peter Hatzoglou, who played all his juniors at the club. Australian Navy support project officer Nick Magafas, who is also a member of Sunshine Heights Cricket Club, said it was great to be able to promote the Navy in diverse communities.

Mr Magafas also said it was a great opportunity for the Navy to engage with new cultures and grow its workforce closer to 20,000 people. It is the second time the Navy will be visiting Sunshine Heights Cricket Club for a T20 match, following the inaugural event in December 2019. Lieutenant Commander Ian Napthali said the event provided a great opportunity for the Navy to act on its aims to recruit from diverse backgrounds. “It’s a great opportunity for the Navy to reach out to a non-traditional audience for us,” he said.

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

“With the new shipbuilding program, we’re trying to grow the Navy, make it bigger and we can’t keep recruiting from the same sort of population pool that we have been so it’s a great opportunity because we can reach out to people we don’t normally recruit from. “And they bring a lot of diversity and a different flavor to the navy that will actually make the navy more effective to achieve our mission which is to defend Australia at sea.” Details: https://bit.ly/3q3sITA Max Hatzoglou

Margaret Dugdale Newport

HAVE YOUR SAY Star Weekly welcomes letters to the editor as well as comments and story tips on our websites and Facebook pages. Post: Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Email: westletters@starweekly.com.au Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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MY PLACE Mohammed Isah has over 12 years of experience working with the community delivering programs that support diverse groups including youths, refugees and asylum seekers. He is currently working at Brimbank council as the neighbourhood house – community centre unit co-ordinator.

What has inspired you to serve the community? My inspiration to serve the community started at age 16 when I was volunteering at a youth drop-in centre. A young person came up to me and told me a story about their life and because of the experience I’ve previously had, I felt helpless as I was not able to assist this person. At the time I didn’t know anything, I was not qualified. This encounter spurred me to action. My first-hand experience was a key motivator in me pursuing a career in the community service sector. I remain committed to serving the needs of our diverse communities through a collective impact approach. You have a great wealth of experience delivering successful programs that have supported the community for over a decade now, what are you most proud of? I would have to say the thing I am most proud of

is initiating my first project in the organisation I completed my student placement. When I was an aspiring social worker, bringing together a group of people to understand their needs and issues, working alongside them to develop solutions had been the pinnacle of my definition of success. It led to the development of a holistic wraparound support for that community with longer term impact. Even though I have delivered much more substantial and life changing programs since then, this memory is what I am most proud of. A chance to finally prove myself as a social worker. What do you hope to see in the future of Brimbank? I would like to highlight how fortunate we are in Brimbank to be a vibrant and diverse community with a high percentage of our population born overseas and a wide variety of languages spoken by residents. Our collective strengths place us in a unique position to work with and alongside one another in order to stay relevant and responsive to community needs. Can you tell us more about the neighbourhood houses and Ccommunity centres? Neighbourhood houses and community centres are friendly places for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. The centres aim to provide opportunities for individuals to enrich their lives through social connection, culture and learning. Our neighbourhood houses and community centres offer classes and activities that are generally low cost or free, and cover topics such as, health and wellbeing, art, sport, digital literacy and much more.

(Damjan Janevski) 272636_01

What is your connection to Brimbank? I have worked in Brimbank since 2017. I arrived in Australia with my family at age 12 with the motivation and desire to escape. From my vantage point as a migrant, I have seen that multiculturalism has enriched every aspect of Australian life. Since 2017 I have been involved and worked along numerous community groups and programs that foster an environment enabling individuals and groups to maximise our greatest asset ‘our diversity’. Currently I am the neighbourhood houses – community centres unit co-ordinator at Brimbank City Council, a position where we work with and alongside community to create social change and longer-term impact.

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Lunch on us! DATE

29 March, 2022

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12:30pm lunch

To give you an update and more information about the Village, we would like to invite you to a complimentary luncheon. Enjoy a two-course meal in style! This complimentary event, exclusive to residents and special guests of Point Cook Village, is a great opportunity to get to know others who are thinking of joining the vibrant Point Cook Village community. Registration is essential and attendees must be, or must be accompanied by a person of retirement age.

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pointcookvillage.com.au 320 Point Cook Road, Point Cook

For more information about our range of retirement communities visit: rcavillages.com.au Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

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West tourism in ‘no-man’s-land’ By Oliver Lees An organisation dedicated to promoting the tourism sector in Melbourne’s west believes the region has been overlooked by the state government’s strategy to revive the struggling industry. Western Melbourne Tourism (WMT) works in partnership with local government, local business and universities across six council areas in the west to advocate on the industry’s behalf to the state and federal government. Last month, Victoria once again opened its borders to vaccinated international travellers in what was seen as a welcome step

for tourism providers. But WMT and independent analysts feel the western region will struggle to rebound at the rate of other parts of the state. A WMT spokesperson added that unlike the CBD and regional Victoria, Melbourne’s west relies more on those coming to the region to visit friends and relatives, domestic business and international students, rather than traditional holiday tourism. WMT executive officer Richard Ponsford told Star Weekly that the large multicultural population in the west means many individuals and businesses depend on international visitation.

“We’re sort of in a no-man’s-land, we haven’t enjoyed quite the same levels of support that the CBD and regional Victoria has,” Mr Ponsford said. Mr Ponsford said while the WMT welcomed the state government’s $200 million announce for the tourism sector, he felt at a state and federal government level, the funneling of funds to regional areas and the CBD was unfair. According to Tourism Research Australia data, domestic overnight visitor spending dropped 68 per cent within the greater Melbourne region, which includes the CBD and Melbourne’s west, from the first 10 months of 2019 to the same time 2021.

Decisive Consulting analyst Karl Flowers said this change has hit the west specifically, as many residents from the region work within the visitor economy. “The worst affected Australian industry by COVID has been the visitor economy and the worst affected area in Australia of this worst affected industry is central and western Melbourne,” Mr Flowers said. A Visit Victoria spokesperson told Star Weekly that it works closely with WMT. “Visit Victoria contributed to Western Melbourne Tourism’s 2021-24 Tourism Strategy and remains in discussion about delivering on the strategy’s objectives,” the spokesperson said.

House auction for RCH Looking after an unwell child is hard enough as it is – adding the anxiety of a pandemic to the equation has been a nightmare for the families of sick kids. But it’s the staff at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) who make their lives easier, working through lockdowns, taking on new protocols and facing nervous patients to keep kids and families safe. This year’s Good Friday Appeal Charity House Auction, Villawood Properties’ largest philanthropic initiative, is now giving back to those workers – with this year’s Henley Vogue 34 home, situated in the brand-new Redstone community in Sunbury, up for auction. Families with connections to the RCH Foundation and Rupertswood Football Netball Club in Sunbury gathered together at the home recently to show their gratitude to the hospital and its staff. Kellie Spencer’s son Mitchell has been a

regular patient at the RCH since he was just four years old, when he was diagnosed with a bone cyst in his upper arm. He loves playing football, and even though his diagnosis could have been a barrier, the RCH has been there every step of the way to monitor the issue to keep him healthy and allow him to play. “The Royal Children’s is a real eye-opener when you see how sick its kids are,” Ms Spencer said. “But it’s brilliant and you get all the support you need.” This year’s home will be auctioned on Friday, April 15. Sunbury RCH kids with Good Friday Appeal chair Penny Fowler and executive director Rebecca Cowan, together with Henley’s Tony Blackshaw and Villawood’s Alan Miller, at the Redstone Charity House. (Supplied)

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Production honours Sondheim By Alesha Capone Theatre and musical producer Adrian Storey has worked on everything from Shakespeare to opera during his 30 years in the show business industry. However, the Point Cook resident said his upcoming production of the Tony Award-nominated Sondheim on Sondheim has a special place in his heart. The show, directed by Tyran Parke, is touring the nation and will be performed in Melbourne on April 5 and 6. Starring singers including Anton Berezin and Rhonda Burchmore, the concert is a tribute to famous composer Stephen Sondheim. Sondheim, who died in November 2021, wrote the music and lyrics for many shows including Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday In The Park With George and Into The Woods, and lyrics for West Side Story and Gypsy. Storey said he was lucky enough to meet Sondheim while producing one of his musicals, Passion, in London’s West End during 1996. Sondheim on Sondheim features songs from 19 of the composer’s shows, as well as videos of interviews about the inspiration behind his music. Storey said that with Sondheim’s recent passing, it seemed fitting to stage a tribute to the man, featuring performers who know his work well. “It’s great fun to sit with your peers and put a creative show together,” Storey said. “It really is a once in a lifetime experience to attend as an audience, unless you go twice.” Storey said that meeting different characters, including well-known actors and writers, was a highlight of his job. He has worked with many famous people during his career, including Peter Bowles,

Adrian Storey is a producer of the Tony Award-nominated show, Sondheim on Sondheim.

Felicity Kendal, Penelope Keith, Holly Hunter, John Hurt, Matthew Perry, Minnie Driver, Hank Azaria, Lisa McCune, David Hobson and Todd McKenney. “I worked with Eric Sykes, one of the original Goons, working with him and seeing his comedy was brilliant, we did a show together at the Piccadilly Theatre,” Storey said. “Sharing a Scotch with him after the show and talking to him about everyday tings was fantastic.”

(Damjan Janevski) 266688_04

Storey’s shows have toured throughout the United Kingdom, United States, Israel, India and Australia. He moved to Australia after “falling in love with the country” during 2008 and later started his own business, StoreyBoard Entertainment. In Australia, he has worked on the blockbuster musicals Jersey Boys, Hairspray, A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, South Pacific, The King & I and Anything Goes.

“I’ve been lucky to work with brilliant people, designers, performers and directors,” Storey said. “Opening nights and red carpets are always glamorous, but there is a pretty arduous and detailed process to get through to that point. “It’s challenging but it’s good fun.” Sondheim on Sondheim will be on at the Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, on April 5 and 6. Details: http://sondheimonsondheim. com.au

Too many workers face this every day It’s never ok

worksafe.vic.gov.au/itsneverok

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

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Giving cricket and life a crack South Sudanese-born cricketer Akon Mawien has been through a lot in his life. His incredible resilience has helped him get through many challenges, including a stint in jail, and forge a new life for himself in Australia as he tells Max Hatzoglou.

orn in a small village in Tonj, South Sudan, Akon Mawien was just two years old when he suffered a life threatening injury after a table collapsed on him, splitting his head open. Mawien had to flee his home to receive medical treatment, 1130 km away in Kenya. At the time, no one in his immediate family would have thought they would not see him for another 16 years. There’s a story to tell here. Luckily, with the right medical help, Mawien recovered from the accident. With Mawien in Kenya were his uncle, aunt and cousins who lived in the refugee camp and looked after him while the rest of his family were back in the village in South Sudan working on the farm. After Mawien fully recovered, his parents agreed to let him stay in the refugee camp in Kenya with his cousins as the potential opportunities, including resettlement in Australia, were too good to turn down.

‘‘

I had those experiences that I wouldn’t have gotten if I went to a community that didn’t embrace me

’’

- Akon Mawien In 2002, after two and a half years in the camp, the extended family was granted asylum by Australia. It would be 16 years before Mawien was reunited with his immediate family, when he and his cousin, Ringo, travelled back to the family village in South Sudan. For the first time Mawien was able to hear about the accident which injured his head from his parents. “I was able to go back, meet my mum, meet my dad and they told me the story of exactly what happened,” Mawien said. Mawien was also able to see remains of his skull that his mum had kept. “It is pretty weird to see pieces of my own skull,” Mawien admitted. “It goes to show that it was a pretty serious incident for it to break chunks out of my skull.” Mawien took it as a lucky charm however as it brought about a life changing opportunity for him through his move to Kenya and, ultimately, Australia. “I was able to survive it and I was able to come to Australia just because of an incident like that and it has come out better on the other side.” Since moving to Australia, Mawien has lived the majority of his life in Brimbank. Unfortunately living in Australia meant contact with his parents would be limited as communication with his family’s village is almost non-existent. The only way Mawien has been able to keep in touch with his family is through his older sister, Akuach, who lives in Juba, 544km south-west of the family’s home village. Living away from his parents with his aunt and five cousins in Australia, Mawien said he commonly thought about his mum and dad and what life would be like having them around. “I wish I grew up with my own mum and my dad, and had that privilege,” he said. “Those sorts of questions always come to my mind.” Mawien, like many refugees in Australia, appreciated and benefitted from the support he was given since arriving in the country. “The best thing about making friends in Australia was they could be there for you as a support and I had that,” he said. Determined to embrace Australian life, Mawien joined his local cricket club, Sunshine Heights, which started his incredible cricketing journey that now sees him playing and living in Adelaide. “I had those experiences that I wouldn’t have

Main: Akon Mawien as a junior cricketer at Sunshine Heights Cricket Club. (Star Weekly) Top right: Mawien celebrating his first wicket for Melbourne University Cricket Club on debut. (Arj Giese) Centre right: Mawien receiving his Brimbank Athlete of the Year award in 2014. Bottom right: Akon Mawien with cousin Ringo Mawien in South Sudan in 2018. (Pictures: Supplied)

gotten if I went to a community that didn’t embrace me,” he said. Mawien along with other primary school friends, including South Sudanese kids, were able to join Sunshine Heights thanks to the help of teacher Matthew Shawcross, who invited the kids to his club for a bat and bowl. This led to amazing experiences for Mawien and his friends, including cricket trips overseas to Greece and Sri Lanka. The club also offered a strong network of support. With a talent for fast bowling, Mawien quickly progressed through the ranks, winning the Brimbank Athlete of the Year award in 2014. Mawien then represented the western region as a fast bowler and was close to making the under 17 Victorian state team before injuries hindered him from playing. Mawien suffered multiple injuries that kept him out of the game for long periods. “It was a very stressful period for me being away from a sport you enjoy,” he said. “You’re not able to play because it hurts when you’re playing so it is hard to accept sometimes that you have to take time away from the game to rest up. “At a young age like that, it’s hard to keep yourself away from sport, you always just want to be in the action so it was a hard period.“ A series of injuries meant Mawien could not play cricket or work in his construction job, leaving him unemployed, short on money and lacking the support network that comes with belonging to a sporting club. Suddenly, Mawien found himself mixing with the wrong crowd, which led to criminal activity involving two robberies in 2016. Determined to get back on the right track, Mawien learnt from his mistakes and has bounced back, becoming a stronger person despite the adversity through his love of cricket. “Reflecting on it, I just see a young kid that thought he knew what he was doing, that didn’t reach out to his friends and coaches and just let them know that he needs some help,” Mawien said. “At that stage you think you know

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

everything, you think you’ve got it sorted out.“ His biggest lesson was to seek help from others and to speak up in difficult times. “Lean on your coaches, lean on your family, it’s better off to get it off your chest because things build up.” Mawien avoided a jail sentence in 2019 as the judge deemed his actions to be out of character. He faced a month in custody after the incident and a challenging year of strict bail conditions, signing in with police three times a week and having a 7pm curfew. “It was really difficult but I knew I had to accept the consequences of my actions which is something that you don’t really think about when you’re that young, but I knew I had to accept it. “I knew it was my fault and got myself into that position so for those two years, it was really hard.” Mawien remembers a key moment that sparked a change. “I remember being in my cell and I just told myself ‘this is not a place that I want to be in, I’ve got people that have sacrificed too much for me to just throw away my life like this’, so I made a promise to myself that when I got out, I was going to do the right things.” A trip back home to the village in South Sudan to meet his mum and dad after 16 years was a step to getting back on the right path. Helping Mawien’s recovery was also his comeback to Sunshine Heights Cricket Club, where he was able to reconnect with the game he loved. In his first season back, Mawien’s talents shone through as he snared 25 wickets, including two five-wicket hauls. Towards the end of the season, a former Heights teammate invited him to a session with Victorian Premier Cricket club Melbourne University. “The uni boys were really good. The coach at the time, Antony Keely, was really welcoming and they got around me and it was easy to make a decision to play there the following season,” Mawien said. Bowling right arm fast, Mawien made the

move and debuted in the first XI in his maiden game for the club. Mawien scored the winning runs for Uni and was stoked to play after overcoming so many hurdles. “It was an unreal experience to be honest,” he said. “It was nerve racking. I was really nervous, but it reassured me and told me, ‘look at the end of the day you can really give this a good crack’. “Two years ago, from not even playing cricket to debuting in the ones, it gave me hope that things were still in reach and if I keep working hard, who knows where things could end up.” Mawien has since moved to Adelaide where he has been invited to train with the South Australian Redbacks team on multiple occasions and represents his premier club, Prospect District Cricket Club. He has also been mentoring fellow fast bowlers. Mawien was also grateful for the opportunity to train with the South Australian state team for a few weeks. “That was a great experience, having coaches like Jason Gillespie and Luke Butterworth give you feedback and tips is awesome,” he said. “And even the batsmen themselves. It is always encouraging to be able to talk to guys at the next level and know that you’re not too far away from them. “It was a really enjoyable experience.” Reflecting on his journey, Mawien is proud of the resilience he has shown. “I feel like I’m a really resilient person and made the most of the second chance that I was given.” Mawien’s dream is to begin a professional cricket career in the next few years. “Hopefully you can see me running around on the cricket field professionally in the next few years whether that’s big bash, shield cricket or overseas. “I will keep working on my construction career in the meantime but for now, I’m trying to give cricket a good crack and see how far I can take it.”

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

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March 19, 2002

March 13, 2012

Put it in the east, put it in the north, put it in the desert, but do not put it in the western suburbs.

Voters and candidates have described last Saturday’s Brimbank council elections as disastrous.

Angry residents opposing a soil recycling plant at Deer Park abused members of the Government’s Hazardous Waste Siting Advisory Committee (HWSAC) at a fiery meeting in Melton on Thursday.

Building activity in Brimbank is on the slide, according to new state government figures.

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Dental prosthetists Sam Robertson and Kathy Danoucaras. (Damjan Janevski) 211284_03

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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

Know Yourself Breaking ground as the first dedicated mental health festival of its kind in Brimbank, the Know Yourself, Show Yourself, Grow Yourself Festival aims to raise awareness and normalise conversations about mental health. The weeklong festival will run until Friday, March 25, at Sunshine Heights Primary School, and feature a free public program bustling with workshops, guest speakers and experiences centered on core tenets of mental health and wellbeing; fostering diversity, inclusion, connection, courage and belonging along the journey line. ■ https://www.knowshowgrowfestival.com/ program

Writers and Readers Festival The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival is an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, and promotes lifelong learning in Brimbank. The free festival, which runs until March 26, includes workshops, author talks, panel discussions, writing, storytelling and more. ■ https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ writersfestival The photo of the week is of artist Rob Mancini with his WILD WEST installation.

(Damjan Janevski) 272777_01

Keilor probus The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business following the lockdowns. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub. New members welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801.

helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre has set up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday, from 1pm, as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting. ■ 9311 9973

Garden club The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Senior citizens club

Taylors Lakes Football Club is seeking male and female players for all age groups from under-8s to under-18.5s. To be eligible, children need to be born between July 1, 2003, and April 30, 2015. ■ Julie, 0409 259 389

Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities are offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 years or older and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

Deer Park probus

Community outings

The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

Hikoi Brothers is for men of all ages in the western suburbs. The group meets fortnightly on Sundays for walks, talking about a range of topics while enjoying the different tracks in Wyndham. ■ http://ow.ly/JpJR50HOVuN

Football

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Val, 0418 138 214

Join Landcare The Friends of Presidents Park meet on the first Thursday of the month, 10am–noon. This is a new conservation group. No prior knowledge required. Meet in the carpark near the river and Shaws Bridge. ■ admin@werribeeriver.org.au

U3A Werribee U3A Werribee Region is a not-for-profit organisation consisting of semi-retired and retired residents of Wyndham. It conducts a variety of weekly classes run by volunteers. ■ Rick, 0402 299 220

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

AL-ANON meets

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. ■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street,

Toastmasters Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

Greensborough.

Walking group Altona Meadows and Newport residents are invited to take part in a Heart Foundation walking group that meets on Wednesdays and Fridays. The group walks for 60 minutes, and is a great way to socialise and get active at the same time. Members are required to register with the Heart Foundation to join. ■ Ian Watson 0411 566 862 or https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Altona-Meadowsand-Newport-Heart-Foundation-WalkingGroups

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month for the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts more than 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. From 10am-4pm. ■ https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-CraftMarket

band. Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7.30pm at the Newport Lakes Primary School, Elizabeth Street, Newport. ■ Roger Lewis, hbcityband@gmail.com, or www.hbcb.org.au

Altona North combined probus The Altona North combined probus club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere. ■ Lesley, 0414 481 442

Rotary club Rotary Club of Point Gellibrand meets at Customs House Hotel, 161 Nelson Place, Williamstown, on the first and third Tuesday of the month from 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner meeting. Visitors welcome. ■ Pam, 0418 347 691 or rotarypointgellibrand@gmail.com

Mouth organ band The Yarraville Mouth Organ Band meets Friday evenings at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. Great music, friendly atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. ■ Heather, 9399 2190

Conversation Cafe The Conversation Cafe is back on at Footscray and Braybrook libraries. The Cafe gives people the chance to meet new people and practice English conversation skills in a relaxed and friendly environment. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Conversation-Cafe

Friendship Group Altona Day View (Voice Interest and Education of Women) Club meets at 11am on the third Wednesday of the month at Altona RSL. The club is always open to new members, and anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch today and see what it’s all about. ■ Janet 9394 6522 or 0412 010 176

Diabetes support group The Westgate diabetes support group meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Altona Bowling Club at 10am. ■ Elaine, 0415 030 996

Heritage walks Enjoy a leisurely two-hour walk around historic Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9.20am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place. ■ John, 0418 377 336

Musicians welcome Do you play trumpet, flute or lower brass instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join its community

Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club The Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club meets at 10am on the second Tuesday of each month at the Melton Country Club. The group is open to everyone, new and old members, to get together and discover the social aspects of the group. ■ Ann 0425 705 150

Singing group Do you enjoy singing and want to meet fellow singers in your area? Join the Melton South Community Singers at the Melton South Community Centre. Rehearsals are held on the first and third Tuesday of each month. ■ Sue, 0400 082 413

PUZZLES No. 073

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.

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

7 6 9 2 3 5 4 6 2 2

3 4

9 1

Thin (6) Egyptian god of the afterlife (6) Playground (5) Great rock or snow fall (9) Least sufficient (9) Force out (5) First-aid item (6) Lots (4) Pig meat (4) Long-distance racehorse (6) Practice (5) Unashamed (9) Variety of nut (9) Level of a building (5) Bears (6) Actor, — Brie (6)

10 11 12 13 14 15 19 20 24 25 27 28 29 30

No. 073

Hardy (7) Having a pleasing shape (7) Formula (6) Takes by theft (6) Sham (4) Relating to the planet Mars (7) Dry spell (7) Tropical storms (8) American football (8) Composed of incongruous parts (7) Weepy (7) Provide (6) Annoyance (6) At the top (4)

3 5 6 7 8 9

ACROSS 1 4

easy

QUICK CROSSWORD

16 17 18 19 21 22 23 26

DOWN Pelt of ocean mammal (8) An Australian state capital (8)

1 2

DECODER

No. 073

8 4 1 3 5 4 6 8 5

6 5

8 hard

3 5 1

5 7 4

Today’s Aim: 4 words: Good 6 words: Very good

A N

4 LETTERS ARGO ATOM EROS GETS HERE IONA MARE MEAD MUST PASS POPE POST SAME SARA

No. 073

IDAHO INDIE IRATE KENYA LABEL LANCE LARGE LATHE LLAMA LOGOS MAHDI MAILS MAMBO MARIO MATER MISER PLATE PLEAD PLUSH PRESS REAMS

SAMOA SCALE SIGMA SWEET SYNOD TENET TRIED UNION UTTER 6 LETTERS DERAIL ENCAMP HERNIA INSIDE

7 LETTERS GALLANT HINTING MAGENTA MARKING ROLLING TOPSPIN 8 LETTERS DETAILED DOORSTOP ORIENTED PALATIAL

anion, anoint, anon, anti, INANITION, iota, nation, nota, tannin

No. 073 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

4 3 2 5 6 7 8 9 1

1 9 8 3 2 4 5 7 6

8 6 3 4 7 2 9 1 5

2 4 9 6 5 1 3 8 7

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

25-03-22

QUICK QUIZ

The Jacobin Club is associated with which historical revolution?

Who directed the 2022 Disney film Turning Red?

In which country is Krakatoa located?

In what year did Krakatoa famously last erupt, destroying 70 per cent of the island?

Which of these sports was not introduced at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics: 3x3 basketball, freestyle BMX, 5x5 Rugby?

Which political party has ruled Singapore since becoming independent in 1959?

What is the literal English translation of the term 'de jure'?

8 3 5 6 1 9 2 7 4

5 7 6 1 8 9 2 3 4

E D Y

L V E

A S E L I T R O S A R S

E N T

5 LETTERS ADAGE AGATE ALARM AMASS AMONG APRIL ARRAS ASSAM BINGO CRETE DATES EATEN EDGES ELITE ENDOW ENTER EWERS FLAGS GRANT HINGE

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

E E

L R

3 8 4 7 1 5 6 2 9

9 1 5 2 3 6 7 4 8

2 6 9 7 5 4 3 1 8

7 4 1 3 8 2 6 5 9

9 7 4 1 6 8 5 2 3

4 9 7 3 8 2 1 5 6

7 6 4 1 5 8 9 2 3

9 3 2 4 6 7 5 8 1

1 8 5 2 3 9 6 4 7

8 4 6 9 1 3 2 7 5

3 2 1 5 7 4 8 6 9

10 11 12 13

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”.

9 words: Excellent

S I

9-LETTER WORD

6 8 3 5 2 7 9 4 1

5 1 2 4 9 3 8 6 7

4 5 8 9 7 6 1 3 2

3 9 6 2 4 1 7 8 5

1 2 7 8 3 5 4 9 6

5 7 9 8 2 6 3 1 4

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

medium

easy

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

hard

5x5

3 LETTERS ACE AFL AGE ALA AND ANY ASP ENT ERA GAR GAS GEM HOE ILL INC IRE LAS NBA NIT PEA RAW SHE TEE YEA

KQG B I L F S R D AO P

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

U V Z C Y MXWN E H J T

WORDFIT

Which two monarchs were placed on the British throne after the 1688 Glorious Revolution?

The Matterhorn (pictured) straddles the border of which two countries?

10 Hepburn romanisation refers to the commonly-used translation method of which language into the Latin alphabet? ANSWERS: 1. French Revolution 2. Indonesia 3. 1883 4. People's Action Party 5. Mary II and William III 6. Italy and Switzerland 7. Domee Shi 8. 5x5 Rugby 9. 'By law' 10. Japanese

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Australian golfer recently won the so-called 'fifth major', the Players Championship?

5. What team is the winner set to then face in the 2022 A-League Women Grand Final?

2. The NRLW has announced plans to expand to how many teams by the year 2024?

6. Who is the current captain of Australia's women's national cricket team?

3. Which Formula One racing driver has announced plans to add his mother's maiden name to his own? 4. Which two teams are set to compete in the 2022 A-League Women Preliminary Final?

7. Which country is currently hosting the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup? 8. Babar Azam is the current captain of which national men's cricket team? 9. What medal did Australian decathlete Ash Moloney win at the 2020 Olympic Games? 10. Why was the start of a recent Oklahoma City Thunder v Memphis Grizzlies NBA game delayed? 11. Which Australian cricketer comically fell into a hotel swimming pool in the lead-up to the Second Test against Pakistan? 12. Russian F1 driver Nikita Mazepin is being replaced at the Haas team for the 2022 season by which Danish driver?

13. Who is the CEO of the AFL Women's football competition? 14. What was the nickname of the Australian men's rowing team that won two gold medals in the 1990s? 15. In the First Test against Pakistan, how many wickets did Australia take for the entire match, which ended in a dour draw?

Serena Williams

16. Who is the current captain of the Australian men’s national soccer team? 17. Which Australian Super Rugby team is based in Canberra? 18. Which AFL club 'won' the 2021 wooden spoon, the 14th in their history? 19. Which Williams F1 driver won the first race at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne in 1996?

22. What cricket team lost their first three games to Australia, West Indies and South Africa the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup?

27. Nick Kyrgios, Alex de Minaur and what Australian female tennis player all reached the fourth round of the 2022 Indian Wells Masters?

23. Minnesota Timberwolves player Karl-Anthony Towns recently scored a team-record how many points against the San Antonio Spurs?

28. Brisbane Lions will play which Melbournebased club in the 2022 AFLW finals?

24. What African country was the first to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup?

20. The emerging Western Australian wicketkeeperbatsman, Josh Inglis, was born in which country?

25. What AFL team does Ben McEvoy captain?

21. The Gujarat Titans are a new team in which sporting competition taking place in April 2022?

26. What AFL stadium recently had two new large scoreboards installed at the ground?

29. Which director recently provoked controversy by comparing herself to Venus and Serena Williams? 30. What city will host the 2028 Summer Olympic Games?

Nick Kyrgios 2503

1. Cameron Smith 2. 10 3. Lewis Hamilton 4. Melbourne City, and Melbourne Victory 5. Sydney FC 6. Meg Lanning 7. New Zealand 8. Pakistan 9. Bronze 10. Both teams were wearing white uniforms 11. Alex Carey 12. Kevin Magnussen 13. Nicole Livingstone 14. Oarsome Foursome 15. Four 16. Mathew Ryan 17. Brumbies 18. North Melbourne 19. Damon Hill 20. England 21. Indian Premier League 22. England 23. 60 points 24. Egypt 25. Hawthorn 26. Marvel Stadium 27. Daria Saville 28. Collingwood 29. Jane Campion 30. Los Angeles

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Audi delivers its pocket rocket By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring It’s taken a long time, but Australia has finally caught up with the Audi SQ2 pocket rocket sports utility vehicle. With a worldwide shift to SUVs, after some years on sale in Europe, Audi has taken the opportunity to launch a refreshed version of the performance compact Down Under. Audis with an ‘S’ prefix in the model designation are generally accepted to have something special and the SQ2 is no exception. How does zero to a hundred kays in 4.9 seconds sound? It’s all down to a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine, mated with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission and the maker’s famed quattro all-wheel drive. Plus, sport suspension and progressive steering to ensure performance is up to sporting scratch for a compact SUV. And what’s the price of this driving experience, as I did over an all-too-brief week with the super-SUV. It’s $64,400 when you take in on-road costs.

Styling Up front the SQ2 eschews modern-day sports utility vehicle matt black radiator grille for a highly decorative pattern of shiny metallic swirls and straight lines, flanked by Matrix LED headlamps, dynamic indicators and large geometric air intakes. Side on, the car maintains SUV status quo with square proportions from bonnet to boot, the only concession to crossover coupe styling being a shallow dip of the roof approaching the C-pillar. Nothing can compare with the bling of the front, except maybe the red brake calipers lurking behind five double-spoke V-style 19-inch alloy wheels and double twin chrome

The Audi SQ2 quick to introduce a new level of performance to the compact SUV segment. (Supplied)

exhaust tips poking from under the rear bumper.

Interior The cabin is straight off the Audi performance car shelf. Front occupants are firmly welcomed by heated sport seats in Nappa leather with ‘S’ embossed black upholstery. The ‘S’ logo is repeated on the three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifts and multifunction buttons. The 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit with S-specific display has a configurable information display, while an 8.3-inch dash-mounted screen features MMI navigation plus, smartphone interface for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, DAB digital radio and Audi Drive Select info.

Infotainment Occupants can be entertained via a Bang & Olufsen Premium sound system, featuring 14 hi-fi speakers outputting a total of 705 Watts. Wireless phone charging is a convenient fixture.

Engines / Transmissions Four cylinders in line add up to 1.984 litres developing maximum power of 221 kW between 5300 and 6500 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2000 to 5200 revs on Premium unleaded petrol. Power is put to ground through a seven-speed S tronic transmission and Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system.

Safety The SQ2 features the Audi Pre-Sense basic system, with adaptive cruise control with stop/ go, active lane assist and side assist (blind spot alert). Also included are Pre-Sense City, with autonomous emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist detection. Also, on hand is Parking System Plus, front and rear, with rear view camera and park assist.

Driving At the heart of the SQ2 performance is the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine,

capable of delivering peak power of 221 kW at 5300 rpm, and 400 Nm of torque between 2000 and 5200 revs. The test vehicle, taking on conditions ranging from crawling through heavy city traffic to motorway cruising and lung-busting acceleration on country twists and turns, performed up to par. The engine growled menacingly only when pushed. Long-term fuel consumption worked out at around 10 litres per 100 kilometres compared with the maker’s combined claim of 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. Hmm. Audi Drive Select gave the driver a chance to match the car with his moods at the flick of a switch on the dashboard and its connection to a centre-console knob. Efficient mode dumbed down acceleration, while softening the ride to almost soporific standards. Comfort and Automatic dialled up power, plus stiffer ride and handling, while Dynamic sharpened the lot enough for a teeth-rattling ride on even slightly sub-par road surfaces. Individual mode defied deeper investigation due to the absence of a track with a clear run. A head-up display was missing and noted. Leg room in the rear was cramped with a tall driver in front. But the boxy exterior made for ample head room in the cabin. Boot space is on the slim side (355 litres, with the floor at its lowest) but there’s added convenience loading and unloading with a power tailgate, whose opening can be programmed for height.

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The Falcons get off to a slow start A slow start proved costly for the City West Falcons in the opening round of the Victorian Netball League Championship division. The Falcons trailed by as much as seven early on, before working their way into the game in the second half. The Blaze though was able to do enough to secure the 64-60 win. It was the Falcons first loss since the 2019 season. Falcons coach Marg Lind said the team struggled early on with a few nerves as they tried new combinations. “We lost after giving them a pretty good start,” she said. “Maggie [Lind] is a big loss in terms of leadership. It will take a few weeks to find our voice. “There were a number of players playing in different positions that didn’t settle early enough.” The Falcons weren’t helped when Lucia

Fauonuku, who has stepped up into the championship division side, did her ankle in the first three minutes of the game. It meant the Falcons mid court combinations were thrown out, with their defenders needing to help fill the void. Lind said they made too many errors, which were always going to hurt against a side like Blaze. She said goal shooter Jane Cook was solid in the performance while Montana Holmes had a good second half. Uneeq Palavi played her first game back with the Falcons, with Lind saying she will take some time to adjust to playing goal attack. Lind said they will take some positives out of the result and the second half performance. “Reshuffling the deck was not ideal in the first round,” she said. “It was a bit frenetic, the girls just needed to

settle down and trust the line up. “We had a very high scoring game, so the attacking end showed it had the ability there, but we had to keep shifting the defensive end.” The Falcons division 1 side had a similar result to the championship division, a poor start and spending the rest of the game chasing. The under-19s came away with the win after a tight contest early on. It doesn’t get any easier for the Falcons who face the Geelong Cougars this week. “It’s a tough draw for us,” Lind said. “It’s not a great time for us trying to settle a new line up. “We can’t rebuild in two weeks. We expected to be there, but we didn’t expect it to happen overnight.” Jane Cook had a solid game.

(Shawn Smits)

237918_03

From athletics to footy By Peter Howe Playing football wasn’t always the first love of Western Jets NAB League Girls captain Charlotte Baskaran. Growing up, athletics was her sport of choice. So why does a junior state athletics champion with an under-11 Victorian 400 metres record decide to switch sports? “I loved athletics, especially the training but it was an individual sport,” she said. “I wanted to be in a team that experienced the highs and lows together. I loved the other girls’ company. Baskaran switched her running shoes and state titles for the football jumper in 2016, as the Essendon District Football League decided to establish a women’s competition for the 2017 season. Baskaran by her own admission took to the game seamlessly, playing with Aberfeldie’s junior teams. Her endurance from her athletics background made her a standout among her teammates early on. “I was selected in the EDFL interleague team that was keenly watched by NAB League talent scouts,” she said. “By virtue of living in Caroline Springs I was tied to the Western Jets. “In my first year with them I was too young to play so I could only train. It was a frustrating introduction, but I learned so much.” Baskaran is now one of the top prospects heading into this year’s AFLW draft. In seven games, she has averaged 29 possessions and is part of Vic Metro squad and the AFL Academy. Baskaran puts that down to hours and hours of practice. “I do love a tackle,” she said. “Out of season I typically run to put kilometres into my legs, and I hit the gym in an organised program by the strength and conditioning staff at Maribyrnong Sports Academy three times a week. “I also participate in three footy based sessions a week which include kicking and ground ball skills. “In-season at the Jets is focused on game style, skills, and team structure with mids, forwards and backs for two sessions per week plus game day. “Recovery is also critical. I am lucky to have a pool at home which allows me to combine pool work into my recovery.” Baskaran says she plays a similar game to Richmond star Monique Conti. The 17-year-old is quick to praise her coaches and mentors at Aberfeldie, the Western Jets and at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy. Baskaran was full of praise for MSA and Western Jets coach, Robbie Chancellor, who she said had taken her game to a new level. The year 12 student would love to enter the sports science field after secondary college, while being drafted later this year would be a dream come true.

Green Gully headed to Ballarat Green Gully is hitting the road this week as it heads to Ballarat for this round of the National Premier League season. The Cavaliers will face South Melbourne in both the seniors and under-21 game on Saturday at the Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility. The move to play a home game in Ballarat is part of the club’s focus to reach out to the wider football community and celebrate a shared love of the game in what’s been a rough two years for sport across Australia. Green Gully has previously played games in Ballarat as a visitor but this is the first time they’ve hosted a game in the area. Cavaliers media manager Brandon Hutchinson said they were calling for the people of Ballarat to come and watch one of the competition’s most anticipated games. He said it’s hoped that they can be community and build a relationship that can grow in the future. “It’s important that as we return to a post-covid normal that we make the effort to celebrate things like community, especially in sport,” he said. “The Ballarat community has been great to us in the past so we felt it was right that we come together and celebrate a shared love of the game now that we can.” The under-21s will kick off action at 1pm, with the seniors to follow at 3.45pm. The Cavaliers have had a good start to the season with three wins and a draw and sitting third with South Melbourne and Avondale ahead of them. The Cavaliers were set to face Avondale on Saturday after deadline. For results, head to www.starweekly. com.au

Charlotte Baskaran.

(Supplied)

Baskaran has a simple philosophy that she takes into every aspect of her life. “Enjoy what you are doing, have fun because if you don’t you will never perform at your best.” Baskaran is the first recipient of the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club’s monthly award for 2022, named in memory of Don Deeble. If you would like to nominate a monthly

24 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

winner or attend a dinner at the Medway Golf Club, please contact the club by emailing swrsportsclub@gmail.com or sms 0408 556 631. The Don Deeble Sports Star Award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank, the Deer Park Club, Ascot Vale Sports and Trophies and Star Weekly.

Gianluca Iannucci. (Max Avellino/Green Gully)

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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Albano’s stunner boots Knights a vital victory An incredible comeback from 2-0 down saw the Melbourne Knights record a spectacular win in round four of the National Premier League. The Knights were in shock early as the visitors, Bentleigh Greens, scored two goals in the first 22 minutes of the game on their home turf at Knights Stadium. A goal from Mohammad Sumaoro minutes before halftime made it 2-1 before all the attention turned to the matchewinner, Gian Albano, who propelled his side over the line with two important goals, including a goal of the season contender. “It felt really good to finally get that performance out,” Albano said. “Not going to lie, after a couple of games into the season, it was a good weight off the shoulders to get my first goal of the season. “It was good to finally get the first goal and obviously the second goal, to get them both in such a tight, close game.”

The centre forward credited his teammates for their work that helped him to score and for the resilience they showed after being 2-0 down. “Big credit to the team as well of course, putting in a big shift behind me,” the 25 year old said. “I’m sort of finishing off all their hard work. “We started off a little bit slow, let them come into the game and get up 2-0, although we showed really good fight. “We got in at halftime really full of confidence that we were still in the game and came out believing that we could still win it and we did. “It was good in the end with the fight we showed.” The win put the Knights in seventh position on the ladder with two wins and two loses heading into their round five clash against twelfth placed Heidelberg United. With both teams coming off a win, it will be another intense match looming as the Knights

travel to Olympic Village for the Friday night clash. Albano, who is originally from Perth and was in the youth team at A-League club Perth Glory, said is striving to get an opportunity at the next level. “That was definitely an aim to come here and get a bit more exposure as it is limited in Perth, having only one A-League team there. “I am definitely still looking to get a crack in the A-League.” Albano also said he has been enjoying his time living in Melbourne. “It’s been really good, I have loved it from the first second I landed here,” he said. “Melbourne in general and then football of course.” As this was written on deadline, Knights’ round five match has already occurred. Results can be found on https://bit. ly/3CMftMa Max Hatzoglou

Bombers’ first signing

Locals in Vic AFLW squads

By Tara Murray For Essendon’s first AFLW player Georgia Nanscawen the Essendon Football Club feels like somewhere she can belong. Having been part of the club’s Victorian Football League women’s team since 2019, the VFLW co-captain was recently announced as the club’s first signing as it enters the AFLW season next season. Nanscawen said the realisation that she would be part of the Bombers first squad was still settling in. She had been expecting to head into a meeting for initial discussions about what the AFLW list might look like, when she was given the news. “It’s a bit of a funny situation at the moment with the VFLW still happening, so there’s been a lot of things to focus on. “After a couple of days I started to come to the realistation that it has happened. It’s a huge honour and I’m extremely proud. “What it means to be part of the historic club and a new era and new chapter that hasn’t sunk in yet.” For Nanscawen whether she got selected by Essendon or not, it was where she saw herself playing her football the next few years. The club getting an AFLW license was something that was in the back of her mind last season. Despite winning the Lambert-Pearce Medal as the VFLW best and fairest winner, Nanscawen decided not to nominate for the AFLW draft. “I didn’t nominate last year,” she said. “I had discussions with a few close people around me about do I put myself out there. “Essendon feels like a place that I can develop and the really good opportunity to play the best footy I can. “I was keen to continue to stay at Essendon in either the AFLW or the VFLW if I wasn’t offered an opportunity.” This will be Nanscawen’s second shot at the AFLW after being part of North Melbourne’s team in 2018. Having played just six club games in Western Australia before she was rookie listed, Nanscawen said she is better prepared this time round. “I was drafted by North Melbourne straight out of the Australian Hockey team. I played that first season and then was delisted. “I then joined Essendon in the VFLW and Essendon has really developed my football over the last four years. “I’ve had a journey and had a really good couple of strong seasons. I’m proud of how I’ve developed. “It’s an honour and I want to show them how I can go in the AFLW. I’m a lot better prepared and want to see how I can push myself.” For now, Nanscawen is focused on Essendon’s

Gian Albano acknowledging fans after his stunning goal. (Supplied)

Several players from across Melbourne’s north-west will test themselves against the best under-18 female talent at the 2022 NAB AFLW National Championships. Vic Metro and Vic Country squads were revealed last week, with the first game between the two sides taking place on Sunday, after deadline. Players from the Western Jets, Calder Cannons and Northern Knights featured in the metro squad. The Western Jets had the equal most players in the squad with six. Jets’ skipper Charlotte Baskaran, who is from Caroline Springs and plays at Aberfeldie, headlines the group. Keilor’s Montana Ham, Caroline Springs’ Kiers Whiley and Caitilin Sargent, Point Cook Centrals’ Laura Eliot and Yarraville-Seddon’s Krystal Russell were also in the squad. Calder Cannons pair Abbey McDonald and Reese Sutton are both in the squad. It was announced last week that the pair had aligned with the Sunbury Kangaroos as their local club for this season. Both are also on Essendon’s Victorian Football League list. There were also four Northern Knights players in the squad in Banyule’s Ava Jordan, Fitzroy’s Rylie Willcox, Diamond Creek women’s Brooke Plummer and Darebin’s Lulu Beatty. Calder Cannons’ Jacara Egan broke new ground by being the first Indigenous woman to coach a Victorian team on Sunday, when she led Vic Metro. There is also a local feel in the country side, with Bacchus Marsh’s Jamie Lee Speakman who plays for the Greater Victorian Western Rebels, part of that team. The carnival will continue throughout April, with teams from South Australia, Western Australia, Queensland, NSW/ ACT and the Allies, which includes players from Tasmania and Northern Territory for the first game with players from NSW/ACT incorporated into the Allies for the other two matches. Each Victorian team will play three matches at the carnival. There will be a triple header at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval on April 22. Georgia Nanscawen in action for Essendon’s VFLW list.

(Joe Mastroianni) 268247

Tara Murray VFLW season. The club had four wins and draw from its first five rounds. “It’s been a really strong start to the season,” she said. “It’s an acknowledgement of the work

we have done the last few years under Brendan Major. “It’s a great start to the season, but we know there’s a few more challenges that will pop up.” Tuesday, 22 March, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 25

A season of positives for Taylors Lakes Lions Taylors Lakes will take plenty of positives out of the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association season. While the first XI finished second bottom and lost its last 10 games, the Lions showed massive improvement across all the grades. President Rob Arnold said they were thrilled with how far the club had come this season. “We were looking for improvement on last year when our first, second, third and fourth XI,” he said. “We’re proud to have won 25 games. Last season we won two in total across those four sides. “Our firsts won only three games, but should have won a couple more. Our seconds won eight games and finished one and half games top side the top six. Had we won the last couple of games we would have been playing finals. “The thirds won nine games and played in

a semi final. The fourths were similar to the seconds, missed out by one win and had the best percentage of all the teams.” Arnold said there had been a real influx of players across the club which had helped strengthen all the teams. The Lions fielded six teams this season, up from five the previous season, due to the increase of numbers The sixth XI, which was the fith XI last season, won back-to-back premierships in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association. “We had a real good influx of new players from surrounding clubs,” Arnold said. “We had four players who had played in our Craig Shield team previously join us this season. “Two of them were 18-plus and had been part of our that team three or four seasons ago. It’s a good breeding ground.” Arnold said they had already started looking

at ways to improve their first XI. Ater going winless last season, the side looked good in the early part of the season. But no wins ater Christmas meant they fell away quickly. While the side put out some strong performances with the ball, they were let down by the batting. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see our batting was our weakness,” Arnold said. “It’s something we are working through. Hopefully we can pick up a a couple of quality batsman and it will hold us in good stead for next season. Arnold said the likes of Trent Waring, Buddhika Janith, Kaidin Jackson and George Sakkas had already said they would be returning next season. Tara Murray

George Sakkas was one of the standouts this season. (Joe Mastroianni) 270161_07

Sport Briefs VTCA Deer Park, Caroline Springs and Sydenham-Hillside all secured Victorian Turf Cricket Association premierships on Sunday, while Grand United’s grand final series is still alive. Deer Park won both matches at the weekend to seal the best of three grand final series against St Francis de Sales, 2-0. Sydenham-Hillside won its premiership series against Newport-Digman 2-0, while Caroline Springs beat Gellibrand 2-0. Grand United’s finals series against Footscray United is locked at 1-1 and will go down to game three.

Baseball Sunshine Eagles are through to the Baseball Victoria summer league women’s division 3 west grand final. The top team all season, the Eagles didn’t have it all their own way in the semi final against Fitzroy Doncaster. The Eagles though were able to come away with the win 9-7. They will now face North Western Titans Black in the grand final on Saturday.

NPL Shaun Mannagh.

(Belinda Vitacca Photography)

AFL COVID contingency By Tara Murray Victorian Football League players from across Melbourne’s north-west could find themselves on the ground in an AFL match this season. AFL clubs this season can list up to 20 players on an COVID contingency list, with the listed players eligible to be selected for their nominated team if clubs are impacted by AFL Covid Health and Safety Protocols. The guidelines are designed to provide clubs with flexibility to navigate circumstances of increased COVID-19 risk whilst also maintaining the integrity of the competition and not materially impacting second tier competitions across the country. The lists for each club were revealed last week. Majority of players on the lists are already on the AFL clubs second tier side list, while clubs without second tier sides, will have access to players from a number of VFL clubs. VFL sides Werribee and Williamstown have four players listed on Greater Western Sydney and Sydney’s lists respectively. Former Carlton player Jordan Gallucci, former Hawthorn player James Cousins, Joel

Ottavi and Corey Preston are the WIlliamstown players eligible to be selected by the Giants. Former Western Jet Brodie Romensky, who now plays for the Giants’ VFL side is also on the list. Werribee’s Nathan Cooper, Ollie Hanrahan, Shaun Mannagh and Samuel Paea are among the Swans’ 20 top-up players. Western Bulldogs’ list includes former Northern Knights’ Ewan Macpherson and Joel Garner, and new Deer Park recruit Luke Goater and Newport’s Nayef Hamad. Caroline Springs’ Mutaz El Nour is also on Sydney’s top up list. Essendon’s list includes several local players, who are also on their VFL list. Dylan Landt, James Peters, new Tullamarine recruit Shaun McKernan, Billy Cootee and Joel Fizgerald are among their 20 listed players. Former Western Bulldogs listed player Luke Goetz and Keilor’s Stefan Radovanovic, who are both on Carlton’s VFL list, are among the 20 Carlton listed players along with Jesse Glass-McCasker. New Point Cook recruit Derek Eggmolesse-Smith and Whittlesea’s Zach

26 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 22 March, 2022

Molloy are on Collingwood’s selected players. New Darley skipper Brett Bewley is aligned with Geelong, former Essendon players and Bundoora recruit David Zaharakis is on Casey Scorpions list that can be accessed by Melbourne and Bundoora’s Jackson Davies is on Richmond’s list along with Point Cook’s Massimo D’Ambrosio. AFL general manager of football Brad Scott said the protocols have been introduced as a risk mitigation measure and will only be implemented if the circumstances required. “While the ongoing pandemic will continue to challenge us, we remain committed to completing the season for supporters in a way that prioritises the health and safety of the wider community,” Scott said. “In a national sport, played across many states and territories, we need to be able to adapt, and adapt quickly to the COVID-19 conditions at any one time at locations where home teams are based, or away teams are travelling to. These guidelines help us achieve that while providing potential opportunities for talented players plying their crat in state league competitions to play football at the elite level.”

It was a tough weekend for the Melbourne Knights in the National Premier League on Friday night. Facing Heidelberg United, the Knights lost 4-0 after trailing 2-0 at the break. Green Gully and St Albans Saints both suffered 1-0 losses to Avondale and Bentleigh Greens respectively. In NPL3, North Sunshine Eagles lost 2-1 to Preston Lions after leading in the first half.

Soccer Caroline Springs George Cross started the FV state league 1 north-west season in fine form with a big win against Yarraville. After scores were level at half time, the Georgies found their range in the second half piling on four goals, to get a 5-1 win. Ryan Newman scored twice. Brimbank Stallions had a 2-2 draw against Corio, while Keilor Park defeated Sydenham Park 2-0. In state league 2 north-west Albion Rovers had a 3-1 win against Lalor United, Westgate won 4-0, while Western Suburbs lost 4-1. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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WEEK 2 , 2022

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THURSDAY MARCH 24 Western Bulldogs V Carlton (MRVL) FRIDAY MARCH 25 Sydney V Geelong (SCG) SATURDAY MARCH 26 Collingwood V Adelaide MCG) Essendon V Brisbane Lions (MRVL) Port Adelaide V Hawthorn (AO) Gold Coast Suns V Melbourne (MS) SUNDAY MARCH 27 North Melbourne V West Coast Eagles (MRVL) Richmond V GWS MCG) Fremantle V St Kilda (OS) *Correct at time of publishing

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Daikon - White Radish

99¢

$ 99

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Bananas

$ 99

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$ 49

(Green) M&K Fruit & Veg

Stall 24 & 25

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Piccolo Fresh Fruit & Veg

Stall 26 & 27

Leg of Lamb

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Barramundi Cutlets

1399

$ 50

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$ 99

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2499 kg

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Stall 22 & 23

Fresh Large Quails 6 pack

Ross’s Meat Supply

Stall 3

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1499

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Stall 4

Large Pistachios

Stall 1

Stall 21

$ 99

(Prod of USA)

$ 99

European Deli

Stall 15

Murray Cod – Whole

Stall 2

Spatchcock

1499

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1299

Bulgarian Feta

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Fabbris Ham off the Bone

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Stall 16 & 17

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Stall 30

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St.Albans Road ST.ALBANS

THE FRESH FOOD SPECIALISTS Black and White Tea

Stall 18

Danish Blue Vein Cheese

1799 kg

Stall 12

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$ 49

bunch

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Stall 7

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Stall 11

Windex Surface & Glass 750ml

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Stall 13

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Stall 15A