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Surf’s up on summer fun There are plenty of fun activities happening in Brimbank this summer to keep the young – and young at heart – entertained. Tullamarine’s URBNSURF and the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Keilor Downs are sure to be on families’ must visit list when the summer heat finally arrives. If swimming or surfing is not your thing, why not stop by the annual St Albans Gift on January 7? Run by the St Albans Sports Club in conjunction with Victorian Athletics League, the event attracts thousands of racegoers and spectators each year. On January 15, head to Alfrieda Street, St Albans, to kick-start Lunar New Year celebrations. There will be entertainment, games, food, and fireworks between 10am and 10pm. Lunar New Year Celebrations will also be held in St Albans on January 29, from 10am. The event at 9 McKechnie Street, will celebrate traditional Vietnamese new year’s customs. Crafty kids can show off their artistic flair at Keilor, Deer Park and Sydenham libraries on January 12, 16 and 17 respectively, when the NGV Kids on Tour program comes to town.

Junior surfer Teddy shredding up the waves at URBNSURF. (Supplied)

Jobless rate remains high By Jordan Doherty Brimbank continues to have one of Melbourne’s highest jobless rates, despite a four per cent drop in the number of people without jobs, new data reveals. National Skills Commission data reveals Brimbank’s unemployment rate fell to 6.7 per cent in June, 2022, down from 10.6 per cent 12 months prior. However, the municipality had the third-highest unemployment rate in metropolitan Melbourne behind Hume (8.7

per cent) and Greater Dandenong (8.5 per cent). The Victorian unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent. Brimbank mayor Bruce Lancashire said the city’s unemployment rate was an ongoing concern for council. He said council was trying to find ways to help more people find work. “Industries such as retail and hospitality have been heavily affected throughout COVID-19, and high numbers of staff in these areas of employment have been struggling over the past few years,” he said. “We are looking at ways to retrain people

to be employable in areas they never would have considered before. We are working with [Victoria University] on these programs. “One of my focuses as mayor this term is also to improve the tourism industry in Brimbank, many tourists and family members from oversees visit Brimbank and we are looking into what can be improved on and added to tourist attractions. If that goes to plan then this will also introduce more employment opportunities.” Taylors Hill-based not-for-profit organisation Future Connect has also noticed

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that the pandemic has had an ongoing impact for job seekers, according to chief executive Deirdre Hardy. Future Connect helps create opportunities that lead to improving education, training and employment pathways for young people in Brimbank and Melton. “There is no doubt that the impacts of COVID are still being felt across all area of life – including employment,” Ms Hardy said. “When looking at Brimbank, the social groups most affected by this 29 and younger, and women aged over 50.”

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Murals draw on respect

Brimbank MP joins cabinet

By Jordan Doherty Murals will be displayed across Brimbank and Melton as part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign. It is hoped the murals will encourage communities to think and reflect on the meaning of respect. Brimbank council is supporting the international campaign, which aims to galvanise action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

‘ ’

Many voices have contributed together on this to create one mighty voice - Ginnelle Mullins

The16 Days of Activism started on November 25, coinciding with International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and ended on December 10, which marks Human Rights Day. As part of the campaign, Baptcare’s family and community services teams collected the many voices of people who have experienced and are experiencing family violence, providing participants with material so they could create murals and poems reflecting their views on respect. More than 200 creative contributions, including over 100 calico mural squares, will be united to make large wall hangings. Each mural comprises about 20 calico squares. Baptcare family violence team leader Ginnelle Mullins said: “This project has allowed over 200 plus people feel safe and be a part of the mission to stop gendered violence using creativity.

Baptcare’s family and community services team is creating murals comprising calico squares as part of the 16 Days of Action Against Gender-based violence. (Supplied)

“ It is such a great project and I’m so humbled to be a part of it. Many voices have contributed together on this to create one mighty voice that can clearly be seen through these murals. “During the 16 Days we collected … voices within the communities we serve in their

response to their perceptions towards ‘Respect is’ and to stop gendered violence. As such the mural will be displayed post 16 Days to continue to discussion.” Sunshine is one of the first suburbs planned to display the five murals. It is envisaged the murals will change locations.

St Albans MP Natalie Suleyman is now a cabinet minister in the Victorian state Parliament. Ms Suleyman is one of the new faces in the new cabinet which was announced by Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday, December 5 following the recent state election. She will serve as the youth, small business and veterans minister. In a post to social media, Ms Suleyman said it was an honour to be sworn in as a minister. She will also be joined in the cabinet by Niddrie MP Ben Carroll and Sydenham MP Natalie Hutchins, who were part of the previous cabinet. Mr Carroll will lead the government’s jobs, skills, industry and regions department as he continues to serve as industry and innovation minister, and adds the portfolios of manufacturing sovereignty and employment, as well as retaining the public transport portfolio. Mr Carroll’s electorate includes, Keilor Lodge, Keilor, Keilor Park and part of Taylors Lakes. Ms Hutchins retains the portfolios of education and women and continues leading the government’s education department. In a Facebook post, Ms Hutchins said over 60 per cent of Victorian ministries were held by women. “We don’t just have gender equality in cabinet. We have exceeded this with a majority of women around the cabinet table,” she said. “I am very proud to be in the company of exceptional women who are committed to doing what matters for all Victorians.”

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Brimbank’s future bright: Mayor By Jordan Doherty Brimbank is a city with lots of potential, according to new mayor Bruce Lancashire. Cr Lancashire was elected unopposed to lead Brimbank council for the next year, on November 17. In his first interview with Star Weekly since becoming mayor, Cr Lancashire said he felt the future looked bright for the municipality. “Our rich cultural and linguistic diversity is not just a significant social asset but an important economic benefit in a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected,” he said. “In particular, I find our young people are well educated, cosmopolitan and a credit to their generation. Our future is in good hands.

“I am personally very excited, with my background in city planning to see what we can do to improve the set up of the area. “Key focuses for this year are helping the owners of the Solomon Heights precinct in Sunshine North to resolve ecological and development issues and developing Sydenham Park as a significant tourism centre including recreation, conservation and Aboriginal and early settler themes, [these are] two of the most pressing issues for council in the coming 12 months.” Cr Lancashire was first elected to council in 2016 and was one of four councillors re-elected at the 2020 local government elections. He said he is proud to be leading a community he has had a long-standing connection to.

“My family has a long association with Brimbank. My first town planning job was with the City of Keilor, processing planning applications. “My three sons all grew up in Brimbank and educated at Overnewton Anglican Community College. Family history also tells me that a relative was a president of the Keilor Roads Board and is mentioned on a wooden plaque still located in the old City of Keilor offices.” Speaking of the outgoing mayor, Cr Jasmine Nguyen, Cr Lancashire said she had “set a very high standard for this role”. “As council’s first Vietnamese Australian mayor, Jasmine has made her local and Brimbank community very proud –a tough act to follow.”

Cr Bruce Lancashire is the new Brimbank mayor. (Supplied)

Navy sails in for T20 The Royal Australian Navy will visit Sunshine Heights Cricket Club on December 15, 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 officials as well as action on the cricket field. It is the third time Navy personel has challenged Sunshine Heights Cricket Club to a T20 match, following the inaugural event in December 2019. RAN spokesman Nick Magafas said, “This is something that we initiated in 2019. However COVID interrupted for two years, so we are excited to be back”. “We are looking forward to playing the game. It’s a great day out for everyone, but we

are also trying to introduce the idea of joining the Navy, as a possible choice to a community that is often neglected. We found that not many people from Brimbank had been informed about joining or didn’t know anyone that was a defence member. “At the last match, recruitment had set up an information stall and there was a great response from local community. We want to let people know that this is an option, and it may be something that could provide hope to them. We can’t wait to play this match, the atmosphere at them is amazing!” Jordan Doherty Phil Cameron-Smith SHCC and Nick Magafas RAN. (Supplied)

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Back to school Twins Colby and Sebastian, and Rania and Dania, were among the excited pupils starting school at Furlong Park School for Deaf Children last week. 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.

(Damjan Janevski) 226450_01

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.

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.

“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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6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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December level crossing pain By Jordan Doherty Deer Park motorists are being advised to prepare for travel disruptions throughout December as part of level crossing removal works and construction at Deer Park station. This month, large concrete beams will be installed near the Mt Derrimut Road level crossing and concrete will be poured to form supports for a new rail bridge over the crossing, as well as continued piling

and retaining of wall works and the relocation of power poles near the level crossing and underground utilities south of the rail line. Powercor will also be relocating the power lines underground on Station and Tilburn roads. Intermittent lane closures will be in place during these works and two-way traffic will be maintained. Powercor has notified impacted properties and businesses about these works. Lane

closures and pedestrian detours will be in place in these areas. According to the state government, the removal of the level crossing at Mt Derrimut Road is set to ease delays for the 23,000 vehicles that pass through the crossing every day, where boom gates can be down for up to 60 per cent of the morning peak. A rail bridge will be built over the road and a new Deer Park Station will be constructed, featuring two accessible elevated platforms, a bus interchange, landscaping

and improved connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. The project will be complete by 2024. The nearby level crossing at Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer, was removed in July 2022, and the level crossing at Robinsons Road, Deer Park was removed in September 2022. The government said that once all three crossing as removed, the Geelong and Ballarat train lines will be level crossing free between Deer Park and Melbourne CBD. Details: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/

Inspiring curious minds Two Brimbank students have been accepted into the Curious Minds mentoring program that inspires female students to pursue a career in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). More than 320 girls applied for the Curious Minds program this year, which aims to extend girls’ knowledge and strengthen their problem solving and critical thinking skills. Marian College year 10 student Carmela and St Albans Secondary College year 10 student Maybel were among the 120 students accepted into the program. Participants are mentored for six months by a female professional in the STEM industry, before finishing with an in-person winter camp next July. Maybel said she is hoping to pursue a career in engineering and is confident the camp will help guide her decisions. While Carmela said she was looking forward to learning more about STEM. Fraser MP Daniel Mulino, said the program

provide opportunities for girls, especially from disadvantaged areas. “Of the 120 students, 116 come from rural and remote areas and from low socio-economic backgrounds,” he said. “Eleven are Indigenous. “Women make up less than a quarter of students studying STEM yet many of our future jobs will require these skills. At the St Albans campus of Victoria University, for example, we have state-of-the-art training in cyber security, which sets up graduates for great careers.” Jordan Doherty

Marian College year 10 student Carmela, and St Albans Secondary College student Maybel have been accepted into the Curious Minds mentoring program. (Pictures: Supplied)

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Meat arrests Police have arrested two men, including a 55-year-old man from St Albans, after a patrol of Alfieda Street on Wednesday, December 7. Police observed two men carrying large shopping bags, who attempted to walk away from them. They were spoken to and a large quantity of meat was found in their possession. The St Albans man was charged with handling stolen goods and committing an indictable offense whilst on bail. A 39-year-old South Melbourne man was also charged with handling stolen goods, 10 counts of shop steal, and four counts of committing an indictable offense whilst on bail. Both were remanded in custody.

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Transit officers meet up with members of Scope community group. (Supplied) EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

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Burglar arrested

On the confidence beat St Albans-based community group, Scope met up with Victoria Police transit officers in the lead up to International Day People with Disability (IDPwD) for a coffee and train trip to the city – with the aim of helping Scope clients feel more comfortable travelling on public transport and to help them build confidence. Scope is a not-for-profit organisation that works with people of all ages and abilities, supporting them to achieve their goals and to bring possibilities to life. Eight clients and their carers met with local Metro Trains authorised officers and Victoria Police transit officers at St Albans Station before heading to Flinders Street Station as a group on Wednesday, November 30. Scope Community Group service co-ordinator Alexandra Saenz said the clients were thrilled to meet with authorised officers

Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a burglary in Sunshine West. The 53-year-old Coburg man attended Sunshine Police Station on December 6 to hand himself in after allegedly failing to attend court. When police took reports of an alleged burglary on Ridgeway Parade on Sunday, December 4, police immediately recognised the man from high quality CCTV. Detectives arrested him at the scene, and he’s been charged with burglary, committing an indictable offense whilst on bail and failure to answer bail.

and transit officers. “It was a great opportunity for them to build relationships with their local community officers, and to practise using the train network. The clients of Scope Community Group were given tips on how to buy a myki, where to catch local buses, and how to access information or help at their local train station. Thank you Metro Trains and Victoria Police.” Metro Trains acting chief executive Pete Ryan said it’s important for people to feel they have the tools they need to get to where they need to go safely and with confidence. “Our friendly authorised officers are not just there to check tickets; they are present at our stations to support passengers travelling on the network to ensure they get to their destinations safely. Metro Trains’ team of over 450 authorised officers are ready to assist all over the network.”

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We’re building big this summer

City Loop closed No City Loop services

Victoria’s Big Build is building a better road and rail network in December and January while there are fewer people on our trains and less cars on the road. This includes major works on the West Gate Tunnel, building new connections into the city and CityLink. Important maintenance works are also happening on the West Gate Bridge. If you’re travelling to Melbourne, please plan ahead as major works could affect your travel.

Summer disruptions Train disruptions: City Loop closed City Loop

9pm 2 Jan to last train 15 Jan

Parliament, Flagstaff and Melbourne Central stations closed

Tram and train disruptions: Buses/coaches replace trams and trains in both directions Tram routes 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72

Until 18 Dec

Arts Centre and Commercial Road

Tram route 58

Until 18 Dec

Flinders Street/Market Street and Fawkner Park

Sunbury Line

9pm 3 Feb to last train 5 Feb

North Melbourne to Watergardens

8:30pm 8 Feb to last train 12 Feb Werribee and Williamston lines Geelong Line Bendigo and Echuca lines

Freeway disruptions: Changed traffic conditions or closed lanes and ramps West Gate Bridge

9pm 26 Dec to 6am 4 Jan

Four outbound lanes closed

Monash Freeway

Some nights in Jan

Closed between Warrigal Road and EastLink

Princes Freeway

Some nights in Jan

Closed between Princes Highway and Cardinia Road

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps Dynon Road, West Melbourne

Until 21 Dec

Between Dryburgh Street and Dynon Road inbound exit ramp from CityLink

North Melbourne to Sunshine

Greensborough Road, Watsonia

Until 22 Dec

Lanes closed and speeds reduced

Each night, 8 to 10 Feb 11 to 12 Feb

North Melbourne to Newport

Jan to Feb

Intersection closed

14 to 15 Jan 18 to 26 Feb

Geelong to Waurn Ponds

Narre WarrenCranbourne Road and Thompsons Road, Cranbourne

Jan to Feb

At night, 3 Feb

Southern Cross to Bendigo

Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn

Between Hume Highway and Hanson Road

Lancefield Road, Sunbury

Jan to Feb

At Sunbury Road

4 to 5 Feb

Southern Cross to Gisborne

Swan Hill Line

4 to 5 Feb

Southern Cross to Bendigo

Warrnambool Line

18 to 26 Feb

Geelong to Warrnambool

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au/summer Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Tuesday, 13 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 9

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Shearing survives despite blows It’s considered one of the hardest, most physically demanding jobs in the world. Like many labour-intensive industries, there is a shortage of sheep shearers across the country – Elsie Lange takes a dive into its woolly underbelly.

n Tom Roberts’ iconic painting ‘Shearing the Rams’, finished in 1890, a man to the left of the frame hugs a male sheep to his chest, the enormous, heavy creature up to the height of his shoulder. And next to him, in the foreground, is a shearer bent over another ram, his back straightened and arm outstretched with the force of taking off the animal’s coat – a testament to the complete physicality of the task.

‘‘

New workers are coming in, but they are leaving at a faster rate than we can keep them in

’’

- Jason Letchford Hailed as a great portrayal of pastoral life, this painting was and is considered a masterpiece of Australian impressionism. It’s also been described as perhaps too nostalgic, as only a year later, newly unionised shearers and squatters would take part in the 1891 Australian shearers strike. According to the Australian Workers’ Heritage Centre, this strike was a “watershed” in the history of working conditions in this country, and a catalyst in the growth of the Australian Labor Party. Now, 130 years later, the industry is still facing concerns over conditions, wages and most crucially, attracting young people into their workforce. Four years ago, it wasn’t as hard for hobby

Ballarat-based shearer Shane Dunne travels across the state to shear alpacas and pet sheep. (Supplied)

farm owner Catherine Cruikshank to find a shearer to rid her Corriedale sheep of their woolly coats before summer. The New Gisborne resident said it had become “almost impossible”, and she was paying double compared to three years ago. “I was actually going to have my sheep transported to another paddock, but I was scared to have them on another property with the cold coming through … that’s when

I reached out on social media [and] I finally secured a shearer to get it done,” she said. “I don’t know if it’s just a dying skill, there’s so much work out there. It’s a real employee’s market, and no one wants to do small packs either.” Bendigo-based shearer Shane Dunne described a day’s worth of shearing as like “playing four games of AFL in a row”. He used to work on larger flocks before

deciding to concentrate on shearing alpacas and pet sheep on hobby farms, because getting paid as little as $3.80 to $4 a sheep didn’t seem worth it anymore. Mr Dunne has worked in shearing for two decades, and said to bring more people into the industry, wages will “have to double”. “Shearing is the hardest physical job on earth – if you’re not going to get paid much, why on earth are you going to do the hardest job in the world,” he said. He said the work was skilful but unfathomably tiring – “We are expected to drag a 100 kilogram sheep, shear it [while] the animal kicks you for the five minutes it takes to shear it. You get very good at getting your feet right”. Shearing Contractors Association of Australia secretary Jason Letchford said there were 2800 shearers in the country until 2016, with an extra 500 seasonal workers coming over from New Zealand to get the annual shearing done. Then the pandemic hit, and not only did those seasonal workers struggle to get into the country, other industries were also looking internally for labour. “Between 2006 and 2016 we lost 32 per cent of our workforce. That trend of losing 3.2 per cent through the year has been quite consistent,” Mr Letchford explained. “New workers are coming in, but they are leaving at a faster rate than we can keep them in.” He said until the drought broke in 2019, the Australian sheep flock numbers had fallen at about the same rate as the number of shearers. But when the rain came, flocks grew again – from about 65 million to about 74 million.

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10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

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“We haven’t been able to replace the shearers or skilled labour at the same rate as the flock has rebounded,” he said. Australian Workers Union (AWU) regional and pastoral organiser Ross Kenna said the award rate was too low, about “$3 less than we would like to see” and could be why retention was low. “Sheds are 150 years old, and [people] are expecting modern shearing to occur in turn of the century sheds,” Mr Kenna said. “The other big issue is we see a lot of contractors asking for industrial shearers to have their own Australian Business Number – they’ll pay the award but they won’t pay for superannuation and work cover. “We’re finding shearers who are turning 30 who have no superannuation at all.” Mr Letchford said the solution to the issue was multifaceted, and broader than pay – it included compensating for the difficulty of the labour with better “manmade conditions” – such as ventilation, accommodation and air conditioning. While he believed pay could be lucrative, it

was the increase in the Australian sheep size which had become too difficult for workers. “They roughly have gone up 15 kilograms in size, the size of the Australian sheep has gone from being a manageable animal to shear that is almost unmanageable to shear … we need to understand that smaller animals can be more profitable,” he said. Kilmore shearing trainer, Tom Kelly, described shearing as a “tough industry”, but didn’t believe it was a dying one. “It’s piecework so you get paid for what you do,” he said. “And it’s not for everyone, but there’s a lot of people who love it and thrive on it. You have generations of shearing families, the ability to make money quick, the opportunity to travel, the challenge of it.” But Mr Dunne said it had been a terrible year for wet sheep – the ongoing rains and flooding preventing shearers from working. He wanted to see government farming grants flow on to industries like shearing. “There’s no such thing as a full-time shearer,” he said.

BEHIND THE NEWS

Above: Catherine Cruickshank’s woolly sheep before they were recently shorn. (Supplied) Top left: Tom Roberts’ 1890 painting ’Shearing the Rams’. (National Gallery of Victoria)

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Tuesday, 13 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

stay mentally and physically active. 563 016

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

■ 0419

Melton Combined Probus Club The Melton Probus Club meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Melton Dart Club, 63a Reserve Road, from 9.45am. ■ 9746 0271

Sunshine Community Brass Sunshine Community Brass is looking for trumpet and percussion players to join its vibrant band of musicians. With more than 90 years of history, the band rehearses at 45 Furlong Road, North Sunshine, on Tuesdays from 7.30pm. ■ Andrew, 0419 444 620

Rose Carers Of Maddingley Park The Rose Carers meet Wednesdays from 10am-noon at Maddingley Park, corner of Grant and Taverner streets, Bacchus Marsh, to maintain two beautiful rose gardens. New volunteers are always welcome – with or without experience. ■ Elaine Greenhall, 0418 171 119, or 0400 052 857

St Albans senior citizens St Albans Senior Citizens group meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-1.30pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day. ■ Roma, 9338 3815

Melton Cycling Club Melton Cycling club meets for regular Sunday rides. There are three different riding groups to cater for different abilities starting at 7.30am. The rides finish at Lazy Moe’s for a cuppa. ■ 0403 057 003

The Gap on Graham The Gap provides a place for Melton youth to hang out, socialise, play games and learn new skills. The centre holds a night for girls aged 10 to 18 years at 5 Graham Street, Melton, on Wednesday evenings. There is also a drop-in night for anyone aged 12 to 25 years old. ■ Val, 0414 769 605.

Over 50, retired, or semi-retired and wanting to learn a language? U3A Melton offers French and Italian classes for beginners and those with more advanced skills. ■ www.u3amelton.com, or 0419 563 016

Melton Men’s Group

Community singing group

Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at The Gap on Graham, 5 Graham Street, Melton. Focusing on Senior Men’s mental and physical wellbeing. The group invites new members to come for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool and table tennis. ■ https://meltonmensgroup.home.blog/

If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

French and Italian for over 50s

Rotary Club of Melton The Rotary Club of Melton invites new guests to join its meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of every month, 6pm at Tabcorp Park in Melton. ■ meltonrotary@gmail.com, or Greg, 0417 593 035

Bacchus Marsh Market Bacchus Marsh rejoice! There will be a monthly market at the gorgeous location of Maddingley Park. On the second Saturday of every month there will be a lovely variety of stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket and invite your friends and family for a lovely market day out.

Carols On The Lake Merry Christmas! You’re invited to the Brimbank Presbyterian Church Christmas Carols at Linear Park Taylors Lakes. It is on the corner of Chichester Drive and Panamuna Avenue at 6 to 8pm, Sunday December 18. ■ www.brimbank.church

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

A December to Remember

Joe Mastroianni caught up with Santa and his elf in Sunshine last week.

Parkinson’s support group The Melton Parkinson’s Support Group meets on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am–12.30pm at Kurunjang Community Centre, 33-35 Mowbray Crescent, Kurunjang. New members and carers welcome. ■ Helen, 0409 186 576

Melton Friendship Group. Join the Melton Friendship Group for singles 55 and older. Meet fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734

Zonta club meets Melton Valley Ladies Probus Club

Melton Bridge Club The Melton Bridge Club has recommenced weekly social Bridge sessions at the Melton Library on Fridays from 10am-noon. Come along to play an exciting, social card game and have loads of fun. Bridge offers the suspense of poker, the cerebral qualities of chess and the excitement of athletic sports, all in a relaxed and social setting. If you like playing cards this is for you. ■ Rosemary, 0407 894 817

10am-noon. Bring along any knitting or crochet projects and work on them while sharing tips, learning skills and catching up over a cuppa. ■ 9747 8576

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

Zonta is an international organisation bringing women together to support other women. The Zonta Club of Melton meets on the first Monday of each month at Melton Country Club, Reserve Road, Melton. ■ Suzanne, 0417 512 420

U3A Melton Melton South Knit & Natter All are welcome to join this social crafting group, running at the Melton South Community Centre each Monday from

12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

U3A Melton offers among its activities a Book Group, Australian History and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who are retired or semi-retired who wish to

Friday, December 16 at 6.30pm until 10pm. Bring your picnic blankets and make this a December to Remember by joining us at Sunvale Community Park for some festive family fun - featuring a movie screening of The Santa Clause starring Tim Allen. Also featuring local performers, Face painting and temporary tattoos, Arts and crafts - Our audience can create hanging stars to shine brightly around their homes during the festive season! This activation will use recycled items and Santa photos - families are welcome to get their photograph taken with Santa sitting on his bright red throne. As the sun sets the neon installations come to life! Our community will be engaged with photo opportunities scattered around the event precinct. It will be possible to create a great social media buzz from night one. There will also be an opportunity to meet your local Councillors with a Let’s Talk Brimbank pop-up stall from 6.30-8pm at the event ■ 9249 4000, info@brimbank.vic. gov.au or www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/ christmas2022

PUZZLES

DECODER

No. 111

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

9 3 4

4 8 3 5 2 1 6 9 7

9 3 8 6 1 7 4 5 2

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2 7 5 9 4 8 1 3 6

8 5 6 1 2 9 7 4 3

5 LETTERS ALIAS ALIBI ALIGN AMISS AORTA APRIL ARENA ASIDE AVERT AWARE BAGEL CARKS COVET DAMES EARNS EGGED EXERT GENTS GRANT ICIER INEPT

9-LETTER WORD 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”.

Today’s Aim: 17 words: Good 26 words: Very good

N A

4 LETTERS ELSE EYES LUGS REST RIPS SACS SEER SETS SLIM SLIP SODA SORE STAB WARM

acne, cairn, cane, chain, chin, china, chine, churn, crane, curran, earn, enrich, hernia, HURRICANE, inch, incur, inure, nacre, near, nice, nicer, niche, rain, ranch, rancher, rani, RAUNCHIER, rein, reran, rerun, ruin, rune, runic, urchin, urine

INKED LARVA LASTS LEVEE LINGO MELTS MERES OMEGA PERIL PETAL PLANE PRONE PROPS RACES RECAP REELS RELIC RISEN SALVE SECTS SNAIL SONGS

SPEWS STAIR STARS TESTS TRAIT TRIAL TUNER

7 LETTERS DIOCESE GLEANED INKLING OVERTLY READIES SEEDIER

6 LETTERS ADAPTS EASELS PARADE TARTAR

8 LETTERS LINEAGES REVENGES TEENAGER TESTABLE

16-12-22

Who wrote the 1958 novella on which the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s is based?

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

How many limestone pillars currently make up the Twelve Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria?

Is limestone an igneous, sedimentary or metamorphic rock?

Who played James Bond in 1971’s Diamonds are Forever?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

In which US city is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame located?

From which part of the UK is singer Dame Shirley Bassey (pictured)?

Which river connects the Great Lakes of North America to the Atlantic Ocean?

What was the full name of T.E. Lawrence, known famously as Lawrence of Arabia?

Which Islamic holiday is celebrated earlier in the year, Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha?

No. 111

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No. 111

QUICK QUIZ

10 Which species of whale has the scientific name Monodon monoceros?

ANSWERS: 1. Seven 2. Sedimentary 3. Cleveland, Ohio 4. The Saint Lawrence River 5. Thomas Edward Lawrence 6. Eid al-Fitr 7. Truman Capote 8. Sean Connery 9. Wales 10. Narwhal

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

35 words: Excellent

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4 5 6 7 8 9 14

ACROSS 1 3 10 11 12 13 14 15 18

No. 111

5 ( / , &

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

$ : $ 5 (

No. 111

7 ( 6 7 6

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 13 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Former England cricketer Isa Guha currently commentates for which sports channel?

4. Which former fighter is suing UFC great Conor McGregor for unpaid proceeds?

2. Which country faced a major upset at the World Cup against Morrocco?

5. The Parramatta Eels rugby club offered which player 1 million dollars to resign with them?

3. Prior to Ash Barty’s Wimbledon win, who was the last Australian woman to win the tournament?

6. Which former gymnastics veteran had competed in every olympics from 1992–2000? 7. Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis sported a $6 t-shirt from which brand at the 2021 Australian Open? 8. What is the nickname for the US women’s national soccer team? 9. Who is the coach for the Collingwood football club? 10. Kayo stadium was recently announced as the new venue for which sport?

13. Craig Goodwin captains which A-League Men’s club?

Ash Barty

14. Which African nation’s soccer team goes by the nickname The Black Stars? 15. NFL quarterback Baker Mayfield signed with which team after being released by the Carolina Panthers? 16. Before debuting in 1989, which NBA team considered the names Heat, Tropics, and Juice? 17. Which South American nation’s soccer team goes by the nickname The White And Sky Blues? 18. Featuring teams such as the Toronto Argonauts, Calgary Stampeders and Edmonton Elks, is which professional sports league? 19. Which Polish golf professional won the 2022 Australian Open? 20. Which South African golf professional won the 2022 Women’s Australian Open?

11. Soccer is played with two teams of how many players on the field at the one time?

21. How many goals did Portugal score in their FIFA World Cup 2022 match against Switzerland?

12. Olivier Giroud is the alltime leading goalscorer for which national soccer team?

22. Eddie Jones was recently sacked as the coach of which nation’s Rugby Union team?

23. Which team was recently announced as North Melbourne’s opponent in the 2023 AFL Good Friday match? 24. Which two NBL teams will play a match on Christmas day against each other? 25. The WNBL’s Southside Flyers recently announced the signing of which AFLW star to their roster?

28. What position did Australian golfer Hannah Green finish in the recent Australian Open? 29. Australian basketballer Dyson Daniels plays for which NBA team? 30. Which Australian regional city will host the 2023 World Athletics Cross Country Championships?

26. Which English rugby league club team will compete in the 2023 NRL Pre-Season competition? 27. The 1989 movie Major League revolves around which a real-life baseball team from which US city?

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EV6 . . . they’ll see you coming.

(Pictures: Supplied)

A statement of what’s possible By Chris Riley Back in the ‘60s Gerry Anderson created the puppet phenomena Thunderbirds. The puppets or marionettes later grew into real life actors in shows like UFO and Space: 1999, complete with space-age clothing, architecture and futuristic cars that made a buzzing, turbine-like sound. I suspect many car designers have spent too much time watching sci-fi shows because most seem to think EVs should come in a futuristic package, with form taking precedence over functionality. Kia’s first dedicated, fully electric vehicle, EV6, is an example. It looks and feels more like a statement of what is possible rather than a real car, one ready to take on the demands of the weekly grind or occasional trip to the tip on Saturday with a back full of crap. EV6 may be Wheels’ Car of the Year and there are certainly many things to like about the car, but it’s not the most practical thing we’ve driven -- not by a long shot.

Engines / transmissions Air is the more range focused of the trio, with 168kW of power and 350Nm of torque and a range of 528km, while RWD GT-Line with the same powertrain is good for 504km. GT-Line with AWD adds a second electric motor and produces a combined output of 239kW and 605Nm, along with a range of 484km. All are powered by the same 77.4kWh battery pack, which is located under the floor and weighs 477kg, with a single speed reduction gear transmission. Moving through the grades, energy consumption ranges from 16.5 to 17.2 to 18.0 kWh/100km.

Safety Five-star safety starts with seven airbags, a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines, plus Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with car, pedestrian, cyclist detection (and junction turn assist). There’s also Blind Spot (including rear cross traffic assist), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Lane Follow Assist (LFA), Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning

with lead vehicle departure alert (DAW+), Multi-Collision Braking (MCB) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). EV6 provides three top tether and two ISOFIX child seat anchors.

AT A GLANCE

Driving

EV6 GT-Line AWD: $87,590

There are four selectable drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow which also change the look of the instruments. Adding some drama to the drive experience is Active Sound Design (ASD) with a choice of artificial engine sounds and custom setting. They’re unique electronica rather than engine noise emulations. With this much power and torque under foot and all that torque available in a flash, EV6 has plenty of get up and go, with 0-100km/h in the AWD taking a rapid 5.2 seconds. With a burst of speed, overtaking can be accomplished virtually at will, but it’s a weighty device and wants to run wide in corners. Steering is heavy and uncommunicative. EV6 has powerful braking too, perhaps too strong at times, or more specifically -irritatingly abrupt. It pulls up with a jerk and releases with a lurch, and can be difficult to control in close manoeuvring. One way to avoid this happening is one-pedal driving, using the regenerative brake system that is controlled by the steering wheel paddles normally devoted to gears. In this way, the car slows when you lift off the

SPECIFICATIONS

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

MODEL RANGE EV6 Air RWD: $72,590 EV6 GT-Line RWD: $79,590

Kia EV6 GT-Line electric SUV

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.

accelerator -- to a complete stop if necessary. An electric parking brake is provided, but instead of being located close to hand in the centre console, it’s relegated to a position to the right and below the dash. More jerkiness follows. Try releasing the brake and moving off in reverse if you’re parked on a slope. A dab on the accelerator pedal is required and is liable to result in an intake of breath as the car shoots backwards. EV6’s space-age look is polarising. Some people love it, others hate it. Most annoying was the location of the charge port. In Niro it is sensibly located at the front, but in EV6 it is cleverly concealed near the driver side tail light. The location necessitates backing the car in to access power. Charging can take a looong time with a standard powerpoint, down to as little as 18

minutes for 80 per cent with a 350kW DC commercial charger. Even fully charged the system reported a distance to empty range of 412km -- some 70km less than claimed. Stranger still, after travelling a few kilometres to do some shopping, the range actually went up a few kilometres rather than down, even though the battery dropped to 97 per cent. At the end of the day, we were getting 17.0kWh/100km after about 400km of mixed driving. After all the EV6 hype, it’s a mixed bag and something of a let-down. Until now Kia’s ergonomics have been a shining example of simplicity. Who let the nerds out?

Summing up It’s a halo model for the brand, pure and simple. Cashed up nerds will want one. Lesser so, user-choosers, who will be drawn to the usual line-up of Euro suspects. Who then does that leave? It’s a fairly short, exclusive list at $90K by the time you put it on the road. Just over 500 EV6s have found homes in Australia this year. Over the same period, Kia has sold four times as many Stingers (and they reckon its days are numbered). No doubt, the arrival of the EV6 GT will give the figures a bit of a bump -- but after that, who knows?

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SPORT

Dennis-Lane jumps at Jets choaching position New Western Jets boys coach Trent Dennis-Lane has always had a passion for developing up and coming football players. So when the opportunity arose to join the Jets in a full-time coaching position, the former AFL player had no hesitation in taking on the role. Dennis-Lane officially started at the Jets last week and will step into the role full-time next year after sorting out work commitments. “I can’t wait,” he said. “I’ll be part-time this side of Christmas and then stuck into next year. It’s been a hectic few weeks.” Dennis-Lane said the opportunity to have a full time coaching role was something that attracted him to getting involved in the NAB League. He’s been juggling coaching around three or four jobs, which hasn’t always been the easiest thing. For Dennis-Lane, coaching is something that he has been keen to get involved with for

a long time. “I’m a bit of a footy nerd,” he said. “The game plan side of things, the structures and the tactics. “I was still playing when I took on a development role at Sandringham when they still had a development side. “The opportunities developed from there and I continued to yes and immersed myself.” Dennis-Lane, who played 29 AFL games, has also been involved coaching at St Kilda with its next generation academy and with the club’s Victorian Football League aligned-club the Sandringham Dragons. With his work also involved working with youths, it’s a passion that has grown for him. For Dennis-Lane the move to the Jets will be a learning curve. “I’m pretty much brand new to Melbourne’s west,” he said. “I come from Perth and moved to Sydney and then bay side. “I’ve done a little bit of work at schools [in the west]. I know the area is very multicultural,

which is cool. “I’m half Burmese. I’m looking forward to getting stuck into it.” Dennis-Lane said the training squad was about a 50-50 split of new and returning players. He said they were hoping a couple of 19-year-olds would return as well. He said it felt good to finally get out on the track with the squad. “There was a bit of anxiety running through my veins,” he said. “Then getting out there felt like business as usual. The coaches, who were assistant coaches last year, are still learning names of the new faces, so I’m not out of place. “We’ll have a good block of training and then hit the road running next year.” Tara Murray

Trent Dennis-Lane.

(Supplied)

Sunshine through to next round

Hayley Gossow. (Supplied)

Gossow is ready to lead By Tara Murray New Western Jets girls coach Hayley Gossow wants to have an impact on female football in Melbourne’s west. Having started her senior coaching career at Bacchus Marsh and then having a number of roles in the west, it’s a place close to her heart. Now having been appointed the Jets first full-time women’s NAB League coach, Gossow is keen to continue helping the sport grow. “It’s been pretty exciting,” she said. “I’ve been an assistant coach for the girls and boys the last two years. I wasn’t sure what opportunities there would be with the chances. “It’s really exciting to get the role.” Gossow said she was keen to continue coaching in the female side of things, with her first foray into boys football at a high level with the Jets. She had previously been involved in AFLW and Victorian Football League Women’s coaching roles and her long term goal is to be

part of the AFLW. Gossow, who is a physical education teacher by trade, has been heavily involved with female football in Melbourne’s west. “Bacchus Marsh was way back in 2016 and my first season coaching seniors,” she said. “I had coached juniors, school footy and Auskick before that. “I then had a role at Collingwood as a development coach and then two years at Carlton as an assistant coach in the VFLW. “All through those times I was coaching in other areas, Bacchus Marsh, the Western Region Football League interleague program. “Then had a bit of a break with COVID and straight into the Western Jets.” Gossow, who also coached at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy this year, the full-time role with the Jets gave her the opportunity to help develop the talent in Melbourne’s west. She said she wants to have a real impact in the area and this role gives her one of the greatest opportunities to do that.

“I’ve had roles the last five to eight years and tried to have an impact as much as I can,” she said. “Now I’ve got an actual platform with the region team to make a real impact on female footy in the west.“ The Jets have been back at training for three weeks ahead of the 2023 season. Gossow said it had been good so far. “It’s great to see so many new faces who are bringing a lot of positivity,” she said. “We’ll be a little bit different from last year.” Gossow takes on a side that won the Jets’ first premiership earlier this year. She said while it does come with a bit of pressure, they were a different group. “The nature of the competition is that it’s not the be all and end all,” she said. “There’s the development of the individual players and those girls’ own football careers and journey. “The message to the group is we’re not long a premiership team. We want to get as much out of this program individually and as a team.”

Sunshine is through to the next round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition. Having won their first match, the Crows sealed their spot at the top of the Morris group with a win against St Albans. The Crows won the toss with Kaushal Lokuarachchi continuing his good form with 70 to help his side to 8-154. Danny Greer and Lihan Dulshan took two wickets each for the Saints. The Saints never got close, making 7-123 from their overs. Altamash Zaheer took four wickets for Sunshine. The win means Sunshine has won both their pool games and will finish on top of the pool. St Albans will face St Andrews in the third match of the pool, but neither can finish top. Keilor kicked off its T20 competition campaign with a big win against Tullamarine on Tuesday night. After being sent in, the Blues lost an early wicket which brought Lucas Elliott to the crease in the Simpson group. The Blues set about getting the innings going and eventually finished 4-171. Elliott top scored with 73 off 51 balls. It was all single wicket takers for the Demons. The Demons were in trouble at 4-17 and never recovered, restricted to 8-88 from their 20 overs. Captain David Scott played a lone hand, finishing 35 not out. Matthew Gaskett and Jarryd Clements took two wickets each for the Blues. Sunshine United and the Druids were also in action on Wednesday night. The Tigers, who lost their first match, saw their T20 campaign come to an end. Fielding and inexperienced team, Tigers made 6-118 from their overs with David Worthington top scoring with 29. The Druids made the runs with ease, finishing 3-120. It was all single wicket takers for the Tigers. Among other matches last week, East Coburg easily accounted for Glenroy, Point Cook smashed Wyndamvale and Sanctuary Lakes accounted for the Williamstown Imperials. Tara Murray

Tuesday, 13 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

New Thunder coach is keen to make an impact New Keilor Thunder women’s coach Trevor Burnette is keen to have an impact from the top right to down to the bottom at the club. Having been at the Thunder the last two seasons in a number of different coaching roles, Burnette has been appointed the club’s National Basketball League 1 South coach for next season. “I’ve been so excited,” he said. “I’m excited I’ve been given this opportunity to work with our club and coach all the way down. “This year I coached under-12s, under-18s and the youth league team. Next year I’m going to coach under-12s again and be coaching from the top and through to grass roots level, so I get to have an impact on the whole place.” Burnette said he had been biding his time waiting for a position like this, with the timing now right. He comes into the role off the back of a successful 2022 season, coaching the Thunder

to the Big V youth league championship title. “We did it with a pretty different group of girls,” he said. “We had some really good girls at the start of the year that left to go to college and others stepped up and played well. “Hopefully I’ll be able to take some of those girls in the NBL1 with me.” Burnette said they would have a different looking side next year compared to the team that missed out on finals this year. The first four players announced were either part of the youth league or under-18s sides. Jaz Salon, Jalena Savic and Macey Boyle, who have all come through the club’s junior ranks will be part of the NBL1 program next year. Erinn McAlary is the fourth signing, having joined the club in recent years from Knox. Burnette said having local talent in the side was a key part of his focus. “A big push for me wanting the job, I wanted us to have Keilor juniors in the team,” he said.

“It’s important for the club, particularly the under-12s, under-14s, under-16s and under-18s to see those girls they know playing. “That they can see themselves in those girls’ shoes down the track.” Burnette said they would have some more announcements in the coming weeks, with some players with Women’s National Basketball League experience and some handy imports among the signings. He said the club wants to build on what they did this year. “I always go in trying to win the whole thing,” he said. “I guess success to me is getting in and making finals. It’s the second year of the club in NBL1 and making the top eight would be good. “The club values that as success and I hold myself to a high standard.” Tara Murray

Jelena Savic.

(Keilor Basketball)

Bozinovski re-signs with United

Emma Robers.

(Supplied)

Dream start for Robers By Tara Murray Western United’s Emma Robers is keen to make her mark in the A-League Women’s competition this season. Having been part of Melbourne Victory’s championship squad last season, Robers made the switch to United for its first season in search of a bigger role. Robers and United have made an instant impact, with the side holding a perfect record after three rounds. The third of those wins came in extra time, with Robers’ first A-League goal the winner in the dying seconds. “I can’t really believe that game,” Robers said. “Those sorts of matches come around once in a blue moon. “The team morale is pretty high right now. We’re on top of the table and you can’t ask for much more.” Robers said United had taken in an underdog mentality in the season, with not many people expecting much from them. The group themselves set high expectations and wanted to make a statement.

“The performances we’ve put out as a team so far we’re really stamping our mark in the competition,” Robers said. “We’ve had a lot of girls playing in the NPL [National Premier League] and Calder [United] and people presumed we would not be competitive. “We wanted to develop and show that we belong in the competition.” While United is keen to make their mark in the competition this season, Robers also has that goal personally. Robers played in eight games for Victory last year, but she was itching to play a more substantial role. “It has been fantastic,” she said. “Changing clubs for me was a big decision to make. “Where I wanted to be and challenging for more game time and that starting 11.” The connection with coach Mark Torcaso also played a big role in Robers making the move to United. Torcaso coached Robers at Calder United, where they tasted plenty of success. Robers said that the winning mentality from Calder was flowing through into the Western

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 13 December, 2022

United outfit. “Calder I had been there about five years and all those girls are like sisters to me,“ she said. “To play with anyone in the Liberty A-League it would be those girls, I love them. “We have a team [Western] full of big personalities, but we don’t have any egos in the team. “We keep a handle and stay in the moment in every game … We keep pushing each other and that’s the definition of Calder and Western.” Western United had a bye on the weekend. After a hectic three weeks, Robers said that it had come at a perfect time after issues with international clearances, postponed flights, lost passports and playing in 36 degree heat. “We’re a brand new side and came in and made a statement in the first three weeks,” she said. “We have to put the past behind us and prepare for what is ahead of us. “It’s a chance to reset and get our minds and bodies right for Melbourne City.” United faces Melbourne City on Saturday evening at 5pm at AAMI Park.

Young Western United star Rhys Bozinovski has re-signed with the A-League club for the next two seasons. The 18-year-old midfielder has developed exponentially since joining the Western United Academy in 2021, making his senior debut in early May this year against Adelaide United and was part of the grand final team. He made his first start last month. Bozinovski said he is delighted to be continuing in Green and Black and believes he has a lot more to come on the pitch. “I couldn’t be more happy to have extended my stay at Western United,” he said. “I have loved every second of it and I can’t wait to be a part of more success in the future. “I’m looking forward to being a part of something special again this year and hopefully playing more regular football with the first team, whether that be starting or coming off the bench. That would be a big stepping stone in my career.” Bozinovski transitioned quickly through the academy and signed his first professional deal in the same year he joined the academy. He said making the move from the youth league team to the senior side was tough last season, but everyone at the club had helped him tremendously to develop not only as a player, but also as a person. Football general manager Mal Impiombato praised the impact of the academy program, and the hard work that Bozinovski has put in. He said they were delighted to see Bozinovski extend his tenure at the club. “It is always pleasing to see a player progress through the club’s academy into the first team and we are excited for what lies ahead for both Rhys and the club.” In 2022, Bozinovski has also been called up to three separate Young Socceroos camps, representing his country for the first time and helping the team qualify for the 2023 AFC under-20 Asian Cup in Uzbekistan. Tara Murray

St Albans, Deer Park are officially EDFL clubs St Albans and Deer Park are officially Essendon District Football League clubs. The league announced on Friday that an AFL Victoria appeal hearing into the move of the two clubs had been concluded and dismissed. The hearing took place after the Western Region Football League, where the clubs had been playing, appealed the decision made by AFL Victoria at an earlier hearing rejecting the WRFL’s objection to the move. The EDFL in a statement confirmed that AFL Victoria had made a final decision on the move. “The Essendon District Football League is

delighted to welcome the Deer Park and St Albans Football Clubs as the League’s two newest clubs,” the league said in a statement. “AFL Victoria confirmed the outcome to the EDFL following a final appeal hearing with the WRFL earlier this week.” League chairman Bernie Shinners said both clubs would be welcome additions to the league. “Given the calibre of these clubs, our competition will be significantly strengthened and enriched and we look forward to embracing both as member clubs of the EDFL,” he said. The WRFL also released a statement saying

it had been made aware that its appeal had been unsuccessful “Although we are disappointed to be farewelling two-long standing WRFL clubs, we are looking forward to continuing the growth of football and netball across the western suburbs of Melbourne,” it said. Deer Park and St Albans play in the EDFL division 1 competition in 2023, with the division set to comprise 12 teams. Further details surrounding the admission of Deer Park and St Albans as well as the division 1 fixture will be finalised in the near future. On social media, Deer Park said they are

Lake embraces new role

Sports shorts NAB League Players from the Western Jets are among those who took part in a training camp in preparation for the 2023 AFL under-18 national championships. The camp, which was held at the Hangar in Tullamarine featured a host of talented 16 and 17-year-old boys and girls who feature as part of the Victoria Metro regions that compete in the NAB League. The girls squad participated in the training camp across Friday and Saturday, while a camp for the boys squad was run on Saturday and Sunday. Six players in the 2023 NAB AFLW Academy have been named in the girls’ squad, including the Jets’ duo Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner and Kiera Whiley. The Jets’ Logan Morris, who plays with Werribee Districts, and Tamara Henry, who is from Darley, also took part in the camps.

By Tara Murray New Caroline Springs coach Brian Lake had always planned on stepping into a senior coaching role, it just came sooner than expected. Having called the Lakers home since finishing his AFL career, Lake has always given back to the club how he could. With Brodie Holland leaving the Lakers late in the piece after getting the senior role at the Northern Bullants, the club turned to Lake to take over. He had no hesitation in putting his hand up to take the role at the Western Region Football League division 1 club. “It was going to happen, but it was 12 months earlier than expected,“ he said. “I still wanted to play next year. “Pretty much I thought this year I would finish, but my body held up well and I played every game so I wanted to give it a crack. “Brodie got the VFL job which is fantastic. With the late notice it was hard for the club to find someone else, so it just worked for both of us. “There was no hesitation.” Lake, who still plans to play in some capacity next year, said it had been a busy few since his appointment getting everything organised for the pre-season and next year. He said with the core group from this year returning there was already a good base in place for the group to move forward. Lake takes over coaching a side that won the minor premiership, before exiting the finals in straight sets. “We exceeded expectations by finishing the regular season with a 17-1 record,” he said. “We set goals along the way and one of those goals was to play finals, which was the case. “We wanted to push for the top three. For the first time in the club’s history we finished on top. When we won in 2016 we weren’t able to achieve that.” Lake said with plenty of youth in the side they were expecting to see plenty of growth from the existing playing group. There were six or seven 19 to 20 year olds part of their squad and keen to push even further. Lake said finals would be the expectation for the group next season. The club has announced the signing of Cooper Pepi, who crosses from St Albans, with Lake saying more announcements will come in the next few weeks. Lake said they believed they would have a stronger side than last season. “We’ll have the natural development of the group,” he said. “We’ve got the guys who were in the reserves, who played in the preliminary final, pushing for spots too. “Someone like Will Young will be like a new recruit. He’s had a shoulder issue the last couple of years and finally hard surgery. “He had played some good games, but his

glad this process is now completed and they can get on with season 2023 and joining the EDFL as planned. St Albans president James Perkin took to the club’s social media to thank the people behind the scenes that had done a lot of hard work to get the club to this position “It has been a roller coaster of emotions from the highs of being accepted, the lows of the unknown, with the appeal of the WRFL, but finally, we gained acceptance into a league that our club sees a bright future in,” he said. “This is the start of a momentous change in our club’s history.” Tara Murray

NPL The North Sunshine Eagles have announced their first re-signings for next year’s National Premier League 3 season. Experienced defender Tom Matthews is keen to bounce back after an injury interrupted 2023, Ryan Stewart commits for a second season at the club, while Nick Epifano has also re-signed for next season.

FV Westgate has announced the signing of 21 year old Petar Marinkovic for next year’s FV state league 1 north-west season. After finishing second in state league 2 north-west and earning promotion, Westgate has signed Marinkovic from Werribee City. Marinkovic possesses a heap of experience having played abroad in Europe for two years for Partizan Belgrade under-19s and Watford under-23s FC Academy.

VMMNA

Caroline Springs president Terry Azzopardi and Brian Lake

shoulder kept popping out. He helps our forward line and provides good experience for our young guys.” The Lakers will train until next week, before a break over the Christmas break. Lake said there was plenty of motivation in the group. “We wanted to get one more session in before

Altona Falcons were in fine form on Wednesday night in the Victorian Men’s and Mixed Netball Association mixed premier competition. Facing the Eastside Sonics the Falcons had no issues at all, winning 84-42. The Falcons sit third with one round left before the Christmas break. The Falcons men’s side lost a thriller to St Therese’s, 53-50. The Falcons are fourth on the ladder.

(Supplied)

the break,” he said. “With a young group we want to get them into good habits. We’ve got a few training with Brodie to get on a VFL list and the under-18s training with us too. “There’s a lot of self motivation in the group.”

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