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20 DECEMBER, 2022

to all our valued readers...

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Merry Christmas (Damjan Janevski) 312203_02

As excited kids across the west eagerly countdown the days until Santa visits, three-week-old Hudson experienced the lead up to his first Christmas sleeping soundly in his brother Mason’s arms, inattentive to the rush of last-minute preparations as the holiday draws closer. As we near the end of 2022, the team at Star Weekly would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and safe and happy New Year. We will return for 2023 on January 10.

Crime falls in Brimbank By Jordan Doherty

with Victoria Police to address underlying issues which may lead to people engaging in anti-social and/or criminal behaviours. Concentrated efforts in the St Albans CBD, Errington Reserve and our transport hubs balancing education, referral to support agencies and enforcement has resulted in dramatic improvement in the amenity and feeling of safety for our community. “We will continue to work with our partners to identify hotspots and individuals causing harm to the community, we will endeavour to support those needing assistance whilst holding to account those who show a blatant

disregard for the law and safety of our community.” Inspector King said targeted operations around road safety and pedestrian behaviour will be a focus for police in the new year. “We have lost a number of our community members through road accidents that are in the most part completely avoidable,” he said. “We have had a recent spike in pedestrian serious injury collisions (23) and fatalities (eight) recorded for 2022 in Brimbank. We can all play a part in reducing these tragic events by simply paying attention and obeying our road rules.” 12577185-HC49-22

Brimbank’s crime rate fell by close to 7 per cent in the 12 months to September, latest Crime Statistics Agency data reveals. According to the data, 16,521 offences were recorded in the year to September, down from 17,731 offences during the previous 12 months. The drop in crime was driven by a reduction in thefts from motor vehicles, which fell from 2503 offences in September 2021 to 2095 offences in September this year, and a drop in criminal damage offences (down from 1125 in

2021 to 1102 in 2022). St Albans, Deer Park and Sunshine North all recorded reductions in crime, according to the data. Brimbank Inspector Trevor King said he was pleased with the reduction in crime. “Our members have maintained a focus on particular locations and crime themes that, in discussion with our local community have been identified as those causing them most concern,” he said. “Our neighbourhood policing policy is ramping up with increased focus on partnerships with stakeholders who work

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Podcast makes tough listening

-----------------> I N B R I E F

Seasons greetings from Brimbank City Council From all of us at Brimbank City Council, we wish you a lovely Christmas, and a happy and safe New Year. If you’re looking for family-friendly things to do around Brimbank, be sure to check brimbank.vic.gov.au/events

We’re here for you over the holidays We’ll be open on regular business days, and our customer service centres will be closed on public holidays. Meanwhile, waste services will run as normal. All kerbside collections will continue on public holidays throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Visit brimbank.vic.gov.au/christmashours for the opening hours of other Council services like libraries, neighbourhood houses and leisure centres.

Visit yoursay.brimbank.vic.gov.au to share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Learn more about projects that are open for comment including: • Draft Creating Better Parks Policy and Plan – Provide your feedback • Disability Advisory Committee – Express your interest to join our Disability Advisory Committee • Food and garden waste ideas wall – Share your tips for managing your food waste in the green bin

Western Health has launched a podcast series aimed at improving support for victim-survivors of family violence. ‘If only someone had asked’ is aimed at healthcare workers who interact with victim-survivors and is hosted by Western Health strengthening responses to family violence manager Assunta Morrone. The podcast explores how healthcare workers can best support victim-survivors through increased awareness in their clinical practice, and through appropriate referrals to family violence services. It features stories from both victim-survivors and front line healthcare workers. “This new podcast series explores the issue of family violence; what it is and why it occurs; how to identify it when we see it; and how we as a health sector can respond. It features victim-survivors who courageously share their experiences of family violence as well as community and health professionals working to strengthen responses to family violence,” Ms Morrone said. “In my role, I provide advice and information to doctors, nurses and allied health professionals on the best ways to respond to and appropriately refer victim-survivors who need assistance. A podcast is a great way to reach busy healthcare workers because they can listen on their smartphones at a time that suits them. The lived experiences of our victim-survivors, while often confronting, can help clinicians understand the barriers our patients can face when trying to access support.” Subsequent episodes look at the impacts and experiences of family violence on migrant and

Assunta Morrone with Western Health nurse Jess. (Supplied)

refugee women, pregnant women, children and older people. Family violence is a major health issue which occurs across all ages and socioeconomic and demographic groups, but which predominantly affects women and children. Intimate partner violence is the greatest health risk factor for women aged 25 to 44 and one in four Australian women have experienced violence by an intimate partner since the age of 15. “These are shocking statistics, but sadly they perhaps don’t come as much of a surprise to our clinical staff who have treated patients presenting for injuries or medical conditions relating to family violence”, Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison said. “I want to thank everyone who shared their insights and experiences to help build our understanding of family violence and what we can do to better support victim survivors. The podcast is aimed at healthcare workers but wider audiences will also find it compelling. *“Beth” is a pseudonym used to protect the victim-survivor’s anonymity.

DIMMEYS Holiday reading challenge

While the average household’s rubbish doubles around the holiday season, you can make it a greener Christmas by disposing of waste responsibly. You can drop off e-waste (computers, televisions), batteries, cardboard, paper, clothing or motor oil at the Brimbank Resource Recovery Centre in Keilor Park. You can also get rid of hard waste and green waste by using Council’s at-call hard waste collection service. All residential properties are entitled to one no charge collection each financial year. Learn more at brimbank.vic.gov.au

The Big Summer Read aims to keep you reading all summer long. You can enter to win a prize by reading a minimum of 10 books throughout summer. Registrations are open and close 31 January. Visit brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au to learn more.

Fun day for the family The St Albans Gift and Family Fun Day has great attractions for the whole family. The official Victorian Athletics League event is the lead up to the annual Stawell Gift and includes kids’ activities and entertainment. Come along to the St Albans Sports Club on Saturday 7 January, from 3pm for the no charge event. Visit stalbanssportsclub.com.au/events to learn more.

brimbank.vic.gov.au 131 450 Local call costs apply

Use Brimby, the new online virtual assistant

Your Councillors are always happy to hear from you

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Cr Victoria Borg Cr Sarah Branton Cr Thuy Dang Cr Sam David JP Cr Maria Kerr Cr Bruce Lancashire (Mayor) Cr Trung Luu Cr Jasmine Nguyen Cr Jae Papalia Cr Ranka Rasic (Deputy Mayor) Cr Virginia Tachos

0429 365 527 0407 836 064 0437 744 803 0429 355 239 0437 796 630 0429 637 689 0437 826 450 0437 740 042 0437 838 710 0437 861 296 0428 915 671

CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrKerr@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrLuu@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrRasic@brimbank.vic.gov.au CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au All information was correct at the time of printing.

4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

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Police lay firearm, drug charges By Jordan Doherty Police from the VIPER Taskforce have seized firearms, ammunition and drugs as part of three separate operations across Melbourne over the past week. A 48-year-old St Albans man was charged with firearm and drug offences after police executed warrants at a St Albans address on December 13 as part of an investigation into firearm and drug trafficking.

The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs. The taskforce, which was set up in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by assisting with investigation tactics and

enforcement actions. VIPER stands for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance. Detective Inspector Craig Darlow said firearm seizures were important in keeping the community safe. “Any firearm seizure is satisfying because it has an immediate impact on community safety. Taking these weapons out of the hands of criminals means they can’t be used to inflict further harm or commit further

serious offences. These results also highlight how often we see firearms offences occurring in conjunction with drug offences,“ Detective Inspector Darlow said. “VIPER taskforce will continue to target this activity and I urge anyone with information about illicit firearms or drugs to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.” Crime Stoppers can be reached on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Nerves turn to VCE joy St Albans Secondary College is celebrating strong VCE results, with close to 40 per cent of year 12 students achieving an ATAR above 80. St Albans Secondary college assistant principal Craig Jennings said the school community was thrilled with some of the great scores achieved by students. “We are very pleased to say that this year we have received the best results ever This is a big achievement for the school and especially for the students. This clearly shows the hard work of all our staff and all the hard work done by the students which has very clearly paid off,” Mr Jennings said. “Year 12 student Anthony Tran received the highest score with a very impressive 99.85 per cent and perfect study scores in specialist maths, further maths and chemistry.” Victoria University Secondary College’s year 12 students also did exceptionally well despite the many disruptions they faced, recording the school’s highest-ever ATAR results. Ten students received ATARs in the high 90s, with the school’s dux scoring 97.7.

Marian College dux Ferina Ulku achieved an ATAR of 97.75. In all 10 per cent of Marion College’s graduating cohort gained an ATAR of 90 or over. “For many of our students the journey to this successful culmination to their years at Marian College has been particularly impressive given the challenges posed over the past years,“ a school spokesperson said. “Many of our students have had to contend with periods of remote learning that extended even further beyond those mandated by the state. For some students, during the extensive periods of lockdown and remote learning, access to optimum spaces, resources and to their peers was limited. “These impacts lingered into 2022 and so this has made us even prouder of the resilience demonstrated by these young people. We are confident that these ATARs will translate into pathways’ success and that the majority will gain places in their preferred tertiary courses. We thank our 2022 graduates as they have continued to strive to succeed and flourish.

Left: St Albans Secondary College dux Anthony Tran. (Damjan Janevski) 312785_01 Right: Marian College dux Ferina Ulku. (Supplied)

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Stabbing charges

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Volunteering milestone St Albans’ Luciana Di Mattia is celebrating a milestone of 25 years of volunteer service to Brimbank council. Luciana was introduced to volunteer work by her late father, Tom Diele, who volunteered in many roles throughout the years and won a Citizen of the Year award. The now 68-year-old’s family migrated to Australia in 1969 and settled in Brimbank with a desire to share their Italian heritage and their creative talents with the community. Luciana said she started out as a marshal at the Sunshine Festival, making sure that kids didn’t run between the procession and keeping people safe She is currently facilitating playgroups at Westvale Neighbourhood House and has helped out in many other areas, including the children’s activities at the Christmas carols at Overnewton Castle, at the former Children’s Week festival, the Disability Expo and with exchange students from overseas.

Her best memory of volunteering was being part of the tea dances to the tunes of old songs at Errington Community Centre with Brimbank senior residents. “Seeing the joy on people’s faces gives me joy and I can’t speak more highly of the other volunteers,“ she said. Luciana said there are many benefits to volunteering including keeping your mind alert, being with other people, having a sense of belonging, stretching yourself to help others, giving yourself a purpose in life and sharing your culture. “When you volunteer, you bring in your laughter, your smile, your culture. It’s a way of visiting the world without leaving Brimbank, you leave your footprint and that is so beautiful,” she said. “You don’t get paid but your reward is to put a smile on other people’s faces.”

A17-year-old Taylors Hill youth has been arrested and interviewed by police as part of the investigation into the fatal stabbing of an 18-year-old Tarneit man in St Kilda on December 4. A 16-year-old Kurunjang boy was also arrested. Both were charged with affray and violent disorder in relation to the incident. Emergency services were called to St Kilda beach just after 7.30pm on December 4 following reports of people fighting. The teenage victim was found with stab wounds on the beach near Pier Road. The exact circumstances and motivation for the incident are still under investigation and detectives are keen to speak to anyone with further information. Police would also like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident and has mobile phone vision, CCTV or dash-cam footage.

Free transport Victorians will have access to free public transport on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, meaning they will not need to touch on their Myki cards. The state government said metropolitan and regional public transport will be free from 3am on Sunday, December 25, until 3am on Boxing Day, Monday, December 26. Services will also be free from 6pm, Saturday, December 31, until 6am, Sunday, January 1. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Jordan Doherty

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6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

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The Sunshine North mural.

Remember rough sleepers

(IPC Health)

Painting draws on hope By Jordan Doherty A mural is being displayed in Sunshine North with the intention of promoting discussion around gambling harm. The mural is on the corner of Ford Avenue and Furlong Road in Sunshine North and is intended to speak about and offer hope regarding gambling harm, particularly with a view to young people and the dangers of gambling addiction associated with betting apps, devices and gaming. The mural was created by Sebastian Fransz, a Melbourne-based visual artist working across

drawing, oil painting and murals. He paints mural work professionally and facilitates community art projects with diverse groups of people. This project consisted of a series of co-design workshops facilitated with young people from Young Leaders of the West, with support and input from IPC Health and Brimbank council. Multiple designs and concepts were refined across the workshops. The final design was installed as a large-scale mural painting, depicting a narrative in which a young person is walking along a path, away from the risks of gambling harm and toward a

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more positive outcome. The young subject moves away from these and toward a green, open space, with signage and people encouraging them along their way. A rainbow and crowd of people signal the positive end of the mural, accompanied by a big sign containing contact info for the Gamblers Help Youthline. Latest data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission reveals Brimbank recorded the highest poker machine losses in the state in October, at $14.97 million. Details: Gambler’s Help Youthline, 1800 262 376.

Brimbank has the highest incidence of homelessness in Melbourne’s west, and the largest number of people accessing specialist homelessness services in Victoria, according to Brimbank council. This Christmas, Inspire Hope is asking people to remember those in the community who are sleeping rough this festive season. Inspire Hope founder and president Tamara Carr wants people not to forget rough sleepers. “I think the biggest thing we should remember is the emotions around Christmas for some of our rough sleepers, being away from family or even just the joy/spirit of Christmas,” she said. “Most organisations will be doing a Christmas feast for them but are on skeleton staff. It’s a good time for us as community members to extend a little love, joy and grace for those hurting/ suffering over Christmas.” Inspire Hope strives to bring relief and support to the disadvantaged and those living in poverty by aiding in the growth of a stronger, thriving community that will serve future generations. Jordan Doherty

Don’t travel to bushland on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days. If you plan to travel through Victoria during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, avoid travelling to high risk bush or grassfire areas. It’s safer to travel to cities or towns for the day.

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Deer Park boom gates are gone By Jordan Doherty Two sets of boom gates have been dismantled in Deer Park, following the removal of the level crossings at Fitzgerald Road, Ardeer and Robinsons Road to improve safety and decrease congestion. Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said: “We’re thrilled to see the boom gates gone in Deer Park and Ardeer – improving safety and easing congestion in Melbourne’s west. The level crossings were removed well ahead of schedule, providing safer roads and safer train services for Geelong and Ballarat line passengers – Victoria’s fastest-growing and busiest regional rail corridors”. Fitzgerald Road was the 65th level crossing to be removed earlier this year, with a new road bridge opening in July , six months ahead of schedule. The nearby Robinsons Road level crossing was removed in September 2022, with a road underpass open months ahead of the 2023 commitment. Removing these level crossings reduces travel times, improves safety and traffic flow, and creates better local connections for pedestrians and cyclists. At Fitzgerald Road, crews built a new road bridge connecting the road to Forrest Street, featuring 21 bridge piles, 14 bridge beams, 113 concrete barriers and 324 retaining walls. At Robinsons Road, the team excavated more than 60,000 cubic metres of rock and soil to build the new road underpass and rail bridge, and installed 430 tonnes of steel, and 7 bridge beams weighing 80 tonnes each. Locals recently celebrated the removal of the level crossings at the Western Community Fun Day (which drew a crowd of over 300) and marked the opening of a new walking and cycling path which provides a direct connection to the Western Ring Road trail. Works will continue until the end of the year to plant more than 250,000 trees, shrubs and grasses at Fitzgerald and Robinsons

It was all hands on deck to remove the boom gates. (Pictures: Supplied/ Level Crossing Removal Project.)

roads. Works are also continuing on the nearby Mount Derrimut Road level crossing, where a rail bridge over the road will separate trains from vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, and a new Deer Park Station is being built. In late November, crews began installing large concrete L-beams that will form part of the new rail bridge over Mount Derrimut

Crossing work ramps up Sixty concrete L-beams are being lifted into place as major works continue on the new rail bridge that will replace the dangerous and congested level crossing at Mt Derrimut Road, Deer Park. Two cranes are on site to lift the beams on to concrete columns that will support the 1.2-kilometre bridge. Pairs of L-beams will be joined together with a concrete “stitch”, forming 30 U-shaped troughs for the trains to run in on the elevated rail line. Beam installation will occur overnight to minimise traffic disruptions for the community. The rail bridge will be connected over Mt

Road, with motorists asked to drive with care through the area while lane closures and reduced speeds are in place at times in December. Together with the Mount Derrimut Road, Deer Park level crossing, there have been 18 near misses at the three locations since 2012. The boom gates at Mount Derrimut Road can

be down for up to 60 per cent of the morning peak, while the boom gates at Fitzgerald and Robinsons Road were down for up to 45 per cent. Across Melbourne, 110 dangerous and congested level crossings will be removed by 2030, with 67 already gone for good to boost safety and ease congestion.

Concrete L-beams being lifted into place. (Supplied)

Derrimut Road by a 44-metre steel bridge span, which will be lifted into place next year. The new, modern Deer Park Station will have elevated platforms above a pedestrian walkway that will connect commuters to both sides of the rail line. The platforms will be accessible via lifts, stairs and ramps. The station will feature a bus interchange, pedestrian and cycling paths, and upgraded passenger facilities including a waiting room, bathrooms and secure bicycle parking. The Level Crossing Removal Project is removing 110 level crossings across Melbourne by 2030, with 67 already gone for good, boosting safety and easing congestion.

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Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 9

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20 December 2022

Mayor’s message Cr Lara Carli The holiday season is a special time of year for me. It is an opportunity to gather with my family and friends to create great memories that last a lifetime.

STAY INFORMED Quickly and easily connect with us online: melton.vic.gov.au facebook.com/cityofmelton Instagram @cityofmeltonofficial

School, holiday activities

This festive break, I hope you can all enjoy these special moments and celebrate the important things – our loved ones, our health and happiness, the food on our tables, and the place we call home. Summer school holidays will be action-packed for Melton residents with Council delivering an exciting program of dance workshops, art classes and sports activities throughout January. From vacation care to bowling, a trip to the cinema, art workshop, self defence and sport. indoor rock climbing, fishing,

Waste collections There are no changes to your kerbside bin collections this holiday season and bins will still be collected on your regular day. More details about waste collections at melton.vic.gov.au/waste

Coburn Ward with Cr Sophie Ramsey Christmas is a wonderful time for family, friends and community; a time when we can all rejoice in being together and spend time with those we love. Our community is wholeheartedly embracing the Christmas spirit, with decorations and lights brightening up our streets and homes, and the sound of joyous carols filling the air. It’s wonderful to see. It’s also a time when many of you will be heading off on holidays. So, whether you’re travelling near or far, please be safe on our roads, on our beaches and pools, and in rural areas where other risks might lurk. I sincerely hope that each of you enjoys the unmistakable magic the festive season brings. From the bottom of my heart, I hope the new year brings health and prosperity

to you and your family, and I look forward to a fruitful 2023. It is with utmost sadness that I pass on the news that Heather Evans, National President of the Partners of Veterans Association, and long-time Melton local, has passed away after battling illness for some time. Heather was an amazing advocate for Partners of Veterans and used her outstanding skills all the way to the halls of Parliament House. She was a warm, articulate, intelligent, and extremely funny woman who we admired immensely, and will be sorely missed by all those whose lives she touched. LEST WE FORGET. Don’t hesitate to contact me at sophie.ramsey@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 067. I’d love to hear your thoughts about Coburn Ward.

dodge ball, laser tag, dance and more, there’s something for everyone this holiday season. Many activities are free but almost all have limited spaces, so make sure you book ahead. You can see all the activities on offer at melton.vic.gov.au/schoolholidays

Christmas and New Year opening hours There will be some changes to opening hours at Council facilities this holiday season. CIVIC CENTRE Closed from 12pm on Friday 23 December 2022 until Tuesday 3 January 2023 MELTON LIBRARIES Closed from 12pm on Friday 23 December 2022 until Tuesday 3 January 2023 ANIMAL POUND Reduced hours on 23, 24 and 31 December and 1 January (open from 9:30am to 10:30am), and closed all other days between 25 December and 3 January. An animal ranger will be on call and can be contacted on 9747 7200 MELTON RECYCLING FACILITY Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and open 8am to 4:30pm every other day

Find out more at melton.vic.gov.au/ holidayhours

The holidays are also an opportunity for Council to reflect on what we’ve achieved for our community over the last year. In 2022, Council helped to secure commitments from the Victorian Government to fund a business case on an upgrade to the Western Highway, as well as to rebuild Melton Station and remove six level crossings, and deliver the new Melton Hospital and TAFE. We also supported our sporting community and opened the new MacPherson Park Soccer Pavilion, extended and refurbished the Brookside Recreation Reserve Pavilion, delivered lighting and a scoreboard at Eynesbury Recreation Reserve, and delivered Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve oval rebuild. With so many families growing in our area, I’m also proud that we built an extension to Arnolds Creek Kindergarten in Harkness for the 2022 kinder year, and built the Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park Children’s and Community Centres, ready for the new kindergarten year! On behalf of my fellow councillors, I wish you all a happy and peaceful holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. We look forward to a bigger and brighter 2023 for our whole community. Feel free to contact me about Watts Ward or Council related issues on 0409 951 020 or email at: lara.carli@melton.vic.gov.au or visit my Facebook page at: facebook.com/Cr.LaraCarli

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

Mayor Cr Lara Carli

Deputy Mayor Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Steve Abboushi

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all 10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Kathy Majdlik

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Bob Turner

Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Trung elected to parliament By Jordan Doherty Brimbank councillor Trung Luu has become the first Liberal MP of Vietnamese heritage elected to represent the Western Metropolitan Region in the upper house of state Parliament. The upper house election results were finalised last week and Mr Luu was elected to represent the Western Metropolitan Region for the Liberal Party, alongside Melton councillor Moira Deeming. “It is a great privilege to be the first Liberal member of Vietnamese heritage elected as the new Liberal member for the Western Metropolitan Region,” he said. “I thank my supporters and the Vietnamese community who got behind the campaign to make this happen. “I understand the weight bestowed upon my shoulders and grasped the honour with both hands, for I valued the sacrifices and hardships newcomers had to go through, as they call Australia home.” According to the Victorian Electoral Commission, councillors elected to Parliament will needed to step down from their roles as councillors and a new councillor elected to to their place. Meanwhile, long-serving Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn has not been re-elected. The former Liberal MP turned Democratic Labour Party leader called for a recount of the results last week, but the VEC declined. Mr Finn finishing behind Mr Luu by 210 votes to miss out on one of five seats.

Rollerblading Elves will visit Sunshine.

New Western Metropolitan MP Trung Luu. (Supplied)

Following the VEC’s decision, Mr Finn took to social media to say he “may have to take [the decision not to recount] to a higher authority”. A VEC spokesperson said while the final margin between Mr Luu and Mr Finn was close, it needed to read in the context of the earlier distributions, which were “not close”, so changes in the result that could occur during a recount would “not overcome the impact of the last distribution of preferences”. “A recount won’t be required simply because a candidate requests it,” the spokesperson said.

(Supplied)

Santa rolls into town Santa and his three elves will be zooming around the streets of Sunshine later this week. The roller skating elves will be in the Sunshine central business district on Thursday, December 22, as part of the Sunshine Business Association’s festive celebrations. People will be able to watch them and join in the fun from 10am to 2pm. The elves will be giving out candy canes, blowing bubbles and playing games with the kids, as they roam around the whole town centre.

Santa and another Christmas Elf visited Sunshine on Saturday, Dcember 10 and 17. Sunshine Business Association president Vu Du said the association wanted to spread Christmas joy. “We are really looking forward to having customers doing their Christmas gift and food shopping locally and supporting our retailers,” he said. “We hope everyone has a great holiday season and are also looking forward to upcoming events in the new year.”

Where to pick up your FREE BRIMBANK & NORTH WEST Hillside Foodworks Hillside 49-69 Wattle Valley Drive Hillside Parkwood Green Community Centre 88 Catherine Drive Keilor Brad Teal Woodards - Keilor 684 Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Community Hub 704b Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Newsagent 700 Old Calder Highway Keilor Keilor Retirement Village 868 Old Calder Highway Service Road Keilor Downs Centro Shopping Centre 80 Taylors Road Keilor Park Frank's Supermarket 5 Fosters Road Keilor Park Fergusson Plairre Bakehouse Shop 32, 40 Keilor Park Drive Kings Park Westvale Community Centre 45 Kings Road St Albans Homes Group Real Estate 63 Alfrieda Street St Albans Westside Real Estate 1a Alfrieda Street St Albans IGA St Albans 18 East Esplanade 9364 3388 St Albans Barry Plant Real Estate - St Albans 1-7 Elaine Street St Albans Sunshine Hospital 176 Furlong Road St Albans Joan Kirner Women's & Childrens Hospital 176 Furlong Road St Albans ABC Real Estate 286 Main Road East St Albans St Albans Newsagency 304 Main Road East (9366 2273) St Albans Ray White Real Estate - St Albans 308 Main Road East St Albans Raine and Horne - St Albans 352 Main Road East St Albans YPA Estate Agents - St Albans 67 Main Road West St Albans First National Eeal Estate - St Albans 8/346 Main Road West St Albans Danny & Co Real Estate - St Albans 352 Main Road West St Albans People In Real Estate 1 Princess St St Albans Stockdale and Leggo - St Albans 9 Alfrieda Street St Albans Sweeney Real Estate - St Albans 22 Alfrieda Street Sunshine Hocking Stuart Sunshine 134 Durham Street Sunshine Stockdale Leggo - Sunshine 273 Hampshire Road Sunshine Thomson Real Estate - Sunshine 3/473 Ballarat Road Sunshine Brotherhood of St Laurence Lvl 6, 12 Clarke Street Sunshine Bells Real Estate - Sunshine 14 Devonshire Road Sunshine Sunshine RSL 99 Dickson Street Sunshine Barry Plant Real Estate - Sunshine 271 Hampshire Road Sunshine GL Lee Real Estate - Sunshine 275 Hampshire Road Sunshine Douglas Kay Real Estate - Sunshine 280 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Library 301 Hampshire Road Sunshine Brimbank City Council 301 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Plaza 324-328 Hampshire Road

Published Tuesday - weekly Sunshine Sweeney Real Estate - Sunshine 4a/282 Hampshire Road Sunshine Sunshine Marketplace 80 Harvester Road Sunshine Woolworths Supermarket - Sunshine 80 Harvester Road (Sunshine Marketplace) Sunshine North North Sunshine Post, News and Lotto 69 McIntyre Road Sunshine West Morgan's Super IGA Supermarket 475 Fitzgerald Road Sunshine West Bottler Sunshine West Drive in Liquor 79 Glengala Road Sunshine West Coles Supermarket - Sunshine West 136 The Avenue Sydenham YPA Estate Agents - Sydenham Ground Floor, 15-17 Overton Lea Boulevard Sydenham O’Brien Real Estate 17b Overton Overton Lea Boulevard Taylors Hill Taylors Hill Land Sales Cnr Taylors & Gourlay Roads Taylors Hill Watervale Shopping Centre 2-14 Calder Park Drive Taylors Lakes Professionals Real Estate Shop 27 3 Melton Highway (Taylors Lakes Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes Taylors Lakes Lotto Shop 8 3 Melton Highway (Taylors Lakes Shopping Centre) 9390 9129 Taylors Lakes YPA Estate Agents - Taylors Lakes Shop 5, 399 Melton Highway (Watergardens Shopping Centre) Taylors Lakes Watergardens Shopping Centre 399 Melton Highway

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Albion Federation Residential Village 639 Ballarat Road Albion Sadie Black Cafe 31 Perth Avenue Ardeer Coles Express 1-5 The Avenue (Cnr Fitzgerald Road) Braybrook Coles Supermarket - Braybrook 67 Ashley Street Braybrook Central West Shopping Centre 65-67 Ashley Street Braybrook Braybrook News & Lotto 127 South Road Burnside Burnside News and Lotto 15 Westwood Drive Burnside Heights Milkbar 102 Tenterfield Drive Cairnlea Cairnlea Town Centre 100 Furlong Road Cairnlea Harcourts Real Estate 1a/100 Furlong Road Caroline Springs Caroline Springs Civic Centre/Library 193-201 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs Brad Teal Real Estate - Caroline Springs Shop 4, 242244 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs Ray White Real Estate - Caroline Springs Shop 8, 234 Caroline Springs Boulevard Caroline Springs CS Square Centre 29-35 Lake Street Deer Park Smart Smile Dental Suite 4, 20 Clairview Road Deer Park Deer Park Club 780 Ballarat Road Deer Park Bells Real Estate - Deer Park 813a Ballarat Road Deer Park Biggin and Scott Real Estate - Deer Park 817a Ballarat Road Deer Park Comm Unity Plus - Community Neighbourhood Centre 822-824 Ballarat Road Deer Park Foodworks 803 Ballarat Road Deer Park Cellarbrations liquor store 809 Ballarat Road Deer Park Australia Post - Deer Park 827a Ballarat Road Deer Park Deer Park IGA 8 Hatchlands Drive Deer Park Brimbank Shopping Centre Cnr Neale Road & Station Road Deer Park Derrimut Village Shopping Centre Foleys Road Deer Park Coles Supermarket - Deer Park Foleys Road (Derrimut Village Shopping Centre) Deer Park Deer Park Library 4 Neale Road Deer Park Burnham Real Estate - Deer Park 93 Station Road Delahey Calder Real Estate 10/350 Taylors Road Delahey IGA Delahey 260 Taylors Road (Delahey Village Shopping Centre) Delahey Delahey Community Centre 80 Copperfeild Drive Derrimut Sunshine Golf Club 475 Mt Derrimut Road Derrimut YPA Estate Agents - Derrimut Shop 9, 20 Mt Derrimut Road Footscray Wards Newsagency 100 Nicholson Street

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Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

COMMENT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

How to ward off mozzie nasties By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network No one needs reminding that spring this year was a wet and wild affair, or that forecasts suggest the summer might also be a bit damp. And while it’s a Melbourne hobby to complain about the weather, the combination of rain and brief periods of sun means that we would do well to take precautions against an old but resurgent health risk. Warmth and water provide ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes, and populations of these flying nuisances are exploding. Mozzie bites are annoying at the best of times, but we need to be especially on guard now, because there’s a risk that a bite might end up as something more serious than an itchy little lump. There are almost 300 species of mosquito found in Australia, but only a few of them feast on humans. Those that do, however, sometimes carry germs that can infect us and occasionally cause severe illness. In Victoria we are spared two of the world’s most common mosquito-linked diseases – malaria and dengue fever – but there are some others that can potentially cause us harm. Mosquito-borne nasties that might be circulating around where you live are Ross River virus disease, Barmah Forest virus disease, Murray Valley encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis and Buruli ulcer. It’s important to note that here these diseases are rare and in most cases don’t produce any symptoms. In the small percentage that do result in illness, however, an even smaller percentage can develop very serious problems. The first symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses are often fevers that don’t show for days or weeks after being bitten. Another

Safeguard yourself against mosquitoes this summer. (iStock)

warning sign is a bite-lump that shows no signs of going away. Whatever the cause, if you or a family member start to feel ill, you should follow your usual action plan – depending on severity, ring Nurse-on-call on 1300 60 60 24, make an appointment with a GP, go to a Priority Primary Care Centre, a GP Respiratory Clinic (if breathing or lungs are affected), or call triple-0 and ask for an ambulance.

All mosquito-borne diseases can be detected through testing, so even if you don’t remember being bitten, the medical professionals will figure it out. What you can do right now, though, is take some easy steps to reduce your chances of being bitten by the blighters. If you’ve got flyscreens on your doors and windows, make sure they are closed and patch up any holes. Empty out any old containers. Mozzies

don’t need much water to lay eggs in. Remember to refresh pet water bowls every day or two. Wear loose long sleeves outside, and use an effective insect repellent on exposed skin. There are many from which to choose. There is no foolproof way to escape a mozzie bite at this time of year, but these tips and tricks will help you have an itch-free summer.

Wombat waddles back to health thanks to vets

An orphaned wild wombat joey with a life-threatening stomach condition is back waddling through grass again following treatment by Werribee Open Range Zoo veterinarians and a remarkable recovery with a wildlife carer. The female common wombat – affectionately named Fern – was found alone and weak by a member of the public near Beechworth in north-east Victoria and taken to a local wildlife carer in May. The joey, weighing a slight 1.77 kilograms, was promptly transported to Werribee Open Range Zoo for critical medical assessment. Upon arrival, Fern immediately underwent a series of tests including X-rays, ultrasounds and blood tests, which revealed a problematic bacterial infection requiring life-saving medical treatment. Werribee Open Range Zoo veterinarian Dr Jen O’Dwyer said the sick marsupial had not been drinking milk – an important source of energy, calcium and protein to support growth during early life development – and had also developed severe diarrhoea. “We don’t like to see these kinds of issues in younger wombats, but they can occur because of stress, inappropriate diet and other factors,” Dr O’Dwyer said. “To commence her recovery, we provided antibiotics for the bacterial infection, and intravenous fluids and oral rehydration therapy to assist with dehydration.” As Fern’s health began to improve, her diet included specialised supplementary milk and

Wild orphaned wombat joey, Fern receiving treatment. Fern’s recovery is going “beautifully”. (Pictures: Werribee Open Range Zoo)

fresh grass, dirt, roots, and bark. “One of our vet nurses acted as a foster mum, providing Fern with daily milk feeds from a bottle,” Dr O’Dwyer said. “Fern was also taken outside regularly into a grassy rehabilitation enclosure to roam and forage with the nurse’s guidance.” Following Fern’s rehabilitation at the zoo, she has spent six months being nurtured by a wildlife carer from Reach Out Wildlife Australia (ROWA). This period included two return visits to the zoo to support Fern’s ongoing recovery.

12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

“Fern is tracking beautifully at the moment and has moved to a pre-release enclosure with her wildlife carer, so we’re really optimistic for her future,” Dr O’Dwyer said. “Health permitting, she will be released back to where she was originally found once she is old enough to be able to fend for herself in the wild in the coming months.” Dr O’Dwyer said there are some simple actions the community can take if they encounter a wombat in distress in the wild. “There’s been a lot of rain throughout the past few weeks and wombats are a burrowing

species, so it’s possible members of the public may come across displaced adult and juvenile wombats,” Dr O’Dwyer said. “If you’re seeing wombats under the size of the football, I would be concerned if there’s no mum or burrow around. “Wildlife can become highly stressed with human approach, especially wombats, so it’s always important to keep your distance. Please contact Wildlife Victoria or your local wildlife carer who will be able to provide expert advice about the best course of action to take.”

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

Melburnian of the Year makes her mark Melburnian of the Year Antoinette Braybrook talks to Liam McNally about growing up in Melton, her work with Djirra and what the award means to her.

Antionette Braybrook was awarded Melburnian of the Year on November 14, 2022. (Pictu res: Suppl

ied/Jesse Spezza)

hen Djirra chief executive Antoinette Braybrook was named the Melburnian of the Year in November, she said she was “deeply honoured” but it was “hard to believe ’’ she was the first Aboriginal person to receive the accolade in its 20-year existence. “I dedicate this honour to Aboriginal women, recognising the strength and courage of every Aboriginal woman who has put her trust in me and our organisation Djirra for over two decades,” she said. Djirra is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who experience family violence, predominantly women and their children. Ms Braybrook has been leading Djirra since its inception in 2002.

‘‘

I tackle it head on. I try not to let it diminish me

’’

- Antionette Braybrook Ms Braybrook’s family line is through the Kuku Yalanji, North Queensland, but she was born in Melton, on Wurundjeri country. She said she has a “really strong” connection to Melton. Fifty years ago, hers was the only Aboriginal family she knew of in the area. Her family made inroads to connecting with the community through sport – her mother being “instrumental” in setting up what is now the Melton Netball Association and her father and brothers playing for Melton South Football Club. Despite the “many strong friendships” she maintains, she wouldn’t “say it was easy” growing up in Melton. “We experienced racism,” she said. She said this racism was the catalyst for her leaving school at just 15. “I left school with really low self-confidence. I had no self worth, I just felt like I was not valued in any way, and that was difficult to reconcile – at home, my mum and dad always made us feel proud of our culture and identity, but outside of the family home we were made to feel the lesser,” she said. Ms Braybrook “pushed through” these

Antionette Braybrook has been the chief executive of Djirra since its inception in 2002. (Tiffany Garvie)

feelings throughout her early working life, with the help of “strong family and support networks,” and at age 30 enrolled in a law degree. “It was overwhelming, and scary. I felt like an imposter, but I did it, and here we are,” she said. She said the proudest aspect of her career is Djirra’s work and growth, whose staff are 40 per cent Aboriginal women in 101 funded positions spread across nine offices in Victoria. The organisation is working towards opening an office in her home town of Melton next year, which has the third highest rates of family violence in greater Melbourne, and the fastest growing Aboriginal population. Another career highlight was making four interventions at the United Nations 41st session in 2019 around the high removal rates of Aboriginal children, Aboriginal women

being the fastest growing prison population in Australia, punitive income management programs and solutions to addressing the high rates of violence against Aboriginal women. Ms Braybrook said the interventions were about “keeping Aboriginal women visible,” which she also intends to do with the Melburnian of the Year award, including by hopefully building the first Aboriginal Women’s Centre in Melbourne. She said violence against Aboriginal women is “continuing to rise”. “In Victoria, Aboriginal women are 45 times more likely to experience family violence and 25 times more likely to die from a violent assault than other women,” she said. “I also want to point out that we know that around 90 per cent of the violence against our women, our people, goes unreported. So these numbers really do not speak the truth.”

One of Djirra’s biggest calls nationally is to have a dedicated national plan to end violence against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their children, “because we don’t want to be lost and invisible in mainstream plans.” Ms Braybrook said her work is a “lifelong commitment”, both in the family violence sector and wider aspects of racism. “Racism isn’t just isolated to one area, I think that it’s still very much alive and thriving across the country,” she said. “It impacted significantly on my life, but now I tackle it head on. I try not to let it diminish me.” In the current political climate there’s national attention on Aboriginal issues, with the Closing the Gap report, Voice to Parliament, federal laws protecting indigenous sites, and the inquiry into Missing and Murdered First Nations Women and Children. Despite the “extremely disappointing” results in the latest Closing the Gap report, Ms Braybrook is hopeful about “big steps being taken”. “I think that they’re important steps, and I think that to have a new government has been a breath of fresh air, especially to have Linda Burney, an Aboriginal woman be appointed as the minister for Indigenous Australians,” she said. “I feel that we’re starting to see a new way, a different way, because we can’t keep doing things the same old way and expecting a different result.” Ms Braybrook said that even on a social level, for everyday people there’s “so much work to do”. “A good start is for people is to inform themselves of the real history of this country and understand that the past injustices are not just of the past, they are very much present today,” she said. “Colonisation didn’t just happen at a point in time, it’s been an ongoing process, and so it would be really good for people to understand that everyone’s got an individual responsibility in dismantling the oppressive structures which continue to disadvantage our people.” Details: https://djirra.org.au/

Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

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14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

EDUCATION IN FOCUS

Advertising feature

VUSC celebrates stellar VCE results among class of ‘22 Victoria University Secondary College (VUSC) students have had a triumphant year, achieving the highest ATAR results the college has ever seen. This year, 10 students achieved an ATAR above 90. They were Leanna Nguyen, Gun Veet Bajaj, Sally Tran, Sara Tariq, Paris-Mia Tran, Haonhi Nguyen, Hung-shin Lui, Malinn Senevirathna, Jessica Sawyers and Donald La. Fifteen students achieved ATARs in the 80s and 21 achieved a study score of 40 or more. Congratulations to the 2022 college dux, Malinn Senevirathna, who achieved an ATAR of 97.7, and Proxime Accessit, Donald La, who achieved a result of 96.65. Malinn achieved excellent results across his subjects, being the dux of chemistry, physics, and tied for dux in specialist mathematics. Whilst at the college, Malinn’s consistent conscientiousness and high-expectations of himself have aided him in his excellent outcomes in year 12. Malinn’s VCE subjects included English, chemistry, physics, specialist mathematics, mathematical methods (2021), and biology (2021). In 2023, Malinn plans to study a double degree in mechanical engineering and business management at RMIT University. The school community wishes Malinn all the best with his further studies. The college’s Proxime Accessit, Donald also achieved excellent outcomes across his subjects. Donald was one of the duces in English and was dux in Chinese. Donald had also been dux in drama, a year 12 subject he completed when in year 11. In 2023, Donald plans to study a bachelor of science at the University of Melbourne. He plans to major in computer science and software engineering.

The inspiring students who achieved an ATAR of 90 or above. From left to right, Leanna Nguyen, Gun Veet Bajaj, Sally Tran, Sara Tariq, Paris-Mia Tran, Haonhi Nguyen, Hung-shin Lui, Malinn Senevirathna, Jessica Sawyers and Donald La. (Supplied)

VUSC principal Elaine Hazimis said she was proud of the class of 2022 and the way they had overcome adversity and disruption,

with this year’s ATAR results double the number from the previous year. “Staff and students have worked extremely

hard to overcome lockdowns, illness, moving to a new senior campus and mental health issues to achieve strong results.”

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Our College congratulates Malinn Senevirathna, College Dux for 2022 who has achieved the school’s highest ATAR this year of 97.7.

Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

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

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

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

St Albans senior citizens St Albans Senior Citizens group meets at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William Streets on Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9am to 1.30pm. We have Bingo, cards, billiards and other activities. Annual membership $10. Entry $1 on attendance day. All new members welcomed. ■ Roma, 0435 991 064

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

Melton Men’s 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/

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.

Photographer Joe Mastroianni caught up with Desley Adams to check out the community-designed Christmas trees on display as part of Christmas in Riddells Creek. (311237_04)

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

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

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

Melton South Knit & Natter 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

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

Melton Bridge Club

Zonta club meets

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

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

Parkinson’s support group

U3A Melton U3A Melton offers among its activities a Book Group, Australian History and a gentle exercise class for those 55 and over who

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

are retired or semi-retired who wish to stay mentally and physically active. ■ 0419 563 016

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

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

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

French and Italian for over 50s 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

Community singing group 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

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 Greg, 0417 593 035

Melton-Moorabool RVAHJ A group of Justices of the Peace (JP’s) are seeking active and retired JP’s from the Melton and Moorabool shires to form a new branch of the Royal Victorian Association of Honorary Justices (RVAHJ). ■ Anne, 0472 561 569

Melton Trauma Teddies Melton Trauma Teddies are seeking volunteers to assist with knitting, stuffing, or stitching teddy-bears that go to children in their time of need. ■ Jean, 0412 931 498

Summer Sundown Celebrate summer at the Visy Cares Hub with free events including live performances, food trucks and games and prizes. At 80b Harvester Road, Sunshine ■ 9091 8200 or info@youthjunctioninc.net.au

PUZZLES

1 hard

5 3 2 6 2 3 7

1 4 1

10 11 12 13

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

C D

Today’s Aim: 14 words: Good 21 words: Very good

8 1 2 7 6 5 9 3 4

5 4 7 8 9 3 2 1 6

6 2 3 1 7 8 4 5 9

In New Zealand, what is sweet potato known as?

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

Dolly, the world’s first animal cloned from an adult cell, was put down after it was found that she had what disease?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

No. 112

E A T H

H A S M I L L Y R G O T

5 LETTERS ABIDE AFTER ALERT AMEND ASHEN ASIAN

OTTER OVERT PONDS REGAL REGOS REPLY RESIN RUDER SALTS SASSY SEDAN SEEDY SEWER SHUTS SIEGE STAVE STOUT TYRES UPEND URGES

PANSIES RENEWAL TENDERS

VICED WAGED 6 LETTERS CORNER ENACTS GROYNE LEASES RENAME SNIPES

8 LETTERS FIANCEES HESITANT HOLINESS NARRATES 10 LETTERS RESONANCES TRIMESTERS

7 LETTERS ERASERS MARINAS OVATION

23-12-22

R E S

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

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

CARDS DRAPE EDICT EERIE ENTRY ERASE GENES GLOAT GRASS HANGS HEAVE INEPT KNEES KNOWS LASTS MEMOS MESSY NAVAL OPERA OPTIC

4 LETTERS DIGS EGGS HAUL LOAN NEWT REST SAID SAIL SLEW SNIP

hominy, homy, hymn, hymns, HYPNOTISM, impost, inmost, mint, mints, minty, mist, misty, moist, monist, month, monty, mops, most, moth, myosin, myth, nymph, omit, omits, shim, simony, smith, smithy, stomp

1 5 4 9 2 6 7 8 3

3 7 1 4 8 9 5 6 2

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7 1 9 5 2 3 6 8 4

8 2 5 6 7 4 1 9 3

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4 9 8 3 5 7 2 1 6

9 3 6 2 4 1 8 7 5

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6 3 1 8 2 9 5 4 7

5 2 7 1 6 4 8 3 9

1 5 2 7 4 6 3 9 8

6 4 3 9 8 1 2 5 7

1 5 7 2 6 8 4 3 9

4 9 2 3 1 5 7 6 8

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”.

29 words: Excellent

9 6 4 5 3 8 7 2 1

8 7 3 2 9 1 6 5 4

2 4 9 6 7 3 1 8 5

7 1 5 4 8 2 9 6 3

3 8 6 9 1 5 4 7 2

3 8 6 7 4 9 5 2 1

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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QUICK QUIZ

The first female Lord Mayor of Sydney is married to which Australian politician?

What was the name of the youngest brother, also a bushranger, of Ned Kelly?

How many players are there on each team in a game of futsal?

Which hip hop group won a Grammy in 1997 with a cover of the song Killing Me Softly?

Although the fur of the polar bear (pictured) appears white, what is it actually?

The Jodrell Bank Observatory serves as a research and teaching department for the university of which English city?

Are bandicoots generally nocturnal or diurnal?

10 What is the floral emblem of South Australia?

ANSWERS: 1. Kumara 2. Lung cancer 3. Malcolm Turnbull 4. Dan Kelly 5. Five 6. The Fugees 7. Transparent 8. Manchester 9. Nocturnal 10. Sturt’s Desert Pea

8 2 4 7 5 4 6

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No. 112

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No. 112

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4 5 7 8 9

ACROSS 1 6 10 11 12 13 14 19 20

No. 112

2 7 7 ( 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 ( 3 / <

No. 112

* / 2 $ 7

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

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ADVERTISE

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which country became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals?

5. What is the England cricket team commonly known as by rivals?

2. How many points does an AFL team get after they win a game?

6. The TV series Friday Night Lights depicts which sport?

3. Which tennis legend was refused entry into Wimbledon, after forgetting his members pass?

7. Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury will be stepping down as captain after how many seasons in the role?

4. Which Australian surfer went viral in 2015 for fighting off a shark during a competition?

14. Australian professional boxer Ebanie Bridges most recently won fighting in which boxing weight division?

Scott Pendlebury

15. A consortium, led by US businessman Bill Foley, owns Premier League team Bournemouth and which NHL team? 16. Which African nation’s soccer team goes by the nickname The Atlas Lions?

8. How old is soccer star Lionel Messi? 9. Which Australian sporting body announced they were changing their uniforms to be more inclusive? 10. Which artist performed the song Together We Are One at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne?

17. The A-League Grand Final is set to be staged for the next three years in which Australian city? 18. Who is the captain of the England men’s national football team? 19. Which team did Argentina defeat 3-0 in their semifinal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup?

11. Before debuting in 1995, which NBA team considered the names Beavers, Dragons and Towers?

20. US professional basketballer Brittney Griner last played for which WNBA team? 21. Which Australian swimmer notched a time of under 50 seconds in the 4x100m freestyle relay at the 2022 FINA World Swimming Championships (25m)?

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22. Which tennis player recently won a fifth consecutive Newcombe Medal?

28. Which Australian cricketer was recently criticised for the poor condition of his baggy green cap?

23. Who was named man of the match in the recent second test between Australia and the West Indies?

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24. Former NSW premier Mike Baird recently took over as the chair of which sporting body? 25. How many times did Julian Alvarez score for Argentina in their 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final against Croatia?

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2312

Trades & Services V

Employment

Tree Lopping/Surgery

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For Sale

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Pets & Services

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ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE

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

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Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Compass .... it’s got the Jeep name but what does that mean? (Pictures: Supplied)

A Jeep for ‘pragmatic dreamers’ By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Compass is the smallest and cheapest of Jeep’s off-roaders and looks very much like a smaller version of Grand Cherokee. Introduced in 2007, Compass and its rebadged sibling Patriot were the first of Jeep’s softer offerings, pitched at an entirely new customer. Compass was rounder, cuddlier and generally more city-focused, while the Patriot which was dropped in 2016 was squarer, chunkier and more macho. The current model, launched in 2020, has changed significantly, with enhanced tech, redesigned dashboard, a refined cabin and an extensive list of driver-assist systems. Jeep describes the car as built for pragmatic dreamers who spend their weekdays in comfort and style, and weekends escaping from the daily routine. Compass comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and lifetime roadside assistance for vehicles serviced by Jeep. Capped-price servicing means you’ll pay $349 per visit for the first five services, with intervals set at 12 months or 12,000km.

Engines / transmissions With a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, Compass produces 129kW of power at 6400 revs and 229Nm of torque from 3900 revs.

It’s multipoint rather than direct injection with drive is to all four wheels through a 9-speed automatic transmission and torque on demand. That means it operates in front wheel drive most of the time, with the rear wheels engaging when traction is required.

Driving Weighing in at 1503kg, fuel consumption is a claimed 9.7L/100km and it produces 230gm of CO2 per kilometre. In the US the latest model comes with a more sophisticated 2.0-litre direct injection engine that produces 149kW and 300Nm. A hybrid version, called 4xe, is also offered overseas, but is not available from the Indian factory where our cars are built. Although Compass looks terrific and draws plenty of admiring glances, its performance doesn’t quite live up to those looks. The dash from 0-100km/h takes a leisurely 10.1 seconds and factor in some passengers, and it will take considerably longer. Compass can seat four adults in reasonable comfort, but keep in mind it sits on the smaller side of the spectrum, so rear legroom is limited and it has a smallish boot. Inside the decor is a big step up from previous offerings, with better fit and trim, and plenty of eye candy. The driver gets a wheel that can be adjusted for height and reach, power-adjustment for the

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE 2.4 Night Eagle petrol: $39,950 2.4 Limited petrol: $46,700 2.4 S-Limited petrol: $49,700 2.0 Trailhawk diesel: $54,000

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

driver’s seat and a token footrest -- the size and placement of which are not ideal. And, by the way, the foot-operated boot opener refused to cooperate. Throttle response off the line is good and the engine likes to rev. But at other times it takes a full two seconds to respond and the transmission tends to hunt on anything but flat terrain. Ride and handling are pretty good, with the car refusing to break traction even when pushed hard through corners. But the lane keeping assistance system is downright annoying and like me, you’ll probably end up switching it off. Turning circle is relatively large at 11.07 metres which means you’ll find yourself doing plenty of three-point turns. When it comes to going off road, this model

boasts the same Jeep Active Drive Low 4x4 system as the Trailhawk. The big difference is that it doesn’t have off-road suspension, or any underbody protection. At 212mm it has 13mm less ground clearance than Trailhawk too. Although there’s a 4WD LOW option, neither model have a two-speed transfer case and therefore no low range gearing. All this button does is keep the transmission in first gear, which is possible with most automatics. Another button is labelled as 4WD LOCK. What this does is transmit torque equally to both the front and rear wheels. None of the above suggests the S-Limited is up to more than ’roughish’ dirt roads. In terms of fuel consumption, it has a 60-litre tank and takes standard unleaded. We were getting 9.4L/100km after more than 400km -- less than the 9.7L claimed -- but still too much for what it is.

Summing up While the Jeep Compass is a head turner, its performance unfortunately doesn’t match these looks, nor does it have any real off-road capability. Given the unavailability of the hybrid, we’d be waiting at the very least for the new 2.0-litre direct injection engine to make an appearance in Australia.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

United remains undefeated after win over City Western United’s incredible start to the A-League Women’s season has continued with two second half goals to Matildas’ star Chloe Logarzo sealing victory against Melbourne City. Coming off the bye, it was United that opened the scoring in the first half with Adriana Taranto finding the net from long range on Saturday. City levelled the scores just before half time. A second-half penalty save from Hillary Beall kept the scores level until Chloe Logarzo took over, scoring first with a stunning strike from distance to give United back the lead. The result was sealed when Logarzo converted a penalty in injury time to give United the 3-1 win and take the team back to the top of the ladder. Speaking on the post game coverage, the Dub Zone, Logarzo said it was nice to get back on the score sheet. Coming back from a serious knee injury, Logarzo has started every game on the bench before coming on in the second half. “It feels really good to be back on the

(Supplied)

scoresheet,” she said. “Out there with the girls it was a really good fight back, I feel we’ve been doing most of the year, it’s nice to get three points. “It has been hard coming back and playing. I’ve really tried to enjoy the process. “I’m not as fit as I normally am … I’m a bit sick at the moment, so I’m just enjoying being

able to be out there and keep playing as I haven’t played for a really long time. One of the more experienced players in the United line up, Logarzo has taken on a leadership role at the club. She said it’s part of the reason why she came to the club. “I wanted to be able to create a culture that

Heights break through

New signings Keilor Thunder’s squads are starting to take shape for next year’s National Basketball League 1 South competition. The Thunder announced its first signings for their men’s program last week. Cirkook ‘Shaq’ Riak returns for the Thunder’s second season in the NBL1 competition. He played in 21 games this year averaging nearly nine points and five rebounds a game. Riak will be joined at the Thunder by Ollie Hayes Brown. “Ollie had a decorated college career at UC Riverside before returning home and signing with the Perth Wildcats,” the Thunder said on social media. “Previously playing for Dandenong and Willeton at NBL1 level where he averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds. “We look forward to Ollie holding down the middle and being an integral part of our squad. Hayes Brown has been a development player with the Perth Wildcats for the last two seasons. The centre played in eight games last season and has played in two so far in the current season. Having previously announced the signings of four Thunder young guns for the women’s side, the Thunder announced their first new women’s recruit. Maddi Puli joins the Thunder for next season. The Wyndham local, who represented Victoria and Australia at under age level, spent time at college in America. She had been part of the Dandenong Rangers Women’s National Basketball League development side and played for the Rangers NBL1 side previously.

By Tara Murray Sunshine Heights got an early Christmas present with a first win of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 3 season on Saturday. After a tough start to the season, the Heights upset Caroline Springs with a pretty convincing win. Heights coach Wayne Miller said they had been building towards a performance like this. “It was really great to get the win,” he said. “We’ve been gelling as a team. The result was a full group, great team effort. “Everyone played their roles which was something we spoke about before the game.” Miller said that Caroline Springs, which is fighting for a top four spot, might have underestimated them going into the game. The Falcons won the toss and decided to bat. They were bowled out for 173 in the 40th over. Miller said they would have taken that at the start of the day. “Everyone said on par on that ground was over 200, so it was a good job to keep them to 173. “We had two really good run outs that changed the game and two fantastic catches.” Greg Shawcross took four wickets, while import Sameera Wellage in his first game for the club took three wickets. The Heights started well and were never in trouble, finishing 2-175 in the 31st over. Mohsin Abbas top scored with 84 at the top of the order. “We got off to a great start with Abbas getting 80,” Miller said. “Then a couple got in the runs as well. We played consistently for a good 70 overs, which we hadn’t been doing. “We need to do that, it’s slow progress.” Miller said the arrival of Wellage was a big boost for the side, with his experience going to be vital for the young team. While Saturday was Wellage’s first official match for the club, he was part of their side they faced a navy side on Thursday nightl. Miller said that match, which they won, gave them plenty of momentum which they took into Saturday. The Heights are now ninth on the ladder after eight rounds. Miller said they were hoping this was the turning point of their season. “We’ve got the Christmas break and now we’ll take some momentum into the new year,” he said. “We want to play consistent cricket and focus on that. We only have one more one-dayer, before the rest of the season is two-dayers.

is like no other that I have gotten from all around the world,” she said. “The girls are really receptive to information and I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to be here with. “It’s really nice to sit down and have a conversation with them and they take on board everything that I have to say.” Logarzo said the professionalism of the playing group had exceeded all her expectations and that United was where she needed to be right now. Like many of the other players have said, Logarzo said the group was pretty special. “You don’t get this very often with a team where everyone wants to work for each other, it’s just amazing to be able to be here,” she said. “I just love being part of it and everyone really wants to be successful, so that team culture is being really driven on the field off the field when we’re at training when we’re not at training. United’s next match is on December 28 against the Newcastle Jets. Tara Murray

Sunshine Heights’ Mohsin Abbas.

(Luke Hemer) 203005_01

“That suits us a bit better and we’ll keep on building as a team and make sure everyone plays their roles.” Grand United sits on top at the break in division 3. On Saturday, the Gorillas beat Pascoe Vale Hadfield. Pascoe Vale made 9-146, before Grand United made 3-148 in reply. In senior division, Keilor suffered a loss

to Craigieburn. The Blues made 166, with the Eagles making the runs six wickets down. St Albans got a key win against Westmeadows in a high scoring match. The Saints made 3-224 in reply to the Warriors 5-218. Aberfeldie beat Sunshine United, while Deer Park beat Yarraville Club.

Shaq Riak (Keilor Basketball)

Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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EDFL releases fixture for three men’s divisions A top five finals series and two years of two teams relegated from division 1 are among the details revealed by the Essendon District Football League as part of it’s fixture for next year. The league revealed the fixtures for the three men’s divisions on Tuesday, with two new clubs, Deer Park and St Albans in the mix for the first time. As previously reported by Star Weekly, both clubs which are crossing from the Western Region Football League, will be in division 1. With a 12-team division 1 competition next year, the division 1 competition will have a top five final series which will be played across four weeks. Premier division and division 2 will have the normal top four final series played across three weeks. There will be a bye in the premier division between round 18 and the semi final weekend to ensure the grand finals are held on three

consecutive Saturdays, September 9, 16 and 23. In a league statement it revealed that at the end of the division 1 season, the bottom two teams on the ladder will be relegated to division 2. This will occur in both 2023 and 2024, eventually resulting in a 10-team competition for both premier division and division one by 2025. The premier division season will kick off with the traditional Good Friday clash between Keilor and Strathmore. In division 1, Hillside and the newly promoted Keilor Park, which have played on Good Friday in recent years against different opponents, will face each other. Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park will play each other on Good Friday for the first time. The three Good Friday matches are classified as round three matches, with round one to kick off the following week. New clubs Deer Park and St Albans start

their EDFL lives with matches against Westmeadows and Glenroy respectively in division 1. The two new clubs will face each other in round two. East Sunbury, which didn’t field teams this year, returns to action against Taylors Lakes on April 15 in division 2. Also in division 2, Burnside Heights and Coburg Districts will face each other in an Anzac Day eve clash. The following day Glenroy will host West Coburg and Westmeadows plays Tullamarine in division 1 and Aberfeldie plays Avondale Heights in premier division. The Sunbury derby between the Sunbury Kangaroos and the Thunder is on April 29. The first premier division grand final rematch will be on the King’s Birthday Monday. Tara Murray

(Jamie Morey Photography)

Sports shorts BSW The Western Region Football League has revealed its structure for its men’s competitions next season. With the departure of division 1 clubs, St Albans and Deer Park, the division 1 competition is down to eight teams. Point Cook Centrals have been promoted into division 1, while the Sunshine Kangaroos will play in division 2. Joining the Kangaroos in division 2 is Braybrook that won the division 3 premiership this year, with it to be an eight team competition. West Footscray will play in division 3 as part of a seven team competition.

A-League Western United has expressed its disappointment about the decision to play the A-League men’s and women’s in grand finals in Sydney for the next three season. The Australian Professional Leagues announced it had signed a deal with the New South Wales government to hold the games in Sydney the next three years, instead of the highest ranked team hosting. In a statement, United said it wasn’t consulted on the decision nor does it support it.

VTCA Deer Parks’ Mohammed Alfar.

(Joe Mastroianni) 311969_01

Lions face big challenge By Tara Murray Deer Park is hoping to find some consistency to get its season back on track in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division. In their first season in the top grade, the Lions have two wins from the first seven wins, sitting them last. Lions coach Mick Andriadis said the guys were up for the challenge at the higher level, but were finding out that you have to be switched on for the whole game. “We haven’t played too well,” he said. “It’s not ideal.” “We came good on Saturday last week [against] and hopefully that was us turning it around. “We haven’t had a complete day yet. When we bowl alright our batting hasn’t been great and when we bat well, we haven’t done it with the ball.” With the closeness of the competition, the Lions aren’t out of the competition by any means. After seven rounds they’ve won more games than the bottom two teams last season

did for the whole season. Andriadis said everyone at the club was up and about, they were just hoping to get a few more wins on the board. “It’s our first season in the senior division,” he said. “We’ve got to be better and more competitive for longer at that level. “They [Sunshine United] were second on the ladder and batted really well and got the runs in 25 overs. “It showed that it’s really tight and anyone can beat anyone. “You can’t lose your concentration for 10 to 20 or it can cost you a game.” Andriadis said he was aware of how important the next two games were, the first against Yarraville Club which was on Saturday, after deadline. He said those two matches could put their season back on track. “The last match is against Yarraville Club, who are second, and then we have a one-dayer straight after Christmas,“ he said. “That will be important. We’ll be looking to

22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 20 December, 2022

get into a position in the lower end of the top four. “The boys are up for it. We haven’t had much luck with availability and a couple of injuries, it is what it is. “We can turn it around.” After the first one-dayer after Christmas the competition is set to return to the two-day format. It will be the first time sides have played two-dayers since before COVID-19. Andriadis said they were looking forward to it. “It will be different for the whole competition and it will be a good challenge,” he said. “Batting for 80 overs in this competition, with a lot of strength in the batting department in this competition, there’s going to be a lot of big scores.” In other matches that were scheduled for Saturday, ladder leaders Haig Fawkner was set to play the Druids, Keilor was to host Craigieburn, Aberfeldie was to play Sunshine United and Westmeadows was to play St Albans.

Rain played havoc as the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition last week. Several matches were set down for last Tuesday night, but wet weather meant they didn’t go ahead. Keilor’s match with West Coburg, St Andrews and St Albans, Grand United’s and Deer Park’s, Caroline Springs and Sydenham-Hillside’s matches were among them.

FV The FV state league men’s season will get underway in March. Football Victoria announced its community competition calendar for next season, having already released the National Premier League senior fixtures. The men’s state league competition kicks off on March 18, while the women’s state league competitions start on April 23. The women’s Victorian Premier League kicks off on March 26. FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Rising stars take on the world By Tara Murray Ten elite young western suburbs athletes will be vying for the prestigious 2022 Don Deeble Sports Star award next month. The Deeble committee will reveal the name of this year’s champion athlete at an awards dinner on the last Wednesday in January. The first nominee was rising football star Charlotte Baskaran. The former junior running star made the switch to football in recent years and it paid off. The Caroline Springs resident captained the Western Jets to their first NAB League premiership, before being drafted by Hawthorn, making her AFL debut in the recently completed season. Volleyball rising star Isabella Maticevski was the second nominee for the year. The Maribyrnong Sports Academy student thrived when she joined the school representing her state on a number of occasions. After the disappointment of COVID-19, stepped into the senior ranks and had big goals

for 2022 and 2023. Another MSA student, Louise Baliton was nominated in April for her achievements on the golf greens. Baliton spent the year juggling school and spending time on the green as she continued to push towards her goal of making it into the American College system. It’s been a big year for Truganina Rabbitohs’ Suliasi Prescott. The rising rugby league star was sports captain at The Grange P-12 Secondary College. On field, he was part of the Melbourne Storm development squad and was recently announced as part of Melbourne Storm’s new academy. The hard work continues to pay off for Point Cook’s Charlotte Morey. After missing out on making the Australian under-17 netball team, Morey came back 12 months later and made the team. Juggling netball and training most nights a week, Morey has since been selected in more state squads as her talents on the court are

recognised. The next nominee again shines the light on different sports being recognised with taekwondo young gun Jake Buhagiar nominated in July. Buhagiar is a three-time national taekwondo champion, with his ambitions clearly set on representing Australia at the 2024 Olympics. Buhagiar, who is part of the Australian Performance Pathway Program, had been hoping to make it four national titles in a row this year and competed internationally for the first time this year. August nominee Lucas Impey was always destined to be on the basketball court. Following in the footsteps of both his parents, the Melton teen stands out on the court at nearly 200 centimetres tall. Another Maribyrnong Sports Academy student, Impey was recently named in the state team for next year’s under-20 championships, having been part of the under-18 team previously. September nominee Om Neelam has had to overcome adversity to have success

on the badminton court. Neelam’s resilience and single-minded focus belies his age. He turned 13 in February. His quiet demeanor and inner strength are two of the reasons he was ranked the number one under-13 player in Victoria in 2021 and ranked number two in the under-15s. October nominee national School under-70 kilogram class judo champion Ruby Gojevic is very quietly understated in her demeanour. Gojevic became a student of Maribyrnong Sports Academy in 2021 and has immersed herself in the program. She trains six days a week, three pre-school morning sessions with the judo coach and her other judo team mates where they focus on technique. November nominee Jayden Kim has been in a spin since he arrived in Australia in December last year with his parents to begin the next phase of his life. He dreams of following in his father’s footsteps and has already been selected to represent Australia at the World Baseball Softball Confederation under-18 World Cup in Florida in September.

Introducing the 2022 Don Deeble Sports Star finalists

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

Charlotte Baskaran (football)

Jake Buhagiar (taekwondo)

Club: Western Jets Achievements: •฀Western฀Jets฀premiership฀captain •฀NAB฀League฀All-Australian฀team •฀Runner-up฀NAB฀League฀Girls฀best฀and฀fairest •฀Drafted฀to฀Hawthorn Quote: “Enjoy฀what฀you฀are฀doing,฀have฀fun฀because฀if฀you฀ don’t฀you฀will฀never฀perform฀at฀your฀best.”

Club:฀Hall’s฀Taekwondo Achievements: •฀Three-time฀national฀taekwondo฀champion •฀Australian฀Performance฀Pathway฀Program •฀Silver฀medal฀in฀first฀international฀ tournament฀ Quote: “I฀have฀put฀all฀my฀trust฀in฀them฀to฀help฀me฀ achieve฀my฀ambition.”

JULY

Isabella Maticevski (volleyball)

Lucas Impey (basketball)

School:฀Maribyrnong฀Sports฀Academy Achievements: •฀฀Represented฀Victoria฀at฀under-15,฀16,฀17฀and 18฀levels. •฀Played฀for฀Australia฀at฀under-16฀level •฀Played฀for฀a฀Volleyball฀Australia฀youth฀women’s฀team •฀An฀integral฀part฀of฀the฀MSA฀beach฀volleyball฀program฀ Quote: “If฀they฀can฀do฀it,฀so฀can฀I.”

School: Maribyrnong฀Sports฀Academy Achievements: •฀Ballarat฀Miners฀NBL1฀team •฀Vic฀Country฀team฀under-18s฀2022 •฀Vic฀state฀team฀selection฀2023 •฀Basketball฀Victoria’s฀National฀Pathway฀Program฀ Quote: “My฀earliest฀memories฀are฀watching฀mum฀play฀and฀ dad฀coach.฀I฀was฀always฀destined฀to฀follow฀in฀their฀ footsteps.”

Louise Baliton (golf) School:฀Maribyrnong฀Sports฀Academy฀ Achievements: •฀Victorian฀School฀Sports฀award฀ •฀Won฀the฀Victorian฀Junior฀Masters •฀฀Back-to-back฀ladies฀championships฀at฀her฀home฀golf฀ club •฀2021฀Golf฀Victoria฀Future฀Champions฀Trophy •฀20121฀runner-up฀girls฀Victorian฀Junior฀Open. Quote:฀“Dad฀asked฀if฀I฀would฀like฀to฀learn฀and฀so฀when฀ I฀was฀seven,฀I฀attended฀some฀golf฀clinics฀and฀I฀fell฀in฀ love฀with฀the฀game.”

AUGUST

Om Neelam (badminton)

SEPTEMBER

Suliasi Prescott (rugby league)

Ruby Gojevic (judo)

School: The฀Grange฀P-12฀Secondary฀College Achievements: •฀School฀sports฀captain •฀Made฀the฀Melbourne฀Storm฀development฀squad •฀Made฀the฀Melbourne฀Storm฀Academy฀ •฀Captain฀of฀an฀under-15฀tournament฀in฀Queensland.฀ •฀Named฀as฀the฀tournament฀most฀valuable฀player฀and฀ made฀the฀Australian฀squad. Quote:฀“[I’m]฀loud฀and฀supportive฀when฀I฀need฀to฀be฀or฀ working฀in฀the฀background฀urging฀my฀teammates฀and฀ school฀colleagues฀on฀if฀that฀is฀required.”

School:฀Maribyrnong฀Sports฀Academy฀ Achievements: •฀2019฀state฀champion •฀Competed฀at฀the฀Oceania฀Championships •฀Part฀of฀the฀a฀second฀national฀junior฀team Quote:฀“I฀often฀fight฀older฀and฀heavier฀opponents฀so฀ my฀balance฀and฀speed฀is฀critical฀to฀get฀my฀stronger฀ opponents฀off฀balance฀because฀I฀don’t฀have฀the฀same฀ strength.” OCTOBER

Jayden Kim (baseball)

Charlotte Morey (netball)

JUNE

School:฀Maribyrnong฀Sports฀Academy Achievements: •฀฀Ranked฀the฀number฀one฀under-13฀player฀in฀Victoria฀in฀ 2021฀and฀ranked฀number฀two฀in฀the฀under-15s. •฀Part฀of฀the฀under-17฀Victorian฀state฀team •฀Victorian฀School฀Sport฀Award฀–฀“Sporting฀Blue” •฀฀He฀has฀won฀more฀than฀60฀titles฀in฀various฀age groups. Quote:฀“I฀love฀challenges.฀I฀am฀not฀overwhelmed฀by฀the฀ aim฀I฀have฀set฀for฀myself;฀I฀am฀just฀enjoying฀it.”

School:฀Maribyrnong฀Sports฀Academy Achievements: •฀Under-17฀Australian฀team฀ •฀Under-17฀Victorian฀team฀2022 •฀Under-19฀Victorian฀squad฀2023 •฀Geelong฀Cougars฀Victorian฀Netball฀League฀squad Quote:฀“My฀mindset฀was฀simple,฀do฀everything฀the฀ coaches฀ask,฀leave฀nothing฀on฀the฀court฀because฀it฀ could฀be฀my฀last฀state฀team.”

NOVEMBER

School:฀Maribyrnong฀Sports฀Academy฀ Achievements: •฀Victorian฀under-16฀state฀team •฀฀Represented฀Australia฀at฀the฀World฀Baseball฀Softball฀ Confederation฀under-18฀World฀Cup฀ •฀฀Selected฀by฀the฀MLB฀to฀join฀a฀world฀select฀team฀to฀ play฀various฀professional฀and฀university฀teams฀in฀ Arizona. Quote: “I฀began฀playing฀when฀I฀was฀10฀years฀old฀after฀ a฀short฀stint฀playing฀soccer฀and฀tennis.฀I฀like฀them฀both฀ but฀I฀love฀baseball.” Tuesday, 20 December, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 23

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