Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 19th December 2023 by Star Weekly

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19 DECEMBER, 2023

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Merry Christmas, everyone! As excited kids across the west eagerly count down the days until Santa visits, preps from Braybrook’s Dinjerra Primary School are soaking up the last days of their first year of school by enjoying Christmas themed activities, inattentive to the rush of last-minute preparations as the holiday draws closer. As the end of 2023 draws near, the team at Star Weekly would like to wish our readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and safe and happy 2024. The first edition of the new year will be published on January 9. The office will reopen on January 2.

Dinjerra Primary School preps: Florencia, Marianne and Tobias. (Damjan Janevski) 378530_02

Call to rethink police cuts By Hannah Hammoud The decision to implement reduced reception counter hours at the Keilor Downs police station has been described as a ‘slap in the face’ to the local community. The Keilor Downs police station will join several stations across the state that will no longer have 24-hour reception counters, as Victoria Police continues to deal with staff shortages. Victoria Police said reception counter hours will be “temporarily” reduced during off peak times at 43 police stations across Victoria, but provided no timeline as to when reception counter hours will return to normal. The Keilor Downs police station reception counter hours will be reduced from 24 to eight hours per day.

At the most recent council meeting on December 12, councillor Virginia Tachos raised a notice of motion imploring the state government to work with Victoria Police to reverse this decision. Cr Tachos said the Brimbank community has the right to be safe, “just like everyone else”. “I am very concerned about the shortage of police officers in Brimbank and the proposed reduction in hours of the police station in Keilor Downs,” she said.“The safety of our community is of paramount importance and it is being undermined by these measures.” North west metro division three Acting Superintendent Shane Brundell said the reduced hours at the station will allow police to respond to urgent incidents. “Please be assured – the temporary closure of Keilor Downs’ reception counter does not

mean the actual police station is closing,” he said. “... The closures will also mostly be occurring at times when we know reception is rarely attended. “Anyone who needs to attend a police station during these hours can go to Sunshine Police Station which is only 7km away and open 24 hours.” Cr Tachos cited concerns around placing “limits” on the community’s ability to access their local police station. “... especially in the lead up to Christmas time - which we know is a time where incidents can spike and issues arise - to have this reception close will put additional pressure on the Sunshine police station.” In Brimbank, recorded criminal offences increased by 4.6 per cent across the municipality in the 12 months to June, according to the most

recent data from the Crime Statistics Agency. “While there are a number of reasons why crime rates are higher in Brimbank, it demonstrates the need for effective policing and resources, including both the restoration of police numbers and a 24 hour manned police station,” Cr Tachos said. Cr Kerr said the decision was a “slap in the face“ to the local community. “The closure of this police station overnight means that there is no police station available to our local community between Sunshine and Melton,” she said. “We want a 24 hour manned station. We have an ageing population in Keilor Downs, people don’t know how to lodge a report on the internet, they get confused with the phone system, they want a police station they can actually enter into. “Stop putting our residents at risk.”

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Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 3

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Moves on Vietnamese museum By Hannah Hammoud Sunshine is poised to become the home of Australia’s first Vietnamese museum. Brimbank council said it is exploring the opportunity for the Vietnamese Museum Australia to be built in Sunshine, and potentially be located at the Durham Road car park site. The Vietnamese Museum Australia, currently has a funding pool of approximately $18 million, including $10 million federal funding, $7 million state funding, and $1 million community funding, but is currently looking for a suitable site to be located.

The Vietnamese Museum Australia, recognising Sunshine’s rich Vietnamese community and history, has formally expressed its interest in establishing the museum in the area. This follows on from the decision to formally rescind its contract with Maribyrnong council for a site in Footscray in October 2023. Sunshine boasts a strong Vietnamese community, with approximately 32,000 residents of the total Brimbank population – are of Vietnamese heritage. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said this potential development could deliver meaningful and generational change for

Brimbank, by leveraging major investment and infrastructure opportunities. “The longstanding and vibrant Vietnamese community that makes up the Sunshine CBD of today has helped make it a regional destination to experience authentic Vietnamese food, street life and culture,” she said. The proposed site, adjacent to Sunshine Station, aims to transform the region into a national visitor and cultural destination. Council said such a development would be a ‘catalyst’ for further investment and help establish a visitor economy. To facilitate the process, council has

Patrick and Josephine Selle with their 2-year-old son Samuel.

Push to prevent knife violence

(Damjan Janevski) 378857_04

Spectrum of lights to mark season Along Spectrum Drive in Fraser Rise, neighbours have come together to transform the street into a festive wonderland with an enchanting display of Christmas lights. This year, Josephine Selle made her debut into the world of Christmas decorations. A decision she says started with the purchase of a four metre nutcracker, “and hasn’t stopped since.” “There is something truly magical about Christmas lights and the feeling of joy it gives you when welcoming this festive time of year,” Josephine said. “Creating something special and magical for people to enjoy has been a blessing. We haven’t slowed down because of the amazing people who drive by or come out to say hello to us.” For Josephine and her family, being able to bring smiles and happy moments to people of

entered into a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnamese Museum Australia. The potential location for the museum is being considered on part of the council-owned Durham Road car park site. However, any decision to sell a part of the council land at the Durham Road car park would be subject to community engagement and a subsequent decision at a future council meeting. Council will be seeking community feedback on the proposed sale of council land between January 22, and February 19, 2024 through council’s Your Say webpage yoursay. brimbank.vic.gov.au/

all ages is their highlight of getting involved in the festive spirit. “Our whole street has jumped onboard and decorated their houses. It’s magical to walk down and enjoy all the beautiful lights and feel the spirit of Christmas come alive,” she said. Josephine said the community response has been overwhelming. What started in early November with a modest number of visitors has evolved into a nightly gathering of families and friends. With families often taking the opportunity to capture the moment with photos, particularly next to the dancing Santa on the porch of Josephine’s house. The process of setting up the outdoor decorations was no small feat for this first-time decorating family. The project spanned six weeks, involving weekends spent exploring various stores for supplies such as sticky tape, nails, hammers, and ‘endless materials’ to pull

it all together. “Our three little kids have taken on the decorating with us and it has been heart-warming to watch them dedicate so many days and evenings to setting the house up, preparing lollies and chocolates for visitors who come to see our house and welcoming them with so many smiles,“ she said. “We have created a beautiful tradition with our kids that we know we will continue every year and look forward to watching them grow. “We love Christmas but after this year we have definitely become fanatics. Our children have become more of experts than us.“ For those planning a visit, Santa himself will be making special appearances on Saturday, December 23, and Sunday, December 24. Santa will be cancelled if it rains but the lights will still remain on.

Brimbank council will look at ways to improve community safety following rising concerns of youth knife violence in the municipality. Councillor Thomas O’Reilly called for a safety report at the council meeting on September 19, following a number of incidents that have occurred in Brimbank over the past few months related to youth crime. At the most recent council meeting, council acknowledged that knife crime is an issue of concern to many in Brimbank, particularly involving young people. Some of the current measures being employed to address this issue include Victoria Police working with Brimbank retailers around the display and packaging of knives, to limit access. This includes, advocating for packaging that cannot be opened quickly and easily and providing information to retailers around securing knives on display by keeping them under lock, reducing numbers of knives on display, and implementing CCTV coverage of locations where knives are displayed. There have been several recent incidents of knife violence in Brimbank with two young people being fatally stabbed in separate incidents during 2023. In May of this year, a 16-year-old Melton South teenager died after being stabbed in Sunshine. Less than six weeks later, a 14-year-old Braybrook teenager was killed in June, after being hit by a car and knifed by two attackers in St Albans.

‘Chronic disadvantage’: Calls for transport investment Brimbank council is calling on the state government to convene a public transport summit in Brimbank to address the municipality’s ‘chronic transport disadvantage’. At the council meeting on December 12, councillor Virginia Tachos raised a notice of motion requesting that the state government convene a public transport summit in Brimbank to hear from the community how public transport can be improved. Cr Tachos said the summit needed to be held, “as soon as possible”. “Brimbank is such a large municipality with more than 200,000 people which will increase

within 34,000 people in the next 15 years,” she said. “Despite existing rail infrastructure and bus services, Brimbank suffers from chronic transport disadvantage with insufficient local transport opportunities to enable residents to access services, fulfil youth programs, and employment. “Significant investment in transport projects is needed to meet car and future population growth. Within the bus network there are service gaps across the municipality and a lack of connectivity to jobs hubs and to services.” Cr Tachos cited the recently released report from Infrastructure Victoria which detailed

4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

how comprehensive reform to Melbourne’s bus network can help enable a faster, fairer and more connected bus network. In response to the report the state government said it ‘welcomes’ the research conducted by Infrastructure Victoria. “We know buses play a significant role in our public transport network - particularly across the suburbs, which is why we’re focused on reforming the bus network across the state,” a state government spokesperson said. Cr Tachos said the summit would be an opportunity for the state government to hear directly from the community about their

transport needs. “The forum is an opportunity for the state government to actually engage with and listen to our community, and also [to] those pockets of disadvantage that have been constantly neglected by this government,” she said. Cr Bruce Lancashire emphasised the need to streamline and improve the transport network in Melbourne’s west. “The way the buses make their way through the western suburbs is certainly like a bit of a dog’s leg – and a convoluted approach,” he said. Hannah Hammoud

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Cleaners dirty over contracts By Zoe Moffatt School cleaners are warning that teachers across Melbourne’s north-west may have to vacuum their own classroom floors following a new deal which could slash cleaning contract hours by more than 50 per cent. In a major shake-up of cleaning contracts, the state government has awarded school cleaning contracts to Serco and Tradeflex for 2024. The new contracts will run from January 15 to Christmas Day 2024 and will replace ISS Facility Services, whose contract formally ends on December 22, according to the United Workers Union (UWU). Star Weekly has been told many existing cleaners have not yet been offered contracts, been told their hours will be reduced or have been offered only verbal contracts following the change of providers. Mick Lynch has been a leading hand cleaner at a western suburbs school for three years and received his new contract from Serco on December 11, cutting his hours in half. “I’ve got seven days to sign… accept or decline,“ he said. “I do six hours a day and

they’ve cut it back to three hours a day. “I’m a leading hand, they’ve taken that off… and they’ve turned around and said you’re going back to a level one [from a level two]. We’ve got a massive school we’ve got to try and clean. “The ones that are going to suffer are going to be the children and the teachers in the classrooms. “They might have to finish up vacuuming their own floors, that’s how bad this is going to get.” Not only are the cleaners facing having their hours being cut in half, but Mr Lynch said they will lose income from the public holidays during this period due to the gap in the contract changeover. “They are putting a lot of pressure on these cleaners just before Christmas and it’s… doing some serious damage. People are stressing big time.” UWU property service organiser Corey Matthews said the contract change from ISS to Serco in the west will affect 104 schools and 290 cleaners by UWU’s count, in the federal electoral divisions of Lalor, Gellibrand and Maribyrnong.

“Currently [Mick] is earning $1024 before tax, working 48 weeks a year. His new wage would be $469.35 a week, 42 weeks paid,” Mr Mathews said. “He’s taken a cut from $49,000 a year to $19,000, [which equates to] losing 60 per cent of his wage. “For people like him, it’s more than a job. He’s clearly a member of the school community and he’s well loved.“ Mr Matthews said UWU is not aware of any cleaners being offered more than four hours of work a day for Serco. “The UWU’s advice has been that the department’s expectations to Serco and Tradeflex were for a smooth transition, no reduction in hours or levels of pay, nor services.” Mr Matthews said public school cleaners have been outsourced since the Kennett government in the 1990s. “Essentially going into the last election, the government promised that they will be doing a review into school cleaning. [This is] from the union’s ask to directly employ the school cleaners. That review (the School Cleaning Review Working Group) came out with only one recommendation. That the current

contractor model is broken. “The only solution would be to bring all the cleaners in house directly employed by the government.” A Department of Education spokesperson said the department is exploring opportunities to further strengthen the delivery of cleaning services in government schools. “We are facilitating the transition and actively working with the service providers to ensure a smooth process for schools and cleaning staff, which will be in place until late December 2024,” they said. A spokesperson for Tradeflex said they have actively reached out to ISS employees to offer the opportunity to meet and discuss working with Tradeflex. “[Tradeflex] is offering all candidates, including these former ISS workers, a range of permanent full time and part-time work, based on the shift requirement per school and the level of experience required,” they said. “Recruitment remains in progress and we hope to complete this process by the end of December.” Serco was contacted for comment.

St Albans Secondary College students Kelly Lam and Kathleen Phan. (Supplied)

High achievers celebrated

Keilor Downs College year 12 school leaders Harriet and Kayla. (Supplied)

Celebrating academic triumphs There is no mistaking that year 12 can be a tough year for any student, but for two Keilor Downs College (KDC) students the year was tougher for them than most. KDC year 12 students Kayla and Harriet said they are both relieved to be seeing the back end of their final school year. For Kayla, she tackled the high demands of the school year alongside dealing with the dislocations brought on by her Ehlers Danlos syndrome (EDS). Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of rare inherited conditions that affect connective tissue, often leading to Kayla’s joints dislocating - requiring her to put them back into place. Kicking off the exam season for VCE students was the three hour long English exam. But for Kayla, it took her more than double that time to complete it. “The English exam was meant to be a three hour exam and mine went for almost seven hours. It was a full day, and I had some breaks throughout but I didn’t finish until about 6pm. I had around 30 dislocations that day,” she said. Kayla said she expected to have to deal with the dislocations throughout the exam season, and was prepared with different braces and medications to help get her through.

“The dislocations kept going as the exams went on because most of them were close together. My family really supported me throughout my exams and the whole school year, they are my biggest support, especially my parents and my sister. My sister went through practically the same thing herself and so she gave me lots of helpful advice.” Achieving a study score of 42 for English, and an ATAR of 81.30, Kayla said she is set to take on the new year after receiving an early admission into a double degree for nursing and paramedicine at Australian Catholic University (ACU). Throughout the year, in the bustling hallways of Keilor Downs College, both Kayla and Harriet took on the important role of year 12 school leaders for final year of high school. As the appointed year 12 school leaders, they carried out the responsibility of guiding their peers and fostering a positive and inclusive school culture. Harriet has a rare genetic disorder called Kabuki syndrome, a disability that had no chance of standing in her way of working towards her aspirations. Harriet took a non-ATAR pathway, completing the VCE Vocational Major, a two year vocational and applied learning

6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

program that enables students to transition into apprenticeships, traineeships, further education and training and university. “At the start of the year I had planned out my year, but then plans changed. It became really emotional for me in the first part of the year, my uncle had passed away and so that was very hard for me and my family to go through. He was a really important figure in my life,” she said. Harriet said a powerful support team of family, friends and the school each played a pivotal role in helping her cross the finish line of year 12. “I don’t think I could’ve gotten through the year without them,” she said. “I am absolutely happy that the year is finished but I am definitely going to miss the people in this school.” However Harriet won’t be straying too far from the classroom, with future plans set to see her back on school grounds. “I am planning on doing a course next year to become a teacher’s aid. Initially that’s not what I was planning on doing but then as I went through the year at my workplace at a primary school and I was working in the classroom with children, I realised this is what I wanted to do,” she said.

Celebrations are in order for two of St Albans Secondary College high achievers, after the VCE results were released on December 11. Top of the class was college DUX Kathleen Phan who achieved St Albans Secondary College’s highest ATAR of 97.85. Senior sub school leader Marlene Cassar said Kathleen was able to ‘beautifully’ balance her commitments in her leadership role at the school as well as with her academic studies. “As a school, we are incredibly proud of our students. Our students were just incredible this year and it was a pleasure for our staff to both coordinate and teach them,” she said. Ms Cassar said behind every students’ result is a unique story, each deserving of its own acknowledgement. “It was great to see some of the kids overcoming some of their own challenges and overcoming barriers. In the end they came in strong and we are proud of what we’ve been able to achieve as a school and we will continue our commitment to high quality education,” she said. Ms Cassar said the college had a median study score of 31, consistent with the year before. However for year 12 student Kelly, it was a perfect study score of 50 for both subjects of Biology and General Maths. “This year’s cohort worked really consistently and they were connected as a group. They all looked after each other’s well being and also encouraged each other to succeed academically,” Ms Cassar said. The college has 18 students achieving an ATAR in the 90s range, and 27 in the 80s range, with the college recording a median ATAR of 75.05. Hannah Hammoud

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Boss fined $60,000 for bullying The Tullamarine glass company director, who subjected two apprentices to ongoing bullying, has been convicted and fined $60,000. Melbourne Glass Solutions sole director Steven Yousif was sentenced in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 11, after pleading guilty to a single charge of being an officer of a company that failed to provide and maintain safe systems of work. Yousif was also ordered to pay costs of $60,000. The court heard Yousif subjected the two apprentices to physical violence, verbal insults, threats and intimidation between March 2019

and May 2021. WorkSafe said one of the apprentices was employed by Yousif for approximately two years and during that time they were verbally insulted, threatened with dismissal and prevented from attending TAFE courses. WorkSafe said the apprentice was also harmed physically, including at the Christmas party in 2020 where he was taped to a crane topless and slapped by Yousif, in an incident partly filmed and then circulated on social media. As a result of the bullying, the apprentice is said to have had ongoing mental health

struggles. WorkSafe said the other apprentice worked for Yousif for approximately 12 months and was left feeling fearful, intimidated and insulted after being subjected to verbal insults, threats of dismissal and also prevented from attending TAFE. A WorkSafe investigation found Melbourne Glass Solutions did not provide and maintain adequate policies and procedures to manage the risk associated with workplace bullying and that its system of work permitted or failed to stop or reduce bullying conduct. WorkSafe health and safety executive

director Narelle Beer said apprentices could be at more of a risk in the workplace because of their inexperience and reluctance to speak up if something is wrong. “This case is deeply disturbing, not only because of the horrific bullying and violence these apprentices were subjected to, but that it was perpetrated by the one person who should have always had their backs – their boss,” Ms Beer said. “Disgusting behaviour like this will simply not be tolerated and it’s up to employers to set the standard and ensure there are policies and procedures in place to prevent, respond and report workplace bullying.”

Garden, circle help cultivate cultural connection A new Indigenous garden and yarning circle has blossomed in the school yard of Springside Primary School. After securing a 2023 Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grant, Springside Primary School gardening coordinator Jayne Pizzo said the school wanted to use the grant to increase the biodiversity of the plants at Springside. “We decided on local native plants because they require the least amount of water and are suited to the soil in this area. The students suggested that we have an Acknowledgement to Country banner in the area and from then we researched how to make it an Indigenous garden,” she said. The school’s Year 4 students delved into research to identify plants traditionally used by local Indigenous communities for medicine, food, tools, and crafts. To prevent damage to the delicate plants, the team envisioned and implemented a dry river bed.

Springside Primary School has unveiled their new Indigenous garden and yarning circle. (Supplied)

“The year 4 cohort have all taken part in every aspect of the development of this garden. They have absolutely loved planting over 250 plants, moving many wheelbarrows full of mulch,

small stones and large stones and identifying the plants and their uses,” Ms Pizzo said. “The highlight has definitely been finally getting to use the yarning circle and learning

all about how it is used respectfully.” Looking ahead, the school hopes the Indigenous garden and Yarning Circle become a cherished space for students to engage in open discussions and develop respectful relationships. The goal is for the area to serve as a safe haven for students to express themselves without judgement. Exciting future plans for the Indigenous garden include the incorporation of QR codes. These codes will offer an interactive learning experience, allowing students to scan and explore the rich cultural and environmental significance of the plants and the Indigenous garden as a whole. A special note of gratitude was extended to Colin Hunter Jnr, who visited the school to perform a Smoking Ceremony, officially inaugurating the Springside Primary School Indigenous garden. Hannah Hammoud

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Calls grow for big bus overhaul By Hannah Hammoud Western suburbs advocacy alliance LeadWest has joined in the chorus of calls urging the state government to conduct a major overhaul of Victoria’s bus network. LeadWest is pressing the state government to prioritise Melbourne’s west with improvements needed to address the ‘chronic undersupply’ of public transport in existing growth areas. LeadWest is an advocacy alliance comprising Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Melton and Wyndham councils. LeadWest said buses play a crucial role in offering fast, frequent, and direct services,

particularly in outer suburbs and growth areas currently underserved by existing public transport infrastructure. The demand for bus reform stems from a recent report released by Infrastructure Victoria titled, which details how reforms to Melbourne’s bus network would significantly improve access to jobs and recreation for thousands of people. The report lists 10 recommendations for improvements, including increasing the frequency of bus services, beginning with outer and growth area suburbs as well as optimising the bus network through fast and direct routes. LeadWest said it supports each of the 10

recommendations in the report and said benefits from transforming Melbourne’s bus network are comparable to any one of Victoria’s big road and rail projects – and at much less cost. LeadWest is urging the state government to prioritise the delivery of new bus rapid transit services identified in the report that would serve Melbourne’s west including the TarneitMaribyrnong, Melton-Broadmeadows and Point Cook-Watergardens routes. LeadWest chair and Melton councillor Sophie Ramsey said rapid growth in Melbourne’s west has left communities without adequate bus services. “Where there are bus services, peak

Cecilia Le and her kids with their gingerbread house.

Grants boost for community

(Supplied)

Sweet house auction for charity It is the season of giving back and one local family is doing just that, by baking an elaborate gingerbread house for charity. Keilor woman Cecilia Le, with the help of her two children, created a unique gingerbread house which will be sold at auction, the proceeds going to Foodbank. Ms Le said she wanted to teach her children the true meaning of Christmas, which is a time for compassion and generosity. “My kids are now at the age of five and seven so they can start to help me make these houses which I used to bake and sell a lot of,” she said.

frequency is about 30 minutes and travel time can often take close to twice as long as travelling by car,” she said. “Some new suburbs in Brimbank, Melton and Wyndham have no bus services including Eynesbury, Brookfield and Mount Atkinson. This will get much worse as more people make these suburbs home. A state government spokesperson said the state government ‘welcomes’ the research conducted by Infrastructure Victoria. “We know buses play a significant role in our public transport network - particularly across the suburbs, which is why we’re focused on reforming the bus network across the state,” the spokesperson said.

“I want to build some new traditions for Christmas time and teach them that it is not just about gifting and toys, it is about helping others and being kind. “They helped me build it and put it together, so this is something really special that they worked on to help other people.” Ms Le said the gingerbread house has taken a few weeks to finish, complete with edible lace, LED lights, a Christmas tree, gingerbread people and is filled with candy and intricate details. Ms Le said Foodbank Yarraville needs all the

help it can get. “I heard that more than 600,000 people are struggling to make ends meet and are in debt and really struggling with Christmas. “And I have already been working with Foodbank to donate food and they said they needed quite a lot more this year .” Ms Le was aiming to raise $500 by the time bidding ended on Monday, December 18 at 9pm. Details: https://shoutforgood.com/ auctions/gingerbreadhouse2023

Brimbank council has allocated more than $536,000 to not-for-profit community groups and organisations under the Brimbank Community Grants Program 2023-24. The grants will help to deliver local projects, events and programs that improve health and wellbeing, sustainable living and community connections. Of the 181 grant applications received, 133 applications were successful for funding. Funding was allocated for innovative projects such as, a program for neurodiverse young people to overcome barriers to employment, a home-crafts show where people can display things they’ve grown or made, health education sessions for migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers, establishment of a new community group to support to socially-isolated seniors, a wellbeing program for people with a dual diagnosis of mental health and disability and a free-entry athletic event encouraging community participation. The 2023-24 Community Grants Program had a budget allocation of $600,000. Council allocated $536,240 in this round and the remaining $63,760 has been allocated to a new all-year Establishment and Responsive Grants Program to assist with unexpected and/or urgent community needs. Applications for up to $2,000 under this new fund will open early 2024. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said, “We’re pleased to fund innovative projects, events and activities that are tailored to meet Brimbank’s unique needs and aligned to emerging community priorities.” Information: brimbank.vic.gov.au/ grants

Jennifer Pittorino

‘Significant step’: Free fertility care launches in the west Residents in Melbourne’s west will now have access to free, comprehensive fertility care closer to home. Officially launched on December 11, the new Public Care Fertility Service at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s (JKWC) at Sunshine Hospital includes infertility assessment clinics, IVF cycle management, pathology services, ultrasound capability and pregnancy testing. Delivered in partnership with the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH), the service is available to individuals and couples of all genders. GPs and specialists can now send referrals

for triaging to the RWH, which is leading Victoria’s Public Fertility Care Service. People who live in the Western Health catchment will attend their appointments at Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s and travel to the RWH for procedures. Obstetrics and Gynaecology director Dr Lauren DeLuca said the Western Health team is excited to provide public fertility care at the JKWC. “People who have been trying to conceive naturally but have been unsuccessful and those people whose situation or health may prevent or impair fertility can access the service,” she

8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

said. Western Health chief operating officer John Ferraro said Western Health said in the last year almost 7,000 babies were born at Western Health. “The availability of affordable and accessible fertility treatment closer to home is a significant step forward to ensuring health equity, particularly for those people facing financial and geographical barriers to care,” he said. “... our clinical staff are looking forward to working with the RWH to enable more people to start or grow their family.”

Western Health said the state’s now fertility service is expected to give up to 5,000 Victorians access to public fertility care. To be eligible, people must be Victorian residents with Medicare cards and have the appropriate tests and a GP referral. Fertility services will also be offered at Mildura Base Public Hospital, Bendigo Health, Northern Health, Southwest Health, Mercy Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Barwon Health and Grampians Health. Information: https://www.thewomens. org.au/patients-visitors/clinics-and-services/ fertility-genetics/public-fertility-services

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Briefs Braybrook man charged

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Brimbank had the highest number of individuals who donated to the Fred Hollows Foundation, helping to raise more than $351,000 across the state in the past 12 months. The foundation has thanked the community for their continued generosity and support during a difficult year for households. In the past year, more than 9500 Victorians became regular supporters of the foundation, helping them treat hundreds of thousands of people living with avoidable blindness. Brimbank was named the top giving area, followed by Hobson’s Bay, Whittlesea and Moreland. Founding director Gabi Hollows said the steadfast support and generosity shown by residents was particularly heart-warming given the current cost of living pressures. “We know this year has been especially tough for families,” Ms Hollows said. “That’s why we are so incredibly grateful that people continue to support our work, allowing us to deliver life-changing treatments here in Australia and around the world. “Thank you to Victoria for allowing us to keep Fred’s vision of ending avoidable blindness alive. Without your generosity, the foundation couldn’t restore sight to those who need it most.” In 2022, the foundation performed 3.9 million eye screenings, 122,000 cataract operations, 79,000 surgeries to treat trachoma, 10,000 diabetic retinopathy treatments and 304,000 other sight saving or improving interventions.

The foundation performed 3.9 million eye screenings in 2022. (Supplied)

Police have charged a Braybrook man following an incident where a man was shot last month. The charges follow an incident on Saturday, November 25, where emergency services were called to an abandoned building on Newcomen Road in Springvale following reports a man had been shot about 2pm. A 39-year-old man was conveyed to hospital to be treated for serious but non-life threatening injuries. A 25-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman also inside the building at the time were not physically injured during the incident. Police arrested the 32-year-old Braybrook man in Braybrook on December 12.

Brimbank Christmas hours Some Brimbank council services will be impacted by the holiday period from December 23 to January 1. The customer service centres will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1. Leisure centres will be closed on December 25, tips/ resource recovery centres will be closed on December 25 and January 1. Libraries will be closed on December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1, and waste collection on December 25 and January 1 will be pushed back by one day. This will mean all household bin collections during the week (after the public holiday) will be pushed back by one day. Details: https://shorturl.at/bdCHJ FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Albanvale’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Master Maurice Novoa’s Engagement to Thirza Imbiri in Jakarta In a heartwarming tale of love that transcends borders and generations, the renowned Wing Chun Kung Fu master, Maurice Novoa, and Thirza Imbiri came together in Jakarta last August to celebrate their engagement. Their love story is a testament to the power of genuine affection, mutual support, and an unwavering commitment to one another. The venue chosen for this special occasion was Rumah Kuliner, a culinary gem located in the Metropole cinema complex, which is designated as a cultural heritage site by the Provincial Government of DKI Jakarta. The venue boasts an interior rich in Dutch colonial style, adorned with traditional Indonesian furniture and ornaments, creating an atmosphere of luxury and cultural fusion. Rumah Kuliner is famous for offering an array of Indonesian cuisine, representing flavors from various islands, including Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. Thirza Imbiri, born in 2003 in Madiun, East Java, and raised in Sentani, Papua, moved to Jakarta when she was 14. She is currently enrolled in the Indonesia Banking School, majoring in accounting, there she won an award for achieving the highest grades in her year level and works part-time tutoring. Thirza's recounting of her journey to love is a touching testament to the power of connection. Thirza and Maurice's paths crossed on a dating site in late March to early April of 2022. They quickly established a connection, chatting for several weeks before arranging their first date at the end of April. Maurice, a man of immense charm, surprised Thirza by picking her up from her home and, in a gesture of chivalry, introduced himself to her mother. Their first date was filled with laughter, delicious food, and the sweet serenade of Maurice singing "La Bamba" at a karaoke place in Kelapa Gading. Despite their age difference, the couple found themselves drawn to each other's kindness, warmth, and compatibility. Thirza was smitten by Maurice's youthful spirit and boundless creativity, confirming the adage that "age is just a number." Their connection was instant, with their initial date culminating in a heartfelt kiss and respect for each other's boundaries. Distance posed a challenge in their budding romance, as Maurice resided in Pantai Indah Kapuk on the north side of Jakarta, making each visit a significant effort amidst the city's notorious traffic. Thirza appreciated the lengths to which Maurice would go to see her, demonstrating his commitment to their relationship. Their relationship blossomed through daily conversations on WhatsApp, leading to their second date - a daytime coffee meet at Starbucks. Although they were unable to have a proper introduction with Thirza's mother due to an unexpected visitor, Maurice's dedication was unwavering, expressing his desire to meet her family and know them better. The couple's third date, a lunch at the Ciputra World mall in North Jakarta, was a testament to Maurice's gentlemanly nature. He remembered Thirza's love for ribs and made sure to take her to a restaurant serving her favorite dish. Their conversation grew more serious, and both realized they had found a deep and

genuine connection. Maurice admired Thirza's commitment to her studies and her determination to create a better future for herself. Maurice's actions spoke louder than words. He expressed his desire to support Thirza during her university studies and to build a future together. Thirza was initially skeptical but was convinced of his sincerity when he actively searched for an agent to assist her in obtaining a passport. Their bond continued to strengthen as they spent more time together, further reinforcing their love for one another. Their relationship faced a challenge when Maurice contracted malaria during a trip to Jawa. Thirza's worries turned into awe when he announced that he would be moving to her apartment complex, renting a unit in the same building. This gesture of commitment deeply touched Thirza, and she nursed him back to health. Their love story took another turn as they prepared for Thirza's passport application, planning for a potential future together. Maurice's kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and he provided unwavering support to Thirza during a challenging period. On May 19, Thirza received her passport, marking another milestone in their relationship. They continued to share their lives, going on dinner dates, trying out various restaurants, and making cherished memories. Maurice's creativity, humor, and caring nature kept their bond strong. Maurice also won the hearts of Thirza's family, proving himself to be a respectful and kind partner. He joined them in church and took them to lunch, earning their trust and approval. Despite the distance between them, their love remained unwavering. Maurice returned to Melbourne at the end of July, but they continued to communicate daily, sharing their lives through texts, calls, pictures, and videos. Thirza marveled at Maurice's dedication to teaching Kung Fu and his passionate commitment to his career. Maurice also provided financial support, including funding for her university fees and even gifting her braces to improve her smile. Thirza, her mother, and Maurice celebrated their love with a memorable buffet dinner at the Hilton, cementing their bond. Maurice's generosity and unwavering support made it clear that he was truly a special man in Thirza's life. Their love story is a testament to the power of genuine affection, selflessness, and the unwavering commitment of two souls who found their true match in each other. Maurice Novoa and Thirza Imbiri's journey is a reminder that love knows no boundaries, and it can transform lives in the most unexpected and beautiful ways. As they embark on this new chapter in their lives, their friends, family, and well-wishers are sure to be excited to see their love story continue to flourish and bring joy to all who know them.

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19 December 2023

Mayor’s message Cr Kathy Majdlik Christmas is one of my favourite times of year.

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The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to spend time relaxing with family and friends and creating memories.

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

Christmas is an important date in the Christian calendar. It is a chance to celebrate the important people in our lives and the community we call home. Christmas and New Year is also a time for people to reflect on everything that has happened and their achievements over the past 12 months – and it’s no different at Council. Council is proud to have delivered a long list of capital works, important programs and essential services including new community centres, new and upgraded playgrounds and road upgrades during 2023. Milestones included completion of new Children’s and Community Centres at Mt Atkinson and Thornhill Park, and a new sports pavilion at Taylors Hill Recreation Reserve. Our residents welcomed park upgrades at Centenary Reserve, Banchory Green and Splendour Circuit Reserve, and we completed a new play space at Melton Botanic Garden. Council continued to deliver more than 100 community services in health, families, environment, business and more to our richly diverse community. On behalf of my councillor colleagues, 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 making the City of Melton an even better place to live and raise a family in 2024. You’re welcome to contact me regarding Council matters at kathy.majdlik@melton.vic.gov.au or on 0412 584 058.

Changes to bin collection days

Tumbleweed events

From 25 December to 29 December, all kerbside collections will be one day later than usual. There are no changes to bin collection due on 1 January 2024. Libraries, Melton Civic Centre and the Pound will be

Residents may recall tumbleweed events occurring in recent years. Council wants residents to be aware that drier, warmer days may lead to similar events over summer. Council has worked diligently with private property owners to help control weeds on their properties and reduce the likelihood of such an event.

closed on 25-26 December and will re-open on 27 December. Melton Recycling Centre is closed on Christmas Day and reopens on Boxing Day. Visit melton.vic.gov.au for more information.

Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve Melton City Council has celebrated the opening of the redeveloped Oval 2 and the new cricket nets at the Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve. The oval’s redevelopment includes the installation of new irrigation and LED lighting and realigning the oval to face north-south, which will allow more teams to train in a safer environment. The new cricket nets have doubled in size to four lanes and the one-on-one basketball ring has been enclosed.

Updates on tumbleweed events, Council’s response and what assistance is available can be found on Council’s social media platforms, online at melton.vic. gov.au/tumbleweeds or by contacting Customer Service on 9747 7200.

The upgrades were jointly funded by Melton City Council and the State Government as part of The Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve Master Plan.

Coburn Ward with Cr Bob Turner As 2023 draws to an end, I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to all the volunteers and community groups whose endless generosity and tireless work make a massive difference to the wellbeing of our community. The work our volunteers do is diverse, interesting and, so important to our community, and I’m sure I speak for my fellow Councillors when I say I’m humbled by your tireless dedication, willingness to give of your time, and your compassion for others. Of course, it’s a very special time of

year for many of us, with holidays approaching and festive gatherings with family and friends being planned. However, it’s also important to remember that some people are doing it tough, so I encourage everyone to embrace the Christmas spirit and help those in our community who need support. I’ll be joining fellow residents, Council staff and partner organisations later this week at one of our community Christmas lunches, just one way we are offering food relief and support to residents in need.

To everyone who can, please reach out to others, and give to them what you can, even if it’s just a kind word or a warm smile. Even the smallest thing can make the biggest difference. Wishing you all a safe and prosperous New Year. I am available to meet with residents most Saturday mornings from 9am, by appointment. Please contact Barb McKenzie on 9747 7200 to book a time, or contact me directly on 0412 584 224 or via email at bob.turner@melton.vic.gov.au

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

Deputy Mayor Cr Steve Abboushi

Cr Lara Carli

Cr Justine Farrugia

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all 10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

Cr Goran Kesic

Cr Sophie Ramsey

Cr Julie Shannon

Cr Bob Turner

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Mayor Cr Kathy Majdlik

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Council looks to ‘24-25 budgets Brimbank council has set its sights on a range of funding priorities in advance of the 2024-25 state and federal budgets next year. Council said the 2024-25 state and federal budgets present an opportunity for council to reaffirm calls for support for projects that will deliver ’clear benefits’ for Brimbank. Projects and priority areas which require state and federal government funding include the construction of the Melbourne Airport Rail, the implementation of the Sunshine Station Masterplan and the Albion Station rebuild which remain as a top priority for

government funding. Also included in council’s wish list for state and government funding are more investment for mental health services and health programs, improvements to parks and community facilities, improvements to pedestrian and cyclist safety as well as road safety initiatives. Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said major projects, such as the Melbourne Airport Rail, Sunshine Station Masterplan and Albion Station rebuild are ‘vital’ for the economic and future growth and prosperity of the west. “Brimbank’s full potential can only be realised

when all three levels of government are working together. Council is strongly committed to advocating on behalf of our residents to address these challenges,” Cr Rasic said. Council will continue to build on its long-time advocacy for the ‘Fix the Calder’ campaign and once again request funding for the construction of a full diamond interchange at the intersection of Calder Freeway and Calder Park Drive. Council has detailed the need for climate emergency support infrastructure, including a solar farm in Sunshine Energy Park, a

Sustainability Hub, community batteries and a storm water harvesting system at Green Gully Reserve. Council will also look to tackle homelessness, housing and unemployment struggles within the municipality, including the provision of additional social housing and service coordination for people at risk of experiencing homelessness. Brimbank council has produced two pre-budget submissions, which can be accessed at, https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/mr/ advocacy-funding-priorities

Volunteers wanted

It has been two decades of fostering lifelong savings habits for the Saver Plus program. (Supplied)

Years of saving success celebrated The Saver Plus program has celebrated two decades of supporting families and individuals on tight budgets to develop life-long savings habits. Established by the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) and ANZ, with ongoing support from The Smith Family and Berry Street, the Saver Plus program stands as Australia’s longest-running financial education and matched savings initiative. Saver Plus helps lower income Australians to build financial skills and confidence and receive up to $500 matched savings for education costs for themselves or their families. Participants set a goal, save for 10 months, attend online financial education workshops

and at the end of the program have their savings doubled by ANZ, which is used towards education-related items such as laptops, uniforms or excursions. More than 1400 families in Fraser have saved a collective $725,000 through their involvement with Saver Plus. BSL’s executive director Travers McLeod said the team is incredibly proud of the positive difference Saver Plus has made. “It has become a lifelong resource for improved financial wellbeing and confidence for so many Australians and helped to ease the stress of educational expenses, especially those very daunting back-to-school costs. We’re excited about growing the impact of Saver Plus

even more in the years to come,” he said. Joining the milestone celebration at the electorate office of Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino, was local Sunshine resident Tham who had completed the program, staff from ANZ and the Brotherhood of St Laurence, and Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic and deputy mayor Jae Papalia. “It was great to hear so many stories of how the program has changed lives,“ Dr Mulino said. “Because what is so powerful about Saver Plus is that not only does it significantly improve people’s financial literacy and their engagement with financial products, which is important, but it significantly improves people’s overall wellbeing.“

The number of volunteers in Melbourne’s west is declining according to Volunteer West, with a push for people to see what community organisations could use a hand. Volunteer West is a division of Australian Multicultural Community Services that acts as a volunteer resource centre. Volunteer West project officer Jack Fawcett said numbers in the west are still lower than pre-COVID, and people are generally opting for more casual roles than long-term commitments. “Overall, there’s been a downturn,” he said. “People are a lot more time poor… Everybody’s worrying about getting their mortgage paid and that means that they have less time for themselves and more time they need work.” Despite this, Mr Fawcett said there are still pockets of positivity with people fueled by the want for reconnection post-lockdowns. One example he pointed to was the strong volunteer culture at Plumpton’s Dal Baba Bidhi Chand Ji Khalsa Shaouni Sikh Temple. “The west is a super diverse part of Melbourne and there are these amazing groups of communities that are really resilient and work well together,” he said. Mr Fawcett said groups across the west he’s seen that could benefit from volunteers include the Friends of the Melton Botanic Gardens, Caroline Chisholm Society, Women and Mentoring and Multiple Birth Volunteer Support. Mr Fawcett said if you’d like to volunteer but aren’t sure where to start, you can contact Volunteer West for help finding roles you’re interested in. Details: https://www.volunteerwest. org.au/

New mental health service opens its doors in Sunshine A new children’s mental health centre has officially opened in Sunshine, one of three new hubs that will provide free mental health support to kids in Victoria. Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Federal Assistant Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Minister Emma McBride opened the three new Children’s Health and Wellbeing Locals on December 8, forming part of the national network of Head to Health Kids services being delivered across Australia. The three new services are located in Sunshine, Bendigo and Cranbourne and will provide specialist support for children aged

0-11 years and their families, free of charge and with no referral required. The Sunshine Local is operated by IPC Health, while the Bendigo service is led by Bendigo Community Health and the Cranbourne service by Monash Health. It is estimated that approximately 400 children and their families will utilise each of the three services each year as the services scale up. Support includes specialist medical and allied health services for children who are experiencing developmental, behavioural and emotional challenges, including paediatricians, psychologists, and speech pathologists all

under one roof. Mental Health Minster Ingrid Stitt said for too long families have struggled to access age-appropriate mental health and wellbeing services. “These new Locals will ensure more children are given the support they need to help them thrive,” she said. Focused on strengthening support for parents, the Locals will also deliver family services, group parenting programs and culturally safe wrap around services. The new hubs address some of the key recommendations from the Royal Commission

into Victoria’s Mental Health System and the National Children’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The Locals respond to the need for a renewed focus on early intervention and age-appropriate care to meet development and mental health challenges in younger children. Designed in consultation with local communities, people with lived experience as well as local service providers, including Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations, the service offerings are tailored to local needs and build on existing services and capacity.

Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

FEATURING ... VCE RESULTS

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Victoria University SC celebrates the class of 2023 The Victoria University Secondary College community congratulates its graduates for their excellent achievements in 2023. Staff commend them for their commitment to achieving their personal best and for continuing to promote a culture of aspiration with their peers. Principal Elaine Hazim said “we are proud of all our graduates and wish them the best in their future pursuits in 2024 and beyond“. “I am extremely proud of our students and staff who have been so dedicated and worked extremely hard throughout the year. Our teaching and learning is consistent across the college and we have a learning framework that all teachers follow. Teachers work in professional learning teams each week where they collaborate and moderate together. They look at student data and target their teaching strategies in order to move students along the learning continuum,” Ms Hazim said.

College Dux Linda Nguyen and Principal Elaine Hazim.

VCE Results Congratulations to 2023 College Dux, Linda Nguyen, who achieved an ATAR of 99.25, and Proxime Accessit, Jia Ze Lim, who achieved a result of 94.90. 2023 College Dux, Linda Nguyen, achieved scores above 40 across all her subjects, achieving high scores of 46 in chemistry, and 45 in both biology and mathematical methods. Over the years at the college, Linda has shown consistent diligence and a commitment to hard work and personal achievement. Linda’s VCE subjects included English, chemistry, biology, mathematical methods and specialist mathematics. Upon receiving her ATAR, Linda describes being in shock at her result, not having thought her ATAR would be as high as it was. She attributes her success to her supportive family, strong study habits, and self-discipline.

She says that doing more than is expected of oneself while also giving yourself time to rest and relax too are keys to doing well in Year 12. Proxime Accessit, Jia Ze Lim,achieved strong results across the board and scores of 40 and above in philosophy and English. He describes himself as being “absolutely ecstatic” upon receiving his ATAR and VCE results. “This moment was the culmination of 13 years of school and the moments leading up to it were filled with anxiety, expectation and most of all, fear. However, once the results were out, it was clear that there wasn’t anything more to worry about and I never imagined that I’d be able to achieve the scores I did!“ Jai Ze said. Jia Ze says that the main factors that

influences his learning were supportive teachers who offered him guidance and his own self-determination. In 2024, Jia Ze plans to study biomedicine, though is still considering his options before offers are finalised. He remains interested in the sciences but also says he hope to continue to be able to study philosophy as well as is has had a positive impact on the way he thinks in everyday situations. Students Crislin Rosete and Astra Yol also received ATARs in the 90s, with Crislin achieving a high score of 46 in English, and Astra achieving scores above 40 in both English and literature. Crislin, who attributes her success to good teaching and a sense of community and

collaboration in her cohort, plans to study creative writing in 2024. Astra, who says he found teachers in his senior years who inspired a passion for learning in the subjects he studied, will study a Bachelor of Communications in 2024, with aspirations to pursue a career in journalism. We congratulate all our Vocational Major students who are graduating this year and moving into the workforce. These students have worked hard to gain the vocational skills necessary to gain employment in their various fields. Jayde McCarthy, a Vocational Major student graduating in 2023, has shared her story of studying in the Vocational Major Program. “When I reached the end of year 10 our school was motivating us to choose a career pathway we were interested in, so I chose hairdressing as it had always been an interest of mine. I found a salon willing to take me on for Year 11 work placement, Warped Hair Design in Airport West. The school encouraged us to get our hours up in the workplace to gain knowledge and experience and I was lucky enough to work in a great environment. I was then offered an apprenticeship in year 12 and the school helped me balance both year 12 studies and a part-time apprenticeship through the HeadStart program. HeadStart helped me get into Victoria University Polytechnic to study a certificate in hairdressing and I was able to balance these 3 things (work, TAFE and school) quite well with everybody’s support. Now that I have completed year 12, I am currently working more hours in the salon and am very happy with the position that I am in as a 17-year-old apprentice at the moment. I aspire to one day open my own hair salon and become a successful hairstylist and business owner.”

Achieving Excellence in Teaching and Learning Victoria University Secondary College Our College congratulates Linda Nguyen, College DUX for 2023, who achieved the school’s highest ATAR of 99.25. Students create their future by following our College values:

SEAL Program

Music & Performing Arts

AVID & Study Skills Program

Debating Program

Aspire to Achieve

Deep Learning Pathway

Rugby League Academy

Strengthen the Community

Leadership Programs

Trade Training Centre

Respect Ourselves and Others

STEM, Coding and Robotics

Wellbeing Programs and Support

Monday 22nd April 2024

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

6:00pm 6:15pm 6:30pm

Welcome and Information Presentation by College Principal Interactive Tours

Junior Campus

Senior Campus

88 Billingham Road, Deer Park, Victoria 3023 P 03 9363 1155

43 Ken Jordan Road, Cairnlea, Victoria 3023 P 03 8312 0200

vusc.vic.edu.au 12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

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United back on the winners list By Tara Murray

Another minute later and yet more drama as United had two shouts for handball, the second saw Jack Hingert penalised and a penalty awarded after a VAR review. Daniel Penha converted to level the scores. The final twist came, with Lachie Wales whipping in a corner which Risdon flew courageously into traffic to meet, clipping his header into the back of the net to give his side a 2-1 lead and ultimately the win. Aloisi had definitely deserved to get a result like that.

having played some good soccer. He said the changes they made were only small ones as they wanted to try some things which did pay off. Aloisi said he didn’t think he deserved the second yellow card, saying that he was only showing emotion at what he thought was a goal. He said he was unsure whether he would be suspended for this week’s match against Sydney FC. United now sit in 11th spot with two wins.

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“Take away a couple of poor performances, out of the six games we’ve played that we’ve lost, we deserve to win four of them,” he said. “We got what we deserved tonight, excellent performance. We created a lot of chances especially in that first half, we opened them up quite a few times. “They create a lot of chances… and we restricted them, they had hardly any chances. “We defended well, we attacked well. Aloisi admits it has been hard for the group having had little success this season despite

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

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Wishing you all a Festive Season and a Safe and Happy New Year.

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Seasons Greetings

Josh Risdon. (Supplied)

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Western United returned to the winners in the A-League Men’s competition for the first time since round one of Friday night against the Brisbane Roar. In the battle of the Aloisi brothers, with United coach John Aloisi coaching against his brother Ross Aloisi for the first time, it was John that got the last laugh despite being sent from the field. The match was a classic with United captain Josh Risdon scoring the winner in stoppage time, with United winning 2-1. There was plenty of drama in the first half, with both sides having shots on goal and United was awarded a penalty when Ben Garuccio was called to have been felled in the box. The penalty was overturned by VAR much to the displeasure of United fans. United had opportunities early in the second half but couldn’t convert. Roar on the other hand was able to take the ball up the end and get a penalty. While the shot missed, a spot kick from the resulting play resulted in the Roar scoring and taking the lead. United thought it had an equaliser in double quick time but a late offside call mean the goal was disallowed. Amidst all that, John Aloisi, who had just been yellow carded in the aftermath of the Brisbane penalty, was shown a second yellow and send from the ground. The assumption was the second caution came after the manager’s exuberant celebrations, which included kicking one of the advertising bolsters in his technical area. United was then denied another goal when Michael Ruhs then put the ball in the net, but the ball bounced onto his arm as he controlled it and the referee promptly whistled for a handball.

Leon 0409 637 712

sales@tyreprofessionals.com.au www.tyreprofessionals.com.au

Wishing you a joyous Christmas! Oli and the Tyre Professionals team extend heartfelt holiday cheer. May your festive season be filled with laughter, warmth, and smooth journeys ahead. Merry Christmas! #TyreProfessionals #MerryChristmas

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Thank you to all our customers, friends and family for all your support during 2023.

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Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Feker, 7, with her Christmas gift. She decided immediately that one of the presents would go to her twin sister.

Above: Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison delivering toys to 8-month-old Evander in the Outpatients Clinic at Joan Kirner Women and Children’s. Evander’s mum Zoe received a Coles Gift Voucher. Left, top to bottom: Symcare director Ali Gunes delivering a toy to 18-month-old Thomas in Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Outpatients Clinic. Nirvaan, 4, with Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison on the Children’s Ward of Joan Kirner Women and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital.

The gift of giving As the holiday season unfolds, Western Health has delivered a special dose of holiday cheer to kids on the wards at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s at Sunshine Hospital. Western Health chief executive Adjunct Professor Russell Harrison, and people, culture and communications executive director Adjunct Professor Sandy Schutte were joined by directors from local NDIS provider Symcare, stepping into Santa’s shoes and handing out fun, educational toys to kids spending the festive season away from families and loved ones. Adjunct Professor Harrison said that it can be hard for children and their families when

Aniseh, 11, with her parents, Western Health people, culture and communications executive director Sandy Schutte, Western Health chief executive Russell Harrison, and Symcare directors Ali Gunes and Chris Yorenc.

they are in hospital, especially so in the festive season. “These toys have really brought the festive spirit to our wards, and we’ve met so many wonderful people handing out these gifts today. On behalf of Western Health, I’d like to wish everyone in our community a safe and happy festive season,” he said. The gifts were generously donated by Symcare, one of the Western Health Foundation’s corporate partners. Donations to the Western Health Foundation’s Christmas Appeal are gratefully accepted at https://appeal.whfoundation.org. au/

(Picturse: Supplied)

SUMMER 2023

Parents wake up

To sleep support Why Hamish Blake is

Our top dad

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

12654298-RR49-23

FEATURING ... CHRISTMAS CHEER

Advertising feature

Carolling for the community as Christmas draws close For Maribyrnong councillor Michael Clarke and Deer Park’s Sue Weaver, Christmas is a time to get together and sing as Jennifer Pittorino discovered. This year marks 20 years of Kingsville Carols, a community event made possible by the coming together of three schools - Wembley Primary School, Yarraville West Primary School and Kingsville Primary School. In 2003 Michael Clarke and his wife Janine decided to start the event to give their kids a taste of carolling at Christmas. “We started the event because we wanted our daughter Hannah, and our newly arrived son Lachlan to have a community Christmas experience,” Michael said. With Hannah only three-years-old at the time and Lachlan only a few months old, getting the family anywhere was a challenge. “To get to the nearest carols you had to pack up the car and everything else, we knew there wasn’t one in Kingsville so I said, come on let’s put our own little carols group together. “I went to ask Kingsville (Primary School) if they would come sing and they were delighted. I asked Wembley because I had parents asking what about us, and that is how it expanded.” Each year the three schools choose 50 kids to sing Christmas classics at the annual event held at Beevers Reserve, in Wales Street, Kingsville. This year’s event was staged on December 7, complete with a night market and performances by Rebecca Barnard, Shane O’Mara, Richard Lewis and Debbie Lavell. In the 20 years since the event started, Michael said there have been numerous highlights, but the best is always watching the kids have fun. “Every year my favourite part is watching the kids get lollies when Santa arrives on the fire truck. Just watching all those kids run to

Michael Clarke, Norm Beck, Mali Devi, Sue Weaver, MaryAnn Brincat, Xavier and Bill Brincat. (Jacob Pattison) 378306_03

Santa is the best,” he said. “The parents love to see their kids sing and the kids love getting up to sing. “We don’t care if each school sings the same songs and there are double ups. Sing ’Rudolph

the Red-Nosed Reindeer’, ’Silent Night’ and ’Jingle Bells’ as any many times as you like. “It’s an opportunity for the kids to engage in a communications process, they get to sit with each other and talk with each other, in singing

together they are sharing a moment.” Like Michael, Sue Weaver from the Deer Park Lions Club carols group said that Christmas carols bring the community together. “The atmosphere is always fantastic and the spirit is always so high,” she said. “Christmas is about family and getting together, all our families come down to support us on the night, it is a real family event and great for everyone.” For 43 years, Deer Park Lions Club members have carolled their way through December. This year was Sue’s 14th year singing for the community. “I love it. I do it purely to give back to the community. I love volunteering as I get so much out of volunteering,” she said. “Giving back to the community during this time means so much. I do it for the community and to help people.” The group has 11 members which Sue is hoping to grow in time for next year’s festive season. “We are a very small group but we are slowly building up as we have a few new members which are fantastic,” she said. The group hosted its carols event on December 9, with the help of the Sunshine Community Brass. “It was fantastic. We are always just so happy when people turn up and this year we had 200 people there. “Our treasurer dresses up as Santa, so when he comes out all of the kids come out and make it so much fun. “They get lollies and run around, that is the part I love the most.”

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Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 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

St Albans Gift and Family Fun Day 2024 The St Albans Sports Club in conjunction with the Victorian Athletics League are organising the annual St Albans Gift. To help create a family atmosphere, the club will be organising kids activities and other entertainment to complement the running of each event. The gift is a free event to allow for an affordable day out for families. The event will take place on January 6, from 3pm at Kings Park Reserve.

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of fans at the Werribee Cup patting the steward’s horse. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 379743_01

Community meeting opportunity Councillor Virginia Tachos is inviting residents to meet with her to discuss any local concerns. Cr Tachos will be available by appointment every Friday between 10am-noon at the Keilor Community Hub until December 22. ■ 0428 915 671

Come and Try Fencing Western Swords is offering free fencing training every Thursday during school terms, from 6.30-8pm, at St Albans Meadows Primary School. Seven and above are welcome and all gear is there to borrow. ■ https://www.westernswords.org/

Girl Guides Brimbank District Girl Guides is inviting locals to come and try guides before committing to join. Girls aged 5-18 and adults are invited to enjoy the fun and friendship of guiding. ■ Carolyn, 0418 536 084

Sunshine Repair Cafe Do you enjoy fixing things or have skills in mending clothing and textiles? Kororoit Neighbourhood House is looking for volunteer repairers for the newly launched Repair Cafe in Brimbank. Events happen once a month and are an opportunity to meet others in the community and share your skills while helping fix broken household items. ■ sunshinerepaircafe@kcnh.org.au, or 0413 434 082

Deer Park Lions Club

Sunrise Social Groups

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

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/ or mental health challenges. ■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

Sunshine Community Brass Al-Anon Family Groups Al-Anon Family Groups is offering help and hope to anyone living in an unhappy home because a loved one drinks too much. There are no contracts to sign, just a voluntary donation to cover room rental. Confidentiality is protected. The group will close for one week on Wednesday, December 27, and re-open on Wednesday, January 3rd. Confidential meetings held at the Sydenham Neighbourhood Centre (rear of library) every Wednesday from 1-2:30pm. New members welcome. No appointment necessary.

Card games Love playing the card game 500? Card games are played every Monday from 7-10pm at the Sunshine RSL offices, 99 Dickson Street, Sunshine. ■ Leisa, 0425 768 808

Keilor Day View Club The Keilor Day View Club meets at 11am on the first Thursday of each month at Green Gully Soccer Club, Green Gully Reserve, Club House Place, Keilor Downs. The club is inviting locals to come along and enjoy a meal and fun with a friendly group of ladies. ■ Robyn, 0425 387 880

Palliative volunteers needed Mercy Palliative Care is looking for volunteers to visit palliative care patients in their homes to offer social support. ■ 9313 5700 or MPCVolunteerCoordinators@mercy.com.au

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 meet at the centre at the corner of Alfrieda and William streets, St Albans, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9am-2pm. Annual membership: $10. Cost: $1 entry on attendance day. ■ Roma, 0435 991 064

Caroline Springs Rotary The Rotary Club of Caroline Springs is inviting new guests to join its meetings in person or via zoom. Meetings are held every Wednesday at the Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall from 7pm. ■ rotarycarolinesprings@gmail.com

BusyFeet Hillside BusyFeet is a dance and movement class for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. Classes create a fun and inclusive environment for kids aged six to 16 to try new things and build social skills, as well as giving a chance for parents’ respite. It’s held from 11-11.45am Saturday. ■ Ross, 0411 228 311

Chatty Cafe Melton Are you feeling lonely, isolated or just wanting to make some new friends? If so, Chatty Cafe is for you. The group meets on Friday mornings at 10am for delicious free coffee from Latin foods and wines at 10 Wallace Square, Melton. ■ https://www.facebook.com/ groups/352071857283331

Women’s Support Group Seniors lunch Deer Park Branch of National Seniors Australia hosts a lunch on the third Friday of each month at different venues. The group also arrange activities each month, sometimes to the theatre, morning melodies, train or bus trip. The group also holds a general meeting at The Club in Caroline Springs on the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm. Locals are invited to join in for lunch or just attend the meeting and make new friends. ■ Pamela, pcostello46@hotmail.com

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

Women’s Support Group Melton is for any women who feel they would like to attend a peer support group which is relaxed, friendly and non-judgemental. The group meets weekly at 1pm on Mondays (except for public holidays) at Djerriwarrh Neighbourhood House, 239 Station Road, Melton. The group can discuss most subjects that may be of help ■ https://ow.ly/QVwJ50Q5g42

Melton Ladies Probus Meets from 10am on the second

Wednesday of each month at Melton Country Club on Reserve Road, Melton. All visitors are welcome. ■ Dianne, 9743 7446

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 12-25 years old. ■ Val, 0414 769 605

Melton Men’s Group Melton Men’s Group meets every Thursday from 5-8pm at Arnolds Creek Children’s and Community Centre, 19 Claret Ash Boulevard, Harkness. Focusing on senior men’s mental and physical wellbeing. Join the group for a cuppa and a chat, listen to guest speakers and participate in activities including carpet bowls, pool or table tennis. ■ meltonmensgroup.home.blog

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

Mens Fella-ship Men from all walks of life are invited to connect with their community and catch up over a cuppa at the weekly Fella-ship social group, meeting on Wednesday afternoons between 1-3pm at the Melton South Community Centre. The catch ups are free and no bookings are required. ■ 9747 8576

PUZZLES Slump (6) Support (4,2) Purchaser (5) Everyday people – literally ‘the many’ in Greek (3,6) Spaciousness (9) Bumbling (5) Habitations (6) Stopper (4) Show sullenness (4) Large monkey (6) Beautiful maiden in Muslim paradise (5) Competitor (9) Heights (9) Happen (5) Guarantee (6) Knowledgeable (6)

easy

5 2

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

8 5 6 9

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

10 11 12 13

U J N Z A H Y S R B X WC 2

9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good

No. 164 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

E D S

G G E D

U S E D S I D E A N G E

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS AIL ARE ATE BOG BRA DOE DUO EGO EKE ELM END ICE LID MOD NET ORE PEA PEG PRO PRY SIP TIN

No. 164

3 2 1 & + 2

ANTIC ARMED AROMA AVERT AWARD AWOKE BEARS CACAO CADET CARED COCOA EDGED EJECT ENROL FEAST FRUIT GAITS GLINT GOATS HIKER IDEAL

4 LETTERS ACTS DRUM ERAS HAND KISS NECK OGRE RAIN SASH STAB 5 LETTERS ACTED ADOBE ALIBI ALOFT

IVIES LOCAL MUDDY NURSE ODOUR OPERA PARSE PASSE PASTA RACER RASPS RINSE RIVAL ROBOT RODEO ROUND SEEDY SLEDS SLIMS STUNT TABLE

TALES UPSET 6 LETTERS BEAGLE CEASES GRAPES PLEATS PONCHO REAPER 7 LETTERS KEELING NEAREST

OPPOSES PERFUME SECTION STUTTER 8 LETTERS ANTENNAS AVOCADOS RESPONSE RETURNED 10 LETTERS DETERRENTS SEPARATING

22-12-23

delving, DEVOLVING, devon, dive, dove, envoi, evil, evolving, give, given, glove, gloved, involve, involved, levin, live, lived, liven, love, loved, loving, novel, olive, oven, ovine, veil, vein, vend, vide, video, vied, vile, vine, viol, void, voile, vole

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

F A R

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

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

V E

Q K D P GME F V O L T I

37 words: Excellent

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

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

medium

easy

5x5

hard

No. 164

7 2 9 6 4 5 4 3 7 5 8

2 4

DECODER

Residential (8) Contradictory or incongruous phrase (8)

19 21 22 23 26

DOWN 1 2

25 27 28 29 30

12 13 14 15 19 20 24

5 6 7 8 9 16 17 18

3 5

A compound consisting of carbon and a metallic or semimetallic element (7) Rampaging (7) Simple lifting contraption (6) Indicates (6) Footwear (4) Foremost (7) Candied citrus peel (7) Leads an orchestra (8) A wavelength that sits outside the visible spectrum (8) Hint (7) Paint thinner (7) Part of a sentence (6) Fancy hotel rooms (6) Roost (4)

ACROSS 1 4 10 11

No. 164

QUICK QUIZ

In what city would you find the world’s deepest swimming pool?

In which year did King Edward VIII abdicate the British throne?

How many Lisbon sisters are there in Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel The Virgin Suicides?

Sana’a is the capital of which country?

And who directed the film adaptation released in 2000?

What food is made by coagulating soy milk?

The face of which 1980s movie character was supposedly modelled after poet Carl Sandburg, Albert Einstein and a pug dog?

Which musician released the single Starman in 1972?

What is the longest-serving lighthouse in Australia?

10 In the original Knight Rider TV series starring David Hasselhoff (pictured), what did the car’s name, KITT, stand for?

ANSWERS: 1. Dubai 2. Five 3. Sofia Coppola 4. E.T. 5. David Bowie 6. The Macquarie Lighthouse 7. 1936 8. Yemen 9. Tofu 10. Knight Industries Two Thousand

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 ( ' 5 $ 6 3 6 % ( $ 5 6 $ 9 ( 5 7 ( 1 5 2 / $:2 . ( & $ ' ( 7 & 2 & 2 $ $ ' 2 % ( $ 5 ( ( - ( & 7 % 2 * 0 2 ' 5 $ , 1 3 / ( $ 7 6 2 ' 2 8 5 3 5 < ' 2 ( 3 ( * 3 $ 6 6 ( 3 2 1 & + 2 2 * 5 ( $ 1 7 ( 1 1 $ 6 . , 6 6 / , ' . ( ( / , 1 * 6 7 8 7 7 ( 5 7 , 1 6 $ 6 + 5 ( 6 3 2 1 6 ( $ & 7 6 5 ( $ 3 ( 5 $ & 7 ( ' , & ( 1 ( 7 % 5 $ * 5 $ 3 ( 6 ' 5 8 0 $ / 2 ) 7 $ , / $ 7 ( ) 5 8 , 7 3 ( $ , 9 , ( 6 5 2 8 1 ' , ' ( $ / $ 5 0 ( ' 1 8 5 6 ( 7 $ % / ( 6 ( ( ' < * 2 $ 7 6 6 / , 0 6

No. 164

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. What nationality is tennis champion Maria Sharapova? 2. Name the four throwing events that feature in regular outdoor track and field competitions. 3. Which year was the inaugural Roller Derby World Cup held?

4. The first chess boxing competition took place in which European capital in 2003?

11. Which two NFL teams play out of Los Angeles?

Maria Sharapova

5. In which sport might you perform a tumble turn?

12. How many players are allowed on the ice for one team during a game of ice hockey?

6. Australian basketballer Josh Giddey plays for which NBA team?

13. What is the name of the first round of the 2024 AFL season?

7. Which marathon swimmer does Annette Bening play in the 2023 biopic?

14. And what is special about it? 15. Australian soccer player Andrew Redmayne plays for which A-Leagues club?

8. Former Socceroos star Harry Kewell has been rumoured to replace the coach of which Japanese football team?

16. The Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is approximately how many kilometres?

9. What is the sport Schwingen also known as?

17. Chloe Covell represents Australia in which sport?

10. How old was Yulia Lipnitskaya when she became the youngest female figure skater to win a gold medal at the Olympics?

LeBron James

18. In Gaelic football, kicking or punching the ball into the other team’s net is worth how many points? 19. The Goodall Cup is the trophy awarded to the champions in which league?

20.Who is the captain of the Melbourne United basketball team?

26.Which team has the first pick in the 2024 WNBA draft?

21. Which team won the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament?

27. Daisy Pearce is coach of which AFLW club?

22.And which team did they defeat? 23.Connor Rozee is captain of which AFL club? 24.LeBron James’ son, Bronny, plays basketball for which US college?

28.Sydney Roosters recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase last played for which Super Rugby club? 29. Caitlin Clark plays basketball for which US college? 30.Which city held the BBL match between the Renegades and Scorchers that was abandoned due to the state of the pitch?

25.Eddie Jones has been announced as coach of which national men's rugby union team?

1. Russian 2. Hammer throw, shot put, javelin and discus throw 3. 2011 4. Berlin 5. Swimming 6. Oklahoma City Thunder 7. Diana Nyad 8. Yokohama F. Marinos 9. Swiss wrestling 10. 15 11. Rams and Chargers 12. Six (five + goaltender)13. Opening Round 14. None of the four games are being played in Victoria 15. Sydney FC 16. 1,170kms 17. Skateboarding 18. Three 19. Australian Ice Hockey League (AIHL) 20. Chris Goulding 21. Los Angeles Lakers 22. Indiana Pacers 23. Port Adelaide 24. University of Southern California 25. Japan 26. Indiana Fever 27. West Coast 28. New South Wales Waratahs 29. University of Iowa 30. Geelong, Victoria

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Management and Staff at Network Classifieds would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year. THE CLASSIFIEDS DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSING ON FRIDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2023 AND WILL RE -OPEN TUESDAY 2ND JANUARY 2024. 202350004-FC50-23

Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

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Volvo XC60, there’s plenty to like By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring What’s in a name? Plenty for Volvo, the Sino-Swedish car maker with its new mid-size luxury SUV, the XC60, tagged with a string of descriptors to separate each model from one another. Take, for example, our test vehicle, the Volvo XC60 Ultimate B5 Bright: phew! And that mouthful comes without mentioning vital specifications such as the powertrain – in this case 2-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine, plus eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. ‘Ultimate’ relates to the trim level, B5 to the engine, a turbocharged petrol motor enhanced by a standard 48V mild hybrid system to achieve higher fuel economy and lower emissions, while ‘Bright’ (or ‘Dark’) refers to core design elements. While Volvo is now owned by Geely Automobile, a major automotive brand based in China, the XC60 exhibits sleek Scandinavian styling, efficient four-cylinder engines and quality cabin ambiance. Range-topping Ultimate trim gets matrix LED headlights, 20in alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, air suspension, a head-up display, a powered passenger’s seat, power-folding rear headrests and a panoramic roof. While Volvo was initially slow to catch up, a move to a longer five-year warranty and fixed-price servicing puts the XC60 on a par with the opposition.

Styling Apart from the Volvo front grille and Thor’s Hammer headlamp display, the XC60 Ultimate is pretty much out of the standard premium SUV catalogue design-wise. For example, the vehicle shows off pleasing, if not striking, dimensions from all directions. The Bright theme of the test vehicle is standard, keeping the same exterior elements as the core model while the Dark theme, offered at no extra cost, gives new Volvo vehicles a sportier appearance inspired by the former R-Design model by replacing the chrome accents with black elements and making way for a more aggressive stance.

The refreshed Volvo XC60 continues to hold its place high in the mid-size premium SUV market. (Pictures: Supplied)

Interior With its ‘driftwood decor’ inlay inspired by the natural forces of water, wind and waves, the XC60 is a genuine five-seater, with optional Nappa leather accented front seats including seat ventilation and optional ten-point massage. A panoramic sunroof allows natural light to flood in, creating a feeling of space for everyone in the cabin. A word about the gearshift. Situated on the centre console it’s hard to ignore this genuine work of art. A product of Swedish crystal glass manufacturer Orrefors, according to Volvo, it’s all about capturing light to produce a warm feeling for the user more used to freezing weather conditions. Verdict: Tactile and easy to operate, it also works well in the Aussie subtropical environment.

Infotainment Those out of touch with the latest tablet-style automobile info systems, may find the XC60 set-up a little testing to start with. In keeping with the minimalist theme of the cabin the centrally positioned touchscreen is the key to control – buttons, knobs and dials are few and far between. Persevere, people. The upside is easy access to no-nonsense voice commands. With Google on hand to supply helpful features, the star of the show is undoubtedly an optional Bowers and Wilkins 1410W hi-fi audio system with 15 speakers and subwoofer tuned to cabin architecture to deliver impressive surround sound for all occupants. What’s more, the space can be transformed into varying room modes, including Studio, Individual Stage, Concert Hall or Jazz Club, via advanced acoustic technology.

Engines/transmissions Since 2013, Volvo Cars petrol and diesel engines for most markets around the world

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Volvo XC60 Plus B5: $72,990 Volvo XC60 Ultimate B5 Bright: $79,990 Volvo XC60 Ultimate B6 Dark: $86,990 Volvo XC60 Ultimate T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid: $101,990 SPECIFICATIONS Volvo XC60 Ultimate B5 Bright 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder petrol, 8sp automatic, AWD SUV

have been made at their Skövde, Sweden, facility. Asian-market Volvo cars have had their engines produced at the Zhangjiakou, China, plant since 2016. The latter is the case for the XC60 in Australia with a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 183 kW of peak power at 5400 rpm and 350 Nm of torque at 1800 rpm via an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels.

Safety Volvo has built its brand on being a leader in vehicle safety – it developed the three-point lap/sash seat belt and shared it around, for example – so it’s no surprise that XC60 safety is five stars. Features include assisted cruise control, auto braking and parking, lane assist, blind spot alert and rear parking camera. A head-up display delivers speed, turn-by-turn navigation, and more. The brightness of the display adapts automatically to light conditions and can be set to suit personal preferences.

20 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

Driving Settling into any of the five seats on offer in the Volvo XC60 can be achieved with the minimum of fuss, none requiring a tall step up as in some SUVs. Shoulder space and leg room also are up in class. Firing the engine requires a turn of a centre-console situated switch, and it’s the same process for shutting it down. It’s a repeat to shut off the motor. Typically, of a Volvo, the XC60 offers comfortable, quiet and smooth riding, from the stop/start city commute to motorway cruising. The mild hybrid system unnoticeably doing its bit for added performance. Expect the XC60 Ultimate B5 Bright MHEV to use close to 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres of premium unleaded petrol in the combined urban/highway cycle while putting out 174g of carbon dioxide. The car’s active chassis with air suspension constantly adjusts ride height and adapts the shock absorbers to enhance stability and deliver a dynamic and refined ride with maximum energy efficiency at high speeds.

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

And on demand, Off Road mode can increase ground clearance. Steering, especially, provided positive feedback, while braking – ventilated disc front and rear – chipped in with the benefit of ‘B’ mode, harnessing engine braking to feed off kinetic energy produced when the foot is off the brake. Additionally, creep feature can help at low speed, for example in traffic queues or car parks. When active, the car moves slowly without use of the accelerator pedal.

Summary While the XC60 is well advanced with present-day automotive technology, it’s worth remembering that Volvo aims to go fully electric in Australia by 2026, four years before it does in the rest of the world. While the award-winning luxury mid-size SUV deserves a look now, it may be worth waiting to greet the new era.

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SPORT

Lions, Heights are through

Steffan Roberts (Jacob Pattison) 374057_13

Lions go back to back Back-to-back wins for Taylors Lakes in the Victorian Sub District Cricket Association season holds the club in a strong position heading into the mid-season break. For the first time this season captain-coach of the Lions Aamir Raza won the toss and elected to bat, sending St Bernards to the field. After a shaky start at 1-0 and then 2-34, the Lions began to get into their work with batsmen three to five all contributing with half centuries without being able to go on and make a massive score. Steffan Roberts made 58 while Nilan Fernando and Raza made 51 each. The runs kept coming later in the innings with the Lions putting up a solid score of 9-243 from their 45 overs.

“It was good to bat first and set a good score, in one-day cricket if you’ve got a good score on the board there’s always pressure in chasing,” Raza said. “If we could put anything north of 220 on the board will always be tough to chase with our bowling. “None of us actually had a day out we performed to probably half our capability and that goes for all three of us and that was good enough to think that we weren’t even at our best and we still did that sends a message that when this team are at their best they are going to be a formidable opponent.” In the chase, St Bernards was never able to really get their innings moving with wickets falling consistently throughout their innings

Lions still undefeated Deer Park couldn’t have asked for much more in the first half of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division. Last season’s runners-up sit atop the table undefeated at the Christmas break, having put in some strong performances. Coach Mick Andriadis said he was a happy coach at the moment. “I can’t complain,” he said. “Had you told me we would be first at Christmas undefeated I would have been very happy with that. “We have played well and stepped up at stages. We haven’t set the world on fire but we have been good enough to get the wins. “We have had a favourable draw but we have batted really well.” Andriadis said this season was turning into a batters season with his side no different. Having added Dean Russ and Daniel Sartori in the off-season, the Lions batting was always going to be their strength. “We’ve batted well either chasing or putting a score on the board. Dean Russ, Dan Sartoti and Allan Wise have all fitted in nicely.” On Saturday, the Lions faced the Druids in a one-day clash. The Lions lost early wickets but were able to steady on the way to 7-206 from their 40 overs. Hashan Wanasekara top scored with 66. The Wizards struggled to put partnerships together and were ultimately bowled out for 155 after the tail wagged. Ricky Suvada and Fawad Malook took three wickets each. Andriadis said the Wizards really put up a fight. “They were good,” he said. “They gave us a little scare towards the end. They started well and restricted us in the first 12 overs. “They then come home with a wet sail. They were seven down with two set batsmen needed 10-11 an over the last six or seven overs. They still had an outside chance.” While content with the season so far,

as the run rate required climbed. It was bowled out for 177. “In one day cricket the scoreboard pressure plays such a big factor in the game,” Raza said. “The run rate went up from six to seven to eight and when there were 15 overs to go and they needed eight and a half an over that’s when the wickets began to fall.” Now the Lions have a chance to reset and rest to hit the second half of the VSDCA season hard in the new year. “I think it’s brilliant now that we’re still training, we’re still practicing so a couple of weeks off and back to it after Christmas, I think it’ll be good for our fast bowlers to have a little break.”

Deer Park and Sunshine Heights are through to the next round of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition. Deer Park faced Aberfeldie twice in the space of three days in the Ponsford pool. On Tuesday, Abers batted first in the clash of the two senior division teams and made 4-174. The Lions had lots of starts throughout the innings and looked on track for victory heading into the final over. Abers got two run outs to start the final over. Ricky Suvada managed to get the ball to the boundary to tie the scores. The Lions finished 5-174. On Thursday night, the Lions made 9-134 from their overs before restricting Aberfeldie to 99. Sunshine Heights knocked off the Druids to seal its spot in the next round. The Wizards batted first making 8-146 with guest player Michael Hay starring with 82 off 53 balls. The Heights top order did most of the damage and they were able to do enough, finishing 6-148. Sunshine will have to wait on other results to see if it makes it through to the next round after losing to Maribyrnong Park St Marys on Thursday night. St Albans beat Burnside Springs United in its first match. St Albans made 4-145 from its 20 overs. Shohan Rangika took two wickets for Burnside It was hard work for Burnside which was restricted to 6-66 off its 20 overs.

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Dean Russ (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Andriadis knows there are still plenty of tests ahead of them. It’s something they welcome. “We play all the sides around the four and in the four,” he said. “Yarraville Club, Sydenham-Hillside, Aberfeldie and Keilor in a one-dayer in the first game after Christmas. “We also play Sunshine United and St Albans. We play second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth,” In other matches, Keilor locked in a top four spot with victory against Sunshine United. Sunshine United made 9-176, with Matthew Sipala top scoring with 40 not out. Malith Cooray took 5-37 off his eight overs. Blues finished 3-180, 35.4 overs Cooray finished with 76 not out off 73 balls St Albans fell just short against Aberfeldie. Abers made 6-154 from its overs, with the Saints sharing the wickets around. The match went down to the final over, with the Saints bowled out for 148 on the final ball. Ashen Abeykoon top scored with 40. The Saints are in sixth spot. Sydenham-Hillside continued its good form with a big win against Westmeadows. The Storm finished 2-147 in reply to the Warriors, 146. The Storm sits in second spot.

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Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 21

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Rising stars take on the world By Tara Murray Some of the most talented athletes in the western suburbs will be vying for the prestigious 2023 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 volleyball star Luella Greer. Greer, a year 12 student at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy, combined her burgeoning volleyball career and her final year of school, and had no plans to step back from either. Greer took up a scholarship with MSA in year seven after playing soccer and netball in primary school. After testing at MSA they suggested that Greer should consider rowing, athletics, or volleyball and the rest is history. Basketballer Jack Innella was the second nominee for the year. Innella wants to break the glass ceiling

by becoming the first intellectually disabled basketballer to make it in mainstream basketball. He became the first Boomerangs player to be invited to the AIS in Canberra for a camp of under-20 basketballers. Another MSA student, Emily Mifsud, was nominated in April for her achievements in athletics. Misfud results resulted in her representing Victoria at the 2022 Australian Cross Country Championships and competing at the 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships. Mifsud was then selected to represent Australia at the annual Simplot Games held in Salt Lake City in February. It’s been a big year for Bridget Mihulk on the tennis court. She has a WTA singles ranking of about 900 and a junior ranking of 400, but she still classifies herself as pretty average, with always more to do. The hard work continues to pay off for Jacob

Cassar who is a boxing devotee. Cassar has had 22 fights with a 22-0 record. He said his strength is in my ability to change my tactics mid fight. The next nominee again is part of the next generation being inspired by the Matildas. Alana Cortellino was part of the Junior Matildas that won the under-18 Asean Football Federation Championship last year. She is playing with the FV Emerging team in the National Premier League Women’s competition, having captained Calder United’s successful under-19 team last year. August nominee Amelie Guziak has a voracious appetite for competition and the need to test herself against the best in the world. She reckons she was born on a squash court. Being selected to represent Australia in the World Junior Squash Championships in July is the pinnacle of her career to date. September nominee, Theodore Kaing, returned from Bosnia as any thirteen-year-old teenager would, excited about what he has

seen, talking about the fun that he had and the experiences he had. The difference between Kaing, who is also known as Teddy, and other tourists was that he had just represented Australia in the 2023 Cadet World Taekwondo Championships. Shrey Dhand was the October nominee, He represented Australia at the under-19 World Junior Badminton Tournament in September. Among the many titles Dhand has won, one stands alone. In June this year he competed in and won the Protech Elite Series Open Men’s singles as a 15-year-old. This win stamped his credentials in the sport. The final nominee of the year was Rosie Bilszta. The 15-year-old competes in artistic swimming, which is formerly known as synchronised swimming, and recently returned from Greece after competing in the 2023 FINA Youth Artistic Swimming Championships where Australia finished 14th out of 36 teams.

Introducing the 2023 Don Deeble Sports Star finalists Luella Greer School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Volleyball Achievements: Victorian and Australian indoor volleyball team, Victorian beach volleyball team and was MVP in 2021, attended the 2022 AIS Volleyball camp, MVP at national title. Quote: “We gelled together in an amazing way, much like we did in the Victorian team. It was certainly an eye opener. We didn’t win a game but we came home so much stronger and better for the experience.”

FEBRUARY

MARCH

JULY

Amelie Guziak

Team: Australian Boomerangs Sport: Basketball Achievements: First Boomerangs player to be invited to the AIS, made the state men’s squad as a 14-year-old, a part of the Virtus Asian Games held in Brisbane, Quote: “My parents made it simple for me, see ball get ball. So, I did.”

Club: RACV Club Sport: Squash Achievements: Scholarship to the Victorian Institute of Sport, represented Australia in the World Junior Squash Championships, ranked number one in Australia in the under 17’s and number two in the female junior rankings overall. Quote: “I am just the most competitive person! My strengths are my fitness and work ethic. I am skilful and disciplined. My focus and mental strength are also critical for me.”

School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Running Achievements: Victoria at the 2022 Australian Cross Country Championships and competing at the 2022 Australian Track and Field Championships, selected to represent Australia at the annual Simplot Games held in Salt Lake City, finishing 4th in the 3200 meter event. Quote: “From a very early age I just loved to run around, run everywhere, whenever I got a chance to get outside, I ran.”

AUGUST

Theodore Kaing

SEPTEMBER

Bridget Mihulk School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Tennis Achievements: Played Junior ITF tournaments in New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, semi final in the ITF Canberra tournament, WTA singles ranking about 900 and a junior ranking of 400. Quote: “It brings out the best in me. I’m very competitive and love the challenge of working out my opponent and how to win.” MAY

Jacob Cassar

(Archivist Media)

JUNE

Club-school: Calder United and Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Soccer Achievements: Junior Matildas, Football Victoria National Training Centre program, at Melbourne Victory, Calder United captain. Quote: “I suppose I just loved to compete and was a very determined person.”

Jack Innella

Emily Mifsud

APRIL

Alana Cortellino

Club: Lionsden Boxing Academy Sport: Boxing Achievements: Victorian captain, 28-0 record, 2 Australian titles, as a featherweight he is ranked number one in Australia and the Commonwealth in his age group and 16th in the world, best male boxer of the tournament in the under-19 Australian Championships, in the AIS. Quote: “What I love about boxing is the dedication it demands of you if you are going to succeed. It’s not easy to get up every day and train three times.”

22 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 December, 2023

Club-School: Notorious Martial Arts and Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Taekwondo Achievements: Represented Australia in the 2023 Cadet World Taekwondo Championships coming third, number one in Victoria, black belt with one dan. Quote: “Right now, I love everything about my sport… I am very grateful for everyone who supports me. I won’t let them down.”

Shrey Dhand

OCTOBER

School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Badminton Achievements: Represented Australia three times, won many Victorian and Australian junior titles, won the Protech Elite Series Open Men’s singles as a 15-year-old. Quote: “I still have much to learn, I need to work on playing under pressure and my shuttle movement.”

Rosie Bilszta

NOVEMBER

School: Maribyrnong Sports Academy Sport: Artistic Swimming Achievements: Represented Australia at the2023 FINA Youth Artistic Swimming Championships, her team has won state and national titles in the various forms of artistic swimming. Quote: “It was an amazing experience, one that I will build on to fulfil my dream of representing Australia at the Olympics.”

Drury at the helm of Eagles’ inaugural VPL team It’s the dawn of a new era at Keilor Park, with the soccer club venturing into the Victorian Premier League for the first time and under a fresh coach. Last season the Eagles finished second in FV state league 1 north-west earning themselves promotion into the VPL. Now with experienced women’s coach Liam Drury at the helm, he said he is excited to see where the club can continue to grow. “I’m pumped to be at Keilor Park, it is an ambitious club with a special feeling to it because of the people here,” he said. “It is a very good fit. I was not looking to leave my previous role but when such an opportunity at a club which has a heavy focus on the women’s program came up, I had to

take it. “The club have put their trust in me to build on the good work which has been done here and I hope to prove them right for doing so.” While the leap from state league to VPL is no mean feat, Drury said from the small time he has spent with his group he is expecting big things from them in 2024. He said they weren’t there to make up the numbers. “We want to push as high as we can in this league. Unless we are top of the table we will be looking up to see who we can overtake rather than looking down and worried about being caught,” he said. “I am always going to be ambitious and

although I am sceptical about setting an exact target with so much of pre-season to go, I know we will go into every match with the goal of winning it, not getting by with a draw.” To help the Eagles on their voyage into the higher level, they have managed to retain a core group of this season’s players, something that Drury said he is very pleased with. “While there is a fair amount of turnover, I knew from early on that I wanted to keep the players who I believe can make the step up to VPL,” he said. “In terms of new signings, we have had the opportunity to bring in a number of players with NPL (National Premier League) experience and some talented visa players.

Thunder star on the rise

Sports shorts EDFL Deer Park has welcomed the 2023 Western Jets’ captain Diesel Moloney to its list ahead of its first season in the Essendon District Football League premier division. Moloney is also a Footscray Victorian Football League listed player. The Lions said he will be an exciting addition to its young and talented list. Moloney is one of 14 players on the Lions list that have played at or are currently listed at VFL level. He was a Vic Metro representative in both under-17s and 18s, also having won two league best and fairest in his junior years in the Western Region Football League.

By Tara Murray When Grace Graham got invited down to the Melbourne Boomers as a training partner, she thought it would only be for a few weeks. While it was only for a few weeks, the Keilor Thunder star didn’t hesitate to be involved with the Women’s National Basketball League team. In those four weeks, Graham made an impact and got given a much bigger opportunity. “They needed an extra body at training as they were down a few players at the start of pre-season,” she said. “One of the board members mentioned my name from playing in the NBL1. I met Chris [Lucas] the first day and he said we only need you for four weeks. “The four weeks finished and Chris didn’t give me much and said are you sticking around? About a month ago I was offered a development role player for the next two seasons. “I made an impact at training and he liked what he saw and wanted to keep me around longer term.” Graham said she was nervous starting out at the Boomers and training with the likes of Sara Blicavs. She said her game had grown the longer she spent with the side. “I wasn’t expecting anything coming in,” she said. “I have developed a nice relationship with Chris and he has instilled confidence in me. “It’s a really good opportunity to learn from players like Sara, who has played at the highest level.” Being involved in a WNBL program caps off a crazy year for Graham, which started with her being in America at college. While she loved being at Kansas City, the decision to come home has proven to be the right one. “I got injured in the pre-season and it took a really long time to heal and rehab didn’t go as well as I would have liked. “It wasn’t easy mentally and I decided to come home and get better here, I really trust my strength and conditioning coach and my physio. “It was best to come home.” Graham had no expectations when she came home other than to rehab her injury. She quickly found herself as part of Keilor Thunder’s NBL1 South side. It was a different experience for her. “It was tough, I had never played in NBL1 before, only two years of youth league,” she said. “I still wasn’t signed when the season started and I wasn’t expecting to sign any where. “The coach wanted me to be in the team and I thought it was pretty cool. I took so much out of it that I have taken into the WNBL and I will

I have already coached a number of these players so I knew they would be good culture fits and bring lots of quality.” Drury has spent his recent seasons coaching at both the VPL and National Premier League level, and said being the the Eagles inaugural VPL coach will allow him to pass on his learnings onto the squad. “In the last few years I have been lucky to learn from top coaches and get an understanding of what’s required to succeed at these higher levels,” he said. “I do feel that experience, as well as the experience of my coaching team and the players who have competed at these levels, will be helpful for a program which is at its highest division so far.”

WRFL The Western Region Football League season will kick off on Good Friday with a clash between Braybrook and Laverton. The league released its fixtures for division 1 and 2 with the season officially kicking off on April 13. On top of the Good Friday match, Sunshine will face Albion on April 6 before the season proper kicks off. Both divisions will have 18 rounds, with the division 1 grand final set for September 21 and the division 2 grand final set for September 14.

VNL The Western Warriors inaugural Victorian Netball League squads are taking shape. The Warriors had more than 100 players attend their trials, which exceeded all expectations. The club has put together four sides, a championship, under-23 and two development sides. For more on the Warriors, go to www.starweekly.com. au.

Netball

Grace Graham. (Supplied)

take so much from the WNBL into the next NBL1 season.” Graham will be back at the Thunder with a lot of the core group of young players returning having recently signed a two year contract. Next year they will be coached by Kristi Harrower, which is another surreal moment for Graham, who instantly knew she wanted to be coached by her. “It’s so exciting having Kristi around, I’m glad she saw something in me and kept me around. “She is literally one of the best point guards

Australia has ever had. It’s a dream to go places that she has. “We’ve kept the core group together each season and we’ve grown together. There’s a few more pieces to come and we’ll see what we can get and hopefully get a few more wins.” Graham said her basketball focus is a real short term one, just to keep getting better each day. The next goal is t get a roster position on a WNBL team, would love that to be under Chris at the Boomers. “Hopefully I can have a solid season in the NBL1 and be a great impact player.”

St Albans-Caroline Spring Netball Association’s Charlize Bellette and Kiara Boyd have been named in the Victorian netball under-17 squads. Netball Victoria released both the under-17 and under-19 squads. Trials will be held in January to further reduce the squads ahead of the national championships next year.

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Tuesday, 19 December, 2023 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 23

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