Star Weekly - Northern - 8th March 2022 by Star Weekly

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8 MARCH, 2022

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Comedians hit the road Whittlesea comedians James Liotta and Piero Viavattene are counting down the days until they can embark on their national tour after two years of waiting. The duo, who perform as the “cartoon-like, over-the-top Italian characters” Pippo and Pasquale, originally planned to tour nationally in 2020 – but the pandemic put a stop to their plans. They will finally be able to begin the tour in Melbourne in April, before heading to Sydney, country Victoria, Adelaide and Perth. Liotta said the past two years had been incredibly difficult. It’s been disastrous for the entertainment business,” he said. “Online really was our only outlet as that was where our fans were. “We created a lot of content to keep our fanbase entertained. “We had to keep going. “We are very excited to be back on stage.” Liotta described Pippo and Pasquale’s latest performance as a variety show featuring sketches, comedy, videos and more. “Although it is an ethnic-based show, we get all sorts of people to our shows,” Liotta said.

James Liotta and Piero Viavattene as their characters Pasquale and Pippo. (Damjan Janevski) 269598_02

Epping set for jobs boom By Laura Michell Up to 4000 jobs will be created in Epping as part of a new logistics park planned for Vearings Road. A development plan for the O’Herns Logistics Park was endorsed by Whittlesea council’s administrators during a council meeting on Monday, February 21. The plan proposes to develop the 252-hectare site for employment purposes with a focus on large-scale logistics and warehousing. According to the development plan, about 142 hectares of the site at 25 Vearings Road

will be developed for employment purposes, with the remaining 110 hectares to become a public conservation reserve. The site is bounded by O’Herns Road to the south, Vearings Road to the east, Harvest Home Road and the Yarra Valley Water Aurora Treatment Facility to the north and the Craigieburn Grasslands to the west. It can be accessed by O’Herns Road, which will be upgraded by the developer, Sandhurst Retail & Logistics, according to a report tabled at the council meeting. The development plan proposes to retain scatter River Red Gums on the site and

a number of dry stone walls, which are significant to the area. Administrator Chris Eddy labelled the logistics park as a “really significant development”. “It is not lost on me that potentially 4000 jobs could be created from this development,” he said. “We are talking about what, 140 hectares of industrial land, [it] just gives you a sense of the scope of what’s happening in the City of Whittlesea, and I think it will be really exciting to see how this develops going forward.”

Administrator Peita Duncan also lauded the proposal. “I think this is a fantastic development that we are bringing to our municipality,” she said. “I look forward to seeing what logistics companies will be in the precinct when we have built this development.” Chair administrator Lydia Wilson welcomed the protection of 110 hectares of the site in the conservation area, noting it was “nearly half the site”. Ms Wilson said the development was significant as there was a shortage of industrial land in the municipality.

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Petition calls for traffic solution By Laura Michell A petition calling for a solution to Kalkallo and Donnybrook’s traffic woes has been signed by more than 1000 people since launching late last month. The petition, which will be tabled in state Parliament, calls on for roadworks to improve the traffic flow at the Donnybrook Road-Mitchell Street roundabout to alleviate the congestion experienced by residents in Kalkallo and Donnybrook. As reported by Star Weekly, residents of Kalkallo’s Cloverton estate, are experiencing extensive delays when exiting the estate in the morning as a result of traffic on nearby Donnybrook Road.

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People are really angry - Ally Watson

With vehicles travelling from Mickleham to the Hume Freeway given right of way at the Donnybrook Road-Mitchell Street roundabout, motorists coming from Kalkallo and Donnybrook are being left to sit in long lines of traffic. Major Road Projects Victoria recently placed temporary traffic lights at the roundabout in response to increased congestion as a result of the closure of the intersection of Mickleham and Craigieburn roads. Residents say that while the temporary

lights are welcomed, they need a permanent solution, such as an upgrade to the roundabout to include a left-turn lane to the Hume Freeway from Donnybrook Road. Kalkallo resident Ally Watson spearheaded the petition, which has been sponsored by Yuroke MP Ros Spence. Ms Watson said it was time something was done to ease the congestion. “People are really angry,” she said. “The petition is one thing we can do to try and bring it to the attention of local MPs and Parliament.” Ms Watson said people were reporting that the congestion was adding up to an hour to their morning commute. A spokesperson for Stockland, the developer

of Cloverton, said the company was mindful of the traffic congestion residents are experiencing during peak periods along Donnybrook Road. “We are also working with the Department of Transport on a dedicated left-turn lane onto the Hume Freeway at the Mitchell Street roundabout, as well as exploring some other temporary measures for addressing traffic congestion in the shorter term.”. A Department of Transport spokesperson said traffic flow at the roundabout is being examined. “We are currently considering options to improve traffic flow in this fast-growing area, working with local stakeholders.” Details: https://bit.ly/36Dr6sZ

Cricket club hurting over break in

Thomastown Neighbourhood House multicultural group members Rajwant Lally, Parul Chaudhary and Aida Tadrus.

(Damjan Janevski) 270281_01

A day of Thomastown fun promised Thomastown’s cultural diversity will celebrated as part of a community fun day later this month. The Thomastown Neighbourhood House will host the ‘Promisetown Picnic’ on Saturday, March 19, bringing the Thomastown community together. TNH manager Liz Skitch said the event, which is part of the Lalor Thomastown Multicultural Arts Festival, would feature multicultural entertainers, a kids activities art space and a market featuring local makers.

“It’s a real celebration of diversity,” she said. “Everyone who lives in Thomastown comes from somewhere else.” Ms Skitch said the picnic was also a chance for people to connect with the wider community. “It’s an opportunity for people to come together and build their social network,” she said. “There are a lot of artists and makers that haven’t been able to show their wares for a long time. For them it is not just about social connection, it’s about meeting their market.” And as for the event’s name – Ms Skitch said

‘Promisetown’ is her family’s affectionate term for Thomastown. “It’s catching on,” she said. “It’s about inspiring our community to think about Thomastown in a magical way, to fill people with hope and inspire their imagination.” Promistown Picnic will be held at the Thomastown Recreation and Aquatic Centre (TRAC) outdoor space, 52-54 Main Street, Thomastown, from noon to 4pm. Details: www.tnh.org.au Laura Michell

Donnybrook Cricket Club has been left thousands of dollars out of pocket after its new clubrooms were broken into. The club said the clubrooms, which are under construction at Kalkallo Reserve on Donnybrook Road, were broken into overnight on Saturday, February 19. A post on the club’s Facebook page, said a number of items were taken from a container parked at the reserve. President Noel Seipolt told Star Weekly that turf equipment, a pitch mower, covers and soil were among the items stolen. “Nearly $10,000 worth of equipment. Clubs like us can’t afford that,” Mr Seipolt said. “It ruined my whole day.” Hume corporate services director Daryl Whitfort said council was disappointed that equipment that helps maintain a playing field for the community has been taken. “A large portion of equipment from this container has now been moved into the new pavilion on site, which has additional modern security measures,” he said. “Once construction on site has been completed, the shipping container will be moved to a final location with a protective fence so that the club can continue to use it for storage.” Anyone who witnessed the break-in is urged to contact Victoria Police.

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Suspected Mernda drug lab Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad are appealing for information in relation to a possible drug lab at a Mernda property. A warrant was executed at the Breadalbane Avenue address on Thursday,February 24 after evidence was reviewed from a previous warrant at the same address in December last year. Investigators removed a number of items left at the property which are suspected of being used in the manufacture of illicit drugs, as well as other items which will be forensically analysed in an effort to obtain further information. It’s believed the house has been unoccupied since early November 2021.

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EDITORIAL

Man arrested over attack on cats

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The Westmeadows all abilities cricket team.

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Playing for the fun of it

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Westmeadows’ all abilities cricket team might not have won a match yet, but you wouldn’t tell by watching them and the fun they are having. In its second year,he team continues to go from strength to strength. Coach Jeff Hubbard said the club was the only in the area which has an all abilities side. “It’s a feel good community program and it has grown significantly and we’re hoping next year that we can grow it and enter a second team to cater for more players. “We have a really young group with most of them between 15 and 21, most who had never played cricket before. We have one female and

I think there’s only two in the competition.” Hubbard said the reaction of the players both on game day and training made it worthwhile. The side finished its season in late February. “They haven’t had success and have not won a game, but they rock up and they want to get better and improve and play for the right reasons,” Hubbard said. “It’s really nice, it’s peeled back to the rarest level.” Hubbard said they were always after volunteers and helpers to get the side on the park each week. Tara Murray

A man has been arrested after an alleged attack on two family pets in Mernda. The 29-year-old Mernda man attended a police station on Thursday, February 24 and was interviewed by police. He is expected to be charged on summons with criminal damage, aggravated cruelty to animals and weapons offences. The arrest follows an alleged incident on Belloza Way about 4.50pm on Wednesday, February 16. Police will allege a man kicked a cat before returning with a piece of wood and attacking another cat.

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Hume gambling records tumble By Elsie Lange Hume broke records with more than $12.5 million spent on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) in December 2021, the largest expenditure in the region in almost two decades. According to data from the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission (VGCCC), the local government area reached a peak of $12.5 million gambling losses at the end of last year, before dropping back to $10.8 million in January 2022. According to the VGCCC, $10.6 million was spent at poker machines in the City of Whittlesea and Shire of Nillumbik in January, 2022, down from $12 million in December, 2021. The commission only publishes combined data for Whittlesea and Nillumbik. Alliance for Gambling Reform chief advocate Tim Costello told Star Weekly the $23.5 million lost to poker machines in Hume over the course of December and January meant more than $100 lost per person in the region. “[It’s] a sobering reminder of just how dangerous this predatory industry is to our safety and wellbeing,” Reverend Costello said. “Records were broken across the state with $250 million being lost by Victorians in December alone. “Many of the LGAs with the highest losses are also some of the most stressed communities in our state.” Two Hume hotels were in the top 10 venues with the largest EGM spends in the state between June and December last year: the

Gladstone Park Hotel ($5,635,242) and the Roxburgh Park Hotel ($5,625,072). The council area ranked fourth across the state for pokies spending in December 2021, as well as fourth statewide between July 2021 and January 2022. Hume community services director Hector Gaston said the council actively works alongside organisations, peak bodies and state and federal governments to minimise the harms of gambling, recognising the need to reduce the number of EGMs across Victoria.

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[It’s] a sobering reminder of just how dangerous this predatory industry is

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Big Group Hug volunteer Jill Pope.

(Damjan Janevski) 269949_01

- Tim Costello “In 2019 Hume City Council adopted its Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy, which informs council’s public health approach in minimising the negative impacts from gambling on Hume communities,” Mr Gaston said. “Council also has ongoing collaborations with members of various gambling associations and networks, including the Alliance for Gambling Reform, the Victorian Local Governance Association and Municipal Association for Victoria.” Mr Gaston said Hume would continue to implement its Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy in response to recent gambling losses. “And will remain committed to creating a city that supports the health and wellbeing of its residents,” Mr Gaston said.

Call for socks and jocks Bundoora-based Big Group Hug is calling for donations of pyjamas, socks, singlets and jocks to donate to families in need. The not-for-profit organisation runs an annual donation drive to collect these in-demand items. This year’s campaign runs until March 31, with Big Group Hug specifically calling for donations of new underwear, socks, singlets and pyjamas for boys and girls in sizes two to 16. Chief executive Bernadene Voss said the organisation included new underwear,

socks, singlets and pyjamas in every clothing pack it send out, providing children who are already doing it touch with some dignity and love. “Ensuring children have the basic items of clothing is so important for self-esteem and dignity,” she said. “Big Group Hug is calling on our community to help us, help those who need it most.” To register to make a donations, visit: https://form.jotform.com/210917670122853 Details: info@biggrouphug.org.

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Data captures rubbish behaviour By Elsie Lange Last year, councils in Melbourne’s northern suburbs received more than 9500 complaints about dumped rubbish, and more than 6500 reports about overgrown vegetation, according to recent data. Across Hume, Whittlesea, Nillumbik, Moreland, Darebin and Banyule, residents used the Snap Send Solve app to take a photo of their issue and send it to their council or authority. There were 9782 reports of dumped rubbish, 6536 reports of overgrown vegetation, 2279

reports of pavement issues and 1799 reports of graffiti – 20, 396 complaints all together. Hume councillor Joseph Haweil has been campaigning against illegal dumping for some time, and said there’s a range of free council services that should stop people from disposing waste in their neighbourhoods. He described dumping as an epidemic in the northern suburbs and said the behaviour was “arrogant and selfish”. “What we rely on is the community reporting things through,” Cr Haweil said. “So it’s a council responsibility for us to pick it up and clean up the area, but also with

evidence to help us undertake investigations.” Cr Jack Medcraft labelled dumping in Hume as “unAustralian”. “If you see someone dumping, please don’t be afraid to dob them in,” Cr Medcraft said. “It’s money coming out of your pocket, ratepayers are paying for this.” In November last year, Hume council sustainable infrastructure and services director Peter Waite told Star Weekly there were 19,188 registered hard rubbish collections amounting to 2872 cubic metres of hard rubbish in the 2020-2021 financial year. Hume’s 2021-2022 budget says over 12

months from the new financial year, the council would provide 14,000 hard waste collections, undertake 4200 kilometres of roadside litter cleaning and remove more than 40,000 square metres of graffiti. According to Hume’s 2021-2025 council plan, it hopes to finalise a 10-year waste strategy, and “implement initiatives to reduce the incident of illegal dumped waste in Hume city”. Cr Haweil said councils should have no mercy and find people who are illegally dumping and hold them accountable. “Our community is not your tip,” Cr Haweil said.

Take the first step A new video will be released this week encouraging women in abusive relationships to seek help. The Dallas Neighbourhood House, in partnership with the Northern Community Legal Centre, is releasing the video to correspond with International Women’s Day. The video has been developed as part of a peer education project involving women from a range of different cultural backgrounds who live in Hume. The educators attended a series of education sessions on family violence and then worked with film makers, Fringe Dweller Films, to write the script. Several of the women involved also went on to feature in the video. Peer educator Urmila Banavali said they thought the video gave a simple but very powerful message. “This problem is not specific to any community but faced by many.”

Dallas Neighbourhood House manager Carolyn Webster said they were thrilled with the end product and believe it’s quite unique. “It’s simple and very moving. We hope that it will empower women to seek help.” The video will be shared with the wider community and distributed to agencies and service providers. Details: manager@dallasnh.org.au

A new video has been launched on family violence. (Supplied)

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School journey starts Twins Avinoor and Parinoor are eagerly counting down the days until school starts. The sisters are among 168 preps starting at Hume Anglican Grammar next week, with 84 enrolled at each of the school’s two campuses at Mt Ridley and Donnybrook. Schools across Hume and Whittlesea will begin welcoming their 2021 prep pupils from Thursday. This week will also mark the opening of three new primary schools in Hume and Whittlesea. Mickleham’s Gaayip-Yagila Primary School, Greenvale’s Keelonith Primary School and Wollert’s Edgars Creek Primary School will all open their doors for the first time. They are among eight new schools to open in Hume and Whittlesea over the next four years, with Kalkallo Commons Primary School, Greenvale Secondary College, Wollert East Primary School and a Catholic primary school in Mickleham scheduled to open in 2022. A Catholic primary school in Greenvale is expected to open in 2023.

Laura Michell

Melbourne Airport has asked the state government to give it more power to intervene in developments which could impact aircraft operations or lead to noise complaints. Airport operators Australia Pacific Airports (Melbourne) has made a submission to the state government’s Melbourne Airport Environs Safeguarding Committee, which was set up to advise the planning minister on improvements to the planning provisions safeguarding the airport. In its submission, Melbourne Airport called for the government to designate it as a referral authority, meaning applicants would formally be required to consult with the airport on any 12473232-FA03-21

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developments in the surrounding area. The submission stated that the airport is currently notified of planning permit applications as though it were a “third-party objector”. “Unlike a determining or even recommending referral authority, its position on any application has no statutory significance,” the submission stated. The submission cited recent applications and approvals which had the potential to generate a large number of noise complaints or impact on aircraft operations, including housing development in Phillip Street, Dallas, and a waste to energy facility proposed for Craigieburn. It stated the airport receives about 20 noise complaints per month – a figure the airport says will rise in the coming years given the

number of people now living in areas impacted by aircraft noise. Operators fear that if they are not granted a greater say in nearby developments, the airport could face constraints on its operations, such as a curfew or a reduction in airspace. “Constraints such as restrictions on flight paths, aircraft volumes (even during daylight hours) and aircraft types are all potential risks to the flexibility that Melbourne Airport’s operations presently enjoy,” the submission states. “The introduction of any such restrictions would have significant and far-reaching consequences for both Melbourne Airport, and its contribution to the state economy.” Melbourne Airport chief financial officer Grant Devonport said that if approved, referral

authority status would ensure the airport is consulted from the outset on developments subject to noise impacts, and those that have the potential to impact on aircraft operations. A Hume council submission to the inquiry stated the council “remains committed to protecting Melbourne Airport’s 24-hour curfew free operation”. It said meeting the needs of the general population growth of Melbourne, Hume and other aircraft noise-affected municipalities, has been a source of tension at the planning permit stage. “How to strike an appropriate balance between facilitating community needs and expectations against protecting the operations of Melbourne Airport is a difficult question that needs to be given very careful consideration.”

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Airport bid for more power

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$1m reward for cold case clues

HUME

9205 2200 hume.vic.gov.au hume.vic.gov.au/app @HumeCityCouncil contactus@hume.vic.gov.au

Being active is an important part of being healthy – but finding an activity that motivates you to get moving can be challenging. That is why we’ve created the Get Active Expo, offering a program of over 180 free fitness, health and wellbeing activities and events. Regardless of your age, gender or ability, there is something for everyone - from gym classes and sunrise yoga to tennis, BMX, calisthenics, dancing and lots more. The expo runs throughout March with activities on daily in locations across the city, so bring along your family and friends to get active! Scan the QR code below for more information and online registrations. Cr Carly Moore, Mayor of Hume City

By Tara Murray Detectives from the Homicide Squad are hopeful that the announcement of a $1 million reward will assist in solving the 1991 murder of Melinda Freeman. Melinda, who was 26 at the time, was found dead by her husband in her Whittlesea home on Friday, October 4. She had been fatally assaulted. Earlier that day, Melinda and her husband had been at a family reunion to welcome her sister back from overseas. The couple returned to their Yea Road home at 4pm. Later on, her husband took their infant son and left the house, so Melinda could have some time alone to study for her chosen career in the beauty industry. At approximately 11.30pm when they returned, her husband noticed the house appeared to have been ransacked. It was at this time that he also noticed the front door to the house was open. He walked inside, and from the foot of the stairs he saw Melinda’s body lying on the top storey landing. Despite a significant investigation over the past 30 years, detectives have been unable to establish Melinda’s final movements on the night and the events which led to her death. In 2018, police received anonymous information from a member of the public regarding Melinda’s death. Homicide Squad detectives are keen to speak to that person and are appealing for them to contact police again in the hope this

HUME HUMECITY CITYCOUNCIL COUNCILCOMMUNITY COMMUNITYUPDATE UPDATE

Hume Harvest

Melinda Freeman.

(Supplied)

may provide further avenues of inquiry for the investigation. Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said Freeman’s family deserves an answer as to why this happened. “Her young son has had to grow up without his mother in his life. He’s had to live with this tragedy and feel her loss every single day. “We still don’t know why Melinda was murdered and we’re hoping that by announcing this reward today, we will get information that leads to detectives finding who is responsible.”

Join us for a celebration of food, wine and live music. Brought to you by Hume City Council and Victoria University, Hume Harvest will be taking over The Nook in Sunbury on Saturday 2 April. Enjoy live performances from Pete Murray, Gretta Ray, Pierce Brothers and more while sampling food and wines from the region. Tickets are $20 and include a tasting glass. Scan the QR code below to visit our website for more information.

Kindergarten applications open now Did you know that you can apply for kindergarten two years in advance? Children can commence kindergarten from three years of age. That means that if your child was born before 30 April 2020, you can register from tomorrow. Taking part in a quality kindergarten program at an earlier age increases children’s learning, development, health and wellbeing. Scan the QR code below to find out more and make an application online.

Community Event Sponsorship Applications for the 2022/23 Event Sponsorship Program are now open. Event Sponsorship is our way of supporting organisations and businesses to host events that will benefit the Hume City. We welcome applications for events big and small. Round 1 applications (for events held between July and December 2022) close next week. Scan the QR code below to find out more.

Mulching days in March

(Supplied)

Music is up and so is the fun at URBNSURF Music lovers can catch a wave while checking out some local musical artists at URBNSURF throughout March. Running until March 20, the Acoustic Music Series will include four jam-packed weekends of local parties. The live music will be played by 17 established and emerging Australian artists, including Velvet Bloom, Steve Cousins, Zoe Fox, and Lola. URBNSURF chief executive Damon Tudor is thrilled to be launching the series with Hume council and Music Victoria, to celebrate a

cracking summer. “Why not finish off what has been an awesome summer, by soaking up the final rays in the lagoon coupled with Victoria’s best performing talent. “The Acoustic Music Series runs every weekend for a month and is a great option for an afternoon surf and a relaxed evening on the lawns.” The event is free for those who have purchased tickets to the park or $5 if you just want to check out the music. Details: https://urbnsurf.com

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We offer mulching days in locations across the city to help residents dispose of branches and clippings. In March, there are mulching days in Tullamarine (Sunday 6 March), Coolaroo (Sunday 20 March) and Sunbury (Sunday 27 March). Scan the QR code below for essential mulching information and more mulching dates.

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Kangan’s top graduates Kangan Institute’s most outstanding students were celebrated at an awards night recently, with automotive apprentice Madison Giordano named Apprentice of the Year. Ms Giordano began studying certificate III in heavy commercial vehicle mechanical technology after deciding a career in nursing wasn’t for her, She took time out from her nursing studies to travel around Australia. It was during that trip, when her car broke down, that she found her passion for the mechanical trade. “I was stuck west of Alice Springs for a couple of months, so I stayed at a truck company, and I just helped out around the place,” Ms Giordano said. It was there that she got to see the heavy mechanical industry first-hand, and when she arrived home, she made the choice to start her career in the industry. As a female in a male dominated field, Ms Giordano said there are times she does get treated differently by others. “It can be daunting, there’s not many girls in this trade,” she said. “It’s just not very common. “You have to rely on people taking a chance and you kind of have to prove yourself a bit more and prove to people you can actually do it. But once you do that, and you get started, it’s really good. Ms Giordano was one of 76 students recognised at Kangan’s Industry Excellence Awards on February 24. Young Achiever of the Year Maryam Safdari was celebrated for her ability to overcome challenges both in her past and as she re-settled in a new country. As a budding photographer while living in Pakistan, Ms Safdari taught herself how to use her skills to document the life around her and began teaching herself English through watching movies. Through her photography,

Apprentice of the Year Madison Giordano.

(Supplied)

she was accepted as a journalist in her hometown of Pakistan. Ms Safdari arrived in Australia in July 2019 and enrolled in a certificate IV in spoken and written English. She is now enrolled in a certificate III in education support and aims to undertake a certificate IV in photography in the near future. Advanced diploma of fashion design and

merchandising student Michaela Eddington was named Student of the Year. Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain congratulated all award winners. “Congratulations to all award winners and nominees. It has been an incredible year for students, and I’m proud to celebrate their commitment to education in the face of many challenges,” she said.

April work blitz Buses will replace trains on the Craigieburn line for 10 days from late April as part of the state government’s autumn construction blitz, while works are also continuing to remove the roundabout at the intersection of Mickleham and Craigieburn roads. Buses will replace trains between Newmarket and Broadmeadows stations from Monday, April 25 until Thursday, May 5. The closure of a section of the train line will allow crews to lower the train tracks under Glenroy Road and complete works on the new Glenroy station as part of the Glenroy Road level crossing removal project. Crews are also working around the clock to remove the roundabout at the intersection of Craigieburn and Mickleham roads. The intersection is closed until Monday, April 11 and will reopen with temporary traffic lights. Major Roads Project Victoria project director Dipal Sorathia said the works would ease congestion and create safer journeys for motorists. “We’ll be completing 11 months of work over eight weeks during the closure of the Mickleham Road intersection, and we’ll also be adjusting traffic light sequencing at major intersections along our key detour routes – so that all road users can continue getting to where they need to go,” he said. Construction crews will work around the clock during the closure to demolish the existing roundabout, making room to build the new lanes and install underground equipment and connections for the new traffic lights.

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Improved mental health service By Laura Michell A mental health service providing adults with early intervention support without the need for a referral from GP will be created in Craigieburn. The service – one of 21 new Local Adult and Older Adult Mental Health and Wellbeing Services announced by the state government on Wednesday, March 2 – will help adults to access mental health support when they need it and close to home. The service, which the state government

says was developed in response to recommendation from the Royal Commission into Mental Health, will act as a ‘front door’ to the state’s mental health system. It will provide early intervention support for adults experiencing mental illness or psychological distress without needing a referral from a GP, and before people need clinical hospital emergency department. The 21 new services will open from mid-2023 and build on the government’s plan to open six Local Adult and Older Adult

Mental Health and Wellbeing Services in Whittlesea, Brimbank, Geelong, Frankston, Benalla and the Latrobe Valley this year. According to the state government, up to 60 local services will be open across the state by the end of 2026. Minister for Mental Health James Merlino said the 21 new services were “sorely needed”. Today’s announcements will deliver new services that are sorely needed, with ‘front doors’ to the mental health system to make sure nobody faces barriers to getting support, no matter where they live,” he said.

Last week, the government also turned the first sod on the state’s first Child and Family Centre which is under construction in the northern suburbs. The Macleod facility will provide specialised mental health care and wellbeing services to children under 11 in an environment that allows them to stay with, and be supported by, their families. Set to open early next year, and delivered in partnership with Austin Health, the new facility will be staffed 24-7, the government said.

Community gets festive Whittlesea’s beloved Community Festival will return to South Morang on March 25 and 26 with an exciting line-up of live music, theatre performances, visual art, creative workshops, and family-friendly activities. The festival’s theme, arts on the northern edge, celebrates the city’s rich cultural diversity and provides a much-welcomed opportunity to reconnect with the community. The two-day event will showcase talented artists and performers including Mahalia Barnes + The Soul Mates, Rebel: a circus and music extravaganza, Georgia Fields, The Big Lost Band ensemble, The Alphabet of Awesome Science, and more. The lawns of the Civic Centre will come alive with markets stalls, food trucks, roving entertainment, free art and craft activities, and interactive dance workshops. Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said that this year’s Community Festival would be the city’s biggest and most

spectacular event yet. “After two years of limited opportunities to come together with friends and family due to the pandemic, we’re thrilled to host the Community Festival, focusing on uniting people of all ages and abilities,” Ms Wilson said. “Our incredible program of live music and performances has something for everyone so come along and explore all the wonderful attractions the festival has to offer.” The 2022 Community Festival will be held on the Civic Centre lawns and Plenty Ranges Arts & Convention Centre (PRACC) at 25 - 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. Details: arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

The Whittlesea Community Festival is returning on March 25-26. (Supplied)

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Hume unemployment rate drops New data reveals Hume’s unemployment rate is on the decline but still remains higher than the statewide jobless rate. National Skills Commission data shows a drop in unemployment in the Hume from 12.1 per cent in June last year, to 10.5 per cent in the September, 2021,quarter. While some areas of Hume are still experiencing an extremely high jobless rate – 20.4 per cent in Broadmeadows as of September, 2021, down from 22.8 per cent in June – the figures are lower in others – 5.6 per cent in Sunbury down from 6.5 per cent. Hume’s figures are still more than double

the statewide average of 4.1 per cent, despite the statewide figure being at its lowest since 1978. In Whittlesea, the unemployment rate as of September, 2021, was 7.3 per cent, down from 8.3 per cent in June, 2021. In November, Hume Whittlesea Local Learning and Employment Network’s (LLEN) executive officer for Hume, Nicky Leitch, said it was a “wait and see” situation for Hume, warning that last year’s COVID-19 lockdown may have adversely affected the city’s jobless rate. “Because we were such a COVID hotspot,

we had a lot of base rate workers, like cleaners and such, get laid off,” Ms Leitch said. “Casual employment went first, so a lot of our young people were affected, as well as middle-aged women, who were doing the sort of ‘checkout chick’ stuff.” Hume council development and placing director Michael Sharp said the local government area is “well positioned” to recover from the blow of COVID-19 to its skilled workforce. “Pre-COVID-19, Hume had been experiencing strong economic and jobs growth for three years,” Mr Sharp said.

“Hume City’s Gross Regional Product is currently estimated at $17.87 billion, which represents 3.79 per cent of the state’s GSP (Gross State Product) – the highest percentage it has ever been. “Investment by new business into Hume, particularly in manufacturing and transport and logistics, is currently high, showing strong signs of economic recovery. “Similar growth is occurring with existing businesses. We anticipate that new jobs will accompany this growth, further contributing to driving the unemployment rate down over the next 18 months.”

Migrant support group Norma Medawar’s idea to start a support group for refugees and migrants was inspired by her own experiences fleeing Syria. Ms Medawar moved to Australia with her sister and brother-in-law in 2015. She quickly became a well known and trusted figure within the community. “People tell me their private stories because we have similar journeys,” she said. After seeing that there was a need for a support group for other refugees and migrants, Ms Medawar decided to open Zenobia. “Most families that fled from Syria don’t have family here and they find it isolating.” Ms Medawar said it was during lockdown that she started the support group. “I started to hear about women talking about family violence incidents, how depressed they are, or people would call and say I feel lockdown triggered our trauma in Syria,” she said. “I started thinking, ‘what can I do to help?’

Especially in the northern suburbs where most Syrians live.” Ms Medawar said she focuses on what people’s needs are and how she can help them. “We do yoga, meditation, talk about mental health and physical health and we always check if there’s any topic in particular they want to talk about.” Ms Medawar said Zenobia gives people the opportunity to socialise and helps them feel connected to a community. “They feel lost here and we encourage them to leave home and do activities or start a course. Zenobia takes its name from a third century queen. “She was strong, a protector of minorities and she was a great model in leadership,” Ms Medawar said. “She’s an empowering queen, Zenobia is to empower women.” Fatima Halloum

Zenobia group members. (Supplied)

ADJUSTABLE MASSAGE BED by

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‘‘

You can have the biggest genuine hug, it’s an open-mouth-style kiss. It’s very unique

’’

- Chrissy Cimino

Chrissy Cimino’s son Elliott, 4, was diagnosed with Angelman syndrome when he was 14 months old.

(Damjan Janevski) 266764_06

Test unlocks genetic mysteries A new screening test for three rare genetic disorders in babies is giving hope to parents like Wollert’s Chrissy Cimino, as Elsie Lange discovered.

ollert mum Chrissy Cimino might have avoided many months of waiting and worry had new genetic screening technology been available for her son, Elliott, five years ago. Elliott has Angelman’s syndrome – a rare genetic disorder affecting about one in 15,000 live births – but Ms Cimino didn’t find this out until he was 14 months old. As an infant, Elliot struggled to put on weight. At six months, he couldn’t sit or hold his head up properly. At 10 months, they saw a paediatrician, who said Elliot was just “placid”, and should “catch up”. “But being a first time mum, you just work things out,” Ms Cimino said. “You don’t know anything different.” The new screening technology, developed by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and funded by the state government, could have identified Elliott’s condition and

sidestepped the anxiety Ms Cimino and her husband Ben endured. The screening by the technology can identify Prader Willi, Angelman and Dup15q – disorders that can lead to varying degrees of intellectual disability, autism, behavioural problems, seizures and severe obesity. Ms Cimino said getting Elliott diagnosed wasn’t cheap or easy. People with Angelman’s syndrome are renowned for their upbeat personalities and big smiles – sometimes to their detriment. “Everyone said that I had the dream baby,” she said. The diagnostic method involves a commonly used ‘heel prick’ test, which allows researchers to look at the number of chemical markers to affected genes. Ms Cimino is on maternity leave from her job as a nurse and she wishes there was more support for families of people with disabilities. Her mum has been helping to look after the kids, because she isn’t able to get enough help from the National Disability Insurance Scheme for a support worker. “That’s not the role of a grandmother,” Ms Cimino said. Elliott’s been having undiagnosed seizures since he was seven months old and if he had the diagnosis, the “electrical storm” in his brain would have been controlled. And not only is it underdiagnosed, Angelman’s syndrome is also misdiagnosed – sometimes as autism, because they are

non-verbal, or as cerebral palsy. Had they found out earlier, Ms Cimino would have been able to access the equipment necessary to make Elliott’s life easier, but because they only found out when he was 14 months old, she felt like they were on the backfoot. When Elliott was diagnosed, Ms Cimino was pregnant with her second child. “From the newborn screening, what can happen is that we could have gone and done the newborn screening and know that our other two daughters are fine,” Ms Cimino said. Before the new screening was the developed, Ms Cimino said the only other way she could have found out about her other babies were more “invasive” forms of of testing, and she said the new testing means she would not have to “run the risk of miscarriage”. “There’s a whole anxiety around that procedure,” she said. She describes her four-year-old boy as affectionate, loving and full of laughter – but this is not always easy for his parents when he’s unwell. “You can have the biggest genuine hug, it’s an open-mouth-style kiss. It’s very unique,” Ms Cimino said. “Full of absolute love and joy.” “But it can be really hard as well, because we can present [at hospital] and he can be really sick but he’s still happy.“ The mother of three said she’s grateful for

the support networks supporting Angelman families, because without them, she wouldn’t have known Elliott had the disorder for a long time to come. It was when Ms Cimino stumbled across an organisation online, Foundation of Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics (FAST), and watched a video called ‘What does Angelman look like’, that she and her husband saw their son represented for the first time. “I said to my husband ‘Oh my god, Elliot has Angelman syndrome,” She said it was a relief and after further research, the family came across Angelman Syndrome Association of Australia (ASAA), connecting Ciminos to other families and providing support. For Ms Cimino and the Angelmans syndrome community, it’s exciting to see further research and therapeutics to do with the disorder coming to Australia. “That’s super exciting, and to improve their quality of life, and that’s all funded by the Angelman community,” she said. “The future is bright for them.” She says that if parents think their child might have Angelmans, to go into the process with an open mind, and that the community will support them. “If you think your child’s got Angelmans syndrome, go to the FAST website, go and see the ASAA, because we’re the ones that live this everyday,” Ms Cimino said. “And we will guide you through it, and it will be okay.” Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 11

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Police target used car crooks By Laura Michell Twenty-five allegedly stolen vehicles have been recovered and 43 people charged following a four-month operation targeting alleged illegal activities at second-hand car dealers, auto wrecking exporters and scrap metal businesses. Victoria police said eight second-hand auto dealers were also shut down during Operation Neptune. In a statement, police said the operation was split over two phases and carried out in partnership with Hume council, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), Vehicle Examination Unit and Victoria Police Highway Patrol and general duties units. Phase one ran from February 8-10 in Campbellfield, Sunshine and Dandenong. Twelve auto-wrecking and scrap businesses were inspected, over 300 motor vehicles were checked, inspected or intercepted and 25 motor vehicles – worth in excess of $1.85 million – were seized and towed away, in breach of local laws, police said. Four people were arrested including a 20-year-old Broadmeadows man who was charged with armed robbery, assault, criminal damage and commit indictable offence whilst on bail. He was remanded in custody and faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 15. A 44-year-old Westmeadows man was charged with operating as an unregistered second-hand dealer and fined $1817. His auto wrecking business was the subject of a closure notice. A further six people were issued with penalty infringement notices.

Phase two of the operation was conducted on February 23-24, in Campbellfield, Dallas and Epping. Six auto-wrecking and scrap businesses were inspected, more than 200 motor vehicles were checked, inspected or intercepted and four stolen trailers, a Hummer, a stolen Toyota Hilux and five stolen registration plates were seized during phase two, according to police. Search warrants were executed at two businesses in Willandra Drive, Epping, and Fordson Road, Campbellfield, and a residential address in Geach Street, Dallas, police said. A 34-year-old man from Dallas was charged with a number of offences including handling stolen goods and possessing proceeds of crime. He was bailed and will face Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on May 6. His business in Epping was the subject of a closure notice. A 38-year-old man from Lalor was charged with operating as an unregistered second-hand dealer and fined $1817. His business in Campbellfield was the subject of a closure notice. A 33-year-old man Fawkner man was charged with a range of offences, including handling stolen goods, possessing proceeds of crime and paying cash for scrap metal. His motor vehicle exporting business in Campbellfield was also the subject of a closure notice. He was bailed to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on August 8. Vehicle Crime Squad Detective Sergeant Scott Williams said there were a number of businesses currently on the squad’s radar. “If you are acting illegally or profiting from illegal motor vehicles, parts or scrap metal, you can expect a visit from us,” he said.

Dianne Morabito, Christine McDonnell (top right) and Simone Bux (right). (Pictures: James Henry)

Inspirational women Three women have been lauded for their work inspiring others as part of an International Women’s Day celebration at Craigieburn Central. Centre manager Christine McDonnell, Salvation Army senior soldier Dianne Morabito and Standbags store manager Simone Bux were nominated as ‘Inspiring Women of Craigieburn Central’ by fellow employees at the shopping centre. Ms McDonnell was recognised for her work navigating the challenges of COVID-19 and her efforts to keep staff and the community safe. She said she is most inspired by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern and is personally most proud of her family.

Ms Morabito, who visits the centre on behalf of the Salvos each week, was nominated for her “very kind heart” and passion for helping others. She said IWD was an opportunity to recognise the contributions women make in our community and around the world. She is most inspired by Eva Burrow – a previous leader from the Salvation Army who she described as an incredible woman. Ms Bux was recognised for being someone “to lean on through the best and worst of times”. She said she is most proud of her children and is inspired by her mother because of her determination to overcome any bad situation and her attitude to others despite her hurdles.

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

10 years ago

7 years ago

5 years ago

1 year ago

March 6, 2012

March 10, 2015

March 7, 2015

March 9, 2021

Hume authorities see no end in sight for family violence incidents in the municipality with the latest police figures showing a 31 per cent increase.

Schoolchildren are being left stranded as a lack of local high schools and a soaring population compounds transport woes in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. Bus services are failing to keep up with demand as the number of residents of high school age continues to climb.

Hundreds of new jobs and almost 100 new serviced apartments will be created as part of Pacific Epping’s shopping centre expansion. A Costco retail store and a Quest apartment hotel will be added to the centre, along with a new restaurant precinct.

Heritage Care Epping Garden is “not fit” to hold accreditation as an aged care operator, according to Scullin MP Andrew Giles. Speaking in federal Parliament late last month ahead of the release of final report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, Mr Giles described the deaths of 38 people following a COVID-19 outbreak at Epping Gardens last year as a “preventable tragedy”.

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BEHIND THE NEWS

Watching on as the world weeps When Russia officially invaded Ukraine on February 21, the world watched on as millions of civilians rushed to flee the country, and those who stayed took up arms to defend their nation. Molly Magennis spoke to two local Australian-Ukrainians about how it has felt to watch a country they love suffer under the threat of destruction.

or those with Ukrainian heritage in Australia, watching on from almost 13,000 kilometres away as Russia invades its democratic neighbour has been nothing short of devastating. Despite many being born in Australia, they have an unwavering connection to their heritage and culture. Olenka Hrynevich is the secretary of the Ukrainian Association in Sunshine, established in 1952. She’s a first generation Ukrainian-Australian, after both her parents and grandparents escaped from Ukraine during World War II. A lot of her early childhood memories were steeped in her family’s culture, including participating in Ukrainian scouting, traditional singing, and Saturday morning Ukrainian classes. “It was very important to both my parents and both sets of grandparents to bring us up immersed in that culture as children,” she said.

‘‘

I just still can’t even put into words how unfathomable it is

’’

- Roksolana Cyxo Watching the war unfold from Australia, Olenka said the overwhelming emotion she’s been experiencing is helplessness. While it has been amazing to see the world banding together and getting behind her people, she’s worried not enough action is being taken to actually help them on the frontline. “We gather in groups here and we support each other and we try to do what we can, but there’s that sense of helplessness that the aid from the world, it’s alright to gather, but that aid actually has to be proactive, and something needs to happen,” she said. “It’s not just raising the awareness, but we need action from around the world.” Roksolana Cyxo lives in Footscray, and is a third generation Ukrainian-Australian. Despite being born in Australia, like Olenka, her heritage is a huge part of her identity. She agrees that while the support from the rest of the world has been remarkable, Ukrainians need to take on this fight themselves. “I do think fundamentally that it’s important that Ukraine fight this fight for itself, because this is a process of Ukrainians’, I guess self determination to a certain extent,” she said. However, no-fly zones enforced by NATO, which would prevent Russia from launching airstrikes, would be beneficial she said. “I am kind of stuck between Ukraine needs to fight this, but it is also fighting it for the whole democratic world.” Roksolana has extended family living in the city of Ivano-Frankivsk, in western Ukraine, and said she has been trying to keep in touch with them as much as possible. “We message with them and it’s really not, we don’t really chat about what’s happening but more, just to make sure that they’re okay, and kind of finding out what they’re doing,” she said. “They’ve essentially just decided to stay where they are.” Roksolana said she spends hours upon hours everyday on social media and watching the news, bewildered by the fact that something like this is actually happening in the 21st century. “How can this actually happen in today’s world when we have apparently learnt from the world wars, and the fact that wars don’t really get you anywhere?” she said. “I just still can’t even put into words how unfathomable it is.” Olenka said her mother has also been watching on in disbelief, saddened at the fact that after being declared independent over 30 years ago, Ukraine is still fighting for its freedom.

A woman runs as she flees with her family across a destroyed bridge in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, March 2. 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Centre: Members of the Sunshine Ukrainian Association have been attending rallies in the city, and have invited the community to tie blue and yellow ribbon on the fence of their community centre to show their solidarity with Ukraine. (Pictures: Supplied) Above, left to right: Olenka Hrynevich in Kyiv; Roksolana Cyxo and her husband; Refugees from Ukraine wait at the railway station in Chelm, from where they will take a special train to Warsaw, Poland. (Pictures: Supplied and EPA/Bartlomiej Wojtowicz)

“She’s just so sad like all of us because she thought it would finish when her parents were hiding her in the bomb shelters in the ‘30s. “They thought that, finally, what they’d been fighting for all their lives had come to fruition, and now 30 years later, it’s threatened.” Olenka describes Putin as a “unstable man”, who has instigated a “selfish act” to leave some sort of egotistical legacy behind. “[He wants] to be not known as someone who saw the Soviet Union crumble, but he wants to regain that power again, it’s a personal thing,” she said. “His ultimate goal is to destroy anything

that’s Ukrainian, and he denies that there is a history.” Roksolana said she believes Putin has a world view that Ukraine is not an independent nation, but rather an extension of Russia. “I read something yesterday that essentially Putin has become a victim of his own propaganda, he has started believing his own propaganda,” she said. “I think it’s the product of a lunatic and it’s just ridiculous that he has so much power to be able to mobilise a country’s military and nuclear weapons and everything. This is what happens when there are totalitarian regimes

and there’s no balance of power.” Despite Russia’s huge military forces, Roksolana refuses to consider the prospect of a Ukraine governed by Putin. “That thought hasn’t crossed my mind because I refuse to believe that that would happen because I believe so strongly in the will of the Ukrainian people and increasingly, that we’re being supported internationally by pretty much every other country in the world. “Although there will be a ton of destruction and loss of lives and loss of livelihoods and loss of future, I cannot accept that this will end with Russia taking over Ukraine completely.” Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 13

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When local learning goes global Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network Melbourne is celebrated as a city in which diversity is matched by tolerance, acceptance and love. Yet sometimes national or international pressures can make the city’s at-risk communities feel unfairly targeted as others publicly debate their worth. When this happens, people become more susceptible to stress, anxiety and are at higher risk of self-harm. When it comes to help, one size doesn’t fit all. Mental health programs need to be culturally appropriate, recognising the importance of community-defining factors such as language, faith, custom or sexuality. For a long time, members of the LGBTIQ+ community have been disproportionately at risk of mental illness. Multiple studies confirm higher than average numbers of suicides and suicide attempts. Other research found that many LGBTIQ+people are reluctant to use regular physical and mental health services. North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) operates on the principle that everyone deserves the right care at the right time. This commitment drove our teams over the past couple of years to lead three suicide prevention trials – two, centred on Melton-Brimbank and Macedon Ranges, were funded by the state government and the third, a national pilot focused on the LGBTIQ+ community, was funded by the commonwealth. We looked at gaps in the system and how they might be filled, working with GPs, hospital clinicians, nurses, and LGBTIQ+ organisations. Critical to this process were the voices of community members who had experienced suicidal thoughts, survived a

NWMPHN’s suicide prevention work has been recognised by the World Health Organisation. (iStock)

suicide attempt, cared for someone through suicidal crisis, or been bereaved by suicide. We looked at factors such as the role of LGBTIQ+ support groups, cultural awareness training for clinicians, the development of LGBTIQ+ centred services following discharge after a suicide attempt, and other factors. All three of the trials conclude in June. However, lessons and training modules arising from them are now being incorporated into health service responses around the country. And, indeed, the world. We found that in

the matter of post-discharge mental health support (known as ‘postvention’ in the jargon) there was almost no comparable work being done anywhere else. It is a tribute to all the people in the medical sector, community organisations and LGBTIQ+ community that, just a couple of weeks ago, the World Health Organisation acknowledged the NWMPHN suicide prevention work for its excellence and innovation. The trial findings and recommendations are now incorporated in the global body’s

officialtext, The WHO Live Life: An implementation guide for suicide prevention in countries. It seems that Melbourne’s reputation for diversity, tolerance, acceptance and love has not only been reaffirmed, but also recognised around the world. If this story sparks concerns for you, please contact: Switchboard, a peer-driven support service for LGBTIQ people and their friends and family, 1800 184 527; switchboard.org.au (3pm–midnight daily) Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au

Government’s busy start to 2022 in Mill Park By Lily D’Ambrosio, Mill Park MP

Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio getting an update on the Childs Road upgrade. (Supplied) 14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

I am delighted to take this opportunity to update you on how the Andrews Labor government is delivering on its promises and supporting our community in the Mill Park Electorate. Firstly, I am pleased to report that in a few days, the new bridge over Darebin Creek will be officially opened to traffic, as a part of the Andrews Labor government’s upgrade to Childs Road. Childs Road has been a key upgrade we have been able to deliver for our community. Right now, construction is under way to duplicate the road from two to four lanes between Beaumont Crescent and Prince of Wales Avenue, slashing congestion for more than 25,000 vehicles that rely on this key arterial road each day. The new lanes will open to traffic in mid-2022. Our community has made clear to me the pressure some are under with cost-of-living expenses. In February, I was excited to announce the extension of the $250 Power Saving Bonus, which has helped more than 7000 families across the Mill Park electorate with their electricity bills in the past year. There are still many local households who are eligible to claim this Bonus who have not yet applied for this payment. I encourage all those eligible to apply for this one-off payment as the program is set to end on June 30. Eligible households include those receiving payments through the Pension Concession, JobSeeker, Austudy, Abstudy or Youth Allowance programs, or those who hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card. This payment provides immediate financial relief for those struggling to pay their power bills and if you haven’t yet applied to receive it. You can apply through the Victorian Energy Compare website: https://compare.energy.vic. gov.au/ I would also like to take this opportunity

to congratulate every child who has started school and begun their education journey in our community. This is an especially exciting time for the first cohort of children starting in three-year-old kinder in the Mill Park electorate. The Andrews Labor government is proud to be investing in early education, investing $5 billion over this decade to deliver 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten a week. This will be available in both standalone kindergartens and long daycare (childcare) centres. I would also like to welcome all the Wollert Primary School community to their brand-new state of the art school. In the past seven years, the Andrews Labor government has invested more than $10.9 billion towards the building of new schools and more than 1700 school upgrades, and Wollert Primary School is one of 14 new schools and campuses that have opened their doors in 2022. This commitment to our children and schools has resulted in 13,500 jobs in construction and associated industries. We are also making sure that paramedics in our community have the facilities they need to continue to save lives. With shovels expected to be in the ground shortly, a new multi-million-dollar ambulance station will be constructed on McDonalds Road, Epping. The new 24-hour, two-storey ambulance station will feature a five-bay garage for ambulance vehicles, training facilities, and increased security. All this is to ensure paramedics are safe and supported as they do the vital work for our community. These are only some of the great investments our government is making in the Mill Park electorate. There is more to come, and I will be updating you regularly through this column. If you have any questions or need assistance with state government issues please feel free to contact me via email: lily.d’ambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au or phone: 9422 5171.

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COMMUNITY

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

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

Walking group Join the Homestead Community and Learning Centre walking group on Wednesday, March 9, 9.30-10.30am. All welcome to join in the walk and stay for a cuppa and a chat afterwards. At 30 Whiltshire Drive, Roxburgh Park. Run in partnership with DPV Health. ■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Walking-Group-Homestead-RoxburghPark-248968891657

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

Learn how to pamper

Pie workshop Ever wanted to learn how to make the perfect pie? Melton South Community Centre is hosting a savoury pie masterclass on Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, from 9am to noon. Participants can learn the art of making the perfect meat-filled or meat-free for friends and family. ■ 9747 8576

Writers and Readers Festival The Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival (BWRF) is an annual event that encourages a love of reading and literature, celebrates creativity and diversity, and promotes lifelong learning in Brimbank. The free festival which runs between March 17-26 includes workshops, author talks, panel discussions, writing, storytelling and more. ■ https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/ writersfestival

Photographer’s choice pic is of Roberta Joy Rich who has a new exhibition at the Footscray Community Arts called ‘The Purple Shall Govern Exhibition’. (Damjan Janevski) 270254_01

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

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

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

Football

Garden club

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

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

Deer Park probus

Senior citizens club

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

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

Mental health festival Breaking ground as the first dedicated mental health festival of its kind in Brimbank, the Know Yourself, Show Yourself, Grow Yourself Festival aims to raise awareness and normalise conversations about mental health. The weeklong festival will run from Monday, March 21 to Friday, March 25, at Sunshine Heights Primary School, and feature a free public program bustling with workshops, guest speakers and experiences centred on core tenets of mental health and wellbeing; fostering diversity, inclusion, connection, courage and belonging along the journey line. ■ https://www.knowshowgrowfestival.com/ program

7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Rainbow Coffee Club Join the Rainbow Coffee Club for coffee and conversation on the last Friday of the month. The next catch up is on Friday, February 25, 11am at the Social Foundry Kyneton. Connecting LGBTIQA+ people of all ages. ■ Belinda Brain, healthpromotion@scchc.org.au

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

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

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

Hikoi Brothers

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

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

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from

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

U3A Werribee

Ladies probus

Toastmasters

Conversation Cafe

Computers for beginners Williamstown Community and Education Centre is now taking enrolments for classes to help those with limited computer skills. Classes are run daily at both Joan Kirner House, Williamstown, and North Altona Library. ■ Lynne or Tahlia, 9397 6168

(iStock)

Discover how to give relaxing beauty treatments in Melton South Community Centre’s upcoming Deluxe Facials workshop. The event will be run on Saturday, March 26 from 10am to 1pm. Tickets are $60 or $55 for concession holders. ■ 9747 8576

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 15

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Hopes for a pet ‘miracle’

(Damjan Janevski) 260172_02

Pick up your favourite local newspaper, the Northern Star Weekly from local outlets listed below or subscribe to our digital edition and have it sent to your device every fortnight.

proudly serving the

MARISA DEBATT

ISTA WITH LEXINGT

Second Chance Animal is appealing for support Rescue (SCAR) House for Pets program to keep its Safe The program provides running. for the pets of owners temporary care as victims of domesti facing challenges c and family violence. SCAR chief executiv Debattista said the e Marisa program allowed owners to find safe, permanent housing without worrying about their animals. “We safely house the escaping violent situationpets of people s and look after these animals while their owners seek safe refuge,” she said. “Once they have secured permane nt safe housing we reunite “The tears and look them. owners’ faces when of pure joy on they are reunited with their pets again time is just incredib after a traumatic le.” Ms Debattista said SCAR received calls daily asking for struggling to make help, but that it was ends the program’s continua meet, putting She said SCAR was tion at risk. “looking for a miracle” to keep the refuge Details: secondchancean open. imarescue. com.au

50-metre pool a reality

Michaela Meade

By Michaela Meade

issue in the commun ity, with plans presente The Whittlesea to the former council community will Financial forecasti multiple times in 2019. d be able to dive into a ng at the time revealed Councillors initially 50-metr god-awful political opted to develop the centre would cost $80.3 million, with Whittlesea council e pool from 2025, business nonsense, it’s glorious including see our cases for a centre a $55.7 million 50-metr finally endorsing to with and without group of competition-leng th e pool, compared a 25-metre pool. a $75.6 million, pool to inside two years appointed administrators – including a $51 million for the Mernda Sports as its preferred option – do exactly what the The decision resulted 25-metre elected pool. Hub. previous council couldn’t in in community After numerous reports backlash, with residents 10 years.” A report tabled at council Mr Hogan said calling for a 50-metr last two years, Whittles to council over the pool to be last Tuesday stated e the overall leisure, included. ea’s administrators development” to have it was an “amazing voted last Tuesday aquatics and sports At the time, the the night to include a facility court would cost over $113 council said it couldn’t Chair administrator project promised. 50-metre afford pool in the new sports million. Lydia Wilson said a 50-metre pool. Extend the Pool in precinct. it was the “most Mernda The Mernda Sports significa campaig Then, in Decemb nt” infrastructure n leader project Ryan Hogan said Hub on Plenty Road the administrators he would “believe will house leisure, council’s administratorser, 2020, Whittlesea can swim it when I upon. would ever resolve aquatics and sports it”. resolved to investiga facilities. court two new te designs for “Build it and they “It is a legacy will swim,” he said. The aquatic centre 25-metre pool and the centre – one with a “After years upon has been a contenti the other with a 50-metr importance to the project of paramount ous pool. Whittlesea commun e Whittlesea demand years of the people of Ms ity,” Wilson said. “This proposal … will be and being told ‘we’ll ing this development benefit a to children, families look into it’ and and older people some of all backgro unds.”

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Pick up your FREE newspaper from these local outlets... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Broadmeadows Country Supermarket 7 Olsen Place Broadmeadows IGA Friendly Supermarket 10 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Newsagency 21 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Milk Bar - Broadmeadows 23 Olsen Place Broadmeadows Broadmeadows Central SC 1099 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Coles Supermarket 1099-1169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Woolworths Supermarket 1099-1169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Nextra Lotto & News 10991169 Pascoe Vale Road Broadmeadows Phil - Asian Grocery Business 16 Railway Crescent Bundoora Foodworks Bundoora 1 Andrew Place Bundoora Andrews Place Milk Bar 4 Andrew Place Bundoora Frank Milk Bar 19 Balaka Place Bundoora Good & More Asian Grocery 6/42 Copernicus Crescent Bundoora Bundoora Fruit Market, Uni Hill Town Centre, Janefield Drive Bundoora Mr Asian Grocer 1 Janefield Drive Bundoora Uni Factory Outlets 2 Janefield Drive Bundoora Uni Hill Town Centre 5 Janefield Drive Bundoora RMIT Campus Store Building 202 Level 2, Plenty Road Bundoora Gugu Asian Grocery 3803/43 Plenty Road Bundoora Woolworths Supermarket 69-85 Plenty Road Bunndora Shell Service Station 127-133 Plenty Road Bundoora Coles Supermarket Summerhill 850 Plenty Road Bundoora Caltex Woolworths Service Station 959-969 Plenty Road Bundoora BP Service Station 1050 Plenty Road Bundoora Polaris 3083 Shopping Centre 1056 Plenty Road Bundoora Woolworths Polaris Cnr Plenty Rd & Nain Drive Bundoora Coles Supermarket Bundoora Sq SC Settlement Rd

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Campbellfield Chris and Marie’s 1477 Sydney Road Campbellfield Barry Road Milk Bar 331 Barry Road Coolaroo Meadow Heights Newsagency Shop 16, 55 Paringa Boulevard Coolaroo Melba Vale Country Club 1390 Pascoe Vale Road Craigieburn Craigieburn Convenience Store 19 Bank Street Craigieburn Hume City Council 75-95 Central Park Avenue Craigieburn Coles Service Station 42-44 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Connections - Craigieburn 59 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre 340 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Harry Brown Liquor G03/420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn The Foodary Caltex 420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Freshplus Craigieburn 420-440 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 10 Craigieburn Road Craigieburn Coles Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Windrock Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd Craigieburn Quality Food Store Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd Craigieburn Milk Bar Store 100 Fairways Boulevard Craigieburn Nanak Indian Grocery Highlands SC 300 Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 300 Highlands SC Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Highlands News & Lotto 300 HighlandsSC Grand Boulevard Craigieburn Hothlyn Drive Milk Bar Hothlyn Drive Craigieburn Foodworks 130-132 Hothlyn Drive Craigieburn Caltex 315 Hume Highway Craigieburn Metro Petroluem 330 Hume Highway Craigieburn IGA Xpress Grand Boulevard 27-29 Princes Circuit Craigieburn Moey’s Milk Bar 2 Smeaton Court Doreen TSG Riverstone Convenience Cafe Shop 1/121 Elation Boulevard Doreen Laurimar Centre Newsagency Shop 8, 95 Hazel Glen Drive Doreen Woolworths Supermarket 95 95 Hazel Glen Drive

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Doreen Doreen General Store 920 Yan Yean Road Epping Foodworks 10/351 Dalton Road Epping Pacific Epping Shopping Centre 571583 High Street Epping The Groove Train 571-583 High Street Epping IGA Plus Liquor 1/53 McDonalds Road Epping Greenbrook Milk Bar 2/53 McDonalds Road Gladstone Park Gladstone Park SC 8-34 Gladstone Park Drive Glenroy Pascoe Vale Road Market 815 Pascoe Vale Road Glenroy Glenroy Newsagency 773 Pascoe Vale Drive Greenvale Coles Supermarket 1-11 Greenvale Drive Greenvale Greenvale Newsagency Shop 4, 1 -11 Greenvale Drive Lalor Woolworths Supermarket Hurtle Street Lalor Lalor Library 2A May Road Lalor Dandy Mart 17-19 May Road Lalor No 1 Fruit Market 37 May Road Lalor Coles Supermarket 47-71 May Road Lalor Lalor Plaza Newsagency Shop 22, 17 McKimmies Road Lalor Lalor Plaza Shopping Centre McKimmies Road Lalor Coles Supermarket Lalor SC Cnr McKimmies Road & Darebin Drive Lalor Santino Continental Grocery 296 Station Street Lalor Afghan Supermarket 322 Station Street Lalor Everfresh Fruit Market 346 Station Street Mernda Coles Mernda Mernda Junction SC Cnr Plenty Rd & Bridge Inn Rd Mernda Riverdale General Store 33 Riverdale Boulevard Mernda Mernda Post Office 50 Mernda Village Drive & Galloway Drive Mernda Woolworths Supermarket Mernda Village Drive & Galloway Drive Mill Park Centenary Drive Milk Bar 147 Centenary Drive Mill Park 7 - Eleven Mill Park 252 Childs Rd & Morang Dr Mill Park The Stables Shopping Centre Childs Road Mill Park Grenda Milk Bar Grenda Drive Mill Park Coles Supermarket McDonalds Road Mill Park Westfield Plenty Valley 415 McDonalds Road Mill Park Shriji Supermarket 522 Plenty Road Mill Park Woolworths Shop 8/538 Plenty Road

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Mill Park Rivergum Village Shopping Centre 538 Plenty Road Mill Park Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Redleap Ave & Childs Rd Roxburgh Park Woolworths Supermarket Somerton Road Roxburgh Park Roxburgh Village Shopping Centre 250 Somerton Road South Morang South Morang Milk Bar 15 Gorge Road South Morang Westfield Plenty Valley SC 415 McDonalds Road South Morang North City Accountants 7/545 McDonalds Road South Morang Coles Supermarket Mill Park Lakes, The Lakes Boulevard Thomastown Foodworks 126 Alexander Ave Thomastown Caltex Thomastown Cnr Dalton Road & Wood St Thomastown Thomastown News & Lotto 223 High Street Thomastown Thomastown Library 52 Main Street Thomastown BP Service Station 72 Keon Parade Thomastown APCO Service Station 228-234 Settlement Road Thomastown Shell Service Station 27 Cnr Spencer St & Dalton Rd West Meadows Shell Petrol Station - West Meadows 36 Fawkner Street West Meadows The Old Broadie Milkbar 40 Fawkner Street West Meadows Claudio’s IGA Supermarket 1223 Fawkner Street West Meadows Caltex Petrol Station - West Meadows 227 Mickleham Road Whittlesea Whittlesea Bakery 34 Church Street Whittlesea NewsXpress Whittlesea 45 Church Street Whittlesea Whittlesea Courthouse Information Centre 74 Church Street Whittlesea IGA Supermarket - Whittlesea Shop 2, 22 Church Street University Hill Coles Supermarket Uni Hill 224 Plenty Road University Hill Wollert Wollert Post Office 491 Epping Road Also available from Real Estate Agents everywhere

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16 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

PUZZLES No. 071

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

easy

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

8 1 5 7

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

DOWN

Synthetic material (7) Tiny, six-legged creatures (7) Cast down (11) Expanse (3) Manually (2,4) Poster (7) Shortage (4) Valuation (10) Senior managers (10) Andamooka gemstone (4) Argue noisily and angrily (7) Of a tribe (6) Official (3) Common joint injury (11) Late (7) Association of individuals (7)

1 5 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 22 25 26 28 29

No. 071

Agreement (4) Gaseous fuel (9) Popular aquarium fish (5) Surreptitious (11) Harm (3) Beachwear (7) Rib-like structure (5) Absence of motion (10) Showy (11) Society below the surface (10) To place imortance on (9) Blasphemous (7) Horrible (5) Actor, Oscar – (5) Sole (4) Unhappy (3)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 12 13 16 18 21 23

24 27

DECODER

No. 071

8 8

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

4 6 2 5 1 3 9 7 4

4 5 9

10 11 12 13

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

K R 21

7 3 9 4 6 5 2 1 8

4 9 5 2 7 3 8 6 1

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good

C D

4 LETTERS ABLY ADZE AIDE BUSH CLAM HANS HIDE HONG OHIO ORBS SAIL SETH TROY USDA 5 LETTERS AGATE

3 6 2 1 5 8 4 9 7

9 5 4 3 8 1 6 7 2

6 LETTERS FATIMA KELPIE STATIC TARMAC

7 LETTERS ACCOUNT CANDIED HITACHI ICELAND MIDWIFE NIGERIA 8 LETTERS LEBANESE OVERFLOW PARENTAL WOMANISH

11-03-22

What is the name of the Greek appetiser of fried or grilled cheese (pictured)?

What was the name of the first and only studio album recorded by the Sex Pistols?

What were the names of the three mascots of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games?

Which Australian drama series was set in the fictional town of Pearl Bay?

True or false: khaki is a synthetic fibre?

Which number does the Roman numeral L represent?

10 Monitor, anole and horned are all kinds of what animal?

C R E W O A L A N T E R

S K I

Which classic nursery rhyme is said to be a reference to the Bubonic plague?

What does the acronym NASDAQ stand for?

No. 071 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

What kind of musical instrument is a clavichord?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

O O T I

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

C T

SEATS SICKO SIFTS SPANK SPAWN TENET TERRA THING TRIPS

aced, aces, acid, acre, acrid, arced, arcs, caddie, caddied, caddies, caddis, cadre, card, carded, cards, care, cared, cares, case, cased, cedar, cider, cried, cries, dace, dice, diced, dicer, dices, disc, discard, DISCARDED, erica, iced, ices, race, raced, races, rice, sacred, scar, scare, scared, sidecar

6 7 3 5 2 4 9 1 8

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

HYENA IMAGE INNER LEAPS LEWIS LINEN LUCIA MAINS MANIA METAL OMEGA OPERA OUTDO PAYEE PETIT PRATE RECAP RESAT RIVEN SCENE

No. 071

8 1 7 4 6 9 5 2 3

5 3 1 7 4 6 2 8 9

7 8 6 9 3 2 1 4 5

7 6 1 2 8 4 3 5 9

1 8 5 6 4 9 7 3 2

4 2 3 1 5 7 8 9 6

AGENT AIMED ANGEL ANOMY AROMA ASCOT ASHEN ASIAN ATOLL BANNS BRAVE BRING CHEAP CORSE DREAM ECOLI EERIE ENDOW EVITA GENII

W L

5 6 1 3 2 8 9 4 7

4 8 2 1 9 7 5 3 6

3 2 5 6 4 1 8 7 9

6 7 9 3 2 8 4 1 5

2 4 8 7 9 3 5 6 1

5 1 7 8 6 2 9 4 3

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

44 words: Excellent

6 7 4 8 5 9 3 2 1

1 9 8 7 3 2 6 5 4

9 4 3 2 1 6 7 8 5

2 5 7 9 8 4 1 6 3

8 1 6 5 7 3 4 9 2

9 3 6 4 1 5 2 7 8

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

medium

easy

9-LETTER WORD

hard

5x5

8 2 7 9 2 6

2 5 9

3 LETTERS AGO ASS BIZ EEL HAT HER HIC HUN ISH ITA KEN LEE MIR NAG NIL PAY RAP REC REP SPY SRI TIE TIM TRY

U CO S B ANH Y T I GQ

P F E L MX J D V ZWK R

WORDFIT

ANSWERS: 1. A stringed keyboard 2. Saganaki 3. Syd, Olly and Millie. 4. 50 5. Ring a Ring o’ Roses 6. National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation (System) 7. Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. 8. SeaChange 9. False 10. Lizard

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 17

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Australia’s national men’s cricket team is set to tour which country in March of this year? 2. How many co-captains did Wests Tigers recently appoint for the 2022 NRL season? 3. Which team was fined $10,000 for breaching competition rules during the Super Netball 2022 player-signing period?

4. How many own goals did New Zealand defender Meikayla Moore score in a recent 0-5 defeat to the US women’s soccer team? 5. Super Bowl-winning Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matt Stafford played 12 seasons with which NFL team? 6. The Super Golf League is a proposed professional golf tour funded by which country? 7. Western United’s Ben Garuccio scored a scorpion-kick goal in a recent 3-2 win over which A-League Men’s team? 8. The Fijiana Drua are the newest team to join which six-team women’s rugby union competition?

Kyle Chandler

13. What US women’s national team was recently awarded equal pay to their male counterparts? 14. Touk Miller and Jarrod Witts were recently announced as captains of which AFL club? 15. Which country topped the medal tally at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics? 16. What famous athletics event is usually held each year over the Easter long weekend? 17. What sport does the movie and TV series Friday Night Lights, starring Kyle Chandler, revolve around?

9. Jed Anderson last played for which AFL team?

18. In baseball, what is the most commonly stolen base?

10. Which Akron, Ohio-born basketballer was named MVP of the 2022 NBA All-Star Game?

19. What is the only sport to have been played on the moon?

11. What iconic sporting stadium did Eddie McGuire recently say should have a roof installed on it?

Milan

20. Which city will host the 2024 Summer Olympic Games? 21. Who was the leading run-scorer in the 2021/22 Ashes series across both teams?

22. Which AFL Geelong Cats player recently helped save a family from drowning at a beach? 23. During the Delray Beach Open, tennis player Stefan Kozlov was left fuming after he encountered what object on the court? 24. After approximately two-thirds of the season complete, which club currently tops the ladder in the English Premier League? 25. Which Australian Paralympian has won 17 medals, including six gold, across four Paralympic Games?

26. How many Melbourne Cups did champion New Zealand-bred racehorse Phar Lap win? 27. By what scoreline did the Australian men’s cricket team defeat Sri Lanka in their five-match T20 series? 28. And which Aussie batsman was named player of the series? 29. The Italian cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo will host which major sporting event in 2026? 30. In which year was Australia’s last Test cricket tour of Pakistan?

1. Pakistan 2. Five 3. Queensland Firebirds 4. Three 5. Detroit Lions 6. Saudi Arabia 7. Western Sydney Wanderers 8. Super W 9. North Melbourne 10. Stephen Curry 11. The MCG 12. Sydney 13. US Women’s soccer team 14. Gold Coast Suns 15. Norway 16. Stawell Gift 17. American Football 18. Second base 19. Golf 20. Paris 21. Travis Head 22. Patrick Dangerfield 23. A sponsor’s BMW 24. Manchester City 25. Ellie Cole 26. One (1930) 27. 4-1 28. Glenn Maxwell 29. Winter Olympics 30. 1998

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12. What Australian city will host the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup in September and October?

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MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU The blanked off front ‘grille’ is the only obvious cue this Volvo XC40 is electrically powered. (Pictures: Supplied)

Auto style leader goes electric By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring Our road test car this week is a Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin, which was particularly interesting as our family car is a Volvo XC40 T4 Inscription that we have owned for three years. It will be fascinating to find out how the two compare both in performance and the latest in technology. And decide if we hold onto our existing car or go the electric route.

Styling These days Volvo is one of world’s automotive style leaders and in my opinion the XC40 is the best shape from the company in many years. With a chunky, almost cheeky look it has an upright slightly-concave grille. In the Recharge the grille doesn’t need to take in air to cool the engine so is blanked off and has a very large Volvo badge in the centre. Deeply sculpted lower sections of the doors and upward swept D-pillars with lights in them also add to the looks.

no engine there. The small front boot has been nicknamed the frunk - short for front-trunk. Many owners use the frunk to store the electrical charging cables.

Interior

Powertrains

The XC40 is a bit larger than others in its class at 4425mm long, 1863mm wide and 1652mm high. Every cubic centimetre of the interior space is put to good use. It has seating for five, but four adults and a child makes more sense. There’s slightly less foot-space in the Recharge as the battery under the floor steals some of it. The Scandinavian styling is simple almost to the point of being minimalistic in the dashboard area. There’s excellent storage space in the door pockets as the Volvo designers avoided taking up space with audio speakers. There’s also out-of-sight stowage in drawers underneath the front seats. There’s even Volvo’s funny little rubbish holder that can be removed from the car when you get home and emptied out there. The load area is slightly smaller than that on the petrol and diesel models because the boot floor is higher in the electric model. There’s also a small boot under the bonnet as there’s

Our Volvo T4 Inscription has 140kW at 5000rpm. The Recharge Twin has more than double that, 300kW at just one rpm - that’s right, one rpm. It has two electric motors, hence the Twin in the name. Each motor produces 150kW and 330Nm, one drives the front wheels, the other the rear. That’s 660 newton metres which is the sort of grunt developed by a big petrol V8 displacing seven litres. Official energy consumption is 25.5kWh per 100km. We averaged just under 20kWh during our 355km test period. The official range is 418km as measured by the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) and we looked to be getting close to that figure.

20 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

Infotainment We certainly enjoyed the clarity of the Harman Kardon premium sound system, as the electric Volvo is very quiet inside it adds to the enjoyment.

The portrait shape of the infotainment 9-inch inch screen makes more sense than landscape ones because you can see much further ahead on the sat-nav map. Volvo Cars’ driver infotainment system (Sensus) provides smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety The Swedish company’s approach to safety has never faltered over the many years it has focused on this vital feature. A host of features in the help avoid a crash, or minimise injuries if one does occur. The 360-degree camera system in our test car provided an overhead view of the Volvo and its surrounds - it’s almost as though a small drone with a camera is hovering over you. Great fun!

Driving Volvo’s Clean Zone two-zone climate system removes harmful pollutants and particles from outside the cabin to deliver what Volvo calls, “Scandinavian-fresh air on the inside”. It certainly is a pleasant place to be. The front seats are large and comfortable. In the rear I can sit ‘behind myself’ (I’m 180cm tall) with leg room to spare.

You don’t need to start the Volvo. Simply put your foot on the brake and select Drive or Reverse with a conventional ‘gear lever’ and the electric motor is ready to go. Somewhat oddly there’s still space for a Start/Stop button, but it has been blanked off. It can be driven as a one-pedal due to energy regeneration when slowing down. This can be a bit aggressive at first but we soon adapted to this and it became a personal challenge to avoid using the brakes at all. This is another clean feature as there’s no brake dust being created. People may ask why you need a family SUV that goes from zero to 100km/h in under five seconds. But the acceleration means you spend less time on the wrong side of the road when overtaking. And it’s really good fun to beat someone off the traffic lights who is in a big V8 with a lumpy idle who thinks he can whop you in a drag race. Childish? Yes, but what’s wrong with that! Handling is very good, with steering that almost seems to read your mind. The Recharge Twin has a lot more weight due to the heavy batteries - it weighs in at 2158kg, compared to our XC40 Inscription’s 1657kg. But it handles well as a fair bit of the weight is low down due to the heavy battery. Some road surfaces created more tyre noise than we anticipated. In particular the concrete surfaces on the motorway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane were louder that in our own Volvo XC40 turbo-petrol. Possibly due to the low rolling resistance tyres.

Summing up Electric power is the way of the future and Volvo is very Swedish in wanting to minimise global warming. Though the Recharge Twin is based on a vehicle using an internal combustion engine the conversion to make it an EV works well. Will we replace our turbo-petrol Volvo XC40 with an electric one? No, because we do a lot of long-distance holiday trips and charging would be slow in most places. We will wait until the 800 km battery and five-minute fast chargers arrive and buy one, if the price is right.

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Magpie youngsters developing well Roxburgh Park is hoping the development of its younger players will help it take another step in Essendon District Football League division 1. The Magpies were one of the big improvers in 2021 and were on a four game winning streak when the season ended prematurely. Magpies coach Michael Farrelly said this season was about ensuring the group continued to progress. “It’s season by season,” he said. “We exceeded expectations last year, but we only got two-thirds of the way through the season. “We finished really well. “We have discussed finals. It’s always been since day dot, it’s been about as long as we keep improving and taking the next step. “We’re trying to push for a finals spot. If we win the games we should and surprise a few teams, I can’t see why not. “Everyone is on the same page.” Farrelly said the club hadn’t gone out and

recruited a lot of guys, with the focus on building from within for long term sustainability. He said a number of guys had stepped up on the track in a pleasing sign. “We haven’t recruited heavily,” he said. “The younger guys have another pre-season under their belts. “They were starting to mature last season and that development has continued. Even just being in the pre-season, they’re running more, the skills have improved.” Farrelly said those who they have added weren’t big names but would play crucial roles in the side. Kelsey Clayton has tore up the track and is one to watch, while Ayden El-Leissy is another who the Magpies are looking forward to seeing. Brock McLarty, who has returned to the club, has caught the eye of the senior group. The Magpies will have a new captain, with Jack Elliott taking over the role from Harley

Short and Jamie Grant. Farrelly said the club thought it was time for a change. “We felt where we are as a club, that it was the right time for Jack. “Everyone speaks highly of him. It’s a natural progression. We’ve been speaking about it the last two years, it’s no surprise.” Farrelly said that the pre-season had been really good. He said after two years with the pandemic, players had a good understanding of life outside football. He said people were enjoying just being around the club. The Magpies kick off their season against Hillside on April 2. Tara Murray Jack Elliott is the new Roxburgh Park captain. (Shawn Smits)

Bombers soar to the top By Tara Murray The hard work in the pre-season is paying off for Essendon in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition. The Bombers have been the most impressive team in the first three weeks and sit atop the ladder with three wins and a big percentage. Bombers coach Brendan Major was happy with how things were trackng so far. “I would say overall it has been really good,” he said. “It’s been an opportunity to work on the things we worked on in the pre-season. “To kick as many points [overall score] as we have has been a positive. That is the most pleasing thing, the scoreboard reflects the hard work that we’ve done. “It reflects what we are trying to do.” In the Bombers most recent match, they accounted for old rival Carlton. The Bombers blew the game open in the first half with 13 scoring shots to two. They led by 65 points, before the Blues kicked some late goals. The Bombers taking the win, 12.7 (79)-4.3 (27). Major said they were good for three quarters of that game. “It was another good solid performance,” he said. “We got a bit tired in the end and it’s something we will talk about. We let the foot off the gas and got a bit fumbly. “It’s something to work on.” Federica Frew kicked six goals in the win, while Amelia Radford led the way with 25 possessions. Major said they had been able to share the load around in the first three weeks. “With a vision a lot easier to get, it’s easier to identify scoring options going forward,” he said. “It’s been a pretty even contribution. Some of the girls haven’t played a lot of footy and are doing well. “Our backline is going well. When Carlton kicked goals, they played some good football. “We’re making teams play good football to score against us.” While the Bombers are flying early days, Major said they still had plenty of work to do thorughout the season to continue to improve. He said cleanness with the ball was one area they would look to improve. “We’ve been able to identify what we need to do quite well,” he said. “The ability to execute for an extended period of time, isn’t something that will happen straight away. “It’s something that we will need to build on throughout the whole season.” The Bombers were due to face Wiliamstown on the Saturday at the Hangar, after deadline. The Seagulls were 1-2 in their first three matches, including losing to Collingwood by 20 points in their last match. Speaking before the match Major said they

Courtney Ugle.

(Joe Mastroianni) 268247_14

had no major injury concerns. “Williamstown play a physical style of football,” he said. “They will be a big challenge for us.” Meanwhile the men’s VFL season will get

underway on March 25. The 21 teams will play 18 games each in a 22-round home-and-away season. The Bombers will start their season on March 26 against Geelong.

Eagles put together strong squad Craigieburn Eagles have put together a strong squad for the Big V women’s division 1 season and are hoping to add some key pieces before the season kicks off. New coach Andrew Seidel said he was happy with the squad that he had put together, but like many other clubs was finding that players have stepped away from the game. Neighbouring Whittlesea Pacers, who were to play in the same division, withdrew their team due to a lack of numbers. “It’s been really good so far,” Seidel said. “Speaking with other clubs, like us, they’re finding that players are doing something else and have other priorities. “We’ve got seven players, but we’re looking for a couple more players to top up the squad. “The club is in a good position, we’re just looking to finish off the roster.” Four players from the Eagles squad from last season remain in Tahlia Prestia, Nicole Cameron, Jess Wain and Kristen McNamara. Seidel has also added three players from his former clubs, Sunbury and Melton. Ideally Seidel would have looked to give the youth league girls plenty of experience, but fixturing will prevent that. “It’s a huge competition with something like 13 and eight double headers,” he said. “Only six games don’t clash, so unfortunately we’re not able to use them. “The youth league team will be strong, but they won’t get much opportunity to play with us.” Seidel said that they weren’t putting too many expectations in place heading into the season. “It’s my first year and we’re coming out of COVID,” he said. “We’re looking to build something in the next couple of years. “We’ve got three youth league players aging out after this season and will come up to the women’s side. “It’s a matter of building the next few years.” Anyone interested in playing can contact Andrew on 0416 012 858 Tara Murray Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 21

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Mill Park has its eye on state league promotion Mill Park has added extra depth as it focuses on improvement in FV state league 2 north-west. The side was one of the form teams of the competition last season when it ended due to COVID-19 and were full of confidence. The club has kept the majority of the same squad, with coach Kevin Theuma hoping they can build on that. “We are going all right, we are a good team,” he said. “We definitely want to rise up the table and get promoted. Last season started slow losing the first couple of games before losing one of our last 11 games. It was a really good end of the season. “We were confident if we continued the season, we would have continued to play well

“Hopefully pick up where we left off, but it’s a new season, new team and new challenge.” Theuma said it had been an up and down pre-season with COVID-19. He said that the group was starting to put it together at the right time. “The last couple of weeks we played Yarraville and beat them. We played Goulburn Valley Suns and lost 4-3, they are a good side. “We are picking up at the right time of the season.” The majority of the playing group from last season had returned and they’ve look to strengthen the side. Theuma said they had added four or five players, but would love to add a couple more. Dean Jancevski has joined the club from

Banyule City, while Chris Ailakis will take over the goalkeeping role. Joe Coveney and Matty Makinson have come out from the United Kingdom to join the side. With COVID in the back of their minds, Mill Park will run with a bigger squad than they normally would. “We would normally run with 20 players in the squad,” Theuma said. “We’ve added a couple of extra players. “With COVID you might lose two or three players in one go. And they haven’t played a lot of football in the last couple of years, so you could have injuries.” Mill Park will kick off its season on March 19 against Western Suburbs.

The club though is out of the Australia Cup competition, having lost to Keilor Wolves. The next round of that competition was set to be played on the weekend. Among the match ups in this round included, Meadow Park against Keilor Park, Hume United was set to play Whitehorse United Uni Hill Eagles was to play Mornington, Lalor United was set to play against Williamstown, while Epping City was set to face Moonee Valley Knights. Craigieburn City was to play state league 5 side Melton Phoenix, Upfield was to play Point Cool and Whittlesea United was scheduled to face Doncaster Rovers. Tara Murray

Sports shorts VSDCA Plenty Valley ended its season with a loss to Coburg in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association north-east. Coburg was bowled out for 194 with three balls remaining. Aaron Ayre top scored with 70. Naman Sharma took five wickets for the Bats. The Bats never looked likely and were bowled out for 132. Nishal Perera top scored with 36. The Bats finish in 10th after a tough back end to the season.

NPL Hume City suffered its first loss of the National Premier League season on Friday night against Dandenong City. Dandenong opened the scoring in the first minute of the game to put Hume on the back foot. The score was doubled in the 39th minute. Hume managed to get one back just before the break. No goals were added in the second half, with Dandenong winning 2-1. Hume is without a win after the first three rounds.

DVCA

Amy Gaylor (right) has been a tackling machine for the Cannons. (Joe Mastroianni) 265355_35

Cannons talent on show An extended Calder Cannons program in the NAB League Girls competition has uncovered some talent of the future. The Cannons are running two teams this season, a development side which plays futures games and the normal under-19 team. Cannons coach Ross Smith said it had been a really good experience for them having the bigger squad and two teams. “Last year we had 33 girls, this year we’re up to 54 girls and running the two teams up until this week. “There have been five development games. It’s a real look at the future and we have a lot more depth in the program. “It has been really rewarding and we’ve already had some of those younger players make their debut [in the under-19s] in their first year.” Smith said some players as young as 15, have been given an opportunity in the top team, which is currently sitting 4-1. Smith said he was pretty happy with how the side was sitting, but admits they were ‘fortunate’ to get across the line in a couple of 22 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 March, 2022

games. He said the focus remained on the bigger picture. “It’s not necessarily about making finals, but it does give you an extra game or two. “We’ve done okay with depth and the next couple of weeks will tell us where we are at. “If things don’t go to plan, we’ll look to play some more younger players.” After having four players drafted last season, the Cannons are hoping that a few more will get their opportunities later this year. He said the talent this season wasn’t quite as obvious this season. “We’ve got some potential good footballers who are still coming on,” he said. Two Cannons players, Abbey McDonald and Reese Sutton are in the Vic metro squad. Smith said McDonald, who missed the last couple of games through injury, was their best player. Sutton, one of the side’s co-captains, was added to the metro squad last week. “She has been in really good form and has gone to another level,” Smith said.

While those two have been the standouts, Smith said a number of other players had really impressed him and the coaching staff. Ellie Sbeghen has taken on the main ruck role and is getting better and better each week at a rapid rate. Kasey Lennox, who is one of the 19-year-old players, is playing back up ruck having previously spent most of time at the Cannons in defence. Co-captain Olviia Manfre has kicked a number of goals and made her debut for Essendon’s VFLW side. Smith said Mali Mclaoed had done quite well and had draftable qualities, Heidi Woodley had looked good before getting injured, Amy Trindade and Kayley Kavanagh are both playing well as first year players. Another is Amy Gaylor, with Smith saying she’d be nearly leading the tackle count in the competition. The Cannons were set to play the Tasmania Devils on Saturday in Tasmania, after deadline. For that result, head to www.starweekly. com.au

Epping finished the regular season of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield sitting in third position. The Pingers final round match against Lower Eltham got under way on Saturday, was ended in a draw due to the rain. Epping will play Diamond Creek in the first week of the finals. In the Money Shield, the top four remained the same with fifth placed Lalor Stars losing to Bundoora by seven runs. Bundoora United, Rosebank, Montmorency and Bundoora Park will play finals.

Australia Cup Craigieburn lost a thriller to Melton Phoenix in the third round of the Australia Cup on Saturday. The two teams were locked at 0-0 at the end of regular time and again at the end of extra time, forcing a penalty shoot out. Both teams missed their fourth shot, before Craigieburn hit the cross bar on the eighth shot to open the door for the Phoenix, which they took to seal the win. Epping City, Whittlesea United and Upfield were among the winners.

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Laurimar in a prime position for premiership An even performance across the board has Laurimar primed for a premiership tilt in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield. After going close the last three seasons to earn promotion, the Power are again on the right track to win that elusive outright premiership and earning promotion. Entering the final round, the Power were on top of the ladder with the top four spot cemented. Power coach Adam Drinkwell said they had played some pretty good cricket this season. “We went on an eight game winning streak, before losing a close one to Hurstbridge. It was good to get back on the winners list against Thomastown. “We’re going well in the first XI and we’ll have five of our six sides playing finals.” Drinkwell said the key to the success this season had been their depth and even contribution. He said like most teams they’ve had issues

with availability due to COVID and the work, but others had stepped up. “We have not relied on one single player,” he said. “We’ve had an even contribution across the board. “Our top four or five with the bat have had good years, while Josh Deans-Draper and Leigh Donaldson have stepped up with the ball after Christmas. “We’ve been bowling sides out for under 100. It’s been a good contribution.” Drinkwell, who is in his first season at the club, said the club’s ambition was still the same from before he got there. He said the club is keen to move up the grades. “We were pretty close the last couple of years in the Mash Shield,” he said. “We want that elusive XI premiership. “Looking to win the Mash Shield is a long goal for us. In 2019-20 we were joint premiers due to COVID and the game getting called off on the second weekend. “As the lower ranked team will stay in the

Mash Shield. Last season we were knocked out in the semi.” Drinkwell said having a top two sport and home semi final would help in that aim. The Power was set to play Lower Plenty in the final round of the season on Saturday after deadline. In good signs for the club, their second XI has consolidated their spot after being promoted for this season while the third and fourth XI look set to play finals. Drinkwell said it was now about getting everything right at the right time of the season. “We’re looking to get the best team available,” he said. “We’re almost there. We have 14, 15 or 16 players to choose from, we have some good depth. “Hopefully we can continue on the winning form.” For the result of that match and others from the DVCA, head to www.starweekly.com.au. Tara Murray

Imports’ ‘easy decision’ By Tara Murray New Hume City Broncos import Chris Elder didn’t take long to settle on the Big V championship side as his home for the 2022 season. Having called Australia home for much of the last four years, the American was on the hunt for a team to play for this season. “I knew I was coming to Australia in the middle of January,” he said. “I wanted to come back and play in Melbourne. “I was blessed to have a visa that automatically made me exempt [and able to play]. The Broncos found out and one of their point guards was leaving, so it kind of all came together in a perfect way. “It was an easy decision. I maybe waited three days to make a decision after listening to and finding out about every other club I was in talks with. “It was pretty much an easy decision to pick the Broncos.” Elder said one person who had told him about the Broncos and what to expect was Broncos legend Eddie Cox. He said he had told him great things about Hume for a long time and it was a great place to play. “I’ve heard no bad things about the Broncos, they take pretty good care of their players, it’s like a family club.” This will be Elder’s second attempt at playing in Melbourne, after previously signing with the Ringwood Hawks. That stint was cut short due to visa issues. “I only got to play a few pre-season matches and ultimately had to leave at the end of May,” he said. “Out of every state in Australia, Victoria is the most competitive and has the best players overall. That’s no down play to other states.” Having grown up in Chicago, Elder went to college at Richard J. Daley College and St. Francis, before travelling the world to play basketball. He spent nearly two years in Darwin through the pandemic. Having played across the world, he said Australia was his favourite place to play. Elder said others would describe him as an exciting player to watch and play. “I like to play as hard as I can, I’m very passionate. I’m pretty sure people will see that when I start playing. “I’m pretty competitive.” Elder is settling into the Broncos line up. He has been training with the side for more than a month and had played in a couple of practice games, the first of those he went straight from the airport to the court.

Chris Elder during a practice match for the Broncos.

“I’ve been here four weeks,” he said. “I’m getting a good feel from the guys. I knew about four players already. “Jake Martin is also from Chicago, so we share that mutual thing from home. The connection has been good, we know that it

(Supplied)

takes time. “We believe we have a really good team that can compete and win, but you still have to make it happen, nothing is guaranteed.” The Broncos will start their season on March 20 against Wyndham at Eagle Stadium.

Laurimar’s Leigh Donaldson. (Supplied)

Onwards and upwards for Donnybrook Donnybrook will only get better after finishing its first season in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association season. The club moved its top two sides to the VTCA this season after the construction of a turf wicket at their new ground in Kalkallo. Their first XI which played in division 5, missed finals, while the second XI needed results to go their way in the final round which was set to be played on Saturday. President Noel Seipolt said it had been a mixed first season at the club in the higher competition. The first XI was sitting in eighth heading into the final round. They were set to finish their season on Saturday against Barkly Street Uniting, which was after deadline. “It’s been a bit up and down,” he said. “It’s been not too bad for the first season. “It was something different and a bit more professional. We’re getting used to it gradually.” While the club is slowly adjusting to life in the VTCA, Seipolt said things overall at the club were going really well. He said like many clubs it had been made harder by the COVID-19 pandemic and changed priorities. “The numbers we’re getting are pretty good,” he said. “We’ve had nine senior teams across synthetic and turf, plus our junior sides are growing rapidly. “It’s full steam ahead. We’ve won one premiership and the under-12s are looking good.” Seipolt said the club was hoping next season their turf wicket would be better, while the facilities at their new ground would also be completed. He said ideally they would look to add a turf wicket to the second oval in the next couple of years. “Things will only get better.” Roxburgh Park, in division 5, and Greenvale Kangaroos, in division 2, are the two Hume teams that will play finals this season. For that result and other VTCA results, head to www.starweekly.com.au.

Tuesday, 8 March, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 23

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