Star Weekly - Northern - 5th April 2022 by Star Weekly

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Federal budget wins Mickleham Road will be partially duplicated, with the federal government allocating $109.5 million to the long-awaited project as part of its budget. According to the government, the funding injection will enable the duplication of Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard in Greenvale. The Somerton Road roundabout will be replaced with traffic lights as part of the upgrade, while lights will also be installed at Aitken College. The upgrade is expected to start in mid-2023 and be completed in early 2025. The funding commitment has been welcomed by Hume council and residents, who have been campaigning for the road to be upgraded, however they believe duplication is required between Somerton and Craigieburn roads. A 2021 Hume council report noted that traffic on Mickleham Road between Somerton and Donnybrook roads increased by 54 per cent between 2013 and 2019, with 28,590 vehicles using the road daily. “The level of traffic exceeds the capacity on Mickleham Road as a single lane rural road and the state’s trigger of 20,000 vehicles per day for duplication of arterial roads,” the report stated. The government said part of the budget funding would be used to complete a business case for stage two of the upgrade, from Dellamore Boulevard to Craigieburn Road. Hume mayor Carly Moore said the council would call on the state government to step up and fund the rest of the project. “ … We will ramp up our efforts to call on the Victorian government to match the federal contribution and help relieve traffic congestion for the fast-growing communities of Melbourne’s north,” she said. Councillor Joseph Haweil, who lives in Greenvale, welcomed the federal funding. “I welcome the announcement and am hopeful that a speedy upgrade will help our residents move more quickly and efficiently in the fast growing north, giving them more time to spend with family and friends.” The budget also included $1.2 billion for the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal. The project will help unlock the potential of inland rail to deliver up to $13.3 billion of benefit to the nation annually, and almost $4.6 billion to Victoria alone, according to Whittlesea council.

Honour for face of appeal

Isla, 8, visited Doreen Fire Brigade to promote the Good Friday Appeal.

(Supplied)

Eight-year-old Isla won over hearts at Doreen Fire Brigade during a visit to the station to promote the Good Friday Appeal. Isla, who is the face of the 2022 Good Friday Appeal, was made an honorary member of the brigade. The eight-year-old is in remission after spending half her life in treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. During the station tour on Monday, March 28, she met with firefighters and was decked out in firefighter gear, had a go using a fire hose and went for a ride in the fire truck. The appeal also has special significance for CFA Doreen Brigade. Two of captain Robert Bury’s grandchildren have received life-saving care at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Grandson Daniel was diagnosed in vitro with a blockage of the heart in 2001, and granddaughter Charli was born at 26 weeks gestation, weighing 740g. Daniel was taken to the RCH immediately after birth and became one of the first newborns to receive a pacemaker. Charli developed Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) and when she became septic was transferred to the RCH for treatment. Robert credits the hospital with saving his grandchildren. Doreen and Epping CFA will be collecting donations for the appeal on Good Friday, April 15, at the intersection of Cooper and High streets in Epping. Donate: https://www. virtualtinshake.com.au/fundraisers/ EppingandDoreenFireBrigades/ virtual-tin-shake

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Rates and waste charge to rise Preparing the City of Whittlesea for future population growth is a focus on the council’s 2022-23 draft budget. The draft budget, which was tabled at a council meeting on Monday, March 21, proposes to increase rates by an average of 1.75 per cent. The draft budget also proposes to increase the waste charge by 13.8 per cent of $15.80 per household. The council is proposing to spend $71.57 million on capital works next financial year. The capital works program includes $20 million which has been carried forward from this financial year.

Council said the draft budget proposes a significant investment in supporting the local economy to thrive and boosting services to respond to projections of unprecedented population growth. Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said it was always a challenge to manage competing interests when allocating funds, but it was important that the budget took a long-term, strategic outlook as well as catering to immediate needs. “This year we are proposing a significant investment in key services and projects for our community. We will be upgrading local roads, parks and open spaces, delivering engaging

local festivals and events and increasing kindergarten spaces, as well as responding to community priorities identified through our Community Plan and needs arising out of the pandemic,” she said. Council said the draft budget also responds to significant population growth which is forecast to increase by 61.7 per cent between 2020-40, compared to the state’s forecast of 24.9 per cent. “We are investing in setting ourselves up to manage this growth and enable us to effectively continue to deliver important services our community expects and needs,” she said.

Ms Wilson said the capital works program would enable the council to work on getting future project “shovel-ready“ to ensure council can maximise opportunities to partner with other levels of government for funding. The capital works program also includes funding for the Whittlesea Public Gardens, Mernda Social Support Centre and restore local roads. Money has also been set aside to commence designing the regional sports and aquatic centre. Residents can have their say on the budget until April 26. Details: Whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Crossing to be removed at Thomastown

Natalie drew inspiration for her book from her son, William and their pug, Gatsby.

(Damjan Janevski) 273771_01

Mum’s book dream comes true Craigieburn resident Natalie Butler’s dream of writing a children’s book was fulfilled when she released her debut title, ‘What Gatsby said to William’. The inspiration for it came from her “charismatic” pug Gatsby, and her son, William, 23 months. “There’s just something very magical about picture books. It draws children into this exciting little world that they can be a part of, if only for a few minutes,” she said. ‘What Gatsby Said to William’ follows the

adventure of a young boy and his dog to the zoo. The former journalist was sitting in bed when the urge to start writing the story came to her at the end of her maternity leave. “I was working through nap times a lot, working till 11pm or midnight on trying to figure out layouts for a book and how to actually get it printed and where to go. The writing of it was probably the easiest part but it was the process that took time,” Mrs Butler said.

Natalie has found the whole ordeal humbling and she’s grateful to everyone who picked up a copy of the book. “It’s a little bit surreal. I have a box full of books with my name on it. I hope that everyone who has purchased one or will purchase one will enjoy it with their little ones or for themselves.” The book will be officially launched Tuesday, May 10, at 11.15am at Craigieburn library.

Thomastown residents can expect a new station and elevated rail bridge over Keon Parade as part of a state government initiative. The level crossing will be removed in a move to boost safety in Melbourne’s north and ease peak hour traffic conditions. The boom gates at Keon’s Parade are down for over 40 minutes during the morning rush, causing significant delays for the thousands of vehicles passing through there daily, the state government said. According to the government, there have been 24 near misses and one crash recorded at the level crossing since 2012. Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan said the removal of the crossing was imperative for the benefit of the community. “This is one of the most dangerous and congested level crossings on the Mernda line and we are getting rid of it for good and building a modern, more accessible Keon Park Station that will better serve the community’s needs,” she said. An early precinct plan has been released with a 750-metre elevated bridge that will run overhead and a new Keon Park Station moved to the south side of Keon Parade. The station will provide safer access for Thomastown residents with a new pedestrian crossing across High Street at Hughes Parade. Major construction will begin next year, with the station opening and level crossing removed by 2025.

Helena Abdou

Crime on the decline across Hume and Whittlesea Crime rates have fallen in Hume and Whittlesea, with both municipalities recording a 22 per cent decrease in 2021. Data gathered by the Crime Statistics Agency found criminal incidents in the Hume area dropped from 16,154 in 2020 to 12,588 in 2021. Whittlesea saw a similar trend with criminal activity decreasing from 12,137 in 2020 to 9,384 for the year ending 2021. Whittlesea Inspector Chris Allen said the decrease in crime was “pleasing.” “Any scenario where crime drops means we have less people that are victims of crime and less trauma in the community,” he said. Last year’s COVID lockdowns played an integral role in the statistical changes,

Inspector Allen said. “We didn’t have the amount of public out and about with the lockdowns, some businesses were closed, licensed premises were shut for some parts of the year. This affects how many people and businesses can be targeted for crime,“ he said. However, Whittlesea did record an increase in criminal damage, rising from 753 to 783 in the span of a year. Inspector Allen puts this down to the rapid population growth happening in the municipality. “While the number of reports are up slightly, I anticipate the per capita offence rate in line with criminal damage will have decreased with

the population growth,” he said. Despite COVID demands, Inspector Allen said police officers were still able to do the most important part of their job, responding to public calls of help. “We still focussed on patrolling the streets, road trauma enforcement and proactive operations to target people intent on causing harm and we still made sure our police stations were open for the community to come to if they needed assistance.” Broadmeadows Senior Sergeant Darren Paterson said it was good to see the crime statistics being driven down. Theft from a motor vehicle as well as theft from driveways/carports were the only crimes

that saw an increase in Hume. Senior Sergeant Paterson believes COVID was of assistance to the crime statistics in that regard but more work is being done to combat that issue. “We’re doing intelligence led policing, we’re making sure we’re putting our resources when we know that high peak crime times and locations are actually occurring. Also, with the lower numbers of crimes that are actually occurring, we can actually utilise our resources to actually focus more on the incidents that are occurring and so reducing the capacity for offenders to keep offending,” he said.

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Kalkallo road duplication push By Helena Abdou Hume council has vowed to push for Donnybrook Road to be duplicated to ease traffic congestion in and out of Kalkallo. Councillor Jim Overend raised the issue during a council meeting on Monday, March 28, calling it a “crying shame.” “There’s only one road in one road out which creates a massive backlog of traffic or big bottleneck, which adds an hour onto the residents commute in and out of the suburb which is appalling,” Cr Overend said.

‘‘

I’m over it, I’m thinking I may need to break my lease to leave sooner

’’

- Kylie Bourchier Residents have been petitioning for a solution to the traffic issue and garnered over 1000 signatures before it was tabled in Parliament last week by Yuroke MP, Ros Spence. Council is also raising the matter with the

state government and is liaising with respective partners on what can be done to help. “We do an investigation looking to council partners to see what we can do to try and alleviate some of the pain and the pressures as far as council goes, but we do also need the state government to do their part in duplicating Donnybrook Road,” Cr Overton said. Mum of two Kylie Bourchier moved to the area last year and said the congestion is “awful.” “I have two kids, one works full time and the other attends school and we can’t wait until

our lease is up,” she said. Ms Bourchier has to leave the house an hour earlier to drop off her children to ensure they get to where they need to be on time. “I’m over it, I’m thinking I may need to break my lease to leave sooner.” A spokesperson for Stockland, the developer of Cloverton, said: “This is a regional issue and Stockland is working closely with council and relevant state agencies to progress a number of traffic solutions as soon as possible including a secondary access point to the community via a bridge onto Donnybrook Road.”

TAFE’s secret ingredient Kangan Institute Broadmeadows was awarded the Victorian Perpetual Training Trophy at the 2022 Victorian Baking Show. The icing on the cake for the TAFE was student Abeer Al Sahwi taking out second place in the gateau category. Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said the dual award win was a testament to the hard work of the teachers and students. “Kangan Institute is incredibly honoured to be recognised at the Victorian Baking Show; the award is testament to the fact that our educators have more than just skills in the craft, they are incredibly passionate about guiding and supporting our students to achieve success in the trade,” Ms Curtain said. “Congratulations to our baking student Abeer for her award-winning gateau, which is an absolute reflection of her creativity and skills.” The mother-of-four fled Syria four years ago to start a new life in Australia.

“I feel so happy (to win the award). I am so proud of myself and what I have achieved so far,” Ms Al Sahwi said. “I used to be a teller at a commercial bank in Syria. At that time there was a war, which was the reason we had to leave Syria for safety and for the future of my kids.” Ms Al Sahwi pursued her dream of baking in the hopes of one day running her own business. The award winning cake was inspired by the fruits and flavours of summertime. Organised by the Baking Association of Australia, the annual Victorian Baking Show involved industry and student competitors in a bake-off across a number of categories.

Abeer Al Sahwi. (Supplied)

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Hopes for a pet ‘miracle’

(Damjan Janevski) 260172_02

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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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HUME

Bridge opened A key bridge connecting Epping and Mill Park is now open to traffic. The 33-metre long Childs Road bridge over Darebin Creek will cater for eastbound and westbound traffic before the existing link is upgraded explicitly for eastbound traffic. Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio and Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny were joined by Lalor North Secondary College year 12 student leaders on March 21 to mark the bridge’s opening. “These upgrades are working together to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow on Childs Road – making it easier for many locals to get to work and access essential services,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. Ms Halfpenny said she personally

HUME HUMECITY CITYCOUNCIL COUNCILCOMMUNITY COMMUNITYUPDATE UPDATE

understands the anger of motorists. “As a regular user of Childs Road, I know how frustrating this vital east-west connection can be,” she said. Once the Childs Road Upgrade is complete it will be widened to four lanes, with two lanes in each direction between Beaumont Crescent and Prince of Wales Avenue. Major Road Projects Victoria project director Dipal Sorathia said: “The extra traffic lane means more than 25,000 motorists crossing Darebin Creek every day are another step closer towards a safer and faster journey.” The project is on track to be completed by 2023.

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

Mickleham Road has long been a point of frustration for many members of our community. We have heard you loud and clear on the issue, and it is great to see that our almost decade-long advocacy efforts have ﬁnally been heard with the Australian Government committing $109.5 million to the project in the 2022/23 Federal Budget. Details on the project are not yet available, but we hope the funding will go a long way towards the full duplication between Somerton Road and Craigieburn Road. Melbourne’s North will also beneﬁt from a $1.2 billion funding commitment for the Beveridge Interstate Freight Terminal, plus $280 million for road connections, including the Camerons Lane Interchange to the terminal. In addition to providing the vital infrastructure improvements our growing community needs, this investment will also create thousands of jobs. We would like to thank the Australian Government for their commitment and investment in Melbourne’s Northern Suburbs. Scan the QR code below to read more about the budget and how it will impact Hume City. .Cr Carly Moore, Mayor of Hume City

Lalor North Secondary College principal Tim Cottrell, teacher Matthew Tucker, student Lilly Renee, Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio, student Ibrahim, assistant principal Selen Atilla and MPRV project director Dipal Sorathia. (Supplied)

Pet registration renewals Pet registration renewals are due this Sunday (10 April). State law in Victoria requires all dogs and cats over three months of age to be microchipped and registered with their local Council. Pet registrations also help us build better parks, facilities and services for you and your pet. Scan the QR code below to learn more and complete your renwal online.

Childcare ‘deserts’ leave parents stranded

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and middle income families. “It’s ridiculous because parents have to go out of their way to get their children into childcare because there aren’t enough around and they need to be more affordable,” she said. The report’s lead author, Dr Peter Hurley, said there is a clear distinction between wealth and accessibility when it comes to childcare. “The system places an incentive on providers to go where they can get the greatest reward and that is usually wealthier suburbs where they can charge more,” he said. “The end result is this uneven distribution of childcare availability across the country and lots of regions where there are not enough childcare places available. He said the issue was worse for outer metro and regional areas. “There are simply greater rewards for providers to operate in areas where they can charge more, find staff and have full enrolments. These areas are more likely to be found in inner city and suburban areas.”

We’re proud to launch Stronger Hume: a new plan designed to help our community rebuild and recover from the impacts of COVID-19. This plan is designed to support the Hume community to adapt, build resilience, and develop new ways to thrive. Scan the QR code below to learn more.

Wurundjeri Woi Warrung walking tour Join us on a special walking tour of the Sunbury Rings! The property contains three earth rings, one of only a few examples of remaining cultural earth structures. Tours are being offered on Thursday 7 April or Saturday 9 April. Scan the QR code below to learn more and register for a tour.

Hume Clean Day this Saturday Hume Clean Days are available to help you recycle electronic items, mattresses, whitegoods, tyres and couches. You can dispose of these items for free at our Resource Recovery Centers on Saturday 9 April. Scan the QR code below for all the details.

TODAY Scan to ﬁnd more informaton on our website

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Melbourne’s north is amongst the worst childcare ‘deserts’ in the state, a study conducted by Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute has found. The nationwide study covered 50,000 suburbs and found when it comes to access to childcare, where you live matters. A childcare ‘desert’, as defined by the report, is an area where there are more than three children on the waiting list per available spot. Mother of four Sophie Kamereddine, from Glenroy, said it was an expensive and hard ordeal getting her children into the daycare system. “I’ve got one kid in daycare at the moment and it is very pricey and was hard to get him in,” said Ms Kamereddine. Ms Kamereddine has her son enrolled in a childcare facility in Broadmeadows, a suburb which falls under the category of a childcare desert. She believes more should be done to make childcare cheaper and more accessible to low

Stronger Hume COVID Resilience and Adaptation Plan

Customer Service Centres Open Monday to Friday 9am–4pm Broadmeadows 1079 Pascoe Vale Road

Craigieburn 75–95 Central Park Avenue Sunbury 44 Macedon Street

Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 7

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Rubbish mounts outside school By Helena Abdou Rubbish has been mounting next to Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn. Hume councillor Joseph Haweil recently took to social media to condemn the actions of the culprits. Many residents commented on Cr Hweil’s Facebook post, labelling the dumping as “disgusting behaviour”. “This type of conduct is causing immense frustration and anger to the majority of Hume’s residents who have said loud and clear, over and over again, that they do not want to live in a dump,” Cr Haweil said.

Cr Haweil said council was chasing up the matter with the property owner to have the rubbish cleaned up. This rubbish hotspot is part of a bigger problem for Hume, according to Cr Haweil. In March 2021, the council fined 17 people after removing 40 cubic metres of waste from a nearby site on Highlander Drive in Craigieburn. The rubbish pile prompted council to install surveillance at the site, as well as at other dumping hot spots across Hume. At the time, council said it would launch a pilot campaign in Craigieburn to educate residents about the council’s free waste removal options, including two hard waste collections and two tip passes each year.

“Sadly, dumped rubbish has reached epidemic proportions in Hume, with too many selfish people treating our open spaces as their own personal tip. Hume city spends more than $3 million per year cleaning up dumped rubbish,” Cr Haweil said last week. “This is money better spent on providing infrastructure and services to the community. I will continue to fight this scourge including by advocating for council to massively increase fines on those caught dumping and better communicating legal waste disposal options in Hume, of which there are many.” Rubbish dumping is an ongoing problem in Hume. (Damjan Janevski) 274462_01

Five killed in helicopter crash

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Five people have been killed after a helicopter crashed at Mount Disappointment on Thursday, March 31. Police believe the chartered helicopter had taken off from Moorabbin Airport before picking up passengers in Batman Park, Melbourne about 7am on Thursday. The flight was destined for Ulupna, located in northern Victoria, according to police. The Police Air Wing located the wreckage in the vicinity of Blair’s Hut about 11.45am. Police said the pilot and four passengers died at the scene. The search and rescue operation was supported by SES, including the Whittlesea unit, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, who have helped in clear a path to the crash site with bulldozers and an excavator. Members of the Victoria Police Disaster Victim Identification Unit completed their examination of the scene on Sunday, April 4. Victoria Police has handed control of the scene to Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigators, police said in a statement on Monday.

Oh deer – plan to combat animals The state government is introducing a region-specific control plan to combat Whittlesea’s feral deer issue. The Peri-urban Deer Control Plan sets out to reduce the threat feral deer pose to the environment, farming, public safety and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio launched the plan, setting out a long-term approach to control feral deer numbers in the outskirts of Melbourne’s north. Ms D’Ambrosio said: “We’ve worked with local communities and experts to develop a strong plan which not only protects our environment from the impacts of feral deer, but also increases public safety.” National parks, reserves and waterways will be targeted for deer control within a number of council areas including Whittlesea. Feral deer poses a significant threat to public safety, causing a rise in the number of traffic accidents. They are also a threat to native plants and wildlife habitat.

March 2020 - January 2022 Data: ABS Labour Force, Australia

New plans to combat Whittlesea’s feral deer issue. (Supplied)

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. 8 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

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Hume mayor Carly Moore, Treasurer Tim Pallas, Yuroke MP Ros Spence, Amazon Australia head of operations Craig Fuller and Goodman general manager Travis Hardman. (Supplied)

NEWS

Craigieburn Road works ramp up

200 new jobs at Amazon Global online retailer Amazon will establish its first dedicated Australian sorting centre in Craigieburn, creating hundreds of new jobs. Politicians joined Amazon leaders in Craigieburn on Friday, March 18 to announce the new purpose-built centre which will support 200 ongoing jobs. The specialist centre will sort picked-and-packed customer orders by final destination, then ship them to logistics sites for “last mile” delivery to customers. Amazon Australia operations director Craig Fuller said the company would

continue to invest in Victoria. “We know the past few years have been tough for Melburnians,” Mr Fuller said. “We’re grateful to have had the opportunity to support our Victorian customers by helping them get the items they need delivered to their homes and supporting thousands of small and medium sized Australian businesses in reaching their customers more efficiently.” Work has already started on building the new facility, which at 15,600 square metres will be close to the size of the MCG playing surface, the state government said. Seven hundred jobs will be created during

construction, which is due to be completed this year, the state government said. “Investment of this scale by a marquee company like Amazon sends a clear message that Victoria is the place to do business,” Treasurer Tim Pallas said. “This is a vote of confidence in Melbourne’s burgeoning north that will have major flow-on benefits for the region.” Yuroke MP Ros Spence said: “We are growing opportunity in one of Melbourne’s major go-ahead regions, ensuring local people can work in secure jobs close to home”.

Craigieburn residents are bracing for more traffic delays as work on the Craigieburn Road upgrade ramps up. Work to remove the roundabout at the intersection of Craigieburn and Mickleham roads are now complete, with the intersection reopened on Friday, April 1 at 10pm. Motorists will notice changed traffic conditions on Craigieburn Road between Selwyn Avenue and Rayfield Avenue until 5pm on Wednesday, April 27. Entry into Cimberwood Drive will be closed between Craigieburn Road and Rokeby Crescent from Tuesday, April 5 to Friday, April 8, between 7am and 3.30pm. However, traffic will still be able to exit Cimberwood Drive onto Craigieburn Road. One lane will be closed and speed reduced on eastbound lanes of Craigieburn Road between Waterview Boulevard and Aitken Boulevard until mid-April for power relocation and gas protection works. A new road surface will be laid on northbound lanes whilst traffic is redirected to southbound lands on Craigieburn Road between Mickleham Road and Debonair Parade mid-May. Road users can text CRAIGIE to 0499 073 073 to sign up for SMS updates regarding traffic changes.

Works continue near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 85 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 58 already gone. We’re also continuing works to prepare for major construction on North East Link. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Craigieburn Line

Mernda Line

From 9pm 25 Apr to 27 Apr

Racecourse to Craigieburn

9pm to last train, 25 to 26 Apr

North Melbourne to Craigieburn

28 Apr to 3 May

Essendon to Broadmeadows

4 May to 9pm 6 May

Essendon to Craigieburn

8.30pm to last train, 2 to 5 May

Epping to Mernda

8.30pm to last train, 9 to 12 May

MTIA7440

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps Craigieburn Road

In Apr

Lanes closed between Hume Highway and Mickleham Road

Fitzsimons Lane

In Apr

Lanes closed at the Porter Street roundabout and the Foote Street and Williamsons Road intersection

Late Apr to mid Jun

Major delays at the Porter Street roundabout

Bulleen Road, Bulleen

Until late May

Lanes closed between Greenaway Street and the Eastern Freeway

Thompsons Road, Bulleen

Until late May

Lanes closed at times between Kampman Street and the Eastern Freeway entry ramp

Glenroy Road, Glenroy

26 Apr to 13 May

Level crossing closed

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 9

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Couple wins big A Tullamarine couple found out they were TattsLotto winners whilst watching TV on Saturday, March 26. They had one of five winning entries, scoring over $1 million in prize money. The couple plan on putting the money towards their future retirement and travelling the world. They purchased their winning ticket at The Lucky Charm Airport West.

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Construction of Hume Anglican Grammar’s third campus is under way. (Supplied)

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New campus under way

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Construction has commenced at the new Hume Anglican Grammar campus in Kalkallo. The campus, on the corner of Goodman Avenue and Fitzpatrick Circuit, will be the school’s third, following existing campuses in Mickleham and Donnybrook. The prep to year six Kalkallo campus will be built on an three hectares of land and will comprise six buildings, 120 classrooms and will be home to 580 pupils. First stages of the build are expected to be completed by the end of the year in time to open its doors at the beginning of the 2023 school year. Principal Bill Sweeney said: “We’re looking forward to construction commencing at our

third campus at Stockland Cloverton and welcoming new families from the community to Hume Anglican Grammar. “We’re thrilled to be offering students a contemporary learning environment which is bound by our strong ethos of student wellbeing and will provide a stimulating, nurturing and rigorous education for the young people of Stockland Cloverton.” Stockland project director James Westh was proud to welcome the school into the Cloverton community. “This new school is a great opportunity to create a leading education facility that will nurture young minds and develop the talents and skills of children in the community,” Mr Westh said.

Hume residents are being encouraged to get their booster shot after a new sub variant of COVID-19 was reported. More than 95 per cent of locals aged 16 and over have received their two doses of the COVID vaccine but only 50 per cent have had their third dose. A spokesperson from the Department of Health said the best thing people of Hume can do is to get their third dose as soon as they’re eligible. Details: https://bit.ly/35txYIZ

Have your say Whittlesea residents are being encouraged to have their say on cat management in the municipality. Council is considering cat confinement and/or mandatory cat desexing to enhance the welfare and safety of cats. Details: https://engage.whittlesea.vic. gov.au/catmanagement.

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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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Hume seeks soil spill answers By Elsie Lange Hume councillors have expressed their disappointment about a spill from a truck transporting soil from the West Gate Tunnel Project (WGTP) to the Hi-Quality disposal site and voted to take action. The muddy load came off a CPB John Holland joint venture truck at the roundabout at Wildwood and Sunbury roads on Wednesday, March 23, Star Weekly reported last week.

At a council meeting on Monday, March 28, mayor Carly Moore took the unprecedented action of beginning general business to bring up the spill. She moved for council to write to the chief executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and CPB John Holland Joint Venture. The letter would seek clarity on a range of issues from the cause of the spill, the risk posed to the community, actions taken to prevent recurrence and details of their spill

management procedure. “Our community is quite rightly concerned, I think that it is entirely appropriate that we seek answers on their behalf,” Cr Moore said. “It is my expectation that the response to the letter that I will send will provide some clarity on how exactly this happened and what is being done to ensure that this does not occur again in the future and that we have some assurance that our community will be safe.” Cr Jack Medcraft said he was glad the

community could see how seriously council took their complaints, while councillor Trevor Dance thanked Cr Moore for raising the “ridiculous situation”. “Someone will get killed, it’s just a matter of time,” Cr Dance said. Cr Jodi Jackson said she saw the area after the cleanup and there was still “a lot of mud” on the road. “The cleanup certainly didn’t mean my standards and I’m sure it didn’t meet the standards of our residents,” Cr Jackson said.

Inspector recognised Whittlesea Inspector Chris Allen has been commended for his efforts in leading a project that assisted the disabled community during the pandemic. He was among four Victoria police recipients who were recognised with an Office of the Public Advocate Award. Whilst working at Fawkner Police Station in 2020, Inspector Allen hosted community forums to better understand the needs of the disability community in Melbourne’s north-west. “We know at times people can be intimidated or fearful of police for a variety of reasons and it was really an idea that came about to try and break down some of those barriers and make our services more accessible, while also hearing from them in terms of what their concerns were with community safety,” he said. A team of 15 officers was assembled to regularly check in with almost 60 residents across Hume, Moreland and Moonee Valley, addressing any safety concerns they had.

“Some of the stories were heartbreaking to hear in terms of the impact of COVID on the disability community was something that was really amplified.” One of the concerns of the people was the lack of lighting in public areas that made them feel unsafe, Inspector Allen and his team reached out to the local council to have the matter addressed. Priority and Safer Communities Division Commander Lisa Hardeman said: “The awards are a fantastic way to acknowledge everyday examples of great police interactions with people with disability.” Inspector Allen was grateful for his award but shared the recognition with his team. “I am really humbled by the award. For police I think these awards from outside of our organisation are a lot more powerful in terms of the impact they have and I am really proud of the team that helped me, not only the internal team but also working with the Brotherhood of St Laurence,” said Inspector Allen.

Live Well at Sherwin Rise

Inspector Chris Allen receiving his award for his efforts in helping the disability community. (Supplied)

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Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 11

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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

April 3, 2012

April 7, 2015

April 7, 2017

April 6, 2021

The number of diabetics in Hume has soared by 238 per cent since 2001.

The Craigieburn Sikh temple has renewed calls for an overpass to be built across the Hume Highway.

Revitalising the Mill Park Leisure and Service Centre, constructing new soccer pitches across the municipality and extending Findon Road are centrepieces of Whittlesea council’s draft budget for 2017-18.

One hundred and fifty social housing properties and a 126-bed private hospital will form the first stage of the $2 billion ’New Epping’ development.

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COMMENT

Keeping kids healthy at school By NWMPHN chief executive, Christopher Carter For many kids, seeing a doctor is a simple matter of asking their parents to make an appointment at the local general practice. For others, however, it can be a much more challenging process. Family stresses sometimes mean that appointments end up not being made. It might be, too, that the nearest clinic is a distance away, with reaching it and getting home again a challenge. And sometimes, if the local clinic doesn’t bulk bill, parents can be worried about the impact of non-urgent doctor visits on the household budget. A few years ago, the Victorian Department of Education and Training recognised this multitude of barriers to basic health care, and devised a program known as Doctors in Secondary Schools (DiSS), which aims to put a specially trained GP and practice nurse in selected schools for one day each week in term times. North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network oversees its smooth rollout across the state. Today, it is available on 100 campuses in metro and rural areas. In our own region, DiSS doctors can be found at schools in several suburbs, including Keilor Downs, Melton, Melton South, Sunbury, Hoppers Crossing and Manor Lakes. In other parts of the metro area and regional Victoria, DiSS is co-ordinated by our colleagues in neighbouring primary health networks. In all instances, the GPs and nurses who spend time each week at schools work the rest of the time at local clinics. Their involvement in DiSS allows them to deepen links to their community, and to meet families with whom they might not ordinarily come into contact. Consultations are free, which means kids can

Doctors are now in secondary schools across Melbourne’s north-west.

get medical care during school hours without placing additional pressure on working parents. As well as providing treatment and referrals for acute conditions, the DiSS program is designed to provide early intervention supports to kids and their families. The doctors and nurses taking part are skilled in introducing patients to preventative health strategies and to delivering positive

(iStock)

messages to promote healthy behaviours. The aim is to encourage young people to adopt behaviours that will safeguard their general health and wellbeing, reducing over time the need to seek medical care. Doctors in Secondary Schools has been running since 2017 and has racked up well over 40,000 consultations across the state. I’d like to thank the doctors and nurses in our region who

take part, and pay tribute to their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of young people. Your high school years, some say, are the best days of your life. That might be so, but the DiSS program certainly helps to make sure they are among the healthiest. To check out DiSS in your area, see here: nwmphn.org.au/diss

Sick pay for casual workers an Australian first The difficulties we have gone through over the last few years have exposed that all is not well in society. For casual workers this has been a time of uncertainty as the lack of income security meant that they could not afford to miss a single day of work for any reason if they wanted to keep their job. This manifested itself in many ways such as poor infection control in aged care, people turning up for work unwell, as well as employers demanding the impossible from employees. As the state government we don’t have any power over industrial relations and work rights however, thanks to Andrews Labor government’s Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee. Victorians who work in casual or other insecure jobs will no longer be forced to choose between

a day’s pay and looking after their health. Before the pandemic, many casual and contract workers were forced to choose between a day ‘s pay or their health. Around one in five casual and contract workers work more than one job to earn a living – many without access to sick and carer’s pay. This Australian-first scheme will provide five days a year of sick and carers pay at the national minimum wage for eligible casual and contract workers. Occupations included in the first phase include hospitality workers, food trades workers and preparation assistants such as chefs and kitchen hands, supermarket and supply chain workers, retail, and sales assistants, aged and disability care workers, cleaners and laundry workers and security guards. To find out more visit vic.gov.au/ sick-pay-guarantee and to apply for a payment if you’re eligible visit service.vic.gov.au.

Bronwyn Halfpenny. (Supplied)

(Shutterstock)

By Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny

Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 13

BEHIND THE NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Wajiha will be taking part in her first Ramadan alongside her grandmother, Mounira Osman. (Helena Abdou)

Fasting for a deeper connection Ramadan began on Friday, April 1 for Muslim’s across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs. Helena Abdou spoke to Newport grandmother Mounira Osman and her granddaughter Wajiha about what the holy month of fasting means to them.

es, not even water. When Muslims spend 30 days fasting from sunrise till dusk, they abstain from food and drink. It’s the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and the holy month of fasting. It starts and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. This year, Ramadan began on the evening of Friday, April 1 and will end the evening of Sunday, May 1. According to the Demographic Resource Centre at .ID, there are over 100,000 Muslims in Melbourne, some of whom, like nine-year-old Wajiha, will be fasting their first Ramadan. “I’m excited to be fasting Ramadan this year, it’s going to be my first one,” Wajiha said. Wajiha’s favourite part of the holy month is rekindling her relationship with God and loved ones. “I get to reconnect with Allah (God) and my family and we sit together and have dinner,” she said. However, she won’t be doing the momentous celebration alone, her 78-year-old grandmother has been fasting for almost 70 years . “I started fasting when I was 10-years-old and I’m going into my 68th year now,” Mounira Osman said. For Ms Osman the holy month means more than just fasting. “Ramadan gives meaning to your life and soul, it’s about building a deeper connection with Allah through praying and a time to be compassionate towards others,” Ms Osman said. Muslims believe it to be a time to further develop your submission to God, empathise with the less fortunate and focus on spirituality. Fasting forms one of the five pillars of Islam which constitutes the basic norms of a practicing Muslim. This way of life was depicted in the Quran through the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. “This is a very peaceful time for me, it’s where I find myself most grounded and feel whole as a person,” Ms Osman said. 14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

Wajiha shares a moment with her grandmother whilst reading the Quran. (Helena Abdou) Right: The Australian Islamic Centre (AIC) in Melbourne’s west is a central place of worship for hundreds of Muslims. (Supplied)

Reminiscing on previous Ramadans, Ms Osman says not a lot has changed with the sense of community and love still very much strong. “I remember one of my first Ramadan’s in Australia and how me and my Muslim neighbours would go around to each other’s homes with a plate of food and before you know it you had a table-spread fit for a king,” Ms Osman said. “But it’s not just about food, people really come together in these times and look out for one another.” Muslims in Australia taking part in Ramadan will spend 13 hours of their day fasting, this is a sign of “rahma (mercy)” to Ms Osman. “When we were younger in Lebanon, around my granddaughter’s age, we had a shortage of water and hardly any food but we made it through and it makes you appreciate everything you have now,” she said. There are exemptions when it comes to fasting for certain individuals. If you are sick, pregnant, menstruating,

nursing or traveling long distances you are not expected to fast. The elderly and young children aren’t required to fast either. Ms Osman and her granddaughter Wajiha have chosen to fast this year even though they don’t have to. “As long as I have my health and the strength to do so I’ll continue to fast,” Ms Osman said. “The religion is very forgiving, fasting isn’t a form of punishment but rather a body and soul cleanse.” Ms Osman naturally wakes up at 4am every day during the sacred month to prepare breakfast for herself and her husband to help prepare them for the day ahead. “After breakfast, I’ll do my morning prayers and read the Quran and begin my day of worship,” she said. This year will be the first time Ms Osman will be able to have all six of her children and 31 of her grandchildren over for a pre-Ramadan dinner. “The last two years, Ramadan has been a bit

lonely because I didn’t have the chance to have all my family over due to the pandemic,” Ms Osman said. “I love hosting and having my family around, year round.” Wajiha looks forward to being around her extended family again and observing the sacred month alongside them. “I can’t wait to see my cousins and celebrate the start of Ramadan with them.” Ms Osman is elated that yet another grandchild will be joining her with fasting for the first time. “I’m happy to be able to see my grandchildren grow up and take part in such a blessed month,” she said. When the sun sets on the night of the 30th day, Muslims will begin their post Ramadan festivities. To celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Muslims dress up, visit one another and attend local Eid festivals. “Through all the trials and tribulations we faced the past two years, we get to be together again and that’s what’s most important,” Ms Osman said.

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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

School holiday fun! Free and fun school holiday activities at Craigieburn Central.From Monday, April 11-Thursday, April 14, a Peter Rabbit Craft Village will be set up near Kmart, while Easter Colouring Craft will be set up in the Big W quadrant and the Easter Bunny will be roving around the centre. All activities are on from noon-3pm daily. During the second week, kids can meet their favourite superheroes. On Thursday, April 21 and Saturday, April 23, Ironman and Spiderman will visit the centre, followed by Captain America and Hulk on Friday, April 22. They will be visiting the Kmart quadrant from 1-2pm daily. ■ https://www.craigieburncentral. com.au/whats-new/events/2022/april/ free-fun-for-kids/.

James Liotta and Piero Viavatene in their characters Pasquale Pappagallo and Pippo Siciliano. Their show ‘Pippo and Pasquale’ is on a national tour. (Damjan Janevski)

Golfing for the elderly Join free golfing clinics, available to anyone 50 years and older so come and be a part of the fun. Sessions run every Wednesday from 11am at the Growling Frog Golf Course in Yan Yean and will be on until Wednesday, April 13. ■ 9407 5913

274213_01

Comedy comes to you An impressive lineup of comedians will be heading north to Broadmeadows for the Comedy Festival on Friday, April 8, 8pm at Town Hall Broadmeadows, 10 Dimboola Road. Adult tickets are $35 and adult concession tickets are $29. ■ townhall@hume.vic.gov.au for enquiries

CWA art exhibition Are you up for seeing some cute and quirky local art? Head to Creative Art Exhibit by the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Central Highlands Group. Happening at the Mechanics Institute in Lancefield on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday April 10, opening at 10am both days.

Lancefield park run relaunch Lace up your runners and join the relaunch of Lancefield’s 5km park run, happening every Saturday at 8am at Lancefield Park. No need to be speedy - participants can go at any pace. Make your way to 62 Chauncey Street, Lancefield, and remember to register. ■ https://bit.ly/3IEDB4L

Sunbury Seniors Sunbury Seniors meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. If you’re 55 or older and would like to make some new friends. ■ 0493 408 890

■

https://bit.ly/3NmiBDt

Melton Friendship Group Are you single, over 55 and a resident living in or near Melton? Looking for some new friends? Then the Melton Friendship Group is the right group for you! The group meets fortnightly for coffee and chat nights and organised affordable outings and events. ■ 0406 493 734 If you love to sing, come join the Melton Singers. The group rehearses regularly and also performs at aged care facilities. The group is very relaxed and sings songs mainly from the 60’s and 70’s. It meets Tuesdays at 10am. ■ Val, 0418 667 150

Keilor probus

Bowling with Babies

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.

Werribee Bowls Club will host a Bowling with Babies event until April 8. The event will run every Friday from 10-11.30am. Sessions cost $10. ■ playbowlsvictoria.com.au

Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival Make sure to check out what’s on at the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival. From the Woodend Autumn Farmers Market, to a traditional straw weaving workshop, to Don Watson in conversation, to live music park pop-ups - there’s so much delight to be had across the shire.

Community singing group

Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre has set

and Friday throughout Autumn (excluding public holidays) departing from the Hobsons Bay Visitor Information Centre in Commonwealth Reserve, Nelson Place, Williamstown. ■ 9932 3016 or visit www. hobsonsbaytickets.com.au

Book sale Wyndham Ladies Probus Are you recently retired or semi-retired? Looking for fun, fellowship and to increase your social networks. The Ladies Probus Club of Wyndham meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Hotel520, Sayers Road, Tarneit, and normally has an outing or event on the third Wednesday of each month. ■ Rosa Sanderson, 0410 303 046

Puppy Pride In what is set to be a barking good time, bring your dog down to the Kyneton Botanic Gardens on Sunday, April 10 for a celebration of puppies and pride! The free LGBTIQA+ event is open to everyone and is part of the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, packed with food and fun. Get to St Agnes Place at 11.30am for the dog walk, or to the botanic gardens at noon for celebrations. ■ https://bit.ly/3DbYDX3

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

Williamstown Walking Tours Step back in time and unlock the secrets of the historic Williamstown waterfront and seaport. Tours operate every Tuesday

Friends of Altona Library hold a book sale on the first Tuesday, Friday and Saturday of each month at the rear of Altona Library 123 Queen Street Altona, access via Coles carpark, from 10.00am to 1.00pm. Pop down to grab a new book or two. ■ https://libraries.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ community/friends-of-the-libraries

AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club Would you like to develop confidence in communicating, competence with language and clarity in writing? AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club would like to invite any and all residents to join them on the first and third Thursday of every month to help develop public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets at the Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton from 7-9.30pm. ■ Vince Camilleri, 0413 734 707 Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 15

Property news

Must-know changes to housing and superannuation The federal government recently made several changes to super provisions relating to housing that may result in an easier path into the market for first home buyers and downsizers in Melbourne’s north. The changes, both contained within the Treasury Laws Amendment (Enhancing Superannuation Outcomes for Australians and Helping Australian Businesses Invest) Bill 2021, were passed earlier this month and will come into force on July 1. Both alterations change the rules for existing programs currently in place for Aussies looking to use super as a way to grow a housing deposit, or those nearing retirement age wanting to use proceeds from the sale of the family home to top up their super balance. For the latter, the bill reduces the eligibility age at which someone can make downsizer contributions into their superannuation from 65 to 60 years old, with certain conditions needing to be met. However, financial planners aren’t too sure about these changes resulting in increases of downsizer sales. Financial planner Scott Malcolm, of Money Mechanics, says that both changes are welcome but likely wouldn’t make a huge difference to most people. “They’re just minor changes to a system that’s already there, so it’s good news for people who are trying to get more money into super because a lot of people have their home as their primary asset and are looking to retire,” Mr Malcolm says. Financial planner Nick Lucey, director of Nest Advisory Group, said that for most 60 year olds who were already planning their retirement, the rules wouldn’t make a huge difference, with people in that age

Recent changes to rules around super and proceeds from the sale of a family home could provide a boost to those nearing retirement age.

bracket already able to make contributions from the sale of their home. “[For a] 60 year old who might choose to downsize their $1.5 million home to a $1 million home ... under the current rules, without using the downsizer contribution, they can still make a contribution to super anyway,” Mr Lucey says. Neither Mr Malcolm nor Mr Lucey believed the changes would see many 60 year olds bring forward their retirement

plans. For prospective first home buyers, the government’s changes increase the maximum amount of voluntary contributions that could be released under the First Home Super Saver Scheme (FHSSS) from $30,000 to $50,000. A complex application process meant many people avoided using the FHSSS, and the latest changes wouldn’t make a difference to this, Mr Lucey said. “I might see anywhere between 10 to

(Shutterstock)

20 clients a week, a lot of them are first home buyers, and from that experience I can probably estimate over the past three years to my knowledge maybe three or four first homebuyers have utilised the scheme,” Mr Lucey said. Mr Malcolm says:“It will be interesting to see if there are any other announcements given it’s an election year.” Originally published on www.realestateview. com.au by Jack Needham

12533494-DL14-22

16 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

PUZZLES No. 074

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

5 3 8

6 9

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

medium

2 8

8 3 7 9 2 4 3

4 6 9

QUICK CROSSWORD Conclude (3,2) Aquatic home (9) Chocolate tree (5) Artifice (9) Animal that gives birth to live young (6) One who exaggerates a danger (8) Teaching tool (10) Exclamation of surprise (3) Born (3) Extremely angry (10) Reveres (8) Fisher (6) Backtracking (9) Yens (5) Self-indulgence (9) 10th US president, John — (5)

12 14 15 17 19 23 24 26 27 28 29

Numbered by tens (7) Ordinary; unromantic (of writing) (7) Entertainer (4) Shaky (10) Went into (7) Continuing (7) Fruit (plural) (8) Digestion (10) Responded (8) Inconsistent (7) Stuck (7) Pipe (7) Contrary to law (7) Rubber (6) Illness (4)

2 3

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11

No. 074

4 5 6 7 8 13 16 18 19 20 21 22 25

DOWN Pitch tents (6)

DECODER

No. 074

9 2 5 7 5

1 7

7 2 9 3 8

4 2 hard

2 3

2 1

10 11 12 13

K N 17

5 LETTERS ABORT ALLOT AMISS APART ARENA ASIDE AVAIL BACKS CASTE COLIC CRANE DRAWN DRIPS EDGED EERIE ENTRY ERASE FAUNA FETID GAMUT

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good

5 7 6 9 1 8 4 2 3

9 1 2 4 3 7 5 6 8

2 5 7 1 9 6 8 3 4

GEARS GENIE GLARE HANDY HASTE HEDGE KORAN LURED MARIA MEATS PLEAS PRISM RAFTS SCARF SEWER SHARP SIREN SLEET STAIR STEER STEPS

SWEPT TAMES TEENS TIRES USING WAFTS WHENS WHIRR YOURE 6 LETTERS NEEDLE PSEUDO REHASH RESIDE

7 LETTERS FLASHER LEAFIER MAIMING MONGREL RINSING WARFARE 8 LETTERS APPEARED INTEREST TOMORROW TORTILLA

01-04-22

No. 074 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

The 1995 film Clueless is loosely base on which of Jane Austen's novels?

In what year were denim jeans invented?

In what year was Netflix founded?

Which Formula One race was discontinued in 2013 due to poor attendance?

Which of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is still standing?

Which film won the 2019 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Film?

The primary ingredient in tonic water, quinine, is also used to treat what disease?

10 Honeybell oranges are also know as what?

Who won the 2020 Stella Prize?

Reese Witherspoon (pictured) co-produced and stared in which 2017 miniseries?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

V E N T

A S E R G I L E A R A N

E N D S

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

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

4 LETTERS CAMP EARL GEED KISS KNIT OWNS PAST RAGS SAGS SWAP TENT USED WAYS WRAP

No. 074

adieu, adult, altitude, alum, amulet, audit, auld, datum, dilute, dual, duel, duet, etui, ileum, latitude, laud, lieu, lute, maul, mauled, mule, mutate, mutated, mute, muted, mutilate, MUTILATED, mutt, taut, tedium, tumid, ultimate, utile

1 4 9 8 2 3 6 5 7

3 9 5 2 4 1 7 8 6

7 2 1 6 8 9 3 4 5

9 7 3 5 1 6 4 8 2

6 3 4 1 9 7 8 2 5

8 9 5 4 2 3 7 1 6

L A S

8 6 3 5 2 9 1 4 7

4 8 3 5 6 2 1 7 9

7 9 2 3 4 1 8 6 5

1 4 5 7 6 8 9 3 2

9 8 1 4 5 3 7 2 6

7 2 1 8 6 5 9 3 4

2 5 6 3 7 8 1 4 9

3 4 9 6 5 1 2 7 8

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

2 5 6 9 1 7 3 8 4

3 7 4 6 8 2 5 9 1

4 1 7 8 9 6 2 5 3

6 2 9 1 3 5 4 7 8

5 3 8 2 7 4 6 1 9

1 8 7 9 4 2 5 6 3

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

9-LETTER WORD

33 words: Excellent

hard

medium

easy

3 LETTERS ALL ARE AVO IMP INN INS IRE ITS NAP NEE ORE OWL PEA PEN PIE PIS PRO RED RUN SAC TEE UGH UPS WEE

T U I OV C E F X Y RWZ

6 9

7 2

5x5

8 2

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

5 4 1

3 6

GD L S HQA B P J MK N

2 8 3

WORDFIT

ANSWERS: 1. Emma 2. 1871 3. The Great Pyramid of Giza 4. Malaria 5. Jess Hill for See What You Made Me Do 6. Big Little Lies 7. 1997 8. The Korean Grand Prix 9. Love, Simon 10. Minneola tangelos

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 17

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COUNCIL MEETING DATES JULY 2022 TO JUNE 2023 In accordance with section 52 of Chapter 2 of Hume City Council’s Governance Rules, Hume City Council gives public notice of the following meeting dates and venues, as resolved by Council at its Meeting of 28 March 2022.

DATE

MEETING TYPE

VENUE

Monday 11 July 2022

Ordinary

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 25 July 2022

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 8 August 2022

Ordinary

Hume Global Learning Centre - Sunbury

Monday 22 August 2022

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 12 September 2022

Ordinary

Hume Global Learning Centre - Craigieburn

Monday 26 September 2022

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 10 October 2022

Ordinary

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 24 October 2022

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Wednesday 2 November 2022

Statutory Meeting

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 14 November 2022

Ordinary

Hume Global Learning Centre - Craigieburn

Monday 28 November 2022

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 12 December 2022

Ordinary

Hume Global Learning Centre – Sunbury

Monday 19 December 2022

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Hume Global Learning Centre - Craigieburn

Monday 13 February 2023

Ordinary

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 27 February 2023

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Tuesday 14 March 2023

Ordinary

Hume Global Learning Centre - Craigieburn

Monday 27 March 2023

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Tuesday 11 April 2023

Ordinary

Hume Global Learning Centre - Sunbury

Monday 24 April 2023

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 8 May 2023

Ordinary

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Monday 22 May 2023

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

Tuesday 13 June 2023

Ordinary

Hume Global Learning Centre - Craigieburn

Monday 26 June 2023

Ordinary (Town Planning)

Town Hall Broadmeadows

MEETING TIMES: Council Meetings commence at 7.00 pm. SHEENA FROST CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 12543864-DL14-22

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which two teams qualified for the A-League Women Grand Final? 2. Which Pakistani player batted for more than 10 hours for his 196 in the Second Test against Australia? 3. Which AFL coach directed a verbal outburst at a journalist following his team's round one loss?

13. Which former Hawk, now Swan, is poised to soon kick his 1000th AFL goal?

4. Which team finished first and second in the opening round of the F1 championship in Bahrain? 5. And in which position did Aussie Daniel Ricciardo finish in his McLaren? 6. Aerial skier Alisa Camplin won a gold medal at which Winter Olympic Games? 7. Which horse won the 2022 Golden Slipper horse race? 8. Soccer player Robert Lewandowski, who plays for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, is the captain of which national team?

15. Russian race walker Elena Lashmanova has been stripped of a 2012 Olympic gold medal and a 2013 world championship title due to what? 16. Mixed martial artist Conor McGregor has reportedly expressed interest in purchasing which English Premier League club? 17. Which three-time Masters champion is set to not take part in the tournament for the first time since 1994?

9. Australian leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson plays for which state? 10. Which F1 champion did Chris Hemsworth portray in the 2013 film Rush? 11. George Burgess last played for which NRL club?

Robert Lewandowski

14. Which team's recent victory over West Indies was its first Women's Cricket World Cup win in 13 years?

12. The AFLW Preliminary Finals and Grand Final will take place one week later than scheduled due to a Covid outbreak among which team?

18. What recently-confirmed injury is preventing Ben Simmons from making his debut with the Brooklyn Nets? 19. Which national rugby union team recently defeated Portugal to qualify for the 2023 Rugby World Cup?

Chris Hemsworth

20. What bird does the Saint Peter's University men's Division I basketball team have as its mascot?

25. The Mighty Ducks movies and TV series revolve around which sport? 26. Which nation did the Socceroos play a FIFA World Cup qualifier against in Sydney earlier this month?

21. What Adelaide AFLW star is living in self-imposed isolation in a caravan to ahead of the finals series?

27. Moana Pasifika are a team in which sporting league?

22. Round 1 AFL Rising star nominee Nic Martin plays for which team?

28. What are the main colours of A-League side Western United?

23. Which Australian batter scored a century in their ICC Women’s World Cup game against South Africa?

29. Which country hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup? 30. What racquet sport made its Olympic debut in 1992?

24. The Crocs are a nickname for which sport’s Australian National Men’s Under-21 side?

0104

1. Sydney and Melbourne Victory 2. Babar Azam 3. Luke Beveridge 4. Ferrari 5. 14th 6. Salt Lake City in 2002 7. Fireburn 8. Poland 9. Queensland 10. James Hunt 11. St George Illawarra 12. Collingwood 13. Lance Franklin 14. Pakistan 15. Breaking anti-doping rules 16. Chelsea 17. Phil Mickelson 18. Herniated disc in his back 19. Spain 20. Peacock 21. Erin Phillips 22. Essendon 23. Meg Lanning 24. Basketball 25. Ice Hockey 26. Japan 27. Super Rugby Pacific 28. Green and black 29. Germany 30. Badminton

General Notices PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A TELSTRA MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION WITH 5G AT: 229 BROADHURST AVENUE, RESERVOIR VIC 3073 The proposed works on the existing monopole consist of: r The installation of (3) 5G panel antennas 279mm long r The installation of associated ancillary equipment including cabling and junction boxes r There will be no increase in structure height from the works Telstra regards the proposed installation as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 and Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Amendment Determination 2021 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. In accordance with Section 7 of C564: 2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Emily Wardlaw on behalf of Telstra, 0422 685 472, consultation@acquirecomm.com.au by Thursday 21 April 2022. Further information can also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3073014

12544285-DL14-22

Public Notices and Event

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT RESERVOIR Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 287 Mahoneys Road, Reservoir, VIC 3073 (Lot 1 TP867006) www.rfnsa.com.au/3073010

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT (Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987) The property affected by the application is located at: 6/54 (Lot 6) Nancarrow Drive DOREEN The application is for a permit to vary Restrictive Covenant PS843335Q restriction 6.i. to allow for the construction of a garage outside the prescribed building envelope. The applicant for the permit is: Simmonds Homes. You may look at the application and any documents that support the application on the City of Whittlesea website via the following link https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/building-planningdevelopment/planning/advertising/ The application reference number is: PLN-38523. You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the ofﬁce of the responsible authority: City of Whittlesea, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang. This can be done during the ofﬁce hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. This service is free of charge.

• Removal of existing Vodafone and Optus antennas and equipment • Installation of three new 5G panel antennas for Vodafone, 0.8m long • Installation of three (3) new Vodafone and three (3) new Optus panel antennas, 2.7m long, on new headframe • Installation of ancillary equipment including twenty-seven (27) remote radio units, antenna mounts and cabling ,QVWDOODWLRQ DQG UHFRQÀJXUDWLRQ RI HTXLSPHQW ZLWKLQ existing equipment shelters. 2. Vodafone & Optus regards the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above. 3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Rohan Montgomery at Nokia Solutions & Networks on 0420 310 857 or at communityrelations.vha@ groups.nokia.com by Tuesday 26th April 2022. Further information may be obtained from the RFNSA website at www.rfnsa.com.au/3074003 12542875-JW14-22

An objection must be sent to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 19th April 2022. If you object, the responsible authority will inform you of its decision.

12543956-JC14-22

1. The proposed upgrade to the existing facility includes:

Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority.

For information regarding access to Planning documents relating to this application please contact Council’s Building and Planning Department on 9217 2236.

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1. Telstra are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of 5G26G (5G) technologies at Reservoir locality and surrounds. 2. The proposed works at the above site include the UHFRQ¿JXUDWLRQ RI WKUHH * SDQHO DQWHQQDV DQG WKH LQVWDOODWLRQ RI WKUHH * SDQHO DQWHQQDV HDFK no more than 2.8m long). The works also include the removal and installation of associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter located at the base of the facility. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a LowImpact Facility under the Telecommunications (Lowimpact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description. 4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Nick Beattie, Aurecon Australasia via email to: Nick.Beattie@aurecongroup.com or via post WR 1LFN %HDWWLH $XUHFRQ $XVWUDODVLD /RFNHG %DJ Brisbane QLD 4001 by 5pm on 21/04/2022.

Pets & Services

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

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PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE & OPTUS MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 25 LAWSON CRESCENT, THOMASTOWN VIC 3074 WITH 5G

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MOTOR STARWEEKLY.COM.AU The 2022 Nissan Patrol.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Big, bold and boisterous By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring Like a couple of sumo wrestlers from their native Japan, Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol have been grappling with each other for more than 70 years. The SUV (Sports Utility) tag really doesn’t fit these two giants, they are old-style, off-roading 4WDs. They’re right up-to-date in terms of engineering and safety but lag behind in technology, although in the case of the latest LandCruiser that has been addressed with the new 300 Series. The latest, sixth generation, Patrol has been here since late 2019 with a minor upgrade for the MY2022 version that we’ve just tested. Patrol is only available in two premium variants, the Ti and Ti-L, priced at $82,160 and $95,115 (plus-on road costs), respectively. Both are powered by the same 5.6-litre V8 petrol engine with seven-speed automatic transmission. The ‘L’ in Ti-L stands for Luxury, not long wheelbase, with extra features including a powered sunroof; roof rails; powered tailgate; automatic headlight levelling; puddle illumination light; driver’s seat memory; three-zone air conditioning; heated/cooled front seats; rear-seat video screens; premium sound system; and front row centre console cool box.

Styling The recent trend towards couple-like SUV styling has been by-passed with the Patrol designers sticking with the traditional square corners and avoiding any fussiness. There’s more chrome than some may prefer but to our eyes it really works well. Sidesteps are almost a must for a vehicle of this size especially for smaller passengers. Wheels are 18-inch all-terrain alloys.

Interior Unsurprisingly there’s lots of space in every direction inside the Patrol although, as is normally the case, the third-row seats are best suited to children. Patrol Ti is a 2-3-3 eight-seater while the Ti-L is a 2-3-2 seven-seater. All seats are leather. Access to the third row is made easier with the second-row seats able to fold and tumble forward. With the third row of seatbacks in place there’s 467 litres of storage space, expandable to 20 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

1413 litres with the third-row folded flat. That increases to a van-sized 2632 litres with the middle row rolled forward against the backs of the front seats. The front seats are large, supportive and very comfortable. Both driver and front passenger get eight-way electric adjustment as well as heating and cooling. The driver’s seat has a memory function. There is a deep centre console cool box which can be accessed from either front or second-row seats. The instrument cluster is clear and uncomplicated, and that’s just the way we like it. Everything is easy to find and operate with minimal distraction.

Engines / transmissions Power for Patrol comes from a direct-injected, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine that delivers 298 kW of power at 5800 rpm, and 560 Nm of peak torque 90 per cent of which is available from 1600 revs. Power is put to ground through an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission and a sophisticated, electronically controlled, all mode 4x4 system with settings for Auto, 4H, 4L, diff lock and hill descent control. The centre console mounted-control knob also incorporates Patrol’s terrain select system, featuring on road, snow, sand and rock settings for the serious off-road adventurer.

Safety Standard safety features include six airbags with curtain bags covering all three seat rows; Intelligent Around-View Monitor with Moving Object Detection; Hill Descent

AT A GLANCE

with headphones and remote controls.

MODEL RANGE

Driving

Patrol Ti: $82,160

Getting into the Patrol involves a bit of a climb for the less agile with the combination of sidestep and grab handle coming onto play to assist. The next chore is releasing the parking brake which, unfortunately, is of the old-fashioned foot-operated variety. Once underway though, these two little annoyances are quickly forgotten - at least until the time comes to pull up alongside the petrol bowser. Despite its size Patrol isn’t too difficult to drive around town with the cameras ensuring that awkward spots are handled On the open road it’s smooth, composed ride and exceptional occupant comfort make it an ideal long-distance cruiser. The 140-litre fuel tank will stretch the distance covered but, with fuel prices soaring there will be a nasty shock at the bowser. Consumption is listed at 14.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, we averaged 16.6 L/100 km.

Patrol Ti-L: $95,115

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

Control and Hill Start Assist; two IsoFix child restraint anchorage points; front and rear adjustable active headrests; Intelligent Cruise Control; Intelligent Forward Collision Warning; Lane Departure Warning; Intelligent Lane Intervention; Blind Spot Warning and Intervention; There are also Intelligent Emergency Braking; Intelligent Forward Collision Warning; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; front and rear parking sensors; and tyre pressure monitoring.

Infotainment Patrol’s infotainment system is showing its age. There’s an 8-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and traffic monitoring system but other features are limited and, unusually, there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The audio system has CD/DVD, AM/ FM radio (no DAB+), MP3 and USB / iPod connectivity with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming. There are two USB ports and a 12V socket at the bottom of the front console and two USBs in the rear. Ti has a six-speaker audio system. Ti-L adds premium BOSE sound with 13 speakers as well as two second row seat 8-inch DVD screens

Summing up Patrol is the most luxurious and sophisticated Nissan offered in Australia and although it’s showing its age in many ways it provides a top-class drive on and off road and can double as either a luxury people mover or tow vehicle for pulling large boats or horse floats. All Nissan models now come with the five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty with free roadside assistance during that same period.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Youth the go for Westmeadows Westmeadows is backing in its youth in the Essendon District Football League division 1. The Tigers haven’t gone out on a massive recruiting spree, instead looking to promote younger players through the ranks. Tigers coach Mo Kaakour said many of these players were ready to play senior football. “We’ve gone with youth a lot more than other clubs,” he said. “We’re backing in youth and the development of the kids and hopefully it will pay off late in the season. “They won’t be thrown in the deep end, they will be playing roles. They’ve had success at under-19 level. “At 22-23 they are now considered senior players and they have a role to play.” Kaakour said while they were yet to finalise their round one squad, many of those younger guys were in contention to play. He said they had played more than 40 players in their practice matches, looking at different combinations. “We’ve had three practice matches, trial matches,” he said.

“We drew one with Maribyrnong Park, we beat West Preston [Lakeside] and then had a little bit of a touch up by Wallan. “We played a lot of kids. It should hold us in good stead as we looked to get some more game time into the kids.” While the Tigers will focus on youth, the club has looked to add some experienced players around them. Ruckman Ferras Mehri returns to the club having played at the Sunbury Kangaroos last season. Mehri was set to play at the Tigers in 2020 before COVID-19 resulted in the season being cancelled. Billy Samie, who played in a couple of premierships at West Preston Lakeside has come across, as has Zain Neicho, who played under Kaakour in Maribyrnong Park’s under-19s. Kaakour said Travis Holmberg, who missed most of last season through injury, would also be like a new recruit. “We added some top end talent to compliment the kids with some experience. “They’re important cogs in our campaign.”

On the other side, Tigers have lost skipper Robbie Castello, who has returned to his junior club Keilor Park. Kaakour said Castello is hard to replace. “He’s a unique player and has really good leadership. “You can’t replace a leader like him, his leadership was part of the development of these kids. “We’re now trying to find our leaders for the next 10 years.” The Tigers kicked off their season on Saturday with a win against Moonee Valley.

Ferras Mehri has joined Westmeadows.

(Shawn

Smits)

Craigieburn add experience

Federica Frew has been strong in front of goal this season. (Joe Mastroianni) 271083_15

Bombers bounce back By Tara Murray The real tests will start to come for Essendon in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition in the next few weeks. With more AFLW players starting to flow back through into the competition, including at the Bombers, the competition will be taken to the next level. As one of two undefeated sides after six rounds, the Bombers have been one of the standards so far. Bombers coach Brendan Major knows while they’ve been playing some good football, things could change the next few weeks. He said it was an evolving situation which AFLW players might play for them. “The AFLW players will come back in the next five weeks,” he said. “It changes the competition a lot… how you get your hands on the ball and the way you want to go about it.” Major said with the end of the NAB League Girls competition this weekend, they would start to see a few more of the most talented

under-18 players in the competition too. The Bombers returned to the field on Sunday against Geelong after having the bye the previous week. Major said the bye had come at the perfect time after a big start to the season. The Bombers drew their last game before the bye agaisnt St Kilda, having gone away from a lot of the things they had done well. The freshen up did the Bombers well, with the Bombers beating Geelong, 13.11 (89)-1.5 (11). Major said the scoreboard didn’t reflect how the match played out. “It wasn’t too bad a win,” he said. “Geelong really came hard at us. The players said the scoreboard didn’t reflect how it felt out there, that it felt a much tougher affair. “We were able to consistently kick goals at regular intervals every five minutes, so we were able to kick the scoreboard ticking over.’’ Federica Frew kicked four goals in the win, taking her season tally to 17 goals in five games. Co-captain Georgia Nanscawan had 28 possessions in her return to the side.

Major said the performance was the most even of the season. “It was our best team performance,” he said. “Georgia was back in the side. “Dani Marshall was good in the ruck, as was Simone Nalder. “Jordan Zanchetta got better as the game went on as did Joanne Doonan. The forwards competed really well and the backs stuck to their job and didn’t let them get any easy balls.” The Bombers were set to face North Melbourne on Sunday, after deadline. It was a tough start to the season for the Bombers VFL side which lost to Geelong. The Cats blew the game open in the second quarter, to lead by 31 points at the main break. It was a deficit the Bombers couldn’t come back from, losing 12.14 (86)-8.10 (58). Kaine Baldwin kicked three goals for the Bombers, The Bombers were due to face the Casey Scorpions on Saturday in round two, after deadline. For the results of both matches, head to www.starweekly.com.au.

A stronger squad should hold Craigieburn City in good stead in the FV state league 3 north-west season. Craigieburn aimed to bring in a bit more depth and experience as they aim for a top half finish, after two interrupted seasons. Craigieburn coach Michael Loche said it was good to be back on the park after a couple of tough years. “Fingers crossed we get a normal season,” he said. “The squad is stronger than last year, but it has been tough as no one has played properly for two years. “It was extremely tough to recruit and motivate players. People have done two pre-seasons for nothing.” Loche said experience was one thing they had looked to add to the squad. Ilhan Sumertas has come across from Greenvale United to take on the goalkeeping role. Lewis Pilgram has recently come out from England, Burks Koca has come across from state league 1 side and James Stefanou has returned to soccer after playing gridiron in America. Loche said with COVID-19 still lingering, it was more important than ever to have extra players in their squad. “Last week we had two players out with COVID,” he said.” You can get a phone call at any point.” In a big bonus for Craigieburn, captain Jordan Connerton has had his first full pre-season since joining the club. “Jordan has had an injury-free pre-season,” Loche said. “He’s flying at the moment and scoring goals. He’s a naturally fit player, but match fitness is different.” Craigieburn has split its first two matches. Loche said on another day they would have taken the points against Point Cook, with the goalkeeper having an amazing game. The side was set to face Western Eagles after deadline. Loche said they were aiming to finish in the top half of the competition this season. “We want to be competitive and when you’re in the top half of the league, you’re always in contention. “It’s why we play football and give ourselves a chance to be at the business end. We’re under no illusion it’s a really competitive league.” Tara Murray Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 21

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Hard work pays off for the resurrected Falcons Twelve months is a long time, just ask Roxburgh Park Broadmeadows Cricket Club. After a tough few years, the Falcons were on the verge of collapsing last season. Fast forward to last Saturday, the club was celebrating premiership glory after winning the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 premiership. Falcons president Gurpreet Sandhu said a lot of hard work had gone on behind the scenes to get the club to where it is now. “It’s exciting for us,” he said. “We almost folded a year ago. “It’s been a long journey and a lot of hard work put in by the captain-coach Asif Rasool. “We’ve gone from zero to hero, it’s really special for us.” The Falcons won game one of the grand final

Roxburgh Park premiership side.

(Supplied)

series against the Williamstown Congs, before the Congs hit back in game two. Sandhu said the playing group wasn’t used to playing successive days and were hurt by an injury.

Coming back on Saturday for game three, the Falcons were able to get the job done. The Congs made 8-161 from their 40 overs. Rajan Aiyappan top scored with 40 not out, while Asif Rasool took 3-36 off eight overs. The Falcons made the runs in the second last over, finishing 6-162 Shahid Mahmood top scored with 36 “This is really a good boost for the club,” he said. “We were able to chase the runs down. We also had a lot of support from families which we’ve never had before.” Sandhu said this is what the club needed as they started to grow again. The club is also looking at bringing in new coaches to help grow the junior program. “We’ve got a lot of new players,” he said. “Our coach has done a great job. We were

looking to hire more coaches for the juniors, as they’re the future. “Our under-16s won the premiership in the highest grade and the under-18s also had a good season. “It’s a good sign for us.” The Falcons are already looking to next season. The first XI will play in division 4 after earning promotion. The said they were hoping to continue to climb through the ranks. “We want to work towards senior division in the VTCA,” he said. “We’ve started planning for next year and hopefully we’ll get some good players. We’ll try and go up every year.” Tara Murray

Broncos aim to bounce back

Laurimar premiership side.

(Laurimar Facebook)

Power’s breakthrough win By Tara Murray The monkey is off the back for Laurimar as it claimed an elusive premiership in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Mash Shield. After being in the mix the last few seasons, the Power were able to put it all together on Saturday, March 26 against Hurstbridge to win the grand final. Power playing-coach Adam Drinkwell said there was a massive sense of relief following the victory. “They don’t come about often,” he said. “There was a huge sense of relief around the club, that we’ve finally got it done with a premiership with the first XI. “We’ve been around the mark for the last three to four years. The monkey is off the back and we’re looking forward to being in the Money Shield next season.” On Saturday, Hurstbridge batted first and was only able to scramble to 104, being bowled out with six balls remaining. Skipper Joel Lovett made 47 at the top of the order, but only one other batter made 22 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 5 April, 2022

double figures . Drinkwell said the bowling group continued to do what they had been in the back half of the season. “It was tough conditions to bat,” he said. “The outfield was slow and the conditions were set up for the bowlers. “We took our chances and bowled as a unit. We’ve been able to bowl teams out for 100 and get all 10 wickets regularly since Christmas. “It was a really good all round performance.” Andrew Crook took four wickets, while Nathan Woods and Leigh Donaldson took three wickets each. Drinkwell said they were never under pressure in the run chase, with Jake Zeralla holding the innings together. The Power hit the winning runs in the 36th over, finishing 4-104. Zerella, who finished 51 not out, was named man of the match. “We never felt like there was any run rate pressure,” he said. “As long as someone in the top four batted through, we would be fine. “Jake has a terrific and has a really good record against Hurstbridge. It was an important

innings and when he was at the wicket we were always in control.” It was a big season for the Power, with five premierships across all the grades. For Drinkwell in his first season at the club, he couldn’t have asked for much more. “It was a really good effort and the president was pretty ecstatic,” he said. “Just to see his reaction and that of a few others make it worth it. “The previous coaches worked hard to set the club up, the base was there. I came in an tweaked a few things and we got some experienced players in. “Over 100 players played senior cricket at the club this season.” In the other results, Riverside beat Heidelberg in the Barclay Shield. In the Money Shield, Bundoora Park fell short of a second premiership this season, having already claimed the Northern Region T20 grand final. In the Money Shield grand final, Rosebank made 181 before bowling the Thunderbolts out for 143.

The Hume City Broncos are hoping to bounce back from a less than ideal start to the Big V men’s state championship season. The Broncos lost their opening two matches of the season, including a big loss to Wyndham in round one. Broncos coach Matt Foster said it wasn’t the start they were after, but knew that it was always going to take some time. “Ideally we wouldn’t be 0-2,” he said. “Playing Wyndham was a bit of an eye-opener. “It will take some time. We lost six or seven players, so it’s always going to take a while with new additions. “We had only two practice games with guys coming in late. We will be better in a couple of weeks, but you never want to be 0-2.” Foster said the changes to the squad weren’t necessarily planned, it was just the way it played out. He said missing out on moving to the National Basketball League 1 South competition had hurt them. “It was disappointing not to make the NBL1 competition,” he said. “We had two or three guys take the opportunity to go and play in NBL1. “A couple of other players have work commitments so it makes it hard to drive out to Hume.” To fill those voids the Broncos have brought in a number of new players. Import Chris Elder has made an instant impact, scoring 37 points in the side’s loss in round two. Jah Soloai has returned to the club, Corey Bellman has come across from the Sunbury Jets, while Solomon Deer, Bul Niop and Max Viitala have all joined the club. Foster said they would also see a few players from the youth league team get some court time. “We’ve had a couple come up from the youth league,” he said. “It’s always good to promote young players. Three younger guys have played decent minutes in the first few rounds. “There will be a few more play minutes throughout the season.” With the club still keen to eventually get into the NBL1 South competition, Foster said it was important to continue to have good results on and off the court. “We would like to be a finals team and we’re aiming for the top four this season.” The Broncos were due to play Western Port and Blackburn Raiders on the weekend after deadline. The women’s side, which is sitting 0-2, was due to face Wyndham on Saturday night.

Whittlesea seeking improvement Whittlesea is investing in the future as it aims for improvement in the Northern Football League division 1. After finishing ninth last season, with the season cut short due to COVID-19, the Eagles are aiming to take further steps forward in their second season back in the top grade. Eagles coach Blair Harvey said they have bought in nearly a dozen younger players who they were hoping would be long term players for them. “The aim is to improve,” he said. “We were ninth last year and any higher than that is an improvement. We are still a relatively young side, so there will be natural progression in the group. “We’ve got a lot of younger boys in. We’ve worked really hard to get the best local talent that we could. “We’re hoping they will be at the club for

the next 10 to 15 and hopefully play senior football.” Among the young brigade to join the Eagles are Brody Glenn, Will Plain, Jack Maruff, Joel Fitzgerald, Mark Peggararo and Jett Ladewig. While youth has been the focus for the Eagles, they have added experience through the signing of former AFL player Jarrod Waite. Harvey said the 244-gamer with Carlton and North Melbourne had exceeded all expectations. “He did not miss a session pre-Christmas,” Harvey said. “He had some work stuff after the break but is back full time now. “He has been great with the younger players.” Harvey said Waite was likely to play forward for them this season, but it isn’t locked in. “We’ll leave that up to him,” he said. “In the practice match he started at centre half forward and then popped up at half back.

“He has the ability to play both ends and if we need someone to go back, I’m sure he will put his hand up. David Mennen, who has joined the club from Benalla, is another who is expected to come in and make an impact. Mennen has previously been VFL listed. The club also earlier in the pre-season announced the signing of former Melbourne AFL player Corey Wagner. The Eagles were set to kick off their season on Saturday against Greensborough, after deadline, Harvey said they were keen to get back out there after a couple of interrupted years of football. In other round one matches, Bundoora was set to play West-Preston Lakeside. For the result of the Eagles match and other matches from the weekend, head to www. starweekly.com.au. Tara Murray

Powering on to victory By Tara Murray Laurimar blew out the cobwebs with a massive win against Reservoir in the Northern Football League division 3. After a pretty even first quarter, the Power stormed away with a further 39 scoring shots to just one, to record a 24.20 (164)-1.1 (7). Power coach Jimmy Atkins said while they were thrilled to get out there and get the four points, the biggest thing was being back out there playing football in front of fans. He said after a slow start they were able to play some really good football. “It was a tight contest early on as both sides blew out the cobwebs,” he said. “We put our foot down in the second half and played really well. “They scored a goal in the first quarter and they only had one other scoring shot after that. We were concentrating on what we know we do well. “We want to be known as a defensive side and we ticked a lot of boxes.” Atkins said while they did a really good job defensively, they were able to back it up with plenty of scoreboard pressure in difficult conditions. For much of the game there was drizzling rain, leaving the ball quite wet. “We had a hell of a lot of scoring shots including more goals than points, which can sometimes be to our detriment,” he said. “A few of the kids were able to pop up.” Jacson Cecil and Joshua Campbell kicked five goals apiece. For Campbell it was his first senior game for the Power. He was one of several players to make their debuts. “We had six debuatants,” Atkins said. “We had two under-17s and four under-19s, there’s a great future for us. “A couple of them were original kids from when Laurimar first started. We’re in a very good position with a lot of kids coming through. “We want to make sure they are warranting games, as they’re the future.” As well as being impressed with the new players Atkins said some of their recruits had started really well. Nathan Andrews, who played with and was coached by Atkins at Whittlesea showed a lot of class, while Ethen Frawley has returned to the club from West Preston Lakeside. The Power this week face Kilmore in what should be a good round two clash. Atkins said playing finals this season was the minimum they were aiming for this season.

Josh Fitzgerald has joined Whittlesea.

(supplied)

Sports shorts EDFL A goal less third quarter would prove costly for Greenvale in the opening round of the Essendon District Football League premier division. The Jets trailed by nine points at the main break, before a four goal to zero third quarter broke the game open. The Blues did enough in the last quarter to seal the 14.8 (92)-8.6 (54). Jacob Thompson kicked three in the loss. In division 1, Westmeadows, Roxburgh Park and Tullamarine had wins, while Craigieburn lost.

NPL Hume City remains without a win in the National Premier League after losing to Melbourne Knights on Friday night. Scores were locked at 0-0 at half time before the Knights put in a comprehensive second half to score a 3-0 win. Meanwhile in NPL 3, the Whittlesea Ranges played out a high scoring affair against Ballarat City, losing 4-3.

NAB League The Calder Cannons finished their season with a win against the Northern Knights on Thursday night. Playing in a consultation final, the two sides fought it out to the end. The Cannons got on top in the middle of the game, before the Knights fought back late. It wasn’t enough with the Cannons winning 7.7 (49)-6.2 (38). Lara Churchill kicked three goals in the win. Amy Gaylor had 33 possessions for the Cannons.

Australia Cup Whittlesea United kept its Australia Cup dream alive with a thrilling win against Williamstown on Tuesday night. Scores were locked at 1-1 at the end of regular time, after Williamstown led at half time. The teams still couldn’t be split at the end of extra time, with the match to be decided on penalties. Whittlesea would get the win 4-3. Mitchell Thompson was one of Laurimar’s best on Saturday. (Shawn Smits)

“We definitely want to play finals, that’s for sure,” he said. “It’s the same as last year. “We have not been able to get a finals win. We want to get one and push from there.” In other division 3 matches, Heidelberg West smashed Lalor, 32.20 (212)-1.2 (8), South Morang beat Mernda 12.12 (84)-4.2 (26),

while Kilmore beat Old Eltham Collegians, 9.7 (61)-7.9 (51). In division 1, Bundoora and Whittlesea both suffered losses to West-Preston Lakeside and Greensborough respectively. In division 2, Epping got a first up win, while Thomastown suffered an upset loss.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly Tuesday, 5 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 23

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