Star Weekly - Northern - 19th April 2022 by Star Weekly

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19 APRIL, 2022

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John’s ‘crazy caravan’ John Warren is a character like no other. He spends all his time on his passion projects and his latest obsession has certainly caught the eyes of those passing by. Parked in the driveway of his Craigieburn home, is a funky caravan that John has devoted six months of his life to building. But prior to this, getting out of bed was a struggle for John. He was out of work for 15 years after damaging three discs in his back, but it was the mental struggle that he found hardest. “What threw me out of whack was the depression, that was just two years in bed. I just didn’t know which way to go, what to actually do. It just pulled me down so bad,” John said. “I try to keep a positive outlook by doing these sorts of things and keeping busy.” John is now selling the caravan and hopes it continues to spread joy wherever it goes next. “If anyone ever gets it I just hope they enjoy it as much as what I do because it creates so much versatility where people come up to you and you have so much fun and laughter together,” he said. “I think that’s what it does, these projects that I do, it creates so much joy for people.” John Warren has built a ‘crazy caravan’ which is one of his many passion projects.

(Damjan Janevski) 276198_01

Swim wait lists sinking By Helena Abdou Hume residents say they’re waiting years for spots in learn to swim classes to open up at the municipality’s limited swimming pools. Data revealed at a council meeting on Monday, April 11 left some councillors surprised by the backlog of children aged between zero and 18 awaiting lessons. Sunbury resident Mel O’Neill asked how many places are available per centre and how many children are currently on a waiting list for swimming lessons. Almost 8000 children are on a waiting

list at Splash Aqua Park and Leisure Centre in Craigieburn and just over 1000 at Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre, council revealed. Dozens of other mothers in the municipality say they’ve given up and moved on to other aquatic centres to access lessons. Hume resident, Kaitlyn Schiavello is one. “I enquired when my son was two months old, and was told the waitlist would be about six months long. He is now four-years-old! I’m glad I went elsewhere and didn’t wait,” she said. Councillor Joseph Haweil said he knew of the backlog in enrolments but was flawed

by the numbers. “I was aware that there is a waitlist for our aquatic and leisure centres but I certainly didn’t know the numbers were this significant, particularly there in the northern growth corridor…that’s of great concern to me,” Cr Haweil said. Hume council corporate services director Daryl Whitfort said there were a number of factors that contributed to the figures. “The programs within each council facility vary with pool space availability and swim teacher availability – which is experiencing an industry-wide shortage since the beginning of

the pandemic,” Mr Whitfort said. Councillor Trevor Dance urged councillors to see what can be done to reduce waitlist numbers. “To see some children not getting swimming lessons is a real concern after the work that’s been going on in Australia for many many years to make sure our children can swim,” Cr Dance said. Councillors offered a range of solutions to the issue including building smaller but more accessible pools, an outdoor pool and running more lessons and hiring more swimming instructors.

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2 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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Mental health is the top worry Residents in Calwell and Scullin have nominated mental health as their top social justice issue according to research conducted by the Salvation Army. Over 15,000 people were surveyed across Australia for the Salvation Army’s National Social Justice Stocktake Report to garner a better understanding of people’s biggest concerns. The national average of those who said mental health was their top concern was 53.9 per cent. In Scullin 57 per cent of respondents nominated mental health and in Calwell 49.5 per cent. Other concerns revealed in the survey

‘‘

We’ve definitely noticed an increase in mental health demand across the region - Dayna Minovski

’’

included family violence and housing affordability. Headspace Craigieburn clinical services manager Dayna Minovski said there’d been an increase in people seeking mental health support. “We’ve definitely noticed an increase in

mental health demand across the region, both in the amount of young people seeking out support, and the complexity or severity of presenting issues,” Ms Minovski said. Residents in Calwell and Scullin were in lockdown for part of the survey, however, mental health was still ranked highly in almost every electorate in Australia, irrespective of lockdowns or other possible causes. “During the past two years however, we’ve noticed that COVID, and the measures in place to reduce transmission, have had the potential to exacerbate existing difficulties, or impact overall resilience and expose vulnerabilities, leading to new difficulties emerging,”

Ms Minovski said. “Some examples include increased economic stress and increased family violence.” Calwell MP Maria Vamvakinou said more needed needed to be done to help those affected. “What is clear to me is the link between social justice factors and mental health. This must mean making mental health a national priority in a way which meets our needs locally,” Ms Vamvakinou said. “We need to make sure mental health services are better coordinated, more affordable, culturally and linguistically relevant, and reach the most disadvantaged and at-risk groups.”

Council calls for Upfield duplication

Repair cafe set to open in Mernda. (Supplied)

Repair cafe set to open in Mernda The City of Whittlesea’s first repair cafe is opening its doors and encouraging residents to fix their broken household items rather than binning them. The new Mernda repair cafe will have skilled volunteers from the community performing the repairs. Mernda Community House Coordinator Paras Christou hopes the initiative will get people to consider fixing items before deciding to throw them out. “For many people these days, when something no longer works or is broken, their first thought is to bin it,” Paras Christou said.

“But what we are trying to do with this repair cafe is show our community that there is an alternative, and many items that would otherwise be destined for waste can in fact be repaired and reused.” “We will have a range of repairers at each session that can fix items including bikes, small electrical items, clothing and jewellery.” City of Whittlesea Administrator Peita Duncan said they were all for the community’s push towards being less wasteful. “We are excited to have a local repair cafe right here in Mernda, helping residents rethink their waste and save money in the

process by fixing items that they may otherwise have chosen to bin and replace,” Ms Duncan said. “As part of our Rethinking Waste Plan 2021-2030, we’re working with our community to reduce and avoid sending waste to landfill through a range of initiatives, and this repair cafe is a great way to tackle the current ‘throw-away’ culture.” The cafe is located at Mernda Community House and will be run monthly, with the first session held on Saturday April 9, from 10am-2pm. Details: merndach.org.au/repaircafe.

In a council meeting on Monday, April 11 Councillor Kurt Naim requested that a letter be written to the state transport minister calling for the duplication of the Upfield line in Hume. Hume city council is calling on the state government for action regarding the matter. Councillor Naim has been advocating for the duplication for quite some time. “For me in an election year, the duplication extension of the upfield railway line is probably one of the pre-imminent issues facing our community at the moment. It’s one of the most common issue complaints that I receive from the community about public transport and the lack of accessibility to it,” Cr Naim said. Councillor Jodi Jackson said it was a key advocacy issue for Hume council. “There are so many residents in the north of our municipality that are affected by public transport issues,” Cr Jackson said. “The upfield line is a particular pain point, not just for Hume residents but for residents up and down that line. It’s a short line but there’s a lot that needs doing to make it an efficient line.” The federal government has announced $7.5 million of a $15 million scoping project for the northern rail corridor in Melbourne, which will investigate feasibility cost and options to determine subsequent works.

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Push for Hume multicultural hub Hume councillor Joseph Haweil has requested a feasibility report into a potential multicultural hub for the municipality. “I think something that is missing in Hume’s existing infrastructure services is a facility that is a meeting place for our multicultural communities,” Cr Haweil said. “But more than that it would provide an opportunity for communities to come and to retain their language, culture, tradition, and heritage, but also create a safe space for them to express their identity and, and really create a location for various community groups to

come together and learn from each other in an intercultural space. During his stint as mayor last year, Cr Haweil raised the matter before council but no progress was achieved. “While I was mayor of the city, I had probably over 100 different multicultural and faith groups approach me and they’ve always voiced a concern about accessibility to community facilities in Hume,” he said. General secretary for Refugee Communities Association of Australia Parsu Sharma- Luital

Sports career kicks off Young Craigieburn sports star, Lucas Mamonitis is working his way towards representing Australia in taekwondo at the Olympics one day. The 10-year-old competed at the Australian Taekwondo National Championships in Brisbane earlier this month and won the national title in the under 10 black belt division. The taekwondo champion was happy with his win. “It feels great to win another national title,” Lucas said. He’s been mastering the art of kicking and punching since he was three, following in his older brother’s footsteps who has a few national titles of his own under his belt. Lucas has an impressively long list of achievements having won two national taekwondo titles, over five Victorian state titles, won gold at the Arnold Classic and has won gold at every club and inter club competition. He remains undefeated in his division.

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With discipline comes success and Lucas said he displays that training at least four to five times a week at the Royal Empire Martial Arts in Reservoir. Lucas said his love for the sport stems from his ability to perform well in it. “I love meeting new people and love doing taekwondo because I’m good at it,” he said. Dad Philip Mamonitis couldn’t be prouder of his son. “I’m very proud of Lucas’s achievements because I know how hard he trains and how determined he is to win. Lucas always gives 100% when he trains or when he’s competing,” Mr Mamonitis said. “He’s taken the sport very seriously and strives to be better every day.” Lucas has big plans for his taekwondo future in hopes of representing Australia in upcoming tournaments. Lucas won his second national title earlier this month. (Supplied)

was one of the community leaders who reached out to councillor Haweil. “A multicultural hub will be a place where every refugee or migrant coming in can feel they’re home, and they can come and celebrate their culture, their events, and their religious ceremonies,” Mr Sharma-Luital said. Councillor Haweil said community members have already started to voice what they’d like to see the hub encompass. “Many of our communities have said to me that they’d like a facility with a built in performance stage or elevated stage for a

cultural dance, drama, arts, activities, and also many of the communities have asked for such a facility to incorporate standalone offices,” he said. “I think a number of things need to be in the hub, a number of large communal spaces that allow people to get together socially.” Yuroke MP Ros Spence said she looked forward to reading the findings of the feasbility report. “I congratulate Cr Haweil on his suggestion for a multicultural hub in Hume and welcome the report he has asked for,” Ms Spence said.

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Craigieburn Anzac Day services

Veteran Robert Stokes will have his efforts commemorated at the ANZAC Day service in Craigieburn.

(Helena Abdou)

Remembering old mates Veteran Robert Stokes will make his way down to Craigieburn War Memorial on Anzac Day to have his World War 2 efforts commemorated. Mr Stokes was 18 when he was called up for army duty at the brown coal mine in Yallourn to help guard the state’s electricity supply. “I did 12 months of training in Yallourn and then the boys were being sent overseas, and I was only 18 so I had to get special permission from my parents to go because I

was underage,” Mr Stokes said. He went on to serve in New Guinea, Lae, New Britain and Jacquinot Bay, where he stayed until the end of the war. The 98-year-old served for four years before returning home and being discharged. He later got married and had four children. The war veteran said Anzac Day brought back memories of all the fallen soldiers, both past and present. “It makes me remember all of my mates that

I was with and some of them that never came back. I was one of the lucky ones and saw it through,” he said. Although Mr Stokes will be wheelchair bound on the day, he said he couldn’t wait to make it down to the service. “I think it’s important for me to be there to remember all the lives lost fighting for their country.” “I’ve lost all my mates so this is an important way to remember them.”

A series of Anzac Day commemorative services will be held at Craigieburn, allowing residents to pay their respects to the Australian men and women who have served or are currently serving their country. A dawn service at 5:45am and a morning service at 9:45am will be held on March 25 in the North-East Quadrant of Anzac Park near the corner of Windrock Avenue and Marathon Boulevard. 98-year-old World War II veteran Robert Stoke will be in attendance during the later morning service. The ceremonies will be conducted by RSL Sub-Branch members and will be hosted by the Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee, who hold official Friends of the RSL status. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small floral tribute, like a twig of wattle, in memory of a loved one to place on the memorial during the service. Recipients of medals and awards, or those who have family members who are recipients, are also encouraged to wear the full size versions on the day. Family members should wear the medals on their right hand side. For more information contact Kevin O’Callaghan on 0400 511 188 or via email contact@ craigieburnwarmemorial.com or visit https://craigieburnwarmemorial.com/.

What’s on

Have your say: New walking and cycling paths for Lalor and Thomastown

City of Whittlesea is planning new accessible, safe and connected walking and cycling paths along the Edgars Creek Trail. Residents and users can have their say about what features they would like to see along the new paths including the best spots for rest areas, bicycle repair stations, water fountains, landscaping, road crossings, directional signage and more! Visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/thomastownpaths to let us know your say.

Name Donnybrook’s future community centre City of Whittlesea residents are invited to submit name ideas for Council’s future community centre, located in the Olivine estate in Donnybrook. The multipurpose centre will include a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, a pop-up library, and flexible community spaces. This future community centre in Donnybrook is currently in the design stage with construction expected to start late next year. To submit your ideas or to find out more visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/donnybrookcc. Submissions close 8 May 2022.

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Traffic lights for Epping Traffic light works are now underway at the intersection of Edgars Road and Rockfield Street in Epping to improve road safety. Construction will only cause minimal disruption, traffic management and detours will be in place throughout the works. The lights are expected to be turned on by late-May.

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Mernda intersection reopens

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The Harris Scarfe team are ready to greet you at the new Craigieburn and Sunbury stores. (Supplied)

EDITORIAL

Harris Scarfe now open

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Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

Residents of the north-west will now have even greater access to homewares, manchester, clothing and appliances, with two new Harris Scarfe stores now open in Craigieburn and Sunbury. Both stores were officially opened on Thursday, April 7. The Craigieburn store’s official opening greeted customers with free coffee, food, prizes, with specials of up to 60 per cent off homewares and manchester, and up to 30 per cent off electrical and appliances. Craigieburn’s Harris Scarfe Home is located at Craigieburn Junction, 420-440 Craigieburn Road and Harris Scarfe Sunbury is situated at 92 Evans Street. The new stores have created 30 jobs for the municipality. Harris Scarfe chief executive Graham Dean said the new stores would be welcomed by the local economy.

“Expanding the Harris Scarfe footprint into Melbourne’s north west demonstrates our commitment to providing even more of our customers greater access to quality brands and excellent prices across homewares and apparel, that our shoppers have come to know and love,” Mr Dean said. “The strategy and strong team we have in place in both Craigieburn and Sunbury as well as across Australia is continuing to bolster the brand’s success. “Our latest Harris Scarfe store offering is a fantastic step for the business to continue this journey with plans of more stores to come,” he said. Opening hours of both stores are Monday to Thursday, 9am-5.30pm, Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 10-5pm. Harris Scarfe is an advertiser with Star Weekly.

The intersection at Bridge Inn Road and Sackville Street in Mernda has reopened after an upgrade to improve safety and traffic flow. Traffic lights, new asphalt, street lighting were installed as part of the upgrade as well as the realignment of the footpath. A temporary stop sign has also been installed at Sackville Street until the traffic lights are turned on, which is expected for later this month.

Witnesses sought after shooting Police are asking for assistance after a non-fatal shooting outside a reception centre in Epping in March. Investigators have been told an unknown number of offenders in a stolen red Mazda CX5 drove to the Helm Court venue, before opening fire into the crowd outside the premises about 10.45pm on Thursday, March 10.

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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 59 already gone. We’re also preparing for major construction on North East Link and easing congestion by building better roads and bridges across our suburbs. 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

8.50pm to last train, 2 to 5 May

Epping to Mernda

8.50pm to last train, 9 to 12 May

In Apr

Lanes closed between Hume Highway and Mickleham Road

Fitzsimons Lane

In Apr

Lanes closed at 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

MTIA7440

Craigieburn Road

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Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps

Find a detailed list of disruptions at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

6 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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Council pitch for a better Hume By Helena Abdou Voters and candidates in Hume are being urged to consider local community needs as the 2022 federal election campaign formally begins. In the lead up to the election, Hume City Council is advocating for a range of federal policy and funding support to accommodate the fast-growing municipality. Council’s wish list includes initiatives to help ease traffic congestion, boost education options, and support the most vulnerable. Hume Mayor Carly Moore said it was all about better equipping the municipality for the growing population.

“Hume City Council is one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most diverse communities. Our population of 257,000 will expand to 394,000 in the next 20 years, and we need vital infrastructure and services to grow with us,” Ms Moore said. “In the lead up to the 2022 federal election, we’re calling on candidates from every political party to help build a better Hume. “We need investment that relieves road congestion, creates tertiary education opportunities where we live, helps hard-hit communities recover from COVID-19, and supports refugees and asylum seekers making a life in Hume.” Council is calling on federal candidates to commit to supporting the

delivery of infrastructure projects including the Bulla Bypass, Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and the Hume Freeway upgrades. There is also an urgency for more tertiary education options in Hume’s growth areas and more done to combat COVID related issues regarding employment and mental health. Support for refugees and asylum seekers, including the reinstatement of Status Resolution Support Services, access to essential services, education and employment opportunities are other priorities. Council wants Hume residents to help spread the word about council’s advocacy priorities over the next five weeks of the election campaign.

Councillors are urging locals to vote for a better Hume at this year’s federal election. (Supplied)

Lois marks a century Described as stubborn and a go-getter by her son, it’s no surprise that Lois Adderley has lived to 100. She is Whittleseas’ newest centenarian and celebrated her birthday at Bethel Aged Care in Mill Park. Ms Adderley was born on April 15 1922, in Fitzroy, and is one of three siblings. She later moved to Preston where she met her husband, John, at a dance. The couple married in 1943 and had two children, Steven and Linda, who sadly passed away in September last year. Lois Adderley kept herself busy running a milk bar with her husband before working in a cake shop in Reservoir and volunteered at PANCH hospital with her sister. Her son Steven said his fondest memory of his mother was their adventures interstate. “We used to go fishing and camping in New

South Wales when I was a little bloke. We come up here over Easter every year and I’m actually here right now,” Steven said speaking to Star Weekly on Thursday before Easter. “She used to love her fishing with dad and our relatives.” Lois’ family is coming together to celebrate her big milestone over two weekends, her three grandchildren and five great grandchildren will also be there. “So we will all be gathering tomorrow (Good Friday) at our place and having a bit of a lunch. But next Saturday night we’re going to a party for the rest of the family at the Old England Hotel,” Steven said. “She can’t believe she’s made it to 100 but we’re certainly happy she has.” Helena Abdou

Lois Adderley celebrated a big milestone, turning 100 this month.

(Supplied)

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Police buy, swap, sell crackdown Whittlesea Police is launching a initiative to help tackle marketplace buy, swap and sell thefts in the municipality. The Safe Sites project will operate across three 24-hour police stations in Epping, Mill Park and Mernda, and will provide locals with a safe place to make online marketplace deals. Whittlesea Inspector Chris Allen said the idea stemmed from an increase of reports relating to marketplace thefts. “It was born out of some robberies that we

noticed were occurring as a result of people selling items on platforms such as Gumtree and marketplace,” Inspector Allen said. “And we saw that there were criminals that were taking advantage of that opportunity to actually meet up with people on the pretence that they were interested in buying the item but in fact turned out that they were turning up to steal the item.” The designated safe zones will be outside police stations in the car park where the

exchange of goods will be monitored by CCTV cameras. Police are hoping locals will make use of the sites in order to protect themselves from being a victim of theft. “We want the community to know about the areas that they can use if they’re going to be selling items online,” Inspector Allen said. “And what we hope is that it will create an awareness for them to be able to use these in instances where they’re going to sell some

items, so that they can actually be reassured that this is a nice safe area for them to do it.” Inspector Allen warned people to better protect themselves online by being mindful of how much information they share. “A lot of the time people sell stuff and it goes through without a hitch, but at times there are people out there that want to take advantage of the vulnerable or take advantage of people,” he said. “We just ask that people take care.”

All smiles as veteran bowlers hold the green line Invictus Australia held a Veteran and Family Bowls Day in Newport on April 9. Bowls Australia and Newport Bowls Club collaborated with Invictus Australia to bring veterans from across Melbourne together in the hopes of promoting the physical and mental health benefits of playing bowls. Veterans of all ages and their families were invited to attend the free event which was held at the Newport Bowls Club on Saturday, April 9.

‘‘

It is fast becoming a game that everyone can play - Rachel Kerrigan

’’

Invictus Australia engagement specialist Rachel Kerrigan said while bowls may not always be the first sport that comes to mind, it’s a fantastic way for veterans and their families to come together and be social and active. “Bowls is a really great sport for all ages and abilities, with regular competitions and social connections, on and off the green, and a perfect vehicle to help build physical and mental health among veterans and their wider families,” she said. “Bowls used to be considered as an older person’s game that younger people played - but it is fast becoming a game that everyone can play! The average age of both the Australia Men’s and Women’s teams is in their early thirties - with exciting and fast paced versions of the game being played by these top players

Above left: Ron, Marie, Bret and Danny enjoying a game of bowls. Above: Paul instructing new comer Ben on the finer points of bowls. Left: New bowler Jason shows his stuff; New bowlers mix with club members. (Pictures: Joe Mastroianni) 274614

throughout Australia being a draw card to the sport.” Army veteran and recent attendee, John Ward said the come and try day had introduced

his family to an inclusive activity that has helped them become closer. “Bowls is a great family fun-filled sport everyone will enjoy; our family had a wonderful

day and highly recommend it to everyone. We have been back and played as a family multiple times since that day,” he said. Molly Magennis

Bus changes are coming to Craigieburn From Sunday 24 April, there will be major changes to these bus routes to give you better access to shops, schools and Craigieburn Railway Station. Affected routes: 511

525

528

529

530

531

532

533

537

544

Department of Transport

Authorised by the Department of Transport, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne

8 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

PTVH5804/22 2

Visit ptv.vic.gov.au to plan your trip or scan the QR Code

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Science experiment turns thirty By Molly Magennis Scienceworks has officially been educating young minds for 30 years. The iconic science museum in the west first opened its doors in March 1992, and has fostered the learning of millions of children that have visited ever since. Scienceworks general manager Jonathan Shearer said the museum has become a leader in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) space since it opened three decades ago. “When we opened Scienceworks in 1992, our vision was a place for young people to play with science. Today, 30 years on, Scienceworks is bursting with things to challenge curious minds of all ages,” he said. “In an age where science and technology have the potential to solve some of the biggest problems facing our society, we take pride in the role we play in engaging and exciting people, creating the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. “This milestone excites us as we look forward to what the next 30 years of Scienceworks may bring.” To celebrate, Scienceworks are collecting images, videos and stories from any of its past and present visitors, staff, volunteers and community.” Anyone who has any fond memories or pictures to share should visit: https:// museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/ about-us/scienceworks-is-turning-30/ 1/ Aerial view of the Scienceworks construction site, 1991. 2/ Amphitheatre during construction, 1990. 3/ Gallery interior, circa 1992. 4/ Entrance desk, 1992. 5/ Scienceworks Melbourne music band, 1992. 6/ A young girl at Scienceworks in 1992. (Pictures: Museums Victoria)

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 9

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Support wild gorillas in APE-ril Victorians are being asked to ‘dial up’ their support for the conservation of wild gorillas, by donating 1000 mobile phones this APE-ril. The drive by Zoos Victoria aims to recycle 1000 phones containing the metallic mineral ‘çoltan’, reducing mining in habitat shared by gorillas, while also raising funds for life-saving medical care of fragile, wild gorilla populations in Africa. Zoos Victoria conservationist and reproductive biologist Dr Marissa Parrott said recycling 1000 phones will provide enormous support for Gorilla Doctors, the only organisation in the world dedicated to saving Endangered Mountain gorillas and Critically Endangered Eastern lowland gorillas through veterinary medicine and science. “By simply donating your old mobile phones, you can make such a difference to the future of gorilla species,” Dr Parrott said. Gorilla Doctors Field Veterinarian Dr Noheli Jean Bosco said Gorilla Doctors conservation work has contributed to the restoration of 50 per cent of the current Mountain gorilla’s wild population. “In the 1980s, these Gorillas were at the brink of extinction. So, together with others, we have started to restore the number of wild gorillas,” he said. “But we are not able to succeed alone. This is achieved through the work everyone is doing together with us all around the world. Thank you to the people of Australia who have accepted this call and are recycling their phones through this initiative.”

10 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

Western Lowland Gorilla in afternoon sunlight. (Supplied)

Anyone can collect and donate 10 mobile phones at a time by booking a free courier through Zoos Victoria’s website, and will go into a draw to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience for four people at Werribee Open Range Zoo. The experience includes a tour of the Zoo’s plantations to learn about what gorillas eat and how they are cared for by keepers, as well as an accommodation voucher for an overnight stay at the Holiday Inn in Werribee.

There are four sub-species of gorillas that are native to Africa. All are impacted by illegal poaching and habitat destruction from logging and mining, with conservation work of critical importance. Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo are home to seven Western lowland Gorillas, who form part of an international and regional breeding program to maintain a genetically diverse troop that can support conservation of gorilla populations.

For more information about Zoos Victoria’s They’re Calling On You initiative, visit www.zoo.org.au/phone Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au and all ticket holders 18 years and over are required to provide proof of full vaccination and follow current Victorian Government directions at www.coronavirus. vic.gov.au.

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Breathing help for fire fighters Whittlesea Fire Brigade is one of 116 fire stations receiving breathing apparatus (BA) that will provide protection to firefighters whilst out on the job. Community donations from the 2019/20 bushfires funded more than 200 breathing apparatus sets to CFA brigades across Victoria. Whittlesea Fire Brigade fourth lieutenant Rudi Carli said the additional breathing apparatus would significantly help. “The extra BA will mean we can have more

firefighters attacking the fire at incidents where BA is required and would otherwise have to wait for another appliance to arrive with more BA sets saving us valuable time,” Mr Carli said. The CFA and Brigades Donations Trust has allocated $2.25 million to purchase the equipment with some brigades choosing to co-fund the project, bringing the overall cost to $2.75 million. CFA Chief officer Jason Heffernan said the

extra funding from brigades allowed for more BA sets to be fitted. “The additional funding support from brigades allowed us to extend the scope from 200 BA sets to a total of 234 BA sets and 468 BA cylinders,” Mr Heffernan said. “At the end of the rollout, 514 brigades will have BA with 43 of those brigades receiving the capability for the first time. “This is critically important for their wellbeing and safety and I thank the

community for their generosity.” Mr Carli said Whittlesea Fire Brigade was also grateful for the effort from the community. “Whittlesea Fire Brigade would like to thank the community for their support in helping to keep us safe on the fireground,” he said. The roll-out of the new BA sets is expected to be completed in the next couple of months. The 43 brigades receiving the equipment for the first time have already begun training and the installation into the trucks.

Construction milestone The foundation at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Primary School in Greenvale has been laid in what principal Renae Gentile described as a “significant milestone.” The pouring of the concrete slab was commemorated by the first student enrolled, a little girl named Lucinda, attending the event. A medallion of Mary was placed into the concrete as part of the blessing of the foundation. Ms Gentile and Lucinda also had their handprints imprinted in the slab, with plans to finish the first stage of construction later this year. “I’m very proud that we’re on track and that the builders are on track for our opening in January 2023,” Ms Gentile said. The $6.2 million government funded project will include nine flexible general learning areas, specialist learning areas and an outdoor netball court and oval facilities. There will also be an open style library/ learning space, playgrounds and landscaping

areas for students to play on and arts and crafts rooms. Parents are able to visit the construction site and see the progress for themselves. “Our community can now see that there’s real action happening on the site and many of our families are making the trip down there on a weekly basis to watch the school grow before their very eyes,” she said. More funding was secured to help the building process of the Catholic school. Enrolment is now open and Ms Gentile said spots are filling up. “We’ve got a buzz of enrolment. Prep is filling up very, very fast, and I’m continually reminding the community that we are open from prep to six, and to enrol.” Helena Abdou

Principal Renae Gentile with future student, Lucinda, imprinting their handprints in the freshly poured slab. (Supplied)

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Film maker dials up the horror For any independent filmmaker, getting a film off the ground is hard work, and an immense amount of passion for the craft is needed to continue on the long road ahead. But for David Willing, that possibility became a reality when his horror film ‘Surrogate’ premiered at the Sun Theatre earlier this month. Molly Magennis spoke to the writer/director about his passion for film and making his feature directorial debut.

eddon resident David Willing fell in love with cinema when he was five years old. When he was 12, he picked up a video camera and started making films around his house. He eventually headed off to film school, where he learned the intricacies of how to write scripts and piece together a film. “[My] love of cinema grew and grew and I started to learn how to write and direct films,” David said. “Then, over the years, my adult life has just been making, well since film school, short films and documentaries. I’ve written I think about 11 feature films, but this was the first one that actually we managed to find the finance for to make happen.” While horror was a genre that David particularly enjoyed growing up, his work prior to Surrogate mainly consisted of writing crime/thriller scripts, documentaries and a comedy short. “It sort of came full circle that my first feature was a horror film because I had loved that genre so much growing up,” he said. George A. Romero, a pioneer of the horror genre who is often referred to as the ‘godfather of zombies’, is cited by David as having a significant influence on him from a horror standpoint. He was lucky enough to meet the acclaimed director six years ago at the Melbourne International Film Festival. “Dawn of the Dead I saw when I was 12, it just blew me away,” he said.

Director/writer David Willing behind the camera. (Supplied)

“I gave [George] a copy of one of my short films I’d made at the time and just had a brief chat with him in the cinema and he signed one of his books for me.” In terms of particularly impactful films,

Silence of the Lambs (1991) and David Fincher’s masterpiece Seven (1995) were ‘pivotal’ for the young filmmaker, with the latter having a special influence on Surrogate. “It’s one of the films that I watch, you know,

once a year I revisit it, it just gets better each time and the influence of that shows a little bit in Surrogate, not a lot, but there’s a few moments that are clearly inspired by the design of the film.”

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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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12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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‘‘

Honest to goodness, someone actually did pass out ... there’s a particularly notorious scene that they got up to leave and she passed out

’’

- David Willing

Behind the scenes of Surrogate. Ellie Stewart (let) plays Ava Akard and Kestie Morassi (right) plays mother Natalie Paxton.

David said Morassi was looking to star in another horror film around the time she finished up on Home and Away. She had been offered a lot of horror scripts following Wolf Creek, but none had grabbed her attention, that was until she read Surrogate. “What’s interesting with her role is that she’s in almost every scene of the film…so [we] just kind of needed to see that she’d be right for the character,” he said. “But then she sent me a tape of one thing in particular, and just was like, oh wow, she’s going to be perfect for the role, and yeah, it’s quite an incredible performance.” While the rest of the cast and crew is made up of over one hundred talented creatives, Surrogate does have a particularly local flavour, with many of those involved based in the west. Renee Schulz, David’s housemate, was behind the film’s gruesome makeup, the chilling soundtrack was composed by Footscray resident Mark Buys, cinematographer Ben

Luck resides in Sydenham and Producer Haris Fazlic’s studio is based in Sunshine. “The other [person who] was just incredible was our production designer Bianca because art departments feel the lower budget more than anyone because, you know, they have to dress certain sets and do certain things, and her work is extraordinary on [the film], it looks beautiful,” David said. Surrogate had its world premiere at the Sun Theatre in Yarraville on Wednesday April 6, followed by a Q&A with Jane Badler and Kestie Morassi. David said the response to the film has been really positive so far, with some audience members getting more than they bargained for. “Everyone’s just found it quite intense and [they’re] gripped as they’re watching it,” he said. “We actually had at our premiere, honest to goodness, someone actually did pass out….. there’s a particularly notorious scene that they got up to leave and she passed out.

“I said to the makeup artist who did the special effects, that’s the best compliment you’re ever gonna get for your work.” The film’s swift success was equally as clear when David was told it was the Sun Theatre’s number one film for two weeks, and that it outsold new releases The Batman and Morbius just last week. “I would say a lot of indie filmmakers would kill to get what we’ve got, you know, part of that has just come through that real hard work and tenacity,” David said. There are still plenty of opportunities for horror fans and movie lovers to see Surrogate on the big screen, with the Thornbury Picture house holding screenings on April 20, and the Sun Theatre hosting three more sessions over the school holidays with dates yet to be announced. For sessions times and more information visit https://suntheatre.com.au/wp-cinema/ movie/S21SURROGATE/SURROGATE/ or https://www.surrogatefilm.com/

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David describes Surrogate as an ‘intense, paranormal horror’ centred around a single mother named Natalie Paxton who falls mysteriously ill and struggles to save her family from being destroyed. “When she returns home [from hospital], just all these really, you know, crazy, intense and full-on things start happening to her and her daughter, and then she needs to solve that problem,” he said. The film is the result of a brainstorming session he had with his co-writer Beth King back in 2016, where the pair came up with eight story ideas, with one immediately standing out. They spent two years writing and rewriting the story, coming up with five different endings in the process, before officially shooting the film in 2020. Kestie Morassi, best known for her role in the iconic Australian horror Wolf Creek (2005) and as Maggie in Home and Away, was cast to play Natalie, alongside Jane Badler (Mission Impossible) and Louise Siverson (Prisoner).

(Pictures: Supplied)

Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 13

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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

Lumen Christi Catholic Primary School, students reinacted the Stations of the Cross in the lead up to Easter. Pictured are Sebastian as Jesus with Bianca and Joshua. (Damjan Janevski) 276332_01

School holiday fun! Free and fun school holiday activities at Craigieburn Central. Week 2 – Meet your all time favourite superheroes! From 1-2pm, located in the Kmart Quadrant; Thursday 21 April- Ironman & Spiderman; Friday 22 April - Captain America & Hulk; Saturday 23 Apri l- Ironman & Spiderman; Marvel Hero themed balloon display in the Kmart Quadrant with EB Games and Timezone prizes to be won. ■ https://www.craigieburncentral. com.au/whats-new/events/2022/april/ free-fun-for-kids/.

Craft and conversation Broadmeadows Library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group from 1pm-3pm and everyone is welcome. Join the Craft and Conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project or a new one and join in on the fun. ■ https://www.humelibraries.vic.gov. au/Eventbrite/Craft-and-ConversationBroadmeadows-246998397857

The lunch will be held every Wednesday from 11.30am-1.00pm at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park. ■ www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Roxburgh-Park-Homestead-Communityand-Learning-CentreWeekly-CommunityLunch-317411976767.

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

Let’s Get Neighbourly Sunbury Celebrate the beauty of community with Let’s Get Neighbourly Sunbury, a free training and event program bringing neighbours together. The initiative is open to all in Hume, with the first session on Saturday, April 30. ■ https://bit.ly/3LRAoRk

Circus Royale is coming to Epping! The 90-minute show will feature acrobats, aerial artistry, daredevil acts and more. It’ll be on from Friday April 8 to Sunday May 1 2022 from 11:00am-7:30pm. ■ whittlesea.vic.gov.au/arts-eventsrecreation/things-to-see-and-do/events/ circus-royale-epping/.

Bulla Garden Club ANZAC DAY The Bulla Garden Club ANZAC Day memorial service is happening on April 25 at 8.30am, with morning tea provided. Head to 1 Green St, Bulla. ■ Jo, 0499 922 061

Sunbury Seniors Community lunch in Roxburgh Park Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Northern Turkish Women’s Association. 14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

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

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. ■ 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

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

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

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

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

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

Book sale 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

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Hopes for a pet ‘miracle’

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

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

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Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 15

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 076

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.

ACROSS

1 6 8 5

23 24 26 27 28

2 1

medium

9 5

10 11 12 13 15 16 18

8 2 1 2 6

No. 076

DOWN

Plunger (6) Sanctions (8) Rolling in the Deep singer (5) Social exclusion (9) Monetary units (5) Relating to the body (9) Perverse (8) Plant, 'Rose of Sharon' (6) Upmarket (6) Donated to; bestowed upon (4,4) Variety of nut (9) One of the Ionian islands (5) Capacity (9) Observing (5) Japanese game company (8) Thin outer coating (6)

1 4 9

easy

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

Tableland (7) Wipe (5) Supervised (7) Constitution (6) Winning streak (2,1,4) Photographic presentation (9) Country in Horn of Africa (7) Transpire (5) Pulls apart (5,4) Skipper (7) Holiday destination (7) Sun-dried brick (5) Defecate (7) Not as old (7) Must (6) Lift up (5)

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 10 14 16 17 19 20 21 22 25

DECODER

No. 076

WORDFIT

No. 076

3 LETTERS AWE

3 2 1 6 5 3 7

AXE CAR DID

3 5 7 1 8 7 2

6 2 3 7 4

DUO ETA EWE FEW GAS GEE GEL

8 6

HAM HAS IRA

hard

ISA

9 2

8 4 3 2

5 4 9

LAS ORB PRE

10 11 12 13

RPM TAR

TRITE

NEATEST

MEDAL

TULSA

REFEREE

4 LETTERS

ANELE

NASAL

UNITE

SIDECAR

DREW

ARENA

NASTY

VIRAL

STUMBLE

9-LETTER WORD

EASE

ARISE

OBESE

WHERE

ERIK

BELIE

OPERA

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 words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural words ending in “s”.

ETNA

CAMEL

PANEL

6 LETTERS

AMERICAS

EVAN

CASIO

PARTS

APPEAL

EPITASIS

HIFI

CUBIT

PLANT

EATERY

TEETOTAL

IOTA

ELEGY

PRATE

ELATED

TOLERANT

KIRK

ENEMA

PRICE

PEBBLE

MATH

EXERT

RECUR

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good

OSLO

FIRST

RELET

7 LETTERS

STEADFASTLY

SINE

HOSTS

SCALD

CENTRES

TEMPERATURE

STEP

IDEAS

SLOTS

MEMENTO

TUTU

IDOLS

THETA

URGE

ITALY

TIMES

KATIE

TOTAL

5 LETTERS

LUNAR

TOTEM

ADORE

MALAY

TRASH

WEB

5 7 2 1 8 9 4 6 3

6 1 4 5 2 3 9 8 7

7 9 5 3 1 8 6 2 4

11 LETTERS

15-04-22

No. 076 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

QUICK QUIZ

What is the first name of Dr Watson, partner of fictional detective Sherlock Holmes?

What film contains the line 'Gentlemen, you can’t fight in here! This is the War Room!'?

Doc Holliday is commonly associated with which infamous figure of the American ‘Wild West’?

What does the Fremantle Doctor refer to?

How many actors have played The Doctor in the long-running BBC show Doctor Who?

What is the abbreviation PhD short for?

5 1 8 4 9 6 7 3 2

R A C K

R A S H E L L O T T I C

C H A

2 3 8 9 6 7 5 4 1

1 6 9 4 5 2 7 3 8

4 5 7 8 3 1 2 9 6

3 6 5 8 9 7 1 4 2

9 8 4 5 1 2 6 7 3

6 5 2 1 7 3 4 8 9

8 9 1 2 6 4 5 3 7

4 7 3 9 5 8 2 1 6

7 3 8 6 2 1 9 5 4

5 4 6 7 8 9 3 2 1

1 2 9 4 3 5 7 6 8

9 7 3 2 8 5 6 1 4

2 6 4 1 7 3 5 8 9

6 5 9 3 1 7 2 4 8

7 4 1 8 2 9 3 6 5

3 8 2 5 6 4 9 7 1

8 9 7 6 4 2 1 5 3

4 3 6 9 5 1 8 2 7

1 2 5 7 3 8 4 9 6

16 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

O R E

8 2 6 7 4 5 3 1 9

8 LETTERS

begun, bruin, budge, bunged, burden, BURDENING, burg, buried, burin, burn, burned, burning, debug, drub, drug, dune, dung, during, enduing, enduring, ennui, enuring, gerund, grub, guide, gunned, gunner, indue, inure, inured, nude, nudge, rude, rued, ruin, ruined, ruing, rune, rung, unbend, unbind, under, urge, urged, urine

3 4 1 2 9 6 8 7 5

2 1 7 3 4 6 8 9 5

9 8 3 6 7 4 1 5 2

H L

A E

33 words: Very good

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

45 words: Excellent

hard

MARCO

AMISS

medium

TUG ALICE

easy

TIL

9 1 4 7 3 7

3 1 4 9

5x5

A K O L J D S I NMQ T C

TEE

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

Who did prime minister Paul Keating unexpectedly defeat in the 1993 federal election?

An endocrinologist is an expert in which medical field?

Former US basketball champion Shaquille O’Neal (pictured) has a PhD in which field?

10 Galen was a historical physician during the time of which empire? ANSWERS: 1. John 2. Wyatt Earp 3. Dr John Hewson 4. Hormones 5. Education 6. Dr Strangelove 7. Cooling afternoon breeze in summer 8. 13 9. Doctor of Philosophy 10. Roman Empire (second century)

1 7

VWG X U R Y Z H E P B F

5 6

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. Which Australian women's batter scored 170 in the World Cup final to lead the Aussies to victory? 2. And how many OneDay International World Cups have the Australian women's cricket team now won in its history? 3. In round three of the AFL, Geelong overcame a 30-point three-quartertime deficit to defeat which team?

4. What is the given first name of golfer Tiger Woods? 5. Dutchman Pieter van den Hoogenband won three Olympic gold medals during his career participating in which sport?

Tiger Woods

13. Which Polish tennis professional became the world's number one ranked women's singles player on April 4, 2022? 14. Payne Haas and Albert Kelly last played for which NRL club?

6. How old is Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, who rocketed to a world ranking of 11 in April? 7. Which soccer team does Aussie Sam Kerr play for in the FA Women’s Super League in England? 8. Which legendary actor finished second at the 1979 24 Hours of Le Mans race? 9. Which Australian batsman scored the most runs in the three-match One-Day International series against Pakistan?

15. Which team did Melbourne Victory defeat to win the recent 2021-22 A-League Women Grand Final? 16. Which college basketball team won the 2022 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament? 17. Which college basketball team won the 2022 NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament? 18. Which two teams are set to play off in the 2022 AFLW Grand Final?

10. And which Pakistani batsman was named player of the series, having scored two centuries?

Carlos Alcaraz Garfia

12. Richard Garcia last coached which A-League Men's club?

11. Which national team did Australia defeat to claim the 2022 Women's Cricket World Cup?

19. Which American professional wrestler played NFL preseason games in 2004 with the Minnesota Vikings?

21. Which country is the preferred candidate to host both the 2027 men's Rugby World Cup and 2029 women's Rugby World Cup? 22. What is the primary colour used by the Formula 1 team McLaren? 23. AFL Women’s Best and Fairest winner Emily Bates plays for which team? 24. Crystal Palace and what other English Premier League team are going to visit Australia to play Friendly Matches in 2022?

20. The St George Illawarra Dragons played against which team in the NRL Women’s Premiership Grand Final?

26. The Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and West Germany are the only three formerly participating countries that no longer exist to host what major sporting event? 27. What two teams played off in the WNBL 2022 Finals Series? 28. Muay Thai, Kun Khmer, Savate and Adithada are all forms of which martial art? 29. The Australian white ibis is a rumoured mascot for what upcoming sporting event? 30. What two Victorian teams will be joining the next season of the AFL Women’s competition?

25. Hideki Matsuyama won the 2021 edition of what major golfing championship?

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Toyota C-HR GR Sport road test

Sporty looks include 19-inch dark alloys with 225/45 rubber. (Pictures: Supplied)

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Some people loathe the dramatic look of the Toyota C-HR. Personally, I really like design and have done since day one. So, I was mildly excited to hear there was now a GR version, the C-HR GR Sport -- inspired by Toyota’s performance-focused GR models. The key word, however, is “inspired” -because there’s no more power on offer and that is disappointing (you might feel differently).

Styling The GR Sport features a more aggressive front bumper and grille, with an aerodynamic lip, a bold lower grille, thick horizontal bar and revised fog light surrounds that sit lower than the standard model. Sporty bits include larger 19-inch dark alloys with 225/45 series rubber, high-grade LED lighting front and rear, piano black finish for the rear lip spoiler, plus mirror caps and door garnishes. Completing the look are white brake callipers with GR logos on the front, and GR emblems at the front, side, and rear. A rationalised lineup now has three models, with a choice of two drivetrains and either front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrid has the same setup as in the Prius, Corolla, Corolla Cross and Lexus CT hatch. Pick the 1.2-litre turbo and you get a choice of front- or all-wheel drive. Opt for the hybrid, and it’s front-wheel drive only. The GXL front-wheel drive hybrid, GR Sport comes only as a hybrid with front-wheel drive only. Though the GR Sport sits at the top of the tree it doesn’t get everything. Standard kit includes sat-nav, dual-zone climate air, adaptive cruise, keyless smart entry and star, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, auto LED lights and wipers, electronic parking brake and a 4.2-inch colour driver display. It dips out on powered driver lumbar adjustment, heated front seats and Nanoe Air Conditioning Technology - all standard with Koba. The latter is designed to send moisture-rich ions into the cabin to reduce odours, pollen and other allergens. It also reduces the dryness associated with standard air conditioning systems. GR Sport is available in five colours, with the $450 option of a black roof with Crystal Pearl,

Hornet Yellow or Feverish Red. An 8.0-inch touchscreen fronts a six-speaker audio system, with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth, voice recognition, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto -- but no DAB+.

Engines / Transmissions The powertrain consists of a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre engine, with 72kW and 142Nm, teamed with an electric motor that puts 53kW and 163Nm. With a combined power output of 90kW, no mention of torque and an undisclosed kerb weight, performance is at best average. The CVT does not provide “steps” or simulated gears like it does in petrol models, with drive and reverse settings plus B for engine braking.

Safety A comprehensive five-star safety package encompasses seven airbags, a rear-view camera and Forward Collision Warning, Brake Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking. There’s also Lane Trace Assist, Auto High Beam, All-Speed Active Cruise Control and Pre-Collision Safety system with pedestrian detection, as well as Blind Spot Monitor, Road Sign recognition and Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The latter misses out on auto braking and there’s no overhead parking monitor either -both of which come with Koba.

Driving A GR Supra or GR Yaris it is not. GR Sport is quite clearly more about show than go. It rides on larger flashier 19-inch alloys, with 225/45R19 Yokohamas, and 15mm lower sports suspension and sits 12mm closer to the ground. Shock absorbers, spring rates and stabiliser bars have all been tweaked to reduce pitch and body roll, in the name of better handling. A new centre brace has also been added to strengthen body rigidity and contributes to a more direct steering response. There’s some talk of GR brakes, but apart from white calipers, no further information is offered, suggesting they are otherwise standard. The sporty makeover continues inside with body-hugging, black leather-look sports seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are also dark silver highlights around the instrument panel and door garnishes, piano black surrounds for the centre console

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Toyota C-HR GXL 1.2-litre turbo, FWD, priced from $30,915 Toyota C-HR Koba 1.8-litre hybrid, AWD, priced from $35,165 Toyota C-HR GR Sport, 1.8-litre hybrid, FWD, priced from $37,665

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges.

and power-window switches, along with a GR-branded start button. A diamond motif is repeated throughout the cabin, visible on the roof lining, overhead switches and interior light. The dash features a pair of traditional analogue dials that flank a central information panel and while they are clear and easy to read -- they lack the digital pyrotechnics of competitors. Satnav fires up quickly and is easy to use, apart from the predictive text -- but has an annoying habit of taking over the centre information panel where the digital speed is

normally displayed. Cancelling a destination is also difficult. With large rear pillars and a plunging roof line, the design leads to a back seat that is claustrophobic, offers limited legroom and does not have air outlets for passengers. The hidden rear door handles are also difficult to use from some angles. A small boot space hides a space saver spare. All in all, however, the car looks amazing with its gleaming paintwork. It would all be terrific if it just had more power to go with the more purposeful looks -- more chutzpah to push through corners, requiring better handling and stopping power. But the fact of the matter is that it doesn’t, therefore the handling enhancements are somewhat superfluous. What’s more, the type of person who buys this car is unlikely to be from the boy racer fraternity and is hardly about to push the limits. For the most part, the CVT tranny behaves itself, hiding the zoominess that usually marks CVTs. Ride and handling are great, but the steering feels rubbery and the drive experience is far from engaging. We have a long, steep hill near our neck of the woods that tends to sort the wheat from the chaff. You need a run up and it wasn’t kind to the C-HR. All of a sudden, under hard acceleration, it became quite harsh and noisy and the CVT went into overdrive, sounding like a lawnmower about to run out of petrol. On a more positive note, fuel consumption is rated at a measly 4.3L/100km. We were using just 4.7 after more than 600km behind the wheel.

Summing Up I keep wanting to like this car but let’s cut to the chase. There’s not much GRness, not much to get excited about -- certainly no extra power. Frankly, I think for $37,165, the Koba 1.2-litre turbo with all-wheel drive offers a sportier package and you can spend the $500 you save on two-tone paint. Trust me, you won’t miss the sports suspension. But be warned, with more than 60 accessories available to enhance your purchase -- you’re liable to end up spending more than you had planned. Come on Toyota, let’s have a real GR C-HR! Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 19

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Jarrod Bannister named NMCA best Rivergum all rounder Jarrod Bannister produced one of his most consistent seasons to be named the North Metro Cricket Association’s top player, but it almost never happened. Bannister hurt his shoulder while doing a gym session a week out from the season kicking off. With surgeries delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it not being his bowling arm, he played the entirety of the Jika Shield season helping his team make the grand final. The shoulder injury didn’t affect his form, with Bannister winning the Bill McPharlane Medal as the best player in the Jika Shield. He finished on 18 votes, five clear of second. Bannister said he was surprised to have claimed the award. “I thought I had a chance, but I’d never won an award like that before,“ he said. “I had to go along and get the bowling award and I got a couple of votes and won the medal.

“I was a bit embarrassed as I didn’t want to make a speech.” Bannister took 27 wickets this season, the equal most in the competition, and made the fifth most runs. Kookas captain Matt Perri, himself a two-time McPharlane Medal winner, said back in February that he thought his teammate would go close to winning it. Bannister said what made the medal win more special was having so many of his teammates at the awards night to celebrate it with him. “It’s very rare to have a lot of teammates in the room. We had a couple of tables for some reason and they’re my best mates. “I’ve been friends with those guys for 20 years and we’ve played cricket together since we were 14-years-old and are still playing now. “It’s huge to play with them every week.” Bannister thought he had a pretty consistent season, with the one-day format suiting his

game as an all-rounder. The medal win is the biggest in any sport for Bannister. For much of his life, cricket had been his number two sport, with football taking the priority. It’s only in recent times cricket has become the focus. “I’ve kind of put the hand brake on football as I’ve gotten a bit older,“ he said. While Bannister said it was nice to be recognised personally, he said he would trade it for something much more special. “I would have traded that for a premiership medal every day of the week.” Rivergum was awarded the H P Zwar Memorial Trophy as the champion club. Tara Murray Jarrod Bannister claimed the Bill McPharlane Medal. (Shawn Smits) 269254_01

Sports shorts Australia Cup Australia Cup action will ramp up this week as it gets down to the pointy end of the competition. Just 20 state league and National Premier League sides are left in the Victorian stage of the competition. Most of the round six matches will get underway this week. State league 2 north-west side ladder leader Upfield will face Beaumaris, while Hume City will play Dandenong City. Whittlesea Ranges will face NPL side St Albans Saints. Keilor Wolves, who are one of the lowest ranked sides left in the competition, play state league 1 side Whittlesea United.

NAB League Northern Knights’ Ava Jordan and Calder Cannons Reese Sutton was recognsied for a strong NAB League Girl’s season on Tuesday night. Jordan finished third in the league best and fairest award, while Sutton finished fifth behind winner Amber Clarke. Jordan was also named in the team of the year alongside Cannons star Abbey McDonald.

NAB League Nick Hegarty has stood down as Hume City coach. (Shawn Smits)

Tichy steadies the ship By Tara Murray New Hume City coach Petr Tichy believes they won’t need to make many changes to get their season back on track in the National Premier League. Hume is without a win after 8 rounds and find themselves on the bottom of the table. Tichy was set to lead the side for the first time on Saturday after deadline, after Nick Hegarty stood down as coach. In a statement Hegarty said, whilst the decision was inevitable as he moved his family back to the UK later this year, it has happened sooner than expected due to the poor results. He was full of praise for the club. “Hume City has been my family for over 10 years,” he said. “I am so proud to have achieved what I have on behalf of the great people it represents. “I would like to thank every board member, volunteer, coach, player and parent I have met throughout the years as you have made mine and my families journey one I could never of hoped for.“ Tichy, who was Hegarty’s assistant coach, 20 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

was named coach on Monday. Tichy said while many people were shocked by Hegarty’s departure he was aware that it would be coming. “I knew it was coming, but it came as a shock to the players,” he said. “No one knew he had made the decision, besides the president and a couple of committee members. “Behind the scenes I was preparing for it.” Tichy said Hegarty left behind a massive legacy. He said Hume City and Nick Hegarty go hand in hand. “He has been at the club for more than 10 years, not just as a coach, but as a player,“ he said. “He has definitely had a big impact. I’m sure when his kids are older he’ll have the itch to come back to Australia and Hume is always home.” For Tichy it’s his first senior coaching job. After his playing days were over, he coached junior soccer to see whether he in fact liked coaching. He would later become an assistant coach at Box Hill. It would be a chance meeting at a coaching course that would lead Tichy to Hume.

“I was going for my C-grade badge and I met Nick for the first time,” he said. “We were on the same page and we stayed in contact. He tried to get me to Hume as an assistant, but I had already signed for Box Hill. “Once the season finished I got in touch and it was pretty straightforward from there. We were just on the same page. “I spent four years at Hume as an assistant through the highs and the lows.” Tichy said have been at the club and knowing the system, he was confident that they could turn things around. He said they weren’t looking to make massive changes. “In some of the games we lost it was 50-50. It’s the small things we need to try and turn from 0-0 into 1-0. “The first target is to get the first win and then get out of the relegation battle. We know this team doesn’t belong on the bottom. “We need to get back to basics, starting Saturday.” Hume was set to face Heidelberg United on Saturday night after deadline. For results, head to www.starweekly.com.au.

Tahlia Read has been named the Meg McArthur Medallist as the Calder Cannons best player in the NAB League Girl’s season. Read won the best and fairest award ahead of Amy Gaylor and Reese Sutton. In other awards, Maree Stephenson was named most improved, Trilby Sheppard received the coaches award and Kyla Forbes was named the best development player.

AFLW Two of the AFLW’s talented young players have committed to join Essendon for their inaugural season. In a massive boost for the Bombers as they look to establish themselves in the competition, Carlton duo Madison Prespakis and Georgia Gee have committed to the club. The Bombers will work with Prespakis and Gee along with the AFL and their management to facilitate the request at the appropriate time, noting the AFLW Sign and Trade Period is yet to be confirmed by the AFL.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Imports are enjoying being back in Australia The allure of returning to Australia to play basketball has led Briana Gray and Alexis Dillard to the Hume City Broncos. Having both been in the country before to play basketball, the two Americans were keen to head back down under. When the opportunity came to come to the Broncos they jumped at the chance. Gray said Melbourne just felt like home and she wanted to come back and have another opportunity to play in Australia. “Everyone is so nice and caring,” she said. “They’re all been welcoming and professional. “I was in Melbourne back in 2019 at the Melbourne Tigers and I had a great experience. I told my agent to look at other options when they came up. “I had a connection through my coach from college. We did some networking…I spoke with [general manager] Todd [Anderson] and [coach] Robbie [Baldwin] and they have aspirations to win a championship and move into the NBL1 [National Basketball League 1

Hume City Broncos imports Alexis Dillard and Briana Gray with some of the Broncos juniors. (Supplied)

South competition].” For Dillard her trip to Australia has already been more successful than her first one. Like Gray, he was keen to return. “I’m loving it so far,” she said. “I was actually in Adelaide in 2002 and had a really great experience there, then COVID hit.

I was only there for a month. “I always wanted to come back and play. When the opportunity came up, it was an easy decision.” Both players said that they had been made right at home at Hume and felt like they were part of the team even before arriving in the country. Gray said having come off having success overseas she was keen to share a similar feeling at Hume. She said basketball was something that she had always done. “Legend goes, I actually told my mum when I was three that I wanted to be an athlete,” she said. “I came through the college system and then I played four or five years in Europe. I won a medal in Ukraine and I just finished a season in Germany. “I was home for one week before they said you are needed and I packed my bags.” Dillard also grew up playing basketball and went through the college system. She tore her ACL during college, but has since travelled

the world playing basketball. “I always wanted to travel and what is a better way than playing basketball.” The Broncos entered the Easter break on the back of their first win of the season against the McKinnon Cougars. Dillard said that the key for them was making sure everyone stepped up and played a role and were on the same page, which she feels like is coming. For the forward when she is on the court, she’s someone who will quickly get noticed. “I can be really loud and I enjoy entertaining,” she said. “I like giving the crowd high rives and I love that they are coming to support us, so I want to give them something worthwhile to watch. Meanwhile, Gray said that they have tons of potential. Personally the guard said it’s about making sure she stays involved in the game. “I compete in everything I do.” Tara Murray

Ross stunned by medal win

Calder Cannons coach half time address. (Joe Mastroianni) 265355_42

Youngsters recognised By Tara Murray Tahlia Read was named the Calder Cannons’ best player as several Cannons were recognised at both club and league level in recent weeks. Read, who is from Maribyrnong Park, won the Meg McArthur Medal as the Cannons best and fairest winner at the awards ceremony last Saturday. Read finished ahead on 64.5 votes ahead of Strathmore’s Amy Gaylor on 60 votes and the Sunbury Kangaroos’ Reese Sutton on 58 votes. Kilmore’s Maree Stephenson was named most improved, Oak Park’s Trilby Sheppard received the coaches award and Aberfeldie’s Kyla Forbes was named the best development player. Michael ‘Pop’ Drummond was awarded life membership at the club. The league best and fairest awards were held days later, recognising the best talent across the competition. Dandenong Stingrays Amber Clarke continued her good season, being named the best and fairest winner. Clarke, who won the best on ground medal in the grand final, finished on 20 votes,

one clear of Western Jets captain Charlotte Baskaran. Northern Knights Ava Jordan finished third on 14 votes, while Bridget Deed (10 votes) and Reese Sutton (nine votes) rounded out the top five. Clarke said she was so proud to continue her form from a strong bottom age season, to this year. “I think I’ve gone OK,” she said. “I had some games I was pretty happy with how we played. “I was so happy, [but] I feel like I could have done more. I think I worked hard during the pre-season and I hope it paid off.” Premiership captain Baskaran was named the captain of the team of the year. Baskaran, who was named in the middle of the ground alongside Jets teammate Montana Ham. Laura Elliott was the third Jets player named in the team of the year. Baskaran said she was really proud of her season. “I’m very excited,” she said. “I’m incredibly honoured to be given that title. “I’m just really excited from the season it has been… and to captain a bunch of talented

girls, couldn’t be happier. “I’m really proud of myself this season coming into round one, so much hard work had been done make sure I was ready to go and look back now and see all the work has been ticked off. “To all the other girls in my team helped me play my best footy and all the coaches, couldn’t do it without them. “I definitely think that everything this season has come together really well and all the hard work has paid off.” Cannons’ Abbey McDonald was named on the half back flank in the team of the year, with Ava Jordan was named in the forward line. Other players named in the team of the year include Tasmania Devils’ Georgia Clark and Claire Ransom, Dandenong Stingrays’ Charlotte Ryan, Mackenzie Eardley, Georgia Foran and Sofi Hurley, Murray Bushrangers’ Zara Hamilton, Zarlie Goldsworth and Keely Skepper, Eastern Ranges’ Mia Busch, Mia Austin and Bridget Reed, Greater Western Victorian Rebels’ Molly Walton, Oakleigh Chargers’ Erin Woodford, Bendigo Pioneers’ Lucia Painter and Geelong Falcons’ Elizabeth Dowling.

Bundoora United’s Mathew Ross has attended the Diamond Valley Cricket Association awards night for many years and always walked away empty handed. Missing this season’s awards due to other commitments, Ross wasn’t thinking much about the awards, until his phone started to go off. There reason for all the messages, Ross had won the John Gleeson Medal on 20 votes as the best player in the Money Shield. Ross said he was stunned to win the medal. “It was a bit of a surprise to be honest,” he said. “I usually go to the awards every year, I didn’t go this year and got messages towards the end of the night saying I was going well. “I didn’t think too much about it as I barely ever vote, it was a very big surprise.” Ross, who also won the Money Shield batting award, averaging 65.50, said he considered himself lucky to get so many votes. He said it was his teammates who allowed him to go about his job with ease. “We skittled a few sides for low scores and I was able to go about business slow and steady, not your normal one-day cricket,” he said. “I polled in games when we didn’t have to chase many runs. I was a bit shocked.” Making Ross’ win even more of a surprise, he barely trained throughout the season after him and his partner had a baby. The club’s former captain-coach said his priorities lay elsewhere this season. “I would get there to play on Saturday,” he said. “There was a shift in mindset. I don’t feel like I did anything different other than not train. “I didn’t put time into my game, but I’ve played for so long and understand my game a little bit more.” It’s the third time in four seasons a Bulldogs player has won the John Gleeson Medal. Joel Thompson won the award last season, while Scott Barnett won it for the 2018-19 season. Ross’ medal win is a highlight for the Bulldogs after a disappointing end to the season. After finishing top, the Bulldogs were knocked out in straight sets. Ross said they had a really good core group of players who were keen to taste premiership glory. Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 21

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Students at the Maribyrnong Sports Academy.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Supporting sporting stars of the future By Tara Murray Behind the walls at Maribyrnong Sports Academy there is a hive of activity as students start their sporting careers. On this particular night, the school’s female football players were being put through their paces. Many of them still new to the sport were learning kicking techniques and how to kick on their opposite foot. In other locations around the school, coaches and their students were doing activities to help grow their games. Head of the school’s AFL program Robbie Chancellor said the programs run within the academy are about giving students the best opportunity to succeed in their sporting dreams. Having been part of the AFL system before, he has seen what works at the top level. “It’s a massive head start for these guys,” said Chancellor as he was keeping his eye on his charges. “Professionalism is nearly the biggest thing you get from this. It’s a holistic program, you’ve got sport psychs, dietitians and a fantastic high performance program to teach them how to prepare their bodies physically and how to recover. “Combined as a program there isn’t much out there like this.” The academy has come a long way since it started in 2007. With enrolments struggling at Maribyrnong College it was decided to turn the school into a specialist school of some sort. It would become a sports academy. Director Mark McAllion, sitting in his office which is filled with sports memorabilia from past students, said it had taken time for interest in the academy to grow. “At the time the school was dying for a better term,” he said. “School enrolments for the following year were really really low, so it was decided to be a specialist school of some description, then set it on sport. “The first intake was 2007, but trying to attract kids into a specialist sports school with no facilities was actually quite hard. “My predecessors would visit presentation nights, do club visits and all things trying to promote the place and build it up from there. “There’s now 575 student athletes in the academy out of 1300 kids in the whole school.” 22 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 19 April, 2022

The program is funded by the state government and is the only school in Victoria that gets that funding. There are 100 spots in each year level, with spots only opening up when students leave the school. As many as 400 students apply each year. Students travel from as far as Craigieburn, Bundoora, Woodend, Werribee, while others relocate to live nearby. McAllion said students are put through tests before they select who will come to the school. “The kids go through some physical testing, some trials with the coaches,” he said. “Then basically a list gets put together of the 100 kids with the most potential to become serious athletes down the track. “It might mean we pick the little kids that haven’t developed yet, but the coaches and staff say they might have attributes that will be really good.” Supporting the students are about 70 staff members ranging from coaches, teachers, rehabilitation, sports psychologists, physiotherapists. Most of the coaches have backgrounds in coaching or playing at high levels themselves, with seven Olympians on staff. “We have footy, athletics, cricket, badminton, basketball, golf hockey, netball, soccer, taekwondo, tennis, volleyball, baseball, judo that we actually provide coaching in that coaching happens before,” he said. “If you’re in a sport we don’t offer coaching… They are what we call associate athletes, they still get the benefits of the program with coaching externally. While the coaching happens outside hours, the sport component is a major part of the students daily study with the High Performance Preparation [HPP] program. It’s timetabled into the students’ school calendar, with a varying number of classes depending on what year they are in. The HPP isn’t just about performance, it’s about teaching them how to handle the whole sporting career. Head of strength and conditioning Calvin Pane said while every student will complete similar programs, they individualise the programs as much as they can to best suit the students needs. On this particular Wednesday, some of the older students are going through their paces. Some are squatting, some are doing strength work and others rehab.

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Lucas Plapp is the first Olympic Medalist from the Maribyrnong Sports Academy. (Supplied)

Striving for success

Nathan Pellissier went to Maribyrnong Sports Academy. (Supplied)

“In year seven and eight and middle school it’s a bit more curriculum based and movement competency,” Pane said. “If they’re squatting they’re learning how to squat, they’re learning how to set up. The safety features of it. “It gets built out to a different movement over time and we load the exercise accordingly, as they get older. “There’s literally a heap of exercises we work through all the year levels, we progress them out. “Students who are in year 11 or such, have a little bit more structured stuff. “They have some more personal development stuff. Taping techniques for an ankle or shoulder or they might do a first aid course, different things help them in the sport and potentially on the way out.” The students also have education sessions regularly, while they have access to all the professionals they need. There’s strength and conditioning coaches, athlete wellbeing coordinators, performance psychologists, dietitians, physios and rehab coordinators. Pane said they wanted to set up the students for success if they make it to the higher level. “We have tertiary trained staff with experience in elite environments or environments like here,” he said. “We are prepping them for when they walk out to the Melbourne Vixens, Melbourne Demons or whoever it is.. “So when they go into that environment, there not being held back by their staff as they can’t do a,b, c.” The strength and conditioning staff work closely with the coaches like Chancellor whether it’s setting up plans or working with particular athletes. Chancellor, who is also the head coach at the Western Jets, said the football program was tailored to the development of the students involved. “For young girls, training is focused much more on the fundamentals and the skill

‘‘

We are prepping them for when they walk out to the Melbourne Vixens, Melbourne Demons or whoever it is - Calvin Pane

’’

development,” he said. “As the kids get older and progress to different pathway systems, it becomes how do we apply those skills to the different situations we find ourselves in during the game. “There’s a broad scope of what we teach from kicking techniques, ground ball techniques, to running patterns and body positions. “It encompasses all the different aspects of the game depending on where they are in their development.” There’s four different coaching sessions a week, a mixture of after and before school. During the NAB League season, many of the older students aren’t involved in the academy as they would be in the off season. Chancellor said his dual role meant that he understands much of what is happening outside the academy and how to manage loads. “Ultimately it’s whatever is best for them,” he said. “Fortunately with my position at the Jets, and most of them are Jets girls and same with the boys, it makes it easier for me to have an understanding of how much they are doing and what is too much. “I’ve got really good relationships with the Calder Cannons and Northern Knights coaches as well their kids that they have in the program here. We make sure we communicate with them so we’re teaching them the right stuff, and they’re not doing too much. “It allows us to make sessions and education here a bit more specific as we know them much better as players.” Monqiue Conti, Luke Plapp, Peter Wright, Libby Birch and Nathan Pellissier are some of

the success stories of the academy. For every success story there’s many who weren’t able to reach their sporting dreams. McAllion said they made a big focus of that and setting up other pathways if they don’t reach the level they wanted. While there is a massive high performance focus, students can continue their scholarship as long as they are meeting the demands. “We try and work through with kids, but it’s a really tough and interesting conversation when, if the student still has the dream alive in their mind and we don’t think they’re going to make it,” McAllion said. “What point do you have that discussion with a teeanger. We certainly have things in place in a variety of our programs, for example all the kids in the hockey program did coaching qualifications… they might get umpires or coaching qualifications. “We have worked with Victoria University and tertiary pathways and career pathways and all that stuff, we know they are very sport minded. “There are other pathways, within sport, we work with kids in that, We don’t want to limit their dreams if they still want to have a crack. “We could be producing the next club president of the local cricket and footy club. It’s still a major contribution to sport and I think that is still great. While the school is a successful one, there still plenty more to do. This year they’ve got their first wheelchair athlete in Sunbury tennis player Jin Woodman and the academy is growing a partnership with the Paralympics Australia. The school has started data analyzing more in depth to help better understand their students. McAllion said the motto is continuous improvement which they are focused on. Back on the football field, the girls continue to work through their drills. With the game growing, it’s quite possible that one of the next AFLW stars is among them. It shows exactly what the school is all about.

For Damien Bozinovski and Charlotte Morey, Maribyrnong Sports Academy was where they wanted to do their schooling. Like many others they applied to the academy, as they wanted to focus not only on their education, but their schooling dreams. Damien, who is part of Melbourne Victory’s youth set up, is following in the footsteps of his brothers. “Both my brothers went here,” he said during one of his gym sessions. “They were both older than me and got into the sports academy and I thought I may as well come here and have a go and I got in. “It’s a really good program that is aimed to help you individually, but there’s a team environment as well. “It includes all the strength training, plyometrics training and even outside technical training. “It’s a good school as well.” Charlotte is a budding netballer who is part of the Victorian state under-17 team for the upcoming national championships. Ever since hearing about the academy as a junior, the Point Cook resident decided this was where she wanted to study. “The old coach here at the school was my under-11s rep coach, she kind of told us about it and then I trialled,” she said. “I was pretty excited when I found out about it. It was the only school I was looking at.” Charlotte said while she had benefited on the court from the academy, it was a lot of the other stuff which had been most important. “I’ve definitely benefited from the gym as well, the injury prevention and things like that. With my sport, knees and ankles are pretty common to injure so it has helped me with that. “It’s really cool to get a different coach and a different perspective of how you play and you get to link up with other people.” Both admit at times it can be pretty full on with training, study and travelling to the school, but it’s worth it in the long run. Charlotte said the car is often her desk as she goes from one commitment to the next. While both are focused on their home work, it’s clear that sport is where their interests lay. “At the moment I’m playing for the Geelong Cougars in the VNL [Victorian Netball League], I’m in the 17 and under state team and I play locally at South Barwon,” Charlotte said. “I’d love to play for the Melbourne Vixens, but right now focused on performing well at nationals, hopefully in the VNL and getting up a couple of age groups. For Damien, who lives in Taylors Lakes, “right now by the end of the year the 23s, the senior team and I want to keep pushing with the help of the program.” Tara Murray Tuesday, 19 April, 2022 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 23

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