Established in 2003
proudly serving the Northern Suburbs
11 APRIL, 2023
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A passion for words Roxburgh Rise Primary School pupils participated in a series of writing workshops to compose and publish their own stories. As part of Ardoch’s Writer in Residence program, author Vikki Conley encouraged pupils to write about their passions in an innovative approach to engage children in literacy. Ms Conley said the program is aimed at inspiring young minds and reaching schools with diverse and vulnerable communities. “It’s about teaching students writing, editing and storytelling skills that they can use all the way through their schooling and into their working lives,” she said. “Their confidence grows and their writing comes alive as they learn new skills and realise that writing about things they love is a great starting point for a story idea. We talk about writing from the heart and how writing gives us a voice in this world.” A book launch celebrated the work of pupils, giving them a chance to sign their published and printed books that will sit on the shelves in the school library. Author Vikki Conley with year 5 students Junaina, Migalina and Alex. (Damjan Janevski) 326245_03
Freight hub a step closer By Hannah Hammoud The long-awaited Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal (BIFT) is one step closer after National Intermodal announced the acquisition of 1100 hectares of land required to build the terminal. The BIFT is planned as a major node for the Inland Rail Project which will enable double-stacked trains up to 1.8 kilometres long to move between ports in Geelong, Melbourne and Brisbane. In 2018 Beveridge was identified by the state government as a prime location for Victoria’s interstate freight hub.
The project is set to play a significant role in delivering efficiencies in the movement of freight and ease traffic congestion. National Intermodal said early planning is under way to support potential interstate rail services at Beveridge as soon as possible, with full terminal and precinct warehouse operations by 2028-29. The precinct will also include upgrades to key road corridors including the Camerons Lane-Hume Highway intersection. National Intermodal chief executive James Baulderstone said acquiring the land at Beveridge was an “important milestone in the development of Melbourne’s modern, efficient
intermodal terminals”. “The Beveridge terminal when operational will greatly enhance the resilience of our national supply chain,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with all stakeholders including the Mitchell Shire and Whittlesea councils to unlock job opportunities in future construction and operations for the growing communities in Melbourne’s north who will be integral to the delivery of this precinct.” Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said council had been advocating to both federal and state governments for funding to see this important project come
to fruition. “This is an exciting announcement for our community and provides certainty on the delivery of this much-anticipated project,” she said. “The BIFT is expected to deliver an enormous boost to local employment with some 20,000 jobs required for both construction and ongoing operations and it will contribute $3.5 billion to the economy each year. “We look forward to working with National Intermodal and our neighbouring councils to progress with this project so we can see the benefits to local communities and beyond as soon as possible.”
Autumn School Holiday Program
@ the Y Leisure City
11th - 21st April 2023 Enjoy swimming, sports clinics, bowling, cooking classes, disco and much more these school holidays.
Visit leisurecity.ymca.org.au or call 9401 2222 12599003-AA15-23