Star Weekly - Northern - 25th April 2023

John is a good sport

Bundoora’s John Roberts has been named as a finalist for Official of the Year at the 2022 Victorian Sport Awards, for his work officiating lawn bowls.

Following a record number of nominations from the Victorian sporting community, finalists have been announced across 19 categories for the annual awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate the achievements of home-grown sporting heroes at both grassroots and high-performance levels.

Mr Roberts holds the highest officiating accreditation and has been officiating for 20 years across many exciting sporting events, including three Commonwealth Games and four World Championships.

“Officiating provides you with the best seat in the house in terms of the action,” he said. “I really enjoy meeting people, and the people associated with bowls. It’s a very friendly environment.”

Mr Roberts is one of only two state umpiring co-ordinators who provide training and guidance throughout Victoria.

He was named as a finalist alongside three other officials, with the winner announced at an award ceremony in June.

Affordable housing move

By Hannah Hammoud

A new community housing development in Wollert is a step closer, with Whittlesea council seeking organisations to develop a site on Ashline Street.

Whittlesea council has commenced an expression of interest (EOI) process to lease the land at 1f Ashline Street, Wollert, on a 50-year term for affordable housing.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, April 18 council accepted the recommendation to commence an EOI process to identify a suitablecommunityhousingorganisation that

will manage and develop affordable housing on the site.

In2021councilsoughtfeedbackonthesame proposal and was met with strong community backlash, with over 2000 people signing an online petition calling for council to consider otheravenuesforprovidingaffordablehousing in the municipality.

Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said there were 3600 households that have an unmet need for affordable housing in the municipality.

“There is a critical shortage of local homes thatareaffordableforresidentsonlowincome,

and that number is continuing to grow,” she said,

“We’ve certainly heard loud and clear communityconcernaboutissuessuchassafety, amenity and impact on property values.”

Among a number of other selection criteria, the report recommends that any development response must incorporate a design that integrates with the surrounding neighbourhood character, not exceed two stories in height and be single-detached housing, duplex and townhouse style only.

Ms Wilson said the proposal considers an approach that addresses community concern

while still responding to the growing need for affordable housing in the municipality.

“… Because of those comments from residents, the [council] officers have come back with a very considered approach that is recommended to ensure that those concerns areaddressedwhilealso,wecandeliveraboost to very needed affordable housing,” she said.

“Our engagement with local residents will continue throughout and no doubt they’ll be invited to provide feedback on the draft plans and designs once the suitable community housing organisation is selected.”

John Roberts is a finalist for the Official of the Year award in the 2022 Victorian Sports Awards. (Damjan Janevski) 330173_05

• Campbellfield Chris and Marie’s 1477 Sydney Road

• Campbellfield Barry Road Milk Bar 331 Barry Road

• Coolaroo Meadow Heights Newsagency Shop 16, 55 Paringa Boulevard

• Coolaroo Melba Vale Country Club 1390 Pascoe Vale Road

• Craigieburn Craigieburn Convenience Store 19 Bank Street

• Craigieburn Hume City Council 75-95 Central Park Avenue

• Craigieburn Coles Service Station 42-44 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Connections - Craigieburn 59 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre 340 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Harry Brown Liquor G03/420-440 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn The Foodary Caltex 420-440 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Freshplus Craigieburn 420-440 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 10 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Coles Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Windrock

• Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd

• Craigieburn Quality Food Store Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd

• Craigieburn Milk Bar Store 100 Fairways Boulevard

• Craigieburn Nanak Indian Grocery Highlands SC 300 Grand Boulevard

• Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 300 Highlands SC Grand Boulevard

• Craigieburn Highlands News & Lotto 300 HighlandsSC Grand Boulevard

• Craigieburn Hothlyn Drive Milk Bar Hothlyn Drive

• Craigieburn Foodworks 130-132 Hothlyn Drive

• Craigieburn Caltex - now Ampol 315 Hume Highway

• Craigieburn Metro Petroluem 330 Hume Highway

• Craigieburn IGA Xpress Grand Boulevard 27-29

Princes Circuit

• Craigieburn Moey’s Milk Bar 2

50-metre pool a reality

Hume decides on waste model

By Hannah Hammoud

Hume council decided on a Capital Improved Value (CIV) model for waste charge services on non-residential properties, at its meeting on April 11.

In the meeting on Tuesday, April 11, it was decided a CIV methodology would be used when the waste services charge commence on July 1, 2023. The decision comes after months of deliberation from councillors on how to proceed with the proposed waste charge system.

At the last meeting, council moved forward with a flat-fee payment model for residential properties.

The decision solidifies the methodology for the 2023/2-4 financial year which will charge a flat-fee public waste service charge for residential properties and a CIV based service rate for non-residential properties.

Cr Carly Moore said that the CIV model will ensure that owners of non-residential properties pay their fair share when it comes to the public waste charge service.

“For me, the fairest system is that everybody

pays the same because everybody is receiving the same service for residential properties,” she said. “Obviously that’s not the case for our commercial and industrial properties. That’s why I’m supportive of them being based on CIV.”

Currently, all costs associated with waste services are covered through the general rate revenue. As a part of rates, this is calculated based on the value of the property through a CIV model, which is revalued regularly.

Cr Karen Sherry reiterated that the waste services charge only achieves cost recovery

Council offers e-waste collections

Whittlesea council is hosting a series of free e-waste collections throughout the year across different areas of the municipality.

The collections will accept any item with a plug, cord or battery that is no longer working or wanted and cannot be placed into general household rubbish or recycling bins.

Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd said that the e-waste drop-off events help to support and encourage residents to properly dispose of their waste.

“As part of our Rethinking Waste Plan 2021-30, our key goals are to avoid waste generation, recover and recycle as much as possible and protect the health and safety of our community and the environment from

the impacts of waste,” he said.

“We are seeing an increase in dumped rubbish in some suburbs and we are taking a zero-tolerance approach. We encourage all of our residents to dispose of all their waste responsibly.“

Thecollectede-wasteistakentoaprocessing facility where items are taken apart, shredded and sorted. The individual components and valuable materials such as tin, copper, gold, silver, aluminium and zinc are recovered for reuse into new products.

In 2019, the state government banned the disposal of e-waste to landfill acknowledging the risks of hazardous materials and the potential to recycle valuable materials.

When recycled correctly, materials can be recovered and reused in the creation of new products, rather than relying on the mining raw non-renewable material.

Whittlesea residents can also drop off e-waste for free at Hanson’s Wollert Landfill or SRS Metals in Thomastown.

Smalle-wasteitemssuchascameras,mobile phones or iPods can be taken to one of the council’s recycling stations.

The next e-waste collection date is Wednesday May 10, at Main Street Recreation Reserve in Thomastown. Information: www. whittlesea.vic.gov.au/waste.

Hannah Hammoud

and it does not generate a surplus or profit for council.

“I just want to reassure the public that introducing a waste service charge the current proportion of your rates currently used to fund the applicable waste services that you’re receiving would be removed from the general rates,” she said.

“Then the cost of delivering these waste services would then be added back into the rates notice in the form of a waste services charge based on the methodology selected by council.”

School enjoys new upgrades

Elevation Secondary College in Craigieburn has welcomed a number of new upgrades, after the official opening of stage two developments from Kalkallo MP Ros Spence and Education Minister Natalie Hutchins. With a $25 million investment from the state government, the school has welcomed additional facilities, including a gymnasium, performing arts and music classrooms, food technologyclassrooms,andacanteen.

Stage two also includes two new learning communities, additional hardcourts, landscaping, and a sports oval.

In 2020, Elevation Secondary College entered the first phase of the project with the inclusion of a science, technology and arts building, a general-purpose learning community, an administration centre and library.

Ms Spence said that the investment in schools throughout the community will help to ensure local students are able to get the best start in life.

“It was terrific to meet so many students who are now benefitting from these brand-new state-of-theart-facilities,” she said.

Man admits to choking murder of his estranged wife

A man has admitted he murdered his estranged wife at their family home, confessing moments before a jury was to be selected for his trial.

Zoran Pandilovski was due to face the first day of a murder trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court on Monday 17 April, but he pleaded guilty just before the empanelment process began.

HewenttoElainePandilovski’shomeinthe Melbourne suburb of Mill Park at 7.45am on July 14, 2020, where she was alone.

Pandilovski choked her to death and then

tried to move her body to the basement of the home they once shared, to conceal it.

He then fled in his car and drove along Western Ring Road at a fast speed before crashing.

The facts of the case were previously revealed by Justice Christopher Beale. ColleaguesofMrsPandilovski,whoworked as a teacher’s aide at Plenty Park Primary School, became concerned when she did not show up to work on July 14.

They called her mother, who went to check on her but could not find her after searching

through the property.

Police went to the home later that evening and found her body in a storage room of the basement.

The pair married in 2002 and had a son together before they separated in late 2018.

Last week, Pandilovski offered to plead guilty to manslaughter but prosecutors refused this and a jury was empanelled for his murder trial on Thursday.

That jury was discharged on Friday after a legal issue during selection where Justice Beale excused a retired police officer from

serving as a juror.

He said he excused the former cop because there could be a reasonable basis for apprehended bias if he sat on the jury.

However, Justice Beale agreed with lawyers from both sides to start over with another jury to avoid any issues down the track if Pandilovski was convicted and then appealed. Pandilovski was taken back into custody and will next face court on June 23 for a pre-sentence hearing.

Emily Woods, AAP

Hannah Hammoud

Kalkallo MP Ros Spence and Education Minister Natalie Hutchins at the ribbon cutting ceremony for stage two. (Supplied)

Repair Cafe milestone

Whittlesea residents celebrated the first anniversary of the Mernda Repair Cafe by bringing down their broken items to receive a new lease of life.

The Repair Cafe marked its one year anniversary on Saturday, April 22, in true fashion, with skilled volunteers performing repairs on all kinds of personal items that would have otherwise been thrown out.

Working from the Mernda Community House, the cafe had a dedicated team of volunteers at the ready to repair shoe, bike, garment and electrical items, as well as an IT wizard to help with phone and computer updates.

Maylei Hunt is the program co-ordinator for the Repair Cafe, she said that the initiative takes into consideration both caring for the

environment as well as peoples hip-pocket.

“The focus is about sustainability and the environment and really bringing back skills of repair back to the community,” she said.

Ms Hunt said that by repairing these items they are able to divert waste from landfill, with closeto100kgofpotentiallandfillsavedateach event.

“Theresponsefromthecommunityhasbeen fantastic, not just people bringing in items, but even our own repair team has grown, it’s prettymuchdoubled,”shesaid.“Wehopemore people get excited and come to our events.”

The next repair event will be on Saturday, May 20. Details: https://merndach.org.au/ repaircafe

Briefs

Drugs seized

Police arrested five men and seized a large amount of cannabis as part of an investigation into an organised crime syndicate operating in Melbourne. Properties across the city were searched by officers of the VIPER task force. A 53-year-old Lalor man was charged with possessing a drug of dependence and the proceeds of crime, and released on bail. A 59-year-old Glen Waverley man is likely to be charged with commercial cultivation of cannabis. Police said a 41-year-old Melton West man,30-year-old Kew man, and a 37-year-old Coimadai man have been charged with commercial cultivation of cannabis and remanded in custody.

Police seize cannabis plants

Police seized more than 1000 cannabis plants in Epping and Campbellfield after executing search warrants at two factories on Constance Court, Epping and a factory in Halley Crescent, Campbellfield at about 11am on Thursday, April 13. Hydroponic set-ups were also located at the properties FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Have your say

Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 2

Help shape the potential future Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 2

As works ramp up to upgrade Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard (Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 1), we’re undertaking planning for a potential future upgrade of Mickleham Road between Dellamore Boulevard and Craigieburn Road (Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 2).

To help inform our planning for the potential future Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 2, we’d like to hear from you.

To have your say, please scan the QR code or visit engage.vic.gov.au/mickleham-road-upgrade and complete an online survey or drop a pin on our interactive map by 14 May 2023.

For more information, or to request a hard copy survey be mailed to you, please contact 1800 105 105 or email contact@roadprojects.vic.gov.au

to bus routes 200, 305, 309 and 905 as buses start to use the park and ride.

For more information about Bulleen Park & Ride and the overhaul of the Eastern Freeway, visit northeastlink.vic.gov.au

370 car spaces

Fast, frequent buses to and from the city

New green space for locals

Hannah Hammoud

Mernda Repair Café Shoe Repairer, Lisa Edwards. (Victoria Lee)

Airport rail link delay confirmed

By Hannah Hammoud

With the immediate future of the Melbourne Airport Rail up in the air, deputy premier and Transport Minister Jacinta Allan has confirmed the project’s 2029 completion date won’t be met.

Speaking with ABC Radio on Monday, April 17, Ms Allan cited “challenging” negotiations with Melbourne Airport as a contributing factor to the delay.

“Ithasbeenchallengingtonegotiatewiththe airport about how the project will be delivered on the land that they lease from the federal government to run the airport,” Ms Allan told ABC Radio.

“It’s been slower than I would have liked.”

Ms Allan could not confirm the expected

timeline for when the rail link will be completed.

In the state government plans, the station at the Melbourne Airport, while the airport said at the time a decision had not been made on whether the station would be above or below ground.

A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said the airport remains a strong supporter of airport rail.

“Melbourne Airport has been working constructively with Rail Projects Victoria to progress the project and achieve a rail link that is fit for Victoria’s international gateway,” the spokesperson said.

“We note that the airport rail station needs toworkforallpeoplewhocometotheprecinct, not just those who will come by train.

New youth social hub

Whittlesea council is set to commence work to transform the western end of Norris Bank Reserve in Bundoora into a social hub for the region’s youth.

The third stage of the major redevelopment of the reserve off McLeans Road will focus on improving the facility’s appeal to younger residents.

The redevelopment will include the creation of a performance space, social space with Wi-Fi access, multi-use basketball court and grassembankmentinthereserve.LEDlighting will also be installed along upgraded paths to help improve access to the reserve and public transport.

The works will begin in mid-April and are expected to continue until October 2023.

Atemporaryfencewillbeerectedaroundthe construction site and signs will direct visitors to alternative pedestrian pathways.

Previous stages of the Norris Bank Reserve redevelopment included the provision of a dedicated off-leash dog area and a playground featuring a play tower with slides, water play area and upgraded picnic facilities.

The project received a $600,000 contribution from the state government as part of the Growing Suburbs Fund.

Additionally,theoff-leashdogparkatNorris Bank Reserve will be closed on April 26 and 27 for upgrade works to expand the concrete footing around the drinking fountain and earthworks to improve drainage.

Details: parks@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

What’s on

“Melbourne Airport is subject to planning requirements as set out in the federal Airports Act (1996) and is working through these with Rail Projects Victoria.

“The timing of this project is a decision for government, and we await further clarity.”

The state and federal governments both committed $5 billion to the project, with close to $700 million allocated in last year’s state budget for early works.

Northern Metropolitan Region MP Evan Mulholland said the decision to delay the airport rail link would mean that northern suburbs will suffer most.

“Melbourne Airport Rail was cancelled by Daniel Andrews in 2014, and now he has the dubious legacy of cancelling it twice,” Mr Mulholland said.

The airport rail is set to connect Melbourne Airportwiththestate’strainnetworkandform a key part of the Suburban Rail Loop.

The Geelong Fast Rail is also anticipated to be put on hold in an attempt to cut spending as the state’s debt rises toward $200 billion.

A Victorian government spokesperson said any decisions about federal government fundingofinfrastructureprojectsinVictoriais a matter for them.

“Just as all Victorians are facing cost of living challenges with rising interest rates and inflation, the Victorian budget will also take intoaccountcurrenteconomicconditions,”the spokesperson said.

The upcoming federal and state budgets have been scheduled for May 9 and May 23 respectively.

Get outdoors and explore

Join us for a Pop-up Bush Playgroup event with your children for a morning full of fun.

The City of Whittlesea and Eco Explorers invite you to come along and join our fully facilitated ‘Bush Playgroup’. Children will have the opportunity to explore, create, imagine and discover nature.

Where: Laurimar Creek Reserve near Braford Drive intersection, Doreen

When: Friday 28 April, 10am – 12pm

Scan QR code for more or visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events

Enjoy a magical night in the North

Walking Thomastown is back this May with more entertainment and more fun activities to enjoy.

Join us for a free after-dark event that celebrates the unique character of Thomastown and be amazed by the breathtaking array of lights, sculptures, art, live music, performances, soundscapes, and family-friendly entertainment.

Where: From Main Street Recreation Reserve to Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden

When: Friday 5 May, 6pm – 9pm

Scan QR code to find out more or visit arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Work begins to deliver youth social hub at Norris Bank Reserve. (Supplied)

Councils release budget hopes

By Hannah Hammoud

With the state and federal budgets scheduled to be delivered in May, Whittlesea council and Hume council are seeking co-investment from both state and federal governments with a strong focus on infrastructure.

Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd said that as a fast growing community, Whittlesea needs services and infrastructure to keep pace with population growth.

Council is seeking funding for six priority projects, including: an Aboriginal gathering place in Quarry Hills Regional Park, the

Mernda regional sports and aquatic centre, a permanent and full headspace service for the northern area of Whittlesea, fast-tracked implementation of the E6 freeway project, increased supply of social and affordable housing and improved broadband connectivity in growth areas.

“Throughout the 2022 state and federal elections, we advocated on behalf of our community for investment from all levels of government and received co-investment commitments from both major parties on some of our key advocacy priorities,” Mr Lloyd said.

Tour for history buffs

Thomastown residents are invited to join history experts on a trek to discover the rich history of Thomastown.

As part of Whittlesea council’s Cultural Heritage Program, the Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) is partnering with Friends of Westgarthtown to celebrate the history and heritage of the area.

On Tuesday, May 9 participants will lace up their runners for the two and a half hour trek along Edgars Creek to the historic precinct of Westgarthtown and return.

The trek will tour through the historic farmhouse, church and cemetery in the Westgarthtown precinct which is home to Victoria’s oldest German settlement.

YPRL local and family history Llibrarian Liz Pidgeon co-ordinates the walk. She said her biggest takeaway from running the trek is connecting people in the community with one another.

“We like to have local residents come along and learn about where they live and connect with where they live,” she said.

“The people that come along are usually interested in the historical information they receive. But the walk is also able to connect people with each other, all of a sudden they start telling us their stories, and opening up to the group about their experiences growing up and living locally.”

Details: https://yprl.spydus.com/ cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/ EVSESENQ?SETLVL=&RNI=587874

“We look forward to seeing funds for these commitments released in the relevant state and federal budgets for 2023-24.”

Hume council said it is looking for investment for infrastructure projects and programs to help residents adapt to the increasing cost of living.

These investments include: congestion free roads,efficientandfrequentpublictransport, access to health care to meet the growing demand and greater focus on schools and early childhood services, particularly in newly established communities.

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said council

would continue to advocate for these services and infrastructure as the population grows.

“Hume city’s population will expand to almost 400,000 in the next 20 years, and we need vital infrastructure and services to grow with us,” Cr Haweil said.

“Council will continue to advocate for more funding to help us build better arterial roads, provide greater support for community health and to invest more into social housing.”

The federal budget will be handed down on May 9, while the state budget will be delivered on May 23.

Coordinator of the trek Liz Pidgeon stands at the starting point of the walk at Thomastown Library. (Damjan Janevski) 324896

Hannah Hammoud

Hume households embrace solar

By Hannah Hammoud

Craigieburn residents are doing their bit to contribute to a greener world after the suburb was ranked in the top five suburbs in Victoria for total solar generation.

Sunbury residents also recorded the highest number of solar installations in the Hume rollout program, and ranked as the seventh top suburb for solar installation in Victoria for February of this year.

HumeMayorJosephHaweilsaidthenumber of solar installations is a testimony to the community.

“The impressive solar uptake results across our community and for Sunbury and Craigieburn in particular, are testament to our residentsandtheircommitmenttoarenewable future,” Cr Haweil said.

Since the rollout began in late 2020, one megawatt of solar has been installed across Hume, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by

Social group funding

The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) will be able to continue to support its Arabic women’s social group after Hume council approved funding of $3000 through round two of the 2023 Community Grant Program.

VASS is a not-for-profit association that providessupporttopeopleofArabic-speaking background communities and provides a range of support services, including counselling, casework, referrals, advocacy, community development, mediation, and social, cultural, and linguistic support.

The social group has been running for two years, after community members approached VASS asking for a place to meet other women in the community after being isolated during the pandemic.

VASS case manager Lina Hassan says this funding will reach local women who need support.

“We have an open door policy, we welcome anyone who is feeling isolated and needs support,” she said.

The program addresses gender inequality by educating those who attend about issues such as mental health and financial support to empower women to help themselves in these areas.

Farial is one of the women who attends the social group, she says that it has been an important place for her to connect with others, and help ease her stress.

“I’ve found new members and I am not alone anymore, I can laugh for the first time,” she said.

Hannah Hammoud

Victorian Arabic Social Services, Aged Care and Disability Intake and Case Manager Lina Hassan, with Chief Executive Leila Alloush. (Damjan Janevski) 330011_02

We’re building the West Gate Tunnel

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building an alternative to the West Gate Bridge. The West Gate Tunnel will create better connections across our city and take thousands of trucks off local roads.

Road disruptions: Closed roads and lanes

Wurundjeri Way, Docklands Overnight until 1 May Between Bourke and Dudley streets Until Oct Reduced lanes in both directions between Bourke and Collins streets

Footscray Road, West Melbourne Until late-May Westbound between Appleton Dock Road and Dock Link Road

about 1050 tonnes per year.

This emission reduction is equivalent to removing about 205 cars each year, while saving households in the program a collective of about $215,000 in electricity bills.

Cr Haweil said these savings can help ease the burden of cost of living pressures.

“Given the ongoing cost of living pressures that many in our community are facing, the Hume Household Solar Rollout program is an effective way for residents to save money and

help keep our environment clean,” he said.

“The one-megawatt solar installation milestone is a great reflection of the Hume Household Solar program and proves residents are making positive impacts through solar.”

The state government is also offering $1400 rebates and interest-free loans for households to install solar. Hume council will offer an additional $700 rebate to concession card holders who install solar through the program.

Details: https://bit.ly/3GPNWwq

Fans get behind Western United

Western United’s women’s side might only be in their first season, but the side has started to get a dedicated fan base. With the team playing in the A-League Women’s grand final this Sunday, many fans are planning to head to Sydney to watch the side in action and hopefully claim the championship. Star Weekly caught up with some of the dedicated fans ahead of the big game.

Western Core

Brooke Muscat has been a member of Western United since day one.

Part of the men’s active supporter group, Muscat was one of those who put her hand up to help run the club’s women’s active supporter group when the club finally got a women’s side this season.

Muscat and the group have had a season full of highs so far and they’re hoping a championship will cap it off this Sunday.

“A group of us run it, a little group of about eight of us run it behind the scenes and helped create it” she said.

“I’m a supporter of the men’s team and an inaugural member. With the commitment factorsomeonehadtostepupwiththewomen’s teamandwe’vebeensupportingthemeachand every week.

“The boys do a lot of work with the men’s side, so we’re sharing the load and each of the partiessupporteachotherasmuchaspossible.”

Muscat has made several interstate trips this season to watch United, including being at the club’s semi final win in Sydney.

She said it was an incredible experience.

“It was an awesome experience and how the game transpired was incredible to watch.

“Seeing all that hard work and the tight knit community they’ve put together was such a great experience.

“To watch it live, there were only about 10 of us, it was really cool to have played a little part in it.”

While many people have been surprised by United’s success in its first season, Muscat said she didn’t think that it was such a big surprise, with so much belief in the team.

“I’m so proud of them.”

Muscat has already booked her flights, accommodationandticketsforthegrandfinal. She’shopingthattherewillbeaheapofother United fans making the trip.

“There’s been a fair bit of interest in a few of the Western United supporter groups,” she said.

“The club is looking to put a bus on if there’s enough support. There should be a decent amount of people there.

“We want people to come and join us in the

active supporter bay.”

Muscat said the only disappointing aspect was that many supporters will miss out on coming to the match, with it being held in Sydney after Football Australia decided both A-League grand finals would be held in the Harbour City.

The Woollam family

Western United fans Jenni Woollam and her family from Hoppers Crossing are flying up to Sydney to watch the game and support their team.

“As soon as we heard we booked flights up to Sydney,” Ms Woollam said. “We were just in Adelaide for the men’s [game].”

“Myhusbandandtwoofmykidsarecoming … [we] leave at 6am and get back at 10pm … and there’s about 12 [friends] going as well.”

Ms Woollam said the family have been following Western United for a few years now and said it’s been a really exciting season.

Western United men’s active group

Western United men’s active support are ramping up to get out and show their support for the women’s team in the upcoming A-League Women’s final.

One of the men’s active support leaders Mason Ahumada said he’s enjoyed watching the women’s success throughout their first season.

“It’s been very good,” he said.

“Because I’ve been such a big part of the men’s support, I’ve been able to see a lot of the women come up through Calder United, who they merged [formed a partnership] with last season.

“Just seeing the passion they’ve instilled in the first season has been great to see.”

Now, he’s preparing to head up to Sydney to show support during the final.

“I’mveryexcited,whowould’vethoughtthat we’d come this far,” he said.

“Throughout the season a lot of the players have showed a lot of heart and they keep continuing to prove all the doubters wrong, and here we are with the biggest game next weekend.

“To lift the trophy, and following the success of the men’s last season, to lift two trophies, would be awesome.”

He said many members of the men’s support will be joining on the Sydney trip

Ahumada said it’s normal for the club’s men and women’s support groups to all come together and support each other.

“We all chat as a collective and try our best to support each other … The club try and instil that. It’s mostly just us trying to have a good outcome for the club,” he said.

“I’m bringing some of the boys with me, so there’ll be a lot of hometown support at the game, so we’re all gonna be there in numbers for sure.

“The club try to instil that. It’s mostly just us trying to have a good outcome for the club.”

Western United fans will be in full voice on Sunday. (Supplied)

Active support group the Western Core. (Supplied)

The Western Core at the semi final (Supplied)

The Woollam family on their way to a Western United game. (Supplied)

Empowered lay the foundations, so you can build a life

Empowered Liveability was founded to create tailored living solutions for people with complex requirements, including young people forced into aged care. With a plethora of lived and vocational experience in complex care provision, including direct care, support co-ordination, training and counselling within disability, mental health, and aged care, the team is made up of passionate advocates that believe in people with disabilities living life on their own terms.

Combining expert disability knowledge with property expertise, the Empowered Liveability team supports participants to choose where, how, and who they live with and who they are supported by.

With over 40 SDA funded properties on large blocks throughout Australia, Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes. Working with ethical and heart centred investors, who often have a connection to the disability or mental health sectors supports the Empowered Liveability purpose of empowering people to thrive through independent living options.

The Empowered team are also able to facilitate complete choice and control in aiding participants and families to build their very own dream home. With a view to create many options for disabled people to choose from, the team is adamant that co-creation of Specialist Disability Accommodation is the way of the future, working hand in hand with participants to encompass every possibility of creating life-long homes, not workplaces.

Empowered Liveability ensures the process of finding or creating your forever home, is enjoyable and an empowering process end to end.

Empowered homes are considered equivalent to large luxury homes.

MY PLACE

Christian Zahra has been welcomed as a new administrator for Whittlesea council after being appointed in March. He says the role is about delivering for the community, rather than any individual goal or project.

What do you love most about Whittlesea? Well, it’s hard to know where to start and finish in answering this one. I know it’s a cliché but the thing I really love about Whittlesea is that it’s a municipality that can honestly claim to have it all. The vibrant northern suburbs and the huge employment opportunities that are available locally as well as the genuine country feel and natural beauty of the rural northern parts of the city around Whittlesea township. Whittlesea itself is such a pretty town with a great country feel and so easy to get to for people in other parts of the municipality. Not every big and growing municipal area has something that special. I think it’s the diversity in Whittlesea that really makes it special.

What prompted you to join the Whittlesea council?

I recently worked in a similar role as an Administrator at South Gippsland Shire Council and really enjoyed it. It’s a rare situation having a panel of administrators appointed, so there’s only a fairly small group of people who have done it before. It’s the sort of the thing where the experience of havingactuallydoneitbeforeisreallyuseful. Workingcollaborativelywiththecommunity andwithmyfellowadministratorstoachieve things is something I get a lot of satisfaction in being involved in. So I was very happy

to be asked to serve and have found the experience so far of working with my two colleagues Lydia and Peita really great. They are both very accomplished and very dedicated to the work.

The most important thing for me is bringing an independent mind to every decision we have to make and collaborating with my colleagues on the decisions we will need to make between now and the end of our term next year.

What motivates you in your life and work?

Family is the most important thing for me.

I’m lucky to have a fantastic wife who I’ve been married to for nearly 20 years and an 18-year-old son who I’m really proud of and who is finishing year 12 this year. My mum is 86 and is also an important part of our life which is something I’m sure many people can relate to. Always doing my work to a high standard is important to me and I try in every role I’m in to do work I’m proud of.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you. People might be surprised to know I’m a very keen fisherman. My son is even keener than I am. I’ve also taught myself how to weld over the last few years and made an awesome smoker out of scrap metal that I’m proud of and is regularly commented on by friends when they come to our place.

...

New Specialist Disability Accommodation for Wallan

In July 2023, the first Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) project will be completed in the township of Wallan located in Mitchell Shire.

SDAAus is the registered NDIA provider responsible for the development. The directors, Andrew Alexander and Luke Randles, were inspired to become involved in disability services and the development of premium SDA after Andrew’s mother passed away from Multiple Sclerosis in 2012. Having witnessed the struggles his late mother experienced with mobility and accessibility over many years, Andrew has been dedicated to building a legacy in his late mother’s name in the disability services sector.

The SDA located in Wallan has been designed with the purpose of providing its residents with the opportunity to thrive in an independent environment whilst maintaining social wellbeing as a primary focus in their lives. The SDA will house nine residents living in a combination of single bedroom and two-bedroom villas that have been architecturally designed to accommodate their individual support needs.

The SDA also has unique features including a purpose-built social centre with a large kitchen, lounge and alfresco area for residents to engage in lifestyle and recreational activities.

Residents will also enjoy north-facing landscaped gardens consisting exclusively of plants native to Mitchell Shire and neighbouring shires.

SDAAus possesses the skill and experience to provide services in each stage in the

development of premium SDA. Throughout the development of the SDA in Wallan, the services provided by SDAAus included locating and acquiring the land, initial feasibility study of the site, liaison with architects and Supported Independent Living (SIL) providers with respect to the bespoke design and footprint of the site as well as engaging builders and trades for construction and completion of the SDA. There are limited spots still available for interested parties to live at the SDA in Wallan. SDAAus is taking enquiries through its website at www.sdaaus.com.au. Open days are scheduled on 28 and 29 April 2023, with registrations also being taken through the website.

12597535-SN15-23

Whittlesea council administrator, Christian Zahra. (Supplied)

FEATURING

MY BUSINESS Advertising feature

Directors Andrew Alexander and Luke Randles. (Supplied)

Libraries keep children busy

Libraries across Whittlesea hosted a range of school holiday activities, with a jam-packed calendar to cover the two week break. From reading with dogs to boomerang throwing, students were spoilt with choice to fill their break with fun.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski visited the Mill Park Library on Tuesday, April 18 to capture all the fun at the Roald Dahl diorama school holiday activity.

Kate Ferguson is the Yarra Plenty Regional Library senior manager for engagement and operations, she said that for some families the school holiday break can feel stretched out.

“It’s really important for people to know that they can visit the library during the school holidays and there will always be something fun to do,” she said. “We received some really good numbers with around 40-60 people attending a lot of our sessions.

“We even had a request to run adult programs during as part of the school holiday program for parents to enjoy while the kids are doing activities.

“This is something we might explore in the future as we want to co-design with the community as much as possible.”

Large Lots Releasing April 29th

Hannah Hammoud Left: Kyle, 8. Right: Aayati, 8, (top), and Aadyha, 6. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 329823

Top to bottom: Thomas, 7, Evelyn, 7, and Kene, 12.

Left: Lucia, 10. Top left: Selene, 11.

Facelift for Peter Hopper Lake

By Hannah Hammoud

Peter Hopper Lake in Milk Park is set to receive an upgrade, including new features that will improve the long-term health of the lake and revamp the natural beauty of the landscape within Redleap Recreation Reserve.

The lake, which is one of Whittlesea’s largest water bodies, has faced recurrent algal blooms in recent years causing the water quality in the lake to decline.

Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said while various treatments undertaken by council have had some success in restoring water quality, the effects have not been long-lasting and further work is required.

“We want to ensure that the lake is restored to its former beauty and remains a place the community and wildlife can enjoy for years to come,” she said.

“We have been working with specialist consultants over the past year to find the best

Digital healthcare first

Northern Health will be the first public health service in Australia to utilise a newly developed digital examination tool which will enable better access to specialist assessment for patients, from the comfort of their own home.

Developed by telehealth company TytoCare, the small, portable hand-held device includes a comprehensive exam kit, featuring a digital stethoscope for heart and lung examinations, a thermometer, and a tongue depressor to examine throat and tonsils.

The tool can be easily paired with a user-friendly app and clinician dashboard to become a complete telehealth platform for sharing exam data and conducting live video exams.

Northern Health’s heart failure unit head Gautam Vaddadi said while heart failure is a life-long chronic illness that often causes patients to be repeatedly admitted to hospital, Northern Health has developed an innovative program using the device that delivers hospital-level care for patients with heart

failure, in their own home.

“This tool is critical for assessing fluid on the lungs, which is a common problem that affects patients with heart failure,” he said.

“This technology will allow us to make the best possible medical decisions when treating our heart failure patients at home.”

Chief health outcomes officer, clinical leadership and effectiveness and outcomes, Dr Katharine See said TytoCare played an integral role in her team’s mission to deliver new interventions and technologies that will facilitate better health outcomes for the community.

“TytoCare is already being used widely and successfully internationally, with encouraging results,” she said.

“Wewantedtobringthesesametechnologies to the Australian healthcare setting.

“The device is currently being piloted in our heart failure virtual ward, and will support the team to deliver remote healthcare where appropriate.”

PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES

EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

solution for the lake, one that will provide the functionality required to keep the water clean and healthy in the long-term.”

The upgrade works will involve draining the lake to clear out the silt and sediment that has built up over the years.

Council is also planning to build a new rain garden in the northern part of Redleap Recreation Reserve, a sediment pond at the lake’s inlet and replant aquatic native vegetation that will help filter water flowing into the lake.

These features will be used to provide constant movement of water and lessen the issues currently caused by stagnant water.

“Council will be working closely with ecologiststoensurethatallthewildlifeinand around the lake are cared for and either safely relocated or rehomed while the upgrade is taking place,” Ms Wilson said.

Work on the lake is expected to begin in early 2024.

Details: visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ peterhopperlake

Crafty sch l holiday fun

Star Weekly Photographer Damjan Janevski paid a visit to the Broadmeadows Library on Tuesday, April 11 to capture the Crafternoon Surprise school holiday activity where kids enjoyed an hour of fun to create crafty treasures to take home.

Top row: Ayat, 9; Kiara, 6; Tala, 5; Sadhana; 11, and Ala’a, 6. Above: Hiyam, 8; siblings Aliza, 10, and Alina, 4; Alaya, 4; Saaj, 6; and siblings Roy, 8, and Dana, 10. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 328644

Hoping for a place to call home

Young people aged 12 to 24 make up 23 per cent of all homeless people across the country. On Wednesday, April 19, Youth Homelssness Matters Day is encouraging discussion and awareness of issues relating to youth homelessness. Matthew Sims spoke to a number of people experiencing youth homelessness and those supporting them.

Anne Margaret lives at the St Albans Youth Residential Recovery (YRR) centre after experiencing homelessness. This is the first time the 23-year-old has fully lived away from her family home.

Ms Margaret said she is hopeful that with support she can still achieve her goals, despite the uncertainty of her current predicament.

“It’s the best thing, just to have a place that feels like home,” she said.

“I feel good living here and I hope that things work out for me.”

Across three locations, including a site in St Albans,cohealth’sYouthResidentialRecovery (YRR)programisprovidingahomeforyoung people where they can be themselves and work on their recovery goals in a supported, inclusive environment.

The nine-bedroom St Albans site provides a safe space for people aged 16 to 25 years to pursue their mental health recovery.

With their own room, shared spaces and the opportunity to take part in all kinds of activities and group events, the residents work side by side with their mental health and wellbeing coaches to set and meet their personal goals.

Residents are required to pay a service fee of $80 per fortnight for program costs.

Ms Margaret said walking into the unit is like walking into someone’s house.

“You have your personal space and your freedom,” she said.

“It’s helping me not rely so much on other people but to be more independent and to be the best version of myself.”

Ms Margaret recommends the YRR program to other young people in the area.

“If you’re not social, it will help you be more social and more active in the community,” she said.

“It will help you be positive about life.”

Fellow YRR client Cass (they/them) said they feel “relaxed and safe and included” by the YRR team.

St Albans YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Maya Sheppard said the program welcomes people of all backgrounds.

“We at YRR welcome young people into the program from all walks of life and I am really proud of this commitment,” she said.

“I feel really proud of the way our staff can support young people to make their houses feel more like their own.”

MsSheppardsaidhavingagoodorientation process allows young people to feel comfortable while they are transitioning out of homelessness or insecure housing.

“Our approach is client driven and collaborative,wherebystaffwilloftenorganise careteamsmeetingswiththeirothersupports, to make sure we are collaboratively working together to better outcomes and support the young person through orientation,” she said.

YRR youth mental health and wellbeing coach Aidan Rossiter said the focus of the program was valuing clients’ capabilities first.

“We take young people as they are,” he said.

“We accept and value all the young people who enter the YRR program.”

TheSalvationArmynorthwestmetroyouth services manager Ralph Salera said the Salvos are actively supporting about 150 young people who are experiencing homelessness across the northern and western suburbs of Melbourne.

“I’ve worked in the sector for over 16 years and certainly today’s housing crisis is the

most difficult we have encountered,” he said.

“Lack of options and cost of living is contributing to family stresses and impacting young people.

“Theyoungpeopleareeithersleepingrough, in crisis accommodation, couch surfing or in temporary supported housing.”

Mr Salera said services were currently stretched across the western and northern suburbs of Melbourne.

“We are seeing wait lists for support increasing,” he said.

“In Brimbank alone, we have 20 plus young people waiting for allocation to support services.”

About 40,000 young people aged 15 to 24 years presented to a homelessness service across Australia in 2021-22, with about half experiencing mental ill-health and more than one third experiencing domestic and family violence.

The 2021 Census data showed there was a 31.26 per cent increase in youth (12 to 24 years of age) homelessness compared to 2006

figures, jumping from 21,945 in the 2006 Census to 28,804 in 2021.

The 2021 rate of homelessness was highest within the 19 to 24 age group, with 91 out of 10,000 respondents indicating they were experiencing homelessness.

Hope Street Youth and Family Services offers the Hope Street in Melton program, which supports transitional housing for young people and young families who are provided with safe, secure and affordable accommodation for 12 months to two years.

Hope Street supported 255 young people and young families in the Melton area in the 2021-2022 financial year across the First Response Youth Mobile Outreach Service and the First Response Youth Refuge.

The family unit at the First Response Youth Refuge in Melton supported two siblings, Ade and Pals, who arrived in Australia in November 2021.

They came from Ethiopia with no English language skills.

Hope Street supported them to access

educational courses to assist with their language development, link them both into the local Ethiopian community, supported them with cooking, living skills and using public transport.

They are now both able to converse in English and have successfully obtained a propertywheretheyarethrivingandcontinue to develop their English and adapt to life in Australia.

IPC Health Homeless and at Risk of Homelessness Response (HaRH) team manager Eliza Mead said the team provided assertive outreach strategies, providing holistic health and wellbeing assessments, facilitating and supporting referrals into IPC Health’s services and/or into external services, such as Melbourne City Mission or the Salvation Army.

“There is a collaborative and co-ordinated service response,” she said.

“We work really closely with those organisations.“

Mrs Mead said a number of factors led to people experiencing homelessness, including extreme financial disadvantage, lack of immediate response to critical needs, a lack of local and accessible services and limited technical literacy.

“Since July to March, we had 53 rough sleepers,” she said.

“We do know there are likely a number of other health and wellbeing needs for them.

“Wehavebuiltsomeverysolidrelationships within that community.”

The HaRH program has been successful in registering 280 clients between July 2022 through to March 2023 and in collaboration with Tenants Victoria, IPC Health has door-knocked 96 rooming house properties and engaged with 75 tenants, of which 64 are now HaRH clients. IPC Health has also held outreach engagement and support activities at Rockbank Caravan Park, the Tin Shed in St Albans, Melton South Community Centre and Salvation Army Social Housing Service in Sunshine.

Details: www.yfoundations.org.au/ yhmd-2023

‘‘ It’s helping me ... be more independent and to be the best version of myself ’’

- Anne Margaret

(Shutterstock)

‘‘ We are seeing wait lists for support increasing ’’

- Ralph Salera

Resident Anne Margaret with youth engagement worker Jarryd Cooper. (Supplied)

Bigotry can be a health hazard

By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary HealthNetwork

Love it or loathe it, the classic Australian soap opera Neighbours has notched up many firsts in its long life. One of these was making a star oftransgenderactorGeorgieStone,whoplayed the role of Mackenzie Hargreaves.

And Georgie herself marked her own first recentlywhenshebecamethefirsttransperson to give a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra.

“Thislastmonthhasbeenincrediblydifficult for us,” she said. “I am holding the hearts of fellow trans Australians in my mind and acknowledge the collective trauma and pain caused by recent events.”

She was referring to some small but noisy gatherings that targeted trans people. When these sort of things happen, they are not just ugly expressions of bigotry – they are genuine and serious health hazards.

The trans community, especially its younger members, is one of the most at-risk groups in Australia. Research has found that among trans and gender diverse people aged between 14 and 25, almost half have attempted suicide and 80 per cent have self-harmed.

In the general population, the proportion who attempt suicide is 3.6 per cent.

In the US, LGBTIQ+ people under 29 make up a quarter of all suicides. Several studies suggestthatthisisbecauseLGBTIQ+peoplein general, and especially trans people, face high levels of discrimination and harassment. As it would for anybody, this leads to mental health distress.

It’s fair to say that many people don’t understand the particular challenges faced by trans, non-binary and other gender diverse members of our community.

Because of this, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network works hard with some wonderful organisations to make sure thattheycanaccessmentalandphysicalhealth care geared to their needs, delivered by people who know what they are going through.

One of these, for instance, is Queerspace, an organisation that provides all kinds of counsellingandadviceforthebroadLGBTIQ+ community, aimed at improving health and wellbeing. Queerspace is part of the amazing community health organisation Drummond Street Services, which in our region has centres in Brimbank, Wyndham, and North

Melbourne.

Another valuable organisation is Switchboard, which provides peer-driven support services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, gender diverse, intersex, queer and asexual people, their families, allies and communities.

Younger trans people in need of help for mental health or substance use can find it with the Youth Support and Advocacy Service, or YSAS. This mob have an office in Carlton, but operate across the city and beyond.

Finally, there is Thorne Harbour Health, Victoria’s largest provider of health care for LGBTIQ+ residents. We work with them a

lot. Among other services, the organisation runs a dedicated, bulk-billing medical and counselling clinic for trans and gender diverse people. It’s called Equinox, and is located in Abbotsford.

So if you’re trans, don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of these organisations. If you’re not, but you know someone who is, maybe reach out and give them a smile. As Georgie Stone said, it’s been a tough month.

• Queerspace: ds.org.au

• Switchboard: switchboard.org.au

• YSAS: ysas.org.au

• Thorne Harbour Health: thorneharbour.org

NWMPHN works with a number of groups to support transgender people. (iStock)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED?

Creative arts and fitness

Banksia Gardens Community Services is running yoga and jewellery making classes every Tuesday.

■ 9309 8531

Craigieburn Residents’ Association

Join the Craigieburn Residents’ Association to hear from a guest speaker from Major Road Projects Victoria on Wednesday, April 26. The free event will run from 7.30-9pm at Selwyn House,20 Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn.

■ https://www.facebook.com/

CraigieburnResidents/

Craft and Conversation

Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group from 1-3pm and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends.

■ humelibraries.vic.gov.au

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 Turkish Women’s Association.The lunch will be held every Wednesday from 11.30am-1pm 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

Tai Chi for health

Come along to Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Roxburgh Park for a lesson in tai chi, a low impact exercise program to build strength. Everyone is welcome. It’ll be held every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Tai-Chi-for-Health-317365848797

Adult education

Banksia Gardens Community Services is running adult education courses including an introduction to computers and brushing up on English skills.

■ 9309 8531

Senior citizens meet

The Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club regularly meets for games of bingo, carpet bowls and a chat over a cuppa, at the coroner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park.

■ Beulah, 0411 422 398

Homestead Walking Group

Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful gardens and meet other locals. Volunteer leaders will meet at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre at 9.30am on Wednesday’s for a 30–45 minute walk.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/ Eventbrite/Homestead-WalkingGroup-493400784027

Free healthy lifestyle programs

In partnership with Monash University, Whittlesea council are seeking children aged 7-13 who are above healthy weight to support them to improve their eating and activity habits. Until Friday, July 7.

■ Brooke McDonald, 1300 822 953

Seeking volunteer minibus drivers

No special licence required, commitment time is one day a week 9am-3pm. The role involves supporting staff in picking up clients from their homes and taking them to an activity/ social event or outing and then taking them back home. Our clients are older people and people with

disabilities. DPV Health has friendly and supportive staff, training opportunities, volunteer recognition and special volunteer celebrations.

■ Volunteer Coordination Team, 0417 351 220

Phone Connect Program

DPV Health Community Phone Connect Program is a free community service for older people and people with disability, living on their own in the Hume and Whittlesea regions. Through the Community Connect Program, you will receive regular phone calls from a volunteer to check that you are safe, secure and well.

■ 8301 8863

Mill Park Library Carer Group

Are you a Carer - here is your opportunity to connect with carers in your area, get together and have a chat, share stories, maybe a little art/craft occasionally, and support one another over a cup of tea/ coffee. First Group - Every Wednesday 1:30-3pm at the Bluestone School House, 879 Plenty Road, South Morang. Second Group - Each fortnight, Thursdays 1.30-3pm at the Mill Park Library. All Carers are welcome.

■ 0401 673 842

Seed Saving

This no-cost, in-person workshop is the fourth in the Whittlesea council’s Sustainable Communities Workshop Series. The free event will be held on Saturday, April 29 from 10-11.30am at the Whittlesea Council Fountain View Room 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang VIC 3752.

■ sustainability.planning@whittlesea.vic. gov.au

Mother’s Day Melodies

The Mother’s Days Melodies concert will be taking place in Sunbury on Saturday, May 13 at 1pm. The 70 minute show will be followed by a sumptuous afternoon tea, for $15 a ticket.

■ https://bit.ly/3G9LSPt

Bicycle Riders Wanted

Whittlesea Bicycle Users Group runs weekly rides each Sunday morning commencing from various locations, including Epping, Lalor, Thomastown, Bundoora, Mill Park, South Morang and Mernda. We cater for women and men of all abilities. We offer both a shorter, easier ride and a longer ride. Each ride has a break midway at a café for coffee/snacks and a friendly chat. We invite all interested bike riders to come along and enjoy a social ride with other like-minded people. Newcomers are welcome.

■ Glenn, 0434 730 163

Organ Pipes National Park

Free guided tour by Friends of Organ Pipes Volunteer (FOOPS), meet the Enviro Champions and share a picnic dinner. Join in the guided tour and explore the park’s natural beauty. Guided Tour begins at 2:30pm. Picnic Dinner at 5pm. Sunday, May 7 at Organ Pipes National Park, Organ Pipes Road, Keilor North, ■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Organ-Pipes-National-Park-GuidedTour-606869833007

Walking Thomastown 2023

Take a magical night time journey through the culture and history of Thomastown and experience one of our oldest suburbs in a new light. Free event on Friday, May 5 from 6-9pm. Starts from Main Street Recreation Reserve to Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden

■ Julie, 9217 2333

Whittlesea Pride Festival

Whittlesea Community Connections and partnering organisations have come together to plan the first ever Whittlesea Pride Festival held on Sunday, May 7. The free event runs from 11am-4pm at 146/156 McDonalds Rd, Epping. ■ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/whittleseapride-festival-tickets-570358667127

Bringing up kids expo 2023

Join us as we bring local family support

agencies together to provide you with information on services, programs and events offered in the City of Whittlesea for your family. Free event held on Tuesday,May 9 from 10am-1pm at the Kirrip Community Centre, 135 De Rossi Boulevard, Wollert East.

■ https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/www. trybooking.com/CDZRN

Thomastown e-waste collection event

Free event to get rid of your unwanted small household electrical items in an environmentally friendly way, bring them to this E-waste collection event. Held on Wednesday, May 10 from 11am-1pm at Main Street Recreation Reserve, 56 76 Main Street, Thomastown.

■ Kate, 9401 0579

English and technology classes

Do you or someone you know need help learning English or understanding Technology? Craigieburn Education and Community Centre is offering Free Beginner English and Computer classes to eligible residents. Small, relaxed and friendly classes, drop in and say hello at 20 Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn.

■ 9308 1477, or https://www.craigieburn.org.au

Lego Club

Drop in sessions for primary school age children, Wednesdays 3.30pm-5pm during school term. Children must have a caregiver with them at all times. Lego, tea and coffee are provided. Gold coin appreciated. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Ellizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Repair Café Sunbury

Head along for a cuppa and some skill sharing on how to repair broken household items, preventing landfill and promoting kindness. Runs every third Saturday of the month, 10am to 12.30pm at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House. 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

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

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of kids having fun at Albanvale primary school’s cultural diversity day. (Damjan Janevski) 329177_01

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

1 Region of South Africa (9)

6 Just (4)

10 Atmosphere (3)

11 Donated (11)

12 Before chapter one (9)

13 Grower of crops (6)

14 – Von Bismarck (4)

DECODER WORDFIT

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

cere, cheer, chore, coerce, cohere, COHERENCE, cone, core, creche, crone, echo, encore, erne, hence, here, hereon, hero, heron, hone, ochre, once

1 Which footballer famously scored off an unpenalised handling foul that became known as the 'Hand of God’ in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal?

2 The Río de la Plata forms the border between which two South American countries?

3 Which revolutionary figure was known as El Libertador?

4 Which country gifted the Statue of Liberty to the US?

5 And in what style is the statue?

6 In which region of Italy is the city of Naples?

7 In which country is the endangered eastern lowland gorilla (pictured) found?

8 Which African capital city is found on the opposite shore of the Congo River from Kinshasa?

9 What is the primary ingredient of the Iranian dish pilaf?

10 Who directed the 2012 film Argo?

No. 130

No. 130

No. 130

“We

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which city hosted the AFL Gather Round?

2. What nationality was Formula 1 racer Niki Lauda?

3. How many coaches in the English Premier League have been sacked, at a

4. Which AFL team debuted their No.1 pick at the Gather Round?

5. In golf, what is an eagle?

6. Which country hosted the last FIFA Womens World Cup in 2019?

7. Which decorated AFLW player moved from Adelaide to Port Adelaide to follow her father’s legacy?

What type of tennis court is Wimbledon played on: grass, clay or hard?

In Round 7, how many Sydney NRL teams sat outside the top 8 ladder?

Which Premier League player is set to break the record for most goals in the season?

Which Australian golfer won the LPGA's 2023 Lotte Championship?

Which team won their way into the 202223 A-League Women's Grand Final, in their debut season?

13. How many more seasons has South Australia been locked in as host for the AFL's Gather Round?

14. Set to host a LIV Golf League event, in which Australian state is The Grange Golf Club?

15. What US state is home to Major League Baseball teams known as the Astros and Rangers?

16. Japanese basketballer Rui Hachimura plays for which NBA team?

17. Who is the current coach of the Australia Wallabies team?

18. Sponsorship from which country was recently cancelled by the FIFA Women's World Cup?

19. The son of which Indian cricketing legend recently made his debut in the Indian Premier League?

20. Mike Powell and Galina Chistyakova hold the men's and women's world records for which track and field event?

21. Brisbane Lightning beat the Central Coast Rhinos by how many goals in the opening round of the AIHL?

22. Which three teams has AFL player Jesse Hogan played for in his career?

23. How many points in front does a team need to be to win a set in volleyball?

24. The Bucks play out of which US city in the NBA?

25. Which English Premier League team currently sits on top of the ladder?

26. Australian men’s cricketer Mitchell Starc’s brother Brandon is a professional in which sport?

27. Which two NHL teams were announced to be playing two pre-season games in Melbourne in September?

28. True or false: a nonVictorian AFL team currently sits in the top 4 on the ladder after five rounds?

29. In what year did the Melbourne Storm last win the NRL premiership?

30. Which country currently holds the BorderGavaskar Trophy?

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

(Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987)

The property affected by the application is located at: 1 Vasey Avenue LALOR VIC 3075

The application is for a permit for: Construction of Five Dwellings, Reduction in the Required Visitor Car Parking Rate, Buildings and Works in the Special Building Overlay and Variation to Restrictive Covenant 2271169 to allow for the Construction of More Than One Dwelling

The applicant for the permit is: Thomas Kozaris & Associates P/L

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application on the City of Whittlesea website via the following link https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/building-planningdevelopment/planning/advertising/

The application reference number is: PLN-38780

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority: City of Whittlesea, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang.

This can be done during the office hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. This service is free of charge.

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

An objection must be sent to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 9 May 2023.

If you object, the responsible authority will inform you of its decision.

For information regarding access to Planning documents relating to this application please contact Council’s Building and Planning Department on 9217 2259.

The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

Doin’ the Triton utility two-step

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The Triton tapped danced up and down the concrete ‘boards’ of the motorway, leaving occupantsshakin’allover.Thankfully,thiswas no polka: ‘three-sixties’ here would have been well out of order.

On minor-road bitumen the terpsichorean bobbing up and down stepped aside for the GSR dual cab ute to settle for the odd bounce when encountering surface blemishes. Let’s face it, most utes exhibit some degree of rodeoriding.However,thereisworktobedone here.

The new Triton is a relative late comer to the dual cab ute segment dominated by the Toyota HiLuxandFordRanger,theMitsubishirelying onvalueformoneyinitsappeal.Unfortunately, this has resulted in Triton being seriously challenged by the likes of the Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-Max, not to mention Chinese and Korean offerings.

Mitsubishi Australia offers the MY22 Triton in six variants, with the GLX from a bargain basement $44,240 drive away. The range is rounded out by the GSR from $65,740 drive away. The latter was on test.

Accessories across the range are designed to suit most needs. Select from a Work Pack, Tradie Essential Pack, Starter Pack, Polished Pack or Black Pack.

Out in front with its 10-year 200,000-kilometre Diamond Advantage warranty, the maker offers Triton cover, provided all scheduled servicing is done on time and by an authorised Mitsubishi dealer.

Styling

The all-over black GSR test vehicle sported 18-inch alloy wheels and blacked-out grille. clamshell-style doors, platform side steps and grab handles made for easy access.

Efficient LED headlamps and daytime runninglightsareinlinewiththelatestlookin pick-up truck design.

On the smaller side of the segment, the ‘tucked in’ Triton’s less than 12 metre turning circle does make for easier parking than many of its segment rivals.

Interior

The cabin décor certainly makes a statement with orange leather appointed seats, black leather door trims with orange stitching, the latter repeated on the steering wheel, gear shift knob and park brake lever.

The luxe look is let down somewhat by black plastic surrounds, which are present in abundance.

Front seats are heated, while two rear seat passengers are well catered for with generous legroomandareclinedseatbackangleallowing ample, head and shoulder room - three across not so.

The bench seat back folds to expose a slim storage space across the width of the cabin. Storage, in general, is well covered with cup holdersallround,acubbyupfront,deepcentre console and big-bottle door slots.

Out back, the tub dimensions - 1520 mm long, 1470 mm wide, 475 mm deep – are some of the smallest in the segment, while four integrated cargo hooks can safely secure a variety of loads.

Infotainment

In these days of tablet-style technology, a small(ish)touchscreen,coveringAppleCarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, dwells in the past, while a head-up display on the windscreen, covering speed and legal speed limits, catches up with present-day standards.

Analogue instruments literally dial up memories of the old workhorse, the layout relating to modern times only by a digital display between the two gauges.

Engines / transmissions

The MY22 Triton relies on the tried and tested (ageing) 2.4-litre Mitsubishi MIVEC common-rail, intercooled turbodiesel engine putting out 133 kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2500 revs.

Safety

The five-star ANCAP safety grade won in 2015 would not be up to today’s five-star standards.

However, Mitsubishi Intuitive Technology (MITEC) does incorporate such technical advantages as antilock braking with electronic brakeforce distribution; forward collision mitigation; ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation; blind spot and lane departure warning; lane change assist; hill descent control; all-round monitor; hill start assist; reverse parking camera and sensors; and rear cross-traffic alert.

Passivesafetyiscoveredbysevenairbagsand an audible warning to pedestrians when the vehicle is reversing.

Driving

Constructed in lightweight materials, including an aluminium block, it’s fuel efficiency over performance with the Triton 2.4-litre turbodiesel powerplant. Ponderous off the mark but relaxed and co-operative at cruising speeds.

Note: leave the steering wheel-mounted metal shift paddles alone. They add little to

the driving experience. It’s definitely a case of engine management knows best.

Mitsubishi puts fuel consumption in the combined urban / highway cycle at 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres. On test the GSR recorded 11 litres per 100 kilometres city commuting and 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.

As mentioned above, a rigid ladder chassis; up front, double wishbones with coil springs and stabiliser bar; and above-axle leaf spring rear suspension had their moments.

Super Select II 4x4 system incorporates four modes - 2H, rear-wheel drive; 4H, full-time power to all wheels; 4HLC, 4WD high range with locked centre differential, minimises wheel spin with low grip; 4LCC, 4WD low range with locked centre diff, maximum traction at low speed. The switch between two andfour-wheeldrivecanbemadesafelyonthe fly at speeds up to 100 km/h.

Tow rating is 3100 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked. The test vehicle tonneau cover provided a test of strength to clip it down until it finally surrendered to perseverance. The high-set lined tub (aren’t they all, these days) also offered up a few loading challenges during the test.

Rear seat occupants commented on the efficiencyoftheclimatecontrolbacktherewith its dual air vents in the roof.

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Mitsubishi Triton GLX from $44,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R from $47,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ from $48,490 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GLS from $53,240 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton Sport Edition from $60,926 (Drive away)

Mitsubishi Triton GSR from $65,740 (Drive away)

SPECIFICATIONS

Triton GSR 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, sixspeed automatic, selectable 4x4 dual cab ute

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

Summary

While lacking in some of the niceties of the modern pick-up truck work-and-play combination, the Triton GSR does not carry the load of premium pricing of some of its opposition.

A six-speed automatic transmission and Super Select II 4x4 system cover the spectrum of on- and off-road capability.

The latest generation Triton GSR is no wallflower when it comes to the practicalities of a dual cab ute. (PIctures: Supplied)

Matthew Perri scoops a third competition medal

Rivergum’s Matthew Perri has further cemented his spot as one of the North Metro Cricket Association greats, winning a third Bill McFarlane Medal.

The Kookas captain-coach claimed the honour as the Jika Shield’s best player, pipping Michael Sortino.

Perri said he thought he might be a chance to go close to the award, he thought that Sortino would have won it.

“It’s good to get the recognition for a good season,” he said.

“I made 625 runs and it was probably my best year for a number of years.

“It was a pretty good season with the bat, I went up the top of the order to change things off and it paid off.

“It was something that I haven’t done for a long time, but I enjoyed facing the new ball.”

Perri also took 19 wickets. He said that playing a number of different roles in the bowling line up, meant that his performance with the ball was up and down at times.

Perri said to have been recognised for a third time had left him a little bit in shock. He previously won it 2018-19 and 2019-20.

“It is pretty good,” he said. “Alex Jesensek and Damien Sampimon went into the hall of fame on the night and they’ve won four medals and five medals each.

“I played in four flags with Alex and l learnt a lot from him and he certainly made me a better cricketer.

“To be that close to those names is pretty good to hear. I’m in a little bit of shock.”

It’s the third time in four seasons a Kookas player has claimed the medal, with Jarrod Bannister winning it in 2021-22.

The medal was bittersweet for Perri, with the Kookas missing the grand final for the first time since.

He said there was a different feeling in the group after the season ended. A grand final victory would have made winning the medal a bit sweeter.

“It wasn’t the medal that I wanted,” he said. “The way we went out is still gut wrenching.

“There’s a bit of a sick feeling and it will sit with us through winter until we are back out there.

“We lost by four runs and one wicket and we lost Sean Neary in the preliminary final with an injury which left us a bowler short.

“Everyone is going to go around again and hopefully we will bounce back.”

Trial games test young AFL hopefuls

Several Northern Knights and Calder Cannons players had the chance to test themselves against the best players in the state last week.

Having named 50 player squads for both the under-18s and under-16s, Victoria Metro and Victoria Country held trial games against each other last week.

The under-16s played two games on Friday, while the under-18s played two games on Saturday. Results weren’t available before deadline.

The trial games will assist with selection for the final Victoria Metro and Victoria Country squads that will compete at the under-18 AFL National Championships and the under-16 AFL National Development Championships. Players who aren’t named to play in the trial matches are eligible for selection in the final squads to compete at each of the championships.

Nate Caddy leads the Knights players named in the under-18 squad.

Caddy, who is expected to go high in the draft, was joined by Jesse Dattoli, Zak Johnson, Flynn Riley, Aleksander D’Arro, Charlie Naish, Christian Mardini and Will Green in the under-18 matches.

Shock call up for bowler

By Tara Murray

After not being selected for three of the last four games of the Sheffield Shield season, representing Australia A was the last thing on Jordan Buckingham’s mind.

With South Australia going with just three fast bowlers, the young Victorian was the man to miss out as the Redbacks having an experienced line up.

He went back to grade cricket and made the team of the year, with his games and stats on the radar of those picking teams above.

Buckingham soon received a surprise call up to the Australia A team to face New Zealand.

“It was awesome,” he said. “To be honest I didn’t expect it.

“Post Christmas I didn’t get picked in three of the four games. I was told a couple of weeks ago that I was reserve, but I didn’t expect to go.

“After the grade semi final, which we lost, I was told that I was being picked and I couldn’t believe it. I was one of the youngest in the team.”

Buckingham joined the likes of Peter

Handscomb, Matthew Renshaw and Mitchell Swepson on the plane to New Zealand.

Buckingham wasn’t selected in the first match, but was given his chance in the second game which was ultimately drawn.

It became a dream debut for his country, producing his best bowling figures.

“You don’t walk into a game thinking you will take six wickets every game, let alone in one innings.

“And to be the top six as well. You feel like all the hard work over the time has paid off. “

While Buckingham didn’t get a wicket in the second innings, he walked away proud of what he had been able to do.

“It was a massive learning curve and it indicated a lot of things with my game,” he said. “It was a really good opportunity and hopefully I’ll get another opportunity and hopefully go up one level more.

“Hopefully it will hold me in good stead.”

Buckingham said the opportunity to pick the brains of Scott Prestwidge who has been involved in the Australian women’s program, had been invaluable.

He said not only was he able to pick up some tactics, but also tips on bowling with the duke

ball, which he was doing for the first time.

The former Greenvale and Footscray cricketer said the move to South Australia had been the best one of his career.

He said he loved it over there and had recently signed a new contract to stay at the Redbacks. He’s hoping that he will be more of an automatic pick next season.

“Learning the craft from [Jason] Dizzy Gillespie and Ryan Harris, is really good,” he said.

“Dizzy’s record speaks for itself and so does Rhino’s as a fast bowler. I enjoy working with them.”

WhilehelovesSouthAustralia,Buckingham is quick to praise his former Victorian teams and what they did for him as a cricketer.

After a big summer of cricket, Buckingham now plans to have some time off. A trip to England to play county cricket could be on the cards and ruin those plans.

“I could potentially play in England,” he said. “There’s a few things in the works.

“Nothing has been offered, so I’ll put the bat and ball away for a bit and see what happens.

“For a fast bowler, playing with the duke ball in England is really exciting.”

Tyson Gresham, Seb Murphy, Nicholas Driscoll, Roman Moxon, Isaac Dugdale, Mitchell Moate, Duncan McKie, Nick Canavan and Sean Tyrell are the Knights players in the under-16 squad.

For the Cannons, they’ve had nine players named in the under-18 squad. Isaac Kako, Amin Naim, Rye Penny, Ryan Eyre, Jordan Croft , Nash King, Mahmoud Taha, Hugo Garcia and HarryO’Farrellparticipatedinmatches. There were a further six Cannons in the under-16 squad, Felix Kneipp, Oliver Watt, Arden Stevens, Hamish Bird, Hamish Pearce and Cooper Duff-Tytler.

Jordan Buckingham in his first Australia A match. (AAP Image/Joseph Johnson/via Photosport)

Zak Johnson has been named in the metro squad. (Jacob Pattison) 322002_13

Tara Murray Matthew Perri. (Supplied)

Promising start for Craigieburn in state league 3

Craigieburn City has had a good start to the FV state league 3 north-west season, but it is only the beginning.

After the first four rounds, Craigieburn is the only team that is undefeated with two wins and two draws.

Craigieburn coach Michael Loche said they were happy with how the season had started.

“We’re the only team that is undefeated which is good, but there’s only been four rounds in nothing to get excited about,” he said.

“We want to put ourselves in a position where we are in the top half of the league. We want to be competitive week in, week out.”

The good start comes despite Craigieburn fielding an almost new side this season. Loche said only about three players from last season were part of the squad this year.

“We have had 14-15 players come in,” he said. “We’re a brand new side and we’ve made some changes. There’s a good group and the culture has changed.

“We’ve brought in some good quality people that put into the club as well. We have

a massive junior base and we can’t neglect them.”

Loche said while they had lost some players that they wanted to keep, they had used the opportunity to bring in some new players.

One player that Craigieburn lost is Jordan Connerton. Connerton has been a star for

Craigieburn since coming to Australia to play.

“Jordan has pillar of the club and I’m really close with him,” Loche said. “He played pre-season and his heart was not in it and he pulled the pin.

“We got to bring in some other players and turned a negative into a positive.”

Cannons’ strong start

By Tara Murray

The belief is growing at the Calder Cannons afterastrongstarttotheCoatesTalentLeague Boys competition.

The Cannons have three wins after the first four rounds, as the club’s head into a five week break with players heading back to play for their local sides.

Cannons coach Andrew Sturgess said while wins are good, that isn’t the most important thing.

“Obviously it is nice to be winning,” he said. “It’s more important that the guys are starting to believe that the work over the pre-season is paying off.

“We’ve still got some stiffer competition comingup,nodisrespecttothosethatwehave faced.

“It’s pleasing to have won three of our games and we’ve been in all four games. We would have easily won the game against Sandringham, which is undefeated.”

“I’m pleased for the boys that they had that belief in what they do.”

Sturgesssaidoneofthethingshewastrying to instil in the group that no outcome is guaranteed and that you don’t always get that instant gratification.

He said there were no guarantees in football and that they can’t control the outcome.

“They’re really enjoying the journey and that is starting to sink in.”

The Cannons won their most recent match against the Northern Territory by 173 points.

Sturgess said while the margin was big, the way they went about it was more impressive.

“The most pleasing thing was the team sharing element,” he said. “In a game like that it is easy to go into self mode and fill the boots.

“None of them did that and we had multiple guys kick bags of goals and multiple guys getting a lot of the footy.

“They embraced the team first mentally.”

The Cannons squad this season has slightly more bottom age players than top age, but Sturgess said they had plenty of talent and there’s a lot of exciting bottom age players.

The strength of the Cannons squad has been on show early and has been recognised by selectors of the Vic Metro squads.

“Metro has trial games this week for the under-18s on Saturday and the Friday in the under-16s,” Sturgess said.

“In the 18s we have nine in the squad of 50 and in the 16s we’ve had six selected in the squad of 50.

“It’s really encouraging for the boys that they get the recognition for the hard work they’ve put in. I’m new to the club, but Matt Burton [regional manager] said it’s the most

the club has had in the last five years.”

Isaac Kako, Amin Naim, Rye Penny, Ryan Eyre, Jordan Croft , Nash King, Mahmoud Taha, Hugo Garcia and Harry O’Farrell have beennamedintheunder-18squad,whileFelix Kneipp, Oliver Watt, Arden Stevens, Hamish Bird, Hamish Pearce and Cooper Duff-Tytler have been named in the under-16 squad.

The Coates competition now breaks for five weeks, with the players to head back to local

footy in that time. Sturgess said they would continue to train one night a week during that phase.

For Sturgess, who is in his first year coaching the Cannons, he was really enjoying the challenge.

“I loved my time at Coburg and it was a platform for something like this,” he said.

“It’s pretty surreal and I’m loving the opportunity that I have been afforded.”

Adam Burchell, Nicholas Murphy, Benjamin Russell, Danny Fountain, Alex Opoka Paul and Munashe Chagumaira have all joined the club.

Jack Roult, who signed with the club in 2020 but didn’t play a game due to COVID-19 cancelling the season, is back for a second tilt at the club.

Craigieburn was set to face Fawkner in round five on Monday night, which was after deadline.

Loche said before the match that Fawkner had some weapons, but they didn’t fear anyone.

As well as the senior side making inroads, the club’s junior program continues to go from strength to strength.

Loche said they now have more than 500 junior members.

“The juniors are training four nights a week to cater for everyone,” he said. “We only have two grounds and are under-resourced for the amount of people that we have.”

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Northern FL

Mernda had a convincing win in a twilight match against Laurimar in the Northern Football League women’s division 3 competition on Saturday. Following on from the men’s matches between the two sides, the women’s match proved to be a one-sided affair. The Demons took control early and that continued throughout in the 9.20 (74)-0.0 (0). Teneisha Fiore and Gulia Ceravolo were the Demons best. For the Power, Rachel Chettle and Stephanie Crook were their best. The Demons have won both their matches so far, while the Power is without a win.

Big V Hume City Broncos remain undefeated in the Big V men’s state championship competition. On Saturday night, the Broncos did the damage early against the Blackburn Vikings, leading by 11 points at quarter time and 19 at the main break. That lead extended out to 33 at the last break. While the Vikings won the last quarter, it was too late, with the Broncos winning 99-76. Troyce Manassa top scored with 30 points.

Big V

The Whittlesea Pacers continued their strong form in the Big V men’s division 2 competition on Saturday night. Undefeated so far, the Pacers faced the Maccabi Warriors on Saturday. The Pacers jumped out of the blocks, to lead by 14 points at quarter time. It was a sign of things to come with the Pacers winning every quarter on the way to an 107-60 win. Gabe Evans and Max Stojanovic top scored with 20 points a piece.

EDFL

Westmeadows bounced back from a disappointing round one with a solid win against Maribyrnong Park on Saturday in Essendon District Football League women’s premier division. The Lions led for the first three quarters, before the Tigers kicked four goals to nil in the final quarter to get the 6.9 (45)-3.5 (23) win.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly

@starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Isaac Kako (Daniel Pockett, AFL Photos)

Craigieburn’s round one side. (Supplied)

Lions are proving no easy beats

South Morang’s brand of football is staking up early in the Northern Football League division 2 competition.

Last season’s division 3 premiers, the Lions’ start to life in the higher division has been a winning one, taking the points in their opening two games.

On Saturday, the Lions were able to account for Thomastown, winning 14.7 (91)-9.14 (68).

Lions coach Gary Hall said he had been happy with how the group had adapted to the higher level.

“It was a good four quarter effort,” he said.

“Division 2 is so even as a competition. Getting wins on the board the last two weeks against sides that were knocking on the door of playing finals and played finals, are scalps early on.

“We always thought that we could do it. This has proved that we can do it, the boys are

full of confidence at the moment.”

The Bears led Saturday’s match at half time by nine points. Six goals to nil in the third quarter turned it in the favour of South Morang.

“We were able to get control of the game in the third quarter,” he said. “We kicked 6.1 and it was our pressure around the footy and the way we used the footy.

“Nathan Stefanile, who came back into the side, dominated the ruck and we got first use of the footy.

“We got it on our terms and went from there.”

Josh D’Intinosante kicked four goals for the Lions in the win, with Kain Hall kicking three.

Kain and Tye Hall were named the best online, but Gary Hall said it was an even team effort.

“It’s been like that the last two weeks,” he said.

“There’s not been one bad player. Everyone contributed and they were playing for each other.”

For the Bears, Jude Georgievski and Tyronne Leonardis were their best.

Hall said even though they were the new boys in the competition, they had high expectations.

“You want to play finals that is the aim for sure,” he said. “It’s an even competition. We’ll just take it one week and a time and get wins on the board early. We have eight boys head to Eupore mid year, so we need to get these wins on the board and look to cover them.”

Hall said they were confident they had the depth at the club, not only in the reserves but in the under-19s and under-17s to cover those holes. The Lions this week face Epping.

Mores too good for Jets

Greenvale proved no match for Strathmore in the Essendon District Football League premier division on Saturday.

The Mores jumped out of the blocks with six goals to one at quarter time and the margin stayed steady at the five goal mark at half time.

After the break, the Mores found another gear kicking nine goals to just one to seal the 19.8 (122)-6.8 (44) win.

Cam Tudor was the only multiple goal kicker with two for the Jets, while Addam Maric and Benjamin Barth were named their best.

The Jets are without a win after the first two rounds.

In division 1, both Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park suffered losses.

The Eagles, who entered the round at 1-1, faced an undefeated Hillside side.

TheEaglesleadby10pointsatquarter time, before the Sharks kicked five goals in the second quarter to lead by 13 points at half time.

(Jacob Pattison)330726_10

Positive signs for Hume

By Tara Murray

ThingsarestartingtocometogetherforHume

City in the National Premier League.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Hume has had some big results in the first 10 rounds of the season, coming away with points in five of the matches so far to be just outside the top six.

Speaking before the weekend’s game with the Bentleigh Greens, Hume president Steve Kaya said things were starting to fall into place.

“Compared to last year, it’s obviously better than last year,” he said. “We’re pretty happy the way things are going, yes.

“It’s not only one thing, many, many things [that have changed]. Running a club is like a watchifoneofthethingsaremissing,nothing else works that’s how it is.”

Kaya, who has been involved in the club for 18 years returned this year after not being involved last season.

He said he felt like he had no choice to return to ensure the club is back at the top of

the ladder.

Kaya said coach Ersan Gulum has had an impact on the club’s performance and they were thrilled to have him back at the club.

“He’s a very good coach to start with,” he said. “He played at the highest level.

“I really personally like him, more than anything else, he is a Hume boy, born and bred.

“Him coming on board, he’s very energetic, that is a huge plus for Hume City.”

Kaya said they always expected it to take some time this season for the group to come together and play how they want to play.

He said they’re playing a really tactical brand of good football

“It’s all coming together now, a lot of new boys, new transfers, the young boys coming through and everything else,” he said.

“They had to blend and learn the Hume way of playing and that takes a bit of time. It’ all coming together and it reflects on the field.”

Kaya said they continue to be about youth developmentwiththeclubhavingmoreyoung kids coming through the Hume system than

anywhere else.

On Saturday night, Hume City lost to the Bentleigh Greens, 3-2.

Kaya said like always he was keen to try and have success this season.

“I’m a winner, I like to win everything, no matter what I do.

“That’s my aim and we try for that, we settle for second best if that is what it is, the aim is always the same.”

Hume is still alive in the Australia Cup and will face state league 4 west side Keilor Wolves in round five.

Kayasaidhewashopingtheywouldgodeep in the competition again.

“I prefer that than the actual league,” he said.

“It’s a knockout competition, you play opponents who you have never played. It’s much more exciting, personally, than the actual league is.

“We’ve been pretty good in regards to the FFA Cup [Australia Cup] been there most of the time, unfortunately never had the luxury of winning it.”

The third quarter saw the Sharks increasetheirlead,asbothteamswasted some chances in front of goal.

The game opened up in the last quarter, with the Sharks coming away with a 17.18 (120)-10.15 (75) win.

Jake Carlisle kicked five goals for the Eagles and was named their best alongside Travis Keating.

Roxburgh Park stuck with RupertswoodforthefirsthalfatSalesian College.

AfterSharkskickedsixgoalstotwoin the third quarter to open up a 29 point lead heading into the final quarter. While the Magpies won the final quarter, it wasn’t enough with the Sharks winning 13.11 (89)-10.9 (69). Westmeadows and Tullamarine face each other on Anzac Day to finish up the round.

Kurtis Sanajko (Jacob Pattison)330731_06

Nathan Stefanile turned the game in the ruck. (Joe Mastroianni). 294027_04

Umut Bozdugan looks to get the ball forward.