Laurimar had to do it the hard way, but it has its first senior premiership.
The Power faced Mernda in the Northern Football League division 3 grand final on Saturday with both teams putting up a fight.
The Power came from behind at three-quarter time to get the win. For more on the game, including reactions from both teams, turn to pages 29-30.
One in three children are living in poverty across a number of Hume suburbs according to a new report.
The Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS) released its Mapping Poverty in Victoria report highlighting what they found and how it can be fixed.
The report found that more than one in eight people in the state are experiencing significant economic disadvantage based on the 2021 census data.
In Hume, there are 46,684 people living in poverty, the second highest in the state only behind Casey.
The overall poverty rate of 20.6 per cent is the highest in the state.
About a third of all residents living in Roxburgh Park North are living in economic disadvantage, while 30 per cent are living in poverty in Roxburgh Park and Somerton.
Hume had the highest levels of children under the age of 15 living in poverty in Melbourne.
Roxburgh Park South-Somerton was ranked number one at 37.3 per cent, with Campbellfield-Coolaroo (33.6 per cent), Meadows Heights (32.8 per cent) Roxburgh ParkNorth(32.1percent)andBroadmeadows (31.9 per cent) all ranked in the top 10.
VCOSS chief executive Emma King said it was alarming and can have serious long term effects.
“Whatitmeansisthatparentsarestruggling to put food on the table,” she said. “At school if they need an iPad their parents can not pay for it.
“They are getting left behind in every part of life and it shows. in areas where more than one third of children are living in poverty, it’s alarming.
“They are more likely to drop out of high school. We need to support people to help them strive and thrive, which is really tough.”
Ms King said areas like Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn have the highest number of people that own their houses outright but still live in poverty.
In Whittlesea there are 35,733 people living in poverty, the fourth most in the state. Wollerthadthehighestnumberofpeoplein disadvantage in the municipality with 21 per centofallresidentsorabout4800estimatedto be living in economic disadvantage.
Ms King said people in the outer suburbs faced more pressures on having to travel for work, not being close to public transport and services which impacted people financially. She said with the changing environment since the last census including the cost of food, energy and other essentials has risen dramatically which meant that there were more people in poverty than what the report shows.
WHEN: 2pm, Friday 15 September 2023
WHERE: La Dimora Retirement Resort, 189 Hidden Valley Boulevard, Hidden Valley
RSVP: CherylPearson at sales@ladimora.com.au or call 0455945529
FindoutmoreaboutLaDimoraRetirementResort atladimora.com.au
By Gerald Lynch
KalkalloresidentAllyWatsonisspearheading a campaign for the “well overdue” duplication of Donnybrook Road.
Having already been behind a successful petition to have the Donnybrook Road-Mitchell Street roundabout upgraded, Ms Watson has her sights on more improvements.
She has now launched a second petition calling on the state government to commit to duplicating Donnybrook Road.
Ms Watson has been involved with the
Hume Change Makers Community Reference Group,avolunteergroup,sinceMay2021,and is continuing to put time into trying to better Hume and its roads.
While Ms Watson understands that “the duplication of Donnybrook Road is not going to happen overnight,” she urges other Hume residentstosignthepetitionandcause“strong community led action (and) show how serious it is to duplicate the road“.
The petition to upgrade the Donnybrook Road-Mitchell Street roundabout last year drew 1315 signatures, and as a result plans are now being put into action under Victoria’s
With the continued urban growth in Kalkallo and surrounding areas, single lanes to get in and out of the area is not enough, and it is proving to have a profound effect on traffic, causing major delays.
In response to the new petition, a spokesperson from the state government said that it is investing heavily already in the development of the fast-growing north, and that the Donnybrook Road-Mitchell Street upgrade will alleviate some of the current delays.
“We’ve invested more than any Victorian
The Webs We Weave is the theme of this year’s City of Whittlesea’s Annual Art Exhibition
The theme encourages artists to use webs as a metaphor to delve into the connections that shape our lives and communities.
Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the City of Whittlesea was committed to nurturing artistic talent through the annual exhibition.
“We are proud to support artists with this annualexhibition.TheWebsWeWeavetheme
offers possibilities for artistic exploration, fostering creativity and self-expression. We hope the exhibition will create conversations in our community,“ she said.
Artists are encouraged to draw inspiration from various sources of connections, ranging from physical spider webs to social networks and emotional ties. Diverse mediums are welcomed including painting, sculpture, literatures, new media, and digital art.
ToparticipateintheAnnualArtExhibition,
artists are invited to submit an application by 5 pm on Monday, September 18. Artists of all ages, abilities, and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply with their chosen works.
Selected artworks will be showcased in The Great Hall, Civic Centre Office, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, from Friday, November 17 until Friday, December 15. Successful applicants will be notified on Monday, October 2. Details: www.arts. whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
government in history to transform our transport network in growing communities like Kalkallo, slashing congestion on roads and delivering more train and bus services more often.
“We’re upgrading the Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street intersection, easing peak hour traffic in the area and getting the community home safer and sooner.”
The petition, which is being sponsored by Ros Spence, had about 1500 at deadline. It closes on September 22.
Petition: https://bit.ly/ duplicatedonnybrookroad
A key intersection in Kalkallo will close for two weeks as part of works to build a new left turn lane onto the Hume Freeway.
The intersection of Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street will be closed from 7pm on September 15 until 5am on September 29.
The closure will be in place 24 hours a day, with detours in place for traffic travelling from Kalkallo and Mickleham.
KalkalloMPRosSpencesaidtheworks were part of the state government’s $6 million Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street Improvement Project.
New lighting, lane resurfacing, widening of the freeway on ramp and other modifications will provide safer, smoother journeys and make access to the Hume Freeway easier for locals, commuters, and freight operators.
“OurinvestmentintotheDonnybrook Road and Mitchell Street Improvement Project will improve access to the Hume Freeway and eliminate those dreaded queues on Donnybrook Road and Dwyer Street,“ Ms Spence said.
“Whilst this short blitz will be frustrating for residents, it avoids months of partial closures which would add to the already extensive delays.”
“This project will provide relief for residents while I continue to advocate for the signalisation of this intersection and the duplication of Donnybrook Road.”
Questions about the project can be directedtoMajorRoadProjectsVictoria on 1800 105 105 or for languages other than English 9209 0147.
Fatal ladder fall
WorkSafe is investigating after an electrician fell to his death at a residential construction site in Greenvale on Tuesday September 5. It is believed the 60-year-old had been working on the third floor when he fell from a ladder to the ground floor at about 11.10am. The death is the 44th confirmed workplace fatality for 2023. There were 49 work-related deaths at the same time last year.
Crafternoon surprise
A school holiday activity for children aged 5 plus. Get crafty at the library these school holidays! A wide range of arts and craft activities available, what will you create? Get involved at the Broadmeadows Library Monday September 18 2-3pm.
LATAM flies in
St Monica’s College students celebrated the school community and Saint Monica as part of the annual St Monica’s Week.
The celebrations, which ran from Monday, August 21 to Friday, August 25, included the school’s annual oration, a sports breakfast and carnival.
There was also a youth parliament day, during which Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny visited the school.
College principal Brian Hanley said it was a fantastic week for the school.
“The return of our annual oration [started] the week of celebrations ... the annual sports breakfast is always a highlight for many Monicans and friends of the college.
“We welcome the opportunity to bring together our Monican community and share so many wonderful experiences.”
South America’s largest airline, LATAM, has landed in Melbourne for the first time since 2020. LATAM, which provides direct flights from Melbourne to Chile, was one of many airlines to be temporarily discontinued into Melbourne Airport, as a result of lack of international flights throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Melbourne Airport CEO, Lorie Argus, sees the re-introduction of LATAM as another strong step towards normality post-Covid.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au
Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Hume councillors have criticised the state government’s decision to relocate the Broadmeadows Centrelink, saying it will have profound and ongoing impacts on residents.
At a council meeting on August 28, the councillors discussed its correspondence to Government Services Minister Bill Shorten abouttherelocationoftheCentrelink-Medicare office from Broadmeadows to Coolaroo.
Councillor Naim Kurt said the decision to relocate the service is a “kick in the guts”.
“There’s a really disproportionate amount of lower socioeconomic community members in ourmunicipalitywhoreallyrelyontheservices of Centrelink,” he said.
“It’s really disappointing to see the Broadmeadows Centrelink service being moved from here. It’s going to put it out of reachofourresidents,it’sarealkickintheguts for the Broadmeadows community.
“I’m really disappointed to see that we didn’t evenget,asakeypartnerhere,aflaggingofthis from the department at all.”
Initsletter,Humecouncilsaiditonlybecame aware of the decision through a third-party source and received no notification through the department or relevant agencies.
“The conspicuous absence of transparency and stake-holder involvement in this decision-making process has regrettably fostered a sense of exclusion and undermined public trust in the due process of such
consequential matters,” the letter reads.
Cr Kurt said he hopes the council can get a reprieve about the decision.
“I think when Mr Shorten reads this letter he’s probably going to be pretty disappointed in some of the government’s services,” he said.
“The fact they couldn’t even let us know about that, we could have perhaps found them availability in one of the council buildings or even in the shopping centre across the road.”
Broadmeadows Progress Association assistant cecretary Sonja Rutherford says
the decision is “very upsetting” for the local residents who were left in the dark over the decision to relocate the centre.
“The current centre is accessible for all residents and is within easy walking distance of public transport,“ she said. “The new site is not. It is a 20-minute walk from the nearest train station and the people who require the services could have all sorts of problems such as disabilities, making this a difficult trip for them.
Services Australia said it anticipates the
Coolaroo site will be ready later this year, and the agency is talking and listening to Hume council.
The agency said it will continue to discuss thenewservicearrangementswithcounciland specialiststaffwillcontinuetovisitcommunity agencies in Broadmeadows.
Services Australia said there has been a significant reduction in foot traffic at the Broadmeadows Service Centre between 2017 and 2022 and the relocation will improve access for northern suburbs customers.
Applications for the Community Leadership Program are open
The City of Whittlesea’s Community Leadership Program is all about learning skills that will help you make a difference in your community. This free
is designed for residents who want to lead community projects, establish personal and professional networks and learn more about local government.
Applications close 26 September. For more information and to register your interest visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/leadingchange
Join
Tuesday
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‘‘ The current centre is accessible for all residents ... The new site is not ’’
- Naim Kurt
Figures showing that Hume had the second highest number of thefts of motor vehicles in 2022, don’t tell the full story according to Hume police Commander Dean Clinton.
Figures released by Victorian police revealedthat796vehicleswerestoleninHume last year, only behind Melbourne CBD where 973 cars were stolen.
The motor vehicle theft data was brought into the spotlight following Victoria Police’s Operation Trinity, a Melbourne-wide
investigation looking to crack down on car theft and aggravated burglary throughout the city, following an uptick in youth crime.
Commander Clinton claims it’s not all doom and gloom for the Hume municipality, as crime rates continues to improve.
Despite Hume’s position on the data sheet, Commander Clinton is content with where the municipality is heading, as it is currently sitting at its second lowest crime rate in more than 10 years.
He said it’s a positive sign and police are continuing to work with the community and
Big Group Hug is celebrating the successful launch of its new location in Thomastown.
The grand opening last week provided supporters with a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the organisation’s vital work.
Fundraising and communications manager Maria Quigley shared her enthusiasm for the new chapter for the non-for profit organisation.
“It’s been a really wonderful week,“ she remarked.
“The grand opening of the new location served as a special opportunity to give some of our supporters an insight into what we do behind the scenes.“
Big Group Hug operates as a lifeline for families in need, accepting donations of all kinds, both new and pre-loved. The organisation boasts a network of 1200 welfare professionals, including midwives, social workers, and hospital staff, who can make resource requests on behalf of struggling
families.
In the past year alone, Big Group Hug made a significant impact by providing more than 6000 children with essential items for a healthy life. These items range from clothing, toys, and books to baby formula, high chairs, and car seats.
For the past five years, the organisation had beenbasedinBundoora.However,asthelease approacheditsendandthewarehousebecame crowded, they decided to make the strategic move to Thomastown
Big Group Hug also maintains a smaller location in Airport West, which serves as both a donation centre and a pickup point for agencies collecting essential packages.
Gerald LynchBig Group Hug volunteers and supporters celebrate the official opening of the new warehouse
stakeholders to maintain community safety.
He explained that whilst the numbers don’t look great, Hume’s large and growing population is a contributing factor.
“Hume currently has the third largest population of all LGAs in Victoria and the more people residing in an area, the more cars there are, and that increases the opportunity for theft,” he said.
“Hume is also a very large geographical area that includes the Melbourne Airport and a large number of hire car companies.
“When hire cars and ride-share vehicles
aren’t returned, they are reported as stolen. This is a contributing factor to the high numbers of car thefts in Hume.”
Hesaidoneofthebiggestissuessurrounding car theft in Hume is lack of community education surrounding car safety.
“Almost half of our thefts from cars, and thefts of cars, are committed on vehicles that are unlocked,” he said.
“If we could encourage people to lock their cars and secure their keys, that could reduce the number significantly.”
A Hume councillor says housing affordability is ‘out of reach’ for residents under council’s latest Housing Diversity Strategy.
At a council meeting on August 28, Hume council adopted the strategy and endorsed the draft Good Design Guide for consultation.
The strategy aims to guide and manage housing change, with 90 per cent of established residential areas to be rezoned to limit new development to two storeys to fit neighbourhood character.
ItalsoincludesPlanningPolicyFramework that that seeks the provision of at least 10 per cent affordable housing.
Speaking at the meeting, councillor Naim Kurt said the document is a significant report but he holds reservations.
“I think that this policy does try to tie up a lot of the suggestions that have come from ourresidentsandissueswhichareoftenraised during planning meetings,” he said.
“I do have some reservations, particularly regarding the housing affordability target of 10 per cent. In my view this target falls short of what our community truly needs.
NorthernHealthisemphasisingtheimportance of psychological health and wellbeing ahead of R U OK? Day.
September 14 is national R U OK? Day, a day of action to encourage meaningful conversations with the people around you and looking out for signs of trouble.
Northern Health people and culture executive director Michelle Fenwick said this yearinparticularisspecialgiventhechallenges faced by hospital staff and the general public alike over the past three to four years. She said checking up on your peers’ mental health has never been more important.
“Take the time to ask the question and sit down with either family, colleagues and the like, to really be here to hear the response,” she said.
Northern Health people and culture senior psychologist Casey O’Brien spoke to the importance of maintaining the wellbeing of
thepeoplearoundus,andexplainedeverybody can make a difference.
“There are many ways we can support each other, and you don’t need to have counselling skills or training to have a powerful impact on someone’s day,“ she said.“Kindness and support can come from a corridor check-in, sitting in silence together after a difficult event, or checking in on a colleague who has been having a hard time at home.”
Details: https://www.ruok.org.au/ join-r-u-ok-day
Gerald LynchKelly Pinto, spiritual carer, Natalia Dewiyani, spiritual care coordinator, Graham Wilson, OHS director, Casey O’Brien, senior psychologist, people and culture, Alysha Hooper, people experience business partner, people & culture and Ravinder Kaur, AGA student, people and culture. (Supplied)
“I think a 10 per cent housing affordability target feels inadequate. It doesn’t keep pace with the household income stress experienced by many of our residents.
“I think this target will place 90 per cent of housingoutofreachformostofourresidents.”
Accordingtothestrategy,Humeusedtohave relatively good levels of housing affordability within the Melbourne metropolitan area.
The strategy claims that has rapidly been eroded the last decade, with only 15.6 per cent of all rentals in Hume being deemed affordable in March 2021. Cr Kurt said he believes the council should be at the forefront
of challenging housing affordability.
“Currently, 45 per cent of households in Hume fall within the low to very low income bracket being less than $88,000 earned per annum in households,” he said.
“Our community wellbeing extends to housing and I think it’s incumbent upon us to push for policies that truly make housing affordable and accessible to all.”
The strategy also identifies land use categorisations with 51 per cent marked for limited change, 39 per cent for gradual change, eight per cent for moderate change, and 1.5 per cent for high change.
Hume has recorded the third highest number of cruelty reports in Victoria, new data reveals.
The RSPCA released Victoria’s Animal Cruelty Data for the 2022-23 financial year, which showed an almost 20 per cent increase in the number of animals needing RSPCA intervention compared with the previous year.
Throughout the municipality, there were 414 cruelty reports, which is the third highest in the state, behind Greater Geelong and Casey.
Whittlesea recorded 357 cruelty reports, which is the fifth highest.
Hume also recorded 74 animals seized or surrendered, which was fifth highest in the state, and follows an increase in state numbers for the sixth year in a row.
RSPCA Victoria’s chief inspector Michael Stagg said the continued increase in reports was a worrying trend.
“In the last 12 months, our inspectors have investigated more than 10,000 reports of animal cruelty and seized or took the surrender of 2569 animals across the state,” he said.
“During this time, we’ve also had several investigations resulting in large-scale seizures or surrenders of animals, forcing our teams to
Veterans Affairs and Defence Personnel
Minister Matt Keogh and McEwen MP Rob Mitchell co-hosted a forum with the Doreen RSL for the local veteran community.
Mr Mitchell said he felt privileged to be able to hold an event for the veterans, as a way to honour and respect their service.
“Owing to the significance of the sacrifices that they have made, we must ensure that our care for servicemen and women extends beyond just their time in uniform,” he said.
Mr Mitchell said the forum fostered meaningful conversations and bridged the gap between policy-makers and those directly impacted.
Mr Keogh acknowledged the significant veteran community in McEwen.
“McEwen is home to almost 3,000 women and men who do serve, or have served in the Australian Defence Force,” he said.
“Since becoming Minister for Veterans’ Affairs I’ve been engaging with veterans and families all over the country to hear what works, and what doesn’t when it comes to supporting Defence personnel, veterans and families.”
Throughout the forum participants discussed the challenges and concerns faced by veterans and their families, with the room filled with prominent figures within the veteran community as well as representatives from 10 RSL sub-branches, including Doreen, Woodend, Romsey-Lancefield and Whittlesea.
find room and resources to care for them in a short space of time.
“Whenweprosecutecasesofanimalcruelty, our shelter teams may need to care for the animals involved as the court cases progress, sometimes lasting months or years.
“[This adds] to the pressure already faced by our near-capacity shelters.”
RSPCA Victoria said it forecasts the number of animals coming into its care via the inspectorate will reach more than 3340 by 2027, which is a 222.7 per cent increase from 2017-18 financial year.
Chief Inspector Stagg said some of the factors contributing to this increase
include cost of living pressures and a lack of education.
“Cost of living pressures may be impacting people’s ability to care for their pets, whether it be their ability to provide suitable food or their ability to pay for necessary medical care,” he said.
“Many people also became first-time pet owners during the pandemic and may need further information or support to help them understand how to care for their animals.”
RSPCA said the most common type of cruelty report concerned insufficient water, food, or shelter.
Several new land stages are currently under construction across the Aurora community with over 100 blocks due to be completed within the next 12 months, ready for 114 families to get started on building their dream homes.
More than 1,600 families already live in Aurora, a thriving Wollert neighbourhood in Melbourne’s northern corridor, which is known for its relaxed and friendly village atmosphere,greenopenspacesandconvenient everyday services.
Road constructions, which will link the community to surrounding areas and existing travel corridors, have progressed and the creation of new streetscapes, pocket parks and walking paths have also emerged.
Final design works are also under way on an exciting flagship park for Aurora and the wider local community, with plans to be unveiled later this year.
Aurora residents already enjoy access to a range of parks and adventure playgrounds, including George Sherwin Park and Seven SistersPark,whichhasbeendesignedtofollow the Dreamtime story of the Seven Sisters.
Aurora also has access to 14 conservation reserves dedicated to the protection of native flora and fauna, and some of these feature significant cultural heritage areas too.
FamiliesarewellcateredforwiththeAurora Village Shopping Centre and a recently opened IGA supermarket, together with local schools, sports fields, restaurants and cafes and community centres.
A selection of new home sites are currently available at Aurora, with land prices starting at $340,000. Buyers can also choose from a range of house and land packages priced from $658,716 for a 4 bed, 2 bath, 2 car home or low-maintenance townhouses starting at only $519, 950.
Making the decision to downsize doesn’t have to mean scaling back your lifestyle or losing your independence, and no one knows this better than La Dimora Retirement Resort, Hidden Valley.
This premium retirement resort offers the best of both worlds, providing an exceptional location – set between the regional Victorian towns of Kilmore and Wallan on a 1000ha Hidden Valley estate – and peace of mind.
With the third stage of the La Dimora development completed, retirement village developer and operator Arcadia Group has since started on the fourth stage. Stage three features 23 villas, ranging from two or three-bedroom floorplans with modern kitchens, an open-plan living area, a covered alfresco area, and landscaped gardens.
For residents Judith and Neville Carmody, moving into retirement living was never on their minds. However, a change in their circumstances prompted them to reconsider their options.
“We were originally looking at retirement homes in the peninsula, but when we found La Dimora we loved it and never looked back,” Neville says.
“The golf course has been great for me, and I love the fact that residents’ exclusive club house, Villa Valdera, has a garden where I can get my hands dirty. It is a wonderful place where residents can go anytime to do what they enjoy.”
As two independent individuals, the couple wanted to live in a community environment that supported their passions and enabled them to remain active.
La Dimora Retirement Resort is situated on the grounds of Hidden Valley Resort. Set within acres of rolling hills and picturesque countryside, Hidden Valley Resort boasts a beautiful clubhouse which features state of
the art facilities including The Grove Bar & Bistro,an18-holeChampionshipGolfCourse and practise facilities, fully equipped gym, regular group fitness classes, 20m indoor heated pool, tennis, bowls and pickleball courts.
At La Dimora residents choose to reside here because of the lifestyle resort quality it has and provides people the opportunity to lead an active and social life well beyond their retirement years.
Arcadia Group is the mastermind behind La Dimora and Hidden Valley Resort, founded in 1999, they now have three retirement communities in Victoria, and six in Western Australia.
At La Dimora residents choose to reside here because of the lifestyle resort quality it has and provides people the opportunity to lead an active and social life well beyond their retirement years. Do not let this opportunity pass you by.
Stage three is selling quickly, and you would not want to miss the chance to become a part of this exceptional over 55’s community. Come and see why La Dimora is Victoria’s premier retirement destination at an upcoming wine and cheese pairing event on Friday 15 September at 2pm.
To find out more and to RSVP contact Cheryl Pearson at sales@ladimora.com.au or call 0455 945 529.
Road disruptions: Closed lanes and intersections Manningham and Templestowe roads, Bulleen
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re continuing works on North East Link making travelling around Melbourne and to the airport quicker and safer. We’re also upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve travel times.
Picture this - you find yourself stranded in a sea of wrapping paper and ribbon, keeping an ear out for the gingerbread in the oven and running through your mounting to-do list in your head.
You’ve heard each Christmas carol about a billion times each, and you still haven’t oiled the deck, fixed that hole in the wall or raked the garden.
We’re all familiar with what a whirlwind the lead-up to Christmas is, and no, you’re not dreaming, it’s nearly time to do it all again!
It isn’t just the stress of all the planning, shopping, catering and present-buying, it’s thatnaggingfeelingthatsurelyit’simpossible for time to pass so quickly. Well, we say no more! No more crazy Christmas chaos! No more panic at the passing of time!
When your days are spent doing things you love, you’ll never look back and wonder where the time’s gone. And when you’re living in a sparkling, brand new home, you can wave goodbye to the stress of gardening and home maintenance and say hello to no council rates and a lower cost of living.
Now that’s a Christmas present that won’t be re-gifted!
At Lifestyle Communities, life is what we do. Lifestyle Communities is about opening up new opportunities, experiences and connections for the people who live in its communities.
Why wait when a low-maintenance home and a low-stress life could be yours today?
Give yourself an early Christmas present – a life of opportunity, of peace, and of knowing that the best things in life come to those who reach out and grab them!
Call to speak with one of the amazing team – 1300 50 55 60.
Findingtherightresidentialagedcareprovider in Melbourne’s north has been made a whole lot easier thanks to Heritage Care’s progressive approach to operating three aged care homes located in Epping, Northcote and Reservoir.
Whileeachhomehasitsownstyle,amenities and community culture, they are all guided by Heritage Care’s philosophy to deliver the highest standard of care possible.
“We’re passionate about serving the north and we have the right business and care model
to do so,” says CEO, John Rutledge.
“The sector is changing rapidly and we’re embracing it, with new ownership and management. “We’re focusing on the right workforce, technology and resources so we can provide the care ageing Australians deserve.”
Heritage Care is a well-known residential aged care provider with 11 aged care homes across Victoria and New South Wales. Independently owned, it offers permanent and respite care with memory support services to
more than 900 residents.
Heritage Epping is a luxurious community with 148 beds and will soon have a dedicated Memory Support Unit to provide a safe and secure environment for people with higher dementia care needs.
Heritage Northcote is a beautiful home featuring courtyard surrounds in the vibrant Ruckers Hill area. A smaller community, with a welcoming feel and home cooked meals. It employs innovative and unobtrusive assistive
nursing technology to enhance the Residents’ home experience.
TwinParksAgedCareinReservoirislocated opposite the tranquil parklands of Darebin Creekandoffersthesamehighstandardofcare as its northern counterparts.
Whichever you choose, Heritage Care offers residents all the advantages of living north of the river, with high quality, person-centred care.
Visit heritagecare.com.au to learn more.
Today’s retiree has high expectations. They want to live well, stay active and - as long as it’s within their budget - they expect to enjoy the finer things in life.
With 90 luxurious apartments over six levels in buzzy Bundoora, Callisto Place fits the brief, and then some.
Location-wise, the vibe is youthful and exciting with a diverse array of things to do. The community is positioned right in the heart of Melbourne’s ‘university town’ adjoining La Trobe University and next to the RMIT campus. It’s a dynamic town centre with a range of diverse housing types and a younger demographic. The area is served by numerous dining, café and shopping options, with Woolworths, Dan Murphy’s and numerous retailers just a short stroll away from the residences.
Polaris3083isanexcellentexampleofurban renewal and has collected two prestigious awards - the 2016 UDIA Excellence Award for Urban Renewal and the 2017 UDIA Environmental Excellence Award. Adding to itsappeal,itissurroundedbydiverseresidential architecture including contemporary and heritage designs and sustainable, connected living.
Callisto Place sits proudly at the centre of the redevelopment and the exterior is boldly contemporaryindesign.Insidetheapartments, the quality is spot on, in design, layout and fittings. The apartments feature spacious open floor plans, with designs that capture natural lightandwintergardenbalconiestosoakupthe views. Premium Fisher and Paykel appliances sparkle in sleek kitchens with stone benchtops and gleaming timber floors.
There are also plenty of shared spaces for residents to build friendships and enjoy new experienceswithoutleavinghome.Thereisalso a show-off residents’ lounge, state-of-the-art
gym, residents kitchen, bar and dining room, library and cinema, games room with billiard table.
At the end of a busy day, there’s secure basement parking, so residents can simply drive in, hop in the lift and go straight to their
‘Student wellbeing at the core’ — is the message that echoes throughout Hume Anglican Grammar.
Theschoolcommunity’sfundamentalbelief is that young people who are genuinely happy will engage, aspire and thrive within the learning community.
The school provides a nurturing, high-quality education at an accessible cost to most and cherishes each child so they may
truly flourish. By establishing high standards inallthatstaffdo,everystudentisencouraged and supported to discover and fulfil their unique potential.
Hume is a progressive school, not just in the development of buildings and grounds, but alsoininnovativethinkingandadvancements in its approach to teaching and learning. This is led by a group of dedicated and expert teachers who practise their craft with skill,
and by building the strongest of relationships with students. It is not by chance that the school has young people who readily display warmth, humour and respect for one another and their teachers.
All enquiries are welcomed and families are encouraged to visit and experience the school first-hand.
School tours of the Donnybrook, Kalkallo and Mt Ridley campuses are conducted on a
regular basis.
Tobookatourorfindoutmoreinformation simply contact the school at any time on 8339 6900 or via email at info@humegrammar.vic. edu.au.
TheDonnybrookCampusisat40Eucalyptus Parade, Donnybrook. The Kalkallo Campus is at 27 Goodman Avenue Kalkallo and the Mt Ridley Campus is at 100 Mt Ridley Road, Mickleham.
Helping primary school children learn math at home can be a rewarding experience that lays a strong foundation for their future academic success. Parents play a crucial role in fostering a positive attitude towards math and providing the necessary support. Here are some effective strategies for parents to help their primary school children learn math at home:
1. Create a positive attitude: Parents should maintain a positive attitude towards math themselves and avoid expressing any negativity. Emphasize that math is a valuable skill that can be interesting and fun. Avoid saying things like “I was never good at math” to prevent your child from developing a similar mindset.
2.Incorporatemathintodailylife: Integrate math into everyday activities. While cooking, involve your child in measuring ingredients, estimating quantities, and understanding fractions. When shopping, ask them to compare prices, calculate discounts, or estimate the total cost.
3. Play math games: Engage in math games and puzzles that make learning enjoyable. Board games, card games, and online math apps offer interactive ways to reinforce math concepts, improve problem-solving skills, and enhance logical thinking.
4. Establish a dedicated study space: Create a comfortable and organised study space whereyourchildcanfocusonmathactivities. Minimise distractions and provide the necessary math tools, such as pencils, paper, rulers, and calculators.
5. Set realistic goals: Set achievable goals
based on your child’s current math level. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation.
6. Use real-life examples: Show how math is relevant in the real world. When planning a family outing, discuss distances, travel times, and routes. Calculate the tip at a restaurant or determine the change after making a purchase.
7. Be patient and supportive: Each child learns at their own pace. Be patient and providethenecessarysupport.Offerguidance
without imposing pressure, and be ready to explain concepts multiple times if needed.
8.Encourageproblem-solving: Expose your childtovariousmathproblemsthatencourage critical thinking and problem-solving. Encourage them to approach challenges from different angles and develop their own strategies.
9. Provide practical applications: Connect math concepts to practical applications. For instance, when learning about fractions, use pizza slices to illustrate different fractions and their relationships.
10. Communicate with teachers: Stay in touch with your child’s math teacher to understand the curriculum and identify areas where your child might need additional support. This partnership ensures a coordinated effort between school and home.
11. Use online resources: Utilise reputable online resources that offer interactive math lessons, tutorials, and practice exercises. These resources can reinforce classroom learning and provide additional practice.
12. Read math-related books: Explore math-related storybooks that make math concepts more relatable and engaging. These books can stimulate your child’s interest in math and provide different perspectives on the subject.
13. Emphasise mistakes as learning opportunities: Encourage your child to view mistakes as a natural part of learning. Discuss errors openly, identify the areas that need improvement, and work together to overcome challenges.
14. Make math a family activity: Involve the entire family in math-related activities. Play math trivia games during family gatherings, solve puzzles together, or have a math-themed movie night.
By adopting these strategies, parents can create a supportive and engaging learning environment at home, fostering their primary school children’s interest and confidence in math. Remember that your positive involvement can have a lasting impact on their academic success and overall attitude towards learning.
Mark your calendars for a day filled with fun, fitness, and exploration as TRAC invites the community to join in on the excitement during its open day event on Monday 18 September.
Whetheryou’reafitnessenthusiast,afamily seeking engaging activities, or curious about TRAC’s offerings, this is an unmissable event.
Event Highlights: Experience the thrill of community, health and wellness with free access to TRAC’s state-of-the-art facilities, including its massive community gym, women’s only gym, basketball stadium, 25-metre pool, kids leisure pool, spa, sauna and steam-room. Group Fitness classes are also free for the entire day and night.
Exciting Activities Throughout the Day: From 9am to 11am, dive into pickleball for a playful introduction to the world’s fastest growing sport. Engage with the Snakebusters Interactive Reptile Experience between 10am and 1pm, getting up close and personal with snakes, lizards and crocodiles. From footy fun and basketball showcases to the Soccajoeys clinic, there’s a wide range of activities for all ages and interests in the afternoon. Kids can also get their photo taken with baby shark, who will be wandering around throughout the day!
Wina12-MonthMembership:Asyoupartake in the day’s offerings, you automatically enter a chance to win an all-inclusive 12-month TRAC membership.
Don’tletthisopportunityslipby.TRACsopen day has something for everyone, whether your goal is to stay active, learn something new, or just have fun. Scan the QR code for more information.
Hume council will investigate possible cat curfew models under its new Domestic Animal Management Plan, with nearly three quarters of respondents to a survey in support of a curfew.
At its council meeting on August 28, the council voted to adopt the 2023-2026 plan, which also includes $58,000 for educational campaigns and resources, and $15,000 to support staff development and training.
Speaking to the motion councillor Sam Misho said the plan covers a range of issues throughout the municipality.
“[It] encourages and promotes responsible ownership, [minimising] the risk of being attacked by dogs, [which] we have actually seen within the municipality in the past,” he said.
“It addresses overpopulation of dogs and cats, it encourages the registration and identification of dogs and cats, and also it identifies dangerous dogs in the area, it’s very important for our municipality.”
During Adult Learners Week (1-8 September) Kangan Institute celebrated the achievements of pathway counsellor Nagat Ali-Bekhit, a refugee who forged her own path to success and is helping so many others to do the same.
Through Kangan Institute’s Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), the Craigieburn resident has worked with more than 900 students, helping them build a new life in Australia. After fleeing her home country at 18 years of age, she completed language school and then went on to finish her secondary education, before completing a double degree in the bachelor of commerce and arts. She knows more than most that things aren’t always going to be easy, admitting there might be obstacles along the way, but with determination and a positive mindset, you can overcome them and achieve your desired outcome. One of Ms Ali-Bekhit’s former students Heleen Oraha, who arrived in Australia in 2018, has already begun teaching
at a community centre after completing two cert IV qualifications with Kangan.
She attributes her achievements to her teacher, explaining that during her time at Kangan Institute Ms Ali-Bekhit helped connect her to programs and qualifications that matched what she wanted to do.
SuccessstoriessuchasMsOraha,whoisnow a married mother of three, are what drives Ms Ali-Bekhit to continue her work.
“I find satisfaction in helping students achieve their goals,” she said.
“I enjoy witnessing the progress and transformation of adult learners, helping them overcome challenges, and contributing to their personal and professional development.
“It makes me want to help more and more, and it feels like I’m giving back to people so they don’t have to go through the suffering I went through when I came to Australia.”
During development of the plan, the council received feedback from about 1136 residents, with 73.7 per cent in support of a cat curfew, 53.4 per cent in support of a 24-7 curfew, and 18 per cent were not in support.
Council said it would investigate possible curfew models, including dusk to dawn or 24-7 models, along with the implementation process.
A draft model will be developed for council consideration in the first year of the plan.
Councillor Jodi Jackson said it is good for the council to have an understanding on
the number of stray animals but it should allocate more money to desexing.
“My personal reflection has always been that we have a lot of money at our disposal and certainly can spend a hell of a lot more money on cat and dog desexing programs,” she said.
“We can afford to put more money into this and I think we should… certainly if we’re seeing evidence that cat curfews are not curing our stray cat issue.
“For now I’m very happy that we do have this piece of work in place.”
The affected ESS Home Batteries may overheat and catch on fire and cause injury or death and/or damage to property.Incidentshave occurred and caused damagetoproperty.
SmallbusinessownersacrossHumeflockedto the Town Hall Broadmeadows on Wednesday, September 6, to network and learn the ins and outs of owning a business.
About 250 people attended the event, including people from micro enterprise, home based businesses, start ups, as well as those wanting to start a small business.
Hume Mayor Joseph Haweil said small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy.
“Our Small Business Festival event was a fantastic opportunity for new business ideas to be heard and budding entrepreneurs to ask questions and make their mark,” he said.
“Small businesses [also] support the creation of many local jobs for our diverse community.”
The event covered topics including council services and permits, tax obligations, digital marketing and social media, legal contracts, terms and conditions, accounting and bookkeeping, starting a business and how to scale up a microenterprise.
The event was a Holmesglen event which Hume council hosted. Holmesglen runs the Self Employment Assistance Program, which is designed to assist aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own businesses.
Details: https://shorturl.at/EM568
PRINT AND PRINT AND PRINT AND ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES ONLINE SALES
EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE EXECUTIVE
REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED
Hume mayor Joseph Haweil has voted to end council’s Local Government Professionals Inc (LGPro) membership, following the organisation’s call for tougher penalties on councillors.
On August 28, councillor Trevor Dance moved a successful motion to cease Hume’s LGPro membership, and to detail expenditure since 2016 on training through LGPro, including programs and sessions.
Speaking at the meeting, Cr Haweil said his issue was not with the training, but he wanted tosendamessagetoLGProthatcouncillorsare not children.
“I was so disturbed five months ago to pick up The Age and to read an article [on] March
1, 2023, under the headline… ‘Councillors behaving badly: Calls for tougher penalties,’” he said. “Under this arrangement the [chief executive] of LGPro and its board called out ‘appalling behaviour by councillors’.
“It attributed staff turnover and [chief executive] turnover to councillors’ appalling behaviour… It referred to the need for ‘more sticks to clamp down on misconduct by elected councillors’.
“Havingsignificantmediaattentionattached to something where the language being used… incredibly maternalistic and insulting. For that reason I have been very cranky with LGPro ever since.”
The article referenced LGPro’s letter to Local Government Minister Melissa Horne about addressing culture and conduct issues in
Victoria’s councils.
Under legislation proposed by LGPro, arbiters would be able to issue monetary fines and disciplinary panels could suspend councillors for up to three years for bad behaviour.
Cr Haweil said he was ‘disturbed’ by the language used and he thinks LGPro’s job is not to be a political commentator from the side lines.
“I was really disturbed by this type of paternalistic language being used… against people who are in elected positions,” he said.
“I think [the] organisation [stepped] beyond theboundariesto…aplacethatitreallyshould not have been advocating for. I do want to send a message to LGPro… that councillors are not children.”
A Broadmeadows community service is helping support young volunteers passionate about tackling climate change, thanks to the state government.
Banksia Gardens received $8000 from the Victorian government’s Volunteering for Nature grant program that aims to inspire young people to participate in volunteering.
Sustainability and education coordinator Edgar Caballero said it was an honour to be chosen for the volunteering grant and provided an invaluable opportunity for the group.
“We feel both privileged and trusted to managethisgrant,andwe’reexcitedaboutthe opportunity it presents to our young people,” he said. “We are the host organisation for Climate Adaptation Requires Youth Action (CARYA), a training and action program that empowers young people in Hume to take meaningful steps in climate change adaptation and mitigation.
“The grants enable Banksia Gardens to serve as a conduit for funding the innovative ideas that these young individuals bring to the table.”
Mr Caballero said it was “absoloutely crucial” to support young people in volunteering and welcomed anyone aged 16 to 29 passionate about climate change to get involved in CARYA 2024.
“Young people are not merely ‘the hope for the future,’ but invaluable partners in tackling the present environmental crisis and other challenges,” he said.
“This support sends a powerful message that governments, organisations, and communities are not just hearing their ideas but actively partnering with them to address the pressing issues of our time.
“Recognising their contributions and empowering them to take action today is not just a matter of fairness but also a strategic necessity for building a sustainable and
inclusive future.”
For more information about Banksia Gardens or CARYA, visit banksiagardens.
An LGPro spokesperson said the organisation had apologised and written to the mayor to clarify LGPro’s position and to offer him the opportunity to discuss the issues and his concerns.
“LGPro understands that negative connotations or tone could be inferred from reading the reportage on its case for reform in isolation and has apologised to the council for any offence caused if that were the case,” the spokesperson said. “LGPro believes that some of the commentary was not an accurate representation of the sensible reforms LGPro has been calling for in good faith and has addressed this in correspondence to council.”
The notice of motion was carried with seven councillors voting for the motion and four against it.
Fishing clubs, including the Northern Suburbs Fly Fishing Club, could benefit from the state government’s Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program.
Clubswillbeabletoapplyforgrants of up to $10,000 which will aid in strengthening club membership and participation in recreational fishing, allowing funding for equipment, programs and events for minority groups, first-aid and inclusivity training for members, and club room improvements.
OutdoorRecreationMinisterSonya
Kilkenny wants to help fishing clubs grow and recognises the importance of keeping clubs funded and open. She visited the Northern Suburbs Fly Fishing Club alongside Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage at Yarrambat Lake.
“Our Stronger Fishing Clubs Grant Program will ensure local clubs can attract local members and support them to enjoy all the benefits that come with spending time on the water with family and friends,” Ms Kilkenny said.
Ms Kathage encouraged new members to join their local club.
“Fishing club members have vast knowledge and experience to share, so new anglers who get involved in a club can learn tips and tricks from those who have spent countless hours wetting a line,” she said.
Applications for round one of the program are now open and will close on December 6.
An abusive husband who strangled his estranged wife and then hid her body in a basement will spend at least 17 years behind bars.
Zoran Pandilovski, 48, learned his fate in Melbourne’s Supreme Court on Wednesday August 30 after pleading guilty to the murder of his wife Elaine, 44.
The couple’s 12-year-old son was sleeping over at his grandmother’s house when Pandilovski visited their former family home in Melbourne’s northeast on July 14, 2020. He walked into the Mill Park property at 7.45am and left less than two hours later.
“At 9.25am you drive away, by which time Elaine was dead having been choked to death by you,“ Justice Christopher Beale told the
court on Wednesday.
He said Pandilovski choked Elaine for “tens of seconds” and then moved her body to a storageroominsidethebasementofthehome.
Pandilovskiclaimedthiswastoensuretheir son, who has autism, did not arrive home to find his mother’s lifeless body.
He got into his car and drove down the Western Ring Road and collided with another car, injuring two people.
“Remarkably no one was killed,“ Justice Beale said.
When Elaine did not show up for work, concerned colleagues went to her house and then her mother’s, but no one could find her.
Police located her later that evening in the basement.
Justice Beale jailed Pandilovski for up to 24 yearsandhemustserveatleast17yearsbefore he will be eligible for parole.
He has already served about three years of that sentence.
“Thewayshediedwould’vebeenterrifying,“ the judge said.
Pandilovski’seyeswateredandhegrabbeda tissue as he was escorted out of the court dock by custody officers.
Elaine’s family could be heard crying upon hearing his sentence.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636
Emily Woods, AAP
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Creative arts and fitness
Banksia Gardens Community Services is running yoga and jewellery making classes every Tuesday.
■ 9309 8531
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.
■ https://shorturl.at/cER26
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 10am – 11am.
■ 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
Phone connect program
This 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
Education and community centre
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, https://www.craigieburn.org. au
The Whittlesea Historical Society meets on the third Sunday of each month at Whittlesea Bowls Club at 2pm. Visitors are most welcome to attend.
■ 0414 740 778, www. whittleseahistoricalsociety.org.au
Indigenous Community Gardens open day
Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden members are hosting a monthly open day on the first Saturday of each month 11am-noon, to showcase the gardens. At the corner Toora Drive and Redan Court, two entrance access. All are welcome.
■ Eva Mazzei: emmmazzei@gmail.com
Biophilia workshop
Learn about biophilia, or love of nature and living things during Whittlesea council’s sustainable communities workshop on Saturday, September 30, 10am-noon at the Fountain View Room, Whittlesea civic centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang. Attendees will learn how biophilia can better help us protect and care for our planet. Registration required.
■ https://shorturl.at/juvZ5
Interfaith dinner
The Hume Interfaith Dinner is on Friday, September 15, 6-8pm at Hume Global Learning Centre, Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn. Guest speakers include Elsedeaq Mosque Imam, Sheikh Alaa Elzokm, Centre for Christianity and Sociaty ethos director Dr Gordon Preece and members of the Hume interfaith network,
■ 0477 177 920 or celiach@hume.vic.gov.
au
Tour rural Hume
Explore Hume’s beautiful landscapes and hear from Hume’s land managers on land management techniques implemented in the municipality during the Rural Hume, Rural Home Bus Tour on Sunday, September 17, 9am-4pm.The tour will visit some of the best-loved private and public places in Hume and will include a catered lunch. Tour departs from Jack Mckenzie Community Centre, 11 Green Street, Bulla.
■ Cassandra Borg, 9205 2200, or cassandrab@hume.vic.gov.au.
Hearing checks
Hearing Australia is offering free 15-minute hearing checks for adults at Mickleham
North Community Centre, 82-90 St Georges Boulevard, Mickleham, on Friday, September 22, 9am-3.30pm.
■ 9356 6440 or MicklehamNorthCC@ hume.vic.gov.au
Mixed sports session
Are you wanting to try a new sport during spring school holidays? Join a mixed sports session at Hume Regional Hockey and Lacrosse Centre, 450 Grand Boulevard, Craigieburn, on Monday, September 25, 1-3pm. The session will include rugby, soccer and football. Bring along a sun smart hat and suitable closed toe shoes. Snacks and drinks provided. Suitable for ages 12-18.
■ 9205 2556, or youth@hume.vic.gov.au
Are you interested in AFL? Hume Youth Services is hosting a skills development session for young people in Hume during the spring school holidays. Learn the basics of AFL, practice some skills, and even play a game. No prior skills required, and everyone is welcome!
Bring along a sun smart hat and suitable closed toe shoes. On Tuesday, September 26, 1-3pm, at Roxburgh Park Football Oval, 75 Lakeside Drive, Roxburgh Park. Suitable for aged 12-18.
■ 9205 2556, or youth@hume.vic.gov.au
Do you love futsal? Come play in Hume’s futsal tournament during spring school holidays, have fun and win prizes. On Wednesday, September 27, 10am-3pm, at Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre, 41-85 Tanderrum Way, Broadmeadows. Snack and drinks provided. Registration required.
■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/
Residents/Things-to-See-and-Do/Events/ Events-Calendar/Futsal-Tournament
Repair Cafe Sunbury
Join us for a cuppa and a skill share repairing broken household items; preventing landfill and promoting kindness. Saturday, September 16, 10am - 12.30pm
Take off weight naturally
Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere?
Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Thursday at 9am at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
■ Rhonda, 0409 740 924
Sunbury Art Society
The Sunbury Art Society meets each Friday and Saturday from 10am-3pm at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people.
■ Ken, 0407 062 568, or Robyn, 0438 383 639
Crafternoon
Get crafty over a cuppa at a social group for adults. Some supplies and equipment are available or bring your own projects and craft items. Every Tuesday at 1pm-3pm during school terms, all welcome. Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au
Arts and games night
Get creative at the Sunbury Youth Centre each Wednesday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. The free program is for people aged 12 to 18 years old, at 51-53 Evans Street, Sunbury.
Music and Singalong
Bring your instrument or your voice to a social group for adults. Songs with lyrics and chords can be viewed on the big screen, all skill sets welcome. Wednesdays 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.
■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au
Craft and conversation
Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.
■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O
SUDOKU
ACROSS
1 Danish writer, Hans – Andersen (9)
6 Electronic music player (4)
10 Yank (3)
11 Right away (11)
3 81 61 75 4
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8 Solid carbon dioxide, commonly (3,3)
9 Dangers or risks (7)
16 Wealth (9)
17 Skipper (7)
12 Graveyard (8)
13 French (6)
14 Umpteen (4)
15 Italian composer (7)
20 Enlarge (7)
21 Church recess (4)
25 Soporific drug (6)
26 Dictator (8)
28 New birth (11)
29 Speck (3)
30 Bring up (4)
31 Unconvinced (9)
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1 Subterranean burial chamber (8)
2 Army unit (8)
3 A Japanese religion (6)
4 Be involved (9)
5 Uncovered (4)
18 Occasionally (8)
19 Abstaining from alcohol (8)
22 Scary genre (6)
23 The capital of Austria (6)
24 Convincing (6)
27 Invites (4)
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No. 150
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3 7 LETTERS AMOEBAS FALTERS IMPEDES MILITIA RETCHED ROASTED 8 LETTERS COLOSSAL MERCIFUL OBSOLETE OPPONENT
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1415 1617181920212223242526 E F O X S N H D V W T A L R Y P B U I M J G C K Q Z Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
No. 150
QUICK QUIZ
15-09-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
7 In terms of image resolution, what does dpi stand for?
8 What is a drupe?
3 Does the term ‘BreadTube’ refer to content creators on the left or right side of the political spectrum?
4 What is the title of Taylor Swift’s album released in December 2020?
5 Which company owns the social cataloging site Goodreads?
6 Taipei is the capital of which country?
9 Teresa Palmer (pictured) stars as which character in the British fantasy series ADiscoveryofWitches?
10 In which year was the first female editor of TheAge appointed?
13 26 KZ ANSWERS: 1. 2004 2. Queensland 3. Left 4. Evermore 5. Amazon 6. Taiwan 7. Dots per inch 8. A stone fruit 9. Diana Bishop 10. 2020 Tuesday, 12 September, 2023 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 25
IGA Friendly Supermarket Broadmeadows
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Broadmeadows Central Shopping Centre
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Phil - Asian Grocery & Mixed Business
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Foodworks Bundoora
Andrews Place Milk Bar Bundoora
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Mr Asian Grocer Bundoora
Uni Factory Outlets Bundoora
Uni Hill Town Centre Bundoora
RMIT Campus Store Bundoora
Gugu Asian Grocery Bundoora
Bundoora Hotel Bundoora
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Shell Service Station Bundoora
Coles Supermarket Summerhill Bundoora
Caltex Woolworths Service Station Bundoora
BP Service Station Bundoora
Polaris 3083 Shopping Centre Bundoora
Woolworths Polaris Bundoora
Coles Supermarket Bundoora
The Lott Campbellfield
Chris and Marie's Campbellfield
Meadow Heights Newsagency Coolaroo
Melba Vale Country Club Coolaroo
Craigieburn Convenience Store Craigieburn
Hume City Council Craigieburn
Connections Craigieburn
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Harry Brown Liquor Craigieburn
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Ampol Craigieburn
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IGA Xpress Grand Boulevard Craigieburn
CCT Convenience Store Craigieburn
TSG Riverstone Convenience Cafe Doreen
Laurimar Centre Newsagency Doreen
Woolworths Supermarket Doreen
Doreen General Store Doreen
Northern Hospital Epping
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Woolworths Supermarket Lalor
Lalor Library Lalor
Dandy Mart Lalor
No 1 Fruit Market Lalor
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Coles - Roxburgh Village SC Roxburgh Park
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Claudio's IGA Supermarket West Meadows
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In a display, which can only be described as a case of automotive smoke and mirrors, the new Hyundai Kona is designed to look like an electric vehicle – no radiator grille – whether an EV, hybrid or petrol powered.
The maker Hyundai says this is to make the whole range of the small SUV, including petrol variants - EV and hybrids are due here by year’s end - blend in with traffic better in the future.
The ‘petrols’ on offer at present are a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with a CVT automatic and front-wheel drive, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder with an eight-speed torque converter automatic and all-wheel drive.
Prices for the second-generation SUV start at $32,000 and rise to $46,500, plus on-road costs. The N-Line pack adds an extra $4000. Considerably more kit does come with the price premium.
The new Kona is covered by a five-year 100,000 kilometre warranty and attracts Hyundai’s Premium Roadside Support Plan free for the first 12 months and renewed annually for up to 10 years so long as the vehicle is serviced by Hyundai.
Styling
If there were a patron saint of electric lighting, say St Osram, the new Kona would pay him or her homage, for the car’s design makes Hyundailiterallyaleadinglightinautomotive design.
The absence of a grille apart, up front the full width of the compact sports utility vehicle is emphasised by an LED strip light – similar to one which debuted in the Staria – on the leading edge of the bonnet from wing to wing.
Not far behind is a similar single bar across the rear, highlighting the futuristic (EV) view from behind. Outboard lighting matches the front triangular set-up. Inside and out the new Kona is bigger than its predecessor. In profile, apart from muscular wheel arch covers, the rest is very much de rigueur for the class.
Interior
Atatadover4.3mlong,1.8mwideandalmost 1.6 m tall, the ‘small’ SUV is more spacious on the inside too thanks to a 60 mm increase in wheelbase front to back. This translates to much more leg room in the back compared withbefore.Headroomismorethanadequate for the average adult.
Absent in the 2.0 is a shift-by-wire transmission stalk to the right behind the steering wheel found in Premium and turbo grades. In its place here is a conventional centre-console gearshift.
Storage abounds, with bins in the front doors big enough for large bottles and two retractable cup holders in the centre console, plus a generous glove box, as well as wireless charging, USB-C jacks and a 12V socket.
Rear doors can take small bottles and there are two cup holders in the fold-down centre armrest and pockets on the front seat backs. Adjustable ventilation outlets and a pair of USB-Cpowersocketsareinsitu.Thebootwill hold 407 litres with the rear seat backs raised, or up to 1241 litres with them folded flat. A space-saver spare is carried.
Infotainment
A high-resolution 12.3-inch widescreen digital infotainment display sits above the centre stack, which incorporates climate control air-con buttons. Directly in front of the driver is a digital instrument screen inside a 12.3-inch panel.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto are standard low down the model range, while Premium variants with satellite navigation have only wired systems.
This is due to change later this year with wireless becoming available to all.
Hyundai’s Bluelink connection enables remote access from a paired smartphone
with vehicle location, remote lock and start services, plus the ability to contact emergency services in the event of an accident.
The Kona and Kona Premium come with either a naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine sending 110 kW and 180 Nm at 6200 rpm and 4500 rpm, respectively, to the front wheels through a CVT automatic transmission.
Hyundaiclaimsacombinedurban/highway fuel consumption figure of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres, while the test car came up with 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres over a week of varied driving conditions.
Safety Kona is on board with Hyundai’s SmartSense safety system, which includes front and rear autonomous emergency braking (with car, ‘powered two-wheeler’, pedestrian and cyclist detection), blind spot view and collision avoidance, lane-following and lane keeping assist.
There’s also rear cross-traffic alert, active cruise control, safe exit warning, surround view monitor, driver attention warning and tyre pressure monitoring. A multi-collision brake is designed to minimise the chance of additional impacts after an initial crash and an emergency stop signal
AT A GLANCE
MODEL RANGE
Hyundai Kona 2.0 $32,000
Hyundai Kona 2.0 N-Line $36,000
Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium $39,500
Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium N-Line $42,500
Hyundai Kona 1.6 turbo N-Line $40,000
Hyundai Kona 1.6 turbo Premium N-Line $46,500
OPTIONS
Metallic paint $595 (all models); sunroof $1500 (Kona Premium) ; Light grey, sage green interior $295 (Kona Premium}
SPECIFICATIONS
Hyundai 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol, CVT, FWD Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Hyundai dealer for drive-away prices.
function are also standard.
There are seven airbags, including a front centre bag to minimise front occupant injuries in a side impact, as well as three top tether anchors and two Isofix positions across the rear seat.
Driving
Riding on the standard 18-inch wheels the Kona kept up a steady march over some rough country roads and reduced cabin noise intrusion to an acceptable level on concrete motorway surfaces.
Steering followed suit with positive feedback from the road, while disc brakes, ventilated at the front, had little trouble stopping the 1.4 tonne-plus vehicle in the dry-only conditions encountered.
Speed presented only one problem and that was purely electronic. The test car speed-sign recognition indicator suffered from a form of dyslexia: the 10 km/h speed limit registered in a shopping centre car park remained unchanged through several streets before the instrumentdisplayswitchedtothecorrectlegal limit.
Other speed limits were slow to catch up and slip roads constantly over-rode the legal motorway limit.
Constant speed limit and lane keeping audible warnings turned out to be overzealous, and while made to be turned off, were not easy to silence.
Summary
In typical Hyundai fashion the new Kona 2.0 stands apart in its class from a design point of view and it will be interesting to see what the hybrid and full electric models can come up with under the skin later this year.
The Northern Knights boys Coates Talent League season has come to an end following a qualifying loss to the Sandringham Dragons on Sunday,
The Knights booted the first major of the day thanks to Rohan McKenzie kicking his 10th of the year.
The Dragons respond quickly, kicking the next four goals of the game giving them a 22 point quarter time lead.
The Knights responded through the first of Adam Galgano’s two goals.
The Dragons kicked another two through the second quarter through brother of AFL players Cooper Lord (brother of Port Adelaide’s Ollie) and Levi Ashcroft (brother of Brisbane’s Will).
Draft likely Nate Caddy kicked his first of the day for the Knights just before halftime, keeping the lead at 22 points at half time.
The Dragons kicked an early goal with the two sides trading goals throughout the term.
Galgano booted his second major, as did Caddy, while Tyson Gresham kicked one to have the Knights within four goals just before three quarter time.
With 12 minutes played in the last quarter and the Knights 25 points down, the Dragons began to flex their muscle and started to kick away, piling on five majors to give them the 52pointwin.WiththeDragonswinning14.18 (102)-6.14 (50).
Kristian Ferronato led all comers in the disposal count and was one of the Knights best with 34 disposals. Ferronato also had four marks, three tackles, one rebound 50, five inside 50s.
The next highest disposal getter for the Knights was Kristian Lawson with 17 touches, two marks, three tackles, one rebound 50 and five inside 50s.
Caddy had two goals from his five scoring shots, seven marks and two inside 50s as he continues his campaign towards November’s
draft, where he is looking more and more like a first round selection.
Forward-midfielder Parker Heatley was another of the Knights best with 14 touches, six marks, four tackles, one rebound 50s and six inside 50s.
ChristianMardiniwassolidindefencewith eight rebound 50s and 12 touches, 11 of which were kicks.
The Dragons dominated the disposal count, with 90 more than the Knights, despite this the Dragons could only manage one more inside 50.
The Dragons also managed 39 more marks and 13 more tackles despite having less of the ball.
After finishing the regular season in fourth the Knights season is over the Dragons will play in a preliminary final next week.
The message was simple to Laurimar at three quarter time of the Northern Football League division 3 grand final on Saturday, just take the game on.
The Power found themselves in a similar positiontowhattheywerein12monthsearlier, down by a couple of goals with one quarter remaining in the grand final.
This time, Mernda had taken control of the game on Saturday in the middle two quarters, but couldn’t blow the Power away, leading by just 11 points at the final break.
With the coach’s message ringing in their ears, the Power found another level in the final quarter to hit the front.
It was able to hold on to win its first senior premiership, 13.5 (83)-11.11 (77).
For Power coach Jimmy Atkins it’s an unreal feeling to have finally achieved what they were after.
He said there were moments where he thought that they might fall short for a second
straight year.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “It’s well deserved and we fought to the end.
“No doubt at different stages it crossed my mind [last year]. We needed to get our running game going and give ourselves every chance.
“We fought it out to the end and I’m really proud.”
Atkins said they started well and it reflected on the scoreboard with his side leading by 11 points at quarter time.
The Demons controlled the next two quarters, kicking seven goals to four in that period as they won the ball around the contest.
Atkins said they still had plenty of faith in the group heading into the final change.
“We said take the game on,” he said. “No ifs or buts, throw everything at them.
“We had the leg speed and the fitness to overrun them. We put the quick legs into good positions.”
Atkins said it was only when the final siren went that he knew they had done enough to come away with the win and make history.
Kaiden Arthur kicked three goals for the Power, with Luke Wilson, Matthew Gersh and Joel Lawson kicking two goals each.
For the Demons, Riley Edwards kicked three goals, while William Crouch and Bryce Kimuliatis kicked two goals apiece.
Laurimar’s Joshua Leather was named best ongroundbytheumpiresandreceivedthebest on ground medal.
Atkins said he and Mitchell Thompson were amazing all day. Wilson and Ethan Bateman were among the other standouts according to the coach.
For Laurimar, the premiership has been a work in progress after first fielding a senior team in 2017.
It made finals in its second and third season, before two COVID-19 interrupted seasons meant no football the first season and no finals the second.
Last season the club won its first final and made the grand final, before going all the way this year.
After being so close last season, Atkins said
for everyone at the club it’s pretty special.
“Ithinkit’sarelief,”hesaid.“It’sarewardfor all the hard work.
“They do so many extras.”
While the Power seniors won the premiership, it was heartbreak for its reserves side.
Aiming to complete the perfect season, the reserves lost to Old Eltham Collegians, 5.9 (39)-2.7 (19) in the earlier game.
Atkins said it was disappointing for that group not to be able to finish it off. With their under-19 team making finals in the division 2 competition, the club is in a good spot according to Atkins.
“We are in a good position to go up to division 2,” he said. “It’s exciting and what we as a club have dreamed about and what we have worked towards.
“Most of the group is locked in and there were some guys who were unlucky not to play yesterday [Saturday] and they will get their chances.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Bundoora was given a lesson early by Heidelberg in the Northern Football League main semi final on Saturday.
With a grand final spot on the line, the Tigers showed why they have been the team to beat this season as they aim for back-to-back titles.
The Tigers kicked five goals to one at quarter time lead by 26 points at quarter time and the margin extended to 47 points at the main break.
Thestingwentoutofthegameinthesecond half with the result just about all but decided.
The Tigers won the second half but the Bulls showed some fight to limit the damage, with the Tigers winning 20.5 (125)-10.7 (67).
Bulls coach Michael Ryan said it was a disappointing first half by his side.
“Heidelberg jumped us early and they were effective going inside 50,” he said. “They were
able to put the scoreboard pressure on.
“We were always running up ground after that.”
Ryansaidthebiggestdifferencebetweenthe two sides was the consistency that was shown throughout the game. He said while they showed in patches they could match it with the Tigers, they didn’t do it for long enough.
He said you can’t afford to have any lapses against a side like that.
“Heidelberg is a really consistent team and we weren’t,” he said. “You can’t do that against ateamonthetopoftheirgameforalongtime.
“Teams like Heidelberg are really well structured and they know their roles inside out and cover all bases.”
Big men Shaun McKernan and Peter McEvoy kicked two goals each as did Kyle Green. Ryan said Joel Lamotte and Hamish Shepheard were their two standards as they
battled hard all day in tough circumstances.
The Bulls will have to recover quickly if they want to keep their finals hopes alive. Having won in the first week of the finals, the Bulls had the second chance.
The Bulls will face North Heidelberg in the preliminary final on Sunday as they to try and win through to face the Tigers in a second straight grand final.
Speaking at half time of the other semi final betweenNorthHeidelbergandMontmorency, which he was watching, Ryan said North Heidelberg was looking very impressive.
“It’s so even competition,” he said.
“You can not get complacent against either side come finals time.”
Meanwhile in division 1, Diamond Creek wonthroughtofaceElthaminthegrandfinal, beating St Mary’s.
CalderCannons’andNorthernKnights’ girls Coates Talent League season has come to an end.
CannonsfacedtheOakleighChargers for their finals wildcard round matchup.
The Chargers were on top all match after kicking the first two goals of the game.
The Cannons finally hit the scoreboard in the second term thanks to Reese Sutton. However, the Chargers still took a 24 point lead into the main break.
The scoring dried up in the third quarter with the Cannons scoring the only point of the term.
In the last the Chargers regained the ascendancy kicking two goals to give them the 7.5 (47)-1.3 (9) win.
Young gun Chloe Baker-West had another fantastic game with 31 touches, six rebound 50s and seven tackles.
AFLW likely, Kayley Kavanagh was also amongst the Cannons best with 22 disposals, seven marks and 10 tackles.
The Cannons finished their season winning eight of their 14 games which saw them finish in fifth on the ladder.
It was a similar story for the Knights, as they were well beaten by the Eastern Ranges.
It was a bittersweet ending to the Northern Football League division 3 season for Mernda on Saturday.
The big improvers in the competition this season, the Demons went from third bottom to playing off in their first grand final since 2012.
At three quarter time of Saturday’s grand final, the Demons looked the better team against Laurimar, which was aiming for its first premiership.
The Power was able to find another gear in the final quarter to walk away with the win and the premiership, 13.5 (83)-11.11 (77).
Demons coach Rob Fletcher said while the grand final loss hurts now, in a few weeks they’llbeabletolookbackattheseasonasone that was a success.
“When we sit back and reflect, we had an unbelievable season,” he said. “Last year we finished just above Lalor and Reservoir.
“We lost six players off our list and a few
injuries to key players like Ryan Bongetti.
“We only brought in three players, there was no massive recruiting for the club.
“We talked about ticking boxes this year and we ticked every box but one, winning a premiership.”
In the grand final, the Demons took control of the match in the middle two quarters after a slow start.
Winning the ball in the middle of the ground, the Demons led by 11 points heading into the final break.
A couple of injuries in the third quarter and a couple more in the last quarter made things hard for the Demons.
While the Demons were struggling with numbers, the Power’s running game took over and guided it to the premiership.
Fletcher said losing key players at key times didn’t help their cause.
“It changed the game a little bit,” he said. “ MichaelEvansgothurtinthethirdquarterand was by far the best on the ground at that stage.
“He did the grunt work in the middle.
You can’t do anything about that, but we got beaten by a better side.”
Fletcher said Evans was a shattered man after the game. Billy Morrison, who is known forperformingonthebigstage,spentthenight in hospital as well, with Fletcher saying on Sunday they were still waiting on the results of scans to know how badly he was injured.
Riley Edwards kicked three goals in the loss for the Demons, while William Crouch and Bryce Kimuliatis kicked two goals each.
Evans, Dayne Kellett and Morrison were named their best.
Fletcher said the loss would hurt for a while but believed it would help spur the group forward in the future.
“Before we went back to the rooms we went back to our football manager’s, Shaun Mills, home and his and his wife and served food up.
“We were there for an hour and a half and the smiles started to come back to their faces.
“In the back of their minds they’re already thinking when does pre-season start?”
The Ranges got off to a flying start kicking four first term goals, and another three in the second to give them a 47 point half time lead.
The Knights were kept goalless for the first three quarters before Ava Vincent was able to break through midway into the last term.
Zoe Hargreaves led all comers in the disposal count with 26 touches. She also had five marks and five tackles.
TahliaPlunkettwasanotherstandout for the Knights with 18 disposals, two marks and three tackles.
Aftergoingthroughsixcoachessincethestart of last season Hume City has finally settled on the man to take them forward.
CameronWatsontookthereinsataboutthe roundsixmarkoftheNationalPremierLeague season and since then has been steadfast on taking the club in a positive direction to take the club back to its successes of yesteryear.
“I’m really excited to get a fresh start and to get the boys back in and see what we can do as a club and as a team next year,” he said.
“To have the backing of the club to go into next season and to develop and put together a team that we hope can bring some success to the club is great in terms of instilling confidence in myself and the coaching staff.
“All of us are really looking forward to the end of November and contributing where we left off in terms of what we’re building on and taking it to another level during pre season.”
With a young coaching staff and playing group Watson said it is an exciting time for the club, especially with some new players to be added to its list.
“We’ll be talking to players over the next few weeks to see what we can come up with and hopefully get them on board,” he said.
“We’re doing our best to find the people
that will fit right with the club, that have the characteristics that will suit the club, that are going to buy into what we are doing as a coaching staff.
“We’re not going to rush, we will take our time, but hopefully sooner rather than later.”
City finished 10th this season with a 7-7-12 finish,12pointsoffafinalsqualifyingspotbut above the relegation zone.
Watson has already set the aim for next season.
“As a club it’s just about improving on this year,” Watson said.
“Ithinkeveryonegoesintoaseasonwanting to be in that top six and play finals.“Especially with a club like Hume who’s had a lot of success in the past, I think that’s kind of the expectation, which is good.
“So the goals are to put together a strong team that will buy into what we want them to do, and for us to give them everything we can at training to be successful on the field.
“If we do that to all our capacity we will give ourselves the best opportunity of having a successful season in 2024.”
Hume also re-signed Billy Celeski as an assistant coach.
Gabe Evans couldn’t have asked for a better return to the Whittlesea Pacers.
Evans played his youth league basketball at the Pacers before moving to Shepperton to play in Big V division 1 competition.
ThisseasonhemadehisreturntothePacers and did it in style taking out the league’s division 2 most valuable player award. Evans averaged 17 points per game, nine rebounds and almost four assists for the Pacers.
“I felt really welcomed by the club,” Evans said.
“The whole club environment was really good this year, being a new player I didn’t expect it to be as smooth of a transition as it was.
“Coming into a new team and getting a few awards is always a great thing as well.”
Coming from a higher standard of basketball,Evanssaidhehadagoalofshowing what he can do on the court and having an influence for his team.
“Iwashopingtobeafairlyprominentplayer in the team,” he said. “Every time I’ve gone to play I’ve wanted to be the best player.
“But winning the MVP is a bit more than I did expect.”
Still being a young player Evans said there were a range of factors that went into him being crowned as the league’s best. He was also named in the all-star five.
“I think it was a bit of growth for myself and a bit more confidence about how I went about it,” he said.
“It’s a credit to the team, there wasn’t always a pressure on me to perform.
“I was more of a beneficiary of other people’s work and I was lucky enough to be the one who ended up with a bit more of the glory afterwards.
“It was a bit more confidence in myself, a bit more belief and then everyone else playing their role really well allowed me to excel in mine.”
However, while the MVP is an excellent recognition of Evans’ work he said the grand final loss has been a hard pill to swallow. The Pacers only lost once in the regular season before losing twice in the finals by a total margin of six points, both to
the Altona Gators.
“It still hurts a bit,” he said.
“Winning the award is still a bit bittersweet, that we couldn’t finish the job… it was really heartbreaking.
“[Winning a championship] is the next step. Individual accolades aren’t quite as sweet when it’s not accompanied with a premiership.”
Three Calder Cannons and one Northern Knight are among those who have been invited to the AFLW draft combine.
The draft combine will showcase the country’s most talented draft-age girls footballers and will again be held across multiple locations across Australia throughout September and October.
From the Cannons, Amy Gaylor, Kayley Kavanagh and Sarah Grunden were all invited. Gaylor had an interruptedCoatesTalentLeagueseason due to a knee injury, missing rounds six to 15. However, in the five games she played, she averaged 18 disposals, seven tackles and kicked one goal.
Kavanagh had a fantastic season boosting her disposal averages from 15 in 2022 to 26 in 2023. She also averaged eight tackles a game, 3.2 inside 50s and kicked three majors for the season.
Grunden kicked seven goals, nine behinds throughout the season. She also averaged 13 disposals, almost 5 tackles and 2 marks.
From the Knights Ava Jordan was invited.
Jordan had a great season, booting nine goals from her nine games, including a four goal return in round nine. She also averaged 15 disposals and two inside 50s.
The events will be held on Sunday, October 8 at Margaret Court Arena and the AIA Centre. Physical testing to be conducted will include the vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20-metre sprint, agility test and 2km time trial.
PacerscoachDesRadoslovicwasnamedthe division 2 men’s coach of the year for taking the side to the grand final.
In other awards, Hume City Broncos’ Troyce Manassa was named in the men’s championship all-star five team, while Craigieburn’s Courtney Strait was named in the women’s division 1 all-star five team and was named that division’s leading scorer.
All players invited to attend the combine are eligible to be selected in the 2023 AFLW Draft which will be held following the 2023 NAB AFLW Season. Selection was based on the number of nominations provided by AFLW recruiters, with all 18 clubs submitting a list of preferred attendees.
