Star Weekly - Northern - 9th January 2024 by Star Weekly

Established in 2003

proudly serving the Northern Suburbs

9 JANUARY, 2024

YEAR IN REVIEW... STORIES OF THE YEAR The Whittlesea Show returned this year for the first time since COVID-19. (Damjan Janevski) 314778_02

A year of pains and gains As another year ticks over for Hume and Whittlesea residents, Star Weekly looks back on a year of community gains as well frustration and growing pains. There were plenty of positive signs for the two municipalities that they were coming out the right side of things following the COVID-19 pandemic, but life remained tough for many others. Residents grappled with the cost of living crisis, infrastructure cuts, transportation pains, and council tension. A report found that one in three children in Hume lived in poverty, while in Whittlesea there were 35,733 people living in poverty, the fourth most in the state.

With increased interest rises, this continued to put pressure on residents day-to-day lives. Broadmeadows residents felt they were left off the radar with social housing funding, while a new community housing development in Wollert was a step closer and Whittlesea council was seeking organisations to develop a site on Ashline Street. As the municipalities continue to grow, new business and developments are setting up in both Hume and Whittlesea, which are set to lead to much needed jobs in both areas. Not everyone was happy about some of the new developments, with Westmeadows residents fighting against plans to subdivided buffer land adjacent to the former Tullamarine

toxic waste dump and build industrial premises. Hume council withdrew legal action against councillor Trevor Dance, while some Whittlesea council staff took industrial action in November, refusing to sweep streets and empty bins as part of it. Bradbury pleaded guilty to to a Campbellfield industrial fire four years ago, while police were targeting hoons. As part of ongoing concerns about hoon driving, Hume changed its local laws to try and address the problem. Roads continued to be a major area of focus in both councils. Mickleham Road duplication funding

survived a federal government review, as did the O’Hern’s Road Interchange. Craigieburn residents suffered through road works and detours for a large part of the year while upgrades to Craigieburn Road continued. A lack of transport options was again in the headlines late in the year, with calls for better bus services especially in the growth areas of Craigieburn and Epping. There were repeated calls for upgrades to Broadmeadows station with safety concerns raised on a number of occasions. With the two municipalities continuing to grow questions about whether the roads and other infrastructure can keep up are among the key ones moving into this year.

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New home for charity September 12 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 been based in Bundoora. However, as their lease approached its end and the warehouse became 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. Big Group Hug volunteers and supporters celebrate the official opening of the new warehouse

Students get ‘spooky’ for production August 15 The Darebin Arts Centre will be transformed into the spooky home of the kooky Addams family ahead of opening night of the Hume Anglican Grammar’s latest production. Sixty-four secondary students from the school’s Mt Ridley campus have been perfecting their lines, learning dance routines and music and creating sets ahead of the show, which will be staged on August 17 and 18, at 7pm.

Director Haylee Sommer said the school chose The Addams Family for its senior production because it was “perfectly suited“ to the talents of its students. “This incredible event is the culmination of months of hard work from our wonderful students and team of dedicated and highly skilled staff, parents and volunteers who have come together to bring this show to life,“ she said. “We are enormously proud of our magnificent students and hope this year’s

secondary production will be remembered in the hearts of both performers and audience members for years to come.“

Hume Anglican Grammar students: Treesha, Aria, Freddie, Logan, Stephanie, Harriet and Gurleen are ready to perfom in The Addams Family. (Damjan Janevski) 351861_01

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RSPCA Victoria is offering low-cost pet vaccination days to locals in Hume and Whittlesea in January. On Wednesday, January 17 at the Kalkallo Community Centre RSPCA will offer vaccinations again, for just $59. It comes after they had a day at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre, Roxburgh Park, RSPCA Victoria head of prevention Rebecca Cook said they were looking forward to visiting some communities for the first time and returning to other familiar locations. “At our last clinic in Kalkallo, we saw 27 local pets and their owners, and we saw 69 local pets and their owners the last time we visited Reservoir,” she said.

“We’re very excited about all these clinics because we know the locals there love their pets, and these clinics are a great way to help keep them happy and healthy. “We want to help people care for their pets by increasing their access to veterinary and preventative care, which supports lifelong bonds among families with their cats and dogs.” Appointments at each clinic must be booked online in advance with limited places available. Pet owners can also receive professional advice on how to keep them healthy now and into the future. Details: rspcavic.org/vaccinationclinics/ Gerald Lynch

Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Donnybrook on Sunday morning. Investigators believe three to five armed men gained access to a property on Middlemount Street about 4.20am on January 7. It is believed an altercation between the group of men and a couple ensued, leading to shots being fired. A short time later, officers were called to the address for reports of an injured man outside the property and he later died at the scene. Police believe the deceased man is one of the armed offenders who attended the property. It is believed one of the residents home at the time, a 27-year-old Donnybrook woman, fled to an address in Doreen, before being taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. The other resident, a 28-year-old man, is assisting police with their inquiries.

Broadmeadows blaze A woman was arrested following a suspicious house fire in Broadmeadows on Wednesday, January 3. The 61-year-old woman was arrested and remains in hospital under police guard as she is treated for non-life threatening injuries. Shortly after 2am, emergency services were called to the blaze on Ophir Street. A 67-year-old man inside the residence safely fled the burning home without injury. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Honour for Imam Alaa June 12

come to the mosque,” he said. However, days after the event the mosque hosted an open day which received its largest ever crowd. “It was great to see our non-Muslim brothers and sisters come. That’s what we’re talking about as an example. You know, humanity values sympathy, all these values that are coming from our non-Muslim brothers and sisters, that gives us more duty upon us to educate them about who we are,” he said. Imam Alaa is also extremely passionate about sharing his learnings to the youth in the Muslim community, to ensure his work and message isn’t lost. “We have a great opportunity here in Australia that millions of people around the world do not have, many millions of people have become refugees in the last few years, people do not have home, do not have safety and security, do not have shelter, do not have education system that we have here, do not have the health system that we have here,” Imam Alaa said. “What a great opportunity to be an Australian Muslim, to make a change in the community, to get out there to integrate and spread optimism. When told he had won such a prestigious award Imam Alaa said he was left “speechless,” although he noted being recognised by a secular non-Muslim country was incredibly impactful. “I was so happy to know that my religion has been a reason to make a change,” he said “This is great and unique for me, because it shows how Australia is working hard on recognising those that are making a positive change in the community.”

For ongoing service to the Islamic community, Imam Alaa Elzokm from Roxburgh Park, has been awarded an Order Of Australia Medal on the King’s Birthday. Since arriving in Australia from Egypt in 2015, Imam Alaa has dedicated himself to not only the Islamic faith but to his community in an ongoing attempt to integrate himself and the Muslim faith within modern Australian society. Imam Alaa left Egypt after completing an Islamic studies course where he majored in Muslim minorities living in non-Muslim countries. The course, Imam Alaa, says was about ensuring both Muslims and people of other faiths or no faith can live together in harmony. This has been his mantra from day one. “Since I came, I’ve been spreading this message of harmony, peaceful coexistence and talking about the values that religion is talking about, especially when it comes to relationships with our non-Muslim brothers and sisters,” he said. “Unfortunately, there’s racism and Islamophobia and hate towards people from many cultures and many religions. As we do not accept it for other people, we do not accept it for ourselves as well. But instead of just talking about the problem, we try to be proactive and take initiative.” An initiative he has helped establish since becoming Iman at the Elsedeaq Heidelberg Mosque, is an annual open mosque day. It is now marked on the anniversary of the tragic Christchurch massacre, something Imam Alaa said hurt him deeply. “They were very sad moments for everybody … even Muslims were scared to

Imam Alaa Elzokm at the Elsedeaq Heidelberg Mosque

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$400 million freight terminal February 2 Somerton will be home to a $400 million freight terminal by 2025 under a new privately funded plan. The Intermodal Terminal Company (ITC) which is backed by Aware Super, announced today it would soon start construction of the Somerton Intermodal Terminal. The new terminal will form a part of the federal and state governments’ Port Rail Shuttle Network which will transport containers by rail from Somerton, Altona, and Dandenong South to the port of Melbourne.

The hubs will allow trucks in outer suburbs to deliver or pick up containers instead of driving to the Port of Melbourne. When at capacity, ITC expects the Somerton terminal to take 500,000 truck trips off Melbourne’s roads – equivalent to 454 million truck kilometres. ITC founder and chief executive Mishkel Maharaj said she was delighted to announce the terminal which will be independently constructed, maintained, and operated by the company. “We’re especially pleased that once operational, the terminal will deliver

additional benefits to the people of Melbourne every single day of its operation – through reduced carbon emissions and air pollution, reduced road congestion, and improved road safety,” she said. Both state and federal Labor welcomed the announcement of the terminal which will create approximately 190 jobs during construction and a further 50 permanent jobs for locals once in operation. Victorian ports and freight minister Melissa Horne said the private investment in the terminal will “supercharge job creation” while also supporting her government’s commitment

to move more freight by rail to port. “These direct rail connections will get trucks off roads, increase safety, reduce emissions, and cut the cost of doing business for producers, farmers, exporters, and operators,” she said. The Victorian Liberals also welcomed today’s announcement which comes after years of disagreement between Labor and the coalition to build a freight terminal in Beveridge. Northern Metropolitan MP Evan Mulholland said this announcement was outstanding news for local jobs and traffic congestion in Melbourne’s north.

Jobs boom touches down at Melbourne Airport January 17 Melbourne Airport is looking to fill an estimated 2000 jobs as airlines from mainland China return to Victoria after an easing of COVID restrictions. The airport said flights to mainland China will start to increase from later this month after China dropped many of its COVID restrictions. Prior to the pandemic, mainland China was Melbourne’s biggest international market, with thousands of families and friends, tourists, and students travelling in and out of the airport every day, according to the airport. Airport service providers are currently recruiting staff to fill a variety of jobs across check-in services, baggage handling, retail, and terminal operations. Upfield local Merve Taskesti has just started

a job as a cleaner at the airport. Ms Taskesti said it’s her first job since moving to Australia in September. “I really like working with this company as a cleaner and am very proud to do so,” she said. “They are understanding people and have been very helpful, I am very happy here!” In the last three months approximately 4000 workers have started at the airport as international carriers such as United, Qatar, Qantas, and Air Asia X added extra capacity into Melbourne. Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said international flights are huge employment generators both at Melbourne Airport and in the wider Victorian economy. “We’re expecting further capacity increases in the coming months as Chinese carriers resume flights to Melbourne, VietJet launches

Merve Taskesti and Catherine T Piloton are new staff members at Melbourne Airport working for IKON Services Australia. Picture: Damjan Janevski. 315265_06

direct services to Ho Chi Minh City, and Qantas returns to Hong Kong,” she said. “We have a broad range of [job] opportunities

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Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year April 11 CFA member and netball umpire Deborah Azzopardi has taken out Whittlesea’s Citizen of the Year award in recognition of her work in both roles spanning across more than 20 years. Ms Azzopardi said her daughter nominated her for the community award without her knowing. “The fact that I made the finalist was one thing, but the best part for me was that I was a winner anyway, because my daughter thought enough of me to nominate me,” she said. Born in the United Kingdom, Ms Azzopardi cites her 88-year-old mother, who still volunteers with St Vincent de Paul, as a big influence on her own volunteer work. “It was driven into us even as children when we came to Australia that we need to contribute back to the community in one way or another,” she said. She recalls a moment as a young girl back home where she watched a reporter interview firefighters who were battling a large blaze. “I remember watching that and thinking, one day I want to do what they’re doing and put back into the community.” Ms Azzopardi is coming up to 20 years service for her work at the CFA, she said that over the years one of the biggest changes she has seen in the CFA is in the mental health space. “The CFA is looking after the mental health of their members and their members’ families,” she said. “It took black Saturday to implement these changes, as the CFA lost a lot of members due to mental health illness. We must never let this happen again. “I went on to be trained, and continue to train as a peer to members exposed to

Deborah Azzopardi was crowned Whittlesea Citizen of the Year for 2022. (Damjan Janevski) 325575_01

traumatic events and offer mental health first aid.” Ms Azzopardi says that in both her roles as a CFA volunteer and netball umpire, it is the feeling of team spirit that she loves. “I enjoy being able to pass on my knowledge to new CFA recruits, helping others in their time of need, the mateship with other CFA members and the camaraderie at the brigade. Ms Azzopardi spent 30 years playing netball

across many of Melbourne’s northern venues before becoming a local netball umpire. She currently umpires at the YMCA in Epping where she previously trained and coached their junior netball team. “Netball also encompasses the camaraderie with other umpires, helping other players to develop into the best netballer they can be, and also the social side is awesome. Ms Azzopardi is Epping CFA’s community

safety officer giving home fire safety advice for new residents moving into the area. She encourages everyone to get involved in their community as they may need to call on their neighbours for help one day. “We all have to live together, at the end of the day,” she said. “I’d love to think that everybody in the community retreat has a family that they can fall back on.”

We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 74 already gone. We’re also upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve travel times. Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Mernda Line

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Hospital construction ramps up February 28 Construction of the new Northern Private Hospital at New Epping has reached a significant milestone, with the facility now watertight and ready for internal works to ramp up. The first stage of the$133 million greenfield private hospital, from Ramsay Health Care, is on track to open in early 2024. Northern Private Hospital chief executive Shaune Gillespie said construction of the landmark facility in the booming growth

corridor north of Melbourne followed an environmentally conscious design. “The building incorporates recycled materials, chilled beams for enhanced thermal comfort, solar power and energy efficient lighting,” Mr Gillespie said. “This focus on sustainability will continue as we now look to the internal features of the hospital, with fixtures, fittings and appliances chosen for their water conservation and energy efficiency. Northern Private Hospital has been designed to help patients while also protecting our planet for future generations.”

The first stage of the hospital will feature 70 inpatient beds including four for high dependency patients and six in the critical care unit. Stage one also includes 10 oncology chairs, four state-of-the-art operating theatres, a cardiac catheterisation laboratory and an innovative super-theatre featuring both a hybrid and general theatre for flexibility of use. The second stage of the new Northern Private is forecast to open in 2027. “Northern Private Hospital will offer world-class patient care and extensive medical, surgical and mental health services,” Mr Gillespie said.

“We’re in talks with some of Melbourne’s best clinicians, who will be supported by a dedicated team of nurses and support staff committed to the Ramsay values.” Northern Private Hospital will offer specialties including general medicine, cardiology, vascular, orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ENT, general surgery, gynaecology, urology, oncology, haematology, ophthalmology and gastroenterology. The Northern Private Hospital will be co-located with the public Northern Hospital with direct connection via a link bridge can a full top.

Milestone for virtual Emergency Department March 23 Northern Health’s Victorian Virtual Emergency Department has marked 100,000 virtual presentations since its launch in October 2020. Housed at Northern Health Hospital in Epping, the VVED is a public health service which triages and treats patients virtually for non-life-threatening emergencies. The virtual service is the first of its kind in Australia that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The VVED first opened in 2020 to help patients in the north with COVID-19 symptoms, relieve pressure on emergency waiting rooms, and treat more people from the comfort of their home. The program is now open to all patients across Victoria. VVED nurse unit manager Hayley Grey

Northern Health’s VVED acting nurse unit manager Brigid Algie. (Supplied)

said since the beginning, the VVED has been committed to providing convenient, fast, and safe emergency care to patients across Victoria.

“Thanks to this innovative technology, patients can access emergency medical care from the comfort of their own homes, without

having to endure the physical and emotional stress of traveling to the hospital,” she said. “The VVED has been instrumental in reducing both pressure on emergency departments across the state, and wait times for urgent medical care.” VVED acting director Suzie Miller said looking ahead, the VVED will continue to play a critical role in the delivery of emergency medical care. “We’re proud to use this milestone to recognise the contributions of the VVED physicians, nurses, and staff, who have worked tirelessly to provide exceptional care to patients across the state,” Ms Miller said. “This is a testament to their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of all Victorians. “As virtual medicine continues to evolve and expand, the VVED will remain at the forefront of this exciting and transformative industry.”

What’s on

Detox your Home is coming to Epping Apply for free Kindergarten Safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals at Sustainability Victoria’s free Detox your Home event, without harming your health or the environment.

Kindergarten is an educational program for children delivered by qualified early childhood teachers in the two years before they start school.

Household chemicals such as bleach, pesticides, weed killers, cleaning products, cosmetics, cooking oil and fuels should never be put in your rubbish bins or poured down the drain.

Kindergarten is free for all three and four‑year‑old children and applications are now open for 2025 and 2026.

When: 9am to 3pm, Saturday 3 February 2024 Where: City of Whittlesea Council Depot, 68‑96 Houston Street, Epping

Check out your local Kindergarten at one of the open days. Open days are being held on Thursday 29 February and Saturday 2 March 2024. A list of participating centres and their open days can be found on our website.

For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/greenevents

For more information, including how to apply, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/kinder

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Centrelink ‘kick in the guts’ for Broadmeadows September 9 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 about the relocation of the Centrelink-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 our municipality who really rely on the services 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 reach of our residents, it’s a real kick in the guts for the Broadmeadows community. “I’m really disappointed to see that we didn’t even get, as a key partner here, a flagging of this

from the department at all.” In its letter, Hume council said it only became 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 the new service arrangements with council and specialist staff will continue to visit community 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.

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil, Cr Naim Kurt and deputy mayor Cr Karen Sherry in front of the Centrelink building. (Damjan Janevski) 357708_03

Hume to fine hoons August 22

Members of Terminate Tullamarine Toxic Dump Action Group are calling for their concerns to be considered. At the front is their President Kaylene Wilson. (Damjan Janevski) 324123_01

New toxic dump plans May 1 MAB corporation has bypassed Hume council and is seeking the planning minister’s approval for three planning permits to develop the notorious former Tullamarine toxic landfill “buffer land” in Westmeadows. Through three draft planning permits MAB corporation is collectively seeking approval for the subdivision of land (34 lots), use and development of land for a warehouse and data centre and reduction in car parking. The draft planning permits and draft planning scheme amendment are currently with the Department of Transport and Planning and the minister is considering whether to prepare, adopt and approve them. The process means Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny will be the responsible authority for the application, bypassing Hume council. In 2022, MAB corporation sought to build on the land as part of an amendment to Hume’s planning scheme, but the plans were 10 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

rejected by a majority of Hume councillors in a 7-2 vote. Council received 326 submissions on the proposal, the majority of which were opposed to it as they argued the buffer land was needed to protect existing residential areas from the former landfill site. This most recent planning scheme amendment is the fourth proposal for the Western Avenue land in recent years, but is the first time it has been taken directly to the planning minister. An environmental audit in 2014 found the land’s groundwater was contaminated to a depth of 15-25 metres, and found that the land is suitable for industrial and sensitive uses, including residential as long as construction did not interfere with the groundwater and access to landfill monitoring boreholes on the site was maintained. Planning documents submitted by MAB corporation in 2022 stated that the land was no longer needed as a buffer between the

landfill and existing houses and was safe to develop. Terminate Tullamarine Toxic Dump Action Group secretary Helen Van Den Berg said the health concerns from residents are not being heard and is calling for a public, transparent process regarding the best use of the land. “When does the community get considered? Here the only thing that matters is the profitability of a developer,” she said. “We got inflicted with a toxic dump for the benefit of industry in Victoria. We’re still exposed to airborne toxic chemicals from the dump’s stack. Now we’re supposed to take further impacts from development. “... How much burden does this community have to take? We want a fair process that considers our concerns, not just the developers’ concern.” Residents can have their say until 5pm on Wednesday, May 10 via https://shorturl.at/ oqy56. Hume council was contacted for comment.

Hume council is cracking down on hoons with the adoption of a local law banning people from attending a hoon event or parking within 200 metres of one. At its meeting on August 14, Hume council adopted its general purposes local law number one 2023, which will come into operation at 12.01am, September 4. Under the new local law a person must not participate in, encourage or attend a hoon event. Drivers must also not stop or park within 200 metres of a vehicle involved in a hoon event, for the purposes of attending. Councillor Naim Kurt said he was pleased to see the new local laws which were a significant body of work. “I’m really pleased to see stronger measures in the local laws about hoon driving,” Cr Kurt said. “This is a message to hoon drivers now and those that attend those events that they are now on notice. “Through this local law and through the police force as well, they will now have the powers to go after those who enter those events and endanger people’s lives and property. “This is the result of a number of years of hard work by officers and also councillors listening to our community.” This adoption follows Brimbank council’s introduction of anti-hoon laws in January 2018, which was a state first. In the first three years, 327 infringements were issued in Brimbank. Under the new local laws, retailers who provide shopping trolleys for customers must ensure their name and trading name are clearly marked. Retailers with more than 25 trolleys must also ensure each trolley has a coin operated lock or perimeter constraint system attached to it. Cr Jim Overend said the issue of shopping trolleys dumping is one of the biggest burdens. “I cannot stand the shopping trolleys that have been dumped everywhere,” he said. “Having them to now be coin operated is going to make a big difference.” Residents can report local laws that get broken to their councillor or directly through council channels via phone, email and its website.

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Airport rail link funding survives November 21 The Melbourne Airport Rail Link is readying for takeoff after $5 billion of federal funding was reconfirmed last week. However, exactly when the long-awaited link to the airport will be constructed remains unclear. The federal government released its national infrastructure review on November 16, which looked at all infrastructure projects across the country proposed over the next decade. Fifty projects lost funding, however none of those were in Hume or Whittlesea. Federal

funding that survived the cull included $109.54 million for the Mickleham Road Upgrade, $50 million for the Hume Freeway – O’Herns Road Interchange Upgrade, and $250,000 for a Wollert Rail Feasibility Study. Despite welcoming the federal commitment to funding the airport rail link, Premier Jacinta Allan wasn’t able to say when the project would start citing “incredibly frustrating” negotiations with Melbourne Airport as the reason for ongoing delays. “The negotiations with the airport in terms of delivering the rail line and the station on airport land that is leased by the airport

from the Commonwealth government, those negotiations have been frustrating,” she said. “For three years we have been attempting to negotiate with the airport on how we can best deliver the rail line and the station in that airport footprint, and those negotiations have been incredibly frustrating. “In welcoming the federal government’s commitment to the project, we also welcome the airport to see how we can best deliver this project on behalf of the Victorian community.” A Melbourne Airport spokesperson said “Melbourne Airport Rail link is an important project, and important to get right“.

Community generosity overflows February 14 After receiving a phone call for help from a humanitarian organisation in Turkey, local businessman Necmi Kulm got on the phones to rally the community. After 24 hours of putting the call out locals have filled two storage containers and two trucks with blankets, sleeping bags, and tents for those in Turkey and Syria affected by the February 6 earthquake. Volunteer and Thomastown local Konor Oza, said he has been overwhelmed by the community support. “I got the phone call yesterday about lunchtime from one of the family friends organising everything… I came here and there were maybe five to six people [at first] but within an hour about 20 people were all trying to help,” he said. “We’re here in Australia and we can’t get there to pull people out but what we can do is get together. “It’s not just Turkish people coming down here, it’s everyone – people from all different backgrounds are ready to help. “On an emotional level it is distressing but having said that this makes you feel good… seeing everyone get together.” Local businesswoman Bea Tercan also answered the call to assist and has been liaising with the airlines to transport the goods to Turkey. Ms Tercan said she felt deeply connected to the cause after living through the 1999 earthquake which struck the Kocaeli Province of Turkey. “As someone who’s lived through three natural disasters it’s a calling for me to actually give back,” she said. Ms Tercan said her family overseas are safe. “They’re in a tent themselves [and] they are saying they are looking after themselves the best they can,” she said. “The best news is that we’ve heard their voice… there’s so many people who haven’t heard a voice from [their relatives] yet.”

“Our preference has always been, and remains, for an underground station,“ the spokesperson said. “The airport station must be fit for purpose and future proof, to ensure that passengers are well served and so that neither the airport precinct or rail line are constrained as Melbourne continues to grow. “Melbourne Airport remains ready to work with the state and federal governments to develop and deliver this project for Victoria.” Hume mayor Naim Kurt said the link was vital to easy congestion and support employment.

Bradbury fined almost $3 million June 23 Bradbury Industrial Services has been fined almost $3 million after pleading guilty to 12 separate charges. The chemical recycling operator was fined $2,400,000 for failing to take all reasonable precautions for the prevention of any fire or explosion involving dangerous goods across their two Campbellfield and three Craigieburn warehouses. On Friday, the County Court heard that Bradbury stored over nine million litres of dangerous chemicals such as burner fuel across their warehouses. Some of the containers storing the dangerous goods were showing indications of “damage, bulging or leaking,” Judge Peter Rozen said. Bradbury was fined $500,000 for failing to provide a safe work environment for their employees at the Thornycroft Road site, where the fire began. Due to Environment Protection Authority (EPA) related offences, Bradbury was charged a further $80,000 for breaching its dangerous goods licence at the Thornycroft Road site, and for the pollution caused by the April 2019 blaze in the local creek, as well as providing an environmental hazard. Judge Rozen applied some mitigating measures to the struggling business which is currently in liquidation. Judge Rozen said as the business pleaded guilty, “showed some evidence of remorse,” and had no prior convictions, it was entitled to a “significant discount on sentence.” Judge Rozen said “the fine imposed in this case would have been $4 million,” if there was no plea of guilty.

Thomastown local Konor Ozal was running the traffic team at the car park, and local businesswoman Bea Tercan was volunteering at the collection centre. (Pictures: Millicent Spencer) 318918

Banksia Gardens residents left off the ‘radar’ once again January 17 The people of Banksia Gardens have once again been left off the “radar” as the state government announces a pilot program for public housing tenants to report issues, of which the estate in Broadmeadows is not included. Five local maintenance repair crews will be piloted across public housing estates in North Melbourne, Flemington, North Richmond, Sale, and Wodonga, giving renters the opportunity to report maintenance issues in a more timely way.

Hume councillor Naim Kurt said he wasn’t very shocked that Banksia Gardens was not included as one of the five sites the program will be piloted in. “Banksia Gardens doesn’t get picked up on the radar,” he said. “Over the past six years since I have been in council there doesn’t seem to be any prioritisation on a needs basis. “Maintenance issues and the quality of housing in Banksia Gardens is one of the top issues raised by residents with me. “With that in mind, the estate should have been a priority for the pilot.” As reported by Star Weekly, Banksia

Gardens residents, such as Marie, are concerned about the conditions of their homes. “I haven’t got carpet because we made an agreement that the carpet would go in after the renovations that have not been done, so I still have not got carpet.” “Then there’s the taps that are leaking, which is causing a gas bill, and that’s been over eight months.” A spokesperson from VincentCare Community Housing, who manage nine properties in the Banksia Gardens estate, said last quarter they received six standard job

requests raised from renters. Homes Victoria said maintenance work will have been carried out at more than 140 houses in Banksia Gardens by June. Housing Minister Colin Brooks said Banksia Gardens was not discussed as a pilot location for the maintenance program, noting the pilot program was “limited in scope“. “I’m aware of Banksia Gardens because [when] I was sworn in about a month ago and a half ago and the first phone call I got was from the local member of parliament advocating for improvements at Banksia Gardens,” he said. Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 11

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Hume misconduct ‘shambles’ December 19 Hume council has conceded it wouldn’t have started disciplinary action against councillor Trevor Dance had there been clarity around the meaning of ’serious misconduct’ under the Local Government Act. At the December 11 council meeting, councillors voted to write to Local Government Victoria and the local government minister providing a transcript of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court proceedings, following the council’s decision to drop its legal action into whether Cr Dance had committed serious misconduct. Cr Dance and councillor Jodi Jackson both voted against writing letters. As previously reported by Star Weekly, Cr Dance was cleared of serious misconduct by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in December 2022, after a Councillor Code of Conduct Panel (CCP) had earlier found that he was responsible for serious misconduct.

The CCP had found Cr Dance breached council’s internal arbitration process by failing to attend two arbitration hearings in June 2021, in relation to his allegations that councillor Jack Medcraft had made false and misleading statements. Cr Dance had cited his mental health for his inability to attend the hearings in person. Hume appealed the VCAT decision at the Court of Appeal. It withdrew its action in August during the hearing when the judges of the Court of Appeal indicated that non-attendance by a complainant at a CCP arbitration was not necessarily serious misconduct as defined in the Local Government Act. At the December 11 meeting, in their report council officers highlighted Court of Appeal Justice David Beach’s views relating to the definition of serious misconduct as defined by the act. Officers advised councillors that had the court’s definition been commonly understood at the start of the process, that CCP would not

have been convened in December 2021. “Officers form this view, as the effect of the interpretation as discussed at the appeal would mean no sanctions should apply to a councillor who initiates an arbitration process, and then does not comply with it,“ officers wrote. Officers said the court’s view “further supports there are issues with the legislation”. “This view complements already acknowledged concerns regarding the legislative framework and its ability to manage councillor conduct matters in a timely and efficient manner. “The timely and inefficient processes relating to councillor conduct matters had a detrimental impact on both councillor and staff health and wellbeing as well as being time consuming and costly.” Speaking at the meeting, Cr Dance said the matter had “been a time of hell and shows what the bureaucracy of a council and self-interested persons can do to an individual”. “The total cost to ratepayers and insurers will be more than $300,000. Not the costs because

of me as some try to say, but contributed directly to council,“ he said. “I was accused of serious misconduct, it’s not serious misconduct because I had a paper bag full of money for example, but it was serious misconduct simply because I was unable to attend an arbiter’s hearing face to face. What a crime.” When questioned by Cr Dance about the total cost to council, chief executive Sheena Frost said Hume had paid its insurer a $50,000 excess but she could not confirm the total cost of the matter as council was awaiting advice from the respondent’s lawyers. Cr Medcraft also mentioned the toll on his mental health before saying the “whole system is a shambles.” “Whoever designed it should be taken outside and spoken to because it has no relevance. It has more holes in it than a piece of Swiss cheese. And basically it doesn’t work, the code of conduct procedure could have been solved without all these costs.”

Poverty rate ‘alarming’ September 12

Historic Regional Partnership at the a joint council meeting held on 3 October 2023. Pictured left to right: Cr Jim Overend (Hume Council), Christian Zahra AM (Whittlesea Council), Peita Duncan (Whittlesea Council), Cr Fiona Stevens (Mitchell Council), Lydia Wilson (Whittlesea Council), Cr Joseph Haweil (Hume Council), Cr Karen Sherry (Hume Council), Cr Rob Eldridge (Mitchell Council) and Cr Louise Bannister (Mitchell Council).

‘Cloverton’ a new city for the north October 10 Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell councils have co-signed an historic partnership committing to the planning and delivery of a new city, Cloverton, that will service the growing northern corridor The agreement was reached at a special joint council meeting on Tuesday October 3 Cloverton will be the primary employment and service hub for emerging suburbs of the north including Mickleham, Kalkallo, Donnybrook, and Wallan after being designated as a Metropolitan Activity Centre by the state government. Cloverton will house 380,000 residents and provide 50,000 jobs when completed. The city will include shopping, health services, education and recreational facilities. The new city straddles all three council boundaries. All three mayors agreed that the large 12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

scale of the Cloverton area and its strategic location in Melbourne’s rapidly developing northern growth corridor called for a joint effort to deliver the services and community infrastructure required. Hume Mayor Joseph Haweil said the first-of-its-kind regional partnership is critical in order to meet the challenges ahead and ensure the new city is delivered effectively. “We know what’s needed to better the lives of our northern communities is a coordination of effort, imagination and resources,“ he said. “Through our important local alignment, we are sharing the vision of helping communities stay connected by having access to essential services close to home. “Cloverton city will ensure the large population in Cloverton and surrounds remain connected and serviced through a centralised hub close to home, something that can only be achieved through careful coordination of our resources and collaboration across our three

council areas as well as the state government.” Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson agreed on the importance of collaboration with neighbouring councils, saying it is the best outcome for present and future residents of the north. “We are thrilled to be a key partner in the creation of a new city of such regional significance right here in the north,” she said. “As a designated Metropolitan Activity Centre, it is vital that we also work closely with the Victorian Government to ensure the establishment of Cloverton is underpinned by high quality planning and development. “By working together, we can create exciting new communities where people and families can grow and thrive. We want to create neighbourhoods that cater for the social, economic and infrastructure needs of our diverse community now and into the future.” Planning for Cloverton is now underway with further consultation to come.

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 Park North (32.1 per cent) and Broadmeadows (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. “What it means is that parents are struggling 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. Wollert had the highest number of people in disadvantage in the municipality with 21 per cent of all residents or about 4800 estimated to be living in economic disadvantage.

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Carolin’s powerful journey At Heritage Care, we help residents meet their specific care needs through a person-centred approach that harnesses the skills and experience of our staff, technology, lifestyle activities and education, with clear and empathetic dialogue. One of our younger residents at our Northcote home is Carolin Buchanan. After a busy life as a sales professional and amateur body builder, Carolin had a stroke and entered residential respite care. After going home, persistent falls made her realise that full-time care at Heritage Northcote was the best thing for her ongoing safety and wellbeing. “Heritage Care has eased the burden of care for my family and has helped me live my best life,” she said. “It has also ended the loneliness of being at home.” Carolin overcame initial prejudices and assumptions about aged care, adopting a positive and empowering attitude to a second life that is “a precious gift.” Within three months of her accident, Carolin was walking again. She attributes her physical improvement to the dedication and care of staff, the assistance from her bike and weights, and tailoring her recovery to her own needs and at her own pace. Carolin loves the management and care staff at Heritage Northcote because “they’re always listening.” She has derived more meaning and value in her life by giving back to aged care and acting as an advocate for Heritage Care and “ageing powerfully”. Frequent falls and recurring bruises are one of the warning signs to consider in

transitioning into residential aged care. A respite or short-term stay can provide you with the answer and helps you avoid the pressure of choosing an aged care home under pressure (like a hospital visit, during an

illness, or before a lease is up). Carolin’s journey into residential respite care then full-time care at Heritage Northcote, and her positive, powerful attitude, are truly inspiring.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication

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

Craigieburn Toastmasters Craigieburn Toastmasters supports community members in developing and practising their public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. They meet the first and third Thursday from 7-9pm at the Craigieburn Guide Hall, 33 Hamilton St, Craigieburn.

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, every Monday from 10-11am. ■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Tai-Chi-for-Health-317365848797

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of sisters Emily and Sally Anglin getting their car ready for shitbox rally this year. (Damjan Janevski) 371717_01 ■ 9308 1477 or https://www.craigieburn. org.au

rooms. ■ Pat, 0433 789 754, or Sylvia, 0417 170 142

Whittlesea Historical Society Adult education Banksia Gardens Community Services is running adult education courses including an introduction to computers and brushing up on English skills. ■ 9309 8531

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 or www. whittleseahistoricalsociety.org.au

Sunbury Combined Probus Club The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. ■ Carmel , 0416 477 271

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 Wednesdays 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. 16 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

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. All are welcome. ■ Eva Mazzei: emmmazzei@gmail.com

Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

If you’ve got a hankering to learn more about Sunbury and your own family history, come along to meetings at 1.30pm on the third Thursday of each month at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Centre, 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury. ■ https://bit.ly/3jvM6oJ

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat. ■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Ball Court Hotel, 60 Macedon Street, Sunbury from 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies probus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45am. ■ Leonie, 0401 764 182

Sunbury Ladies Probus Club The Sunbury Ladies Probus Club meets at 9.30am on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Sunbury Football Social Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays 10am-12pm. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road. ■ sunburybc@gmail.com

One Voice Sunbury Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Family History and Heritage Society

Bring your guitar and your favourite sheet music and join an informal guitar session for adults. Share songs and learn new ones, all skill sets welcome. Tuesdays, 9am-noon, at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. ■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Sunbury Badminton Club Toastmasters

Senior citizens meet

Drop-in guitar

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month. ■ Greg, 0417593035

One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday from 6.30pm at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. Fun and welcoming choir, new members welcome, no prior singing experience required. Just join in the fun. ■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

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

Carer connect chat Hume Men’s Shed The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat. ■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438677425

Connect with other carers in your local area, share a light lunch, have a chat at noon on the first Wednesday of the month. Head to Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health, 1 Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton. ■ 0491 174 550, or email rebecca.lees@ scchc.org.au

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Bill Marshall as ’Captain Fish’, who is a producer of a surrealist festival.

Scotty So was part of an exhibition in Footscray.

Sunflowers were coming into bloom at Bolwarrah Springs which were enjoyed by Kiara, 10, and Bridie, 8.

2023 through Star Weekly’s lens Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janveski shares his favourite pictures from 2023. Meditation teacher Ananya Tomar.

Five-year-old Liahona, and organisers Tonya Toi, Vicki Kinai and Jone Temo at the Tarneit community garden. Patrick Blume in front of his Halloween decorated house.

‘Princess on Skates’ Belle Hadiwidjaja ahead of the Winter Community Festival in Yarraville.

Point Cook personal trainer Chevy Lowndes who collects sneakers and gives them to homeless people.

Hume Anglican Grammar is putting on a production of the Addams Family. Students Treesha, Aria, Freddie, Logan, Stephanie, Harriet and Gurleen.

Max Augoustakis and Zac Main at the radio station where they do a weekly segment called ’Self-Titled’ and they play ‘underground’ music.

Matilda, 8, and Mia, 4, at the Werribee ward set up at Pacific Werribee. Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 17

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

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PUZZLES No. 167

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

easy

3 7 8 9

8 4 3

5 4 5 1

8 2

2 4

3 4 9

5 6

2 6 8

2 3 8

9 5 5 7

9 3 7 2 1 5 8 4 4 2

1 6 3 9

8 7 5 6 9 8 7 4

DOWN

26 27

Courier (9) North African country (7) Delete (5) Approximately (10) Blemishes (4) Sudden violent invasion (9) Fantasise (7) Sibling’s daughter (5) Process of turning on (10) Specify (9) Athlete (9) Cyclone (7) An addition (7) Crawl (5) EU currency units (5) Historical alcoholic drink (4)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 15 16 18 19 20 22 23

Mother (3) Deportation (11) Family name (7) Deliver commentary (7) Abstained from (8) Positive aspect (6) Earth (prefix) (3) Members (11) Punishment (10) State of agitation (3) Body (6) Shoeless (8) Exude (7) Arabic derivative of Abraham (7) Series of events (11) Sprinted (3)

9 medium

ACROSS 1 3 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 20 21 24 25

No. 167

DECODER

No. 167

7 hard

7 4

3 9

9 1 6 3

6 7

10 11 12 13

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

W L

3 LETTERS AGE ANT AWE DOE EBB ERA FBI FUN ILL INN IRE LEE LEG NOD OKS ONE PEN RAT SOB TEN UPS UTE

ARMED AROMA AVAIL BELOW CIDER CREPE DETER DITTO DOONA ENVOY ERODE GLOVE HERDS INERT LOCAL MACED MESSY NOBLE NOOSE OATHS OMEGA

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

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

Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good

No. 167 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

L O S

B A R D S A W A R E S A L O N

4 LETTERS BEEF ENDS GAIT GOSH MOTH PEWS SLAP STEM THUS TRIM 5 LETTERS ADORE AFOOT ALIBI ALONE ALTER

PASTY PIANO PLATE PURSE REAPS REEDS RINSE ROSES SCENE SCRAP SCRUB SLAIN SNEER STABS STALE SWATS SWEET TAPED TASTE TESTS WADES

WOMEN 6 LETTERS BAMBOO CAGIER INHALE KOALAS RELAYS SILENT 7 LETTERS AMMONIA ATLASES BLISTER

BRITTLE LIAISON RENEWAL 8 LETTERS CLEAVERS CLENCHED CRITERIA TORTILLA 10 LETTERS DISPENSING HINTERLAND

12-01-24

T Y L

clod, coal, coda, coil, cola, cold, coma, domicil, halo, hold, holm, HOMICIDAL, idiom, idol, lido, load, loam, loch, loci, macho, milo, mocha, modal, moil

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

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

24 words: Excellent

hard

medium

9-LETTER WORD

No. 167

* $ , 7

T O R XN P CMF DH E Z

2 3 easy

5x5

8 7 1 4

5 2

Y V B G J K U Q S I AW L

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

Marmosets are native to which continent?

True or false: Kevin Costner (pictured) has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?

Which country led the medal tally at the 2012 London Olympic Games?

Walt Whitman died during which century?

Harissa is what type of food?

The mausoleum of Madghacen is located in which African country?

Actor Andy Griffith received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from which US president?

Does Ben or Fred Savage play Cory Matthews in Boy Meets World?

Manama is the capital of which country?

10 A coati is what type of animal?

ANSWERS: 1. South America 2. True 3. Chilli paste 4. Algeria 5. Ben 6. Bahrain 7. The US 8. 19th 9. George W. Bush 10. Mammal

QUICK CROSSWORD

7 $ 3 ( ' 6 & 5 8 % & , ' ( 5 & 5 ( 3 ( $ / 2 1 ( $ / , % , 6 7 $ % 6 5 , 1 6 ( * / 2 9 ( 7 ( 1 3 / $ 7 ( ) % , 1 2 ' ( 5 2 ' ( 3 ( : 6 5 ( / $ < 6 , 1 1 5 $ 7 , 5 ( 6 : $ 7 6 6 , / ( 1 7 * 2 6 + 7 2 5 7 , / / $ 0 2 7 + $: ( $ 0 0 2 1 , $ % / , 6 7 ( 5 * $ , 7 & / ( 1 & + ( ' / ( ( ( 1 ' 6 , 1 + $ / ( 7 ( 6 7 6 2 . 6 8 7 ( 3 ( 1 % $ 0 % 2 2 6 / $ 3 5 ( $ 3 6 ( 5 $ $ 1 7 $ 9 $ , / ) 8 1 / 2 & $ / 5 2 6 ( 6 $ ' 2 5 ( , 1 ( 5 7 1 2 2 6 ( 2 0 ( * $ : $ ' ( 6 0 ( 6 6 < ' ( 7 ( 5

SUDOKU

Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 19

YEAR IN REVIEW ... MOTOR

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Taskmaster of huge proportions By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring Question: does the Navara PRO-4X Warrior, a latecomer to the ranks, have enough to take on the army of talent in one of the most closely fought contests in the Aussie automobile market? With fully armed dual cab pick-ups the likes of the Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Toyota HiLux Rugged, Mazda BT50 Thunder, Isuzu’s D-Max and the US Ram holding the line, the Navara Warrior has its work cut out. Not that Nissan isn’t out to giving things a shake, calling on input from local specialist engineer Premcar, to light the fuse. The result is the range topping Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar, tipping the scales at $68,265, plus on-road costs. Premcar has put in its bob’s worth with up-specced suspension, wider track and greater ground clearance, plus a 100kg addition to gross vehicle mass and aggressive new exterior. All were tested in Victoria to meet demands of real off-roading in varied bush, beach, desert and mountain terrain. Premcar has also matched Nissan’s five-year warranty, the latter featuring capped price servicing at 12-month 20,000 kilometre intervals, whichever comes first. Styling Tough guy trappings are not only for show. They are worn to take on the harshest driving conditions, featuring unique Warrior 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in larger, wider Cooper Discoverer All Terrain tyres. A redesigned towbar is built to carry a full-size spare, and a premium body coloured bulbar with integrated LED light bar, plus tub liner go beyond their good looks with premium practicality.

The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar has had the benefit of input by some of the best Aussie engineers in the business.

Interior With upgrades to chassis and suspension weighing in with ride comfort in the toughest going, it’s only natural to complement this with an eight-way power driver’s seat, with lumbar support, and heated front seats. With space for five adults, premium leather accented PRO-4X seats sport Warrior stitching on the front headrests. Dual zone climate control incorporates rear air vents. The back seat base folds up to expose storage spaces underneath. The Navara is well-equipped to carry loads up the back, with four robust tie-down loops low in each corner of the tub and adjustable Utili-Tracks running lengthways along the upper tray. A plastic tub liner completes the cargo carrying set-up. Infotainment The Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar is equipped with an 8-inch colour touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in situ for connectivity to a smartphone. Bluetooth hands free is on tap too via steering wheel controls. AM/FM radio with AUX and USB connectivity is run through a six-speaker sound system. There’s one USB-A in console tray, one USB-A and USB-C in the centre console, one USB-A in the rear of the centre console, which is charge Only, plus two 12V Outlets in the console tray and centre console. A 7-inch instrument cluster display includes instant and average fuel economy, distance to empty and average speed. Engines/transmissions Under the bonnet of the PRO-4X Warrior is the 2.3-litre twin-turbo diesel engine found in all 4x4 models in the Navara range, producing 140 kW of power at 3750 rpm and 450 Nm of torque between 1500 and 2500 rpm. The Renault common-rail motor is mated either with a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed automatic, driving through a part-time four-wheel drive system with low-range gearing and a locking rear differential. Our test was the latter. 20 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

Safety There’s a full suite of Nissan Intelligent Mobility technology with off-road innovation creating a 360-degree ‘shield’ that detects, warns, and intervenes in potential danger in varied driving conditions. Advanced safety systems include blind spot warning and Intelligent blind spot intervention, which alerts of any detected vehicles and actively guides the Navara back into its lane to help prevent a collision. An all-round view monitor with moving object detection presents a 360-degree view of the vehicle when reversing and rear parking sensors pick up any problems in tight spots. Seven airbags - front side seat, curtain and driver’s knee - are fitted. Driving Remote keyless entry and practically placed grab handles make access to the cabin comfortable, while cruise control, high beam assist, rain sensing wipers and a UV and heat rejecting windscreen ease the stress of everyday driving. Needless to say, the performance of the 2.3-litre, four-cylinder twin turbo-diesel motor mated with its seven-speed automatic transmission was more than able to carry the ute’s aggressive appearance, turning heads

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Nissan Navara 2.3 SL $47,350 Nissan Navara 2.3 ST $52,455 Nissan Navara 2.3 ST-X $55,945 Nissan Navara SL Warrior $58,750 Nissan Navara PRO-4X $58,905 Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior $68,265

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

time and time again. The maker’s fuel consumption claim is 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres in the combined urban/highway cycle. Over a week of non-stressed testing on the bitumen the PRO-4X Warrior averaged 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres. It’s not the best in class, but it’s worth remembering the vehicle’s raised ride height and larger, heavier light truck tyres fitted to improve off-road performance, will be detrimental to fuel consumption. A Drive Mode selector allows easy switching

between four modes – normal, sport, off road and towing, while off road, hill descent control and hill start assist adjusts speed on steep inclines, the rear diff lock provides extra traction in challenging going. The innovative Off-Road Monitor presents a clear view of each wheel when taking on tough terrain. The Warrior turns in a towing capacity of 3500kg braked and 750kg unbraked. Off-road stats include 260mm ground clearance and a wading depth of 600mm. Summary The Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior by Premcar puts me in mind of HSV and Tickford who raised the popular Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon, respectively, to iconic status. Say no more. Ratings ■ Looks: 8/10 ■ Performance: 6/10 ■ Safety: 8/10 ■ Thirst: 5/10 ■ Practicality: 8/10 ■ Comfort: 7/10 ■ Tech: 8/10 ■ Value: 5/10

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YEAR IN REVIEW ... SPORT

AFL draft preview: Hot prospects JULY 6 – Harper Sercombe finds out more about the key draft prospects from Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs who could work their way onto an AFL list come November. As the boys’ under-18s championships come to end, it’s time to start working out who may work their way onto an AFL list. The Calder Cannons, Western Jets and Northern Knights have long been touted as ‘footy factories’ producing some sensational AFL players such as Dane Swan, Eddie Betts, Marcus Bontempelli, Trent Cotchin, Matthew Lloyd and many, many others. However, it’s been a long nine years since a first round boys’ selection has come from all three clubs, but that could change come November. Of the 36 boys selected in this year’s Vic Metro squad, 11 came from the three Coates Talent League clubs. Five as bottom agers, six as draft candidates. Of the eligible, three stand tall, the Knights’ Nate Caddy, the Jets’ Logan Morris and the Cannons’ Jordan Croft. The trio are poised for early selections on draft night. Caddy, the highest ranked of the three, is a powerful 192 centimetre forward-mid, with elite aerial prowess and goal nous. The Knight had an interrupted start to his draft year, missing round one of the talent league season due to a hairline fracture in his leg. Since then Caddy has gone from strength to strength, building upon the fitness that he says was lacking upon return from injury. “[I] probably [came back] a bit too quick, but I was very eager to get back,” he said. “It’s normally about a six week injury, I think I only gave it about three and half, four weeks. “I came in with not much fitness … but I used that time over the community break to really build on it. “I think I’ve come back a better player and a lot more fit.” This is evident in his performance. Caddy has only played the four games for the Knights this season. In rounds two and three he had a combined five goals, three behinds and 25 disposals. That’s compared to his 10 goals, six behinds and an average of 23 disposals from his two most recent appearances. The fitness Caddy gained has allowed him to be utilised as a burst midfield weapon for the Knights, being placed in the guts for the first five minutes of each quarter. Vic Metro coach Rob Harding said Caddy is the complete package. “Nate’s obviously a fantastic talent, his aerial power and his ability to follow up, and get after the ball on ground level, he’s smart around the goals, he just does everything well,” he said. The dangerous forward also demonstrated his abilities in his Victorian Football League debut for Carlton where he scored two goals. Caddy missed the first of Metro’s four carnival games to illness, but returned in its loss to the Allies on July 2. Metro teammate of Caddy, the Jets’ Logan Morris is another highly ranked draft prospect. Morris is a 191 centimetre hybrid player who has been dominating up forward for the Jets booting 21 goals in his six outings for the club. However, he has been thrown down back for Vic Metro in an attempt by recruiters to test out his versatility. Harding said the move was to try and fill a void within the AFL for key defenders. “In our case at Metro this year we have Ollie Murphy (Sandringham Dragons) and Christian Mardini (Northern Knights) as genuine tall defenders ... there’s probably a lack of key defenders at the moment,” he said. “For Logan ... it’s about giving those guys an opportunity in a role where there’s a clear need.” Morris said he sees the change as a major positive for his football.

Northern Knights gun forward Nate Caddy celebrating a goal against the Allies. (Chris Hyde/ AFL Photos)

Left: Calder Cannons’ Jordan Croft taking a huge pack mark against South Australia. (Morgan Hancock, AFL Photos) Right: Western Jets’ Logan Morris shrugging off a tackle against South Australia. (Sarah Reed, AFL Photos)

“It’s just great having that flexibility to be able to play both forward and back,” he said. “I think I fit in pretty well, and I’m enjoying playing down back.” Morris said he could see himself playing a more permanent role as a defender and enjoying the freedom that comes with it. “It’s probably a bit easier to read the ball and I find it a bit easier to play back than play that forward role,” he said. For Morris, fitness has also been a major focus point to get himself prepared for the year, with running sessions three times a week in the preseason trying to get really fit. Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Jordan Croft from the Calder Cannons is another that has been turning heads. Son of Matthew, who played 186 games for the Dogs, is 200 centimetres and has been in

outstanding form. Kicking 14.3 from his last four talent league matches as well as a four goal performance for Vic Metro against the Young Guns and a three goal display against South Australia in the champs. “He’s got a fantastic work rate to get up the ground and reset.. when he gets on the move he’s pretty hard to stop at the size that he is, I really like that part of his game,” Harding said. With forwards such as Croft and Caddy, complemented by a whole host of other exciting players like the highly ranked Nick Watson from the Eastern Ranges, the Metro forward line looms as an extremely dangerous threat. “I think we can be the most dominant forward line in the champs,” Caddy said.

Harding added, “our forward line has a lot of creativity and flair in it. Mahmoud Taha (Cannons), William Green (Knights) and Christian Mardini (Knights) are also live chances to be selected on draft night after all contributing for Vic Metro. Taha, a next generation academy prospect for Essendon, scored a goal in the clash against South Australia. Green, a 202 centimetre ruckman, had 11 disposals and 30 hit outs against the Allies. While Mardini “acquitted himself pretty well,” in his first game for Metro, Harding said. Vic Metro played Western Australia on July 9 before facing the old foe Vic Country to round out the championships on July 16. “I think we’ll finish the next two champs games off pretty well,” Caddy said. Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 21

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Another promotion for Craigieburn City August 29 The rise of Craigieburn City has continued with the club earning promotion into FV state league 2 north-west for next season. Craigieburn first formed a senior team for the 2016 season and has quickly risen up the ranks since. It won the state league 5 north title in 2017 and 12 months later finished second in the higher division to earn promotion into state league 3 north west. On Saturday, the side finished the state league 3 north-west season with a win to give it a chance to finish second and seal promotion. After beating the Sebastopol Vikings, 4-1, Craigieburn received the news that Williamstown had a final round draw, which was enough for them to jump them. Craigieburn coach Michael Loche, who has

Craigieburn City has earned promotion. (Supplied)

coached the senior side from the start, said it was pretty incredible what they had achieved. “It’s pretty surreal,” he said. “It has not sunk in yet and it will take a few weeks for it to set in.

“I’m immensely proud of the players, the support staff, the club and everyone. We’re not the most talented group, but you won’t find a group with a bigger heart.” Having lost in the second last round, Craigieburn entered the final round knowing that its fate was partly out of its hands. Loche said for them they just wanted to get the win and do everything they could to be in the position to be promoted. “Part of it was out of our hands,” he said. “We looked at what we could control and my biggest fear was that the other result would go our way and we didn’t win. “We wanted to put out a really good performance, win, lose or draw. We didn’t want to lose as we wanted to complete an unbeaten season at home, that was an important milestone we wanted to tick off. “We put our best foot forward and wanted to have no regrets.”

Laurimar won its first senior premiership.

Loche said he was thrilled with how they played and only had to wait a couple of minutes after their game to hear the news they had done enough. Loche said the fact the club would be now in state league 2 next season was massive, especially considering the club is about 10 years old. “It’s great news for the club to go from state 5, 4, 3 and now to 2. It has not sunk in,” he said. “The club has a good junior base and state league 2 is a pretty good standard of football.“ Loche said they would look to celebrate the win and relax a bit before looking ahead to next season. “We’ll reinvigorate and come back bigger and better and put our best foot forward in state league 2. “Every time we’ve been challenged the group has stood up.”

A dream return for Evans

(NWM Studios)

September 12

Power storm home September 12 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 position to what they were 12 months earlier, 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.” 22 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 9 January, 2024

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 on ground by the umpires and received the best 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. “I think it’s a relief,” he said. “It’s a reward for 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.”

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. This season he made his return to the Pacers 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. “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,“ he said. “Coming into a new team and getting a few awards is always a great thing as well.” Coming from a higher standard of basketball, Evans said he had a goal of showing what he can do on the court and having an influence for his team. “I was hoping to be a fairly prominent player 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. “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.”

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Bulls premiership drought over March 28 All the hard work has paid for Bundoora in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association, winning the Money Shield premiership. Having been more than 20 years since they had won a first XI flag it had been a long time between drinks for the club. Coach Wayne Wunhym, who was part of that last premiership side, said it was pretty special. “It was really fantastic,” he said. “It was a really good feeling. “All the hard work that we’ve put in especially after Christmas, we turned it up a little more. “Everything that we do, we didn’t drop off like last season. “We did it the hard way losing eight wickets, we could have lost nine wickets as long as we got there.” The Bulls needed to get 187 for victory on Saturday after keeping Eltham to 186 on day one. Narinder Sharma took five wickets on

Bundoora’s premiership side. (Supplied)

day one. The Bulls lost Prince Singh early on, before steadying and getting to 1-73. Nicholas

Caracella was then run out before the Bulls continued on to be 3-159 and in control. Then the wickets started to fall, to give the Bulls some nerves. Able to steady and finished 8-188, hitting the winning runs with more than four overs to spare. Shanin Silva top scored with 51. Wunhym said there were a few nerves as the wickets started to fall. He said the guys just did their jobs like they had all season. It was somewhat fitting that Jason Kaminski hit the winning runs. “That was huge,“ he said. “Especially after what he did in the semi final. He rolled his ankle and hurt his quad at the same time. “He was only 50-50 to play. He came into the grand final at 75 per cent fit. “After all the hard work he has done coaching the club over the years it was a great moment, He is the heart and soul of Bundoora.” Wunhym said it was special for Stuart

Adams as well, another player who had been at the club for a long time. Sharma, who made 21 to go with his five wickets, was named player of the match. Wunhym said the biggest key this season was that everyone brought into what they were doing. “We recruited really well this season,” he said. “Rubal Singh-Dhillon and Prince made a huge difference with the bat. Everyone knew what their roles were for the whole year. “The structures we had in previous years also helped.” The win means the club will be back in Barclay Shield next season, Wunhym said it was back where they wanted to be. “Everyone wanted to go back up,” he said. “We haven’t lost anyone with everyone recommitted for next season at this stage. “It’s a good thing for the club. “We maybe need one more guy, another bowler. “We don’t want to go up and be a number, we want to be competitive.”

Eagles claim another title

Celebrations were in full swing for Bundoora United. (Supplied)

August 29

Bundoora United’s promotion joy August 29 Bundoora United has solidified its championship and promotion from FV state league 4 north. United’s treasurer Malina Triantafylidis said the club and its community is beyond excited at the achievement and the challenges that will come with state league north-west 3. “It’s major for our club, we’re only a community club based in South Morang, so this is a massive achievement,” she said. “We are extremely excited, amongst football it’s a quite well known fact that state 4 is quite a hard league to get out of, the teams are very well put together. “So the fact that we’ve managed to get out of state league 4 in our second year playing at that level, it hasn’t been done before, so we’re very proud of our boys.” Speaking before the final game, Triantafylidis said the team will be approaching this game as they have been all season. The side finished its campaign against third

placed Melbourne University on Saturday, winning 2-0. “We did have a massive celebration last week as we got the points that we needed to win the championship, but the game will be played like any other game,” she said. “They’re going in to win. “I think this week, those players that were on the bench last week will get game time this week. “But the team that we put together this year is so strong that I believe it doesn’t matter which players are playing, the team is just as strong.” With the challenge of state league north-west 3 looming, Triantafylidis said the club has a strong base that is up for the challenge without the need of much recruitment throughout the off season. “I think we have the perfect core to our team as it stands,” she said. “It would be very hard to get those players to not play for us next year, because they are really excited heading into state league 3, so I would say the team would very much stay the

same.” There is one player who has caught Triantafylidis’ eye throughout the season, Benji Quattrone. The 17-year-old has booted eight goals from his 16 appearances throughout the year, making him the sides second highest scorer. “We gained Benji from Melbourne City this year and he’s actually the youngest in the side… he’s definitely one to watch,” she said. “The coaches have worked really hard with Benji, because we feel as the executive committee that it’s really important to create a very clear player pathway. “We really want to get those younger players developed and move them up, as far as they can go.” Bundoora’s women’s side secured the state league 1 north-west title with a 4-0 win against Clifton Hill. The side will play in the Victorian Premier League next season. There is one round remaining in the season, with Bundoora to finish its season against the Geelong Rangers.

Uni Hill Eagles unbelievable run continues with the side claiming back-to-back FV state league titles. After going through the state league 4 north season last year, the Eagles backed it up this season and claimed the state league north-west 3 title with one round remaining. Eagles president Firass Ibrahim said taking out the two COVID-19 affected years, it means they have now won three championships in a row. He said they had hoped to have success again this year but said they were amazed that it had come off. “We were champions in 2019 and there was nothing in 2020,” he said. “In 2021 the season got cancelled and no one was promoted. “We’re now champions in 2022 and 2023 champions again. That’s three in a row, it has not sunk in that we have done it.” Ibrahim said this year had been more difficult than last year with injuries and a few losses including against second bottom side There had also been some changes in the group. “We parted ways with two coaches early in the year,” he said. “Norm [Mancuso] who went through last year undefeated a couple of weeks out before the season. “We then parted ways with Zoran Petrovski as it didn’t work out. Carl [Recchia] came in and was breath of fresh air with Mark Pistininzi and team manager Phillip Abriola from Whittlesea Ranges who had come on board.” Ibrahim said they would enjoy the final round match up with Heidelberg Eagles in the final round, which they won 1-0. Heidelberg had been on top for most of the season, but slipped up late. Ibrahim said it was a nice feeling to win the battle of the Eagles, with four Eagles teams in the division this year. The success for the Uni Hill Eagles isn’t just for the senior men’s side. Their senior women’s side are going for back-to-back titles as well. The side sits second in state league 3 north with two rounds remaining. Tuesday, 9 January, 2024 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY 23

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