Star Weekly - Northern - 11th June 2024

‘‘ Being away from home, we’ve lost our identity, we’ve lost everything ’’

- Peter Laddad

Build delays hurting club

By Gerald Lynch

The Tullamarine Sporting Club has become nomadic. While it faces an endless wait for the completion of its social rooms, the 57-year-old club has had to battle fear of folding.

Newly-appointed senior cricket coach and sporting club president Peter Laddad said while he didn’t want to put the blame on anybody in particular, delays in work on the council-funded rooms have caused difficulties for the club on and off the pitch.

In August, 2021, Hume council announced an $1.4 million investment to upgrade Leo Dineen Reserve. A promised pavilion included accessible change rooms and public amenities, as well a new social room, canteen, bar, and an

external covered viewing area.

The upgrades were originally due to be completed in mid-2022, but as of June, 2024, works are at a standstill.

After the old rooms were demolished and new ones began to be built, the builder entered voluntary administration, halting the works.

The club played its football matches at Jacana Reserve last year, and will potentially be there again to start this year’s cricket season in September, a move that Mr Laddad said is dangerous for the club’s present and future standing.

“Cricket really struggled because our members just wouldn’t come (to Jacana), and we had no one cooking meals,” he said.

“We lose a lot of our income weekly because

of canteen food and money going behind the bar being lost as a result.”

He said a temporary setup has been put in place at Leo Dineen Reserve to see out the football season for the Tullamarine Demons, but the lack of amenities and a proper kitchen has still resulting in the club losing out.

“We can’t cook proper meals, we’re having to try and do a barbecue every night and it’s been hard,” he said.

“Being away from home, we’ve lost our identity, we’ve lost everything.

“We don’t have the money for player payments, we’ll just be rebuilding our club.”

Hume council echoed the community’s frustration due to the delayed completion of the Leo Dineen Reserve upgrade.

“The cost-of-living crisis is creating challenges for everyone in our community, and the issues experienced by the contractor leading to them needing to pull out of the project were beyond council’s control,” a council spokesperson said.

“In spite of this, we have been working to support the clubs impositioned by not having a home ground, including additional investment following the contractor going into administration, fee waiving to mitigate financial challenges, erecting portable facilities and offering temporary relocation to similar local facilities.”

Council said the procurement for a new builder has been completed with more details to be made available later this month.

Peter Laddad in front of the unfinished rooms. (Damjan Janevski) 411239_02

Hume unveils 2024-25 budget

By Gerald Lynch

Rates will rise while a number of residents’ wish lists will be granted, as part of Hume council’s proposed budget for 2024-25.

Rates will rise by an average of 2.75 per cent increase, in line with the state government’s cap on rate increases, resulting in an average increased of $45.21 per property.

Councillor Carly Moore said she knows the increase won’t be a popular decision among ratepayers, but it was essential to allow for services to be delivered.

“I wish there didn’t need to be any increase at all, but given the current economic conditions, I’m confident this small increase is a fair and reasonable outcome,” she said.

In 2024-25, council is proposing to spend $154.82 million on capital works, including $35.88 million on improving, updating, and building new buildings.

Thisincludes$7.22millionfortheexpansion of preschool rooms in community centres, and $6.7 million for pavilion and social room upgrades across local sporting clubs. Council is also proposing to spend $25.64

million on the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of roads; $8 million on footpaths and cycle ways, and over $20 million on car parks; and$38.94 million on park and reserve upgrades across Hume.

Most notably, $2.11 million will be spent on the renewal of courts at the Tullamarine Tennis Courts, and $1.55 million will be allocated to the continued construction of a second pitch at the Hume Hockey Centre in Craigieburn.

Cr Joseph Haweil spoke in support of the budget, and was pleased to see the Somerton

Paul McCann has been awarded an OAM. (Damjan Janevski)

411242_01

Cricket lover hit for six by honour

Paul McCann was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to cricket, but he said the joy and memories he has gotten out of his time within the sport was reward enough.

A legend and hall of fame member of the Pascoe Vale Central Cricket Club, where he has been president since 1996, McCann has been around his beloved club for as long as he can remember.

“I’ve been involved with the club since I was a toddler,” he said.

“My dad played, my uncles played, it’s been a big part of my life since I was a little kid.

“My dad has passed now, and I have great

memories of watching him play, he was an extremely good cricketer, watching him is one of my fondest memories.”

“Over the years we’ve had some incredible success and I’ve loved every bit of it.

The Attwood resident described the club as a home away from home, and it’s kept him coming back year after year.

“It’s basically my second family,” he said.

‘You know, you walk in the rooms and you feel like you’re home.”

He said he has stayed around the club to see the future crop of players come through, and takes great joy out of it.

“It’s a place where they share your highs with

Shelter and size needed

Concernsofoverconcentrationofcurrentlarge open spaces in Hume has opened discussions on more spaces being developed or upgraded.

While Hume boasts more than 580 parks, reserves, and open spaces, only a select few have the capacity to host large public events.

This has caused Craigieburn’s Anzac Park, Jack Roper Reserve in Broadmeadows, and the Nook in Sunbury to bear the brunt of hosting a number of events within a short span of time, according to council.

During a recent council meeting, councillors noted that the concentration of events has caused challenges for residents, with increased traffic congestion and high levels of noise on a frequent basis, particularly for those living close to Anzac Park in Craigieburn.

Councillor Joseph Haweil said Hume is a proud destination area, but the open spaces availability is struggling to keep up with the

amount of large scale events that are held.

Aside from the noise complaints of local residents, Cr Haweil also noted that all the current large sites lack a common theme; shelter.

“Unfortunately, we as an organisation have had to cancel very many of our own events because they’ve been rained out and because of the weather conditions. We want to reach a point where we do make an investment in a place I think will be very well utilised, which will draw people from across the city and further afield.”

He noted that this is a long term move of five to 10 years, but there are a number of “quick wins” available for council to act on.

Council will use the coming financial year to assess options and look for suitable outcomes for a future capital works program, and look to address it in the 2025-26 budget.

Road construction funded, with $9 million going towards the project.

Cr Jim Overend was the only councillor to vote against the draft budget, and was disappointed to see rates rise in a difficult financial period for residents.

“Whilst our current residents are experiencing the cost of living stress that they’re currently feeling out there in the community, and the uncertainty of what’s happening with our future at the moment … because of this I cannot support a budget that increases rates by 2.75 per cent,” he said.

you, and they’re there for you when there are lows as well,” he said.

“To be awarded for this, I feel a bit fraudulent really, because it has given me so much over my life… you already are rewarded by having that for all these years.”

“When I got the notice a couple of months ago that I’d be nominated, I thought it was a prank, I was absolutely surprised.”

McCann now works as a physiotherapist, and continues to be involved with his cricket club, as well as being a delegate for the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association.

Gerald Lynch

Ernest Noel Blake of Bundoora has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division for his dedicated service to veterans and their families, as well as his significant contributions to the community.

Mr Blake has been a loyal member of the National Servicemen’s Association of Australia, particularly within the Victorian Branch. From 2011 to 2023, he served as a delegate to the state council.

Simultaneously, he held the position of president of the Northern Districts Sub-branch from 2011 to 2023 and has been an active committee member since 2005.

In addition to his service to veterans, Mr Blake has volunteered as a guide at the Repatriation Hospital in Heidelberg and the Olivia Newton Health and Wellbeing Centre at Austin Health for the past eight years, providing invaluable support to patients and staff alike.

His community involvement extends to the MacLeod Probus Club, where he has held several key roles, including president, vice-president, and membership officer, since joining in the early 2000s.

Mr Blake’s service record also includes his time as a member of the Australian Army during the 1950s, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to serving others.

Mr Blake’s OAM recognition is a testament to his unwavering dedication and the positive impact he has had on veterans, their families, and the broader community.

New rule may see councillors go

By Gerald Lynch

Hume councillors could be removed from the council chamber for misbehaving, under a new ruling being considered by council.

Council is looking to give its chair the power to remove a councillor who is behaving poorly. Currently, the chair has the power to remove any member of the public who is watching the meeting in the gallery if they are acting in a manner that is disruptive or harmful to the meeting or to members of the council.

Councillor Carly Moore raised a notice of motion at a May 29 meeting, explaining that a gap in council’s governance rules meant that currently, the chair does not have the power to remove a councillor no matter how poorly they may be behaving.

“Our community expects and deserves high standards of behaviour from those councillors that have been elected to represent them, and I expect that if a councillor was disrupting a meeting or threatening the stability of a meeting, that councillor should also be

removed from the meeting,” she said.

“I think it’s appropriate to hold ourselves to the same standard of conduct that we hold our community to.”

Cr Joseph Haweil agreed with the need to re-affirm the responsibilities of councillors to conduct themselves in a respectful manner.

He said there has been a lot of discussion about conduct in councils nation-wide, and he hopes to see respectful conduct in the chamber from this point forward.

“Much like our own private workplaces,

Businesses mark awards success

Whittlesea’s best businesses have been recognised for their hard work as the business awards returned for a second year.

Recognising businesses in the municipality whohavedemonstratedexcellenceincustomer service, innovation, sustainability, community, diversity or as a home-based business, Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the awards were an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of businesses large and small.

“The awards enable us to shine a spotlight on our thriving local business community and to celebrate the many talented business people in the City of Whittlesea,” she said.

“We were thrilled to receive 74 nominations which is a testament to just how many wonderful businesses we have here in the City of Whittlesea.

“Every business should be commended for their efforts, commitment and successes, particularly in this tough economic climate.”

The award for Sustainability and

Environment was given to the Nugal Biik Nursery, a partnership between Whittlesea CommunityConnectionsandHansonLandfill Services.

Whittlesea Community Connection’s

Nugal Biik plants and seeds social enterprise partnered with Hanson Landfill Services Wollert Resource Park to combine their expertise to develop long-term, large-scale, circularsustainabilityinitiativesinWhittlesea.

More than 30,000 trees are planted as part of the partnership.

The Community Contribution award went to Thomastown’s Big Group Hug.

The not-for-profit organisation is dedicated to ensuring that babies and children have the essential items they need to thrive.

In 2023, the Big Group Hug received 844 requests to help ,494 babies and children living in the City of Whittlesea – this equates to providing critical aid to 29 children a week, or four per day.

Forty-five per cent of staff and 20 per cent of volunteers live in Whittlesea, providing opportunities for social interaction and vital human connections all while rehoming and recycling goods.

Gerald Lynch

this itself is a workplace, and that demands us to carry ourselves in a way that is fitting for a professional workplace, but more than that, to go above and beyond those standards of behaviour because of the great privilege and honour that has been bestowed upon us as elected officials,” he said.

He said it is councillors responsibility to represent the wider community respectfully.

The decision will undergo community consultation before becoming an official sectionoftheHumecouncilGovernanceRules.

Australia Post grants open

Applications have opened for Australia Post’s 2024 Community Grants program, which funds community-led, local projects across Australia, including Hume and Whittlesea.

Eligible not-for-profit groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support projects which have the primary purpose of improving mental health and wellbeing in local communities.

Last year, 72 projects across the country were awarded, totalling over $500,000, with half of the successful applications awarded in rural and remote locations.

Australia Post community and stakeholder engagement general manager Nicky Tracey said, “The wide range of organisations and projects that received grants last year demonstrated the need to support projects that help people connect to improve mental health and wellbeing.

“Each year there is a great diversity of mental health support projects across our Community Grants applications From groups that keep elderly Australians connected, to supporting workers with mental health first aid training and even surf therapy, we encourage applications from all local communities.”

Organisations interested in applying are encouraged to review the community grant guidelines carefully to check eligibility requirements, with eligible community organisations able to apply until 11.59pm on July 1.

To check eligibility, visit: 2024 Australia Post Community Grants Guidelines (auspost.com.au) Successful applicants will be notified in September.

Yarra Valley Water and council collaborate to save water

Yarra Valley Water has teamed up with Whittlesea council to help save water through the state government’s WaterSmart program.

Support is being offered to help customers better understand and manage their water use, identify and fix leaks early and explore other ways to save water.

WaterSmart focuses on industries providing vital services to the community and those with thepotentialtomakesubstantialwatersavings.

These include councils, hospitals, aged care facilities and selected large industrial users.

Recently, Yarra Valley Water worked with theWhittleseacounciltoinstall10dataloggers at council facilities including sports ovals and reserves, recreation centres and the Mill Park Leisure Centre, which has three swimming

pools. In the past six months, the data provided has enabled council to identify leaks and take timely action to fix them. At one sports pavilion, the data loggers spotted a problem with a valve, saving 150 litres of water an hour.

Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd said it would have taken much longer to identify leaks without the data loggers.

“They’ve given us near real-time data about our water consumption,” he said.

“They’ve also allowed us to take quick actionstosavewaterthatwouldotherwisehave been wasted – and save money off bills in the process.”

Mr Lloyd said the data loggers are also helping staff to investigate other potential

causes of water use spikes at council facilities and plan for improvements.

Yarra Valley Water community and strategy general manager Tiffany White said the program involves working with customers to carry out a comprehensive one-off water audit and provide digital water monitoring devices.

“This data is made available to customers through a secure online portal which gives organisations near real time visibility of their water use,” she said.

“This enables them to identify and fix leaks and find opportunities for equipment and fixture upgrades, as well as exploring ways to reduce their water use.

“The program helps organisations be more sustainable,savemoneyontheirwaterbillsand

Ajay Bhatnagar, (Whittlesea council) and Carol Atkins (Yarra Valley Water) poolside at Mill Park Leisure Centre. (Supplied)

Big Group Hug won a business award for community contributions. (Damjan Janevski) 409481_01

Whittlesea Community Connections won an award for its work with the treatment plant. Pictured are: Ken Brown, Scott Tunbridge and Viktor Faulknor. (Damjan Janevski) 409515_01

Graffiti officer mooted

By Gerald Lynch

Hume council is continuing its battle with graffiti, as it explores the most effective method and processes for the removal of graffiti on private land.

At a meeting on May 29, council moved a motion to consider appointing an authorised officer to remove graffiti as quickly as possible.

Councillor Jack Medcraft said tribulations with graffiti throughout Hume have been ongoing for an extended period of time, and he, like many others in the community, is fed up.

“It’s a very frustrating criminal act,” he said. “I think the legislators didn’t really take it too seriously when they put legislation in place.

“We’ve got a ridiculous situation now where a property can be graffitied … with obscene items put up there, but we need approval from the landowner before we can remove it from the back of a building.

“You leave it up for more than two days, it gives them gratification, and others will come along and try to beat it.

“If you want your city covered in graffiti, leave it as it is. But I think we need to take things seriously, and treat this as a criminal act.

Cr Jarrod Bell echoed the sentiments, and is unhappy with an increase of graffiti of hateful and discriminatory nature, such as anti-Semitic and homophobic depictions.

“It is our mission, it is our duty, to remove this filth as soon as we possibly can because any hate in our city is never welcome,” he said.

New pitch for rec reserve

Mill Park is gaining a FIFA-accredited synthetic surface, with the upgrade of Partridge Recreation Reserve’s grass pitch.

Partridge Recreation Reserve is home to the Mill Park Soccer Club, which has more than 300 active members.

Whittlesea council awarded a contract for the project at its May 21 council meeting.

The project will involve the existing grass playing surface on the eastern pitch being replaced with a synthetic pitch, doubling usage from 20 hours a week to more than 40 hours a week, according to the council.

Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the upgrade will help to ensure the influx of grassroots participation is catered for.

“We know that we have one of the highest participation rates for soccer in the state, and this new synthetic pitch will actively encourage even more people to get involved, including more women and girls,” she said.

In circumstances where the graffiti is on private land and can only be accessed from private land then a similar process is required, plus council is required to have an ‘authorised officer’ to be able to enter the land.

Currently, to remove graffiti from private land that can be accessed from public land, council is required to receive written permission from the property owner and where this can’t be achieved and graffiti is deemed offensive, then provide written notice that gives 28 days notice to the owner or occupier.

Nurturing NRL talent

Melbourne Storm is extending its high-performance program to schools, including Victoria University Secondary College, in a bid to nurture the next generation of NRL player.

Storm’s full-time pathway coaches and staff will conduct weekly sessions at the school, led by academy coach Matt Duffie, pathways coach Mark Russell, pathways performance coach Nick Le Comte, dietician Georgia Walker, and wellbeing co-ordinator Dylan Wolfgramm. These sessions will provide expert guidance in skill development, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and player welfare.

The club’s long-term vision of producing more Melbourne-born NRL players has led to Stormtodedicateitselftonurturinglocaltalent and fostering a strong rugby league culture in Victoria.

The program aims to bridge the gap between school and elite-level rugby league. Other schools participating in the program include The Grange P-12, Mt Ridley College and Hallam Secondary College.

Coaches and staff will work closely with

schools to provide tailored training and support, ensuring that aspiring players receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed.

Pathways coach Mark Russell said the program’s roll-out marks a significant step in Storm’s commitment to grassroots development.

“The program has been really good and the boys have been very responsive. They’re obviously pretty keen on playing rugby league and this just allows them to be exposed to a high-performance program,” he said.

“We’ve got a real big focus right now on making sure the next generation of Melbourne Storm footballers are coming from Melbourne, and our Melbourne-made schools play a big part in it.

Theprojectwillfeatureenergy-efficient LED lighting, as well as being council’s first synthetic pitch with an organic infill product, and the installation of a 25mm thick rubber shockpad underlay that is estimated to divert approximately 75 tonnes of plastic waste and 70 tonnes of rubberwastefromlandfill,allinaneffort to increase environmental sustainability. The upgrades are expected to be completed early next year.

“We’re really proud of what we’re doing.

Melbourne Storm has been well noted as only producing four players that are actually Melbourne bred. We’ve identified that and want to double those numbers in the next five to 10 years.”

Council said this process is time consuming and limits the ability to effectively remove any offensive graffiti that while on private land

Hume councillor Jack Medcraft wants council to do more to target graffiti. (Damjan Janevski) 410264_01

Hannah Hammoud

Melbourne Storm nutritionist Georgia Walker delivers a session to the Mt Ridley College squad.

RESPECT IS CHALLENGING GENDER STEREOTYPES WITH YOUR FRIENDS.

Manufacturing skilled workers

By Gerald Lynch

People living with a disability will benefit from more locally manufactured disability devices, with a new initiative by NORTH Link.

The $1.2 million training program will help serviceprovidersimproveassistivetechnology products and teach healthcare providers more about how these products are made.

Assistive technology includes equipment, tools, software and devices ranging from wheelchairs and mobility aids to screen readersandvoice-controlledhomeappliances.

Thistechnologyhelpstheelderlyandpeople with disabilities to perform daily activities that might otherwise be difficult.

NORTH Link executive director Chris James said the funding will go a long way.

“This funding has enabled NORTH Link to work together with the health, education and manufacturing sectors to develop learning materials designed to enable customised local manufacturingofassistivetechnologydevices that will improve the experiences of disability and aged care clients,” he said.

Acting Skills and TAFE Minister Natalie HutchinssaidTAFEsareintegraltoproducing

skilled local workers for the future.

“We’re backing our health tech sector to address current and future health challenges, and we’re supporting Victoria’s world-class TAFEs to provide the training and skills needed for a new generation of jobs in this industry,” she said.

“This project is a shining example of how collaboration between training providers and industry can ensure Victorians get the skills they need for the jobs they want in areas of high demand.”

NORTH Link, Swinburne University and Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE are collaborating with the health and manufacturing industry, allied health professionals, and people with disabilities and their carers to develop the targeted training program.

With the majority of assistive technology devices being imported into Australia, having an upskilled local workforce will result in assistive technology being more readily available and fit-for-purpose, leading to better life outcomes for people who rely on it.

Health technology has generated more than $3 billion worth of exports and supports more than 51,700 jobs across the state.

Safety lesson for preps

Localpreppieshavelearntaboutsafetyaround roads and construction zones

Find out how to start the conversation. Scan the QR Code.

Mickleham Road upgrade project team members visited Greenvale’s Aitken College recently to provide the children with fun learning experiences for National Road Safety Week 2024.

In three sessions, the team taught the college’s youngest pupils valuable lessons such ashowtocrossattrafficlightsandwhatpeople should do when they see traffic-control signs.

As part of the fun, the preppies enjoyed an activity in which they pretended to be cars, with the aim of driving through a road crossing without breaking any laws.

The children also learnt about the importance of personal protective equipment such as hard hats and high-visibility vests in

construction zones.

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Dipal Sorathia they were thrilled to teach the Aitken College prep kids important lessons about how to be safe around roads and construction zones.

“Helping to raise safety awareness in the generations to come is an important legacy of the Mickleham Road upgrade-stage one.“

Whencomplete,stageoneoftheMickleham Road upgrade will make travel to Aitken College easier and safer for everyone, with a fully signalised intersection and new slip lanes to enter and exit the school.

Traffic splitter islands and guardrail will be installed at the approaches to the Aitken College intersection, making it safer for commuters using Mickleham Road.

Students at Aitken College learnt about road safety. (Supplied)

A May day to say sorry

Reconciliation Week was commemorated in Whittlesea with an emotional National Sorry Day ceremony, remembering the Stolen Generations and reflecting on the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

National Sorry Day is held each year on May 26tocommemoratethetablingoftheBringing Them Home report in the Federal Parliament in 1997.

As National Sorry Day fell on a Sunday this year, council held its ceremony at the Civic Centre in South Morang on Monday, May 27, to ensure staff, students and community members could attend to pay their respects. A smoking ceremony led by Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey commenced the service before attendees observed a minute’s silence. Gunditjmara man and First Peoples’ Assembly

What’s on

The Ageing Well Expo is back!

Whether you are planning for your own future or caring for a family member, the Ageing Well Expo is the ultimate resource hub.

The expo brings together a diverse range of products, services, information and educational resources available to support you to remain independent and continue living at home safely.

When: 10am to 3pm, Tuesday 18 June

Where: Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

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

Member (Treaty) for North Metro Troy Austin delivered the keynote address.

Proud Yamatji Noongar woman Aunty

Sharon Hughes led attendees on the annual Sorry Day Walk around the Civic Centre, where those present said sorry for the wrongs of the past.

Council administrator and Whittlesea Reconciliation Group member Peita Duncan saidNationalSorryDaywasanimportanttime to learn about our shared histories.

“On National Sorry Day, we say sorry to the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the pain and suffering still felt by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” she said.

“We also come together to recognise the remarkable strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”

Briefs

Police to host forum Hume council and Victoria Police are hosting a Theft Awareness and Community Information night at the Kalkallo Community Centre on Thursday June 13. Concern has been raised to officers at council and Victoria Police regarding community safety issues in the area such as theft, break-ins and anti-social behaviour. There will be a short presentation followed by an open floor to raise concerns and queries. Light refreshments will be provided. Participants can also join online through Microsoft Teams. The online event link will be sent out the day before the event.

Mosaic program for all

Explore the world of mosaic art in Hume council’s All-Abilities Mosaic Art Program. Led by experienced mosaic artist and teacher Libby Mckinnon, this inclusive course welcomes participants of all skill levels. Learn mosaic creation, experimenting with different techniques and materials. Libby’s step-by-step guidance ensures accessibility for everyone. Join for a creative journey that fosters community connection and self-expression through the art of mosaics. The program runs every Tuesday from 10am to noon at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Roxburgh Park.

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Refugee Week celebrations

Inspired by the theme “Finding Freedom: Family,” this event will showcase the transformative power of connections.

Come along and enjoy multicultural performances and art displays. Feel free to get into the spirit of the event and wear your traditional cultural clothing.

Refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome.

When: 9.45am to 1.30pm, Thursday 20 June

Where: City of Whittlesea Great Hall, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

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

Aunty Sharon Hughes and Whittlesea council’s unit manager Aboriginal communities Michelle Hooke address attendees during the Sorry Walk. (Supplied)

Real-world experience offered to VU students

Craigieburn university student Reema Elalfy is volunteering with Lifeline Australia to help make a difference to people in need.

Ms Elalfy is undertaking a psychology degree at Victoria University and has been volunteering at Lifeline’s Crisis Call Centre on the university’s St Albans Campus.

It is the first Lifeline Crisis Call Centre in the state to operate from a university campus.

The crisis call centre opened in June, 2023, and has 14 volunteers answering calls to support Victorians in need, with more than 1000 calls answered so far.

The centre provides real-world placements and opportunities for VU students studying youth work, psychology, counselling, community services and social work to train as Lifeline crisis-support volunteers.

Ms Elalfy said it has been made achievable to balance all her studies and commit to volunteering at the crisis centre due to the VU block model.

“The block structure has allowed me to manage my schedule very well,” she said.

She said the experiences afforded to her through the program have been invaluable, and it has been rewarding to be able to make a real difference on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

“I’ve been given the opportunity to gain extensive training on crisis intervention techniques and work on good communication skills, building connections with people who call lifeline,” she said. “My passion for supporting and advocating for mental health stems deeply from a personal place.

“The ability to build a genuine connection with an individual and make a positive difference in their life is extremely rewarding.

“I’ve witnessed first-hand the impacts of mental health challenges and the barriers individuals can face in accessing care within

the community, and I’m passionate about addressing these barriers and working towards dismantling stigma… feelings of shame, fear, and judgement are often what deter people from seeking help, and I think it’s so important to strive towards a world here mental health is prioritised and people are empowered to seek help.”

Ms Elafly is also completing The Push-Up Challenge, an initiative aimed at raising awarenessandfundsformentalhealthservices. From June 5 to June 28, participants are completing 3249 push-ups, with different daily targets. Donate and learn more: https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/ main-donate-page

If you or someone you know is in need of support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Recycle in bulk in Craigieburn

A new bulk reverse vending depot has landed in Craigieburn.

Thenewestlocationforthestategovernment’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) is located at 107 Yellowbox Drive in Craigieburn, and it is the 13th site in Hume.

The bulk depot offers a more convenient and efficient way to recycle bottles, cartons, and cans, allowing people to dump a large number of containers all at once, with staff on-hand to helpprocesstherecyclingallatonce,compared to the one at a time approach at smaller reverse vending machines.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

The technology scans and verifies each container deposited and provides options to the user to either receive the amount in cash, via digital transfer direct to a bank account, or for the amount to be sent as a donation to a nominated charity or community group.

The CDS Vic West Zone app also allows customers the unique opportunity to donate their container refund to many charities that have joined as charity partners for Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme.

CDS Vic gives charities, community groups, schools, and sporting groups new ways to fundraise by registering as a Donation Partner.

InCraigieburn,groupsandorganisationsare already fundraising with CDS Vic, including the Craigieburn Little Athletics Centre for essential equipment to run club events, and the Roxburgh Park Football Netball Club for its ‘Roxy Container Drive’

Residents of Hume can also download the CDS Vic West Zone app to check on the live status of their local refund point, verify container eligibility, and manage and track container refunds.

TOMRA Cleanaway chief executive James Dorney said Hume is now spoilt for choice to recycle their containers.

“We’re very excited to have landed a new CDS Vic refund point in Craigieburn, adding to the existing network of refund points in Victoria, allowing locals a location where they can conveniently drop off their eligible drink containers for recycling,” he said.

“The community has shown that when provided with a convenient, accessible, and technology-based container deposit scheme network, they will get involved.”

Since the introduction of CDS Vic on November 1 last year, Victorians have made $23 million back on their containers.

TOMRA Cleanaway representatives Anna Wells, Jessica Todaro, Greenvale MP Iwan Walters, Shaun Watson, sight technician Tatiana, Chris Gingell and Claire McCormack. (Supplied)

Reema Elalfy. (Supplied)

Massive new mural unveiled at Gladstone Park

Gladstone Park Shopping Centre has been given a major makeover, with the unveiling of a 65-metre wide mural covering the side wall of the building.

The native-Australian inspired mural was officially unveiled at the centre in a big way, with Gladstone Park Primary School’s choir singing iconic Australian tunes such as Waltzing Matilda. Hume mayor Naim Kurt attended and the artist who created the magical mural was also on hand to celebrate

the occasion.

Cr Kurt said the mural was an important additiontothecentre,tocelebratetheidentity of the community and make Hume residents feel proud to be part of the municipality.

“When I started on council one of the key issues community members and local businesses raised with me was about our shopping precincts,” he said.

“A lot of the feedback I received is that some of our precincts weren’t very inviting.

One of the ways we wanted to address this was by improving our urban environments.”

Artist Christian Vines was commissioned to complete the piece after a contest was held last year.

He said he wanted to create a fun mural that would be enjoyable for shoppers and those passing by.

“There’s lots of anxiety around at the moment with climate and pollution, and we are living in a digital era,” he said.

“So, it’s nice to be reminded that we can always go outside and look at the sky and the trees and bring ourselves back to a base that is satisfying to us.”

The large scale mural took Vines and his team three weeks to paint, but its positive effect on the community and shopping precinct will last a lifetime.

Lynch

Rediscover

Gladstone Park Shopping Centre is your convenient go-to shopping destination. It is located in the heart of Gladstone Park, just off Mickleham Road. With over 100 stores, including Woolworths, ALDI, Big Fields Fresh Market, Commonwealth Bank, Direct Chemist Outlet, Australia Post and many more, offering a large variety of essential food, products and professional services to suit your every need.

Visit Gladstone Park Shopping Centre today and rediscover the convenience and community spirit that make us a local favourite.

Gerald

Artist Christian Vines, Hume mayor Naim Kurt, Hume councillor Jack Medcraft, and centre marketing manager Christina Yianni among Gladstone Park Primary School students. (Gerald Lynch)

Get vaccinated to beat shingles

By Christopher Carter, chief executive, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network

Here’s a bit of free health advice for older readers: you don’t want to develop shingles if you can avoid it.

Shinglesisthereactivationofthechickenpox virus. If you had chickenpox when you were young, the virus that caused it has been sitting in your system, asleep, ever since.

For about one in three of us that virus will wake up and make merry hell. Severity varies from person to person but even at its mildest shingles is decidedly unpleasant.

The disease can occur at any age, but it happens most commonly in older folk.

Thankfully,thereisatriedandtestedvaccine available which stops shingles developing. Called Shingrix, it is available free to anyone 65 or over, First Nations people 50 or over, and people 18 or over with some types of compromised immune system.

The vaccine is administered by your doctor in two doses, a couple of months apart.

Younger people can have the vaccine too, of course, but there are costs involved. It’s a good idea to talk to a GP about this.

The name of the vaccine – Shingrix – is important. A couple of years ago, this brand replaced a previous vaccine, called Zostavax. The old vaccine was safe and effective, but the newonecanbegiventoawiderrangeofpeople without making them feel a bit poorly.

The thing is, though, you can’t get a Shingrix vaccination for at least a year after receiving a Zostavax one – and you can’t get a free one for five. Your GP will be able to check this.

So, if you haven’t been vaccinated and you come down with shingles, how will you know and what should you do?

You can only develop the condition if you’ve previously had chickenpox, of course, but there’s always a chance that you had that and didn’t notice. Very mild chickenpox can happen, even in vaccinated people. Very mild shingles can happen, too –although that has nothing to do with how good or bad your chickenpox was.

last for several weeks. It’s a good idea to go and see your doctor, though, just to make sure.

With more serious cases, the initial tingling and itching will be accompanied by fatigue and headache, followed a couple of days later by a painful rash. In turn, the rash can blister and scab, which can lead to other infections.

Mild shingles will produce a slight itching or tingling sensation but nothing more, but it can

Your trusted NDIS Plan Manager takes the time to understand and get the most out of your plan.

Our Plan Management services give you:

Personalised Plan Manager

Breadth of NDIS services

Expertise and trust

Choice and control

Quick processing

Local knowledge

It’s just such a relief to have someone we can trust to manage Cameron’s

- Jenine, Cameron’s

The worst of it will be over in about 10 days, but it can take weeks to properly go away. It’s important to see your GP as soon as symptoms develop, to discuss treatments that vary from antiviral medications to over-the-counter painkillers, depending on severity.

At pretty much any level, though, shingles is unpleasantBeforeyouhavetosufferthroughit, talk to your GP – especially if you can get the vaccine free!

DISABILITY SUPPORT

Plan management experts

Windemere Child and Family Services has been a trusted provider of disability services for over 30 years with customer service taking pride of place in its service delivery.

Plan management is among a range of NDIS services that Windermere provides for those withanNDISplan.Whenitcomestomanaging anNDISplan,tacklingfinancialadministration tasks can become overwhelming, particularly where there are multiple support needs.

Cameron, who has 21 service providers for his complex needs, has been using NDIS Plan Management services from Windermere since 2018. Cameron’s Plan Manager ensures invoices are paid accurately and on time, keeps track of NDIS funds and fulfills reporting requirements, taking the worry out of managing an NDIS plan.

“It’s just such a relief to have someone we

can trust to work out the financial side of things. It was such hard work just coordinating Cameron’s NDIS plan,” says Jenine, Cameron’s mother.

LynnwhorecentlysignedupforWindermere Plan Management relies on having her funds organised to meet her complex support needs.

“There’s no way that I’d be able to organise my NDIS funds on my own. Having my Plan Manager do things efficiently helps everyone who supports me,” she said.

Lynn also stresses the importance of a strong reputation. “Windermere has such a good reputation especially when it comes to NDIS. A good reputation means that you are doing what you say you will do,” she added.

Shingrix stops shingles developing. (iStock/Sladic)

Family’s twin fight for Kiwi rights

Tarneit’s Mackay family moved from New Zealand to Australia 20 years ago. The family is now fighting for the right for their twin daughters, who were born in Australia, to access the NDIS and disability support pension, Cade Lucas reports.

July 1, 2023, was a bittersweet moment for Tarneit’s Angela Mackay.

Originally from Auckland, Angela, her husband, Jeremy, and then 10-year-old daughter,Stella,emigratedtoAustraliain2004 and have lived here ever since.

However, like scores of others from across the Tasman, the Mackays were disadvantaged by the 2001 law passed by the then Howard government which established a new Special Category visa for New Zealanders in Australia, allowing them stay, but restricting their access to some government payments and obtaining citizenship without first being granted permanent residency.

But at the start of the last financial year, the “direct pathway to citizenship” changes brokered by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his then New Zealand counterpart, Chris Hipkins, came into effect, allowing the 350,000 Kiwis living in Australia to become citizens after four years of residency. The right to vote and access to government benefits were among the other rights Australian-based Kiwi’s now had access to that they previously didn’t.

Well, not quite.

While the path to citizenship for New Zealanders has been made quicker and easier, the so called ‘stand down’ periods required for them access to some government services and welfare payments, remain in place.

Effectively waiting periods introduced as a means to collect enough taxes from people in order to offset possible future social security claims, stand downs can range from one to 10 years depending on the type of payment being sought.

For New Zealanders like Angela , who’ve spent years working and paying taxes in Australia as permanent residents before becoming citizens, the stand downs can come as a particularly rude shock.

Knowing that shock was coming for many of her fellow Kiwi’s tempered Angela’s joy on July 1 last year.

“A lot of Kiwis will be in our same situation and don’t even realise it, and won’t until they need help,” she said. “This goes against the equalityandfairnessthatAustraliapridesitself on by looking after its citizens.”

Angela is speaking from experience.

While Jeremy and Stella, are now in the process of becoming Australian citizens and Angela - due to having lived here in the 1980’s and having a return residency visa – was able to become a citizen in October 2023, there are two other members of the Mackay family who became Australian citizens long before any of them.

“In 2007 we had identical twins born in Australia with a rare chromosome deletion, they both have a intellectual disability,” said

AngelaofherdaughtersKyahandLuca,whoas a result of their birthplace, became Australian citizens upon turning 10.

But as Angela explains, this was no cause for celebration.

“Because of our immigration status (both being Kiwis) our children were not granted citizenship at birth. Although my husband paid taxes and paid taxes into the NDIS our children could not access the NDIS until 10 years old as they were not citizens, missing out on years of valuable therapy.”

Turning 17 later this month, Kyah and Luca have been citizens and had access to the NDIS for seven years and have attended Warringa Park Specialist School’s Werribee South campus since they were in prep.

Yet rather than being a figment of the past, standdown periods blocking their access to much needed public support is now a more acute problem for the Mackay twins than ever before.

“They’re now finishing their schooling years so we have applied for the disability pension,” said Angela.

“Both girls qualify under the medical side

ErinaMorungaisanAdelaide-based migrationagentwhosaidex-patKiwi’s make up an increasing amount of her business.

“Over the past seven years, most of our work has focused on assisting New Zealanders who are eager to become Australian citizens because they or theirfamilieslackfullrights,privileges, and entitlements – despite paying full taxes for one or two decades,” said Erina who has assisted the Mackay’s.

She said the 10-year stand down period for access to the DSP should be scrapped and that more consideration should be given to the needs of long-term ex-pats.

“These should be taking into account the unfair legislation that have occurred over the past two to three decades which has unilaterally disadvantaged all New Zealanders who came after February 26, 2001, including those who have been tax-paying, law-abiding, community-driven, English-speaking, often skilled, long-term residents of Australia,” Erina said, pointing out that those who paid thousands of dollars in visa charges under the old scheme, should be reimbursed.

The Mackay’s case has been referred to Federal NDIS Minister Bill Shorten and the Department of Social Services (DSS).

A spokesperson for the DSS said Australia’s social security system was a non-contributory, residence-based system and to qualify for the DSP, a person must generally have resided in Australia as a citizen or permanent visa holder for 10 years and at least five continuously.

but were declined on residency status.”

Access to the disability support pension (DSP) still requires a 10-year stand down periodfromthemomentcitizenshipisgranted.

Despite being Australian born and citizens for the best part of a decade, Kyah and Luca still fall three years short of eligibility.

“This is ridiculous,” said their mother who is worried about what the twins will do without full-time education, but unable to perform full-time work.

“When my girls finish school they can possibly get the jobseeker (which has a shorter stand down period). If they do get the jobseeker, they will have to actively look for full-time employment and report every two weeks which is ridiculous when having a learning disability. Worse case they will getnothingandmyselfandmyhubbywillhave to fully support them until the age of 20,” she said.

The Mackay’s might be an extreme case, but they’re far from the only Kiwi’s who’ve spent years living and working across the ‘ditch’, but who’ve found their rights don’t match their contribution.

The spokesperson said anyone who meets the residence, disability/early intervention and age criteria under the NDIS Act will receive supports through the NDIS.

NZ immigrant Angela Mackay says a loophole has meant her disabled twin daughters Kyah and Luca (inset) have been denied a disability pension despite being born in Australia and being Australian citizens. (Damjan Janevski) 404992_01

Immigration agent Erina Morunga says ex-pat New Zealanders make up an increasing amount of her work. (Pictures: Supplied)

Living the good life thanks to Uniting AgeWell

There are some things that go together – just ask Alfredo and Carmela Guzzi.

Olive oil and love, are integral in cooking traditional Italian cuisine. Living safely and well in their Preston home, while continuing to do what they enjoy most, is possible thanks to their government-funded home care packages delivered through Uniting AgeWell.

Both Alfredo, 92, and Carmela, 90, also love pottering around their garden, listening to opera music and watching telly.

Carmela loves watchingcooking shows and tries to recreate the dishes.

“Pasta is my favourite,” she said.

“I use the herbs from our garden for the sauce.”

Alfredo, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, does his bit on the culinary front by relishing the meals – often with a glass of red wine. He also enjoys watching documentaries, reading the newspaper and playing solitaire.

ThedevotedNonnaandNonno,whomoved to Australia in the early 1950’s, have been married for nearly 72 years and are close to their two daughters, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Life is good,” said retired tailor Alfredo.

“We’re surrounded by family and we’re living in the home we’ve loved for the last 60 years.”

Alfredo first joined Uniting AgeWell when he opted to go on an eight-week Short Term Restorative Care Program. The program aims to keep clients living well at home and out of hospital while they wait for their home care package.

During this period, Alfredo received a slew of equipment including a reclining chair, walking stick, sock-donning aid and a personal alarm.

Now that he and Carmela are both on home

care packages, they get help with the house and the garden as well as physiotherapy and podiatry services. Working with their care advisor, they used their packages to install safety rails around the home and have both

got electric beds. Carmela, who has back pain and arthritis, also has a recliner chair, a walker, and a few gadgets to help her in the kitchen.

“The staff are very kind,” said Carmela.

“They go out of their way to help us.”

Find out more about Uniting AgeWell’s services at unitingagewell.org or contact our friendly team at 1300 783 435.

Alfredo and Carmela Guzzi. (Supplied)

Lights, camera and community at Heritage Northcote

Feeling like a night out at the movies is more hassle than its worth? At Heritage Northcote, residents like Sue, Thelma, Barbara, and Marjorie are proving that catching the latest blockbuster isn’t reserved for the young and restless — it’s simply a Monday leisure activity.

Joined by their lifestyle coordinator, Kate, these movie-loving seniors ventured to the iconic Palace Westgarth for a screening of Olivia Colman’s latest comedy, Wicked Little Letters.

Established in the early 1920s, Westgarth cinema holds a special place in Northcote’s heart; it’s a symbol of the community enduring rich history and vibrant culture.

ForSue,aseasonedlocal,thecinemaevokes fond memories of visiting with her children.

“Living so close to Westgarth cinema means they can still join me for a movie every now and then,” she said.

“Sometimes I’ll go with the other residents or just take myself if I really want to see a movie that nobody else does,” Sue shares, taking advantage of the convenience and flexibility that comes with living at Heritage Northcote.

Alas, Marjorie can’t remember the last time she went to the movies. She’s enjoying all the benefits of a short-term respite care visit while her children are overseas.

“It’s lovely to be able to head to the movies while I’m staying here,” she said.

“The staff are very sweet and there are so many activities I can participate in – I even managed to get my hair done for the outing!”

Following the movie, Sue, Thelma, Barbara, and Marjorie returned to the home for afternoon tea and a post-movie debrief. Laughter ensued as they shared anecdotes from their younger days and reflected on the social changes they’ve experienced

throughout their lives.

Discussions turned into plans for another outing soon, and Barbara was especially excited to add the German Film Festival

offerings to her calendar.

Whether you’re a movie buff or just enjoy the theatre experience and potentially socialising with friends, Palace Westgarth is

a great benefit of living at Heritage Northcote. After all, as Sue puts it, “you shouldn’t let age stop you from enjoying the magic of the movies!”

Heritage Northcote lifestyle coordinator Kate Bywaters with residents Sue, Marjorie, Thelma and Barbara.

MY PLACE

Many people love the place they life, but very few could claim they work harder to improve the lives of local residents more than Ally Watson, a Kalkallo local fighting for a better Hume. She tells Gerald Lynch about her passion for grassroots advocacy.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

We built our first home in Kalkallo over six years ago. I live with my husband, our bossy cat and two adorable groodles. We were new to Hume when we arrived, so I was keen to get involved in community life from the moment we moved in.

Ihighlyvaluemeaningfulwork.Imanagean AustralianandNewZealandresearchdatabase that supports death and injury prevention activities. I find the work incredibly rewarding. My volunteer roles give me opportunities to directly contribute to my local community at a grassroots level.

What’s your connection to Hume?

Ihaveastrongfocusondrivingchangetobuild a kind, connected and empowered community where I live.

I completed the Hume Change Makers Program in 2020 and it really cemented my passion for community development and engagement.

Since then, I have been a loud and passionate advocatefightingforimprovedroads,increased safety measures and targeted community programs to better support Kalkallo’s growing needs. I work hard to empower others to raise their voices and get their concerns heard.

My interest in community safety sparked my interest in the emergency services.

I joined the Kalkallo CFA as a volunteer not long after we moved here and trained as a firefighter.

These days I undertake various support roles in the brigade.

It is great meeting so many locals at community events and sharing fire safety information.

What do you like about where you live?

Hume packs a punch with diverse offerings of things to do and see. Kalkallo is located on the fringe of metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria. This means we get the best of both worlds at our doorstop. I love that I can easily use the conveniences

of the city one day, and the next enjoy sweeping country views whilst eating a lunch of local produce at a boutique winery.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

Communities like Kalkallo, Mickleham and

Donnybrook are some of the fast-growing areasofMelbourne.Wedesperatelyneedbetter roads, footpaths and infrastructure to cope with the rapidly increasing population and to improve liveability in the area.

Areas earmarked for substantial growth like Kalkallo need better planning and projects implemented before people move in. Some improvements have been made, but we need more.

I will keep advocating for my community’s needs to be addressed.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

TheKalkalloRecreationReserveisawonderful open space used extensively by the community. There is a real central village vibe at the where people come together. I love including a couple of trips around the ovals during my regular walks. There is always something happening and people to say hello to. It is the perfect place to enjoy a takeaway coffee.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

I was a high school exchange student to Denmark for a year. I didn’t know anyone and couldn’t speak the language – back then there was no Facebook or Google to help me.

Close to half of Kalkallo’s residents were born overseas.

I know first-hand how navigating a new country can be both amazing and challenging at the same time.

My time in Denmark taught me about the importance of creating connections in a new local community and having empathy for others whilst they settle in.

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the

letters in the

how

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 nouns ending in “s”.

3 LETTERS

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

Adult education

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

■ 9309 8531

Senior citizens meet

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

■ Beulah, 0411 422 398

Homestead Walking Group

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

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

Fusion Friendship Group

A group for people looking to meet new people, the Fusion Friendship Group has nights out every weekend in Melbourne’s north.

■ Louis Grima, 0422 522 855

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

Broadmeadows Senior Citizens Club

The club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and first Sunday of the month. It also has indoor carpet bowls, bingo, and snooker and on the third Saturday, and a dance from 7-11 pm. All are welcome.

■ Liz Munro, 0409 712 613, or lizmunro7@gmail.com

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 Street, Craigieburn.

Tai chi for health

Come along to Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Roxburgh Park for

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian Deborah Barrese dressed up as ‘Carmen’, a character from her upcoming live comedy. (Damjan Janevski) 410912_01

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

Education and community centre

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

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

Whittlesea Historical Society

The Whittlesea Historical Society welcomes anyone interested in the history of the City of Whittlesea area. All are welcome to attend general meetings and events which are listed on the website calendar.

■ 0414 740 778 or www.whittleseahistoricalsociety.org.au

Indigenous Community Gardens

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

Craigieburn Residents Association

Do you live in Craigieburn and wonder what’s happening re-roads and facilities, or have a concern you’d like to raise so it can be addressed? Go along to the Craigieburn Residents Association and tell them about it. The association liaises with

Hume council, as well as state and federal government organisations to get the job done. They also give annual donations to a local charity each year. They meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Selwyn House, Selwyn Avenue, Craigiebur, 7.30pm.

■ craigieburnresidents@gmail.com or 0401 369 311

Menergise men’s walk and talk

Every Thursday from 7pm, starting at the Mernda Neighbourhood House, a nightly walk for men to get some exercise and shoot the breeze in the breeze.

■ 0475 454 133

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 0438 677 425

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights, from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays, 10am-noon. 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

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

Craft and conversation

Head down to the Sunbury Library on Mondays at noon for the craft and conversation group. The program is free and open to people aged 15 years and older.

■ https://bit.ly/39BIu2O

Chill Out Sunbury

Chill Out Sunbury is a free event for 12 and 18 years old to participate in activities such as trivia, games, and more. Happening every Wednesday, 3.30-5.30pm, at the Sunbury Youth Centre, 51-53 Evans Street.

■ https://bit.ly/3lmVgVhv

Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club

Come along and be part of Sunbury Ladies Badminton Club and enjoy the benefits of physical activity. Social games are on Mondays, 9.30am- noon, and team competitions are on Thursdays, 9.30am-12.30pm, at Eric Boardman Stadium, Wilsons Lane.

■ sunburylbc@gmail.com

Sunbury Combined Probus Club

The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 10am.

■ Jo, 0410 834 272

Toastmasters

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

A journey of Vietnamese history

By Hannah Hammoud

Embark on a cultural journey with Bach Viet Danceastheypresent‘TheEmperorCity(From Past to Present)’, a captivating performance showcasing the rich history and traditions of the imperial city of Hue in central Vietnam.

This cultural show will feature a blend of traditional court music, contemporary music, and poetry recitations, brought to life through costumes, singing, and traditional dance. DiTran,thepassionateorganiserbehindthis cultural showcase, emphasises the importance

ofsharingVietnamesehistoryandculturewith the broader community.

“To understand our culture is to appreciate its beauty, and this applies to all cultures,” Tran said.

“I have always had a personal passion for introducing Vietnamese history and cultural aspects into the mainstream so that children and people from other ethnic backgrounds can understand and appreciate our heritage.”

Since its establishment in 2019, Bach Viet Dance has been dedicated to fostering cultural understanding and cohesion within the

community.

The group, consisting of 14 members aged 36 to 62, has previously collaborated with other organisations and continues to receive strong support from the community.

Last year’s cultural show focused on North Vietnamese culture and attracted a diverse audience. This year, the group is excited to expand their reach and share the beauty of Vietnamese culture with even more people from various backgrounds.

“It’s been about five years now since we started and we’ve done a number of events that

Hakima performance will take over Town Hall Broadmeadows on Friday, June 14. (Supplied)

Cultural performance coming soon

Bukjeh’s performance, Hakima, is coming to Broadmeadows.

Hakimameans‘Wisewoman’inArabic,and embodies the essence of strength, wisdom and resilience of women.

The performance brings together local poets with roots in Africa and the Levant to honour and uplift the stories of women in times of war and displacement.

Through stories, poetry and songs, Hakima shares the experiences of mothers of survivors and martyrs, of women who couldn’t say goodbye, and mothers who are amplifying

theirvoicesanddrawinginspirationfromtheir resilience, faith and unwavering fortitude.

It’s an exploration of the wisdom that emerges from challenges, offering a platform for these wise women to share their invaluable life lessons and tales of perseverance.

The performance has support from Hume council’s arts grants program, and will take place on Friday, June 14, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, at Town Hall Broadmeadows.

Also coming to the Town Hall is a Hakima exhibition in the gallery.

Opening up on June 14 and staying until

Friday, September 13, the multimedia installation that transports visitors into a sensory experience of the bustling markets, kitchens and serene landscapes of the Levant, inviting an exploration of the connections between the food we savour, the stories we tell, and the art that transcends time and borders.

The exhibition celebrates the artistry of preparing traditional dishes, as well as the communal spirit of sharing meals with loved ones.

Free tickets: https://bukjeh.org/etn/hakimaexhibition-opening-performance/

Stockroom visual art spectacles on show

Kyneton Stockroom is hosting two new visual art exhibitions – ‘Dystopia’ by Guillaume Dillée and ‘Homage’ by David Doyle. French-bornandself-taughtartistGuillaume Dillée moved to Australia with his family 10 yearsago,andwasconfrontedbytheharshness of the Australian natural environment.

“When we arrived in Australia, we had to face almost every day hearing the news about all the climate change issues with the huge fires we had ... with all the issues with water, with the air, with pollution, with climate change,” Dillée said.

From observing this, Dillée was inspired to begin creating artworks that reflected the link between humans and the Australian natural landscape.

“I started to understand that nature was struggling against all types of human activities and also humans were struggling against nature – so that balance was very inspiring for me and it was one of my main concerns,” he said.

In his exhibition statement, Dillée said that the title ‘Dystopia’ refers to the dreamlike

quality of his work and a “conceptual world where the relationship between man and nature is perpetually at odds”.

David Doyle is a Barkindji/Malyangapa man based in Broken Hill, NSW, and presents his

benefit the community,” Tran said.

“This year we’re lucky enough to continue to be supported to produce this cultural show focussing on Vietnamese culture. We have been rehearsing relentlessly every week, twice a week.”

TheEmperorCity(FromPasttoPresent)will hit the stage at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans on Saturday, July 6, from 7-9.45pm. Tickets are $15, or $10 for children 12 years and under. The show will be presented in both English and Vietnamese.

Details: https://shorturl.at/KMLYr

Art honours Mother Earth

HopetounParklocalTanishaQuilliamis probably one of the most accomplished 15 year olds in Victoria.

The Bacchus Marsh Grammar year 10 student has displayed her artwork in the LUME Melbourne and spoken at the United Nations.

Now, the three time Koori Heritage Trust winner is displaying her art in an exhibit for the Moorabool council as part of Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.

Quilliam said she is proud First Nations artists are getting a spotlight.

“It’s really amazing that they wanted to include more Indigenous people in exhibiting art and I just love sharing my culture with everybody,” she said.

Titled ‘The Art of Destruction and Rejuvenation’, Quilliam’s exhibit explores the different understandings that Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians have with nature.

“I’ve noticed that the Indigenous community is struggling with trying to show that burning off the land is a way to rejuvenate it and bring back the natural growth and cycle of the land,” she said. “I really wanted to showcase that because I’m very connected to Mother Earth.”

Quilliam said her favourite part of the exhibit was the end piece.

“It’sa3Dfacewhichhastheillustration ofpartoftheWerribeeRiveranditshows her beauty after all she’s been through.”

Quilliam’s father, Wayne, is a renownedphotographerandcurator.She said he inspires her in organic ways.

“He helps me grow in my creative ability but he pushes me in a way that creates my own sense of what I want to do.”

The outdoor exhibit, at The Village Green, 197 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, will be open until Monday, July 29.

exhibition ‘Homage’ covering three different series: Glass Coolamon, Unbroken Shields and Curved Parrying Shields.

In The Glass Coolamon series, Doyle uses the glass art medium to pay tribute to his grandparents, ancestors, Barkindji country, and his Malyangapa heritage.

The two shield series communicate his cultural identity and the struggles of preserving it, with some designs hailing from his ancestors.

“When creating these works, I made sure to do extensive research into shields and designs pertinent to my Aboriginal heritage,” Doyle said.

“A shield is like an ID, individual to the owner, so I didn’t want to take the identity of anyone else … I made small changes to ensure they were unique but still followed the Barkindji design principles.”

The shields are part of a larger story that can be viewed on the Kyneton Stockroom website.

Details: https://stockroomspace.com/gallery

Oscar Parry

Eddie Russell

Tanisha Quilliam in front of her exhibit. (Supplied: Moorabool council).

A painting from Guillaume Dillée’s exhibition ‘Dystopia’. (Magali Gentric)

Bukjeh’s

Trades & Services

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

(Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987)

The property affected by the application is located at: 7 Water Pepper Court SOUTH MORANG VIC 3752

The application is for a permit for: Variation of Restrictive Covenant PS502247R, Restriction 1 (i) to read: Construct or cause or permit to be constructed on any lot on this Plan: any building other than one or two private dwelling houses with the usual outbuildings such as dwelling house having a minimum floor area (excluding and verandah, carport or garage) of 135m2 each.

The applicant for the permit is: A Stavrou

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

The application reference number is: PLN-42594

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

This can be done during the office hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. This service is free of charge. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the responsible authority.

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

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 25 June 2024.

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

For information regarding access to Planning documents relating to this application please contact Council’s Building and Planning Department on 9217 2170.

12694175-SM25-24

(Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987)

The property affected by the application is located at: 485 Harvest Home Road EPPING VIC 3076

The application is for a permit for: Variation to Covenant PS744139S to allow for the construction of a verandah 200mm from the side boundary in contravention of Restriction 2.6.7 on Memorandum of Common Provisions (MCP) AA5421.

The applicant for the permit is: N Dhanak

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

The application reference number is: PLN-42717

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

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

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

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

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 25 June 2024.

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

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

For information regarding access to Planning documents relating to this application please contact Council’s

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team did Central Coast Mariners defeat 3-1 to win the 2024 A-League Men Grand Final?

2. Which Canadian city is set to become home to the WNBA’s 14th team?

3. Which 1977 NBA MVP and two-time champion (1977 and 1986) was the number one pick in the 1974 draft?

4. What women’s single sculls medal did Tara Rigney win at both the 2022 and 2023 World Rowing Championships?

5. Which Australian bowler was awarded player of the match after Kolkata defeated Hyderabad in the 2024 IPL final?

6. Jack O’Loughlin became the 38th Australian to play Major League Baseball, after debuting for which team?

7. A proposed NHL team in which US state is said to be choosing from names including Ice, Yetis, and Blizzard?

8. Which Slovenia-born NBA player wears number 77 for the Dallas Mavericks?

Michael Maguire coaches which rugby league State

Leek Aleer plays for which AFL club?

Which two Italian Serie A soccer clubs played a friendly match in Perth in late May?

Which Monégasque Formula One driver recently won his home race, the Monaco Grand Prix?

13. Which Indian batsman was the leading runscorer in this year’s IPL cricket tournament?

14. And which team were the eventual champions for the third time in its history?

15. Which golfer, the women’s world No.1 player, scored a 10-over par in the opening round of the US Women’s Open?

16. Which country has won the most men’s and women’s World Curling Championships?

17. Which Norwegian men’s tennis player finished runner-up at the French Open in both 2022 and 2023?

18. Phil Waugh is the CEO of which Australian sports governing body?

19. Which AFL team has had a continuous, active sponsorship with the Ford Motor Company since 1925?

20. In which country is the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee located?

21. In which year did Carlos Alcaraz win his first Grand Slam singles title?

22. Former Geelong captain Tom Harley is the current CEO of which AFL club?

23. In curling, what is the name of the circular target area on the ice that players aim to get their stones into?

24. In darts, how many points is a bullseye worth?

25. In which year did West Coast play its first AFL season?

26. Which country has emerged as a contender to become the first African nation to host the Commonwealth Games?

27. Which men’s Super Rugby team will be axed at the end of the 2024 season due to financial difficulties?

28. Which club has never been relegated since the foundation of the English Premier League in 1992: Aston Villa, Everton or Manchester City?

29. Only two countries have won Olympic gold medals in skateboarding: Australia (1) and which other country (3)?

30. In which year did Lance Franklin kick more than 100 goals in a season?

Carlos Alcaraz Lance Franklin

Toyota banks on stylish new BEV

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

What’s in a name? Plenty if you happen to be one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers pumping out products by the boatload.

Take Toyota, for example. Nothing goes better to describe the Land Cruiser as a prestigious go-anywhere off roader; then there’s the Prius, relating to its being the first mass produced petrol/hybrid car.

Now comes Toyota’s first wholly electric SUV, the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) bZ4X. The what? Surely that’s an internal maker’s code. Where’s the snappy showroom moniker? Was the marketing department on leave? ‘Oh, what a feeling’ . . . not!

So, what have we got? To say the car is simply a plug-in RAV4 is to undersell the bZ4X. Drawing on more than a quarter of a century of the company’s leadership in hybrid vehicle technology, this is the first Toyota in Australia to make use of the new BEV-dedicated e-TNGA platform, integrating battery and motor into the vehicle’s structure, providing extra rigidity and a low centre of gravity for stable driving dynamics.

The bZ4X is a midsize SUV that comes in two versions – front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive – priced from $66,000 and $74,900, respectively. A standard Toyota five years/ unlimited kilometres warranty applies, or seven years on motor and driveline with logbookservicing.Alsoofferediscappedprice servicing for the first five years/75,000km, witheach12-month/15,000kmservicecosting $189.

An optional full-service lease, covering maintenance, mechanical repairs, replacement tyres, roadside assist, Toyota Comprehensive insurance plus registration and third-party insurance, is on offer through one single monthly payment.

The FWD version is equipped with LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels and a list of convenience and safety features, synthetic leather trim, heated front seats, the driver’s eight-way adjustable and dual zone climate control.

The AWD bZ4X (the test vehicle) is taken to the next level with roof spoiler, panoramic sunroof, roof rails and gloss black bonnet highlight.

Styling

Designers were tasked with combining the character of a BEV with the stylish and functional look of an SUV. The bZ4X is the first model Down Under to display Toyota’s hallmark ‘hammerhead’ front, with the bonnet surface reaching out to the nose and each corner.

A spoiler above the horizontal tail-light line contributes to aerodynamics, along with the diffuser surfaces below the rear bumper. Other details that contribute to the car’s 0.279 coefficientofdragincludeafrontgrilleshutter that closes when limited cooling is needed, front air curtains that promote airflow down the body sides, and a fully covered underbody.

ThebZ4X20-inchdoublefive-spokewheels, with contrasting black and machined finish and grey resin accents for a three-dimensional detailed look.

One of six exterior colours, the test car’s was Feverish Red – or as one would-be influencer put it: ‘ A bit like a winter red nail polish.’ –with gloss black roof and bonnet panel.

Interior

The e-TNGA platform has allowed the wheels to be extended outward to the front and rear, making more room for occupants, and optimising the traction of all-wheel drive off road.

The AWD variant gains a nine-speaker JBL premium audio, Premium SofTex seat trim, Qi-compatible wireless charger, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel driver’s seat memory function and power tailgate with kick sensor.

Boot capacity is 441 litres for the AWD3, thanks to clever packaging of the AWD rear

e-Axle and JBL sound system. A further 10-litre storage space under the cargo floor houses the included charge cables and tool kit And. don’t go looking for a glovebox. There isn’t one. A large space under the floating centre console takes its place.

Infotainment

The latest Toyota multimedia technology is harnessed through a 12.3-inch touchscreen with access to DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay,andAndroidAuto.Voicerecognition, called up by the command ‘Hey, Toyota’, will control a range of functions such as opening windows.

This multi-media system provides access to the latest Toyota Connected Services online features, including the myToyota smartphone app, which is complimentary for a 12-month period.

BEV specific features include charge station locations and charge management. Over-the-air updates, cloud navigation and live traffic information are included.

A 7-inch driver multi-information display is cleverly situated directly behind the steering almost up against the windscreen but below the bonnet line, making it almost a head-up display and is visually sharp and easy to read.

The 350mm steering wheel, smaller than on other Toyotas, also aids visibility.

Powertrain

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 8/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 6/10

TheFWDmodelincorporatesafront-mounted e-Axle combining transaxle, motor and inverter into an integrated, compact unit, while the AWD variant uses front and rear 80 kW e-Axles with maximum combined outputs of 160 kW and 337 Nm.

Providing the power is a 71.4 kWh lithium-ion battery that is extensively tested for 20 days before being fitted to the vehicle.

Safety

As well as seven airbags, up-to-date Toyota Safety Sense, a combination of technologies is designed to protect passengers, the battery and other vehicles and pedestrians.

A pre-collision system can detect vehicles, motorcycles, cyclists in daytime only, and pedestrians even at intersections. Other features include active cruise control, emergency steering assist, lane trace assist, emergency driving stop system, road sign assist with speed signs only, and parking support brake.

Features above those of FWD include driver attention and blind spot monitors, safe exit assist, intelligent parking assist and 360-degree panoramic view of the vehicle.

Driving

The bZ4X set off almost in silence (road noise taking its place) with just a gentle push in the

back. The 337 Nm of torque was put to good use in all driving conditions, from stop/start city going to the freedom of an open-road rush.

Rideandhandlingqualitywaswhatwehave cometoexpectovertheyearsfromToyota,the small steering wheel outwearing its gimmicky introduction to come into its own, especially during tight manoeuvres.

Regenerative braking (using the electric motor to slow the car) was more ‘hands-off’ than some similar systems and needed brake pedal back-up to bring the car to a complete halt.

Energy efficiency is put by the maker at 18.1kWhper100kilometres.TheAWDontest averaged 18kWh per 100 kilometres.

Charging was a breeze at the local public fast charge station, with the tester going from 30 to 90 per cent in 45 minutes. I could live with that.

Off road, the all-wheel drive variant is helped by 212 mm ground clearance and dedicated X-Mode driving aids that optimise traction in snow/dirt or deep snow/mud and take in crawl and downhill assist.

Summary

For more than 25 years Toyota led the electrification way with the Prius petrol/ electric hybrid. I wonder if the bZ4X can do the same for the BEV.

Now comes Toyota’s first wholly electric SUV, the BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) bZ4X. (Pictures: Supplied)

Storm establishes female development pathway

Melbourne Storm is targeting Melbourne’s north-west as it forms its inaugural Storm female development program.

Following the success of the Female Footy Festival held at the State Rugby League and Community Centre in Broadmeadows, the Storm is now establishing a new pathway for female players in Victoria.

The Storm is holding three combines, the first which was in Broadmeadows on Sunday.

TheStormwesthubwillbeheldinWyndham on June 16, while the southeast hub combine will be held on June 23.

Storm’s female pathway program manager Pauline Poloai said it was exciting.

“There are 1300 females playing the game of rugby league in Victoria,” she said. “We know there are girls wanting to aspire to play NRLW.

“This Is a starting point of introducing females to our Storm family.”

Poloai said the Storm was preparing to launch an NRLW team for the 2028 season and they wanted to build the foundations now to get more Victorian females playing.

The three combine testing days gives the

development squad selectors an opportunity to assess some key areas.

They will identify the top 30 players and they will be part of a 12 week program overseen by Melbourne Storm coaches and staff, before heading off on a three-day tour of New South Wales for trial matches.

“There will be off field education,” she said. “We’ll also teach them the Storm system.”

Poloai said they had development programs for the men’s side, now they were looking to implement that for women.

She said they had targeted areas where they know there’s a lot of females playing the sport.

Poloai said it was important to have Victorian-born players as part of the Storm’s female program.

Just five Victorian-born players have played for the Storm in the NRL. Four are from the Hume municipality.

“Thiscomesoffthebackofthesedevelopment programs,” she said. “These programs give kids afirsthandlooktoseewhattheStormprogram is.

“We have got some good talent in the north

and also in the west and south.”

Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said the new development program will help the club lay the foundations for a pathway to NRLW.

“This is an exciting time for the female game in Victoria and we are ready to find the best young talent in the state,” he said.

“We want to give Victorian players the chancetoplayatthehighestlevel,whetherthey come from rugby league or other codes.

“We know there is a lot of work to do to get the pathways rights, develop the talent we have in Victoria and have the facilities in place for our girls to train and play.

“We can’t do that alone and will be working with our commercial and government partners to give our female future stars the best possible chance to wear the purple jersey in the future.”

Details: https://tinyurl.com/3bx254m6

Tara Murray

The Eagles fight tough

By Tara Murray

The Craigieburn Eagles have been the underdogs for much of the season and it won’t change now in the Big V women’s division 1 competition.

Injuries and their import arriving late, the Eagles found themselves in a battle to finish in the top half of the competition, which was split in two after 11 rounds.

The Eagles battled hard and managed to get to sixth and be in division 1.

Eagles coach Tobi Swinley said there was a sense of accomplishment to have made the division 1 competition.

“Everyone getting healthy at the same time helped,” he said. “There’s some sense of pride as we got down 11th and being sixth where we are now.”

Swinley said they still had a number of injuries in the team but players were playing through them and getting out on the court. He said the side, which is a new one this year,

has something special about them.

It’s almost a brand new team and they are clicking and bringing it together on the court,” he said. “It’s been really cool.”

The arrival of import Briana Gray has also helped the Eagles.

Gray is a highly decorated American import with recent experience playing in Australia in some of the highest competitions including the National Basketball League 1 and Big V state championship including with the Hume City Broncos.

Gray is averaging nearly 19 points per game for the Eagles, along with 13.25 rebounds and more than one block a game, all team highs.

Swinley said Gray brings some welcomed experience for them.

“She’s a good leader and rallies everyone,” she said. “She was available when I spoke with her and she liked our plan and set up.

“She liked our core values that the team and clubhave.She’sgonefromstrengthtostrength.

While Gray is the side’s leading scorer, the

Buckingham gets BBL contract

Former Greenvale and Footscray premiercricketerJordanBuckingham has received his first BBL contract.

Buckinghamhasbeenareplacement player the past two seasons, firstly with the Adelaide Strikers and then with the Queensland Heat in its championship run.

He is yet to make his BBL debut, but it could be a step closer after singing with the Adelaide Strikers.

Buckingham said he’s delighted with the opportunity to return to the Strikers.

“I’m pumped to be back in the blue jersey for a full season,” he said.

“I have learnt so much in my time with South Australia and to represent the Strikers at the best ground in the world is going to be amazing.

“Thank you so much to the Heat for everything they have done for me, it was so great to be with that group last season and I am really appreciative of that opportunity.

“Now it is about getting ready for a huge summer of cricket, and I can’t wait.

Eagles have a spread of other scorers.

Swinley said they had a number of options to get their points from and have a number of players with high IQ.

“We can get scorers from anywhere in the team,” he said. “It speaks value of the girls in the team that they’ve sacrificed a larger role at different teams to be part of our team.”

The Eagles have two weeks off, with a competition wide bye and then an actual bye.

Swinley said it came at a good time to give the playing group a break and reset for the rest of the season.

TheEaglessitinsixthspotoutofseventeams for the next period of matches.

“We have six games left and we’re two wins behind fourth,“ he said. “We’ve got our backs to the wall as we have all year. We were in the same position at the start of the season and we seem to do well under pressure.”

The Eagles men’s side, which sits atop division 2, face the Mornington Breakers and the Maccabi Warriors this weekend.

Buckingham has represented Australia A on the international stage, taking five wickets in a four-day clash last August, with his selection coming on the back of consistent performances for the South Australian team.

He made the move to South Australia after being offered a rookie contract with South Australia.

He told Star Weekly last year that it was the best move for his career.

Strikers assistant coach Ryan Harris said that Buckingham is a strong addition to their squad.

“We’re delighted to have Jordan on board for BBL14,” Harris said.

“We have all seen the talent that Jordan possesses, and we know he has a bright future ahead. His work ethic and hunger to learn make him a valuable addition to the squad and someone that will contribute in ways that go beyond the field of play.”

Tara Murray

Northern Thunder is one of the big rugby league clubs in the north. (Supplied)

Ellen Cox. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Mohamed called up for the world cup qualifiers

Thomastown’s Ismael Mohamed is living the dream having received a second call up to the Somali national soccer team.

After receiving his first call up earlier this year, the Werribee City star was called up to bepartoftheSomaliteamfortwoFIFAWorld Cup qualifiers.

Mohamed, who flew out last week, said it had been a crazy time getting his opportunity to represent Somali.

“Itwasunexpectedthefirsttime,”hesaid.“I was overwhelmed and I was shocked.

“I didn’t think they would call me up again, but I was happy they did.

“I was stunned. I’m a father of three, a normal person, quietly going about my business.”

Mohamed has spent his life in Australia but his father is from Somalia giving him the connection.

Mohamed has been to Somalia, back in 2016.

Mohamed said officials had started looking at other countries for players to strengthen their squad and with the National and Victorian premier leagues filmed and broadcast, Australia was on the radar.

“There was another guy picked from Australia and he is doing really well and put Australia on the map,“ he said.

“They’vestartedtokeepaneyeonAustralia. They wanted to strengthen the team with some more quality.”

The Thomastown resident said playing soccer on the international stage was different from playing in Australia.

He said there were plenty of challenges like jet lag, travel and sickness, He started in two games previously.

“It was tough,” he said. “It was a different game speed and they are a lot stronger. We’re playing against the best players from their countries.

“They were a lot more physical and quick.

The coach started me in both games.”

Mohamed said the opportunity to help Somalia qualify for the first time was massive. He said they wanted the whole country to get behind them and he wanted to help the country do well.

Back at Werribee, Mohamed said he was enjoying his first season at the club. He has previously played at Banyule City and Williamstown.

“They have been very welcoming,” he said. “They’ve been really good with the way they have run things.

“Thewaytheytreatmehasbeenreallygood. We’ve had the new coaching staff come in and it has been really good.

“It’s been a good appointment as coach.”

Tara Murray

Altis new Kookas coach

By Tara Murray

Rivergum hasn’t searched far for a new coach, appointing Corey Altis to the role for the upcoming season.

Altis takes over the role from Mat Perri, who has been coach since the 2019-20 season.

Altis, who won the Bill McFarlane medal as the North Metro Cricket Association’s best player last season, said he was excited by the opportunity.

He said it would be a smooth transition having already been part of the club for a number of years.

“We finalised the opportunity on Sunday,” he said. “The club backed me to take over the reins.

“It’s my eighth or ninth year now, I’ve been at Rivergum for a while. I’ve got good relationships with the wider group and it makes it an easy transition.

“Iwanttodrivetheclubforwardanddevelop the juniors who are most important to us. I’ll oversee the whole four senior XIs at Rivergum.

“You never want to jump and change things

too much, but I’ll change a few things.”

Perri will remain at the club and will still captain the first XI.

Altis said Perri, a three time McFarlane medallist himself, will still play an important role going forward.

“He has stood down as coach, “ he said.

“He’s started a family now and family time is important to him.

“It’ll allow him to be focused on playing and the captaincy for the upcoming season. We back him to lead us on field and it’s important to have him there.”

Altis said the club had already locked in one new signing for next season, with a former junior returning to the club.

He said they were speaking to a couple of other former players about returning, as they look to return to the grand final after missing out the past two seasons.

“The door is always wide open for anyone to come back into the fold.”

For Altis and the rest of the playing group they’re after redemption after a couple of years of falling short in finals after 11 straight grand

Labbad steps up at Tulla

A love of the club has seen Peter Laddad take on the captain-coach at Tullamarine Cricket Club.

The Victorian Turf Cricket Association club announced that Laddad would take on the role, something he has done previously.

Laddad said he didn’t plan on coaching at a senior level again, but things beyond the club’s control have seen him step up.

“I was first captain-coach in 2003-04 when I was in my early 30s,” he said. “I’m 51 now and have done my time there. Ten to 15 years as captain-coach, coached the seniors and I’ve been captain on the twos for a long time.

“But the club is in a terrible position with the lack of rooms. We’re in trouble. I want the club to survive and the kids have somewhere to play and to be able to play turf cricket.”

Laddad said the club’s new rooms at Leo Dineen Reserve may not be ready until December or January, meaning three seasons of interruptions.

He said the inability to have team dinners, have proper canteen and bar facilities, and just have people around the club has taken its toll.

“There’s nothing we can do,” he said. “I’ve been around the club for a long time and I’m doing this to give back.

finals before that.

“We’ve been in the mix the last couple of seasons and had a good chance,” he told Star Weekly after winning the McFarlane Medal.

“Last season we just fell short in the preliminary final by one wicket.

“In the first semi this year we didn’t make enough runs and then it was a close game going out against Camrea.

“We didn’t get the start that we would have liked.Wedidn’tmaketherequiredruns.Itwas a disappointing day.”

While the Kookas have locked in a coach, where they are playing next season is undecided.

One of the more successful clubs in recent history in the NMCA, the club has put in an applicationtojointheDiamondValleyCricket Association.

Altis said they were still waiting for a decision.

There has been a number of rumours and speculation about the move.

“We are focusing on what we need to do,” he said.”

Laddad said while they were set to lose some players, with some of their internationals heading to the country due to their visas.

He said others had decided to stick around after hearing that Laddad would be coaching.

Laddad will also coach the under-14s continuing to coach the side he started with at under-10s.

On the senior side, Laddad said the focus would be on youth and bringing them through.

He said he would bat and bowl where needed, but was focused on giving the next generation an opportunity.

“We’ll play a lot of kids,” he said. “Our under-16s this year will play a lot and we’ll build for them to take over.

“We still have a solid base and we could finish in the top four. It’s not about the wins of losses.”

Tara Murray

Ismael Mohamed. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Corey Altis. (Jacob Pattison) 384238_02

Bats unveil coach, recruits among solid lineup

PlentyValleyhasannouncedMihirajWasantha JayasekaraascoachofitsVictorianSub-District Cricket Association program, while locking in its leadership group and a number of recruits. Jayasekara, who is known as Raj, played first class cricket in Sri Lanka before embarking on a very successful coaching career.

He is a level 3 accredited coach who has coached abroad in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, India, UAE and Nepal.

Bats president Darren Callahan said that he has a wealth of cricket experience in elite environments and is a wonderful addition to the club, who will also play in the first XI.

Chris Milne has been appointed cricket general manager.

Daniel Heatley, James Plunkett and Javed Bolim have been reappointed as assistant coaches,withclublegendSeanAyres returning to the club in the role of assistant coach.

Simon Black will continue on as captain of

the first XI.

Callahan also revealed the club had signed a number of recruits for the upcoming season.

He said the additions will strengthen the program and will complement the existing players in the youthful squad.

“Musaddiq Ali Hamza returns to the club after spending the past four seasons at Greenvale Kangaroos,” he said. “Musa is a gifted leg spinner bowler and middle order batsman.

“Chenutha Kavinda Wickramasinghe played first class cricket in Sri Lanka in 2019. Since then, Chen moved to Australia where he has played cricket in the VSDCA and DDCA [Dandenong District Cricket Association].

Chen is a powerful top order batsman and handy “part time“ leg spinner.

“Sajana De Silva is good mates with Chen, sharing junior cricket experiences in Sri Lanka where they were both coached by Raj.

“Saj played List A cricket in Sri Lanka in 2019 before venturing to Australia. He has spent the last five seasons playing cricket in the ECA [Eastern Cricket Association]. Saj is a very talented right arm off spin bowler and aggressive middle order batsman.

“Lahiru Rashmika Opatha played one game of first class cricket in Sri Lanka in 2017 during this game he ruptured his ACL and was lost to the game for a few seasons. Since moving to Australia, Rash has been plying his trade in the MPCA [Mornington Peninsula Cricket Association] where he has played for the last five seasons. He is a very talented top order batsman and right arm off spin bowler.

“Nimesh Bhagya Kariyawasam Maddumage also played one game of first class cricket in Sri Lanka in 2017. Since moving to Australia, Nimesh has represented clubs in both the DDCA and VTCA [Victorian Turf Cricket Association]. He is an opening bowler.”

Hume’s strong form

By Tara Murray

Hume City got a vital win in the jostle for top six spots in the National Premier League.

While there’s a gap between the top six and the chasing pack, there isn’t much between most of the sides in the top six.

It was a battle between fifth and sixth on Saturday, when Hume took on Port Melbourne.

Hume put out a strong performance to come away with a 3-0 win.

Coach David Chick said it was a pretty important win for his side.

“It was a good win, the guys did really well,” he said. “They are close to us in the league and they would have jumped us if they had beaten us.

“Now we have a bit more of a gap on them.”

Chick said the game played out how they thought it would. He said the Sharks are a different side to play against.

“They play a different style to other teams we play against,” he said. “We executed the game plan really well.”

Lloyd Isgrove, Joshua Gulevski and Aamir Abdallah were the goal scorers for Hume.

ThewinkeepsHumeinfifthspot,butitnow sits five points clear of Port Melbourne.

It is now only goal difference behind fourth placed Heidelberg United after it lost to Green Gully, 2-0.

Chick said it’s an important period for the side.

“It is tough as we have a lot of games coming up,” he said. “We’re starting to feel the effects of a long season so it’s important to get points on the board early so we can cruise into finals

“You want to finish as high as we can. There’s a little bit of a gap at the top.

“We want to get as many points as possible and hopefully get a home final, it’ll be a big asset if we can get one.”

For Hume, its attention turns to the seventh round of the Victorian stage of the Australia Cup.

Hume plays Victorian Premier League 1 side Caroline Springs George Cross on Wednesday night for a spot in the national stage of the competition.

“It’s a big night for the club and getting through puts us on the national stage and it’s one of our goals,” Chick said.

“We want to progress through in the cup and do well in the league as well. When I was at Bentleigh I played them [Caroline Springs] in a practice match and I worked with their coach Eric Vassiliadis years ago.

“We’ve done our due diligence towards them as we would any other club.”

It’ll be a big

Sports shorts FV

Hume United has announced that experienced coach Sacid Çiçek has stepped down from his role at the FV state league 2 north-west club. Çiçek has been coach since the club’s first season and has stepped down due to his demanding personal and professional commitments. “Over the past six months, he played a crucial role in rebuilding our player roster from scratch and led the team with exceptional dedication and hard work,” the club said. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to coach Çiçek for his valuable contributions and services to our team.” On Saturday, Hume United had a 2-0 loss to the Whittlesea Ranges.

AFLW

Northern Knights Zoe Hargreaves featured in the AFL National Academy girls Australian squad against a nationals all-stars side on Sunday.The all-stars team comprises of players aged 21 and under from across Australia for the first time, having previously been made up of talent from Victoria, Northern Territory and Tasmania only. Hargreaves was part of the all-star team.

Cricket

Plenty Valley pair Jasmine Nevins and Tayla Vlaeminck have been named in Cricket Victoria’s women’s contracted list. Vlaeminck is one of six Australian contracted players in the squad. It will be the second straight season Nevins has earned a contract. She also had a WBBL contract last season.

FV

Whittlesea United suffered its first loss of the FV state league 1 north-west season. In a high scoring affair, Geelong came away with the points in a 5-3 loss. Facundo Echeverria scored twice for Whittlesea. Whittlesea remains on top despite the loss, sitting five points clear of Westgate. In other games, Upfield lost to Brimbank Stallions, 2-1. Upfield sits in 11th spot after 11 rounds, which is in the relegation zone.

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

Simon Black is remaining on as captain. (Jacob Pattison) 384237_04

week with Hume then facing Avondale in the NPL on Saturday afternoon. Off field, it’s been a big couple of weeks for Hume with a new president revealed.

After 18 years, Steve Kaya has stood down from the role.

Former Hume star Ersan Gulum has taken over as president bringing in a fresh energy and new vision for the club.

Chick said it was exciting for the club and said there’s a lot of progress to be made under Gulum.

Lloyd Isgrove was among the goal scorers of Saturday. (Ljubica Vrankovic)