Star Weekly - Northern - 25th June 2024

Women’s Health Matters

Star Weekly is shining a light on the healthcare issues facing women in the western and northern suburbs.

Over the next 12 months, our ‘Women’s Health Matters’ campaign will focus on the challenges facing women, including access to specialised and preventative healthcare, the availability of culturally appropriate healthcare and the adequacy of mental health services. We hope the campaign will help to raise awareness of critical healthcare issues for women and advocate for underserved communities in the west and north, particularly those in fringe suburbs and from minority communities.

We want to empower women in the north-west to address their healthcare needs.

Included in the campaign will be stories of resilience highlighting personal accounts of women who have overcome health challenges, advocacy initiatives, community engagement and collaborations with healthcare organisations.

We also want to hear from you about your individual healthcare experiences. If you have a story you would like to share, please get in touch via westeditorial@starweekly.com.au

Screening breakthrough

By Hannah Hammoud

A ground-breaking national campaign promoting the HPV self-collection option for cervical screening is helping bring empowerment and choice to women’s health acrossAustralia.

This initiative aims to address health equity by reaching under-screened populations, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD), and patients

encourages women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age to have a cervical screening test every five years through their healthcare provider, in a bid to reduce illness anddeathfromcervicalcancer.

The Cancer Council details that self-collectioniswhenawomanorpersonwith a cervix takes their own sample for cervical screening. A health care professional provides a cotton swab as well as instructions on how to collect the sample. A private place is also offeredtocollectthesample.

The Department of Health and Aged Care reports that about 800 women are diagnosed

with cervical cancer in Australia each year, and about 70 per cent of these cases occur in women who have never screened or were not up-to-datewiththeirscreening.

GenWest sexual and reproductive health team leader Sarah Lorrimar said the initiative willhelptobridgethegapincervicalscreening participationamongdiversepopulations.

“It’s going to make a huge difference to how many people are accessing a cervical screen,” she said. “Cervical screens can be uncomfortable for anyone. For most people, going and getting a cervical screen isn’t the mostpleasantexperiencebutthenthere’sother

people where the process actually makes them feel unsafe and has emotional and physical effects on them too. There are people that have had medical trauma and sexual trauma that the process of getting a cervical screen can be extremely daunting for them and being able to self-collect means that they’ve got a greater senseofsafety,comfort,andcontrol.”

Ms Lorrimar said for women who have undergone female genital cutting, the traditional cervical screening process can be particularlydaunting.

■ Continued: Page 17.

Team of doctors, nurse, midwives, working across women’s health at Northern Health. (Damjan Janevski) 414632_01

Crime rises across the region

By Anne Parisianne

Hume’s crime rate increased by 6.9 per cent, while Whittlesea’s rose by 6.6 per cent in the 12 months to the end of March, according to the Crime Statistics Agency.

CSA data revealed criminal incidents in the Hume area rose from 17,969 in the year to March 2023 to 19,215 in the year to March 2024. In Whittlesea, the number of criminal offences recorded rose from 12,938 to 13,792

during the same period.

The specific areas of concern for police include breaches of family violence orders, other thefts, stealing from motor vehicles, criminal damage and thefts from retail stores.

Steal from motor vehicle offence rose in Hume by 379 cases to 2159 cases, and Whittlesea by 266 cases to 1319 cases.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said that in both areas, police have noticed an increase in thieves targeting vehicles – specifically ones

that are unlocked.

“In fact, offenders roam up and down streets until they find a car that is unlocked and either steal the car or valuables inside,” the police spokesperson said. “That’s why it is so important to always lock your vehicle, even if it’s in a secure driveway, because if there is less opportunity for theft it is less likely to occur.”

Other theft offences in Hume increased by 425 cases to 1874 cases, while in Whittlesea increased by 239 cases to 1436 cases.

Actors channel The Boy from Oz

The Boy From Oz musical is coming to Melbourne, with a Donnybrook local one of the stars bringing life to the production.

The musical is a true story about Peter Allen, one of Australia’s most beloved entertainers.

The musical follows his career and life with Judy Garland and Liza Minelli through bars, clubs, and concerts all across the world.

Leighton Garwin lives in Donnybrook and this will be his first production.

A medical administrator by day, Leighton proudly works for ‘Thorne Harbour Health’ and is an advocate/member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

He said it has been an honour to be involved in the production.

“Rehearsals are going great!,” he said.

“It’s moving along at a cracking pace, everyone seems really invested in the work. It’s the best of professional standard, with the comradery and heart of community theatre. There is such a pool of talent involved in this production on and off the stage, the excitement in the air is palpable.

“There’s a real sense of joy & desire to put on the best possible show for audiences.

“This show has been on my bucket list for some time, as well as the role of Greg Connell that I’m fortunate enough to be playing.”

“There are so few home-grown musicals that are accessible and have reached such wide audiences on a larger scale. Let alone, ones that truly embody the Australian way and are based on real life Australian, music legends! So, it’s always been super important to me that these moments be captured and shared with as many people as possible.”

The show will play from July 6 to July 21 at the National Theatre Melbourne in St Kilda.

Tickets: https://shorturl.at/9AJai

Gerald Lynch

BreachesoffamilyviolenceordersinHume’s roseby142casesto1882cases,andWhittlesea’s rose by 305 cases to 1738 cases.

The spokesperson said the rise in family violence orders breaches shows police are continuing to “arrest perpetrators and hold them to account”.

“Our message to those experiencing family violence is clear – when you are ready to come forward, we will be here to listen and support you.”

Waste plan conference

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria has announced a second online community conference to discuss Cleanaway Operations’ development licence application to build a waste-to-energy plant in Wollert.

The conference, which will include presentations from Cleanaway representatives, independent experts and EPA officials, aims to provide a platform for community members to engage directly with the proponents and regulatory authorities about the project’s potential environmental and health impacts.

Cleanaway, one of Australia’s largest waste management companies, proposes converting non-recyclable waste into energy, thereby reducing landfill reliance and generating renewable energy.

The project has sparked significant interest within the local community, promptingtheEPAtoaddthisadditional session to ensure thorough community consultation and transparency.

Head of EPA permissioning Angela Grozos said, “Kirrip Community Centre is the largest available venue in the Wollert area and due to very high interest from the community, we have now reached the centre’s legal capacity“.

“Going with a second, online meeting greatly increases our ability to hear from more community members,” she said.

The upcoming session will allow EPA Victoria to actively listen to and gain a better understanding of the views and concerns of the community and stakeholders.

The EPA will also explain the assessment process and current status, and discuss ideas about possible conditions if the development licence is issued.

Theauthorityencouragesallinterested residents to participate in the conference to voice their opinions and gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s implications.

The second community conference is scheduled online on Tuesday, 25 June.

Details: https://engage.vic.gov. au/cleanaway-operations-pty-ltdapp024914.

New trails open up Quarry Hills Parkland for recreation

A series of new walking and cycling trails will soon allow residents to explore new parts of Quarry Hills Parkland.

The new trails, ranging from 300 metres to 1.5 kilometres, will add 4.5 kilometres to the existing path network.

These paths will lead visitors to new lookout points, offering fresh perspectives of the city and mountain ranges.

To enhance guests’ experience, the project also includes installing rest stops, shelters and

wayfinding signage.

The project officially kicked off on Friday, June 7, with Whittlesea council chief executive Craig Lloyd and Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio turning the first sod.

The trails project, on track for completion in late 2024, is one of three initiatives transforming the parkland.

The Granite Hills Major Community Park is expected to be completed next year, and construction will soon begin on the

Aboriginal Gathering Place.

The Quarry Hills Connecting Trails project is funded by Whittlesea council, with contributions from the state government’s Suburban Parks Program and the Growing Suburbs Fund.

Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the Quarry Hills Connecting Trails project would help people from near and far enjoy the region’s premier open space.

“Quarry Hills Parkland is a special place,

and these new trails will allow both residents and visitors to appreciate the area’s natural beauty,” Ms Wilson said.

“I have no doubt the parkland will be an even greater drawcard for people right across Victoria to come and experience the sweeping views.

“This project also allows us to celebrate the special place that Quarry Hills Parkland holds for the traditional owners of the land, the Wurundjeri Willum Clan.”

Donnybrook’s Leighton Garwin holding Matthew Hadgraft (playing Peter Allan). (Supplied)

Call for urgent cricket upgrades

By Anne Parisianne

Rivergum cricket club is calling for urgent upgrades to its women’s facilities, highlighting significant challenges in attracting female players due to inadequate amenities.

The club’s current setup includes two changerooms – one for males and one for females – with the female changeroom also serving as the club’s social space.

This arrangement has created problems, especially during women’s matches, as the social area becomes inaccessible.

Inside the changing room, there is one toilet and one urinal.

The club’s committee member Gabriele Sorrentino said the club wants to grow its

women’s team, but the current facilities have made it challenging to invite more women to join.

“Femalemembershipisimportant,especially for clubs to survive in the long term,” Mr Sorrentino said.

Currently, the club has about 80 junior members (including 10 girls) and about 70 senior members (including 15 women),

Mr Sorrentino said Whittlesea council’s master plan for Kelynack Reserve, published in 2021, included provisions for upgrading the women’s facilities at Rivergum cricket club.

But progress has stalled, and council has not budgeted for the project, deeming it a low priority, Mr Sorrentino said.

In contrast, other clubs like Epping Football

Club have received significant upgrades in recent years, Mr Sorrentino said.

A team member Natalie O’Flynn said, “We struggle on the days that we have the home games,andtobehonest,it’squiteembarrassing sometimes just to have the one toilet for the women”.

“The upgrade to the facilities is just very much needed. The [council administrators] want more women to play sports, whether it be cricket, soccer, football … but having a room like that, it’s very difficult to do,” she said.

Whittlesea council acting chief executive Debbie Wood said, “The Kelynack Recreation Reserve Master Plan was endorsed by council in 2020. As a long-term priority, the master plan identifies replacement of the existing

A slice of New York goes up for sale

A unique fleet of New York checker cabs offer a nostalgicjourneybacktothebustlingstreetsof Manhattan in the 1960s and 1970s.

‘Checker cab wedding cars,’ operating from Thomastown, offers these iconic vehicles for hire.

The cabs, lovingly restored to their former glory, are rolling pieces of history that bring a touchofAmericancharmtoAustralianshores.

Nowtheowner,JohnBell,wantstoretireand is auctioning the business.

About 10 years ago, Mr Bell imported the classic cars from private owners across the United States. He meticulously restored the cars, originally built between 1958 and 1981, to mirror their heyday in New York City. From the distinct yellow paint job to the

authentic left-hand drive, every detail has been carefully crafted to ensure an authentic experience.

Mr Bell said he acquired one car from ’Sun Records’ in Nashville, the legendary studio where Elvis Presley recorded.

In Melbourne, these checker cabs have served as exquisite wedding cars, adding a vintage touch to couples’ special days.

Theclassicdesignandhistoricalcharmofthe cabs provide a perfect backdrop for wedding photos, creating unforgettable memories for newlyweds.

The cabs also play a significant role in promotional events for high-profile American brands, like Tiffany’s and Maybelline. Their distinctive appearance makes them

a popular choice for advertising campaigns and TV shows, including the well-known Australian series, Home and Away.

As Mr Bell reflects on the most rewarding aspect of his venture, it’s clear that the joy and nostalgia his cabs have brought to countless wedding days and promotional events are his true legacy.

“I think the most rewarding thing is just sort ofbeingabletoprovidesomethingdifferentfor people,” he said.

For now, Mr Bell’s checker cabs continue to roll through Melbourne, offering a unique window into the past and a testament to his enduring passion for classic cars.

Anne Parisianne

pavilion with a new multi-purpose community pavilion, as well as improvements to the spectator area directly adjacent to the pavilion.

“Councilhasrecentlyundertakenanauditof all sporting pavilions across our municipality to assess the suitability of facilities to provide gender equality and fair access to community sports facilities. We are currently reviewing the audit results which will be used to identify priority upgrades across these facilities.

“Short-term priority actions outlined in the masterplan, including playground, pathways and picnic areas have been delivered.

“Deliveryoftheremainingrecommendations inthemasterplanandanycapitalimprovements to pavilions are subject to funding through council’s annual capital works program.”

New bridge over river

Whittlesea council will build a new bridge to provide the residents with access to the commercial, community and educational facilities of Whittlesea Township Park.

Whittleseacouncilchairadministrator

Lydia Wilson and Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage officiated at the start of the project on Thursday, June 6.

The project, with a $1 million budget, will provide users of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to enjoy 620 metres of new pedestrian and cycle paths.

The 2.5-metre-wide paths, which will be usable in all weather conditions, will not only benefit walkers, runners and cyclists, but cater to people with prams and mobility aids too.

The project will see the existing timber bridge replaced with a 10-metre-long, 4.5-metre-wide concrete bridge over Plenty River, providing access for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles.

There will also be seated rest stops installedalongthepaths,improvedstreet and solar lighting, updated wayfinding and map-based signage, native tree planting and works to alleviate overland flooding issues.

Ms Wilson said “By removing some of the common barriers to exercise we will see more people out and about enjoying what Whittlesea Township Park has to offer”.

The project is funded through matching $500,000 contributions from Whittlesea council and the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. Completion is expected by mid-2025.

John Bell, the owner of Checker Cab of New York. (Damjan Janevski) 413187_01

Hume’s 2051 new homes target

By Anne Parisianne

Hume council has called on the state government to ensure it delivers the infrastructure needed to accommodate 98,000 new homes in the municipality by 2051.

On June 16 the government released its draft 2051 housing targets which will result in two million homes being built in metropolitan Melbourne and another almost 500,00 spread across the regions.

Melton will absorb the most new dwelling (132,00) followed by Wyndham (120,000), Casey(104,000),Hume(98,000)andWhittlesea (87,000).

Premier Jacinta Allen said Victoria has

the largest annual population growth of all Australian states and needs more than two million additional homes by the 2050s.

“There are parts of our city that have been lockedupfortoolong,“MsAllantoldreporters at a press conference on Sunday.

The draft council housing targets are largely based on access to jobs, transport and services, the government said.

Hume mayor Naim Kurt said council welcomed the government’s efforts to boost housing supply.

“Housing affordability is the number one issues facing Australians,“ he said.

“As a growth council, Hume is already doing the heavy lifting in delivering more than 3000

homes annually and we believe inner city areas need to share with us to deliver more homes where infrastructure already exists,“ he said.

“We’re confident we can reach the new targets, but we need commitments from the state on the timely delivery of infrastructure to meet growth and methods to create more capacityintheconstructionandprivatesector.“

A Whittlesea council spokesperson said the council was reviewing the draft targets.

The final council housing targets will be released by the end of 2024 following local government consultation.

Victoria’s metropolitan planning strategy, released in 2017, set a target for 70 per cent of new homes to be built in established suburbs

Penola college opens new building

PenolaCatholicCollegecelebratedtheopening of its new university-style senior learning facility on June 17.

The Annie Brice building is located on the senior campus in Broadmeadows and provides contemporary learning spaces for year 12 students, a careers hub and gathering spaces for lectures and social connections.

The college named the building after Annie Brice, a student and friend of St Mary Mackillop, and a proud Boandik woman who became an inspiration for her community.

The opening celebration began with an

Acknowledgement of the Country from a special guest and a descendant of Annie Brice, Aunty Michelle.

Bishop Terry Curtin led the blessing of the building, and Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward officially opened it.

College principal Tracey Kift said, “We feel honoured to have been permitted to name this beautifulnewlearningcentreafterAnnieBrice, a student and friend of St Mary Mackillop’s, and a proud Boandik woman who became an inspiration for her community.”

Ms Kift said the opening was the beginning

of a new and exciting chapter for Penola Catholic College.

“We can already see the amazing impact that this new learning environment is having on our senior students, which is exciting as we move into our next phase of development,” Ms Kift said.

Penola Catholic College is also planning further developments, including the refurbishment of its year 7 and 8 campus, the construction of a new year 10 learning centre and cafeteria that will be the social heart of the school.

by 2051, with the remaining 30 per cent in greenfield areas.

Since 2014, 56 per cent of new homes delivered in Victoria have been in established areas.

In one of his final acts as premier, Daniel Andrews set a target to build 800,000 homes across Victoria over the next decade when announcing the government’s housing statement in September.

Latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows 11,071 homes were approved for construction in Victoria in the first three months of 2024, putting the state on track to approve fewer than 45,000 this year. – with AAP

YVW grants now available

YarraValleyWaterhaslauncheditsnew community grants program to support local groups in building thriving and sustainable communities.

The program offers grants of up to $15,000 for large initiatives and up to $,000 for small projects.

Theprojectsaimtohelpcommunities thrive through education and connection, improve water efficiency and conservation, boost community water awareness, promote sustainable water use and improve habitats and care for the Country.

Yarra Valley Water encourages community groups in the area – like sports clubs, community kitchens, schools, or animal shelters – to apply for funding.

Eligible projects include the installation of water tanks, efficient irrigation systems, community gardens and habitat restoration.

Projects could also involve purchasing water-saving dishwashers, washing machines and efficient showers.

Yarra Valley Water managing director Pat McCafferty said the organization is looking for community organizations and education bodies that share their vision of driving a sustainable water future.

“There are many charities, community groups, and not-for-profit organizations doing incredible work. By supporting these groups, we ensure they can continue to have a positive impactonthecommunitiestheyserve,” he said.

“From switching to water-efficient appliancestoinstallingrainwatertanks, developing educational programs, and improving habitats for native wildlife, we look forward to seeing the positive changes these projects will bring.“

Applications open on Monday, June 17, and close on Sunday, July 14, at 11.59pm. Details: yvw.com.au/ community-grants.

Rubbish advice for real estate agents to curb dumping

Hume council will hold a forum for local real estate agents to provide them with information about rubbish disposal options for ratepayers and tenants.

The forum is part of ongoing efforts to prevent illegal dumping in the region, with the councilreportingthatitcleanedup4881tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish last financial year.

The council hopes that through educating homeowners and renters about their waste

disposal entitlements, such as two free hard rubbish collections and two free tip passes a year, there will be less illegal dumping across Hume.

Cr Jim Overend, who moved the motion at the June 11 council meeting, said that rubbish is often left on nature strips by tenants leaving a rental property.

“This forum will be a great opportunity for real estate agents to be made aware of the

services that Hume provides … and then to then be able to pass that on to their residents and householders,” Cr Overend said.

“Thiswaytheycanmakethemawareofthese servicesandalsotheconsequencesofdumping their rubbish illegally.”

Cr Jarrod Bell said that he suspects illegal dumping is fuelled by a lack of awareness around the free services available.

“Officers tell us time and time again, 16 per

centofourtippassesarebeingused,yet,weget told time and time again … how inaccessible it is to go to the tip,” Cr Bell said.

Cr Joseph Haweil said that logistical and financial issues also p;layed a part.

“In some cases they’re downsizing, in some casesthey’removingfurtheraway,ordon’thave the resources to be able to transport things. So, it is at that point that you see a large amount ofrubbishbeingaccumulated,”CrHaweilsaid.

Officials and students, including Aunty Michelle, Bishop Terry Curtin, Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward and principal Tracey Kift, at the opening of the Annie Brice building. (Supplied)

Vandals destroy reserve wiring

By Anne Parisianne

Vandals have left Whittlesea Ranges Football Club unable to use its home ground at Harvest Home Reserve. The club was forced to cancel its matches on June 9 and expects to be unable to use the stadium for a number of weeks after vandals opened control boxes for the reserve’s light towers and pulled out all the wiring.

Club members arrived at the ground on the morning of June 9 to discover the stadium had no power.

Executive board member Sergio Costanzo

saidtheclubhadtocanceltheJune9 scheduled matches.

He said the incident was the latest in a number of vandalism acts at the club.

In previous instances, vandals targeted specific areas, but this time, the damage was extensive, affecting the entire building, he said.

Mr Costanzo said he doesn’t know how long the club will be unable to use the stadium, but based on past experiences, the club anticipates a month-long repair period.

“You can imagine how we’re feeling, very, very disappointed,” he said.

Mr Costanzo said he hoped Whittlesea council will help improve security at the stadium by installing protective cages around the control boxes and securing the car park to prevent unauthorised vehicle access.

Whittlesea council acting chief executive Debbie Wood said council was working with its electrical contractors to repair the damage as quickly as possible.

“We will also work with key stakeholders of Harvest Home Recreation Reserve to identify ways to further reduce the risk of future vandalism at the reserve,” Ms Wood said.

A police spokesperson said confirmed the incident was under investigation.

“It is understood unknown offenders attended outside a stadium on Harvest Home Road between 4.45am and 5.40am and forced entry to multiple electrical boxes,” the spokesperson said.

“Officers believe the offenders stole copper wiring from inside the boxes.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has a dashcam or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Doreen cricketers hit for six by upgraded nets

Batters and bowlers will be busy honing their skills ahead of the new cricket season after upgraded nets are opened at the Laurimar Recreation Reserve in Doreen.  Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson joined Yan Yean MP Lauren KathageonThursday,June13,toofficiallyopen the revamped community facility.

Work started at the end of January on a $200,000 project to dismantle and replace the existing nets at the southern end of the reserve, which is home to Laurimar Cricket Club.

The three-bay cricket net facility is now fully enclosed, reducing the risk of errant balls hittingpassers-by,properties,orcarstravelling along Painted Hills Road.

The nets were also reoriented to prevent batters from looking into the afternoon sun when facing up to bowlers, while new matting and extended run-ups were installed.

The project was funded through a $100,000 contribution from Whittlesea council and $100,000 from Sport and Recreation Victoria. Ms Wilson said it was pleasing to partner with the state government to deliver facilities that will benefit many people.

What’s on

Candidate information sessions

Find out important information regarding the 2024 Local Government election and about our municipality at an information session specifically for prospective candidates in the City of Whittlesea on Thursday 25 July at the Council Offices. Being a councillor provides an exciting challenge and an opportunity to represent your community and play a vital role in shaping the City of Whittlesea. Your ideas, your vision, your leadership can make a real difference.

There are also various other sessions available. For more information and to book, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/councilelections

“Sport is such an important part of life in our community and Council is committed to providing great facilities to encourage people of all ages to participate,” she said.

“These nets will not only provide players tied to the Laurimar Cricket Club with a place to train and improve their skills, but they will be available to the local community too.”

Laurimar Cricket Club president Jason Merrett said the club’s membership, which is currently more than 300, was expected to increase considerably in the coming years.

“We’ve got our senior and junior women’s sides and we’re expecting – and hoping – to grow our female membership substantially,” he said.

“The quality of our facilities is a big factor in attracting and retaining players and these new nets will help us do that.

“We’ve got a whole new coaching staff and a number of new recruits and we’re excited to train in these new nets.”

Join in the fun on National Tree Day

Come plant natives trees and wildflowers and explore a range of free family-friendly activites in celebration of National Tree Day.

Enjoy learning about pollinators and meet your local wildlife rescuers. Toast marshmallows on a campfire, alongside others in your community. Help us to improve habitat, enhance biodiversity, and beautify Mernda Villages Conservation Reserve. When: 10am to 1pm, Sunday 28 July

Where: Mernda Villages Conservation Reserve, Corner Moorland Way & Mernda Village Drive, Mernda

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

Laurimar Cricket Club president Jason Merrett, Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson, Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage and former Laurimar Cricket Club president Evan Woolnough at the official opening of the upgraded cricket nets. (Supplied)

Thirteen tobacco trade arrests

By Cade Lucas

Thirteen people have been arrested and multiple properties raided as part of a cross-border investigation into an organised crime group linked to the illicit tobacco trade.

As part of the joint operation with West Australian Police, the WA Department of Health and Australian Border Force, Victorian police executed six warrants on Monday, June 17, at residential properties in Wollert, Sunbury, Werribee, Collingwood, and Altona Meadows.

Police seized 15 firearms from the Sunbury address, along with illicit cigarettes, a gel blaster and a stolen vehicle.

The cigarettes are valued at approximately

$2.4 million with a tax excise avoidance of between $2.5-3 million.

A 29-year-old Sunbury man was arrested at the property and subsequently charged with being a prohibited person in possession of firearms, theft of motor vehicle, possessing a traffickable quantity of firearms and Commonwealth tax offences relating to illicit cigarettes.

He was remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 20.

A further 50,000 illicit cigarettes, 30 kilograms of loose tobacco, vapes, a crossbow, ammunition, cash and drugs including cocaine, steroids and magic mushrooms were seized from other addresses.

Police also arrested a 26-year-old Wollert manwhoisexpectedtobechargedonsummons with illicit tobacco offences and weapons offences, and a 28-year-old Collingwood man who was charged with drug and proceeds of crime offences. The latter was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on September 4.

A 19-year-old Officer man was arrested in relation to the investigation into a suspicious fire at a tobacco store in Seville on February 11. He was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.

Victoria Police anti-gangs division Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt said they had been working with WA and federal authorities for the past 18 months to tackle

Women bowl up top Victorian award

TheVictorianStateWomen’sSideisoneofthe teams recognised at the 2023 Victoria State Awards.

The team was managed by Bundoora local, Jody Neville.

“It’s been 19 years since we’ve won, so we were absolutely delighted that we won,” MsNevillesaid.“Hopefully,thiswillprogress, bringing the women’s side to the forefront, encouraging more women to participate, noting that we have won team of the year.”

The team was named the AED Authority Team of the Year.

Team member Lisa Phillips said the award was due to a lot of hard work and preparation.

“We won that award because our state team won the Australian championship, and it was the first time that our Victorian team had done that in 19 years,“ Ms Phillips said.

“I don’t think we quite expected it, but it’s definitely an honour.”

Ms Phillips started playing bowls when she was 10 inspired by her parents who regularly played.

MsPhillipssaidtheteam’sachievementwill hopefully boost interest in bowls, especially among women.

“Having this recognition is really good for the sport, and for women in sport as well.”

Each year, the Victorian Sport Awards (VSAs) honour the athletes, coaches, administrators, and volunteers who made an exceptional contribution to sport in Victoria during the previous calendar year, as well as the initiatives that promoted sport and active recreation participation.

Presented by Victoria’s government and Vicsport on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, this year’s VSAs were held in the Victory Room at Marvel Stadium, where winners across 18 categories were announced.

organised crime groups involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

“ThereisnodoubtthatthearrestsinVictoria and Western Australia this week will have a significant impact on the organised crime groups operating in Victoria.”

As part of the cross border operation, WA Police charged seven men and two women, in relation to a $10 million illicit tobacco network operating out of the state.

The head of the group in Western Australia –a29-year-oldmanpreviouslyfromVictoria–is believed to have moved to WA in the last two years to establish the illicit tobacco network. The investigation into the network in Victoria and in Western Australia remains ongoing.

Whittlesea council has announced an expansion of its Zero Waste Rebate program to support sustainable practices.

The program now includes rebates for sustainable shopping carts which are made from fabric and materials such as metal and aluminium, with minimal plastic parts.

Under the expanded program, residents can now receive a rebate of 50 per cent of the purchase price, up to $200spent,foraneligibleshoppingcart.

This is in addition to being able to claim a rebate for reusable nappies, reusable sanitary products, compost bins, and composting tools each year. By encouraging residents to have a shopping cart to sustainably transport their goods home, it is hoped this initiative will also reduce trolley dumping across the community.

Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson emphasised the importance of supporting the community to choose reusable products.

“We are delighted to expand our Zero Waste Rebate program to include sustainable shopping carts as well as other categories of reusable items. It is part of our commitment to supporting our residents to make more sustainable choices. This program enables access to products that reduce your waste and helps you save money in the long run,” she said.

“This initiative is part of council’s ongoing work to foster sustainable living practices among the community.”

Details: whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ zerowaste

Northern Health board director and doctor receive AMs

Northern Health’s Dr Sherene Devanesen and Dr Amanda Baric have been honoued in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours.

The Order of Australia is the nation’s recognition for outstanding achievement and service,

Board director Dr Sherene Devanesen was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the general division for her significant service to community health through governance and administrative roles.

Northern Health board chair Jennifer Williams said Dr Devanesen has been on the board since 2021.

“Sherene is a valued colleague, and has made significant contributions during her tenure on the Northern Health Board. I value her advice and expertise, and sincerely congratulate her on this significant achievement.”

Deputy director Dr Amanda Baric was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the general division for her significant servicetopainmedicineandtertiaryeducation.

Anaesthesia department director Dr Jake Geertsema said Dr Baric’s dedication and enthusiasm are evident to all who know her.

“Sherene is a medical practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in the management of health services and medical administration in Victoria,” she said. “This experience has provided her with a strong reputation in consumer consultation and engagement, and in achieving quality outcomes for human and community services.”

“Whether it’s teaching medical students, developing educational programs in many places (even so far as Mongolia or Myanmar), or providing exceptional anaesthesia care to her patients, she approaches everything she does with incredible passion and energy,” he said.

“Her contributions were rightfully acknowledged in 2022 when ANZCA awarded her the Robert Orton medal (the highest award the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists can bestow on its fellows, and this latest recognition only reinforces the impact she has made.”

Dr Amanda Baric. (Supplied)

Anne Parisianne

Team manager Jody Neville and Lisa Phillips.

Student artwork celebrates unity

By Anne Parisianne

Roda Alako, a 20-year-old Craigieburn resident and Kangan Institute student, is thrilled to be part of an impressive ceramic art installation for the institute’s new health and community centre of excellence.

Ms Alako, along with 11 fellow students from the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP), has crafted a collection of 16 ceramic art pieces.

Each piece is a unique testament to the students’ diverse backgrounds and individual stories.

‘‘ I just want to tell them – trust yourself, be strong ... just believe in yourself ’’

- Roda Alako

Renowned ceramic artist Cinda Manins guided the art installation themed ‘Unity and Diversity’, helping the students channel their personal experiences and identities into their work. For Ms Alako, her piece, featuring the profile of a face surrounded by flowers, symbolises joy through art.

“I like drawing. When I was smaller, I faced bullying (and) I was stressed in school in Lebanon. But it made me feel happy and at peace when I did my art. It was like my little space when I was stressed,” Ms Alako said.

“(My art) is going in the new building at Kangan; that’s what made me more excited to do it. I hope they (new students) will feel a bit excited to know who Roda is and they are happy when they see my art,” she said.

“I just want to tell them – trust yourself, be strong, don’t be too afraid or scared … you

can do anything you want. Just believe in yourself.”

MsAlako,whohasbeenstudyingatKangan Instituteforoneandhalfyears,hasprogressed from level one to level three in the AMEP.

Beyond honing her artistic skills, she

treasures her friendships and sense of belonging on campus. This sense of community is something she hopes to share with future students at the new centre.

Ms Alako’s aspirations extend beyond art. She is considering a future in health, with a

particular interest in dentistry.

“I’d like to study dentistry; maybe in the future I can come here,” she said.

The $60 million health and community centre of excellence is set to open in 2025 at the Broadmeadows campus. Once completed, it will integrate state-of-the-art training facilities with industry best practices, addressing critical skills shortages in aged care, mental health, disability, pathology, allied health and early childhood education and care.

It will accommodate up to 670 students at a time, providing access to quality educational facilities and opportunities as they prepare for in-demand future jobs.

The ceramic art installation, embodying the students’ rich diversity, will be a permanent feature in the new centre, symbolising the vision of the Broadmeadows campus as a place of belonging for all learners.

“I think the centre will be a good thing. It’ll be full of technology. It’ll be helpful for new students who’d like to study here,” Ms Alako said.

Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain said, “We are thrilled to see the passion and creativity of our students embodied in ceramic art for our new health and community centre of excellence.”

“Thanks to the Victorian government’s investment Kangan Institute will be able to provide more in demand training to the next generation of health care workers and address critical skills shortages in our state from the heart of Broadmeadows,” Ms Curtain said.

“Together with project, industry and community partners, this new facility means Kangan Institute will be better able to meet current and future health needs in the community and create pathways to rewarding new jobs.”

Roda Alako. (Supplied)

Helping women work

Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) will receive $164,570 in state government funding to deliver the Redefining Women’s WorkprojectinHumeandWhittlesea.

This initiative aims to assist women, particularly those from multicultural backgrounds, who face barriers in pursuing careers in the manufacturing and energy industries.

The project will offer various programs, including skill-building opportunities, peer networking,andtailoredcareersupport.

WCC equity and impact general manager Emma Antonetti said WCC hoped to engage morethan250womenforthisproject.

“It’s a really great opportunity to support womenwhoreallywantitandneedit,andtosee women thrive in our community, particularly in the energy and manufacturing sectors,“ Ms Antonettisaid.

WCC is one of 10 organisations in Victoria

thatwillreceiveagrantthroughtheWomenin EnergyandManufacturingprogram.

The $1.3 million in grants is part of the government’s effort to close gender gaps across the workforce in Victoria, particularly to help the male-dominated energy and manufacturingsectorsbetterattractandretain women.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins said, “Supporting women to enter, stay and progress in energy and manufacturing careers isawin,winsituationforwomenandVictoria’s industryemployers.

“These grants support better economic outcomes for women, help organisations address skills shortages in some of Victoria’s strongest growth sectors and contribute to driving greater gender equality across the state.”

Anne Parisianne

Briefs

Charges over alleged scam

A Gladstone Park woman and a Broadmeadows man have been charged over an alleged Facebook Marketplace scam. Police allege the 21-year-old woman organised to meet an unsuspecting victim, who was selling a high-end designer handbag online. Officers have been told that during the meeting, the female buyer allegedly inspected the item before a man approached, assaulted and robbed her of the handbag before fleeing. Police said the woman has been charged with perjury, theft and handling stolen goods. Police said the man was charged with theft, handling stolen goods and obtaining property by deception.

Whittlesea award wins Whittlesea council recently secured three out of five national awards at the National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) Awards. The council’s Affordable Housing Project in New Epping, in collaboration with Riverlee and Haven Home Safe, earned the Built Environment Award, while its Economic Participation Plan 2023-2026 secured the Building Connections Award and its collaboration with Mitchell council and Hume council on the Cloverton Metropolitan Activity Centre planning won the Leadership in Growth Areas Award.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

The Whittlesea Community Connections’s employment team supporting women in the automotive industry. Jenny Nicholls, Kimberley Chu, Thanyarat Azzorpardi, Enzo D’Agostino and Irina Zdraveska.

School scoops awards

By Anne Parisianne

St Monica’s College in Epping won two categories in the Sustainability Victoria’s Resource Smart Schools Awards.

The school won the Best Student and Environment Team for Secondary School awardandtheLeadershipintheSustainability in the Curriculum Award, highlighting its commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices.

These awards recognise the achievements of Victorianschoolsbycelebratingtheireffortsin reducing resource consumption, integrating sustainability into their curriculum, and fostering sustainable practices within their school communities.

St Monica’s College principal Brian Hanley complimented the efforts of the students and staff and stressed the significance of the awards.

“More than 100 students and staff are involved in the related activities ably led by Mr Ben Coleman,” Mr Hanley said.

“Theenvironmental-basedprojectsthatthis team tackles have a great impact on life at our college and provide students with excellent skills to take back into their community.

Mr Coleman said, “It’s just amazing that the students get the recognition and the programs that we’ve developed are getting recognised.

“We’re excited because we can reach out to other schools and encourage them to try some of these projects.”

Students have worked on projects that supported environmental sustainability, including maintaining a vegetable garden and building nest boxes in the woodwork room for local wildlife.

They have also managed an animal room with turtles, frogs, lizards, and insects, emphasizing the circular economy.

school’s

students have developed various sustainability effort activities, including using Raspberry Pi computers to create environmental sensors for monitoring water health and temperature differences causedbydifferenttreespeciesanddeveloping an automated small greenhouse in the school with sensors to manage watering and temperature control, reducing the need for human intervention.

Mr Coleman, whose passion for the environmentisdeeplyrootedinhischildhood experiences and his background in zoology, was also recently honoured as the City of Whittlesea Sustainable Citizen of the Year. His dedication to the environment extends beyond the school grounds, as he volunteers with local environmental groups and engages with the community through activities like biodiversity audits and litter clean ups.

Grants for community projects

Two community organisations will receive funds from the 2024 Hume council community grant project.

Council awarded $8000 in grants.

GowrieVictoriaBroadmeadowsValley on Johnson Street will receive $3000 for a project to help families and educators can establish skills and knowledge for a strong road safety culture.

Hume deputy mayor Karen Sherry said the funding would be used to buy bicycles, helmets and road signs to set up atrafficschoolonthebasketballcourtsat Broadmeadows Valley Primary School.

She said neighbouring schools would be able to access the equipment.

Goonawarra Neighbourhood House in Sunbury received $5000 for its Neighbour Day project, which aims to increase social connection and reduce social isolation by encouraging residents s to get to know their neighbours.

Cr Chris Hollow said there was unallocated money in the fund.

“There is still $12,000 remaining in unused funds from the round to allocations, and if approved tonight, the council will put this money into the year-round grants categories, which will be distributed by the 30 of June, 2024,” he said.

“Congratulations to those who are receiving funds. And those that require help for future grants please contact Hume City Council for assistance, if you are having trouble filling in the details.”

The

STEM

Ben Coleman and St Monica’s College’s students. (Pictures: Supplied)

Councils learn to reuse, recycle

By Anne Parisianne

Thebuyrecyclednortherncouncilshowcasein Broadmeadows brought together 20 councils from Melbourne and northern Victoria.

The event, which was held on June 13 at Town Hall Broadmeadows, aimed to empower councils to make confident decisions when purchasing recycled materials and support Victoria’s transition to a circular economy.

Organised by Sustainability Victoria, the showcase provided a platform for councils to discuss strategies for increasing the use of recycled materials in infrastructure, landscaping, parks and gardens within their municipalities.

In addition to the discussions, the full-day event featured a mini-trade show featuring recycled product suppliers from the northern region and tours of local recycled material facilities.

Sustainability Victoria markets acceleration manager Shannon Smyth said the event not only provided the councils with a learning opportunity, but also allowed them to network with their local suppliers.

Innovative Plastic Solutions (IPS) technical directorLouwvanTondersaidtheeventwasan excellent opportunity for IPS to demonstrate its current products to councils and encourage the councils to challenge their suppliers to consider using recycled materials.

IPS supplies councils with high-quality, recycledplasticmaterials,liketactilepavement.

Tactile paving on the road helps pedestrians with visual impairments by providing raised, texturedsurfacesthatcanbedetectedbytouch orunderfoot,allowingthemtonavigatestreets and sidewalks safely.

“By using recycled material and manufacturing in close proximity to where the councils are using it, so it’s also reducing

the carbon footprint by reducing the logistics chain, (as) you’re not importing something from, say, China or Southeast Asia,” Mr van Tonder said.

Hume mayor Naim Kurt said he appreciated theshowcaseheldinHumeandthathiscouncil got a chance to show how it uses recyclable products in its supply chains.

“We’re a leader in the circular economy space. We see the circular economy as a way to transform our manufacturing industry in Hume for the future after, you know, the closure of some big businesses,“ Cr Kurt said.

Thecirculareconomyisaneconomicsystem aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources.

It emphasises keeping materials, products andservicesincirculationwithintheeconomy for as long as possible. An example of this is using recycled materials to create new products, which reduces the need for virgin materials and minimises environmental impact.

“We did a study with KPMG, which found that circular economy space can provide $903 million to our city’s Gross Regional Product,

and it could lead to the creation of 1500 jobs per year in Hume by 2040. So, based on that research, we’ve really tried to position ourselves as a council to try and promote the circular economy,” Cr Kurt said.

“The Buy Recycled Showcase helps to build on council’s global leadership in partnering with Dutch cities on how to advance the circular economy in Hume.”

The Netherlands ambassador visited Hume in March to discuss circular economy initiatives and how they can benefit business opportunities between the two countries.

Broadmeadows MP Kathleen Matthews-Ward, Hume mayor Naim Kurt and participants. (Supplied)

Discover the Green Leaves difference for your family

Green Leaves Early Learning specialises in the fundamental stages of educational development from nursery through to kinder (six weeks through to six years).

With a purpose to provide early education and care that exceeds traditional standards, Green Leaves is excited to launch a brand-new early learning centre in Mickleham, due to open late 2024.

Melbourne’s northern suburbs are already home to four other Green Leaves centres, located in Craigieburn, Kalkallo and Cairnlea. Upon entering these centres, families are welcomed into the family lounge where they can connect with each other and educators over barista-made coffee and freshly baked treats from the centre’s in-house chef.

The open plan learning hubs are built and filled with thoughtfully selected resources to provide children with numerous opportunities for play-based learning, where inquisitive minds thrive.

In Victoria, Green Leaves embraces the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), which drawsonandrecognisesthatearlychildhoodis a crucial period for learning and development. This philosophy enables children to step into the wider world with curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong desire to learn.

The programs at Green Leaves are age-appropriate, flexible, and customised to suit each child’s knowledge, interests, culture, abilities and strengths. This ensures that children are nurtured throughout their early years with care, encouragement, and respect while developing a love for lifelong learning.

Recognising the importance of community connections, the curriculum at Green Leaves is supportedbyactivitiesthatincludevisitswithin the local community to provide children with the opportunities to extend on their interests.

Visits from local fire brigades and police units are very popular, as are walks to the letterbox and around their communities.

The natural environment is an integral part oftheprogramatGreenLeaves,wherechildren are encouraged to cherish and protect their natural world. A favourite feature across all Green Leaves centres are the edible gardens. These gardens thrive through the children’s interest in planting seeds, observing them

grow, composting, harvesting, and then creating delicious meals with the help of the

As part of Green Leaves’ all-inclusive fees, children also participate in incursions and excursions, which include yoga, and language lessons, bush kinder experiences, and music and movement classes, just to name a few.

While high quality architectural features are standard designs across all Green Leaves

centres, each centre has its own unique characteristics. Green Leaves Craigieburn, Highlands, Cloverton and Cairnlea welcome families to pop in for a coffee and tour in preparation for the opening of Green Leaves Merrifield late 2024.

Contact your local Green Leaves to arrange your visit https://greenleaveselc.com.au/ find-a-centre/.

centre’s chefs.

Going dry for a cure

As winter and rain roll in, Dry July is just around the corner. Gerald Lynch speaks to Werribee’s Zach Thornton about the cause that asks people to give up or give.

More than 160,000 Australians have taken on the challenge of abstaining from alcohol for the month of July, but few would have stronger motivating factors than Werribee’s Zach Thornton.

After losing his father to cancer at a young age, he decided to jump on board and participate in Dry July during lockdown in 2020.

Feeling that alcohol was too easy to give up, Zach also threw in soft drinks and his beloved iced-coffees, as well as a 31-kilometre run at the end of the month, one kilometre for each day.

Less than a year after taking part in Dry July, in April 2021, Zach’s twin sister Zoe was diagnosed with breast cancer.

This spurred Zach to continue the challenge each year, and instead, run a kilometre for every year he and his sister had been around.

In 2021 it was 26, and this year, with Zoe making a full recovery, Zach will run 29 kilometres at the end of July, to celebrate Zoe, and help continue to raise funds.

For Zach, it took some time to get on board with the cause, but he looks back on it as one of the best decisions he’s made.

“I’ve always felt a sense of desire to advocate for causes, but before 2020 I hadn’t quite jumped on that one yet,” he said.

“I probably hadn’t really entirely reconciled my experience with losing my dad to cancer yet, but then I thought what better way to recognise and celebrate him, and do good to raise funds for those who have gone through it and are going through it.

“I know it’s seen as ‘difficult’ but it’s not, in the grand scheme of things. I do it for those aroundmeandobviouslyZoebecameafactor.

“If I can run for a couple of hours at the end of the month, and get off alcohol and sugary stuff, and use that to raise a few thousand, that’s all the fulfilment I could need.”

He said being around a football club and

‘‘ What I have to give up does not compare to what Zoe went through, what Dad went through, and what all the other Zoes and Dads are going through ’’ - Zach Thornton

beingasocialperson,hehasrunintoinstances where abstaining from drinking alcohol has made things slightly less enjoyable, but the sacrifice pales in comparison to that of those battling with cancer.

“Tarneit’s [his football club] mid-season ball has been in July the last two years, and dealing with people when they’re drinking and you’re not can be difficult,” he said.

“Ifyou’reinasettingwherealcoholispartof the fun, it can be a bit hard … but it genuinely doesn’t phase me … because what I have to give up does not compare to what Zoe went through, what dad went through, and what all the other Zoes and Dads are going through.”

In his first four years of participating, Zach has raised $12,218 toward various causes, and this year, he has his sights set on a $3000 goal, going toward the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Tothoseonthefenceaboutgettinginvolved ahead of this July, he just had one message; do it.

“I think it’d be the easiest decision you could ever make,” he said.

“If you have someone you want to celebrate or raise awareness for, just commit to it … the challenge is worthwhile.”

The cause behind Dry July dates back to the first Dry July in 2008. Three mates, Brett, Kenny, and Phil, wanted to take a break from alcohol, so they decided to abstain for the month of July, coining it their ‘Dry July’. They

also wanted to raise money for a cause very close to their hearts, so they asked family and friends to sponsor them.

Hoping to raise $3000 to buy a TV for their local cancer centre’s waiting room, the campaignwasahugesuccessraising$250,000.

Since 2008, Dry July Foundation has continued to support cancer service organisations and has raised over $90 million for more than 80 organisations across Australia.

Dry July interim chief executive Gillian Odbert sees the cause as a way to raise awareness and give back to a cause that affects so many people.

“Like so many Australians, cancer has impacted many of my family and friends, including my mother, father and some of my uncles, so it has always been a cause close to my heart,” she said.

“For me, Dry July is unique because you can raise funds to support cancer patients with different variants through so many national, regional and local support organisations across Australia.

“It’s a tangible way to pay forward the support those services have given my family over the years.”

She said in her time working with the cause, there has been many great instances of people going above and beyond, but one story of two sons honouring their late father stands out above the rest.

“Last year we had two brothers, Tadgh and Declan Waddington, who raised over $17,000 for their chosen beneficiary, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC),” she said.

“In loving memory of their father, Mark, who passed away in August 2022 from a rare form of cancer, the Waddington brothers set themselves the task of adding to their Dry July bykickingagoal(AFL)foreverydollarraised.

“The donations rolled in, and the boys stuck to their word. In late July, Declan and Tadgh

kicked thousands of goals and successfully wrapped up their Dry July with a bang!

“It is amazing what participants will do to raise funds, knowing the impact the services Dry July Foundation funds have on the lives of people affected by cancer.”

Dry July funds support people affected by cancer when they need it most.

Funds raised provide invaluable services –whetherit’saridetoalife-savingappointment, guidance from a specialist nurse, connection to an information service, access to therapy programs or a bed close to treatment.

Up until the end of June, Werribee business Western Landcare Services, has committed to matching any funds donated to Zach’s fundraiser up to $400.

Donate: https://www.dryjuly.com/users/ zach-thornton

Twins Zach and Zoe Thornton. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413607_04

Dry July interim chief executive Gillian Odbert. (Supplied)

Parade College welcomes female VM students in 2025

Parade College is excited to announce that the college’sVCEVocationalMajor(VM)program, based at the Preston Campus, will become co-educational in 2025 and the college will welcome fulltime female student enrolments for the first time in its long history at Year 11.

In addition, the college is expanding its VCE VM offerings at Preston through the introduction of a new Tertiary Pathways Program. The Tertiary Pathways Program will include a second stream of the college’s highly successful Sport Academy, along with a new Business Academy. Both academies will provideabespokeeducationalopportunitythat will enable male and female students to gain direct entry into a number of undergraduate tertiarycourses,includingBusinessandHealth Sciences at La Trobe University.

The college’s unique partnership with La Trobe University means that after successful completion of the two-year programs, Parade College Sport Academy and Business Academy graduates will be able to undertake tertiary studies without needing to sit VCE Examinations to obtain an ATAR score.

The Tertiary Pathways Program is ideal for students who:

• Want to pursue a university course;

• May learn best through practical and applied learning;

• Would like to progress to university without the added pressure of undertaking VCE Examinations and attaining an ATAR.

For many years now, Parade College has welcomed female students from other secondary schools to access its many different VET programs at both the Bundoora and Preston campuses. Offering the highly successful VCE Vocational Major program to female students from 2025 at Preston Campus is an extension of this and will provide additional pathways for female students who

prefer targeted learning opportunities within the VCE.

Parade College has a proud 153-year history of educating boys and will continue to educate boys in an all-boys’ setting at the Bundoora

Campus for Years 7 to 10 and the VCE in Years 11 and 12. The inclusion of fulltime female studentsfrom2025(subjecttoVRQAapproval) at the Preston Campus will further enrich the college community.

For information and enrolment inquiries regarding our VCE Vocational Major programs, please visit the college’s website www.paradecollege.vic.edu.au

MY PLACE

Many people cherish the place they call home, and some work tirelessly to improve their community, such as Shahnoor Shah, a dedicated policy advisor and active local advocate. Shahnoor, shares her story with StarWeekly, reflecting on her journey, her deep connection to the area, and her unwavering commitment to positively impacting the lives of her fellow residents.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

My name is Shahnoor and I work as a policy advisor for the state government. I enjoy my work because I’m always learning something new and can make an impact on the lives of Victorians. My family migrated to Australia in the ’90s and that opportunity has not been lost on me. I feel like the least I can do is give back to my community, so in my downtime, I volunteer with the Greens and am a local branch member, I also meet up with the lovely Broadmeadows Progress Association once a month (like the BPA’s Facebook page to join us). We often discuss how we can improve community welfare, safety and the environment, but we’re not always heard.

What’s your connection to Hume?

It’s home. I grew up in Roxburgh Park, my family still lives there now. We spent our early teenage years playing, biking and loitering around Lake McIvor Reserve and the cricket nets. I graduated from Sirius College High School in 2012, although it was called Isik College back then. After working in Canberra for a while, I moved back to Melbourne and now live in Broadmeadows.

What do you like about where you live?

I love Broadmeadows’ energy and history. We’re also one of the demographically youngest and most multicultural suburbs in Hume, with the majority of residents being under 34 years old and over half being born overseas. Historically, Broadmeadows is one of Melbourne’s oldest suburbs. The Will Will

to

leisure centre is a great place to visit if you’re interested in finding out more.

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

I want locals to take more pride in living in Broadmeadows. I walk to the library, local shops or train station every day, and every day there is more dumped rubbish and trolleys lining our streets. We have a world class waste management system in Victoria, we also pay hundreds of dollars in rates a year for bin collections. I don’t understand why people still want to throw their rubbish on the streets.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

I love the Hume Global Learning Centre: it’s open late, you can bring your laptop and work from there, take part in lots of clubs (my favourite is the monthly plant swap) and the librarians are so helpful. It’s a great place to visit during winter! I also love Broadmeadows Valley Park, it’s so beautiful and running up the 300 odd steps on Valley Park Boulevard is a fun weekend workout.

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

I’m handy with a sewing machine. My grandma bought me a Singer as a graduation present and I take it out on weekends to alter my clothes. In another life, I would have loved to be a fashion designer. I might still.

the 1850s, the Maygar Barracks nearby were used as a training base in World War I . Our Aboriginal history runs even deeper,

Willam Balluk clan of the Wurundjeri peoples. Several heritage artefacts have been discovered in our local creeks and

Getting health right for women

By Associate Professor Ines Rio

Being a woman often feels really tough. It can be hard on your body: periods, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause. It can be hard on your mental health: the load of caring for children, ageing parents, finances, making a happy home and lives for others. And the juggle of it all.

This is all made harder by less pay for the same work, less superannuation, and more unpaid work compared with men. It is expected that we bear the burden of what is needed in a family and shoulder the lion’s share of effort when things go awry. We have less power, less of a voice. We are less heard. And all of this is exacerbated if you have a disability, don’t speak English, are parenting alone, experience trauma or violence or have a partner who doesn’t respect you as an equal.

We so often eat the burnt toast, take the smaller portion of food, spend money on our kids and forsake our own desires. We pay too little attention to our health needs, leave our cancerscreeningtoolateandputupwithwhat we wouldn’t want our daughters to endure. There is an overdue conversation about women’s health and wellbeing happening now. It highlights the high prevalence and wide-ranging harm of family violence, and that our health and social system is gendered against women.

Itisasystemthatpaysdoctorsbettertohave

lots of short consultations rather than fewer longer ones, where they can deeply listen to women’s complex and often multiple health concerns.

Women tell us they often don’t feel listened to, and their health issues are diagnosed late.

Screening breakthrough

The GenWest team includes Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) workers who have long advocated for a more sensitive screening method.

“Now that there’s the option of a cervical screen that they can self-collect without the speculum that makes it much easier for people and is a much more safer process,” she said.

The Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer (ACPCC) is playing a pivotal role in the campaign by delivering healthcare provider education. This education focuses on the importance of self-collection and how to support patients through the process.

Ms Lorrimar said it is necessary that healthcare providers are well-informed and proactive.

“Because people don’t know what they don’t know,” she said.

“Being given healthcare information is really important and I think it’s essential for healthcare professionals to provide that information to people so that they can be proactive with their healthcare, to look after their bodies and know what to look out for when things don’t seem right.

“It’s also really important for healthcare professionals – particularly in Melbourne’s west.It’ssuchadiversecommunitythatIthink healthcare professionals also need to keep upskillingandmakingsurethey’refiguringout new ways to best work with all those different communities … it’s really important that healthcare professionals provide a safe space and are forthright with a lot of information around things like screening.”

The federal government reported that more than 315,000 women had self-collected as of March, with 27 per cent of screening tests done that way.

The option to self-screen has been particularly positive for people who have never screened or are overdue, with one in three first-time screeners and 40 per cent of overdue screeners taking up the self-collection option, the government said.

For more information on the National Cervical Screening Program and to access translated resources, visit: https://shorturl.at/ lLDIi

Translatedresourcescanbefoundat:https:// shorturl.at/DdrNM

Healthcare providers can find additional resources and webinars at: https://shorturl.at/ znjnj

childcare, work is hard, and finances and independence get even harder.

It’s not all doom and gloom. There are often joys to our gender. Think of more and deeper familyandsocialrelationships,thejoyofbeing a mother or daughter, being the lynchpin of a family, and often of a community, and viewing success as much broader than money and career.

And there are some welcome changes happening. There is longer maternity leave, companies are required to report on gender pay gap, and provide greater support for women experiencing violence.

And at last, minimum wages are increasing in some our most feminised workforce, such as aged care.

But to achieve equity for women and improve women’s lot, we need more changes across society, including our health, social, housing, education and work systems. As a doctor, I have loads of ideas about what we need. But the solutions shouldn’t be led by doctors. They need to be driven by all women.

Star Weekly is running a series on women’s health – what keeps women well, what makes them unwell, what help they need, what stops them getting this help, and what would work to break down those barriers. When has the right help changed their world?

I applaud the newspaper group for this initiative. For if we get it right for women, we get it right for everyone.

Research is mainly done on men and only then applied to women. Women too frequently don’t have financial and housing stability, without which it’s almost impossible to be healthy and properly address illness. And without good, affordable

* Associate Professor Ines Rio is a working GP. She is also a member of the National Women’s Health Advisory Council, Chief Medical Officer at Monash University, the Chair of North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network’s Board, the Deputy Chair of Sexual Health Victoria and an advisor to the TherapeuticGoodsAdministration.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

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.

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

Associate Professor Ines Rio. (Supplied)

■ From page 1.

Sexual and reproductive health team leader Sarah Lorrimar. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413208_06

Have a say on Aitken Creek plan

Craigieburn residents are being encouraged to have their say on a new master plan for Aitken Creek.

Hume council endorsed the draft master plan, which focuses on improving the eastern sectionoftheparklandsfromAitkenBoulevard to Merri Creek, during its meeting on June 11.

The master plan covers an area of about 90 hectares. The council will use the master plan to understand the support needed to develop community recreation that protects ecology and Aboriginal cultural heritage values.

Councillor Jodi Jackson said the Aitken Creek corridor has been a much-valued part of

Craigieburn for over 40 years, providing space for residents to ride, walk and skate.

“We also love it for the nature links that it provides us,” she said.

“There is no mistaking that this creek and thefloraandfaunathataregrowntoit.Makeit a really wonderful place for recreation.

“On a personal note, it’s where I spent much of my childhood … is where I developed my love of nature and birds.

“The golf course is an important part of this master plan and it certainly falls within the scope of the master plan for good reasons.

“Pathways that cut through the rear of the

course are very widely used. It was one of those public spaces that helped us to maintain our sanity during the pandemic when travel further than five kilometres wasn’t allowed.”

It was around the pandemic time that residents realised that some of the paths in the area needed widening, Cr Jackson said.

“The most important aspect of this master plan for modern Craigieburn relates to the planning and construction of a direct pedestrian and cycling crossing at the road crossing at Aiken Boulevard.

“Today, this has been one of the biggest impediments to residents being able to safely

Probus offers a road to friendship

TravelingalongWatsonStreetinWallan,which transitions into state route C727, motorists embark on a picturesque journey through farmland dotted with animals and agricultural landscapes.

As the railway crossing fades into the rearview mirror, the scenery evolves into a blend of serene fields and occasional buildings, leading travelers toward the township of Wandong and, eventually, Whittlesea.

This scenic half-hour drive culminates in the welcoming embrace of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea.

The club, primarily comprising retired or semi-retired individuals beyond middle age, offers a haven for those seeking camaraderie and community engagement.

Probus membership is thriving in the regions of Wallan and Wandong, communities that perfectly align with the profile of eligible members.

The club’s core mission is fostering friendships, and monthly meetings are the centerpiece of its activities.

These gatherings feature guest presenters who conduct informative sessions, enriching members with knowledge and insights on various topics.

However, the essence of the Probus Club extends beyond these monthly meetings. It’s about the joy of connection and shared experiences. Members can participate in various activities, including special interest mini-meetings, long and short tours, and a

monthly dine-out event.

These additional engagements allow members to bond over common interests and create lasting memories.

Over the past year, the club has welcomed numerousnewmemberswhohavesignificantly contributed to its vibrancy.

Their fresh perspectives and active participation have invigorated the club’s activities, ensuring a dynamic and engaging environment.

As the club continues to grow and evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring power of fellowship and the simple joy of shared experiences.

Anne Parisianne

recreate on both sides of Aitken Boulevard.

“At the moment, it’s a 1.2-metre high fence that’s designed to prevent pedestrians and cyclistsfromaccessingbetweentheeasternand western sides of the creek.

“And that means that anyone wanting to cross to get to the other section either needs to take a lengthy and indirect detour.

“I would encourage as many residents as possible to read carefully through the draft master plan and to provide feedback so we can further enhance the draft for delivery infrastructure that our residents need and want.”

Criminal age lifted in Vic

VictoriawillbecomethefirstAustralian state to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 12 as long-awaited legislation arrives.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Youth Justice Minister Enver Erdogan announced the youth justice bill would be introduced to state parliament on Tuesday.

The standalone bill lifts the age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12.

“Ten and 11-year-olds don’t belong in the criminal justice system … they belong in schools,“ Ms Allan told reporters.

Children as young as 10 can be charged, convicted and imprisoned in every Australian state and territory except the Northern Territory, which raised the age of criminal responsibly to 12 in August.

TheACTpassedlegislationtoraisethe age to 14 by 2025 with some exceptions. In 2023, the Victorian government committed to lifting the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 10 to 12, before raising it again to 14 by 2027 with some exceptions.

Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes said the government would seek for the change to take effect in 2025 despite previously flagging a start date of late-2024.

The bill would also lower the age of prosecution for recruiting children to commit crimes from 21 to 18, create a legislated scheme for warnings, cautions and diversions, codify the existing legal presumption of doli incapax and enable a two-year trial of electronic monitoring of youth offenders on bail.

AAP

Members of Whittlesea Probus enjoying a day at Living Legends. (Supplied)

PUZZLES

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

ACROSS

1 Expend (3)

3 Choice (10)

10 Applaud (7)

11 Southern Pacific region (7)

12 Facilities of a building (9)

13 Ancient South American civilisation (4)

15 Florida fort (10)

17 Large jug (4)

19 Accepted standard (4)

20 Child of one’s child (10)

23 Keyboard error (4)

25 Insipid (9)

27 Members of a powerful military caste in feudal Japan (7)

28 Hub for military planes (7)

29 They protect the eyes from the glare (10)

30 Charter (3)

DOWN

1 Ineffectual (10)

2 The British Treasury (9)

4 Rest (9)

5 Moves steadily (5)

6 Watery (6)

7 Babysitter (5)

8 Web auction site (4)

9 Acting with ease (6)

14 Rainbow-coloured (10)

16 Painting of the countryside (9)

18 British civil service (coll) (9)

21 Said when raising a glass (6)

22 Light reddish brown (6)

24 Arab state (5)

25 Counterparts (5)

26 Egyptian goddess (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many

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

1 Colloquially, what is a cakewalk?

2 Where is the Bredikhin crater located?

3 For which three films has Daniel Day-Lewis won an Academy Award for Best Actor?

4 In which city was Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja born?

5 To which continent is the kangaroo rat native?

6 In which year was X (formerly Twitter) created and launched?

7 Maleficent is the main antagonist in which animated Disney film?

8 Which motor company makes the vehicle X-Trail?

9 Matt Damon (pictured) stars as a former criminal named Max in which 2013 sci-fi action film?

10 What is a female moose called?

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

Afternoon tea dance

Join the fun at Bridgewater Lakes Retirement Village in Roxburgh Park for an afternoon of dancing and socialising on Sunday, July 21, from 1pm to 4pm. Enjoy New Vogue, Line dancing, and Rock’ n’ Roll, with walk-throughs of Balmoral Blues and Tangoette. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and have a wonderful time. Entry is free.

■ Laurie Munro, ll.munro2@bigpond.com, or https://shorturl.at/cER26.

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://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x

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://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x

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.

Qi gong for health

Qigong has both psychological and physical components and involves the regulation of the mind, breath, and body movements and posture. Mondays for intermediate at 10-11am, Mondays for beginners at 11.15-12.15pm, Thursdays at 10-11am.

■ https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x

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

Historical society

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

■ 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, Craigieburn, 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

Community Cooking Class

Are you interested in learning new ways to cook Indian dishes and other multicultural foods? Join Creds Farm’s community cooking class, which happen twice a month on Thursdays, from 11am to 1pm All welcomed.

■ https://creedsfarm.org.au/event/ community-cooking-class-creeds-farm/ 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

This week’s photographer’s

is

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 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

choice

of Guy Walter and Michelle Richards from the Lancefield Witches Fair. (Damjan Janevski) 413693_01

Music fan rocking the airwaves

By Oscar Parry

Rock-focused radio program ‘TinShedMusic’ on Sunbury FM features a wide range of artists from the collection of Sunbury music stalwart Chris Galea.

GaleahasplayedinseveralSunburyactsover the years, such as the ‘Jackson’s Creek Boogie Band’, ‘Salty Dog’ in the 80s and 90s, and his current band ‘Bad Penny’s Rhythm n Blues, Rock’.

Galea even wrote a song about the suburb which he sometimes plays on his show, titled ‘Last Train to Sunbury’.

HisprogramhasastrongfocusonAustralian rock, hard rock, boogie, and the best of British 60s and 70s rock.

“I’ve been doing it for ten years at Sunbury

radio, and I’ve gained a really good following far and wide because of streaming,” Galea said.

“People are listening in Tasmania, Queensland, Western Australia, overseas –when people go away, they say ‘we’re going to listen to you’, and they’re on a ship near Fiji!”

Mr Galea draws much of his musical taste and knowledge from his youth as an enthusiast and member of the Australian rock scene, which he noted was an exciting time to be a Sunbury resident where local bands and festivals flourished.

He said he has always had a knack for music trivia, which has served him well in his time as a radio presenter.

“When I was younger … people would say ‘that’s just trivia, Chris, you’re wasting your time with that.’ But, I probably wasn’t really!”

he said.

His show draws fans from a wide demographic, which he says is largely due to the freedom presenting music on community FM radio offers.

“It was designed for people to just get on who had passion, who loved music and have knowledge of their music, and are prepared to go on there as a volunteer … put the time in, and play the music to people,” Galea said.

“It’s just the love of certain types of music … they gravitate to it.”

TinShedMusic broadcasts each Wednesday from noon–3pm on 99.3FM Sunbury Radio and can also be listened to through online streaming.

Details: https://sunburyradio.com.au/ chris-galea/

Musical focus for Lalor students

Lalor Secondary College students are gearing up to present High School Musical Jr later this year.

Theproductionfeaturesacastof40students from years 7-12, who have been practicing since April.

Under the guidance of teacher and production coordinator, Olivia Cirillo, the students have not only learned their lines and songs but also choreographed the dances themselves.

High School Musical Jr is an adaptation

of the popular Disney movie, High School Musical.

It tells the story of high school students breaking free from stereotypes and cliques to explore new interests and talents.

The Lalor show will feature 10 group songs and a few duets, and students will perform singing, dancing, and acting.

For this show, the students have also created the props and set pieces themselves.

Ms Cirillo said this approach gives students a sense of ownership and agency over the

production.

“(This show) is definitely a highlight of the year for a lot of them. And yeah, I think as we get closer to the show coming up, the excitement is definitely building,“ Ms Cirillo said.

The performances will occur on Thursday, August 22, and Friday, August 23, at 7.30 pm at Plenty Range Arts and Convention Centre in South Morang.

Anne Parisianne

Xgenz are the gurus of classic rock covers

Get set for a night of classic rock hits, as the Xgenz band returns to Sunshine this Friday night.

At the Double Deuce bar in Sunshine North, $10 tickets will be available at the door to experience a show that has been rocking Melbourne’s west for many years.

With drink specials and pool tables, the night is sure to be filled with fun.

Xgenz guitarist and founder Terry Koutsouras said the band loves to play in Sunshine.

“We are regulars there, we’ve built a

great relationship with the venue and the community,” he said.

“We play there every couple of months, we love playing there. We get a crowd of all ages, and we engage with our crowd.

“All our songs are ones you can dance to and sing along to, it’s all about having a good time.”

Xgenz plays exclusively covers of classic rock music, but Terry said no two shows have the same track list

“We are very particular with the songs we play, and we play to our audience,” he said.

“It’s pointless just playing songs I like, it’s all

about what the crowd wants.

“We’re a very energetic group, and we thrive off the crowd. Our music hits you where it counts.”

The band has been around for more than five years, and has seen many personnel changes, but Terry said the current group is among the best ever.

Doors open at 6pm at the Double Deuce bar at 264 McIntyre Road, Sunshine North, on Friday, June 28.

Gerald Lynch

Winter is coming to Williamstown.

From Friday, June 28 to Sunday, July 14, Commonwealth Reserve and Nelson Place will be the ideal location for a wintry family trip.

With an ice-skating rink and an unmissable view of Melbourne as your background, Commonwealth Reserve will be a sight to behold.

Also at the reserve there will be the HMAS Castlemaine, captivating roving light installations and a DJ for music to set the scene as you skate the night away.

Light displays will transform three landmark buildings across Nelson Place every day from 5pm until 10pm.

For a bit more extra weekend fun there will be interactive light painting from 7.30pm to 9.30pm each Friday and Saturday for the duration of Winter in Williamstown.

Hobsons Bay mayor Matt Tyler said the event showcase how much Williamstown has to offer.

“Williamstown is such a beautiful place at any time of year, but I can’t wait to see it transformed this winter,” he said.

“There’s so much to do in Williamstown, from great places to eat and drink and plenty of historic places to visit and explore, and this event is going to shine a new light on what is already one of our city’s most popular places.

“So get rugged up and come and explore the beauty of winter in Williamstown.”

Details: experiencehobsonsbay.com

Max Westwood

Xgenz will play in Sunshine on Friday, June 28. (Supplied)

Lalor Secondary College is putting on a production of High School Musical Jr. (Damjan Janevski) 411877

Sunbury musician and ‘TinShedMusic’ programmer Chris Galea. (Damjan Janevski) 414498

Planning and Environment Act 1987 WHITTLESEA PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of the preparation of an amendment Amendment C249wsea

Overview

Amendment C249 proposes to update the Whittlesea Planning Scheme (the scheme) to address a range of recommendations made by the Planning Scheme Review (PSR) 2018, an informal review undertaken in 2022 and the Council Plan 2021. The amendment will ensure the planning scheme is consistent with current practice and community expectations and will improve the usability of the planning scheme.

For further details, refer to the explanatory report about the amendment.

Details of the amendment

The City of Whittlesea as planning authority has prepared Amendment C249 to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.

The Amendment applies to all land within the municipality.

The Amendment proposes to make the following changes: Planning scheme ordinance

•Amends the Municipal Planning Strategy (MPS) at Clauses 02.01 (Context), 02.02 (Vision) and 02.03 (Strategic Directions) to incorporate outcomes from the Council Plan 2021 and other adopted council strategies and policies.

•Amends local policy at Clauses 11.01 (Victoria), 11.03 (Planning for Places), 12.01 (Biodiversity), 15.01 (Built Environment), 15.03 (Heritage), 16.01 (Residential Development), 17.01 (Employment), 17.03 (Industry), 19.02 (Community Infrastructure), and 19.03 (Development Infrastructure) to reference adopted plans and policy documents, make changes to improve consistency and readability and delete redundant policies.

•Amends the following schedules to zones to improve readability, make corrections and other changes identified from the PSR 2018 and PSR 2022:

• Schedule to Clause 35.05 (Green Wedge A Zone);

•Schedule 4 to Clause 37.02 (Comprehensive Development Plan); and,

•Schedules 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 to Clause 37.07 (Urban Growth Zone).

•Deletes Schedule to Clause 35.06 (Rural Conservation Zone) and amends Schedule 1 to Clause 35.06 (Rural Conservation Zone) to merge the content and remove duplication.

•Amends Schedule to Clause 72.03 (What does this Planning Scheme consist of?) to remove reference to Map 15PAO.

•Amends Schedule to Clause 72.08 (Background Documents) to include the following documents referred to in the scheme:

•Amended Cooper Street West Position Paper (Whittlesea City Council, October 2017);

•Biodiversity Strategy 2019-2029 (Whittlesea City Council, June 2019);

•Cooper Street Employment Area Design Guidelines (Whittlesea City Council, March 2018);

•Stage Two Dry Stone Wall Study Thematic History and Precincts (David Moloney, August 2020);

•Greening Whittlesea – City Forest Strategy 2020-2040 (Whittlesea City Council, April 2021);

•Open Space Strategy: Technical Report (Thompson Berrill Landscape Design, August 2016);

•Strong Local Economy 2022-2026 (Whittlesea City Council, February 2022);

•Sustainable Environment Strategy 2022-2032 (Whittlesea City Council, November 2022);

•Thomastown Industrial Area Plan 2018-2038 (Whittlesea City Council, March 2018);

•Whittlesea 2040: A Place for All (Whittlesea City Council, September 2022); and,

•Whittlesea Water for All: Our Water Strategy 2020-2030 (Whittlesea City Council, December 2020).

Zone maps

•Updates the Planning Scheme Maps 04, 05, 11, 12 and 17 to amend the Rural Conservation Zone Schedule 1 to remove duplication;

•Updates the Planning Scheme Maps 01, 02, 05, 06 and 07 renaming the Green Wedge A Zone Schedule to the Green Wedge A Zone Schedule 1; and,

•Deletes the Public Acquisition Overlay Schedule 4 at 605 O’Herns Road on Planning Scheme Map 15, which is no longer required.

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

•the Department of Transport and Planning website https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/amendments/ amendments-on-exhibition or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

•the Whittlesea City Council website at https://engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/.

•on request, during office hours, at the office of the Whittlesea City Council Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang VIC 3752 by contacting 9217 2170 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 16 August 2024.

A submission must be sent to the Chief Executive Officer, Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC VIC 3083.

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or its website for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

Yours sincerely

Debbie Wood

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Planning and Environment Act 1987 WHITTLESEA PLANNING SCHEME

Notice of the preparation of an amendment to a planning scheme

Amendment C275wsea

Overview

The amendment seeks to update the following three local policies in the Whittlesea Planning Scheme (scheme): Clause 13.07-1L - Display homes, Clause 19.02-1LMedical centres and Clause 19.03-5L - Materials recycling centres in line with current practices and Council expectations.

Details of the amendment

The City of Whittlesea as planning authority has prepared Amendment C275wsea to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme.

The Amendment applies to all land within the municipality.

The amendment proposes to update the Planning Policy Framework of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme to:

•Update three local policies at Clause 13.07-1L (Display homes), Clause 19.02-1L (Medical centres) and Clause 19.03-5L (Materials recycling centres), to ensure they are consistent with current planning practices and community expectations; and,

•Update the structure of the three local polices to improve their useability.

You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at:

• the Department of Transport and Planning website https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/planning-schemes/ amendments/amendments-on-exhibition or by contacting 1800 789 386 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

• the Whittlesea City Council website at https://engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/.

•on request, during office hours, at the office of the Whittlesea City Council Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang VIC 3752 by contacting 9217 2170 to arrange a time to view the amendment documentation.

Any person may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make.

Name and contact details of submitters are required for the planning authority to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend planning authority meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.

The closing date for submissions is Friday 16 August 2024.

A submission must be sent to the Chief Executive Officer, Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC VIC 3083.

The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office and/or its website for any person to inspect free of charge until the end of the two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.

Debbie Wood Acting Chief Executive Officer

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE A MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION ON THE EXISTING MONOPOLE AT 670 HUME HIGHWAY CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064 INCLUDING 5G

1. Vodafone proposes to install a mobile phone base station on the existing monopole to provide 4G and 5G coverage to the local area.

The proposal includes the installation of;

• A new headframe on the existing monopole.

•Six Vodafone panel antennas (each measuring not more than 2.8m in length), including three 4G/5G antennas, on the new headframe.

•Twelve new Remote Radio Units (RRUs) on the new headframe.

•An equipment shelter on a concrete slab with pole foundation.

•Ancillary equipment including antenna mounts, feeders, ladders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment.

2. Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Scott Sibly at Service Stream Limited, 0455 214 172, TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or PO Box 14570 Melbourne VIC 8001 by 5.00pm Thursday 11 July 2024.

4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3064015

12697905-KG26-24

SPORTS QUIZ

1. What animal is the mascot of the A-League team Macarthur FC?

2. Melissa Wu recently became the first Australian diver to qualify for how many Olympic Games?

3. The USA beat Canada and what other nation in the Group Stage of the 2024 Twenty20 World Cup?

4. The NBL team Melbourne United was previously known by what name?

5. The harness racing track Menangle Park is located in which state?

6. Alex de Minaur recently achieved his highest-ever ATP ranking of what number?

7. Sydney Swans forward Joel Amartey recently kicked how many goals in an AFL match against Adelaide?

Which Super Netball team recently parted ways with head coach Bec Bulley less than halfway into a four-year contract?

The WNBL will have a new team next season based in which regional Victorian city?

. Which Richmond AFL star recently reached the milestone of 300 games?

In the NHL, what are Ottawa also known as?

Who won the men's WWE Royal Rumble in January?

In darts, what is the regulation distance between the player and the front of the board?

14. 8.95m (29ft 4.5in) is the distance held by Olympic World Record holder Mike Powell in which event?

15. In the 2022 AFL Grand Final, how many points did winners Geelong score?

16. Which country won the gold medal in the women's all-around gymnastics at the 1988 Summer Olympics?

17. The sport of rowing as we know it today came from a rivalry between Oxford and which other university?

18. How many points under par is a birdie in golf?

19. Shuttlecocks are mainly made from duck or goose feathers and what other material at the tip?

20. In which US city did pickleball originate?

21. What is the name of the new team joining the A-League Men’s competition later this year?

22. Swimmer Ariarne Titmus broke the world record for which event at the Olympic selection trials?

23. Which country did Australia dismiss for 72 in their third T20 World Cup fixture?

24. And which spinner took four wickets for the Aussies to claim Man of the Match honours?

25. Which legendary film actor finished second at the 1979 Le Mans 24 Hour motor race?

26. The Venus Rosewater Dish is presented to the winner of which women’s tennis tournament?

27. Matildas soccer star Sam Kerr plays for which Women’s Super League club in England?

28. Which Melbourne Demons AFL star suffered a lacerated spleen, a punctured lung and four broken ribs against Collingwood in the King’s Birthday clash?

29. Which golfer famously won the 2000 US Open by 15 strokes?

30. Stade de France, the country’s largest stadium, was originally built for which major 1998 event?

Lexus LBX is small but stylish

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring

LBX is the Lexus equivalent of the Toyota Yaris Cross, but is it more than that?

With a truncated, low-riding version of the Lexus ‘spindle’ grille, the letters apparently stand for ‘Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over’. It’s a Lexus, yes and a crossover, but we’re not sure what makes it a breakthrough.

Sitting below the UX, it is the smallest Lexus to date and only the second model to carry a three-letter name, instead of the usual two letters, after the halo LFA supercar from 2011. L was reportedly added to the combination to avoid a clash with Citroen which owns the rights to BX, a model the French marque produced from 1982 to 1994 – when it was replaced by the Xantia.

Styling

There are three grades from which to choose, withpricesstartingfrom$47,550pluson-roads for the LBX Luxury 2WD, $52,990 for LBX Sports Luxury 2WD or $56,990 for LBX Sports Luxury AWD.

Our test vehicle was the entry level Luxury grade finished in pearlescent white. It can be identified by 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark grey and bright machined finish, LED headlights with adaptive high beam, rear spoiler and privacy glass and a two-tone finish.

Inside, the LBX Luxury has black NuLuxe upholstery for the seats, steering wheel, door and instrument panel trim, with contrasting red stitching, front and rear carpet floor mats, heated front seats, two-zone climate air with remote function, wireless phone charging, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, ambient interior lighting, smart entry and start and a powered tailgate.

The front seats are heated with eight-way power adjustment for the driver with two-way lumbar support and memory function.

Sports Luxury adds unique 18-inch wheels and a unique finish on the rear pillar which combines thin strips of gloss and non-gloss finish to create a stylish geometric expression.

Inside, it gains a combination of artificial NuLuxe and Ultrasuede upholstery, suede cloth trim for the door, instrument panel, and console box, and a premium leather shift knob and heated steering wheel.

The higher grade also gains Head-Up Display (HUD) with touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, multi-colour ambient interior lightinganda13-speakerMarkLevinsonaudio and active noise control.

Lexus Teammate advanced park is also included to make parking even easier.

LBX comes standard with a five-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, plus a three-year complimentary subscription to Lexus Encore which provides exclusive offers withluxuryhotelpartners,invitestoeventsand experiences and fuel discounts at participating Ampol servos.

Infotainment

Multimedia is supported by a 9.8-inch touchscreen display with satellite navigation, paired with a six-speaker Panasonic audio system compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.

Up to three users can save their personal settings for the multimedia, vehicle settings and active safety parameters.

There’s wireless charging, three front and two rear USB-C ports, as well as front and rear 12V accessory sockets.

But bear in mind the charge sockets are USB-C, so that old USB-A to -C cable is not going to work.

Engines/transmissions

Thehybridsysteminfront-driveLBXcombines a1.5-litrethree-cylinder,AtkinsonCyclepetrol engine that produces 69kW/185Nm, with a single electric motor that generates a combined output of 100kW.

In comparison, the donor Yaris Cross has a smaller electric motor and delivers

67kW/120Nm, with a peak output of 85kW.

A CVT-style continuously variable auto offers two modes: Eco and Normal.

Safety

As yet the LBX has not been rated for safety by ANCAP.

Lexus Safety System+ provides a comprehensive suite of safety features, including eight airbags, which is designed to help provide protection for drivers, passengers, and other road users.

It’s equipped with the Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Pre-collision Braking (PB), which may be able to detect preceding vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists in the daytime, as well as oncoming vehicles and motorcycles in the daytime.

A camera mounted on the steering column monitors driver attention.

If, like me, you often drive one-handed, with that hand in the 12 o’clock position, you’ll get in trouble from the system because the camera cannot see your face.

We kid you not. The system may even shut down the car if it becomes really concerned.

Driving

We didn’t get off to a good start with the LBX. Although the key was in the cabin, it somehow managed to lock itself. Good thing there’s a secret button that can be used to release the doors.

After that hiccup LBX refused to start, as in the electrical system played totally dead - no lights, no nothing.

After jumpering the car, it was finally coaxed into life, but then did the exact same thing a couple of days later. Grrr . . .

It may have been a failing 12-volt battery, but deciding to take no chances we treated the LBX as a plug-in hybrid, connecting it to a trickle charger each time we returned home.

While the 12-volt battery is located under the back seat like my old Beetle, it is possible to charge the car from the fuse box under the bonnet.

Thankfully, there were no further recurrences.

Although the car reports the current state of the hybrid system, the instrumentation does not extend to a monitor for the secondary battery as it has done in many other cars over the years.

The project lead engineer Kunihiko Endo said engineering the car to provide the level of refinement expected from a Lexus was a challenge.

Beingasmallervehiclespacewaslimitedand they had to adopt a different approach to the traditional use of sound insulation.

Does it work? Yes and no.

Back in the day, the V8-powered Lexus LS 400 was the quietest car we had ever driven.

Itwassoquietthatitwasoftendifficulttotell whether the engine was running and we kept double-starting it.

Fast forward and the LBX is not that car.

You cannot escape the fact that this is a small vehicle with a short wheelbase, and the ride tends to be choppy on our second rate roads.

Engine noise is also very apparent under hard acceleration.

The front suspension features a new MacPhersonstrutsetupwithupdatedgeometry to ensure straight-line stability and minimal understeer.

At the rear, front-drive variants use a rigid torsion beam while the AWD variant employs a trailing arm, double wishbone set-up to accommodate the rear motor.

The chassis has been strengthened with multiple braces, short pitch welding techniques and more than 19 metres of structural adhesive to maximise torsional rigidity.

Thebonnetmeanwhileismadeofaluminium to save weight.

The dash from 0-100km/h takes 9.2 seconds and it has a top speed of 170km/h.

Combined fuel consumption from the 36-litre tank is a claimed 3.8L/100km, using standard 91 RON unleaded, with CO2 emissions of 85g/km.

LBX features a bi-polar nickel-metal hydride battery, which Lexus reckons offers much greaterpowerdensityandthroughputpotential than traditional lithium-ion cells.

The nickel-metal hydride battery is

positioned underneath the rear seat.

Aside from electrical problems, LBX feels like a definite step up from Yaris Cross.

The drive experience is generally satisfying, but performance is adequate rather than exhilarating.

Theleather-accentedsteeringwheelisamong the best we’ve used, smooth, chunky and easy on the fingers.

Fuel consumption is good, but higher than expected, at 4.9L/100km after 420km, compared to the manufacturer’s claim of 3.8L/100km.

Two Isofix child seat anchors are offered in the rear, but rear legroom is pretty much non-existent.

The boot however has a larger capacity than expected.

A puncture repair kit is provided in lieu of a spare tyre and wheel.

Of note the infotainment system needs a bit of work.

There’s no home button and no facility to connect to Android Auto if your phone does not automatically re-establish a connection upon re-entering the vehicle.

Wefoundtheoverhead360degreecameraso annoying that we opted to turn it off.

As soon as vehicle speed drops to a crawl, it switchesonobscuringthemaporwhateverelse is on screen. Grrr . . .

The satnav is second rate, offering very little information in regard to street signs and upcoming turns.

We switched to Waze instead. Grrr . . .

Summing up

Sorry, but that’s a no from us.

LBX is too small and has too many annoying traits.

In fact, apart from growing its market share, we’re left wondering whether models like the UX and LBX risk eroding the reputation that Lexushasbattledtobuildoverthepast30years or so. Then again younger drivers recognise and find the styling appealing, so maybe we are just not part of the demographic that Lexus has in its sights.

Chris Riley says LBX is too small and has too many annoying traits. (Pictures: Supplied)

The weather might be getting cooler, but the action is heating up on the courts and fields. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was out shooting some of the action on Saturday.

Action from around the grounds

1/ Borbor Sam and Nathan Talevski. 414027_02 2/ Melton Phoenix’s Deng Shan_(Ljubica Vrankovic)_414042_15

Muaki Kuradate. 414042_06

North Sunshine’s Alex Gould. 413385_05

Riddell’s Dylan Podolczak. 414039_18 6/ Riddell’s Maddison Brown. 414038_1 7/ Wallan’s Matthew Perri. 414039_17 8/ Wallan’s Rebekah Konstantopoulos and Riddell’s Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs. 414038_02 9/ Western Rams’ Michael Walsh. 413385_01 10/ Westgate’s Melvin Becket. 414027_16

Cannons and Knights depleted by the nationals

The Calder Cannons have won their last three games to push into fourth place on the Coates Talent League ladder, but all bets are off for Saturday’s match against Northern Knights.

Players from both sides will be missing, playing in South Australia with Vic Metro for the under-18 national championships.

Cannons, who beat Northern Knights by 30 points during their first meeting earlier in the year, will be without captain Damon Hollow, Isaac Kako, Harry O’Farrell, Jayden Nguyen and Nash King for the clash.

Knights players Jesse Dattoli, captain Zak Johnson, Thomas Sims and Gabriel Stumpf are also part of the Vic Metro squad.

Cannons head coach Sam Willatt, himself will be absent for the match due to his assistant coaching role with the Metro team, said the match would be an interesting one.

“It could be a really good test of our depth; we’ve got some kids from school football returning,sowemightusethistohavealookat (the players) who we haven’t seen much of this year,” he said.

“It’s going to be really interesting to see the sides that come out. It will be a really good opportunity for a lot of our boys to show us whattheycando,maybeinadifferentposition,

maybe some guys playing their first game.” Willatt said he was impressed with the way theCannonsplayershadcompetedsofarinthe national championships.

Pacers import shines

By Tara Murray

Late last year, American Meekness Payne had onlyheardofonebasketballteaminAustralia, the Australian Boomers.

Having just finished college, playing overseas was on his radar when his manager mentioned about a club keen on him in Australia.

After a couple of conversations he agreed to join the Whittlesea Pacers for the Big V men’s division 1 season.

“I graduated college last May and I knew that I was going to end up playing overseas, I didn’t know where I would end up,“ he said.

“My agent actually connected me with [Pacers coach] Des [Radoslovic].

“He got us on the phone and we chatted and I liked his coaching philosophy and that’s how the ball got rolling.”

Payne had previously visited Australia when he was in grade 6, but had never been to Melbourne.

He said he was loving his time with the Pacers so far.

“The club has been treating me well,” he said. “Everyone has been welcoming.

“It has been good. They were at the top of the ladder last season, in div 2. They already had the pieces, Des, when we were on the phone said that they needed one more piece which was me to really make an impact.

“Everything is falling into place.”

Payne said playing in the Big V was a bit different from playing at college. He said it was a pretty good standard.

“It’s a good level to really just hone your skills and work on your game,” he said.

“I’ve used a lot of the games to work on things I wasn’t able to do in college, cause in college you’ve got to play to your coaches system a lot, out here, able to do things more freely.”

Payne said he’d been happy with the way he was playing. He averaged nearly 26 points per game, third most in the division.

As a team, he said they had great chemistry which was showing in the results.

As well as playing, Payne has been involved in the Pacers junior programs.

“I help out running Aussie Hoops, school clinicsatcertainschoolsaroundthenorthern suburbs,” he said.

“I also help with the domestic and development, the kids that play domestic and working towards rep, help develop them on Fridays.

“I started dabbling in that back home. Since I’ve been here I’ve upped it and I feel like it is one of my gifts.”

With a top two spot at the midpoint of the

Meekness Payne. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 407984_07

season, Payne said they had big goals this year. “I think we can win it this year,” he said.

“We need to take care of business these last five games. We want to end the season strong and be ready for play off.”

In the first match against the Allies small forward Kako kicked two goals, while Hollow racked up 21 touches.

“If their best performances are in the nationals, that’s a really good sign, because obviously they’re valued quite heavily for their prospects going into the draft at the end of the year,” he said.

“It’s about the experience they get, to travel, to play with the best guys in the state and the league. The belief they get from being able to show it on the national stage is pretty cool too.”

TheCannonsgirlswereinactiononSaturday and it was a tough day out for them against the Oakleigh Chargers.

The Chargers led 41-0 at quarter time and the Cannons failed to score a goal until the final quarter. It was the Chargers winning 14.13 (97)-2.2 (14).

Maddison Albrecht and Eden Grant were named the Cannons best.

The Cannons girls have a bye this week. Matt Hewson

Tigers upset Bears

Westmeadows ended Burnside Heights winning start to the Essendon District Football League division 2 season.

Havingfailedintheirfirsttwoattempts against the top two sides this season, the Tigers finally clicked on Saturday against the Bears.

The Bears led by five points at quarter time before the Tigers took a 14 lead into half time.

The margin was still 10 points at the final break.

The Tigers were able to kick four goals to three to cement a 13.10 (88)-11.6 (72) win.

Korey Flavel-Wood, Corey McCawley and Shaun O’Grady kicked two goals each for the Tigers.

Nathan Sparks and Jarrod Petersen were named the Tigers.

The Tigers remain in third spot, but are now only a game behind the top two teams.

Indivision1,theraceforthefifthfinals spotisheadingupwiththreeteamsequal on points.

Craigieburnsuffereditsfourthstraight loss on Saturday, losing to St Albans, 18.13 (121)-7.10 (52).

Brent and Cade Gordon were named the Eagles best.

The losses have opened up the door for the chasing pack. The Eagles sit three games behind fourth placed Maribyrnong Park.

While Tullamarine sits in sixth spot only percentage behind the Eagles after beating Rupertswood, 13.8 (86)-5.8 (38). FletchSmithandDanielDevinewerethe Demons best.

Roxburgh Park is also only percentage behind the Eagles, following its win against Moonee Valley.

Teronne Potter kicked four goals in a best on ground performance for the Magpies. In premier division, Greenvale returned to the winners list.

After three straight losses to top four sides, the Jets were able to overcome Avondale Heights on Saturday.

The Jets trailed by a point at quarter time before kicking 14 goals to six to come away with a 17.6 (108)-8.16 (64).

Ben Bath kicked six goals for the Jets, with Jarryd Bonello named their best.

The Jets remain in fifth spot, but are now two games clear of the chasing pack.

Small forward Isaac Kako is one of five Calder Cannons players who will miss this weekend’s match against Northern Knights due to Vic Metro commitments. (Ljubica Vrankovic)

Hume City through to Australia Cup final 32

Hume City is through to the national stage of the Australia Cup.

One of the most successful Victorian teams in the competition, Hume won through to the final 32 with victory against Caroline Springs George Cross.

Hume was quickly out of the blocks with Tommy Maricic opening the scoring for Hume in the 16th minute despite Georgies pleas for a hand ball.

Josh Bingham doubled the lead in the 42nd minute to take a 2-0 lead into half time.

Hume continued on its way in the second half.

Michel Platt scored in the 61st minute and thenscoredasecondoneinthesecondminute of injury time to put the icing on the cake.

Hume got the win 4-0.

Coach David Chick said they were thrilled to be back in the national stage of the competition.

“Thatwasthatwasalwaystheaimobviously from the start, like the cup is huge and there’s a directive from the start to make sure we always try and do our best in it.

“I know some find it difficult to play double competitions, but we always want to do well based on the history of the club having done well previously, it makes sense to us.

“It’s a nice achievement.”

Chick said the Georgies came and caused some problems and were pretty competitive early on.

He said they tried to make it really awkward

for them.

Hume joins Heidelberg United, South Melbourne and Melbourne Srbija through to the next round.

Oakleigh Cannons will face Avondale for the final Victorian spot in the 32 team national stage.

It’s the first time Hume has qualified for the round of 32 since 2021, where it was knocked out by Melbourne City in the round of 16.

Chick, who returned to the club this season, has great memories of Hume’s involvement in the national stage.

Hume has qualified for this stage six times now with its best finish the semi finals in 2015.

“It’s something that people remember, like three years, four years seems like a long time

Semi finals await United

By Tara Murray

Bundoora United’s fairy tale run in the Nike F.C Cup has continued with the club through to the final four of the competition.

Bundoora faced fellow Victorian Premier League Women’s side Keilor Park on Wednesday night in the quarter finals of the competition.

KeilorParkhadknockedoutCalderUnited, which had won the past six cups, in the previous round.

Bundoora coach Jonathan Barrientos said they were pretty excited about the result.

He said having played Keilor Park during the season, they had a bit of an idea what to expect.

“We’ve encountered them throughout the season,” he said.

“We had a really big loss last time we played them, it wasn’t a true reflection of our team on that day.

“We lost to them 9-1 at home. We had a big build up knowing that last result, but we didn’t think too much about it.

“We had momentum going into the game having been undefeated in our last four games.”

Barrientos said they wanted to show some of the play that had held them in such good stead the past two years.

He said there was a really good vibe in the changerooms beforehand with their leaders leading from the front.

Bundoora would come away with a 2-1 win.

“Keilor put us under pressure early on and credit to them they scored a goal in the eighth minute,” Barrientos said.

“After that we released that is all they have. We were pretty fortunate to score twice in the first half.

“The message at half time was that if it stays like this we win.”

Barrientos said the message at half time was to keep playing the “Bundy” and continue to press on.

He said they made their first sub with about 10 minutes to go and started to shut it down then.

Bundoora will face Preston Lions in the

if you’re a fan of a club your whole life a few years doesn’t feel that long.

“That’s [2015] is the pinnacle of it and when you’ve had an experience like that you long for it again.

“They were good night and I would love to do this again.”

Hume City faces Darwin Heat in the round of 32 on July 30, while drawing either Heidelberg United or South Melbourne in the semi finals of the Dockerty Cup.

“As a coach he said he would love a home match, but said any match of this stage of the competition was exciting.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

Northern FL

Bundoora did its hopes of avoiding relegation no harm with its second win of the Northern Football League division 1 season on Saturday. The Bulls had to fight hard against Montmorency, but were able to do enough to win, 8.5 (53)-7.9 (51). Jesse King kicked four goals for the Bulls, while Jackson Davies and Lachlan East were named their best. The Bulls now sit in eighth spot, a game clear of Macleod. In division 2, Whittlesea and South Morang were on the winners list, while in division 3, Mernda moved to the top of the ladder and Epping into the top five.

Big V

Whittlesea Pacers legend Jason Dirkx celebrated game 300 on Sunday, but it wasn’t the result he or the division 1 side wanted. Facing the Warrandyte Venom, the Pacers led through three quarters and looked on track to continue its good form. The Venom though game home strong to come away with an 88-80 win. Meekness Payne top scored with 28 points for the Pacers. The Pacers remain in second on the ladder.

FV

semi finals.

“Spring Hills is the strongest team in the VPL,” he said.” Preston is an NPL [National Premier League] side.

“Either side will be tough competition. Regardless of the season form to you there and whatever happens, happens and it’ll be whoever plays the best football on the night.”

Bundoora sits sixth on the ladder after 12 rounds. On Sunday it had a 1-0 loss to SouthernUnitedwhichsitsonepositionabove them on the ladder.

Barrientos said they had really built into the season.

“The higher level took some of the girls by surprise,” he said before the weekend’s match. “I was really confident going into the season they were good enough to match it with any one.

“Mental belief let us down early as they didn’t realise how good they were.

“The last four weeks and last night we’ve shownwe’reconfidentmovingintothesecond half of the season.”

Whittlesea United returned to the winners list with a good win against Western Suburbs in the FV state league 1 north-west on Friday night. Having suffered its first loss of the season before a league wide bye, Whittlesea was back on target against Western Suburbs, winning 4-2. Whittlesea remains five points clear at the top of the table. In other matches, Upfield had a 3-1 loss to Corio on Saturday.

NPL

Hume City bounced back in a big way in the National Premier League competition on Sunday. After a 5-0 loss the previous round, Hume was switched on against St Albans. Hume was in control all game, winning 3-0. Joshua Gulevski scored two of those goals.

Bundoora United is through to the final four of the Nike F.C Cup. (Supplied)