300 for Dickinson
Blake Dickinson became just the fourth player to play 300 Big V games for the Craigieburn Eagles on Saturday. Dickinson, who started his basketball career at the Eagles as a junior, has been a staple in the senior side since he was 17. Find out about what keeps him coming back and why he loves playing for the Eagles by turning to page 22.
Build rail link: Mayors
By Gerald Lynch
Mayors from Melbourne’s north-west have called on the state and federal governments to get on with building the Melbourne Airport Rail Link.
As reported by StarWeekly , mediator Neil Scales, who was appointed to determine whether a resolution is possible between the state government and the operator of Melbourne Airport as to the location of the station, reported that the rail link project remains viable and necessary, and is well backed by all parties.
In a report tabled to federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King, Mr Scales recommended the station be built above ground.
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said it is time to get on with the building of the project, as it is a development that is integral for Brimbank residents.
“The mediator has provided a clear way forward and it is time now for all the parties involved to put their differences aside, work together and get the Melbourne Airport Rail project built,” she said.
“We also call on the state government to reassess its revised timeline of a four-year delay and treat the project with the same priority as the Suburban Rail Loop East, which will service the better connected and more affluent suburbs in Melbourne’s east.”
Hume mayor Naim Kurt echoed this sentiment, and said it is more than time for the rail link to be built.
“Melbourne Airport remains the only Australian capital city without a rail link, which unfairly impacts our residents that work fromtheairport,”hesaid.“AsoneofAustralia’s fastest growing council’s, we need all levels of
government to commit to outer suburbs by keeping this project on track, just as they have for the Suburban Rail Loop East.
“Our residents’ needs should come before politics, and we hope the mediator’s report will help end the stalemate so work can begin and reduce the projected four-year delay.”
The mayors’ comments come as Melbourne Airport announced it would “compromise” andworkwiththestategovernmenttobuildan above-ground station.
“Victorians have waited long enough for an airport rail line,” Melbourne Airport chief executive Lorie Argus said.
Blake Dickinson ahead of game 300. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_417498_15
Have your say on women’s pain
According to the health department, submissions can be about experiences of pain andpaincare,treatmentorservicesreceivedin Victoria.
Surveyresultsrevealedthatclosetohalfofall women are impacted by issues related to their periods, pregnancy, birth and postnatal care, or conditions like endometriosis.
Women, their family members and healthcare professionals are being urged to make submissionstoVictoria’sInquiryintoWomen’s Pain.
The inquiry will examine systemic issues and solutions and hear directly from women across Victoria and is led by a panel of experts and overseen by the Women’s Health Advisory Council.
The pain can be the result of an injury or trauma, dental pain, joint pain, or musculoskeletal pain, or relate to heart, neurological, reproductive, autoimmune or other health conditions.
The experiences of healthcare workers who have worked with women and girls with pain are also being sought.
The inquiry was launched by the state governmentfollowingthereleaseofalandmark survey earlier this year, which confirmed what women already know: their pain is real – and regularly overlooked.
Nearly 60 per cent of participants reported havinghadpositivehealthcareinteractions.But oneinthreesaidthey’dexperiencedinsensitive and disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard.
Findings from the survey included:
• Fourin10Victorianwomenlivewithchronic pain;
• About half of participants reported that period-related conditions (heavy periods, cramping, PMS) affected their health and wellbeing;
• Similarly, about 50 per cent said that
Cultural help for alcohol and drugs
ABraybrook-basedprogramishelpingwomen in the Vietnamese community in Melbourne’s north-west to overcome alcohol and drug (AOD) issues.
The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association (AVWA) offers accessible, community-basedalcoholanddrugtreatment, as well as family counselling and support for clients involved in the criminal justice system. The program also runs in Richmond and Springvale.
AVWAcouncillorAnhBuisaidtheprogram has been running for 10 to 15 years.
“Most of the services in terms of alcohol and other drugs are … recovery-oriented with a holistic approach to making sure the clients receive all the help they need,” she said.
AVWA counsellors speak Vietnamese and English, with the association keen to ensure members of the Vietnamese feel comfortable reaching out for help.
With this in mind, Ms Bui said the association placed great emphasis on confidentiality.
“Keeping clients’ confidentiality is something we prioritise in our services because we know how small [the Vietnamese
community] can be, and everyone knows each other,” she said.
“We try to separate that and make sure the clients feel safe with us in a confidential way with consent.”
Ms Bui said many of AVWA’s clients come from a refugee background, which might “directly or indirectly relate” to their alcohol and drug use.
Counselling sessions are conducted face-to-face, over the phone and rarely over Zoom, with counsellors working with clients for 90-day cycles.
“We mark rehabilitation as an episode, so one episode is 90 days,” Ms Bui said.
“We try to see [clients] every fortnight, or if they require more and want to engage more, we can try for once a week.
“AOD is counted as an episode because they can have urges sometimes and try to abstinent for a while. Usually within three months, that will be the end of the episode. It might be up and down, and they might need treatment again. Some people have an episode for a whole year.
“The longer the episodes are, the slower the progress.
pregnancyandbirthcomplicationscontinued to impact their health;
• About 30 per cent said they were affected by the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause;
• Thirty per cent said conditions such as endometriosis, menopause and chronic pain led to poor mental health;
• One in three have health conditions that affect their ability to work and keep a job; and
• Twentypercentsaidtheymissedoutonsocial connections because of their health.
Submissions can be made until July 31 and recommendations from the inquiry will be used to improve care for women in Victoria.
Details: health.vic.gov.au/public-health/ inquiry-into-womens-pain.
“Three months is the baseline to see how much help they need and where they are at.”
The AVWA is passionate about promoting good behaviour in the community and has formed strong relationships with other stakeholders, including the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre – a maximum security women’s prison in Deer Park.
“We understand that at a women’s prison like DPFC, there are a lot of women prisoners whohavealackofeducationintermsofAOD..
“So during the past few years, we occasionally went into the prison to provide them with education sessions.”
Theassociationalsorunscommunityevents throughout the year, and offers its services to men in the community as well.
“Wereallywanttobringtreatmenttofamilies and friends and alcohol and drug users, but also raising awareness about encouraging good behaviour in the community, we also want to highlight our core value of helping the community,” Ms Bui said.
“It takes time to solve AOD problems but I think we do our best and contribute the best AOD health services for the Vietnamese community.”
Women’s health organisations GenWest and Women’s Health in the North will receive funding boosts from the state government.
The government has set aside $18 million in its 2024-25 budget for 12 women’s health organisations.
The government said the work will be delivered by women for women, including those from multicultural backgrounds, Aboriginal women, women with disabilities, and women in regional Victoria.
GenWest gender equity general manager Kate Phillips said the funding would help the organisation do more work with schools about consent, education and respectful relationships.
“We’llbeabletoexpandthenumber of schools in the different settings that we deliver, that vital health information in, and we’ll be able to do so much more in language, health, education, work in the community,” she said.
“And we’ll also be able to do more workplace training on gender inclusive practice and all of that work really contributes, will really work, is us working towards achieving gender equity in the west and supporting women’s health and wellbeing.”
Women’s Health in the North said the funding would enable it to continue its work in priority areas of gender equity, prevention of gender-based violence, and sexual and reproductive health.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said women’s health organisations provide a range of services including producing tools and resources to empower women to take charge of their own health, sharing information about women’s rights and service options, as well as initiatives to promote gender equality, family violence prevention and inclusive women’s health policy.
“Women’s health matters. That’s why we are currently delivering a complete transformation of women’s health in Victoria – and supporting these 12 organisation to continue delivering for women across the state,” she said.
“For too long women’s pain has been overlooked, misdiagnosed and dismissed – we’re taking a stand by listening to Victorian women and overhauling how women’s health is treated in Victoria.”
Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association’s Anh Bui and Thao Ha. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 413896_01
Breast cancer service grows
specialised services: Contrast-Enhanced Mammography, Stereotactic Breast Biopsy and MRI Breast Biopsy. This expansion has resulted in a fully comprehensive breast imaging service at Northern Health.
a shorter procedure time than MRI scans.
Northern Imaging Victoria has enhanced biopsy procedures with 3D Tomosynthesis guided Stereotactic Breast Biopsies.
Northern Imaging Victoria, part of Northern Health, has expanded its breast imaging serviceswithateamofsevenbreastradiologists and dedicated mammography technologists.
It has also instituted a new Women’s Imaging Fellowship in Radiology, which will further contribute to the team’s expertise and knowledge.
Northern Imaging has introduced three
According to Northern Imaging Victoria, Contrast-Enhanced Mammography (CEM) is a cutting-edge technique that improves cancer identification.
Using a contrast agent, CEM enhances the visibility of abnormalities that may not be clearly visible on a standard mammogram. This technology increases breast cancer detectionratesandprovidesbetterinformation for evaluation and treatment planning. Importantly, CEM offers cost-effectiveness and
This less invasive alternative to surgical biopsy is used when a small growth or an area of calcifications is detected on a mammogram, which requires further investigation.
Thecapabilitytoperform3Dtomosynthesisguided stereotactic biopsies increases the accuracy of the procedure.
MRI-Guided Breast Biopsy is another advanced procedure now available.
This minimally invasive technique precisely targets suspicious areas identified on breast MRI for diagnosis, reducing patients’ discomfort and recovery time.
It takes a village: Supportive mums
Solo mother Michelle Galea’s worst nightmare is her son losing his only parent. In September last year, she was forced to confront that fear after being diagnosed with breast cancer.
Michelle was 49 when she discovered a pea-sized lump while scratching her breast one morning. She tried to make a breast screen appointment but was advised to see her GP instead because of the lump.
“Icouldtellitwaspositive,youcantellbythe way people talk to you,” Michelle said.
When Michelle heard that she had breast cancer, she began to worry about her son, Charlie.
“My first thoughts went to my son,” Michelle said. “Who would look after my child if I died? What would happen to him? Who would care for him?
“Being a solo mother, these thoughts come into our minds earlier than most two parent families.”
According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in 57 Australians are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day, equating to over 20,000 Australians each year. “I was quite shocked, I didn’t think I would be in that position to be quite honest,” Michelle said.
The next several months were filled with scans, visits to a surgeon, and surgery to remove the cancer. “I had the lump removed and I also had some lymph nodes removed out of my arm,” Michelle said
After surgery, Michelle met with her oncologist to work out the next steps.
“The surgeon organised an MRI done on both breasts to check if it was anywhere else,” she said.
“After it is removed, that is when you see the oncologist who works out your plan of action.”
Michelle’s oncologist recommended a test, known as an Oncotype DX test, which determines whether further treatment is
needed. Michelle said the test isn’t funded in Australia and her test needed to be sent to the US for analysis. It recommended she start chemotherapy.
“Unfortunately to do that test, it’s $5000 out of pocket, Medicare does not fund it at all,” she said. “I reckon I am close to $20,000 out of pocket because I went private.”
Michelle underwent chemotherapy and radiation and is battling ongoing problems with her arms due to the lymph node removal.
Withthesupportofherparents,wholenther money for several tests, and the support of her
In the midst of her battle, Michelle was also running a nationwide support group she started in 2013, called Australian Solo Mothers by Choice. “It was hard especially as a solo mother, when you get diagnosed with something like that it takes a couple of weeks for you to get your head around it,” she said.
“Luckily, I have created a great village for my son.Ihavemadesureheisconnectedandloved by family who will care for him. “So I know my village will be there for my son in case I die.”
Northern Imaging Victoria is one of the few providers of this highly specialised service in Victoria.
Director of imaging services, associate professor Terry Kok said, “We now offer a fully comprehensive breast imaging service that few health services can match. I am proud of our team for pioneering these advances in the north.”
Chief medical officer associate professor Wanda Stelmach praised the partnership between Northern Imaging Victoria and Northern Health Breast Unit.
“Itisamazingtobeabletoprovideabsolutely first-class care to the women in the north of Melbourne and along the northern rural corridor,” Ms Stelmach said.
Hub to improve healthcare
Broadmeadows women will have improved access to sexual and reproductive health services, following the announcement of a new healthcare hub in the suburb.
The women’s sexual and reproductive health hub, which will be run by DPV Health, will join Victoria’s network of 20 women’s healthcare hubs across the state that are providing free or low-cost care including contraception, medical abortion, referral for surgical abortion and sexual health testing and treatment.
The state government said the hub locations were selected following extensive sector consultation and are expected to help at least 4000 more girls and women access sexual and reproductive health services every year.
Part of a $153 million women’s health package, the hubs will transform the way women’s health issues are treated – breaking down barriers women and girls face in accessing affordable and comprehensive care, the government said. Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the hub would help women tofeelsafeandsupportedwhenaccessing the care they need, including medical and surgical abortion.
The workforce supporting the hub will also benefit from the government’s Women’s Health Scholarship program, helping to address existing skills and knowledge shortages when it comes to women’s health. More than 100 scholarships will be delivered., offering chances to upskill in areas
Premier Jacinta Allan said the hubs would help bridge the gender health gap.
siblings who attended her appointments with her, Michelle has come out on the other side.
Solo mother Michelle Galea was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. (Damjan Janevski) 412955_01
Vandals force Ranges off field
By Max Westwood
Another alleged targeted vandalism attack has hit Whittlesea Ranges Soccer Club.
Asreportedby Star Weekly,theclubhashad numerous issues with vandalism at Harvest Home Recreation Reserve.
The latest attack on June 24 marks the second attack in less than three weeks and the fourth overall on the club in recent times.
Executive board member Sergio Costanzo said the club has had to find alternative places to train due to the repeated attacks.
“The main stadium has also been done
again, they actually got into pits up there as well.” he said.
“So the last three to four days we’ve been out trying to train wherever we can get, LaTrobe University, RMIT just shopping around, trying to get a ground to train on.”
Mr Costanzo said the vandalism was affecting the club’s 450 participants.
“We’re a big club,“ he said. We’ve got seniors, senior men, senior women right down to under-sevens. We’ve got both a boys and girls teams.
“It’s a logistical nightmare.”
The latest attack comes just as the last lot of
vandalism was fixed,
Mr Costanzo said the worst thing is the hundreds of thousands of dollars that will need to be spent on fixing this lot of damage.
He wants those who use the facility to make sure they are locking it and wants to know what Whittlesea council is doing to fix the ongoing problem.
A council spokesperson said the council was working with electrical contractors to fix the damages caused as quickly as possible.
“Council is extremely disappointed that vandals have again targeted the Harvest Home Recreation Reserve in Epping,“ the
Researchers call for stronger ‘pitch’
La Trobe University researchers have discovered that while a campaign at a major sporting event about violence against women was an important community initiative, it did not raise public awareness of the issue and avoided tough discussions.
In a paper published in the international journal Event Management, researchers investigated the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games and its One Million StarstoEndViolence(OMSTEV)campaignto assess its effectiveness when linked to a major sporting event.
Lead researcher La Trobe senior lecturer in sports management from the Bundoora campus, Dr Alana Thomson said the connectionbetweensportseventsandviolence against women was an emerging area of research that aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal number five, gender equality.
“It is vital for major sporting events to raise awareness of this issue because past research has shown that family violence rates can increase by up to 40 per cent around football grand final events,” Dr Thomson said.
“This can be due to several surrounding factors such as increased alcohol consumption and problem gambling, and the relaxation in standards of acceptable behaviour.
“Before this paper, no empirical studies looked into if and how sport events can help raise awareness about violence against women, so we responded to calls by sport event scholars for critical perspectives into this issue.
“We found official messaging and media coverage portrayed OMSTEV as a successful community engagement initiative, but official reporting and media coverage was not effective in contributing to public discussion and education around the issue of violence against women.
“This research showed that while the campaign was well intentioned and produced an impressive art installation, it skirted
around the tough discussions of violence against women and did not raise the public’s awareness of violence against women.”
The study also showed that the anti-violence campaign was consistent with government policies targeting violence against women.
However, the inclusion of it in the game planning was not supported by a sufficient narrative to help the public understand the connection.
Instead, official documents and media reports contained ambiguous information about OMSTEV’s purpose, contributing to a sense of confusion about the initiative’s need and how it would deliver on its intentions in association with the Commonwealth Games.
“What we saw was that the implementation of OMSTEV was more focused on the delivery of an art project rather than addressing a social issue,” Dr Thomson said.
“We found limited evidence OMSTEV achievedconcreteoutcomesintermsofraising awareness about violence against women or prompting social change more broadly.
“We made suggestions that event organisers and social cause organisations should be working together to design initiatives and related communications strategies to consider the targeted messages and calls to action they want to achieve around such an initiative, and to design their community activations and communications strategies accordingly.”
spokesperson said. “These repeated acts of vandalism are impacting on our community’s ability to enjoy their sport, which is unacceptable.
“We are working with our electrical contractors to repair the damage as quickly as possible and looking at what other measures we can put in place to deter future incidents. “These vandalism attacks are prevalent right across Melbourne and we are in discussion with other councils and Victoria Police.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Bridge Inn Road upgrade update
Doreen’s Painted Hills Road has reopened after the works on the Bridge Road Inn intersection were completed.
PartoftheBridgeInnRoadupgrade, improvements included an upgraded road surface along with new turning lanes, kerbs, drainage and sections of walking and cycling path.
The road reopened on June 28.
The Bridge Inn Road upgrade is adding additional lanes in both directions between Plenty and Yan Yean roads.
Further improvements include upgrades to important intersections and the construction of safety barriers and shared walking and cycling paths to improve safety.
Aspartoftheupgrades,anewbridge has been built over the Plenty River, with the 157-year-old already existing heritage bridge being repurposed as a dedicatedpathforcyclistsandwalkers.
Major Road Projects Victoria program director Dipal Sorathia said the improvements are vital to improving congestion and the safety of the roads.
“We’re pleased to have completed major works to improve the Painted Hills Road intersection as part of the Bridge Inn Road upgrade,” he said.
“The improvements at the intersection will make a big contribution toward achieving the upgrade’s goal of helping drivers get home sooner and safer.
Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/ bridgeinn.
Councillors oppose budget
Hume council has adopted its 2024-25 budget despite opposition from two councillors.
Thebudgetincludesa$154.82millioncapital works program and an average rate rise of 2.75 percent,inlinewiththestategovernment’scap on rates.
Councillors Jodi Jackson and Trevor Dance voted against the budget during council’s June 24 meeting.
Cr Jackson said there were “a number of items“thathave“notbeenresolved”throughout the budget process.
“I am fundamentally opposed to the volume of funds that have been allocated to a couple of projects, and those are projects that have been discussed across many, many briefings principally because there have been so many questions about them,” she said.
Cr Dance said he was opposed to the rates increase.
“I do not support rate increases with very little work to be done to reduce council costs,” he said. “We continue to see capital projects havingcostblowoutseverywhere,residentsare struggling out there.”
According to the budget, council will spend $35.88 million on improving, updating, and building new buildings.
Thisincludes$7.22millionfortheexpansion of preschool rooms in community centres, and $6.7 million for pavilion and social room upgrades across local sporting clubs. Council is also proposing to spend $25.64 million on the construction, upgrading, and maintenance of roads; $8 million on footpaths and cycle ways, and over $20 million on car parks; and $38.94 million on park and reserve upgrades across Hume.
Max Westwood
Dr Alana Thomson. (Supplied)
Hume battling mental ill-health
By Gerald Lynch
Hume is one of poorest ranked municipalities for mental health, according to a new report on the mental health needs of Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs.
The North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) Mental Health – Health Needs Assessment report examined the mental health and care needs of the 1.9 million people living in the network’s 3200 square-kilometre catchment, which comprises 13 local government areas, including Hume and the Macedon Ranges.
Accordingtothereport,Humehasoneofthe highest levels of mental health need, alongside
Brimbank and Wyndham.
The report stated that Hume experienced social disadvantage across multiple indicators, specifically housing stress and low individual and household income, which can have negative consequences of mental health and wellbeing.
“Above average rates of [emergency department]presentationsandhospitalisations due to suicidal ideation highlight there are complexmentalhealthneedsinthepopulation requiring tailored intervention,” the report stated.
“Hume also benchmarks below Victorian state averages in multiple risk factors that can affect mental health and increase need.
Warming winter donation
A Broadmeadows company will be donating 30,000 essential clothing items to vulnerable Australians this winter.
Underworks and Foodbank Victoria have partnered with charities Thread Together, The SalvationArmyandTheGoodBoxtodistribute donations received as part of the I Give a Sock program.
Thecampaignwillprovidesocks,underwear and thermal underlayers to Australians in need.
According to Underworks, more than 7000 people are sleeping rough in Australia and remainatriskofillnessandevenhypothermia.
UnderworkschiefexecutiveSamTodarosaid theimportanceofwarmclothingshouldnotbe overlooked, especially over the colder months.
“Cold temperatures can be life-threatening, and those sleeping rough are particularly at
risk of developing significant health issues,” he said. “Warm clothes help to provide insulation and retain body heat, but they also help protect against harsh weather conditions.
“We know this from working with various charity partners and want to support those who need it most.”
According to Thread Together, one in eight adults and one in six children do not have access to adequate essential clothing.
Socks are some of the least donated items, despite being of great importance, as they preventblisters,sores,aswellasfootinfections and diseases, the charity said. Max Westwood
Underworks workers Sammy Farani and Georgia Azzopardi packing socks. (Damjan Janevski) 416299_02
What’s on
Specifically, there are a high proportion of children who are developmentally vulnerable, high levels of family violence and alargeproportionofadultswhoarelivingwith obesity.”
The report found there was a need for targeted services that cater to the varying and unique needs of the Hume community, including the area’s younger age profile and cultural diversity.
The report synthesised data from various sources such as the Australian Bureau of Statisticscensus,mentalhealth-relatedhospital admissions and emergency department presentations, general practice mental health diagnoses, demand for appointments and
community health service use and demand. It also included detailed insights from conversations with more than 170 people, including community members with living experience of mental health issues, carers and representatives from 68 health care organisations.
NWMPHN service development and reform executive director Jag Dhaliwal said the report was a key tool in understanding where mental health services are most needed.
“It allows us, with the broader health care sector, to allocate resources more efficiently and economically, delivering better care to the people who need it, and driving value for taxpayer money at the same time,” he said.
Epping pop-up recycling collection
Get rid of cardboard boxes, soft plastic packaging and polystyrene from new furniture in an environmentally friendly way at this free recycling collection event.
Items that will be accepted on the day include cardboard boxes (broken down), soft plastic packaging from food products and new furniture and polystyrene packaging from new furniture. All other items will not be accepted on the day.
When: 11am to 1pm, Wednesday 10 July
Where: Car park at Epping Soccer Stadium, Harvest Home Road, Epping For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events
Candidate information sessions
Local Government elections will be held in October. 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.
If you are considering nominating as a candidate, come along to our Candidate Information Session to find out more about our municipality, have your questions answered and gain insights into what it means to be a Councillor.
When: 2pm to 4pm, Thursday 25 July
Where: Great Hall, City of Whittlesea Council Offices, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/councilelections
Greenvale intersection upgrade
Access to Dellamore and Greenvale Gardens boulevardswillberestricteduntilmid-August aspartofworkstoduplicateMicklehamRoad.
Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) said theworks,whichstartedonJuly3,willinclude upgrades to the intersection of Mickleham Road and Dellamore and Greenvale Gardens boulevards, and will involve the installation of new kerbs, drainage and road surface, as well as the construction of shared path for walking and cycling.
The works, once completed, will provide a boost to safety and traffic flow for motorists,
cyclists and pedestrians, MRPV said.
While the works take place, there will be no rightturnsinandoutofDellamoreBoulevard, and no left turn into Dellamore Boulevard from Mickleham Road.
Drivers will also be unable to access Dellamore Boulevard from Greenvale Gardens Boulevard, and there will be no right turn into Greenvale Gardens Boulevard from Mickleham Road.
Signed detours will be in place, with motorists encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.
New home for Scouts
Epping North Scouts have a new, purpose-built hall where they can gain life skills, forge new friendships, and connect with the local community.
The new Scout hall was opened last month and is on the grounds of Edgars Creek Secondary School.
Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman said the state government was proud to support the scouting movement with the construction of new halls.
“Scouting is an important part of the fabric of Victoria, helping young people develop leadership skills and providing a genuine sense of community spirit,” she said.
Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said the Scout hall would also be a modern facility for the community to enjoy.
“A huge thank you to Scouts Victoria and Epping North Scouts Group for your dedication to delivering a permanent place for our young people to learn new skills,
participate and grow,” she said.
Scouts Victoria chief commissioner Rod Byrnes said, “We are immensely grateful for the Victorian government’s support to build this wonderful new scout hall that will provide opportunities for a generation of young people in Epping North and the surrounding area to connect and thrive”.
The 543 Greenvale Gardens-Roxburgh Park bus service will follow the detour, and there will be some temporary changes to bus stops.
MRPV program director Dipal Sorathia saidtheimprovementsarevitaltotheproject’s goal of delivering safer and more-reliable travel for motorists.
“We thank the community and drivers for their patience as we continue our work on this important project,“ he said.
Stage one of the Mickleham Road upgrade involves the addition of lanes in both directions between Somerton Road
and Dellamore Boulevard to help ease the congestion for the 25,000 drivers who use the road every day.
Traffic lights will replace the roundabout at Somerton and Mickleham roads, which will include priority bus lanes, and new sections of path for walkers and cyclists will improve connectivity on Mickleham Road.
Planning and development work is under way to inform the potential second stage of the upgrade between Dellamore Boulevard and Craigieburn Road.
Details: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/mickleham
Bronwyn Halfpenny and Epping North scouts, in the front of the new hall. (Supplied)
Discover Highlands Shopping Centre!
Shop local, support local
Located in the heart of Craigieburn since 2011, Highlands Shopping Centre is the hub for our vibrant local community. With a variety of retailers and small businesses including Woolworths, we offer everything you need in one convenient location.
This includes specialty grocery stores, liquor, cafes, restaurants, takeaways, health and wellness services, florist beauty and personal care, a 24/7 fitness centre and everyday essentials.
Highlands Shopping Centre – your local destination for all your shopping needs. See you soon!
Low-cost pet care
Hume pet owners will be able to access low-cost vaccination days thanks to RSPCA Victoria.
Five vaccination days will be held in Melbourne’s north, including at Mickleham on July 10, Craigieburn on August 1 and Roxburgh Park on August 22.
The clinics, run by an RSPCA Victoria vet, aim to make veterinary care more accessible for people and their pets.
An RSPCA veterinarian will provide a dog withpreventativevaccinesandchecktoensure the dog is fit for vaccinations.
RSPCA Victoria head of prevention Rebecca Cook said they were looking forward to visiting new locations and returning to familiar communities in Melbourne’s north.
“RSPCAVictoriahasrunalmost80low-cost
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
vaccination events across Melbourne since July last year, where we have saved each pet owneratleast$50onaverageperpet,”shesaid.
“At our last clinic in Roxburgh Park, we saw 23 pets from 18 local families, and we can’t wait to hit the road again and meet more furry friends.
“We want to help people care for their pets by increasing their access to preventative veterinarycare,whichsupportslifelongbonds among families with their cats and dogs.”
All clinic appointments must be booked online, with separate appointments needed for each pet.
Pet owners can also receive professional advice on how to keep them healthy now and into the future.
Details: rspcavic.org/vaccinationclinics/
Briefs
Woman’s body found at tip
A woman’s body was found at a waste management facility in Epping last week. Staff at the Cooper Street facility found the body while moving green waste on July 3. Police believe the woman was inside a bin that was picked up outside a property in Coolaroo on July 2 and taken to the Epping facility. Police said a significant CCTV canvas of the Coolaroo area is under way, and officers are keen to speak to anyone who may have CCTV or dash cam footage, particularly between June 23 and July 2. Police are awaiting a post-mortem to formally identify the woman. Information to: Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000.
Man dies following crash
A man who ran from a crash in Craigieburn on Friday died after being arrested. Three cars collided at the intersection of Waterview Boulevard and Craigieburn Road about 6.10am. Police said a man who was driving one of the vehicles ran from the scene. He was arrested by a member of the public before police arrived and took him into custody. The man became unresponsive during the incident and was treated by paramedics. He died at the scene. A 63-year-old Sunbury man was also taken to hospital for observation.
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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
(Supplied)
FEATURING ... SENIORS
Payment assistance for hearing aids: The facts
If you or a parent have hearing loss, you may wonder about the cost of hearing aids and available subsidies in Australia.
Myrna Warda, an experienced audiologist from Active Audiology, provides expert insightstohelpyoumakeinformeddecisions.
Factors influencing cost and price range
“The cost of hearing aids in Australia varies based on technology, features, brand, and purchase location,” says Myrna.
“On average, private purchases range from approximately $1000 to $6000 per device.”
Government subsidies for hearing aids
“The Australian Government Hearing Services Program offers financial support to eligible pensioners and veterans,” Myrna explains.
“For pensioners, the subsidy can cover 100 per cent of the cost of basic hearing aids, making them more affordable and accessible.”
Exploring top-up hearing aids
“Many individuals choose top-up hearing aids, which provide advanced features for better hearing in complex environments,“ Myrna recommends.
“Whiletop-upoptionsmaycostmore,they offer higher levels of hearing assistance and customisation.”
WorkSafe program
Myrna highlights the WorkSafe program for work-related hearing loss: “Individuals may
be eligible for funding to cover hearing aids. ContactanaccreditedWorkSafeproviderlike Active Audiology to assess your eligibility.”
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
“The NDIS may fund hearing aids for individuals whose hearing loss interferes with daily function,” says Myrna.
“Discuss your needs with your support coordinator or visit an experienced NDIS provider like Active Audiology to start your application.”
Health insurance
“Many private health insurance plans cover hearing aids as part of their extras or ancillary services,” Myrna advises.
“Review your policy to understand the extent of coverage provided.”
Investing in your hearing health
“Hearing aids are an investment in your overall well-being and quality of life,” Myrna emphasises.
“Consultwithourexperiencedaudiologists atActiveAudiologytoselectthemostsuitable hearing aids that align with your needs and budget.”
To have your hearing tested or discuss your hearing aid options, book a consultation with Myrna today at South Morang, Roxburgh Park, or Thornbury.
Visit www.activeaudiology.com.au or call 9480 2228.
Audiologist Myrna Warda. (Supplied)
You don’t have to be a millionaire to enjoy retirement
Today’s retirees are looking for all the bells and whistles that can contribute to a fulfilling life in later years. They may not always have a high-end budget, but they still have high expectations – and rightly so.
With90luxuriousapartmentsoversixlevels in buzzy Bundoora, Callisto Place is designed to meet those expectations and more.
Location-wise, Polaris 3083 is an impressive example of urban renewal, with a range of heritage buildings and sustainable housing for a diverse community. University students, business owners and local residents rub shoulders together as they go about their day.
Callisto Place is located at the centre of the redevelopment of Polaris and it’s striking, with a bold, contemporary exterior. Inside the development, there are 90 brand-new apartments to choose from, with plenty of shared spaces for residents to build new friendships and enjoy life to the full.
Enter through a stunning foyer and there are plenty of spaces to enjoy, from an elegant ground floor lounge, dining room and bar to a convenient residents’ kitchen. Connected living and fun times are there for the taking with a relaxing residents’ lounge, bar and dining room for socialising. A cosy library and in-house cinema are perfect for a quiet night in. If you’re in the mood for some more challenging fun, the games room with billiard table awaits. There is even a fully equipped gym where residents can work on their fitness levels and build strength to help them enjoy their new life to the full.
Inside the apartments, the quality is premiumlevel,withdesign,layoutandfittings that impress. Apartments feature spacious open floor plans, with designs that capture natural light and winter garden balconies to soak up the views. Premium Fisher & Paykel appliances sparkle in sleek kitchens
with stone benchtops and gleaming timber floors. Everything is designed for relaxed, stylish living, with all the details considered, including a swish Fisher & Paykel dish drawer and integrated fridge/freezer.
We’re open, where are you?
At Callisto Place we’re ready for you to come and be part of our fabulous retirement community. Move in straight away and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with concierge support.
Get together with new friends in the gorgeous shared spaces or get out amongst it in buzzing Bundoora. Situated in the vibrant and dynamic Polaris 3083 precinct, come and explore life in colour.
Callisto Place offers a secure, comfortable lifestyle for seniors who are happy to leave home maintenance and high power bills behind. It is completed and open for viewing now, with apartments selling from $609,000.
Callisto Place is now open. Visit callistoplace.com.au or call 0458 456 050 to book your private inspection.
in immediately! One, two and three-bedroom retirement apartments now selling from $609,000.
12694815-AV28-24
Callisto Place features 90 new apartments. (Supplied)
Heritage Epping recognised for school to work scheme
For over six years, Heritage Epping has been a dedicated supporter of Australian youth, championing innovative programs like the School to Work initiative.
Their support was recently honoured with the Employer Recognition Award, which truly highlights their commitment and pivotal role in nurturing talent and bridging educational divides in aged care.
Partnering closely with IELLEN (Inner Eastern Local Learning and Employment Network), Heritage Epping has provided invaluable workplace learning opportunities for students from local schools such as St Monica’sCollege,Epping,MarymedeCatholic College, South Morang, and Al Siraat College. Thiscollaborationaimstoenricheducational experiences with practical, hands-on insights that textbooks cannot provide.
Dennis, the School to Work programme manager, praised Heritage Epping for their dedication, noting, “The recognition is well-deserved. Your commitment to supporting young people is deeply valued and crucial”.
As part of the programme, students engage actively in the lives of residents through activities like bingo, card games, and crafts, fostering personal growth and preparing them for future careers.
Isabella, reflecting on her experience, expressed gratitude: “Thank you for the exposure and leadership I received during my time at Heritage Care. Your guidance was invaluable, and I cherish every moment spent alongside you all”.
Looking ahead, as the aged care industry expands due to an ageing population, Heritage Epping remains committed to preparing the next generation.
Their proactive approach includes mentorship and exposure to real-world
scenarios, ensuring a pipeline of skilled caregivers and fostering a culture of compassion and excellence.
Through structured workplace learning and community engagement, students gain opportunities for learning, growth, and impactful contributions.
“It’s been heart-warming to witness the
intergenerational joy shared between seniors and students,” says Susan, who oversees student placements.
Heritage Epping’s enduring support for youth and dedication to bridging educational gapsinagedcareledtotheirproudrecognition with the prestigious Employer Recognition Award.
Enrichinglivesthroughcare
Their collaboration with local schools and commitment to practical learning experiences ensure students are well-equipped for the evolving challenges of the healthcare sector. This forward-thinking approach not only benefits individual students but also strengthens the resilience and sustainability of our aged care community.
Heritage Epping lifestyle coordinator, Susan, receives Employer Recognition Award from Dennis, the School to Work programme manager. (Supplied)
‘Attitude to life’ big part of the equation to ageing well
It’s all about numbers! Just ask Joan Tucker, who at the age of 95 is still treasurer at Pascoe Vale South Uniting Church.
But she doesn’t need a calculator to work out her equation for happiness.
“It’s your attitude to life,” she explains.
“You can be old at 45, but young at 95. It’s up to you!”
Joan, who is a proud great-great aunty, lives in her cosy Pascoe Vale unit nearby and spends her days reading, watching a bit of telly and doing crosswords and puzzles.
“Puzzles keep the mind sharp,” she says.
An astute mind and a flair for numbers is something Coburg-raised Joan has always had. She first used the comptometer, which preceded the calculator, and worked for 47 years in accounts and wages at what is now VicRoads. She has travelled widely and looked after her parents in their old age.
Joan sold the old family home and bought her unit – all in the space of one day!
“The moment I saw my unit I thought ‘yes, I can live happily here for the rest of my life’,” Joan explains.
And thanks to a government-funded home care package through Uniting AgeWell, she’s doing just that.
Joan receives help around the house and garden,aswellasshoppingandphysiotherapy services. She describes the spring cleaning she receives as “absolutely marvellous” – she evengotherpantryandthelaundrycupboard sorted out.
Joan no longer drives and uses her package for cab charges so she can get her hair done every week.
Working with her Uniting AgeWell care advisor Meredith Laidler, Joan has also used her home care package to buy a recliner chair as well as an electric bed.
“The chair is pretty wonderful,” laughs Joan. “The other day I sat in it to watch the early evening news and I woke up and saw that it was 3am.”
Joan has nothing but praise for Uniting AgeWell.
“I cannot fault them on anything,” she says. “They are very good to me.”
To find out more about the home care services available through Uniting AgeWell, go
Joan Tucker. (Supplied)
Preserve memories and stories for future generations
Preserving memories for future generations is a meaningful way for older individuals to share their life experiences and wisdom. Here are some suggestions:
Write memoirs or autobiographies: Encourage older individuals to write down their life stories, including significant events, experiences, and lessons learned. This can be doneintheformofamemoirorautobiography, either through traditional writing or digital platforms.
Record oral histories: Set up recording sessions where older individuals can share their stories verbally. This could be done through audio recordings, video interviews, or podcasts. Capturing their voices and mannerisms adds a personal touch to the stories.
Createscrapbooksorphotoalbums: Collect photographs, letters, tickets, and other memorabilia to create scrapbooks or photo albums documenting important moments in their lives. Include captions or anecdotes to provide context for each item.
Compile family recipes: Gather family recipes passed down through generations and compile them into a cookbook. Include stories or memories associated with each recipe to preserve culinary traditions and family history.
Digitise documents and memorabilia: Scan old letters, documents, certificates, and photographs to create digital archives that can be easily shared with future generations. Consider creating a family website or online repository to store and organise these digital files.
Share wisdom and advice: Record video messages or write letters to future generations offering advice, life lessons, and words of wisdom. These messages can serve as valuable guidance for younger family members as they navigate their own lives.
Createafamilytree: Research and document family genealogy to create a family tree tracing backmultiplegenerations.Includebiographical information and anecdotes about ancestors to preserve their memory.
Hostfamilystorytellinggatherings: Organize regularfamilygatheringswhereoldermembers can share stories and memories with younger generations. Encourage open dialogue and create a supportive environment for sharing.
Engage in creative projects: Encourage older individuals to express themselves creatively through writing, art, music, or other artistic mediums. Creative projects can provide a unique outlet for self-expression and storytelling.
Passontraditionsandrituals: Teachyounger family members about cultural traditions, rituals, and practices that have been passed down through generations. Participating in these traditions helps keep them alive and fosters a sense of connection to family heritage.
By actively engaging in these activities, older individuals can leave behind a legacy that will be cherished by future generations
high quality aged care for local families since 1991.
Doutta Galla offers permanent residential and respite care across seven convenient locations in Melbourne’s West, with comfortable retirement living in Moonee Ponds.
If you’re looking for quality, affordable aged care close to home, call us on 9680 3300 or visit us at www.dgas.org.au
The art of active ageing with Centennial Living
Ageing is a natural part of life’s journey, but it doesn’t mean slowing down or relinquishing the joys of living. Instead, it’s an opportunity for active ageing, a lifestyle celebrating physical vitality, mental sharpness, and emotional well-being throughout your senior years.
1. Prioritise physical activity
Physical activity is the cornerstone of active ageing, and Centennial Living Retirement communities provide the ideal environment for staying physically fit. Centennial retirement villages have a range of amenities, many have a senior friendly gymnasium, an indoor heated pool or spa, and even a bowling green for those who enjoy this leisurely sport.
2. Stay mentally sharp
Mental agility is crucial for active ageing, and Centennial Living Retirement communities provide opportunities for mental stimulation. In the well-appointed libraries, you can relax and immerse yourself in books or join book clubs for stimulating conversations. The arts and crafts rooms and computer spaces offer places for creative expression and thinking.
3. Cultivate social connections
Social engagement is a fundamental aspect of active ageing, and Centennial Living’s retirement communities are designed to foster a strong sense of community. With a Community Centre, bar and lounge, and regular resident events and social gatherings, you’ll have ample opportunities to connect with your neighbours and form lasting friendships. Join clubs, participate in trivia nights, or enjoy happy hour socials – Centennial Living Retirement communities are vibrant and bustling with social activities.
4. Seek preventive healthcare Regular health check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection and prevention of health issues. Centennial Living’s retirement villages often have an on-site nurse or wellbeing co-ordinator and are located close
to medical centres and nearby healthcare providers for ease of access to medical services.
5. Maintain independence Independence is a core aspect of active
Serviced apartments from $155,000
ageing, and Centennial Living’s retirement villages are designed to support you maintain independence and autonomy with features like an emergency call system 24/7, on-site nurses, and close proximity to shops and transport.
Time for Meta to face the music
By Andrew Schreyer, Country Press Australia president
Just last month, the US Surgeon General called for social media to have warnings attached to it over mental health concerns for users.
It’s one of the great paradoxes of our time that rather than tackle unacceptable elements and accept responsibility for the damage caused by providing the habitat for such scornful matter, Meta has instead opted to diminish the presence of the real news and of truth by continually adjusting its algorithms and rendering public interest news content more and more difficult to find.
The federal government has the News Media Bargaining Code at its disposal, a mechanism established to ensure social media platforms can be held to account and that media organisationsaretreatedfairlyintheirdealings with the social media giants.
Should the government designate Meta under the code, the company is likely to block news sites from its platforms just as it has done in Canada. And in that country, it’s been regional and rural publishers who have been negatively impacted the most.
Inthisinstanceweencouragethegovernment to insert a ‘must carry news’ clause in the code forcing them to negotiate with publishers or impose a 20 per cent tax on Meta’s Australian revenue.
Proceeds from the tax can be used for mental health programs to assist young people negatively impacted by social media, and a component distributed to publishers as compensation for Meta’s use of their content.
If Meta refuses, they should be banned from Australia.
Meta is a publisher just like our members; however, their platforms are not subject to laws including defamation and contempt of court,
COMMUNITY STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
editorialstandardsandregulatoryframeworks. If they were, I would not need to write this opinion piece and there would be a lot less social harm and mental health issues in our community today.
Meta’s Facebook has little, if any, checking mechanism prior to content and comments being published. Its algorithms serve up
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
content based on popularity regardless of what may be appropriate for the audience. It has no transparent complaints process, is not held to account in any way and isn’t required to respond to complaints.
It’s one thing to rip billions of dollars out of our economy, but the social, mental and physical damage caused by what is allowed to
prosper on Meta’s platforms takes things to another level.
We believe that as a corporate citizen, Meta has a responsibility to do what is right, just as we as publishers do. Meta’s commercialisation of the negativity it allows to fester on its platforms is a scourge upon that company and has created significant hardship and misery for many Australians.
To suit its narrative and justify its agenda, Meta claims its users don’t go to Facebook for news, however the University of Canberra’s Digital News Report: Australia 2024 released in June found that 49 per cent of Australian users of Facebook use it for news and one in four rely on it as their main source of news – our trusted, independent and professionally written news Meta no longer wants to pay for.
The digital news report shows this year, there was actually a surge among young people turning to social media to get news.
Sixty per cent of Gen Z say social media is their main source of news, a 17-percentage point increase on last year.
In line with the increase in the use of social media platforms for news, concern about what is real and what is fake on the internet has skyrocketed to 75 per cent. This is an increase of 11 percentage points in the past two years and echoes an increase in the global rise of six percentage points over the same period. It suits Meta to claim Australians don’t use the company’s platforms to read the news and for it to be allowed to continue to ride roughshod over our communities. But it suits the rest of us for Meta to be held to account.
Andrew Schreyer is the President of Country Press Australia, and publisher of the Warragul & Drouin Gazette.
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
Afternoon tea dance
Join the fun at Bridgewater Lakes Retirement Village in Roxburgh Park for an afternoon of dancing and socializing 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.
Adult education
Banksia Gardens Community Services is running adult education courses including an introduction to computers and brushing up on English skills.
■ 9309 8531
Senior citizens meet
The Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club regularly meets for games of bingo, carpet bowls and a chat over a cuppa, at the coroner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park.
■ Beulah, 0411 422 398
Homestead Walking Group
Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful gardens and meet other locals. Volunteer leaders will meet at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre at 9.30am on Wednesdays for a 30–45 minute walk.
■ https://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 from 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 leadership, public speaking 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
Whittlesea Historical Society
The Whittlesea Historical Society meets
on the third Sunday of each month at Whittlesea Bowls Club at 2pm. Visitors are most welcome to attend.
■ 0414 740 778 or www.whittleseahistoricalsociety.org.au
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
CPA executive director Peter Kennedy, committee chair Kate Thwaites MP and CPA president Andrew Schreyer. (Supplied)
Stage is set for song and dance
By Anne Parisianne
Students of Yubup Primary school in Mickleham will participate in the nationwide Wakakirri story dance festival on August 2.
Wakakirri is a nationwide festival for Australian schools that provides a platform for students to express their thoughts, ideas and aspirations through storytelling and dance.
Inspired by the belief that great stories can inspire change, Wakakirri is designed to promote student engagement and well-being in schools by creating and performing captivating story dances.
Thirty-seven students from grades 4 to 6 will perform a story dance inspired by Trudy Ludwig’s book The Invisible Boy.
Art teacher Christie Silva said, “As a
brand-new school with students from a range of previous schools, this opportunity has allowed us to form great connections with our peers and teachers and we have had so much fun in the process.
“We wanted to share the importance of inclusion, which is one of our school values, and the importance of everyone feeling like they belong. We are a brand new school that only opened this year, and we have students from a range of backgrounds and cultures, many of whom are learning English as an additional language.
“We believe this makes our school a very special place to learn. We wanted to portray our message that ’a simple act of kindness can make a big difference to someone’s day.’
We never want anyone to feel ’invisible’ at Yubup PS.”
grants of $2100 to support the event, and Bunnings Craigieburn generously provided all
Artist moves from
“You don’t have to be a professional to create art.” That’s the message Zofia Lickova hopes people will take away from her exhibition at the Melton Library and Learning Hub.
The Melton resident’s This is Freedom exhibition is on display at the library until September 30, showcasing paintings she has created in recent years.
The exhibition features artworks offering Lickova’s unique perspective on landscapes through geometric shapes.
Theartisticjourneytraversesthreecountries significant to Lickova’s life: her upbringing in Slovakia,pastexperiencesinScotland,andher current settlement in Australia.
Lickova said painting has always been a part
hobby to exhibition
of her life, “on and off”, but she found there were always something “more important than hobbies”.
That all changed during covid, with Lickova allowing herself the time to explore her art.
Lickova said she wanted to exhibit her work locally to ignite community interest in local art and celebrate hobby painters.
She began researching local opportunities after visiting Melton library soon after moving to the area about 18 months ago from Scotland.
“I saw paintings on the wall and I was way too shy to ask the librarian how I could get my paintings on the wall, so I did some research,” she said.
The result is ThisisFreedom, a collection of works primarily created with acrylics.
The collection invites viewers to delve into the beauty of colour palettes and experience a visual journey influenced by renowned abstract masters, from W Kandinsky to the Cubism of Kazimir Malevich and Frantisek Kupka, as well as the expressionism of Lyonel Feininger. She also draws inspiration from her uncle, Blazej Balaz, an art professor.
This is Freedom can be viewed at Melton Library and Learning Hub, McKenzie Street, Melton, during the library’s opening hours.
Details: https://shorturl.at/Mg6lI
Laura Michell
Screening celebrates 10 years of dance
To celebrate 10 years of L2R Dance, a documentarywillbescreeningattheendofthe month in St Albans, showcasing the journey of the group.
L2R is Australia’s only youth hip hop and street dance not-for-profit organisation, providing free hip hop dance programs, arts education opportunities and employment pathways for young people throughout Melbourne’s western suburbs and beyond.
L2R offers culturally safer, creative spaces for young people aged between six to 25 experiencing barriers to entering creative opportunities.
L2R nurtures creativity, transforming lives through the power of dance.
The documentary was directed, shot, and edited by local creative Kimberly Summer, and interviews group founder Jacinda May on the
trials and tribulations of running a grassroots community group, which started at Western English Language School, and has now expanded to a thriving community of young
people and artists celebrating street dance across Melbourne’s West.
“Join us as we commemorate our big 10th birthday and the founding of L2R with a night of reflection, reconnection, food, film and, as always, dance,” May said.
“This night is just as much about us as it is you, our community. We couldn’t have done the last 10 years without you, so please, come and join us.”
Tickets are free, but limited, so booking is heavily encouraged.
ThescreeningisonWednesday,July31,from 6pm to 7.30pm, at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans.
Tickets: https://creativebrimbank.com.au/ the-l2r-story?date=2024-07-31
Gerald Lynch
The Inner West Symphony Orchestra (IWSO) invites you to its upcoming concert, Odyssey , on August 3.
Odyssey explores the evocative landscapes of Nordic nationalism and the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos.
The concert will feature masterpieces by legendary composers Jean Sibelius, Edvard Grieg, Camille Saint-Saëns and, the highlight of the evening, Gustav Holst’s, ThePlanets
Andrew Leach will lead the performance.
Leach is a conductor, trombonist and pianist who has recently served as the director of music and performing arts at Westbourne Grammar School.
“Our second concert, Odyssey , is a journey through the Romantic to late Romantic period,” he said.
“The event provides us another opportunity to grow and retain our audience,inspiringandconnectingthem with accessible, dynamic orchestral music.”
IWSO assistant concertmaster and violin player, Yilin Wang said, the group has been practicing since after its first concert in April 21.
“It’s going to be full of energy and will definitely take you on a journey, whether you’re a classical lover coming to hear the full suite of ThePlanetsor someone looking to experience a live symphony orchestra for the first time,” Wang said.
“I’m strangely looking forward to feeling those pre-performance nerves and also reliving and sharing concert moments with our friends and family afterwards.
“The audience makes a concert, so we would dearly love your support.”
The IWSO, a non-profit organisation, was established in mid-2023 by three Yarraville music teachers.
They founded the orchestra to fill a gap in classical music opportunities in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Since then, the ensemble has grown rapidly, attracting over 60 musicians of various ages, skill levels, ethnicities, neuro and gender diversities, and physical capabilities.
Odyssey will be performed at Williamstown Hall on Saturday, August 3, at 7.30pm.
Details https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1238769.
Anne Parisianne
Humecouncilhasgrantedcreativityactivity
the props for the performance. The event will be held on Friday, August 2, at the Clocktower Centre in Moonee Ponds.
Yubup Primary School students, who are part of the play called ‘Wakakirri’. (Damjan Janevski) 413804_01
Dancers Nolly Zaa Thang, Jacinda Richards, L’wel (Ligi) and Hena Memishi. (Damjan Janevski)
Artist Zofia Lickova. (Damjan Janevski) 416703_01
• Installation of six (6) new remote radio units;
•Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment including antenna mounts, GPS antennas, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and
• works within the existing equipment shelter. Optus & Vodafone regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the description above. The proposed infrastructure will comply with ACMA EME regulatory arrangements.
In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2020, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Sophie Deng at Service Stream Limited, 0427 459 605, Optus.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Tower B, Level 3 821 Pacific
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which Australian bowler took hat-tricks in consecutive matches during the T20 World Cup?
2. The Tour de France cycling event began in which country this year?
3. Which martial arts sport has been cut from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
4. Robert De Niro portrayed which boxer in the 1980 Martin Scorsese film RagingBull?
5. Former Australian cricketer Stuart Law is the national coach of which country’s team?
6. Australian NBA star Josh Giddey was recently traded to which team?
Skye is one of the mascots of which AFL team?
Which nation is the host of the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament?
Which Australian tennis player recently finished runner-up in the WTA Birmingham Classic tournament?
10. What city played host to the second State of Origin match between NSW and Queensland in 2024?
Australian basketballer Johnny Furphy played for which US college team?
Matilda Cortnee Vine recently signed a threeyear deal with which NWSL club?
13. Which former Melbourne City coach is now coach of Melbourne Victory?
14. Bec Bulley last coached which Super Netball team?
15. The Birmingham Classic is played on what type of tennis courts?
16. Which colours feature on the AFL team uniform of Port Adelaide?
17. Jeff Dunne and Rachael Gunn are set to represent Australia in which sport at the 2024 Summer Olympics?
18. Which former NBA player is the current coach of the Los Angeles Lakers?
19. Which Japanese sportswear company is the official Australian Olympic Team partner for the 2024 Summer Olympics?
20. Canadian ice hockey player Connor McDavid captains which NHL team?
21. Which team emphatically won Game 3 of the Women’s State of Origin in Townsville?
22. The Tour de France will conclude for the first time in which city on the French Riviera?
23. Which Czech tennis player is the reigning Ladies’ Singles Wimbledon champion?
24. Forty-four athletes will represent Australia in which sport at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?
25. The national anthem of France, La Marseillaise, is the basis for which AFL team’s theme song?
26. Which Australian golfer won the 2022 British Open major golf tournament?
27. True or false: six different nations have won the last six men’s FIFA World Cup soccer tournaments?
28. The first edition of the eight-stage Tour de France Femmes took place in which recent year?
29. Who was Australia’s leading run-scorer at the recent Twenty20 Cricket World Cup?
30. What animal was famously released onto the playing field during an AFL game at the SCG in 1993?
Cortnee Vine
ACROSS
1 Cutting tool (8)
5 Germinate (6)
10 Common fruit (5)
11 Gradual and harmful (9)
12 Duty list (6)
13 Bishop’s district (7)
14 Flying hero (8)
15 Capital of Macedonia
18 Sickness (6)
20 Canned fish (pl) (8)
21 German city (7)
24 Oval, edible nut-like seed (6)
27 Publish simultaneously (9)
28 Primitive (5)
29 Building level (6)
30 Game bird (8)
1 Bandy (4)
2 Unrehearsed (9)
3 Separate metal from ore (5)
4 Train network (8)
6 Security device (7)
7 Gas layer in the stratosphere (5)
8 Bland (9)
9 Employed (4)
14 Combination into a whole (9)
16 Land jutting into the sea (9)
17 Home of Jesus (8)
19 Learned (7)
22 Tropical fruit (5) 23 Metric unit (4)
25 Holy city for Muslims (5) 26 Joke (4)
included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
Founded in
2 What is the largest state in the US by area?
Andrew Garfield (pictured),
Which
10 How many president’s faces are
Volvo EX30 off on power walk
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
WiththenewEX30electricSUVVolvoappears to be walking the talk toward its being a solely electric vehicle manufacturer by 2030.
The Chinese owned Swedish automobile maker’s smallest sport utility vehicle has the smallest carbon footprint of any Volvo to date.
The EX30, the company claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced, with its leather-free interior featuring recycled and renewable materials such as flax, wool, and denim upholstery, the last made from waste fibres of denim recycling.
At the heart of the EV is a high voltage 400V lithium-ion battery, with its three Australian models, incorporating single or twin motors, runningona69kWhbattery,offeringrangesof an estimated 480km with the single motor and 460km with the twin option.
The three variants are EX30 Single Motor Extended Plus, at $59,990; EX30 Single Motor Extended Ultra $64,990; and EX30 Twin Performance Ultra $69,990. All are plus on-road costs.
The Plus variant is well equipped with digitalkey,wirelesscharging,Harman/Kardon Premium Sound, power tailgate, parking sensors, welcome/farewell light and auto dimming mirrors.
The Twin Motor Ultra adds fixed panoramic roof, 360-degree camera, Park Assist Pilot, power seats, four-way lumbar support, tinted rear windows, heated front seats and steering wheel and 20-inch alloy wheels.
AllEX30sarecoveredbyafive-yearunlimited kilometre warranty, eight-year battery cover and eight-year roadside assistance package and two-year service intervals.
Styling
Five exclusive exterior colours are contrasted withanOnyxBlackmetallicroofandmatching gloss black details. Up front, Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’sHammer’headlampshavebeenupdated in a segmented design with extra width and narrower look.
The new look also extends to the rear with lightingnowfittingflushwiththebody,helping the car stand out in all light conditions on the road.
The fixed panoramic glass roof of the Ultra modeladdsafurtherlevelofprestigetothecar, while providing an airy feel to the interior. I’m notafanoflargeglassroofs.Tintedglassmight stop the sun’s rays but heat is a different matter. However, I’m told the EX30 has an insulated retractableroofblindasanafter-marketoption.
Interior
While on the subject of passenger wellbeing, Volvo is famous for its cabin climate control, with a two-zone system filtering hazardous gases from the EX30. Using a Volvo app, the cabin air can even be cleaned before entering.
As well as environmentally friendly surroundings, seating has been designed to the requirements of that in larger luxurious cars. Ergonomics have been applied from shoulder tothightoensurecomfortandsafety,especially on long drives.
Integrated front seat headrests enhance the sporty feeling of the ride, while the seat backs are concave contributing to increased legroom for rear passengers. Storage is particularly inventive, with multi-use areas at floor level between the front seats.
A sliding unit with twin cupholders is part of the centre console and with a soundbar replacingspeakers,doorpocketscanbeutilised to the maximum.
Infotainment
The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch tablet-style full colours touchscreen display
with embedded Google apps at the fingertips (not always the easiest to access). Only minimum controls are on the steering wheel or column. Updates are regularly updated via the Over The Air system.
As mentioned above, a soundbar introduces a new concept to in-car audio. Standard across the EX30 range the Harman/Kardon bar stretches across the top of the dashboard the width of the cabin, producing sound equal to that of many speaker systems.
Near Field Communication technology can be used to access and start the vehicle via a smartphone with a downloaded digital key swiped over an NFC reader.
Engines/transmissions
The Single Motor Extended range delivers 200kW and 343Nm, while the Twin Performance, with motors front and rear pumps out 315kW and 543Nm. Depending on the DC peak charging power, both variants are capable of charging from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes.
Safety
Volvo has a history of being at the forefront of automotive safety and the EX30 carries on the tradition. Active safety includes lane keeping assist, oncoming lane mitigation, run-off road mitigation, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, intersection auto brake, collision avoidance (braking and steering), plus cyclist and pedestrian detection.
Also included are road sign information, intelligent speed assist, adaptive cruise control, pilot assist, lane change assist, park assist camera, rear view and rear door opening alert.
Driving
Spirited acceleration, especially good on overtaking, plus almost silent running was disturbed only by road noise on some course surfaces and the heated steering wheel was a welcome surprise on a rare nippy early morning get-go.
Claimed energy consumption is 18kWh per 100 kilometres. When I last looked, the test car had recorded 18.5kW per 100 kilometres. As for refuelling on a public fast charge station, the EX30 went from 40 percent battery charge to 80 percent in 32 minutes.
Volvo would not say this too loudly but at 3.6 seconds for zero to 100 kilometres per hour, the EX30 is in some very sporty company. Fortunately,thepowertrainandall-wheeldrive handle the excess energy with aplomb. The lane-keeping assist also deserves some praise, reacting to any drift out of the centre of a lane with a gentle (yes, gentle) nudge on the steering wheel, unlike some of its ilk.
Summary
The EX30, Volvo’s smallest (and quickest) car, may be big on style, performance and equipment, but as is the wont with EVs, pricing is out of proportion. However, remember what the WRX of the 1990s did for Subaru?
The EX30, Volvo claims, is the most sustainable model it has produced. (Picture: Supplied)
Sport action through the lens
There was plenty of action on Saturday both on the field and courts across Melbourne’s north-west. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was in the thick of the action.
Whittlesea’s Taidhg Bland. 417487_24
Mernda’s Lachlan Taylor (right) goes up in the ruck (Ljubica Vrankovic)_417489_01
The Craigieburn Eagles warm up. 417498_13
Mernda’s Zach Racovolis. 417489_12
South Morang continued on its winning ways. 417491_12
Whittlesea United’s Kemal Irdem. 417492_17
Craigieburn Eagles’ Max Viitala. 417498_31
Thomastown’s James Lucente. 417487_05
Whittlesea United’s Facundo Echeverria. 417492_01
Laurimar’s Joel Lawson evades two South Morang players. 417491_07
Magpies starting to click and racking up the wins
Things have started to fall into place for Roxburgh Park in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition.
It was a slow start in terms of wins for the Magpies in their return to having a women’s side, but have become finals contenders in recent weeks.
The Magpies became the first team to knock the Sunbury Lions off before backing it up and beating the Sunbury Kangaroos.
Magpies coach Kevin Allan said they were really excited about where they were heading.
“We’re getting better each week,” he said. “I wanted to coach women to play football properly.
“I think the reaction to that is what we’re seeing. They’re getting better each week.”
Allan, who has been coaching since he was 18, said he has never enjoyed being involved
with football more than he has now.
He said the turning point of their season was the match against Taylors Lakes which they just lost despite having only 15 players.
It flowed into the following matches and resulted in some good wins.
“Against the Sunbury Lions we knew they had a couple of players out but we knew that we were facing a reasonable side,“ he said.
“It was enough to get the win against them and we kept it low key. We then found out they had the captain of the Calder Cannons back and another player from Cannons.
“We grew in confidence and we knew we were on the right track.
“AgainsttheSunburyKangaroostherewerea lot of nerves about the game. They had five out, but we were still cautious. I was gobsmacked with the way we weren’t about it.”
Allan said he’d seen improvement across
all lines and that the belief was growing in the group.
He said the closeness of the group was also showing on the field.
The Magpies had the weekend off with no women’smatchesacrosstheboardintheEDFL.
Allan said it had come at a perfect time for the team after a physical game against the Kangaroos.
The Magpies sit in third spot, just a game off top.
Finals would be icing on the cake for their first season back.
“No matter what they achieve this year, we will be better for it next year,” Allan said.
“We have two of our three games at home, which will help a little.”
The Magpies will face Coburg Districts this Saturday.
Tara Murray
Trio in the metro squad
By Tara Murray
Three Calder Cannons young guns will rep the Vic Metro colours at the under-18 girls national championships.
Kyla Forbes will be part of the under-18 squad for a second straight year, while bottom age players Chloe Baker-West and Jade McLay have also been selected.
Forbes said she was looking forward to being part of the squad for a second straight year.
“It helps heaps,” she said. having been part ofitbefore.“Itwasareallycoolopportunityto beabletoplaywithplayerswhohavebeenable to get drafted last year and learn off them and the coaches there too.
“There’s definitely been a lot more hard work. It’s never guaranteed that you will get in, you always have to put in the work to get there.”
Forbes said she wasn’t focused too far ahead on what might be at the end of the season. She just wants to focus on playing her game and finish off the season strongly.
“I’m looking to hopefully playing a couple of games if I can. I obviously want to keep learning off the players around me and taking as much as I can off the coaches and everyone
else there.”
Forbes said it was exciting to have the chance to play with McLay and Baker-West at Vic Metro.
McLay said it was pretty unreal as a bottom ager to be selected.
“It’s a really good opportunity, even training,” she said. “It’s a bit different to how we would train at Coates League, it’s another step up.
“We had the summer camp beforehand earlier in the year and we got told that we would be at the trial.
“I wasn’t shocked about the trial, but I wasn’t really expecting to be in the team, cause I missed four weeks because of an injury andthatwasmyfirstgamebackabitunsettled at the start and started to come into it.”
McLay said she had nothing to lose this year, as it would be a learning curve to make her better for next year, her draft year.
She said the experience of under-16s nationals had given her a bit of guidance on what to expect in the higher age group.
“I just want to train my hardest so I can get picked for a game, even just learning off some of the girls that are getting drafted this year is a really good experience,” she said.
“Having this year and understanding what
it’s like to be a bottom ager, hopefully next year I’ll get into the team and help those that are bottom age next year, guide them along the way and help them out.”
Baker-West is set to miss the fist game of the carnival, but like McLay is hoping to use this year as a stepping stone.
She said she was shocked to be selected this year.
“I think it’s good, it’s a boost in confidence as well going into the next year as well,” she said.
“It’s a good experience to get involved and get more relationships and friendships as well.
“I didn’t play any trial games as I was injured. It did boost my confidence.”
Baker-West was also part of the under-16 Vic Metro side last year, where she won the side’s most valuable player award.
She said she isn’t thinking about the past, but about what she can do now.
“It’s a new year and I’m going to play my own game,” she said. “I’m not having to worry about all the other stuff and put it to the side like it’s a new year.
Baker-West, who is captain at PEGS, hasn’t played much Cannons football this season, said she was hoping to play a few games towards the back end of the year.
Plenty Valley’s Tayla Vlaeminck will get the chance to push her case for the Australian team for the T20 World Cup as part of an Australian A squad.
Several of Australia’s biggest stars will begintheirT20WorldCuppreparations alongside the country’s best rising talent, as Australia A host India A in Queensland in August.
Themulti-format’A’serieswillfeature three T20s, three one-dayers and a four-day red-ball game, to be played across Brisbane, Mackay and the Gold Coast.
Australian quicks Megan Schutt, Kim Garth and Vlaeminck will also feature in the white-ball matches, which will be their first hit-out since April’s tour of Bangladesh as they begin preparations for the T20 World Cup in October.
Australian vice-captain Tahlia McGrath will lead both the T20 and one-day squads.
Vlaeminck has also been named in the one-day squad.
After injuries ruined most of the last two summer, Vlaeminck made her return to the Australian side in April.
In her second back, she took a career best 3-12 to help Australia have a clean sweep against Bangladesh.
Former Plenty Valley spinner Sophie Day has been included in the one-day and four-day squads.
Calder Cannons girls coach Ross Smith with Chloe Baker-West, Kyla Forbes and Jade McLay. (Supplied)
Tayla Vlaeminck. (Getty)
Jameson Best. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 406467_19
Bodley to lead Pacers women amid comeback
The Whittlesea Pacers are bringing back their women’s side for next year’s Big V women’s season, with a familiar face at the helm.
The Pacers announced that Shannon Bodley would coach the side next season, as they look to further get their female program back on track after not having a women’s side the past two seasons.
Bodley has coached both the women’s and youth league girls programs at the Pacers and has also been coaching director more recently.
He was in charge when the Pacers won the division 1 women’s championship in 2015, which saw the Pacers step up to the top grade.
Bodley said the biggest thing for him was making sure they did it properly.
“The league wanted us to bring back the side for this year but they gave us an extra 12 months,” he said.
“It was a no-brainer that it had to happen. It shows a pathway for young girls and young juniors and girls in youth league, there is somewhere they go.
“We always wanted to get the team back up and running, it was a matter of timing.”
The Pacers have a number of talented players
coming through the pathways.
They won the division 2 youth league women’s championship last season and were promoted to youth league 1 for this season.
Bodley said some of those girls would come into the side, while they had a number of good players in the under-16s, under-18s and under-20s as well.
Hesaidwhenhewasstilldirectorofcoaching theyhaddiscussedgettingthesidebackupand goingandhadtolookattheprogramasawhole and be sustainable.
“We’ll look to fill some gaps,” he said. “It will show year after year that the youth league will flow into the women’s side.
“I’ll be involved in the youth league and juniors as well.”
After a few years out of coaching at this level, Bodley said it was something he missed and he was looking forward to it.
Even though the 2024 season hasn’t finished, Bodley is already getting down to work.
“Mebeingme,I’vealreadybeenonthephone and had some positive phone calls with some ex-players,” he said.
“We’re going to have an import and we’re
going to pay players, just like with the men’s.” Bodleysaidthiswasmorethanjustaboutthe association but female sport more broadly in giving them someone where they can play for 10 to 15 years if they want to.
Dickinson marked game 300. (Ljubica Vrankovic)_417498_03
Game 300 for Dickinson
By Tara Murray
Craigieburn Eagles Blake Dickinson has been planning to retire for a number of years, but he keeps coming back.
On Saturday, he celebrated game 300 for the Eagles in the Big V competition.
He joins rare company at the club with only three other players having reached the 300 game milestone. He is the second man behind Eric Plant.
Dickinson said it’s pretty crazy to have reached that milestone.
“It’s not something that I set out to do,” he said. “Time ticks away and all of a sudden you’re at 300 games.
“It is great.”
Dickinson played all his juniors at the Eagles beforesteppingintotheBigVprogram,playing eight years.
When he started there was no youth league competition and he stepped into the men’s side as a 17-year-old.
The highlight for Dickinson is the 2012 championship.
“That team was good,” he said. “Individually I’ve led the league in offensive rebounds twice which is a pretty good one.
“I started out as the young guy in the team and now I’m the oldest one. I’ve probably played with 100 players over that time.
“A couple of the guys I used to coach are now my teammates.”
Dickinson has also won two club most valuable players awards, 2016 and 2023.
Among those teammates is big brother, Jae Dickinson. Blake and Jae played their 200th games on the same night in 2018.
Jae gave up a couple of years ago. Dickinson said initially it was weird not playing with his brother, but he got used to it.
Dickinson said there was something they drew him back to playing each year.
“I’ve been saying one more year for a few years now,” he said. “Last couple of years we haven’t had the best team on court.
“We’ve got a competitive team this year. After the last couple of years and the situation we were in, I couldn’t dive into retirement.
“The body is now pulling up a bit sore and I can’t jump as high. Hopefully I can have one more shot at it and hopefully finish on top. It could be the last one.
The Eagles sit atop on the division 2 ladder after 15 rounds.
Dickinson said he was really enjoying this year and hopes they can challenge for the championship.
The Eagles celebrated Dickinson’s milestone game with a win against the Sherbrooke Suns.
Scores were level at quarter time before the Suns led by four points at the main break.
Thatincreasedtosixpointsatthefinalbreak.
A 31-20 final quarter helped the Eagles come away with an 83-78 win.
Bradley Hassell top scored with 20 points off the bench.
Dickinson finished the game with five points, 12 rebounds and two assists,
Kookas join the DVCA
Rivergum is on the move, joining the Diamond Valley Cricket Association from next season.
The club, which has been one of the powerhousesfortheNorthMetroCricket Association, announced on Tuesday that its application to join the DVCA had beenacceptedbytheclubsandexecutive.
The club has been part of the NMCA for the past 26 years.
Kookas president Daniel Young said the move to the DVCA was the right moveforthelongtermfutureoftheclub.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “It’s been a bit of a process to get it over the line.
“It’s been a bit of a struggle for our juniors and we want a better competition for them. That was our main driving factor.”
The Kookas had a Blasters program along with under-10, 12, 14 and 16 teams last season. Their under-16s had to play elsewhere as there wasn’t a competition in the NMCA.
“We want to be there for a long time,“ he said. “Without juniors, you’re never going to be able to stick around.”
Youngsaiditwasanewerafortheclub.
The Kookas made 11 straight grand finals in the Jika Shield, winning five premierships, before missing the grand final the past two seasons.
They had four players win the Bill McFarlane Medal in the past 13 seasons, including Matt Perri winning the medal three times.
“It’s a fresh start, a fresh chapter,” Young said. “Everyone is really excited about it and there’s been plenty of positive feedback.”
The Kookas will start in the Mash Shield, the third grade of the DVCA competition.
Young said they wanted to get into Money Shield and then Barclay Shield as quickly as possible.
“There will be new players, new grounds and we’ve going into something different,” he said.
“It’s something different for the boys and they are excited about it.”
The club will have a new coach for the foray into the DVCA, with Corey Altis taking on the role.
Tara Murray
Blake
It was one of two coaching announcements, with the Pacers announcing that men’s coach Des Radoslovic had re-signed for next year.
Tara Murray
Shannon Bodley. (Supplied)
Young guns fire for Greenvale Jets
Greenvale is ready to launch into a big second part of the Essendon District Football League premier division season.
The Jets sit in fifth spot as the division has the weekend off and has put itself in a good position to seal a finals berth. They have a two game break on Essendon Doutta Stars.
After a slow start, the Jets have started to bring it all together much to the delight of coach Darren Bewick.
“The belief is there,” he said. “They are getting an understanding of their roles and being more confident to apply that in those roles.
“It’s been a really big thing the last couple of weeks and it will hopefully hold them in good stead for the rest of the year.”
Like many sides, the Jets have had their fair share of injuries and players heading overseas. While frustrating, Bewick has taken some real positives from it.
“We’ve been happy with the boys that
have stepped up and played roles the last few weeks,” Bewick said.
“We’ve had three to four under-18s and we’ve averaged seven, eight, nine players under-20. We’ve had a couple come straight up from under-18s.
“It’s a little bit through circumstance that has made it happen. There’s positives about it and it gives them a taste and experience playing at the senior levels.”
Bewick said the bye came at a good time for them.
“We still have a couple of boys overseas and some injuries,” he said. “It’s another weekend gone without them playing.
“It will give the other boys a chance to freshen up and launch into the second half of the season.
“We’ve got a couple of great games coming up and hopefully get as many back into the team.”
The Jets back part of the season will start
against Essendon Doutta Stars.
After that they face the top four sides in the final five rounds.
“Keilor is a very different proposition,” he said. “We’ve got games against Aberfeldie, Strathmore and Pascoe Vale, which are all above us at the moment.
“We were able to stick with them. It’s something that the boys are looking forward to.”
Meanwhile in weekend action, Westmeadows returned to the winners list in division 2.
The Tigers were too strong for the Sunbury Kangaroos, winning 13.14 (92)-4.11 (35).
In division 1, Roxburgh Park suffered a shock loss to Keilor Park.
It was the Devils first win of the season.
Craigieburn’s tough run continued, suffering a big loss to Westmeadows.
Tara Murray
Demons bounce back
By Tara Murray
Mernda was able to quickly bounce back from a poor performance in the Northern Football League division 3 competition, returning to the winners list on Saturday.
With nothing separating the top five teams in the run home, every win is important for the Demons.
On Saturday, the Demons were tested by the Old Eltham Collegians, who threw a few different things at them.
The Demons slowly worked into the game and were able to take control in the second half.
They were able to hit the scoreboard in the final quarter, kicking five goals to none to come away with an 11.9 (75)-8.10 (58) win.
Demons coach Robert Fletcher said it was a good win in the end.
“The boys were a little slow to get going,” he said. “They tried to limit our scoring and put someone behind the footy to slow us down.
“We’re usually a heavy scoring side. It took a while to adapt to that. When we did we were
able hit hard in the last quarter.
“We know we have a couple of different gears and we were able to kick top gear in the final quarter.”
Fletcher said they made some positional changes in the second half to try and get the side going.
Nathan Baccega and Zach Racovolis went into the middle of the ground and their hardness at the footy led to a lot more inside 50s.
Fletcher said Baccega has been their best player the last three weeks while Josh Mazzarella was also good.
Kyle Yankos was another player that has stood up the last couple of weeks.
William Crouch was the key target up forward, kicking four goals.
The win has the Demons sit in second spot.
The top three teams are all equal on points, with fourth and fifth are a further game back.
Fletcher said they had five players still out of their team at the moment, but were hopeful of getting most of those players back in the next
two to three weeks.
Hesaidwiththeclosenessofthecompetition means every game is important in the run home.
“We are really happy with where we are at,” he said. “The aim was to play finals and we have probably secured that now with how many wins we have.
“We want to secure that double chance, it helps come finals time.”
The Demons this week face King Lake at King Lake. It hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for the Demons.
“They towelled us up there last year,” he said. “They are a good side and even better when they are at home.”
King Lake is coming off a loss to Epping.
The Pingers were able to do enough to come home with the 8.6 (54)-7.6 (48) win.
Old Paradians suffered a 15.9 (99)-6.10 (46) loss to Fitzroy Stars in the top of the table clash.
Lalor suffered a disappointing loss to Reservoir, 18.9 (117)-13.8 (86).
Doreen’s Laura Paeglis and Craigieburn’s Ezi Magbegor are both headed to the Olympics.
Twenty-two-year-old Paeglis will take on the women’s individual event in archery in Paris, making her Olympics debut.
Paeglis was part of the Australian squad that secured the mixed team quota for the country at the 2023 Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands, which also gave Australia an individual men’s and women’s quota.
The Victorian cemented her place on the team the past six months across five qualifying events.
“It feels amazing to be selected for my first Olympics, this has been a dream of mine for a long time and to be selected is just the best feeling in the world,” she said.
“It’s almost hard to believe, after so many years of training and fighting towards this goal, to be in this position is really exciting.
“I want to thank everyone who helped get me here, particularly my family. My dad has helped coach me, my mum has always been my biggest fan and both my siblings have always been so supportive. They’vealljustbeensoamazingthrough this whole experience.”
Craigieburn-raised Magbegor will be part of her second Olympic team. She is currently playing in the WNBL with the Seattle Storm. She will be hoping to play a key role in the Opals side as they look to return to the medals after missing out the last two Olympics.
Opals captain Tess Madgen drew on the legacy of the Opals to inspire the team going to Paris.
“We have the absolute best team of athletes, we are much more than a team, we are a sisterhood and we carry with us all the Opals from the past and we draw on their strength. Every time I put on the green and gold it gives me goosebumps, it’s hard to really put into words what it means. We are all so grateful to be here and make no mistake we are very hungry so bring on Paris.”
Dante Exum, the son of former Broadmeadows basketball director of coaching Cecil Exum, has been named in the Boomers team.
William Crouch. (Ljubica Vrankovic). 417489_15
Hayden Fraser is one of the Jets young stars.
