Girls AFL gala is a hit
Girls from three Mill Park primary schools had the chance to show off their AFL skills last week.
The students from St Francis of Assisi, Plenty Parklands and Mill Park Heights primary schools took part in an all-girls AFL gala day on July 19, organised by the Bundoora District School Sports Association. The event included matches, skill-building activities and a closing ceremony to promote inclusivity and encourage girls to participate in sports, particularly AFL. St Francis of Assisi head of physical education and sport and event convenor Adrian Talarico thought the gala was a fantastic opportunity for young girls to experience the joy of AFL in a supportive and empowering environment.
Max Westwood St Francis of Assisi head of physical education with year 6 students Allegra and Chanel. (Damjan Janevski) 414335_01
Thousands sign petition
By Max Westwood
A petition created in a bid to stop the development of the waste to energy facility in Wollert has been signed by over 5000 people.
Cleanaway is proposing to build the Melbourne Energy and Resource Centre (MERC)at510SummerhillDrive,whichwould use up to 380,000 tonnes of waste material that would otherwise have gone to landfill. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) said the waste to energy process is forecast to generate approximately 46.3 megawatt (MW) gross of electricity, 4.7MW of which would be used to power the facility itself. The remainder of 41.6MW will be exported to the grid as base load electricity.
It said waste ash produced from the process would be treated at the facility to be used as an alternativeconstructionproduct.Metalswillbe recovered from waste ash for recycling and sale.
Wollert resident Adriano Di Girolami said he was concerned about the possible health affects that the polluted air will have on such a populated area.
“It should not go where it is going. You have aged care … childcare centers, private residences and a gated community down the road that it will wreck altogether,” he said.
“Where they are proposing, less than four kilometres away they just put up 400-1000 townhouses.”
Fellow Wollert resident and creator of the petition Julie Ahmed is concerned about
the effects the facility will have on the area and its residents. She said there is very little information available regarding the potential long-term health impacts of such facilities.
“Sowefeelthatthisisbeingpushedthrough without even hearing the concerns of local residents, nor looking at the evidence from overseas and the and the accumulative health effects and environmental effects,” she said
“The thing is, there’s still a large proportion of the community that are unaware [of the proposal], because we still find people every single day that do not know about it.
“I don’t think there is any other option here that we do. We will not stop unless it. It’s the whole proposal is scrapped.”
Cleanaway, in its online response
to community submissions, said the Summerhill Drive site was chosen following a review of 200 potential sites and is 1.4km from existing residential areas in Wollert and 1.2 km from future residential developments.
“The proposed waste-to-energy facility offers an appropriate and productive use of the land, which is already surrounded by several industrial facilities making it unsuitable for residential development,” Cleanaway said.
It said a human health risk assessment (HHRA) identified no unacceptable risks to community health, noting that the risk of odour impacts was low.
The EPA said the application is under assessment.
Broadmeadows a top performer
By Max Westwood
In a quarter that recorded minimal change to median house prices across the state, several suburbs across Hume and Whittlesea bucked the trend, recording significant price increases.
According to Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) data, Broadmeadows was the north’s strongest performing suburbs – and one of the state’s top performers – recording a 13.1 per cent increase in the median house
price.
The median price in Broadmeadows was $682,500 as of the ned of June, up from $580,000 three months earlier.
Meadow Heights (8.7 per cent increase to $635,000), Coolaroo (5.1 per cent to $557,000), South Morang (5.3 per cent to $821,000), Bundoora (4.7 per cent to $900,000) and Mill Park (4.6 per cent to $790,000) also recorded strong results.
According to the data, Greenvale was Hume’smostexpensivesuburb,withamedian
house price of $922,000, and increase of 2.7 per cent from the March quarter.
Bundoora was the most expensive place to buy a house in Whittlesea.
Despite a quarterly increase of 6.1 per cent, Dallas recorded the lowest median price in Hume at $515,000.
The Whittlesea township had the lowest median house price in the City of Whittlesea, falling 16.2 per cent to $695,000.
The median house price also fell in Mickleham (-1.2 per cent to $677,000) Lalor
upgrade. (Supplied)
Abseiling team aids bridge upgrade
An abseiling team has provided a high-flying solution to help the Bridge Inn Road upgrade work.
The trio helped complete repairs under the historic bluestone bridge over Plenty River, which is being repurposed into a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists as part of the upgrade.
The abseiling crew spent a week repairing the bridge’s piers and crossheads with support from three project team members.
Completing the vital works this way prevented the need to build a complex scaffold system across the bridge’s four spans, in turn saving time, avoiding overhead powerlines and the need to work within the Plenty River.
These works are the first major repairs to take place under the bluestone bridge since 1975 and will ensure that it is able to operate as a shared walking and cycling path for years to come.
The repurposed bridge will link with other shared walking and cycling paths to provide better connections for active transport in the area.
The upgrade has built a new four-lane bridge for vehicles, with one lane each way opening last year. The rest of the lanes are set to open this year.
The bridge works complement the upgrade’s construction of extra lanes in both directions between Plenty and Yan Yean roads.
The project is also building sections of shared path and upgrading key intersections between Mernda and Doreen.
Major Road Projects program director Dipal Sorathia said the abseilers helped make the works a lot easier.
“Using abseilers to complete repairs under the bluestone bridge was a smart solution to the unique challenges presented by the location of the bridge. It saved time while allowing our crews to work safely,” he said.
“With these repair works now complete, pedestrians and cyclists can look forward to safe and reliable travel over the bridge once we have finished repurposing it as a shared path as part of the Bridge Inn Road upgrade.”
(-1 per cent to $703,000) and Thomastown (-3 per cent to $730,000).
REIV president Jacob Caine said the June quarter results showed that the market was well balanced for both buyers and sellers.
“While overall price movement was minimalthroughouttheyear,eachsuburband town has varied greatly in performance,”Mr Csine said.
“The market conditions are well balanced offering great opportunities for discerning buyers and sellers.”
Hume council will not trial 24-hour ‘open libraries’, instead opting to explore other options.
Council officers investigated the suitability for libraries across Hume to operate as ‘open libraries’ – meaning they would be open and accessible by the public at all hours, every day.
This model of library was introduced in Europe about 15 years ago in response to a decline in staffed hours due to lack of funding, a report to council said.
The Hume officer report found that of the 49 library services in Victoria, seven open their libraries for extended unstaffed hours, with only two services offering 24-hour access libraries.
The officer report recommended that thecouncildoesnottrialtheopenlibrary model at this time.
Reasons included that Hume does not have any library branches that accommodate easy trialling of an open library, and that there would be upgrade costs with no budgets currently allocated to undertake the works.
Cr Carly Moore said that despite council not trialling this model, she wants the council to explore other options for more extended hour library access.
“Certainly we are very keen to make sure that our community can access our libraries – particularly those people who can’t attend in the traditional hours,” Cr Moore said.
Of the eight Hume Libraries locations, three are open extended hours each week, with the Sunbury library offering the most access hours at 68 hours per week, 352 days per year.
Oscar Parry
Abseilers doing work as part of the Bridge Inn Road
New lights to ease congestion
A new set of traffic lights at a busy South Morang intersection will help to ease congestion and reduce travel times for motorists, according to Whittlesea council.
Council awarded a contract for the installation of lights at the intersection of Findon and Williamsons roads at its meeting on Tuesday, July 16.
Council said the traffic lights will provide residents with safe access to a number of nearby community facilities, including schools, train stations and shopping centres.
In addition to the traffic lights, the project
also includes road widening, drainage works, installation of streetlights, signage, line marking and landscape works.
The intersection upgrade follows the completion of the Findon Road extension, running from Williamsons Road to Danaher Drive, in June last year.
The $15 million extension delivered a critical new east-west link that has helped to ease congestion.
The extension resulted in a more even distribution of traffic across the local road network, particularly relieving congestion on
McDonalds Road and around the Mill Park Lakes residential area.
The extension featured the creation of additional lanes, a walking and cycling path aligned with the existing Yan Yean Pipe Track and a road bridge over the underpass to Mernda.
Council said temporary signals have been in place to manage traffic at the intersection with Williamsons Road since the extension was opened.
Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the signalised intersection will help to
Kangan’s baking trade show winners
Broadmeadows Kangan Institute students Rita Sagher and Thi McCulloch have won awards in the 2024 Victorian Baking Trade Show.
Ms Sagher received first prize for her three-tiered wedding cake and while Ms McCulloch won second prize for her black swan cake.
Ms McCulloch said she has her own secret techniquethatallowedhertowinsecondprize.
“To make this cake the hardest part was the neckoftheswan,thedifficultywasformingthe beak and the feathers,” she said.
“The way I did the feathers is my own secret technique. It took me four hours to do it right andthehardestwasthebaby’sfeathers.WhenI did it, I wanted it to look alive, like it has a soul, a spirit in it.
“I feel very happy to win second place in this competition because this will help me develop my new future career as a trainer in baking.”
MsSagherhadherownrecipetosuccessthat allowed her to win first prize.
“I worked on each of the flowers, preparing them step by step, petal by petal, leaf by leaf,” she said.
“EverythingtookalotoftimeandIhadtobe patient to create all the details.
“Iwasgladtousemyskillsfordecoratingand now I want to develop the perfect recipe for the cake. When I do something I do it with all my passion, I want it to be perfect. All my teachers havehelpedme,andIwanttocontinuetolearn and improve my skill.”
“If you just love it then you can do it, you
need lots of passion and time to be hands on.”
Kangan Institute chief executive Sally Curtain congratulated the students on their achievements.
“Congratulations to Rita and Thi for bravely entering the competition and embracing the opportunity to put their skills and training to the test,” she said.
“I am constantly amazed by what our students create and for the knowledge and support they are offered by their teaching team to achieve great outcomes.
“We can’t wait to see what masterpieces Rita and Thi will create next and look forward to following their career paths.”
Max Westwood
Mernda’s new library is a hit with locals
Mernda Town Centre’s new library has been a hitwithlocalswithnearly30,000visitorsinthe first few months.
Located at the shopping centre next to Mernda Station, the library has welcomed 1600 members with more than 33,000 items burrowedsinceitsopeningonJanuary222024. Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson, who formally opened the library at an event on July 18, spoke of the importance of libraries.
“Libraries play a crucial role in promoting literacy, education and they provide safe, comfortable, and inclusive spaces for our community. They also offer an opportunity for a free activity in these times of cost-of-living pressures,” Ms WIlson said.
The library’s location has been credited in its success, enabling people to visit while they do shopping, attend medical appointments or catch public transport.
The library offers a wide range of books, resources, public computers, printing services, free Wi-Fi and ample room for reading, studying or working. Self-checkout and click and collect services make the burrowing process user friendly.
TheMerndaLibraryjoinstheexistinglibrary servicesintheCityofWhittleseawhichinclude branchesinLalor,MillPark,Thomastown,and Whittlesea, as well as a library hub at Galada Community Centre in Epping.
improve traffic flow in an increasingly busy part of the municipality.
“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our traffic network so residents can travel quickly and safely to and from the places they need to go, such as work, school and the shops,” Ms Wilson said.
“The Findon Road extension and now this signalised intersection will help motorists go about their everyday lives while spending less time in their cars.”
It is expected work on the project will start in late 2024 and finish in mid-to-late-2025.
Help to determine Mill Park’s future
Mill Park residents are being encouraged to have their say on a plan to shape the suburb’s future.
Whittlesea council has adopted a draft Mill Park place framework, which outlines a plan to improve Mill Park streets, public spaces, community precincts, infrastructure and transport over time.
The framework focuses on six key projects in the short-term: safer streets to allow children to walk or bike to school, enhanced community hubs, revitalising key destinations, re-imagining transmission easements, upgrading parks and increasing walk-ability through future development.
Long-term projects include improvements to key roads, waterway corridors and town centres.
Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the draft framework was a collaboration between council and the community.
“Your feedback is essential in making surethisframeworkgenuinelyrepresents Mill Park residents and ensures Mill Park remains a vibrant, enjoyable and well-planned community. We look forward to hearing your feedback, insights and ideas,” she said.
Feedback can be provided online or in-person from July 29-August 25.
Details: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ mill-park-place-framework
Last year, the City of Whittlesea conducted a review of its library services to meet the demands of a growing community. Library visits are projected to increase in the coming years.
To meet the growing demand for library services,plansareunderwaytoopenanewhub at the Kirrip Community Centre in Wollert and a mini-branch at Donnybrook’s Murnong Community Centre by 2025.
Jaidyn Kennedy
Mernda Library has become popular with locals. (Supplied)
Thi McCulloch with her black swan novelty cake. (Supplied)
Discover your next chapter at Sherwin Rise
Are you ready to downsize and embrace a lifestyle that provides you the opportunity to enjoy your time exploring what you love and make the most of your retirement years? If you’re 55 or over, whether retired or working part-time, it’s time to explore Sherwin Rise in Wollert. Just 26 km north of Melbourne CBD, Sherwin Rise retirement village offers independent living for the next best chapter of your life.
The newly constructed modern, single-level homes are available in two-bedroom, two-bedroom plus study and three-bedroom designs that are built for comfort and low maintenance. You will be impressed by how each home maximises space and natural light. All units feature solar panels and recycled water for irrigation and toilet flushing. Excess solar power is shared, allowing residents to benefit from wholesale electricity rates, significantly reducing their bills, all while emphasising sustainability.
Retirement living benefits
Owned by Keyton, one of Australia’s largest operators of retirement villages with more than 75 communities nationwide, Sherwin Rise is a confident choice. According to the recent Keyton Retirement Living Lifestyle Report, which surveyed nearly 5,000 Australian retirees over 55 living outside Keyton villages, six in ten (59%) worry more about living costs now than in 2021. Interestingly, most (54%) found the cost of entering a retirement village lower than expected, and
nearly half (44%) wished they’d moved sooner. With property prices starting from $570,000*, Sherwin Rise offers social, safety, health and wellness benefits, making it a perfect place to enjoy retirement.
Resort-style amenities
Located conveniently near medical services, shops and parklands, Sherwin Rise offers everything you need at your fingertips. Enjoy resort-style amenities, including a clubhouse, wellness hub with a bowling green, pool, gym and cinema. It also has a dedicated health and wellness coordinator who organises programs to keep residents active and healthy.
With an array of activities and amenities there is something for everyone. You can cue up a game or two in the billiards room or roll up your sleeves and show off those green thumbs in the communal vegetable garden. You can stroll through the gardens and the open community spaces or sit back in the lounge with a book in the library.
It also has a hairdressing and beauty room on hand to keep you looking your very best. There is also a medical consultation room to help look after your health. The heated swimming pool and the well-equipped gym helps you stay active without having to leave the village. And while there’s so much right here in the community, there is also a village bus that can get you to the local shopping centre without a hassle.
Strong social connections
Social events and activities at Sherwin Rise foster a strong community spirit. From happy hours in the clubhouse to meeting like-minded residents, there’s always something happening. The pet-friendly village is also perfect for pet owners, offering spacious homes and nearby parklands for walks.
Residents love life at Sherwin Rise. Alan, who moved with his Labrador, Rosy, says, “The village is perfect for us with plenty of room and a community of petloving neighbours.” Residents and neighbours, Jenny and Lyn, found not just a home but a true sense of belonging and friendship at Sherwin Rise. Jenny shares, “It’s a great community with plenty of social events happening. You don’t want to live out your life lonely, that’s not going to happen here.”
Nathan Cockerill, CEO of Keyton says, “We see firsthand through the residents that live in our villages that retirement living brings out the very best in people because the environment encourages wellbeing, connection and community, no matter how they choose to spend their time.” Retirement is where the real adventure begins. It’s your time to make the most of life – and it all starts with a chat. Discover a vibrant, fulfilling retirement at Sherwin Rise. Retirement is where the real adventure begins. It’s your time to make the most of life –and it all starts with a chat. Discover brand new homes and visit sherwinrise.com.au for more information or call 1800 550 550 to book a tour.
Virtual ED pods boosted
Two Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) pods have been installed in the Northern Hospital emergency department.
Northern Health said the pods help make access to care for patients with non-lifethreatening problems easier.
Patients will be able to receive a video consultation and assessment by a doctor in privacy and comfort of the soundproof space.
Northern Health project manager Laura HughessaidthepodsareanotherwayNorthern Health is providing care to the community.
“Whenweranarecenttrial,wesawhundreds of patients use the service effectively, many who were able to leave the physical emergency department sooner, and continue to improve
Hume City Council postal election
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and recover at their home,“ she said. Northern Health emergency department nurseunitmanagerHannahDowniesaidthere were between four and five patients using the pods daily, but Northern Hospital is hoping this number will increase to at least 15.
Ms Downie said many patients redirected to the pods would be classified as category four or five patients.
“The current wait times for these patients to see a clinician and wait in the waiting room is between 90-120 minutes on average, although this could be longer, depending on the time of day. The VVED team are working towards patients being seen in the pods within 20 minutes,” Ms Downie said.
Briefs
Man charged over death
Two men have been charged following the death of a man in Thomastown earlier this month. A 43-year-old Lalor man, who was wanted in relation to the incident, handed himself into police on July 21. The man has been charged with aggravated burglary, common law assault and theft. He has been remanded to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 18. A 45-year-old Glenroy man was arrested at the scene and charged with aggravated burglary –person present, theft and common law assault.
Broadmeadows death Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Broadmeadows on July 19. It is understood a loader struck a man at an industrial site on Maygar Boulevard about 9.45am. Paramedics worked on the man, who is yet to be formally identified, but he sadly died at the scene. WorkSafe will investigate the incident and police will prepare a report for the coroner.
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A general election for Hume City Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled by the close of roll at 4 pm on
. Two categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Hume City Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters.
State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
• you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in the City of Hume and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
• you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in the City of Hume and you are not on the State electoral roll or you have lived at your current residential address within the City of Hume for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
To be a Council-enrolled voter, you must be:
• 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• not a State-enrolled voter within the City of Hume.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates). If you are a non-resident property owner within the City of Hume, you need to apply to enrol if you wish to vote in the Hume City Council election.
Who else can enrol & vote?
You may also apply to enrol if:
• you have purchased a rateable property within the City of Hume since the last election but you are not a resident of the City of Hume, or
• you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within the City of Hume, or you pay rates on a property you occupy within the City of Hume and have no other voting entitlement within the City of Hume, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for your tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Hume, or
• you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within the City of Hume that pays rates to Hume City Council and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Hume.
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the above criteria and wish to enrol, contact Hume City Council on 9205 2200 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the Council on 9205 2200.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Hume City Council, you must: • be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters’ roll for Hume City Council and • be eligible to become a councillor and have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Northern Hospital emergency department nurse unit manager Hannah Downie in front of one of the virtual ED pods. (Supplied)
Traumatic birth support prioritised
steering her from a corporate career back to healthcare.
“It was literally because of my friend’s very sad birth that I became a midwife.”
The birth reflections team was established at the women’s with the help of funding for late-career midwives, allowing experienced clinicians like Kath to focus on debriefing and birth reflection roles.
By Hannah Hammoud
In the halls of the Royal Women’s Hospital, a specialist team of seasoned midwives stands out for its unique initiative in supporting women who have faced unexpected outcomes during childbirth.
Kath Cruickshanks is part of the birth reflections team at the women’s. Her journey intomidwiferybeganwithaprofoundpersonal experience.
“I became a midwife a long time ago because I was privileged enough to be at a friend’s very sad birth. We knew that it was going to be a sad birth, and I was just the support person,” she said.
This event was a turning point for Kath,
“One of our projects was setting up this service at the hospital and seeing womenwhohavehadanunexpectedoutcome,” Kath said.
These outcomes can range from serious post-birth bleeds and severe perineal tears to emergency caesarean sections.
The team’s mission is clear: they see women before they leave the hospital to help them understand their birth experience, answer any lingering questions, and ensure they have the necessary support systems in place.
“It’snotourjobtotalkinthedebriefmoment – our job is to listen,” Kath said.
“It might help them to piece together the moments that led up to the birth, and as senior clinicians we can explain it if they didn’t quite
Kath Cruickshanks is part of the birth reflections team at the Royal Women’s Hospital. (Supplied)
understandoritwastoorushedatthetime.We also make sure that we ask for their feedback on what we as clinicians could have done differently and we also ask them if they would like to give feedback about any particular staff member.”
This year, Birth Trauma Awareness Week (BTAW), which ran from July 16-22, highlighted the theme of informed consent, a cornerstone of respectful maternity care. Informedconsentgoesbeyondmerelysaying
Toilet birth scars remain for mum
Lauren Green’s son made an unconventional entrance to the world – into a toilet.
Laurencanseethefunnysidesevenyearson, but the sudden birth left deep scars she’s still coming to terms with.
The nurse had always wanted to be a mum and completing a half marathon flicked a switch in Lauren and spurred her to try for a baby.
Fiance Nick was hesitant at first, but Lauren told him it might take time.
“Then I think we pretty much got pregnant the first time we tried.”
At 38 weeks and one day, Lauren and Nick decided to have one last date night at their local pub.
Lauren went to bed and woke to contractions at 1am.
“While I was sleeping I was obviously dilating and I didn’t know,” she said.
“I thought ‘I’ll just let it happen for a bit, it could be Braxton-Hicks or it might go away’.
“It got pretty intense pretty quickly so I woke Nick up.”
Nick ran a bath for her but she soon got back out.
“I was restless, it didn’t feel right. I was walking around the house remembering my Calmbirth sessions, breathing through it and being mindful.
“I felt comfy on the toilet. The position that yourbodyisinwhenyou’reonthetoiletisquite natural for that process.”
LaurenhadaTENSmachineonherbackand was timing the contractions using her phone. They got closer together and more intense so Nick called the hospital.
On learning that Lauren was only three hours in, the midwife told her it’d be a while longer and she should take some Panadol.
“I thought ‘they’re two minutes apart and they bloody hurt. What do you mean I can’t come in yet?’.
“I had a funny contraction that felt very different from the others.”
Lauren felt like her body was pushing.
“It happened again and I felt Otis’s head coming out.
“Onthethirdweirdcontraction,hecameout into the toilet.
“Nick came barrelling into the bathroom and got him out.
“He was passing him through my legs.
“It was scary.
“I just put him on my chest and said to Nick, ‘You need to call an ambulance’.
“I just sat there then, in shock.”
The ambulance arrived in less than 10 minutes.
Lauren started having contractions again
once she arrived at the hospital.
“That hurt more than the ones I’d had before Otiswasborn,”shesaid.“Iaskedforpainrelief.
“They said to me ‘You had the baby without anything so you’ll be OK’.
“I was lying on the trolley with Otis on my chest and my placenta still inside me.
“After that I felt very calm and I had a beautiful midwife who helped me through the process of delivering the placenta.
“I think my body was fighting it. I was so stressed.
“Once the placenta was out I finally just got to rest.
“Otis was completely fine.
Lauren lodged a complaint with the hospital
following her experience.
“I spent quite a bit of time thinking about what would have happened if he wasn’t breathing,” she said.
“I do spend a bit of time thinking about that – less these days, but more in the year or two after.
“It’s definitely left me with some scars.
“It’s changed the way I think about things.
“We had floated the idea of just having one child before we had Otis anyway, but after that I was like ‘nope, I’m done, I can’t go through that again’.
“I don’t want to go through that again.”
Casey Neill
yes to a procedure. It involves understanding the choices, risks, and benefits involved.
Kath said she has witnessed a positive shift in recent years, where women’s experiences are being listened to and acknowledged.
“Women are amazing. Women’s bodies are amazing. I think to sit there and listen to their stories as a senior midwife is a privilege.
“One of the common themes that pops up when we talk to women is communication.
Communication is the number one thing that we are still hearing from women and still working on.”
Kath believes that effective communication and continuity of care are vital.
“Whilst we can help women prepare for birth, we can’t always plan for 100 per cent of everything that happens. Birth is very fluid … it changes on a turn of a dime. We’re hoping that with the work we’re doing we’re able to really stop and help women to be heard and listened to and get on the right pathway before they leave the hospital,” she said.
“Women are being heard and acknowledged with their trauma … I can’t tell you how vital this work is.”
Study challenges coping strategies
A La Trobe University study is hoping to challenge traditional categorisations of coping strategies in a bid to promote autonomy and create empowering childbirth experiences.
The study by the university’s Judith Lumley Centre examined the current coping strategies, with the findings suggesting a shift towards a more holistic approach. It comes amid growing concerns about birth trauma and maternity care experiences that were highlighted in the final report of a New South Wales Parliamentary Inquiry into Birth Trauma, handed down in late May. In the study, senior researcher and study lead Dr Laura Whitburn, senior researcher Dr Lester Jones and physiotherapist, birth doula and lead author Janine Shifman proposed reframing coping strategies as ‘intrinsic’ and ‘extrinsic’ to shift the focus away from medical interventions.
Intrinsic strategies are those that can be self-generated by women, while extrinsic strategies require the use of equipment or the help of someone else.
The study surveyed 56 women having their first baby at Mercy Hospital for Women, between February and May 2021. Thinking about labour pain as productive and purposeful pain, feeling safeandsupported,andpreparingarange of coping strategies, were identified as three factors most important to women.
“People may assume that pain relief or having their pain under control during labour is a priority but, in fact, it wasn’t explicitly listed among the most important factors to women,” Dr Whitburn said.
The most common intrinsic strategies identifiedincludedbreathingtechniques, generatingapositivemindset,movement and keeping active. Extrinsic strategies, such as using a bath or shower, the use of a TENS machine or having physical contact from support people or a known support person, were recorded as the most common among respondents.
“We’re hoping this will change the conversation and mindset from ‘you’re not coping anymore, so let me take over’ to ‘you’re not coping anymore, so let’s support you with what you need to get you back on track,” Ms Shifman said.
Lauren and her son Otis. (Rob Carew) 386841_01
Journey from trauma to triumph
By Hannah Hammoud
Thirteen years ago, Leanne Murphy’s life was irrevocably changed by a traumatic birth experience that left her battling with severe physical, emotional, and financial challenges.
Leanne’s ordeal began with the birth of her daughter, Molly, her second child. Despite having had a positive experience with her first child, her expectations for a similar outcome were shattered.
“I was in hospital for 12 hours. I was in the right place at the right time. There was no doctor and no midwife in the room when my daughter was born. It got really scary and I was anxious, and we ended up having to push the emergency button. It was a fear response. I knew that something was wrong, my husband and I were in the room together, no doctor, no midwife … I was calling for help but no one was coming,” Leanne recalls.
Leanne said her daughter Molly entered the world amidst chaos.
“My husband banged on the emergency button, and to be honest, Molly was coming whethertherewasanyonethereornot.Shetore meallthewaythroughinherentrytotheworld … she basically burst out of me and skidded across the bed on the amniotic fluid and my husband caught her. She was actually on my chest before anyone came into the room,” she said.
The delay in medical response was just the beginning of a series of traumatic events. During the childbirth, Leanne suffered a fourth-degree tear, leading to severe complications. Despite being in the hospital for five days, Leanne said she was discharged without the necessary surgical repair.
“I had poo falling out of me, and post-baby bleeding coming out of an orifice that is now a gaping wound,” she said.
“Why wasn’t I sent to the general anaesthetic repair like I was told? Immediately, or within six hours, or 12 hours, or the next day, or the nextday.AfterfivedaysI’mactuallydischarged without the repair done.”
Despite being well-prepared for childbirth through classes and research, nothing had
What’s on
prepared her for the aftermath of a severe tear.
“Nothing was ever said about the impact of having a fourth-degree tear and what to look out for … there’s no literacy on that, I didn’t know what to ask,” she said.
Once she was discharged, Leanne said the struggle to find a surgeon willing to repair the
damage added to her torment.
During this period, Leanne was confined to her home, unable to perform basic tasks or care for her children. Leanne’s experience of isolation and helplessness was only further compounded by financial strain.
“I was 34 years old and I couldn’t leave the house. I couldn’t take my kids for a walk, go shopping,ormeetfriends.Ididhaveamother’s
‘‘ The whole take away from this was that there was actually no help, I fell through the gaps ’’
- Leanne Murphy
group and that was at my house. I said to them, ‘If you don’t come to my house I can’t go’.”
With her husband off work to care for her and their children, and her own maternity leave running out, Leanne said her family faced economic hardship, forcing them to sell theirhouseandmovetoamoreaffordablearea, losing their support network in the process.
Despite these overwhelming difficulties, Leanne found a way to turn her pain into purpose. She retrained as a counsellor, specialising in birth trauma healing.
“The whole take away from this was that there was actually no help, I fell through the gaps,” she said.
“In 10 years, I thought the statistics would improve, but there are still 30,000 birth trauma mums a year.
“I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to overcome. I’m reclaiming, and I’m offering a space that wasn’t there for me, and needs to be there for everybody.”
Come planting this National Tree Day
Celebrate National Tree Day by joining us to plant native trees and wildflowers in Mernda, and enjoy a range of free, family-friendly activities.
Enjoy learning about pollinators and meet your local wildlife rescuers. Help us to improve habitat, and beautify Mernda Villages Conservation Reserve.
When: 10am to 1pm, Sunday 28 July
Where: Mernda Villages Conservation Reserve, Corner Moorland Way and Mernda Village Drive, Mernda
For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events
Whittlesea Public Gardens skate park
Come along and have some fun at the Whittlesea Public Gardens’ new skate park and urban zone.
Enjoy a skate or scooter on the street-style park, shoot some hoops on the basketball and netball courts, and test your strength on the rock-climbing wall. There will be skateboard and roller skate workshops, a DJ pumping out tunes and more!
When: 2pm to 4pm, Saturday 27 July
Where: Whittlesea Public Gardens, Barry Road, Lalor
For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events
Leanne Murphy suffered trauma during the birth of her second child. (Damjan Janevski) 413521_06
Acknowledging women’s pain
By Gerald Lynch
Women experience chronic pain at higher rates than men, according to Northern Health head of gynaecology Josephine Vivian-Taylor.
Dr Vivian-Taylor said women are disproportionately affected by chronic pain condition, creating unique challenges for them.
“In part, this is because women experience chronic pelvic pain, period pain, bladder and bowel pain, particularly at the time of their life they are having periods and ovulating,” she said.
Dr Vivian-Taylor’s comments come as National Pain Week (July 22-28) aims to draw attention to the experience of people living with chronic pain and, by doing so, helps reduce the social and other barriers related to living and managing chronic pain.
Conditions such as chronic pelvic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis are common culprits of women’s pain.
Recent research into women’s experiences within the healthcare system reveals a concerning trend; women presenting with gynaecological pain are more likely to have their pain disregarded.
This dismissal can lead to delayed referrals, diagnoses, and treatments, often exacerbating the chronic nature of their pain and making it harder to treat effectively.
“Pervasive ideas such as ‘it is normal for sex to be painful’ and ‘period pain is normal’ mean that girls and women who experience pain, particularly when it is excessive and negatively impacting their lives, are less likely to seek help in the first place,” Dr Vivian-Taylor said.
Many patients internalise these messages, believing it is ‘normal’ to be bedridden for two days each month during their periods,” she said. “When we tell them that their experience is not ‘normal’ and that we can help, they express relief that they are not ‘going crazy.”
Dr Vivian-Taylor said chronic pain significantly impacts women’s quality of life and mental health.
Young women with chronic pelvic pain often struggle to participate in life like their peers, care for children, or fulfil their career potential, leading to devastating effects, she said.
“I am in awe of these women’s strength to ‘push through’ and fight in the face of such pain. But why should they have to? Women are tough, but if we could help them manage their pain better, they could put this amazing resilience and energy into all the other aspects of their lives,” she said.
Themosteffectivetreatmentforchronicpain involves a multidisciplinary team, including GPs, pain specialists, physiotherapists, pain psychologists, nurses, dieticians, and gynaecologists.
While the evidence for this approach is well established, Dr Vivian-Taylor said delivering
this model of care in our healthcare system is still evolving.
“The women’s health clinics being rolled out by the Victorian government across the state over the next four years, along with endometriosis clinics in general practice and healthcare plans for pelvic health physiotherapyandpsychology,aimtoimprove access to this type of care in Victoria,” she said. “There is no one solution to treat chronic pelvic pain, so shared decision-making, with women at the centre of the care we deliver, is an essential aspect of this care.”
Dr Vivian-Taylor shared a poignant story of a patient who had undergone a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain.
This patient had suffered for years, with every aspect of her life impacted by the pain.
Despite constant appeals to her doctors, her
feelings were disregarded until she finally had a hysterectomy.
“When I asked her if her pain improved after the hysterectomy, it was an emphatic yes! Pure joy on her face! Successfully treating women’s pain, often after many years of suffering, is a very satisfying aspect of my job,” she recounted.
“I would like to say ‘we see you and we believe you’ to all women experiencing chronic pain.”
For those who have been put off accessing care due to poor experiences or fear of not being believed, she encourages them to advocate for treatment again.
She also urges women to explore all aspects of multidisciplinary treatment available for chronic pain to find the combination that works best for them.
Tips for managing stress and maintaining health
By Carly Dober, director, Australian Association of Psychologists and owner of Enriching Lives Psychology
Stress management is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and coping effectively with life’s challenges. Stress, while a natural response to demanding situations, can become detrimentalifnotmanagedproperly.Adopting various strategies can significantly alleviate stress and promote mental resilience. Oneeffectiveapproachtostressmanagement is engaging in regular physical activity. Exercise has been consistently shown to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good“ hormones. These chemicals interact with the brain receptors, triggering a positive feeling in the body. Moreover, physical activity helps in reducing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are elevated during stressful periods. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a gym session, incorporating movement into daily routines can significantly contribute to stress reduction.
Another powerful technique for managing stress is deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths from the diaphragm rather than shallow breaths from the chest. This technique helps to activate the body’s relaxation response, which counters the physiological effects of stress. Deep breathing increases oxygen flow to the brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervoussystem,promotingasenseofcalmness and reducing heart rate and blood pressure. By regularly practicing deep breathing exercises,
we can train our bodies to respond to stress in a more effective manner.
Seekingsocialsupportfromclosefriendsand family members is equally vital in managing stress. Sharing our feelings and concerns with trusted people can provide emotional comfort andperspective.Socialconnectionsofferasense ofbelongingandsecurity,bufferingagainstthe negative effects of stress. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, seeking advice, or simply spending quality time together, nurturing relationships can significantly enhance resilience to stress. Engaging in fun and pleasurable activities is also essential for stress management. Participating in hobbies, interests, or leisure activities provides a mental break from stressors and promotes relaxation. Activities such as reading, hiking, listening to
music, or engaging in creative pursuits allow individualstounwindandrecharge.Bymaking time and space for enjoyable activities, we can cultivate a sense of fulfilment and balance in our lives, reducing overall stress levels.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet, getting adequate sleep, and managing time effectively, complements stress management efforts. Proper nutrition supports overall well-being and helps regulate mood, while sufficient sleep enhances cognitive function and emotional resilience.
Stress management involves adopting a multifaceted approach that addresses both physiological and psychological aspects of stress. Regular physical activity promotes endorphin release and reduces stress hormones, while deep breathing exercises induce relaxation responses. Seeking social support fosters emotional connections and provides a sense of security, while engaging in enjoyable activities promotes mental well-being. By incorporating these strategies into daily routines, individuals can effectively manage stress, enhance resilience, and maintain optimal mental health. Taking proactive steps towards stress management not only improves quality of life but also empowers individuals to navigate challenges with greater ease and positivity.
If you are concerned about how you handle stress or need some expert tools for stress management, a psychologist might be able to help.
Youcanfindapsychologistinyourareahere: https://aapi.org.au/findapsychologist
Carly Dober. (Supplied)
Northern Health head of gynaecology Dr Josephine Vivian-Taylor. (Damjan Janevski) 414632_07
Appeal for missing man
Police are appealing for information about the disappearance of 43-year-old Craigieburn man, Adrian Romeo, which is being treated as suspicious.
Police said Mr Romeo was last seen by his family about 5.30pm on Saturday, February 10, at his Dempster Drive address. He told his parents he was going to a property in Greenvale.
He has not contacted any family or friends since.
Mr Romeo’s family reported him missing on Monday, February 12.
His gold 2004 Toyota Camry sedan has not been seen since leaving his home and his phone and bank cards have not been used, according to police.
Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean
Thomas said it was especially worrying that policehavebeenunabletofindMrRomeo’scar.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may knowthecurrentwhereaboutsofthatvehicle,” he said.
“There is the potential that it has been dumped somewhere, stolen or sold and we’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the gold Toyota Camry. It may potentially be sitting in a street somewhere so I urge people to keep a look out for it.
“[Mr Romeo appeared to be much loved by everyone who knew him and had a close circle of friends he had known for some years.
“Sadly, at this time we do believe [Mr Romeo] has likely met with foul play.”
PolicehavereleaseimagesofMrRomeoand his vehicle in the hope someone can provide
Celebrate tree day at Whittlesea planting day
To celebrate National Tree Day on July 28, Whittlesea council is hosting a community activity situated at Mernda Villages Conservation Reserve.
The free, family-friendly event will take place from 10am to 1pm, with participants encouraged to help plant wildflowers to create habitat to attract more native insects, bees and birds to the community.
A number of environmental organisations that will be there to present activities to entertainthekids,whileScoutswillbecooking a barbecue and there will be a coffee van to fuel
up and get energised for a big day of planting. There are no prior planting skills necessary to enjoy the day.
However it is recommended that you wear sturdy shoes, bring gardening gloves and wear appropriateoutdoorclothingastheconditions may get a bit wet and muddy.
Bookings for the event are encouraged however, walk-ins to the event are also welcome on the day.
Details: whittlesea.vic.gov.au/arts-eventsrecreation/things-to-see-and-do/events/ national-tree-day/
Whittlesea City Council postal election
My
council, my vote
You must be enrolled to vote
information.
Detective Inspector Thomas remains confident that people out there know what happened to him.
“We are hopeful that today’s appeal leads to more people coming forward. Any information provided to detectives will be followed up thoroughly in the hope we can provide some answers for Adrian’s family,” he said.
Anyonewithanyotherinformationisurged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Police are appealing for information about the disappearance of Craigieburn man, Adrian Romeo. (Supplied)
A general election for Whittlesea City Council will be held in October 2024. To be able to vote in the election, you must be enrolled
categories of voters can be enrolled to vote in the Whittlesea City Council election: State-enrolled voters and Council-enrolled voters. State-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You are automatically enrolled for this election if:
• you will be 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• you live in the City of Whittlesea and you are on the State electoral roll for your current address.
You need to enrol if:
you are an Australian citizen aged 18 or over on Saturday 26 October 2024
you live in the City of Whittlesea and you are not on the state electoral roll, or
• you have lived at your current residential address within the City of Whittlesea for at least a month and have not yet updated your enrolment details, including any changes to your postal address.
How do I enrol?
You can enrol online at vec.vic.gov.au
You can also download an enrolment form from the website. All enrolment applications must be received by the Victorian Electoral Commission by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024.
How can I check my State enrolment?
You can check your enrolment details online at vec.vic.gov.au at any time, or call 131 832.
Council-enrolled voters
Am I enrolled to vote?
You will be already enrolled as a council-enrolled voter if you:
• were automatically enrolled at Whittlesea City Council’s last general election in October 2016 because you owned property but did not live in the council area
• your circumstances haven’t changed.
If this doesn’t apply to you, you may still be entitled to apply to enrol with your council.
New rules mean you are no longer automatically enrolled if you are a non-resident property owner (e.g. a landlord or a business owner that pays rates) and purchased your property, or moved out of the municipality, after 26 August 2016.
Who else can enrol & vote?
To be a council-enrolled voter, you must be: 18 years of age or over on Saturday 26 October 2024 and
• not a state-enrolled voter within the City of Whittlesea.
You may apply to enrol if:
• you have purchased a rateable property in the City of Whittlesea since the last election but you are not a resident of the City of Whittlesea, or you are not an Australian citizen and you live in, and pay rates for, a property within the City of Whittlesea, or
• you pay rates on a property you occupy in the City of Whittlesea and have no other voting entitlement within the City of Whittlesea, for example you are a shop tenant and pay rates to the Council for the tenancy, and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Whittlesea, or
• you are a director or company secretary of a corporation within the City of Whittlesea that pays rates to Whittlesea City Council and you have no other voting entitlement within the City of Whittlesea.
How do I apply to be a Council-enrolled voter?
If you meet any of the criteria and wish to enrol, contact Whittlesea City Council on 9217 2170 for a council enrolment form. Council enrolment forms must be received by the Council by the close of roll at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August 2024
How can I check if I am Council-enrolled?
You can check your enrolment details by contacting the council on 9217 2170.
Thinking about standing for election?
To nominate as a candidate for Whittlesea City Council, you must:
be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Whittlesea City Council and be eligible to become a councillor and
• have completed the mandatory candidate training provided by Local Government Victoria before lodging your nomination with the Election Manager.
For further information, visit vec.vic.gov.au
Enrolment closes 4 pm Wednesday 7 August 2024
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Biodiversity education officer Narelle Bozinis and Landcare facilitator Emma Bennett. (Supplied)
Providence Road closed forever
Providence Road in Greenvale will be closed permanently.
Humecouncilmadethedecisiontoclosethe road to vehicles at its July 8 council meeting, having started the procedure to close the road in November 2022.
Providence Road is unsealed between SomertonRoadandapproximately300metres west of Section Road.
The sealed section to the west of Section Road was previously used for access to the former Greenvale Hospital site, which is currently unoccupied.
Providence Road, east of Section Road, is an urban access street, providing access to the Umbra Eetate as part of the Greenvale Central Precinct Structure Plan.
The section of Providence Road to be closed provides access to three properties, all of which are government owned.
The council didn’t receive any public submissions earlier this year during the public consultation stage.
Newgatesarebeinginstalledtostoptheease in which people can access the road, which has been the site for many people dumping
their rubbish on the side of it or setting fire to vehicles.
The road has been closed regularly on a seasonal basis over the fire period each year since 2016.
Councillor Jack Medcraft is happy that the road is finally closing to stop all of the issues that have been taking place.
“We know what this road has caused or what problems we’ve had in the past and how it’s really a de-facto tip for a lot of operators,” he said.
“I’m glad to see that we have decided to lock
Council backs new transport plan
A plan to improve how people move around the municipality over the next decade has been endorsed by Whittlesea council.
The Integrated Transport Plan 2024-2034 includes actions that aim to increase walking and cycling among the community, advocate for better and safer public transport, improve roadsafety,supportefficientfreightmovements and ensure accessible parking for those with mobility needs.
The plan outlines short, medium, and long-term actions, including continued advocacy for the Wollert Rail extension. The plan also proposes a new road safety plan,
advocating for more frequent bus services and supporting delivery of the electric vehicle transition plan. The plan will serve as a framework to address the current and future transport needs which will ensure an efficient transport system for all inhabitants.
Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson expressed her enthusiasm for the plan’s potential impact on the community.
“The endorsement of the Integrated Transport Plan marks a significant milestone. This plan reflects our commitment to creating a more accessible and sustainable transport network that meets the diverse needs of our
growing community,” she said.
“It’s an exciting step forward in making the City of Whittlesea a place where everyone can move around with ease and confidence.
“We thank everyone who provided valuable insights that helped inform this plan and we look forward to working with the community to shape an inclusive transport system that supports a vibrant, connected and sustainable future for all.”
Details: https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov. au/about-us/news-publications/plansstrategies-and-policies/integrated-transportplan-2024-2034/
this off to stop people from driving up and down it.”
“So I’m more than happy to see this come up to council and finally put an end to the moving traffic through it.”
To further monitor the safety of the road, CCTV cameras will be reinstated to look out for and enforce any illegal dumping that takes place in the area.
The instalment of the new gates will cost an estimated $25,000, which is set to be funded through council’s responsive road safety works operating budget.
Council wants community to speak up
Whittlesea council is asking for input fromthecommunityforthedevelopment of a landscape improvement plan for Fortress Park in Doreen.
The aim of the plan is to improve the facilities of the park whilst maintaining its natural feel.
The council wants to add seating areas, shelters, improved signage and lighting. Additionally, the council is looking at upgrading the already existing paths in the area.
Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson highlighted the importance of having a local space for all residents to enjoy the outdoors and stay fit.
“We recognise the importance of our neighbourhood parks to the community, and we are excited to begin enhancing Fortress Park to make it an even more enjoyable space,” she said.
“Our goal is to provide a place where residents can improve their health, enjoy nature, and foster meaningful connections.”
“We want to know how you currently use Fortress Park, what you love about it, and how you envision its future use.”
The suggestions from the community will help shape the development of the plan, with the plan being presented to council for endorsement in 2025.
Any upgrades proposed to council will depend on future funding availability.
Details: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ fortress-park
La Trobe University opens ‘wet’ lab bio innovation hub
A bio innovation hub to support the development of world-leading biotechnology has opened at La Trobe University.
The $8 million facility was funded by the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF).
The hub was welcomed in by state government MP Colin Brooks who was there representing the Training and Skills Minister, Gayle Tierney, and La Trobe vice-chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell.
Mr Brooks outlined how the new establishment will benefit students now and how it will help in the state in the future.
“This new hub at La Trobe University will empower students to gain invaluable industry knowledge and experience – preparing them to contribute to Victoria’s thriving $40 billion biotech sector,” he said.
The facility becomes only a handful of PC2
“wet” laboratories in the state which means they contain world-class equipment to help
businesses commercialise their research discoveries.
Professor Farrell said the hub will be integral to the growing research and innovation precinct in Melbourne’s north
“The bio innovation hub will connect La Trobe’s world-class research capabilities in biotechnology, molecular sciences and agriculture with some of Australia’s most pioneering industries, creating a catalyst for growth and innovation,” he said.
“La Trobe students will also benefit from the hub’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining real-world research experience that will lead to future career opportunities.”
The first inhabitants of the hub will include La Trobe spin-out company, AlleSense, regenerative and preventative medicine company Aeterna Health, and VivaZome Therapeutics Pty Ltd.
Max Westwood
Whittlesea council is seeking feedback on its transport plan. (Supplied)
Fortress Park, Doreen.
‘Most wanted’ crackdown
Crime Stoppers Victoria has launched a targeted blitz on the north-west’s ‘most wanted’ persons.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said information was sought from the public to track down the six who are wanted on multiple Victoria Police warrants.
“Everyone has a part to play in keeping theircommunity safeand this is away that the people living in the north-west metro area can help. Your information, even if you are not 100 per cent sure, could be the missing piece of the puzzle that helps investigators solve a crime,” she said.
“If you have any information about any of these wanted persons, even the smallest piece of information can help lead to a conviction.
“We understand that people may feel anxious when coming forward with information. We want to remind the community that Crime Stoppers is a confidential crime reporting service that does not require you to provide your personal details.”
Anyone with information on the listed persons should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
Kahan
GELAL
Age: 36
Height: 185cm
Build: Thin
Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Complexion: Tanned
Kahan Gelal is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order. One warrant has been issued for his arrest. Gelal is know to frequent the Epping area.
Reference number: WTD2481
Ivan DADIC
Age: 59
Height:180 cm
Build: Thin
Eyes: Brown Hair: Grey Complexion: Olive
Ivan Dadic is wanted by police for contravening a community corrections order. One warrant has been issued for his arrest. Dadic is known to frequent the Braybrook area.
Reference number: WTD2473
Atoar
MAJUAN
Age: 22
Height: 175 cm
Build: Thin
Eyes: Black Hair: Brown Complexion: Dark
Atoar Majuan is wanted by police for burglary. One warrant has been issued for her arrest. Majuan is known to frequent the Epping area.
Reference number: WTD2474
Anastasis
KYRIACOU
Age: 23
Height: 175 cm
Build: Solid
Eyes: Hazel Hair: Black Complexion: Tanned
Anastasis Kyriacou is wanted by police for affray. One warrant has been issued for his arrest. Kyriacou is known to frequent the Kealba area.
Reference number: WTD2477
BUCKLAND
Age: 28
Height: 160 cm
Build: Solid Eyes: Brown Hair: Brown Complexion: Fair
Tamara Buckland is wanted by police for theft, theft of a motor vehicle, assault and criminal damage. Seven warrants have been issued for her arrest. Buckland is known to frequent the Glenroy area.
Reference number: WTD2472
Moussa
MOHAMED
Age: 20
Height: 185 cm
Build: Thin Eyes: Brown Hair: Black Complexion: Dark
Moussa Mohamed is wanted by police for theft and driving offences. Three warrants have been issued for his arrest. Mohamed is known to frequent the Thomastown area.
Reference number: WTD2480
Tamara
NAIDOC Week celebrations
Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski visited a pop-up playgroup event in Whittlesea as part of Whittlesea council’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
This event included Aboriginal themed children’s activities, games, arts and craft and storytimesattheWhittleseaLibraryforeveryone to learn more about Aboriginal culture.
There was also a ‘deadly’ book collection on display for borrowing.
The event took place on Wednesday, July 10.
Reflecting on Whittlesea
Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski attended an event at the Whittlesea library that celebrated the town’s history and those who were there to witness it. While at the event he captured photos of those
attending who were present to shine a light on yesteryear and reflect on what once was. Participants enjoyed reading old newspapers, books, showing off some photos all while surely telling a yarn or two.
Ian Wallace, Robyn Kerby (standing), Jean Smith, Lance Midgley and Elva Mattock together reflecting on the history of the town. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 419347
Jocelyn, 3, at the NAIDOC Week playgroup event.
Natasha Moon and her daughter Leela, 2.
Left: Victoria Jones and her daughter Freya, 3, reading a book. Centre: Haike, 4, enjoying the playgroup. Right: Miao Lu and nine-month-old son Luca together. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 418387
Ezran, 4, taking in the festivities.
Marlu, 3, and Jamarra, 1.
Olympians
Athletics
For Linden Hall it’s a third Olympics Games, for Amy Cashin it’s a second.
Celeste Mucci and Chris Mitrevski get their first shot after just missing out at Tokyo, while Joseph Deng’s rise back to prominence is complete with selection for his first Games.
Hall, who grew up in Riddells Creek, will represent Australia in the 1500 metres.
She said this time round felt different.
“The last couple of times I’ve been able to be selected a little bit earlier,” she said. “This time I had to wait a bit longer.
“Iwashopingtogetselectedanditwasarelief togetselected.It’ssocompetitive…Therewere fivegirlswhogotunderfourminutesthisyear.”
Hall enters the Games on the back of some strongform,justrecentlybreakingherpersonal best.
Hall’s focus for the Games is simple.
“There are two rounds to make it through to get to finals,” she said. “Each race is different and is one of the more tactical events on the program.”
A couple of years ago, Mitrevski was struggling with the yips and he had no idea how his long jump events would go.
Fast forward to July 2024 and the Keilor Downs resident will be donning the green and gold.
A stunning jump at the Australian Championships in April gave him automatic selection for the Olympics.
“I was very confident that I would make this one but I wasn’t really expecting to jump the qualifying time so early, that came as a shock.
“Iwasmorelookingatgettinginthroughmy world ranking which basically cuts off at the end of June.“
When Mitrevski jumped 8.32 at the Australian Championships it changed his perspective heading into the Olympics. He became the sixth best Australian ever with that jump and it’s the longest by an Aussie in seven years.
It was a nine second personal best and would have been a good enough jump to win a medal at every Olympics since 1992.
“You do that at the Olympics you’re every chance to medal, so just changed my thinking from making the Olympics to who knows what can happen now,” he said.
“Let’s push for a medal that has definitely changed my focus for sure.
Archery
After just missing out on the Olympics last time round, Doreen’s Laura Paeglis will be shooting for gold in the archery at these Olympics. Paeglis was named in the two-person archery team to represent Australia at the Games.
“This time around I managed to come out ahead in the race for the single female spot available to Australia at the Paris Olympics,” she said. “Again it came down to three of us competing at the last event in Turkey a few weeks ago.
“Last week in Sydney my selection was formally announced. I was over the moon,
Mucci thought her chances of making the Australian team were over when she ruptured her hamstring earlier in the year.
The injury required surgery and it was expected to take three months to heal. Mucci had just four months to lock in a qualifying time.
“I got injured in February in my second race back. My chances were then very slim.
“Everything in my rehab went as well as possible. The last five weeks I’ve managed to stay racing.”
Mucci qualified as the 36th best athlete on times in the qualifying period. Only the top 40 are selected for the Games.
The Seaholme resident said she didn’t care if she was ranked 40th, as long as she made the team.
Mucci, who has been part of Williamstown Athletics since she was 12, said she did everything she could to ensure she made the team.
“In May and June I raced as much as I could.
after so many years and the ups and downs of two selection campaigns I had finally made it.
“I think it took a few days to sink in but I’m finally feeling like it’s real.”
Paeglis’ love for archery started as many dreamsdo,byseeingsomethinginthemovies.
She was just 10 when she tried archery after watching HungerGames
“I really wanted to try and hassled my parents constantly to take me,” she said. “We were not an archery family and I don’t think they thought I was serious.
“My grandfather finally cracked and took me down to the local club for a come and try day. Which by the way is the best way for
It’s more than I have in my life.
anyone to get involved.
“Diamond Valley archers in Yarrambat run them on most weekends.”
Paeglis has already headed to Paris. Until recently it’s been all about selection.
“Now my focus is completely on delivering my best performance in Paris,” she said. “Australia is not ranked highly in world archery.
“But there have been some outstanding performances over the years. An individual men’s gold in Sydney. A men’s team bronze in Rio. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia and will be giving it my best.”
“Iracedeachweekandallaroundtheworld.”
She’s hoping to be at her best in Paris.
“I’ve got no real expectations,” she said. “I wanttorunapersonalbestandfocusonmyself.
“I want to get into the semi finals, that is a goal of mine for sure. Anything can happen in hurdles.”
Cashin said it feels unreal to be competing at a second Olympics.
The Western Athletics steeplechaser made her Australian senior debut at the Tokyo Games running her second fastest time at that stage of her career.
“I’m stoked and super excited to be able to put on the green and gold again at the highest level,” she said. “A lot of hours have been put into this, and it makes it so much sweeter when you get to live out a childhood dream for a second time.
“At the start of the year I was not as confident, last year was a wee bit rough, and I was mentally struggling, however as soon as I
started to feel more like myself and was truly enjoying all the steps I knew that I had a great chance of making the team.
“The last few months I was quite confident I would make it, however, you never truly know. Obviously there is an incredible amount of girls right now running fast so nothing is ever for sure, however I knew I was capable of being competitive with them and that if I just kept following the plan then it would work out. “I took the mindset that if I am doing everything I can and in my control and I don’t make it then I simply was not good enough this year and would need to work towards the next cycle- I think that helped to alleviate a lot of internal pressure.”
Deng, a Truganina resident, will compete in the men’s 800 metres. He recaptured the national record in the 800 metres in late 2023 having previously set it five years before.
Deng, who is currently in Africa, said he’s excited that he’ll be part of the track and field team.
Laura Paeglis. (Supplied)
Celeste Mucci. (Athletics Australia)
Left: Linden Hall. (AAP Image/Darren England) Centre: Joseph Deng. (AAP Image/Brendon Thorne) Right: Amy Cashin. (Casey Sims/Athletics Australia)
Taekwondo
Maribyrnong Sports Academy coach Leon Sejranovic said it was pretty special to get the phone call he had been waiting for, saying he was off to the Olympics in taekwondo.
He will compete in the 80 kilogram men’s competition.
“It’s definitely a dream come true and I think for everyone that does taekwondo or most Olympics sports as a young kid, the dream is always to become an Olympian one day and to represent Australia, do Australia proud,” he said. “So to have the opportunity to be able to do that is surreal.”
Sejranovic really put his name into Olympic contention last year when he won bronze at the World Taekwondo Championships.
He became the first Australian male to medal at a world championships in nearly 25 years.Whilehehadthestandoutperformance, hestillneededtowaittofindoutifhemadethe Olympic team.
He said there was a sense of relief because he expected that he had done enough, but there’s always a bit of doubt in the mind.
“Instead of worrying about qualifying, now I can just put all eyes on performing at the Games,” he said.
Sejranovic believes he could medal at the Olympics.
“I know that when I’m at my absolute best, I feel like there’s not anyone that I can’t beat,” he said. “I feel like when I’m at my best I have the ability to beat anyone that’s in that bracket at the Olympics.
Cycling
It’s from the Kyneton Velodrome to the roads of Paris for Lauretta Hanson.
Hanson,wholearnedtorideinKynetonand still calls the Macedon Ranges home despite moving away, has been named in her first Olympic team.
Hanson is part of the Australian cycling women’s road race team.
“It’sanincrediblefeeling,”shesaid.“Cycling has been my passion since I was junior and it has given me so much in life.
“I have many friends and have been able to travel the world through my sport, but when I first started at the Kyneton Velodrome, I never thought it would lead me to where I am now.
“I never imagined that I’d make it to a professional level, let alone the Olympics. It’s incredibly humbling to look back on my career, the journey it took to get here and all of those that have helped along the way.”
“To be at my best requires me to have that consistency, like making sure you do everything right leading into the tournament, so you are primed on fight day.”
Werribee’s Bailey Lewis is hoping to end his career on a high after qualifying for his first Olympics. Lewis narrowly missed out on the last Olympics.
“It was nice,” he said. “We had a fair idea for myself for the last two years now [that he’d make the team].
“I had good results and won the selections about a month ago. That was pretty much it.”
Lewis said qualifying for the Olympics was always a dream – before he even knew which sport he loved.
“As long as I can remember with school projects ,I wanted to be an Olympian,” he said.
“I didn’t even know what an Olympian was.
“I tried lots of sports as a kid. I saw a taekwondo demo at a shopping centre and I
Hanson said making the Olympics was somethingthatshedreamedof,butnevertruly allowed herself to believe it would happen.
She comes from a cycling family.
Her mum won a national championship in 1981 but the family moved away from the sport when her grandfather was hit and killed in 2000.
Hanson and her cousins later picked up the sport and she’s never looked back.
Boxing
Former Wyndham resident Marissa
Williamson Pohlman’s Olympic dream has come true after being named in Australia’s boxing team for the Paris Games.
Williamson Pohlman is the first Indigenous woman to represent Australia in boxing. She grew up in Wyndham living in a number of different homes.
The 22-year-old said competing at the top
thought it was pretty cool with lots of flips and boards.”
While Lewis soon found out that wasn’t what taekwondo was, he fell in love with the sport and has put in plenty of hours since to reach the Olympics. “There’s lots of ups and downs as a junior,” he said.
“I wasn’t the best at taekwondo, but I learnt a lot. “In my senior years I’ve got some good results. I just missed out on the last Olympics which was quite heartbreaking.
“I felt like I had a good shot.”
Lewiswillcompeteinthe58kilogrammen’s event. He said this will be his swan song to competing in the sport despite being just 26.
Lewis said he was hoping to finish on a high.
“I’m hoping to medal,” he said. “I think that I’m good enough and have beaten enough of the past medallists.
“At the grand prix, I’m the only Australian who has medalled in two events.”
She said making an Olympic team feels significant. “It is the ultimate world stage and you have a whole nation behind you whether they follow cycling or not. It’s going to be a fantastic experience and I’m incredibly honoured to represent Australia.”
Hanson said Australia has a strong team with herself, Grace Brown and Ruby Roseman-Gannon.
Shesaidhergoalistosupportherteammates andtohelpAustraliatothebestresultpossible.
Joining Hanson at the Games is Luke Platt.
The former Maribyrnong resident and MaribyrnongSportsAcademystudentisgoing to his second Olympics.
Plattwastheyoungestmemberofthepursuit team in 2020, which had a crash in qualifying. Platt came into the line-up and helped the side win bronze.
This Olympics, Platt has been named as part of Australia’s road team.
levelcontinuedthejourneyofa“naughtyfoster kid” from Melbourne’s western suburbs.
“I started boxing when I was 17 … I was getting into fights at school, I just loved to punch-on,” she said.
“Boxing really resonated with me, being allowed to actually do it, and then I just sort of fell in love with the sport.”
The Ngarrindjeri woman said representing Indigenous Australians – both inside and
Volleyball
An almost accidental combination that grew out of shared injury rehabilitation has VictorianbeachvolleyballerThomasHodges on the path to the Paris Olympics.
Hodges, who went to school at Heathdale Christian College, Werribee, grew up in Melbourne and played indoor volleyball at school and also competed at state level in athletics, swimming, cross country running and cycling.
After graduating, he continued to compete in indoor volleyball, but also experimented with beach volleyball.
Indoors, he was part of the University of Melbourne team that won the national championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He made his debut with the Australian team in 2014 in a match against China, and went on to play more than 75 games for his country. He also played in the college system in the United States, mostly with UC Irvine, and played professionally in Italy and Germany.
He was also drawn to competing on the beach volleyball Pro Tour and had some success with a variety of partners. But after suffering a major shoulder injury that required surgery, he found himself doing rehabilitationwithSouthAustralianZachery Schubert.
“We were both doing rehab together while the other pairs were out overseas playing,” Hodges said in his Olympic profile.
The duo hit it off and began competing as a pair in 2022, reaching the podium six times at futures, national or continental tournaments.
The following season, they broke into the world top 10 for the first time when they won the Jurmala Challenge in Latvia, before making it to the round 16 at the 2023 world championships in Tiaxcala, Mexico. They also triumphed at the 2023 Asian BeachVolleyballChampionship,dominating the four-day tournament in Pingtan, China, to claim the title.
outside the ring – drove her on.
“I like putting my people on the map, sometimes when I’m going overseas, people don’t even know Australia has a black history and a black future,” she said.
“I’m walking in two worlds, competing for Australia, but also working outside of the sport I have a career in Aboriginal affairs and I’m keen to keep pursuing that once my Olympic journey is over.” – with AAP
Marissa Williamson Pohlman. (Joe Mastroianni)
Thomas Hodges. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)
Lauretta Hanson. (AusCycling/Josh Chadwick)
Leon Sejranovic, and right, Bailey Lewis. (Pictures: Australian Taekwondo)
Judo
Aoife Coughlan and Kingsville’s Katharina Haecker have both spent plenty of time preparing for the Olympics in Melbourne’s west.
The pair have been named in Australia’s three-person judo team for the Olympics
Coughlanwillbecomeatwo-timeOlympian after being selected for the 70 kilogram women’s event, while Haecker equals the most Olympic judo appearances by an Australian woman at her third Games.
Coughlan comes into the Games having won gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
The Resilience Training Centre athlete is ranked number seven in the world.
“My performances over the past two years have shown that I’m absolutely capable of standing on that podium come comp day,” she said.
“Winning the Commonwealth Games plus my other podium performances over the past twoyearsabsolutelygivesmeconfidenceinmy abilities. It shows that I am able to perform on bigger stages and under pressure.
KatharinaHaeckerandAoifeCoughlan. (Supplied)
“AslongasIperforminawaythatdoesallof thehardworkI’veputinjustice,I’llbesatisfied regardless of the outcome.”
Not surprisingly, Coughlan will be surrounded by family at the Games.
Her parents met doing judo in university in Ireland and when they moved to Australia, they happened to move to a town that had a club nearby.
Coughlan’s brother Eoin competed at the Olympics in 2016 and her sister, Maeve, is one
Basketball
The strength of basketball in Melbourne’s north-west will be reflected on the world stage at the Olympics.
Dante Exum and Josh Giddey have been named in the Boomers squad, while Ezi Magbegor and Tess Madgen will pull on the green and gold for the Opals.
Exum, who grew up in Seabrook and spent time on the courts at Keilor and Werribee, will play in his second Olympics, after being part of the bronze medal team at Tokyo. It’s been a big 12 months for Exum, who returned to the NBA and featured in the championship series for Dallas Mavericks against Boston.
Giddey, who grew up in Yarraville, will be going to his first Olympics after just missing out last time.
of her main training partners.
Haecker will compete in the 63 kilogram division.
Haecker enters the Games in good form having won Grand Prix silver and bronze this year. She said it feels amazing to be officially selected for her third Olympic team. She made the round of 16 at both the Rio and Tokyo Games and is hoping to go even further this time round.
“This time I feel very prepared,” she said. “I’ve had some amazing results over the qualifying period, and I am feeling ready to step it up in Paris.
“A lot of hard work goes into competing in judo.
“The sports require a lot of commitment, discipline and just trusting the process. When I step out in Paris, I want to give my best, do myself justice and get that medal.”
InherOlympicbio,Haeckersaidshebelieves she was not naturally talented at judo, but it is her love for the sport that has gotten her so far.
“[It] takes a lot of hard work,” she said. “So much … A lot of commitment.
“I would say commitment is the most important thing. Discipline [and] trust the process and just stick to it.”
“It’s an absolute honour to represent my country,” he said.
“To make my debut in Paris is a childhood dream and I can’t wait to get on the court in front of my family and friends who have all made this journey possible for me.
“To be part of the Boomers legacy, well it’s everything. We have a really great group, we know what we need to do and we are just ready to get into it.”
Ezi Magbegor grew up in Craigieburn before hitting the big lights.
She dominated in the WNBL and is now one of the dominant defenders in the WNBA.
It will be her second Olympics.
She’s one of seven WNBA players that will join the squad for Paris.
Opals skipper Tess Magden is drawing on
the legacy of the Opals to inspire the team going to Paris.
Madgen, who now lives in Williamstown, wasapartoftheOpalsteamthatwasknocked out in the quarter finals at the 2020 Games in Tokyo.
“I can’t believe I’m talking about going to my second Olympics, it feels very surreal,” she said.
“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.”
PutuAnastasiaKusmawan. (AAPImage/ ScottRadford-Chisholm)
Artistic swimming
As a child growing up in Werribee, Putu Anastasia Kusmawan loved swimming and gymnastics. Nadia Comaneci, the legendary Romaniangymnastwhowonfivegoldmedals at the Montreal and Moscow Olympics, was her sporting hero.
At the age of seven she discovered a sport that brought together her two first loves. “Synchro was the perfect combination of the two,” she said.
That has led her to her first Olympic Games team.
KusmawancompetedinherfirstAustralian championships in 2014 as a nine-year-old. In 2020,shewontheBarbaraSchembriPerpetual Trophy, awarded to the highest score from an athlete aged 13 to 15 at the Victorian State Championships.
At the 2023 World Aquatic Championships in Japan, Kusmawan was part of the Australian team that qualified for the Paris Olympics with a top-10 finish in the Team Free.
They produced another top-10 finish at the 2024 world championships in Doha.
And there was marked improvement at the World Aquatics Cup in Beijing in April 2024, with Kusmawan and the team winning silver medals in the free and technical categories and bronze in the acrobatic.
Others to keep an eye on: •KathrynMitchell–javelin. (FormerWesternAthleticsathlete) •JamesWillett–shooting. (WerribeeVictorianClayTargetClub) •SergeiEvglesvki–shooting. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •LiamAdams–Marathon. (FormerVictoriaUniversitystudent) •SouthSudanmen’sbasketballteam –threeKeilorThunderplayerswere namedintheinitial25-mansquad; JuniorMadut,KuanyKuanyandDeng Acuoth.MangokMathiangandDeng Adelalsohaveconnectionstothe west.Thefinalteamhadnotbeen announcedatthetimeofprinting.
Easing climate change anxiety
A new website is helping to address young people’s anxiety about climate change. Max Westwood talks to one of the project’s creators, Phoebe Quinn.
The anxiousness young people feel about climate change prompted University of Melbourne research fellow and PhD candidate Phoebe Quinn, who has a background in creating resources for disaster recovery, to team up with University of Melbourne research fellow Katitza Marinkovic Chavez to tackle the issue.
Together they began a project titled, Young Climate Superpowers.
“The idea with this project is really to work with young people to develop together a set of resources that can help them understand their strengths in relation to climate change,” Ms Quinn said.
The project aims to ease the anxiousness young people are feeling about climate change.
“[Young people are having] all sorts of difficult emotions about climate change, including anger, sadness and anxiety. So the idea is that this is to figure out what are some useful ways of still engaging with the topic of climate change, but in a way that has a more positive impact in terms of young people’s wellbeing, but also the sort of the change that they can make in the world if they want to.”
Ms Quinn and the Young Climate Superpowersteambelievedhearingfromyoung people would be the best way to ease their fears.
Todothat,31youngVictoriansagedbetween 12 and 25 were invited to take part in a series of workshops.
“We really saw that there was potential for some more resources that were created both with, and for, young people. We were really kind of curious and excited to see what those resources might look like,” she said.
One of the resources Ms Quinn and her
team made was a website containing all the information collected from workshop participants.
The website provides an inclusive and fun environment for the youth to tackle this behemoth of an issue that is climate change.
The team created a list of seven “climate superpowers” which they believed young people can use to address climate change.
The superpowers are: Social superpowers that help you learn about climate change and what to do about it; human superpowers that are your skills, knowledge, experiences and talents; cultural superpowers that help you understand and know the world, and how you
act within it; political superpowers that help you influence decisions affecting you; financial superpowers, relating to their opportunities to use savings, income, time and effort in a way that helps the environment; built superpowers that help transform our cities, buildings, facilities, services, houses, vehicles, technology, water, and energy infrastructure to make them more sustainable; and natural superpowers the help you connect to nature.
“If a young person stumbled across this website and sees that it was created by a young personjustlikethem,it’sademonstrationofone of the ways that they could make a difference and contribute and use their various skills,” Ms
Enrichinglivesthroughcare
Quinn said. “Behind the climate superpowers idea is that everyone has those superpowers, they can use them in all sorts of ways.”
Ms Quinn and her team hope they’ve been able to create a tool to help teachers inform their students about climate change.
“Teachers [are] saying that they really loved thewebsiteandtheywerereallykeentoactually useitintheirteachingandintheirconversation with their students,” she said.
Quinn said one thing she has learnt through the project is how powerful young people are when they are working together towards a common goal.
“It’s been very compelling.”
Emma, holding up artwork for the project, and April and Scarlett looking at the artwork. (Pictures: Supplied)
Experience the best views of the valley at La Dimora
You are invited to a special event and viewing of La Dimora’s newly built homes with the best views of the valley.
Visit La Dimora at its winter warmers event this July to discover all that La Dimora Retirement Resort in Hidden Valley offers, just 55 minutes north of the Melbourne CBD. Socialise and connect with guests and current residents while touring the beautiful
new display villas, state-of-the-art clubhouse andamenitiesandtheuniqueretirementresort community.
Then stay for a perfect winter’s lunch masterfully crafted by the executive chef at The Grove Bar and Bistro. The winter warmers event is on Saturday July, 27, from 11am-1pm.
While you are at the event, take advantage of La Dimora’s special event offer of no monthly
YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here
maintenance charge for five years on selected stage three villas.*
La Dimora Retirement Resort is situated on the grounds of Hidden Valley Resort. Set within acres of rolling hills and picturesque countryside, Hidden Valley Resort boasts a beautiful clubhouse which features state of the art facilities including The Grove Bar & Bistro, an 18-hole championship golf course and
practice facilities, fully equipped gym, regular group fitness classes, 20m indoor heated pool, tennis, bowls and pickleball courts.
RSVP: Simone Cumberlidge, 1300 098 098, or sales@ladimora.com.au
*Special offer is only on selected villas in stage three. Please speak to the team for full terms and conditions.
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
Youth getting creative
Humeyouthserviceshostedastreetartwinter school holiday program allowing young people to showcase their creative flair. Broadmeadows youths aged from 12-18 took part in the workshop at Youth Central to gain basic skills and understanding of street art lettering designs, colour schemes and backgrounds. Participantscollaboratedwitheachotherby implementing different ideas into the pieces which they then had the option to either take their work home or display at Youth Central.
“Hume is committed to improving young people’s lives through a range of programs across our youth services, including the street art program,” he said.
“Thestreetartprogram,whichhasdelivered an amazing mural at the Craigieburn Youth Central, builds upon the council’s successful mural program that encourages creative expression from young people.
“We know that through encouraging artistic expression, we can reduce stress and develop skills amongst our youth.”
Hume mayor Naim Kurt said the street art program
the
in the community.
benefit
youths
Max Westwood
A street art workshop was held at Broadmeadows’ Youth Central recently. (Damjan Janevski.)
La Dimora Retirement Resort is on the grounds of the Hidden Valley Resort. (Supplied)
Youth bill wants Auslan studies
By Lily Wang
Four inspiring young Victorians are taking charge by drafting and passing a bill for the statewide expansion of Auslan education in schools and workplaces through the Legislative Assembly at the Y Victorian Youth Parliament.
The team members, Hafsa Moallim, Rehan Ali, Rumaysa Salman, and Natalie Ryan, passionately and eloquently debated their bill to the Legislative Assembly.
“The bill we bring before you today is more than just a piece of paper,” stated Salman as she addressed the assembly.
“It is a dream of a mother who watches her deaf child alone in a crowd of people, a child who breaks himself day after day to fit into a society that refuses to give him the same courtesy or effort.”
‘‘ This bill is about empowering every individual, bridging communication gaps, and building a society in which everyone belongs ’’ - Moallim
The bill, created by the Hume City team, sought to dismantle the many barriers between the audio-impaired and non-deaf communities. The team recognised that the communication barrier between the two communities have led to a multitude of challenges, such as insensitive attitudes and a lack of compassion towards deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
“This bill is about empowering every individual, bridging communication gaps, and building a society in which everyone belongs,” said Moallim.
The issue addressed by the Hume City team may become even more pressing in the future as hearing loss is predicted to rise in the upcoming years.
According to Deaf Victoria, one in six Australians have some degree of hearing loss, and this is projected to increase to one in four Australians by 2050.
MY PLACE
While there are various services and resources in place to support deaf communities, the team strongly believes that more needs to be done by the non-deaf community. This bill challenges the “status quo” by encouraging non-deaf individuals to learn Auslan and, by extension, proactively adopt the perspective of the marginalised group.
The bill targets three main demographics:
Stewart and Kirsten Dickinson, only recently having moved to Whittlesea, tell Max Westwood about their journey to get them to here they are today.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
Stewart: I’m a retired lecturer from Melbourne University. I enjoy travelling, playing tennis, table tennis, walking and reading.
Kirsten: I’m a retired primary teacher. I like playing tennis, tap dancing and Zumba. I’m an artist, carer and dog obedience instructor and I’m a grandmother.
What’s your connection to Whittlesea?
Stewart: Wehavealwayslikedbeinginarural environment. We chose Whittlesea because it has a nice country feel, a lovely mountain view and it is flat to walk around as we age. Kirsten: We have just moved into Whittlesea, havinglived40yearsinPantonHillonafarm. We are just newbies! I have sold my Silkie chooks at the Monday Whittlesea market for years and attended Thel’s art classes for two years.
What, if anything, would you change about where you live?
Stewart: I would like to see elder men’s
exercise classes using some hand weights, balance and strength skills.
Kirsten: Therearenoplantsonournewhouse block, so we hope to plant lots of natives to attract birds and wildlife.
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Stewart: I like the library, having a cup of tea and selecting new books to read. I like the information board it has. I like our porch view of Kinglake mountains. Kirsten: I like walking our dog around the lovely wide grassed and treed, walking track, surrounding our housing estate.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?
Stewart: My university job later in life, involved taking American students around Australia. I have camped out in many, remote areas of Australia. Kirsten: I have written a children’s book about premature babies, which has raised money for hospitals and helped many new parents. The book is called Fast at Everything.
students, teachers, and workers in the retail and pharmaceutical industries.
Ali outlinds the Auslan curriculum they propose by explaining that “students would be taught the significance, difference, history, and practical application of sign language so that no kid ever needs to feel like a burden to anyone.”
While the team’s key focus is empowering the audio-impaired community, the bill is
also designed to improve Victoria’s overall sense of inclusivity and belonging.
These broad implications are succinctly capturedbyRyan,whostated,“Thislegislation is a step towards making a better world for deaf Australians, but also their families, schools, peers, and employers.”
Lily Wang is a member of the 2024 Youth Parliament Press Gallery
Stewart and Kirsten Dickinson. (Damjan Janevski) 418006_03
Hume City Youth Parliament team members Rehan Ali, Natalie Ryan, Rumaysa Salman, Hafsa Moallim with their mentor Richard Craig. (Supplied)
A tale of two artists uniting
Two artists with different styles came together to create a stunning piece of public art. Anne Parisianne delves into their journeys to uncover the inspirations behind their artwork.
In May, Jarrod Grech and Divjot Kaur gathered in Thyme Park, Wollert, to create a mural.
Grech, an established artist, painted a landscape of green mountains illuminated by the light of the sun.
Kaur, an emerging artist and local student, added her purple henna creation to the side of the painting, infusing the mural with a touch of her style.
The mural, vibrantly spread across the 15 metresbythreemetreswallbehindabasketball hoop, adds serenity to the trees beyond.
Far from being a renegade action or an unlawful act of graffiti, the duo created the mural at the request of Whittlesea council.
With Grech mentoring, they aimed to promote community connection and pride as part of the council’s Love Where We Live campaign.
Grech said his artistic journey began in early childhood, about the age of five.
Throughout his childhood and teenage years, he drew on and off.
He put his pencils down after year 12 and didn’t pick them up again until 2018.
The death of his best friend drove Grech to draw again.
“After my best mate passed away, I thought I better make something of myself. I thought the only way I can do that is through art,” Grech said. “I thought I’m gonna make something, the best of what I have, while I’m here.”
Grech has been creating art ever since, with his works taking the form of canvases and murals.
When he started creating again, Grech was motivated to make art for his personal satisfaction.
But seeing the joy that his creations bring people, he realised it’s not about him.
“It’s about bringing joy to people, to the community,” he said.
Grech said he enjoyed creating landscapes, like the one in Thyme Park.
He also likes to portray Australian heroes or legends who have inspired him.
One of his most notable pieces is a tribute to the late cricketer Shane Warne. Painted on an abandoned building, this mural landed him in court and brought him media attention.
Despite the legal troubles, the court spared him, allowing him to continue his artistic journey.
For Grech, the process of creating a mural is a blend of technology and tradition.
Before putting layers of spray paint on a wall, Grech begins by photographing the wall, finding the image he’d like to create, then using software on his iPad to design the mural digitally.
This allows him to measure and plan each element precisely; to create graffiti, the
measurements need to be exact.
Just recently, Grech created another piece featuring a breathtaking scene of a St Kilda sunset, with ombre colours falling into the horizon.
The visual texture appears smooth yet layered, inviting viewers to trace their fingers over the imagined brushstrokes, connecting them to the artist’s intricate process.
Grech shared that the feeling he gets after finishing an artwork is like being on cloud nine.
“The feeling I get is the best feeling in the world. There’s nothing that compares to it,” he said. “You feel like crying because it feels so good.”
At just 16 years old, Kaur has already made a significant impact with her art. Her design on the mural at Thyme Park wasn’t her first henna artwork.
Henna, a natural dye made from henna
leaves, produces temporary tattoos that last from one to three weeks, depending on skin type and care.
It symbolises beauty, cultural tradition and personal expression, often marking significant life events and celebrations.
Women across various cultures and religions–includingthosefromIndia,Pakistan andBangladesh–usehennaforthesepurposes.
Kaur’s journey into the world of henna art began during the lockdown when she was just 13.
At the time, she would sit on a dining chair and diligently draw line after line, creating a variety of henna designs on her hands and her mother’s hands.
Now, Kaur designs henna for her female friends, family members, and others who want intricate patterns on their hands.
“When I do (henna), it makes my mum happy, and it makes everyone else happy. So I
think, ‘Ok, they enjoy it and I enjoy it, I could do something with it,” Kaur said.
One of her most memorable henna artworks was depicting her parents’ portraits on her mum’s inner wrists as a wedding anniversary gift to her mother, Karnbir Kaur.
The fine lines and detailed work of her parents’ faces on her mum’s hands made the henna designs look almost like photographs.
For the mural at Thyme Park in Wollert, Kaur said the council and the artists decided she should incorporate henna designs on one corner of Grech’s wall painting, as it is an art form she excels in and felt the community could connect with.
“The area where we did the mural has a big population of Asian and Middle Eastern people. So that could be relevant to them, to us,” Kaur said.
For now, Kaur plans to continue her art alongside her academic pursuits.
Left: Jarrod Grech and one of his artworks. (Supplied) Right: Divjot Kaur. (Damjan Janevski) 415871_04
The mural in Thyme Park, Wollert. (Supplied)
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Sharp struggle (6)
4 Island group in the Indian Ocean (8)
10 Neighbour of Mexico (9)
11 Japanese dish of balls or rolls of rice with garnish (5)
12 Not difficult (4)
13 Hostile (4)
14 Ancient tongue (5)
16 Corrosion (4)
17 Differ (8)
20 Nullify (8)
22 Scottish loch (4)
25 Gutter (5)
26 Ancient harp (4)
28 Middling (4)
30 Rebuke (5)
31 Journeyed (9)
32 To be mildly concussed (3,5)
33 Moniker (coll) (6) DOWN
1 Marked with graffiti (6)
2 More thinly scattered (7)
3 Sprawls (4)
colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.
5 Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something (8)
6 Annoyed (10)
7 Caller (7)
8 Evidence-based disciplines (8)
9 Sharp tooth (4)
15 Styptic (10)
18 Leads an orchestra (8)
19 Devotee (8)
21 Inspect (7)
23 Played for time (7)
24 Clear river bed (6)
27 Actor, – Reynolds (4)
29 Self-referential (4)
1 What is red food dye often made from?
2 The novel A Town Called Alice was written by which author? 3 Escapologist Harry Houdini performed what feat first in Australian history? 4 Danny McGuire is played by which actor in the film Xanadu?
5 Athena is the Greek goddess of what?
6 What does a campanologist play?
7 How many musicals has Andrew Lloyd Webber (pictured) created?
8 Which country is the leading producer of oranges worldwide?
9 Jules Verne, Victor Hugo and George Sand were all what?
10 A standard grand piano has how many keys?
No. 195 No. 195
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Broadmeadows Senior Citizens
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, lizmunro7@ gmail.com
Adult education
Banksia Gardens Community Services are 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 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
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, 7.30 p.m.
■ craigieburnresidents@gmail,com, or 0401 369 311
Menergise men’s walk and talk
Every Thursday from 7pm, starting at the Mernda Neighbourhood House, a nightly walk for men to get some exercise and shoot the breeze in the breeze.
■ 0475 454 133
Community Cooking Class
Are you interested in learning new ways to cook Indian dishes and other multicultural foods? Join Creds Farm’s community cooking class, which happens twice a month on Thursdays from 11 am to 1pm.
All welcome.
■ https://creedsfarm.org.au/event/ community-cooking-class-creeds-farm/
Sunbury Seniors
Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meets on Mondays and Fridays from 10am–3pm.
The group is temporarily relocating to 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.
■ 0434 400 754
One Voice Sunbury
The With One Voice (WOV) Sunbury community choir has an open night coming up on Tuesday, July 30, with performances and a sing-along. After its performance, the group will serve a light supper during its social hour. This event is open to all ages and abilities, with or without singing experience. The WOV Sunbury community choir is changing the world one voice at a time by providing an opportunity for people to meet and experience the joy of singing, often making friends through the shared experiences of singing and performing; although performing is not required.
One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday, from 6.30pm, at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. A fun and welcoming choir, new members are welcome – just join in on the fun.
■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au
Pernaperna Women’s Group
The group is currently knitting and crocheting blankets for First Nations peoples in palliative care across Australia. Pernaperna is a friendly group that meets fortnightly at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury, on a Thursday from 1–3pm. It has established a bush tucker garden at Sunbury Neighbourhood House. New members warmly welcomed. If you don’t knit or garden but would just like to drop in for a chat – the group would love to meet you.
■ Joan, 0418 302 676
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of performers Amy Watts, Lore Burns, Lucy May Knight and Jackson Cross. (Damjan Janevski) 417734_01
Book combines poetry and music
By Eddie Russell
Music, literature, and poetry enthusiasts in Moorabool are in for a treat.
On Sunday, July 28, singer-songwriter, poet, and author Vanessa Craven will launch her book, UndertheMopTopTree,at Ballan Arts Space. The session will run from 2-4pm at 117b Inglis Street.
The tree from the book’s front cover exists in the front yard of Craven’s home and is where she gets her inspiration.
“Of all the things I treasure about where I live, it comes back to this tree,” Craven said.
A“It’s got such beautiful shade, the birds hide in it and I’ve got a table and chair underneath … where I often sit to get my inspiration writing poetry and songs.”
Originally from Mussoorie, India, Craven also takes inspiration from her upbringing in the foothills of the Himalayas.
One of the songs is called Winterline, based onthephenomenonofthefalsehorizoncreated by a winter sunset.
The sensation only occurs in certain mountainous parts of the world.
“When I grew up in northern India I would always see it. I used those memories of a really
rich childhood as a launching pad for writing.”
Craven said it occurred to her that the book would be a way to combine her songs and poems, which fall into three groups – facts of life, fables, and fantasy.
“I wrote lots of poetry and I thought I must publish them, but now some of them have morphed into songs … I’ve always had this interest in my bones for music,” she said.
Originally a librarian, Craven came to Australia in 1977 and has been here since.
“When I took early retirement I decided I would do music, writing, and art – things that you can’t do when you are working.”
‘dazzling’ high school production
Copperfield College is booking out the Bowery Theatreforanunforgettablerenditionofclassic production, HighSchoolMusical
For two nights on Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9, the show will be played from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Students from years 7 to 12 from across the college’s Sydenham, Kings Park and Delahey campuses are part of the show on and off the stage.
The soundtrack will also be performed by Copperfield College’s band.
Copperfield College performing arts leader Taylor Van Orsouw said the students have worked extremely hard and can’t wait to put on a show next month.
“We started rehearsals in February and have worked the whole time since, everyone is really excited to get it on stage,” she said.
“We rehearse every Wednesday, with all three campuses meeting up in Sydenham.
“The backstage crew has put everything together, sourcing everything and creating projected backgrounds.“
Copperfield College is excited to be partneringwithCreativeBrimbanktowelcome the production into St Alban’s Bowery Theatre, with tickets priced at $20 and family packages also available.
“Step into the world of East High as our talented students bring the beloved Disney classic HighSchoolMusical to life on stage! Experience the drama, the music, and the excitement as Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, and the restoftheWildcatsnavigatetheupsanddowns of high school life,” the school said online.
“With dazzling choreography, catchy songs, and a heart-warming story about friendship, love, and following your dreams, this production promises to be a spectacular event for all ages.”
Tickets: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1255776
Gerald Lynch
Experience the magic of Wonderland
The Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC) is set to enchant audiences with its latest production, Alice in Wonderland Jr , a whimsical blend of classic Disney charm and Tim Burton’s distinctive flair. This play promises a delightful journey of Alice navigating the curious world of Wonderland on a journey of self-discovery. When young Alice finds herself in a strange world where everything seems upside down, she must find her way home, and find herself along the way.
In Wonderland, she encounters iconic characters, including the ever-tardy White Rabbit, the grinning Cheshire Cat, a cool Caterpillar, the wacky Mad Hatter and the hot-tempered Queen of Hearts.
WMTC director Ang Cuy said the talented cast of 34 young performers, aged between eight and 18, has been diligently rehearsing for about seven weeks now.
Most members of the cast reside in the
Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong areas.
Cuy said the cast members meet three times a week to hone their singing, dancing, and acting skills.
A unique feature of this production is the portrayal of Alice by three different actors, reflecting the character’s various size changes throughout the story and offering audiences triple the fun.
“Being able to work with those young people and create something really memorable is a really special and impactful opportunity for them.Sowe’rereallycommittedtogivingthose young people that chance to build community and build skills,“ Cuy said.
AliceinWonderlandJrwill be performed at Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona, from August 2 to 11.
Details: auwmtci.sales.ticketsearch.com/ sales/events
Show to pay tribute to Olivia Newton John
The songs of Olivia Newton John, as well as those of other Australian favourites, will ring out at Werribee RSL on the morning of July 30 when Melbourne performer Jennifer Lee brings her tribute show to the venue.
Lee began performing her Olivia NewtonJohnandFriendsshow in 2018, four years before the legendary singer and actress died from cancer.
“I never thought when I started that I’d be singing her songs after she passed away,” she said.
“I’ve always been a fan of her and her musicandtheshowtracessongsfromher very beginnings, from the ‘60s through to the hits of the ‘80s.”
Given how much Newton John’s music and career changed over that time, that’s much easier said than done.
“It’s a difficult thing with Olivia, because she starts off singing country, then the Grease stuff, then you move through to Xanadu where she’s in this disco outfit on roller skates,” Lee said.
“I gave up trying to find an outfit that covers all those areas.”
Lee performs the show by herself, adding songs from other influential Australian artists of the time such as The Seekers, Helen Reddy, and Debra Byrne for good measure.
However, she said it’s the work of Newton John that really strikes a chord with the audience.
“Just about everyone I meet has a soft sport for Olivia,” Lee said.
“She’s one of those iconic Australian figures people just love.”
The show is on from 11am to noon on Tuesday, July 30, as part of Werribee RSL’s Morning Melodies series.
Details: werribeersl.com.au/whatson Cade Lucas
Melbourne performer Jennifer Lee is bringing her Olivia Newton John show to Werribee RSL on July 30. (Supplied)
Anne Parisianne Madison Agius as Alice and Roy Marshall as White Rabbit. (Supplied)
Students of Copperfield College are rehearsing hard, preparing for next month’s production of HighSchoolMusical (Damjan Janevski) 419807_01
Author Vanessa Craven with her new book, UndertheMopTopTree (Damjan Janevski) 420116_02
Long way round for Santa Fe
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
Millennials and Gen-Xers are not noted for beingfansofthegreatoutdoors,orsoIthought, but according to research neither is averse to channelling a touch of Tarzan of the Jungle.
With this in mind, Hyundai has come up with the ‘Open to More’ concept of expanding customers’ experiences by connecting inside with the outside. Enter the fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology.
A triple-trim line-up is out to appeal to the young tech-savvy Tarzan or Jane with curved panoramic instrument display, front-row relaxation seating, two-way accessible centre console and UV-C sterilisation tray.
The Big Fella can call on Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car Services, stay up to date with Over-The-Air software capability or rest easy with SmartSense safety.
The new Santa Fe is powered by a 1.6 litre petrol engine helped out by a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, mated with a six-speed automatic transmission and front- or all-wheel drive. The hybrids will be joined later in the year by a muscular 2.5T-GDi power plant.
On test was the entry-level Santa Fe seven-seater with front-wheel drive, which kicks off the pricing at $55,500, plus on-road costs. All-wheel drive adds $3000 to the price. Next on the list is the Elite seven-seat all-wheel drive only, at $65,000, with the range topping Calligraphy AWD kicking in at $65,000.Forafurther$500theCalligraphycan bekittedoutwithapairofsecond-rowcaptain’s chairs. Premium paint options are available for up to $1000 across the board.
The Santa Fe Hybrid is covered by Hyundai’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year 160,000km high voltage battery. A lifetime service plan is complemented by a Premium Roadside Support Plan and Sat Nav update Plan while the vehicle is serviced by the maker.
Styling At almost five metres long, the new Santa Fe ‘pulls a serious face’ with a high-set level bonnet, H-shaped headlamps and lower front valance that draw cues from the new squashed Hyundai ‘H’ logo.
A chiselled profile features clean sculpting and flat roofline, robust wheel arches’ a short front overhang and arty 2-inch alloy wheels. From the rear a wide-opening tailgate speaks to stability, while H-shaped tail lamps ape the front of the vehicle.
The Santa Fe is available in 10 exterior colours, including standard Creamy White mica and Terracotta Orange. Premium mica coloursincludeMagneticForce(grey)as‘worn’ by the test vehicle.
Interior
At almost five metres long, close to three metres wheelbase, the new Santa Fe gains are substantial in occupant and cargo space, the latter also winning out with a 145mm wider tailgate opening than its predecessor.
The power tailgate is smart too, opening to different heights at varying speeds remotely by using the key or by simply standing close to the tailgate for a few seconds. An already generous luggage area (628 litres) with all seatbacks up swells to 1949 litres with the back two rows folded flat.
Onceagain,anH-shapemotifispredominant on the instrument panel and air vents, with a curved panoramic display incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and infotainment layout.
Eco-friendly materials are put to good use on many of the cabin’s soft surfaces, such as the headliner, seat backs, instrument panel, door trim and seat coverings.
And storage deserves a special mention with two-level centre console with twin-hinged lid making a large cubby equally accessible to the first and second row occupants.
Also on hand are intuitive 6.6-inch climate control display and high-speed dual wireless smartphone charging.
Infotainment
The new Santa Fe sees the introduction of Hyundai’s award-winning Seon Connected Car Next Generation Cockpit, incorporating multimedia and instrumentation in the one interface.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is standard across the new Santa Fe range and gives access to visual alerts from SmartSense safety systems as well as the speedometer, tacho, fuel and temperature.
Multimedia functions covered include AM/ FM and DAB+ radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Hyundai Bluelink with calendar, Over The Air updates, Bluetooth, quiet and valet modes and Quick Control (swipe down) menu.
Bluelink features include Automatic CollisionNotification,emergencycallfunction, connected routing with traffic updates, remote control climate and vehicle functions.
Engines/transmissions
The 1.6 litre petrol engine is matched with a 44.2kW electric motor fed by a 1.49kWh lithium-ion polymer battery. Hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission, and in the case of the test car, front-wheel drive. The petrol/electric hybrid powertrain develops a combined 172kW of power and 367Nm of torque.
Safety Hyundai SmartSense is an extensive system of occupant protection via a standard suite of advanced driver assistance, including forward collision avoidance, steering assist, driver attention warning, smart cruise control, blind spot monitor and surround view monitor.
The Santa Fe has been subjected to increased body rigidity measures and the inclusion of ten airbags – driver and passenger airbags, first and second-row side thorax and pelvis airbags, driver knee airbag, an advanced front centre side airbag and curtain airbags.
Driving
Hyundai says the all-new Santa Fe Hybrid is designed with the idea of engaging the driver more, while at the same time maximising the fuel efficiency of the petrol/electric powertrain.
A dedicated hybrid information display features a charge/power gauge, battery charge level indicator and regenerative braking information, while the multimedia unit chips inwithfueleconomyandelectricmotorgraphs.
Regen braking can be adjusted in three steps via steering column-mounted paddles.
The driver is given greater braking control and the opportunity to improve fuel efficiency in varied driving conditions. After a week’s work the test vehicle recorded average petrol consumption of 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Handling, stability and general driving control are optimised by e-Motion Drive, a new electric dynamic torque vectoring control system, by easing instability that can be caused by loss of traction of an inner wheel during cornering.
This was particularly efficient in keeping the long Santa Fe Hybrid on an even keel on fast bends and tight corners. The long wheelbase and local suspension tuning turned rough road into its level best. Only tyre noise got through to the cabin.
Occupants had little to complain about with head, leg and shoulder room to spare, even with a full load. Parking provided some angst among drivers, especially in crowded shopping centres.
Summary
Social studies and hybrid technology have resulted in Hyundai approaching Santa Fe from a new direction.
The fifth-generation Santa Fe, a spacious and well-equipped SUV with fuel-saving hybrid technology. (Pictures: Supplied)
Sports people of all ages braved the elements on Saturday to take to the field and court in what one coach said were the worst conditions he’s played in for a number of years. StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic was also out in the wet weather to shoot some of the action.
Braving the elements in sport
Darley’s Emmerson Hitch.(420267)
Bacchus Marsh’s Elise Cook getting tackled by Darley’s Sarah Tabone. (420267)
Gisborne’s Flynn Lakey. (420265)
Dandenong Rangers’ Ashten Prechtel and Keilor’s Isabelle Bourne. (420269)
Riddell’s Trent Stead. (420263)
Gisborne’s Harry Manders. (420265)
Gisborne’s Zoe Davies. (420264)
Gisborne’s Charlee Kemp. (420264)
Brooklyn Leahy. (420262)
Melton Centrals’ Elisa Butterworth-Gonebale. (420262)
Keilor’s Lily Carmody. (420269)
Ridddell’s Matthew Darby. (420263)
Coach Sterjovski bids farewell to Lalor United
Lalor United bids farewell to two-time championshipwinningcoachTonySterjovski.
The FV state league 2 north-west club announced on Sunday that Sterjovski would be standing down from the coaching role.
“Lalor United would like to announce after eight great seasons, our senior men’s coach Tony Sterjovski has decided to step down effective immediately,” the club said on social media.
“Tony arrived at Sloga in November 2016, immediately following a successful playing career.
“Tony wasted no time in building an experienced squad to kick start his coaching tenure. Championships in 2018 and 2019 saw Tony complete his initial targets on field.
“Post Covid, Tony along with the club shifted the focus onto youth, with many youngsters getting senior opportunities under Tony’s leadership.
“In the 2022 season, Tony had faith to field 17 players between the ages of 16 to 21. Most of these youngsters are currently still senior
players at Sloga.
“Lalor United Sloga will be forever grateful to Tony Sterjovski for his commitment and efforts throughout the last eight years.”
The club’s Facebook post was full of comments thanking Sterjovski for his time at the club, with many saying the club wouldn’t be where it is now without him.
Sterjovski finished his time with Lalor United with a 3-1 loss to Whittlesea Ranges on Friday night.
Scores were 2-1 at half time before the Ranges scored the sealer in the second half.
Egusa Shiera was the goal scorer for Lalor.
After 16 rounds, Lalor sits eighth on the table with a 6-1-9 record.
Whittlesea Ranges moved up to second with the win. Only goal difference separates the Ranges and Westvale Olympic in the battle for the second promotion spot.
Lalor this week faces Hume United on Saturday afternoon.
Hume is coming off a 2-2 draw with Albion Rovers. The Rovers led 1-0 at half time.
Solomon Sunray Constant scored both goals for Hume.
Hume sits in ninth spot with five wins for the season.
In other results. Craigieburn City did its hopes of staying up in state league 2 north-west no harm.
Craigieburn faced bottom side Hoppers Crossing, with eight points separating the two teams.
Craigieburn led 2-1 at half time before the Reds found an equaliser in the second half. Neither side could find a winner, with the match finishing 2-2.
Craigieburn remains third bottom.
The match between Uni Hill Eagles and Mill Park has been postponed to the catch up round on August 3.
In state league 3 north-west, Bundoora United had a 2-2 draw with Sunbury United, while Epping City’s match with Heidelberg United has been postponed.
Pacers lock in home final
By Tara Murray
The Whittlesea Pacers got a confidence boosting win while locking a home final for the first week of Big V men’s division 1 finals.
The Pacers faced third placed Gippsland United on Saturday night, with the two teams sitting second and third on the ladder. It was the first quarter that set the win up for the Pacers, who won 98-83.
Pacers coach Des Radoslovic said they were really happy with the result.
“There was still a slim chance they could have dislodged us from second place,” he said. “Had they won we would have had to win next week to get a home final.
“We are pretty much guaranteed to play them in the first week of finals now but at home. It was about getting the win and consolidating second spot.”
The win was the second one of the Pacers against United which Radoslovic said would give the group plenty of confidence heading into finals.
The Pacers started well leading 32-16 at quarter time. After then only one point separated the teams for the rest of the night.
Radoslovic said the start was a really pleasing aspect of the game, with the side coming off the bye, which sometimes results in a slow start.
“We started off with some hot shooting,” he said. “We led by 16 points at quarter time and were getting some quality shots.
“The second quarter we were still playing to the same level, just not hitting the shots.
“We were happy defensively and forced them into making some tough shots. We were able to create better shots.”
Meekness Payne top scored with 23 points and was one of four players in double figures.
Radoslovic said they didn’t rely on Payne to do all the work.
“PattyGreenhadmissedthelastthreeweeks being in Europe and he top scored [second top scorer] and shot really well,” he said.
“It was a real team effort and the team was able to fight the right shooters at the right
Sports shorts
Upfield and Whittlesea United were both on the winners list in FV state league 1 north-west on the weekend. Upfield had a 2-0 win against Western Suburbs on Friday night, scoring a goal in each half. Whittlesea United returned to its winning ways on the round against Ballarat City, winning 4-2 with Marcus Day scoring a hat-trick. Whittlesea remains five points clear on top while Upfield moves to ninth spot.
Big V
The tough run continued for Hume City Broncos in the Big V women’s championship. The Broncos faced the Sherbrooke Suns on Saturday at Upwey High School. The Suns jumped out to a eight point lead at quarter time and extended that to which they increased to 23 points at the final break. The Broncos won the final quarter but it wasn’t enough, losing 87-67. Megan Ormiston top scored with 13 points.
Nike F.C Cup
Bundoora United’s run in the Nike F.C Cup has come to an end. The Victorian Premier League women’s side made the semi finals for the first time this season and was the only team from the second tier competition to make it that far. Bundoora faced National Premier League women’s side Preston Lions for a spot in the grand final with the Lions winning 3-1.
time. It was a good team outing.”
The Pacers finish their regular season on Saturday, travelling to face Warrnambool
Radoslovic said they still have plenty to play for.
“It’s a chance to look at a few different things,” he said. “They beat us earlier in the year so it gives us something to play for.
“We’ll put a few things in place for the first final. We want to continue our momentum and don’t want to go easy.
“We want to keep our championship standards every minute on court.”
In division 2, Craigieburn Eagles beat the Mildura Heat, 85-81.
All five starters scored double figures for the Eagles.
The Eagles have already cemented top spot.
In the women’s division 1 competition, the Eagles beat the Mildura Heat, 96-68.
The Eagles sit two games outside the top four with two rounds remaining.
EDFL
A goalless second half proved costly for Greenvale in the Essendon District Football League premier division on Saturday. Facing Strathmore, the Jets led by four points at the main break. The Jets would score just one point in the second half as the Mores ran away with a 5.12 (42)-3.4 (22) win. Jett Ladewig was the Jets best. The Jets remain in fifth spot. In division 1, Tullamarine, Roxburgh Park and Craigieburn all suffered losses.
Jack Kotsopoulos. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Patrick Green. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 407984_14
Bears hold their finals’ fate in their own hands
Thomastown’s finals fate is in its own hands in the Northern Football League division 2 competition.
The Bears sit two points outside the top five with four rounds to go and face clashes with fourth placed Lower Plenty and sixth placed Panton Hill in the run home.
Bears co-coach Sash Spiroski said they know what they need to do if they want to play finals.
“We didn’t want to put ourselves in this position but we now have the last four games which will be finals like” he said.
“We have four tough games. Hopefully we can finish well and play finals.”
The Bears had been in a good position before losing four games since the bye.
Spiroski said they had some challenges.
“We came up against the three top spots in a three week period. We had some mixed results.
“We did well for periods but Whittlesea got a hold of us for the majority of the game.
“Laurimar credit to them they played four quarters of footy and we did not.
“We could have won it, but we were pipped by them.”
Spiroski said their form had been up and down from week to week, but also in games.
He said they were struggling in one area.
“We have not been able to string four quarters to get over the line,” he said. “We can not have lapses and need to have four quarter performances.
“We have to get back to basics and work from there.”
The Bears have a bye on the weekend with no division 2 action across the competition.
Spiroski said they were hoping to come back better from the bye this time round.
“We’re taking it one week at a time,” he said. “We play Lower Plenty and if we win we will be back in a finals spot.
“Wewillgetsomebodiesbackandhopefully the last four weeks we can reproduce what we did before the bye [first one].
“Since then we haven’t won a game so this bye came at the right time. It will be tough and we’ll train hard and go back to basics and recapture that form and
obviously make finals.”
Meanwhile, Bundoora proved no match for Heidelberg in division 1.
Heidelberg came away with the points, 16.9 (105)-4.4 (28).
The Bulls remain in eighth spot with three wins for the season.
In division 3, the Old Paradians were still able to hit the scoreboard against Reservoir despite tough conditions.
The Raiders led by 20 points at quarter time and were able to keep the Mustangs goalless after the first break.
The Raiders were able to come away with a 20.17 (137)-1.7 (13) win.
The Raiders sit second on the ladder, percentage behind Fitzroy Stars.
Mernda suffered a disappointing loss to the Stars, 8.7 (55)-3.6 (24).
- Tara Murray
Paeglis off to Olympics
After just missing out on the Olympics last time round, Doreen’s Laura Paeglis will be shooting for gold in the archery at these Olympics.
Paeglis was named in the two-person archery team to represent Australia at the Games.
“This time around I managed to come out ahead in the race for the single female spot available to Australia at the Paris Olympics,” she said.
“Again it came down to three of us competing at the last event in Turkey a few weeks ago.
“Last week in Sydney my selection was formally announced. I was over the moon, after so many years and the ups and downs of two selection campaigns I had finally made it.
“I think it took a few days to sink in but I’m finally feeling like it’s real.”
Paeglis’ love for archery started as many dreamsdo,byseeingsomethinginthemovies.
She was just 10 when she tried archery after watching Hunger Games.
“I really wanted to try and hassled my parents constantly to take me,” she said. “We were not an archery family and I don’t think they thought I was serious.
“My grandfather finally cracked and took me down to the local club for a come and try day. Which by the way is the best way for anyone to get involved.
“Diamond Valley archers in Yarrambat run them on most weekends.”
Living in Doreen, Paeglis has a range in her own back yard.
It means she can shoot daily right at home.
“The Olympic distance is 70 metres,” she said. “In a normal week, I would shoot 200-300 arrows per day and do two to three gym sessions per week. I am coached by my dad, who I think has probably spent as much time as I have training in researching technique, equipment and bow tuning.
“My early days of competition involved a lot of travel both within Australia and Internationally and I could not have done any of this without the support of both my parents.”
In 2018, Paeglis represented Australia at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.
It was her first taste of a huge multi-sport event including living in an athletes village and competing in front of grandstands full of people.
Archery Victoria then nominated her for a future talent scholarship at the Victorian Institute of Sport.
It gave her even more opportunities.
“Funded by the Carbine Club, who do amazing work supporting up and coming athletes, it introduced me to a real high performance environment,” she said.
“I have access to training and gym facilities, strength and conditioning coaches, physio, nutritionists and sports psychologists. It’s an incredible place that prepares you for international competition in the best possible way.”
Paeglis then went straight into selection trials for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
During the Australian part of the trials she shot two Australian record scores.
But then narrowly missed out on selection at the very last event in Paris.
“The winner travelled onwards after the event to Tokyo with the team. And I had a long flight back home on my own.”
Paeglis heads to Paris next week. Until recently it’s been all about selection.
“Now my focus is completely on delivering my best performance in Paris,” she said. “Australia is not ranked highly in world archery.
“But there have been some outstanding performances over the years. An individual men’s gold in Sydney. A men’s team bronze in Rio. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent Australia and will be giving it my best.”
Kako in All-Aussie win
Calder Cannons Isaac Kako has capped off a strong under-18 AFL national championships competition being named in the All-Australian team.
Kako, who kicked three goals for Victoria Metro in the championship game against Victoria Country, was named in the forward pocket of the All-Australian team.
The small forward was dynamic with his speed and lateral movement and extremely hard to contain.
He kicked eight goals, including an impressive three goals in the decider. Overall averaged 14.5 disposals (50 per cent contested) and was an important contributor in Victoria Metro’s championships win.
He Is eligible to Essendon under the AFL’s NGA rules in the draft later this year.
Kako was one of eight Vic Metro playerstobenamedintheAll-Australian squad.
Larke Medal winners Harvey Langford (Victoria Country) and Leo Lombard (Allies) were both selected in the All-Australian midfield. The duo tied for this year’s competition best and award with 21 votes, finishing two ahead of Smith in third.
Victoria Metro midfielder Levi Ashcroft and South Australian speedster Sid Draper both became dual All-Australians at under-18 level after being selected as bottom-agers in 2023. The duo were both named on the interchange in this year’s team.
Hunter Harrison Medal winner Zeke Uwland was also selected in the All-Australian team. The Hunter Harrison Medal is presented to the best player in the Academy Series, whichinvolvesnon-VictorianAcademy teams competing in the Coates Talent League.
The only bottom-age player selected in this year’s All Australian team, Uwland was named in the back pocket after starring for the Allies at the championships, which continued his hot form from four Coates Talent League appearances for the Gold Coast Suns Academy, where he averaged 24.5 disposals and two goals per match.
Victoria Metro head coach Rob Harding was selected as coach of the All Australian team.
Anthony O’Sullivan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 417487_23
Laura Paeglis (Supplied)
Tara Murray
Hume City is knocked out of Dockerty Cup
Hume City’s Dockerty Cup run came to an end at the hands of South Melbourne on Tuesday night.
An early goal to South Melbourne would be the difference with the National Premier League winners, winning 1-0.
Hume coach David Chick said they were disappointed that they couldn’t progress through to the grand final.
“It wasn’t quite what we were hoping for,” he said. “It was disappointing, some times thing don’t go your way.
“We conceded a goal early on and that always makes it difficult. We had a lot of shots and had a lot more of the ball.
“We had a disallowed goal and looking back at the footage it appears it was on site. It is a tough one.
“It didn’t go our way, it’s a pretty disappointing and flat group.”
Chick said they felt they gave themselves
the best opportunity they could to get the win, having dominated the play.
“They don’t give you much,” he said. “They have good set pieces and we had a lapse in concentration and it cost us a spot in the grand final.”
It’s the second time in a few weeks that Hume has lost narrowly to South Melbourne, having lost in the NPL competition as well.
While it shows the side can match it with the top team, it still has a bit more work to do.
“We’re not too far away,” Chick said. “Both times we’ve played well.
“We’re a chance to play them in the finals again and we will look to take it the next step.”
Chick said they were competing with sides that had been playing finals year in, year out and it was something they were slowly building into the NPL season.
“We have a huge opportunity in the next few weeks,” he said. “We’ve felt like we’d
comfortably pick up some points to secure finals.
“The game this weekend made it definite, we want to have a home final.”
Chick said they could still finish as high as second on the ladder if things go their way.
He said as far as they’re aware, they haven’t finished a regular season higher than fifth.”
Hume was back in action on Saturday against Manningham United.
It was a night out for Hume, which won 5-1 after leading 1-0 at half time.
Aamir Abdallah scored two of the goals for Hume.
Hume still has a big few weeks ahead of it, with a round of 32 Australia Cup clash with Darwin Hearts on July 30.
Chick said it would be different with the travel, but the group was looking forward to the challenge.
Cannons raring to go
By Tara Murray
The talent in the Calder Cannons region has been on show in the Coates Talent League season.
The Cannons have had a strong season this year and sit fourth on the ladder as the season hits the pointy end.
While the results have been pleasing, coach Sam Willatt said what had been more pleasing was the depth of the squad.
“We’ve really tested our depth over the last few weeks which has been promising,” he said.
“Against the Knights we had I think 10 or 11 changes and had loads of debutants and a few bottom agers playing and with all the disruption they still put in a really good performance.
“Looking really really good at this point and we’re just going to keep building and get ourselves ready for the fun stuff at the end of the year.”
Willatt said they’d start to see some of the young guys make the most of their opportunities.
For most of the year Hussien El achkar has been doing good things as small forward midfield players.
Hamish Bird played his best game for the year against the Knights after being thrown around in a few positions and seems to have found his spot in defence.
Cooper Duff-Tytler made his debut in Queensland was then best on ground against the Knights, due to school commitments allowing him to play for the Cannons.
The program will get back under way this week after a few weeks off with the national championships
Willattsaidwhileitwasabitofadisruption, it was also good to get the boys back to their local clubs and have a bit of a refresh.
He has also been busy as part of the Vic Metro winning coaching squad.
Jayden Nguyen, Harry O’Farrell, Isaac Kako, Nash King and Damon Hollow were all part of the playing group.
Kako was one of the stars of the championships, including kicking three goals in the grand final.
“He’s been superb, he’s just I think there’s a
Jets
bounce back to win
Greenvale bounced back onto the winners list, while Roxburgh Park locked up a finals spot in the Essendon District Football League women’s competitions.
In division 1, the Jets were coming off a shock loss to Airport West heading into their clash with Tullamarine.
The Jets jumped out of the blocks early and could have led by much more than 17 had they kicked straight. It was again wasteful kicking by the Jets in the second quarter, as they kicked five behinds to the Demons one goal. After half time it was all the Jets on the scoreboard as they ran away with a 5.15 (45)-1.0 (6) win.
Briana Barba and Grace Master were the Jets best, while Tricia Devine and Hayley Borg were the best for the Demons.
The result ends Tullamarine’s finals hopes.
In division 2, Roxburgh Park had a big win against the Sunbury Kangaroos to secure a finals spot.
The Magpies were able to keep the Kangaroos goalless until the last quarter in the 5.6 (36)-1.2 (8) win.
Megan Allan, Caitlyn McLeod and Natasha Fama were named the Magpies best.
point he was involved in I think 60 per cent of our goals or something at some point,” Willatt said of Kako.
“He’s just he’s done everything we know he can do and he’s showing us, it’s been pretty cool.”
Willatt said the next few weeks would be a bit of a country tour the next few weeks with a lot of travel.
They then play Dandenong and the Western Jets to end the season, with Williatt expecting to have all the players back.
“Those last two we’ll start to ramp it up for the wildcard game, nothing too different just yet,” he said.
“Everyone knows the pointy end is coming. Good performances are the most important thing.”
The Cannons returned to the field on Sunday, heading to Bendigo to face the Bendigo Pioneers.
It was a solid win for the Cannons, winning 10.12 (72)-5.7 (37).
Hollow, Kako and Alistair McQuire kicked three goals each for the Cannons.
Noah Scott was named their best.
The Magpies sit in third spot heading into the final round, a game ahead of the Sunbury Kangaroos and Taylors Lakes. With a massive percentage gap on both teams, the Magpies will still finish third no matter the results in the final round,
In premier division, Westmeadows suffered a big loss against Aberfeldie. Abers jumped out of the blocks and led by 40 points at quarter time.
They were able to extend their lead in every quarter to seal a 14.11 (95)-1.0 (6).
In men’s premier division, Greenvale was held goalless in its clash with Strathmore, in division 1, Craigieburn, Tullamarine and Roxburgh Park all suffered losses, while Westmeadows lost in division 2.
Tara Murray Mark Ochieng. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Calder Cannons’ Hugh Allison. Ljubica Vrankovic
