Star Weekly - Northern - 20th August 2024

Lighting up Thomastown

Thomastown West Primary School students are getting ready to light up the stage during Walking Thomastown.

The annual event explores the culture and history of Thomastown by night, with participants walking from Main Street Recreation Reserve, along Edgars Creek, through Ziebell’s Farm and the pioneer precinct at Westgarthtown.

The evening features an array of music, light shows, food trucks and dancers, including local primary schools taking part in the Dare to Dream community dance project.

Dancer Sandrine Dower has been working with students from schools, including Thomastown West, Thomastown and St Clare’s primary schools, to create performances around this year’s Walking Thomastown theme of hope.

Thomastown Neighbourhood House manager Liz Skitch said Walking Thomastown was a magical adventure.

“Walking Thomastown gives our community something to look forward to. And that really sums up the theme of this year’s Walking Thomastown, hope. Always let your hope shine bright, in times of darkness find the light,” she said.

It’s on August 31, from 6pm. Details: https://shorturl.at/k7Vll

Push for Sunbury Rd work

By Oscar Parry

Hume council will write to the state government to seek duplication of a section of Sunbury Road and interim improvements to the median barrier.

The council will address the letter to the state Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne to request this commitment.

The section referred to spans from the end of the Tullamarine Freeway to Oaklands Road.

Councillor Jack Medcraft, who raised the notice of motion at the August 12 Hume council meeting, said that as the road is a

single lane with an emergency lane, excessive traffic congestion is created when four lanes of the Tullamarine Freeway merge into one.

“If you come up there at five o’clock … you find that the traffic is banked back well towards the airport … you could be stuck in traffic there for at least 45 minutes just to get on Sunbury Road,” Cr Medcraft said.

He said that before the median barrier was installed, the road was especially dangerous.

“Many years ago, coming to council, I was almost wiped out by a car doing a U-turn in front of us … it would have been catastrophic.”

Cr Medcraft said that if the emergency lane

was converted to an additional regular lane, the surrounding land could be used to drive on in an emergency situation instead.

“The government body, they came out and they put the barrier – which was welcomed, and they also did the road … It looked like they were going to do two lanes both ways, but instead they put out one lane and the emergency lane, and yet there’s a mile of free land that you could drive on when you’re in trouble.”

He said that the section of road in focus is especially dangerous in dark driving conditions, calling for improvements to the visibility of the median barriers with

reflective paint.

“You’ve got four lanes going into one lane, which is a disaster in the night time …. And especially if it’s been raining, you can’t see the rail. They’ve got reflectors on the top of them but they don’t get cleaned,” he said.

“I’m hoping this one does get some air, and the Minister looks at it seriously.”

Councillor Jodi Jackson and Councillor Jarrod Bell also expressed concerns around the safety of the road, with Cr Jackson adding that the danger is increased with additional truck traffic from major projects.

The state government was contacted for comment.

Thomastown West Primary School pupils Ava, 5, Gurases, 5, Murad, 6, and at back, Amira, 7, John, 6, and Mika, 7. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 424789_05

Overdue rates penalty set to go

Hume council will cease charging penalty interest on overdue rates for ratepayers who enter into a payment plan by November 30.

The move will apply to all classes of ratepayers – residential, commercial, industrial and rural – whoever commerical ratepayers will be required to provide information to substantiate that their tenant is experiencing financial hardship.

Hume’s overdue rates bill currently totals $39.5 million and council charges 10 per cent interest on unpaid rates.

Councillor Sam Misho said this approach

has proven counterproductive, as reflected in a $7.5 million rise in overdue payments over the past year.

He believes the existing penalty system is more of a deterrent than an effective solution.

“[The increase in unpaid rates] exhibits the struggles of our people; otherwise, they would have paid their dues and avoided the 10 per cent interest charge,” he said.

“This 10 per cent penalty may have been intended to be a deterrent for non-payment, and is now acting as a demotivating factor, making it even harder for people to settle their

School funding boost

Kolbe Catholic College, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, and Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School have received funding to upgrade their facilities..

Kolbe Catholic College in Mickleham will receive $6 million for stage two of its campus development, which will include the building of a learning neighbourhood, 16 general learning areas, a performing arts centre, five specialist spaces and classrooms.

Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School in Craigieburn will get $3.6 million to construct eight modular learning areas.

Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Mickleham will receive $6 million, that will be used to construct a new learning building for the senior school which will feature six general learning areas and flexible learning spaces.

Holy Cross principal, Mark Miatello said the funding will help facilitate the growing Catholic student population.

“There is high and growing demand in the community for Catholic education, and this much needed funding will help grow Holy Cross Catholic Primary to better meet the needs of families from all backgrounds in Mickleham, Kalkallo and Donnybrook,” he said.

“I’m excited that the construction of a senior school learning building with six general learning areas, flexible teaching and learning spaces, student amenities and landscaping works means we can provide all a Catholic education offers to many more families in our community.”

Kalkallo MP Ros Spence said she is thrilled thethreeschoolswereabletoreceivefunding.

“I can’t wait to see families at Kolbe Catholic College, Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, and Oscar Romeo Catholic Primary School benefit from this funding and the brand-new facilities it will deliver,” she said.

What’s on

Walking Thomastown is back for 2024

Take a magical nighttime journey through the culture and history of Thomastown and experience one of our oldest suburbs in a new light.

Grab your torch and join us on a nighttime walk exploring Thomastown’s rich and unique history from Main Street Recreation Reserve, along Edgars Creek, through Ziebell’s Farm and the pioneer precinct at Westgarthtown.

When: 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 31 August

Where: Main Street Recreation Reserve, 54-76 Main Street, Thomastown For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events

debts.

“It is time for us to adopt a more compassionate and pragmatic approach. By reaching out to our ratepayers and assisting them in paying their overdue debts.”

Councillor Karen Sherry questioned how removing the penalty charge would motivate people to pay back their debts.

“We are making an assumption that it will incentivise,” she said.

“Have other councils done this? What is the tipping point? We are already reaching out to ratepayers, we are asking them to come and

makeanarrangementbythe30thofNovember and then we won’t charge you interest.

“SoIamjustnotsureifthisisthewaythatit’s going to happen.”

Cr Sherry also wondered if people who own multiple properties should be able to apply to the ceasing of the penalty charge.

“If someone owns an investment property and they are unable to pay their rates on it, shouldn’t they sell that property?” she said.

“If someone owns multiple properties I don’t know if I am comfortable if they are not paying their rates.”

Help shape Council’s Budget

We’re starting work to plan our next Council Budget and long-term financial plan and we want to hear from you.

Tell us what your priorities are for the City of Whittlesea both now and into the future. Your valuable insights will inform the Budget 2025-26, Community Plan 2026-30, Asset Plan 2026-36, Financial Plan 2026-36, Road Management Plan 2026-30 and Revenue and Rating Plan 2026-30.

Let us know what matters most to you.

Visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/priorities2025 to find out more and have your say.

Holy Cross students Elisha, 5, Grace, 5, Cristiano, 6, Cruz, 5. with principal Mark Miatello. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 424674_03

Councils call for rate cap change

Restrictions on revenue sources, rising costs and population growth are creating ongoing challenges, according to the Outer Melbourne Councils (OMC) group.

Thegroup,previouslyknownastheInferface Councils Group, comprises 10 councils that form a ring around metropolitan Melbourne, including Whittlesea, Hume, Wyndham and Melton.

The commissioned KordaMentha to prepare a report on the funding interface between local and state governments.

The report found that while councils were managing their finances well, they were facing revenue challenges in the form of the state government’s rates cap, rising costs and

population growth.

Itfoundthatthestategovernment’sratescap - introduced in 2016 under the Fair Go Rates System to limit rate increases - was impacting councils’ ability to deliver infrastructure and services, as was rising

OMC representative and Whittlesea council chair administrator, Lydia Wilson said the group was calling on the state government, and federal government where applicable, to enter into a new partnerships with local government to address growth challenges.

“This is the great public policy challenge of our time – how do we do growth better?

“We need to meet the needs of today’s communities, plan for tomorrow’

communities and agree on how we pay for the services and infrastructure our communities need.”

The report made a number of recommendations which the OMC believes will provide a financial platform to support further population growth.

These include cost-reflective indexation of the rate cap, exemptions from the rate cap for infrastructure programs to provide for population growth and exemption for local government from the state government’s windfall gains tax where landholdings are repurposed for community benefit.

According to the state government, councils can apply for a higher rate cap if they can

Sensory garden grows at college

As a part of the Epping Road Upgrade, Wollert Secondary College students can now enjoy a 34-square-metre sensory garden.

The garden includes five spaces that contain plants chosen to stimulate a specific sense –sight, smell, hearing, touch or taste.

Project team members rolled up their sleeves atthecollegeonFriday,August2,foraworking bee to construct the garden.

The college’s 25-student gardening club members dedicated two lunch breaks a week to prepare the garden area in the lead-up to the working bee.

Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio, said she was happy to see the students take time out of their schedule to help construct the garden.

“Not only did the students help build the garden, but they had a hand in the design process too,” she said.

Last year, team members also helped build bee hotels to help foster local populations of native bees.

Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said it is great the upgrade is able to leave behind something other than infrastructure.

“The sensory garden is a great example of

these important legacies. Along with providing an enchanting outdoor space for the school, students also gained lifelong lessons while creating the garden with the help of the project team,” she said.

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Dipal Sorathia, said he enjoyed spending time visiting Wollert Secondary College.“Spendingtimeinthecommunityand working to achieve positive environmental and sustainability outcomes is a strong focus for our team,” he said.

Max Westwood

demonstratecommunitysupportandacritical need for spending on services or projects that require a rate rise above the capped amount.

The government maintains that the rate cap mechanism is calculated to ensure that fast growing councils such as the Outer Melbourne Councils group are not penalised, ensuring revenue can grow to meet growing population needs.

A state government spokesperson said the Fair Go Rates system was reducing the cost of living for Victorians.

“TheVictorianbudget2024-25hasincreased financial support to local government by $161 million to a total of $875 million,” the spokesperson said.

Jobless rate high in Hume

Unemploymentcontinuestobeanareaof concern for Hume, which has the highest unemployment rate in metropolitan Melbourne.

New data from the National Skills Commission shows Hume recorded an unemployment rate of 7.1 per cent for the Marchquarter,aslightjumpfrom6.9per cent in the December quarter.

The Victorian unemployment rate was 3.8 per cent.

Within Hume, unemployment was highestinMeadowsHeights(16percent), while Campbellfield and Coolaroo’s unemployment rate was 15.6 per cent and Broadmeadows’ was 14.7 per cent.

HumemayorNaimKurtattributedthe growth in unemployment to the growth in Hume’s population growth.

“Theunemploymenthasbeenmatched with a tripling of employment and labour growth across our entire [local government area],” he said.

“In a cost of living crisis any unemployment increases are a concern and Hume City Council is working hard through a range of economic programs to enable our residents to access local jobs and develop their skills.

“Our initiatives include local jobs for local people, investment attraction funding, business support and multiversity programs to support our businesses to grow and employ locals.

“Unemployment requires action from all levels of government, which is why the Hume Jobs and Skills Taskforce led a summitwiththeemploymentministerat parliamenttopushthecaseforcontinued funding of employment programs for our LGA.”

In Whittlesea, unemployment for the March quarter was 4.2 per cent, up from 3.7 per cent in the December quarter. Thomastown had the highest rate in Whittlesea, at 9.3 per cent.

La Trobe a finalist in NASA Deep Space Food Challenge

LaTrobeUniversityandGaiaProjectAustralia

have been named finalists in NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge.

The challenge tasked researchers to make a prototype that could grow food for long space journeys.

La Trobe University’s engineering and plant sciences experts, in collaboration with Gaia Project Australia, created an innovative vertical farm that grows leafy and microgreens in just 28 days, a fraction of the three-month growth cycle required in regular soil farming.

Their partnership, which was titled, Enigma of the Cosmos, took six months to design and

build and is a prototype that NASA could take to space to feed astronauts.

La Trobe engineering lecturer Dr Alex Stumpf said the project was the only finalist from Australia.

“Our team spent many long days and nights creating the world’s first expandable grow channel vertical farm system,” he said.

“We are extremely proud of the unit, and we are excited to see what the judges think of our system. I believe we will do well in the competition,butregardlessoftheoutcome,the system and the ideas will lead to real impact back here on Earth.”

La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Professor Mathew Lewsey said the system was helping to advance research.

“We are using Gaia’s technology to train the nextgenerationofplanttechnologists,”hesaid.

“As part of the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, our students are simulating how crops could grow during spaceflight and working to improve yield. They are applying what they learn to develop better varieties and growth conditions for use in vertical farms.”

Gaia Project Australia Founder and chief

executive Nadun Hennayaka said vertical farms will be the future for large-scale food production.

“While we are creating a growing environment optimised for space, it has real impact on the future of farming on Earth as well,” he said.

“Growing food without soil, with exactly the right nutrients, leads to less crop waste and eliminates the threats of pests, disease and adverse weather conditions damaging the crops.”

The winner will be announced by NASA on August 16.

Students Amelia, Manya, Misha, Aishani and Aaliya with Epping Road Upgrade project team member and Wollert resident Eddie Delic. (Supplied)

Willow’s cancer journey

By Max Westwood

When then two-year-old Willow developed a limp, mum Kirsty Lawton was worried.

“I was like ‘my two-year-old should not be limping, you know?’ It just didn’t seem right,“ Kirsty said.

“So we presented to the hospital, did some blood tests, and then I think within two or three days, I found out that it was cancer.”

Willow was diagnosed with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that starts in early nerve cells called neuroblasts.

The Bundoora mum still struggles reliving the moment her daughter was diagnosed.

“Ithoughttomyself’howdoesthathappen?’ She’s two, almost three years old and she’s got this disease that’s riddled her whole body. It was all in her bones and her lymph nodes. I was in utter shock,” Kirsty said.

“Just to think about it now, it’s just horror. It was like an out of body experience and we had no idea the journey we’re about to go on and the intensity of the treatments.“

The journey involved 489 nights in hospital and numerous rounds of chemotherapy.

“It was just Willow and I for days and weeks on end. Even when we were able to go home, often it was a matter of hours and we were back in hospital because of a fever or a Hickman (central) line complication. It was just relentless,” Kirsty said.

Willow needed a nine-hour surgery to remove one of her adrenal glands where the tumour was located.

Now Willow, 5, is attending kindergarten two days a week, and with hospital still a part of her life, her family are thankful to supporters of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, which always managed to put a smile on Willow’s face despite everything she was going through.

Starlight is a program that partners with health professionals to help bring the fun and joy back that helps sick kids be kids.

“They just give her a smile and someone to play with other than someone medical that’s going to poke at her,” she said.

“Justimmediatelywhenshesawthecaptain, it’s like she wasn’t sick anymore ... They just come in and they’re funny and they make her

by the EPA

A Thomastown company has been fined after officers from Enviroment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria traced muddy tracks back to a Trawalla Avenue address.

PGH Bricks & Pavers Pty Ltd was fined $1923 fine for depositing sediment via traffic movements after an inspection of the property on May 29. The muddy tracks went all the way to Mahoneys Road, which is more than 600 metres away.

EPA northern metropolitan regional manager Chloe Bernett said the officers spotted the muddy trail while conducting a routine inspection at a nearby business.

“We had already given the company compliance advice in 2023, but found the problem had returned, and trucks were tracking sediment out of the worksite and into the street,” she said.

“Muddy tracks like that are not only unsightly and an inconvenience to the public, but can be washed into drains and local waterways, affecting wildlife and potentially clogging the drainage system.“

Starlight is running a tour de kids program, which is a 30-day virtual cycling challenge, which aims to raise $750,000 to deliver happiness to over 19,000 seriously ill children through vital hospital programs throughout the month of September.

Details: tourdekids.org.au

The EPA officers found trucks were bypassing a wheel washing system designedtokeepsedimentfromleaving the property.

Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842.

Details: epa.vic.gov.au/ report-pollution/reporting-pollution

Are your kids living in a world revolving around their passions? That’s a good thing.

It’s why the VCE’s new Vocational Major creates worlds where passions can be explored.

From agriculture to construction, health to clean energy. Whatever world our kids are into, there’s a VCE program to help develop the skills they’ll need to land a job in Australia’s most in-demand industries.

laugh and they bring craft activities and she just loves it.“

Willow on her birthday in hospital. (Supplied)

Councils want Upfield duplication

By Max Westwood

Seven councils, including Whittlesea and Hume, are joining forces to push for faster train services on the Upfield line.

The seven councils – Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, and Mitchell – form The Northern Councils Alliance which is lobbying the state and federal governments to reduce wait times for Upfield line passengers.

Their campaign, ‘Connect Melbourne’s North: It’s time to transform our transport,’ urges governments to duplicate and extend the line.

The alliance wants a section of single track

between Gowrie and Upfield duplicated because the current situation limits how often trains can run.

Passengers using the Upfield line experience some of most infrequent service within the network, with passengers facing average delays of 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours.

Plans to lengthen the Upfield line to Roxburgh Park and join it with the Craigieburn line are also being pushed by the councils to the state government.

Hume mayor Naim Kurt said the areas public transport is not up to scratch given the rate that the region growing.

“Hume is growing at an unprecedented

rate by nearly 10,000 people annually, and our public transport infrastructure simply can’t keep up. Cloverton, Victoria’s largest masterplanned community spanning Hume, Whittlesea, and Mitchell, will only be served by the Craigieburn line, despite being destined to be a city the size of Canberra,” he said.

“Connecting Upfield to the Craigieburn line could spark a job and development boom, bringing employment closer to homes. While the government focuses on the eastern Suburban Rail Loop, growth is surging in the North and we need funds redirected here to meet these demands.”

If the extension were to go ahead, it would

Grants available for Men’s Sheds

Men throughout Victoria have a reason to celebrate, with $860,000 worth of grants available to build new or upgrade existing Men’s Sheds.

Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence visited Lalor and District Men’s Shed on August 7 to announce the 2024-25 Men’s Shed funding program grants, with sheds eligible to receive up to $100,000.

Lalor and District Men’s Shed received $31,253 last year and used the money to install a solar system and upgrade lighting, dust

extraction and kitchen equipment to improve its financial and environmental sustainability.

Lalor and District Men’s Shed president Allan Carbis said the shed provides men with a place to socialise and meet new people.

“We are getting a lot of old men out of their houses and they’re talking because we’re basically a social club,” he said.

“It’s fine we make all this stuff and could sell it and make some money or give it away but it’s mainly designed to get older men socialising.

“That’s the central idea to get men out of their houses, get them off the couch and stop them watching the television and then they are here talking to other men that are the same sort of age.”

Ms Spence, said Men’s Sheds bring blokes together to talk about issues of common interest.

Applications for Men’s Shed Funding Program grants are open until October 16.

Details: vic.gov.au/mens-shed-fundingprogram

facilitate Metro services to Wallan and Donnybrook, which are now only accessible by V/Line trains. It would also allow for the construction of new stations at Cloverton and Beveridge.

A Victorian government spokesperson said the government has “invested more than any previous Victorian government to transform transport connections for communities in Melbourne’s north”.

“When the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025, a year ahead of schedule, it will create capacity to deliver more trains across every rail corridor and free up the City Loop to enable more services on the Craigieburn and Upfield Lines.”

Roads help with recycling

A new technique to recycle roadways is beingusedaspartoftheBridgeInnRoad upgrade in Doreen.

Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) is using a foamed bitumen process which involves milling old roadway to rubble then mixing in foamed bitumen, created by injecting air and water into hot bitumen.

The mixed materials cure to produce a durable, flexible road pavement with properties like asphalt. MRPV said foamed bitumen’s durability has allowed a reduced thickness of the roadway’s top layer of asphalt pavement, leading to further savings.

Along with the efficiencies achieved, recyclingtheoldroadreducesrelianceon landfill, virgin materials and quarrying, MPRV said,

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Dipal Sorathia said the new way to recycle roads has multiple benefits.

“The foamed bitumen process helps us build durable, flexible road pavements while improving sustainability outcomes and reducing construction times. This benefits not only the project but also the local communities and all the users of the roads we upgrade with foamed bitumen,” he said.

TheBridgeInnRoadupgradeisadding extra lanes in both directions between Plenty and Yan Yean roads.

Other improvements include intersection upgrades and the construction of safety barriers and shared walking and cycling paths.

The upgrade has also built a new bridge over Plenty River, with the existing 155-year-old heritage bridge being repurposed as a dedicated walking and cycling path.

Police investigate underworld link to Thomastown blaze

The fire-bombing of a home linked to a notorious underworld figure is among a string of arson attacks being investigated across Melbourne.

Firefighters were called to a home in Larch Street, Thomastown about 3am on Monday.

Flames were seen coming from the double-storey home, with 29 firefighters containing the blaze to the front two bedrooms on the first floor.

The property is reportedly linked to underworld figure, former Mongols bikie and professional boxer Suleiman “Sam“ Abdulrahim.

The home was empty at the time and the fire has been deemed suspicious, with police investigating.

PolicewerecalledtoLarchStreetinMayover a drive-by shooting and failed attempt on Mr Abdulrahim’s life.

Detectives will investigate if there are any links to the fire-bombing of a Port Melbourne hairdresser on Monday morning.

A Porsche SUV was driven into the Bay Street shop about 1.30am with the shop then set alight.

The car and shop were destroyed by the fire.

A person living above the store fled the building and was not injured but two small childrenfromaneighbouringhomeweretaken to hospital for possible smoke inhalation.

Police have been told a person was seen running from the scene.

Melbourne’s long-running tobacconist

fire-bombings also appears to be continuing with a Cairnlea shop in Melbourne’s northwest set alight about 6am.

“Investigators will look at any possible links to other recent fires,“ police said.

There were also fires in Richmond and Patterson Lakes overnight which police have deemed suspicious.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said she did not want to speculate on the cause of the blazes when asked if it was a matter of time before someone lost their life following repeated firebombings.

“Let’s not jump to conclusions,“ she told reporters on Monday.

“Let Victoria Police do their work.“

Minister Ros Spence and Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny with members of the Lalor and District Men’s Shed and Whittlesea U3A. (Carina Blythe)

The house linked to former Mongols bikie Suleiman “Sam” Abdulrahim which was the target of a drive-by shooting in May. (AAP Image/ Diego Fedele)

Walking for prevention

On the morning of August 15, Kolbe Catholic College in Greenvale marched through the streets surrounding the school for its ’the walk againstdomesticviolence’initiative.

The initiative was created to raise awareness andhelpsupportpreventioneffortsofdomestic violence, with over 1200 students and more than 200 staff members from Kolbe Catholic Collegetakingpartinthewalk.

Kolbe Catholic College acting principal Cameron Whitford said the walk was a crucial initiativefortheschool.

“Webelievethatraisingawarenessisacrucial steptowardspreventionandsupport,”hesaid.

“This walk is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and say no to domestic violence. Educating young people now is key to breaking the cycle of violence and creating a safer future for everyone,“hesaid.

As a demonstration of unity, participants created a sea of purple, wearing shirts emblazonedwiththeslogan‘notnow,notever’.

The event was attended by a plethora of guests, including community leaders and domestic violence prevention advocates, to informstudentsfurtherabouttheissue.

Enrichinglivesthroughcare

Briefs

Funding for schools

Mount Ridley College and Willmott Park Primary School will receive funding as part of the state government’s Planned Maintenance Program. Mount Ridley College will receive $147,172 to rebuild two ramps, a partial rebuild of six ramps, and minor works to one other ramp. Willmott Park Primary School will receive $187,894 for the complete rebuild of five ramps. The Planned Maintenance Program provides funding to address high-priority maintenance issues across Victoria’s government schools.

New kinders planned Hume and Whittlesea students will be the beneficiaries of the collaboration between the Victorian state government and Melbourne archdiocese catholic schools early years education (MACSEYE), as it will deliver four new kindergartens to the region. Holy Cross Catholic Primary School (Mickleham), Oscar Romero Catholic Primary School (Craigieburn West), Glowrey Catholic Primary School (Wollert) and Carlo Acutis Catholic Primary School (Wollert West) will all have kindergartens attached by 2026.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Kolbe Catholic College students on their ’Walk Against Domestic Violence.’ (Supplied)

Crucial help in the first 1000 days

A clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital is striving to support babies who have been exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth, and their mothers.

The First Thousand Days Clinic provides care during pregnancy until the child’s second birthday in a bid to better support the next generation.

Thepilotprogramisthefirstofitskindinthe country and will run for three years.

Royal Women’s Hospital neonatologist Dr Anna Tottman said the first 1000 days – the time from conception to the second birthday –is the most rapid period of brain development in the human life course.

“It’s also a period that is very vulnerable to outside influences and things that can change brain development,” Dr Tottman said.

“It’s also a period of real opportunity where you can positively impact children’s brain development, and we know what happens to you in early childhood actually lays the foundation for a healthy adulthood.

“The environmental impacts upon you as a fetus and as a small child can change the direction of your brain development and thus change your outcome long term.

“And it’s not just brain development; your likelihood of obesity or your likelihood of type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease can all be programmed by your exposures in your environment in your fetal period.”

Babies who are exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth are more likely to be born to mothers who themselves have suffered significant childhood trauma, Dr Tottman said.

One of her aims is to remove the stigma surrounding mothers who have used drugs or alcohol during their pregnancy seeking healthcare for the betterment of the child and themselves.

Hume City Council postal election

My council, my vote

Vote by post this October

Ballot packs will be mailed to voters enrolled in the Hume City Council general election from Monday 7 October. Complete and return your ballot material ASAP. Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on Friday 25 October

If you will be away

If you will be away when ballot packs are mailed, or your address has changed since Wednesday 7 August, you can request for your ballot pack to be redirected by completing the online redirection form at vec.vic.gov.au/redirections, or call 131 832. Requests for redirection must be received by 5 pm on Monday 9 September.

Large print and braille ballot papers

Large print or braille ballot papers are available for voters who are blind or have low vision – please register by 5 pm Tuesday 10 September. To register, call 03 8620 1314 during business hours.

Early votes

If you will be away during the voting period (7 – 25 October), you can go to your local election office to vote in person, from 10 am on Wednesday 18 September.

The Hume City Council election office is at:

36 Macedon Street (enter via Barkly Street carpark) Sunbury

“Drug use in pregnancy is one of those thingsthatisveryhardtotalkaboutandthere’s a lot of stigma and a lot of shame around it,” Dr Tottman said.

“We recognise that many of the women who come to us, have had really difficult starts themselves. Perhaps their first thousand days weren’t well supported. Perhaps they were exposed to drugs and alcohol before birth and didn’t get the support that we are now trying to

How to nominate as a candidate

To nominate as a candidate, you must:

• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Hume City Council AND

• be eligible to become a councillor should you be elected AND

• have completed the mandatory candidate training before lodging your nomination with the election manager.

To nominate, complete the nomination form and lodge it with the election manager together with the $250 nomination fee. Nomination forms can be lodged by appointment during business hours from Monday 9 September until 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September at the election office. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for more information and to pre-complete your nomination form using the online Candidate Helper. The online Candidate Helper will be available from Tuesday 20 August.

If you use the online Candidate Helper, print your pre-completed form and make an appointment to lodge it with the election manager along with the nomination fee.

Call the election manager from Monday 9 September on 131 832 to make a nomination appointment.

Nominations close 12 noon Tuesday 17 September.

give the next generation.

“Part of doing this is to let people know that there is help out there and you just need to reach out.”

Dr Tottman and her team monitor the childrenenrolledintheprogramtoensurethey are meeting their developmental milestones.

“They are at risk of having difficulties with learning motor skills or learning how to sit, learning how to walk and difficulties with communication skills in the first two years after they’re born,” she said. “So we monitor children’s developments and make sure that they are meeting their developmental milestones on time and that’s important to do repeatedly through the first couple of years.

“What you’re doing at four months or six months is very different to what you’re doing at 18 months or 24 months. So it’s important that you capture all of those time points.

“But then we are intervening with developmental physiotherapy, with help with social work support, with finding speech therapyforinfantswhoareshowingusthatthey are having trouble meeting their milestones.

“Andweknowfromothercohortsofhighrisk children that early intervention and helping children to get back on track and to reach their milestones is one of the most important things you can do for children’s long term outcome.”

Previously,thecliniccouldn’tfollowchildren for the full two years of care due to a lack of funding. However, philanthropic support has been put together to enhance the existing state-funded service, with the Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service (WADS) with North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) funding the first year.

Women can self-refer to the Royal Women’s Hospital’s Women’s Alcohol and Drug Service or they can be referred via their GP, midwife or alcohol and drug counselling services.

Candidate information session

7 pm Wednesday 4 September at Council Chamber, Hume Global Learning Centre Broadmeadows, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows

Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available online and from the election manager.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

Royal Women’s Hospital neonatologist Dr Anna Tottman. (Supplied)

Hysterectomy rates are slipping

By Anne Parisianne

Fewer Victorian women are opting to treat heavy periods with a hysterectomy, a new report has found.

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s Women’s Health Focus Report found there had been a 25 per cent decrease in hysterectomy rates in Victoria over the past eight years.

Across Melbourne’s north-west, the decline in hysterectomy rates varied. The Macedon Ranges recorded the largest decline (35.5 per cent), followed by Whittlesea-Wallan (28 per cent), Tullamarine-Broadmeadows (25 per cent), Melton (23 per cent), Hobsons Bay (22.4 per cent), Sunbury (20 per cent), Wyndham (16.6 per cent), Brimbank (12.6 per cent) and Keilor (6.1 per cent).

A hysterectomy is a major operation to remove the uterus and the most invasive treatment for heavy periods.

The commission said the decrease suggested womenwereoptingforlessinvasivetreatments to manage heavy periods.

The report found that over the past eight years, there has been a 10 per cent increase in the rate of a less invasive procedure –endometrial ablation (removal of the uterus lining using heat).

According to the report, one in four Australian women experience significantly heavy periods that seriously affects their quality of life.

About 50 per cent of women did not seek medical care despite the debilitating impact of heavy periods on daily life, which the report attributed to the stigma of menstruation and women assuming their bleeding was ‘normal’.

The commission also developed the 2024 heavymenstrualbleedingclinicalcarestandard to empower women to make informed choices

commission was seeking three outcomes.

“Firstly, we want women to know they don’t have to put up with symptoms, to feel comfortable talking about their periods and to be aware that there are a range of treatments, which don’t necessarily involve a major operation,” she said.

“Let’s also upskill the healthcare workforce so women are offered the full suite of treatment options, and practitioners can deliver minimally invasive treatments if appropriate, such as the hormonal IUD.

“Finally, health practitioners need to ask women about their menstrual health and tailor care to individual needs, so they receive the most suitable treatment, which differs for each woman.”

abouthowtheytreatheavymenstrualbleeding.

Commission clinical director and GP, associate professor Liz Marles, said while the decline in hysterectomy rates and increase in endometrial ablation was positive, there was a long way to go to ensure women could access the full range of treatment options.

“Every woman should have access to care that is tailored to her needs. Yet we know that women’s concerns about heavy menstrual

Period poverty is ‘alarming’

Women across the northern and western suburbs are finding it difficult to access period products, a new survey has revealed.

Charity Share the Dignity’s bloody big survey found that across Victoria, 65 per cent of menstruators have found it difficult to buy period products.

In Melton, that figure increases to 67.7 per cent of those surveyed, followed by 67.2 per cent in Whittlesea, 66.98 per cent in Moorabool, 66.14 per cent in Wyndham, 65.72 per cent in Hume, 59.61 per cent in Brimbank, 59.41 per cent in the Macedon Ranges, 56.61 per cent in Hobsons Bay and 55.28 per cent in Maribyrnong.

Surveying 153,620 people, the bloody big survey focused on experiences, attitudes and insights on menstruation. It is run every three years to monitor the physical, social and financial impacts of menstruation and to look at period poverty rates across the nation. Share the Dignity founder and managing director Rochelle Courtenay said the survey results were alarming.

“It breaks my heart to see such high rates of period poverty continuing here in Australia,” she said. “No one should have to go without these basic essentials, yet this issue is alarmingly prevalent.

“Ihaveheardsomanystoriessharedthrough the survey about people’s experiences with period poverty, with some people having used tea towels, or tote bags to try and manage their period with dignity, which is simply unacceptable in a country like Australia.”

MsCourtenaysaidtheresultswillarmShare the Dignity with the evidence needed to create lasting change in Australia.

“I am now focused on ensuring free and dignified access to period products in University/TAFE campuses, and sporting centres as well as campaigning for local councils to ensure their residents can manage their period with dignity,” she said.

Donations of unopened period products and incontinence aids can be made to Share the Dignity’s Dignity Drive during August. Details: sharethedignityorg.au

bleeding can be overlooked and it can be hard to access suitable care,” she said.

“While some women may choose hysterectomy, we want to avoid them going straight to the most invasive procedure, withoutbeingofferedlessinvasiveandeffective alternatives and information on the risks and benefits. Hysterectomy cannot be reversed and has increased risk of complications.”

Associate professor Marles said the

University of Sydney gynaecologist and Women’s Health Focus Report expert advisory group member, professor Kirsten Black, said the impact of heavy menstrual bleeding on a woman’s health and quality of life remains under-recognised.

“It has been great that we have seen a shift towards less invasive gynaecology procedures sincethefirstheavymenstrualbleedingclinical carestandardwasintroducedin2017,”shesaid.

“We know that many women with heavy menstrual bleeding can be successfully managed by their GP or other primary care practitioner using medical treatments like the hormonal IUD.

“Healthcare providers need to understand their patient’s menstrual history and whether the bleeding prevents them from going about daily activities and interacting socially. Some women feel they can’t leave the house when they’ve got their period because of fear of excessive bleeding.

“For women with heavy menstrual bleeding, finding the right treatment has the potential to be life-changing.”

Star Weekly wants to hear from you about the health issues affecting women in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs.

Our Women’s Health Matters survey will help inform our reporting during our 12-month women’s health campaign.

The confidential survey will take less than five minutes to complete and can be found by scanning the QR code.

Donating to the Dignity Drive will help support Australians who are experiencing period poverty.

Associate professor Liz Marles. (Supplied)

Recycled teenagers keep busy

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janeski, visited the weekly Mill Park Recycled Teenagers indoor event, which is held every Tuesday, from 11am to 2pm, at the Mill Park Community Centre.

The weekly activites include some competitive fun over some board games, affordable clothing fashion shows or listening to a host of different speakers.

All of this gives seniors an opportunity to comeandmakefriendsinarelaxedenviroment all while surely sharing a laugh or two.

Organiser of the event, Natasha Puglielli, is there helping out to make all of this possible.

Allowing kids time to tinker

Star Weekly photographer Ljubica Vrankovic visited the weekly Tinker Time group, which is held every Tuesday at the Lalor Library from 3.30 to 4.30pm.

The group allows children to experiment and build with a range of different materials allowing them to express their creativity.

This group is perfect for an after school activity.

Makesuretogetdownthereandwho knows what the students will be able to create!

Amiya and Aurelia get creative. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 424944

Aurelia, 6, Yara, 5, and Ivy, 4, enjoying their time at the event.

Amiya, 6, with facilitator Slavca.

Jeshekaa, 7, creating some work.

Ivy, Yara, Amiya, Jeshekaa and other student showing off their creations

Natasha Puglielli the ‘Recycled teenagers’ co-ordinator.

Busgra Alani.

Hind Tom participating in some of the actvities.

Pat Lobley waits to make her move.

Above: Christine Ustick and her mum Betty Ustick having fun together. Below: Gwen Waugh enjoying herself.

Shirley O’Rourke and Sandra Marr (left), Betty Ustick and Margaret Burns (centre), and Natalie Pumpe and Elsbeth Fogl (right) enjoying the day. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 423689

Heather Simmons (above), and Peter Fisher (below).

Meta’s claims about Facebook revealed as fake news

Inthefirsthalfof2024,one-thirdofAustralians accessed Facebook for news, a new study reveals.

ThefindingcontradictsMeta’slong-standing assertion that news content is a minor part of the Facebook experience for most Australian users.

Metahaspreviouslyusedthisclaimtojustify itsdecisiontoabandoncommercialagreements with local publishers.

The implications of this are significant for the local journalism landscape, especially for the more than 230 newspapers who are part of Country Press Australia, the association representing the interests of regional and rural newspapers across the country.

The research emphasises the essential role thatnewsmediaplaysinAustralia,particularly howregionalnewspaperscontributetooffering balanced and precise news coverage.

More than 40 per cent of Australians cited news access as a key motivator for their daily social media activity, with this tendency more noticeable among Gen Z and millennials at 60 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively.

Country Press Australia president Andrew Schreyer said there were significant industry challenges ahead, and forecast potential closures of up to 50 member outlets as current agreements under the News Media Bargaining Code with Meta near their expiration.

The study also found that while overall Facebook usage is waning, half of the Australians still turn to social media for news, with 25 per cent using it as their primary news source.

These findings starkly contradict Meta’s position that news is a minimal component of the content seen by Australians on its platforms, which Meta claimed represents less than three per cent of the total.

This study, initiated by News Corp and conducted by Dynata, refutes those statements.

This research release aligns with the media

industry’s wait on the Albanese government’s decision regarding Meta’s obligations under the News Media Bargaining Code, which might compel Meta to negotiate compensation for content with news providers.

Meta has threatened to block Australian news content should these costs be enforced.

In an article published in The Australian on Monday, News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller expressed concerns over Meta’s threats to remove news content, potentially replacing it with less reliable sources.

He also criticised Meta for its lack of accountability.

The study shows strong public support for social media responsibility, with 85 per

Whittlesea City Council postal election

My council, my vote

Vote by post this October

Ballot packs will be mailed to voters enrolled in the Whittlesea City Council general election from Monday 7 October. Complete and return your ballot material ASAP. Ballot material must be in the mail or delivered to the election manager by 6 pm on Friday 25 October

If you will be away

If you will be away when ballot packs are mailed, or your address has changed since Wednesday 7 August, you can request for your ballot pack to be redirected by completing the online redirection form at vec.vic.gov.au/redirections, or call 131 832.

Requests for redirection must be received by 5 pm on Monday 9 September.

Large print and braille ballot papers

Large print or braille ballot papers are available for voters who are blind or have low vision – please register by 5 pm Tuesday 10 September. To register, call 03 8620 1314 during business hours.

Early votes

If you will be away during the voting period (7 – 25 October), you can go to your local election office to vote in person, from 10 am on Wednesday 18 September.

The Whittlesea City Council election office is at: Suite 28 Level 1

797 Plenty Road

South Morang

cent of Australians agreeing that platforms should prevent the spread of false or harmful information.

Without trustworthy journalism, 66 per cent believe the societal impact would be negative, anticipating increases in misinformation and decreased media diversity.

Mr Miller highlighted the significant impact these findings have on public understanding and the obligations of large tech companies, criticising Meta for avoiding transparency.

This analysis of 2,500 Australians confirms the integral role of social media in their news consumption habits, countering Meta’s underestimations of news relevance on its platform, and exposing the misleading nature

How to nominate as a candidate

To nominate as a candidate, you must:

• be an Australian citizen and enrolled on the voters roll for Whittlesea City Council AND

• be eligible to become a councillor should you be elected AND

• have completed the mandatory candidate training before lodging your nomination with the election manager.

To nominate, complete the nomination form and lodge it with the election manager together with the $250 nomination fee. Nomination forms can be lodged by appointment during business hours from Monday 9 September until 12 noon on Tuesday 17 September at the election office. Visit vec.vic.gov.au for more information and to pre-complete your nomination form using the online Candidate Helper. The online Candidate Helper will be available from Tuesday 20 August.

If you use the online Candidate Helper, print your pre-completed form and make an appointment to lodge it with the election manager along with the nomination fee.

Call the election manager from Monday 9 September on 131 832 to make a nomination appointment.

Nominations close 12 noon Tuesday 17 September.

of its claims.

Mr Schreyer further highlighted the implications for democracy.

“Democracy in areas without local news is lost. Who is going to stand up to a council decision that doesn’t meet the pub test? Who is going to shine a light on issues when people don’t have a big enough voice to get their message out?

“The research underscores the vital role that regionalnewspapersplayinprovidingaccurate and diverse perspectives.

“As Australians show a growing dissatisfaction with Meta, the study reaffirms the importance of maintaining a strong and independentlocalpresstoensureaccountability and transparency within communities.”

Candidate information sessions

5 pm Wednesday 4 September at Council Chamber, Council Offices, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang 12:15 pm Thursday 5 September at Council Chamber, Council Offices, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang Candidate information kits containing nomination forms and other electoral information will be available online and from the election manager.

State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au

Country Press Association president Andrew Schreyer.

Paralympians get ready for Paris

Four local athletes are competing for Australia in the Paralympic Games starting August 28. Tara Murray chatted with them about their journey and what they’re hoping to achieve come the Games.

in track cycling let alone aspire towards Paralympic selection,” she said.

Chris Addis Para-table tennis

After taking some time off table tennis, the decision to return to the sport seriously has paid off for Melton’s Chris Addis.

Addis will be part of the Australian para-table tennis team for the Paris Paralympics and will compete in the men’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles.

Addis said it was pretty exciting to get his shot at the Games.

“It is pretty special,” he said. “I probably thought from a year out or so that I might be a good shot of making the team.

Ï trained hard and made all the tournaments. It’s incredible.”

Addis, who was born with Spina Bifida, tried a number of sports growing up before falling in love with table tennis.

He has been playing ever since.

“I’ve been playing for the last 20 years,” he said. “I started in high school and I was playing with a friend and he took me to the local club and I never looked back.”

He said his mum always believed that he could go far, but he could have never imagined where he would get with his table tennis.

“The kids are a bit older now, nine and six. They have a bit of an idea [what the Olympics are], especially the nine-year-old .

“He is pretty proud.”

The realisation that she’s competing in another Paralympics won’t settle in for Seddon’s Jess Gallagher until she gets to the velodrome in Paris.

The 38-year-old, who is the only Australian to have won a medal at the summer and winter Paralympics, has been selected as part of Australia’s cycling team for 2024.

“It has been eight years since I last competed at the Paralympics and having attended five Paralympics in the eight years prior to that I’m proud to be back on the team having experienced some challenges throughout this Paralympic cycle,“ she said.

Gallagher won bronze at the 2016 Olympics in the tandem time trial B and was on track to compete in 2020 at Tokyo.

But it wasn’t to be for the Seddon resident.

“At the time my tandem pilot made the decision to retire and consequently the sports system was unable to find a replacement leaving me with no ability to participate

Patrick French Archery

The Romsey community is getting behind Patrick French in his quest for gold at the Paralympics.

French has been named in the six-person Australian archery team for the Paris Games.

French said it was pretty special to be heading to the Games. Australia didn’t have Para-Archery teams in 2008 or 2012 and there has been a resurgence of the sport.

“It’s unbelievable,” he said. ”It is awesome and it’s been such a quick rise for me through the ranks of the sport.

“It’s been just on two years from when I first started.

“Pretty early I set myself a little challenge [to make the Paralympics].and thought I would give it a red hot crack.”

French had a workplace accident in 2015 that left him paralysed from waist down and with an acquired brain injury.

Before his accident he’d only done archery a couple of times as a child for a bit of fun.

“I got a bow and I thought I would try my luck with hunting,” he said. “I never did that, I got the bow and got into target archery and it became full on.”

French shot an Australian indoor record last year, but as he wasn’t qualified it didn’t count. He said many people didn’t think he would get an opportunity like this after his accident.

“It was devastating and was the catalyst for deciding to try rowing. I had one simple goal of giving myself every opportunity of making the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

“Over those years of learning to row, I also found a tandem pilot as well. It led to the unique privilege of representing Australia concurrently in two sports across 2022 and 2023 culminating in qualifying the Women’s tandem (cycling) and PR3 4+ (rowing) for the Paralympics.”

Gallagher, who won .two golds at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, decided to focus on cycling for the Olympics.

“Unfortunately, with direct schedule clashes at the Games I was forced to choose which sport to prioritise for the Paralympics with track cycling being my decision.

“I’mproudoftheworkIhaveputintoensure the circumstances outside of my control would not dictate my ability to compete at another Paralympics. It will be special to see that work come to fruition in Paris.”

“I’m not amazed that much,” he said.

“When something happens like that you can sit around and be miserable or try and enjoy your life despite it.”

French has set big expectations for himself for the Games.

“I want to be up on the podium,” he said.

“I’m not going just for the experience.

“I want to put Australia on the map for internationally for archery.”

French’s family won’t be able to make the trip to Paris, but they and the rest of the local community are getting behind one of their own.

“It has been overwhelming the support I’ve had from them,” he said.

Addis made an Australian team for the World Championships in 2014 having made his Australian debut in 2011.

He then took a break from the sport.

“I had some time off to have some kids,” he said. “I had not been playing internationally for the last eight years or so.

Addis said the Melton Table Tennis Club has been one of his biggest supporters since he started.

He said his aims for the Games are pretty simple.

“Basically I want to play my best,” he said. I want to really enjoy the experience, try to remember all the training and hope it pays off.”

heading over,” he said. “For myself, if I can string a few results together, anything can happen.

Making the Paralympics the second time round is more exciting for Williamstown’s Nathan Pellissier.

Pellissier, who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Games, will represent Australia in the para-table tennis events.

The 28-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, said he was excited to get another opportunity.

“I’m very fortunate,” he said. “It’s a bit more exciting this time with friends and family getting to come.

“I’m really excited for this one. Mum and dad and four friends are coming and it will be a bit of fun.

“It’s especially good my parents can come, they have supported me throughout my teenage years.”

Pellissier said his focus was trying to get the best out of himself at the Games.

Hewonsilveratthe2020Gamesinthemen’s team event with Lin Ma and Joel Coughlan.

“There’s so many experienced players

“I want to keep my mind on the small task at hand at every point the bigger tasks will hopefully fall my way.”

Pellissier will compete in the singles, men’s team and mixed doubles events.

He and Ma won bronze at the world championships last year and take some good form into that event.

“It will be tough,” Pellissier said. “We don’t take in too high expectations, hopefully we can perform really well.”

Paris is a long way for Pellissier from a Paralympic talent day in 2011 when he first picked up a bat.

Table tennis wasn’t his first choice.

“I wanted to play basketball,” he said. “It was wheelchair only so I couldn’t play.

“Table tennis was an option and I never looked back.

“I thought it was to be just a bit of fun and it’s taken over my life and took me all over the world.”

(Archery Australia)

Nathan Pellissier Para-table tennis

Jess Gallagher Cycling

(Commonwealth Games Australia)

Celebrating the magic of reading

Schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and libraries across Melbourne’s northern and western suburbs are celebrating Children’s Book Week. The annual week, which this year runs from August 17-23, celebrates children’s literature. The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘reading is magic’. Jaidyn Kennedy asked librarians to share their favourite children’s books.

Romsey librarian Rae Good

What is your favourite children’s book? I can’t decide on just one. I’m going with Slinky Malinky Early Bird by Lynley Dodd as a favourite for home use when my own children were smaller, as Slinky Malinky was very similar to our cat. And I love Let’s Get a Pup by Bob Graham for the diversity shown in the illustrations.

Advertising feature

What is one children’s book everyone should read? Again, very difficult to answer, but I really love Wilfred Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox. The books I will be reading for story time during Children’s Book Week are early childhood book of the year nominees – The Concrete Garden by Bob Graham and One Little Duck by Katrina Germein and Danny Snell.

Moorabool librarian Sam Hartwig

What is your favourite children’s book? The Wrong Book by Nick Bland. This is one of the first books I read to children at story time that ‘breaks the fourth wall’, it quickly became an instant favourite. The illustrations bring the book to life and it’s such a fun story that children of all ages will love. Also, a simple book week costume idea to dress up as Nicholas Ickle!

What’s one children’s book everyone should read?

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. A classic that has never been out of print since it’s release in the 1960’s. It introduces children to many themes such as thedaysoftheweek,differentfoods,counting and the life cycle of a butterfly. A must-have book for all children!

Lalor librarian Deb Fothergill

What is your favourite children’s book?

My favourite children’s book isThe Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson. It has so much to offer, great rhyming and key words that children rememberandanticipate,‘hiseyesareorange, his tongue is black; he has purple prickles all over his (wait for a response from the crowd …) back’. It is a good opportunity to talk about imagination, we know he is not real but that’s OK. There is also a great message about problem solving and how a very little mouse can outsmart a big bad Gruffalo.

Whatisonechildren’sbookeveryoneshould read? For me The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien is a wonderful read for an older child. It is an introduction to an amazing fantasy world with beautiful language and imagery, a lesson in friendship, honour and adventure.

Windermere can help make the most of your NDIS plan

Managing an NDIS plan can be overwhelming evenforlongtimeparticipantswhoarefamiliar with the complexities of NDIS. That’s where NDIS registered Plan Management providers like Windemere Child & Family services can make a real difference.

Established as a trusted NDIS service provider with a 30-year record in disability services, Windermere provides local knowledge, expertise and personalised support.

“We provide each participant with a dedicatedplanmanagerwhoworksone-on-one with them to understand their unique needs and goals, ensuring consistent and reliable service,” said team leader of Windermere Plan Managements Eddie Fernandez. Cameron,whohas21supportservicesforhis complex needs, has been using Windermere Plan Management since 2018. Cameron’s plan

manager ensures invoices are paid accurately andontime,keepstrackofhisNDISfundsand fulfills reporting requirements.

“It’s just such a relief to have someone we can trust to work out the financial side of things.Itwassuchhardworkjustcoordinating Cameron’s NDIS plan,” says Jenine, Cameron’s mother.

Lynn,whorecentlysignedupforWindermere Plan Management, relies on having her funds organised to access vital supports. She stresses the importance of a strong reputation.

“Windermere has such a good reputation when it comes to NDIS. A good reputation means something. To me, it means you are doing what you say you will do,” she said.

Want to know more about Plan Management? Call Windermere on 1300 946 337 or visit windermere.org.au

Simplyregistertodayand

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

Probus meeting

Members of The Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea will meet on Monday, September 2 at the Whittlesea Bowls Club at 9.30 am with a guest from Diamond Creek Toy Library. The guest speaker will be speaking about the concept of toy library has expanded in recent years, and is cost saver for cash strapped families. Visitors are welcome and Probus is open to all retired and semi-retired members of the community.

Contacts at the Club

 Helen Bowtell, 0488 152 743, or Glenda Vincent, 0431 517 008

TAC L2P Program

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who do not have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence.

 Cynthia Petridis, 0435 653 371

Adult education

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

 9309 8531

Senior citizens meet

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

 Beulah, 0411 422 398

Homestead Walking Group

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

 https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x

Phone connect program

This is a free community service for older people and people with disability, living on their own in the Hume and Whittlesea regions. Through the Community Connect Program, you will receive regular phone calls from a volunteer to check that you are safe, secure and well.

 8301 8863

Broadmeadows Senior Citizens Club

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

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

Creative arts and fitness

Banksia Gardens Community Services is running yoga and jewellery making classes every Tuesday.

 9309 8531

Craft and Conversation

Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group, from 1-3pm, and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends.

 humelibraries.vic.gov.au

Community lunch in Roxburgh Park

Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Turkish Women’s Association. The

This week’s photographer’s choice is of De’Arne Marshall, who has been at 979 radio for 25 years with a rock’n’roll show. (Damjan Janevski) 424561_01

lunch will be held every Wednesday, from 11.30am-1pm, at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.

 https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x

Craigieburn Toastmasters

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

Qi gong for health

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

 https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x

Education and community centre

Do you or someone you know need help learning English or understanding technology? Craigieburn Education

and Community Centre is offering free beginner English and computer classes to eligible residents. Small, relaxed and friendly classes, drop in and say hello at 20 Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn.

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

Whittlesea Historical Society

The Whittlesea Historical Society meets on the third Sunday of each month at Whittlesea Bowls Club at 2pm. Visitors are most welcome to attend.

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

Indigenous Community Gardens

Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden members are hosting a monthly open day on the first Saturday of each month, 11am-noon, to showcase the gardens at the corner Toora Drive and Redan Court. All are welcome.

 Eva Mazzei, emmmazzei@gmail.com

Craigieburn Residents Association

Do you live in Craigieburn and wonder what’s happening re-roads and facilities, or have a concern you’d like to raise so

it can be addressed? Go along to the Craigieburn Residents Association and tell them about it. The association liaises with Hume council, as well as state and federal government organisations to get the job done. They also give annual donations to a local charity each year. They meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Selwyn House, Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn, 7.30pm.

 craigieburnresidents@gmail,com, or 0401 369 311

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

 0475 454 133

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 11am to 1pm.

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

A colourful Punjabi celebration

By Eddie Russell

Moorabool residents can look forward to a special Punjabi celebration on Sunday, August 25.

Unite Foundation, a Bacchus Marsh based not-for-profit organisation, will host its Teeyan Bacchus Deeyan from noon to 5pm at Bacchus Marsh Public Hall.

Teeyan is a festival that takes place throughout Punjab and focuses on daughters, sisters, and mothers.

ItgoesfromApriltoAugust–atimeinIndia when the onset of the monsoon occurs.

OrganiserNaviNeelonsaidtheoccasionwas

a sort of homecoming for women who had left home to start a family and new life.

“The word Deeyan is like daughters,” she said.“Mymumandherfriendswhowerenewly married used to come back to their parent’s house and get together with old friends, sisters, and mothers.”

The traditional celebrations are a way to reconnect with home and community, said Neelon.

“Whenthemonsooncame,girlscouldgoout and celebrate by dancing and singing – there was no social media [back then].”

“In the old times, girls weren’t let out… so it was a celebration, but now it is a way to leave

your stress at home and have fun.”

The event was originally going to take place at Darley Park Community Centre but due to demand there was a need to upsize the venue.

Neelon said the event was “very beautiful” and that attendees would not go “empty handed”.

“They will come and see that they are in Punjab – there are a lot of prizes and gifts as well as food on offer.”

On top of that, three different dance groups made up of kids, teens, and women will all be there.

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1265621

Audiences set to dive under the sea

Hume Anglican Grammar is set to dazzle audiences with a series of primary school productions of The Little Mermaid Jr, which willshowcasethetalentsofover1500students.

The performances will take place at the sports centre at the Mt Ridley campus, which will feature primary school students from the school’s three campuses.

TheDonnybrookcampuswillbeperforming from August 27-29, Kalkallo campus on

August 30 and September 2, and Mt Ridley campus from September 3-5, starting at 7pm.

Mt Ridley campus primary school production director Leyla Chapman said learning the play with the kids has been a journey of growth.

“Bringing this beloved tale to life has been a journey filled with laughter, learning, and a few splashes,” she said.

“We’ve seen our students grow not just as

performers, but as team players, problem solvers, and confident individuals.

“This production would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our teachers, parents, and volunteers who have contributedtheirtimeandtalentsincountless ways.”

Details: https://www.humegrammar.vic. edu.au/disney-the-little-mermaid-jr-savethe-dates#

Dorothy and friends’ concert spectacular

Dorothy and her Wiggly friends will be doing the dippy do dinosaur dance all the way to Wyndham later this year.

The beloved green and yellow dinosaur is touringAustraliafortheDorothytheDinosaur Spectacular Show and will be stopping at Events Encore Centre in Hoppers Crossing for a cup of rosy tea and some top-tapping fun.

Youngsters (and their parents) will be able to Romp-Bomp-a-Stomp to The Wiggles’ greatest hits including Rock-A-Bye Your Bear, Hot Potato and Do the Propeller, with Dorothy and her friends to perform an array of show-stopping songs.

The mega mix of hits is sure to have fans shaking their hips with Wags the Dog,

St Albans Secondary hit the stage

St Albans Secondary College is hitting the stage this week, with a production of We Will Rock You by English playwright Ben Elton.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, where issues of famine and climate change have been addressed through technology, the remnant human race thrives in settlements designed and run by large corporations.

Working together, putting differences aside and utilising technology, safe settlements were established.

The hero, Galileo, is drawn into rebellion, his dreams lead him along a dangerous path where he encounters a group of misfits – the ‘Bohemians’.

The production includes many of the memorable hit tunes of the English pop band Queen.

Director Melissa Tamraz said she couldn’t wait to have the show unveiled this week.

“Following the success of Cinderella, Time After Time, I was excited to have been appointed as the director of this year’s production for the Musical Appreciation Club (MAC),” she said.

“I took a risk in proposing a show that was more rock concert than musical.

“This year, we have a young cast and crew with many students acting for the first time, some in lead roles.

“MAC has a proud tradition at the school and many past students return each year to contribute or simply to enjoy the show. It is a place where students build confidence, discover hidden talents, make lifelong friends, and learn to value and appreciate the arts.”

The show premiered on Monday, August 19, but plays again on Tuesday, August 20, before one final show on Thursday, August 22.

Shows are at 7pm at the school’s performing arts centre.

moving their arms like Henry the Octopus and singing ‘quack, quack’ with Captain Feathersword.

Tickets for the first show at 10am October 1 have sold out with tickets, for a second show now available – but get in quick because they are sure to go like hot potatoes!

The second show is at 12.30pm on October 1.

Seating for this show is general admission and seats are not reserved at the time of booking. Both adults and children will require a ticket. Children under 12 months old will not require a ticket for entry but will be required to sit on the lap of a parent or guardian Details: https://thewiggles.com/dorothy

Dorothy the Dinosaur is coming to Hoppers Crossing. (Supplied)

Navi Neelon, Kumari Rai, Paramjeet Bagri and Harmel Kaur in their traditional garments for Teeyan. (Damjan Janevski 425336_03

Gerald Lynch

St Albans Secondary students Api and DT, who are part of the We Will Rock You performance. (Damjan Janevski) 425271_05

Hume Anglican Grammar students Sierra, Alycia and Shawn. (Damjan Janevski) 422443_03

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Melbourne-born cyclist Neve Bradbury placed third in the 2024 edition of which international race?

2. Which country has won every women’s team archery gold medal since the event’s inception in 1988?

3. Where have the Winter X Games been held every year since 2002?

4. In swimming relays, does the term ‘anchor leg’

6. Sir Donald Bradman scored a total of how many runs in his Test career?

7. Both from the same Australian state, what are the only two AFL clubs that have never used a No.1 draft pick?

8. How old is Australian Olympic gold medallist skateboarder Arisa Trew?

9. Chinese freestyle gold medallist Pan Zhanle accused which Australian swimmer of snubbing him in the opening days of the 2024 Olympics?

Which country is credited with invention of the game darts?

Caitlin Parker and Charlie Senior both won Olympic medals for Australia in what

In snooker, which coloured ball is worth two points?

13. What animal did Arisa Trew's parents agree to buy her as a present for winning gold?

14. Cameron Murray is the current captain of which NRL team?

15. What was the only nation the Matildas defeated at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

16. Test cricketer Graham Thorpe played for which country?

17. Retiring AFL player Andrew Gaff has played his entire career with which team?

18. The GWS Giants play home matches in which other capital city besides Sydney?

19. How many combined Paralympic Games medals did Dylan Alcott win in both wheelchair tennis and wheelchair basketball?

20. RAC Arena is located in which Australian capital city?

21. Australian hockey player Tom Craig was arrested during the Olympics for allegedly buying what?

22. The Australian men’s basketball team lost against Serbia in the quarterfinal at the Olympics despite leading by how many points during the second quarter?

23. Former Australian Test opener Joe Burns now represents which country in international cricket?

24. Which country defeated Egypt 6-0 at the Olympics to win a bronze medal in the men’s soccer event?

25. Nicola Olyslagers won Olympic silver in which event?

26. Port Adelaide thrashed ladder-leaders Sydney by how many points in Round 21 of the AFL?

27. Wayne Bennett will return to which NRL club as head coach beginning in 2025?

28. What is the name of the Big Bash-style T20 cricket tournament being staged during August in the Northern Territory?

29. What are the names of the official mascots of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games?

30. True or false: tennis great Novak Djokovic won his first Olympic gold medal at Paris 2024?

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

(Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987)

The property affected by the application is located at: 18 Plough Street MERNDA VIC 3754

The application is for a permit for: Variation of Restriction on Plan of Subdivision 728886T to allow for the construction of a verandah outside the Building Envelope

The applicant for the permit is: M Minglis

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

The application reference number is: PLN-43236

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

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

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

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

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 3 September 2024.

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

For information regarding access to Planning documents relating to this application please contact Council’s Building and Planning Department on 9217 2170. 12709605-KA35-24

V Public Notices and Event

V Massage Therapists

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every

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 Flower (5)

4 Mitigation (9)

9 Thespian (5)

10 Banishment (9)

11 Chore (6)

12 Flirt (8)

14 Railway vehicle (10)

15 Freckle (3)

17 Vegetable (3)

19 Credit card brand (10)

23 Of late (8)

24 Carefree (6)

26 Partner (9)

27 Intending (coll) (5)

28 Ancient Greece’s so-called father of history (9)

29 Cleverly escape (5)

DOWN

1 Stopping devices (6)

2 Canadian province (7)

3 Napoleonic battle (7)

4 Riding (4)

5 Permitted (10)

6 Obliteration (7)

7 Had being (7)

8 Fierce storms (8)

13 Adviser (10)

16 Come nearer to (8)

18 Plaintiff (7)

19 Imperiled (7)

20 Toiletry (7)

21 Domed building (7)

22 Caesar (6)

25 Scottish loch (4)

3

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

Excellent Today’s Aim:

6 words: Good 9 words: Very good 13

I U N

1 What is the silkworm’s preferred food plant?

2 Which former English monarch is known as Good Queen Bess?

3 What are the names of Queen Mary’s (pictured) twins?

4 Who were the inaugural winners of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1901?

5 In which state or territory is the Barkly Tableland located?

6 The 2007 film The Mist is based on a novella by which author?

7 Who composed the opera Don Giovanni?

8 True or false: persimmon is a citrus fruit?

9 Who was the first Australian to play in the NBA?

10 What is the world’s smallest owl?

The carnival seems far from over

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

The Carnival continues to be a popular attraction, despite people movers making way for SUVs.

Like Toyota did with Tarago’s radical rebirth as the ‘egg’ in the 1990s, Kia has rewritten the people mover rules to produce a GUV (Grand Utility Vehicle).

The Carnival is quite unlike any car we’ve craftedbefore,saystheSouthKoreancarmaker. Fusing SUV-inspired design with a unique attitude, the Carnival uses progressive styling that boasts an aesthetic like no other.

Featuring a luxurious interior for eight, lavishly equipped with next-generation Kia technology, the Carnival allows driver and passengers to travel in grand comfort and style. “We didn’t just build a people mover; we upgraded it to a GUV (Grand Utility Vehicle).”

The ‘Grandeur’ did not come without its sacrifices: Carnival no longer comes to market under 50 grand and the flagship GT-Line tops off the fleet at $72,910. Choose from SmartStream 3.5-litre V6 petrol or a SmartStream 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine for an efficient everyday drive.

A smooth eight-speed automatic transmission is available on both models. A hybrid, to surface soon, will make use of a 1.6-litre petrol motor.

With five Carnival variants, prices open at $50,150, plus on road costs for the petrol V6 S, while the range tops out at $72,910 for the GT-Line diesel. On test was the GT-Line Lite diesel on offer for $68,580. The GT-Line HEV hybrid will top out the lot at $76,210 when it arrives.

The Carnival continues to be backed by Kia’s seven-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and free one-year roadside assistance.

Styling

The MY25 Carnival may be big, but on the outside, designers were unashamedly worshipping at the altar of modern-day minimalism. It’s smooth going all round, with nary a hint of unnecessary embellishment.

Not that it’s bland, by any means. Kia says it called on the electric EV9 and reworked ICE SUV Sorento with the new car’s pedigree. Unlike other models of its ilk, new Carnival owes more to the SUV than the van.

A broader grille, flanked by vertical LED headlamps, and LED daytime running lights give the Carnival a solid stance, while the clean uncomplicated rear is highlighted by a full width LED strip.

The GUV rides on large 19-inch machined alloy wheels, with styling cues lifted from the EV9. There’s no fighting for attention from laidback chrome styling elements.

Interior

The Carnival is built for transporting big families and their clobber. With improved interior dimensions due to a longer wheelbase, increased length and width, generous leg, head and shoulder room is available all around.

As well as seating for eight, there is still generous luggage space of 627 litres with all seat backs up. Folding down the second and third row exposes an incredible 2827 litres of luggage space. Second-row seats also fold down and slide forward, while a 60:40 split third row gives even greater flexibility.

Power sliding rear doors open automatically afterafewsecondswhenasmartkeyisdetected next to the vehicle. Similarly, power tailgate auto-close shuts automatically when it detects the user with the smart key leaving.

Three-step adjustable ventilated front seats and heated front and rear seats offer a comfortable travelling environment. With 12-way power driver’s seat including four-way lumbar support and two memory settings, preferred exterior mirror and driver seat positions can also be stored.

With Smart Temperature Comfort Control, the car automatically switches on the driver’s heated seat/steering wheel or ventilated seat if there’s a major difference between the climate

control setting and the cabin temperature. Open up the sky for the whole family via split a tilt-and-slide sunroof.

Infotainment

A class-leading 12.3-inch driver instrument clusterand12.3-inchinfotainmenttouchscreen display driving information and data. A user-friendly interface allows pinch, zoom, swipe and customisation with split view.

Over-The-Air technology enables software and map updates directly to the vehicle while on the move. These updates improve key vehicle functions, such as powertrain, steering, suspension, electric motor, battery, airbags, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Keep eyes on the road with the windscreen colour head-up display, focusing on driver alerts, vehicle speed, and turn-by-turn navigation instructions.

Using a camera in the rear spoiler, the digital interior mirror provides improved visibility unhindered by luggage, seats, passengers, water or stains on rear glass. A simple toggle can return the digital image to a standard electro-chromatic mirror if preferred.

Quality sound from a Bose 12-speaker audio can be augmented by distinctive 3-D colour customisable mood lighting. Wireless smartphone fast charging is available, as well as through intuitively placed USB charge ports for outboard passengers.

Engines/transmissions

The four-cylinders inline turbodiesel engine delivers 148kW of power and 440Nm of torque

drivingthefrontwheelsthroughaneight-speed automatic transmission. Kia claims the motor uses 6.5 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle, while putting out carbon dioxide emissions of 170g per 100km.

The test vehicle recorded consumption of 8.2 litresofdieselper100kilometresinthecityand 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road. The maker recommends the diesel particulate filter system be occasionally ‘cleaned’ by an extended run of consistent higher-speed motoring.

Safety

With the wellbeing of up to eight Carnival occupants, safety is paramount, resulting in a five-star ANCAP rating.

Standard systems include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, plusjunctiondetection,lanedeparturewarning and lane keeping assistance, blind-spot assist and rear cross-traffic alert. Up front is high beam assist.

On the move there’s adaptive cruise control, intelligent speed limit assist, multi-collision braking and trailer stability control, reversing cameraandfrontandrearparkingsensors,and rear occupant alert. Connected services with SOS call function is at hand for crashes.

Carnival Sport adds Highway Driving Assist 1, while Sport+ and above take on parking collision avoidance – rear (AEB reverse), blind-spot view monitor, 360-degree camera, junction cross, lane oncoming, lane direct avoidance and Highway Driving Assist 2.

Finally,there’ssteering,braking,accelerating and stop-start traffic jam assistance.

Driving

Surprisingly no slouch off the mark, the inevitable diesel engine note did intrude into the cabin, but not enough to be an annoyance. Braking was also more efficient than expected.

As mentioned above, diesel consumption was pretty much in line with the maker’s claim of 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle, the test car recording 8.2 litresper100kilometresusedincitycommuting and 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres on the open road.

Covid put the kybosh on any Aussie suspensiontuningpreviously,butKiaclaimsto have rectified this with the MY25 model being modified Down Under. It has: ride is smooth and unfussy, handling is impressively akin to that of a smaller vehicle.

Carnival can match any of four different drivingmodes–Normal,Eco,SportandSmart. Finally, there’s the ersatz mode: the drive you’re having when you’re not driving – the GT-Line gets Remote Smart Park Assist, allowing owners to manoeuvre their vehicle out of a tight parking space from outside the car using the key fob. Impressive!

Summary

SUV, move over for the GUV. And, while the GT-Line diesel has many ‘what’s not to love’ features all round, it’s basically down to price differential between the Lite and ‘Heavy’.

The Carnival is built for transporting big families and their clobber. (Pictures: Supplied)

A day of firsts for jubilant teams

Greenvale won through for its first Essendon DistrictFootballLeaguewomen’spremiership on Saturday, while Old Paradians won their first Northern Football League final. Star Weekly’s Ljubica Vrankovic was there to capture the historic moments.

Mernda’s Lachlan Taylor and Old Paradians’ Sam Gilmore. (425675_18)

Summer Sionetali. (425636_46)

Old Paradians get some instructions. (425675_09)

Greenvale’s Alisa Magri. (425636_11)

Mernda’s Aydin Kesici taken down by Old Paradians’ Luke Ericson. (425675_02)

That winning feeling for Greenvale. (425636_51)

Plenty of smiles for Greenvale. (425636_61)

Greenvale gets ready for the second half. (425636_04)

Greenvale sing the team song. (425636_70)

Mernda’s Joel Harris tackled by Old Paradians’ Noah Whittle. (425675_11)

Whittlesea Pacers’ season comes to an end

From their best performance to one of their worst has seen the Whittlesea Pacers’ Big V men’s division 1 season come to end.

The Pacers made the long trek down to TraralgononSaturdaynighttofaceGippsland United with the winner moving through to the grand final.

After going hot from the field to keep their season alive against the Altona Gators, the Pacers couldn’t buy a basket against United. It would be one of three key things that would prove costly in the 106-72 loss.

Pacers coach Des Radoslovic said it was a disappointing night.

“We got outplayed,” he said. “We got the ball in key areas and generated some good shots but we weren’t able to hit them.

“Gippsland were ready to play and we turned it over too much in the first half.

“We then gave up too many offensive rebounds in the second half. They are three key areas that cost us.”

Radoslovic said even though they had been poor in the first half the game was still on the line.

He said while they might have been able to cover the turnovers and offensive rebounds, their shooting would have meant they would have probably fallen short anyway.

“It was a big contrast between the past two weeks,” he said. “We had a strong build up to lastweekandcomeoutandgaveiteverything and had our best game of the year.

“We weren’t able to keep that effort going for another week.”

Skipper Jason Dirkx was the Pacers top scorer on Saturday night with 16 points.

Radoslovic said while there’s a lot of initial disappointment in the result, they would look back and see it’s a good season.

It’s the Pacers first season back up in division 1.

“That was the message,” he said. “The boys were extremely disappointed in the room.

“They will get pats on the back for a successful season going 14-4, finishing second on the ladder and making a preliminary final.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved primarily with the same squad. We lost the

MVP [most valuable player] in Gabe Evans but we bought in Meekness Payne.

“What we’ve achieved in the last two years is really important to the club. At this point of time it doesn’t feel that way though.”

Radoslovic, who has signed on for next season already, said they would continue to build as they focus on getting the side back into the championship division.

He said Gippsland was in a similar position to them 12 months ago.

“Hopefully we’ll use this feeling and learn from it and regroup come pre-season,” he said. “We’ll look to add what we need and hopefully take some steps forward.”

Tara Murray

Jets break through for final glory

By Tara Murray

It was third time lucky for Greenvale as it finally claimed the Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 premiership.

After winning the minor premiership the pasttwoyearsbeforefallingshortinthegrand final, the Jets were hoping history wouldn’t repeat itself this year.

Like the last two years, the Jets were the first team through to the grand final and had a week off before the game.

Their opponent in the grand final this time round, was minor premiers Burnside Heights, which was also aiming for its first ever women’s premiership.

It was a high scoring women’s grand final with both teams having some really good patches of play in a tough contested game.

The Bears led by a goal at quarter time before the Jets kicked the first four goals of the second quarter.

A goal after the siren to the Bears made the margin 13 points at half time.

It was goal for goal in the third quarter.

Both teams missed shots early in the last

quarter before the Bears kicked a goal after a 50 metre penalty nearly 11 minutes into the quarter to reduce the margin to a goal.

The Bears tried everything to get a goal to leave the scores, but with no success.

A point with a minute to go for the Jets was enough to seal an 8.4 (52)-7.3 (45) win and the premiership.

Jets coach Troy Newton said he couldn’t be prouder of the group.

“We had to work for it,” he said. “It was a tough game, a hard game and the players just never stopped.

“One of our mantras during the week was playing every contest and every second and that is what it took, couldn’t be prouder and happier for the players the way they played and they played out the full game.”

The game was set up in the second quarter when the Jets kicked four goals to one.

Newton said it was the type of football they want to be playing on a consistent basis.

“An awesome quarter and I think I said to the side that it’s probably the best quarter we’ve played all year,” he said.

“That’s the sort of brand of football that you

know, we want to play and we know we can play at times.

“It’s very hard to play it against such a good side in Burnside but it was the difference and it was awesome to watch.”

Newton said there were a few nerves in the lastquarter astheBearscamehard, but hehad the confidence in his group to get it done.

“We trained a lot, we trained for this situation,” he said. “I had confidence we could do what we needed to.

“It probably got a bit close for my liking, but again the players are just so good and they deserve all the credit.”

Talia Motta and Alisa Magri kicked three goals each for the Jets. Magri took several big hits in the game, but continued to fight on until the end.

“Sometimes she just gets judged on goals, but she has a lot more than that for our side,” Newton said.

Kiara Delia had a strong game in the middle of the ground and set up a lot of the Jets forays forward and was one of the standouts on the ground.

Having been an emergency for North

Melbourne’s Victorian Football League women’s premiership team, she’s had a big few weeks.

“She’s an awesome player,” Newton said. She’s had a bit of a tough season with North Melbourne.

“She comes back down to Greenvale when she needs to and she’s just awesome around the group and she puts in like that every game.

“You can never question her effort and desperation, she was inspirational.”

Teaghan Brand had a number of good marks late in the game, Sophie Pettman provided plenty of run forward, while Grace MatserhadagoodbattlewithHollyMcGregor in the ruck.

Burnside Heights midfielder Krissy Trang was awarded the best on ground medal. The win means the Jets will be promoted into premier division for next season.

Newton said they weren’t worried about that at the moment.

“I just want to celebrate it with the players because some of them have been through the heartbreaks with the losses and that’s why this one is so special.”

Patrick Green. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 424321_13

Greenvale is premiers. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 425636_66

Sophie Pettman. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 425636_07

Greenvale celebrates. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 425636_53

Welcome return to finals success for Epping

It was a winning return to finals for Epping in the Northern Football League division 3 competition.

The Pingers last finals foray was back in 2017,thelastseasonitwasindivision3before this season having gone up into division 2 in 2018.

Having made massive inroads under Brad Hollow this season, the Pingers are now through to the second week of finals,

After a slow start on Sunday against Old Eltham Collegians in the elimination final, the Pingers produced a solid performance to win, 11.18 (84)-11.6 (72).

Hollow said the win means heaps to everyone at the club after all they’ve been through.

“I found out it was seven years since they had played finals and seven years since they had won one,” he said.

“Everyone at the club is really excited and happy. We did what we needed to do to win.”

Hollow said it took them a quarter and half to get into the game.

He said they slowly started to change what

they needed to in the second quarter and from there were able to go on with it.

The message was simple heading into the final quarter.

“Half way through the second quarter we got on top,” he said. “We started to do what we needed to.

“We’d done all the work up until now and we didn’t want to let it slip. We continued to play well and play our brand.”

Daniel Rakhlin kicked three goals for the Pingers, while Adrian Alfonsi chipped in with two goals.

Hollow said Liam Waldron, Daniel O’Kearney and Corey Middleton were the standouts while Leigh Judd had some key moments.

The coach said the win was for players like Judd and Lucas Aquilina who had stuck around the club through all the hard times.

“The aim was to reward the boys who have done all the hard work throughout the years,” he said.

“They’d done the hard work for no success. We wanted to get them some before they

finish off.”

The win sets up a knockout semi final with old rival Mernda.

The Demons lost the qualifying final to Old Paradians, 14.8 (92)-12.12 (84).

“Mernda has been a rival now for many years, even when I played in 2001,” Hollow said.

“It’s been going a long time and it should be a good game.

“We know what we have to do to get the win, we have to make sure we do it.”

Old Paradians will play Fitzroy Stars for a spot in the grand final in the other final.

Tara Murray

Raiders’ double chance

By Tara Murray

Old Paradians are one win from a grand final in their first season in the Northern Football League division 3.

The Raiders have been a surprise packet this season having made the move from the Victorian Amateur Football Association in the off season.

After finishing the regular season in second spot, the Raiders started finals with a win against a fast finishing Mernda, winning 14.8 (92)-12.12 (84) in the qualifying final on Saturday.

Raiders coach Ben Turner said if you had said to them at the start of the season they would have taken it.

“We get a crack at Fitzroy Stars and have a second opportunity to make a grand final as well if we need it,” he said.

“Atthestartoftheseasonifyousaidwewere playing off in this game anyone would have taken it.

“We’re looking forward to this week. We are rapt to have both teams in finals and in the

second week of finals in our first season in the NFL.”

Turner said much of the group had finals experience but this particular group hadn’t played finals together.

The Raiders played finals in 2022 before an average 2023.

“We spoke about it during the week,” he said. “The boys we bought in from various clubs had a bit of finals experience.”

Turner said for much of the match it was in their control.

They led at each of the three breaks, with the margin being 22 points heading into the final.

“We had a really good first quarter,” he said. ”We got out to a three goal margin and it felt like it was in our control.

“We led by two to four goals for most of the day. Mernda made a bit of a run right towards the end.

“There were some nervous moments not just for the players and the coaching group, but also the spectators over the fence.”

Turner said the group was able to execute

the dying moments well to ensure that they finished on top.

Mitchell Merkel kicked four goals for the Raiders, while Lewis Franz kicked three.

Turner said Merkel, Sam Gilmore in the ruck and Joel Tolli in the middle of the ground were their best among a number of really good contributors.

For Mernda, Matthew Bawden kicked three goals. Jayden Bell and Christopher Roussos were named their best.

The Raiders now face Fitzroy with a spot in the grand final on the line.

Turner said they were ready for the challenge.

“We get to face the bench mark of the competition,” he said. “We are 1-1 with Fitzroy Stars.

“The top five is so even we have to be at our best on the day.”

The Demons will face Epping in the knockout semi final.

It was a good weekend for the Raiders with their reserves winning their elimination final

Caddy earns rising star nod

Rising Essendon forward Nate Caddy earned himself the round 22 AFL rising star nomination.

Caddy had 15 disposals along with six marks and seven score involvements in the Bombers loss to the Gold Coast Suns. He also kicked three goals.

The 19-year-old key forward is averaging 10.9 disposals, four marks and 1.1 goals per game from his eight appearancesthisyear.Caddywasdrafted with pick 10 in the 2023 AFL draft.

He played his community football with Yarramvvng the Northern Knights. Caddy made his debut for Essendon against Richmond in the 2024 Dreamtime at the ‘G match.

Speaking to the Essendon website, Caddy said it was nice to get some recognition.

“It is obviously good to be noticed and a bit of reward for effort but we couldn’t get the win on the weekend,” he said. “It kind of doesn’t feel as sweet, [but] still a nice feeling.

“I had a bit of a rough start to the year so it was more about getting some continuity and playing my role and learning it and then once I learn my role, how to execute it and get on to a few play a good game on the weekend.”

Caddy was quick so say that he would have done a bit more in that game and that it’s not about how many goals and possessionshehasbutplayinghisrolefor the team The youngster said was starting tofeelconfidentmatchingitwiththebest in the country.

“Ijustgooutthereandtryandcompete the best I can,” he said. “It’s tough as a 19-year-old playing against some really good defenders,

“I’m just trying to be damaging and bring a bit of energy to the side for the back end of the year.”

Liam Waldron. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 424317_05

Old Paradians’ William Gilmore. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 425675_17

Nate Caddy. (Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

Connell announces he will depart Tullamarine

Outgoing Tullamarine coach David Connell says the time is right to step away from the Essendon District Football League club.

The division 1 club announced heading into the second last round that Connell and the club had mutually agreed that it was time for a different coach going forward.

Connell joined the club in late 2017 and coached the club until the end of 2022 season.

In 2022 he took on the president role before stepping back into the coaching role midway through the season.

Connell said he walks away from the club with no hard feelings.

“I think I’ve probably known from half way throughtheyear,”hesaid.“Havingbeenatthe club for seven years, I’m realistic that it wasn’t going to last forever.

“I’ve got everything out of myself that I could have possibly given them.

“It’s an amicable situation for all parties.”

Connell said the club had come so far in his time at the club with a lot of work for a

number of people to get it where it is now.

He said he hopes that he has played a role in that.

“I’ve had my crack and it’s time for someone else to put their spin on it,” he said. “We’ve been at the top without getting the ultimate success of a premiership.

“I love the club. I played six years there as well so that is 13 years of my life. It is time and I’m really content.”

Connell admits that when he stepped away from the coaching role in 2022 that it was more doing what was best for the club, than what he wanted to do.

He said while that wasn’t the right decision for him then, it is now.

The Demons were knocked out of finals contention on the weekend, with two rounds remaining.

Connell said while injuries aren’t an excuse it had been the tale of their season.

“On paper, I’m adamant that we have a side that was good enough to be in the top five,”

he said.

“We needed a bit of luck and we have not had that. We had six guys have fitness tests on Saturday to get up for such an important game.

“The list was good enough, but you need a little bit of luck to go your way.”

Connell said he was excited for the last two weeks of the season.

He said he would likely still be involved in football, but it wouldn’t be in the EDFL in the near future.

“I’ve got a few opportunities that I’m working through,” he said. “There’s a couple of opportunities outside local footy.

“I’m keen to explore a different environment.”

The Demons finished their season with a loss to Rupertswood, 21.17 (143)-12.12 (84).

They finish the season in seventh spot.

Magbegor’s bronze play

By Murray Wenzel, AAP

An historic Ezi Magbegor performance has lifted Australia past an inspired Belgium and back onto the Olympic podium, the Opals prevailing 85-78 in a brilliant bronze medal play-off in Paris.

Craigieburn-raised Magbegor scored 30 points on 71 per cent shooting and added 13 rebounds, three blocks, three assists and two steals in one of the great Olympic basketball performances on Sunday.

According to FIBA it’s the most efficient performance in Olympic history, “The Ezi Game” a worthy follow to the incredible United States-France men’s gold medal game that lit up Bercy Arena a night earlier.

Lauren Jackson secured her fifth Games medal, the victory completing a stirring campaign that looked dashed after a horror first-up loss to Nigeria.

Bronze is the Opals’ third at the Olympics, to go with three silver medals and comes after back-to-back quarter-final exits.

Jackon’s been there for all but one of those medals, the Opals’ first bronze in 1996.

It truly was a changing of the guard though

as the 43-year-old, in her fifth Games but first in 12 years, was an unused substitute after playing only a minor on-court role all tournament.

Instead it was 24-year-old Magbegor who rose tall while Jade Melbourne, 21, and 19-year-old guard Isobel Borlase, who was born after Jackson already had two Olympic silver medals, showed they’re the future of the team.

“I’m so glad she had this platform for people to see just how incredible she is,” Jackson said of Magbegor.

“She is the centrepiece of this team and people have seen it now, everyone knows what she can do.

“No-one can stop her. For Ez it’s believing in herself and tonight she proved to herself she can carry a team.

“That’sawaytolead;pickupateam,putthem on your shoulders and say; ‘We’re winning this bronze medal’.”

Seattle Storm star Magbegor had played a bit-partroleastheteam’sformslowlyimproved.

On Sunday in front of a partisan Belgian crowd, she was central to it all, bossing the paint at both ends with rebounds and spins to

Sports shorts

NFL

A final round win has secured Thomastown’s finals spot in the Northern Football League division 2. The Bears needed to beat St Mary’s in the final round and win by roughly 27 points to finish fifth. The Bears did just enough to win, 16.12 (108)-11.11 (77). Youseph Dib, Michael Le Tang and Kyle Green were named the Bears best. The Bears finished 0.59 per cent ahead of St Mary’s in fifth spot. The Bears will face Lower Plenty in an elimination final this weekend. South Morang will face Diamond Creek in the qualifying final.

NFL

Bundoora cemented its spot in the Northern Football League division 1 competition next season. Facing bottom side Macleod, the Bulls won 19.10 (124)-9.8 (62). The Bears now sit third last with four wins heading into the final round.

EDFL

the basket as the lead changed hands 15 times.

“I’m so proud of this team, a lot of people did such a great job of carrying us throughout the tournament and being in my ear,” Magbegor said.

“It wasn’t my greatest tournament on an individual level ... I just knew I needed to do everything to show-up.

“Issywasfearless...Jadeaswell.I’msoexcited to play with them for years to come.

“And whether this is her (Jackson’s) last game or not, it was great to have her on our team, whether she was on the floor or not. Her aura, vibe, was felt.”

Belgium were sharp early behind Antonia Delaere to lead 9-3 before the Opals turned to Magbegor and teen Borlase - who nailed a long, step-back triple on the quarter-time buzzer - to skip out by seven points.

Fired-up Belgium guard Julie Vanloo (26 points) was immense as they constantly fired back and would have likely surged clear if not for Magbegor.

The telling blow came when Steph Talbot blocked a triple that would have tied a game, Australia forcing a shot clock violation from the ensuing play.

Greenvale remains in the Essendon District Football League premier division top five heading into the final round. The Jets suffered an 18.13 (121)-8.9 (57) loss to Keilor on Saturday, with half their goals coming in the final quarter. The loss meant had Airport West won on against Deer Park it would move above the Jets. The Eagles though suffered an upset loss to Deer Park, 14.8 (92)-12.8 (80). The Jets sit two points clear of Airport West heading into this Saturday.

Big V

Carey ‘Paps’ Papanicolaou has finished up as Hume City Broncos women’s coach. “Paps stepped into the role of our champ women’s head coach and through his resilience led a team crippled with injury and illness through the 2024 Big V season,” the Broncos said. “After coaching over 500 Big V games Paps is now off to enjoy some well deserved time off.”

Tara Murray David Connell. (Supplied)

Ezi Magbegor (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)