https://www.stmonicas-epping.com/enrolments/book-a-tour/
Thirty years of commitment to quality Catholic education
Penola Catholic College is preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2025, marking three decades of commitment to quality Catholic education.
The college’s 30th year will see several new developments and exciting initiatives, including the launch of an Advanced Learning Program for high achievers.
Principal Tracey Kift said these changes reflect the college’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and catering for the diverse interests and career pathways of
every student.
“The college has long had an outstanding reputationforcateringtoindividuallearning needs, and our new Enhanced Learning Program will ensure that highly-able and gifted students are consistently challenged in their learning,” Ms Kift said.
The college will also be introducing chartered bus services for the first time in its 30 year history to improve access to the college from the surrounding areas.
Penola features a dedicated Year 7 and 8
campus designed to ease the transition from primary school to high school, fostering a supportive environment that nurtures academic and personal growth.
As students progress, they benefit from a purpose-built Year 12 learning centre that feelsmorelikeauniversitysettingratherthan school, equipping them with the skills and confidence necessary for higher education. This innovative approach encourages real-life learning, empowering students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts.
As the college approaches this significant milestone,familiesareinvitedtoexplorewhat makes Penola a vibrant and nurturing place for learning.
Interested families can visit the penola. vic.edu.au to book a student-led tour, experiencing firsthand the rich culture and community spirit that has defined the college for the past 30 years.
Join us in celebrating our legacy and envisioning a bright future together!
FEATURING ... EDUCATION
Principal motivated by warm relationships and innovation
“I often share with families my desire to be certain that educational environments ‘graduate’ from the school I attended over 40 years ago. I’ve got great memories of my high school, but the education challenge is so different these days’, says Timothy Cottrell, principal at Lalor North Secondary College.
After two years as principal, Tim says that high-impact learning calls for quality relationshipsandastrongsenseofpartnership between students, families and educators.
“This is how we build community trust and belief. Families must know that we inquire into and invest in the individuality of every child – and, most importantly, that we walk our talk everyday.”
If a meteoric rise in demand for places at the college, and in data that analyses student views and feelings about belonging, safety, opportunity and quality of teaching, is any indication - the vision of the college is bearing fruit.
“It’s this simple, to make a difference, we need to be different.”
Tim cites the Elite Sports Program that sees up to 120 boys and girls training at 7.30am twice per week and three days per week after school -”You get better at what you practice” - the inclusive and wide-ranging leadership programs based upon doing good for others (particularly those less fortunate) comprising of over 35 per cent whole student enrolment (students contribute to the community throughlocalprimaryschools,nursinghomes and elsewhere), the inquiry-based Dynamic Learning Program at year 9 that prepares students for their senior years, or the Global LearningDomain’ languageprogramthathas seen students study up to 15 languages over the last 18 months, as examples of innovation.
On language studies, Tim comments “The thought that in such a culturally diverse community that is Melbourne’s northern
suburbs, we might offer two or three language studies is incomprehensible to me. I want to ask the student what language they wish to study, not tell them what they may study”.
Creativity and artistic pursuits remain a steadfast pillar of the learning program.
“Our Big Night Out has become a fully-fledged music festival in the north, involving 15 primary schools, and attracting 1500 people over two nights to the college. We have a responsibility to be a pillar of learning and higher things,” Tim says.
“Withrapidlyincreasingdemandforplaces, our grounds looking especially beautiful, and the great endeavour of our students everywhere evident –we can’t help but feel excited for the future of our college and its ‘family’ of young people.
“Our dedicated staff continue to work hard every day to bring every possible opportunity to our students to enjoy success. We thank them, and we celebrate the continuous learning of our students.”
Tim encourages anybody who is interested in learning more about the college to take a personaltourwithhimwhichcanbearranged
Lalor North Secondary College principal Timothy Cottrell has a passion for education.
CFA opens its doors
Mernda firefighters are shining the fire trucks and tidying the station ahead of a station open day this weekend.
The fire brigade will be opening the doors of its Schotters Road station to the public for a day of free family fun.
The open day is an chance for the community to learn more about the role the fire brigade plays in the community.
Mernda CFA community safety co-ordinator Ethan Broomhall said the day would be packed full of activities for the whole family.
“We are really looking forward to spending the day with the community that we serve,” he said.
The open day will include fire truck rides, fire safety demonstrations, a jumping castle, face-painting, a sausage sizzle, doughnut stall and appearances from other emergency services.
It will be held on Sunday, October 6, at 79 Schotters Road, from 10am-2pm. Details: https://www.facebook.com/ merndacfa
Candidate an open book?
By Laura Michell
A Whittlesea election candidate has vowed to make public libraries “child safe spaces” by ridding them of “sexual imagery and terminologies” which he says are “not appropriateforchildren”.
Kirrip Ward candidate and former Freedom Party deputy leader Aidan McLindon says he is leading a team of “courageous community independents” for this month’s council election,whohaveafive-pointactionplan.
Point four states: “Child appropriate public spacesandlibraries.Letkidsbekids”.
Mr McLindon has made Facebook posts in Whittlesea community groups stating that publiclibrariesarenotsafespacesforchildren.
In one such post, he said his Whittlesea councilelectionpolicywasto“keepourlibraries safe” and that “all sexually motivated agendas and sexuality imagery and terminologies be withdrawn from these spaces as they are not appropriateforchildren”.
He has also shared posts about drag queen story time, stating that at one such story time at state Parliament, children were read a book about sexuality, and labelling it “predatory behaviour”.
Inastatementto StarWeekly,MrMcLindon said his stance had received “overwhelming support”fromthecommunity.
He said he wanted to rid public libraries of “anything that is accessible and visual to childrenthatisnotage-appropriate”.
“Including librarians that have been trained now to ask five-year-olds what their pronouns are,”hesaid.MrMcLindondeniedhisplatform would result in the withdrawal of books about sexualityfromWhittlesealibraries.
Mr McLindon’s campaign material also states that he will not support council funding for events that are not “family-friendly in nature”.
“Unfortunately we are experiencing an ongoing agenda to over sexualise our children and expose them to themes that are not appropriate,”hestated.“Weneedtoprotectthe innocenceofourchildren.”
The team’s policy platform is in response to the state government’s Rainbow Libraries ToolkitwhichwaslaunchedinAugust
The government said the toolkit provides guidance for staff on topics including planning for inclusive library events, making library spaces visibly inclusive and how book collectionscanbettermeettheneedsofdiverse rainbowcommunitiesacrossVictoria.
The Victorian Pride Lobby’s Rainbow Local Government campaign said Mr McLindon’s stance was an attempt to censor LGBTIQA+ content.
“Our libraries must remain safe spaces for diverse ideas and beliefs where everyone is seen, heard, and valued,” Rainbow Local Government campaign co-lead Dr Sean Mulcahysaid.
Continued: Page 3.
gems like Stihl mower shop, Spin City Music, Starwood Timber Flooring, Di Pacci Coffee Company and so much more!!
Follow Thomastown Shopping Centre on socials
Mernda CFA members Ray Resales, Taylor Schriner, Ethan Broomhall, Blake Brooks and Wouter Floor. (Damjan Janevski) 432247_03
Bundoora road worst in nation
PlentyRoadinBundoorahasthedishonourable title of being named Australia’s top crash hotspotoverthepastdecade,anewreporthave revealed.
Insurer AAMI is released its Decade of Driving Report, looking back at the driving trends of the past 10 years.
Analysing more than 4.3 million motor claims across the country from 2014 – 2023, AAMI aimed to shine a light on the country’s most dangerous crash hotspots through its
report. Plenty Road took out top nationally. It was also the only local road to feature in Victoria’s top 10 crash hotspots.
According to the report, Plenty Road has been Victoria’s crash hotspot for eight of the past 10 years. It was knocked off top spot in 2014 and 2015.
AAMI motor claims manager Leah Jones said that in 2022, the insurer’s annual Crash Indexdataplayedakeyroleinreducingtherate
of collisions on Plenty Road.
“Our data helped inform a speed reduction trialwhichthenwentontobecomeapermanent change in 2022,” she said.
“Followingtheadoptionofthereducedspeed limit, our data showed a 26 per cent reduction in the number of accidents.”
MsJonessaidnose-to-tailcrashesandfailing to give-way were consistently the top types of accidents nationally over the decade.
“Since 2014, our data has shown that
Students dance their way to award
The Lakes South Morang College’s performance at the Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival has earned it a state award – and a national nomination.
The school performed its story, The Fabric of You, at the festival’s state awards on September 13 and won the Health and Well-being Story Award.
The school is now in the running for a national award.
The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that helps schools develop
student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts. Schools participate by creating story-dances.
The Lakes’ story was about the journey of embracing uniqueness, the school’s performance co-ordinator Aimee Freind said.
“Along the way, we may encounter alienation, doubt and the temptation to conform. Embracing our individuality allows self-acceptance,confidenceandmayencourage others to do the same.”
MsFriendsaidcreatingastoryforWakakirri
had been transformative for the students.
“The lockdowns took a toll on their self-esteem and confidence in performing, but these opportunities have allowed them to rediscover their passion and talent for dance and drama,” she said.
“We have witnessed our students shine in new ways, forging strong connections across all secondary year levels and demonstrating impressive commitment and determination. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the meaningful work they have created.”
afternoons are prime time for collisions across the country,” she said.
“This coincides with school pick up – and is generally a time when the roads are busy, patience is wearing thin, drivers are tired from the day and racing to either get home or to their next destination. This is when drivers need to have their wits about them, and be vigilant behind the wheel, to avoid those bumper-to-bumper collisions or an accident involving a child.”
Candidate an open book?
“Parents and children should be able to enjoy a welcoming and supportive environment in their local library—not fear censorship or exclusion.”
Thomastown Ward candidate Nicholas Brooks, who is featured on campaign material for the team of community independents, moved to distance himself from Mr McLindon’s comments when contacted by Star Weekly
“Irunmyownraceanddon’tsupport those statements nor does Aidan speak formeormypolicypositionsorbeliefs,” he said.
“I am a true independent running for council for the first time and have leaned on other independent candidates for support and advice.
“I believe the purpose of gathering a ‘team’ together was to put forward an alternative to traditional party politics in local council.”
The team’s Epping Ward candidate, Edward Sukkar, reiterated his support for Mr McLindon when contacted.
“Aidan and I are only supporting the views of the vast majority of people in our region,” he said.
Ganbu Gulinj Ward candidate and team member Ursula van Bree said there were unsafe “elements already encroaching” in Whittlesea libraries, andthattheywereexposingchildrento imagery and terminologies which were not age-appropriate.
The remaining team members –SouthMorangWardcandidateAndrew Filippopoulos, Bundoora Ward candidate Richard Stockman, Lalor Ward candidate Nicholas Hajichristou, Mernda Ward candidate Rohit Taggar, Painted Hills Ward candidate Ross Lee, North Ward candidate Shashi Pal and Mill Park Ward candidate Dr Maurice Abi Raad – were contacted for comment.
Bridge Inn Road upgrade to be finished before end of year
The Bridge Inn Road Upgrade is on track to be completed this year.
The road, which spans from Plenty Road in Mernda to Yan Yean Road in Doreen, has had undergone improvements that include, adding extra lanes in both directions, upgrading five intersections and the construction of shared paths between Plenty and Yan Yean roads. Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage said the community will be rewarded for its patience.
“Our community has been so patient while teams were busy transforming Bridge Inn Road. Now that wait will pay off, with
early completion of our road meaning we will have safer and smoother trips. I’m very much looking forward to this early Christmas present,” she said.
Major Roads Project Victoria crews built a new four-lane bridge over Plenty River, transforming the 125-year-old bridge into a shared walking and cycling path.
MRPV program director Dipal Sorathia thanked the workers for their continued effort to complete the works.
“With crews making significant progress on the Bridge Inn Road Upgrade, we look forward
to fully opening the road to traffic before the end of the year,” he said. Additionally, the upgrade will include new traffic lights at the crossing near Ivanhoe Grammar School.
Newlaneswillopeninstagesoverthecoming months as the final works are completed.
Finaltouchessuchaslandscapingandworks are being carried out and drivers should be ready for the occasional lane closure on Bridge Inn Road.
Details: https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/ roads/bridge-inn-road-upgrade
From page 1.
Bridge Inn Road Upgrades are set to be completed early. (Supplied)
The Lakes South Morang College students have won a state Wakakirri award. (Damjan Janevski) 432046_01
MPs back incinerator campaign
FournorthernsuburbsLaborMPsarebacking a parliamentary petition opposing a waste to energy facility in Wollert.
As reported by Star Weekly , Cleanaway has applied to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) for a development licence to build the facility at 510 Summerhill Drive.
Known as the Melbourne Energy and Resource Centre (MERC), Cleanaway said the facility will use 380,000 tonnes of waste material that would otherwise have gone to landfill.
The waste to energy process is forecast to generate approximately 46.3 megawatt gross of electricity, 4.7 megawatt of which would be usedtopowerthefacilityitself.Theremainder
of 41.6 megawatt will be exported to the grid as base load electricity.
Residents are opposing the development, raising concerns about the ongoing health impacts of burning waste and the impacts on the environment. A community group, known as No Northern Incinerator Wollert, has formed to campaign against the facility.
Last week, state Climate Action, Energy and Resources Minister and Mill Park MP
Lily D’Ambrosio, Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny and Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage and federal Scullin MP Andrew Giles announced they would work with No Northern Incinerator Wollert to create a parliamentary petition.
Ms D’Ambrosio said the petition would enableallresidents to“voicetheiropposition”.
“Over the past few months, when I’ve been talking with community about the proposed waste to energy incinerator in Wollert, the overwhelming consensus is that residents are not supportive of the proposal and have a list of serious and legitimate concerns about what it means for our local community,” she said.
“The concerns I’ve heard include the proximity to existing and planned housing, with the nearest residential property, as identified by the EPA, being approximately 110 metres from the site, the height of the project, the introduction of industrial traffic
Netballers make the most of grant
EppingFootballNetballClubhashad massive growth since winning $20,000 from 2024
Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh people’s choice netball grant.
The club won the grant, which aims to help empower the next generation of netballers, after a public vote receiving more than 25 per cent of the votes
On Thursday, former Australian Diamond Cath Cox and Melbourne Vixens training partner Emily Andrew visited the club.
Epping netball coordinator Meaghan Coyle said it was massive for the club which started its junior netball program in 2022.
“It means we can continue growing our Woolworths NetSetGO and junior
netball programs and create a better player experience,” she said.
“Since winning the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh People’s Choice Netball Grant, we’ve almost doubled our number of Woolworths NetSetGO participants, and we’ve gone from three junior netball teams to seven, which is fantastic.
“Those new teams need equipment, so we’re using the money from the grant to purchase the gear they need. We’ve also been providing healthy snacks at training so the kids are fuelledupandreadytogo,andwe’llbebuying portable tower lights that we can use to train safely later in the evenings when it’s getting dark.”
Cox, who is the Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh ambassador, said grants like this are beneficial to the netball community.
“The Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants program is designed to assist local communities with funds to improve facilities, equipment and training programs as well as encourage kids to make healthier choices which goes a long way for residents.
“The funding really helps kids get out and be more active, allowing them to participate in programs like Woolworths NetSetGO which brings communities together and fosters greater participation and involvement in sport amongst young Aussie kids.”
to Summerhill Road, as well as the project’s environmental impact.”
No Northern Incinerator Wollert member Julie Ahmad said the group was happy to working with the local MPs on the petition.
“Itmeansweareontherightpath,”shesaid. Ms Ahmad said there were still pockets of the community who were unaware of the proposal.
Cleanaway, in its online response to community submissions, said a human health risk assessment(HHRA) identified no unacceptable risks to community health, noting that the risk of odour impacts was low. The EPA is currently assessing the application.
Snake season slithers in
As temperatures rise, snakes are emerging from their winter slumber.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) said snakes are on the move, looking for food and mates.
DEECA senior wildlife projects officer Abby Smith said most snakes keep to themselves.
“Most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill them. Snakes may defend themselves if they feel threatened. It’s best to leave them alone and keep dogs on leads when out walking,“ she said, “Talk to kids about snake safety; what to wear, staying on the path and not putting your hands in long grass, under rocks or tin.”
DEECA urged people to wear long pants and proper shoes, carry your mobile and snake bandages when in the bush, keep pets away from areas with snakes, maintain lawns and clean up around your house as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, and building materials, and to tidy up bird aviaries to prevent rodents, which snakes eat.
Don’t attempt to capture or harm snakes; instead call a licensed snake catcher. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and capturing, harming, or killing them is illegal.
If someone is bitten, call triple-0 immediately.
For snake bite first aid tips, visit: www.stjohnvic.com.au/news/snakebite-first-aid-tips/
New data shows number plate thefts soar across Hume
Licence plate theft in Hume and surrounding areas in Melbourne’s north-west has reached its highest level since 2020, according to data from the Crime Statistics Agency.
In the 12 months ending March 2024, there were 1111 recorded offences of licence plate theft in Hume, the highest in the north-west metropolitan region.
Across the north-west metropolitan area, the total number of offences rose from 6760 in the 12 months to March 2023, to 8142 to March 2024.
A spokesperson for Victoria Police said plate thefts are often the tip of more serious crime.
“Registration plate thefts in Brimbank have dropped by 21 per cent since pre-pandemic,“ the spokesperson said.
“However, we remain focused on the issue because we know offenders use stolen plates to commit more serious crimes.
“Brimbank police regularly run targeted operations at shopping centres and train stations to detect and deter vehicle crime.
“Our proactive police also regularly hand out anti-theft screws at busy community locations to help protect people from having their plates stolen.“
The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) reports that over 50 per
cent of fuel theft and various other crimes involve stolen number plates.
Neighbourhood Watch Victoria chief executive Bambi Gordon highlighted the importance of addressing the issue and the wider implications of number plate theft.
“While having your number plate stolen may just seem like a low-level crime, the reality is it can have very serious ramifications for motorists – including the potential involvement in identity theft and criminal activities,” she said.
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria recommend the following tips to help prevent number plate theft:
• Install anti-theft screws on your number plates to deter thieves from easily removing them.
• Whenever possible, park your vehicle in well-lit and populated areas to reduce the risk of theft.
• If you have access to security cameras, position them to monitor your vehicle and deter potential thieves.
• Consider anti-theft devices: Explore the use of anti-theft devices such as locking plate frames or security markings to add an extra layer of protection.
Gerald Lynch
Epping netball players along with Cath Cox and Emily Andrew. (Supplied)
Swan inspires students
Discussing goals both on and off the field, former AFL player Dane Swan delivered a talk on his journey from sport to business to a class of Craigieburn Secondary College students.
ThetalkwashostedbytheschoolonTuesday, September 17, as part of a VCE vocational Business Academy program.
Swan spoke to a room of senior school students about growing up in Westmeadows, his entry into AFL, challenges in his career, overcoming self-doubt, and how networking provided work opportunities after footy.
The VCE VM Business Academy is a program aimed at teaching students modern business skills, giving them the opportunity to build networks or start their own business, and helping them to secure traineeships or apprenticeships.
Talking of the importance of following your passions, Swan said he has invested in businesses that interest him, including bars, pubs, and a tattoo shop.
Despite his entrepreneurial success, Swan said that when he was first drafted into the AFL, his future career was not on his mind.
“When you’re a 17-or-18-year-old, you don’t really think about what your life’s going to be like when you’re 40 – you think ‘I’m just going to play footy forever,’ living in the moment,” he said.
Swan told the students that he gradually began to develop relationships with sponsors andbusinesspeopleduringhistimeasaplayer.
“Once you guys finish this program and are out in the real world, if you guys have had relationships or networks with people who are in successful businesses that you guys enjoy – well there’s your first step into getting an apprenticeship or getting one-day-a-week work,” Swan said. “Then, see if you enjoy that … then it progresses into two, three, four, five, then bang – in five or six years you’ve got a
decent career or … owning a business in that … field that you enjoy.”
Swan discussed how he took lessons from his 2003 arrest, and how “sometimes the worst things that happen to you can actually be the best things.”
“When I got arrested, that was probably the
Call to surrender illegal pets
Crime Stoppers Victoria is sending a message to owners of illegal exotic pets to surrender these animals now or risk getting caught.
The ‘Your Pet, Our Pest’ campaign encourages owners of illegal exotic pets to voluntarily surrender their animals at one of four new surrender locations: Second Chance Animal Rescue in Craigieburn, the Bird and ExoticAnimalClinicinWilliamstownNorth, RSPCA Burwood East and RSPCA Peninsula. These organisations are offering a no-questions-asked policy when accepting exotic animal surrenders.
Agriculture Victoria biosecurity manager Adam Kay warns, “The illegal trade of exotic pests threatens Victoria’s ecosystem and biosecurity. These animals are often stolen or bred under inhumane conditions. If smuggled into Australia without appropriate quarantine, they have the potential to carry diseases like rabies that can spread to local wildlife, pets, and even humans”.
“Online marketplaces have made it easier
for traffickers to sell exotic pest animals illegally, putting many Victorians at risk of unknowingly purchasing these animals and committing an offence.
“With ongoing investigations into the illegal exotic animal trade network and several related cases before the courts, now is the best time for owners to surrender any illegal exotic pets before getting caught.”
Penalties for illegally importing, keeping, breeding, or trading exotic pests can reach up to $95,000.
Illegal exotic pets can be surrendered anonymously. For more information about surrendering your illegal exotic pet and for surrender locations visit crimestoppersvic. com.au
If you know someone who has an illegal exotic pet or someone who is involved in the trade of illegal exotic animals, let Crime Stoppers Victoria know. You can report anonymously online or by calling 1800 333 000.
More kinders for Hume
The state government has announced a $5.45 million investment to expand and enhance local kindergartens in Hume.
Children’sMinisterLizzieBlandthorn recently announced the funding for four key facilities, Bluebird Way Child and Community Centre in Roxburgh Park, Craigieburn Child and Family Centre, Mickleham South Community Centre and Kalkallo North Community Centre.
The funding will add up to 181 new kinder places.
Ms Blandthorn said the partnership will provide even better education for local children.
“Every child deserves a high-quality local kindergarten in which to learn and play. This partnership will deliver hundreds of new kinder places for families in Hume, so more children can get the best start in life,” she said.
“We’reinvestinginnewandupgraded kindergartens now, so more families in Melbourne’s growing north-west can access a great local kinder.”
Greenvale MP Iwan Walter said that this investment will help the young people of Hume.
thingthatwasaturningpointforme.Now,I’m not saying everyone go and get arrested … but that was the turning point for me,” Swan said.
“I got told I was going to be sacked … I got given a chance … so I was like ‘I don’t want to waste the chance that I’ve been given,’ because we only get so many chances.”
An election will be held for Hume City Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
“We know that high-quality early childhood education helps every young person to get the best start in life and the chance to thrive. That’s why the government’s record investment in new kindergarten spaces will have such a positiveimpactingrowingcommunities like Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park,” he said.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to:
36 Macedon Street (enter via Barkly Street carpark) Sunbury
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and councilenrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October.
State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Banana ball pythons are the type of illegal wildlife authorities hope will be surrendered. (Supplied)
Dane Swan presented a talk to Craigieburn Secondary College students enrolled in the VCE Vocational Major Business Academy. (Damjan Janevski) 431700_01
New council must learn from past
By Laura Michell
Later this month, 11 people will be elected to lead the Whittlesea community as councillors.
Those 11 people must look to the past and learn from the failings of the last elected council.
This will be first time the community has been represented by elected councillors since March 2020, when the state government sacked the council.
Those privileged enough to be elected to council this month must remember that they are there because the community chose them; they were selected to represent the best interests of the ratepayers of the City of Whittlesea.
For three-and-a-half years, I watched on
as Whittlesea’s councillors lurched from one headline-making decision to another.
Chief executives were hired and fired, bullying complaints were lodged, calls were made – from within and outside the council – for it to be monitored and sacked, council meetings regularly ran into the early hours of thenextday,acouncillorresignedandaLocal Government Inspectorate investigation into the council was launched.
Looking back, the writing was on the wall fortheformercouncilatitsveryfirstmeeting. It really set the tone for the dysfunction that would plague the council over the next three-and-a-half years.
While many might have expected the new council’s first order of business to be a project that would benefit the wider community, the new councillors instead spent a sizable
amount of time arguing about who they would sit next to.
Five Labor-endorsed councillors wanted to sit together. The then-mayor wanted the councillors to sit in their wards. It was a “long-standing convention of council” he said. And so the debate continued.
Four months later, the first chief executive’s contract was terminated. The new council parted ways with Michael Wooten just 11 months after he was appointed by its predecessors.
Simon Overland became the next person to land the council’s top job. But not even the state’s former top cop could keep the council in line, and he too was shown the door.
Then, the man hired to replace Mr Overland decided to walk out on the council after just three months.
How the council sacking unfolded
Whittlesea ratepayers will be represented by elected councillors for the first time since March 2020, following this month’s local government elections.
The state government sacked Whittlesea’s 11 councillors in 2020, following a scathing report by municipal monitor Yehudi Blacher that found serious governance failures at the council.
Administrators were appointed to the council to perform the duties of councillors until this year’s election.
The former Whittlesea council was plagued by in-fighting, allegations of bullying and the dismissal of multiple council chief executives during its three-and-a half-years-in-power.
StarWeekly takesalookbackatthedecisions that led to the sacking of the former council.
October 2016
• Eleven councillors are elected to Whittlesea council.
November 2016
• Then-mayor Ricky Kirkham faces a dissent motion and threatens to remove two councillors from the chamber in a fiery first meeting of the new council. A lengthy debate over the seating arrangements for councillors also mars the meeting, after five Labor-endorsed councillors ask to sit together, instead of in their wards.
March 2017
• Council chief executive Michael Wootten’s contract is terminated by council.
• Then-Yan Yean MP Danielle Green raises concerns about a “culture of bullying and abuse of councillor power” at Whittlesea council in state Parliament.
July 2017
• Simon Overland is appointed as chief executive on a five-year contract.
April 2018
• Cr Ricky Kirkham calls for the council to be thrown out and an administrator appointed if the behaviour of councillors doesn’t improve.
May 2018
• Council asks the state government to appoint a monitor for six months to review the governance of council.
June 2018
• The state government refuses the request for a monitor.
September 2018
• Council releases a probity auditor’s report revealing Cr Mary Lalios made a complaint against Mr Overland. The probe clears Mr Overland.
December 2018
• Crs Kirkham, Lalios, Caz Monteleone, Alahna Desiato and Norm Kelly raise concernsaboutMrOverlandremainingchief executive during the Royal Commission into Lawyer X. Cr Kelly calls for Mr Overland to step down without pay until the Royal Commission concludes.
February 2019
• Residents call for the council to be sacked after it was unable to deal with a planning application for the Mernda Town Centre at three consecutive meetings due to absent councillors. Then-mayor Lawrie Cox warns councillors to show up or resign.
April 2019
• Cr Tom Joseph says council’s administration is denying councillors access to vital information required to do their job.
November 2019
• Mr Overland takes indefinite leave from council. Kelvin Spiller is appointed acting chief executive.
December 2019
• Cr Cox says the council has become an “unsafe” working environment in light of Mr Overland’s decision to take indefinite leave. He calls for the government to appoint a monitor or administrators to the council.
• Council sacks Mr Overland.
• Speaking in state Parliament, Ms Green describes the council as a “toxic workplace”.
• Then- Chief Municipal Inspector David Wolf confirms he is investigating a complaint about the council.
• The state government appoints municipal monitor Yehudi Blacher to oversee the council.
By the time municipal monitor Yehudi Blacher released his scathing report announcing that the governance of Whittlesea council had collapsed, “along with its reputation”, and labelling it a “broken council” in which “poisons run deep”, Star Weekly had dedicated countless column inches to reporting on the chaos.
So it came as no surprise when the state government moved to sack the council. This time around, the community deserves better. It deserves councillors who will put aside their differences to ensure the municipality is the best place it can be.
* Laura Michell is Star Weekly’s news editor and reported on Whittlesea council from 2016- 2020.
February 2020
• Mr Spiller departs council three months after being appointed acting chief executive.
• Cr Kirkham resigns from council, stating that circumstances at council had made it “impossible” for him to discharge his obligations “to hold council accountable”.
• Star Weekly reveals Mr Kirkham was due to face a councillor conduct panel prior to his resignation.
March 2020
• Council’s quarterly safety and wellbeing report reveals 30 per cent of council staff do not feel safe at work and the number of staff reporting psychological stress as a result of councillor behaviour and decisions has increased.
• Mr Blacher recommends the state government sacks the council. In a scathing report on the council, Mr Blacher said the governance of the council had collapsed, “along with its reputation”. He criticised the behaviour of some councillors, noting that the council was broken by years of internal division, factionalism, personality conflicts and bitter legacies of perceived betrayals, and described it as a “broken council” in which “poisons run deep”.
• Then-mayor Emilia Lisa Sterjova claims the governance issues at the council are the result of the “bullying” of two councillors.
• The state government appoints Lydia Wilson as an interim administrator.
June 2020
• A panel of three administrators, including Ms Wilson, is appointed to replace the councillors until the 2024 local government elections.
First Whittlesea election since 2016
Fifty-seven people have put their hands up to represent the ratepayers of Whittlesea in the municipality’s first council election since October 2016.
The municipality has been split into 11 wards, each with one vacancy, for this year’s local government elections.
At the last election in 2016, the municipality was split into three wards –two represented by four councillors each and one ward with three councillors.
There was no council election in Whittlesea in 2020 because the state government appointed administrators to run the council until this year’s election after it sacked the previous 11 councillors in March 2020.
Former councillors Lawrie Cox, Stevan
Kozmevksi, Christine Stow and John Fry have nominated for re-election in the Ganbu Gulinj, Lalor, North and Mill Park wards respectively.
Former Freedom Party deputy leader Aidan McLindon has nominated for Kirrip Wardandisleadingateamof“community independents”: Andrew Filippopoulos (South Morang Ward), Richard Stockman (Bundoora Ward), Nicholas Hajichristou (LalorWard),UrsulavanBree(GabuGulinj Ward), Rohit Taggar (Mernda Ward), Ross Lee(PaintedHillsWard),ShashlPal(North ward), Edward Sukkar (Epping Ward), Nicholas Brooks (Thomastown Ward) and Dr Maurice Abi Raad (Mill Park Ward).
The Thomastown and Bundoora wards are the most keenly-contested, with eight
Whittlesea council candidates:
Bundoora Ward
Daniela Zinni
Danny Hanna
Harsh Singh
Jamie Nikolovski
Nimesh Shah
Marcelle Henderson
Richard Stockman
Anthony Mancuso
Epping Ward
David Lenberg
Donny Batten
Edward Sukkar
Nessie Sayar
Rachael Hussein
Ganbu Gulinj Ward
Lawrie Cox
Patricia Isaac Bineet Gujral
Santosh Kaur
Ahmed Farole Mohamud
Ursula Van Bree
Rachael Hussein
Kirrip Ward
Jay Upadhyay
Aidan Mclindon
Gurinder Kaur
Imran Khan
Lalor Ward
Stevan Kozmevski
Ellen Mcnaught
Nicholas Hajichristou
Mernda Ward
Rohit Taggar
candidates each, followed by Ganbu Gulinj and North wards with seven candidates each, Mill Park Ward (six candidates), Epping Ward (five candidates), Kirrip and South Morang wards (four candidates each) and Mernda and Lalor wards (three candidates each).
Only two candidates – Deb Gunn and Mr Lee – have nominated for Painted Hills Ward.
Voting opens on Monday, October 7 and closes on Friday, October 25.
Voting in this election is by post only.
Jarrod Lappin
William Sharp
Mill Park Ward
Eva Moran
Blair Colwell
Maurice Abi Raad
Samantha Mason
John Fry
Robert Malivindi
North Ward
Helen Franks
Shashi Pa
James Francis
Munish Kumar Bansal
Mary Krassos
Phil Hurrey
Christine Stow
Painted Hills Ward
Deb Gunn
Ross Lee
South Morang Ward
Martin Taylor
Vesna Pepe
Andrew Filippopoulos
Monique Lobosco
Thomastown Ward
Nicholas James Brooks
Quentin Bai
Sarah Garnham
Lea Thornton
Trung Thanh Thai
George Stavrakis
Chaman Tiwari
Halimah H. F. Mcglashan
The new Whittlesea council ward structure. (Victorian Electoral Commission)
Candidates vye for election
Sixty-eight candidates have nominated for this month’s Hume council election.
The council has been divided into 11-single councillor wards for this year’s election, Previously Hume was split into three wards; two with four councillors and one with three councillors.
The new wards, are: Aitken Ward, Bababi Marning Ward, Burt-kur-min Ward, Emu Creek Ward, Jacksons Hill Ward, Merlynston Creek Ward, Mount Ridley Ward, Roxburgh Park Ward, Tullamarine Ward, Woodlands Ward and Yubup Ward.
Roxburgh Park Ward is the most hotly contested, with 11 candidates nominating for election.
They include sitting councillor Sam Misho and former councillor Drew Jessop who lost out on re-election in 2020.
Nine people, including current councillor Jim Overend, have nominated for Burt-kur-min Ward, which takes in part of Craigieburn, while nine people, including Cr Karen Sherry, have also nominated for Merlynston Creek Ward, which takes
Aitken Ward (one vacancy)
Carly Moore
Gurpreet Singh
Harsimran Kaur
Bababi Marning Ward (one vacancy)
Mohamad Abbouche
Ozcan Oztas
John Haddad
Sema N. Bolat
Graeme David Marr
Asif Naeem
Burhan Yigit
in Broadmeadows, Dallas and parts of Westmeadows.
Yubup Ward spannng Mickleham and Kalkallo has seven candidates, including Donnybrook Road campaigner Ally Watson, while Greenvale’s Woodlands Ward has six candidates, including former councillor Adem Atmaca and current councillor Joseph Haweil.
Seven candidates have nominated in the Bababi Marning and Mount Ridley wards, while three candidates, including Cr Carly Moore, are vying for election in Aitken Ward.
Cr Jarrod Bell is among three candidates contesting Sunbury’s Jacksons Hill Ward.
Councillors Jodi Jackson and Naim Kurt are two of three candidates vying for a single vacancy in Tullamarine Ward.
The situation is the same in Sunbury’s Emu Creek ward, where councillors Trevor Dance and Jack Medcraft are also two of three candidates vying for a single vacancy.
Voting opens on Monday, October 7 and closes on Friday, October 25.
Voting in this election is by post only.
Burt-kur-min Ward (one vacancy)
Hussam Mestou
Sarwan Singh Sandhu
Jo Hardie
Gurpreet Singh Mann
Manoj Kumar
Avonjot Singh
Manisha Garg
Sabahat Farooq
Jim Overend
Emu Creek Ward (one vacancy)
Jack Medcraft
Trevor Dance
Kate Hamley
Jacksons Hill Ward (one vacancy)
Natalie Harrison
Jarrod Bell
John Karagiannidis
Merlynston Creek Ward (one vacancy)
Joe Aguilus
Mutullah Can Yolbulan
Shahnoor Shah
Yesim Kuluk
Ibrahim Gocol
Bassima Hawli
Sheena Haweil
Micaela Griffiths
Karen Sherry
Mount Ridley Ward (one vacancy)
Amarjeet Singh Bhullar
Marcus Harrington
Venkata Ambati
Ricky Rataul Singh
Ananta Raj Poudel
Daniel English
Raj Mann
Roxburgh Park Ward (one vacancy)
Yasir Mahmud
Phillip Di Biase
Sargon Thomas Muhammad Nisar Ul Murtaza
Roshan Silva
David Williams
Aleyna Mimi
Drew Jessop
Muhtadi Albandar
Sam Misho
Sahar Ageed
Tullamarine Ward (one vacancy)
Jodi Jackson
Linda Hanna Naim Kurt
Woodlands Ward (one vacancy)
Steve Gagen
Khalid
Adem Atmaca
Assaad Eddie Issa
Joseph Haweil
Yubup Ward (one vacancy)
Vikein Mouradian
Muhammad Shahzad
Guri Singh
Sahib Singh
Ally Watson
Emily Greco
Ravneet Singh Sohi
Innovation helps break unemployment barriers
A catering and cafe social enterprise has launched in Whittlesea in a bid to tackle unemployment.
Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC) and Melbourne Polytechnic launched their Food Collective Catering and Cafe social enterprise in Epping on September 13.
The social enterprise aims to create a more equitable food system, by supporting households experiencing financial hardship, strengthening community connections, improvinghealthandwellbeing,andincreasing training and employment opportunities through community based food production and distribution.
The social enterprise provides about 20 people per term with on-the-job hospitality training.
Whittlesea Community Connection chief executiveAlexHaynessaidthesocialenterprise was designed to address barriers for young people and people from migrant and refugee backgrounds in Whittlesea through creating a meaningful employment pathway into the hospitality industry.
“The Food Collective Cafe and catering activity builds the confidence and skills of young people and people with refugee backgrounds so they can create a brighter future for themselves,” she said.
“By visiting the cafe and ordering our catering, anyone can help us create more opportunities for our community.”
Whittlesea Community Connections Food CollectiveCafeco-ordinatorJenniferShawsaid the organisation conducted extensive research into the demographics of the cafe’s customers to ensure it was meeting their dietary needs.
“The most important take away was that
it needed to be a mostly halal offering, with plenty of vegetarian and vegan options,” she said.
“We have taken on all this feedback but we also have to consider that most students and other customers can’t afford a high price point.
“Our menu has been very well received, especially the manakeesh and the home baked goods, daily soup and freshly made wraps. As we continue to grow we will continue to
diversify, we are excited to test out all types of cuisines.
“We also enjoy having our trainee’s add their specialities to the menu, for example we have Tik, who has taught us how to make the best spring rolls.”
Ms Shaw said she expected to see a rapid increaseincateringordersfollowingtheofficial launch.
“It was great to see everyone loving all the
handmade food that we put so much effort into,” she said.
“The highlight was definitely seeing the pride on the faces of all our trainees who also graduated that day. Taking photos of the food they had made, the camaraderie between them as a group, their willingness to help on the day and their excitement to be a part of it.
“They also told us how much they had loved the training and being in the kitchen with us, many of them genuinely sad to be leaving and hopeful of gaining some additional work with us in the future. It was very rewarding and heart-warming.”
Ms Shaw said the biggest challenge encountered by the social enterprise was participants’ language barriers.
“I can only imagine how intimidating it must be to come and work in a completely foreign environment with sometimes very little English. We are lucky to have two Arab speaking people in the kitchen team, to help in those moments when we just can’t understand, aswellastheirculturalunderstandingwhichis very comforting to them.
“Many also have restrictions with visas, child care, transport etc. It’s all about setting expectations, mentoring and offering as much support in all these different areas as we can. Luckily WCC can offer additional support in many of these areas should it be required.
“Our focus isn’t to teach our participants how to be baristas or chefs, but to improve their confidence, language skills in an Australian hospitality environment and to show them that working in hospitality need not be intimidating and that it can be fun.”
Afraa Kori
The Food Collective Cafe was launched on September 13. (Supplied)
Hume local council election candidates:
Lalith Udugampala
Hussain
The new ward map for Hume, which will adopt a single-member ward system for the next term. (AEC)
Elite precinct takes off
Melbourne Airport has unveiled plans for the Elite Park development, an entertainment, leisure and retail precinct.
The 32-hectare site, located between the Tullamarine Freeway and Airport Drive, is expected to support 2140 jobs across a range of industries that will largely be filled from nearbycommunitiesinHumeandBrimbank.
The park is subject to federal government approval, but will be developed in three stages over approximately nine years, with hopes of development to commence in 2025.
The first new tenants are expected to be welcomed by the end of 2026.
Chief of ground transport, property and retail Jai McDermott said Elite Park is designedtoturntheairportintoadestination for work and leisure.
“Melbourne Airport is more than just an airport. We are building community spaces
that create jobs and places where people can spend time with friends and family,” he said.
“Urbnsurf is a great example of this.
Australia’s first surf park is now one of the mostpopularattractionsinVictoria,drawing hundreds of thousands of people each year.
“Elite Park will build on the success of this facility and support the continued growth of the City of Hume as a tourism destination.
“Elite Park will attract a range of tenants, including entertainment and leisure, food and beverage outlets, and large-format retail businesses.”
The plans for the proposed Elite Park precinct are on formal public exhibition from September 26, with the community invited to provide feedback through until December 20.
Details: melbourneairport.com.au/ community/elite-park-development
Briefs
Shop fire
A fire which broke out at a Meadow Height shop after a car was driven into the building has been deemed suspicious. Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) was called to the Baker Court Lebanese mini market about 4.50am on September 24, following reports a car had gone into a shop and the vehicle and was alight. Victoria Police is on scene and will conduct an investigation into the blaze. Community grants
Community grants
Bus operator Kinetic is inviting applications for its new community grants program. Titled the Moving Communities Fund, Kinetic is offering grants of up to $10,000 for community and not-for-profit projects in the first round of the program. With depots throughout Melbourne, including in Thomastown, Kinetic is offering the grants to community and not-for-profit organisations and other initiatives in all of its service areas. Kinetic Group chief executive Michael Sewards said the grants program is designed to support local organisations and projects. “We are incredibly privileged to be in a position to support the outstanding work being done by community groups and this fund is all about increasing that positive impact,” Mr Sewards said.
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Artist’s impression of Elite Park. (Melbourne Airport)
Survivor wants her breasts back
By Afraa Kori
After living in survival mode, Cobblebank cancer survivor Melanie Kuyl’s road to self-discovery and healing is never ending.
Thebattlebeganin2020,whenaGPdelivered her triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis over the phone while she was buying nappies. This led to chemotherapy and double mastectomy, which was a very isolating and lonely experience during lockdown.
While she’s “incredibly grateful to be here today”, she is seeking breast reconstruction surgery to restore her physical appearance and identity.
“Every time I look in the mirror, it takes me back to feeling damaged and incomplete. I see nothing but scars! It’s something that I face every single day and it’s not something that’s getting easier. It’s probably something that the longer I wait for the surgery, it’s getting harder and harder and taking more of a toll, emotionally,” she said.
“Everyonesays,‘ohmyGod,you’resostrong’. But there’s nothing else you can be when you’re put in that situation! You’ve got no choice but to be strong. You’re a mother and you’re a wife and you’ve got to keep going. You’ve got to keep being strong for your family. But at the same time, everything that makes you feel like a woman is taken away from you, especially when you have to have a double mastectomy andfacetheworldwaitingforareconstruction. So everything that makes you feel womanly and motherly and feminine is gone.
“I’velearnedaboutthestrengththatmybody has given me. It’s grown and nurtured through children and it’s gotten me this far. But at the sametime,it’sveryfragileandthere’sscarsthat I’d rather not look at when I’m looking in the
mirror. I just want to be put back together and be whole again.”
Just for Melanie to be “a whole person again” shehastoexposeherscarsinthe“literalandthe emotional sense” through a public GoFundMe appeal.
“Unfortunately, despite being a category 3 patient—where I should have only waited within 12 months—I’ve been languishing on the public waiting list since November 2022. I’ve been left with no other option but to seek this surgery through the private healthcare system.
“I never thought I’d be in a position where I would need to ask for financial help for a medical operation here in Australia, but this surgery is essential for me to move forward in my life after cancer.
“It’s not something that’s done out of anythingelsebutnecessitytoprotectmyfamily from the $20,000 in costs for gap fees and from what I’ve been told, even more than that with follow-up surgeries and things that need to be done.”
When cancer survivors turn to GoFundMe due to healthcare gaps, “it’s incredibly uncomfortable, daunting, and embarrassing”.
“As a taxpayer and someone who’s paid for
private health insurance for 20 years and paid over $90,000 for health insurance, I shouldn’t havetoputmyselfouttherethisvulnerablyjust to have surgery to be put back together,” she said.
“There’s been workmates, friends, followers on Instagram and even some local businesses who have shared my story and said that I shouldn’t be having to do this to access what’s necessary in Victoria. They can’t believe I have to do this, but they’re really supportive of me reaching my goal.”
However Melanie encourages women battling breast cancer and seeking financial help to never give up.
“It’s difficult being vulnerable and putting your story out there, but for the most part, the people looking at your suffering and the fact that we have to do this, they actually want us to succeed.
“Sometimes hope is all we’ve got and if you keepputtingyourselfoutthereandtellingyour story, then you can bring about change and inspire other people.”
Although she hasn’t reached her fundraising goal, Melanie is grateful to have a community of big-hearted Aussies.
“I just can’t believe the generosity of people
andeventhemessagesthathavecomethrough. There’s other survivors that have donated, there’s people I know and total strangers that have wished me well.”
Her journey has also been bittersweet, it has resonated with and united many women in the same boat.
“I’m really hopeful because I’m raising awareness of the bigger picture and the issue facing survivors that hopefully it’ll continue to get me to the point where I can actually reach my goal.
“Other survivors and so many breast cancer patients have reached out and said I’m so brave in sharing my story, and by doing it, I’m highlighting it for all of them and what they’re going through.
“Cancer is the gift that nobody wants to receive, but it gives you an awful lot of perspective. The community of people who are goingthroughtreatmentandwhoaresurvivors of cancer is one that is really supportive and builds each other up and helps you get through it.Ifollowlotsofothercancersurvivorsandwe support each other through our good days and our bad days.”
On a personal level, breast cancer taught her family that tomorrow is never promised.
“When I had a chemo infusion, I was having bone pains, nauseous and resting a lot of the time in bed. So if it wasn’t for my parents, my husband and my cousin who supported me, I wouldn’t have got through it at all. The mental tollisthatit’saveryfast-movingandaggressive cancer. I didn’t think I was going to be here to see my children grow up. I’m still not positive because until you get to five years clear of it, there’s no guarantees.
“There’s lots of challenges in life but you try to continue to push through them. Breast cancer has definitely brought my husband, my parentsandmychildrenclosertogether.Wetry to live each day as it comes and really enjoy the momentandmakememoriesasafamily.That’s what I’ll continue to do with my family.”
Fundraiser link: https://www.gofundme. com/f/help-mel-reclaim-her-life-and-breastsafter-breast-cancer
There’s no place like Homb for new mothers
Homb nurtures and empowers new mothers, striving to prevent postnatal depression and anxiety.
Founder Larissa Leone is also working to change the ubiquitous baby-first narrative and make mums the priority.
Speaking to StarWeekly , Larissa pointed to baby expos as an example.
“There’s no postpartum stands,” she said.
“Everything is for the baby. Everything is still for the baby. All they want is your love and your attention. Spend your money on yourself being able to provide that wholeheartedly.
“It’s really difficult to convey that knowledge and information because (pregnant) women don’t want to know. They are focused on the fluffystuff.“Thesystemorsocietydoesn’tvalue that. What it now seems is indulgent.
“Homb has been referred to as a postpartum hotel. “For the most part, sure, that’s what it is. But it sounds so transactional. There’s so much more depth to what we offer and what we provide. This is a solution. The healthcare system has to get on board.
“The spend on the recovery and the response to postnatal depression is huge compared to thespendonpreventativecare.“We’vegotstats staring us in the face, on postnatal depression and anxiety. One in five.
“We seemingly have all of this help but the stats are still increasing.
“Is it that we’re talking about it more and women are coming forward more, or is it that themoneyraisedisn’tgoingtotherightareas?”
Homb was born from Larissa’s experience after welcoming her first child.
“I had a very successful business, I had all my ducks in a row, I was very in control of
everything in my life,” she said.
“I had a great pregnancy, no complications. Even my birth was great, there was nothing overly stressful or traumatic about that.
“But from that first moment, I just felt very out of control and very ‘this person now is relying on me and I don’t know if I can do this, am I going to do this well enough?’.
“There was already a lot of self-judgement.
“Whenitdidn’t,itreallycatapultedmeintoa world of anxiety and really deep worry.
“Itjustcontinuedtospiral,themoreItriedto coverallthosefeelingsupandtriedtointegrate into society.”
She reached out to her husband for help when her daughter was about six months old.
“I was having very dark thoughts. I was thinking about self-harm,” she said.
“I thought ‘if I hurt myself enough but not too much then I can go to hospital and have a
couple of nights where I’m not with the baby and I can have some sleep and some rest’.
“I knew somewhere in me that that wasn’t normal.”
They contacted a mothercraft nurse – who cares for newborns and provides advice and training to parents – and waited four weeks to see her. “At that point it was still not help for me, it was help for the situation,” Larissa said.
“With the benefit of hindsight, I should have been straight to a psychologist.
“It’s interesting that the go-to was still not caring for me as the mother.
“I said to my husband, ‘why is there nowhere that I can go that I can be helped through this without it being a hospital?’. “I was just astounded that there was nowhere I could go that was a more homely environment.”
Larissa was retrospectively diagnosed with postpartum depression after having her son
two years later, and her desire to affect change intensified.
“I just didn’t want any other woman to experience what I had experienced,” she said.
“The health care system has pulled us away from our innate knowing of how to birth.
“Largely I think we’ve over-medicalised something that is innately natural.
“It’s just become a huge marketing thing and women don’t trust themselves anymore.
“The essence of Homb is really trying to bring back that confidence and trust within a woman to have the confidence to make those decisions for herself, with the guidance and supportofpeoplewhoareintrinsicallyinvolved in maternal health.”
Homb’s team includes registered nurses, midwives, lactation consultants, naturopaths, nutritionists, doulas, birth trauma practitioners, gentle sleep consultants, and more. “We are mother-led,” Larissa said.
“If a mother has a way she wants to do things we follow that.”
Women who need support have the opportunity to access the service at low or no cost. “Starting the charity arm was a huge part of it for me, because I understood the costs –having midwives and incredible staff doesn’t come cheaply,” Larissa said.
“I knew it was not accessible for the majority of women.”
Thefeedbackhassurpassedherexpectations.
“It’s been quite extraordinary and certainly the most fulfilling thing I will ever do in my lifetime,” she said.
“Consistently, they feel like they can breathe again.”
Casey Neill
Melanie Kuyl receiving treatment in hospital. (Pictures: Supplied)
Postcards for biodiverity
‘Plantable postcards’ from the Mickleham Road upgrade are helping children learn about and improve the environment around Greenvale.
The postcards were recently distributed to students of Mary Queen of Heaven Primary School and Aitken College to celebrate National Biodiversity Month and the project’s commitment to ‘greening Greenvale’.
Each of the 800 postcards include seeds of the native lemon-scented tea tree and instructions for the students on how to plant and grow them at home.
The project team also asked students to share photos and video of them growing their trees using a QR code included on each postcard.
The team chose the lemon-scented tea tree species for its fast growth rate, drought tolerance and preference for sunny locations.
Major Road Projects Victoria program director Dipal Sorathia said the upgrade team wanted to work with the community on important environmental and sustainability initiatives.
“We were pleased that we could distribute the 800 plantable postcards to local students so they can help improve the environment while learning how native plants grow and thrive,” he said.
Greenvale MP Iwan Walters said the postcards would teach kids lifelong lessons about the environment and sustainability, whileboostingtheareawithmorenativetrees.
The Mickleham Road upgrade will result in extra lanes in each direction between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard, Greenvale.
Originally slated for completion in mid-2025, the upgrade is set to be completed as early as January 2025 – six months ahead of schedule.
As part of stage one of the upgrade, the roundabout at Somerton and Mickleham roads will be replaced with a new traffic light intersection, including priority bus lanes, to better manage traffic flow.
Stage one also includes new sections of shared walking and cycling path to improve
Hands-on student learning
In a collaborative effort between allied health education and medical education, first-year medical students from University of Melbourne have been granted a unique opportunity to observe various allied health disciplines at Northern Health.
The initiative aims to deepen students’ understanding of interprofessional practice and the crucial roles of allied health professionals. By providing early exposure to these disciplines, students can gain insights into how different professionals contribute to patient outcomes, fostering a more integrated approach to future patient treatment, Northern Health said.
Earlier this year, medical education director and emergency physician Dr Rachael Coutts approached Allied Health Education to collaborate on offering medical students the chance to shadow Allied Health professionals and learn about holistic,
patient-centred care.
Allied Health Clinical School co-ordinator
Tameeka Robertson said immersing students in interprofessional environments was incrediblyvaluableandhelpedfosteradeeper understanding of teamwork, communication and collaborative practices skills that are essential for effective healthcare delivery.
Over the period of one month, 62 first year medical students shadowed 16 allied health cliniciansacrossphysiotherapy,occupational therapy, dietetics, social work, orthotics and speech pathology.
“The participants were able to, very early in their learning and medical careers, gain insight into what multidisciplinary care looks like, which forms a strong impression about how they want to work as doctors in the future. This will benefit the patients in our community by teaching best practice from the beginning,” Dr Coutts said.
Have a say on MCH services
The state government is seeking community feedback on how to improve Victoria’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) service.
Lastweek,MinisterforChildrenLizzie Blandthorn launched a new survey open to those who have used the MCH service in the past two years.
The survey features questions on first home visits, ongoing appointments with MCH nurses, and the support and information shared as part of a child’s growth and development, with the insights gathered then used to make improvements to the service.
“This survey gives families the power to help us improve the services that provide free, accessible maternal child health to all Victorian children from birth to school age,” said Ms Blandthorn.
“We know there are always opportunities to improve our services and that’s why we want to hear directly from Victorian parents and carers about their experience using our maternal and child health service.”
connectivity on Mickleham Road.
Planning and development work is under way to inform the potential Mickleham Road upgrade stage two, between Dellamore Boulevard and Craigieburn Road.
The upgrade is jointly funded by the state and federal governments.
The anonymous survey is open until November 17 and is available in 10 community languages in addition to English, including Dari, Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin, Khmer, Punjabi, Burmese, Pashto, Hazaragi, and Chin (Hakha), making it accessible to a wide range of families across the state.
To complete the survey, visit: engage. vic.gov.au/have-your-say-on-maternaland-child-health-services.
More information on MCH services is available at: betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
An election will be held for Whittlesea City Council.
Check the mail for your ballot pack
Ballot packs containing voting material will be mailed to enrolled voters from Monday 7 October.
This is a postal election only.
If you do not receive your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October please visit vec.vic.gov.au to complete the online replacement form, or call 131 832 to arrange a replacement.
Candidates
Candidates who have nominated for election are listed in the ballot packs and at vec.vic.gov.au
A photo and candidate statement will also be included if provided by candidates. Responses to a candidate questionnaire, if provided, are available at vec.vic.gov.au
How to vote correctly
You must complete your ballot paper correctly for your vote to count. Put the number 1 in the box next to the candidate you want to see elected, then number all the other boxes in order of your choice. You must number every box and only use each number once.
How to return your ballot pack
Put your completed ballot paper in the ballot paper envelope, complete the declaration, then post it ASAP using the reply-paid envelope provided, or hand deliver it during election office hours to: Suite 28, Level 1 797 Plenty Road South Morang
Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all voters who were enrolled at 4 pm on Wednesday 7 August. This includes state-enrolled and councilenrolled voters.
If you don’t vote and don’t have a valid excuse, you may be fined.
Your completed ballot pack must be in the mail or hand delivered by 6 pm Friday 25 October. State-enrolled voters can register for free VoterAlert SMS and email reminders at vec.vic.gov.au
Greenvale MP Iwan Walters and Mary Queen of Heaven Greenvale principal Renae Gentile with students Neladi and Amelia. (Supplied)
Book a seat at Seniors’ Living 101 at Callisto Place
Deciding where to live as a senior can be a big decision. As a result, it’s logical to seek advice from those you trust, including close family. Regardless of who you speak to, it’s important to ensure theinformation you receive is 100 per cent accurate. Despite the best of intentions, it’s easy for friends and relatives to get it wrong. That’s because seniors’ living can be a complex landscape and is subject to change.
That’s why Bolton Clarke, a leading provider of retirement living and aged care services, is hosting Seniors’ Living 101 at Callisto Place in Bundoora on Wednesday 23 October from 10 am. Situated in the company’s newest independent retirement community, it’s a fantastic opportunity to get a clear understanding of what’s available and the latest information.
AssalesdirectorRobMacphersonexplains, “The session provides clarity on living in a retirement community, receiving home care or transitioning to residential aged care.”
Additionally, attendees will receive guidance on navigating the My Aged Care website.
If you are a senior contemplating your next steps or have family members wanting to learnmore,thissessionisagreatplacetostart. Macpherson emphasises that all material has been kept simple and informative, and a previous session in February successfully helped those in attendance a great deal.
All attendees at Seniors Living 101 will receive complimentary refreshments and a tour that takes in the apartments and shared community spaces at Callisto Place, which opened in June this year.
Callisto Place is set within a landscaped space opposite Bundoora Park, a large nature reserve home to sweeping views of the surrounding area. Focused on a community of active over-55s, the location is conveniently close to shopping, cafes, entertainment, medical facilities and public transport.
The six-level building boasts fantastic panoramicviews,alongwitharooftopterrace for socialising, and a cinema, library, games room, residents’ kitchen, lounge and gym.
Seniors’ Living 101. A great learning experience.
Come to Callisto Place and we’ll demystify seniors’ living to help you better understand how fabulous this lifestyle could be for you. Explore with us:
The differences between retirement living and aged care
The activities, services and support
Types of residences and community facilities
Contract options that can make living here an affordable option
In-home care services and funding to help you maintain your independence
Residential aged care eligibility, fees and services, if ever needed.
Discover a lifestyle you’ll positively love at Callisto Place.
Seniors’ Living 101 event
Date: Wednesday 23 October
Time: 2pm, afternoon tea is on us!
Venue: 35 Galileo Gateway, Bundoora RSVP by 16 October hello@callistoplace.com.au
Ninety premium apartments are available with one, two and three-bedroom floor plans. Callisto Place is pet-friendly and all apartments come with a balcony or winter garden along with premium fixtures, secure parking and storage.
With limited places available, Mr Macpherson says booking is essential.
“Our goal is to empower individuals to make informed decisions, providing peace of mind for all.”
To book your place at Seniors’ Living 101 on Wednesday 23 October at 10am, call Petroula on1300 001 537. Learn about Callisto Place at callistoplace.com.au
At 94 Marjorie is happy at home and radiant in every way
“I always try to look my best,” says Marjorie Drew firmly.
“I plan on living to at least 103, and I have absolutely no intention of stopping colouring my hair or my eyebrows! I always say there’s absolutely no excuse to let yourself go.”
Meet94-year-oldMarjoriewhoisdetermined to present the best face she can to the world –including a bit of lippy, a splash of her favourite perfume, painted nails and lovely clothes.
“Youthful clothes! I don’t want to be seen in old lady’s clothes, thank you very much!” she laughs.
The great-grandmother lives in a unit with its own little garden. Her daughter Ann, who lives nearby, visits her as often as possible.
Majorie is legally blind.
“I can’t see my face in the mirror, of course, butthethingis,Idon’tfeelold,Icertainlydon’t think I’m old.”
Marjorielovesworkingwithpotplantsinthe garden.
“You can feel and smell the fragrance of the blossoms.”
She also enjoys listening to the radio and to her favourite TV program Days Of Our Lives which she never misses.
Home is her happy place.
“I’ve been in my unit for so long, I know exactly where all the furniture is, and where everything is stored,” she explains.
“I have no intention of living anywhere else.”
Shedoesn’thaveto,thankstotheservicesshe receives from her government-funded home care package through Uniting AgeWell.
Marjorie receives help around the home and the garden as well as podiatry services. She is escorted on outings, visits to the public swimmingpoolwheresheworksout,shopping tripsand visits to the beauty parlour, of course!
Marjorie uses her home care package to buy a number of useful aides to enable her to live
independently at home.
UnitingAgeWellcareadvsiorRobynBraszell assistsMarjorietosourcewhatsheneeds.These include Vision Australia’s talking microwave and hot plate, an Or Cam Read that reads newspapers out loud, a talking book, a pedal
exerciser and a comfy electric recliner chair.
“Anything I need, I just ask Robyn. She’s absolutely wonderful,” says Marjorie.
She also enjoys the company of the home care workers and loves chatting and laughing with them.
“Everyone at Uniting AgeWell is great,” Marjorie says. “I can’t fault them on anything.” If you would like information on home care services, call 1300 783 435 or visit our website unitingagewell.org/our-services/ home-care
Marjorie Drew and her daughter Ann.
Five things to consider when joining a retirement village
Joining a retirement village or other form of seniors housing is a significant decision, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities. Villages can provide a fun and fulfilling lifestyle, safety and security all within a community environment. However, with so many great options available, it is essential to consider what each village offers to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are five key factors from Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) CEO Tom Symondson to keep in mind when selecting the right village for you.
Amenities / facilities
Consider what amenities and facilities are important to you in a retirement village. Many villages offer recreational options such as swimming pools, gyms and bowling greens. On-site services such as hair salons, libraries and cafes can add convenience and enhance the community atmosphere. Identify which amenities are most important to you and ensure the village you choose meets those needs. Many new developments and service models have emerged and grown in popularity, such as Land Lease Communities. These communities are known for their access to premium amenities.
Health and support services
Healthcare and support services may be essential to you as you age. Investigate the care services provided within the village. With the increasing popularity of home care in retirement village settings, it is worth exploring whether the village operates its own home care services or partners with reputable third-party providers to deliver these services. Some villages have co-located facilities with residential aged care. This can
change over time. This integrated approach can ensure peace of mind and allows you to age in place.
Financial considerations
A big hurdle for downsizers is the confusion around exit fees, which are standard in retirement villages. The exit fee is simply the ‘lease payment’ for the period of time you spend at the village. Most states in Australia now provide village comparison documents to help prospective residents make informed decisions and compare different villages
easier to understand the financial obligations and benefits each village offers?. For those considering other options such as land lease communities, Commonwealth rental support may be available to help offset rental fees. It is essential to do thorough research and figure out what is best for you, considering both the financial implications and the lifestyle benefits each option provides.
Sense of community
The sense of community and overall culture of the village can significantly impact your
talking to current residents and getting a feel for the spirit and atmosphere. Research increasingly shows that retirement living is associated with a positive quality of life, bringing significant benefits such as a sense of safety, companionship and access to support. This supportive community environment can enhance emotional well-being and provide a network of friends and neighbours who share similar interests and experiences, making your retirement years more fulfilling and enjoyable.
Accreditation
Accreditation is a crucial factor in evaluating the quality of a village. It not only ensures compliance with industry standards but also highlights areas for continuous improvement. The Australian Retirement Village Accreditation Scheme (ARVAS) is a comprehensive accreditation program that assesses various aspects of village operations, including governance, communication, corporate systems and service delivery. Achieving ARVAS accreditation indicates that a village is committed to maintaining high standards and prioritising resident well-being. When choosing a retirement village, consider its ARVAS accreditation status, as it reflects the village’s dedication to providing a high-quality, supportive and well-managed living environment?.
Choosing the right retirement village or seniors housing option involves careful consideration of various factors to ensure it aligns with your lifestyle, health needs, financial situation, accommodation preferences and social desires. Everyone is different, so there is no wrong or right answer - what works for one person may not work for
The art of active ageing with Centennial Living
Ageing is a natural part of life’s journey, but it doesn’t mean slowing down or relinquishing the joys of living. Instead, it’s an opportunity for active ageing, a lifestyle celebrating physical vitality, mental sharpness, and emotional well-being throughout your senior years.
1. Prioritise physical activity
Physical activity is the cornerstone of active ageing, and Centennial Living Retirement communities provide the ideal environment for staying physically fit. Centennial retirement villages have a range of amenities, many have a senior friendly gymnasium, an indoor heated pool or spa, and even a bowling green for those who enjoy this leisurely sport.
2. Stay mentally sharp
Mental agility is crucial for active ageing, and Centennial Living Retirement communities provide opportunities for mental stimulation. In the well-appointed libraries, you can relax and immerse yourself in books or join book clubs for stimulating conversations. The arts and crafts rooms and computer spaces offer places for creative expression and thinking.
3. Cultivate social connections
Social engagement is a fundamental aspect of active ageing, and Centennial Living’s retirement communities are designed to foster a strong sense of community. With a Community Centre, bar and lounge, and regular resident events and social gatherings, you’ll have ample opportunities to connect with your neighbours and form lasting friendships. Join clubs, participate in trivia nights, or enjoy happy hour socials – Centennial Living Retirement communities are vibrant and bustling with social activities.
4. Seek preventive healthcare Regular health check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection and prevention of health issues. Centennial Living’s retirement villages often have an on-site nurse or wellbeing co-ordinator and are located close
to medical centres and nearby healthcare providers for ease of access to medical services.
5. Maintain independence Independence is a core aspect of active
ageing, and Centennial Living’s retirement villages are designed to support you maintain independence and autonomy with features like an emergency call system 24/7, on-site nurses, and close proximity to shops and transport.
Scientific school holiday fun
Little scientists visited Lalor Library last Tuesday to learn about the science of staying dry. The workshop, whichwaspartofYarraPlentyRegionalLibraries’school holiday program, helped children to explore the science of how animals and humans stay dry, with hands on activities and experiments. Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski stopped by to capture some of the fun. For school holiday activity ideas, visit: yprl.vic.gov.au
Footy fun at Craigieburn
Footy fever has arrived in Craigieburn these school holidays. Kids of all ages have been joining in the footy-themed fun at Craigieburn Central over the past week, as part of the shopping centre’s AFL grand final celebrations. Activities on offer during the first week of the school holidays included handball competitions, a training circuit and a kick net. Kids can get crafty between Tuesday, October 1andFriday,October4,bytakingpartinfooty headband, sports bag decorating and footy flag-making workshops.
Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski visited the centre last Tuesday to photograph the action.
Details: craigieburncentral.com.au
Left and left: Antony Koum puts the participants through their paces Centre: Amira, 7, tries out the agility course. Right: Ryan, 4, shows off his kicking skills. Below right: Savlyn, 4, and Gavy, 7, get in on the action. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 433652
Top left: Emily Bakrnchev with her kids Nora, 5, and Macy, 3. Left to right: Nathan, 5, Catherine, 6, Christina, 3, and Ivana, 6, take part in the science workshop. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 433659
Siblings Carys, 4, and Evan, 11.
Shelled athletes race for gold
The Paris Olympics may have recently come to an end, but for a group of bustling and energetic tortoises at Werribee Open Range Zoo, the Olympics are just getting started. Five leopard tortoises are embodying the athletic prowess and competitive spirit of our Olympic and Paralympic heroes, inspired by some creatively installed hanging feeders in their newly upgraded habitat.
While the shelled-reptiles navigate their terrain for a feed, they channel the aquatic skills of gold medallists Alexa Leart and Ariarne Titmus, the track athleticism of James Turner, and strength of Japanese wrestler Rei
Barb uncovers quirks of history
By Cade Lucas
When asked how she became an amateur historian, Williamstown’s Barb McNeill credits her school teachers with firing her interest in the topic.
“If you’d been to school in the 1950s you’d know why everyone hated Australian history, itwasthemostboring,tediousthingyoucould imagine,” she remarked with a backhander that Roger Federer would be proud of.
‘‘ One thing history teaches you is that human beings do not change ... the same human behaviours keep repeating in all their greatness and stupidity ’’
- Barb McNeill
“It was just facts and figures like how many thousands of tonnes of wool we were exporting in 1850 and all this garbage,” Barb added before turning her ire on having to redraw maps by explorers such as Burke and Wills and Hume and Hovell.
“I thought it was stupid because the Aborigines had already been there. I hated it.”
Fortunately for her history teachers, Barbs’ disdain for their lessons made her 1963 discovery of the book ‘Scandals of Australia’s Strange Past’ by journalist and author George Blaikie a revelation.
“They were just so wonderfully bizarre and entertaining,” she said of Blaiklie’s stories which were originally published as columns in the Brisbane Courier Mail.
“I was totally hooked from then on.”
So hooked, that Barb’s fascination with Australian history has endured for more than 60 years, to the point where she is now emulating her hero George Blaiklie by writing a weekly newspaper column on it.
Barb’s first ‘Quirky History’ column
appears in this week’s edition of the Star Weekly and like most of her writing, it focuses on Australia’s colonial era from 1788 to 1901.
“There were a lot of loonies running the show,” she laughed when asked about her fascination with this period.
“I think Britain got rid of all their mad people and sent them over here.”
However, Barb pointed out that in the long run, this had proven to be a good thing.
“We actually benefited from the convict era,”shesaid.“Itbredanegalitarianismwhich is still with us.”
As for what a lifetime reading and studying history had taught her?
“One thing history teaches you is that
Pillage, plunder and a Williamstown gold heist
On 2 April, 1852, the Nelson, a 603 ton barque commanded by Captain Walter Wright, was anchored near the Williamstown breakwater, ready to sail to London.
In the ship’s lazarette were 23 packages containing over 8,000 ounces of gold dust and nuggets on consignment from Geelong, where some of the crew had jumped ship to head off to the Mount Alexander diggings.
Arriving at Williamstown, Captain Wright went ashore, leaving on board Chief Officer Henry Draper, Second Mate Carr Dudley, the cook, the cabin boy, the carpenter and two seamen, plus Second Mate William Davies, who was visiting from another moored vessel.
Strangely, Captain Wright left no instructionsaboutsecurityforthegoldorwho was to keep watch, even though, according to maritime law, bullion had to be safely guarded on the eve before sailing.
Draper, Dudley, and Davies whiled away the hours with cards and drink. At 11pm they retired for the night.
At about 2 am, the cook, then strolling on the deck, was shocked to see two whaleboats in the gloom, rowed by muffled oars. With no time to raise the alarm, he shinned up the rigging and remained quietly there. The ruffians, whom he estimated to number a dozen or more, quietly climbed a ladder left hanging over the side.
The first mate was awoken by a lantern in his face and a snarling voice demanding to
know where the gold was.
A man of integrity, Draper refused to say a word.
A pistol held to his head, a sword jabbed intohisribsandabulletfiredathisthighsoon persuaded him that being a hero was a most unwise course of action.
The ship swarmed with men who were heavily armed and with handkerchiefs tied around their faces. Draper was forced to surrender the 23 gold boxes. The leader of the pirate gang was in a generous mood and held out one of them.
“Here,” he allegedly said to Draper. “Help yourself. Nobody will be any the wiser.” Draper refused.
All on board, except the hidden cook, had their hands tied behind their backs and were forced into the lazarette and the hatches fastened. . Weapons were seized and heaved overboard, including the cannons, which created a mighty splash as they struck the waters of Hobsons Bay.
The heist was carried out with customs, water police and 40 other ships at anchor nearby, but nobody saw or heard a thing.
All valuables - including cash, watches and bank drafts - had been seized, the ship had been completely disarmed, nobody had been killed, and, though some face masks had slipped now and then, they were confident that they could never be recognised.
Judging it safe to move, the cook scrambled from the rigging and released the prisoners trapped in the lazarette. The quarter boat was lowered, and the crew headed to the Williamstown Police.
At sunrise, a search commenced with boats scouring the shorelines. There being no telegraph at Williamstown, messengers on horseback were dispatched to alert the Melbourne authorities and troopers galloped
away to seek the pirates and their treasure.
The whaleboats were discovered on Williamstown and St Kilda beaches. Not a speck of gold was in either.
The plan had gone off seamlessly, but judging by their post-piracy antics, the perpetrators were not very bright.
ThefirstarrestoccurredonTuesday,6April.
Second Mate Davies was enjoying an ale at Williamstown’s Ship Inn, when he spotted John Johnston hanging around Nelson Place. Davies ran to inform the police that one of the pirates was still in Williamstown.
Inspector George Lovell of the Williamstown Water Police grabbed Johnston boardingaSydney-boundvessel,andmarched him off to the watch house to examine the two carpet bags he carried. They contained a suit of black clothes. Forced to change into them, Johnston was identified by Davies as resembling a similarly- attired pirate he’d seen on the Nelson.
In court, Johnston’s solicitor, Mr Read, begged for his client to be bailed.
“Mr Johnston was nowhere near the Nelson when the robbery occurred,” he informed Justice of the Peace, Mr Hull.
“He had been at the Queen’s Theatre in Melbourne, and later went to the St John’s Tavern, where he bravely assisted in quelling a riot.”
Strangely unmoved by the defendant’s commendable public spirit, the J.P. refused bail.
Soon afterwards, four men, all dressed in dark clothing and with a team of pack horses, arrived at the Ocean Child tavern outside of Geelong. The landlord, James Knight’s suspicions were immediately aroused by the unusual quartet.
Having first ensured that his guests paid up-front for the night’s lodgings and hoping
to claim the plump reward offered by agents for the Nelson, the canny host quietly sent a servant to notify the police.
While still sleeping , the four were captured by Chief Constable Carman and Sergeants Grant and Wallace.
“Where’s the gold?
“We sold it! Thirty shillings an ounce!”
“To whom?”
“A buyer who’s now on his way to England,” was the smirking answer.
“What’s his name? What ship is he on?”
“Sorry, we can’t remember.”
“Right. You’re all under arrest and going to Geelong.”
Realising that the police couldn’t physically drag them to Geelong, the thieves decided to stay put.
But police have ways of dealing with stubborn crooks. A dray was soon produced and all were handcuffed and thrown into it for a rough ride to the Geelong lock-up.
Others fared no better in Geelong. One silly fellow, quite forgetting that the gold had been originally loaded onto the Nelson in Geelong, offered to sell a handsome nugget to the very merchant who owned it and had shipped it on consignment to Williamstown. Recognising his property, the man howled for the police, and another villain was thrown into the cells.
Four more arrests soon followed.
On the somewhat shaky evidence of eye witnesses and voice identification, nine men were tried, by Justice William A’ Beckett in Melbourne, and Justice Redmond Barry in Geelong.
Only five were convicted; all were sentenced to 15 years working on the roads in heavy chains.
Thrilling rumours flew around the colony
Joan’s life has been child’s play
Ninety year old Altona author Joan Healey is proof that age is just a number, publishing her first book on the 50th anniversary of the beginning of cubbies, Australia’s first adventure playground in Fitzroy. Afraa Kori reports.
As a former journalist, the writing skills were there and the path was paved, but Joan Healey’s journey to becoming an author was a surprise twist.
Onanoverseastraveladventureinthe1970s, Joan worked in an adventure playground in London’s East End.
After returning home to Melbourne, she agreed to run an adventure playground as part of a short term holiday program in Fitzroy.
“It started as a six-week holiday program, and for various reasons, I stayed on and it kept going,” she explained.
“So I wasn’t inspired by anything, it just happened accidentally.”
Joan’s book, ‘The Cubbies The Battle for Australia’s First Adventure Playground’, is based on her personal experiences and observations.
‘‘ Kids don’t want their parents around all the time ... you’ve got to let kids go, it’s necessary for healthy development ’’ - Joan Healey
According to Newsouth Books, Joan’s book is “the rollicking tale of Australia’s first true adventure playground when children were allowed to use a ptach of public land as their own backyard, to play in freely as they wished not as adults directed them”.
The playground comprised scavenged materials used to build cubbies, experimental gardens, boats and whatever other flights of fancy overtook chidren’s imaginations.
The book details the struggle to make the adventure playground permanently accessible to children and her concerns that today’s children are missing out on the freedoms enjoyed by past generations.
“I just wanted to write a story about the resilience of children. I was driven to publish my experiences because of society increasingly putting the lid on kids with regulations, rules and helicopter parenting, which is curtailing their opportunities to play freely and take risks,” she said.
“Kids don’t want their parents around all the time and that’s one of the difficulties now. Their parents want to hover around and make sure they’re all right. So I hope people can see that you’ve got to let kids go, it’s necessary for healthy development. They need that freedom andweshouldbesupportingthespiritofkids.”
According to the Newsouth Books, “The Cubbies is a tale of battles with local police and the Catholic Church, but also shows visionary politicians and bureaucrats on both sides supporting children, while others made
devious attempts to close the place”.
“Playground workers, struggling with on and off funding, steadfastly continued to support children in their right to play freely, while becoming entangled in defending the cubbies. After trials, tribulations and questionable adventures, it became Australia’s first true adventure playground, inspiring the creation of others in the county.”
When Joan launched The Cubbies in August at Fitzroy Library, she was overwhelmed by the support of colleagues and the community.
During the launch, Play Australia chief executive Robyn Monro Miller awarded a Lifetime Achievement award to Joan, and announced a new scholarship for those working in the adventure playground field, in her name, for playwork training.
“Joan bought adventure playgrounds to Australia, and has been a constant in the lives of so many children. I spoke to one gentleman in his sixties that attended the cubbies and he said it was life changing for him. Her lifetime achievement award is recognition not just of the impact she had on Play Australia 50 years ago,butthat50yearslatersheisstilladvocating and championing it,” Robyn said.
“Play Australia’s mission is to build healthy communities through the power of play,
and Joan’s work is a tangible example of how play not only is essential for children’s healthy development but through adventure playgrounds play a sense of belonging and builds social cohesion.”
Dr Ro Roberts, who worked with children and families at the cubbies, said not many people can publish a book like Joan, especially in the modern risk-aversion climate of bureaucracy, rules and regulations.
“Joan has been a colleague and close friend for 50 years. I supported her in finishing her book and with early editing. I and other colleagues joined with Joan and the publisher to plan the book launch. Joan is a wonderful woman–anunsungheroine.She is an inspiration as a community worker dedicated to children’s play.
“The book describes how the adventure playground puts into practice Play Australia’s goals, mission and values. This is not easy in such a risk-averse, fearful and over-regulated, over-structured culture.
“The book documents the institutional barriers to providing free play
spaces as parents, community and society grow ever-more fearful of litigation and personal responsibility. It is a very readable, straightforward and humorous account that puts the children first as the creators of the Fitzroy Adventure Playground. As Joan says: it is the children that did it and own it. They had a place where they were in charge of making their own decisions.”
Joan encourages others to be true to themselves and chase their dreams regardless of their age.
“I’vealwaysfollowedwhatIwantedtodo,I’ve wandered around the world and experienced different lives and things. I would say that you’ve got to believe in yourself and follow your passion as much as you can, particularly before you’ve turned 90 when the wheels falloffthetruck.Idoadvisethatif you’re going to do things, do them before you turn 90, as you can get physically tired by this stage. But I think the only way to keep alive is to keep moving, one way or the other.”
Joan’sbookisavailableatvarious retailersaswellasthroughAmazon for $36.99.
Joan Healey has written a book called The Cubbies, which is about the battle for Australia’s first adventure playground. (Damjan Janevski) 424275_01
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
Whittlesea probus
Members of The Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea will meet on Monday, October 7 at Whittlesea Bowls Club at 9.30am. The group will hear from a representative from Diamond Creek Toy Library. Probus is open to all retired and semi-retired members of the community. Visitors welcome.
Secretary, Helen Bowtell, 0488 152 743, or membership officer Glenda Vincent, 0431 517 008
Halloween craft
Visit Thomastown library on Thursday, October 8, for creepy crafts ahead of Halloween. It’s on from 4-5pm, at 52 Main Street.
https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au
Chess classes
Chess enthusiasts can visit Lalor library on October 7, from 6-7pm, for a game of chess, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. At 2a May Road, Lalor. Bookings are required.
https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/
Progress association
The Broadmeadows Progress Association will meet on Wednesday, October 2, from 7.30pm, at Lentara Uniting Care, 415 Camp Road, Broadmeadows.
John, 0415 539 961, or comaction@iprimus.com.au
Community singing group
Join the Broadmeadows Community Singers on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. No previous experience needed, just a love of singing.
Sonja, 0429 587 285
Art expo
The Craigieburn Art Group presents its annual art expo, Art & Beyond, at the Hume Global Learning Centre, 95 Central Park Avenue, from October 11-13. The expo includes demonstrations, a raffle and 200 works of art encompassing traditional painting, photography, mosaics, woodwork, quilting and sculpture. Entry is free.
Vicki Catchpole, 0417 559 089
Family LEGO club
Head to Mernda Social Support Centre, 70 Mernda Village Drive, on Friday October 11 and Friday, October 25, for a family LEGO club. Come together to build, laugh, and create something epic. From 6-7.30pm.
Silvana, 0499 942 885, or merndalegoclub@scapebysam.com.au
Seed collecting
Learn about seed collecting during a workshop at Whittlesea Community Garden, Laurel Street, Whittlesea, on Thursday, October 17, 10.30am-noon. Bookings required.
https://www.socialplanet.com.au/activity/ view?id=24351
Seniors’ morning
Celebrate Hume’s seniors at a fun-filled morning at Aitken Hill Community Centre, 40 Waterview Boulevard, Craigieburn, on Monday, October 7, 10.30-11.30am. Connect with the community and enjoy games and morning.
tea.aitkenhillcc@hume.vic.gov.au, or 9356 6870
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
Chatty Cafe
Join Mill Park library’s Chatty Cafe for a coffee, tea, and biscuits and meet new friends. The cafe is open every Thursday, from 6.30-7.30pm, at 394 Plenty Road, Mill Park.
https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/
Internet safety workshop
Join Hume Libraries for an internet safety class on Thursday, October 17, at Newbury Child and Community Centre, 440 Grand Boulevard, Craigieburn, from 10am-noon. Topics may include introduction to internet security, safe passwords, online shopping, paying safely online, online scams and online safety for grandparents and carers.
9356 6729 or Newbury@hume.vic.gov.au
Carers group
Carers of people with disability, mental illness or aged persons are invited to joing the Kalkallo Walkers Carer Support Group.
The group’s next meeting is on Thursday, October 31, from 6.30-7.30pm. Meet out the front of the Kalkallo Community Centre, 33 Toyon Road, Kalkallo. If it is raining, the group will meet indoors.
Raquel, 9356 6420, or Karen, combrinck1@gmail.com
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
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. Volunteer mentors needed.
Cynthia Petridis, 0435 653 371
Craft and Conversation
Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group, from 1-3pm, and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends.
humelibraries.vic.gov.au
Community lunch in Roxburgh Park
Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Turkish Women’s Association. The lunch will be held every Wednesday, from 11.30am-1pm, at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.
https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x
Craigieburn Tostmasters
Craigieburn Toastmasters supports community members in developing and practising their public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. It meets the first and third Thursday, from 7-9pm, at the Craigieburn Guide Hall, 33 Hamilton Street, Craigieburn.
Education and community centre
Do you or someone you know need
help learning English or understanding technology?
Craigieburn Education and Community Centre is offering free beginner English and computer classes to eligible residents. Small, relaxed and friendly classes, drop in and say hello at 20 Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn.
9308 1477 or https://www.craigieburn.org.au
Whittlesea Historical Society
The Whittlesea Historical Society welcomes anyone interested in the history of the City of Whittlesea area. A meeting schedule is available on the society’s website.
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, or 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
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian Damian Callinan. (Damjan Janevski) 433201_01
A body of knowledge and youth
The Bowery Theatre in St Albans is hosting one of the most unique performances of Melbourne’s Fringe Festival this week.
The Body of Knowledge meditation experience involves teenagers from different locations outside of the theatre phoning remotely from their own individual homes. Each audience member is given a mobile phone on arrival to facilitate their conversations with the young people.
As an inter-generational conversation unfolds, the teacher and the student, the adult andthechild,theperformerandtheaudience, begin to shift and entangle.
At the direction and instigation of the youngtelephonecallers,theaudiencegivenan immersive insight into the sights and sounds of Generation Z.
As the work progresses, the young people giveinstructionstotheaudiencetoreimagine the theatre space around them.
The conversation that is set in motion creates an opportunity to rethink the ways in which knowledge is produced, acquired and shared.
It delves into issues of changes to bodies, changes in attitude, and changes to life.
The production was created by Samara
Hersch, an artist and theatre director working between Europe, Australia and Asia.
Her practice investigates the encounter between contemporary performance and community engagement and her research explores intimacy as a political act, imagining different modalities that can be inhabited by non-professional performers and the public together.
The show kicks off on Saturday, October 5, and runs each night through until Thursday, October 10.
Tickets: melbournefringe.com.au/event/ body-of-knowledge/
Dylan debut discussion in Footscray
TheFootscrayMechanicsInstitutemightseem
an odd venue to host a talk on Bob Dylan, but that’s precisely what will happen on Friday, October 4, when his 1962 self-titled debut album will be the subject of a free discussion. But according to institute librarian Cameron Borg, the combination of venue and subject matter isn’t as unlikely as it might seem.
“Mechanics institutes had their origin in the 19th century and were basically set up as working a people’s library or club,” Mr Borg explained.
“It was basically to give working class people an education back at time when they couldn’t afford one. Public libraries only came
into being post World War II in Australia.”
By contrast, the Footscray Mechanics Institute (FMI) was established in 1856 and hasbeeninitscurrentlocationatthesouthern end of Nicholson Street since 1913.
Over that time the FMI library has built an extensive and eclectic collection of books, which Mr Borg said was where the idea of hosting a Dylan discussion came about.
“The thing with Dylan is we’ve got a collection here of books on his life and work,” he said.
“We’ve got his biography and others that deal with his music and songs, so this event, byfocusingonaspecificpartofhiscareer,will hopefully promote the books in our collection
and get people to come in who want to learn more about him.”
Mr Borg said the talk would focus on Dylan’s debut due to the fact that unlike the rest of his catalogue, it features only two original compositions.
“The rest were covers of legendary blues and folk artists, so that gives us a lot to talk about,” he said.
“There’s a lot of little rabbit holes we can go down.”
TheBobDylandiscussionbeginsat12pmon Friday, October 4 at the Footscray Mechanics Institute, 209 Nicholson Street.
Cade Lucas
Learn to recycle textiles at free workshop
Pat and Jeans Place will host a free textile recycling workshop and used clothes swap at the Eco Living Centre in Wyndham Vale on Saturday, October 19.
The workshop will run from 2-3pm, while the clothes swap will take place from 3-4pm.
Founder Sarah Girn, who opened Pat and Jeans Place in May and regularly hosts educational textile workshops, will run the events.
Centred around sustainability, the workshop will help show participants how to use things around the house to reduce the use of cling wraps and plastic bags.
“For the environment, we are better to first use what we have, then look at recycling
Body of Knowledge is a unique experience, prompting curiosity. (Supplied)
clothing,” she said.
Stressing the importance of recycling textiles in avoiding the negative health consequences of microplastics, Sarah invoked Dr Karl Kruszelnicki’s warning that the average 45-year-old has a microplastic volume 0.5 per cent in their brain in terms of weight.
“If we need to buy new clothing or things for the home, where possible, we should use natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, linen, hemp and jute,“ she advised.
While free, those who attend the workshop will have priority at the clothes swap.
Information: https://patandjeansplace. co.site/
School holidays means late nights, and what better way to spend a late night than armed with a torch in the bushland of Eynesbury?
From 7pm on October 5, locals in Melbourne’s west can go looking for wildlife on the Woodland Night Walk withtheEynesburyEnvironmentGroup.
President Chris Lunadi said attendees can expect to see everything from “spiders to stars” while strolling through the Grey Box Forest for the guided spotlight tour.
“We are looking for a variety of nocturnal animals: owls, possums, bats, and more,” he said.
“It’s a special forest… it’s not everyday you get to explore at night-time and see critters that come out after dark.
“It is a great opportunity for people to seethewildlifethatemergesafterweflick the TV on or go to bed.”
The 90 minute walk, which takes place every year, is a popular school holiday event and open for anyone to come along and enjoy a ‘relaxed’ evening.
“We’ve had everyone from little toddlerstoelderlypeople[come];families getarealkickoutoftheexperience,”said Mr Lunadi.
Eynesbury Environment Group is made up of volunteers who come together “out of a love and desire” to raise awareness of the special and unique natural environment.
“It is a rapidly growing community now and we want to help them connect with the natural areas,” said Mr Lunadi.
“Our goal is for those on the night walk to develop an appreciation for the woodlands, because there is a whole world that goes on out there.”
The tour meets outside the Eynesbury General Store, located on 473 Eynesbury Road,andpeopleareencouragedtowear comfortable clothing.
RSVP: eynesbury.environment. group@gmail.com
Footcray Mechanics Institute librarian Cameron Borg with some of the Bob Dylan collection. (Damjan Janevski) 428784_04
Sarah Girn is the founder of Pat and Jeans Place, and she will be running two textile workshops. (Damjan Janevski) 431596_03
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which city will host Super Bowl LIX in 2025?
2. And which performer will headline the halftime show?
3. Which 20-year-old Gold Coast Suns swingman has signed a nine-year contract extension, reportedly worth over $12 million?
4. In which year did Tom Hawkins play his first
5. Ryan Webb will step down from his role as CEO of which NRL club in April?
6. Graham Arnold stepped down as the head coach of which national football team in 2024?
7. And who was announced as his replacement?
8. Dustin Martin has reached out to which club following his retirement from Richmond?
Which AFLW team does Jasmine Garner currently play for?
And which club did she play for when she scored the first-ever AFLW goal in the inaugural match?
The 2024 AFL finals will be the first to feature no Victorian teams since what year?
What is the only nation to beat South Africa in the 2024 Rugby championship?
13. Who recently became the first MLB player to score 50 homeruns and steal 50 bases in a single season?
14. Who was unanimously awarded 2024 WNBA rookie of the year, and 4th place in MVP voting?
15. What is the title of the annual rugby union competition between Australia and New Zealand?
16. How many regular season games will each AFLW team play this year?
17. Which current F1 driver shares an unusual first name with a Star Wars character?
18. What does NASCAR stand for?
19. What is the fastest growing sport in the US?
20. Which NRL team won the 2024 minor premiership?
21. What sport will return to the Olympics in 2028 for the first time since 1900?
22. How many Australian PGA Championship titles has Cam Smith won?
23. Which Brisbane Lions player dislocated his shoulder twice in the Preliminary Final win over Geelong?
24. Josh Addo-Carr played for which team in 2024?
25. Former Adelaide player Tony Armstrong recently announced his departure from which ABC show?
26. The fastest recorded tennis serve was by which Australian player?
27. How many seperate pieces of wood are in play at any given time in a cricket match?
28. Which former English cricketer recently withdrew a membership application for an exclusive golf club after backlash?
29. Which country has won the most (5) FIFA World Cups?
30. How many AFL teams are named after birds?
Graham Arnold
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Basketball league (1,1,1)
3 A permanent administrative office (11)
9 Supervisors (7)
10 Country in Horn of Africa (7)
11 Income streams (8)
12 Conventions (6)
14 Bad (3)
15 Possibly (11)
17 Curse (11)
19 Type of palm (3)
20 Board rider (6)
21 Hats, helmets, etc. (8)
24 Accepting without resistance (7)
25 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)
26 Representing an abstract meaning (11)
27 Deity (3)
DOWN
1 Egyptian queen (9)
2 Touchdown (7)
3 Boy’s name (5)
4 Theoretical (10)
5 Simple (4)
6 Acknowledgement (9)
7 Forbidden by law (7)
8 Streetcars (5)
13 Disinfectant (10)
15 Earlier (9)
16 Not seasonal (4-5)
18 Sunshade (7)
19 Titanic sinker (7)
20 Prefix meaning above (5)
22 Amusingly odd (5)
23 Close (4)
1 What is the name of Holly Golightly’s cat in Breakfasta tTiffany’s?
2 Mageirocophobia is the fear of what? 3 Who designed the dome in St Peter’s Basilica?
Which Victor Hugo novel was adapted into a Disney film in 1996?
5 Name the infamous warren of streets buried beneath the city of Edinburgh. 6 Founded in 1949, what does the abbreviation NATO stand
7
8 Juno Temple (pictured) stars as model Keeley Jones in which sports comedy-drama series?
9 In which country does the autosnelweg system operate?
10 Which art period is named
Corolla Cross goes hybrid only
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Launched here in 2022 the Toyota Corolla Cross is – as the name suggests – an SUV crossover version of the everlasting Corolla sedan/hatchback.
It’s the largest of Toyota’s three-model range of compact SUVs above the smaller Yaris Cross and the sportier C-HR.
The original Corolla Cross was available with the choice of petrol or petrol/electric hybrid powertrains but, in line with Toyota’s recent decision to discontinue petrol-only variants where a hybrid alternative is available, the petrol versions are now being phased out.
Althoughexistingstocksofthepetrolmodels willnodoubtstillbeavailable,we’llconcentrate on the hybrid models in this review.
There are five Corolla Cross variants, 2WD GX priced at $36,480, 2WD GXL ($40,230), GXL AWD ($43,230), 2WD Atmos ($47,030 and Atmos AWD ($50,030). On-road costs need to be added.
Styling
Corolla Cross sits on the same platform as the Corolla hatch and sedan but with a different body as befitting an SUV. The styling is quite conservative but that’s unlikely to deter the typical Toyota buyer who prefers function over fashion.
While it shares much with the Corolla its outer appearance is more mini-RAV4 than maxi-Corolla with a snub-nosed grille featuring the Toyota logo, with blue highlights in the centre indicating its electric component.
GXL and Atmos add front foglights, enhanced LED headlights and roof rails.
The Atmos also gets a two-piece panoramic moonroof.
GX and GXL roll on 17-inch alloy wheels, Atmos steps up to 18-inch alloys.
Interior
Anyone stepping up from the latest Corolla hatch or sedan will have no problem adapting to the dashboard layout of the Cross because, apart from the new touchscreen, they are all-but identical.
That’s not a criticism because we’ve always loved the stylish yet functional Corolla design. The SUV conversion over the Corolla with more headroom throughout and plenty of leg and footroom in the rear seats for all but the tallest of occupants.
On the downside – literally – we found the bolsteringonthefrontseatsmuchtoohighand rigidtotheextentthatweneededasoftcushion to rise above the bolsters.
Only the Atmos comes with a folding centre armrest complete with twin cupholders.
Boot space varies according to driven wheels and powertrain, ranging from 380 litres in the Atmos AWD hybrid up to 425 litres in the 2WD GX and GXL. Atmos comes with a powered rear hatch and kick opening feature.
Powertrain
Power for the Corolla Cross Hybrid 2WD comes from a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine with outputs of 112kW and 190Nm. It’s teamed to an electric motor on the front axle for a combined maximum power output of 146 kW.
Corolla Cross is the first local model to get the 5th generation Toyota hybrid powertrain which combines a lighter lithium-ion battery with a more powerful main electric drive motor.
The GXL and Atmos Hybrids add a second electric drive motor on the rear axle.
Power is linked to either two or four wheels via a sequential ten-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Safety
CorollaCrosswastestedbyANCAPinOctober 2022 and received the maximum five-point rating.
Standard safety features include eight airbags, advanced ABS brakes, stability and traction control, blind spot monitoring, rear
RATINGS
cross traffic alert, reversing camera, hill start assist, and Isofix child seat anchors.
Also standard across the range is the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package which adds a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency driving stop system, active cruise control, lane trace and departure alert with steering assist, lane change assist withdecelerationassist,intersection turn assist, road sign assist, door exit warning and automatic high beam.
Looks: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 8/10
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 8/10
Comfort: 6/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 7/10
In addition, GSX and Atmos get parking support braking with vehicle and object detection and a panoramic view monitor. Atmosaddspedestriandetectiontotheparking support brake feature as well as advanced park assist.
Infotainment
Corolla Cross is the first Toyota in Australia to get the brand’s new multimedia system. The entry-level GX uses an 8.0-inch touchscreen. GXL and Atmos get a 10.5-inch touchscreen with inbuilt satellite navigation.
Screen resolution is sharp and responsive with the option of voice activation.
There’s wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto along with a single USB-C port in the front console of the GX and two in the centre console of the GXL and Atmos.
Behind the steering wheel there’s a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster in the GX and GXL, with a much larger (12.3-inch) display in the Atmos.
Importantly, the audio and air conditioning controls are physical knobs rather than being built into the touchscreen as is becoming far too common.
Only the Atmos gets a wireless smartphone charging pad.
Corolla Cross comes with the latest version of the Toyota Connected Services communicationssystemthatusesthemyToyota Connectsmartphoneapptoallowownerstodo such things as remotely check the status of the doorsandlights,accessinformationsuchasthe vehicle’s last known location and recent trips, or start the engine or climate control.
The extra height when compared to the Corolla provides easier access although the aforementioned aggressive seat bolsters could cause discomfort to some occupants.
External vision is excellent with a higher driving position, large windscreen, side windows and mirrors together with a relatively narrow A-pillar all contributing.
On the negative side the rear window is quite narrow.
There’s a solid feel to the Corolla Cross and it’s easy to drive and park around the urban environment which is most likely to be its
home territory.
Steering which is relatively light but direct and intuitive.
Apart from the battery-only start and silent running,theGXHybridthatwetestedhadthat sharp acceleration that we enjoy in all vehicles with an electric component.
Suspension is well-balanced although we did get knocked around when manoeuvring through a badly-cratered section of our drive courtesy of some recent flooding.
Fuel consumption on the combined urban/ rural cycle is listed at 4.2 litres per 100 kilometresfromthe2WDvariantsand4.4with the AWDs. We averaged 5.1 L/100 km during our week-long test of the GX 2WD.
Summing up
Everything about the new Corolla Cross points to it being a major success for Toyota. Start with the base of Australia’s top-selling brand for the past 25 years, add a badge that’s been around here since 1967 and accumulated more than 1.5-million sales. Then bulk it up to get into the booming compact SUV market, and top it off with the latest in fuel-saving hybrid technology.
All Toyotas now come with a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty. This can be extended to seven years on the engine and driveline, and 10 years on the hybrid battery, subject to all scheduled servicing being done at Toyota dealerships.
Everything about the new Corolla Cross points to it being a major success for Toyota. (Pictures: Supllied)
Hard work pays off for winners
Finals fever hit Melbourne’s north-west the last six weeks, with finals across a number of different sports including football, netball, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis – and the list goes on. Here’s a few reader snaps of sporting achievements in the finals.
Albion under-12 girls
Albion’s under-12 girls were determined to build a great team in 2024 in the Western District Football League division 2 competition.
In their first year, 2023, they bravely turned up despite losing every game by an average of 12 goals, at times, struggling to get numbers.
Come the start of 2024, with half 2023 players, and half who had never played before, the girls worked hard in a big pre-season.
Baseball
It was a brilliant start for the Point Cook Baseball and Softball Club. Having formed a club after the development of new facilities in Point Cook, the Aviators had two sides in the winter season.
Playing in the Melbourne Winter Baseball League, the Point Cook Aviators started the season in E-grade before being promoted to D-grade after round one. They made the grand final and faced Waverley.
The Av’s, led by coach Marty Marek and the pitching of Jack Nottelmann, swapped leads with Waverley throughout the game including a late game-tying home run by Ben Loveridge.
Unfortunately, Waverley had a walk-off RBI[runsbattedin]singleinextrainningsto win the championship, 8-7.
Coach Kane Roach, assistant Rachel Collins and a host of dedicated parents, created an inclusive and supportive culture, with the core values of try your best, be a great teammate and have fun.
Keeping their opponents to an average of just over five points a game, Albion became fierce rivals for first place with the Truganina Thunder.
Their three games were decided by less than a goal.
Showing passion and commitment to be all in,thegirlsdefeatedTruganinatowinthrough to the grand final, facing Werribee Districts. At half time, scores were level at one point apiece.
WerribeehadthrowneverythingattheCats.
Surrounded by a host of Albion supporters, including the whole Albion senior men’s team, cheering them on, the Cats showed their grit, making history, to win the first ever female premiership for Albion, 3.4 (22)- 0.2 (2).
Riddells Creek under-17 football Riddell and Woodend had played some close ones during the season, with each team getting a win by three points. The Bombers won the semi final by that margin before winning the grand final, 12.5 (77)-9.5 (59).
The Bombers did the damage in the middle two quarters, kicking six goals to two to go from trailing by two points to leading by 29 heading into the last quarter. Ben Taylor was named the Bombers best, while Kristian Savage kicked four goals.
Athletics Western Athletics set a new record as it claimed the Athletics Victoria Tan Relays men’s event, while also claiming the Athletics Victoria premier division state title.
On September 14, the team of Will Lewis, Zayd Al Sayd, Abdillhaziz Haji Ali, Cody Shanahan, Ben Chamberlain and Liam Cashin competed in the Tan relay event. They ran a time of 1:06.54 to beat Box Hill’s record which had stood since 2012. This cemented their position at the top of the premier men’s ladder, winning the XCR (Cross Country Roadracing) premier division state title by 21 points.
It was a hard earned feat made possible by theeffortsof16athleteswhocompetedduring the cross country roadracing season.
It showed the depth of the club to be able to share the load when injuries, work and other commitments impacted athletes.
The sixteen athletes who competed throughout the season were Al Sayd, Peter Boyle, Chamberlain, Cashin, Luca Di Conza, Callum Drake, Daniel Dunstone, Brett Ellis, Haji Ali, Matthew Hussey, Lewis, Brandon Muscat, Nathan Pearce, Cody and Kirk Shanahan and Daniel Verlado.
Riddells Creek under-11 netball
Riddells Creek had a strong Riddell District Netball League season in the under-11 division 1 competition, losing just one game for the season.
The team finished the season off with a 17-7 win against Melton South in the grand final.
Two weeks later these same girls had another grand final for the Riddell Ravens in the Macedon Ranges Netball Association winter season.
The Ravens had two players ruled out with gastro as well as their coach. The side played a player short, but still won the grand final against the Possums, a team which they hadn’t beaten all season.
Western Athletics. (Tania Shanahan)
Riddells Creek under-11, and right, Riddell Ravens. (Pictures: Supplied)
Riddell Creek’s under-17 footballers. (Supplied)
Albion’s under-11 girls. (Supplied)
Point Cook Aviators. (Niomi Loveridge)
Whittlesea’s Taidhg Bland wasn’t sure he’d doneenoughinthefinalroundoftheNorthern Football League division 2 season to claim the league’s best and fairest award.
Bland shared the lead in the count heading into the final round, tied with Patrick Flynn on 19 votes.
When Flynn polled two votes in the final round, it meant Bland had to either poll two votes to share the award or three to claim it outright.
He claimed the full votes to finish one vote ahead of Flynn and the claim the best and fairest.
Bland said he was honoured to have claimed the medal amongst a division of such great footballers.
He said he was a bit nervous ahead of the votes being called out in the final round.
“I started the first half down forward and there were a few panic stations, Northcote bought everything they had,” he said of the final game.
“I ended up back in the midfield for the second half. I didn’t think I would get there, it
was crazy that I did.
“I finally got 18 games together which was the first time in four or five years. Incredibly happy with the year.”
Bland said he had plenty of midfield support from the likes of Xavier Dimasi and Lucas Hobbs.
Both have claimed league best and fairest medals before.
“Two incredible footballers who have been here before and two blokes that I love learning off,“ Bland said. “Especially Hobbsy. He has finished up this year but someone I get heaps off.
“Xavier, is second to none. One of the best blokes in football.”
The medal was a happy end to the season for Bland after the Eagles were knocked out of the season in straight sets after finishing on top of the ladder.
“It was a bit disappointing to finish the way we did,” Bland said. “Incredible to go 17-1 after last year.
“Obviously come back bigger and better next year.”
Taidhg Bland claims division 2 best and fairest Payne claims MVP award
By Tara Murray
Whittlesea Pacers star Meekness Payne ended his stint in Australia on the perfect note, claiming the Big V division 1 most valuable player award.
HavingonlyheardoftheAustralianBoomers before he had the offer to come to play for the Pacers, Payne had an instant impact.
He finished the season averaging 26.57 points, the second highest in division 1, while he was also top 10 in the division for rebounds per game.
SpeakingfrombackinAmerica,Paynesaidit feels great to have taken home the MVP award.
“I kind of had it in the back of my mind at the start of the season,” he said. “As it got closer and closer, I was anxious to see who would end up winning it.
“Winning it is a great feeling.”
Payne deliberately booked his flight back to America for after the awards night so he could be in attendance.
He said he knew he was in the running for both the MVP and all-star 5 and wanted to be part of that night.
Payne said it was a great send off to a really strong season in which he was also named in the all-star 5 team.
“Going into the season, my focus was winning games and competing at a high level and developing my game,” he said. “I knew if I setoutanddidthosethings,goodthingswould come and it all worked out in the end.”
It was a strong season for the Pacers in their first season back in division 1, before a disappointing finals series where they missed out on the grand final.
Payne said he felt like they had a solid season other than not winning the grand final. He said he loved playing in Australia for the first time.
“It was everything that I wanted it to be and more,” he said. “It was a great experience with the Pacers and their whole organisation was great.
“My teammates were great, [coach] Des [Radoslovic] was great, so it was a 10 out of 10 experience for sure.”
AustraliamadesuchanimpactonPaynethat he is already planning to return next season.
“Next season in February, I’ll be back,” he said. “I can’t really say which team as of right now,butIwillbebackinAustraliaforFebruary for basketball season.
“It had a great impact on me. I’ll have a week and half break and then after that hit the road running, back with training.
“Going to have a short break and then back into the mix with basketball.”
also won Whittlesea’s best and fairest award announced last week.
South Morang’s Tye Hall was named the coaches’ most valuable player. He finished third in the best and fairest.
In other awards, Heidelberg’s Tom Keys claimed the Frank Rosbrook Medal as the best
player in the division 1 competition.
Montmorency’s Nash
polled the mostvotesbutwasineligibleduetosuspension.
In division 3,
Collegians Brent Macaffer claimed the top award.
Cordova claims best and fairest
South Morang’s Hailey Cordova made an instant impact when she stepped up into senior football for the first time.
After winning the Northern Football League under-18 girls best and fairest last season, Cordova was part of the Lions return to senior women’s football this season.
On Wednesday night, she made it back-to-back league best and fairests, winning the division 3 award.
Cordova finished on 22 votes, three clear of Bridie Groves.
She was stunned to have claimed the award.
“I’m humbled and I’m very happy,” she said. “Honestly I wasn’t going into senior football going in hard on myself.
“I was going in and wanted to have a good time. It’s the first time South Morang had a women’s team after a couple of years so it was just good to get the girls playing again.
“It’s all about the team.”
Cordova said she was happy with her season personally and that she absolutely loved playing with everyone.
She said getting a women’s side back up and going was amazing for the club.
“With new people, young girls, older girls, it’s amazing,” she said. “It’s so exciting for the club it was good to see some supporters get around from the club.
“It’s loving and it feels really good when we play.”
The Lions were able to make the finals this year in their return. Cordova said reaching finals was a great achievement.
Cordova said for both her personally and as a team they want to further progress and develop.
In division 1 women’s, Diamond Creek women’s Maykaylah Appleby made it back-to-back division 1 best and fairests, the first person to do that. Appleby finished on 15 votes, two clearofStMary’sGeorgiaKitchell,who failed to poll a vote in the final round.
In division 2 women’s, Ivanhoe’s Molly Uwland won by five votes from Thomastown’s Chiara Nardo.
Tara Murray
Bland
Holmes
Old Eltham
Tara Murray
Meanwhile, Pacers skipper Jason Dirkx claimed the defensive player of the year award. In youth league 1 women’s, Isabella Ryan
won the scoring award, while in youth league 2 men’s, Max D’Maro was named in the all-star five team.
Taidhg Bland. (Tara Murray)
Meekness Payne. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 424321_12
Mini Nachar makes it five kickboxing world titles
Mini Nachar started kickboxing to honour his best mate Roger Abbas.
Now he has just won his fifth world title last month.
Facing an opponent from outside Australia and New Zealand for the first time, Nachar defeated Japanese opponent Daichi Kimura to take out the International Kickboxing Federation championships heavyweight world title in Flemington.
Nachar’s trainer Mehedin Abbas said this fight was a special one.
“He’s had a few before, but this was the big one as it was against an international fighter,” hesaid.“Hewasexcitedforthefightandhewas very happy.”
Nachar won via technical knockout in the second round. Abbas said that it had been a fairlyevenfightuntilthatpoint,withhischarge having the slightly better of it.
Abbas, who has trained Nachar from the start of his career, said that Nachar continues to surprise people.
“Everyone has pretty much underestimated him from the start and they still do,“ he said. “He’s a short, fat bloke and always has been.
“I had strong confidence and believed in him and still believe in him.”
Nachar, who trains at Rogers Gym in Campbellfield, has been kickboxing for 11 years with Abbas by his side the whole time.
The gym, which opened in 2017, is named after Roger, a champion kickboxer, who died in 2012 in Syria.
Roger was an IKBF Australian and Victorian middleweight champion.
Mehedin Abbas said he was so proud of what Nachar has achieved and that he was a very humble man.
“His best friend was my brother [Roger],” he said. “When he passed away it was his motivation to have one fight in his memory.
“Then it became one belt, one Victorian title, one Australian title, one pacific title, a Commonwealth title and an international one and the rest is history.
“The gym we train at is his honour as well. We wanted to open up an orphanage and we did that and it’s gone beyond that now.”
Nachar’s fight was one of three fights on the night between Australian and Japanese opponents.
Nasar Kassab defeated Japan’s Aqil Bukhari, while Prince Bunjaku beat Atsushi Mori despite breaking his leg in the fight.
Yarraville promoter Lim Jeka organised the
Kangaroos raring to go
By Tara Murray
The Greenvale Kangaroos are in a much better position than 12 months ago as they head into the Victorian Premier Cricket season.
After losing 38 players from their squad last year, the Kangaroos struggled last season with their first XI failing to win a game.
Coaching director Ash Cavigan said there was a lot more positivity heading into this season..
“We have retained a lot of players and added some talent to the whole list,” he said.
“In the first XI we’ve retained most of the squad and added some players,
“You always get a little bit of an organic turnover and lose 10-12 players. We lost something like 38 players last year which was a bit full on.
“It’snicetocomeinwithafamiliarprogram and that is what we wanted to do. Retain the group and add some first XI talent.”
Musa Hussain has made the move to Section Road from Essendon, with Cavigan
said he brings all three skill sets.
Ryan Stingel returns to the Kangaroos from Footscray. Cavigan said he believed Stingel was the youngest player to score a first XI for the club.
Visura Fernando, who has made the move from Kingston Hawthorn, is another who has played first XI cricket. He’s a top order batsmen.
The Kangaroos will also have two English imports who are likely to arrive in time for round three.
Ben Cliff and Will Luxton are both from Yorkshire and have played for the club’s first team in county cricket.
Both have played for England’s under-19 team.
“Ben is a right arm fast bowler,” Cavigan said. “Will is a top order bat.”
Cavigan said with the extra depth in the club it will allow players to play at the level they need to be.
“We are really young,” he said. “Adding these guys really helps hold the young guys at the level that they should be playing at.
“It’s a better opportunity to develop them and then we can promote them at the right times.”
The Kangaroos started their pre-season in July and finished it with some practice matches on Friday.
He said they’d had a good run of training head of the season.
Cavigan said after a bit more of a normal pre-season that they would have some improved results across the board.
He said they would like to see at least one of their men’s teams making finals this season.
“We are realistic about where we are at,” he said. “We’re not afraid to put it on the table that we have to get better at the end of the day.
“We have to win games and it’s about being in as many matches as can be.
“We want to jump into the middle six of the competition this year. That’s stage one, winning five or six games and being as competitive as we can.”
The Kangaroos are set to kick off their season on Saturday against Geelong at Greenvale Reserve.
Lalor United has announced that John Sapazovski will continue to led the side in next year’s FV state league 2 north-west season. Sapazovski took over as coach during this year’s season after Tony Sterjovski stood down after eight seasons. He has been at the club since 2018 having previously coached at Moreland Zebras. Sapazovski has been Lalor’s reserves coach for seven seasons and had worked closely with Sterjovski throughout that time.
Northern FL
Bundoora has been dealt another blow with another star player on the move. The Northern Football League division 1 club has already lost skipper Luke Collins to Craigieburn and now Hurstbridge announced that Lachlan East would depart the club and return to the club where he was a former captain. He was named in the NFL team of the year this year. In some good news for the Bulls, Peter McEvoy, who was also named in the team of the year, has re-signed.
Coates Talent League
Calder Cannons Jayden Nguyen finished third in the Coates Talent League Morrish Medal. Nguyen finished on 18 votes, three votes behind winner Xavier Lindsay. Cannons’ teammates Damon Hollow and Isaac Kako also finished in the top 10 along with Northern Knights Zac Johnson. Kako was the only Cannon named in the boys team of the year. Cannon Kyla Forbes was named in the girls team of the year along with Knights Holly Ridgewood, who finished third in the best and fairest.
Coates Talent League
Sunbury Lions’ Grace Azzopardi has claimed the Meg McArthur Medal as the Calder Cannons best and fairest in the Coates Talent League girls competition. Azzopardi was co-captain this season in her final season at the Cannons. Ellie Sbeghen finished second and Taylah Gilcrist, finished in third.
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three fights. Abbas said the aim now for Nachar was to go overseas to fight against different competitors.
Tara Murray Mini Nachar. (Tamara Jane Photography)
Ryan Stingel has returned to Greenvale. (Jacob Pattison )363942_05
Zack Carey takes on Tullamarine coaching job
New Tullamarine coach Zack Carey jumped at the opportunity to step into a senior coaching role.
Carey has been appointed the Essendon DistrictFootballLeaguedivision1club’scoach for the 2025 season.
He takes over from David Connell who decided it was time to leave the club.
Carey said it was an exciting opportunity.
“I’ve been coaching for 10 years in the EDFL,” he said. “Obviously I’ve known a lot about Tullamarine and they’ve always been a proud club.
“For them to give me an opportunity for my first senior role, I owe them. But I’m really excitedtotakeitonandtakethechallengehead first.”
After a number of different roles in his 10 years of coaching, Carey said he felt the time was right to step into a senior coaching role.
He had been at Strathmore for a number of years and coached the reserves side to a grand final this year.
“I’ve been at Strathmore my whole life and sort of coached right up from some junior stuff to senior thirds, to reserves, to being a senior assistant coach with success in all of them.
“It was my time to be a senior coach and probably not the time to do that at Strathmore so I needed to move on to get that opportunity.
“When the Tullamarine one came along it was a good opportunity, a good fit and something I jumped at straight away.”
Carey said he knows the competition pretty well and spent two years coaching with a mate in division 1 a few years ago.
He said a lot of players pass through the grades so there’s a lot of familiar faces.
“The people already at Tulla, whether the coaches or the players, have been invaluable to
get information from,“ he said.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun and hopefully we can go pretty well.”
The Demons have missed finals the past two years after being in the mix for a number of years before that.
Carey said the club is a really proud club that has had its challenges in recent years.
“New voice and new time,” he said. “We’re really excited to go together and move forward together.
“We’re really pushing towards playing finals nextyearandthesky’sthelimitreally.Wewant to bring in really good people, not just good footballers.
“We want to build that culture on and off the field, being a winning, professional and enjoyable culture.”
There’s no rest for Carey between season’s with his appointment announced just days
Abdallah scoops awards
By Tara Murray
When Aamir Abdallah decided to make the move to Hume City this season it was about getting more playing time.
Littlewouldheknowthatthedecisionwould see him become the best player in the National Premier League competition.
At the competition’s gala night, Abdallah scooped the pool of the NPL awards. HewonthetophonourtheGoldMedalafter polling32votes.Healsowontheplayers’player award and the Bill Fleming Medal as the best player judged by the NPL commentary team. He finished with 14 goals and eight assists in 20 games.
“I knew about one of the awards [the media award] but the rest of them, it did shock me,” Abdallah said. “I wasn’t aware I was going to win those.
“I was shocked to be honest. I was more than honoured… I had in my head that other players were in the running to win the other trophies.
“Once I knew it was for me, I was over the moon” Abdallah wasn’t at the awards night.
It was Hume captain Josh Bingham that informed him that he had claimed the Gold Medal.
“WhenIgotthecall,Icouldn’tbelieveit,”he said. “I was like there’s no frickin way.
“When he said that you’ve taken everything, I thought that was ridiculous.”
Abdallah said he thought he’d had a good season and thought that he may be in contention for the awards.
The 2024 season was Abdallah’s first at Hume City. For him, he just wanted to play some more minutes.
“I was looking for more game time,” he said. “I played at Heidelberg the season before and I didn’t get much game time.
“I was looking for a place to express myself up top and really play as many minutes as I could throughout the year.
“Hume was a place that I could do that. The coach being Cam [Watson] at the time. He boughtmeinforatrialandIdidwellandfrom there he gave me the go ahead whenever I got the ball up top to express myself.
“Down the line, Chicky [David Chick], the other coach, he was the same. It was the same mentality over again.
after he finished his season with Strathmore.
The new signings have started for the Demons, with Ben Weightman the big one so far.
Weightman kicked 24 goals in four games for Taylors Lakes this year in division 2 before doing his ACL.
“Benny is a great person,” Carey said. “I had acoupleofmeetingsandIdealtwithhiscousin [Kyle Weightman] at Strathmore.
“WhenIgottoknowBenhereallysuitswhat I’m about. He’s going to come on as a forward line coach as well.”
Carey said they would hopefully have a few more signings the next few weeks contacting a number of people in his network.
He said they would also look at development of the younger guys and the current list they have.”
Tara Murray
Young, Guarino claim awards
Airport West’s Tyson Young and Oak Park’s Chiara Guarino have claimed the top honours at the Essendon District Football League awards night.
Young claimed the Dick Reynolds Medal as the best player in the premier men’s competition, finishing on 27 votes, one clear of Strathmore’s Liam Cavanagh.
Matthew Dennis, who won the medal last year, finished in third spot.
Young has previously won the Hutchison Medal as the best player in division 1.
Liam Podhajski was the best placed Greenvale player with eight votes.
In the women’s premier division best andfairest,Guarinofinishedon14votes, one clear of Hillside’s Hannah Ibrahim and Keilor’s Kiera Leare.
In division 1, Hillside’s Josh Covelli won the Hutchison Medal to go with his goal kicking award.
Covelli kicked 98 goals in the regular season and finished on 17 votes two clear of Rupertswood’s Daniel Kavanagh.
Roxburgh Park’s Jack Elliott finished equal 10th despite missing the back end of the season through injury.
“It made it easy to play the way that I wanted to play.”
Abdallah played a key role in Hume City’s season which resulted in the club making the finals of the Dockerty Cup, the NPL competition and the Australia Cup.
He said the playing group were very happy with what they were able to do after not making finals last year.
“It was a let down getting knocked out by South Melbourne in both the NPL finals and the Australia Cup, they’ve been our achilles heel,” he said.
“We thought we could have beaten them the last one and we gave it our all, but it still wasn’t enough.
“We got unlucky. We were really proud of the season that we had. We had many achievements, getting to the quarter finals of the Australia Cup, getting to the second final oftheNPLandhitting50pointswhichwasthe most in the club’s history in the league.”
Abdallah is hoping his season will be a good starting point to build going even further. He’s hoping that it may lead to an A-League deal.
“If not, just to continue this sort of form into next season with Hume.”
Jamie Gorgievski was Craigieburn’s best in the count with nine votes, while Jake Long was top for Tullamarine with eight votes.
In the women’s division 1 best and fairest, Burnside Heights’ Krissy Trang was a runaway leader.
Trang finished on 27 votes, 14 clear of teammate Holly McGregor on 13 votes.
It’s the third league best and fairest Trang has won.
Grace Matser was best placed from premiers Greenvale, finishing in sixth spot with nine votes despite playing just nine games.
Inthedivision2men’sbestandfairest, BurnsideHeightsJordanHugheswonhis second medal.
He finished on 20 votes, one clear of Hadfield’s Joshua Trembearth. Westmeadows’ Jarrod Peterson finished on 11 votes.
In the division 2 women’s best and fairest, Sunbury Lions’ Emily Taylor beat Coburg Districts’ Olivia Woods by one vote.
RoxburghPark’sMeganAllanfinished in equal fourth with teammate Dakotta Liddy and Coburg Districts Sarah
Aamir Abdallah. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 400925_18
