Star Weekly - Northern - 16th April 2024

Shortages stifle station

By Gerald Lynch

The opening of a new ambulance station in Craigieburn isn’t something to celebrate say paramedics.

The new Yuroke Ambulance Station was opened on March 18 at 13 Sustainable Drive, Craigieburn.

The state government committed to building a new ambulance station in the northern suburbs in 2016, although the location wasn’t settled upon until September, 2022. The station was initially expected to be completed by the middle of 2023, but delays pushed the opening back to March.

The state government said the station would be staffed 24 hours a day and have enough bays to fit four ambulances, but will now only have three vehicles, of which two are being re-deployed from a nearby branch.

‘‘ Ambulance Victoria is simply redeploying existing ambulances and paramedics ... to make it appear to the community that the ‘multi-million-dollar branch’ is being staffed ’’

- Glenn Wilson

Paramedic Glenn Wilson said he is fed up with promises not being met, and a lack of work life balance for he and his colleagues.

The Victorian Ambulance Union is currently taking industrial action over a pay dispute with Ambulance Victoria. The union served a log of claims on Ambulance Victoria on February 1 2023, with improved sick leave, overtime entitlements and travel allowances among its requests.

“In addition to no new ambulances being made available to respond to the ever-expanding Craigieburn community, us paramedics are also concerned about being held back at hospitals due to ramping,” Mr Wilson said.

“Ambulances from other areas of Melbourne such as Sunbury and Epping are often dispatched to emergency cases in Craigieburn and Mickleham, causing significant delays for locals to receive help when they need it most.

the job, paramedics feel like their patience and boundaries are being pushed.

five paramedics are considering leaving their job within the next year.

“WeareconcernedthatAmbulanceVictoria is simply redeploying existing ambulances and paramedics to the Yuroke branch to make it appear to the community that the ‘multi-million-dollar branch’ is being staffed, when in fact it is not currently providing any further benefit to the community,” Mr Wilson continued.

It is reported that Ambulance Victoria members work upwards of 800 hours of involuntary overtime each day, and while Mr Wilson said he understands it can come with

“This includes cases of potential extreme emergencies where lights and sirens are used for patients who can’t breathe properly, might be having a heart attack or are unconscious.” Paramedics in Craigieburn and Mickleham are concerned about the ongoing issues, and feel that the community is being tricked by the appearance of “new” resources that are not new, just relocated.

“Any ambo will tell you they expect to work some overtime when a patient urgently needs their skills, but our call taking system categorises people calling triple zero because they can’t afford a GP as an emergency,” he said.

“Members are ignored when simply requesting an on-time finish. One member was dispatched to a non-urgent patient in a health facility just three minutes before the end of her shift. She pleaded with AV management that she had to pick up her child from daycare but was refused.”

A combined survey conducted by Swinburne and RMIT University of Victorian Ambulance Union members saw that one in

A spokesperson from the state government said shortages weren’t an issue.

“There are no paramedic shortages. The Craigieburn community is well supported with the Craigieburn Ambulance station operating 24 hours a day to respond to emergencies in the community,” they said.

“We’ve made record investments to support and grow our workforce – investing $2 billion since 2014 to strengthen our ambulance service, deliver more ambulance branches, and doubling the size of our paramedic workforce to what is now the largest of any Australian service.”

Ambulance Victoria was contacted for comment.

Paramedics outside of the new Yuroke Ambulance Station, sending a strong message. (Supplied)

“I went for a job and was asked to stand up and turn around so he could decide…”

- Katherine Teh Advocate

WorkSafe Gendered Violence

Katherine Teh shares her experience of workplace gendered violence. To learn more about your rights at work, search WorkSafe Gendered Violence. Gendered violence comes in many forms. All forms are OHS issues. All are unacceptable.

Help for those without a home

By Gerald Lynch

A new program is being launched to deal with a spike in youth homelessness in Hume and Whittlesea.

According to findings from the most recent Census, children under the age of 10 make up 16 per cent of all individuals accessing homelessness services.

A new pilot program, launched by Merri Outreach Support Services (MOSS), called BrightStartisfillinginthegapsforMelbourne’s homeless youth by providing attentive, individual holistic child focused care that taps into the child’s social, emotional, educational

and physical wellbeing.

MOSS general manager of operations

Hardeep Siani said although it’s hard to predict theprogram’sreach,itwillseektohelpbetween 40 and 50 children in its first year.

“We have researched and identified that nearly 44 children are living in temporary types of accommodation throughout the area, so it will be our starting point to reach out with servicestothosechildrenandtheirparents,”he said. “We have noticed there is a great link to intergenerationalhomelessness.Whenaparent was affected by homelessness, it is most likely their child is also going to enter into the cycle of homelessness and rely on welfare support systems.

“One of the greatest impacts we have witnessed is that more than half of these affected children actually miss out on school and have low school attendance, further hindering their development and causing delayed developmental milestones.”

The new program, rolling out in the next month, was created in response to the housing crisis in Victoria and will cater to those in the inner north Melbourne area to help stop the homelessness cycle through early intervention and prevention.

“There is an increase in families living in unsafe and inappropriate motels because there

Plan to pay your respects in Hume

ThisAnzacDay,theCraigieburnWarMemorial and Remembrance Committee (CWMRC) will host two services and the community is invited to attend.

At The Craigieburn War Memorial, located in the North-East Quadrant of Anzac Park – near the corner of Windrock Avenue and Marathon Boulevard - services will begin at 6am and 10am, with patrons urged to arrive 15 minutes before the beginning of the services. The services will provide the opportunity for the local community to remember those Australian men and women who served their country during times of conflict and to especiallyhonourthosewhomadethesupreme sacrifice.

The ceremonies will be conducted by RSL sub-branch members. Attendees are encouraged to bring a small floral tribute (twig of wattle, rosemary or other flower) in memory of a relative, friend or other loved one, for placement at the memorial during the service.

Recipients of medals and awards are encouraged to wear the full size versions in accordancewiththeprotocolsoftheAustralian Honours and Awards system. Family members are also encouraged to wear the medals of passed loved ones on the right side of the chest.

The Epping and Doreen RSLs will hold a commerorative march on Sunday, April 21 from 10am, outside the Epping Hotel on High Street.

On Anzac Day, the Epping RSL will host a dawn service, with a prelude from 5am. The official service to begin at 6am, with a gunfire breakfast to be served afterwards.

Following the services, entertainment in Hume continues on through the day, with EDFL action kicking off in the afternoon.

Tullamarine Demons will host Keilor Park at the Leo Dineen Reserve at 11.50am for reserves and 2.15pm for seniors, in a big round three EDFL Division 1 clash.

EDFL Division 2 side Westmeadows Tigers will travel to Sewell Reserve to take on the Glenroy Kangaroos.

Gerald Lynch

isn’t enough housing or crisis accommodation available,” says Emily Courtenay, program manager Bright Futures at (MOSS).

“Many of the families are experiencing a housing crisis due to family violence and the costofliving.Themotelsareoftenovercrowded and far away from the family’s community.”

The Bright Start program aims to work alongside families in their time of crisis with goals they have identified like school enrollments, school supplies, referrals to essential services, extracurricular activities and attending essential health appointments to try and reduce the negative impact and trauma associated with the homelessness system.

Crossing removal traffic disruptions

Important changes to public transport travel in Thomastown are coming in the next few weeks as another level crossing is removed.

The level crossing at Keon Parade will be removed as part of work on the new Keon Park station, due to open in June.

Buses will replace trains on sections of the Mernda Line from 9pm Tuesday, April 30 to the last service on Tuesday, May 7.

Trains will begin running on the new bridge on Wednesday, May 8, but will not stop at Keon Park station while works continue on the new station.

A shuttle bus will run between Ruthven and Thomastown to connect passengers with trains.

Works will continue at the new station over the next few months, including installing lifts and stairs, reinstating more than 160 car spaces and planting more than 45,000 trees, shrubs and grasses across the station precinct.

When the new station opens, it will give passengers improved connections between bus and train services – while also giving locals a new link to the Johnson Street shops.

As crews remove boom gates and resurface roads, Keon Parade will be closed at the level crossing from midnight Monday, April 29 to 6am Monday, May 20 and sections of the Keon Parade, Mahoneys Road and High Street intersection will be closed overnight on Saturday 11 and Sunday, May 12.

With the level crossing gone, Keon Parade will open on Monday, May 20.

Abusive Craigieburn greyhound trainer suspended, fined

A Craigieburn greyhound trainer has been suspended and fined by the Victorian Racing Tribunal after being found guilty on eight chargesofmistreatinggreyhounds,involving physical abuse.

Ibrahim Kama, 32, has been a licenced public trainer since 2020, and involved in the greyhound racing industry since 2014. He pleaded not guilty to seven charges, and guilty to charge eight of breaching the Greyhound Australasia Rules.

Charges one and two arose after Kama attended the Meadows Greyhound Racetrack in Broadmeadows for a booked trial session on September 18, 2023.

Charges three, four, and five occurred this year, on February 3, when Kama threw greyhound ‘Angel Above’ into a holding pen and kicked his rear.

It was also alleged on the same day that Kama handled greyhound ‘Hidden Secrets’ in an aggressive manner in the slipping track. The tribunal heard that he hit her across the snout with his hand and with a muzzle, however, Kama did not face chages over this claim due to a lack of evidence in video footage provided.

Charges six, seven, and eight faced by Mr Kama also relate to an incident with ‘Hidden Secrets’ a few days later on February 6.

It was here he was observed throwing an unnamed greyhound against a metal shed, causing a loud bang and the greyhound to yelp loudly.

He took the female greyhound to the Geelong racetrack for a satisfactory trial.

Priortothetrial,HiddenSecretsunderwent a veterinary examination and was deemed to have muscle injuries in her rear limbs and muscle soreness.

Mr Kama was then informed that the greyhound was to be stood down and re-assessed for competition in 28 days.

However, he was found guilty of taking Hidden Secrets out of the pen and taking him to a raceday steward, telling the steward that the greyhound had just been trialled and was all good to go.

The tribunal found Kama failed to follow medical advice, and ran an injured greyhound.

The three member tribunal found that charges 1 to 5 “involve the very important matter of animal welfare“.

“That is something of vital significance to the well-being and future of the industry. We accept that no injury of any significance was suffered by the dogs involved in the present case.Thatdoesnotexcuseyourbehaviour,but is a factor we take into account,“ the tribunal members wrote in their determination. Kama was handed a 12 month disqualification and a $250 fine, with further penalties suspended for 24 months. The suspended penalties were a further six months disqualification, and a $500 fine.

Gerald Lynch

Elwyn Randall a CWMRC member, Vietnam veteran Stephen Randall, committee member Alan Penaluna and Rick Denny a former serviceman (Army) at the Craigieburn War Memorial. (Damjan Janevski) 400071_03

Calls to Fix the Calder intensify

Hume council is supporting Brimbank council’s call for all hands on deck to rally for both the federal and state governments to ‘Fix the Calder’.

Nearby Brimbank council will host a community event on Saturday, April 20, at Overnewton Gatehouse Hall, Keilor, from 9.30am to launch a new advocacy brochure on ‘Improving the Calder Highway’.

The brochure has been produced by the Calder Highway Improvement Committee (CHIC) and outlines CHIC’s priorities for improving safety on the Calder Highway.

A Hume council spokesperson said they are

calling on funding to add lanes from Keilor Park Drive to Melton Highway and to widen the Maribyrnong River bridge.

Council is also calling on construction of a full diamond interchange at the intersection of theCalderFreewayandCalderParkDrive,and the triplication of Calder Park Drive between the Calder Freeway and Gap Road.

“Hume council shares Brimbank council’s requestforimprovementstotheCalderandthe benefits they will have for residents inside the Hume boundary,” the spokesperson said.

“These improvements will reduce the congestion on the Calder that has contributed

to the nearly 200 crashes experienced on this section of road over the last decade.”

Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic said she encourages everyone who uses the Calder Highway to support council’s call for urgent action by state and federal governments.

“The Calder Highway is a dangerous road that can no longer wait for upgrades. The community desperately needs this road fixed, and we need it fixed now,” she said.

Since the campaign was launched in April 2021, the state government has made a range of announcements including, a $50 million investment for minor upgrades, planning and

New emus settle in at La Trobe

La Trobe University has a new feather in its cap, with the introduction of three emus to its wildlife sanctuary in Bundoora.

The emus were released into the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday, April 11, as part of a program to regenerate the 90-acre nature reserve that is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna.

The new residents give La Trobe the bragging rights of being the only city campus in Australia to have three emus on site.

The three emus replace two older emus who spent more than 10 years at the sanctuary and became local icons for students, staff and visitors, before they naturally passed away in recent years.

The new emus were welcomed to the sanctuary with a special smoking ceremony by Wurundjeri elders.

La Trobe Vice-Chancellor professor Theo Farrell said the size and location of La Trobe’s Bundoora campus meant it could provide a safe home for a huge range of Australian flora and fauna.

“La Trobe is lucky to have this important refuge for endangered species of flora and fauna as part of its Melbourne campus,” he said.

“These emus are a welcome addition to regeneration efforts at the Sanctuary and will provide another point of interest to the thousands of visitors we have each year.”

Sanctuary operations manager Olivia Swain said they wanted to reintroduce emus to the sanctuary not just because the previous residents were missed by visitors, but because as they played an important role in environmental sustainability as they manage weeds and support seed dispersal.

“Emus also target weed species like blackberries, as they eat them to the ground and volunteers can simply remove the remaining stalks and roots,” Olivia said. All three emus are male, and come in at 18 months old, and are suitable to be around people without causing harm.

Gerald Lynch

investigative works, the level crossing removal at Calder Park Drive, due for completion in 2025, and a now completed business case to investigate a diamond interchange at Calder Park Drive.

Brimbank council is now calling on the federal government to reassess the project and provide adequate funding to make the Calder safe, following its withdrawal of $50 million promised by the previous government.

It is also calling on the state government to increase its $50m funding commitment and release the findings of the Calder Park Drive Interchange business case.

Food forum

fixing concerns

Hume council is working on strategies to remove the barriers to food security in Hume, developed in discussion with community and experts in a recent Hume Food Forum.

The council-led forum brought together representatives from the North Eastern Public Health Unit and VicHealth to connect, share and learn about our food system with food relief agencies, community gardens, local businesses, schools, community organisations and agriculture industry representatives.

The forum has come at a crucial time, with wide-spread issues of putting food on the table amid a cost of living crisis.

Bringing to attention the need for equitable,culturallyresponsive,healthier and more sustainable food systems is a priority for the council.

Keynote speakers included FoodBank Victoria’s Dave McNamara, VicHealth’s Dheepa Jeyapalan, and founder of Sustain: The Australian Food Network Nick Rose, discussing.

Guestsoftheforumengagedinarange of problem solving and solution building initiatives that promoted tackling barriers to food security.

The speakers explored themes surrounding the current challenges in accessing healthy and fresh foods in Hume and the complexities of food production and consumption, while attendeesengagedinconversationsabout howtomakefoodsystemsmoreresilient.

An important addition to the event was a contribution from Hume Elder AuntyJofromWestmeadowsIndigenous Community Gardens.

She shared invaluable insights on resources that can be cultivated from indigenous plants for food, medicine, and bush tucker garden cultivation.

With the next year’s budget not too far away,thefalloutofthemeetingwillsoon be seen.

Urgent care virtually doubles in size relieving GP pressure

The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED)isdoublinginsize,givingmoreurgent care to Melbourne’s north.

TheVVEDdeliversfreeurgentcareviavideo consultations to around 550 Victorians every day, and will be expanded to be able to care for more than 1,000 people daily.

TheprogramstartedasapilotinMelbourne’s north in October 2020 before rolling out statewide in April 2022.

In this time, it has provided clinical assessments, medical advice, treatment, and local referrals to more than 256,000 patients. The service has helped 86 per cent of its

patients avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said the program helps reduce strain on GPs and hospitals.

“With too many people unable to see their GP and with bulk-billing doctors few and far between, there is more pressure on hospitals,” she said.

“Our investments in the virtual emergency department and the Priority Primary Care Centresarehelpingdelivermoreaccessibleand affordable care to people, when and where they need it.”

Mill Park MP Lily D’Ambrosio said the

increase in program capacity was a necessary step.

“Doubling the capacity of the Virtual ED service will ensure more members of our community have access to this alternative urgent care option which is helping reduce pressure on our busy emergency departments,” she said.

The 24/7 service is delivered by the Northern Hospital, and supports direct referrals from aged care, paramedics in the field, primary healthnetworks,theNurseonCallservice,and self-referrals from the community.

Victorian premier Jacinta Allan was in

attendance to announce the expansion, and she said they were “doubling the Virtual ED’s capacity so more Victorians can get the urgent care they need, from their own home – taking pressure off our busy emergency departments.”

Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny also took the opportunity to express gratitude for the program and how it will impact locals

“Congratulations to our local Northern Hospital team who are delivering this innovative service – their hard work in designing and developing the VVED is improving care across the state and seeing real results.”

Two of the emus at the unveiling event, with a keen crowd watching on. (Supplied)

Van full of relief arriving

By Gerald Lynch

In an attempt to address food insecurity, Anglicare Victoria’s food relief van will soon roll into Craigieburn.

Generous donor Peter Manger paid for the van in full and also for it to be equipped with fridges, after learning about the situation experienced by many families across the north, where putting food on the table every night has become a difficult task.

Now retired, Mr Manger had a successful career as an engineer and said he wants to give back to those less fortunate.

“Growingupinalowermiddleclassfamily… I’ve seen the other side of it,” he said.

“It’simportantthatwegiveback,soIdonated money for the van and for some fridges.”

Anglicare Victoria program manager dioceses and parish partnerships Chris de Paviasaiditwasahugeboosttobeabletobring necessary support to families in need.

“A lot of our current sites don’t have the capacity to store fresh fruit and vegetables so we give out food vouchers, but with the van, we’ll be able to top up our services, and people will walk away with twice the amount of food,” he said.

“We want to give out as much food as we can. At the moment we are really under the pump with demand, since pre-COVID times the amount of people we are supporting has doubled.

“ThedemandinCraigieburnisreallystarting to pick up, lots of people with mortgages are really struggling.”

As the sun fades and the cold weather creeps back as winter nears, Anglicare Victoria is also launching its winter appeal, to make more initiatives such as the relief van possible.

Looking to take hunger off the table for all families, Anglicare Victoria chief executive

Paul McDonald urged everyone to give what they can to ensure a winter of full stomachs.

He explained that in the last 12 months, there has been 53,000 relief assists provided by Anglicare Victoria, a major increase on previous years, and said it was alarming how many people were reaching out for the first time.

“In the last year, four in 10 of the families we see have never been to an emergency relief

service before,” he said.

“Thishasledustotakingfoodandprovisions straight out to the community, through efforts such as a van.

“We are launching our appeal, and we are seeing how we can bring relief services more effectively and more impactful than just giving people a bag of groceries, we want to give further support to families in need.”

Donate: https://giving.anglicarevic.org.au/

Police briefs

Kalkallo chemist burgled Police are appealing for witnesses following a burglary in Kalkallo on Tuesday morning. It is believed unknown offenders attended a Chemist Warehouse on Toyon Road on April 9 in a black utility about 5.30am. It is alleged two male offenders exited the vehicle and forced entry into the premises. Whilst inside, the offenders stole approximately five trolleys worth of fragrances totalling about $25,000. It is understood the men left the store with the trolleys and loaded the fragrances into the boot of the utility before fleeing the scene. No one was inside the premises at the time. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Speed charges

A man has been charged after being caught nearly 100km/hour over the speed limit in Bundoora. The man was captured by a laser speed measuring device, driving 166km/hour in a 70km/ hour zone on Plenty Road about 4.40am on Wednesday, April 10. Police intercepted the vehicle which had five occupants. The driver was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, driving at speed dangerous and exceeding the speed limit. He has been bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates Court at a later date.

“We followed the kids down the Surf Coast after our friends told us about Armstrong Green. To our surprise, many residents in the community in our beautiful new village also came from the North West. So join us in 2024.”

Anglicare Victoria program manager dioceses and parish partnerships Chris de Pavia with the new food relief van. (Supplied)

Alternative Branches

You can complete cash transactions at any Westpac Group branch. Visit us at the nearby Westpac South Morang Branch or Westpac Broadmeadows Central Shopping Centre

Book a Banker

Meet with a banking expert to talk about your goals, on your terms. Book a call or video conference online at bankofmelbourne.com.au/ book-a-banker

Online and Mobile Banking

Securely bank anytime, anywhere via your computer, mobile, or tablet. Register now at bankofmelbourne.com.au/register

ATMs

Withdraw cash or view account balances free of an ATM operator fee at Bank of Melbourne, Westpac, St.George, BankSA, Precinct and atmx by Armaguard ATMs1

Bank@Post

Make deposits, withdrawals (daily limits apply), account balance enquiries, and pay credit card bills in person at Australia Post

Phone Banking

Check your balance, make transfers, and pay bills, 24/7, by calling 13 33 22

Double donation delight

By Gerald Lynch

Fresh off a huge double donation day, which amassed $202,399 in new funds, Big Group Hug is setting its sight on another year of helping those who need it most.

Fundraising and communications manager Maria Quigley said “Funds raised will help Big Group Hug continue to provide our essential service, reaching more families in need throughout greater Melbourne from our locations in Thomastown, Airport West and Tarneit. As an increasing number of families are experiencing hardship every week, we are thankful for the community’s support to respond to this need“.

Last year, the charity purchased 51 high chairs to give to struggling families, thanks to the Donnybrae Community Fund.

Marketing coordinator Emina Mesinovic said the charity looks forward to being able to provide more essential items to families who would otherwise go without.

“High chairs are vital but an item we don’t receive enough of. With the funds received, the high chairs purchased provided families with some financial relief,” she said.

“We were able to help a father who had moved with his baby from NSW to Victoria to escape family violence. He was living with an extended family member, and caring for his baby full time, rendering him unable to workatthattime.Heneededsomeimmediate aid to provide the space and financial relief he needed to get on his feet in a new state.

“We also helped a mother who was unable to access any Centrelink support as she was on a bridging visa. When she reached out for help it was because she was unable to work due to her health. Her toddler had also recently been diagnosed with an ongoing health issue, meaning her medical costs

were increasing. The aid pack we provided, including the high chair, was a welcome relief, again alleviating some of the financial strain.

“These are the types of families we help

What’s on

Help shape community sport and recreation

We are looking at ways to support and improve opportunities for women, girls, and underrepresented groups to access sporting infrastructure.

We want to hear from women, girls, and gender diverse individuals to:

• understand your experiences, challenges and suggestions

• promote a safe, valued, and respected sports environment

• encourage sporting clubs to adopt change.

Have your say and complete our quick survey by Tuesday 30 April on the Whittlesea Engage site, at engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/fair-access

daily, with the number of children and families requiring aid growing year on year.

This year we’re tracking to help around 8000 babies and children, a substantial increase on the 6002 helped in financial year 2023.”

Quarry put on notice

The operators of the Keilor quarry in Tullamarine, have been put on notice by environmental regulators to ensure material on site does not exceed the amount required for rehabilitation.

The notice was issued after the Earth Resources Regulator and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) attended the site on Tuesday, 2 April.

The Earth Resources Regulator’s job is to ensure quarries are operating within their approvals so that they can safely continue delivering the raw materials essential to the state’s growth with minimal impact to the environment.

The two agencies, along with Hume council, which also manages the site, investigated site activity following complaints relating to stockpiles, dust, and truck movements. Under the notice, the operator will survey the site to identifytheamountofmaterialrequired. Excess stockpiling can be visible from neighbouring properties and contribute to dust being blown off-site.

Earth Resources Regulator chief inspector Michael Fitzgerald said “The Earth Resources Regulator will continue to work closely with the EPA and Hume City Council to ensure the stringent standards protecting the environment at the site are met.”

“Quarry production is crucial to Victoria’s economic development. We’ll continue to regulate the sector in a way that allows raw materials to be extracted in accordance with relevant approvals whileprotectingthestate’senvironment.”

The Circular Fashion market is back!

Back by popular demand, the second Circular Fashion Market will be taking place in South Morang at the end of April.

This market offers a unique shopping experience that combines affordability, sustainability, and style.

Come and grab a bargain while helping to reduce textile waste by keeping items out of landfill and giving them a second life.

When: 9am to 1pm, Sunday 21 April

Where: 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

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

Big Group Hug chief executive Bernadene Voss at the Thomastown warehouse. (Damjan Janevski) 396403_06

New social homes for the north

By Gerald Lynch

Whittlesea is set for a housing boost with a $4 millionsocialhousingdevelopmentontheway.

The sod was recently turned at the Epping site, which will provide safe housing for as many as 23 people across nine two and three bedroom homes.

As part of the state government’s Big Housing Build, the homes will be managed by VincentCare Community Housing, part of St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria, which

is this week celebrating 170 years of providing support and assistance to Victorians in need.

The new homes are located within Development Victoria’s Aurora Housing development, providing access to the town centre,ashoppingcentre,schoolsandchildcare centres, parks and playgrounds, as well as walking and cycling paths.

Northern Metropolitan Region MP Sheena Watt said new social housing was key to supporting growing suburbs throughout the region.

Pavers etched with pride

Mickleham’s budding artists had the chance to show off their skills as the Merrifield estate celebratedits10yearanniversarywithabrand new park.

Belmore Park, set to open in May, is situated on the corner of Belmore Parade and St Georges Boulevard, and is the sixth park in the area.

The Merrifield Community Pathways competitionopenedupinAugustandreceived more than 100 entries, with the winners being granted the opportunity to leave their mark at the new park.

Residents were set the challenge of designing a ‘personalised paver brick’ to be installed at the entry of Belmore Park, with each household permitted to submit one brick design.

MAB community and stakeholder engagement lead Greg Jacobs said he couldn’t wait for the whole community to see the wonderful work of residents.

“We’re excited for the community paver

project to be unveiled to the Merrifield community when Belmore Park opens in May,” he said.

“The Merrifield Community Pathways project was launched to celebrate our 10-year anniversary and we invited Merrifield residents to put their own personal touch in the design of the next Merrifield park.

“The last 10 years could not have been possible without the strong connections and spirit of the Merrifield community. These personalised pavers will serve as a testament of the Merrifield pride, leaving a strong community legacy.”

Gerald Lynch

Housing Minister Harriet Shing said the homes will connect more people to vital amenities.

“Once complete, the brand new homes at this development will enable more people on the Victorian Housing Register to connect to schools, public transport, healthcare, and services in this growing part of the city,” she said.

“Every day around Victoria we are building light-filled, accessible, secure, and energy efficient homes for singles, couples, and

families as part of the single biggest investment in social and affordable housing by any state or territory government.“

Development Minister Colin Brooks said the government was working hard each day to get shovels into the ground and push more homes through planning processes.

TheBigHousingBuildisworthmorethan$5 billion, and will deliver more than 12,000 new homes across Victoria once completed.

In Whittlesea 319 social and affordable homes will be built as part of the project.

The Higginson and Remigo families with their pavers. (Damjan Janevski) 398043_01

It’s an A grade business

Whittlesea resident Belinda Giardino has been announced as a finalist for a second year running in the City of Whittlesea Business Awards.

This year, Ms Giardino’s business A Grade Resumes has been nominated in the new ’Home Based Business category.’

The new category of Home-Based Business recognises individuals and businesses that have not only embraced the unique challenges of operating from home but have also excelled in various aspects, including innovation, community contribution, customer service, sustainability and diversity.

‘Home Based Business’ is one of the six categories contested in the 2024 City of Whittlesea Business Awards.

Other categories are Community Contribution, Customer Service, Innovation and Enterprise, Sustainability and Environment and Workplace Diversity.

An overall winner from the six categories will be named the City of Whittlesea 2024

Business of the Year.

A special gala event will be held at Mantra Epping on Thursday, May 23.

Ms Giardino, a qualified journalist and mother of two, said, “I am so honoured to become a finalist again.”

“This category really encompasses all of the awards into one. It is lovely to be recognised for the work I have been doing,” she said.

Ms Giardino has been writing resumes for over 16 years.

Shestartedherownbusinessafterworkingas ajournalistformanyyearsatalocalnewspaper.

Ms Giardino has also been working in the community, presenting regular Resume WritingworkshopsforWhittleseaCommunity Connections ‘Women’s Employment and Empowerment’ program.

She also presented workshops at student careers expos and local schools.

“I really enjoy being able to speak about resume writing and share my knowledge with the community.”

Briefs

Lalor brawler arrested

A Lalor man was one of nine people arrested after a street brawl on January 26. Police arrested nine men between March 25 and April 3 following a public appeal for assistance. Police will allege two groups of approximately 50 men, who had been supporting opposing teams at a soccer game, became involved in a physical altercation while making their way towards Flinders Street Railway Station after the game. Five security marshals, who were escorting one group, attempted to break up the brawl which extended towards Russell Street. Two men were treated by paramedics after sustaining injuries to their face. The 24-year-old was charged with affray, and will face the magistrates’ Court on June 13.

Mickleham man robbed

An arrest has been made after a Mickleham man was robbed in Caulfield. It is alleged a man approached a 38-year-old Mickleham man on Queens Avenue and produced a weapon about 5.05am on Wednesday, April 3. He allegedly stole a mobile phone and wallet, then fled the scene on foot. After executing a search warrant, detectives recovered the wallet and personal cards. A 28-year-old Malvern East man was charged with armed robbery. He appeared in court on April 9.

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As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building North East Link, upgrading the Eastern Freeway and completing the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough. We’re also removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 75 already gone. We’re

Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions Mernda Line 30 April to 7 MayOn sections of the line Hurstbridge Line 14 to 16 MayHeidelberg to Eltham Road disruptions: Closed lanes

3 May to 7am 6 May 6pm 10 May to 7am 13 May

Between Watsonia Road and Grimshaw Street

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Belinda Giardino. (Supllied)

Picket for Palestine continues

By Gerald Lynch

At the crack of dawn when most locals are asleep, pro-Palestinian protestors have been picketing and stopping work at the Heat Treatment Australia (HTA) facility in Campbellfield.

At 5am on Monday, April 8, Pro-Palestinian activists set up shop for a 13th day outside the HTA location.

According to a group calling itself Hume for Palestine, Heat Treatment Australia is part of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Global Supply Chain, undertaking metallurgical processing of components in partnership with Lockheed Martin.

The group claims that the community pickets, established by local organisers and maintained for 10 consecutive weeks, are part of an international solidarity movement of direct action targeting weapons manufacturers that are suspected of supplying weapons and intelligence to Israel as its conflict with Hamas in Gaza enters its seventh month.

In a press release, Hume for Palestine said “Targeted grassroots direct action against companies that are subcontracted to manufacture for the F-35 JSF Global Supply Chain cause significant economic disruption to these supply chains and sends a clear and direct message to the Australian Government that funding and bolstering these companies

A WICKED production

Broadway musical WICKED has returned to its Australian roots, captivating audiences at Melbourne’s iconic Regent Theatre.

More than 20 years since its premiere on Broadway, WICKED continues to reign as one of the world’s most beloved musicals.

Among the ensemble gracing the stage is Epping’s Olivia Castagna who is part of the ensemble.

ForOlivia,beingpartofWICKEDisadream cometrue,andafterbeinginspiredbytheshow as a child, she said it’s a great honour to get to perform in front of the next generation of fans and I first saw the show when it first came to Melbourne.

“I had just turned 10 years old, I was really young and I didn’t know what I wanted to do yet, but when I saw the show I was like wow, oh my god, this is amazing, I’d love to do that one

day,” she said.

“Just the whole story, the connection to the Wizard of Oz, the singing, the dancing, the characters, it was like probably a life changing moment watching WICKED for the first time.”

As WICKED continues to cast its spell on Melbourne audiences, Olivia and the cast have enjoyed sharing the untold story of the Wizard of Oz, blending hard-hitting emotions with upbeat numbers and magical surprises.

The cast is extremely busy, performing eight shows every five days, but Olivia said they are driven by the honour of playing at the famous Regent Theatre.

“It’s amazing because we all grew up as budding actors and dancers and performers,” she said. “We all used to see every show that would be at the Regent, so to do it again now in that same theatre, it’s very sentimental.”

solidifies the government’s complicity in the ongoing genocide in Gaza”.

The group has committed to continue picketing until HTA ends its contracts with LockheedMartinandotherweaponssuppliers.

The group wants HTA’s manufacturing capabilities to be redirected for domestic purposes that are not aligned with defence.

Mohammad Helmy, a member of Hume for Palestine, said he is proud of the group’s action, but concedes there is still a way to go.

“For the tenth week in a row we picket in front of HTA with the aim of shutting down their weapons export. This is part of the national and global anti-genocide and anti-war movement seeking to see Palestinians free,” he said.

“This is a long battle but the tides are turning andpoliticiansneedtostandontherightsideof history before they become legally complicit.” Hume council said it already made clear its position in relation to the conflict in Gaza at the December 18 council meeting, in which the council joined in calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all innocent civilian hostages.

Council said it could not comment on HTA Global as it is a private company. HTA refused to comment when contacted by Star Weekly. The Department of Defence was also contacted for comment.

Olivia (middle row far left) with the WICKED cast. (Supplied)

MY PLACE

Life Member of the Craigieburn Basketball Club Rohan Milich spoke to Star Weekly about a life well lived in Melbourne’s north.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I am the eldest of four siblings, born in Brunswick and growing up in Reservoir and Epping.

I attended Rosebank and Epping Primary schools, Epping High School, and Lalor Technical College. My first job was a paper roundinEppingdeliveringtheSunandAgein the morning and the Herald in the afternoon, before attaining an apprenticeship in vehicle building.

I had a brief stint working at the Tramways workshop in Preston before getting a job in the chemical industry with Nufarm staying there for nearly 30 years, the last 5 of those as a shift Supervisor.

I was an avid cricketer and golfer when in my teens and early twenties.

What’s your connection to Hume?

I first moved to Craigieburn 30 years ago purchasing my first home.

Golf was a passion at the time, but once children came along the priorities became different.

My two girls attended Craigieburn Primary School, with the youngest joining the local dance school, while the eldest became involved in basketball, I took up the sport with some good friends but no longer play as age has caught up.

I got involved at a team manager level, before joining the Craigieburn Basketball Committee, looking after uniforms. I was the VJBL junior delegate for many years. I like to help where possible still, doing BIG V score bench on weekends and looking after our senior competition on a Tuesday and Wednesday night.

I am a life member of the club. I still enjoy being involved in the basketball community with Craigieburn. I also like to travel with my wife, and we also get in some camping when time permits, visiting family and friends who live interstate when we can.

What do you like about where you live?

Craigieburn was only a small community when I moved here, and with not many options at the time for kids, basketball and dancing became the leisure activities for us

and the children.

I have made some wonderful friends within the club, and it has given us the opportunity to visit many towns here and interstate to watch my eldest daughter play in different tournaments, and the youngest to attend dance concerts.

It has been great to see so many young people within the club grow into young adults and come through the junior ranks and play senior basketball for the club.

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

Craigieburn and Mickleham have both grown over the time I have lived here, and we now have a diverse community from many countries more now than 30 years ago. We need to educate everyone to take pride in where we live and to keep the 3064 postcode clean, have council organise clean up days, as parts of our postcode are seriously untidy, with more parks, open spaces, walking tracks and activities for the younger generation.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

My wife and I like to visit local markets and we enjoy a weekly date night at many of the eateries around Craigieburn. We also like to catch up with friends at the sporting club and other places of interest.

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

As a youngster myself and my father won a handicap foursomes golf event at the Kilmore golf club, and a year later myself and a friend won the same event this time in the scratch section, with my name now etched on the honour board at the Kimore Golf Club.

(Damjan Janevski) 395815_02

Autism support close to home

By Gerald Lynch

As Autism Awareness Month gets underway, Bundoora mum Simmonne Dyson-Holland knows just how daunting it can be to put children into the care of someone you don’t know.

Her twin sons Matthew and Richard both have a primary diagnosis of autism and a secondary diagnosis of intellectual disability. When the boys were very young, Simmonne tried a few support worker agencies, but there were limitations regarding to what extent they could meet the needs of the family.

“BeforetheNDIScamealong,wehadtokeep applyingforassistanceandfundingforsupport workers to assist me with the boys’ after-school routine as well as with transportation and community access,” she said.

Simmonne said it was impossible for the boys to develop relationships with any of

their support workers as there was a constant turnover of staff which was “disruptive to Matthew and Richard’s routine”. “Building relationships was so difficult because there was no continuity of care,” she said.

MatthewandRichardnowhavefouramazing support workers, including a childhood friend, Victoria, who has grown up with the boys. Carer Solutions founder and chief executive

Achieving big, one whistle at a time

The Young Achiever Awards recognise the most dedicated and impressive young people across the country, and Craigieburn’s Adam Bell is among the nominees.

The 25-year-old, who is president of the Craigieburn Referees Association, is up for a Young Sports Leader award.

The role is typically taken up by someone much older, however Adam has led the referees to success through his warm and welcoming leadership style.

Life member of the Craigieburn Basketball AssociationJasonMooresaidAdamisastrong, assertive leader and would be a deserving

recipient of the award.

“The role was forced upon him post COVID as the leaders of this branch had moved on leaving the role open,” he said.

“I personally have seen Adam’s finest work when being questioned on (why there are) too many young referees with too much inexperience post COVID.“

He said Adam’s ability to effectively communicate to a non-referee room (parents mainly) on the challenges that all referees are encountering post COVID has been impressive and shows a strong level of maturity for his age. Mr Moore said Adam has the ability to diffuse

Local actor pulls the strings

Bundoora’s own Dom Hennequin is one of the stars of a global play about to make its Australian debut.

Based on the novel The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo (Les Miserables), The Grinning Man is a wildly different fairytale set in a world of pitch-black humour, magic, mayhem and alluring romance.

Dom plays Ursus, the travelling puppet purveyor, and he said the show is an emotional rollercoaster that cannot be missed.

“It is the funniest of funny, but also the saddest of sad,” he said.

“It’s just hilarious, truly, you’ll laugh and cry, and potentially nothing in between.”

He said it was a scary reality that the show was less than two weeks away from opening, but he and the rest of the team were eager to show Melbourne their hard work in action.

“It’s a very intense few weeks to get a whole new show up and running,” he said.

“It’s quite an intense process, we have to go through the discovery of our characters, learning every scene and song and prop in a short amount of time, so it has been a lot, but, it’s what we do!”

Dom has been involved in a Harry Potter production and a Stranger Things musical spinoff, so to work on an original show is something that excites him.

He and the rest of the team are rehearsing every day, and working hard ahead of The Grinning Man’s first show at Alex Theatre in St Kilda on Thursday, April 25, with shows nearly every night until the curtains close for the final time on Sunday, May 19.

Gerald Lynch

volatile situations and has strong personal and professional qualities that hold competitions together.

Adam is continuing to grow his leadership skillsandishelpingtoshapethenextgeneration of young basketball referees in Craigieburn.

The Young Achiever Awards will be announced on Friday, June 14.

Gerald Lynch

Jane Morrell said parents of an autistic child need to know that support is available.

“Firstly, if you suspect your child may have autism,seeaGPwhocanreferyoutoadditional services,” she said. “Once you have a diagnosis, your priority should be making sure that both your child and you are well-supported.

“Shouldyouneeddisabilitysupportworkers, know that you can choose the right people for both your child and your family. There may be some challenges finding these workers and in many locations, you may notice that there is a considerablelackofoptions,duetotheongoing support worker shortage.

“However,thereisawaythatyoucandirectly employ people you already know and trust, without being limited to the options that some agencies offer.”

Autism Awareness Month runs throughout April, and is focused on raising awareness, acceptance, and inclusion surrounding autism.

YOUR NEW CAREER ... starts here

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic Full or Part Time sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms.

Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business.

Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance.

The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme.

Send your application letter and resume to: Advertising Sales Manager, Mandy Clark mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Dom dressed in his role of Ursus, the travelling puppet purveyor. (Supplied)

Adam Bell (left) refereeing at Craigieburn. (Supplied)

Victoria, Richard, Simmonne, Matthew and Samantha enjoying a day out Sovereign Hill. (Supplied)

‘Living grief’ confronting families

Gisborne’s Tamara Wilson says watching her daughter battle an eating disorder was a form of ‘living grief’. With eating disorders on the rise, more and more Australian families are confronting this distressing health issue as Zoe Moffatt reports.

When Gisborne mother Tamara Wilson sat with her daughter at the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2012 she felt an overwhelming sense of grief start to wash over her. Grief that she was losing her then 14-year-old daughter Brooke to an eating disorder.

Sitting next to her mother, Brooke would have bruising on her back from sit ups and excessive exercise, her eyes would be sunken in and dark, and her lips would start to turn blue.

For Tamara and Brooke, the next 20 or so monthswouldinclude22hospitaladmissions, regular ambulance rides, feeding tubes, fights atmealtimes,missedschooltimeandcopious appointments with healthcare professionals.

Butthetoughestpartforthemother-of-three was the grief that she was losing her daughter.

“I remember sitting in ward rounds next to Brooke and [she] was just a shell of [a] person,” Tamara said.

“A shell of the person that I had given birth to and brought up and, and loved and continued to love but she just wasn’t there anymore.

‘‘ I was shocked and devastated and felt like I had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner ’’ - Tamara Wilson

“Therewasalivinggriefthatcomes with it as a carer or as a parent, which is – and took a lot of time to accept –that this was going to be our life.”

While this reality may seem far flung from most Australians, it is a reality that is creeping its way into more and more lives. A recent report from the national eating disorder charity only supports this.

The Butterfly Foundation report released in February estimated 1.1 million Australians, or 4.5 per cent, are currently living with an eating disorder.

The report estimates 10.5 per cent of Australians will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. If there are nine other people near you, take a look around because statistically one of you will be affected.

For Tamara however, this was a circumstance she never thought would enter her life.

When Tamara noticed Brooke was losing a lot of weight quickly she took her to doctors, but after an unhelpful and dismissive appointment, Tamara said she started to do her own research.

“[I felt] more confused and more lost. [Brooke] continued to lose weight.

“I looked up eating disorders, and got an information page that I printed out and read. I then sat down with Brooke and said, ‘I think this is what we’re dealing with’.”

When talking about this timeline, Tamara admits she probably didn’t approach the conversation the best way and was “quite judgemental”.

Two days later Brooke was taken to the emergency department and admitted to hospital for the first time on what became a long journey.

“I was shocked and devastated and felt like I had neglected her, like that I should have seen all of this sooner.

“I honestly thought it would be a case of they’ll pop her on a drip, they’ll rehydrate her, they’ll put some food into her, and we’ll come home and it’ll all be better.

“Completely naive to the journey that we were on.”

Tamara runs Gisborne health promotion charity P.S. My Family Matters.

Tamara said Brooke still struggles with her weight but is thriving.

In the following years Brooke would go on to finish year 11 but not complete her final year of schooling.

“Shespentmoretimeinhospitalinherteens than she did at home. We had an ambulance at our house every week that she was home,” Tamara said.

Tamarawouldalsohavetoshutdownalarge portion of her business to care for Brooke, but thanks to the generosity of one client she was able to keep up with her mortgage.

“They paid for my mortgage for six months, they put a cleaner in my house for six months and they continue to employ me at the same rate.

“I don’t think I would have survived without that support.”

Fast forward to today, Brooke is a registered nurse and has an 11-month-old baby, and

“The pregnancy was particularly difficult for her. She still exercises and she has a very, very rigid routine around food and exercise but she lives a very normal life,”

Tamara said.

“I call her my little miracle. We treasure every second of life with her and celebrate all of our successes.”

While Tamara and Brooke’s experience with eating disorders can be rounded out to two people who are thriving, the same cannot be said for a growing number of Australians who are affected.

The Butterfly Foundation’s report is the second edition of ‘Paying the Price’ after the first edition in 2012, and reveals a 21 per cent increase in the number of people with eating disorders.

In 2023, there were 1273 deaths due to an eating disorder.

It also found 27 per cent of individuals with an eating disorder are aged 19 years or younger, an increase of 12 per cent since 2012.

Tamara said it’s appalling that it has taken more than a decade for another report of this kind to be published.

She said the thing that peaked her interest was that more people died from an eating disorder last year than the road toll, which was 1266 fatalities.

“There is so much put into saving people in the road toll and reducing that, yet eating disorders are neglected. I think it’s terrible.

“I support a lot of families within the Macedon Ranges and Sunbury that have children with eating disorders, and it’s so challenging, they don’t know where to go.”

Tamarasaidtheotherthingthatshenoticed from the report is that early intervention needs so much more attention.

“Trying to get that early intervention is really challenging because you can’t get the really good services until you’re critical.

“I have families that are waiting for admissions… [those affected] are skin and bone and the parents are just watching them die.

“It’s swept under the carpet and there still is a huge stigma – it is a mental illness, there is still stigma around mental health and mental illness.”

Education works hand-in-hand with early intervention, and Tamara said there needs to be education in schools and education to parents on how to model healthy eating behaviours.

If you or someone you know needs support with an eating disorder the Butterfly Foundation can be contacted on 1800 334 673, or via an online chat or email. Details: https:// butterfly.org.au/

Tamara Wilson, and left, Tamara looking at the recent report into eating disorders. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 396886

Museum full of rich history

When president of the Broadmeadows Historical Society Rob Peters took over the role last July, the club was on its last legs.

A world of work put in by a new wave of dedicated volunteers has kept the lights on in the Broadmeadows Museum, and they want to share their history with all.

On Saturday, May 18, the Broadmeadows Museum will have an open day. Here is just a glimpse of what you could see on the day.

Artefacts and memorabilia at the Broadmeadows musuem. The Museum is most proud of the Bureau Style Desk (pictured top right) that was presented to John Thomas Raw, the headmaster of the Broadmeadows State School as a mark of respect by his friends in the Broadmeadows district. (Pictures: Ljubica Vrankovic) 397278

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

Creative arts and fitness

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

■ 9309 8531

Craft and Conversation

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

■ humelibraries.vic.gov.au

Community lunch in Roxburgh Park

Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Turkish Women’s Association. The lunch will be held every Wednesday from 11.30am-1pm at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.

■ https://shorturl.at/cER26

Craigieburn Toastmasters

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

Tai chi for health

Come along to Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Roxburgh Park for a lesson in tai chi, a low impact exercise program to build strength. Everyone is welcome, every Monday from 10-11am.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Tai-Chi-for-Health-317365848797

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://www.hume.vic.gov.au/ Eventbrite/Homestead-WalkingGroup-493400784027

Phone connect program

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

■ 8301 8863

Yoga Yoga classes at Sunbury Neighbourhood House focus on supporting participants to slow down and move well. Special attention is given to mindful awareness of movement that builds strength in a healthy and safe way, Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of comedian Lisa Gatenby AKA ’Winni Wizard’. (Damjan Janevski) 399755_01

Education and community centre

Do you or someone you know need help learning English or understanding technology? Craigieburn Education and Community Centre is offering free beginner English and computer classes to eligible residents. Small, relaxed and friendly classes, drop in and say hello at 20 Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn.

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

Whittlesea Historical Society

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

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

Indigenous Community Gardens

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

■ Eva Mazzei, emmmazzei@gmail.com

Craigieburn Residents Association

Do you live in Craigieburn and wonder what’s happening re-roads and facilities, or have a concern you’d like to raise so it can be addressed? Go along to the Craigieburn Residents Association and tell them about it. The association liaises with Hume council, as well as state and federal government organisations to get the job done. They also give annual donations to a local charity each year. They meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Selwyn House, Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn

7.30pm.

■ craigieburnresidents@gmail,com, or 0401 369 311

Sunbury Art Society

The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday from 10am-3pm at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.

■ Ken, 0407 062 568 or Yvonne, 0429 994 828

Sunbury Art Society

The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday from 10am- 3pm at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.

■ Ken, 0407 062 568 or Yvonne, 0429 994 828

Neighbourhood Garden

Become part of Sunbury’s Neighbourhood Garden and grow edible and useful plants in a social group at Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury. All skill sets are welcome at working bees on the third Saturday of each month, 10am-12.30pm, February-November.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au or 9740 6978

Drop in Wednesdays

Free holiday drop-in groups for adults, including music and singalong, guitar, cuppa and craft afternoon will be happening on April 3 and 10 at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive Sunbury.

■ www.sunburyhouse.com.au

Take off weight naturally Struggling to lose weight? Struggling to get motivated? Want to try and do it in a friendly and less stressful atmosphere? Come and join TOWN (Take Off Weight Naturally) every Thursday at 9am at the Sunbury Neighbourhood House, 531 Elizabeth Drive, Sunbury.

■ Rhonda, 0409 740 924

House AGM

House AGM Members of Sunbury

Neighbourhood House are invited to attend a special general meeting at 6pm on April 22, to be held via Teams video link. The only item of business to be decided will be the passing of a special resolution to adopt a new set of rules of association for SNH.

■ rob@sunburyhouse.com.au

Health and wellbeing trail walk

The health and wellbeing walk will include yoga, a walk around Salesian lake and surprise treatment at the centre for wellbeing foundation. It will cost $95, and includes lunch, fresh juice and half hour treatment. Limited bookings available.

■ cfwellbeingfoundation@gmail.com or Sandra, 0411 100 947

Sunrise Social Groups

GenWest Sunrise Social Groups are currently seeking new members for their Melton, Brimbank and Wyndham programs. The free groups are organised by Genwest and provide a social space for women, gender diverse and nonbinary people, who have a disability, chronic health issues and/or mental health challenges.

■ https://genwest.org.au/what-we-do/ health-wellbeing-programs/

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.

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

All at Once win in total?

2 Established in 1839, which suburb is the oldest in Melbourne?

3 Who wrote and directed TheShawshankRedemption?

4 The meaningless repetition of spoken words or phrases is known by what term?

5 What is the national plant of Ireland?

6 Which country was the footwear company Crocs founded in?

7 Painter Frida Kahlo died in Mexico in what year?

8 Who wrote the poems Funeral Blues, TheAgeofAnxiety and AsIWalkedOutOneEvening?

9 Florence Welch (pictured) is the lead vocalist of which indie rock band?

10 What do tulips, daffodils, irises and hyacinths have in common?

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which Richmond player will miss a portion of the 2024 AFL season after sustaining a hamstring injury in a round three match?

2. After a recent contract extension, which surfing competition will continue to be held at Bells Beach until 2028?

3. What is the name of the NRL’s centralised in-game

4. This year, Jeff Dunne and Rachael Gunn will become the first Australians to compete in which sport at an Olympic level?

5. Who is the current Minister for Sport?

6. Is Mitchell Johnson a former fast bowler or spin bowler?

7. The Brisbane Bandits, Canberra Cavalry and Melbourne Aces all play in which sporting league?

How many balls are used in a game of snooker?

How tall is Chuanxing Liu, the tallest ever man to play in the NBL?

An injury common in tennis and volleyball players, adhesive capsulitis is also known by what other name?

11. Which English Premier League club famously won the premiership at long odds in 2015–16?

12. Before joining Port Adelaide, footballer Aliir Aliir played 64 games for which AFL club?

13. Which former Australian Test cricket wicketkeeper recently retired from the first-class format?

14. In which year did Australian cyclist Cadel Evans win the Tour de France?

15. Which Argentine soccer player won the 2023 Laureus Sportsman of the Year award?

16. How many majors did Australian golfer Greg Norman win in his career?

17. What is the nickname for the Australian women’s rugby league team?

18. What nationality is 2024 Australian Open tennis champion Jannik Sinner?

19. In which year was the Monaco Grand Prix motor race first held?

20. Cricketer Glenn Maxwell has scored how many T20 International centuries for Australia?

21. Which men's Under-18 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 Albert Schweitzer Tournament?

22. Tanzania-born teenager Nestory Irankunda plays for which A-League Men's club?

23. The foal of which champion racehorse sold for $10 million at the 2024 Inglis Australia Easter Yearling Sale?

24. Which women's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

25. Which men's 3x3 basketball team did Australia defeat to win the 2024 FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup?

26. Australian runner Oliver Hoare competes in which middle-distance event?

27. Welsh-born Australian rugby league footballer Keith Barnes was known by what nickname?

28. The Hawthorn and Geelong AFL match on Easter Monday was halted due to what weather event?

29. Briony Akle coaches which Super Netball team?

30. Broden Kelly, member of surrealist comedy group Aunty Donna, barracks for which AFL club?

Cadel Evans

Jannik Sinner 1904

8/10

Performance: 9/10

Safety: 7/10

Thirst: 5/10

Practicality: 6/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 7/10

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

One of the most popular pastimes in the world, Monopoly, and the Audi RS Q3 sports utility vehicle have much in common.

The board game deals with high finance and real estate, the SUV high performance motoring; both rely heavily on figures.

Thelatterhasjustaddedalotmoreofthelatter to the list with its RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years, as the suffix suggests with reference to its decade of success. Audi is making only 555 specials in celebration, with a ‘healthy number’ slated for Down Under.

“This edition pays great tribute to the best of SUV performance in the RS Q3 Sportback,” saysAudiAustraliadirectorJeffManning,who has no doubts about the sales success of the anniversary edition in this country.

“Australia as a market is so performance focused and I have no doubt that owners will enjoy exclusive RS touches in this special model,” he adds.

The RS Q3 Sportback 10 Years is based on the storied RS Q3 with a raft of unique features inside and out, not least the award winning 2.5 TFSI turbocharged five-cylinder motor, producing an unrivalled bass note.

Inkeepingwiththisisanexclusivecollection of accoutrements such as black 21-inch alloy wheels, matching Audi badging and brake callipers, plus race-inspired front bucket seats with contrasting copper honeycomb stitching.

TheRSQ3SportbackEdition10Yearscomes with Audi’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus 12-year manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion. Owners also receive membership during the warranty period to the Audi Experience with access to exclusive events, Ambassador experiences and premium partner offers.

Styling Stand-out exclusive colours are Dew Silver matt or metallic Chronos Grey, the latter providing a strong base for darkened matrix LED headlamps, with dynamic turn indicators and matching wing mirror housings. A glossy black roof frame, window rims, and doortrimpointthewaytocopycatfrontspoiler blades and diffuser insert. The Audi four rings

clingtothesingleframeradiatorgrilleandrear together with the model lettering.

Interior Race-style front bucket seats have a lot going for them – big bolsters for snug lateral support (handy on dramatic direction changes) and covered in leather and Dinamica, black with contrasting copper coloured honeycomb stitching and backrest in matt carbon.

Here’s the bad news: while both seats are heated,theyarereducedtomanualadjustment; nopowerhere.Thisisnotwhatwehavebecome used to in a $100,000 car.

Never mind, the RS sport steering wheel makes up for the absence, being clothed in sexy suede-style Alcantara with copper stitching, which is repeated in the gear lever gaiter. Ambient LED lighting adds the finishing touches to the luxe surroundings.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Saying the car is a five-seater is stretching things; the rear is short on width. The boot will take 530 litres of cargo with the 60:40 rear seat backs up, expanding to 1400 litres with them folded. An electric tailgate includes gesture control.

TheRSQ3EditionTenYearsleavesitsunique signature with illuminated door sill trims and a red 3-D diamond projected onto the ground when the door is opened.

Infotainment

The set-up features MMI navigation through a 10.1-inch touch screen, Audi Connect Plus, Audi phone box light and wireless smartphone charging.

There are two USB-C power outlets up front, along with a 12V plug down by twin cup holders.

Audi virtual cockpit plus with a 12.3-inch display can be configured to present the driver with several layers of easily accessible information to maximise the driving experience, or not.

Engines/transmissions

The award winning TFSI five-cylinder engine pumps out 294 kW of power, 17 per cent more than the previous RS Q3 motor. Maximum torque of 480 Nm, on tap between 1950 and 5850 rpm runs the quattro permanent all-wheel drive via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission.

Safety

ANCAP safety is not rated, as is the case with many sports specials. However, there is no skimping on active safety, with adaptive cruise assist with Stop&Go function, Audi pre-sense front with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.

The 360-degree cameras, plus rear and front parking alarms instil confidence when faced with crowded car parks.

Driving

AndsototheAudiRSQ3SportbackEdition10 Years figures. The Car can hit 100km/h from standstill in 4.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h. Audi claims fuel consumption of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined urban/highway cycle.

Thetestcarrecordedjustover10litresper100 kilometres in city stop/start motoring and 6.4 litresper100kilometresonamainlymotorway run. That apart, it’s the accompanying exhaust note that really takes the cake.

The odd number of cylinders with their unique firing order of 1-2-4-5-3 deliver a deep sonorous sound via twin barrels with exhaust flap control and gloss black oval tailpipe trims.

The RS sport suspension with adaptive dampers has the car on best behaviour around city streets but still gets a grip when things are set loose on fast bends or sharp corners.

Bits to play with include driving modes, powertrain monitoring and performance tracking.

Positive steering is backed up by Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system, while braking has the heft to pull up the vehicle with the assurance the driver demands of a high-performance sports car.

Summary

TheanniversaryRSQ3isavailableinSportback only, the SUV not given a guernsey, which is how it should be. Buyers will have to be quick to join the celebrations.

Audi is making only 555 Audi RS Q3 Sportback Edition 10 Years vehicles. (Pictures: Supplied)

Rivergum’s Altis wins the Bill McFarlane Medal

It was a bittersweet moment for Rivergum’s Corey Altis claiming the North Metro Cricket Association Bill McFarlane Medal.

Altis was crowned the NMCA’s best player at the recent awards ceremony, winning the McFarlane Medal which recognises the best player in the Jika Shield.

Altis said it was a pretty special moment to receive that honour.

“It’s very satisfying,” he said. “Obviously there were a couple of us up there competing for it, Jarrod Bannister, Jack McSwain and Matt Perri.

“We all had pretty good seasons.

“In a personal respect it was nice to get the personal achievement, but not going on and playing in the grand final was a big disappointment.”

Bannister and Perri, weren’t at the awards night, but Altis said it was still pretty rowdy with a few players collecting awards from other grades.

Altis said he thought personally he had a good season. Altis finished with 435 at and average of 48.33 while also taking 18 wickets.

“I moved to the top of the order in the batting, especially the one day stuff,” he said. “Matt allowed me to play my game and play aggressively.

“I then got on a bit of a roll with the ball.”

AltiscontinuesagrowingclubattheKookas to have claimed the top honour.

Since the 2018-19 season, Perri has won the medal three times, Bannister has won one and now Altis joins them.

Both Bannister and Perri were named in the team of the year alongside Altis this season. Altis said it was a fair effort to have three players from the one team claim the top order.

While happy with the medal, Altis and the rest of the Kookas are keen on getting some redemption.

After playing off in 11 straight Jika Shield grand finals, the Kookas have missed the last

two despite finishing in the top two after the regular season on both occasions.

“We’ve been in the mix the last couple of seasons and had a good chance,” he said.

“Last season we just fell short in the preliminary final by one wicket.

“In the first semi this year we didn’t make enough runs and then it was a close game going out against Camrea.

We didn’t get the start that we would have liked. We didn’t make the required runs. It was a disappointing day.”

Altis said the group was keen to come back next season and seek redemption and hinted there could be a couple of players who didn’t play this season that could be looking at returning

“We want to make finals and win them,” he said. “Our teams Rivergum has won a few and it was a bitter feeling not making the grand final.

Tara Murray

Mernda celebrate a win

By Tara Murray

An injury riddled Mernda is on the board in the Northern Football League division 3 season.

Last season’s runners-up have been hit hard by injuries early on with about 10 players from their best side out injured.

With some more injuries on Saturday, getting wins on the board without a full side is important for the Demons.

Demons coach Robert Fletcher said it was nice to get a win on the board.

“We played really well the first week, but we weren’t able to get the win,” he said. “We have a lot of people out at the moment.

“We lacked that little bit of experience in round one. We should get most of the guys back over the next eight to nine weeks.

“Some others are getting opportunities and getting to play in different positions and we just go from there.”

On Saturday, the Demons faced Heidelberg West.

After what Fletcher described as a ‘terrible’

start, the Demons were able to steady and come away with a 17.13 (115)-10.9 (69).

“Heidelberg came to play,” Fletcher said. “They were up in our faces and they were good with their pressure.

“After quarter time we responded really well.”

Travis Keating and Bryce Kimuliatis kicked five goals each for the Demons.

Fletcher said Josh Mazzarella and Jesse Guelfo were good along with the two main goal kickers.

Fletcher said the arrival of Keating from Craigieburn would help them up forward.

Other key recruits, Jake Bennett and Brent Marshall missed the game. Fletcher said Marshall would likely return about round eight.

He said with the outs they just need to keep getting wins on the board as they push for a second straight grand final.

He said there was plenty of motivation among the group following the grand final defeat last year.

“We understand that it is a long season,”

Thomastown seeking a new coach

Thomastown is seeking a refresh as it aimstoturnthingsaroundonthefieldin the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

Thomastown missed the finals the last two seasons in the Mash Shield, with a number of close matches not going its way.

The club is now seeking a new coach to help guide it into the future.

President Jordan Cugnetto said a lot was going right off field and they wanted to continue that on field.

“We need to refresh,” he said. “We’ve had a few guys there for a few years and we don’t want to get stale.

There’s a blank canvas and for anyone new coming in, the world is their oyster. We’vefinishedinfifthspotthelastcouple of years [sixth, but equal on points with fifth this season].

“We lost a couple of games by 10 runs. We’re not that far away.”

Cugnetto said while they preferred a playing coach, he said they were open to all options and would love to pick up some players as well.

“We want an experienced coach to help develop the playing group,” he said..

“Cricket knowledge is important. Playing coach maybe, maybe not, I’m open to having conversations with everyone.

he said. “We need to do the right things now to have the opportunity to redeem ourselves later in the season.”

The Demons face Reservoir in round three. The Mustangs are yet to win a game.

In other matches, Old Paradians’ start to life in the NFL has continued on a winning note, beating fellow new side, Ivanhoe.

It was tough going under lights, with the Paradians winning, 6.6 (42)-5.8 (38). Marcus Nolan kicked three goals for the Paradians, while Sam Gilmore and Jack Nicolo were named among the best with Nolan.

Epping fell just short of a second straight win, losing to the Old Eltham Collegians, 11.8 (74)-9.18 (72).

The Pingers kicked 2.6 in the final quarter.

Lalor remains without a win, losing to the Fitzroy Stars, 15.15 (105)-6.2 (38).

In division 2, Whittlesea made it two from two against St Mary’s, Laurimar lost a thriller against Lower Plenty, South Morang beat Watsonia and Thomastown lost to Diamond Creek.

“We want a coach first, player second. If we can get a coach to bring along some good players, that would be good for the growth of the club.

Cugnetto said a new coaching set up would see them tinker with what they do on field, while adding some depth across the grades.

He said off field things were strong having bounced back after COVID-19. The club, which was formed in 1956, has brand new state of the art facilities at Thomastown.

They’ve had a women’s side for the past two seasons, along with one junior side to go with their three men’s sides.

Cugnetto said both women’s cricket and juniors were something that the club wanted to grow, as well as looking at another men’s side.

“There’s so much opportunity within the club, for someone already there or some new to come in and start afresh” he said.

“It’s a blank canvas and we’re looking to rise up the ranks like any club.”

Corey Altis (Supplied)

Mernda got its first win of the season. (NWM Sports)

Marth steps in as coach at Whittlesea United

New Whittlesea United coach Andrew Marth’s break from coaching didn’t last long.

Having coached for more than 30 years, Marth was having a break after departing for FV state league 1 north-west side, Brimbank Stallions at the end of last season.

But when Whittlesea United came calling, Marth couldn’t say no to getting back into coaching.

Marth steps in following Andy O’Dell and assistant Craig Platt stepping down from their posts. O’Dell recently had surgery and would have missed the majority of the first half of the season.

“They looked to sign me at the start of the season but I wanted to have a bit of a break and have some family time,” Marth said.

“They called on Thursday if I would be keen. I had my first session last night [Tuesday] and I’m looking forward to facing Corio.”

Marth said while he would miss having his weekends free, he had missed coaching and being involved in the club environment.

Marth isn’t a complete stranger to Whittlesea United having coached against them in recent years.

“I’ve coached a couple of players at my previous club,” Marth said. “I know what the couple is about and I know where they want

to be, at the top end and get promoted. “It will be difficult but they have a pretty good team.”

Marth said he would like to add a couple more players to bolster the squad.

He takes over a side that is undefeated, with

Jets starting to believe

By Tara Murray

Greenvale coach Darren Bewick can see the belief starting to grow in his group ahead of the Essendon District Football League premier division.

The Jets were the big improver last season, finishing in fifth spot and a game outside the top four.

Now with another pre-season under their belt, Bewick said the group is keen to take that next step.

“There is more belief,” he said. “It was really difficult for the players to understand last season that they can do it.

“We’re turning on the right path and our pre-season has been really good with what we want to try and do.

“They’ve got another year together. We weren’t far off, what cost us was a little bit of inconsistency during the year.”

Bewick said the pre-season had been a strong one and they had tweaked a few things in their game plan,

He said there had been a few players in rehab for injuries, but they were set to be ready for round one.

The core group has returned for the Jets, but they have lost some experience in Fort and Nate Caruso, and Addam Maric all departing.

“We have lost a fair bit of experience,” Bewick said. “We’ve bought in a few guys and there will be some young blokes that might come in and get some more opportunities.

“The boys we’ve recruited are more than capable that haven’t been as experienced in senior football that we see playing a role.”

RayMurphy,whoisonWerribee’sVictorian Football League list, has joined the club and will play between those commitments.

Will Madden, who is on Essendon VFL list, is another who has joined the club.

Josh Porter, who joined the club last season, has committed full time having decided not to play VFL this season.

“He played four or five games for us last season,” Bewick said.” He is going to be a real problem for opposition offences.

“He’s taken on a leadership role and we’re excited to see what he can do full time.”

Bewick highlighted Jason Kenneth and Jett Ladewig as a couple of players that he expected to see improve again and there would be a group of under-18s that would be really pushing for spots in the back half of the season.

“There is more competition for spots than there has been,” Bewick said.

“We’re hoping to win a few more games and put ourselves amongst it.”

The Jets kicked off their season on Saturday against Avondale Heights.

While playing on their home deck, the Jets had a real fight on their hand.

The Jets led at each of the three breaks, before Avondale kicked three goals to none in

Whittlesea beating his old side the Stallions the week before.

Marth said he was looking forward to the Corio game.

“They have been my boogie team,” he said beforehand.. “It will be a baptism of fire.

“Nothing less than three points is what I want.”

It proved to be exactly that, with the match ending in a 2-2 draw.

Marcus Day and Lewis Shannon were the goal scorers for Whittlesea.

In other state league 1 matches, Upfield lost 3-1 to Westgate on Friday night.

Jonatan Fernandez was the goal scorer for Upfield.

After three rounds, Whittlesea United sits in fourth spot, while Upfield is in 10th spot.

In state league 2 north-west Whittlesea Ranges and Mill Park had a 2-2 draw, while Hume United beat Uni Hill Eagles 2-1 and Lalor United was too strong for Craigieburn City, winning 5-2.

Mill Park sits in second and Lalor United in third spot, while Hume United is in fifth.

Tara Murray

Magpies hold on with a goal

Roxburgh Park opened its account with a narrow win against Keilor Park in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition on Saturday.

Having both suffered losses on Good Friday, Saturday’s match was a good test of where they were at.

The Magpies led at quarter time before extending the margin to 17 points at half time. The margin got out to 22 points at the last break, before the Devils started to come.

The Magpies kicked just one goal in the final quarter and it proved to be the deciding goal, winning 11.9 (75)-10.10 (70).

Teronne Potter and Tylar Sorrentino kicked two goals each for the Magpies. Zane Terranova and Ryan Micallef were named their best.

The Magpies join Craigieburn on one win, after the Eagles lost to Hillside on Saturday. Both teams had wins on Good Friday and were looking to remain undefeated.

The Sharks jumped out of the blocks and led by 23 points at quarter time.

The Eagles kept in touch in the middle two quarters to be in the game heading into the final quarter.

The Sharks kicked four goals to three in the final term to seal an 11.12 (78)-8.9 (57) win.

Riley Gaylard kicked three goals for the Eagles, with Jamie Gorgievski named their best.

Tullamarine had a bye.

In division 2, Westmeadows had a big win against East Sunbury to start its season.

The Tigers, who were relegated in the off season, jumped out of the blocks and led by 40 points at quarter time.

the final quarter to snatch a, 9.9 (63)-7.9 (51) win.

Ben Speight was the only multiple goal kicker for the Jets with two.

Jonathan Keratianos, William Madden and Dylan Aridas were named their best.

The Jets face Deer Park on Saturday in round two.

While the Thunder won the second quarter, it was all the Tigers in the second half on the way to a 26.17 (171)-4.7 (31) win.

Rex Hickman kicked six goals, while Aaron Evans got five and Korey Flavel-Wood and Ryan Stingel kicked four each.

Andrew Marth. (Supplied)

Ryan Townsend (Jacob Pattison)330731_02

Thompson tops off season with Gleeson medal

Bundoora United gun Joel Thompson has won best and fairest medals before, but winning this season’s John Gleeson Medal is the most special one.

Thompson was awarded the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s Money Shield best and fairest medal at the annual awards ceremony earlier this month.

He finished the season with 709 runs at an averageof59tofinishwith17votestoclaimhis second John Gleeson Medal.

Thompson said it was pretty special to win the medal again.

“It was a good reward for all the hard work,” he said. “Without the other guys making my job easier, I couldn’t have the ability to do what I do.

“Scott [Barnett] finished in second as well, it’s not just one guy doing one thing.

“The others are stepping up which was nice

to see.”

The first 11 rounds of voting were released in the lead up to the night, with Thompson sitting equal top on 15 votes with Montmorency’s Andrew Bennett.

Thompson said his phone started going off at that point saying that he had a good chance to take it out. Thompson hurt his ankle in round 11 and then missed a game. He played the next two and put himself down the order to take the load off as he recovered.

He made 60 odd in the final round to poll two votes to claim the medal.

The medal caps off a brilliant season for Thompson and the Bulldogs, who won the Money Shield title.

Thompson, who captained the Bulldogs, said that was the most special thing about this season. He said the medal was about everyone, not just him.

“Winning a flag with my best mates means so much more,” he said.

“I look back at all the hard work I’ve put in during my career, it makes it worthwhile.

“I won one in the NMCA [competition medal] and in the top three a few times, but hadn’t been successful with the team.

“It means so much more for me to win it in a premiership year.”

Thompson was also named captain of the Money Shield team of the year. Barnett was also named in that team. In the Barclay Shield, Macleod’s Tim Wise won his second Ray Christesen Medal, finishing 12 votes clear.

Epping’s Tom Emmins was named in the Barclay Shield team of the year.

South Morang’s Karl Heckmann won the Duckworth-Turner Medal in the Mash Shield.

Broncos’ strong start

By Tara Murray

Hume City Broncos made it two from two and celebrated coach Carey Papanicolaou’s 500th Big V game as coach in style in the women’s championship on Saturday night.

The Broncos hosted the Sunbury Jets in the local rivalry match and were able to come away with a solid 83-74 win.

Papanicolaou said they’d had a really good start to the season.

“I’vebeenreallyhappywiththewaythegirls are going,” he said. “It was a performance.

“We started really well. We started slow last week and we wanted to improve on that.

“Sunbury is a quality team and has some good players. We kept going and found a way to win.”

The Broncos led by 13 points at quarter before the Jets slowly decreased the lead in the next two quarter to reduce the margin to seven points at the final break.

The Broncos were able to steady in the final quarter to seal the win.

Samantha Labro top scored with 20 points coming off the bench, while Taylor Edwards (16 points) and Tashia Overby (15 points) also scored double figures.

Papanicolaou said it was a really strong performance across the board.

“Taylor was good and Sam was on a hot streak for a while,” he said. “Tash, Tegan [Hindle]... It was a whole team effort.”

For Papanicolaou, he said he was more worried about getting the win than marking his 500th game.

While in his first season at the Broncos, he has coached at Coburg, Altona, Whittlesea, Wallan and Keilor, across both men’s and women’s programs.

“It is a nice achievement looking at it,” he said. “I’ve been coaching since 1999.

“It’s a big commitment. I’ve only missed three or four games as I’ve been away and missed three or four training sessions.”

Papanicolaou said they were really happy with the state considering it was a slow start to the pre-season with availability and injuries. He said it had been better in recent weeks.

“We’re getting there,” he said. “We’ve done a lot of hard work and there’s still a lot of room for improvement.”

While undefeated, the Broncos have a challenge ahead of them this weekend with a double header against last season’s grand finalists, Wyndham and the Bulleen Boomers.

“It’s going to be a test for us,” Papanicolaou said. “We’ll see how we go.”

The Broncos men got their first win of the championship season on Saturday night.

Facing the Keysborough Cougars, the

Broncos built into the game.

Scores were level at quarter time before the Broncos won the next two quarters to lead by 13 points at the final break.

With the match in their hands, the Broncos rotated their side and continued to pile on the

Sports shorts

VTCA

Craigieburn has locked in a new coach for the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season. Sean Bathman has signed on as playing coach for the next two seasons. Bathman an extensive career in coaching with clubs in the VTCA, North Metro, Diamond Valley, and Mid-Winter cricket associations and played at Victorian Premier Cricket level. Meanwhile Eagles captain Josh Eaton has made the switch to Yarraville Club for the next two seasons.

NPL

Hume City had to settle for a draw against Dandenong City on Saturday night in the National Premier League. Hume was back at home and the going was tough. Neither team were able to score resulting in a 0-0 draw. Hume sits fourth on the table. This week Hume faces Manningham United Blues on Saturday night.

Big V

The Whittlesea Pacers weren’t able to match it with the RMIT Redbacks in the Big V men’s division 1 competition on Saturday. After two wins last weekend, the Pacers were made to pay for a poor second quarter in the 112-99 loss. Meekness Payne scored a massive 39 points while also picking up 15 rebounds. Despite the loss, The loss was the Pacers first of the season. Whittlesea sits second on the ladder, only behind the Redbacks.

NFL

Bundoora had a tough start to its Northern Football League division 1 season on Saturday. Facing Montmorency, the Bulls trailed at every break in the 11.16 (82)-9.6 (6) loss. Daniel Younan kicked six goals for the Bulls, while Zane Barker, Lachlan East and Jesse King were named their best in Heath Scotland’s debut at Bulls coach. The Bulls host Greensborough this Saturday in round two action.

points to win 91-65.

Scott Stone top scored with 25 for the Broncos, while also having nine points and four assists.

The Broncos face the Blackburn Vikings in round three.

Tara Murray Joel Thompson (Monty Studio/DVCA)

Taylor Edwards (Ljubica Vrankovic)