NOVEMBER 28, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
(Joe Mastroianni)
O come all ye faithful It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in Craigieburn. Hume council is set to host its annual Carols by Candlelight at Craigieburn’s Anzac Park this Saturday. The festive event is returning to Craigieburn after the success of last year’s carols, when tens of thousands of people flocked to the event. This year’s carols will be hosted by singer and stage performer Rob Mills. There will also be a visit from children’s television characters Hoot and Hootabelle and, of course, Santa. Local schools, dance groups and choirs are set to perform, alongside the Divine Divas of Sunbury and Naturally Cool Big Band. The family fun kicks off at 5pm with a jumping castle, face-painting, food trucks and market stalls, with the carols starting at 7pm. The event will conclude with a fireworks show at 9.20pm. Details: www.hume.vic.gov.au ZOE, MATILDA AND LACY
Laura Michell
Fatal drives safety push By Laura Michell A dangerous Thomastown intersection that was the site of a fatal accident in August is in need of urgent safety works, according to a Whittlesea councillor. An 18-year-old man was killed at the intersection of Spencer Street and Dalton Road on August 15, after the car he was a passenger in collided with another car turning right into Spencer Street. A teenager was taken to hospital with suspected spinal injuries, while a man was taken to hospital with suspected abdominal
injuries and a broken arm. A second man was also taken to hospital with a suspected broken arm. A councillor is calling on VicRoads to improve safety at the intersection as cars struggle to turn right onto Spencer Street safely. Cr Mary Lalios, who raised the issue, said she had been contacted by two owners of businesses in Spencer Street asking for a keep clear zone to be installed at the intersection. She said the intersection and Spencer Street have been plagued by accidents and near misses for almost 10 years. “Businesses have been advocating since 2009
for it to be fixed,” Cr Lalios said. “Cars can’t turn in and out of Spencer Street in a timely manner. “We sadly had a fatality there earlier this year so it is obvious that we need to advocate to VicRoads to improve road safety.” Cr Lalios said there were also problems with congestion and parking shortages on Spencer Street that were adding to safety concerns. The street is used by about 4000 vehicles each day. “I have been sent a video of a truck nearly collecting cars as it turns into Spencer Street. Businesses tell me it happens nearly every day,” Cr Lalios said.
“Trucks don’t have enough room to go down Spencer Street without breaking mirrors.” Cr Lalios called on the council to widen the street and create indented parking bays. However, her request was knocked backed by her colleagues, with councillors instead voting to ensure people are parking in the correct spots along the street. Cr Lawrie Cox said the council could create more space on Spencer Street by reminding businesses to park cars in assigned bays instead of on nature strips. He said that currently, many businesses were using their parking bays to store derelict and unregistered vehicles. Your Volkswagen Partner
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Four intersections tagged to go By Laura Michell Four of the north’s most congested intersections will be removed and replaced with underpasses if the Liberal Party wins next year’s state election. Last week, Opposition Leader Matthew Guy unveiled plans to remove more than 50 of Melbourne’s most congested intersections by replacing traffic lights and roundabouts with grade separations. Under the proposal, three intersections in Hume and one in Whittlesea will be removed. Close to 77 per cent of residents in both municipalities commute to work by car.
Gladstone Park’s Mickleham and Broadmeadows roads roundabout was included in the plan, as well as the intersection of Sydney Road and Cooper Street in Somerton, and Sydney and Mahoneys roads in Campbellfield. The intersection of Plenty and McDonalds roads in South Morang was also earmarked for removal. Mr Guy said the plan would cost between $4.1 -$5.3 billion. The intersections will be removed by the state government’s Level Crossing Removal Authority, which will be renamed the Intersection Removal Authority. Mr Guy said 30 of the intersections would
be removed within the first four years in government, with the remaining 25 to be removed in the following term. He said the preference was for lights and roundabouts to be replaced with underpasses, however community and councils will have a say in determining the final designs. “Removing these suburban congestion hotspots will make our roads safer and keep traffic flowing, which means less time spent sitting in gridlock and more time at home with family and friends,” Mr Guy said. “It also means people like tradies, couriers and salespeople who use the roads to get between jobs will be able to do so more quickly.
That’s good for business and good for jobs.” Hume council sustainable infrastructure and services Peter Waite said the council needed more information before it could support the plan. “We would need to consider how the proposed works to modify these intersections would impact local homes, businesses, pedestrians and cyclists,” he said. “We would also need clear evidence that grade separation is the right answer, and whether it would be cost effective.” Mr Waite said the council would like both parties to commit to the duplications of Craigieburn, Mickleham, Somerton and Sunbury roads to reduce congestion.
Festival to return to Lalor The Whittlesea Community Festival is on the move – again. After voting in August to relocate the festival from Lalor’s Whittlesea Public Gardens to the civic centre in South Morang, councillors last week voted to move it back to the gardens from 2019. Next year’s festival will be held at the civic centre, with councillors deciding it would be challenging to move it now. The decision to relocate the festival from Lalor angered many in the community, with many saying residents had not been consulted about the change. The festival is Whittlesea’s biggest community event and has been held at the gardens for 20 years. In an item of urgent business at last week’s council meeting, Cr Lawrie Cox urged his colleagues to return the festival to Lalor. “The move has failed a basic test of fairness to ensure that festivals and events are spread throughout the whole of the Whittlesea municipality,” he said. “[The festival] is the only major event within the western side but also in the original developed areas of Lalor and Thomastown.” Cr Cox said if he had his way, next year’s festival would be moved back to Lalor. However officers had advised that contracts had already been signed for the 2018 event at the civic centre. Mayor Kris Pavlidis, who earlier this year accused the council of failing “due diligence” by moving the event, said Cr Cox’s proposal was a win for the community.
Christmas cheer Whittlesea residents are being urged to lend a hand to help families in need by donating to Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network Christmas appeal. The annual appeal collects non-perishable food, nappies, wipes and toiletries to donate to families across the municipality who are feeling the pinch ahead of the festive season. Whittlesea Community Connections (WCC), which runs the appeal on behalf of the network, will pass the donations on to the municipality’s emergency relief providers to distribute. WCC emergency relief co-ordinator Katie O’Brien said a recent Whittlesea council survey found that 12 per cent of households reported they had run out of food and couldn’t afford to buy more at least once in the past 12 months. “This food drive will directly assist families to put food on their table,” she said. “Every year we see an increase in families needing support.” Donations can be made at WCC, shop 111 Pacific Epping, until December 8. Details: 9401 6666 Laura Michell
Laura Michell
Katie O’Brien with some of the donations. (Damjan Janevski)
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Fun times change at Funfields By Laura Michell Funfields has been given the green light to increase its visitor numbers, but the amusement park will now close its doors at 6pm instead of at sunset. Last week, councillors voted to allow the Whittlesea fun park to amend its permit to allow 4600 people, plus season pass holders, to visit it at any one time. Funfields’ original permit – which was issued in 1984 – capped visitor numbers at 450. Manager John Verga applied to change
‘‘
It is a fun park and it is called Funfields for a - Mary Lalios reason
’’
the permit as visitor numbers were regularly exceeding the permitted level. The application attracted 10 objections, with nearby residents concerned about increased traffic on Plenty Road and Funfields’ ability
to provide parking for so many people. The application also sought to change the opening hours to maintain a consistent closing time across the year, and permission to use a public announcement system for emergency information and “reasonable levels” of background music. Residents also raised concerns about the use of a PA system, fearing it would increase noise from the park. Cr Ricky Kirkham said he understood residents’ concerns but it was important the council supported the application because
Funfields was a significant contributor to the Whittlesea economy. “I think we need to support this enterprise as it is a big employer and a very good corporate citizen,” he said. “The park has been there quite a long time and we have to respect it.” Cr Mary Lalios said allowing the park to play background music made sense. “It is a fun park and it is called Funfields for a reason,” she said. “It is great that we have such a great facility in the City of Whittlesea.”
Early intervention a key A new autism clinic is aiming to prevent Hume parents waiting more than 12 months to have their children assessed. The Dianella Health Autism Assessment Clinic opened in Broadmeadows last week, making it easier for parents to seek help and support for their children. Dianella Health chief executive Neil Cowen said the health service opened the clinic because it was concerned by the length of assessment waiting lists and the toll they took on families. “Our team have over 30 years professional experience within the autism sector. Many of them have lived experience, knowing the difficulties of not receiving an answer or waiting on assessment wait lists for over 12 months,” he said. “By that time, parents are exhausted emotionally and physically.” “Statistics show early intervention can help
people with autism live full lives.” The clinic has been designed to assess children aged three to seven, with assessments done over three weeks. Families will receive a report and referrals if needed. The clinic is at 42 Coleraine Street, Broadmeadows. Details: www.dianella.org.au Laura Michell
Team leader Ritta Assaad (front) with Autism assessment team members Sharon, Kate, Rhenu, Francesca and Debu. (Shawn Smits)
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Police are appealing for information about a robbery in Thomastown. Five men were in a Toyota sedan in Bendigo Crescent about 1.20am on November 22, when a Holden Commodore pulled up beside them. The Commodore driver produced a firearm, and the five men drove away. The offenders followed the Toyota to Yuonga Court and demanded the men hand over their mobile phones and wallets. Two men then produced a knife, and the five men from the Toyota ran away. Emergency services were called to Edgars Road a short time later and found a man with stab wounds. The man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital. Contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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Year 9 students at Ilim College in Dallas have raised more than $13,000 to help build four wells in developing countries. The 100 students have spent the past seven weeks collecting donations from local businesses such as Coles, Woolworths and Aldi, as well as running sausage sizzles and bake sales. The $13,200 they have raised will be donated to Campbellfield-based charity Hasene to use to build wells, costing $3300 each, in Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Kenya. Selin, who was one of the students leading the project, said it had helped increase student awareness of the importance of helping others. “Being able to help other people makes us
feel proud of ourselves,” he said. “We know that we are helping out those in need.” Fellow student Zuleyha hopes the fundraiser will encourage the school’s younger students to do community work. She said the students had placed themselves out of their comfort zones by asking businesses for donations. Campus principal Zeyneb Sertel said the fundraiser had taught the students to help those in need. “It is important for them to learn to give back to the community at this age and to understand the conditions in other countries,” she said. Laura Michell
Whittlesea community groups can apply for the council’s new and emerging group grants which help new not-for-profit groups who have been meeting for at least six months to get off the ground. Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
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Hume residents can dispose of white goods, electronic items, mattresses, tyres and couches for free on Saturday at the Campbellfield and Sunbury resource recovery centres between 8am-4pm. Details:www.hume.vic.gov.au FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @nstarweekly @star_weekly
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Waste works power up By Laura Michell A Wollert food waste recycling plant is generating enough energy each hour to power 1500 homes. Yarra Valley Water’s ReWaste facility, which turns food waste into energy, has been operating next to its Aurora treatment plant in Wollert for almost six months. The plant is the first of its kind in Victoria and the only ReWaste facility in Australia to be associated with a water company. The facility can produce one megawatt per hour, which according to manager Damien Bassett is enough power for 1500 homes. It is licensed to process 33,000 tones of waste each year. Mr Bassett said that since June, the facility had processed 6000 tones of waste to generate 11000 megawatt hours of electricity. “Even with small volumes of waste, there is significant electricity generated,” he said. The facility takes in food waste from local cafes and restaurants, large supermarket chains and Epping’s fruit and vegetable market. It also accepts waste from meat processing facilities and liquids such as grease and expired dairy products. Trucks arriving at the plant are weighed and allocated to bays to unload their waste. Staff then sort the waste before it is processed through hoppers and fed into two tanks. Mr Bassett said the tanks were like having “two stomachs”. Each tank holds 3.5 megalitres. When the methane gas in each tank reaches a certain point, it is transferred to engines. “We produce enough energy to take this facility and the treatment plant next door off the grid,” Mr Bassett said, “We are sending close to 70 per cent of our energy back to the grid.”
Clockwise from top: Damien Bassett; one of the twin V12 motors; operations manager James Downs adjusts the water bearing valves. (Pictures: Joe Mastroianni)
Yarra Valley Water has been planning for the facility since 2011, when the drought forced it to consider ways to reduce its water costs. The company was recently recognised for its innovation, winning the Banksia Sustainability Award for leadership in the circular economy award. The Banksia Sustainability Awards,
are regarded as the most prestigious and longest-running sustainability awards in Australia. The category recognises approaches that allow the economy to develop. Mr Bassett said the award was good recognition for those who spent six years working on the project.
NEWS
Plea to end family violence Whittlesea council is stepping up its campaign to increase awareness of family violence, with police statistics revealing the city has the highest rate of family violence in the region. Data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows that in 2016-17, 3057 reports of family violence were reported to police – up 6.6 per cent from 2015-16. The figure is the highest in the north-west metropolitan region and the third highest in Victoria behind Casey and Geelong. Speaking ahead of White Ribbon Day last Sunday, mayor Kris Pavlidis said Whittlesea’s family violence problem is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. “We wanted to use this time to raise awareness in our community and to send the message that violence is never OK,” she said. “We want our community to know there is support available if you are experiencing family violence or indeed if you are concerned about your own use of violence.” Deputy mayor Emilia-Lisa Sterjova said data showed there was a higher chance of someone being a victim of family violence than a random act of violence. Anyone in need of help is urged to contact Berry Street Northern Family and Domestic Violence service on 9450 4700, Safe Steps on 1800 015 188 or the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491. Laura Michell
7 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ NOVEMBER 28, 2017
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Upgrade rids schools of asbestos By Laura Michell Old asbestos-filled buildings will be removed at two Whittlesea primary schools as part of a state government program to improve school safety. The government is set to spend $2.84 million at Lalor North Primary School and $2.1 million at Thomastown East Primary School to replace the buildings. Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said the schools would receive new modular
buildings as part of the government’s Asbestos Removal Program. The $155 million program will demolish school buildings that contain asbestos and replace them with permanent buildings. The program follows an audit of 11,712 government schools, which found 497 had buildings containing high-risk asbestos. The two Whittlesea schools will work with the Victorian School Building Authority in coming weeks to allow the work to take place. The new buildings will be built off-site and
delivered to the schools so teaching is not interrupted and on-site safety risks are reduced. “I can’t wait for these much-needed upgrades to Lalor North Primary School and Thomastown Primary School,” Ms Halfpenny said. “Using modular buildings increases flexibility for schools and reduces the interruptions to students, staff and teaching programs.” The government is also set to upgrade the buildings at two Craigieburn schools, with Yuroke MP Ros Spence saying the government
had recently awarded construction contracts for works at Craigieburn South Primary School and Craigieburn Secondary College. The works, which will cost $522,000, will include maintenance works across the two schools. “As our community grows, we’re acquiring land for future schools, building new facilities and supporting our great local schools,” Ms Spence said. “This investment will help make sure that local school facilities meet the needs of students and families in Craigieburn.”
Coffee to go at Chancez For Michael Otto, working at Araluen’s Chancez cafe at the Mill Park library provides an opportunity to meet new people. Mr Otto is one of Araluen’s trainees who has been given the chance to work at the new cafe, which was set up with the help of the disability support service, Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) and Bunnings. “I like learning work skills at Chancez at Mill library because people here are patient and like to have a talk,” Mr Otto said. “I like making cappuccinos and working on the cash register.” Araluen, which is one of the biggest support services for adults with intellectual disabilities in the north-eastern suburbs, already runs a cafe at the Epping Community Services Hub. The cafes will provide Araluen’s clients with the chance to learn valuable skills and complete industry-recognised qualifications that can lead to a job. YPRL chief executive Di Shaw said the new
Mill Park cafe was helping to break down the stigma of disability in the community. The Mill Park cafe is one of the first projects from the Whittlesea Community Futures Partnership Project Prospectus to come to fruition. The prospectus was launched in June and aims to bring together philanthropists, community service organisations, government departments, businesses and local communities to address social disadvantage issues. Mayor Kris Pavlidis said the prospectus has 14 key projects aimed at early intervention, prevention and providing targeted support to disadvantaged communities. “Our municipality is home to a high proportion of communities that are vulnerable to disadvantage, communities that often face complex challenges,” she said. The cafe is 394 Plenty Road, Mill Park. Laura Michell
Araluen clinets Sam and Todd.
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MY PLACE Salat Youhana is proud to call Hume home and wants to change the area’s bad reputation. She speaks with Laura Michell.
Interfaith Network youth meetings and to take part in a project that involved working with other local youth. The project was called Community Connections and it enabled me to meet local youth from various cultures and backgrounds to hear how they felt about faith, culture and social harmony. Why are you passionate about promoting the youth of Hume? I will always love working with youth in Hume and advocate for them because they deserve to be heard. Our youth are talented, skilled and passionate. They want to be known for their strengths and skills and they deserve to have opportunities, like I have been given.
What suburb do you live in and how long have you lived there? I live in the northern suburbs of Hume city in Craigieburn. I have been in Hume for more than seven years. What brought you to the area? When my family arrived in Australia from Syria we were settled in Hume. Living in
(Shawn Smits)
What’s your favourite local place, or places, to spend time? My favourite place is Stockland’s Highlands Craigieburn Park, where all the families meet and gather. I always go with the family to enjoy the outdoor nature and spend time together.
Hume means living with people from various cultures, backgrounds and languages, this also helps me to feel accepted.
I would change the negative reputation that everyone and the media have been portraying. I want to show the positive aspects of Hume.
If someone had never been to Craigieburn, what would you say about it to entice them to the area?
What do you like about Hume?
How long have you been involved in the Hume Interfaith Network (HIN), and how did you first get involved?
I would say it’s multicultural, everyone is welcome. It’s a vibrant mix of differences including new and established residential areas, major industrial and commercial areas and vast expanses of rural areas and parkland where people love to go. Hume has a lot to offer and much to discover.
I like the multiculturalism and that everyone is different. The diversity of Hume should be celebrated. What, if anything, would you change?
I am the chairwoman for HIN Youth and I have been involved for the last three years. I was invited by a friend to be part of the Hume
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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 communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is noon Tuesday.
Christmas carols
Join the University of the Third Age Choir for a Christmas sing-a-long at Lalor library, 2a May Road, on Saturday, December 2, 11am-noon. The choir will be singing festive songs from around the world. ■ 9465 2353
Children’s garden
Christmas market
Thunderstorm asthma
Learn about thunderstorm asthma, the risks and how to respond at a free community education session on Thursday, November 30 at Galada Community Activity Centre, 10a Forum Way, Epping North, 11am-12.30pm. Organised by The Asthma Foundation Victoria. Registrations essential. ■ bit.ly/2A4aCs1
Browse the stalls at Thomastown Neighbourhood House’s Christmas market on Saturday, December 2, 10am-1pm at Thomastown library, 52 Main Street. There will be craft stalls, kids activities and a petting zoo. ■ 9464 1864
(iStock)
Head to Whittlesea library on Tuesday, December 5, 3.45-4.45pm to help care for the children’s garden. Lots of planting, watering and weeding needed. Bring along a container to take home worm juice. At 57 Laurel Street. ■ 9716 3028
session is part of the RACV’s Wild Bytes program. ■ 9217 2042
Shop smart
Learn how to shop with minimal waste, cater for Christmas parties and store leftovers at Creeds Farm and Living Centre’s Plan, Cook, Buy session on Wednesday, December 6, 6.30-8.30pm. At 2 Snugburgh Way, Epping. ■ 9401 0509
Wild Bytes
Have you wondered what to do when you’ve been swooped by a magpie or when a blue-tounged lizard suddenly appears in your yard? Head to the Mernda Village Community Activity Centre, 70 Mernda Village Drive, on Wednesday, December 6, 6.45-8.15pm, to pick up tips on how to co-exist better with native wildlife. The
Story Island exhibition
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Gallery from Friday, October 20 – Saturday, December 2 to head on a journey of imagination. The journey is part of the Story Island – An Adventure in Pictures exhibition. At 75-95 Central Park Avenue. ■ 9356 6980
Art exhibition
Artists from across Whittlesea will showcase their work at a new exhibition at The Great Hall at Whittlesea council, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang until Tuesday, December 19. The theme of this year’s exhibition is new beginnings. ■ 9217 2143
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Diamond Valley Cricket Association teams are dominating the Northern Region T20 competition. Thirteen DVCA teams have made it through to the final 16, compared to just three from the North Metro Cricket Association. There’s six sides from the DVCA’s Barclay Shield competition through to the finals. Last season’s T20 runner-up Riverside, Macleod and Rosanna won through, winning both their group matches. Old Paradians won through in a confidence booster, having struggled in the Barclay Shield, while Diamond Creek was the lucky 16th team, through on percentage. Epping pulled off the biggest result, by knocking off last season’s winner Rivergum on Tuesday night. Epping made 7-112 in reply to the Kookas 8-111. The win sealed Epping’s spot in the finals. Five Money Shield sides, Plenty Power, Bundoora United, Mernda, Lalor Stars and Banyule are also through. Third division side Hurstbridge, which is undefeated across all formats this season, and Greensborough, also won through to the finals. NMCA Jika Shield sides’ Preston Baseballers and Heidelberg West are both through, along with second division team, Bundoora Park. Elimination finals are held on December 5. The other three rounds of finals will be played next year.
(Shawn Smits)
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Diamond Valley strikes T20 gold
It was a tough weekend for Mahesh Kodamullage and his Greenvale teammates.
Greenvale Kangaroos finished its Victorian Premier Cricket T20 campaign with two losses. Having split their T20 matches the previous weekend, the Kangaroos were keen to add to their winning tally. But on Saturday, they fell short against Melbourne University. University made 5-142 after being sent in. James Rosewarne took two wickets for the Kangaroos. After a poor start with the bat the Kangaroos middle order regrouped, but it wasn’t enough as they finished 9-116. Jack Rhodes top-scored with 31. On Sunday, the Kangaroos faced Kingston Hawthorn. It was another poor start with the bat, and the Kangaroos found themselves in trouble at 3-20. The going was slow as the Kangaroos pushed the total to 6-89. Opener Rosewarne top-scored with 30. A score under 100 was always going to be tough to defend and Kingston-Hawthorn had no issues, finishing 6-92 with 10 balls remaining. Mahesh Kodamullage and skipper Kyle Adams took two wickets each for the Kangaroos. The loss means the Kangaroos finished 1-3 in the T20s. Overall, they sit 16th with two wins for the season. The Kangaroos will turn their attention to the two-day games for the first time on Saturday when they face Melbourne. Meanwhile, the Kangaroos Victorian Turf Cricket Association side remains without a win. The Kangaroos made 225 against Doutta Stars, with acting skipper Anthony Barton making 106 not out. The chase was no match for the Stars, who finished 5-291.
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SPORT Cannon launches career By Tara Murray Reality is yet to set in for Calder Cannons’ Noah Balta, who is now a Richmond footballer after being selected by the reigning AFL premier in Friday night’s AFL national draft. One of the X-factors in the draft with his ability to play multiple positions, Balta didn’t have to wait long to hear his name called out. The Tigers used their third selection, pick 25 to select him. “It’s crazy,” Balta said on Sunday. “I had the family over and it was pretty good to have everyone over. “A few interstate clubs had some picks around that stage and I was a bit shakey. Richmond called my name out and I chucked my arms in the air.” Balta knew the Tigers were interested, having spoken with them a couple of times, but his selection still came as a shock. “I was getting text messages from all the players saying welcome to Tigerland,” he said. “They’ve been really welcoming already. “I don’t know if I’ll get a game straight away, but they’ll know when I’m ready.” Among Balta’s new teammates is Alex Rance, a man many people compare Balta’s game to. Balta sees himself as a defender, but has shown he can play in the ruck and up forward. “Alex’s work rate is one of his best traits,” Balta said. “That’s something you can learn. I’ll look to be competitive at training with him. If I go forward, there’s Jack [Riewoldt], who is another good person to learn off.” Balta said playing football had been his dream ever since he picked up the ball. “I played soccer when I was seven and eight,” he said. “I then played football and won a premiership, was best on ground in the grand final and second in the league best and fairest. “I was only middle of the table with soccer, so I stuck with football.” Balta is the latest Cannons player to be drafted to the Tigers in recent years. Ivan Maric, who this year retired from AFL, is one former Cannon that Balta has got to know in recent years. Cannons’ region manager Ian Kyte said the club was thrilled for Balta. Balta was the only Cannons player who was expected to be selected in the national draft. Kyte said the club had been hopeful that Mitchell Podhajski would be a late pick, but that didn’t eventuate. He said they still believed Podhajski was a good chance to be picked in the rookie draft, which was held on Monday. For all the details on Monday’s rookie draft, go to www.starweekly.com.au
EDFL opts out of interleague championship The Essendon District Football League won’t be part of the AFL Victoria WorkSafe Community Championships next year. In a statement on the league’s website, the league announced it had made the difficult decision not to enter a team next year. “Upon review of the EDFL senior interleague program following season 2017, it has been determined that it is not in the league’s best interests to participate in the competition in 2018,” the statement read. EDFL chief executive Marc Turri told Star Weekly the decision to withdraw was about wanting to focus on different things financially. This year the EDFL suffered a two-point loss to Eastern Football League in its interleague clash. “There was some strong support from some players and, naturally, not the support from other players,” Turri said. “We weren’t always able to put our best team out there. “We want to channel our efforts and funds in a different direction, focusing on development. We still support the concept and will maybe look at it in another format.” Turri said one of the areas they would focus on was the junior interleague program. He said it was an important concept in the development of the league’s junior players. This year the EDFL fielded a girl’s interleague team for the first time and a boy’s interleague team. “We are one of the few leagues who make the program free,” he said. “We want to maintain that and it’s not easy with growing costs. “The priority is always at junior level for interleague. We don’t want a young kid missing out for financial reasons.” The league has participated in the championships the past four years, since the introduction of metro sides into the competition. The EDFL will re-evaluate the decision in 12 months time. Turri said a normal round of competition would be played on the weekend usually set aside for the championships. Tara Murray
Noah Balta has landed at Richmond. (Shawn Smits)
Plenty Valley breaks premier cricket drought It was smiles all round for Plenty Valley on Saturday, as the Bats got their first win of the Women’s Premier Cricket season. After an up and down start to the season, the Bats put together their most complete performance of the year to seal the win against Coburg. Bats coach Adam Drinkwell said he was pleased for the girls. “Definitely a bit happier,” he said. “I’m more happier for the girls to get reward for all their hard work. We went into the game expecting to win and we played well for the majority of the game.” Moving to the T20 competition part of the season, the Bats found themselves in unusual territory – they entered the match as favourites. 14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ NOVEMBER 28, 2017
The Bats’ opponent Coburg, was one of two sides from the second grade one-day competition to be promoted for the T20 competition. Sophie Reid led the way for the Bats, making 74 at the top of the order. Her innings included 12 fours. Drinkwell said it was a strong batting performance from Reid, who made the most of her opportunities. The Bats finished 4-157 from 20 overs. Providence Cowdrill, in her first top grade match for the Bats, made a quickfire 31 at the end of the innings. Drinkwell said Cowdrill, who has recently come out from England, had settled in well. “She batted well and also bowled well, taking
two wickets and was involved in a run-out. I think the girls enjoyed having someone in the side with a little bit more professionalism.” Despite not bowling to their potential, the Bats restricted Coburg to 5-138. Coburg was 2-73 at one stage. Kiara Jones was the pick of the bowlers taking 1-10 off her four overs. Overall, Drinkwell was happy with the performance. “We didn’t bowl as well as we could have,” he said. “We took catches when the time came and overall it’s pretty satisfying. There’s still room for improvement.” Former Australian baseballers, Sam Hamilton and Amy McGann, both made their first XI debuts.
Drinkwell said both had been playing well in the second side and their games suited the T20 style. The Bats’ win came without VicSpirit squad members Rhiann O’Donnell and Tayla Vlaeminck, who were both with the Victorian team. Vlaeminck played in the Spirit’s win against Tasmania. Meanwhile, the Bats men’s side will need to bat well if it’s to secure the win against Taylors Lakes in Victorian Sub-district Cricket Association’s north-west. The Lions made 9-243 from their 80 overs. Daniel Heatley was the best of the bowlers for the Bats, taking three wickets. Tara Murray
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Rivergum rises to the challenge for outright win Rivergum captain-coach Gary Bell set his side a challenge on Saturday, he wanted an outright win against Preston Baseballers. It was always going to be a tough ask with 30 overs lost on day one of the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield clash, but the Kookas players took on the challenge – and completed the job. “I put the challenge out there and they really played selfless cricket,” Bell said. “I was a little worried about how they would go, but they didn’t care about who got the job done. “In such a tight season at this stage, to go an outright win is really important.” The Kookas resumed at 1-64 on day two,
having bowled the Baseballers out for 83 on day one. Bell said there was one simple aim when they went out with the bat, they wanted as many runs as possible in the shortest period of time. Players had a license to go out and swing the bat. The Kookas were bowled out for 186 in just 33.4 overs. With a lead of 103 in the first innings, it was up to the bowlers to try and get things done. It didn’t start well for the Kookas, especially Kyl Ewart. “He had 25 runs taken off his first two overs,” Bell said. “I looked to take him off. It was like he was
trying to take a wicket every ball. I spoke to him and said we’re in no rush to get the wickets. “He took two wickets that over and bowled more patiently and got the rewards.” The rewards followed for the entire Kookas side, they bowled the Baseballers out for 97 to seal the outright win. Ewart got seven wickets for the innings and eight for the game. Matt Perri ended the game with eight wickets. Bell said it was good to see Ewart get the rewards after being the ‘work horse’ for the side for many years without big bags of wickets. Bell said it would be a game they would remember for a long time. “I said to them let’s make it a day to remember
Eagle lands his dream By Tara Murray The transition from basketball star to footballer is complete for one of Australia’s talented young sportsmen. A year ago, Jack Petruccelle had an Australian basketball career in his grasp but made the decision to switch to football. His impact with the Northern Knights was instant and he made AFL selectors sit up and take notice. On Friday, the Epping resident was selected by West Coast at pick 38 in the AFL national draft. “This is the reason why I made the switch to football,” Petruccelle said on Sunday. “It’s an amazing once-in-a-lifetime event. I watched it [the draft] with my family and once my name was called out, my mates started piling in. “My phone was blowing up with Eagles players messaging me.” Petruccelle said while he had spoken to the Eagles a few times during the year, he was unsure how draft night would play out. He said both his parents were proud and rapt for him to get the opportunity to play AFL, but it was tinged with sadness because he was moving across to the other side of the country. “They just want me to have success.” He didn’t have long to let the news settle in, leaving for Perth on Sunday afternoon. With only one season of focusing on football under his belt, Petruccelle knows he has a lot of work ahead of him. “I had a pretty up and down season this year, but I had more ups than downs,” he said. “They asked me where I would prefer playing and I said, ‘I think I’m best as a small forward’. “They said they see me playing there and switching onto the wing. I’ve just got to get into training hard and prove myself. It will be a step up.” One thing Petruccelle is looking forward to is the big grounds in Western Australia at AFL and WAFL level. “It’ll be good for me to use my speed and break loose on the big grounds.” Petruccelle was one of three Knights players selected in the draft. Nick Coffield was the first player selected, taken at pick eight by St Kilda. Knights talent manager Rhy Gieschen said it was rewarding to see Coffield taken in the top 10. “He’s had a fantastic year and has done everything right,” Gieschen said. “He’s very talented and has really good character and has that maturity, I think St Kilda has had eyes on him for a while. “They’ve lost a few players of his type the last few years in [Brendon] Goddard, [Sam] Fisher and even Leigh Montagna played down there this year. “He [Coffield] suits the type of player they need.” The Saints were keen to add a second Knights player to their list on Friday night, nominating Patrick Naish at pick 34.But Richmond, who had nominated Naish as a father-son pick,
and get an outright win in tough conditions,” Bell said. “Everyone wanted to get the full points. We held some really good catches. “It was second versus third … we want to make sure we finish in the top two. “It gives us a bit of a buffer with the extra four points.” The win moves the Kookas back to the top of the ladder. Lalor Warriors got their first win of the season defeating Northern Socials. The Warriors made 8-254 on the back of 76 from Todd Hughes, before bowling the Socials out for 149. Tara Murray
Sports shorts EDFL
The Essendon District Football League is on the hunt for a new chief executive to replace the departing Marc Turri. The league announced last week that Turri had resigned from the role after eight years. Turri said his proudest achievement during his time at the league was the expansion of the competition. The league has grown from 293 teams in 2012 to 377 this year, with eight new clubs becoming affiliated with the league during that time. The league has grown to three senior divisions and introduced a senior thirds competition, youth girls and women’s competitions in Turri’s time. Turri will finish up at the EDFL on December 15.
Bowls
It was a tough day for Bundoora RSL in Bowls Victoria Pennant premier division on Saturday. Looking for a win to stay in touch with the top sides, RSL was no match for Altona, losing 107 (18)-63 (0). Nathan Murray’s rink lost by one shot and Josh Corless’s by three shots, but the other two rinks suffered big losses. The loss leaves RSL sitting last, with just two wins, and 24 points outside the top four.
NWMCA
Gladstone Park has a run chase on its hands against Burnside Springs in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield. Burnside Springs made 325 on day one, bowled out with an over remaining. Jaydan Moore took four wickets for the Burras. Facing one over, the Burras survived unscathed and will resume at 0-1. In other games, Donnybrook made 207 against Kealba-Green Gully which will resume at 1-8, while Northern Lions are 0-23 in reply to Buckley Park’s 242.
DVCA
Jack Petruccelle is prepared for the hard work that awaits him at West Coast. (Damian Visentini)
matched the Saints and claimed him. It’s a dream come true for Naish, following in the footsteps of his father Chris Naish, who played 143 games for the Tigers. Former Knights star Sam Switkowski, who has been playing VFL, was selected by North Melbourne. Gieschen said there was still several players
in contention for the rookie draft, which was held on Monday. Best and fairest winner Alex Federico, Ethan Penrith, Joel Naylor, Mark Baker and Ben Wiggins were among those who might be selected. For the latest from the rookie draft, go to www.starweekly.com.au/sports
Epping and Old Paradians were the big losers on Saturday in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association’s Barclay Shield. Both sides suffered losses to Montmorency and Riverside respectively, in matches that were affected by rain. The other three matches finished in draws. In the Money Shield, Lalor Stars, Bundoora United and Plenty Power got wins.
FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklysport @star_weekly 15 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY \ NOVEMBER 28, 2017