Star Weekly - Northern - 28th October 2025 by Star News Group

CONNECTED LIVING

AT CALLISTO PLACE

Thejoyoflivingwell

SituatedinMelbourne’sleafynortherncorridor,Callisto PlacebyBoltonClarkeoffersavibrantlifestyleforover-55s, blendingthebestofcitylifewithastrongsenseofcommunity andbelonging,witheasyaccesstoshops,transport,and services.Justmomentsfromlushparklands,vibrantcafés, andMelbourne’sculturalheartbeat,CallistoPlaceiswhere everydayfeelseffortlesslyconnectedandfullofpossibility. Relaxandrechargeinthemodernclubhouse,connectwith neighboursinthewelcomingcoffeelounge,ortakeinamovie inthegoldclassstylecinema.

Withdedicatedspacesforhealth,wellness,andsocialising, you’llfindeverythingyouneedtothrive.Liveindependently withthepeaceofmindthatcomesfromaprofessional managementteamandasecure,carefreeenvironment. DiscoverthedifferenceatCallistoPlace,acommunitythat celebratesindependence,connection,andthejoyoflivingwell.

CALLISTO PLACE RETIREMENT LIVING

WHERE RETIREMENT BECOMES RETIREMENT LOVING

NestledintheheartofBundoora, CallistoPlacebyBoltonClarke redefinesretirementlivingwitha vibrant,connectedcommunityand beautifullyappointedresidences. Thispremiumdevelopmentis morethanjustaplacetolive—it’s alifestyledestinationdesignedto supportwellbeing,independence, andjoyineverymoment.

THEBUILDING

CallistoPlaceisacontemporaryvertical retirementvillagethatblendsarchitectural elegancewiththoughtfuldesign.Locatedat 35GalileoGateway,Bundoora,thebuilding comprises90spaciousapartments,each craftedtomeetLiveableHousingAustralia designstandards.Thestructureissurrounded by2,000squaremetresofpublicparkland, offeringgreenviewsandtranquilspacesfor residentstoenjoy.

Inside,thebuildingfeaturesasuiteof sharedamenitiesthatfostercommunityand wellbeing.Residentscanrelaxinthefirelit lounge,enjoyafilminthe20-seatcinema,or hostfamilygatheringsintheprivatedining roomandrooftopentertainmentterrace.A senior-specificgym,library,andgamesroom provideopportunitiesforactiveliving,andonsitealliedhealthsupportensurescomfortand carearealwayscloseathand.

Securityandaccessibilityareparamount, withsecurebasementparking,liftaccess, anddesignfeaturesthatsupportageingin place—suchaswidehallways,easy-to-reach switches,andspaciousbathrooms.

THEAPARTMENTS

EachapartmentatCallistoPlaceisa sanctuaryofstyleandcomfort.Architecturally designedwithopen-planlayouts,the residencesofferachoiceofone,two, orthreebedrooms,tailoredtosuitavariety oflifestylesandpreferences.

Qualityisevidentineverydetail—from sleek,fullyintegratedappliancesandstone benchtopstoductedheatingandcooling,and double-glazedwindowsthatenhanceclimate controlandreducenoise.Theinteriorsare designedtobebothbeautifulandfunctional, withgenerousstorage,seamlessflowbetween livingspaces,andthoughtfultouchesthat makeeverydaylivingeasier.

Accessibilityisakeyfeature,withextraroom betweenbenches,liftaccess,andsecure entrysystems.Whetheryou’rehosting thegrandkidsforasleepoverorenjoying aquietmomentonyourprivatebalcony, theseapartmentsoffertheperfectblendof independenceandconnection.

Residentsalsobenefitfromalowmaintenance,lock-up-and-leavelifestyle, givingthemthefreedomtotravel,socialise, orsimplyrelaxwithoutworry.Withaccessto asharedelectricvehicle,theOhmieGoTesla ModelY,mobilityiseffortlessandsustainable. CallistoPlaceapartmentsaremorethan homes—they’rehavensdesignedtosupport yourbestlife,everyday.

WHYBUNDOORA ISAGREATAREATORETIRE

Bundoora,locatedjust14kmfromMelbourne’s CBD,isathrivingsuburbthatoffersthe perfectbalanceofurbanconvenienceand naturalbeauty.CallistoPlaceresidentsenjoy immediateaccesstoshops,cafes,medical services,andpublictransport—rightontheir doorstep.

Withnearbygolfcourses,walkingtrails,and communitycentres,retireescanstayactive andengagedinasettingthatencourages explorationandconnection.Thesuburb’s walkabilityandexcellenttramlinksmakeit easytogetaround,whetheryou’reheading intothecityorenjoyingadayoutlocally.

Bundooraisalsohometoastronghealthcare network,includinghospitalsandalliedhealth services,ensuringpeaceofmindforresidents astheyage.BoltonClarke’sintegratedcare modelmeansthatsupportisavailableonsiteatCallistoPlace,withdedicatednurses, carers,andtelehealthservicesenhancingthe senseofsecurityandwellbeing.

ThecommunityspiritinBundooraispalpable. Fromlocaleventsandmarketstocultural festivalsandsocialclubs,there’salways somethinghappening.Forretireesseeking afulfilling,active,andsupportedlifestyle, Bundoora—andCallistoPlace—offers everythingneededtomakethemostofthis excitingchapter.

EXPLORE THE BEST OF BUNDOORA

A RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE SURROUNDED BY NATURE, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Bundooraisn’tjustagreatplaceto live—it’saplacetothrive.Thisleafy northernsuburbofMelbourneoffers retireesawealthofamenitiesthat makeeverydaylifeenjoyable,active, andconnected.

NATURE&PARKS

AttheheartofBundooraistheexpansive BundooraPark,a180-hectarebushland reservebesideDarebinCreek.It’shome toscenicwalkingtrails,picnicareas,BBQ facilities,andthepopularBundooraPark Farm,wherevisitorscanmeetfriendly animals,exploretheHeritageVillage,and enjoyarelaxedmealatthecaféoverlooking thewildlifereserve.Theparkalsofeatures MountCooperLookout,oneofMelbourne’s highestnaturalpoints,offeringpanoramic viewsofthecityskyline.

ENVIRONMENT&WELLBEING

GOLF&LAWNBOWLS

Forthosewhoenjoystayingactive,the BundooraParkPublicGolfCourseisalocal gem.Itoffersnineor18holesinatranquil parklandsetting,adrivingrangewithTrackMan technology,andawelcomingclubhousewitha caféanddeckforpost-roundrelaxation.Just downtheroad,theBundooraBowlingClub providesyear-roundlawnbowlsonthree greens,plusamodernfunctionroom,sports bar,andsocialbarefootbowlsevents—perfect formeetingnewfriendsandstayingengaged.

Bundoora’scommitmenttogreenlivingis evidentinitsconservationareas,including theRiverRedGumReserve,hometosome ofMelbourne’soldesttrees.Thesuburb’s walkability,publictransportaccess,and proximitytohealthcareservicesmakeit anideallocationforageingwellandliving independently.

CULTURE&COMMUNITY

ArtloverswillappreciatetheBundoora HomesteadArtCentre,abeautifullyrestored QueenAnne–stylemansionthathosts exhibitions,workshops,andacharmingcafé. Thesuburbalsoboastsastrongsenseof community,withclubs,events,andactivities thatcatertoallinterests—fromgardeningand volunteeringtofitnessandlifelonglearning.

SHOPPING&MARKETS

Bundooraiswellservedbyretailhubs, includingUniHillFactoryOutletsand BundooraSquareShoppingCentre,offering everythingfromfashionandhomewaresto groceriesandservices.EverySunday,locals flocktotheKingsburyDriveCommunity MarketatLaTrobeUniversity,wheremore than140stallsshowcasefreshproduce, handmadecrafts,gourmettreats,andlive entertainmentinarelaxed,tree-linedsetting.

Play with purpose

Workplaces are being encouraged to swap their keyboards for paddles next month as Big Group Hug leads Pickle for Purpose, an initiative aimed at tackling rising rates of childhood poverty.

The charity event has been planned to raise funds for children and families experiencing poverty, blending the newly-crazed pickleball sport with a corporate challenge which encourages teams to step onto the court for a day of friendly competition, food, music, and prizes. About 100 participants are expected to take part across the morning and afternoon sessions on Friday 7 November.

Funds raised by the event will go towards supplying cots, clothing, prams, toys and nappies to children up to the ages of 16. Big Group Hug chief impact and partnerships ofﬁcer Kelli Browne said pickleball is the perfect sport to get people involved.

“It’s the perfect mix of fun, movement and laughter – it’s one of the fastest growing sports in Australia,” she said. “It’s humbling to see so many people wanting to give back in a hands-on, joyful way.”

To take part, visit: https:// pickleballforpurpose.org.au/

Another monitor appointed to Whittlesea council as ...

McLindon returns

By Laura Michell

Aidan McLindon has returned to Whittlesea council following the release of a report in which one councillor called hima“wreckingball”.

Cr McLindon returned from his six-month suspension on 17 October, two days after municipal monitor Steven Kingshott began overseeing Whittlesea on the advice on commissioners investigatingthecouncil.

This is the third time the council has been under the scrutiny of a municipal monitor since December 2019. Mr

Kingshott will be at Whittlesea until 31 December,2026.

Commissioners Prue Digby and Jim Gifford made the recommendation to Local Government Minister Nick Staikos as part of their Commission of Inquiry intothecouncil.

The commissioners said they had concerns that “difficulties” would arise whenCrMcLindonreturnedtocouncil.

Mr Staikos ordered Cr McLindon’s suspension in April on the basis that his behaviour was creating a serious risk to the health and safety of councillors and/ orcouncilstaff.

Mr Staikos also launched the Commission of Inquiry into governance issuesatthecouncil.

The commissioners’ report was tabled instateparliamenton14October.

They found that Cr McLindon’s conduct while Whittlesea mayor was “detrimental tothecouncil”.

They also found there were several factors that resulted in the councillors and council chief executive Craig Lloyd taking action against Cr McLindon, and recognised the councillors and Mr Lloyd will “face challenges” upon his return fromsuspension.

The commissioners said Cr McLindon “demonstrated extremely poor conduct” and made comments on social media about members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Peoples communities that showed “at the very least, a disregard for how they affectotherpeople”.

Thecommissionersfoundhiscomments broughtthecouncilintodisrepute.

“MrMcLindon’spubliccomments,inall likelihood, helped perpetuate prejudicial andaggressivecommentsbyotherpeople insocialmedia,”thereportstated,

 Continued: Page 6-7.

Nicole Llewellyn, Kelli Browne, Bruno Ceraso, Scott Baldwin, Jes Basile, and Julie Graybrook. (Damjan Janevski) 508444_01

Police crackdown on hooning in Hume leads to 22 arrests

An alleged hoon who performed burnouts dangerously close to a crowd of about 200 people was among two dozen people arrested during a major police crackdown inHume.

The Police Air Wing spotted the illegal gathering at the intersection of Aiken Boulevard and Donnybrook Road in Mickleham about 11.35pm on Tuesday 14 October.

A vehicle with stolen plates was seen allegedly performing burnouts before fleeing, sparking a police pursuit through several suburbs including Sunbury and Brunswick.

Officers successfully deployed stop sticksinFawkner,butthecarcontinuedon threetyresbeforecrashingintoahouseon HolberryRoadinBroadmeadows.

The 18-year-old Greenvale driver was charged with 16 offences, including dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle, while two Greenvale men aged 18 and 20, and a 17-year-old from New South Wales,alsofacetheft-relatedcharges.

Police arrested a further 21 people during the operation and charged them with over 100 offences following a string of high-speed pursuits and drug offences acrossMelbourne’snorth.

A 30-year-old Dallas man was arrested after allegedly crashing a Nissan SUV in Roxburgh Park before fleeing police in convoywithaBMWonMonday13October.

Air Wing tracked the vehicles to Dallas, where officers intercepted the BMW and allegedly found methylamphetamine and ammunition.

The Dallas man was charged with 15 offences including reckless conduct endangering serious injury, trafficking methylamphetamine and driving under the influence of drugs, and was remanded incustody.

The BMW driver, a 30-year-old from

Temple plan rejected

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

A proposal to build a Hindu temple in Whittlesea’sgreenwedgehasbeenrejected bycouncil.

Whittlesea council rejected the application for 330 Grants Road, Woodstock,on14October.

The application sought approval to use an existing dwelling on a 12-hectare rural site as a place of worship for up to 200 patrons each weekend, according to a councilreport.

The proposal included modifications to theexistinghome,anextendedaccessway, and a 10-space car park, with plans for weekend prayer services from 8am to 10:30am and 3pm to 7pm and up to 30 patrons attending three larger annual events.

The application drew a large amount of community attention, with council receiving 753 submissions, including 366 objectionsand385lettersofsupport,along with petitions both for and against the proposal.

Council officers found the proposal was inconsistent with several clauses of the Whittlesea Planning Scheme, including those protecting agricultural land and maintaining the character of Melbourne’s greenwedgeareas.

Councillors said the use was not appropriateforasitezonedforagriculture andruralliving.

Whittlesea Green Wedge Protection Group director Kerry Stewart said many residents submitted letters of objection to support the protection of Whittlesea’s greenwedge.

“All the rejections were from actual residents. We were all affected in some way, especially people like me who live in EdenPark,”shesaid.

“We fought against this for the green wedge. There’s safety concerns, but the protection of the green wedge has always beenparamount.

“Wehaveagreenwedge,it’swhatdivides us from urbanisation and it’s there to be preserved.Onceit’sgone,it’sgone.”

Council officers stated the development would “undermine the integrity and strategic intent of the green wedge land” andwas“inconsistentwiththeestablished pattern of land use and development” in WoodstockandEdenPark.

The applicant retains the right to appeal the decision to the Victorian Civil and AdministrativeTribunal(VCAT).

Hume backs Broadmeadows Ramadan night market

Hume council has taken a step toward establishing a Ramadan night market, moving to explore community-led options fortheevent.

The proposal was initially brought forwardbyCrNaimKurtinMarchinabid to recognise Hume’s significant Muslim population, stating there was a lack of culturalcelebrationsinthearea.

“It sometimes makes me sad when I see celebrations for Diwali and Eid at the supermarkets,”CrKurtsaid.

“We as the council don’t have those

culturalcelebrations.”

During the 13 October council meeting, councillors voted in favour of an expression of interest (EOI) process to invite community and not-for-profit organisations to apply to host a Ramadan night market in the Hume Central precinct for a period of uptothreeyears,beginningin2026-27.

“Having the largest Muslim community in Victoria here in Hume and the third largest in Australia, it’s very important that we acknowledge this initiative to

Meadow Heights, was also charged with drug trafficking, handling stolen goods, andweaponsoffences.

In a separate incident, a 23-year-old Craigieburn man was allegedly caught drivingdangerouslyontheHumeHighway in Somerton about 3.50am on Wednesday 15 October. After a police pursuit assisted by Air Wing and stop sticks, he was arrestedinThomastownandchargedwith dangerousandrecklessdrivingoffences.

Broadmeadows Police Station Acting Senior Sergeant Mick Kon said the behaviour of those charged was reckless andposedarisktootherroadusers.

haveamarket,”CrSamMishosaid.

Under the plan, council will waive event permit fees and provide mentoring to successfulapplicantstoensurecompliance with safety, transport, and waste managementrequirements.

Council’s plan also highlights the market will be planned to run over Thursday to Sunday evenings during the first two weeks of Ramadan and will feature Halal food vendors, cultural activities and family-friendly entertainment.

Hume councillors have unanimously voted to consider developing a coat of arms for the municipality.

During council’s 13 October meeting, Cr Naim Kurt raised a noticeofmotionaskingthecouncil to consider the development of a ceremonial cost of arms, crest, badge or heritage logo for the City ofHumeaspartofthenextcouncil annual action plan, which will be reviewedfor2026-27.

Costs, timelines and community engagement would be decided throughouttheprocess.

CrKurtsaidthiswouldbeagreat opportunity to reflect on the past, and potentially tie in the original City of Broadmeadows Crest and theShireofBullaCrest.

“The motion, if it was adopted as part of the council action plan, wouldn’tbetoactuallycreateanew logo, it would be something which sits alongside what council already has,”hesaid.

Cr Kurt called it a legacy item for council, and a nice thing to do to mark the 30th year of the municipality.

“Thiscouldbeanopportunityfor ustosetanewstandard,anewway of engaging with our community,” hesaid.

“And it doesn’t necessarily need to be a costly exercise. The City of Greater Geelong … when they undertook to develop a heritage crest for their city council, it only cost $4500 to do, so it doesn’t have to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

CrDanielEnglish,CrSteveGagen and Cr John Haddad all spoke in support of the motion, as well as three public comments from the communityinfavourofthemotion.

However, officer comments in the meeting agenda appeared to be cautious of the idea, saying maintaining a single, consistent brand is critical to ensuring clarity and connection with the community.

“Introducing an additional emblem, Coat of Arms, or heritage-style logo would require careful consideration to ensure it complements, rather than competeswith,Hume’sestablished identity,”theofficersstated.

“Experience across the sector shows that multiple brand marks can dilute recognition and create inconsistency.”

Whittlesea Green Wedge Protection group members celebrating the refusal of the proposed planning application. (Damjan Janevski) 510798_02

Ten years of learning

Doreen’s St Paul the Apostle Catholic Primary School celebrated its 10th anniversary with a community celebration onFriday24October.

The event kicked off with formalities between2and3pmandwasfollowedbyan afternoon of festivities for parents, families andfriends.

Guests enjoyed food trucks, entertainment, raffles, giveaways and a special “Avenue of Reflection“ which showcased the school’s growth and achievementsoverthepastdecade.

Parent and committee member Susan Kruk headed the celebrations and said the

celebration was a testament to the strong senseofcommunitythatdefinedtheschool.

“ThebeautifulthingaboutStPaul’sisthat nothing happens without student input,” shesaid.

“Not only do we have two student representatives on our committee, but these two students have run their own internal meetings to develop ideas for the event, design the invitation, and develop a reflectionvideo,amongotherthings.”

The event served as a joyful showcase of faith, creativity and community spirit, a fitting tribute to 10 years of learning and growthfortheschoolinDoreen.

Held four times a year, this preloved clothing market is all about affordable fashion that is good for the planet. You'll find dozens of stalls plus a donation area for baby clothes and textiles.

When: Sunday 16 November, 10am - 2pm

Where: Great Hall, Council Offices, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang Bring your reusable coffee cup for a free coffee as a thank you for helping us reduce waste. For more information, visit whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events

Briefs

Aunty Jo recognised

Westmeadows local Aunty Jo Russell has been recognised among Victoria’s most inspiring older residents, receiving the Emerging Impact Award at this year’s Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. A proud Wiradyuri woman, respected Elder and Hume Enviro Champion, Aunty Jo was honoured for her tireless efforts fostering community connection and cultural learning through the Westmeadows indigenous and Community Gardens.

Young scientist nominated Craigieburn’s Dr Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch has been named as one the finalists for the 2026 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria. He is being recognised for his ground-breaking research which blends Indigenous knowledge with modern science. Dr Kilmartin-Lynch is a proud Wiradjuri man and innovative civil engineer changing the way Australia thinks about scientific research and sustainability. The Victorian recipients will be announced at a ceremony at Arts Centre Melbourne on November 6, with winners progressing to the national Australian of the Year awards in Canberra on January 25, 2026.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

St Paul the Apostle Primary School celebrates its 10th anniversary. Founding staff Principal Phil Doherty, officer manager Kerrie Densley, and teachers Nadia Montemurroand Ivana De Silva. (Damjan Janevski) 509760_02

What they said...

Commissioners Prue Digby and Jim Gifford

Governance issues have been problematic at Whittlesea City Council for many years now

I don’t need to apologise for something I fundamentally believe in Aidan McLindon

Local Government Minister Nick Staikos

I expect the City of Whittlesea will use this opportunity to rectify the issues raised in the report

Anonymous councillor

Well, I had concerns from the start… potentially about councillor McLindon’s erratic behaviour. That was based on things that I’d witnessed before he was a councillor, largely. So, for example, when I became aware that councillor McLindon was potentially going to be a candidate in the election, I Googled his name…it raised alarm bells with me in terms of his fitness to be a - to hold office, essentially

The City of Whittlesea welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the council and staff Whittlesea council

The role of the CEO

McLindon returns

 From page 1.

“Some comments are particularly concerning, such as the use of the term ‘sexploitation’ in connection with matters relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community or suggestions that members of the First Peoples community have acted against their community for financial gain by opposingAustraliaDay.”

According to the commissioners, nine council staff lodged a “psychological incident or distress report” following publishedremarksbyCrMcLindon.

Despite the findings, the commissioners said there was no evidence to warrant a furthersuspensionofCrMcLindon.

But they recommended the Local Government Inspectorate investigate “a number of complaints” about him “as quickly as possible”, and noted that an internal arbitration process into whether he breached the Model Councillor Code of Conduct would resume once his suspensionended.

They also recommended Cr McLindon undertakefurthertraining.

Speaking to Star Weekly following the release of the report, Cr McLindon said he wouldnotapologiseforhisremarks.

He said he campaigned for election to council with a policy on “child-safe public areas”, which he believed had “overwhelming” support from the community.

“Idon’tneedtoapologiseforsomethingI fundamentallybelievein,”hesaid.

“Thatismybelief.

“Itismypoliticalbelief…noonecantake thoseawayfromme.”

The commissioners were also critical of CrMcLindon’sperformanceasmayor.

He was elected as Whittlesea mayor in November 2024, backed at the time by six ofhiscolleagues.

The commissioners said Cr McLindon “failed” in several essential respects to performtheroleofamayor,findingthathe didnotcommitthetimeandeffortneeded.

Cr McLindon disputed this, telling Star Weeklyhe dedicated “70-80 hours” a week totherole,whilealsoworkingpart-time.

He said he remained working three days per week “as a safety net” as he felt he “wasn’t welcomed at all” at council from thebeginning.

“CouncillorsandtheCEOneedtoreflect onwhatwentwrong,”hetold StarWeekly

“I think they were out to get me. If they weren’t out to get me, I would have went through mediation [instead of internal arbitration].”

The commissioners stated that they did not hear any evidence which suggested the council is unable to deliver good governance, and it is not of the view that thecouncilshouldbedismissed.

According to the report, there was a “fear” among the councillor group that the commission would result in the council beingsentbackintoadministration.

Administrators were in place at Whittlesea from March 2020 until the

October 2024 local government elections following the sacking of the previous council.

However the commissioners did find there were shortcomings in the performances of the councillors, the chief executive and administration, and the deputy mayor that contributed to the problemsattheWhittlesea.

The commission found the councillors were divided along political lines when voting for the mayor in November 2024, and many did not exercise due diligence beforedecidingtosupportCrMcLindonas mayor.

Accordingtothereport,somecouncillors expressed concern about Cr McLindon becoming mayor but voted for his election nonetheless.

The report also stated that councillors should have done more to try and resolve issues around Cr McLindon’s conduct internally and “to hold Mr McLindon to accountforhisbehaviour”.

“Circumstances where the councillors appear to have fallen short appear to be attributable to inexperience, a lack of support and limitations of the legislative framework,”thereportstated.

The commissioners also found that the relationship between Mr Lloyd and Cr McLindon broke down very early after the

The relationship between Aidan McLindon and Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd was“besetbytension,conflictandalackof mutual trust from the outset”, according to thecommissioners.

The commissioners found that the relationship between Mr Lloyd and Mr McLindon broke down very early after the election.

“While we recognise that the CEO was probably unprepared for the council’s choice of mayor, he appears to have struggled with how to deal with the situation in which he found himself,” the

commissioners’reportnoted.

“We also found that the CEO was very quick to escalate what he considered were breaches of the Local Government Act 2020 or Model Councillor Code of Conduct to integrity agencies rather than try to resolve them internally and this may have exacerbated rather than calmed internal tensions.”

The report stated that Mr Lloyd faced an unusual situation in having to dealt with councillor and staff concerns about psychologicalhealthandsafetyarisingfrom statementsandactionsofthethen-mayor.

electionandwas“besetbytension,conflict andalackofmutualtrustfromtheoutset”.

The commission said this was a factor in theeventsthatsubsequentlyunfolded.

“The commission found that this was mainly due to Mr McLindon either misunderstanding or refusing to perform the role of a mayor and, at times, role of a councillor, in accordance with the requirements of the Victorian Local Governmentsystem,”thereportstated.

Mr Staikos said it was clear that a municipal monitor was needed to assist thecouncil’sadministration.

“I expect the City of Whittlesea will use thisopportunitytorectifytheissuesraised in the report – to reset and build a good governance framework that better serves ratepayers,“hesaid.

Mr Staikos said the government would respondtothereportinduecourse.

Council welcomed the appointment of themonitorandalsosaiditwouldrespond induecourse.

The report noted that as matters developed, the impacts on Mr Lloyd’s own health and safety also became a matter of concern.

The commissioners said they were aware ofatleast14complaintsaboutCrMcLindon totheLocalGovernmentInspectorate(LGI) –mostlylodgedbyMrLloyd.

In their report, the commissioners said they heard evidence from the LGI that Mr Lloyd was in daily phone contact with the organisation, to the point where the inspectorate developed concerns about his welfare.

Councillors Daniela Zinni and Aidan McLindon were elected deputy mayor and mayor in November 2024. Cr Zinni remains in the role. (Supplied)

Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd. (Supplied)

The role of McLindon

The Commission of Inquiry found Aidan McLindon’sconductwas“detrimentaltothe council”,withonecouncillordescribinghim asa“wreckingball”tothecommissioners.

The commissioners said they had “serious concerns about the conduct of Mr McLindonwhenhewasmayor”,andthathe had “failed” in several essential respects to performtheroleofamayor,findingthathe didnotcommitthetimeandeffortneeded, and also failed to represent the council to the community and left council without an effectivevoice.

“In the role of mayor, Mr McLindon was required to promote good conduct by the councillors. In fact, he personally demonstratedextremelypoorconduct,”the commissionstatedinthereport.

“He made wildly provocative public statements that reflected on sections of the community in disparaging ways as well as making unsubstantiated and sometimes bizarre accusations against the council, the council administration and the government,”theirreportstated.

The commissioners said they considered whether there were any matters not considered as part of the original decision to suspend Cr McLindon, which would provideasufficientbasistorecommendhis suspensionforafurtherperiod.

“Ontheevidenceprovidedtothisinquiry, the commission is not satisfied that this thresholdhasbeenmet,”theystated.

The commissioners recommended the Local Government Inspectorate investigate “a number of complaints” about Cr McLindon “as quickly as possible”, and noted that an internal arbitration process into whether he breached the Model Councillor Code of Conduct would resume when hissuspensionendedon16October.

The role of the councillors

The decision to elect Aidan McLindon as Whittlesea mayor was “ill considered” by the city’s councillors, according to the CommissionofInquiry.

The commissioners found there were shortcomings in the performances of the councillors, the chief executive and administration, and the deputy mayor that contributed to the problems at the Whittlesea.

They found the councillors were divided along political lines when voting for the mayor in November 2024, and many did not exercise due diligence before deciding tosupportMrMcLindonasmayor.

Accordingtothereport,somecouncillors expressed concern about Mr McLindon becoming mayor but voted for his election nonetheless.

“They were also prepared to accept an internal division of the councillors along partisan lines despite that having been a major fault leading to the dismissal of the previous council in 2020,” the commissioners’reportstated.

“It is essential for the success of the council that councillors continue to avoid internal division and actively work together for the benefit of their municipal community, even when they disagree aboutaparticularmatter.”

The report also stated that councillors should have done more to try and resolve issues around Cr McLindon’s conduct internally and “to hold Mr McLindon to accountforhisbehaviour”.

21 January, 2025

February,

10 June, 2025

How it unfolded

November 2024

Eleven new councillors declared elected to Whittlesea council.

Municipal monitors Jude Munro and Peta Duncan commence work.

January 2025

Council staff begin to make internal reports of concerns about Aidan McLindon’s behaviour, with particular reference to social media statements.

23 January- 8 February

Cr McLindon takes personal leave from council to contest the Werribee by-election.

28 January-21 March

Council chief executive Craig Lloyd and senior council executives seek assistance from the Local Government Inspectorate, Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission, the Ofﬁce of the Victorian Information Commissioner and WorkSafe regarding the conduct of Cr McLindon.

4 February

Council passes a motion to make an urgent formal application for an internal arbitration process to investigate concerns Cr McLindon breached the Model Code of Conduct.

7 February

The monitors report “escalating concerns” to Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, including declining conﬁdence in the council due to Cr McLindon’s behaviour.

11 February

Mr Lloyd writes to Cr McLindon advising him of examples of behaviour that he felt had a negative impact on councillors and staff.

12 February

The monitors make an urgent supplementary report to the minister that ampliﬁes earlier concerns and recommends urgent action.

18 February

A petition calling for Cr McLindon’s removal for the role of mayor is tabled at a council meeting.

The 10 other councillors pass a vote of no conﬁdence in Cr McLindon and call for his immediate resignation from the ofﬁce of mayor.

An internal arbiter is appointed to council by principal councillor conduct registrar.

24 February

Mr Lloyd writes to Cr McLindon saying his participation in council-related meetings will be online only. He also tells Cr McLindon to limit contact with the other councillors and himself to email.

25 February

The monitors write to Cr McLindon proposing adverse ﬁndings against him for a range of alleged risks related to the health, safety and wellbeing of councillors, council staff and Mr Lloyd.

February- March

Councillors, Mr Lloyd and the monitors raised concerns with the performance and behaviour of Cr McLindon following the 4, 18 and 25 February and 18 March council meetings.

A further three internal arbitration applications were lodged by individual councillors. One was later withdrawn.

13 March

Cr Daniela Zinni and Cr Martin Taylor write to Mr Staikos again requesting that he intervenes with respect to Cr McLindon.

17 March

The monitors recommend the minister takes action.

18 March

Council meeting is held online at the request of all councillors other than Cr McLindon.

Cr McLindon attends a protest meeting outside the council ofﬁces during the meeting.

The 10 other councillors sign a formal request asking Mr Staikos to suspend Cr McLindon.

The monitors write to Mr Staikos recommending Cr McLindon is suspended.

Mr Staikos writes to Cr McLindon seeking a response to the proposed suspension.

4 April

Cr McLindon responds to the minister.

15 April

A Governor in Council Order is made to suspend Cr McLindon for six month.

16 April

The Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea council is announced.

5 June

Cr McLindon launches a Supreme Court challenge against his suspension.

17 October

Cr McLindon returned to council.

Aidan McLindon during his campaign for the Werribee by-election. (Attie Mohebali)

29 April, 2025

Plan to mark Ford history

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Hume council has moved to commemorate the everlasting impact of the Ford motor company,exploringanewpublicartproject to honour the legacy of the Broadmeadows assembly plant and its deep ties to Melbourne’snorth.

At the Monday 13 October council meeting, Cr John Haddad called for recognition of Ford’s century-long presence and its cultural and economic significance toHume.

Ford’s assembly plant first opened in Broadmeadows in 1959 and operated

through to 2016, serving as one of Hume’s largest employers for new arrivals to Australia since its early beginnings and rolling out some of Ford’s most iconic vehicle models, cementing it as a large part ofAustralia’sautomotivehistory.

Council moved to commemorate the motor company with light boxes, which wouldincludeuptosixilluminateddisplays installed around the Fordgate shopping precinct.

The installations would feature archival images of classic Ford vehicles and the Broadmeadows plant, celebrating local manufacturing history while brightening

theareaatnight.

CrNaimKurtconsideredthemoveahuge winacrossthecommunity.

“This is a win for tourism, it’s a win for shoppingprecincts,it’sawinforheritageand it’s a win for celebrating some iconography ofouroldcitycouncil,”CrKurtsaid.

The initiative is loosely inspired by the installationofcricketbustsproducedaspart of the Ashes heroes collection in Sunbury and is estimated to cost about $80,000, beingreferredtothe2026-27budgetprocess forconsideration.

Cr Jim Overend said the project is importantincementingFord’slegacy.

Enduring love lasts the test of time

Craigieburn couple Tim and Marge Pettifer’s story is a gentle reminder that love really can last a lifetime.

On Tuesday 28 October, the Craigieburn couple celebrated their incredible milestone of 75 years of marriage.

Married in 1950, 95-year-old Tim and 93-year-old Marge have shared a life built on hard work, laughter and devotion.

Timspenthisyearsworkingintransport, warehouses and on loading docks, while Marge ran a popular local milk bar, which becameaFawknerfavouriteandattheend ofeachday,they’dcomebacktoeachother.

Marge and Tim bonded over their love for bowls and their lust for life, and both agreed seeing their family grow was one of the most joyful things to experience.

Together they raised three children including two sons and a daughter, and today their family tree has blossomed into generations of grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“It’s a wonderful thing to be around to see your family grow,” Tim said.

“We’ve experienced hardships together, but we’ve enjoyed our lives. We’ve had it good together.”

Jeanette, Tim and Marge’s daughter-in-lawchuckledassheexplained the pride the couple share together.

“They will even start cleaning up on the daysleadinguptothecleanercoming,”she laughed.

“They’re too sweet for this world,” their family said , describing them as the most hardworkingandhumblepeopletheyknow.

Astheymarktheirdiamondanniversary, TimandMarge’senduringbondstandsasa shiningexampleoflovethathasweathered everystormandstillsparklesbrighterthan ever.

“It’s a big part of our history and yes, it should be celebrated and I think we should be doing something to commemorate it and have people not forget Ford and the influencestheyhadonAustralia,inVictoria and in particular the northern suburbs,” CrOverendsaid.

Community consultation and engagement with property owners, Ford Australia and former Ford employees will guide the design and placement of the artworks, with potential for future collaborationswithFordAustraliaandlocal artists on the books, as stated in council’s report.

Kolbe Catholic College has officially launched a new partnership with the Liverpool Football Club International Academy, marking what the school described as “an exciting new chapter” for students, staff, and the widercommunity.

Deputy principal and campus director Kelly Revelman said the collaboration will give students access to world-class coaching, training programs, and development pathways connected to one of the world’smostrespectedfootballclubs.

Representatives from the Liverpool FC International Academy, including general manager Rob Davey, coach developmentandoperationsleadTom Dempsey, and head of partnerships Amanda Martin attended the launch, along with students and staff from local feeder primary schools Mary Queen of Heaven, Our Lady’s, Holy CrossandMotherTeresa.

Mr Davey described the academy as a pathway to success for young students.

“The vision of the academy is to be theworldleaderinthedevelopmentof young people not just in football, but inlife,”hesaid.

“Whether it’s in school or a part of extra curricular, the kids are learning life skills like decision-making and self belief, all while building on their abilitytocollaboratewithotheryoung people.”

Marge Pettifer, 93 and Tim Pettifer, 95 are celebrating 75 years of marriage on

Tuesday 28 October. (Jack O’Shea-Ayres)

Free family fun at The Meadows on Melbourne Cup Eve

Melbourne Cup Eve is set to sparkle once again at The Meadows, with the return of the Melbourne Greyhounds’ popular FREEFamilyNight.

While the first Tuesday in November brings the race that stops the nation, the evening before offers something different – a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where kids, parents and racing fans come togethertoenjoytheatmosphere.

Hosted by the Melbourne Greyhound RacingAssociation,theannualeventputs

yourchild’senjoymentfirst,withactivities built around their favourite four-legged friends–thegreyhounds.

Across the venue, families will find giant inflatables, jumping castles for different age groups, face painting, and a special surprise feature show. Kids can also enjoy free carnival snacks such as popcorn and snow cones, while parents can take advantage of the premium trackside dining, bar facilities or food truckprecinct.

For those after a sit-down meal, the City View Bistro will be open, offering panoramic city views and a relaxed bistro atmosphere at family-friendly prices. Children’s meals are just $13 with an ice-cream,andbookingsareessential.

Adding to the fun are 300 free kids’ showbags and a $3,000 family prize draw, with free entry for all attendees - though winners must be present on the night to claimtheirprize.

With free entry and car parking,

Melbourne Cup Eve at The Meadows has become a favourite for families looking for an affordable and entertaining night out in the lead up to the race that stops the nation, the horse racing edition of the MelbourneCup.

For more details or to book a table at the City View Bistro, visit melbournegreyhounds.org.au or call our friendly staff on 9355 5222 during business hours.

1ST PRIZE

Downsizing looks a little different these days.Whilesomestillseekaquieterlifeina smallerhome,manyover-50sarelookingfor something more. More connection. More friendship. More opportunities to invest in themselves.Morecommunity.

For Pam, Anita and Lyn, that dream was simple: to live side by side in a place where they could share life together. For years, they’d imagined buying a piece of land and building a small community of their own. They wanted to stay independent, but never feelalone.

And they’re not the only ones. Across Victoria, more people are rethinking what home really means. With the rising cost of living, increasing loneliness and the fast pace of modern life, the idea of community livinghasneverbeenmoreappealing.

When it came time to downsize, the trio discovered Lifestyle Communities and found more than just a home. They found a place where that sense of community was already built in. Neighbours who became friends. Resort-style amenities that made every day feel like a holiday. And the freedom to live life entirely on their own terms.

Like them, more than 5,800 Victorians have already made the move, not just to downsize their home, but to upsize their lifestyle. Connection, security and simplicity are at the heart of how they live everyday.

For Pam, Anita and Lyn, it turns out they didn’t need to build a community from the groundup.Theyjustneededtofindtheright one.

Discover what community could look like for you at Lifestyle Communities© Wollert. Call 1300 50 55 60 or visit lifestylecommunities.com.autolearnmore.

Friends Pam, Anita and Lyn.

Latte love for Epping: Soul Origin opens new drive-thru

By Jack O’shea-Ayres

Epping has a new local hero for specialty coffeeandfreshfoodlovers,andit’salready turning heads and melting hearts.

Soul Origin’s newest store opened its doors on Monday 20 October marking a first for Victoria in its new and very first drive-thru service.

Chief operating officer Adam Neill said the Epping store represents more than just convenience, but a symbol of connection, quality and community spirit.

“This community matters to us,” he said. “We chose Epping for a reason, and the response has been humbling. We had people lining up and waiting at 4.30 in the morning on opening day.”

The newest store has been two years in the making, designed to deliver Soul Origin’s specialty coffee, and freshly made food at speed without compromising on quality.

“Speed and consistency has been a huge focus for us,” Neill said.

“But we’ll never compromise on our quality – that’s our promise.”

And the coffee is truly where Soul Origin shines. The coffee is specialty grade and roasted locally here in Melbourne, complimented by rotating single origins.

The quality doesn’t end there, as their head of coffee is a certified World Barista Judge, ensuring every cup meets world-class standards.

“One of our mantras is that every Australian deserves access to specialty coffee,” Neill explains.

“That’s what drives us.”

Epping’s newest drive-thru also

introduces two exclusive menu items available nowhere else: the SO Gems, serving as a perfect on-the-go snack and the Classic Beef SO Bun, a crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, hearty and flavour-packed favourite that’s become a local hit.

Despite only just recently opening its doors, Neill says the loyalty from Epping’s

locals has been overwhelming.

“We’ve already got familiar faces –our mid-morning coffee regulars, our lunchtime regulars, and our afternoon snackers. It’s a testament to the product and the people here.”

He credits the close-knit team for the smooth launch.

“We’veworkedsohardtogetherthatnow

we only have to look at each other to know what we want. It’s been exhausting, but absolutely worth it.”

“It’s almost like Epping voted for us,” Neill says.

“Seeing the community’s warmth and loyalty from day one has been incredibly motivating. We’re proud to call Epping home.”

Soul Origin, Australia’s renowned fresh food and coffee brand, is the epitome of fresh, delicious, and nutritious food, exceptional coffee and signature iced drinks, and is set to make its debut in the drive-thru space.

Launching its first-ever drive-thru in Epping, Melbourne, this marks a significant milestone in the evolution of this iconic Australian brand.

Known for its fresh, fast, and delicious menu offerings, Soul Origin is dedicated to maintaining high standards in quality and daily freshness without compromise. Their expansion into drive-thru underscores its ongoing mission for convenient, nutritious and tasty food options, specialty coffee and signature iced drinks. At Soul Origin, the focus is on delivering Goodness Made Great, delicious, fresh food that is nutritious and delicious.

The Soul Origin Drive-Thru Store is located at

Epping’s newest Soul Origin introduces its first drive-thru. (Supplied)

Spooky Halloween craft

Each month, Stephanie Martinez will share an exciting craft project designed to inspire and spark creativity.

Stephanie starred in the first season of Making It on Network 10, where she discovered and ignited herpassionforcrafting.

Join Stephanie as she explores the endless possibilities of crafting and turn everyday materials into somethingextraordinary.

Thismonth,Stephanieiscreating aspookyghosttassel.

Spooky ghost tassel

Step 3: Cut the loops at the bottom and slide off the cardboard.

Black EVA foam

10cm piece of cardboard Wrap yarn around cardboard about 100 times.

Tie the top with a

Step 4: Put a straw in the middle and fold the yarn over it.

Step 5: Tie a ribbon around the neck of the ghost.

Stephanie Martinez.

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

Craft market

Enjoy a craft market, Devonshire tea and a 16 car vintage car display at Bridgewater Retirement Village on Saturday 29 November 9am-2pm where all money raised will go to children’s charities. Stall Holders welcome. 9 Wedgewood Road, Roxburgh Park.

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

Bundoora Probus

Bundoora Probus meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Peter’s Anglican Church Hall, Alma Road, Bundoora, at 10am. Make new friends at excursions, lunches, coffee mornings, walks and craft sessions. Hear guest speakers at monthly meetings.

 Leanne, 0419 004 997

Young parents group

DPV Health’s Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies program in partnership with Whittlesea council, Brave Foundation and Westﬁeld Plenty Valley is a group for young parents every Thursday, from 10.30am-noon during school term. The group is a supportive space that allows young parents to form friendships and develop their parenting skills. It also allows for their young children to play and socialise with other children. At The Y at Westﬁeld Plenty Valley, 415 McDonalds Road, Mill Park.

 Asha Robinson, 0491 934 819

Chatty Cafe

Join Mill Park library’s Chatty Cafe for a coffee, tea, and biscuits and meet new friends. The cafe is open every Thursday, from 6.30-7.30pm, at 394 Plenty Road, Mill Park.

 https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/

BUSINESS PROFILE

Community singing group

Join the Broadmeadows Community Singers on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. No previous experience needed, just a love of singing.

 Sonja, 0429 587 285

Adult education

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

 9309 8531

Broadmeadows Senior Citizens Club

The club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and ﬁrst Sunday of the month.

It also has indoor carpet bowls, bingo, and snooker and on the third Saturday, and a dance from 7-11 pm. All are welcome.

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

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 www.craigieburn.org.au

Craigieburn Toastmasters

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

TAC L2P Program

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

 Cynthia Petridis, 0435 653 371

Craigieburn Probus Club

Craigieburn Probus Club offers retired people an opportunity to socialise, go on monthly bus trips, enjoy dine outs and morning melodies among other activities like general business, morning tea and an interesting speaker. Every second Monday of the month at the Craigieburn Bowling Club, 233 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn.  Bill, 0411 517 217 or Marion, 0407 052 774

Gladstone Park Probus Club

Have fun with like minded people if you live in Gladstone Park and surrounding suburbs. Monthly speakers, lunches, outings and bus tours. The probus club meets on the ﬁrst Wednesday of the month at 9.45am at the Good Shepherd Parish Hall, 88 South Circular Road, Gladstone Park. Visitors and new members welcome,  Chris, 0422 017 907

Whittlesea Show is a proud community tradition

Entriesarefloodingin,andthegroundsare aflurryofactivityaspreparationscontinue for the annual Whittlesea Show on 1 and 2 November.

Over two days, the Whittlesea Showgrounds will come to life with an abundanceofentertainmentforyoungand old.

Wander through the many pavilions including art, photography, education, cattle, sheep, hobby livestock, and the ever-popular animal nursery. Or enjoy horse riding events and working dog trials. For green thumbs and home bakers, cooking, craft, produce and floral displays offer a colourful insight into local passions and skills. Blacksmithing, shearing and hay baling come to life alongside agricultural machinery in the heritage and pioneer pavilions.

Vibrant local talent fills the stages across the grounds with an endless variety of entertainment. Local favourite, Screamin’ Eagles, will take the stage each afternoon, belting out their best.

Demonstrations, workshops, stage coach, camel and helicopter rides, free performances from Eroni’s circus, woodchop, a relaxing beer garden and much more rounds out the weekend of festivities.

Whittlesea Agricultural Society president Jayson Munro said, “We try to sustain our traditional and ever popular pavilions and events, while bringing a mix of new and fresh experiences. Whittlesea Show is a testament to our wonderful volunteers, who work tirelessly. The result is a weekend for all, that highlights the Whittlesea and surrounding communities to both those who live here and those who visit for the show. We hope everyone will come along and enjoy the show”. With something for every age and interest, the Whittlesea Show is more than

an agricultural fair – it’s a celebration of resilience, connection and tradition. You can even coax your little ones around the grounds with the Pavilion Hunter Showbag. Purchase a bag and add thetreasurescollectedatvariouspavilions to the bag.

Mark your calendars, gather family and friends and join show organisers in celebrating what makes country Victoria truly special. Whether you’re a local or a first-timevisitor,the2025WhittleseaShow is not to be missed.

Visit www.whittleseshow.org.au or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

This week’s photographer’s choice photo is of Brookﬁeld resident Jacqueline Licitra’s elaborate Halloween decorations in her front yard. Pictured is Jacqueline with her grandsons Maddix, 3, and Zanon, 1. (Damjan Janevski) 511243_01

Homework to headbanging

By Jack O’Shea-Ayres

Melbourne’s next generation of performers are set to dial up the volume in Theatrical Inc’sSchoolofRocktheMusical,whichhits the National theatre in St Kilda from 1 to 9 November.

Theatrical Inc and executive producer Andrew Gyopar have brought the play based on the 2003 cult classic to life through a meticulous casting process which focused on bringing together young talent from across Melbourne.

Doreen’s 13-year-old Maia Vuillermin forms part of the ensemble and said she just had to audition for the challenge.

“I listen to a lot of rock music and love what this musical stands for. I think a lot of people will relate to the themes of identity

and connection, so I had to audition,” she said. “I have been trained to sing mostly in Broadway songs and this is rock so it was a

great challenge to do a new style.”

Maple Rosbrook, 12, from Marymede Catholic College has a longstanding love

for performance and takes on the role of the outgoing and bubbly Shonelle.

“I’ve loved singing and dancing since I was little. I started taking Acting for Stage classes when I was seven. When I was nine my parents took me to see 13 The Musical and I absolutely loved it,” Rosbrook said.

The musical is directed by Regional Tony Award winner Cody Riker, featuring musical direction by Mal Fawcett and choreography by Jaimee White.

TheatricalIncarepromisinganenergetic and explosive take on the cult classic following Dewey Finn’s journey of turning a class of prep-school students into a high-voltage rock band.

Tickets: booktickets.com.au/ schoolofrock

A journey through time: New exhibition now showing

By Georgia Tacey

A new exhibition is being shown at the Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre, offering a step back into the past.

Pastimes: The Evolution of Leisure, features pieces from the Hume Civic Collection, and features reflections of the past,andhowtimeshavechangedoverthe past 150 years.

The exhibition extends across two areas, including the Heritage Vitrine and the Gallery Box Cases in the centre.

The exhibition is designed to ‘pause time’ for a moment, so viewers can enjoy reflecting on the changing nature of how people play and enjoy the world.

Hume council community development officer arts and culture Anna Clabburn said the display is there for the community to get a glimpse into the past of Sunbury, Bulla and the wider Hume area.

“We tried to put as much in there as we possibly could, to give the community a lot to look at and celebrate the range of items and photos that are in the collection,” she said. She encouraged the community to come on down and find out more about the collection.

“Ifpeopleareinterestedorhaveresearch inquiries … the best thing to do is to make an appointment and come and have a look at the collection and engage with the

volunteers,” she said.

The exhibition is just a snapshot of the much wider Hume Civic Collection, with many of it stored at the centre.

Pastimes is on display now, until Thursday 30 April.

To find out more about the Hume Civic Collection, email artsandculture@hume. vic.gov.au

The community got to hear more about civic collections at an event from guest speakers from City of Greater Dendenong Rhonda Diffey (left) and Alison Key (right), with Feyza Yazar (middle) Hume’s co-ordinator Arts & Culture. (Damjan Janevski) 504614_01

Seniors fest connects

October was the month for celebrating our olderVictorians,withtheVictorianSeniors Festival running between Wednesday 1 October and Friday 31 October.

The festival delivered a range of free and low-cost events for Victoria’s Seniors, celebrating positive ageing and socialisation.

As the 2025 Victorian Seniors Festival cametoaclose,GreenvaleWestCommunity Centre hosted the community’s older Victorians for a morning of catching up with old mates, meeting new people, and engaging in fun activities over a cup of tea.

Star Weekly photographer Damjan Janevski captured the good times at Greenvale West Community Centre on Tuesday 21 October.

Greenvale West Community Centre staff Caterina Pizzat and Kerri Onisek welcoming the seniors. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 511657_06

Rajas and Poobalan Govender bonding over a cuppa. 511657_05

Yaki He and Fei He share the morning. 511657_04

Brian Steele and Leo Stoios. 511657_03

Cheryl Steele, Chris Binion and Melba Stoios. 511657_01

April B. and Leanne Pascoe.

Dewey and the kids are ready to rock. (Supplied)

of new two 3-bay cabinets; •Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and •Internal works within the existing 5-bay cabinets and new two 3-bays cabinets.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

Please direct comments to Vanessa Wan at 0447 240 015 or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or via post at Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Thursday 13 November 2025.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visits www.rfnsa.com.au/3046005. PROPOSAL

PUBLIC NOTICE HUME CITY COUNCIL NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DECLARE PUBLIC HIGHWAY

Hume City Council (Council), gives notice under section 204(1) of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act), that it proposes to declare the road known as Victoria Street, Tullamarine, as shown hatched on the plan below, to be a public highway under section 204(1) of the Local Government Act 1989 (Proposal):

Any person may make a submission on the Proposal. Any person proposing to make a submission under section 223 of the Act must do so by 5pm on Friday 28 November 2025. All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act. Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be emailed to contactus@hume.vic.gov.au; hand delivered to Council’s Municipal Office at 1079 Pascoe Value Road, Broadmeadows or posted to the following address:

Sheena Frost Chief Executive Officer Hume City Council PO Box 119

DALLAS VIC 3047

Any person requesting to be heard in support of their submission is entitled to be heard before Council (or a Committee established by Council for this purpose) or be represented by a person acting on their behalf, to be held (if required) at 7pm on Monday 9 February 2026 at the Broadmeadows Council Chamber, Hume Global Learning Centre, 1093-1097 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. A person must clearly state in their submission whether they, or their representatives wish to speak at the meeting. Further information regarding the Proposal may be obtained from Mr Fadi Srour, Chief Financial Officer and Acting Director Customer Strategy on 9205 2200.

SHEENA FROST CHIEF EXECUTIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE HUME CITY COUNCIL

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DECLARE PUBLIC HIGHWAY

Hume City Council (Council), gives notice under section 204(1) of the Local Government Act 1989 (Act), that it proposes to declare the roads abutting 810 and 860 Summerhill Road, Craigieburn as shown hatched on the plans below to be public highways under section 204(1) of the Local Government Act 1989 (Proposal):

Sheena Frost Chief Executive Officer

Hume City Council PO Box 119

DALLAS VIC 3047

SHEENA FROST

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT (Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987)

The property affected by the application is located at: 8 Lady Peel Rise, DOREEN

The application is for a permit for:

Variation of Restrictive Covenant PS605811P to allow a 1.2m Aluminium Pool Fence to be constructed outside the Building Envelope

The applicant for the permit is: K Grimmer

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

The application reference number is: PLN-45038

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

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

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

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

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 11 November 2025.

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

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

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 www.starnewsgroup.com.au

PUZZLES

261

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Without a fixed address (8)

5 Climb (6) 10 Churlish (5)

11 Emission of energy (9)

12 Hammer (6)

13 Ultra (7)

14 Harsh (8)

15 Plaster artwork (6)

18 Rib (6)

20 Yearbooks (8)

21 Cannabis derivative (7)

24 Desired (6)

27 One of seven children (9)

28 Appropriate (5)

29 Killer (6)

30 Adieu (8) DOWN

1 Dry fruit outer (4) 2 Citrus preserve (9) 3 Faithful (5)

4 Observation (8) 6 Strew (7) 7 Banish (5) 8 Perilous (9)

9 Lazy (4)

14 Combination into a whole (9) 16 Across the region

17 Variety of hot drink (5,3)

19 Free time (7)

22 Dividing walls (5)

23 Aid (4)

25 Passageway between seats (5)

26 Small duck (4)

1. Linen is made from the cellulose fibres of which plant?

2 How many points is the letter Y worth in a game of scrabble?

3 A common dessert component, frangipane is made primarily from what ingredient?

4 CanneryRow is a 1945 novel by which American author?

5 The nicknames ‘Satchmo’, ‘Satch’ and ‘Pops’ belonged to which influential Jazz singer and trumpeter?

6 Morel, lion’s mane, oyster and enoki are all types of what?

7 What spirit is used to make Irish coffee?

8 On February 3, 1959, which three American musicians were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa?

9 In what year did Ireland join the European Union?

10 What was Amy Winehouse's (pictured) last studio recording before her death in 2011?

Rear view in Forester focus

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

ThenewForester:Ah,thattakesmeback.

While Subaru’s most popular model has taken up with the hybrid age, changes are mostly cosmetic, including cabin layouts that have not changed much over the past four years, no impediment to the many Foresterfans,ofwhichtherearemany.

Needless to say, there is an impressive list of standard equipment in the Forester, right down to the bargain basement. Things such as Subaru Intelligent Drive (IntelligentandSportmodes),X-Modewith hill descent, front cornering lamps and steering responsive headlights, dual zone air-con, six-speaker audio and EyeSight DriverAssistareonhanddependingonthe model.

Prices start at $43,490 for the entry-level Forester and includes seven variants, four petrol only and three hybrids, featuring Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive sendingconstanttractiontoallfourwheels.

ATouringvariant,thetestvehicle,comes in at $50,990, while the range is topped off by the Forester Hybrid Touring at $55,990. Additions include gloss black radiator grille, leather and suede upholstery and 10-speakersoundsystem.

Making a debut in the new Forester is Subaru’s next generation Hybrid e-Boxer system mating a 2.5-litre horizontally opposed ICE with 90kW electric motor and 1.1kWhbattery,givingthevehicleaclaimed rangeofmorethan1000kmonafulltank.

Forester petrol and hybrid models are covered by Subaru’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and 12 months roadsideassist.

Styling

Subaru says the new SUV shows off a ‘bold evolution’ in Forester design that’s wider, more athletic and purpose-built for Australian conditions, with C-shaped LED headlamps, incorporating LED daytime running lights and cornering lamps for bettervisibilityatintersections.

While aerodynamics was a major consideration in shaping the vehicle –sleeker door mirrors mounted lower, for example – there’s still more than a nod to theoriginalruggedSUVshape.

All models have 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels, depending on the grade. The Touring rolls on the latter and is singled out for gloss black front grille, front and rearbumperaccents,plussidemirrorsand low-profileroofrails.

Every Forester sports an aluminium bonnet – reducing weight but adding strength with a view to enhancing pedestrian protection – while maintaining asolidSUVidentity.

Interior

Seatinghascomeinforparticularattention, with Subaru engineers working with anatomy experts to develop better support for the lower back and hips, helping keep the spine aligned and reduce tiredness on longjourneys.

Seat rails are mounted directly on to the chassis to minimise sway and absorb vibration giving a smoother ride, while safety is enhanced by a new side bolster design that helps reduce whiplash in a collision.

The Touring takes up leather and suede upholstery in black or brown with brown interiorstitchingandheatedandventilated frontseats.

Infotainment

Inside, the Forester has been revamped to lift comfort, connectivity and cabin

refinement. At the centre of the dash is an 11.6-inch full-HD infotainment touchscreen, designed for ease of use for wireless Apple CarPlay and wired and wirelessAndroidAuto.

An on-screen digital multi-function display and a second information screen arepositionedtoreducedriverdistraction. Belowisawirelessphonechargepad.

Front and rear USB ports include high-output USB-A and USB-C connectionsforfastercharging.Frontports offer convenient access for both device connectivity and power delivery, with rear ports enabling passenger charging, keeping tablets and smartphones powered upandreadythroughoutlongerjourneys.

The 10-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with subwoofer supplies audio of a standard far beyond that expected in a mid-rangemarketvehicle.

Engines/transmissions

Petrol-only Foresters are powered by Subaru’s tried-and-true 2.5-litre Boxer engine developed for improved reliability andresponsewithlessnoise,vibrationand harshness.

Petrol-powered models feature Subaru’s latest-generation Lineartronic CVT, re-tuned for sharper performance and improved efficiency. A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1, up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off acceleration and more relaxed highway cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hill climbing – even in reverse – while a new eight-speed manual modeenhancesdriverengagement.

ThisCVTispairedwithSubaru’supdated Active Torque Split AWD system, which

dynamically adjusts torque distribution –optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.

Safety

One thing that has changed dramatically over the years since the first Forester made landfall Down Under is protection of passengers and pedestrians. For a start, new-generation vehicles, across the board, are fitted with nine airbags, including far-sideandfrontpassengercushion.

Latest generation EyeSight Driver Assist technologyisstandardacrosstherange.

Featured are a new wide-angle monocularcameradisplayingawiderfield of view, and the new emergency driving stop system, Subaru vision assist, and drivermonitoring.

Active systems include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), active torque vectoring, autonomousemergencysteeringandblind spotmonitoring.

The above is backed by emergency lane-keep assist, front side radar, lane centring,lanechangeandlane-keepassist.

Slow manoeuvres, including parking, is helped by rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, while traffic sign recognition and tyre pressure monitoring playtheirpartinsafedriving.

Driving

The2.5-litrepetrolengineproduces136kW of power at 5800rpm and 247Nm of torque at 3700rpm, its broad, flat torque curve ensuring smooth acceleration and strong

performanceacrossawiderangeofdriving conditions, particularly when overtaking orcarryingafullload.

A broader gear ratio range (now 8.1, up from 7.0) allows for stronger take-off acceleration and more relaxed highway cruising. Lower first and reverse gears aid hillclimbing–eveninreverse–whileanew eight-speedmanualmodeenhancesdriver engagement.

ThisCVTispairedwithSubaru’supdated Active Torque Split AWD system, which dynamically adjusts torque distribution –optimised to the vehicle’s weight balance – to deliver better steering response and more confident handling across varying surfaces.

Subaru rates Forester Touring fuel consumption at 7.9 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle with 180g/km carbon dioxide emissions. The test Touring recorded a tad over 10 litres per 100km around city and suburbs and less than six litres per 100 kilometres at motorwayspeeds.

Enhancedcabininsulationandvibration dampinghavereducedinteriornoise,while 360-degree Surround View Monitor has increased visibility and hence a pleasing on-andoff-roaddrivingexperience.

And with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, enhanced Australiansuspensiontuning,plus220mm ground clearance, the Forester Touring is purpose built for local on- and off-road conditions.

Summary

No worries, the New Age Subaru Forester stillhasitsSUVchops.

Forester Touring is purpose built for local on- and off-road conditions. (Pictures: Supplied)

It took until week four of the summer season for the rain to impact matches across Melbourne’s north-west. However,

StarWeeklyphotographer Ljubica Vrankovic still managed to capture some of the action among the wet on Saturday.

Heavens open up on play

Taylors Lakes’ Arjun Upadhyay. 512547_10

Altona Roosters’ Thanuj Thisakuttige and Aiden Elkington. 512549_05

Melton’s Joel Mitchener. 512547_03

Sunshine United. 512549_01

One let slip for Bacchus Marsh. 512545_07

Shanin Silva bowls for Bacchus Marsh. 512545_25

Some of the crowd at the ﬁrst turf game at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse. 512545_15

Some of the crowd at the ﬁrst turf game at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse. 512545_17

Some of the crowd at the ﬁrst turf game at Bacchus Marsh Racecourse. 512545_20

Taylors Lakes batters. 512547_07

Pennin ushers in an exciting new era for South Morang

It’s an exciting new era for South Morang undernewcoachMattPennintheNorthern Football League division 2 competition.

After eight seasons, two premierships and going from division 3 through to division 1, the Lions will have a new coach with Gary Hall stepping down.

Penn, who has been a senior assistant coach at Hurstbridge the past three seasons, will replace him in the role.

Pennsaidafterbeinginvolvedinfootball his whole life, he was keen to take on the main coaching role.

“I’ve always been involved in footy, playing or coaching,” he said. “I was involved in junior footy for seven years and more recently with Hurstbridge.

“It’s been great being an assistant coach and it’s been a great learning curve. I

learned a hell of a lot in three years.

“There was the ambition to one day to have a senior position. It was about timing and opportunity and this seemed like the right time to take the opportunity.”

Penn is no stranger to South Morang.

Both of his children have played at the club with his daughter still playing there.

He also coached juniors at the club.

“I’ve had an affiliation with the club in a different program,” he said. “I thought it was a good fit for me and it is local.

“I know a number of people and there’s a young group coming through who have been through the under-19s.

“Some were in colts while I was coaching.”

The Lions will drop down to division 2 after only one season in division 1 having

finishedbottomafterachallengingseason.

Severalkeyplayershavebeenannounced as signing elsewhere since the season ended.

Penn said it was the start of a new era.

“You look at so many departures, but it opens up opportunities for others to thrive,” he said.

“Development and progress. Sometimes change is hard but it is exciting for the young players to play senior football.”

Penn said there was still plenty of talent in the current playing group and they were keen for the challenge the next 12-18 months.

The Lions have been adding some new signings with the club working behind the scenes for six to seven weeks.

Ethan Lowe is the biggest signing so far.

Crotty shoots high

By Tara Murray

A Broadmeadows basketballer is hoping to take her game to the highest levels after a breakout season.

Maddison Crotty was a standout for the Hume City Broncos in their youth league women’s side this year.

She was the leading scorer in the Big V youth league division 1 women’s competitionandwasnamedintheleague’s all-star team.

Crotty also performed strongly in the younger age group, the under-18s where she was named the Broncos most valuable player.

She was named Broncos female club champion at Broadmeadows, while taking out the president’s award.

Herperformancesalsosawherrepresent an under-18 Vic Select team at the BLIA Tournament and named in the state development and performance pathways.

Crotty can’t believe what she has achieved at such a young age.

“Forme,allmyconcentrationthisseason was around practice and preparation to ensure I was in the best condition to compete each week,” she said.

“Leaving me not much time to stop and reflect on just how much I had achieved.

“That said, upon the completion of the season, I was extremely shocked to look back, releasing just how impactful this session has been for my basketball career.

“Such recognition at a young age is something I couldn’t have imagined.”

Crotty said she loved the challenge of playing in the youth league competition, despitebeingfiveyearsyoungerthanmany of her opponents.

“Ipersonallylovedthechallengeofgoing against the older and stronger bodies, it really drove me to work on my game, in particularmystrengthandconditioningto ensure I could be competitive at this level,” she said.

“Having said that, I found it refreshing to be able to bring my youthful playing styletothegame,allowingmetochallenge some of the older athletes.”

Crotty said her experiences as part of the state development and state performance programs had really impacted her basketball.

She said it was an honour to be part of those programs.

“It’s a really good environment where there is a lot of learning and development,” she said.

“Being surrounded by like-minded athletes and great coaches has definitely benefited my basketball enormously.”

Crotty’s big moment this year was representing Victoria in Taiwan.

It presented an opportunity to represent VictoriawhileplayingagainstthetopAsian colleges, in an international sporting event

Maddison Crotty. (Broadmeadows Basketball Association)

was truly an amazing experience.

“The friendships and bonds that I made with the coaching staff and players is something that I will never forget,” she said.

“The whole experience of flying overseas to represent my state is one that I am very appreciative for.”

If she wasn’t busy enough, Crotty is a referee at Broadmeadows.

She said while it was a good way to earn money, she also wanted to give back to the local basketball community that had done so much for her.

Crotty said she was unsure what was next.

“I do hope to play at the highest level possible,whetherthat’swithinAustraliaor overseas, I am undecided.

“As long as I have given it my best shot, I will be happy playing basketball at whatever level that is.

“In the short term, my focus is to complete another successful season at Broadmeadows Basketball Association in the under-18s and youth team and hopefully get the opportunity to play in championship women’s team.”

He is a young up and coming key forward who is keen to elevate his fitness and take his game to another level.

Anthony Bradford and Nick Lawson are other signings announced.

Penn said they were still taking to other players and hoped to sign a couple more.

He said they set no ceiling on what they can achieve next season.

“It will be a different method to what has been successful,” he said. “We will never forget what we’ve done.

“We’ll look forward with an eye on the future and take the game to another level. We would love to bounce back up into division one.

“Earley conversations with senior players, they are keen to work hard.”

Tara Murray

Things have continued to fall into place for South Morang with the club in the best position it’s ever been in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

The club continues to grow year-on-year with more numbers across juniors, seniors and its women’s program.

President Dean Parker said things were looking really strong at the club.

“It’s looking really good this year,” he said. “We’ve got two extra junior sides. We’ve got two veterans sides and ladies. Our second and third XI have both been promoted up grades which is fantastic.”

Parker said they had some of the strongest numbers that they’d ever had and the club was in the best position it has ever been in.

“We have a good team of volunteers on the committee,” he said. “It’s a family oriented club, which we’re very mindful of.

“It’s a terrific position the club is in. The club is growing each year.”

On field, the men’s side which plays in the Mash Shield has been building the past few seasons.

Karl Heckmann has captained the side in recent years as it had shown improvement.

With a change of competition structure at the end of this season, finishing in the top four is even more crucial.

“We’re not far away,” Parker said. “We’ve worked hard in the off season and what we’ve been building.

“[Finals] we’re realistic about that. We’ve come close the last couple of years and been knocking on the door.

“If it’s not this year, it’ll be next year.”

Parkersaidoneofthemostpleasing things was seeing so many players who have come through their junior sides now playing seniors.

He said they have a good batch of youngsters coming through.

“We have a young lIons development squad where half a dozen junior players are treated like seniors,” he said.

“It’s a pathway into senior cricket. The club has had great success.”

The Lions women’s program continues to go from strength to strength, with the club fielding two sides in the North Metropolitan Cricket Association.

Parker’s partner Jess led that program for a number of years before retiring this year.

“To have two teams, including one in division 1 is sensational effort by everybody.”

Lions start to roar

Demons announce signing of gun full forward Covelli

By Tara Murray

Tullamarine has locked in one of the biggest names in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition for next season.

Zack Carey’s second off season in charge has been a fruitful one for the Demons, with some big names joining the club.

On Thursday, the Demons announced that Hillside full forward Josh Covelli had signed with the club.

Covelli has been one of the premier players in the division 1 competition since joining the Sharks from Burnside Heights.

He has kicked 100 goals in each of the past two seasons, including kicking his 100th this year in the grand final.

Covelliwonthe2024HutchisonMedalas thebestplayerinthedivision1competition in 2024 and gave opposition defenders a headache every week.

Those same defenders will again have to face him next year with the decision not to

test himself in premier division.

“A powerful forward who is an absolute force to be reckoned with on the field, Josh will bring elite goal-kicking ability and a proven winning mentality to Leo Dineen Reserve,”theDemonssaidonsocialmedia.

“With 968 career goals already on the board, there’s every chance we’ll see him reach the incredible 1000-goal milestone in the red and blue.

“Off the field, he’s a great bloke who embodieseverythingwevalueatourclub.”

Covelli’s Sharks teammate Zac Wunhym has also joined the Demons.

Wunhym captained the Sharks 2025 premiership side.

“A tough, contested-ball winning midfielder, Zak brings elite experience, leadership, and a winning mentality to our engine room,” the Demons said.

“His ability to win the hard ball and drive standards will be invaluable as we continue building towards our goals.”

The two join Tom Jackson as the new

signings announced by the Demons so far. JacksonplayedattheDemonsin2023-24 before joining Lancefield last year where he kicked 42 goals from 16 games.

“His goal-kicking ability and versatility - whether playing deep forward, high half forward, or rolling through the middlewill be a massive boost to our forward line as we build towards 2026,” the Demons said on social media.

The Demons finished second bottom with four wins for the season.

Among those who have recommitted to the Demons include Josh Cowell, Anthony Liberatore, Lachlan Currie, Dom Micallef, Austin Warden, Daniel Devine, Sal Melilli, Matt Jones and Tim Matson.

Tara Murray

Demons, bulls draw

By Tara Murray

After 160 overs, Tullamarine and Newport-Digman couldn’t be split in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield on Saturday.

Whilemanygameswereaffectedbyrain, the Demons and Bulls played an absolute thriller which went down to the wire.

The Demons made 8-251 on day one of thematch,whichwasmatchedbytheBulls who finished 8-251 on Saturday.

Demons president and opener Peter Labbad said there was a bit of a flat feeling after the game.

“They got a single off the last ball to get the draw,” he said. “Everyone slumped to their knees and it was really quiet for five minutes before we all shook hands.

“It was really sombre. Had we won it would have put us on top.”

Shehan De silva took three wickets for the Demons, while Malith Nimanthaka and Devin Ratnasinghe took two wickets each.

Labbad said they felt like the match was one that got away, but it showed really positive signs for the club.

Last season the Steve McNamara Shield team won just three games for the season and only avoided relegation in the final round.Theyalreadyhaveonewinandatie.

“We’re going really well and we’re in a good position unlike last year,” he said. “The feeling is really good and there’s a massive vibe around the club.

“The under-14s and under-16s have been outstanding and we’re having dinners all together, with the juniors watching the seniors and the seniors watching the juniors.”

Johanne De Zilva has been the standout for the Demons early on. He made 99 against Newport-Digman.

He has now stepped into an assistant coachroleattheDemonsinhisfirstseason at the club.

DeZilvaisalevel1accreditedcoachwith the England and Wales Cricket Board.

“He’s one of our marquee players and he’s been outstanding,” Labbad said.

“He made 99 and bowling well.

“He had brought a lot of experience and talent to the team. He is a nice guy, an unbelievable guy.”

The Demons now face Grand United in a one-dayer this Saturday.

Labbad said it would be a good test for them.

“It will let us know where are at,” he said. “We we play well and are competitive it’s a good sign.

“If we get beat badly, there’s a bit of work

to be done. If we win, it will give us a lot of confidence that we can match is this year.”

In the Roy Picone Shield, Greenvale Kangaroos lost to Pascoe Vale Hadfield. The Kangaroos were bowled out for 126 in reply to the Panthers 213. IntheRussellPollockShield,Donnybrook

Sports shorts

NWMCA

Merriﬁeld managed to gain an outright win against Aintree Stallions in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association George Luscombe Shield on Saturday. Aintree made 116 on day one of the match, with the Panthers making 223 in reply. The Stallions were then bowled out for 83, falling short of the Panthers batting again. Talwinder Prince and Daman Sidhu took three wickets each for the Panthers. Gladstone Park also got the win on Saturday, beating Kealba-Green Gully. Having made 9-326, the Burras bowled the Cougars out for 74. The Cougars were 1-35 in their second innings when rain ended the match.

Bowls

Bundoora started to the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant premier division season with a win on Saturday. Bundoora was at home to Melbourne and was able to win, 89 (16)-72 (2). Corey Wedlock’s rink won 27-16, while Kaleb Shaw’s rink won 24-13 to be the two big winners.

DVCA

Rain ruined the latest round of the Diamond Valley Cricket Association on the weekend with Rivergum one of the big winners in the Mash Shield. The three shield competitions had Saturday-Sunday matches, with rain falling on both days. Despite the DVCA telling players to report to grounds on Sunday, not many matches went ahead. Rivergum has already claimed the points on day one of its match with Mill Park. Matches involving Epping, Bundoora and Bundoora United in the Barclay Shield were all abandoned and in the Money Shield, Lalor Stars and Mernda both had their matches abandoned.

Northern FL

Thomastown has unveiled its coaching group for next year’s Northern Football League division 2 season. Sash Spiroski will continue on as coach, while David Folino has stood down as co-coach due to work commitments. Paul Harris has been appointed the director of football, while Adem Shemshedin and Ryan Fort have been named co-coaches.

got the win against Williamstown Congs. Donnybrook finished 5-199 in reply to the Congs, 169. Jacana and Roxburgh Park’s game was abandoned.

The Jaguars were 4-95 in reply to the Falcons’ 9-252.

FOR MORE SPORT VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews

Peter Labbad is batting well for Tullamarine. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 445372_02

Josh Covelli has joined Tullamarine. (Tullamarine FC)

Warriors ‘rattle through’ opposition for comeback win

By Tara Murray

Westmeadows pulled off one of the more remarkable comebacks to open its account in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.

The Warriors were in trouble after day one of their match with Airport West St Christopher’s after a below par batting performance.

After a strong start with the bat, the Eagles needed just 53 for victory on day two.

But a Tallan Wright bowling display destroyed the Eagles chances.

Warriors captain-coach Donovan Pell said it was a pretty special win.

“We spoke about it, we had one of these games three or four years ago against Craigieburn at Craigieburn,” he said.

“Theboyswhoweretherespokeaboutthe resemblance to that game and yesterday’s [Saturday] game.

“It was a very good win.”

Having only made 138, the Warriors needed some luck to go their way if they were to get the win.

The Eagles resumed at 3-86 with Pell saying they were still confident of getting the win heading into day two.

“They had a tail that was probably a little bit weaker from previous years with some players out,” he said.

“Weknewwehadabout60runstogo.We tried to bowl and not to worry about that andtryandgettwowicketsearlytogetinto the tail.

“We were positive and able to rattle through them.”

Wright in his second game for the

Warriors took 5-8 off his seven overs as the Eagles were bowled out for 127.

PellsaidWrightwasabletoswingtheball both ways making it hard for the batters.

The bowling performance came after Wright top scored with 43 on day one.

“I’ve known him for a long time, we went to school together,” Pell said. “I’ve known the ability he holds and it was on show.”

With time still on the clock, the Warriors were sent back in.

Pell said that caught them by surprise and they were in trouble at 6-37 when rain ended the game early.

Pell said they knew the rain was coming and the plan was to bat out the rest of the day.

He said the Eagles bowlers were able to use the wicket well like Wright did.

The win kicks off the Warriors season.

Positives for Roos

By Tara Murray

Greenvale Kangaroos are confident they areheadingintherightdirectionandsome wins are around the corner in Victorian Premier Cricket.

The Kangaroos have had a tough few years but the group now has got a couple of years together behind them.

Coach Sunny Fernando said they had shown some real good signs across all four grades in the first couple of rounds without getting the wins on the board.

“It’s been a big positive,” he said. “Round one was a bit disappointing, but round two we showed a lot of character throughout.

“All four sides were competitive and showed character. It was a good weekend, it was positive for sure.”

Fernando said consistency across all the sides from week to week is one of the biggest things they’ve been working on.

He said more wins on the board was also something they needed to do.

“We’re stronger now,” he said. “We’ve got

a lot of younger players who have two or three years under their belts.

“They’ve got experience now and we need to get that winning momentum. We are moving slowly, ticking boxes in a number of areas.”

After a disappointing round one, the Kangaroos first XI made 293 in reply to 8-355. High scores have been something the Kangaroos have struggled to put on the board.

“We thought we could get the four wins,” Fernando said. “Our fourths scored 380.

“Our firsts were chasing 350 and scored almost 300 runs and we were bowled out with nearly 20 overs remaining.

“Ourstwomade280andjustfellthrough and our thirds were chasing 260, it was a tough total and ended in a draw.”

OneofthebigpositivesfortheKangaroos has been the inclusion of Sri Lankan international Oshada Fernando Fernando top scored with 76 on the weekend

“The youngsters have been working with him and there’s a lot of positives,” Sunny

Pell said this would give them plenty of confidence.

“We have a history of winning games off the bat,” he said.

“Adding Tallan to Patty [Pathum De Mel] and Angus [Price] adds another string to our bow that we can run through sides.”

The Warriors this week face last season’s runners-up Yarraville Club.

Meanwhile, Craigieburn’s win over St Albans was even closer with as it held on to win by one run.

Craigieburn was bowled out for 128 on day one, with the Saints finishing with 127.

Joshua Rasu took six wickets for Craigieburn.

Craigieburn was 4-97 in their second innings when the game ended.

Sammy Laffan was unbeaten on 53 not out.

Jesse Donaldson joins Laurimar

Laurimar has added another key of the puzzle, with Jesse Donaldson joining the club for next year’s Northern Football League division 3 season.

After just falling short of premiership success, the Power is keen to go that one step further and added a couple of big names.

Donaldson was captain of Montmorency for six years and has played more than 200 division 1 games across two clubs.

He has been named in the league’s most valuable player and runner-up once, which is voted by the coaches. Donaldson has also captained the league in interleague and was a playing-assistantcoachwhenEltham won the division 2 premiership in 2023.

“Jesse is another outstanding addition to the team on the field and will play an important role in further developing our young, maturing list who will no doubt feed off the skill, knowledge and experience he has gained over many years at the top level,”thePowersaidonsocialmedia.

Joining Donaldson at the Power is Janus Waldron, another who brings plenty of experience.

He had played more than 220 at Northcote Park across division 1 and 2.

“He joins his twin brother Liam at the Power in 2026 and this will be the first time the twins have played together since 2019,” the Power said.

Fernando said.

“It’s the small things like running between the wickets He’s coming to trainingandthey’rethrowingballsathim.”

The Kangaroos have now also settled on a skipper with Will Luxton to take on the role for the rest of the season.

Bernard Kelly had captained the side the openingtworoundswhiletheclubdecided on a skipper, with Fernando saying he did a good job.

Fernando said Luxton had been through the Yorkshire system and his knowledge and skills were vital to the team.

On Saturday, the Kangaroos kicked off their round three match with Fitzroy-Doncaster.

TheKangaroosmade242afterbeingsent in.

Luxton shone in his game as skipper making120aftercominginatnumberfour.

TheLionswere0-12afterfouroversatthe end of play.

On Sunday, all women’s premier cricket was washed out due to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday.

“Jay’s a dashing wingman who can also swing forward or back and we can’t wait to see him in action at the Power in 2026.”

Meanwhile, Cooper Herbert, who was one of the Stars for Laurimar this season, has joined Hurstbridge.

Bernard Kelly and Prabhnoor Bhalla. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 507979_02

Jesse Donaldson and Jimmy Atkins. (Supplied)