Integrity questions
By Laura Michell
The integrity of three candidates for the by-election in Whittlesea’s Lalor Ward has been called into question following the releaseofhow-to-votematerials.
CandidatesRexNicholson,VictoriaEdge and Mary Krassos released how-to-vote cards bearing the same postal address in theirpamphlets’authorisationdetails.
The PO Box is the same address listed on election material for Labor candidate StevanKozmevskiandwasusedbyatleast four other Labor candidates during last October’sWhittleseacouncilelection.
Election pamphlets, how-to-vote cards and the candidate statements provided to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) by Mr Nicholson, Ms Edge and Ms Krassos make no mention of their affiliation with theLaborParty.
Ms Edge’s how-to-vote card states that sheisa“communityindependent”.
Mr Nicholson and Ms Edge did not respond to questions from StarWeekly . Ms Krassos cannot be contacted. She did not provide contact information to the VEC whennominatingfortheby-election.
The Victorian Labor Party also did not respond to questions from Star Weekly regardingitsinvolvementinthecampaigns forMrNicholson,MsEdgeandMsKrassos, including whether it was providing financialsupport.
Lalor votes are being asked to re-elect a councillor after the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal voided the result of the October 2024 election in Lalor Ward following a vote tampering scheme which sought to benefit third-place candidate NicholasHajichristou.
How-to-vote pamphlets for
By-election candidate Samu Uprety said the materials released by Mr Nicholson, Ms Edge and Ms Krassos raised questions abouttheirintegrity.
“If candidates aren’t upfront about who they’rereallyrepresenting,itraisesserious questionsabouttheirintegrityandwhether
they’re truly working for the community –or just following their own or their party’s agenda,”shesaid.
“I think it’s really disappointing to see people claiming to be independent when they’reclearlylinkedtoapoliticalparty.
“Voters deserve honesty and
Given the fraud that caused this by-election, transparency is more important than ever - Ellen McNaught
transparency, especially during an election.
“It’s also totally unfair to candidates like myself, who have no support and are actuallyindependent.”
Continued: Page 3.
Rex Nicolson, Victoria Edge and Mary Krassos have the same PO Box address as Labor candidate Stevan Kozmevski.
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building North East Link. We’re also upgrading the Eastern Freeway and completing the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough, making travelling around Melbourne quicker and safer.
What we’re doing:
Tunnelling continues all year on North East Link, while entry and exit ramps are excavated in Yallambie and Bulleen.
Building the new ramps that will connect the Eastern Freeway to North East Link in 2028.
Making changes to Manningham and Bulleen roads in Bulleen to keep traffic moving as we work.
Constructing the new freeflowing interchanges at the M80 Ring Road and Grimshaw Street.
Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Hurstbridge Line Until 24 July
Road disruptions: Closed roads and freeways
Grimshaw Street, Watsonia
9pm to 6am each night, 25 to 27 July
6am to 9pm, 26 and 27 July
10.30pm to 4.30am each night, 28 and 29 July
Eastern Freeway, Balwyn North 11pm 26 July to 7.30am 27 July
Greensborough Bypass, Watsonia
Heidelberg to Eltham
Between Macorna Street and Greensborough Bypass
Greensborough-bound between Macorna and Frye streets
Greensborough-bound between Macorna and William streets
Citybound between Doncaster and Bulleen roads
10pm 2 August to 9am 3 AugustBetween Doncaster and Bulleen roads
10.30pm to 4.30am each night, 28 and 29 July
Between Grimshaw Street and M80 Ring Road interchange
Call for safety upgrades
By Laura Michell
A Hume councillor is calling for safety improvements along a key Kalkallo road that has been the site of an “abundance of nearmisses”.
During council’s July 14 meeting, Yubup Ward councillor Ally Watson asked council officers to prepare a report on opportunities to improve the safety of Toyon Road between Dwyer Street and ClovertonBoulevard.
The request was backed by her fellow councillors, with officers expected to provideareporttocouncilinDecember.
Cr Watson said Toyon Road is a key east-west road in Kalkallo which provides connections to Gilgai Plains Primary School, Kalkallo Community Centre and kindergarten, a recreation reserve and shopsandcarriesahighvolumeoffootand vehicletrafficdayandnight.
Parking bays along the side of the road are regularly used by parents and carers duringschooldrop-offsandpick-ups.
Despitethe40km/hspeedlimit,vehicles are often witnessed travelling at much higherspeeds,CrWatsonsaid.
She said residents have reported an abundance of near misses and challenges
crossing the road on foot, adding that she had personally attended an incident in which a young person was hit while on theirbike.
“The community has had enough, I have hadenough,”CrWatsonsaid.
“Those wanting to use the crossing near the shops are often hidden from driver’s sight lines due to parked cars, only becoming visible when they set foot on the road.That’sascarymomentforanyone,but especially for our parents pushing a pram aheadofthem.
“Safety improvements are desperately needed along Toyon Road to keep our
Ice Queens turn drink bottles into bows
A Thomastown cheerleading squad has transformed more than 5000 containers intocustom-madecheerbows.
Atomic Allstars’ Ice Queens set up four labelled tubs at their gym encouraging athletes, families, and friends to donate eligible drink containers, which they then returnedtotheirnearestcontainerdeposit scheme(CDS)site,raising$560.
Thebows,whichcost$35each,werefinal piece needed for the team’s uniform, with
the cheerleaders proudly wearing them to theIASFCheerleadingWorldsinFlorida.
Atomic Allstars managing director JessicaNugentsaidthebowswerethefinal pieceoftheteam’suniforms.
The Ice Queens plan to keep collecting containers through the scheme to support futureteamexpensesandcompetitions.
“We’ve seen first-hand how something so simple can make a real difference,” Ms Nugentsaid.“It’sbeenaneasy,sustainable
By-election integrity questions
electionswasarealissue.
waytoraisefundsandit’sfuntoo.”
Visy CDS general manager Tim O’DonnellsaidtheIceQueen’sfundraising showed how local charities and sporting clubs had taken full advantage of the Scheme.
“CDS Vic is a great way for locals to raise money for sporting groups and charities. Returning your containers are not only good for the environment, but great for the hippocket,”hesaid.
communitysafe.”
The location of the school crossing – at a T-intersection – was another cause for concernamongresidents,CrWatsonsaid.
“I believe one of our school crossing supervisors recently decided that role was no longer for them due to the safety concerns,”shesaid.
The council report will provide informationabouttrafficandspeedcounts along Toyon Road, and options for safety improvements for the road, footpaths and crossings. Council officers will also consultwiththelocalcommunitytobetter understandtheirissuesandconcerns.
Travel expense bid knocked back
A request for Hume council to cover the travel expenses for a councillor to attend the maiden speech of Maribyrnong MP Jo Briskey at Parliament House has been knocked backattheJuly14meeting.
Ms Briskey invited deputy mayor Naim Kurt to attend her first speech inCanberraonJuly23.
Her electorate includes Tullamarine and Gladstone Park, which are represented by Cr Kurt in theTullamarineWard.
A report to the council meeting stated that the trip would involve same-day travel by economy flights to and from Canberra and was estimatedtocostabout$500.
The report stated that Cr Kurt’s attendance provided an opportunity to further relationships with federal counterparts in support of future advocacy.
CrSteveGagenmovedthatcouncil approvetherequest.
“I think it is really important that the council is represented on this occasion,” he said.“I believe it is a useful thing for our council and municipality if Cr Kurt attends and supportstheMPforthisoccasion.”
CrsKarenSherryandJohnHaddad alsosupportedtherequest,butitwas ultimately knocked back, with Crs Ally Watson, Carly Moore, Daniel English and Jim Overend voting against it. Cr Kate Hamley appeared to abstain from voting, while Cr Kurt declared a conflict of interest in the motion. Mayor Jarrod Bell and Cr SamMishowereabsent.
Ellen McNaught, who is contesting the by-election after finishing second in the October 2024 count, said voters deserved toknowwhothey’rereallyvotingfor,
“Given the fraud that caused this by-election, transparency is more importantthanever,”shesaid.
“When candidates hide their party connections or network affiliations, it undermines people’s ability to make an informedchoiceandmaketheirvotecount inthewaytheywant.”
She said candidates who were “genuine independents” were being disadvantaged by other candidates not declaring their politicalaffiliations.
Victorian Socialists candidate Omar Hassansaidhefelttransparencyincouncil
He accused Labor of running four candidates in an attempt to “rig the system”.
“The voters of Lalor deserve councillors whoarehonestandtransparent”hesaid.
Northern Metropolitan Liberal MP Evan Mulholland, whose electorate takes in Whittlesea, accused Labor of trying to deceivevotersandmanipulatetheelection outcome.
“Labor are so desperate to keep this seat on council that they are fielding fake independent candidates to try and deceive thevotersofWhittlesea,”hesaid.
Election materials for local government elections are regulated by the Local GovernmentInspectorate(LGI).
Star Weekly contacted the LGI for comment.
Ice Queens members Emily Hopkins, Taylor Hallas, Laura Yildirim and Bridget Bayliss. (Damjan Janevski) 485428_07
Hear stories from the past
Locals are being encouraged to visit one of Melbourne’s oldest bluestone homes when Ziebell’s Farmhouse opens its doors, cottage garden and historic attic space for people to view this weekend.
As part of this year’s Open House Melbourne, Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden will open the doors to the public for its Stories from the Attic: An Exploration of Life in Melbourne’s Germantown Open House Melbourne Weekend celebrates good design by opening up a diverse range of buildings, places and spaces, inspiring public engagement in conversations
about Melbourne’s architecture, unique buildings and their human stories.
Stories from the Attic will expose the memories of community descended from German and Wendish immigrants to northern Melbourne and will give visitors a chance to explore the rarely opened farmhouse attic, along with an old German smokehouse and classic cottage garden.
Children can enjoy fun activities like making farm animal finger puppets and drawing their own bluestone houses.
Whittlesea mayor Martin Taylor said Stories of the Attic would share the real stories from families who lived at Germantown/
Westgarthtown long ago.
“Ziebell’s Farmhouse is not just a building – it’s a living storybook of our city’s early days. Through Open House Melbourne, Stories from the Attic honours the voices of those who helped shape Thomastown into what it is today,” he said.
“This special recognition is very importantfortheThomastowncommunityandthe families of early German and Wendish settlers who helped build this area.”
Ziebell’s Farmhouse Museum and Heritage Garden will be open Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27, from 11am to 5pm.
Also opening their doors to the public
Milestone for Hume reading program
A pre-school reading program which began in Hume is celebrating its 10th anniversary.
The 1000 Books Before School program began 10 years ago at Hume Libraries and later becoming a statewide program.
The program is open to children aged five and under to encourage parents and carers to read with them regularly, with small prizes handed out for reaching reading milestones.
Books can be read in any language,
and the same book can be read many times to help children enjoy and connect with reading, helping them develop the vocabulary and pre-literacy skills they will need when they start school.
When a child completes the 1000 Books Before School program, they are invited to a special storytime to celebrate and be presented with their certificate.
More than 5000 children have participated in the 1000 Books Before School Program at Hume Libraries.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said coun-
cil understood that reading to kids every day is crucial for the healthy development of language, a love of reading, and for creating bonds between children and their carers.
“The 1000 Books Before School program is a great way to encourage parents and carers to engage in this activity more regularly by making it a regular habit at home, and putting kids in the best position to start school with pre-literacy skills to hit the ground running,” he said.
New program offers free care for stray cats in Whittlesea
Whittlesea residents feeding or sheltering a stray cat can now access free care thanks to a new initiative from the council.
In partnership with Animal Welfare Victoria, the council is offering free desexing, microchipping and one year of registration to support residents who care for cats that aren’t officially theirs, but rely on them for food, shelter and safety.
Council says the initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to responsible animal
care and reducing the stray cat population in the community, while helping cats live safer, healthier lives.
Residents who participate in the program can choose to adopt the cat or allow the wat djerring Animal Facility to find them a loving home.
Whittlesea mayor Martin Taylor said this is a win for both the community and the cats that rely on kind animal-lovers.
“By offering free desexing and support,
this weekend are Kangan Institute’s Health and Community Centre of Excellence in Broadmeadows and Yan Yean Reservoir Park.
Open House Melbourne’s executive director and chief curator Dr Tania Davidge said the weekend aimed to shine a light on Melbourne’s hidden histories.
“Stories of the City underscores the idea that the city is more than just bricks and mortar, Melbourne is about people and place,” she said.
“Open House Melbourne Weekend is your best time to explore the secret histories of our city hidden behind closed doors.”
Hume targets rubbish, dog attacks
Illegal dumping, dog attack legislation and wildlife road strikes will be top of Hume council’s agenda at the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) state council meeting later this year.
Hume council will raise five motions at the October 10 state council to advocate for issues it considers to be of importance to the Hume community.
Cr Karen Sherry, who is Hume’s MAV delegate, said the motions proposed by council were important for its advocacy work and affected the other outer suburban municipalities in the northern suburbs.
Council will ask the MAV to call on the state government to review the penalty amounts assigned to littering and dumping offences under the Environmental Protection Act and to establish a mechanism to allow council to set penalty amounts which reflect the community’s local circumstances.
It will also ask the state council to back the establishment of a taskforce to address illegal dumping in growth areas.
As reported by StarWeekly, council’s clean-up costs for illegal dumping and littering is about $5 million annually.
The MAV will also be asked to call on the state government to amend the Domestic Animals Act to provide council authorised officers with a clear power of entry onto residential land where there is a reasonable belief that a dog involved in a serious attack is being kept at that location.
This motion is in response to dog attacks in Sunbury in August 2024, in which three dogs escaped a property and attacked multiple victims on consecutive days.
As reported by Star Weekly, a council review of the incidents found that council officers acted appropriately in their management of the attacks.
However, their ability to respond to the emergency was constrained by the limited powers of entry available to these officers under the Domestic Animals Act, and the need to rely on police assistance in urgent situations.
we’re making it easier for residents to do the rightthingandreducingthenumberofstray cats on our streets,” he said.
“We know many people already care for stray cats out of kindness. This program turns that kindness into real action, improving animal welfare and creating safer, healthier neighbourhoods for everyone.”
Spots are limited and expressions of interest are now open.
Details: whittlesea.vic.gov.au/desexing
Council will also advocate for the development of a kangaroo management strategy to address wildlife road strikes, with Hume a hotspot for collisions between vehicles and kangaroos.
The state council will also be asked to support a bid for greater protections for property purchasers in transactions and a reduction in WorkCover premiums.
Grayson, Archer and Harrison are the newest inductees into the 1000 Books Before School Program. (Georgia Tacey) 487752
Just Believe retires
There were reflections, rounds of applause andplentyofcarrotsforharnessracinghero
Just Believe as he was officially welcomed into Living Legends on Thursday.
One of the sport’s most treasured names has joined fellow standardbred Sundons Gift and around 40 thoroughbred stars at the stunning retirement facility in Greenvale.
More than 50 people were there for Just Believe’s welcome including Living Legends chief Dr Andrew Clarke and Harness RacingVictoriachiefexecutiveMattIsaacs.
Just Believe was retired in early 2025 after a wonderful career that included 38 wins and 23 placings.
Originally trained by Michael Hughes, it was Just Believe’s move to the Jess Tubbs stable in mid-2022 that ultimately saw him reach stardom. In 42 starts for Tubbs, he would win 30 of them.
Hewon10Group1races,highlightedby two Inter Dominion grand finals, a Great SouthernStar,andtheNationalTrot,Rowe Cup and Dominion Trot across the Tasman. He also claimed the inaugural TAB Trot slot race at Cambridge, which proved the most lucrative success of his career.
The late Greg Sugars partnered his great mate to 29 wins as a driver.
“The journey that Harry took us on truly changedourlives,”Tubbssaid.“Hetookus to places and introduced us to people we never would have otherwise encountered.
“WinningracesliketheInterDominion, the Great Southern Star, the Rowe Cup and the NZ Dominion meant the world to Greg and I, and I’ll be forever grateful to Harry for enabling Greg to reach that top-level success that he so richly deserved. The
bond those two shared was incredible.
“I hope he enjoys his new home and lives a long and happy future full of carrots.”
Just Believe’s place at Living Legends is
thanks to a financial contribution from his breeder-owner Pat Driscoll of Yabby Dam Farms and through a partnership between Harness Racing Victoria and Living Legends.
Synagogue fire vehicle theft
A man had been charged over his alleged role in the theft of the blue VW Golf, which was allegedly later used by those involved in the Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack and other serious crimes, including in Bundoora.
The Victorian Joint Counter TerrorismTeam,whichincludesVictoriaPolice, AFP and ASIO, previously stated last year’s arson was likely a politically-motivated attack.
Investigators arrested a 20-yearold man at Williamstown on July 16 before executing a search warrant at a home at Melton South, where they seized items.
The man has been charged with theft of motor vehicle and failing to comply with an order to provide access to applications on his mobile telephone. The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court on October 3.
Police will allege in court that the man stole the blue 2020-model VW Golf sedan at Melton on November 29. The stolen Golf was also used in other offences, including the Lux nightclub arson at South Yarra in November 2024, as well an arson and shooting that in Bundoora on the same night as the synagogue arson attack on December 6.
The nightclub fire and shooting are being investigated by Victoria Police.
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Just Believe has moved to Living Legends. (Supplied)
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Police reveal more centres
By Laura Michell
Police have identified a further five childcare centres which employed a Point Cook man accused of 70 offences against children. Police said the centres in Mickleham, Tarneit, Braybrook, Point Cook and Greensborough had been confirmed to haveemployedJoshuaBrown.
PolicealsoamendedthedatesBrownwas employedat10centrespreviouslynamed.
Brown, 26, was arrested on May 12 and has since been charged with more than 70 offencesrelatingtotheallegedsexualabuse of children. He was remanded in custody and will appear before the Melbourne
MagistratesCourtonSeptember15.
PolicesaidBrownhadalsoworkedatKids Academy Waratah estate in Mickleham on August 29, 2024; Milestones Early Learning Tarneit on September 10 and 13, 2024; Milestones Early Learning Braybrook on December 4 and 6, 2024; Milestones Early Learning Greensborough on December 5, 2024, January 31, 2025 and February 27, 2025; and World of Learning in Point Cook onAugust24,2023.
Police also amended the dates Brown worked at Explorers Early learning in Point Cook, Adventurers Education in Wyndham Vale,OnlyAboutChildreninWilliamstown, Nido Early Learning School in Werribee,
DOTS Occupational Therapy for Children inFootscray,AussieKindiesEarlyLearning in Sunbury, Milestones Early Learning in HoppersCrossing,KidsAcademyinMelton, Aussie Kindies Early Learning in Keilor, Papilio Early learning in Essendon and Kids Academy in Melton. Although records obtained by police recorded that Brown had worked at Papilio Early Learning in HoppersCrossingbetweenAugust22,2024, and March 12, 2025, further investigation has since determined this information was incorrect and the centre has been removed fromthelist.
Police now believe Brown worked at 24 childcare centres between January 2017
Tinsel, tears and total Christmas chaos
Gladstone Park Secondary College student Jasper McDonald Parsons is set to star in a cheeky reimagining for the stage of one of the most beloved festive moviesofalltime-HomeAlone.
Home Alone: The Australian Musical centres on the McKinnister family, who jet off on vacation and leave their black sheep son Kalvin, played by Jasper, behind.
Jasper, 14, describes Kalvin as “very cheeky,butalsoverysmart“.
Jaspernotonlyactsinthemusical,but also sings and dances and does his own stunts.
“I get to use all the skills I’ve been working on since I was four years old. You need strong acting skills to convey all the nuance that the character needs and especially because I’m on stage by myself, which is really challenging,” he said.
Jasper has honed his craft in several other productions including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and the Robbie Williams biopic Better Man.
HughJackmanisaninspirationasare singers Taylor Swift, John Farnham and Paulini.
With original songs and hilariously reworked Christmas classics, the show taps into the highs and lows of being left behind, the absurdity of Aussie familylife,andthetriumphsofonevery resourcefulkid.
“It is a really fun show, it’s funny and you’ll have a great time. Plus, it’s great to support new Australian musicals, we need more Australian stories on the stage,“saidJasper.
Catch the show at St Martins Theatre, SouthYarra,between24and27July.
(Supplied)
Roxburgh Park man charged after police find injured driver
A Roxburgh Park man has been charged following an incident in which a man was found with a gunshot wound following a crash.
The man, aged 30 from Reservoir, was located after police were called to an incident on the corner of Donald Cameron Drive and Bridgewater Road, Roxburgh Park, about7pmonJuly13.
Alongwithinjuriesbelievedtohavebeen sustained from the crash, the driver had a gunshotwoundtothelowerbody.
He was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries and remains in a
seriousbutstablecondition.
A 26-year-old Kalkallo woman, who was a passenger in the car, was also taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries sustainedduringthecollision.
A 30-year-old Roxburgh Park man was arrestedinKingsburyonJuly15.
Police then executed search warrants at propertiesinKingsburyandSouthMorang.
A28-year-oldwomanwasarrestedatthe SouthMorangaddress.
The man was charged with a number of offences including intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing serious
Injury, reckless conduct endangering life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.
He was also charged with drug and firearm offences and theft of a motor vehicle.
Hewasremandedincustody.
The South Morang woman was charged with multiple theft of firearms offences, trafficking more than two firearms, possessing prohibited weapon and possessingdrugofdependence.
She was bailed to face court at a later date.
and May 2025. Agencies are in the process ofcontactingthefamilieswhohadchildren placed at the four new impacted centres duringthetimeofBrown’semployment.
Chief Health Officer Dr Christian McGrath said about 830 families following the updated information about Brown’s employment to offer wrap around supports andprovidetestingrecommendations.
“This is obviously a highly distressing situation,andIwanttoreassureallfamilies beingcontactedthatthepotentialexposure risk to an infectious disease for their child remainslow,”DrMcGrathsaid.
Details: www.vic.gov.au/childcare-centresinvestigation
RACV wants to hear about intersections
RACV is calling on Victorians to rank Melbourne’s intersections that need urgent attention by the Victorian government.
RACV head of policy James Williams said My Melbourne Road helps RACV to advocate for change where it’s needed most.
“Whether you’re behind the wheel, riding, walking or using public transport, your experience on the road matters to RACV,” Mr Williams said.
“We know from experience that direct feedback from Victorians makes a difference, and helps governments make decisionsaboutwheretoinvesttoimprove our roads.”
Since the last My Melbourne Road in 2023, RACV has tracked upgrades or plannedimprovementsto11intersections androadsthatrespondentshadpreviously highlighted as priorities.
This year, RACV has worked with the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) to analyse 365 of Melbourne’s intersections. Based on crash history, traffic volumes and intersections design, RACV and NTRO have identified the 84 most dangerous intersections in Melbourne. Grouped into seven urban areas, these 84 intersections saw 771 crashes over the past five years –a clear signal that more needs to be done. RACV is now inviting Victorians to rank these intersections and tell it where the government should prioritise road safety improvements.
With the results, RACV will work with NTRO to propose a high-level solution for the most dangerous intersection in each urban area of Melbourne: inner, west, north west, north east, east, inner south east and outer south east. My Melbourne Road takes only three minutes to complete and covers every council in Melbourne. In each urban area, participants can choose up to four intersections as well as nominate other intersections not listed. Mr Williams said it’s not just about high-profile intersections – smaller suburban roads that may be poorly maintained, overly complex, or frequently congested also deserve attention.
“RACV’s My Melbourne Road empowers every road user to highlight areas they believe are unsafe, even if they’re not widely known,” Mr Williams said.
“Whether it’s a confusing roundabout, a blocked pedestrian crossing, or an intersection lacking turning lanes, the community’s feedback helps RACV identify and prioritise problems that data alone may not fully capture.”
Jasper McDonald Parsons loves musical theatre.
Help stop plate theft
With numberplate theft at record highs, Victoria Police is urging people to fit anti-theft screws to their vehicles.
Keilor Downs Police Acting Sergeant Sam Romano said installing a simple measure such as an anti-theft screw can be the difference between having your numberplate stolen or not.
Across the state, numberplate thefts have surged by 50 per cent to the highest number recorded in the state, with 29,790 recorded over the last year, equivalent to 83 a day or one every 17 minutes, according to police.
According to data released by the Crime Statistics Agency, Brimbank, Hume and Wyndham are included in the top five areas in the state for numberplate thefts over the year ending March, recording 1414,1966and1449incidentsrespectively.
“Number plate theft is often at the centre of more serious offending,” Acting Sergeant Sam Romano said.
Stolen numberplates are often used by offenders to hide the identity of a vehicle when committing other crimes such as burglaries, ram raids, petrol drive offs and to evade police, police said.
“We have more capabilities than ever to detect stolen numberplates on our roads, so we’d strongly encourage those thinking of using them to hide their vehicle to think again,”ActingSergeantSamRomanosaid.
Policeareurgingvehicleownerstoinstall anti-theft screws, which are available from hardware stores, automotive parts stores and petrol stations.
Police are also urging the community to blur number plate details when advertising vehicles online, or when sharing photos on social media to avoid
the likelihood of a vehicle’s numberplate being cloned. Anyone who has been the victim of a
Transnational education boost
La Trobe University will use a state government grant to offer study tours for Southeast Asian students, help connect Chinese students with Victorian startups and pilot a business and IT training program in Thailand.
Economic Growth and Jobs Minister Danny Pearson announced 16 Victorian education providers will share in up to $5 million under the Yes to International Students Fund.
The investment will focus on transnational education – offering targeted seed funding to Victorian universities and TAFEs so they can kick start and grow partnerships to deliver more education overseas.
Transnational education is the delivery of Australian courses to international students outside Australia, where a university or TAFE may set up a campus offshore or co-deliver courses with a reputable international institution.
MrPearsonsaidthesepartnerships will strengthen the state’s global presence by creating new courses and expanding existing programs, offering student exchange programs and more.
“We are backing international students because they drive jobs and the economy and boost Victoria’s globalreputation,“hesaid.“Thisfund will ensure students can benefit from theworldclasseducationVictoriahas to offer while supporting innovation and deepening cultural ties.”
number plate theft or suspected cloning activity is urged to contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Police, including Acting Sergeant Sam Romano, are urging locals to install anti-theft screws in their number plates in response to increased number plate thefts. (Damjan Janevski) 487805_04
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Briefs
Craigieburn Central petition
A petition has been submitted to Hume council calling for the main street of Craigieburn Central to become car-free. The petition was tabled at the July 14 council meeting and asks council to transform Main Street into a car-free space for pedestrians and bikes, transforming the car parking spaces into garden spaces, secure bike racks, outdoor business spaces and outdoor seating areas for the businesses currently operating. Council has referred the petition to its strategic projects and places manager for consideration.
Campbellfield
firearms incident Police are continuing to investigate a firearms incident which occurred in Campbellfield earlier this year. Police believe two men drove a silver Mercedes sedan to an industrial area in Cooper Street, Campbellfield, about 10.30pm on March 30. They exited their vehicle and fired a number of shots at a business, damaging a number of windows, police said. The men returned to their car and drove off. No one was injured. Information to Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000
Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
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School holiday boomerang art
Kids flocked to Thomastown library on July 15 to take part in a special boomerang painting workshop led by First Nations Incursions.TheworkshopwaspartofYarra Plenty Regional Library’s (YPRL) school holiday activities, which were held across itsfiveWhittleseabranches.
In August, YPRL will mark National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day with special story time sessions. The children’s day story time will be held at Lalor Library on August 5, from 10.30-11am, and August 9, from 2-2.30pm; Thomastown Library on August 6, from 10-10.30am; and Whittlesea Library on August7,from10.30-11am.
Details:https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/
What’s on
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day
Celebrated each year on 4 August, this is a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to celebrate their children.
It is also a day for all people to learn about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Facilitated by the City of Whittlesea, this event will feature traditional games, music, face-painting, and arts and crafts.
When: Monday 4 August, 10am-1pm
Where: Brookwood Community Centre, 25 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen Bookings: Encouraged but not essential
clothing and sturdy shoes.
When: Sunday 27 July, 10am-1pm
Where: Brunton Park Conservation Area
Registration point: 176W Everard Road, Mernda
For more information, contact 9217 2170 or familytraining@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/National-Tree-Day
Eleni, 4, works on her creation.
Davina, 9, with her finished boomerang.
First Nations Incursions’ Sean Czandy.
Sukhmani, 8, enjoyed the workshop.
Hashim, 5, and Thanassi, 9, decorate their boomerangs. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 489697
Bridgewater Lake offers comfort, security and community
TuckedawayinthequietstreetsofRoxburgh
Park, Bridgewater Lake Retirement Estate is a friendly, garden-filled neighbourhood wherecommunitycomesfirst.
Wandering through the estate, it is hard not to notice the little things: the winding walking trails, the bowls green where laughter echoes during a morning match, or the resident café serving up a Devonshiretea.
The homes here, ranging from one to three bedrooms, are designed for low-maintenancelivingbutfeelwarmand lived-in, many with private gardens that lookoutontotranquillakesorleafynooks.
It is not unusual to find residents chattingovercoffeeatClubBridgewateror pottering in the community garden. There is a natural rhythm to life, relaxed but active,socialbuteasygoing.
This August, the village is opening its doors to the wider community with two events that capture its creative and communityspirit.
The first is a lively Bingo Morning on Tuesday 5 August, hosted by 3AW personality David Mann. It runs from 9:30am to noon and includes complimentary morning tea and prizes. It is a fantastic way to meet some of the residentsandseethevillageinaction.
Later in the month, the Bridgewater LakeArtShowreturnsonSaturday30and Sunday31August,from10amto3pm.This much-loved event features artworks from localandresidentartists.
Both events will be located at 9 WedgewoodRoad,RoxburghPark.
To find out more or reserve a spot, call Bridgewater Lake Village manager Peter Harry on 0419 028 518.
TUESDAY 5 AUGUST 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM 9 Wedgewood Road, Roxburgh Park Hosted by 3AW personality David Mann Bingo event for over 55s with complimentary morning tea
How to retire happily: insights for older Australians
Retirement marks a significant life transition, and for many Australians, it can be a time of renewed happiness and personal growth. Contrary to outdated notions of retirement as a period of decline, recent research suggests that Australians often experience a “happiness wave” as they enter their golden years. To retire happily, it’s essential to stay active, maintain strong social connections, and cultivateasenseofpurpose.
A landmark study conducted by Dr Tony Beatton of Queensland University of Technology and Professor Paul Frijters of The University of Queensland found that Australians are happiest between the ages of 55 and 75. This period often coincides with retirement, suggesting that stepping away from full-time work can lead to increased wellbeing. The researchers attributethissurgeinhappinesstoreduced stress, more realistic life expectations, and the freedom to enjoy good health and financialstability.
One of the key ingredients to a happy retirement is staying physically and mentally active. Regular exercise not only improves physical health but also boosts mood and cognitive function. Activities like walking, swimming, dance, yoga, or even gardening can help retirees maintain vitality. Mental stimulation through reading, puzzles, or learning new skills also contributes to a sense of accomplishment and keeps the mind sharp.Manyretireesalsotakeuppart-time workorvolunteering,whichcanofferboth stimulationandsocialengagement.
Equally important is staying socially connected. Loneliness and isolation can significantly impact mental health, especially in older adults. Maintaining
relationships with family and friends, joining community groups, and helping others can foster a sense of belonging. Technology also offers new ways to stay in touch—video calls, social media, and online communities can bridge physical distancesandkeepretireesengaged.Local clubs, libraries, and councils often offer programs tailored to seniors, encouraging participationandconnection.
Another crucial factor is discovering or reaffirmingasenseofpurpose.Retirement offers the opportunity to explore passions that may have been sidelined during
working years. Whether it’s mentoring, pursuingcreativehobbies,orcontributing to causes, having a purpose gives life meaning and direction. Purpose-driven retirees often report higher levels of satisfaction and resilience. Some find fulfillment in travel, others in caregiving, and many in lifelong learning through adulteducationprograms.
Supportingthesefindings,theWellbeing Index, conducted by Deakin University, revealedthatretireesreportedsignificantly higher wellbeing scores than non-retirees, averaging over 80 points compared to
76. This suggests that retirement, when approached thoughtfully, can be a time of flourishingratherthandecline. In summary, retiring happily in Australia involves more than financial planning—it’s about nurturing health, relationships, and personal meaning. By staying active, socially engaged, and purpose-driven, retirees can embrace this lifestagewithoptimismandjoy.Research continuestohighlightthepositiveaspects ofretirement,Australianscanlookforward to their later years not just with comfort, butwithpositivity.
Artist pieces it all together
Georgia Tacey sits down with Sunbury artist Renee Broders in her home studio as she chats about her artistic process, favourite pieces and her recent exhibition where her artwork was projected onto the Broadmeadows Town Hall for the Hume Winter Lights Festival.
Walking into Renee Broders’ home studio is like taking a step inside her mind.
Eclectic, bright and colourful, just like thebrightpinkglassesperchedonherface.
Every inch of the small room is filled to the brim. Art supplies, trinkets, finished projects and ones she’s still tinkering with cover the space.
Thisishermind,heartandsoul,baredon display.
“I think if it was empty, I would feel lost,” Broders said.
“It’s a place where I go to feel found.
“It’s my heart, my home, but then sometimes I don’t want to come out here. I avoid it all together because it’s too much.”
These four walls are brimming with energyandcreativity,andBrodersthinksit might just be at capacity.
“I feel like I’m almost suffocating out here a little bit, but this for me is probably my favourite place to be at the same time,” she said. “You just sort of suffer for your own love, I suppose.”
Art has always called to Broders. From as young as five she was drawing, painting andmakinghermarkontheworldthrough her art.
Not everyone is going to love what you do and no one appeals to everybody. But I suppose you have to appeal more to yourself and the others will come
- Renee Broders
“I surround myself with as much creativity as I can, and I find that’s kind of wheremyheartlies.I’macreativeatheart,” she said.
At university, she studied print making and painting, thinking this was where her life would take her as an etcher, before painting took over.
“I think that’s part of the creative journey,” Broders said.
“You kind of fall into things and then you fall out of things, and if you take that sort of mindset, you’ll learn a lot more, I think, as an artist because you don’t get trapped.” Now at 49, Broders is a mum-of-two, living with her husband and two sausage dogs in Sunbury, with a purpose-built home studio nestled in her backyard.
Known for her bright, bold, striking colours, abstract pieces and collages, Broders’ artwork steps into people’s mind and dives into emotion.
Represented by national group Studio Gallery Group, her artwork has been exhibited across the country. While she has had many career highlights, like being the featured artist of the 2023 Affordable Art Fair in Sydney, a mention in Vogue and multiple award recognitions, she said she takes all the big things in with the small.
One of the big will be her first solo exhibition with Studio Gallery Group which will be held in Sydney, featuring many of her paintings and some collage pieces.
And something smaller in her community, she plans to offer collage classes for those interested in learning more about the art.
Broders has exhibited all over Australia, but most recently was a part of an event close to home.
AsoneofthefeaturedartistsintheHume
Winter Lights Festival, Broders wowed the crowds with her whimsical interactive exhibition titled ‘Paper Dreams’.
“The piece was an animated and interactive digital collage, where I put together backgrounds with objects, all cut out of vintage paper, and then little charactersthatImakeonmyphone…were all sort of put together,” she said.
“Anybody that wanted to could come up and interact with the projection by using a software that was set up, so it became something that people could change and manipulatewhilstitwasplayingoutonthe wall.”
Broders took inspiration from her daily commute to work and the characters you find on the train.
“It was just about life’s journey and just how as you travel along through your day, you see all sorts of weird things and a lot was inspired by riding the train,” she said.
She said the piece was really well received, with over 5000 people attending
the festival and catching a glimpse of her creation. To bring it to life, she worked with Nicholas Marriott and Sean Healy, an animator and software engineer.
“It was my first projection, and hopefully it will lead to more of the same because I think collage is a really interesting medium to work with, and it’s really good for storytelling,” she said.
“And when you work with an animator and a software designer you definitely can come up with pretty spectacular results.”
In her long-spanning career, there have been many stand out pieces, with many tackling mental health, emotions and societal issues.
One piece on display in her studio is one of Jeni Haynes, a Queensland woman who has over 2000 personalities.
Broders said after watching a 60 Minutes episode on Haynes, she reached out to her through Facebook, which resulted in her flying up to Queensland twice and staying with her, creating two pieces of art.
“Getting to know Jeni was probably the coolest part of that,” she said.
In Haynes’ mind, every decision she makes is voted on by all her personalities, which prompted her to respond to Broders message, saying “two and a half thousand hands had come up to say yes, they wanted me to paint them”.
Broders said she uses a lot of negative spaceinherart,withthestorytoldthrough intricate, small details. At the core of her process is her wanting to share the inner workings of people’s minds with the world.
“I’vegotafeelingofwantingtotellstories about people’s lives and what’s important and embrace diversity, embrace change andchallenge.Allofthosethingsarereally important to me,” she said.
“Not everyone is going to love what you do and no one appeals to everybody. But I suppose you have to appeal more to yourself and the others will come.”
Search @arts7_5 on Instagram to find more for Broders’ work.
Renee Broders inside her home studio.
(Pictures: Damjan Janevski) 486598
Right: “Ruby Star“ c/o Studio Gallery Group. Artwork featured as Affordable Art Fair Sydney’s Campaign piece in 2023.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Star Weekly Community Calendar, Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042, or email to westeditorial@starweekly.com.au by 9am Wednesday the week prior to publication
Senior citizens meet
The Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club regularly meets for games of bingo, carpet bowls and a chat over a cuppa, at the coroner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park.
Liz, 0433 249 995
Bingo at Bridgewater
For over 55’s, on Tuesday, August 5, 9.30am-noon. Hosted by 3AW personality David Mann Free entry and morning tea. Great prizes. At 9 Wedgewood Road, Roxburgh Park. Book your seat or table of four or six.
Peter Harry, 0419 028 518
Social club
M.A.P.S. Club Inc (Mature Active Person Social) meets Fridays, 9.15am-noon, for seated line dancing, indoor carpet bowls, computer classes and morning tea. Cost: $2. Every second Saturday of the month, the club hosts afternoon tea, dancing and an entertainer from 11.30am-3pm. Cost $10. Every fifth Sunday is fun Sunday, from 11.30am-3pm. At 185 Blair Street, Dallas. Yearly membership costs $10.
0402 662 983 or odis257r@gmail.com
Bundoora Probus Club
Bundoora Probus meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Peters Anglican Church Hall, Alma Road, Bundoora, at 10am. Enjoy guest speakers, excursions, coffee mornings, lunches, walks and craft sessions.
Leanne, 0419 004 997
Craft Market
Join the fun at Bridgewater Retirement Village’s Craft Market and Devonshire Tea on Saturday, July 19, from 8.30am to 2pm. Enjoy handmade crafts, local stalls, and a delicious morning tea. Interested in hosting a stall?
Liz Munro, 0409 712 613
Inclusive tennis
A free weekly tennis program for people with disabilities and/or special needs, or if your just struggling to access mainstream sport programs. Held at Epping Tennis Club, 861 High Street, Epping, on Thursdays from 5-6pm.
play.tennis.com.au/eppingtennisclub.au
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/
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
Homestead Walking Group
Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful gardens and meet other locals. Volunteer leaders will meet at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre at 9.30am on Wednesdays for a 30-45 minute walk. https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x
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
Craft and Conversation
Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group, from 1-3pm, and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends. humelibraries.vic.gov.au
Community lunch in Roxburgh Park
Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Turkish Women’s Association. The lunch will be held every Wednesday, from 11.30am-1pm, at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.
https://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x
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
Whittlesea Historical Society
The Whittlesea Historical Society welcomes anyone interested in the history of the City of Whittlesea area. A meeting schedule is available on the society’s website.
www.whittleseahistoricalsociety.org.au
Indigenous Community Gardens
Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden members are hosting a monthly open day on the first Saturday of each month, 11am-noon, to showcase the gardens at the corner Toora Drive and Redan Court. All are welcome.
Eva Mazzei, emmmazzei@gmail.com
Craigieburn Residents Association
an introduction to computers and brushing up on English skills.
9309 8531
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 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.
Do you live in Craigieburn and wonder what’s happening re-roads and facilities, or have a concern you’d like to raise so it can be addressed? Go along to the Craigieburn Residents Association and tell them about it. The association liaises with Hume council, as well as state and federal government organisations to get the job done. They also give annual donations to a local charity each year. They meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Selwyn House, Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn, 7.30pm.
craigieburnresidents@gmail,com, or 0401 369 311
Menergise men’s walk and talk Every Thursday from 7pm, starting at the Mernda Neighbourhood House. A nightly walk for men to get some exercise and shoot the breeze in the breeze.
0475 454 133
This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Zoe, 11, who is playing Duffy in the Melbourne season of Annie the Musical at the Princess Theatre. (Damjan Janevski) 489773_01
Cut loose at fun musical
Why not kick off your Sunday shoes and headouttoseeFootloosetheMusical?
The feel-good show is back as part of its encoreseasoninMelbourneinresponseto audiencedemand.
Cairnlea resident, Chad Rosete, who performs as Travis and is a member of the ensemble,saidaudienceshavebeenloving theshow.
“A lot of people come up to us after the show and say that they’re a huge fan of the movie. They remember the movie from when they were a teenager and say watching the show brought a sense of nostalgiaforthem,”saidChad.
Footloose tells the story of a teenage boy from Chicago, Ren McCormack, who moves to the small town of Bomont with hismother.
When he arrives in Bomont, the free-spirited Ren is shocked to find that dancingisoutlawedinthetown.
Ren then makes it his mission to bring the joy of dance back to the townspeople of Bomont who are healing from their own collectivetragedy.
“Footloose is this high energy, feel-good, up-tempo musical that’s in the same category as Grease or Mamma Mia ...audiences can leave the show feeling like they’vehadsomuchfun,”saidChad.
Chad fell in love with singing and performing as a child, later developing a passionformusicalsinhighschool.
After studying at the Australian Institute of Music and Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance, Chad made his first professional debutinRentthemusicallastyear.
Chad said the rehearsals for the encore season of Footloose were focused on making the show even bigger than it was thefirsttime.
“We’re building on the show we had previously and I think it’s really coming into something that’s more refined and electric.”
Without revealing too much, Chad said one of the highlights of the show is a well-known musical number that features inthemovie.
“It’s a good surprise…I don’t think audienceswillexpectit,”hesaid.
Footloose the Musical is showing at the Athaneum Theatre with performances runninguntilSunday,August17.
Tickets and more info: www. footloosethemusical.com
(Damjan Janevski) 488447_01
Significant milestone in first exhibition
Swirling colours come together on canvas inanewartist’sexhibition.
Debbie Van Ravenstein’s love for art has been reignited in her later years, and is proudtoshowcaseherveryfirstexhibition, ‘Pour Paint’ in the Sunbury Hume Global LearningCentre.
“I’ve always been into art, all my life, I justdidn’tknowhowtostart,”shesaid.
After learning the pouring technique through watching YouTube, Van Ravenstein decided to buy all the supplies andtryitoutherself.
“I like doing it, so I kept doing it, and the paintings just turned out the way they turnedout,”shesaid.
Colours collide and melt together in her paintings, creating shapes and faces in the waythepaintfalls.
Usingfluid,layeredcolours,sheexplores movement and emotion through her art andmindfulness.
While apprehensive at first, her occupational therapist helped convince her to take part, to which Van Ravenstein saidshecouldn’thavedoneitwithouther.
Going into the exhibition, Van Ravenstein didn’t think a single painting would sell. That became her goal, which she completely smashed by now selling
fourpiecesofhercollection.
“I never thought any would sell,” she said.
When the exhibition opened back in April, the opening night was one of her highlights,beingoneofthelasttoleave.
“To hear the mayor mention my name, andhimwantingtomeetme,Ican’tbelieve thathappened,”VanRavensteinsaid.
Pour Paint’s run at the Sunbury Hume Global Learning Centre has now been extendedtoSunday,October5.
Both other exhibitions have been extendedatthegallerysectionaswelluntil thisdate.
Instrumentalist brings Celtic music to Little River
The magic and mystique of Celtic music will grace Little River when multiinstrumentalist Rennie Pearson comes to townnextmonth.
Channelling the traditions of Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada, the virtuoso’s wooden flute, Irish whistles, guitar, fiddle, bodhrán, and voice will tell talesoldandnew.
While his first guest slot in a festival camein2011,MrPearson’smusicaljourney startedlongbefore.
“Actually when I was a baby, I had the music [playing] around the house on CDs and my grandparents had Riverdance on VHS,”hesaid.
“Iwascompletelyentrancedbyit.”
It might be better to let one of the best proponents of Celtic music explain what is
sospecialaboutit.
“There is so much joy contained in it, but also so much hardship– it makes you want to leap out of the chair and dance,”
Mr Pearson said. “The melodies have
Sharing a sense of local place
An exhibition in Bacchus Marsh of poetry by Moorabool poet, artist, and storyteller Barry James Gilson is sharing local stories, education, and asenseofplace.
Running until July 31 at MAPP Gallery Bacchus Marsh, the original poem by Gilson shares personal and localthemes.
“The whole concept was basically from the connection I have being a Wadawurrung person and … Kirrit Barrett– or Gordon – I’ve been living thereallmylife,”Gilsonsaid.
“Just about every weekend when I was a little fella, I used to walk down to the Bostock Reservoir … it used to be a natural sort of watercourse that flowed from the water from under Kirrit Barrett and it’s called Paddock Creek now, but it was called KangarooCreek,”hesaid.
Gilson said that he used to follow the creek all the way down to the muddy flats of what is now the BostockReservoir.
“Itwasjustmudflatsandalongside it were inland mussels – they were called Timboo – now they were an inland mussel, a freshwater mussel, andtheywereinabsoluteabundance everywhere,”hesaid.
Gilson said after the waterway was dammed, the presence of it was changed, and he did not see the musselsatthesiteanymore.
“I used to light a little fire and cook these little things in there and eat them. I didn’t know at the time that itwasabushfoodthatmyfamilyhad been eating for thousands of years,” hesaid.
these ethereal qualities that go beyond the mortal realm, and the driving rhythms are dancemusicthroughandthrough.”
“Another one is the connection with ancient times, it’s kind of got this otherworldly element where the tunes and songshavebeenpasseddown.”
TheLittleRiverMechanicsInstituteHall, where the show is taking place on Sunday, August17,mightjustbetheperfectplaceto channelthesetunes.
“When the local community comes together to share an evening of live music, there’s a crackling energy in the room— banter and music flow freely, and it’s an absolute joy to be a part of,” Mr Pearson said.
Tickets: https://www.renniepearson music.com/
“That’s basically a local story of the place … I write stories about all places and collect the information, so hopefully one day I’ll get a book together that people can learn from after I’m gone … because if these stories aren’t collected – well, they’re lost.”
It is through this storytelling that Gilson hopes to educate people and provide a deeper understanding and senseofplace.
Gilson’s poetry is being exhibited atMAPPUpinLightsBacchusMarsh attheVillageGreen,197MainStreet, BacchusMarsh,untilJuly31.
Details: moorabool.vic.gov. au/Services-and-support/ Arts-and-culture/Artistopportunities/MAPP-Up-in-Lights
Debbie Van Ravenstein at her Pour Paint exhibition.
Rennie Pearson. (Supplied).
Brimbank local, Chad Rosete, stars in Footloose the Musical. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
MARRIAGE CELEBRANT MELBOURNE
The property affected by the application is located at:
The application is for a permit for:
The applicant for the permit is: Au Architecture
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application on the City of Whittlesea website via the following link https://www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/building-planning-development/planning/advertising/
The application reference number is: PLN-44524
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 5 August 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
Planning Department on 9217 2170.
Trades & Services
SPORTS QUIZ
1. After over 10 years of professional racing, which Australian sprint cyclist announced his retirement in May 2025?
2. Nearing $50,000 in total, who is the most fined player in AFL/VFL history?
3. What is the nationality of Jasper Philipsen, the winner of the first stage of the 2025 Tour de France?
4. Slovenia’s Tadej Pogacar has won three Tour de France titles competing for what team?
5. Achieved in July 2024, what is tennis player Alex de Minaur’s highest-ever
Who is the all-time leading points scorer in the NRL?
A famous Aussie with the same name plays in what other sport?
8. Which is the only team in the US NFL to have never hosted nor played in the Super Bowl?
In which winter sport are the terms ‘stale fish’ and ‘mule kick’ used?
Which NBL team is from
The third Test against the West Indies marked which Australian cricketer’s 100th Test?
12. Which ultra-successful F1 team recently sacked its team principal after 20 years?
13. Which Maroons player was named man of the series for State of Origin 2025?
14. How many squares does a chess board have?
15. South African Wiaan Mulder scored a monumental 367 not out against which cricketing nation?
16. Super Bowl I in 1967 was won by which team?
17. Which three clubs entered the VFL 100 years ago in 1925?
18. Maro Itoje is the captain of the British & Irish Lions and which nation?
19. Who will coach Port Adelaide in 2026 following Ken Hinkley’s final season with the AFL club?
20. Which Indian batsman scored 430 runs (269 and 161) against England in the second Test, the second-highest aggregate in Test cricket history?
21. Who did Jannik Sinner defeat in the recent Wimbledon men’s singles final?
22. Which three A-League teams will Wrexham AFC play on their Australian and New Zealand tour?
23. Which politician presented Chelsea with the winning trophy in the recent Club World Cup final?
24. Prior to 2025, in what year did a fully-fit Nathan Lyon last not play in a Test match for Australia?
25. How many Sheffield Shield teams has Usman Khawaja played for during his career?
26. West Coast player Jack Graham was recently suspended for how many games due to an on-field incident?
27. Who is the current coach of the Gold Coast Titans?
28. Golfer Grace Kim was born in which Australian city?
29. How many countries boycotted the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games?
30. Birdman is the mascot of which NBL team?
Alex de Minaur
Jannik Sinner
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 Assail (5)
4 Keep trying (9)
9 Ancestry (7)
10 Stinging plants (7)
11 Deliverance from harm (9)
12 Restore (5)
13 Stun (3)
14 Entitlement (11)
16 Impossible to rectify (11)
19 Be in debt (3)
20 Of them (5)
22 Helper (9)
25 Japanese paper art form (7)
26 Instructs; improves (7)
27 Without paths (9)
28 Varieties (5)
DOWN
1 Girdles (5)
2 Plant with large yellow head and edible seeds (9)
3 Jewelled coronet (5)
4 Officiate (7)
5 Encounter (3,4)
6 Pull up by the roots (9)
7 US comedian,
– DeGeneres (5)
8 Not here (9)
13 Sleeveless garment worn over a shirt (9)
14 As opposed to hardcover (9)
15 Quarantine (9)
17 Understand clearly (7)
18 Woven containers (7)
21 Nickname of Eva Perón (5)
23 Deft (5)
24 Check-ups (5)
1 Name the mineral known as 'fool's gold'.
2 For which animated Disney Channel series did Solange Knowles (pictured) sing the title theme song?
3 In culinary terms, what does 'au gratin' mean?
4 Which video game company published The Sims?
5 Tibet's Potala Palace houses the tombs of how many Dalai Lamas?
6 Which late author was best known for their Discworld series of 41 novels?
7 In which Australian city were KeepCups first created and sold?
8 What colour is coquelicot?
9 TangointheNight, The Dance and Mirage are albums by which British-American rock band?
10 The erhu, a Chinese musical instrument, has how many strings?
Haval drives value further
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Great Wall Motors (aka GWM) continues to lead the way in China’s surge into the Australian new vehicle market, currently sittinginseventhplaceoverall.
Nearly two-thirds of these sales come from the Haval sub-brand and its Joleon andH6SUVs.
The larger of the pair, the H6, has been here since 2017 and has grown steadily in the highly-competitive medium SUV segment against big-hitters like RAV4, Outlander,CX-5andSportage.
Originally petrol-only, it added a conventionalpetrol/electrichybridvariant in 2022, followed in early 2025 by GWM’s firsteverPlug-InHybrid(PHEV)vehicle.
Both hybrids come to Australia in the top-spec GT Ultra model with a high level of safety equipment and technology. The PHEV that we’re testing here is priced at $55,990driveaway.That’s$9500morethan thehybrid.
Thatpricehasitsittingmidwaybetween the Mitsubishi Outlander, Mazda CX-60 and Jeep Compass and the Chinese BYD Sealion 6, HG HS and Jaecoo J7. Importantly, it does significantly outdo all of these rivals with its claimed EV-only rangeof180kilometres.Moreonthatlater.
Styling
The H6 GT streamlines the body to the extent that GWM tags it as an SUV Coupe in line with the recent trend adopted by otherbrandstoescapefromthetraditional boxyprofile.
It certainly works and combined with the other styling elements gives it a real premium look that could easily pass, not onlyforitsbig-sellingJapaneseandKorean rivals but even for much more expensive EuropeanSUVs.
These styling elements include body-coloured side panels that extend the grille to the edge of the vehicle, LED lighting in twin rectangular headlights that wrap around the front, LED daytime running lights, LED foglights, taillights andafull-widthlightingpanel.
There are 19-inch alloy wheels with red brakecalipers.
In a search for brand recognition in previous models the ‘Haval’ name is emblazoned across the front and rear in large, bold letters at the front and rear. Consistent sales growth means that’s no longer needed and they’ve been replaced bymuchsmallerandmoresubtlebadging.
There are five exterior colour choices, HamiltonWhiteisstandard,theotherfour are$495options.
Interior
It’s hard to fault anything inside the H6 Hybrid Ultra PHEV with a real feeling of qualitythroughout.
Comfortek front leather seats are heated and ventilated with the driver having an eight-way power adjustment, heated leather steering wheel and a head-up display.
There’s good storage space with adjustable twin drink holders and a large storagebininthecentreconsole.
There’s dual-zone air conditioning which, together with a flat rear floor, good foot, leg and headroom, and the panoramic sunroof make for a pleasant environment for rear passengers. There’s a centre armrest with two cupholders and airvents.
At the back there’s a powered tailgate which opens out to a 600-litre boot, expandable to 1485 litres with the rear seatbacksfolded.
The batteries are located beneath the false floor taking up the space where a spare wheel would otherwise be stored leaving a puncture repair kit as the only option.
Powertrain
The Haval PHEV combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear.
The engine alone generates 110kW and 230Nm. The batteries add 135kW for combinedoutputsof321kWand762Nm.
Thetwosystemsworktogethersmoothly with the battery providing instant torque attake-offandtheturbochargerkickingin athigherrevs.
Power is sent to all four wheels through GWM’s two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission electronically controlled transmission.
Safety
The Haval H6 Hybrid comes with an impressivesuiteofsafetyfeaturesthathave contributed to it getting the maximum 5-StarANCAPrating.
There are seven airbags; enhanced ABS brakes with brake assist, cornering brake controlandbrakeoverride,rollmovement intervention, hill descent and hill-start control,frontandrearparkingassistanda 360-degreecamera.
Other features include automatic parking, adaptive cruise control, intelligent cornering control, rear cross traffic alert and braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning and correction; autonomous emergency braking including pedestrian and cyclists, traffic sign recognition, blind spot
detection, rear collision warning, driver drowsiness detection and two IsoFix child seatanchors.
Infotainment
Access is through two large colour displays, a centrally-mounted 12.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment features and a 10.25-inch instrument cluster behindthesteeringwheelfordrivingdata.
As is the growing trend there are no raised physical knobs for the most commonly-used features such as audio system and air conditioning meaning a series of taps on the screen for adjusting sound.Therearesomeshortcutbuttonson thesideofthescreenandothercontrolson thesteeringwheel.
Thereisnoembeddedsatellitenavigation so access needs to be made through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (both wired) or direct from the smartphone via Bluetooth. There is a wireless smartphone charging onthefrontconsole.
There are five USB ports, three in the frontandtwoattherear.
Driving HavalH6isatthelargerendofitssegment and entry is quite easy. While the seats are adjustable in most directions the base can’t be tilted and we found them a little uncomfortable.
Take-off is by battery only with the instant acceleration that we love. The zero to 100 km/h sprint can be done in just 4.9 seconds.
There are two different EV modes that both default to electric only driving and only switch to the engine when needed for hard acceleration or when the battery
chargeislow.
The combination of the smaller turbo engine and batteries mean that the H6 Hybridcruisesquietly.Brakeregeneration can be adjusted and monitored on the driver’sdisplay.
Out in the rural segment of our teat route the H6 Hybrid provides a surprisingly enjoyable drive with plenty of punch when needed. The ride was a bit spongy at times and handling was typical ofmostSUVs.
Fuel consumption is listed at 5.2 litres per100km,weaveragejustunder6.0L/100 kmduringourtest.
Summing up
Thejury’sstilloutonthebenefitsofplug-in hybrid vehicles in their role between conventional hybrids and full electric vehicles.
While PHEVs do eliminate the range anxiety that remains one of the major concerns for potential EV buyers the relatively small batteries in most PHEVs means that their electric-only driving range only sits around 50 kilometres and afterthat,unlessre-charged,theybecome just another hybrid, but one that typically costs about $10k more than equivalent hybrids.
While the Haval H6 PHEV does cost $9000 more than the H6 Hybrid, it does provide significantly greater range, listed at 180km. Even if that equates to 150km in real-life driving conditions it makes for a much more attractive option than all of its rivals.
With the 55-litre fuel tank full and battery charged, GWM claims a driving rangeof1000kilometres.
While the Haval H6 PHEV costs $9000 more than the H6 Hybrid, it provides significantly greater range. (Pictures: Supplied)
Local sport on Saturday had the added intrigue of wind making things a little bit more tricky. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Wind tests weekend play
Altona Gators men’s side. 490086_01
Diggers Rest’s Matthew Krul and Riddell’s Ben Taylor. 490807_14
Glenroy’s Zac Smith and Westmeadows’ Michael Mayne. 489371_09
Lancefield’s Alice Bromley. 490796_04
Craigieburn’s Abe Solano. 490086_09
Lancefield’s Carolyn Cusack. 490796_12
Craigieburn’s Luke Tropeano. 490086_17
Lancefield’s Keiley Walker and Alex Cairney. 490796_02
Riddell’s Dylan Podolczak and Diggers Rest’s Ryan Lewis. 490807_18
Riddell’s Tommy Alkemade. 490807_01
Westmeadows’ Aaron Evans. 89371_13
Westmeadows’ Korey Flavel-Wood goes to lay a tackle. 489371_04
Demons lock in new coach
By Tara Murray
Tullamarine has all but sealed its spot in Essendon District Football League division 1 for next season, while also announcing it had locked in its coaches for 2026.
The Demons took on Roxburgh Park on Saturday in the battle of the bottom two teams.
Tullarmaine entered the game eight points clear of Roxburgh Park in the relegation battle.
A win for the Demons would mean they had a three game buffer with four rounds remaining, while a Magpies win would reduce it to just one game and percentage and set the stage for an interesting end to the season.
Early on Saturday, the Demons couldn’t make the most of their opportunities in windy conditions.
While they had eight scoring shots to two in the first quarter, they led by just one point at the break.
Scores were level at half time as both sides kicked four goals each in the second quarter.
The third quarter was all the Demons as they had 11 scoring shots to none.
While they again didn’t make the most of their chances, the lead was out to 31 points heading into the final break.
The Magpies came home strongly, but it wasn’t enough with the Demons winning, 9.17 (71)-9.9 (63).
Josh Cowell kicked four goals for the De-
mons.
He was named in the best along with Salvatore Melilli and Declan Edwards.
Scott Poynter, James Tasiyan and Dylan Exposto were named the Magpies best. Poynter kicked three goals in the loss.
The Demons now sit three games clear and more than 22 per cent ahead of the Magpies.
Earlier in the week, the Demons announced that it had re-appointed Zack Carey as coach for the next two seasons.
Carey joined the club this season from Strathmore.
“Zack has quickly become a valued member of the Tulla family, demonstrating the leadership, professionalism, and vision needed to guide our club into a bright fu-
489371_08
Tigers on a roll after come from behind win
Westmeadows continue to tick the wins over, this time coming from behind at three quarter time to account for Glenroy in the Essendon District Football League division 2. It was a top of the table clash at Willowbrook Reserve, with the Tigers aiming for nine wins in a row.
The Lions led at each of the breaks but they couldn’t break the Tigers.
With plenty of energy left heading into the final quarter, the Tigers were able to capitalise and kick seven final quarter goals to come away with a 14.12 (96)-12.8 (80) win.
Tigers coach Ash Flavel said his side played well in the second half to come away with the points.
“It was a tale of two ends,” he said. “In the first quarter we got the jump and then we had the wind in the second quarter and kicked three goals.
“We would kick one goal and they would kick one and they were up by three goals at three quarter time.
“The players keep coming to me saying they [Glenroy] were tired and arguing with each other.
“Our fitness came to the fore in the last quarter and we kicked straight.”
Flavel said they were able to do what Glenroy did to them on Anzac Day. More importantly, the Tigers have now beaten every team in the competition.
Aaron Evans and Hugo Jenkins kicked three goals each for the Tigers.
Flavel praised Brayden Sudaro’s job on Mark Sabatino, while saying that Michael Portelli down back, Francis Keenan on the wing were other standouts.
Flavel said while they didn’t play their best football they were still able to find a win which is the sign of a good team.
The run for the Tigers, who are looking to make a second straight grand final, is being done primarily with local players.
Just one player on Saturday was more than a one-point player. Jordan Hollow and Mitch Church, who are out through travel and injury, are also one point players and
ture,” Tullamarine said on its social media.
“His commitment to high standards both on and off the field reflects the culture we strive to uphold at Tullamarine.
“Known for his disciplined approach to coaching, Zack brings structure, consistency, and accountability to everything he does — qualities that will help shape a resilient and focused playing group. “
“His signing brings a renewed sense of stability and direction for our committee, players and loyal supporters alike.”
Meanwhile, Craigieburn’s finals hopes took a knock as it lost to Oak Park on Saturday.
The Kangaroos led all day in the contest. While the Eagles finished strongly it wasn’t enough as they lost, 10.3 (63)-7.7 (49).
FV
Bundoora United’s brave Nike FC Cup came to an end on Wednesday night. Hoping to make the final after falling just short last year, Bundoora United was knocked out by Heidelberg United in the semi finals.
Heidelberg won 7-0 after leading 3-0 at half time. “Our senior women’s Nike FC Cup journey comes to an end after a hard-fought battle, with Heidelberg proving too strong on the night,” Bundoora United said on social media. “Congratulations to Heidelberg on making it through to the grand final, after a heartbreaking few weeks, your resilience has been nothing short of inspiring.”
EDFL
Roxburgh Park is one step closer to having locked in a finals spot in the Essendon District Football League women’s division 2 competition. The Magpies upset Taylors Lakes in a thriller on Saturday, winning 7.6 (46)-7.2 (44). Kiara Croxford, Danira Fuamatu and Jordan Di Mizio were named the Magpies best. The Magpies are now two games clear of fifth placed Sunbury Lions with two rounds remaining.
VTCA
will return to the team.
Hollow and Nick Matthews return from overseas this week in another boost for the Tigers.
The Tigers remain in second spot, only behind Glenroy.
Flavel said they were remaining focused on playing one week at a time.
“We have to respect every opponent and play who is in front of us,” he said. “There’s a good vibe and they’re enjoying their footy.
“We want to keep having fun at the same time and click into business when we need to.”
The Tigers face the Sunbury Kangaroos this Saturday.
In division 1, Tullamarine has all but secured its spot in division 1 for next season, while Roxburgh Park looks set to drop down to division 2.
On Saturday, the Demons were able to hold off the Magpies, who came hard late, in the 9.17 (71)-9.9 (63) win.
Elsewhere Craigieburn lost to Oak Park, 10.3 (63)-7.7 (49).
Fassy Anise will continue as Westmeadows women’s coach for the upcoming cricket season. The club is hoping to build on last season in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association. “Fassy in a well respected figure at the club and has been a big part of the women’s program over recent years,” the club said in its announcement. “Last season he helped guide both senior women’s teams to the Grand Final and we’re looking forward to another successful season under his guidance.”
Netball
Whittlesea’s Tara Watson has been named in the Australian 21 and under squad ahead of preparations for the Netball World Youth Cup in September. Watson is in the squad for the first time, having been part of the Australian under-19 squad last year.
Hugo Jenkins. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Sports shorts
Mill Park go into cup final
By Tara Murray
Mill Park coach Andy Vlahos is hoping his side will take momentum from its Cecil Earley Cup semi final win into the rest of the FV state league 2 north-west season.
In what has been an up and down season for the club. Mill Park became the first club to earn a berth in the Cecil Earley Cup final.
The cup was created this season, with the top eight state league clubs left the Australia Cup facing knock out matches to decide the top team.
Mill Park will face local rival Whittlesea Ranges in the final.
Vlahos said it was a pretty exciting moment for the club.
“There was a good little atmosphere and i think we needed that confidence going into the rest of the season,” he said.
“It is a bit of a first time for the club as we have not been in this position before. We’re looking forward to the game with Ranges.
“It’s always a local derby and this one is an even bigger one.”
Mill Park won through to the final with a 1-0 win against state league 4 west side Balmoral.
Vlahos said he felt they were the better side across the game. He also praised Balmoral for its performance across the whole competition.
“We had more of the ball and they couldn’t break us down,” he said. “They sat back a little bit and tried to counteract es-
pecially in the second half.
“We created a nice piece of play with a nice cross and Aleks [Pavasovic] scored a really good goal with 10 minutes to go.
“We were a little bit better for the whole game.”
The Cecil Earley Cup final will be played before the Dockerty Cup final at the home of the Matildas.
Whittlesea Ranges won through to the cup final in dramatic circumstances.
After trailing Hampton East Brighton 2-0 at half time, Sam O’Halleron’s fifth second half goal in extra time levelled the scores at 5-5.
Hampton had also gone a man down.
Scores were still locked at 5-5 at the end of extra time. The Ranges eventually won
Undermanned Eagles scrape through a win
An undermanned Craigieburn Eagles are hoping to finish the season on the high despite set to miss out on a finals spot in Big V men’s division 1.
The Eagles season has been marred by injuries and unavailabilities which has limited their impact after winning division 2 last season.
After winning six straight matches to get back into finals contention, the Eagles have had a lack of numbers since.
On Saturday night, they lacked numbers as they took on the Altona Gators and came away with the win, 96-78.
Coach Tim Annett said it was a really good win considering the circumstances. The side has only had their whole squad for six games this season.
“We only had seven players with quite a few unavailable through injury,” he said. “It was definitely a difficult one with the guys that we had out.
“Some who were playing don’t get a lot of opportunities this year.
“We moved the ball well considering the normal guys we had out.”
Annett said giving some minutes to guys who normally don’t get a lot was a real positive out of the win.
Abe Solano top scored with 26 points for the Eagles, while Tyler Best had 24 and Lachlan Kego had 20 points.
Despite the win, the Eagles look set to miss finals by the narrowest of margins.
Annett said he doesn’t think there’s any way in the final round that they could finish in the top five. They currently sit in sixth spot.
“We’ll likely finish one game or half a game out,” he said.
“We have two guys that will be back this week, but have two guys who are out for the season.
“It’s a disappointing end to the season, but it has been what it is, it’s been like this all year.
“I don’t want to make any excuses but we haven’t had a whole lot of luck.”
on penalties. Before then, Mill Park is focused on finishing the state league 2 north-west season strongly.
Mill Park sits sixth on the ladder.
“We need to finish off with a bit more consistency, we’ve been a bit indifferent,” he said.
“Hopefully it’s a bit of stepping stone to finish off the season strongly.
“It’s quite congested from third last to fifthorsixthanlotofteamswantingpoints.”
On Saturday, Mill Park defeated Western Eagles, 4-2.
Mill Park scored two goals in each half. In other results, Whittlesea Ranges beat Dallas City, while Uni Hill Eagles ad Craigieburn City both had draws.
Kako a rising star
A career-high performance from Isaac Kako has seen him become the fourth Essendon player to become an AFL rising star nominee this season.
The 19-year-old was lively right from the opening bounce against the Gold Coast Suns, rewarded for his tenacious pressure and impact up the ground by getting on the end of a scoring opportunity early in the third term.
Kako had a career-high 17-disposal, five-tackle performance against the Suns. He has played well in the next two games as well.
As the club’s fourth nominee for the award this season (joining Archie Roberts, Nate Caddy and Angus Clarke), Essendon’s four nominations are the club’s most in a single season since it had five with the ‘Baby Bombers’ of 1993, the year the award was first introduced.
Kako is one of just eight Dons to feature in all 15 games so far this year, with his forward pressure and glimpses of brilliance in front of goal seeing him earmarked as a key component of the club’s future.
“My first year in the system has been really enjoyable and it does feel great to receive some recognition with the nom,” he said.
Annett said while they haven’t had any luck this season, they were confident they were heading into the right direction heading forward.
He said they can hang their hat on the season they’ve had in their first year back in this division.
“We will be better in terms of our roster,” he said. “This year was a little setback to playing finals but we will definitely be up there next year.”
The lack of numbers also hit the Eagles women’s side, which had to forfeit on Saturday night.
The Eagles had just four players named on the team sheet.
“They had a few injuries as well,” Annett said. “They couldn’t be moved on the ladderwheretheywillfinishtopsotheywantto make sure they are right for finals.”
The Eagles men will finish their season against the Chelsea Gulls, while the women’s side will fine tune for finals against the Gulls as well.
“I feel as though I’ve been putting together a pretty solid body of work across the season so far and I’m getting some reward for effort - getting to do it alongside this group of boys has made it an even better experience. We’ve got so much young talent on board at the moment and the fans should be very excited about the opportunities that’ll create for us.
“Joining Nate, ‘Robbo’ and ‘Pup’ as a nominee is a pretty nice touch. I’m keen to keep getting out there with those lads in the back end of the year and put in strong performances for the members and supporters.”
Kako is a product of Essendon’s Next Generation Academy.
Kako was the Bombers’ first selection of the 2024 AFL draft at pick 13, having played his junior football at the Northern Saints in the Essendon District Football League.
He represented the Calder Cannons in the Coates Talent League and played for Victoria Metro at the 2024 AFL National Championships.
Lachlan Kego. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 490086_14
Marshall takes the reins
By Tara Murray
New Mernda coach Brent Marshall is keen to help develop the kids and the next generation as he takes on the role at the Northern Football League division 3 club.
Marshall, who joined the Demons last season, has been appointed coach for next year having recently stepped into the role in an interim nature.
Marshall, a premiership captain at Bundoora, said he was excited to take on the role.
“In the short time I’ve been at Mernda they have welcomed me coming from Bundoora,” he said. “I played that high level of footy and wanted to come and help the kids.
“The boys respect me and what I’ve done in footy.
“The conversation about them wanting me to coach was an easy decision with how supportive they are of me.
“Having the backing from the club is huge and it was an easy decision to take it on and have a crack.”
Marshall said when he was first approached about the role, he was a bit hesitant with a baby on the way later this year.
He said his partner was from a footy background and told him to go for it.
“Speaking to a few of the boys they were keen for me to do it,” he said. “You are never really ready for it [coaching], so you have to put your toes in the water.”
Marshall said having at least six weeks to coach the group this season would provide a real stepping stone for next season.
He said it was like taking on an ap-
prenticeship for those weeks.
“The last six weeks we’ll look at how does it look and implement different things,” he said.
“We’re down on personnel at the moment with important star players out.
“We’ll fine tune things. The next couple of weeks see how they respond to different things.”
It’s been a tough start for Marshall as coach with the side losing its first three matches
Having lost Billy Morrison and Christian Evans for the season with injuries and captain Dayne Kellett through concussion along with a few other injuries, the Demons have fallen just shot.
Marshall said they were looking for the positives out of it.
“They come back into the side and it’s
William Gilmore. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 425675_17
Raiders fighting hard secure a fourth win
Old Paradians took another step to securing its spot in the Northern Football League division 2 competition next season.
The Raiders have found their feet in their first season in division 2 after a slow start to the season.
On Saturday, they got their fourth win of the season as they beat Panton Hill.
Coach Ben Turner said they know how important every win is in the run home.
“Four wins is nothing to be disappointed by,” he said. “We’re happy with where things are.
“It is tight at the bottom end of the ladder between the bottom five. Wins are at a premium.
“It will go down to the wire.”
Turner said they really enjoyed the win against Panton Hill on Saturday.
Neither side was able to hit the scoreboard freely with conditions making it challenging, with a heavy wind playing havoc across Melbourne.
After trailing early, the Raiders led at half time after using the wind well.
Panton Hill found a way in the third quar-
ter to regain the lead and put the pressure all back on the Raiders as they led by three goals.
The Raiders responded and were able to come away with the 9.5 (59)-7.4 (46) win.
“It was a funny sort of game,” Turner said. “We didn’t really know how to score at one end.
“It was a game of two halves.
“We kicked against the wind in the first quarter and we were then able to turn the tables.
“We were then staring down the barrel of the three goal deficit. We started the last quarter well and got a margin really early.”
Turner said coming from behind at three quarter time had really shown the growth in the side this season.
Lachie Kerr kicked three goals for the Raiders, while Rufus Jones and Noah Whittle kicked two goals.
Jones and Lewis Franz were named the Raiders best.
The win moves the Raiders up a spot to third bottom.
The Raiders are now a game ahead of
a different ball game,” he said.
“We’ve had three kids playing from the under-19s, in their first year of senior footy.
“Jarrah [Younger] and Tommy Ciacia have stepped up the last three weeks and held their own.
“We want to blood the young kids and give them an opportunity to play games and keep them interested.
“We want to look after our own internally for the long term.”
Finals are now a long shot for the Demons, but Marshall said they would keep attacking training and games as if they were playing finals.
“If we do the right things, stranger things have happened.”
Jarrod King has been named the Demons assistant coach.
Northern FL locks in finals venues
Eltham Central Park and La Trobe University will host the Northern Football League women’s finals series.
The league announced the venues of the three divisions last week.
All the lead-up finals matches will take place at Tony Sheehan ovals one and two at Bundoora’s La Trobe campus, which is also home to the league.
There will be four weeks of finals in the women’s competition with each division having a top five.
The grand finals will be held at Eltham Central Park on August 24, having previously been held at Preston City Oval. The league has already announced that it won’t play men’s finals at Preston City Oval this year.
League chief executive Martin Stillman expressed enthusiasm about the league’s ongoing relationship with La Trobe University.
“We’re thrilled to announce our women’s finals series will be played at one of the best football facilities in Melbourne,” he said.
“The league has been working towards games being played at La Trobe University for some time and now the NFNL will host our lead-up finals series games at these two fantastic grounds.
Thomastown and two games clear of Watsonia and the relegation zone.
Turner said having finished their match early, the results in the other matches were a topic of interest.
He said they were keen to finish the season strongly.
“We want to continue to work hard and win one of two more games,” he said. “There is a fair bit of work to be where we want to be.”
The Raiders face Lower Plenty this Saturday.
Turner said they would see how far they’ve come after being beaten really comprehensively the first time they played this season.
In other results, Watsonia beat Thomastown in a thriller, 12.7 (79)-11.9 (75).
Whittlesea had a disappointing day against Diamond Creek, losing 11.12 (78)5.7 (37).
In division 1, South Morang and Bundoora both suffered losses.
Meanwhile in division 3, Laurimar beat Mernda while Epping lost to Kilmore.
“As announced recently all leadup games will be free of charge, allowing our community to get behind their teams in a vibrant final’s atmosphere.”
Stillman said the league was also proud to stage the women’s grand finals at one of the premier venues in the league.
“To culminate the 2025 NFNL Women’s season, grand finals will be played at Eltham Central Park, which is a first for our women’s program,” he said.
“Eltham is one of our premier facilities in the NFNL and will provide a fitting stage to cap off what promises to be a tremendous day of women’s football.”
Among the teams in finals contention is South Morang in division 2 and Whittlesea in division 3.
