Star Weekly - Northern - 1st December 2020

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Santa comes to town Santa Claus is still coming to town.

While COVID-19 restrictions have resulted in changes to the traditional Santa photo, children can get their photo taken at Craigieburn Central.

The centre is offering socially distanced photos with Santa, as well as Sensitive Santa, pet photography, augmented reality Christmas experiences to capture those shareable video moments with friends and family, and online live video chats.

Photos must be booked in advance online and there will be strict social distancing and hygiene measures in place.

Profits from the online video chats will be donated to the Willmott Park Deaf Facility at Willmott Park Primary School to help pupils build community connections and access enrichment activities.

The centre is also offering charity gift wrapping, with proceeds going to the Salvation Army.

Xavier, 2, and Isabel, 7, with Santa. (Damjan Janevski) 220259_02

Tara Murray

Budget cash for roads

By Tara Murray

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The long-awaited duplication of Mickleham Road is one step closer after funding for the project’s planning phase was announced as part of the state budget.

Last week’s budget included more than $9 million for the installation of new traffic lights at the entrance to Aitken College on Mickleham Road, and planning for the duplication of Mickleham Road between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard.

It was one of two main road projects in Hume to receive funding, with $6.5 million allocated to progress planning for the Bulla Bypass.

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said the council was thrilled with the funding for the two roads.

“Two of our key transport priorities – the Bulla Bypass and duplication of Mickleham Road – are now progressing to ensure that once subsequent capital funding is made available, our residents will spend less time on the road and more time with their family and friends.”

Three schools in Hume and three in

Whittlesea also received funding. Lalor Secondary College received $26.2 million to rebuild and revitalise ageing buildings, while Mickleham Primary School will be rebuilt on an expanded site after receiving $21 million.

Mill Park Secondary College received $11.6 million to build a new 200-seat performing arts centre. The Jacana School for Autism received $10 million, while $8.2 million has been allocated to Peter Lalor College and $5.864 million to Meadows Primary School.

The budget also included funding to acquire

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land for the new Merrifield West Secondary College in Mickleham.

Funding has also been provided to acquire land and continue planning and design for a community hospital in the City of Whittlesea.

Northern Hospital will receive a new standalone mental health facility delivering 30 additional beds, as part of the government’s $868.6 million spend on mental health services.

Funding was also allocated to accelerate the delivery of a new bus service between Mernda and Craigieburn.

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Plenty Road still a crash hotspot

By Tara Murray Plenty Road remains Australia’s most dangerous crash hotspot, according to new data from insurer AAMI. For the third year in a row, the road has topped AAMI’s Crash Index. Eight of the top 10 locations are in Victoria.

The index analysed 350,000 accident insurance claims across the country between July 2019 and the end of June this year.

AAMI spokesman Paul Sofronoff said it wasn’t surprising Plenty Road was again called

out as the nation’s worst road for crashes.

The most dangerous time for crashes on Plenty Road is on Thursday between 1.30pm and 4.30pm, with nose to tail collisions the most common, according to AAMI’s data.

“Plenty Road in Bundoora has several lanes of traffic in both directions and feeds into many other major roads in Melbourne,” Mr Sofronoff said. “The busy stretch of road is home to multiple traffic lights, entry and exit points, two main universities and a tram line in the middle, making it an incredibly difficult road to navigate – especially when you throw in peak

hour traffic congestion.”

Cooper Street in Epping also made the list, coming in at number five. It’s the first time the road has been included in the crash index.

The index also looked at the data from Melbourne’s second COVID-19 lockdown between August 3 and October 18.

In that period, Cooper Street and Craigieburn Road were ranked number one for crashes. Plenty Road came in at number four in the period, while High Street in Epping came in at number eight.

Mr Sofronoff said the five-kilometre travel

A special place to remember Isabella and Ava will always have a special place to remember their father, Peter Zappia, after the Diamond Hills Preschool unveiled a memorial plaque in his honour.

Peter died 12 months ago, at the age of 40, due to a genetic heart condition. He left behind his wife Rebecca and daughters Isabella and Ava. The preschool unveiled the memorial plaque on November 11, the anniversary of his death.

Rebecca said the gesture was humbling.

Isabella and Ava have attended the preschool for the past five years and the family lives in nearby Mill Park Lakes.

A ceremony to unveil the plaque was held with the staff, committee and close friends in attendance, much to Rebecca’s surprise.

“It’s overwhelming,” she said.

“The kinder has always been a really special place for our family and we’ve been there five years and the staff have become family.

“They were really supportive when he was in and out of hospital last year. It will always be a special place with something always there for us.”

Rebecca said her husband was always at every event at the preschool and supported her in her role on the committee.

She described Peter, who was born in the United Kingdom, as the life of the party and someone who cared about others.

He donated his organs, helping to save three people’s lives.

“He was all about fun, living life and enjoying life and loved his family and friends,” Rebecca said.

“He was so strong and brave considering what he went through. He’s our superhero.”

restrictions placed on Melburnians resulted in four different spots entering the top 10.

“Being out of our normal routines, working from home and driving less meant … we found local suburban roads becoming the epicentre for collisions,” he said. “The fact that we still had collisions during lockdown – when people were only permitted to travel within five kilometres of their home – goes to show that it is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security, that we are somehow safer on the road when we’re familiar with our surroundings and when there aren’t as many cars.”

Craigieburn set to grow The next step in fast-tracking the Craigieburn West Precinct Structure Plan is under way, with the draft plan out for community consultation.

The Victorian Planning Authority is aiming to fast-track 19 planning and infrastructure projects, including the Craigieburn West Precinct Structure Plan (PSP), as part of the government’s response to the COVID-19 crisis.

The PSP will add 8000 houses to Craigieburn West and will develop the area as a series of predominantly residential neighbourhoods supported by a local town centre.

The PSP features a local activity centre, schools, community hubs, diverse housing typologies linked with a range of open spaces, including conservation reserves, active open space, sporting grounds and a network of local parks.

Bus services are expected to run through the new area, with a shared path for pedestrians and cycling, connecting with the surrounding footpath and cycle network.

The activity centre will include a full-line supermarket and specialty shops, with the ability to support non-retail local services.

Hume council recently voted not to support fast-tracking the PSP until the state government commits to duplicating Mickleham Road.

Councillors are concerned that fast-tracking the project would exacerbate traffic problems in the area.

Submissions are open until December 18. For more information: http://ow.ly/ iUJz50CsTru.

Tara Murray

Tara Murray Ava and Isabella with the memorial plaque.

(Supplied)

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Soil fight continues Sunbury and Bulla residents have vowed not to stop fighting until they know toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel project will not be sent their way. The state’s planning minister, Richard Wynne last week approved Maddingley Brown Coal and Cleanaway’s planning scheme amendments to receive and store toxic soil from the West Gate Tunnel project in Bacchus Marsh and Ravenhall.

A decision is yet to be made for Hi-Quality’s proposal to send PFAS and asbestos-contaminated soil to the Sunbury Eco-Hub in Bulla.

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St Monica\’s high performance athletics centre. (Supplied)

Elite training for students Students at St Monica’s College in Epping will get a head start with their sporting careers following the launch of the school’s new high-performance athletics centre.

Based at the Dalton Road campus, the centre offers high-level functional training facilities to elite students who are a part of the athlete development program, talent identification and development programs.

The centre features the latest in functional training equipment such as multiple customised strength rigs that can accommodate up to 20 students, a four-lane indoor running track that allows focused training on sprint starts, power development and weighted battle rope training.

Principal Brian Hanley, said the centre is an

exciting addition to the sporting academies.

“Our college is committed to providing our developing athletes every possible support to be their best.

“Our sports academies all have elite coaches who are experts in their field and we will continue to support them with the best facilities we can provide.”

The college’s director of sport Matt Sheens said the new centre is state-of-the-art and provides the best available resources.

“The facility is comparable to elite training centres seen in many professional sports, and with the support of our academy coaches, our students will thrive.”

Tara Murray

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT (Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987) The property affected by the application is located at LOT 412 (No. 10) TEMPLETON DRIVE, MILL PARK. The application is for a permit to vary Restrictive Covenant W349311K Restriction (b) to allow for the use of weatherboard and rendered cladding as external materials for any dwelling.

The applicant for the permit is J Kotronis.

The application reference number is 719746.

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application on our website through Planning Application Status and Tracking Application (PASTA). www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au 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 16 December 2020.

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

For information regarding access to Planning documents relating to this application please contact Council’s Building and Planning Department on 9217 2259.

Craig Lloyd Chief Executive Officer 12472697-DL49-20

4 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

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Whittlesea’s young people are encouraged to participate in a month-long festival of events and projects. The festival, which is being held after youth week was postponed earlier this year, is for young people aged between 10 to 25. The council’s youth service team Baseline has been working with community members throughout the lockdowns. The activities include joining Freeza, life skills courses, mental wellbeing workshops and forums. The festival finishes on December 15. To find out more about the events visit: www. whittlesea.vic.gov.au/arts-eventsrecreation/things-to-see-and-do/ youth-events/ FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

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Community remembers Celeste

By Tara Murray The death of Mernda women Celeste Manno has sparked a call for changes to the laws to protect victims of stalking.

Ms Manno was in her Mernda home with her mother in the early hours of November 16 when she was stabbed and killed.

Former colleague Luay Sako presented himself to Mernda police station on the same day. The 35-year-old was later charged with one count of murder.

Ms Manno’s family said she had an intervention order out against Sako.

A petition started by one of Ms Manno’s friends has more than 6000 signatures calling for there to be changes to laws protecting victims of stalking.

“Violence against women has been an increasing issue in our world today,” the petition states.

“Violence against women resulting in death has been increasing. Many of these deaths can be prevented by introducing stringent laws to ensure that victims are protected.”

A fundraising page in honour of Ms Manno was also set up, with more than $35,000 raised so far.

Ms Manno’s family and friends paid tribute to her on social media. She would have been 24 on November 22.

Her eldest brother Jayden Manno said his sister was the “rock, pillar of strength and protector” of the family.

“I’ve always said of all the Mannos, you are the brightest, wisest, and most certainly the toughest. And you were,” he wrote.

“My daughter … will always grow up to hear stories of how amazing her Zia Celeste was …

I will do my absolute best to raise her and to empower her to be as strong and as wise as you.”

Celeste Manno. (Facebook)

Keahna’s last hurrah Keahna Pekin could never have imagined that her last Victorian State Schools Spectacular would end up as an online production.

The Hazel Glen College year 12 student has been a primary dancer in the production since 2017 and was hoping to go out on a high this year. But COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of this year’s live arena spectacular, resulting in the creation of a made-for-television online production involving more than 2000 students.

“When I first found out that this year’s spectacular was not going to be the same it hit me quite hard because it put things into perspective that I was probably never going to experience something so great again,” Keahna said.

“I didn’t finish 2019 spectacular with the mindset that that was my last time performing to thousands of people, doing fun photo shoots

in extravagant costumes or the rehearsals in the studio every Sunday.”

Keahna said normally the rush she experienced just prior to going on stage was the thing that she enjoyed the most.

She said learning different styles of choreography and sharing the experience with “amazingly talented people” was also special.

She admitted that finding the motivation to rehearse by herself had been difficult. “We went from rehearsals every Sunday alongside our friends to 40-minute Zoom sessions in our little allocated space in our houses.

“The hardest part for me was probably finding the energy in myself to project an arena level performance to a camera lens in my garage on a tiny square of green screen material that we were restricted to move on.”

Keahna Pekin.

(Supplied)

Tara Murray

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5 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

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6 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

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Pandemic hits hip pockets

By Tara Murray Whittlesea residents have been hit hard financially by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Figures released by Whittlesea council as part of its latest report into the response to the pandemic show the impact of the virus on residents’ hip pockets.

Postcode-level modelling showed that in June, the financial impact on most postcodes in the municipality was categorised as medium.

By October, the same modelling indicated

that the financial impact on all postcodes in Whittlesea was in the ‘high’ to ‘extreme’ range, suggesting residents are likely to have experienced significant loss of income and employment during the second lockdown.

More than 15,000 Whittlesea residents received JobSeeker or Youth Allowance payments in September, more than double the number in March.

Outgoing referrals from Whittlesea Community Connections’ financial assistance program increased from 23 to 111.

The council is continuing to provide emergency relief to residents, businesses and community groups.

In October, council received four new financial and six in-kind requests from eight non-government organisations, according to the council report.

Since April 6, 20 local organisations have received financial support under the Emergency Relief Fund, totalling $320,918.

During October, council helped fund 103 businesses experiencing financial hardship

under the Business Relief and Resilience Program, totalling $450,396.

The report said that council also received an additional nine hardship applications via the COVID-19 Hardship Policy during October.

A total of 171 applications have been received since April 6, and 132 have been approved.

Latest council data also details the impact of COVID-19 on small businesses, revealing that 23 food or health and beauty premises closed permanently in October, the highest number of closures in a month since March.

Countdown to Christmas gatherings, the event will be live-streamed on YouTube on Saturday, December 5 from 6.30pm.

Live music and food trucks will be at the Hume Global Learning Centre Sunbury on Sunday, December 20 between 11am-3pm for family and friends to enjoy a picnic.

For a full list of Christmas in Hume events, visit: bit.ly/3lXj5BX. Jessica Micallef

Mayor Joseph Haweil and his wife Sheena.

(Damjan Janevski) 221194_01

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hume.

Throughout November and December, the council’s Christmas in Hume advent calendar is full of free activities and entertainment, with pop-up gardens, decorations, music and food trucks, prizes and giveaways, a community Christmas light competition and live-streamed carols.

Santa and his team of elves have been busy decorating the city with colourful decorations and residents are encouraged to visit pop-up Christmas gardens at O’Shannassy, Brook and Evans streets in Sunbury, Civic Plaza in Broadmeadows and Craigieburn Central courtyard.

The Sunbury Village Green water fountain and Town Hall Broadmeadows will light up in red and green during the festive season.

Although the traditional Hume Carols by Candlelight cannot proceed as normal due to COVID-19 restrictions on large public

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7 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

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Virtual ED an ‘Australian first’

By Tara Murray Northern Health is making it easier for people to seek medical help with the launch of a virtual emergency department.

Launched in October for people living in Northern Health’s catchment area, the virtual ED enables patients to self-present to the hospital by using their phone or laptop.

Emergency physician, Dr Loren Sher, said the virtual ED enables patients to talk to emergency nurses and doctors from their home, work or even their car. Northern Health said it is the first public health service in

Australia to launch this technology.

“If a patient has a non-life-threatening emergency, they can connect virtually with our ED staff, who will be able to provide medical advice,” Dr Sher said.

“Patients will need to have a valid Medicare card and be comfortable speaking in English, as interpreting isn’t currently available for this particular service.”

Patients register their details online and are then placed in a virtual waiting room.

When it’s their turn, the triage nurse conducts an online consultation with them and advises the best course of action.

Depending on the patient’s condition, this could be a telehealth consultation with an emergency doctor or advanced practice physiotherapist. In many cases, the team will be able to help patients completely virtually, and can organise tests and prescriptions close to their home.

In some cases, they may ask the patient to come into the ED for required treatment.

Doreen resident, Valerie Patragoulas, whose son Jake fell off his bike, used the service on the recommendation of a family member.

“We did the teleconference call, and as it was late in the afternoon, and our closest X-ray

centre was closed, we were advised to come into Northern’s ED and get the X-ray done,” she said.

“It was a great experience as we were an expected case when we arrived and after a very short wait, we were taken to do an X-ray.”

Dr Sher said the new service would also work with GPs and acute care centres to identify patients that traditionally would have been referred to ED, but may be suitable for ongoing management in the community.

The service is available seven days a week between 1pm and 9.30pm and can be accessed via www.nh.org.au/ed.

Play among gum trees Donnybrook residents are making the most of the fresh air at a new cafe and park in Mirvac’s Olivine estate.

The Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground is inspired by Australian author May Gibbs’ iconic Snugglepot and Cuddlepie characters.

Set among the established 200-year-old red river gum trees, Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground offers multi-layer experiences for children of all ages. Adjoining the playground, is the not-for-profit Shared Cup café, the first of its kind in the area.

The cafe, which was meant to open in July, finally opened last month after COVID-19 restrictions eased.

Cafe manager Derek Bradshaw said he had been working with Mirvac for a couple of years to establish the cafe. He already owns a similar cafe in Warrandyte.

“It’s about creating spaces that people can gather and live in,” he said.

“It’s about people first and making sure that it’s a viable and sustainable enterprise.”

Mr Bradshaw said the cafe had a real focus on the community and wanted to get local people involved. He aims to employ local residents who may find getting work challenging, due to factors such as mental health or disability issues.

“A core part of what we’re doing is that we want to support people with employment and different opportunities,” Mr Bradshaw said.

“We want to get in as many local suppliers as we can and be a champion for local produce.

“We’ll look to have a community pantry there so people can get their staples instead of heading to a supermarket.”

Tara Murray

The Gumnut Park and Adventure Playground. (Supplied)

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Haweil hopes to inspire

By Tara Murray New Hume mayor Joseph Haweil is taking on many of the lessons he learnt in his first four years as a councillor as he leads a new-look council.

Haweil, who is serving his second term on council, was unanimously elected as mayor on November 12, becoming the second-youngest Hume mayor. He said becoming mayor was something he had aspired to and allowed him to expand his role as a councillor.

“It’s very exciting and it comes at a really challenging time obviously with COVID,” he said. “I’m excited that restrictions are being eased and we’re moving in the right direction.

I plan to be quite active and get out and about to as many events, functions and meetings as I can, and get to know people and listen to people as well.

“I think being mayor gives you that little bit more time as a full-time role and an opportunity to do other things, not only strategic, but as the public face of the organisation.”

Cr Haweil is one of six returning councillors on the new council.

“I got on in 2016 and I had a lot of different ideas and have been able to put through some of those things,” he said.

“I learnt that you have to be patient. You come in and think that you can change the world and do everything overnight and you realise that the government has a process.”

Cr Haweil said he would continue to push and advocate for things that were important to him, including greater infrastructure to help with growth, especially in the Craigieburn area. He said he would continue to champion for causes such as social justice and reducing gambling harm.

He is also passionate about mentoring and

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Newly-elected mayor Joseph Haweil. (Damjan Janevski) 221194_10

providing opportunities for young people.

“There’s a reputation for local government to be old, frail and stale … you would have heard that in the past and I don’t think that it has to be,” Cr Haweil said. “It’s about ongoing advice, mentorship and guiding. Once I’m gone … they’ll have the knowledge, background and skills to continue the job.”

Cr Haweil hopes that his appointment as mayor will inspire other people to dream about being part of something bigger.

“My dad came here as a refugee. He got his very first job working at the Ford

Broadmeadows plant on the production line.

“Coming from a background where there was human rights abuse and persecution … you didn’t think that this is something that would happen for your family.

“There’s the spirit and opportunity that Australia presents to everyone, whether migrant or not.

“I think … it’s important to have people who look like me, look like you, speak like you or come from a similar background to me in positions of leadership.

“It provides that inspiration.”

We know 2020 has been a year like no other and many families are doing it tough, so Star Weekly is giving you the chance to be a star and treat your family this Christmas.

Enter the draw for your chance to win a Woolworths gift card to take your loved ones shopping for scrumptious food and delicious treats to enjoy on the big day … on us.

There are four $500 gift cards up for grabs to help ease the burden this festive season and bring a smile to everyone’s face.

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New vision for Whittlesea

By Tara Murray Whittlesea council will maintain the rural feel of the Whittlesea township while limiting its expansion as part of a new vision for the town.

The draft Whittlesea Township Strategy 2020 establishes a long-term vision for the Whittlesea township, reflecting the community’s key aspirations to protect the significant attributes of the township that contribute to its distinctive semi-rural character, whilst building upon its opportunities.

The strategy will be used to guide and

manage future planning and decision-making over the next 15-20 years, subject to its adoption by council.

Community consultation was undertaken with residents providing a number of key messages surrounding the township, housing, transport and infrastructure, increased accommodation and greater variety of shops.

They form the basis of a number of priorities and actions.

Among the key focuses are protecting the rural character of the town, establishing a clear township boundary, no expansion of the

existing Whittlesea township and ongoing protection of agricultural land.

The strategy will support initiatives which grow businesses and encourage shop-top office use in the town centre to encourage local jobs and services, while also enhancing the public realm and improving the character of town centre.

Council will look to implement its housing diversity strategy, including more accommodation for older people.

Transport improvements, including bus services, are also key, while council will look to

identify community service and facility gaps.

Among the short-term actions in the strategy is investigating the feasibility of preparing a local community plan to increase community connectedness.

The council will advocate to VicRoads to upgrade the pedestrian crossings at Beech Street and to the state government to establish a clear township boundary in accordance with the current General Residential and Low Density Residential Zones.

Community consultation is open until December 18.

Giving Christmas joy Whittlesea council and Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network are working together this Christmas to give hope and cheer to local families facing hardship.

After a year that has been like no other with heavy financial and emotional impacts, some residents in Whittlesea need more help than ever.

The council and the relief network are collecting donations of food and toys to be shared with local emergency relief services to provide Christmas food and toy hampers.

Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd said some families may find it difficult to find funds for presents and food over Christmas period.

“The kindness of strangers and people who can give generously is one of the ways to support each other when times are tough,” Mr Lloyd said. “We encourage anybody that can give to this local food and toy drive to please do so.”

Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network chair and Whittlesea Community Connections emergency relief co-ordinator Ginette Beguely said toys and gifts were the focus of this year’s appeal.

“We are particularly encouraging gifts that would suit older children aged 10 to 17 years,” she said. “Thinking about kids without adequate food or a present to wake up to on Christmas morning is a heartbreaking thought.”

Non-perishable food and new, unwrapped toys (with the exception of soft or fluffy toys due to COVID-19 restrictions) and gifts can be dropped off at Yarra Plenty Regional Library branches in Whittlesea, Lalor, Thomastown, and Mill Park until Monday, December 14.

Parker’s Auto Plus in Whittlesea township and Commonwealth Bank branches in the City of Whittlesea are also accepting toy donations.

Tara Murray

Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd and Whittlesea Emergency Relief Network chair and Whittlesea Community Connections emergency relief co-ordinator Ginette Beguely. (Supplied)

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Northern Star Weekly

CITY OF WHITTLESEA ANNUAL REPORT 2019-2020 Notice is given that Council has prepared its Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2020. The Annual Report includes a Report of Operations, Performance Statement and Financial Statements including the Auditor’s Reports for the Performance

Digital Edition

FREE

and Financial Statements.

A copy of the Annual Report can be obtained or inspected

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

at the Council Offices, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, NOVEMBER 3, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

between the hours of 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

By Tara Murray

The Annual Report will be considered by Council at a Council Meeting to be held on Monday 7 December 2020 at 3pm.

Job-generating projects and transport infrastructure are needed to help Melbourne’s north recover from the impacts of COVID-19, according to a new report.

The latest Northern Horizons report, produced by economic development body NORTH Link and the Northern Councils Alliance, outlines a 50-year strategy urging job-creating infrastructure to help new industries to fill the gap in the job market. The region has been heavily affected by COVID-19, with about 80,000 jobs lost during the pandemic.

NORTH Link and northern councils, including Hume and Whittlesea, say that

Poppy appeal

Blueprint for jobs

By Tara Murray Job-generating projects and transport infrastructure are needed to help Melbourne’s north recover from the impacts of COVID-19, according to a new report.

The latest Northern Horizons report, produced by economic development body NORTH Link and the Northern Councils Alliance, outlines a 50-year strategy urging job-creating infrastructure to help new industries to fill the gap in the job market. The region has been heavily affected by COVID-19, with about 80,000 jobs lost during the pandemic.

NORTH Link and northern councils, including Hume and Whittlesea, say that economic confidence and jobs are needed urgently. The report identifies short and long-term infrastructure investments needed to stimulate job creation in the region.

Among the key short-term projects is making the La Trobe NEIC [National Employment and Innovation Cluster] a Victorian government Priority Precinct; the continued development of metropolitan activity centres at Epping, Broadmeadows and Cloverton; building major activity centres in places such as Sunbury; the expansion of the Melbourne Market at Epping; increased mental health support services; and committed construction of community hospitals in Whittlesea, Craigieburn and Sunbury.

Short-term transport projects include bringing forward Suburban Rail Loop construction in the north to connect precincts; the construction of the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal; completing the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and E6 business case; bus network changes; railway station upgrades including Broadmeadows; and outer north arterial roads including the Bulla Bypass.

These projects are expected to bring thousands of jobs to the area, according to the report.

In the medium term, the construction of the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road and E6 , Wollert rail extension and new hospital – likely in the Hume corridor – are key items.

Report taskforce chair and Hume chief executive Domenic Isola said there is still a lot of work to be done in the north. He said the region’s rate of population growth meant there was a “large and rapdily growing” need for new infrastructure and services.

Poppy appeal Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee is asking the local community to get behind Remembrance Day by putting poppies out to mark the day.

Committee president Kevin O’Callaghan said with normal Remembrance Day services unable to go ahead because of COVID-19, the group was looking at different ways to remember those who served. He expects Remembrance Day to be quieter than usual.

“We’re friends of the RSL, so anything we do has to be in accordance with the RSL,” he said.

“It’s not likely to be a big service unless things change dramatically.

“We’ll look at what we did on Anzac Day. The flags will be up at the memorial and we’ll look to get people involved through a live service on Facebook.”

Mr O’Callaghan said one way the community could get involved was by placing poppies in front yards or mail boxes from the start of November.

“We would love to see kids painting poppies on a rock or put poppies outside where people can see then and then send us photos.

“It’s good to get the kids involved.

People really got behind Anzac Day [light up the dawn] hopefully people will do this and send through photos to us.”

This year’s poppy appeal has also gone online. Details: https://poppyappeal.com. au/

Craigieburn War Memorial and Remembrance Committee is asking

In accordance with section 394 of the Local Government Act

CHARLOTTE, 3

Tara Murray

SUBSCRIBE to our DIGITAL EDITION - It's FREE All machines accept

2020 this meeting will be held remotely via electronic means

JUMBO WASHER • • • • • • •

and will be livestreamed via Council’s website.

Craig Lloyd Chief Executive Officer

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10 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

• • • • • • •

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Blueprint for jobs

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

(Supplied)

You can also view it on Council’s website at

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NEWS

Women accused of welfare fraud

By Benjamin Millar A Melton woman is facing jail time over her alleged role in a crime syndicate that authorities say ripped off $800,000 in National Disability Insurance Scheme and Child Care Subsidy funding.

A two-year investigation led by federal police has identified the 52-year-old NDIS provider and four other women as participants in the “abhorrent” defrauding scheme. A 50-year-old mother of seven from Whittlesea who has a child with a disability on a NDIS plan – the

syndicate’s alleged principal offender – is accused of spending some of the NDIS funds allocated for her child on herself, including helping to buy a new home.

All five women appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court earlier this month on a series of charges including conspiracy to defraud, obtaining financial advantages through deception and proceeds of crime offences. They are due to reappear in court next March.

The AFP alleges the Whittlesea and Melton women used their NDIS businesses to exploit people with a disability for profit, leaving six

‘‘

ensuring the integrity of the welfare system

’’

- Krissy Barrett people with a disability not receiving their full level of care.

AFP Commander Krissy Barrett said the syndicate members faced jail terms if convicted.

“The AFP works tirelessly with agency partners to protect taxpayers’ money by ensuring the integrity of the welfare system,’’

she said. “Stealing from Australians is a crime, but defrauding funds from those who rely on additional support is abhorrent.”

Services Australia business integrity general manager Anthony Seebach said Australians expect the integrity of the system of social supports to be maintained and this includes detecting, investigating and prosecuting people who seek to abuse that system.

“This is another case that shows the strength of the collaboration between Commonwealth agencies to disrupt and dismantle organised networks committing fraud,” he said.

Family service boost Families will have more support with a new community centre opening in Wollert.

The Ganbu Gulinj Community Centre, which means “One Mob” in Wurundjeri language, will provide much-needed services to this booming suburb and surrounding neighbourhoods.

The Macedon Parade centre includes a modern three-room kindergarten with space for up to 99 children, two fully-equipped maternal and child health suites and a community room.

The new community facility is part of Whittlesea council’s long-term plan to provide residents with local access to key infrastructure and services.

With 76 babies born into the City of Whittlesea every week, the council is boosting construction of community hubs such as Ganbu Gulinj Community Centre to provide additional kindergarten places and

maternal and child health services in the city’s fastest-growing suburbs.

Council’s maternal and child health service is free for families with children from birth to school age.

The Ganbu Gulinj kindergarten is now accepting four-year-old kindergarten enrolments for term one next year.

To enrol visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ kinder.

For more information about the centre’s three-year-old kindergarten program contact Kids First at dearp@kidsfirstaustralia.org.au.

Tara Murray

Olivia is ready to attend kinder at Ganbu Gulinj.

(Supplied)

Respect is choosing not to laugh at jokes that put women down.

Respect women.

Call it out.

respectvictoria.vic.gov.au

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To learn more

11 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Mix it up with your own routine spine – so think about pushing your bottom back and let your torso fall forwards as you do, rather than just bringing your chest down.

Rotation – We rotate a lot in our day! From putting the washing out, to getting in and out of the car to just turning over in bed. Human rotation happens in the torso – so any exercise that requires you to twist is a rotation exercise.

As you twist, be sure to get your eyes and belly button to face the direction you are twisting to.

With more freedom to move around outdoors now, you may be keen to get some more exercise into your day. You may even want to come up with a workout routine for yourself. But, where do you start? Writing a simple exercise program for yourself can be easy – as long as you know the key ingredients. So, let’s take a look at what you might like to include.

(This advice is general in nature. You should consult your GP before undertaking any new exercise programs. Please consider any injuries or limiting concerns that you may have, and modify your program accordingly).

Locomotion – Very simply, locomotion is another way of saying walking, jogging, running, etc.

Basic human locomotion is typically forwards, but we do also move from side to side and backwards through the day, so try to include this in your exercise.

A workout should always start with a warm up.

A good warm up has some gentle movement and dynamic stretching – think arm circles, leg swings, torso twists, etc. It can last from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your needs and the intensity of the following workout.

Workout Basic human movement for an exercise program can be broken down into seven areas – squat, lunge, push, pull, hip hinge, rotation and locomotion. You can create a complete workout by combining these movement patterns, counting repetitions or time.

Squat – A squat is the human sitting pattern.

A basic squat is as simple as pretending you

(iStock)

Warm up

are going to sit on a knee-height stool and then stand back up again.

such a variety of ways – from all the way down on the ground, to having your hands up on a chair, to standing up with your hands on a wall.

Lunge – The lunge is the ‘step forward to pick something up’ pattern. Start with your feet hip width apart, take a step forward on one foot and bend the back knee down towards the ground.

Reverse the move to return to standing.

Pull – So, therefore, anytime we move an object towards our centre of gravity, we are pulling.

A crunch is a pull movement, because you are pulling yourself up.

Push – Any time we move an object away from our centre of gravity, we are pushing. The most typical bodyweight push exercise is, of course, the push up. Push ups really can be done in

Hip hinge – Different to a squat, a hip hinge happens when you bend forwards at the hips to pick something up, or put it down. A good hip hinge happens when there is no bend in your

Cool down and stretch – A basic cool down is much like the warm up, but instead of raising your heart rate, the aim is to lower it with gentle movement. Once your heart rate has come down a bit, you may like to stretch out the muscle groups used in your workout.

A basic stretch routine would include all the major muscle groups – those of the legs, torso and arms.

These are the basic movement patterns.

We can also specifically train the core and abdominals with exercises such as crunches or sit ups. Another area of movement to train is getting up and down of the floor, independently, if you are able to do so.

Just as with any DIY project, writing your own exercise program may not come naturally – so if you are not sure where to start, an exercise professional such as a Personal Trainer will be able to get you started in the right direction.

EVERY TEST HELPS Every test helps us keep on top of this virus.

So even if your symptoms are mild, or you’ve been tested before, every test helps.

For testing locations visit CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

12472619-SN49-20

12 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

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NEWS

Safety fears for historic Bulla Bridge Western Metropolitan MP Bernie Finn fears the historic Bulla Bridge is on the verge of collapse.

Mr Finn is calling on Roads and Road Safety Minister Ben Carroll to put the Bulla Bridge on a “priority watch list” after he was made aware of a crack that developed in the bridge earlier this month.

“The bridge is not getting any younger,” he said. “This bridge is over 150 years old and it is not built to carry the extraordinary traffic load it now does. I am a daily user of that bridge

and when you drive on it, you’ve got your life in your hands.”

Mr Finn said the bridge, which connects thousands of motorists to Melbourne Airport, Tullamarine Freeway, Sunbury and the Macedon Ranges, was an important road to get locals to and from their destination.

But he said the Bulla bypass was the solution to avoiding a potential catastrophe.

“It is an important bridge but we need the Bulla bypass,” he said.

“It will get thousands of people off the old bridge … and if that bridge were to collapse, people wouldn’t be able to get to work. On the all-too frequent occasions the bridge is blocked by a traffic incident, thousands of motorists are sent scurrying onto country roads that will eventually get them to their destination.

“It is far more than just a minor inconvenience.”

Mr Finn said traffic on the Bulla Bridge would only get worse if the Sunbury Eco-Hub

on Sunbury Road became the dumping ground for soil from the West Gate Tunnel project.

It’s expected more than 800 extra trucks a day will travel over the bridge to transport the soil to Bulla if the Sunbury Eco-Hub is the chosen destination.

“If they [state government] can’t give us the Bulla bypass, the least they can do is … keep an eye on the bridge,” he said. “Enough is enough.”

Jessica Micallef

Seqirus is moving in to Melbourne Airport Business Park. (Supplied)

Biotech facility at airport park

Shane Taylor and his son Kyle. (Supplied)

Shane’s helping nature

By Tara Murray Helping people runs in the blood of Broadmeadows SES volunteer Shane Taylor.

A member of the SES for 15 years, Mr Taylor has been involved in many different events and says lending a hand is something that comes naturally to him.

“Helping people is a passion of mine,” he said. “The friend who had asked me to join all those years ago, we would always stop and help people.

“Both kids are caring people and they want to help others. The kids are following in my footsteps and I’m following in my mum and dad’s footsteps.”

Mr Taylor’s son Kyle has been a member of the Broadmeadows unit for the past two years.

Mr Taylor said being an SES volunteer had plenty of positives. This year alone he

has taken part in several bushfire support deployments, the search for Will Callaghan at Mt Disappointment, as well as assisting the Department of Health and Human Services with COVID-19 testing sites, supporting CFA at a Campbellfield factory fire, and more.

“You meet so many new people,” he said.

“You name the type of event, I’ve done it.

“There’s people who we can help and they see a smiling face and someone coming to give a hand in their need of time.

“I’ve learnt so many new things and formed some genuine friendships.”

Mr Taylor was this year part of the SES’s ‘Your Family, Our Family’ campaign which aims to highlight SES members.

He said he hoped people would think about the folks that are behind the guys and girls in orange.

“My family, and the Orange Knights, are

there for me whenever I need them, and I couldn’t do it without them.”

Mr Taylor said there had been some changes to the SES over the 15 years and new things to learn, but the organisation’s key focus on safety remained.

As well as helping those in the community, Mr Taylor has helped those within the SES through the Orange Knights, a motorcycle group involved in fundraising and the support of members.

“It helps bring like-minded volunteers together,” he said. “You socialise outside the orange overalls and it’s an outlet and there’s an ear to listen.”

Mr Taylor encourages anyone who has the time and is interested in helping people to join their local SES. “You learn skills and use them in your life,” he said. “It benefits the community as a whole.”

A new biotech manufacturing facility will be built at the Melbourne Airport Business Park.

Seqirus, a subsidiary of Victorian-based global biopharmaceutical leader CSL, will invest more than $800 million to build the state-of-the-art facility which is expected to open in 2026.

The project is a significant investment in Australia by CSL and will position Victoria at the forefront of the global influenza vaccine market.

It will be the only cell-based influenza vaccine manufacturing facility in the southern hemisphere. The facility will also produce other life-saving products for the Australian market such as the world’s only Q-Fever vaccine and anti-venom for local snakes, spiders and marine creatures.

The new facility will produce seasonal influenza vaccines for use globally and have the capacity to rapidly scale up vaccine production in response to any future influenza pandemic and guarantee the nation with a priority supply.

The project will secure more than 1000 local jobs, generate export contracts and ensure continuing support for hundreds of organisations estimated to be worth $300 million to the local supply chain, helping to boost the state’s economic recovery.

CSL already has a manufacturing plant in Broadmeadows, where they are producing two COVID-19 vaccines.

Seqirus general manager Stephen Marlow said they were excited to work with Victoria’s world-class talent.

Tara Murray

La Trobe University online learning recognised A high-tech recording studio at La Trobe University that makes online lectures has been recognised in the Australian Financial Review’s Higher Education Awards.

The Lightboard Studio, that enables lecturers to produce engaging, broadcast-quality classes for students learning remotely, won the Education Technology category in this year’s awards. Standing behind an illuminated glass screen or ‘lightboard’, lecturers can seemingly write mid-air with neon markers, and project dynamic graphics, including PowerPoint presentations.

Studio developer and senior physics lecturer

at La Trobe University, Dr Russell Anderson, said the studio offers a highly personal and engaging mode of delivery for students learning online.

“As lecturers, we’re not standing in front of a whiteboard or computer screen with our backs to the camera; we’re facing the students the whole time,” Dr Anderson said. “Students are giving us really positive feedback – that it’s fun to watch and helps them grasp concepts more easily.”

Dr Anderson said the studio was developed in collaboration with Monash University, and although not in response to COVID-19, the

timing could not have been better with the shift to remote learning. Another La Trobe project, the Freely Accessible Remote Laboratories (FARLabs), developed by senior physics lecturer David Hoxley, was shortlisted for the awards, in the Learning Experience category.

Meanwhile, La Trobe student Lucy Treloar has won the Barbara Jefferis Award for her novel Wolfe Island. Ms Treloar wrote Wolfe Island, which is set on a sinking island, in a country driven by racial violence and social inequity, as part her PhD in creative writing.

Tara Murray

Dr Russell Anderson. (Supplied) 13 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

PUZZLES SUDOKU

No. 005

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.

easy

9

1 3 7 6 8 3 9 6 9 2 4 3 8 9 1 3 9 5 2 7 2 8 3 9

8 7

6 8 7 4 9 3 4 6 2 1 7

10 11 12 15 16

8 6

25 26 27 28

No. 005

DOWN

Uncovered (7) From Stockholm, say (7) Layer that absorbs most of the sun’s UV radiation (5) Grant (9) Female name with three syllables (8) Bug (6) Vacations (5) Insincere or untrustworthy person (9) Tupperware, for example (9) Prefix meaning more than one (5) Most recent (6) Male name, also an ABBA song (8) Language created in 1887 (9) US state (5) Perform surgery (7) Convent (7)

21 23

1 7 8 2 4 1 9 1 7 5 8

8

ACROSS 1 5 9

18 20

1 9 5

medium

5 2 3

QUICK CROSSWORD 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 14 17 19 20 22 24 25

Self-centred (11) Test period (9) Searchers (7) Establishing (10) Squalid district (4) Improve (7) Boring (5) Garden tool (3) Nomenclature (11) Neighbourhood in Washington DC (10) Outline (9) Country with capital Vienna (7) Refer to (7) Conical tent (5) One time (4) Pre-fix related to the environment (3)

DECODER

No. 005

4 1 2 3 hard

8 7

2 4 7

3 4

6 9 4

3

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

2 5

3 4 9

B

MO K D N Z Y Q T I U E B 16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

3

15

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

1

13

9-LETTER WORD

easy

medium

4 1 3 7 5 2 9 8 6

5 2 7 3 1 6 8 9 4

9 3 1 4 2 8 5 7 6

6 4 8 9 5 7 1 3 2

3 5 2 6 7 4 9 8 1

1 8 4 2 9 5 3 6 7

7 6 9 1 8 3 2 4 5

8 1 6 7 3 2 4 5 9

2 7 3 5 4 9 6 1 8

4 9 5 8 6 1 7 2 3

5 7 8 6 4 9 1 3 2

9 2 6 8 3 1 7 5 4

7 6 2 5 1 3 4 9 8

1 8 9 4 7 6 5 2 3

3 4 5 9 2 8 6 7 1

6 5 1 2 8 7 3 4 9

8 3 4 1 9 5 2 6 7

2 9 7 3 6 4 8 1 5

hard 4 9 1 7 3 5 8 2 6

6 2 7 9 4 8 5 1 3

5 3 8 1 6 2 7 4 9

8 5 3 2 1 6 9 7 4

7 1 2 4 8 9 6 3 5

9 4 6 5 7 3 1 8 2

2 7 5 3 9 1 4 6 8

1 8 9 6 2 4 3 5 7

3 6 4 8 5 7 2 9 1

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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

I

B

Today’s Aim: 22 words: Good 33 words: Very good 44 words: Excellent

R

A S

Y E

M

L

ably, abysm, airy, amyl, army, aryl, bailey, balmy, barely, barley, barmy, basely, belay, beryl, bleary, bray, byre, early, easily, easy, layer, limey, limy, lyre, maybe, mealy, measly, miry, MISERABLY, miserly, misery, mislay, relay, rely, riyal, seamy, sibyl, slay, slayer, slimy, slyer, smeary, yale, year

2

4 LETTERS FOAM KEGS KEYS KNEW LEAF LENT MONK PAGE REEF ROSE SOAK STEW SWAY WAND 5 LETTERS ACRES AGLOW ALGAE

APPLE APRIL APTER AROSE AURAL AURAS BEAMS DAILY DESKS EERIE ENSUE ERODE EXALT FACET GEESE HORDE IRONS KNELT LEARN LORDS MORON MOURN MURAL

No. 005

NIECE OPERA PARSE PEACE PRONE ROGUE ROLES SEDAN SEEDS SERUM SHACK SHOOK SMEAR STERN TICKS UNTIL UTERI WHARF WHERE YEAST

BARBER BASSES REPENT 7 LETTERS ORIFICE RAPTURE RETIRES STUTTER TROUBLE URINATE

LEERIEST LIMERICK 11 LETTERS PERISHABLES SWEETHEARTS

8 LETTERS EXPERTLY HEARTILY

6 LETTERS APPEAL 04-12-20

$70

12462719-LB39-20

14 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

3 LETTERS ADS ARE ASH BRA COD DUD EBB EGO GEM HUE HUH ICE ILK ILL INN IRE OIL PEA PEP PIE PUN SEW SUB WEE

J HWR V S G L X A P F C

8 5 2 4 7 9

14

2

E

WORDFIT

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SPORTS QUIZ 1. In June 2019, which cricketer played his 250th international match for England?

5. Which country won the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, beating Argentina in the final?

2. What nationality is darts player Michael van Gerwen?

6. In August 2019, the men's Australian National Basketball Team defeated which country for the first time?

3. What two teams reached the 2019 AFL Women’s Grand Final?

14. Who was the AFL NAB Rising Star in 2020?

15. Which city hosted the 1920 Summer Olympics?

16. Which NRL team ‘won’ their first ever wooden spoon in 2020?

17. Which Spanish driver will replace Sebastien Vettel (pictured) at Ferrari in 2021?

7. In June 2019, who was sacked as senior coach of the Carlton Football Club?

4. Which female golfer won the 2019 CME Group Tour Championship?

Sebastien Vettel

18. Who were the 2020 IPL cricket tournament champions?

8. Which AFL player won the 2019 Norm Smith Medal?

19. Who are the only two jockeys to win The Everest horse race?

9. Which city hosted the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships?

24. On November 25, 2010 (his 26th birthday), which cricketer became the ninth Australian to take a Test hat-trick?

28. Which Perth-born racing driver is due to leave Renault and join McLaren for the 2021 Formula One season?

25. At which 2021 event are athletes Ryley Batt and Daniela Di Toro set to co-captain the Australian national team?

29. In which martial art did Lauren Burns win a gold medal for Australia in at the 2000 Summer Olympics?

22. At which men's major golf championship held in November 2020 did Australian professional Cameron Smith finish tied for second place?

26. Sir Doug Nicholls, the former Governor of South Australia for whom the AFL's annual Indigenous Round is now named, played 54 games for which former VFL/AFL club?

30. Mighty Roos and Mighty Jills are the respective nicknames for the men's and women's Australian national teams in which sport?

23. Which country is set to host all matches of the 2020 Tri Nations Series rugby competition involving Argentina, Australia and New Zealand?

27. Australian basketballer Ezi Magbegor won the 2020 WNBA Championship in her rookie WNBA season playing for which team?

10. How many singles titles has tennis player Ashleigh Barty won on the WTA Tour?

20. After winning again in 2020, Rafael Nadal (pictured) has now won how many French Open titles?

11. In 1993, which horse became the first northern hemisphere-trained horse to win the Melbourne Cup?

21. Daly Cherry-Evans is the current captain of which rugby league State of Origin team?

12. In which year was the first women’s Test match played between England and Australia?

13. Which Australian rider finished third overall in the 2020 Tour de France cycling race?

Rafael Nadal

1. Joe Root. 2. Dutch. 3. Adelaide and Carlton. 4. Kim Sei-young. 5. Spain. 6. United States. 7. Brendon Bolton. 8. Dustin Martin. 9. Doha, Qatar. 10. Eight. 11. Vintage Crop. 12. 1934. 13. Richie Porte.

14. Caleb Serong. 15. Antwerp. 16. Brisbane Broncos. 17. Carlos Sainz Jr. 18. Mumbai Indians 19. Glen Boss and Kerrin McEvoy. 20. 13. 21. Queensland. 22. The Masters. 23. Australia. 24. Peter Siddle.

25. 2020 Summer Paralympics. 26. Fitzroy. 27. Seattle Storm. 28. Daniel Ricciardo. 29. Taekwondo. 30. Ice hockey.

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MOTOR

An expanded range and tweaked styling set the Swift Series II apart from the previous model. (Pictures: Supplied)

Spirited Swift spreads its wings

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring The Suzuki Swift might be in the featherweight division of the car market, but joining the upgraded flagship Sport, the Series II is far from light-on in modern features of the automobile.

With up to $2000 in added features, including advanced safety technology, the recently released Series II of the Japanese hatchback represents very good value for money at $18,990, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level Swift GL Navigator manual.

The GL Navigator manual and automatic, GL Navigator Plus, and GLX Turbo automatic continues the three-model line-up. Two engines are fitted, either a 1.2-litre four-cylinder in the ‘Navis’, or a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged unit in the GLX. Standard features across the board include blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated door mirrors and reverse parking sensors.

New additions across all grades include digital speedometer and auto-up windows.

Rear speakers, already standard in the GLX Turbo, have been added to the GL Navigator variants. Exterior design changes include a new front bumper and grille, and sporty alloy wheels.

Styling Exterior design changes include a newly engineered front bumper and grille, and new alloy wheels with low rolling resistance in keeping with its sporty nature.

Rear door handles ‘hidden’ in the C-pillar again follow the modern design trend without taking anything away for the Swift character.

The Swift Series II colour line-up remains the same, except for the two-tone grey which has been replaced with a single grey tone.

Interior A flat-bottom steering wheel, which is adjustable for tilt and reach in GLX only, gives the driver the ability to tailor the best position.

The Swift has 242 litres of luggage space, 32 litres more than the previous model. The area has been optimised to carry a wide range of cargo, made easy to load by a high-lift tailgate.

Infotainment A 7-inch four-zone touch screen, situated at driver’s eye level on the central dashboard, enables easy access to audio and video playback and hands-free phone and navigation.

Thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the driver can also connect a smartphone.

Engines / transmissions The GLX test car was powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder putting out 82 kW of power and 160 Nm of torque. The GLX Turbo gets a six-speed torque-converter auto as its only transmission option.

The GL Navigator and GL Navigator Plus are powered by a 66 kW / 120 Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder motor. Both are available with automatic CVT transmission. A five-speed manual is also available in the base GL Navigator.

AT A GLANCE MODEL RANGE Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 Navigator manual $18,990

Safety More and more new vehicles are taking up advanced warning systems such as blind-spot monitoring which detects vehicles in or approaching the rear blind spots flanking the Swift with an illuminated LED icon in the relevant exterior mirror.

Rear cross-traffic alert uses side radar to alert the driver of approaching vehicles on either side of the vehicle when reversing the Suzuki out of car park spaces. Reverse parking sensors and heated door mirrors complete the picture behind. On top of the above are six airbags, standard across the Swift range, active safety takes in electronic stability control, ABS anti-skid braking with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist. The GLX adds autonomous emergency braking.

Driving With peak power of 82 kW at a distant 5500 rpm, the 1-0 litre three-cylinder motor needs some attention to get the best out of it.

Turbocharging earns its keep here.

Engineers looked to Europe for Swift nimbleness and agility from a the carried-over platform and suspension. For example, a new underbody contributes to lower fuel consumption and better performance in terms

Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 Navigator automatic $19,990 Suzuki Swift GL 1.2 Navigator Plus automatic $21,490 Suzuki Swift GLX 1.0 Turbo automatic $25,290

of acceleration, turning and stopping.

Steering is sharp with a light and highly rigid suspension and is able to follow contours in the road but does pick up bumps and share them equally among all occupants.

Large glassed areas all round make for a bright interior, wide views for passengers and the expansive rear window fills the whole of the interior rear-view mirror giving the driver, together with reversing camera, a safe indication of what’s behind.

Petrol consumption on test averaged 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres in city and suburbs, and 3.8 litres per 100 kilometres at motorway speeds, which just about fits in with the car’s claimed 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres combined urban / highway figure.

The new Swift Series II has a five-year unlimited kilometre factory warranty. It also has a capped price service program of

Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Turbo manual $29,990 Suzuki Swift Sport 1.4 Turbo automatic $31,990 Metallic paint $595

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Suzuki dealer for drive-away prices.

12-month / 15,000 km service intervals for GL Navigator variants and 12-month / 10,000 km service intervals for the GLX Turbo (the test vehicle).

Summary Suzuki works well in a highly competitive small-car market, has expanded and upgraded its best-selling Swift with the Series II. The winner could only be the buyer.

17 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

SPORT Bulls grow in confidence after return to winners’ list Bundoora is enjoying being back on the winners’ list in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association.

After just one win last season in the Barclay Shield, the Bulls have kicked off this season’s Money Shield with back-to-back wins.

Bulls co-coach Clinton Dunning said it was good for the playing group to get that winning feeling again.

“It has been really good after a really lean season last year,” he said. “It’s great to have a couple of wins on the board.

“We were disappointed to be relegated and it’s never ideal. We had a really young side and it was a bit of a learning experience last year.

“It’s a great start for us and gives the young guys belief that what they are doing can work.

After a poor season last year we needed positive signs early on and we’ve had them. Some of the other sides at the club have struggled so far this season, but seeing them getting wins is putting a positive spin around the club.”

Youth remains the focus for the Bulls as they build for the future. Dunning said he and co-coach Adam Sing had big plans for the pre-season to put some time and effort into helping the young players, but that had to be scrapped due to COVID-19.

Dunning said a number of the young guys had already started to show some good signs.

“Going down [a grade] gives the younger guys a bit more of a chance to learn their skills and craft,” he said. “In the first game Nick Caracella played a real important role and what was a match-winning innings.

“Callan Jones has performed well as an opening bat, while Josh Turner in his first year at the club has a couple of wickets as a leg spinner. Dean Fisher is opening the bowling and has taken that next step.”

The other key for the Bulls this season is adding more experience around the younger players.

Andrew Fairchild, Ryan Eley and Stuart

Adams have either returned to the top side after not playing the past couple of seasons or playing in the lower grades. All three have contributed in the first few games.

Dunning said having them back would hopefully take some pressure off the younger players and allow them to flourish.

He said they were hoping to play finals this season.

“We want to play finals and experience that for our group,” he said. “But it’s really about developing the younger guys … that is what will bring us sustained success.”

The Bulls faced Research Eltham Collegians on Saturday.

For that score and others from DVCA matches, go to www.starweekly.com.au.

Tara Murray Bundoora’s Jason Kaminski. (Shawn Smits) 202958_10

Bodley’s college journey

By Tara Murray A breakout season last year put American college basketball on the radar for Indiana Bodley.

The South Morang teenager, who had been playing for the Whittlesea Pacers, found her groove as the side’s starting point guard.

She lead the youth league women’s division 2 competition in points per game after having a growth spurt and more court time.

“It [playing in America] never really came into question until last year when I had a really good season,” Bodley said.

“I was always small and never really was an impact player. Being nominated for both leading scorer and MVP, and getting the leading scorer of the league … set into stone that I had the potential to go to college to play the game I love.

“Once it was mentioned, it was something that I wanted to do and it’s been on my mind since.”

Bodley spoke to a couple of colleges via Zoom before signing with division 1 school the University of Louisiana Lafayette.

She said the university seemed to be the right fit.

“To have an opportunity to develop my game and take it to the next level is something I’m most looking forward to,” she said.

“I’m also keen to explore the states and to gain some new experiences and meet some new people.

“After the chat with coaches on Zoom, I felt really comfortable and it just felt like a perfect fit.

“I was really impressed with their facilities and resources. The team looked like a family and that’s what I’m all about.

“I just felt like it was where I would most benefit from as a player and from an education side of things.”

Bodley said she was one of five new signees for next season for the side. She said she was hoping to take her game to the next level.

“I will gain knowledge from the coaches which I never have had in my life and that’s super exciting.

“Also playing with my team and versing the best players in the division 1 league will definitely up my game and is exactly what I want out of this experience.

“Apart from the basketball side, I think I will gain some independence and grow as a person which is a major part of the college experience too.”

Like everyone else, Bodley’s sporting career was put on hold this season due to COVID-19.

She said it was difficult not being able to hit 18 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

Indiana Bodley. (Kevin Phelan)

the court.

“It was really hard,” she said.

“It was different with school and stuff, as basketball used to be my break. It would have helped me more with college applications and game tape and improved my game.”

Bodley leaves for college next August when the new season and American school year start.

She’ll play a season of basketball in Australia before she heads to the US. The college journey caps off a basketball

career that started when she was in under-8s, with both her parents involved in the sport.

She’s hoping it continues after college.

“Obviously the aim is to play professionally,” she said. “Whether it be the WNBA, WNBL or even play overseas.

“My mum played in the WNBL and the idea of following in her footsteps is something that really excites me.

“To say that mum and I both played would be surreal.”

Magpies hit the track Roxburgh Park footballers are enjoying having a kick ahead of the 2021 Essendon District Football League division 1 season.

While sanctioned training hasn’t officially started, the Magpies, like many other clubs, have been keen to get back into it after a tough 2020 with no football.

“It’s just 50 mates having a kick of the footy,” Magpies coach Michael Farrelly said. “It has been hard to maintain the composure of all the boys, as they’re just so excited to see each other.

“They’ve missed footy for 12 months.

It’s a community of mates that has banded together over the years.”

Farrelly said there were some good numbers for their first session, which he expected to continue to grow as the summer progresses.

He said the group they put together for the 2020 season is set to return this season with a couple of new players.

He admits it has been a challenge to keep recruit players and keep the list together within the lower salary cap.

“We’ve managed it well and there are a few new faces,” he said.

“There’s the new recruits from last season that haven’t played. There’s seven or eight guys at least that are walk-up starts in our side.

“It’s a real credit to those guys for hanging around. There’s a few guys that have taken the plunge to leave their current club and have a fresh start.

It’s a gamble as you can’t just try out a pre-season.”

Trent Fisher, a premiership player with Glenroy, is the big recruit so far, while Brad Dimech, who tried to get cleared for last season and had been training with the club, is returning.

Farrelly said it was exciting to see that players want to join the club.

“It’s hard to maintain a list and character,” he said. “Regardless of what players you have, it always takes character to push to the next level.

“People have seen what we did in 2019 and want to join the club and we are excited.”

The EDFL fixture is expected to be released this week.

Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SPORT

Two VFL players find a new home at Thomastown Thomastown’s ambition of moving into the Northern Football League top division has received a boost with the signing of two VFL players.

The Bears announced the signings of Tyrone Leonardis, who spent two years on Sydney’s AFL list, and Michael Tang. Both were on North Melbourne’s VFL list for the 2020 season, which was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Bears coach Mario Bandera said they were excited to have both players on board for the 2021 division 2 season.

He said getting them would help in both the short and long term.

“We’ve known for a little while and have kept it under wraps,” he said.

“It’s good to get it out there and we revealed yesterday to the playing group.

“It’s really good for us in terms of the performance side of things for next season and our long term goal is to establish ourselves in division one. We think it’s achievable.”

Bandera said both players have connections at the club and were keen to come across and

VFL players Michael Tang and Tyrone Leonardis have signed with Thomastown. (Thomastown Facebook)

play together. He said both Tang and Leonardis would play full-time with the club, deciding not to play VFL. “Both [are] at different stages with what they are trying to balance out,” he said.

“Michael, since coming out of the Cannons, went straight to Coburg and then Port Melbourne and then headed down to Tassie

and played in the state league and then back to North Melbourne VFL. “He’s looking for something different on what he wanted to get out of his footy.

“Ty and his partner are expecting a baby.

With the evolution of the VFL involving travel he wanted to be about for his partner and child.

“It’s a moving part with him. We’re always

Liam McMahon. (AFL Photos)

Northern Knights forward Liam McMahon might not have stepped onto the football field this season, but it didn’t stop him from working hard on his AFL dream.

While it took a little while to comprehend that he wouldn’t get to play football this year due to COVID-19, McMahon was keen to show recruiters why they should pick him.

“When we got the first lockdown notice in March, I was really motivated and I thought to myself that people will take their foot off the gas and I’ll just do the extra step to be one better than everyone else,” he said. “It was tough to initially comprehend it, it probably didn’t soak in for a week that I wasn’t going to play a game this year, it was a bit difficult, but it’s always better to look at it on the outside.

“I was running three to four times a week, putting on weight and doing extra sessions in the gym. My year without football has been good physically, but yeah, definitely missed the game.”

One of the queries about McMahon heading into the final year of junior football was his size. With that in mind he worked hard in the

‘‘

Tara Murray

Jacana aims for finals

McMahon gets to work

By Tara Murray

aware there’s a chance he could still play VFL, we’ll see how it plays out.

“It’s a good situation for us. We’ve made it no secret even if they’re playing VFL we are still happy to bring them into the club now and back our club in down the track.”

The two signings follow that of ruckman Joel Carter from Epping. Bandera said the signings, in addition to the 2020 recruits Daniel Bramich, Tyla Burrow and Todd Hughes, had left the club in a really good spot.

“We do have some younger players coming across as well,” he said.

“It’s exciting looking at the depth of our list.

We knew 12 months ago we had to improve our depth and we’ve done that.”

Bandera said one of the pleasing things from a club perspective was having players approach them about joining the club.

Bandera, who is yet to coach a game at the Bears, said they would like to start training as soon as they are allowed.

I don’t see myself doing anything else

’’

- Liam McMahon

gym the past eight months.

“I’ve grown an extra two centimetres and I’ve put on an extra seven kilos,” he said.

“I was 78 kilos at the start of this pre-season … now I’m 85.5 kilos.

“It just shows all the hard work in the gym and eating mum and dad out of house and home has worked.”

The hard work was also on show at the recent AFL draft combine. McMahon got personal bests in all three of the events.

For him, the first achievement was being able to test in the first place.

“Leading up to the combine I was putting in the extra steps, waking up in the early mornings and going down to the oval and running with some of my mates just getting right,” he said.

“We didn’t know when the actual combine was going to be, the unknown was a bit hard.

“I was just grateful to be part of it. I performed really well and did personal bests in all three of

the tests.

“It shows all the hard work I did paid off.”

McMahon, who tries to model his game on [Hawthorn footballer] Jack Gunston, is hoping his work this year and his performances from last year have paid off and will sees him drafted on December 7.

He said he had spoken to about 12 AFL clubs in the lead-up to the draft.

“I feel like I played some really good football last year,” he said.

“There were some weeks in the middle of the season I would have liked to perform better and then in some games that I played well, which really shows why I can be put onto an AFL list.

“Ever since I knew what footy was, I had this vision of playing at an AFL level.

“I don’t see myself doing anything else. I’ve loved it since I was a kid and mum and dad have been driving me towards it.”

The Richmond supporter has been trying to take his mind off the draft with his year 12 exams.

He said it will be a stressful few weeks, but he was looking forward to what might come.

“It should be a good experience and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”

Jacana needs to improve the little things if it’s to make the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5 finals.

The Jaguars finished ninth last season without a win, but on paper have put together a strong team for this season.

Jaguars skipper Brett Jensen said the aim was to make finals, with most of their key players returning.

“Looking at the side that we have, there’s no reason why we can’t be playing finals,” he said. “We’re expecting to put some wins on the board.

“It’s the little things that we have to work on. As I told the team, we just have to improve every week.”

Jensen said there was a good feel at the club with everyone keen to return to the field after being in lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The club has seen an influx of players and is fielding nine or 10 senior sides this season – a massive feat for a club of its size.

“It was good to see everyone,” Jensen said. “With everything going on off the field, it’s nice to be able to have a hit.

“There’s quite a large number of people that have immigrated from South East Asia who are now at the club and playing in a number of different sides.”

Among those joining the Jaguars this season is Kasun Mahela who returns to the club after a season away at the Greenvale Kangaroos. Dammika Perera, who played for Diggers Rest in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association top grade last season, has also joined the club.

Both will play in the first XI, along with a couple of players who have made the decision to play at a higher level after only playing in the Sunday competition last season.

The Jaguars started the season with a loss to Melton South Royals in round one. A batting collapse proved costly, as they went from 3-144 to all out for 158.

Jensen said that cost them the game, with the Royals making the runs with ease. He said there were some good signs in the performance with most of the top order making runs, but the result wasn’t what they wanted.

The Jaguars this week face Wyndhamvale away. For the score of this match and all other VTCA matches, head to www.starweekly.com.au.

Tara Murray 19 NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 1 December, 2020

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