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15 JUNE, 2021
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Seize the moment
(Pictures: Supplied)
Epping local Janelle Zanatta is taking her opportunity to “seize the moment” . The 34-year-old taekwondo black belt is taking on Channel 9’s popular Australian Ninja Warrior, which challenges competitors to an intense obstacle course hoping for a chance to conquer the final obstacle, Mount Midoriyama. Only one person in Australia has conquered the final challenge in four years of Ninja Warrior. Janelle said competing in the show was “amazing [and] the best experience of my life”. “It was exhilarating,” she said. “It’s a lot harder than what you see on TV.” Janelle, who is a real estate agent by day, is the smallest and lightest competitor in this year’s season. “It’s a lot harder for me to tackle the course,” she said. “I’d say it’s a disadvantage to a certain degree. [But] I love the fact that I’m different to most.” Janelle, who has trained in taekwondo for about 20 years, put herself through ‘intensive training’ for the ninja course. Follow Janelle’s journey on Instagram, @janellezanatta_ Michaela Meade
OAM honours for women By Michaela Meade
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Four women from the northern suburbs were among those to receive a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the 2021 Queen’s Birthday honours. Mickleham’s Helen Patsikatheodorou, Craigieburn’s Casey Nunn ASM, former Hume local Julie Dempsey, and Doreen’s Julie Paul were all announced as OAM recipients yesterday. The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement
Ms Patsikatheodorou, a former Hume mayor, was recognised for service to the community. She was a councillor between 2008 and 2016, and was elected mayor in 2011-12, and 2015-16. She has been a leading member of several community groups, and was awarded Banksia Gardens Community Services’ Robert Kumar Community Award in 2018 for her outstanding contributions to Hume. Ms Patsikatheodorou said she very emotional about being awarded an OAM. “It was a bit of a shock that somebody thought I was worthy enough … I was extremely
honoured.” Ms Patsikatheodorou said it was a drive to make a difference that motivated her to do so much work in the community. “I always thought you can’t do that unless you’re involved,” she said. “You can’t do it from the sidelines.” Ms Patsikatheodorou said she was happy with all she had accomplished. “I think about my roots, where I came from, and what I’ll leave behind,” she said. “I’m proud to have left a legacy for my children and grandchildren.”
Another former Hume mayor, Casey Nunn ASM, was recognised for service to the community of Craigieburn. The 37-year-old was a councillor between 2012-16, acting as deputy mayor in 2012-13, and mayor in 2013-14. Ms Nunn has been involved in the Craigieburn Community Emergency Response Team for Ambulance Victoria as a volunteer, training officer, deputy team leader and officer in charge. ■ Continued:
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I’m always here to help. As a member of the Victorian Government, please feel free to contact me to discuss any State Government matters you may have. Authorised by L D’Ambrosio, Shop 2/30 Oleander Drive, Mill Park. Funded from Parliamentary Budget.
Shop 2 / 30 Oleander Drive, Mill Park VIC 3082 P: 9422 5171 E: lily.d’ambrosio@parliament.vic.gov.au
@LilyDAmbrosioMP LilyDAmbrosioMP@LilyDAmbrosioMP @LilyDAmbrosioMP LilyDAmbrosioMP LilyDAmbrosioMP
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Lily D’Ambrosio MP STATE MEMBER FOR MILL PARK