Star Weekly - Brimbank North West - 8th February 2022

Established in 1924 as the

proudly serving Brimbank and the North West

8 FEBRUARY, 2022

12496404-AV22-21

FREE DIGITAL EDITION

SIG N U P N O W!

Welcoming message A new mural at Catholic Regional College in St Albans is making everyone feel welcome. The mural, which can be seen from across the school, represents the diversity that flows through the school. Art teacher Flora Petruccelli said the school wanted to create a special space. “Basically we had a blank canvas on the stage,” she said. “We wanted to beautify the school and we developed a group of staff and students. “We wanted a message attached to it and all the kids wanted to celebrate the diversity of the school. “We found out there were 40 different languages spoken at the school.” The mural draws inspiration from flora and fauna and includes the word ‘welcome’ in all 40 languages, as well as an olive branch, which is the school’s symbol of peace. With COVID ruining plans for the students to do the painting themselves, the mural was completed over the school holidays. “We got it done over the holidays to say a real welcome back. It’s really special,” Ms Petruccelli said. Vicky, Audrey and Edwin in front of the mural.

Tara Murray

(Damjan Janevski) 266924

Runway plan ‘terrifying’ By Tara Murray “It’s terrifying.” That’s the thoughts of long time Keilor resident and Keilor Historical Society president Susan Jennison after seeing the draft plans for the third runway at Melbourne Airport. Like many others, Mrs Jennison knew the moment was coming but seeing the impact of the runway and the arrival and departure of planes on paper was hard to read. The plans show that more than 200 planes a day will fly over Keilor and neighbouring suburbs. “It is formidable,” she said.

“The vision statement … it equates to destroying a neighbouring community. The Keilor region will get the full weight of the activity. “The east-west runway option would mean less residential departures. “It’s a big one for us in the Keilor region. “It’s tough.” Mrs Jennison said many people who don’t live near an airport or haven’t been affected, don’t seem to understand. She said noise testing showed that noise levels of many planes flying above Keilor were already more than 70 decibels. “[The airport] talk about the model noise

tools, but they need to look at the real noise that we are living with,” she said. “The noise levels at our house are quite horrendous. It would not be permitted in a factory, but we have to have it in our homes.” Ms Jennison is calling for the airport to implement a curfew to take some of the pressure off neighbouring communities. In the draft plan, the airport emphasises the need to keep the airport operating 24/7. “Sydney has a curfew and they have more people working there,” Ms Jennison said. “We’re encouraging them to consider [a curfew].” Ms Jennison said residents had a lot of work

ahead of them while the plans were out for community consultation. She is encouraging people to have their say and let the airport know how they feel about the plans. “We hope like heck to get some co-operation from Brimbank City Council,” she said. “You try talking to people and I work with community groups … It’s hard but you have to keep on trying as it’s so intrusive. “It’s not just the infrastructure. It’s the cars and trucks coming from the airport. It’s the health impacts. There’s three schools in the area.” ■ Airport’s big plans for the future: Page 4.

12532094-BL06-22

SECTION STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Every third dose protects everyone you love Getting your third dose of the vaccine now, won’t just protect you. It will help protect your entire family. From the oldest to the youngest, getting your third dose now, means you’ve done everything you can to protect everyone you love from serious illness.

Find your nearest vax site and walk in, or book now.

Go to coronavirus.vic.gov.au

VACCINATION

TICKET Find out more at CORONAVIRUS.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

2 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Public dental wait times balloon By Tara Murray Patients are waiting nearly four years to see a dentist in the public dental system in Brimbank, a new report has found. An Australian Dental Association Victorian Branch [ADAVB] study reveals that waiting times across the state have ballooned as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate the problems of an under-resourced public dental system. Across the state, the average waiting time for general dental care in the public dental system was 24.8 months at the end of 2021. In data obtained under Freedom of

Information by the ADAVB, it showed the average waiting time for general dental care at IPC Health in St Albans was 45.3 months, up from 29 months at the end of the 2020-21 financial year. The wait time for denture care is 25.5 months, higher than the state average of 20.7 months. There are 11,453 people waiting for general dental care at IPC Health in St Albans. At Western Health’s public dental care service, the wait time for general care is 35.2 months on average and its 43 months for cohealth. The ADAVB said that access to basic dental care and chronic underfunding continue to

bite. “There are more than 1.5 million adults who are eligible to access public dental care in Victoria, but only 100,000 were able to receive care in the six months to December 2021, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to exacerbate the problems of an under-resourced public dental system. “Waiting times for general dental care have now increased on average to 24.8 months across Victoria, the worst delays in care this decade. “This average hides the dire story across the state, with 34,000 patients forced to wait more than three years. “Long waiting times for dental care mean

existing dental problems worsen. As a result, around half of all courses of care are for emergency treatment rather than routine and preventive care.” The ADAVB is calling on both the state and federal governments to increase their investment in public dentistry so that vulnerable Victorians are able to smile. Among the things they are calling for is the establishment of a Medicare Seniors Dental Benefits Scheme, an increase of the number of public dental patients treated per year to 800,000 within five years, developing a sustainable funding strategy and introducing new measures to address long waiting times.

Cameras catch speed demons

Hetui, Isabella, Choen and Arav, principal Stuart Telford at the new Deanside Primary School.

More than 15,000 drivers were issued infringement notices after being caught on camera breaking the law by two cameras in Brimbank in the last financial year. Data on the Cameras Saves Lives website revealed the top 50 locations where safety camera infringements had been issued between April and June last year, and for the whole of the 2020-21 financial year. A camera capturing two of the south bound lanes of the Western Ring Road at the Fullarton Road Bridge in Keilor Park was ranked ninth in the three months to June. In the three month period, 2322 fines were issued from infringements at that site. There were 7677 infringements issued from that camera in the 2020-21 financial year, the 12th most in the state. Another camera on the Western Ring Road, on lane four of southbound at Boundary Road in Sunshine West was ranked 13th in the financial year. In the 2020-21 financial year, 7485 fines were issued as a result of that camera. A camera on lane three at the same location was also in the top 50 locations. An intersection at Rosanna Road and Darebin Street in Heidelberg continues to be the top speed camera in terms of infringements issued. In the 2020-21 financial year, 53,739 infringements were issued from that location. A speed camera at Melbourne Airport also continues to catch drivers out. A camera at the intersection of Terminal Drive and Centre Road resulted in 7421 infringements being issued in the three months to June.

(Damjan Janevski) 266484_01

School’s in at Deanside Primary

H om e

•

2

1

1

2

$433,760

1300 50 55 60

1

14 0

21

Make lasting memories, enjoy great company and laugh out loud.

He said they were getting more inquiries as more people moved into the area and expected the number of pupils to grow quickly. Mr Telford said while the gym was the centre point of the school, there were 21st century facilities across the whole school.

Designed to maximise space and deliver delightful living opportunities within every room.

H om e

come through gates and to see their smiles on their faces makes everything worthwhile. “The smiles and their brand new uniforms were so cute.” Mr Telford said they currently have 63 students across all grades, with most of the pupils in predominantly in prep.

6

The books were opened and the furniture used for the first time as Deanside Primary School opened its doors last week. Principal Stuart Telford said the growing Deanside community was lucky to have a school like this. “It has been amazing to see the kids finally

Light-filled, open plan kitchen, dining and living space

•

Two large bedrooms

•

Cosy study nook

•

Generous alfresco deck

Downsize to a bigger life

2

1

1

2

$599,545

1

•

Walk-in robes

•

Spacious and bright living, kitchen and dining zone plus expansive alfresco

•

Beautiful backyard views all year round.

•

Multi-purpose study space

lifestyle communities deanside Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 3

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Airport’s big plans for the future A new runway, new internal road network, different access points, a new terminal and a new precinct are all part of the Melbourne Airport’s plans for the future. The airport last week released its draft Master Plan and draft Major Development Plan which revealed the future direction of the airport. The plans for the third runway, which will run north-south, is the big ticket item in the plan and has attracted the most attention. The draft master plan details the airport’s plans for five years, 20 years and long term, which will result in a number of changes to the airport.

An expansion of the terminal four and the addition of a fifth terminal to the south and the provision of an inter-terminal mode of transport to enable the seamless integration and accessibility of the terminal precinct are part of the plans. The road network within the airport is also set to change. “To address existing congestion issues during peak periods and accommodate future growth, Melbourne Airport is committed to undertaking a substantial investment in the on-airport road network in the first five years of this master plan period,” the documents said.

“This will be achieved through an expansion of the airport internal road network, as well as the T1,2,3 ground transport facilities. “It has been planned as a combined, integrated suite of infrastructure collectively known as the elevated roads project. “The new elevated road network will be used for all cars dropping-off, and for public pick-up – for all terminals. It will enable the removal of all traffic from Departure Drive, allowing the space to be better used for people walking and gathering around the terminal frontage.” A new freeway exit from the Tullamarine Freeway to connect directly with the existing

elevated roadway along Airport Drive has received planning approval. A section of road zone, which will be called the Melbourne Airport Link [MAL], to the north of the terminals precinct is currently being planned for future connection to the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road. The plans also highlight different ways people might access the airport with the construction of the Bulla Bypass and the Outer Metropolitan Ring transport corridor (OMR). “For the airport, it will result in a considerable redistribution of traffic travelling to and from the airport,” the report said.

Sessions on airport plans

Representatives of the Melbourne Airport Community Action Group.

(Tara Murray)

Concerns ‘minimised’ say residents Community groups feel like they’ve been left in the dark as the plans for the third runway at Melbourne Airport are released. Plans for the draft airport master plan and draft Major Development Plan were released last week, with community consultation beginning this week. Community consultation will run for a number of weeks. The plans confirmed that the third runway would run north-south, something that will leave many residents with more noise pollution effects than ever before. Members from the Melbourne Airport Community Action Group said they feel residents have no standing and had been left out of the process until this stage. “We haven’t seen anything about the draft master plan or the major development plan,”

the group’s Hannah Robertson said. “We do want to make it clear we aren’t anti-aviation and recognise the many social and economic benefits. “But we simply want to see a responsible aviation sector that doesn’t externalize the costs of airport safeguarding onto the community.” Ms Robertson said the group had been left in the dark about the plans and called for a broader vision from the government into all modes of transport. She admits that if the new runway does go ahead, that she, like many others, will consider moving away. “Before COVID, most days for blocks of four to five hours every morning and evening, it was constant by the time one aircraft started to fade the next one started. “Double the number of communities north

and south of the airport will experience what we are already experiencing, before this lockdown happened. “It’s like having lawn mowers going off around the community constantly all day.” Frank Rivoli, who is part of the Hume Residents Airport Action Group, said the residents don’t feel like they have a lot of time to read the documents and form a view. “Community residents have not been welcomed, we are an online process. Minimised in the process. “The project costs millions, you have to have proper consultation. Even today … We weren’t advised that it would be released today. “We’re not taken seriously. We all have livelihoods.” Details: www.melbourneairport.com.au/ runway Tara Murray

Online and in-person consultation sessions about the Melbourne Airport draft Master Plan and draft Major Development Plan start this week. The plans which were released last week, detail the airport’s plans for the next five years, 20 years and long term, with the key plank the construction of a third runway. The runway will run north-south, with many people set to be impacted by the development and changes to flight paths. The airport is running a number of sessions to help residents better understand the two plans and their impact. Online sessions start on February 10 and will run every Thursday until May 5, between 7pm and 9pm. Each session will cover a different topic, including a third runway overview, sustainability, social impacts, aircraft noise, transport and heritage. In-person sessions will be held in a number of locations, across affected municipalities, including Brimbank. There will be a library talk at Keilor library on health impacts on February 26 and another at the library on April 12 about the draft runway operation plan. There will be a talk on the third runway at Taylors Lakes Community Centre on March 15 and one at Victoria University’s Sunshine campus on airspace architecture on March 19. Every fortnight, the airport has arranged meet the planner days, where people can either book in person or online sessions with one of the airport planners. One of those days, March 22, will be held at Keilor library. Other sessions which don’t require booking include park pop-ups, including one at Brimbank Park on March 12, in terminal pop-ups and car park walk-throughs at the airport. Details: http://ow.ly/J8zY50HK12k Tara Murray

Brimbank Council encourages residents to have their say Brimbank council is encouraging residents to have their say on the newly released Melbourne Airport draft Master Plan and Major Development Plan. The plans which were released last Monday, reveal the airport’s plans for the third runway. The master plan, which the airport is required to do every five years, has plans for 2027, 2046 and longer term development. Both plans confirm a north-south direction for the third runway, which is set to be completed by the end of this decade. The new runway is expected to take four to five years to build in a staged process, and will be built 1.3 kilometres from the existing

south-west runway. It will be 3000-metres long and will result in the shortening of the east-west runway and changes to flight paths. Many Brimbank residents have raised concerns about the impact of the new runway and changed flight paths, as has the council. The council has previously written to the Melbourne Airport, Airservices Australia, Australia’s chief medical officer, the Victorian chief health officer, the Aviation Noise Ombudsman, and the federal government about potential noise and amenity related concerns. Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the council will prepare a submission as part of the

4 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

community consultation. “Brimbank council will promote the exhibition of Melbourne Airport’s draft 2022 Master Plan and preliminary draft Major Development Plan for the third runway to the community, and make community facilities available to Melbourne Airport for community consultation, so as to encourage Brimbank residents to have their say and submit their view about proposed plans to Melbourne Airport,” she said. “Brimbank is already impacted by aircraft operations and noise from Melbourne Airport, and council has previously expressed concerns about the health impacts of the proposed third

runway on the Brimbank community. “Council also recognises the economic importance of Melbourne Airport to Brimbank and the Victorian economy, and the need to facilitate the growth and development of Melbourne Airport, as well as manage and mitigate the amenity and environmental impacts. “Council will prepare a submission … That responds to a range of considerations including health and noise, environment, economic, access, and other impacts.” Details: www.melbourneairport.com.au/ runway Tara Murray

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

New breakfast club fills a void By Tara Murray A new program has been set up in Sunshine to try and ensure no one goes hungry at breakfast or while at school. The Sunshine Salvation Army, along with the Salvation Army Metro Western Homelessness Service, have set up Brekkie West. The program, which started last week, will run on Tuesday mornings, offering breakfast and then school lunches to takeaway. Sunshine Salvation Army captain Colin

Reynolds said they came up with the idea for the program last year, but had to delay launching it due to COVID-19. He said there were two focuses of the program. “The breakfast program is designed for disadvantaged persons in the Sunshine and Brimbank area,” he said. “The other side is the homeless service in Sunshine is putting 10 to 20 people in emergency accommodation on a weekly basis. “A lot of people have families and are being

put into hotels and short term accommodation. “Often children in crisis accommodation aren’t eating well. “We know kids in crisis housing don’t get a proper breakfast and potentially a school lunch.” The breakfast food includes toast, cereals and hot cross buns, while sandwiches, fruit and muesli bars are included in lunches. Five people attended the first breakfast session. Mr Reynolds said they would look to build the program and possibly have it running on

more days if they get the numbers. He said they were also looking for volunteers to help out. He said while this program is about meals, there is also another purpose. “It’s meal program designed to fulfill a need in the community,” he said. “It’s also an education program with an emphasis on the need for kids to get a good breakfast.” The program is running Tuesdays at 42 Devonshire Road Sunshine.

Join in festival of words AFL premiership player Bachar Houli will help launch the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival next month. There will be 20 no-charge events held between March 17 and 26, with a number of different entertaining, insightful and inclusive events held across a variety of locations. Mr Houli will be the special guest at the launch event on March 17 at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans. He will be speaking about his book, co-authored with acclaimed broadcaster and writer Waleed Aly, ‘Bachar Houli: Faith, Football and Family’. Other highlights include a screening of ‘Palazzo Di Cozzo’, a new documentary about iconic western suburbs’ furniture king – Franco Cozzo. The director of the documentary, Madeleine Martiniello will join local storytellers and historians to discuss post-WWII migrants who made the west Intergenerational storytelling

with a panel of authors who discuss the joy and complexity of multilingual and cultural stories, and why we need more diverse voices in Australian writing There will be an evening with author and actor William McInnes as he shares stories and an author talk with Brimbank’s own Mia Gjoni, a 14-year-old writer who will celebrate the release of her second book. Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the festival which is in its 17th year and celebrates creativity and diversity and promotes life-long learning. “This festival proudly shares the stories of individuals and groups that often have a harder time being heard. People with disability, the LGBTIQA+ community, youth, and those from CALD backgrounds … All have interesting and important stories to share.” Tara Murray Brimbank mayor Jasmine Nguyen is excited for the festival. (Damjan Janevski) 266477_03

“ Having my parents support me when I came out made me feel safe and loved.”

When a loved one is open about their gender identity and sexuality, choosing to celebrate and support them means a lot. Visit respectvictoria.vic.gov.au to learn more. If you need support call Rainbow Door on 1800 729 367. Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 5

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU Briefs

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

CONTACT US

Fatal crash Police are investigating a fatal crash in Caroline Springs on Sunday night. It’s understood a Nissan SUV crashed into a parked white Holden Commodore in the Western Freeway emergency lane, near Christies Road, about 10.40pm. The driver of the Nissan, a 60-year-old Rockbank man, died at the scene. It’s believed the Holden was unoccupied at the time of the crash. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

PHONE \ 03 8318 5777 LOCATION \ Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678 distribution@fermax.com.au

ADVERTISING GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES westads@starweekly.com.au CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808 EMAIL \ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES reads@starweekly.com.au

EDITORIAL GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES westeditorial@starweekly.com.au COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES communitycalendar@starweekly.com.au

Published by MMP Star Pty Ltd ACN 168 220 399 Head Office Corner Thomsons Road and Keilor Park Drive, Keilor Park, 3042 Publisher/Managing Director, Paul Thomas All material is copyright to MMP Star Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas. All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit starweekly.com.au

Georgina Humphries with her installation at Caroline Springs.

(Damjan Janevski) 266964

A playful patchwork The lawn outside the Caroline Springs library has been transformed into a colourful, interactive wonderland. Artist Georgina Humphries was commissioned by Melton council to create the temporary installation titled ‘Prismatic Play’. Made from repurposed tents, two patchwork sails create an overhead canopy facing Caroline Springs Boulevard and shelter a colourful 3D patchwork play mat. “I’ve been working with these sails and colourful patchworks for a number of years now,” Humphries said. “It utilises recycled fabric and that generates the multicoloured aspects; I can never collect enough of the same colour.” Humphries said she’s been wanting to make interactive artwork, so took the opportunity to make something that the public can find “really enticing”. The artwork also incorporates the natural

environment with sails that are puffed out when activated by the wind. “So that’s kind of really inviting for the kids to play with,” she said. Humphries had to make sure she installed the flags and mat while she still could as she is currently 36 weeks pregnant. “This is my last project before I take leave to have the baby, so it’s been really great to fit that in. “The council have been really lovely … they’ve been really flexible and it’s been really nice to do my final project whilst being pregnant.” The installation is up until February 13. Sarah Oliver

Have your say Melbourne Airport Rail will connect Melbourne Airport to the rail network for the first time, getting people to where they need to go with easy transfers to metro and regional lines and trips into the heart of the city in around 30 minutes. Trains will run from a new station at the airport to Sunshine Station, then through the Metro Tunnel into the CBD before continuing on to the Cranbourne and Pakenham lines.

We are now seeking feedback on: — Planning and environmental matters — Walking and cycling connections. Complete the survey Let us know what matters to you by completing the online survey at airportrail.vic.gov.au/survey or calling 1800 105 105. You can learn more about Melbourne Airport Rail by visiting airportrail.vic.gov.au.

1457

So far this year we have sought community feedback to help us shape the project scope and how we manage potential construction impacts.

Truck fire shuts ring road

12533641-AV05-22

6 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

A truck fire on the Western Ring Road at Ardeer caused traffic chaos on Saturday morning. Firefighters were called to the fire just after 6.30am. They found a semi-trailer with a mixed load alight, which had created a running oil and grass fire. The fire was brought under control just after 7.30am. The inbound lanes of the ring road remained closed throughout Saturday, while two lanes were also closed on Sunday as repair work continued. The fire also resulted in the closure of parts of St Albans Road on Saturday, with debris falling from the ring road onto the road. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

Booster rates low in Brimbank By Tara Murray Brimbank council is renewing calls for community members to roll up their sleeves and get the COVID-19 jabs. While many Brimbank residents have done the right thing, the vaccine numbers in the municipality are still below many other areas in the state. As of January 31, 91.3 per cent of eligible Brimbank residents have received two doses of the vaccine and less than a third of those eligible for their third COVID-19 vaccination shot has received one, according to Victorian government data. Postcode data up to February 1, showed that between 35 and 40 per cent of eligible people

‘‘

These small things will help to support our community through the pandemic - Jasmine Nguyen

’’

had their third dose in the 3036 and 3042 postcodes. In the 3038 and 3020 postcodes it was between 30 and 35 per cent, in the 3023 postcode the number was between 25 and 30 per cent. There was no data for the 3037 postcode. The Department of Health says that the

COVID-19 third dose prevents waning immunity against COVID-19. Brimbank council continues to work with local and state health providers to provide opportunities for vaccination in the community. Mayor Jasmine Nguyen said the community did a fantastic job last year responding to the call to get vaccinated to help protect each other as Victoria was reopening. “With the virus still circulating in the community, we are being asked as a community to get a third dose of the vaccination to increase protection for our loved ones, our businesses and our health professionals. “Vaccination against this virus is important, but so is wearing a mask when required,

meeting outside where possible, practicing physical distancing and getting tested when you have any symptoms. These small things will help to support our community through the pandemic.” The council’s COVID Connector program continues to act as a local one stop shop to help community members navigate the information they need around testing, vaccination and what to do if they have COVID-19. The program, which is available Monday to Friday, has been helping facilitate the vaccination take-up and supporting the community throughout the pandemic. Details: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov. au/vaccination-information-children-andteenagers.

Birthdays to remember It seemed appropriate that 22 births would occur at Western Health’s Joan Kirner Hospital on February 2, 2022. Hospital staff were kept busy helping mothers deliver their infants on the seemingly auspicious date. With two sets of twins among the new arrivals, there were 24 babies born who share the birthdate 2/2/2022. Ranjeet Singh and Tejpreet Kaur from Strathtulloh welcomed a baby boy at 10.21pm. The couple had not named him when they spoke to Star Weekly. Jessica Taylor and Shaun Straka welcomed “I’ve never really had a favourite number baby Maverick at 2.20am. before but now I do – two,” Mr Singh said. “We’re really happy that it worked out as it got closer we started thinking it might this way because our son has a very unique happen this way. Our son is doing really well. birth date. He wasn’t due on this date, but “We’re very excited to have had our first child.” Ranjeet Singh and Tejpreet Kaur and their baby son.

(Supplied)

ST ALBANS TOWN CENTRE

12527418-DL03-22

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 7

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Connectivity challenges persist By Tara Murray Connectivity via phone and internet has become even more important than ever as people have turned to working and learning from home, a new report has found. The Connecting Victoria engagement report pulls together lived experiences about mobile and broadband connectivity collected by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions between July and September. The research will help the state government identify locations for upgrades and new infrastructure through the Connecting Victoria

program in regional Victoria and outer suburban Melbourne. The report found that many people struggled to work and learn from home due to poor connectivity. Of the reponses, 24 per cent of people mentioned connectivity challenges with remote work and education. “Businesses that don’t have high-speed internet told us they are missing out on economic growth opportunities,” the report said. “They said that poor connectivity infrastructure is limiting their operations, preventing them from performing even basic tasks such as responding

to emails, handling electronic transactions, or calling employees and clients. Residents told us that bad connectivity and ongoing outages make it difficult to perform remote work, study online and socialise through the internet. “This is making residents feel dissatisfied and stressed.” The report also highlighted that many places were experiencing rapid development and growth, but the infrastructure wasn’t able to cope leading to slow connectivity and ongoing outages. As part of the research, 13 roundtable discussions were held with almost 300

community members, leaders and advocates attending these sessions. Melton, which is a growth area and an outer suburb, had one of the highest response rates showing broadband and mobile connectivity challenges. The research found that 75 per cent of the council responses mentioned that social inclusion said poor connectivity was a contributing factors. Low digital skills, being unable to keep in touch with family and friends, and impact on learning were some of the key challenges in areas with limited connectivity.

Staged return to study Victoria University will have a staged return to on-campus classes and activities across all its campuses including St Albans and Sunshine. Classes which require students to be on campus started last week, while many other classes will still be held online to start the semester. Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said VU would progressively and carefully increase its on-campus classes and activities over the coming weeks. “Our aim is to maximise personal and academic support for all of our students while maintaining optimal COVID safety for both students and staff,” he said. “We have already run successful, COVID-safe classes for hundreds of higher education students over summer that included practical, on-campus activities.” Approximately 5000 trades and vocational students returned to the class last week at

Victoria University Polytechnic to begin their practical training and assessments on nine campuses. Between February and April, the proportion of on-campus courses at VU and VU Polytechnic will increase steadily. The university is expecting most classes to be held in person and on campus by April 26. VU’s 2022 orientation and other student-focused activities which begin this week and will be both in person or online across seven campuses including Sunshine and St Albans until February 18. Tara Murray

VU is staggering the return of students to its campuses, including the St Albans campus. (Damjan Janevski) 266312_01

Print and Online Sales Executive Star Weekly

Seeking nominations for the Melton Heritage Advisory Committee

Star Weekly seeks an enthusiastic sales executive to work across our print, digital, social and online platforms. Star Weekly is an independently owned company which prides itself on its long history of community experience but also its investment in the future.

The Melton Heritage Advisory Committee promotes local heritage projects, assesses applications for the City of Melton Heritage Assistance Fund and the City of Melton Heritage Awards, and drives programs that encourage an appreciation of heritage in the City of Melton. There are two positions on the committee available for a two year term.

The successful applicant will need to possess good people skills to enable them to meet with local businesses to sell solutions through our advertising platforms to help promote their business. Sales skills/experience: • Ability to maintain existing professional relationships and to create new ones • Ability to meet defined sales and activity targets • Excellent listening skills • Accuracy and attention to detail • Effective time management to meet deadlines • Ability to operate in a team • Demonstrates initiative and flexibility • Effective oral and written communication Applicants will need their own reliable vehicle for which we will provide an allowance. The position is salaried, plus we offer an open ended commission scheme. Send your application letter and resume to: Mandy Clark Group Advertising Sales Manager mandy.clark@starnewsgroup.com.au

Applications for two positions close: Tuesday 8 March 2022 To apply: melton.vic.gov.au/heritagecommittee For further information: contact Council’s City Strategy Team on 9747 7200 or email citysupport@melton.vic.gov.au

A vibrant, safe and liveable City accessible to all

12534588-CG06-22

8 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

12518321-AV43-21

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Joining forces for food

Builder fined

By Tara Murray Five neighbourhood houses across Brimbank and Maribyrnong have joined forces in response to food security in the two municipalities. Each of the houses had been doing their own food relief programs throughout the pandemic, so they decided to join forces to provide more support to those who need it. The houses have formed the Nourish Project which aims to rescue surplus food from landfill and transformed it into healthy and nutritious meals which are then delivered and provided for free to people doing it tough. Duke Street Community House’s Kat Day said each of the houses had been seeing between 20 and 50 people each week seeking food. The Duke Street house had been giving out food hampers every week and were now handing them out at the Nourish Program’s new home in Braybrook. “We’ve been doing food relief since August 2020,” she said. “The last six months we’ve partnered up with five other neighbourhood houses. “The Nourish program has moved into a new space at Central West Shopping Centre. “Some families with larger households we’re seeing every week, some families we see every two weeks.” The other houses part of the project are Yarraville Community Centre, Angliss Neighbourhood House, West Footscray Neighbourhood House and Braybrook Maidstone Neighbourhood. Ms Day said the houses continue to provide other support, not just food relief. She said that more people have inquired about the project since it moved into Central West. Ms Day said they were looking for volunteers to help with a number of roles.

Nourish Project is now based at Central West. (Supplied)

“We’re definitely going to need some volunteers to help us meet the demand,” she said. “We are most desperate for people to drive to the various businesses to get the items. “We’re after people who want to help pick hampers and we’re possibly looking to have a booking service.

NEWS

“Anyone who feels like they want to give some time to the community, we will find a role.” Ms Day said the food relief program continued to flow onto other parts of the house’s programs. She said many of the programs they’ve introduced recently have come about after meeting people through those programs.

A local builder has had his registration cancelled and been disqualified from holding registrations for three years. The Victorian Building Authority cancelled the licence of Rocco Barba for numerous breaches of the Building Act, including allegedly providing false compliance certificates for a residential development, engaging in a sham building contract for the purposes of procuring a building permit and carrying out building works which significantly departed from the approved building permit documents. The VBA found he was not a fit and proper person to hold registration as a building practitioner. Mr Barba must also pay $38,000 to the VBA. Mr Barba has applied to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) for review of the decision. The VBA found Mr Barba engaged in unprofessional conduct at a multi-dwelling domestic building site in Niddrie, near Keilor East. The VBA’s executive director regulatory operations David Brockman said Mr Barba provided the relevant building surveyor with false certificates for the installation of insulation and energy efficiency measures. “Mr Barba ought to have known that the surveyor would rely on these certificates as evidence of the compliance of the works with the relevant energy efficiency requirements,” he said. Mr Barba was also found to have carried out domestic building work while operating under a sham building contract entered into with a registered domestic builder in order to obtain a building permit.

Want To Burn Fat Fast? Burn Up To 2.5 x More Calories In Just 14 Minutes a Day! Bobbi | Bowflex Max Trainer User

I lost 15kg in 10 weeks. That is ridiculous. The fat just melts right off. I mean, it absolutely changed my life!

Why Bowflex Works For You Save Time - Don’t let “lack of time” slow you down. Lose Weight - Burns Up To 2.5x More Calories. Get Motivated - Fun, low impact workouts combined with a personalised fitness program. Get Healthy with the HIIT technology *Call for Terms & Conditions

Limited Time Offer! Call Now! 1800

440 440 Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 9

NEWS STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Residents concerned about Cairnlea lot sizes Cairnlea residents are calling for fewer lots and bigger block sizes as they continue their campaign for better outcomes at the former Albion Explosives site. Residents and Brimbank council have expressed concerns over the planned development of the 41-hectare site on Ballarat Road, which has been set aside to create a new residential neighbourhood. A group of residents have formed a committee to ensure the best possible outcome for the site. Group spokesperson Graeme Blore said

further investigation of the Development Victoria plans had made them aware of the block sizes. Of the 840 blocks proposed, 30 per cent will be between 300 and 450 square metres, 30 per cent will be townhouses built on blocks between 100 and 250 square metres and 40 per cent will be micro lots, less than 100 square metres. “They did a survey and the vast majority of respondents said they wanted three and four bedroom lots,” he said.

“Development Victoria has ignored what the community requested. The micro lots were never in the plans by VicUrban and it will change the aesthetic of Cairnlea. “We want them to look at lot sizes and even reduce the number of lots and make the lots of greater land size to help address the concerns regarding things like heat build up.” Mr Blore said family members of those who used to work on the site are among those calling for bigger blocks. He said many wanted to stay in the area

close to their families and this spot was the ideal location. “They were expecting access to family size blocks so they can remain close to their elders.” The community group is planning to increase its community information sessions and engagement in the coming weeks. Last week, they had an online meeting with opposition planning and heritage, housing and suburban recovery spokesman Ryan Smith. Tara Murray

Crime briefs Witness appeal Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was allegedly slashed with a machete in Sunshine on Tuesday, February 1. Investigators have been told the 20-year-old victim was walking along Burke Street about 12.20am when he was approached by 10 males. One of the group asked the victim, a Kealba man, for his name and when he responded it is alleged the group attacked him. During the attack a machete was used, and the victim sustained a slash wound to his back. The group then fled the scene and were last seen running down Suffolk Street. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Arrests linked to street gangs

The project team installing sensors during construction of trial site.

(Supplied/Victoria University)

VU’s world-first research Researchers from Victoria University’s (VU) College of Engineering and Science are conducting world-first research exploring the use of recycled materials as backfill in utilities trenches, located metres below busy city roads. The industry’s standard practice is to use natural aggregates for backfill. This material usually needs to be excavated and crushed, and often trucked across great distances. However, VU’s Dr Ehsan Yaghoubi, Professor Sam Fragomeni and Associate Professor Maurice Guerrieri have received a $220,000 grant from Sustainability Victoria

for their research into using an alternative of crushed recycled concrete aggregates from demolished structures – such as buildings and bridges – that normally go to landfill. The latest research project follows the team’s successful delivery of another Sustainability Victoria-funded project in 2020, at a demonstration site in Wyndham. This project showed that a blend of recycled plastic, glass and tyres, with self-compacting properties, could serve as backfill in “non-trafficked” trenches. “In the new project, we are looking at stronger materials that can perform well when

roads with moving vehicles are built on top of the trenches,” Dr Yabhoubi said. These world-first solutions could keep tonnes of demolition rubble, as well as waste plastic, glass and tyres, out of landfills. It is estimated about 7000 tonnes of waste that would otherwise go to landfills could be used for building non-trafficked trenches. Both of the 2020 project and the new initiative are being conducted through a collaboration between VU and the University of Melbourne, with Greater Western Water and Ground Science as industry partners.

A St Albans man and Caroline Springs man are among two people arrested as part of an investigation into a drug syndicate linked to a number of street gangs. Police arrested four people outside a commercial premises in St Albans on January 24. Among those arrested was a 21-year-old Caroline Springs man who was charged with trafficking cocaine, possessing cocaine and possessing proceeds of crime. A number of items were seized from the men’s vehicles including cocaine, cash and weapons such as a baton, knuckle dusters and a flick knife. Three days later police executed a number of search warrants at properties in Caroline Springs, St Albans, Avondale Heights, Maidstone, and Aintree. A St Albans man was charged on February 2 as part of the investigation. He was charged with trafficking cocaine, possessing methamphetamine, possessing GHB and possessing proceeds of crime. He has been remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates Court later this month. FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT Web: starweekly.com.au Brimbank & North West Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Public and community housing complaints are on the rise The Victorian Ombudsman has launched an investigation into how public and community housing complaints are handled, with more than 1000 complaints received in the 12 months to January. The investigation will examine if the current complaint handling processes are “effective, fair and sufficiently-tenant focused”. Ombudsman Deborah Glass said her office had been monitoring complaints about public housing and community housing over the year to January 2022, during which time the Ombudsman received more than 1000 housing complaints.

The issues raised by these complaints are also being considered in light of the Social Housing Regulation Review recently commissioned by the state government. The interim review report stated there is a profound market failure in providing suitable and affordable housing for low-income and vulnerable cohorts in the community. The interim report found there needs to be a greater focus on tenants and service delivery, consistency of service standards and best practice governance. Many people in Brimbank live in social and public housing.

10 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

Ms Glass said effective complaints handling was essential for accountability, transparency, and confidence in the system. “All too often we receive complaints about basic needs such as running water and electricity, and reasonably maintained, clean and safe premises,” Ms Glass said. “Many tenants tell us they don’t know how to complain or feel they are not being listened to. “Some come to our office with concerns or misunderstandings about how their complaint was handled. “Neither the number of complaints nor the common issues have lessened over the years.

“With the current government’s focus on housing reform and funding of community housing, it is timely to review the dispute resolution mechanisms in place.” The investigation will meet with public and community housing tenants, and community services, as well as the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing and the Housing Registrar. This investigation will focus on how complaints from public and community housing tenants are handled. The report will be made public during the first half of 2022.

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS

School chalks up VCE success By Tara Murray A pandemic and below par facilities weren’t going to stop the class 2021 at Victoria University Secondary College. Despite all the obstacles in front of them, the students excelled and produced some of the best results the school has seen. Principal Elaine Hazim said the results were massive for the school. There were five students who had ATARs in the 90s. “It’s an improvement from 2020,” she said. “We’ve never had students get 50 [perfect subject scores] before. We’d had ATARs in the low 90s before, but never the high 90s. “This year was a significant improvement.” Zoe Beazley was awarded the school dux after receiving an ATAR of 98.5. She’s going to study a double major in English and theatre studies. Zoe was left stunned by the mark. “I predicted in the low 90s, so when I got the result I was really confused. I was happy. “It was a difficult couple of years and I thought my mark would have been lower. I was demotivated for a lot of the year. “I did my best and picked up at the end of the year I guess.” Yan Rustambekov thought his chances of a high ATAR score were blown after his first two exams. He was in for a shock when he scored 92.5. “To be fair, after the first couple of exams I was expecting a score in the low 80s, high 70s,” he said. “So to get 92, I was shocked. I was originally hoping for 95 or something high, but after the first two exams I was like whatever happens, I’ll be happy with whatever I got.” Yan said he watched a lot of revision tutorials on YouTube and notes from teachers to get the work in before exams.

Principal Elaine Hazim, principal (front) with former students Yan Cindy and Zoe, and teacher Christopher Tray. (Damjan Janevski) 266331_01

He is going to study nursing at Swinburne, which he hopes will help him get permanent residency. Like her classmates, Cindy Tran was shocked by her score of 93.6. “It’s exciting, I was never really expecting to get above 80,” she said. “When I first saw the results I was really shocked and overall really happy.”

She said having to study at home for the most part of her VCE was a challenge. She is studying biomedicine at Melbourne University. Leading teacher Christopher Tray said the results have brought a lot of enjoyment and confidence to the whole school community. Mr Tray taught extended investigation, a subject in which two students got perfect scores.

“The incoming cohort are like wow that’s so impressive,” he said. “That it is possible to achieve and aspire to great things. “We’re aiming to keep those strong relationships with the students coming back and speaking to classes. “It’s exciting to see them success and have different options. A big congratulations to all the students.”

FOR YOUR EVERYDAY FRESH FOOD NEEDS Stocking a range of groceries from Sauerkraut, Mustards, Smoked Goods, European Cakes and Chocolate and everything in Large Range of European Cheeses. Gourmet Range of Coffees. • Rollmops • Zure Haring • Spekulaas • Stroopwafels • Chocolade-Hagelslag • Augurki

Specialist MEAT and POULTRY

CHEESES (HARD, SOFT AND BLUE)

0469 347 888

03 9307 9969 • SHOP T6

9307 8488

FRESH SEAFOOD SPECIALISTS • PRAWNS

• MUSSELS

• OYSTERS

• TASSIE

• CRAYS

GREAT TASTE IN EVERY BITE

Made fresh for you

VANKA’S BAKERY AND CAKES

SALMON

0421 829 282

PHONE ORDERS FOR QUALITY SEAFOOD CHARLIE 0403 027 978

Unique Hairdressing 0431 181 422

9307 2277

Watervale Shopping Centre, Cnr Taylor’s Road, Calder Park Drive, Taylor’s Hill

With the Big Woolworths Supermarket

12535129-CG06-22

www.watervaleshoppingcentre.com.au

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 11

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

BEHIND THE NEWS

Our furry friends take the lead Jack Russell Terriers, Labradors, Staffordshire Terriers and German Shepherds are among the most popular dog breeds in Melbourne’s north and west. Alesha Capone takes a closer look at the region’s canine paw-pulation.

F

rom Maribyrnong to Moorabool, many residents of area are fur-tunate enough to own a dog, with councils in region having a combined total of more than 102,000 canines registered with them. In Wyndham, there were 21,002 dogs registered in the 2020-21 year. Wyndham council’s city operations director, Stephen Thorpe, said the municipality’s top five breeds are Jack Russells (1486 dogs), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (1398), Labradors (1319), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (990) and German Shepherds (876). “Wyndham city encourages all owners to register their animals with council,” Mr Thorpe said. “Three months ago, Wyndham city council formally adopted a four-year Domestic Animal Management Plan that outlines council’s commitment to animal management relating to cats and dogs from 2021 through to 2025.

‘‘

We encourage people to look into what is the right breed for them and their families - Craig Lloyd

’’

“The plan promotes responsible pet ownership, encourages pet registration and aims to minimise the risk of attack by dogs and nuisance caused by animals.” Wyndham resident Lyndall Mione is the proud owner of a Jack Russell named Milo. Milo has lived with Ms Mione’s family, including three teenage daughters, since November 2020 when he was aged eight weeks old. Ms Mione said that Jack Russells are a good dog for an active family. “Milo is also great company for me when I am working from home,” she said. “He is full of personality and he has a fear of missing out on things, he loves going for walks to the dog park and playing.” In Melton, there are almost 16,200 dogs registered with the council, while Hobsons Bay council has 11,014 dogs registered. The most common breeds in Hobsons Bay are Labradors (526 dogs), Jack Russell Terriers (475), Staffordshire Terriers (262), Cavoodles (395) and Border Collies (310). Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said that the area was blessed “to have enviable open spaces from dog beaches to dog parks”. He said the council was continuing to invest in infrastructure for dogs and their owners to enjoy, such as the Brooklyn Dog Park and the recently-redeveloped PA Burns Reserve in Altona, which has a fenced dog-off lead area. At Brimbank council, there are 9454 dogs registered, with the top five breeds being Jack Russell Terriers, Maltese Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, German Shepherds and Labradors. Nearby Maribyrnong has 7081 dogs registered, with Jack Russells, Labradors, Maltese Terriers, Kelpies and Staffordshire Terriers making up the top five most popular breeds. Maribyrnong council’s infrastructure services director, Pat Jess, said that pets could have significant health and wellbeing benefits for people, including increased physical activity and improving social connectedness. “This is one of the reasons why council invests in its open space infrastructure to create a variety of recreation opportunities for both our residents and their pets,” Ms Jess said. “Every year we encourage residents to support responsible pet ownership, which includes registering their cats and dogs, ensuring they are microchipped and registered

Siblings Harvey, Summer and Levi with their family’s Labrador Kobe.

(Joe Mastroianni) 266110_01

Lyndall Mione and her Jack Russell, Milo; Christiana with her Staffordshire Terrier April; Arden, whose owner is a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria, western branch, which is based in Keilor. (Pictures: Damjan Janevski and supplied) 266114

from three months of age.” Jack Russells – once again – took out the top spot in Moorabool, where there are 5994 are dogs registered – including 435 Jack Russells, 353 Labradors, 337 Border Collies, 307 Kelpies and 301 Staffordshire Terriers. Across to the northern suburbs, Whittlesea’s chief executive Craig Lloyd said there were 19,586 dogs registered with the council. Maltese Terriers are the most popular with 1889 registered, followed by Jack Russell Terriers (1520 dogs), Staffordshire Terriers (1433), Labrador Retrievers (1184) and Cavoodles (840). “As part of the City of Whittlesea’s Domestic Animal Management Plan, we have a range of initiatives to encourage responsible pet ownership and we will be engaging further with the community over the coming months,” Mr Lloyd said.’ “We encourage people to look into what is the right breed for them and their families and ensure that they undertake dog obedience training.”

12 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

Hume council has 18,840 dogs registered – 816 German Shepherds, 806 Jack Russells, 646 Labradors, 633 Cavoodles and 569 Maltese Terrier/Shitzu crosses. With Labradors being such a popular dog across all municipalities, Werribee Obedience Dog Club secretary Noelene Jordan – who has two pure-bred Labradors named Cassie and Flynn – said the breed is “very smart and trainable”. “They’re always there for you and they never stop being a puppy,” she said. “They are good family pets, they are great with everyone.” However, Ms Jordan said it was important for dog owners to train their pets and not just expect automatic obedience from them. “If you can get to puppy school, they are so good, even then it’s good if you can keep doing basic obedience training,” she said. Ms Jordan added that it is important for anyone wanting to a dog to do their research into various breeds’ temperaments and activity levels, and ensure any animal they

buy is healthy. “Do your homework and find out what’s going to suit you,” she said. Labrador owner Kim said that before purchasing her family’s dog Kobe, she spent about 12 months talking to different breeders and doing research on the best breed to fit in with her family’s lifestyle. Kobe, now 18 months old, is a beloved part of the family. “He’s our best friend, he’s loyal, he’s fun and good with everyone, he is great with the kids and is very clever,” she said. Kobe is named after the basketball player Kobe Bryant, as both of Kim’s sons love the sport. “He’s the kids’ best friend and now they are back at school, he’s walking around the house looking for them,” she said. Kim said that Kobe also loves to “eat everything” and sits with hers and her husband every day, while they work from home. Details: https://bit.ly/3ASr9fj

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

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

Keilor probus The Keilor Combined Probus Club is back in business following the lockdowns. The group meets the third Monday of every month at Keilor Pub. New members are welcome. ■ Steve, 0408 193 793, or Keith, 0409 494 801

Women’s Day The Women’s Support Network will be launched at an International Women’s Day event in Brimbank on March 8. All women are welcome to attend. ■ wsn.org.au

Women’s group Duke Street Community Centre is setting up a women’s social group to give people a place to interact. The group will run every second Friday as a way to connect with other women in the community in a safe, fun and social way. It will be developed to suit the needs of the participants and will be in a casual setting.The group will meet at the centre at 1pm. ■ 9311 9973

Football Taylors Lakes Football Club is seeking male and female players for all age groups from under-8s to under-18.5s. To be eligible, children need to be born between July 1, 2003, and April 30, 2015. ■ Julie, 0409 259 389

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of eight-month-old Maverick at Williamstown beach. (Damjan Janevski) 266532_01

Deer Park probus The Deer Park Combined Probus Club meets on the second Wednesday of each month at The Deer Park Club, 780 Ballarat Road, from 10am. New members and visitors are welcome. ■ Don, 0409 191 580

Female cricket Keilor Park Cricket Club is looking for players to join its female cricket team. The club, which has had success in recent years plays in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association on Sundays. ■ http://ow.ly/kLiz50Hsqqj

Art in Hume Help create great places and spaces for the arts in Hume by having your say on council’s Arts Infrastructure Plan on Thursday, February 10, 6-7pm, at Hume Global Learning Centre, 1096 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows. ■ hume.vic.gov.au

Summer series The City of Whittlesea Summer Series arrives at Laurimar Park on Friday, February 18, 5-8pm. There will be a new Makers Market for Doreen including stalls to browse and food outlets to eat from. Bring a picnic or buy something onsite from the food trucks for an evening out with family and friends. At corner of Hazel Glen Drive and Flaxen Hills Road. ■ https://whittlesea.vic.gov.au/

Vaccine certificate help Tutors will be on hand at Craigieburn library on Friday, February 11, 1.30-3.30pm to help with proof of vaccination certificates. At Hume Global Learning Centre, 75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn. ■ hume.vic.gov.au

February 11, 11am-1pm, at 92a Church St, Whittlesea. Bookings required. ■ 9716 3361

Rotary club The Sunbury Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 7pm. ■ sunburyrotary@gmail.com

Ladies pobus The Woodlands Ladies Probus Club of Sunbury meets on the fourth Monday of each month at the Sunbury Bowling Club at 9.45 am. The club is based on fun, friendship and fellowship and enjoys monthly outings, an annual trip away and a lot of fun meetings. ■ Val, 0418 138 214

Sunbury Combined Probus Club The Sunbury Combined Probus Club meets every fourth Thursday of the month at the Sunbury Football Social Club at 10am. Visitors and new Members are welcome. ■ Carmel, 0416 477 271

Toastmasters Sunbury & Macedon Ranges Toastmasters helps its members develop their public speaking, communication and leadership skills. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7.20-9.30pm, at the Sunbury Senior Citizens Hall. ■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Garden club The Sunbury Garden Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month. There is a guest speaker at each meeting, which starts at 7.30pm at the Sunbury Football Club. ■ Cheryl, 9744 1663

Learn about solar Confused about solar? John Edwards from City of Whittlesea’s sustainable projects team will answer all of your questions about solar energy, energy efficency and getting the best value from a solar system of your own during an information session at Whittlesea Community House, Friday,

and a chat. Lunch subsidised. If you’re over 55 years of age and would like to meet new people, come along. ■ Frank, 0423 392 884

Senior citizens club Senior citizens are welcome to visit the Sunbury Senior Citizens’ Club on Mondays and Fridays, from 10am-3pm at 8 O’Shannassy Street. A variety of activities offered – carpet bowls, cards, snooker, darts, board games or just a cup of coffee

Hanging Rock night walks Let the scent of eucalypt and the calls of native wildlife captivate you on a night time walk at Hanging Rock. The walks are suitable for all ages, but spaces are limited and booking is essential. The ticket price is $25 per adult or $12 per child for two sessions running on Friday, February 18 and Friday, March 25. ■ 5422 0387

Charity Book sale Werribee Hospital Foundation will host a charity book sale on Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13, from 9am-4pm, at 27 Cambridge Crescent, Werribee. There will be a variety of high-quality, pre-loved books available. All funds raised will go towards Werribee Mercy Hospital and local public health services. Cost: $2 per book or six books for $10, please bring correct cash and BYO carry bag. ■ https://whf.org.au/campaigns/book-sale12-13-feb/

Quilt-In Wyndham Patchworkers is holding its 25th anniversary Quilt-In on February 12 at St James the Apostle Catholic Church Hall, 336 Derrimut Road, Hoppers Crossing from 10am to 3.30pm, with Veronique Diligent as guest speaker. The day will include a raffle, door prizes, show and tell and four local traders. Due to COVID-19 requirements there will be no door sales, so all attendees must pre-book via www. trybooking.com. Tickets: $15 including morning/afternoon tea. BYO lunch. Proof of vaccination status or medical exemption required. ■ Donna Morris, 0417 268 887

Education volunteers EdConnect Australia is on the search for Wyndham residents to mentor and volunteer with students for the 2022 school year. The charity places volunteers

in local schools to help improve the lives of vulnerable young people and equip them with life skills. Whether you are recently retired or studying at university, EdConnect Australia offers training and support to its volunteers. Potential volunteers can apply online. ■ www.edconnectaustralia.org.au/ volunteer/ or 1800 668 550

AL-ANON meets AL-ANON provides support for families and loved ones living with alcoholics and problem drinkers. The group meets Mondays at St Thomas Anglican Church foyer, 117 Synnot Street, Werribee, from 7.30pm, and on Tuesdays at the St Mary’s Tennis Club rooms, 204 Grimshaw Street, Greensborough.

Tutoring program Youth Services and Equal Ed are providing free online tutoring classes for young people aged 12 to 18 years old. The Academic Homework Support Program will run online on Wednesdays 4-5pm, from the second week of each school term in 2022. All sessions are supervised by Wyndham council Youth Services staff. ■ https://youthwyndham.com/pgm-reg or Danielle Diez, 8375 2346

Knitting group Anyone is welcome to come along to Yarraville or Footscray library for a weekly knitting group. Registrations are recommended via Eventbrite. ■ https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/ library/Events/Knitting-Group

Williamstown Craft Market Commonwealth Reserve comes alive on the third Sunday of the month with the Williamstown Craft Market. The market boasts over 50 stalls showcasing everything from handmade craft, homegrown produce and food vendors. There will also be live music. The market takes place from 10am-4pm. ■ https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ Community/Whats-On/Williamstown-CraftMarket

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 13

PUZZLES No. 067

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.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS

easy 12

4

1

5

13 14 15

8 5 6 5 4 2 1 5 8 2 9 1 6

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

7 3 6 8 9

1

DOWN

Well pleased (9) Japanese mountain (4) Disrespect (coll.) (3) Formal statement about another’s character (11) Former US first lady, — Obama (8) Counterreply (6) Bird’s home (4) Showing symptoms of a high temperature (7) Wariness (7) Festivity (4) Positive (6) Being admitted to a church (8) Prioritising material possessions (11) Prefix meaning new (3) Divine beings (4) People living together in communities (9)

1 6 10 11

20 21 25 26 28 29 30 31

No. 067

Lees (8) Case that sets a precedent (4,4) Person who looks after children (6) Bankrupt (9) Speaker’s platform (4) Accord (6) Water-surrounded land (6) Supervisors (7) Pathological self-admirer (9) Morbidly repellent (7) Capital of Finland (8) Useless person or thing (4,4) A spice (6) Subsided (6) Filibuster (6) God of war (4)

1 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 16 17 18 19 22 23 24 27

DECODER

No. 067

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

5

26

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

31 words: Very good

4 1 9 3 6 7 2 5 8

5 1 3 4 6 8 9 2 7

7 2 4 1 9 3 5 6 8

6 9 8 5 7 2 3 1 4

8 5 2 3 1 6 4 7 9

T

T

T

E

M N

S

4 LETTERS ACTS EGGS LEND OHMS PAST RIOT ROSE SLIT SLOT SOWN THEY UGLY URGE WAGE

amen, enema, mane, mans, manse, mast, mate, mates, mats, matt, matte, matts, mean, meanest, means, meant, meat, meet, meets, mesa, mesne, mete, metes, name, names, same, seam, seamen, seem, semen, stamen, STATEMENT, steam, stem, tame, tames, tamest, team, teams, teem, teems, TESTAMENT

Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down. NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

R R O R

E

E S S A Y A M P L E V I O L A

4 6 7 8 2 9 1 3 5

9 8 1 2 5 7 6 4 3

3 4 5 6 8 1 7 9 2

2 7 6 9 3 4 8 5 1

6 8 7 5 9 2 3 4 1

2 5 3 8 4 1 7 6 9

8 6 5 7 1 9 4 2 3

3 9 4 2 5 6 8 1 7

1 7 2 4 8 3 5 9 6

7 3 1 9 2 4 6 8 5

5 4 6 1 7 8 9 3 2

9 2 8 6 3 5 1 7 4

6 1 8 9 5 3 4 7 2

2 7 5 4 1 8 9 3 6

9 6 1 7 8 4 2 5 3

8 2 3 5 9 1 6 4 7

5 4 7 6 3 2 8 1 9

1 3 6 8 4 9 7 2 5

7 8 2 3 6 5 1 9 4

4 5 9 1 2 7 3 6 8

14 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

No. 067

K E W S

S

5 LETTERS ACRES AGREE ALIKE AMONG ARROW ARSON BROTH CRONY ELECT ENACT ENEMA ERECT ETHER ETHIC FLOWN GALAS GAMMA HAREM HOLES HOTLY

No. 067

HOVER ISLAM LANCE LEAST LOAFS NEARS ODOUR OLIVE OPERA PITHY PLATE PRIDE PROUD RESTS RICES RINSE ROBIN SEWED SNORT SORTA STEAL

STONE SWATS TESTS TORSO TWEET TYRES VICED WEANS WEARS 6 LETTERS GADGET MEDDLE RASHER RESULT

7 LETTERS ARMPITS COLOURS GONDOLA OUTGROW RESPITE ROASTED 8 LETTERS NOMINEES RECOURSE STRANGLE TURNOVER

11-02-22

S

1 3 9 7 4 5 2 8 6

3 9 4 2 7 6 5 8 1

A O

E

5

S

Today’s Aim: 21 words: Good

Y

O

10 11 12 13

A

L

R

4

V

3

M

2

S

9

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”.

E

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

E

8

9-LETTER WORD

42 words: Excellent

hard

5x5

7

1

medium

25

easy

24

8

23

5

22

3

21

4 7

6

Q T 20

8

5

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

5 7

4

19

8 9

3

18

3 2

1 2

2

17

7 6

7 8

1

16

9

6 8

15

5

14

4

8 2

3 LETTERS ARE DIE EKE ERA EVE EWE HER ICE ITS LEV LSD MES ODE OHS ONE REV RPM RUG TAP TAR UGH URN VCR WOT

M L Y X A H E Z I J S NW

2

G V U R D C F O P K BQ T

3

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

1. Singer Ricky Martin (pictured) came to prominence with which 1999 song?

6. Which blood type is considered to be universal?

2. In what year did the Titanic sink?

8. What is the longest river in the world?

3. What is the capital of Morocco?

9. Which disgraced cyclist was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles?

4. What fruit is a hybrid of a pomelo and mandarin? 5. According to the Roman myth, twin boys Romulus and Remus were raised by a what?

7. Who is the author of the 1922 novel Ulysses?

10. What year did man first land on the moon? ANSWERS: 1. Livin’ la Vida Loca 2. 1912 3. Rabat 4. Orange 5. Wolf 6. O negative 7. James Joyce 8. Nile 9. Lance Armstrong 10. 1969

SUDOKU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

SECTION

networkclassifieds.com.au Trades & Services

www.networkclassifieds.com.au

Place your ad in print and online

V Deadline

V Trades Business Profile

V Excavators

Placing your classified advert is so easy... 0422 881 957

Online: networkclassifieds.com.au (24/7) Phone: 1300 666 808 (Open 8.30-5pm Mon-Fri) Email: sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

chopitexcavations@gmail.com

Grow your business with

TRADES & SERVICES From plumbers to pest control, carpet cleaning to building services, dry cleaning to computer repairs, lawn mowing and more, Network Classifieds has been connecting local businesses with the local community with our Trades and Services each week. Speak to our classified team and find out how easy it is to advertise. Start building your brand today and be seen every week in Network Classifieds Trades and Services.

V Air Conditioning

ANTENNA

KS Heating & Cooling Services • Repairs • Maintenance Over 30 years experience, All types of Air Con, Evap Cooler & Gas Heating System AU31693

SAME DAY

AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING

Jad 0425 804 593 or 9336 1996 Rami 0425 876 176

AU 21094 Lic 42666

jadhc@live.com.au

12523264-CG47-21

JAD COOLING AND HEATING

TENNAS DIGITAL AN S AMPLIFIER S TV OUTLET

228 0409 888

REPAIR, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATIONS • EVAPORATIVE COOLERS • SPLIT SYSTEMS • HOT WATER SYSTEMS • DUCTED HEATING

SERVICE

D PERIENCE HIGHLY EX ANS TECHNICI SERVICE A NN TE AN S ALL AREA

G6425413AA-dc5Nov

MAN

LEON’S FENCING SERVICES

Specialising in Timber and Colorbond Fencing

“We advertise in the local paper to reach the local community - and it works for us!!!” - Richard

Free Quotes

Ph 0410 807 841

Lou’s Colorbond Fencing Gates & Pergolas ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Lou 0412 339 445 Tony 0431 339 739 ฀

R & M Fencing (Vic) Steel Fences Made to Measure s Steel Fences s Double/Single Gates s Pools s Gardens s Auto/Manual Sliding Gates s Picket & Slat Fencing s Aluminium Security Doors & Windows s Fly screens s Window Roller Shutters Accessories Sale Now - Free Quote – Cheapest prices!

6-20

12469374-CG4

Ph: (03) 8360 9997 Ray 0422 118 920 www.rmfencing.com.au

V Garage/Garage Doors

Call 1300 666 808

F & J ROLLER DOORS REPAIRS & REMOTES Roller Door Remote Controls Silent Drive 7 Year Warranty FROM $500 fully installed

12479050-JW04-21

Employment

12440392-SG06-20

12434534-LB03-20

Ask about our discounted ongoing advertising rates and how choosing more newspapers gives your advertising more impact and saves you money...

Call 0430 332 368

V Fencing & Gates

12402755-RA44-18

VISA/MASTERCARD/EFTPOS (1.5% credit card processing fee applies. Cheques and money orders can be posted in or hand delivered to our local office)

12427253-FA39-19

We accept payment by:

V Builders & Building Services

12398667-SN37-18

(include your name, address and phone number)

Deadline for all classifications is 2:30pm Friday.

Mini Loader, Excavator & Tipper ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

V Concrete Products & Services

9746 7785

0412 184 772

section of Network Classifieds.

URBAN PERGOLAS & OUTDOOR LIVING

· Plumbing · Tiling · Electrical · Carpentry · Plastering · One stop shop - Kitchen, bathroom, laundries & renovation needs. · Complete service from start to finish, including kitchen 3D design. · Appliance packages available. · Bathroom tapware, accessories & tiles on display in our showroom. Showroom by appointment only Free Quotes & Mobile Ensuite Hire. terms & conditions apply Please note that we specialise in renovations - we do not do repairs or maintenance

www.topedgekitchens.com.au

Pergolas • Decks • Retaining Walls • Renovations • Landscaping

Andrew 0425 852 621 | Froggys.com.au | info@froggys.com.au

12533274-HC09-22

CONTRACTING

section of Network Classifieds.

s Plain Concrete s Coloured Concrete s Slate impression s Stencil MJ Paving (Vic) Pty Ltd

3 Standard Rooms for $99 inc GST *conditions apply

20 Years Experience fletcherscarpetcleaning.com.au

Call Paul 0412

816 479

Employment

12416265-CG17-19

MOWING PLUS MORE Registered & Insured, Contact Free & Vaccinated

Free Quotes

No job too small

0408 993 912 or 9331 6391

Find work locally in the

Fletcher’s Carpet Steam Cleaning We also clean: Upholstery and Tile and Grout

30 years experience

Call Joe 0498 375 094 - 7 days

• Lawn Mowing & Edging • Weeding & Poison • Planting & Pruning • Green Waste Removal • Hedging & Shaping

AFFORDABLE CONCRETE PAVING

Call Joe on

General Classifieds V Carpet Cleaning

V Builders & Building Services

Very diverse in all aspects of specialised property services

Specializing in: ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ Vu 0458 748 413 · Andy 0408 081 888 ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

Specialist in • Lawn mowing • Edging Pruning / Hedge Trimming • Regular Maintenance • Rubbish Removals • Tree Lopping • Gutter Cleaning

Simon 0422 899 759

12506821-32-21

A1 Garden Maintenance & Rubbish Removals ฀ ฀

฀ ฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

฀

Call Sam

฀

฀ ฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

0450 820 170 - 7 days

V Guttering

RJ GUTTERS

section of Network Classifieds.

฀

฀

฀

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

★ New & Existing ★

Homes

฀

1232632-ACM26-16

฀

฀

฀ ฀ FREE QUOTES

0421 421 640

ADVERTISE with us and get better results

12514849-JW40-21

Kitchens & Bathroom Renovations

AA CABINETS

Phone Tony 0404 775 573

12400595-SN40-18

12420493-CG25-19

Froggys

G6069535

V Cabinet Makers

Bill 0410 48 14 17

8348 5441

*FREE PAINTING OR DECK OILED ON MENTION OF THIS AD*

AMAZING GARDEN SERVICES

12360798-DJ33-17

Renovations at budget prices

"We do all the small jobs that the bigger companies don't have time for" Up to 60 square metres Shed floors, paths, driveways etc. Coloured, plain, slate and stencil. FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Workmanship guaranteed, with over 30 years experience

Anthony 0433 907 720 or urbanpergolas@gmail.com

12445949-RC14-20

& Kitchens

V Garden Services

SMALL SMALL CONCRETING CONCRETING JOBS JOBS

❖ Pergolas ❖ Verandahs ❖ Carports ❖ Decking ❖ Alfresco Areas ❖ Retaining Walls ❖ Insurance work

12519309-CG44-21

Beautiful Bathrooms

12425486-CG35-19

V Bathroom & Kitchens

CALL 1300 666 808 Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 15

Trades & Services

General Classifieds

V Handy Persons

V Reblocking/Underpinning

V Adult Services

Rainbow Dolls

NICK’S RE-BLOCKING SERVICE

ALL SUBURBS ★ RAISING ★ LEVELLING ★ UNDERPINNING ★ RESTUMPING WITH CONCRETE OR REDGUM STUMPS ★ COUNCIL PERMIT ★ ALL WORK GUARANTEED FREE SMOKE ALARM

$100/ 30mins Open 7 days

PH: 9360 5357 Mobile: 0412 378 193 Registered Building Practitioner

G6795050AA-dc29Apr 1132314-LB19-14

KITCHEN FACELIFTS ฀

฀

TILE COAT

For A Free Quote Call MARK: 0425

772 304

For all roof restoration needs. Cleaning, repointing, painting, leak repairs, etc…

฀

V Painters/Decorators

฀ ฀

฀

Call Mark 0401 478 799

Saida’s Painting And Handyman 12532148-AV03-22

• Painting And Decorating • Timber Repairs • Plaster Repairs • Tile And Concrete Repairs

LATIN ROOF RESTORATION

Free Quote

Bashyrr Saida 0416 561 594 Ibrahim Saida 0403 610 782

t 3FQBJST 3FTUPSBUJPO t $FNFOU 5FSSBDPUUB 5JMFT t )JHI 1SFTTVSF $MFBOJOH t 3FCFEEJOH 1PJOUJOH t "DSZMJD $PBU 4ZTUFN t $MFBO (VUUFST %PXOQJQFT t 'SFF RVPUF t ZFBS HVBSBOUFF

V For Sale BRICK PAVERS (Brown) x110. Free for pick up in Taylors Lakes. Please phone: 8390 7468 V Garage Sales

TAYLOR LAKES 31 Murchison Ave, Tue 8th Feb - Tue $BMM (FPSHF PS 4FC 1st Mar, 9:30am-1:30pm. Old and slightly used household items and antiV Rubbish Removal ques. All good stuff. Phone Don 9449 1571.

ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

WANTED. Small puppy or dog for companionship. German shepherd. Loving home guaranteed. Phone: 03 9367 7651

• Demolition Specialists • Backyard Cleanups • Concrete Broken or Cut & Removed • Tree Lopping & Removal • Rental Cleanups • All types of dingo work. • Deceased Estate Cleanups We Take Anything Away

Call 0434 525 311

G6133636AA-dc2Jul

V Television/Video/Audio

ANTENNA MAN

ST ALBANS 235 Sunshine Ave, Sat. 12th and Sun. V Tuition 13th Feb., 8am-5pm. Massive sale. Huge variety. Must clear so all offers A TEACHER Available for tutoring. Mathematics, considered. Bargains. Science, Chemistry, Chinese and Japanese. Phone 0418 871 203

V Wanted HIGHLY EXPERIENCED TECHNICIANS ANTENNA SERVICE ALL AREAS

Call or visit us online! networkclassifieds.com.au

DIGITAL ANTENNAS AMPLIFIERS TV OUTLETS

0409 888 228

LAND TO LEASE

12469374-CG46-20

V Tiling

V Plumbing

Free Quotes

Mark - 0460 321 701

฀ 12530339-JW02-22

V Reblocking/Underpinning

฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ “Your Local Tree & Stump Removalist” ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ 0421 836 152

ANY TREES LOPPED Trees Pruned Reshaped Grubbed out. All Foliage/Rubbish Removed Fully Insured $10m Pensioner Discount

Free Quote 7 Day Service 45 yrs exp.

C & D Schroeder 9337 3695 or 0415 816 882

ALL AROUND REBLOCKING & UNDERPINNING

12532110-SG03-22

CDB-L 60362

17 Years Guarantee 10% Pensioner Discount Council Permit Supplied Computer Levelling

12327446-LN42-16

Melton Tree & Stump Removals

Lic 35031

David: 0425 811 882 Ash: 0403 619 333

12523135-DL49-21

Fully insured

0428 568 004

Real Estate

Required to work full time in a cheese factory from 6.00am till 3.30pm. • Fast paced environment. • Some heavy lifting involved. • Must be reliable, enthusiastic, able to work unsupervised, and keen to work.

section of Network Classifieds.

General section of Network Classifieds.

Employment

12340308-HM08-17

12507111-HC33-21

All trees removed or Pruned All Stumps Removed Mulching & Mulch for sale!

MIRMIC PLUMBING

Free Quote All Suburbs Insurance Elevation

Required for livestock, 16 acres, no house. Ph: 0400 550 053

1 x Excavator Operator 1 x Loader Operator and 1 x Labourer required. Duties include greasing, maintenance and adhoc. Contact Norm after 5pm for further details:

Phone only between

9am-3pm Monday-Friday 9338 6644

V Positions Vacant

ADMINISTRATION / OFFICE SUPPORT

TREE & STUMPMASTERS

• Repairs to tap wares and replacement washers/ceramic • Same day hot water service replacements

Paul Catoggio 0448 411 593 pccplumbing@outlook.com

177646

School bus driver position 24 seat mini bus in the Sunbury Macedon area transporting special needs school student both to and from school a.m. and p.m. school days only. All drivers are accompanied by a carer who will work with you on each run. Contact: John Griffiths 0394 383 666 www.panor amacoaches.com.au

PROCESS WORKER

V Tree Lopping/Surgery

PCC Plumbing

ABN 44 021 708 152 Tel: 9309 2351

12521636-DL45-21

12424562-SN33-19

Tel 04 3277 4645

977914

OPERATORS AND LABOURER

Buy, Rent & Sell in the

Find it in the

• Bathroom, Kitchen, Toilet Renovation • Small Extension • Carpentry / Plastering • 20yrs. Plus Building Experience ** call Hill now for a free quote **

Call Mick 0417 352 040

V Positions Vacant

EARLY MORNING START

ASAP TILING

FREE Quotes

V Positions Vacant

School Bus Driver

Real Estate

SAME DAY SERVICE

• General Plumbing & Maintenance • Spouting & Roofing • Hot & Cold Water Services • Gas work

12533009-DL04-22

AARON & JOHN’S DEMOLITION & RUBBISH REMOVALS

12504269-BL30-21

• General plumbing • Roofing • Downpipes and Spouting • Sewer Blockages

Based in West Footscray, ACC Higgins is Australia’s leading coffin and casket manufacturer. We require an individual looking to start a career or further develop their skills in manufacturing. We would like to offer an opportunity to someone who holds a strong desire to learn from and/or work with our experienced team. With employment you will join one of our departments in Wood Machining, Solid Timber Assembly, Sanding or Polishing. The successful applicant will not necessarily have experience in any of these fields, although if you have a skills in and/or would like to work in one of these specific fields, then please inform us. In return ACC Higgins offers secure employment, above award wages and bonuses. Some overtime hours will be required from time to time. Please forward your CV to Matthew Breen at matthewb@acchiggins.com.au or call after 9am on 03 9689 3299 to apply.

12532874-JC04-22

฀

V Pets & Services

V Positions Vacant

EXPERIENCED FENCING SUB-CONTRACTOR NEEDED FOR PERMANENT WORK AT A BUSY FENCING BUSINESS of 30 years IN MOOLAP (Required: Vax Certificate, WWCC, Construction Card & ABN) FENCING STYLES – CHAINMESH, PALISADE, TUBULAR STEEL, COLORBOND & POOL PANELS

PH: 52 481 376 or 0484 010 100 – AARON

EXPERIENCED MIG-WELDER

- Ravenhall Mature minded person required with excellent data entry skills and attention to detail. Must be organised, motivated and have an enthusiastic approach. Medium sized business new to the area with 20+ years experience in a compaction testing laboratory.

Email resume to: christine@geolab.com.au

Employment

section of Network Classifieds.

Motoring V Wrecking

FREE CAR REMOVAL

V Wrecking 12321532-HM36-16

฀ ฀ ฀

12386073-RC18-18

฀ ฀

C1093409-JO39-13

฀ ฀

48 Davies Avenue, Sunshine North 9364 0770 SWA6566B

V Roofing

ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

NEEDED FOR PERMANENT WORK AT A BUSY FENCING BUSINESS of 30 years IN MOOLAP (Required: Vax Certificate, WWCC, Construction Card (not essential - FORKLIFT Licence) FENCING STYLES – GALVANISED STEEL ,PALISADE, TUBULAR STEEL & GATES

7 days a week service Call Gus for a free quotation on

OFFICE PH: 03 52 481 376

0435 904 818

Pay up to $500 for most cars Dead or Alive LMCT 10268W

FREE CAR REMOVAL Pay up to $600 for all complete cars dead or alive!

0422 108 512 Also Towing Service Available 12493026-AV19-21

LMCT 10268W

Find it in the

Celebrations

section of Network Classifieds.

Want to place an ad but not sure where to start? Call our helpful classified team between 8:30am-5pm Mon-Fri for FREE advice!

16 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

12450417-LB23-20

V Kitchens

฀

V Positions Vacant

12423634-SN31-19

Bill 0410 48 14 17

Reg No 8659

1235322622-PB22-17

1231176-CG24-16

20 years experience. All types of house repairs & renovations

฀

V Massage Therapists

MEMBER OF MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION

Handyman Service

฀

Employment

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

MOTOR

Light hatchback with sporty flair By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring The i20 N is Hyundai’s first light hot hatch. We are assured it can run with its N stablemates, “delivering its speed and performance with a fun personality that turns every trip into a Special Stage” according to Hyundai. At this stage the i20 N is offered in a single grade, we have queried the Australian importer about other grades, but were told that’s all they will divulge at this time. In any case the single grade is well specified and the major emphasis is on high performance – which is exactly what lovers of hot cars are looking for. Important features include Launch Control, an auto rev-matching function for the manual transmission, and a three-mode stability control system. By the way the ’N’ designation indicates both Hyundai’s Namyang Research and Development Center in South Korea. It was also the famed Nurburgring in Germany where many cars are unofficially tested to their limit in a wide variety of road conditions. Note that the Nurburgring is a public road so if you happen to be in Germany you may care to have a fang there. Just keep an eye on your mirrors in case something very quick suddenly come up behind you…

Styling Hyundai i20 is a neat looking small car even in its standard format. Changes to upgrade it to the N include a different grille inspired by the WRC models, a rear spoiler, built-in rear diffuser and a large single exhaust. The lower areas are finished in red. The 18-inch alloys are in grey matte with N-branded centre caps. The i20 N is offered in a range of ten colours including two shades of red.

Interior

improved friction materials and redesigned synchros.

Driving

Take a family hatchback add sporting looks more power, and you get the Hyundai i20 N.

Performance Blue highlights throughout the cabin make a statement. The interior plastics and surfaces are rather hard to the touch, but keep in mind this isn’t a luxury car. A variety of textures visually make it look more a little further upmarket. A leather/cloth combination upholstery that’s of a reasonable quality. Keep in mind that this is a budget priced car. But may we suggest you check this for yourself when doing your checks on which car you’re considering buying.

Infotainment There are twin 10.25 inch displays, one for instruments, the other for the infotainment touchscreen. The displays are excellent and can be read with a minimum of distraction for the driver. As seems to happen all too often, the DAB+ digital radio drops out more often than not. To the extent I found myself saying f### off and giving up. Instead listening to the Bose

(Supplied)

seven-speaker sound system which produces decent sound. More speakers would be welcome, but I guess this is a car built down to a relatively low price. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired) and satellite navigation are standard. There’s a Qi wireless charger.

Engines / transmissions The Hyundai i20 N is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol. Power is 150kW between 5500 and 6000rpm. Peak torque is 275Nm from 1750 to 4500rpm. An overboost function increases maximum torque to 304Nm under full throttle between 2000 and 4000rpm. The only transmission is a six-speed manual transmission - Yippee it’s set up for real drivers! It powers the front wheels by way of a sporting Torsen mechanical limited-slip diff. Upgrades to handle the extra power and torque of the ’N’ include a reinforced clutch,

Though based on a standard city and suburban car, the guys and gals at Namyang and at Hyundai Australia have done an excellent job of giving the i20 N a genuinely sporting flair. The firmer ride and tyre noise on coarse-chip roads are certainly what you expect in a sporting car, which is fine for the driver but may not appeal to passenger, especially during long trips. The six-speed manual is easy to use. In our test car the clutch didn’t start to engage till the pedal was almost all the way up. After a while this was no longer an irritation. Gearing is low and at 110km/h in sixth in top gear the engine is at nearly 3000rpm. It doesn’t sound overly busy - even though it is. On typical European motorway speeds of 140 to 160km/h it’s going to sound very busy. And if you’re lucky enough to be driving on unrestricted sections of German autobahnen the engine is going to spend a lot of time at 6000rpm. Don’t know if that would be doing the fuel consumption at lot of good. But who cares, smile and enjoy the ride! The i20 N’s powertrain is Euro 6-certified and has fuel-saving idle stop/start technology. Fuel use is quoted as 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle. During our test period covering over 450 kilometres we used nine to eleven litres per hundred around town, dropping to six to seven litres on the open road.

Summing up You get a lot of sporting driving in this highly modified Hyundai i20 N and those who need/ want a family car with plenty of get up and go at a relatively modest price should certainly add it to their shopping list.

Tyre & Auto Service • BRIDGESTONE • FIRESTONE • SUPERCAT • DAYTON • POTENZA • TURANZA • ECOPIA • DUELER

DEALER LOGBOOK SERVICE Minor Dealership Logbook Service

From only $189.00. Includes: Replacement of engine oil filter and semi synthetic engine oil up to 7 litres Inspect and top up fluid levels • Check headlamp and light operation Inspect drive belts and cooling system, hoses etc • Remove wheels and inspect brake and suspension components • Stamp warranty booklet if applicable. $189.00 - Suits most Japanese vehicles $229.00 - Vehicles requiring full synthetic engine oils, Ie, Fiesta, Mondeo and some late model Japanese vehicles $289.00 - European Vehicles - Some earlier models Diesel Service Most Japanese 4WD & Commercial Vans $349.00 - European - Mid luxury/prestige vehicles. ‘Offers apply on purchases made in participating stores between 01/02/2022 and 28/02/2022. Terms and conditions apply. Tyre images are for illustration purposes only. See bridgestone.com.au for details.

COMPLETE TYRE PACKAGE DEALS

6 MONTHS INTEREST

FREE *

No Deposit No Interest No repayments for 6 months *Conditions Apply

Dayton DT30 Manufactured by

Bridgestone 175/65R14 $375 215/45R17 $489 195/65R15 $415 235/45R17 $495 205/65R15 $439 225/45R18 $635 205/55R16 $439 235/40R18 $535 215/60R16 $467 245/45R18 $639 215/55R17 $587 245/40R19 $699 PACKAGES INCLUDE: 4 tyres, 4 tubeless valves, fitting, balancing, front & rear wheel alignment if applicable.

NO MORE TO PAY - ALL INCLUSIVE NOTE : The Above Prices include a discounted cost of $59.00 which covers front and rear wheel alignment

HOPPERS CROSSING 3/308–322 Old Geelong Rd 9369 0500

Eftpos

Note: Some 4WD, luxury, prestige and sports models vehicles may incur an extra cost Price on application.

PROFESSIONAL VEHICLE SERVICING & REPAIRS, WITH HONESTY & INTEGRITY • Fixed Price Servicing • Mechanical Repairs • Brakes • Clutch Repairs • Fleet Maintenance • Automatic Transmission

• RWC LVT License no: EX 6187 • Wheel Balancing • Wheel Alignments • Licensed Vehicle Tester • Batteries • Child Restraint Fitting

We use and recommend Valvoline Motor Oils & Ryco Filters

ST ALBANS Cards Welcome

29 St Albans Rd 9364 3244

All pictures are for illustration purposes only. All prices are recommended sale prices. Excludes fleet, government and wholesale accounts. Offers valid until date is 28/02/2022.

12534101-AV06-22

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 17

SPORT STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

Young cricket star makes her mark Mia Gordon thought her chances of making the Vic metro team for the Northern Summer Series was over when she got COVID-19. At just 14, Mia was one of the younger players in the under-16 Cricket Victoria Emerging Players program, with her being eligible for another two years. But strong form in the training sessions and the Youth Premier League competition saw Gordon selected for the Vic Metro team to play against some of the best players from across Victoria, New South Wales and the ACT last month. “I thought it was crazy and I was looking forward to all the training with the other girls,” she said of making the emerging players program. “I really enjoyed the amount of opportunities I’ve got and I’ve still got two more years in the under-16s. “They were at such a high level and they

taught me more professionalism. “I was shocked and grateful [to make the final team]. It was a really good opportunity not only on the ground, but being around all the quality coaches and players.” The Caroline Springs cricketer finished second highest scorer for her team. Mia said she felt at home playing against the other girls, as her game was challenged. The tournament capped off a big summer for Mia who was part of Western Spirit’s first girls title in the Youth Premier League. Mia played just four games due to COVID and she felt the effects through the games she did play. Mia was one of two Spirit girls to be part of the Northern Summer Series alongside Holly Paggpel. Mia said the YPL win was pretty special. “The team was fantastic winning the title,” she said. “It was a reward for the work that our coaches had put in.”

While still playing for Caroline Springs, Gordon is starting to make her mark at Victorian Premier Cricket with Essendon Maribyrnong Park. She’s in her second season at the club. “EMP’s culture is really good,” she said. “It’s been a really good experience and there’s a lot of talented players and I love the coaches.” Mia has aims of playing cricket for Australia one day. If she’s to achieve that, it will be a long way from the girl who started playing cricket for a different reason. “I’ve been playing since I was eight. I was at my brother’s cricket and they were handing out Maccas vouchers. “Mum would never take me to Maccas, so I joined to get a Maccas voucher and then they stopped doing that. “I fell in love with it.” Tara Murray

Mia Gordon. (Supplied)

United settles for a draw

Winner Ryley Rametta middle with the runners-ups Georgia Pistone and Antonio Sipa Masina.

(Supplied)

Rametta’s shock win By Tara Murray Rising judo star Ryley Rametta was left speechless when she was announced the overall winner of the Western Region Sports Club Don Deeble Sports Star for 2021. After two years of training and competition ruined by the pandemic, Rametta felt that her achievements didn’t match those of the other nominees. But the judges felt otherwise and awarded her the prize, which includes $5000 from the Yarraville Club Cricket Club to help with her sporting goals. “It’s pretty good,” said the July nominee for the award. “I didn’t expect it at all. “I was gobsmacked and I didn’t have the words for it. Having listened to everyone’s stories and how far they had gone and I didn’t think I matched them.” Rametta said the money will go towards a couple of trips to Canberra and Sydney and then Europe for events. She said sponsorship for judo athletes at her level is rare, with the money to prove a big

helping hand in getting her on the road. Rametta took up judo in her pre-teens after her parents started looking for a sport for their daughters. Rametta trains at Resilience Training Centre in Footscray, which is run by principal trainers Daniel Kelly and Maria Pekli. The upcoming events are a fresh start after a a tough couple of years for Rametta both on the mat and off it. She hasn’t been able to compete in an event in nearly two years. She has previously competed for Australia in 2020, finishing ninth in the European Judo Championships as part of the Australian cadet team. “The last one was in Turkey, which was nearly two years ago, at the end of March. “Training was interrupted and you couldn’t train unless you had working permits. That cut out a lot of training partners. “We would have to take all the precautions, but we didn’t know if training would happen.” Rametta said she felt unprepared heading into these competitions, but that was something she felt ahead of many of her events.

18 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 8 February, 2022

She said as long as she stuck to her game and fought the way she trained, she thought she would be okay. The break from competition wasn’t all bad. It allowed Rametta to have major surgery and recover, while also focusing on her year 12 studies. Now the focus is on competing and reaching her goal of the Olympics. “I’m more determined,” she said. “I definitely want to go further than before if that is possible.” Rugby Union player Antonio Sipa Masina and shooter Georgia Pistone were named runners-up and will each receive $2500 from Yarraville Club Cricket Club. Cricketer Holly Nagpal and footballer Montana Ham were awarded encouragement awards and will each receive $1000 from the The Bendigo Bank – Strathmore Branch. The Deeble sports award is sponsored by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, Strathmore Community Bank and the Deer Park Club, with the aim to financially support rising sports stars in the west of Melbourne.

Western United had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Macarthur in the A-League on Tuesday night. Playing their second game in 72 hours, United rang the changes as they looked to get some fresh legs on the park. There were six changes to the starting line up, including Christian Theoharous and Nicolas Milanovic making their first starts. Milanovic made the most of the start, scoring United’s first goal in the 16th minute. Both sides had chances after that to score in the first half, but neither side could with United leading 1-0 at the break. United had a couple of chances early in the second half to extend their lead. Aloisi started to make some changes, bringing on some of their key guys. Aleksandar Prijovic, who was among those changes, looked dangerous right from the start. He would be rewarded with a goal after being set up by Lachie Wales. The Bulls responded soon after to close the gap. They would score a second after an own goal, as Leo Lacroix diverted Tomislav Uskok’s header into his own net. United had a couple of late chances, but couldn’t get the winner. United coach John Aloisi said he was proud of the effort from the boys. “It was a quick turnaround from Saturday with a few changes and a lot of these guys haven’t played a lot of football this season,” he said. “It was humid here, it was a tough night for the boys physically. They worked hard. “There are a lot of heads that are down in there but I’m proud of them. We felt we were going to win the game, but in football things can turn pretty quickly, these things happen but we’re still proud of them.” Aloisi said he was thrilled with how the youngsters had stepped up when given the opportunity. He said these guys will be important as the club juggles a tough schedule. “They were impressive … They deserved their opportunities. “They’ve been training well and we know throughout this period we have to rotate players.” The result was enough to move United to the top of the table. United was set to be back in action on Saturday night against Western Sydney Wanderers. The game was after deadline.

Triplett named in Boomers squad Former Keilor Thunder basketballer Zac Triplett could make his debut for the Australian Boomers as the FIBA Basketball World Cup Asian qualifiers in Japan. Triplett was named in an extended 17-man squad, with the squad made up of players from the Centre of Excellence, NBA Global Academy and NBL. With the NBL season in progress, many of the normal walk up selections were unavailable, with the next generation of players getting their opportunity. The final squad will travel to Japan for the qualifiers later this month. Triplett, who is a development player with Melbourne United, said it would be an honour to play for Australia. He made his debut for United earlier this season. “For me, one of the biggest things as a kid was watching guys like Andrew Gaze and the Boomers play for Australia,” Triplett added. “To represent my country and be a Boomer

was one of the biggest goals I had for my future, it’s a huge honour to be selected for the squad and then hopefully go from there.” Triplett said being surrounded by the likes of Matthew Dellavedova, Chris Goulding, David Barlow and Brad Newley, who have all represented Australia at Olympics and World Cups, had been really helpful in his development. “Being around Delly, CG, Barlow and Newley has been huge,” Triplett said. “They’ve been massive parts of Australian basketball for a long time, so just being out there on the court with them at a professional level has been huge for us at such a young age. “I hope we can follow in their footsteps and live out the dreams that they lived out for us.” Triplett played his junior basketball at Keilor before spending one year in America at college. He returned to Australia last year and turned professional. Speaking before the season started, he told

Star Weekly that signing with United was the best thing for his career right now. “It’s very exciting, with them obviously coming off winning the championship,” he said. “It’s super exciting to be part of the side. I was with them during the grand final week after they came back from Perth. “It’s unreal and they’re a great bunch of guys and great staff and coaches.” Rob Beveridge, who will coach the side, said that he has no doubt the squad will represent with distinction. Boomers Olympic head coach Brian Goorjian is excited about the opportunity for the development players and knows they will make Australia proud. “The rose gold in Tokyo was about basketball at all levels and these development players now have a tremendous opportunity to step up and represent in the green and gold.” Tara Murray

Zac Triplett has been named in the Boomers squad. (Supplied)

Deer Park in the semi-final

Peter Hatzoglou played an important role for Perth Scorchers. (AAP Image/Matt Turner)

Hatzoglou’s rise to fame By Tara Murray Peter Hatzoglou is still pinching himself about the path his cricket career has taken him the last two years. Entering last season’s BBL, Hatzoglou was focusing on establishing himself in Victorian Premier Cricket having broken through to Melbourne University’s top side after playing the majority of his cricket at Sunshine Heights. After being picked up by the Melbourne Renegades as an injury replacement player, he became a cult figure within the country. After moving to Perth Scorchers for this season, Hatzoglou found himself as BBL title winner. “It has been great,” he said. “It’s been different and I can’t really put it into words. “I was at Renegades last year and the Perth Scorchers this year. I’m playing in a team that won, with the first XI taking to the field on Friday night [the final] and I’m the only one who hadn’t played international cricket. “One of the best things about it is being able to talk to the guys about different things and

different scenarios.” Hatzoglou said it was hard to leave the Renegades after they gave him an opportunity, but said it was the right move. The 23-year-old took 15 wickets for the tournament, to rank in the top 20 overall. Hatzoglou said he was happy with how he went. “My role, I was always paired with Ashton Agar to sort of tighten things down in the middle order,” he said. “Jye Richardson and Jason Behrendorff rolled through the top order, which made it easier for me in the middle overs. “All those guys took the pressure off me. “There were so many opportunities for me. I think I did well and improved on last season.” Hatzoglou said the role with Agar, who has been part of the Australian set up for years, had been massive in his progress. He said the two really complimented each other. The journey to the title wasn’t an easy one for the Scorchers, who spent a big chunk of the season on the road due to COVID-19 and border restrictions.

For Hatzoglou, it meant getting to play in front of his friends and family with Perth based out of Melbourne for much of the season. “The family did come along to the games,” he said. “I haven’t spent a lot of time in Melbourne since cricket took off. On the Sunday after the game, I went down to Sunshine Heights [Cricket Club] ground on veterans’ day. “I caught up with a few guys.” Having had the success that he’s had the last two years, Hatzoglou said there was now the possibility of having a career in cricket. “It could be life on the road for a little bit or life behind the desk at KPMG,” he said. “There’s the IPL auction in mid-February that I’ll put myself up for. “Hopefully I’ll have some opportunities in the UK [United Kingdom] and some other T20 competitions around the world. “I really thought playing cricket as a job was a distant possibility but for me to be as close as I am to it. “It’s a matter of continuing to improve. I get access to so many of those great players its nice to have mentors to guide me.”

Deer Park is through to the semi finals of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association T20 competition after a convincing win against Grand United on Tuesday night. Deer Park batted first and made 7-131 from its 20 overs with Roshon Primus top scoring with 51 not out. Milorad Konjevic took two wickets for Grand United. Grand United were in the game at 2-51 before losing its last eight wickets for 26 to be bowled out for 77. Jayden White-Powell top scored with 27 for Grand United, while Yoshan Kumara took three wickets for Deer Park. While Deer Park is through to the final four, the T20 campaign came to an end for Sydenham-Hillside and PEGS. Point Cook proved too good for the Storm. Batting first, Point Cook made 6-123 from its 20 overs with Harmanjeet Bedi top scoring with 50 not out. Storm skipper Ben Green took three wickets. The Storm was bowled out for 106. Ishan Dombagaha Pathirage top scored with 38 as only three players reached double figures. Point Cook, which plays in division 3 in the normal competition, is the lowest ranked team left. PEGS lost to Haig Fawkner. PEGS made 8-109 for its overs with Gayantha Wijethilaka top scoring with 26, Charith Mendis took two wickets for Haig Fawkner. Haig Fawkner chased down the runs, finishing 4-114. Warren Parker top scored with 27. Haig Fawkner, which won last season’s competition, is one of two senior division sides left in the competition. Aberfeldie, which is undefeated this season in senior division, accounted for Druids. Jordan Kight continued his good form, making 64 as Abers made 5-132. Nathan Johnson and Eamon Scott took two wickets each for the Druids. The Druids fell well short, restricted to 9-103. Oliver Willett top scored with 27. A fixture for the semi finals is yet to be released. Tara Murray

Tuesday, 8 February, 2022 BRIMBANK & NORTHWEST STAR WEEKLY 19

Blueberry Punnets

Continental Cucumber

$ 99

99¢

Pink Lady Apples

Green Capsicum

99¢

$ 99

1

Bananas, Gold Sweet Potato, Gourmet Tomatoes, Nectarines or Peaches

$

4499 ea

Carlton Dry Cans Only 24x375ml or Great Northern Super Crisp Stubbies 24x330ml

$

3499 ea

Johnnie Walker Red Label or Samuel Gelston 700ml

$ 99

1

$

kg

4799 ea

ea

kg

ea

2

kg

SUMMER SALE

Absolut Vodka 1L

ON SALE: WEDNESDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 2022 UNTIL TUESDAY 15TH FEBRUARY 2022 - SEE IN STORE FOR MORE GREAT SPECIALS

Mon-Fri 7am - 8pm Sat 8am - 8pm Sun 9am - 7pm (service Deli closes at 7pm) 10/8 Hatchlands Dr Deer Park VIC 3023

03 8390 0811

*Limited stock available. No rainchecks. We reserve the right to correct printing errors. IGA Liquor supports the responsible service of alcohol. Tobacco & alcohol not sold to under 18s. Pictures are for illustrative purposes only. Retail limits apply.

12534581-HC06-22

New hours