Star Weekly - Northern - 4th July 2023

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Taking kids to the future

The Broadmeadows Library is encouraging kids to take a leap into the future these school holidays by offering a range of virtual reality experiences.

With VR on the rise, youth services librarian Megan Becke said it’s the perfect time for kids to be learning about future technologies.

“That’s why this program is really good because it’s an introduction to the movements and the systems,” she said.

Hume council purchased six Meta Quest headsets as part of a Victoria University emerging technologies grant progam. Programs team leader Jacqueline Auhl said the possibilities with the headsets are endless.

“You can use them to explore all types of virtual environments, we have an International Space Station program, where you can explore the ISS as an astronaut,” she said.

“We have interesting historical experiences, you can explore Anne Frank’s house for example. Or there’s just fun made up virtual worlds.”

It’s not just for entertainment, with the technology being used to help educate and train young people for job interviews.

‘Mind blowing’ support

By Harper Sercombe

AGoFundMecampaignforastrugglingcouple who lost their home in a house fire has raised over $16,000.

Craigieburn locals Wayne Morrison and Deborah Rhodes lost their home of 32-years in June.

Their son and fundraiser organiser Billy Morrison said it’s “been a tough week.”

“As a family trying to all come together to helptheparentstrytoworkoutwhat’snextand what needs to be done and to help find a sense of normality,” he said.

“[We] are starting to get a lot better now as

each day passes.

“It really helps that we have eight kids in the family to all lean on each other and support with different things.”

The last few years have been tough on the Morrison-Rhodes family with Wayne sustainingaworkplaceinjurythathaskepthim outofajobforalmostsevenyears.Deborah has also not been able to find steady employment through COVID and helping Wayne through his injuries.

“Mumanddadhavedoneasmuchaspossible to stay afloat but this latest setback has meant that as much as it pains them to say they need some help,” Billy said.

“[They] have home insurance but due to the cost of living and their situation they couldn’t afford the contents insurance so they have 32 years worth of possessions to try to replace.”

However, Billy said the community response has been “mind blowing.”

“Friends and family have been so supportive.

“Weareallsogratefulforeverysingleperson who has donated and it will help so much.

“We’ve had over 100 different donations from people from all over Victoria from family and friends to work colleagues and everyone in between.”

Details: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ wayne-debs-fire-relief-fund

Madinah, 9, enjoying the VR activities at Broadmeadows Library.

(Damjan Janevski) 343128_01

Wayne Morrison and Deborah Rhodes. (Supplied)

Top cop retires after 45 years

By Harper Sercombe

EppingSeniorSergeantandstationcommander

Paul Mellick has retired from the force after 45 years of service.

He said now is the right time to move on to the next stage of life.

“I’m not leaving bitter, twisted and broken, I’m leaving fulfilled and content,” he said.

“You just know when the right time to retire is, when you know you’re happy with what you’ve achieved.”

The 63-year-old was made a constable in 1978 and has been station commander at Epping since 2008.

Senior Sergeant Mellick has had a decorated career including a United Nations deployment to East Timor, travelling to the Solomon

Islands with the federal police, and awarded the Australia Police Medal.

However,hesaidheismostproudofhiswork as station commander for the last 15 years.

“I’ve seen a lot of leadership development in those years that will hopefully become a legacy,” he said.

He said this role has allowed him to utilise community engagement, something that he says is key to the work police do.

“[I’ve enjoyed the] people engagement, working with really high calibre people, with a strong sense of wanting to provide community safety,” he said.

“And working with high functioning teams.”

Senior Sergeant Mellick is also proud of the Australia Police Medal he was awarded in 2015 for leadership.

Something that he said was a “humbling honour.”

When awarded the medal, he told Star Weeklyit took more than just him.

“It’s a tremendous honour, but this is something that’s bigger than one person,” he said.

“Everyone in this workplace is worthy of the recognition. It is in many ways a team award.”

Senior Sergeant Mellick said there will not be much to miss about life on the force as his fulfilment in what he has achieved over 45 years leaves him satisfied in retirement.

Epping Senior Sergeant and Station Commander Paul Mellick. (Supplied)

Legendary grant for spring carnival

Living Legends, an organisation dedicated to housing retired race horses, has received a $15,000 events grant in the Hume budget.

The stable is located on the historical thoroughbred property, The Woodlands Homestead. The site was involved in the first ever Melbourne Cup in 1861, and now houses eight past winners of the race, including Prince of Penzance made famous by Michelle Payne’s ride in 2015.

Living Legends chief executive Dr Andrew Clarke who describes himself as a “worn out old vet with some worn out old horses,” said the funding provided will help maximise the benefits of the area for all.

“Through the spring carnival, you get a lot internationaltravellerssowewanttogetpeople coming here, enjoying the property,” he said “We will be able to have some nice functions and some nice events, but there will be plenty happening here for the local community as well.”

Dr Clarke said the facility would not be able to serve its objective of maintaining the relationship between the community and the champion race horses if it wasn’t for the continued support of council.

“We also want to showcase what we have here in Hume,” Dr Clarke said.

“[Hume] is a fantastic tourism destination.

“It makes it such a great place to live, work, visit or play.”

The organisation has embraced its connection with the area after being named as last year’s winners of the visitor economy, in the tourism, and then awarded the title of Hume business of the year.

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Living Legends chief executive Andrew Clarke. (Damjan Janevski) 344053_01

Marnong Estate one step closer to development

Mickleham’s Marnong Estate is one step closer to its new developments.

Hume council recently passed the planning documents to allow the winery to progress to its next stage of the development.

The plans allow for a new 1000-person function space, a 120-room hotel, 40 cabins for group accommodation, a small brewer or coffee roaster, a spa with both indoor and outdoor pools, and a 200 square metre provedore shop.

This is expected to create more than 187 permanent jobs to go with the 397 jobs it will create through construction.

Councillor Chris Hollow said the upgrades will inject $41 million into the local economy.

Discounted cat desexing

Whittlesea council, in partnership with Lort Smith Animal Hospital, is offering discounted cat desexing in July, through the Little Paws of the North initiative.

Theinitiativesupportsthecommunity in responsible pet ownership and aims tonotonlyreducetheriskofpotentially serious hormone-related conditions and unwanted pregnancies in cats, but also offers education sessions for pet owners.

Whittlesea residents with a concession card can book their cats into Lort Smith Animal Hospital in Campbellfield to have their pets desexed, microchipped and vaccinated by vets at a discounted price of $50 per cat.

Council’s chair administrator Lydia Wilson encouraged residents to take up this offer, which also supports the upcoming new cat regulations that require all newly registered cats to be de-sexed.

“Ensuring our cats are desexed means fewer unwanted kittens,” she said.

“Cats can start breeding at four months old, and with an average of four kittens per litter and three litters per year, one female cat and her offspring can produce up to 5,000 cats in seven years if not desexed.”

Details: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/ cats

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“I’mlookingforwardtoseeingtheadditional tourism that this estate will bring to Hume. It will put Hume on the map,” he said.

“This facility has a lot more to offer [than the Mornington Hot Springs].

“This estate is something Hume can be proud it has in its backyard.”

Cr Naim Kurt said its location being close to the CBD and Melbourne Airport makes it perfect for both local, regional and international tourists.

“It is the jewel in our tourism crown,” he said. “I look forward to seeing our tourism economy continue to grow.”

Harper Sercombe

Another building company folds

Rachael Ward, AAP

At 3.30pm on Friday, June 30 Ronald Brown learnt the company building his dream house had suddenly collapsed.

Along with dozens of other anxious Bentley Homes customers, he started his weekend unsuccessfully trying to reach insurers and liquidators to determine the fate of the partially built homes.

“Everything we have is in that house, it just breaks your spirit,“ Mr Brown told AAP. He and his wife have paid close to $300,000 for their home in Doreen but are now unsure if they will be able to move in as planned in September.

The couple work five jobs between them and fear they will be unable to pay their rent and mortgage if there are any more delays.

“It’s not like we can just take on more work because we’re already at capacity,“ Mr Brown said.

“Our biggest concern at the moment is the financial stress and worry about how we’re going to continue paying for everything.“

Mr Brown believes their insurance policy should pay out about $80,000 but is yet to hear confirmation this will happen, describing this weekend as a waiting game.

AAP understands about 50 customers have been impacted by the liquidation.

On Friday, Timothy Holden of insolvency

Magpies are flying high

The Roxburgh Park Magpies Basketball Club has been a staple of the area since 1997, however it almost all came crashing down only five years ago.

In 2018 the club was $13,000 in debt for amenities such as court hire and uniforms and the club could only field six teams with the 60 kids it had.

Seeing the club in disarray committee members Sam Abbas and Helen Halwani decided to take on bigger responsibilities, and were made president and treasurer respectively.

Now the club is in a strong position on and off the court.

“We now have 21 teams and over 200 kids,” Mrs Halwani said.

“We now have a $30,000 surplus.

“And we only had one all girls team and

now we have over six.”

All money raised is being reinvested back into the club.

“We have purchased all coaches, coaching whiteboards, all new balls, and we had a family dinner night all paid for by the club,” she said.

MrsHalwanisaidsheissteadfastonmaking the club a positive and inclusive environment.

The Magpie’s mantra is about making the club a “family environment,” with many of their players going to watch each other play, Mrs Halwani said.

“We want to let the kids play fairly and have fun, it’s all about having fun,” she said.

“We’re here to protect our kids at the club, we’re a multicultural club.”

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firm Crouch Amirbeaggi was appointed liquidator.

Mr Holden told AAP he was in the early stages of gathering information and would be in a position to report to creditors and homeowners early next week.

The building company cited economic pressures for its demise in an email to customers.

“Unfortunately, this leaves us in a position where we are unable to carry out any further works,“ Bentley Homes said in the email.

“Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your new home journey.“

Mr Brown visited his home under construction early on Saturday and

contractors had already loaded materials onto trucks.

“I need to know the timeframes, I need to know options,“ Mr Brown said.

“If we know what they say then at least we can try to make a plan, go to the bank, talk to the bank, try to find a builder or someone that’ll be willing to complete it.“

Agovernmentspokespersonsaidliquidation was a trigger for domestic building insurance which all companies had to take out on behalf of customers by law.

“We understand the distress that customers will be feeling and urge them to follow the directions of their insurance policies,“ they said.

The Magpies at their Monday training. (Supplied)

Eagles’ double header

The Craigieburn Eagles are inviting everyone back to the nest on July 8.

The basketball club are celebrating their long term successes in a night at the Craigieburn Stadium.

President Belinda Tirant said she wants to welcome everyone back to watch a Big V double header with their youth league and division 2 men’s teams playing on the night.

“It’s a really important night, we’ve lost a bit of traction since COVID, we want to be filling the stands, and getting people back that have helped around the club,” Ms Tirant said.

Former star player Kellie Bailey-Lynn is helping organise and promote the night. Bailey-Lynn played 390 Big V games for the Eagles, in which she was captain for 11 years and is a three time championship player, and evenhasacourtnamedafterheratthestadium.

What’s on

Briefs

Whittlesea’s new youth hub

The state government has announced that Whittlesea will be home to a new youth hub. Council will receive funding through the youth hubs grant program for a feasibility study to determine the location, infrastructure requirements and services which will best support local young people in the region.

Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said she is “thrilled” for young people in the area. “These safe spaces will enable them to forge connections, explore possibilities and thrive,” she said.

Women in the Men’s Shed

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal has awarded a grant to the Whittlesea Men’s Shed. The $1720 grant will be used to run a women’s woodwork course to increase volunteer membership and create opportunities for skills development and connection for older women.

Community Local Law

We have a draft new Local Law with a local voice, and we want to hear what you think!

Fire safety, animals, property, vehicles and public behaviour are just some of the themes addressed in the draft of a new Community Local Law which has been released for community consultation.

We have drafted the new Community Local Law following extensive feedback and now we want to check in with the community.

For more information and to have your say on the Community Local Law, visit the engage page at www.engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/LocalLawReview

Overall, she played in more than 700 games representing the club and has coached many of the kids coming through.

“It’s one of my favourite places in the whole world,” Bailey-Lynn said when the court was named after her.

The night will include activities between the two games including a potential walking basketball game between past legends of the club. With plenty of prizes to be won from a range of activities and giveaways.

The stadium bar will also be open for people to share stories and recall some of their favourite moments at the club.

This is the inaugural past players event but Ms Tirand is hoping to make it an annual get together.

Lalor man dies in car crash

A 62-year-old Lalor man died in a car crash on Wednesday, June 28. Investigators believe a Toyota 4WD was travelling on Dundas Street, Thornybury, when the car collided into a power pole near Victoria Street about 6pm. No one else was injured. At this stage, it’s believed the driver had a medical episode prior to the crash.

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Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

VR Michael Reserve

Council is developing a master plan for VR Michael Reserve in Lalor to improve accessibility and improve the park.

The VR Michael Reserve master plan is a high level document providing a broad vision for the area. The master plan does not focus on one specific item or user group, but instead looks at all of the reserve’s features, furniture and users. Resserve users are encouraged to share feedback on their current experiences with VR Michael Reserve and their vision for its future. This feedback will assist Council to develop the master plan.

To have your say, visit www.engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/vr-michael-reserve

whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Harper Sercombe

Kellie Bailey-Lynn.

$3m fine for Bradbury

Bradbury Industrial Services has been fined almost $3 million after pleading guilty to 12 separate charges.

The chemical recycling operator was fined $2,400,000 for failing to take all reasonable precautions for the prevention of any fire or explosion involving dangerous goods across their twoCampbellfieldandthreeCraigieburn warehouses.

The County Court heard that Bradbury stored over nine million litres of dangerous chemicals such as burner fuel across their warehouses.

Celebrating differences

By Harper Sercombe

Greenvale’s Kolbe Catholic College celebrated its multiculturalism through Cultural Awareness Week late last month.

The week, running from June 19 to June 23, promoted multicultural understanding and recognised the diverse backgrounds of Kolbe students.

The school has a diverse mix of over 1100 students from year 7 to 12. The school represents 28 different countries and students who fluently speak 10 different languages.

Sixty-eight per cent of the students have one or both parents who were born outside of

Australia, demonstrating the diversity within the college.

Throughout the week Kolbe organised a series of events and activities aimed to foster cultural appreciation, encourage dialogue, and promote inclusivity.

Traditional weaving techniques from the Pacific Islands will be on show, as well as multicultural mask making and mindfulness drawing and meditation.

ItalianandArabicculturaldancingwerealso be on full display.

Principal Nick Scully said he enjoyed all of the activities but admits the dancing was “fantastic.”

Boutique living in Armstrong Creek

“It’sanexcellentopportunitytocelebrateour multiculturalism,”hesaid.“Agreatopportunity for kids to emphasise their culture and cultural differences within the community.”

Mr Scully said he sees the importance of embracing diversity and not assimilation.

“We need to be aware of cultural differences to be able to celebrate them,” he said.

The multicultural initiatives have been going on for years at Kolbe but it remains a student-led initiative.

“The students have been very keen to make sure this event is maintained,” he said.

“[They have a] great amount of pride, to showcase their culture.”

Some of the containers storing the dangerous goods were showing indications of “damage, bulging or leaking,” Judge Peter Rozen said. Bradburywasfined$500,000forfailing to provide a safe work environment for their employees at the Thornycroft Road site, where the fire began.

Due to EPA related offences, Bradbury was charged a further $80,000 for breaching its dangerous goods licence at the Thornycroft Road site, and for the pollution caused by the April 2019 blaze in the local creek, as well as providing an environmental hazard.

Judge Rozen applied some mitigating measures to the struggling business which is currently in liquidation. Judge Rozensaidasthebusinesspleadedguilty, “showed some evidence of remorse,” and had no prior convictions, it was entitled to a “significant discount on sentence.”

Judge Rozen said “the fine imposed in this case would have been $4 million,” if there was no plea of guilty.

Year 11 students, Simon, Caleb, Alexander and Luka partaking in Cultural Week events at Kolbe. (Damjan Janevski) 342350_04

Modern over 50s living, comingsoontoMickleham.

Embrace your best years at Melba Vale Country Club

Melba Vale Country Club is continuing to thrive and is a popular place for over 55s and retirees.

Melba Vale Country Club welcomes you to share the experience and have your own private tour ans a cuppa with manager Gregory.

Melba Vale Country Club is part of the Country Club Living group and is located at 1390 Pascoe Vale Road, Coolaroo. The CountryClubisconvenientlylocatedonlyfive minutes from the Broadmeadows Shopping Centre and is close to public transport.

Villa 49 ( shown below) is now priced at an enviable price point of $399,000 and with no stamp duty, representing an offering that is rare for this type of quality home.

The many exciting features of this fully refurbished villa include stone bench tops and quality appliances to kitchen, spacious open plan living plus a second living / study or third bedroom, built in robes to bedrooms, two-way ensuite and a second toilet, gas ducted heating and split system air conditioning, ducted vacuuming, secure internal access direct from single car garage, and a private rear garden.

This home is very conveniently located close to the caravan and boat storage area –making it ideal for the caravan enthusiast.

At the Melba Vale community visitors and residents are delighted by the bright and happy atmosphere. You can embrace life and live your retirement just the way you want. Come along and tour MelbaVale facilities, which boasts a magnificent community club that houses a hairdressing salon, library, pool table and club bar. Other facilities include a gym and an outdoor bowls rink.

The Country Club is staffed with on-site management and has a 24-hour emergency call system.

The Country Club bus also commutes residents on shopping and social outings.

Village manager for the country club, Gregory Nicholls, welcomes inspections

Monday–Friday 10am–4pm or by private appointment. Visit Melba Vale on-line at melbavale.com.au or contact Gregory today for your own private tour on FreeCall

1800 503 225.

What are you waiting for? Don’t leave it too late to enjoy the amazing lifestyle on offer.

Join the friendly Melba Vale community.

Downsize to your dream lifestyle today

For 20 years, Lifestyle Communities has lived and breathed the wants and needs of the downsizer homeowner.

LifestyleCommunitiesconsistentlyrefinesits approach, communities and homes to not only meet your needs – but exceed them! And with twodecadesofexperience,thefocusatLifestyle Communities is on giving homeowners what they want and what homeowners need has never been sharper.

Lifestyle builds beautiful, downsizer-centric homes across Melbourne, Geelong, the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas and

regional Victoria, complemented by stunning amenities that engender connectivity and wellbeing.

You can choose to live where the holiday never ends. At Lifestyle Communities, you can spend your days soaking up the serene surroundings or spruce up your daily grind with access to stunning amenities a short stroll from your front door.

Located at the heart of each community, the clubhouse is architecturally designed with plenty of space for you to relax, recharge or re-energise.

Across all communities, the Lifestyle team has designed, installed and delivered a range of resort style amenities and surrounds for homeowners to call their own.

Ifthere’sonethingLifestylehasalwaysstayed committed to in two decades of business, it’s helping homeowners upsize their lifestyles when they downsize to a Lifestyle Community.

The world class amenities give ‘staycation’ a whole new meaning.

An extension of your own home, you’ll have a host of lifestyle-enhancing facilities* at your fingertips, including:

•฀Barbeque฀area

•฀Billiards

•฀Business฀Centre

•฀Electric฀car

•฀Cinema

•฀Community฀Shuttle

•฀Croquet฀Court

•฀Dog฀Wash

•฀Electric฀Bikes

•฀Fishing฀boat

•฀Gym

•฀Indoor฀Pool

•฀Library

•฀Makers฀Studio

•฀Micro฀Brewery

•฀Orchard

•฀Outdoor฀Pool

•฀Pickleball฀Court

•฀Spa

•฀Tennis฀Court

*Facilities may vary depending on the community location

Above: The clubhouse is the heart of the community. Right: Amenities are second to none.

Early intervention is key to a child’s future development

Providing inclusive, educational and supportive programs for all children is a key priority for the Y which operates a number of early learning centres and kindergartens throughout Whittlesea.

The profit-for-purpose organisation, which is also a registered National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, has worked in both early learning and the disability sectors for over 25 years including 1:1 support, camps and NDIS support coordination.

Within it’s early learning centres, the Y provides an Early Years Engagement Support (EYES) program to assist children and their families, who may be eligible to receive early intervention or NDIS support into the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“Early intervention for young children provides numerous benefits that can have a lasting impact on their overall development and learning outcomes. By identifying and addressing potential challenges early on, children are given the necessary support to thrive and reach their full potential.” said Y Whittlesea chief executive Michele Rowse.

Early intervention is a proactive approach aimed at identifying and addressing these challenges as early as possible, typically during the early childhood years.

It helps to improve the child’s learning outcomes, enhance social skills, identify and address learning gaps, assist with better emotional regulation and in turn provide a smooth transition into a primary school environment.

“It was really important for us as experts in the early learning and disability sectors to utilise the knowledge and skills we have to assist our families and help develop and support children by providing them with the best possible opportunities,” early childhood

and family inclusion support co-ordinator Funda Aygun explains.

In partnership with families, educators and agencies, the Y’s inclusion support staff provide a holistic approach to education and care for each child and deliver tailored inclusion support plans.

They guide educators and families with strategies for the best interest of the child’s individual needs and help create environments that foster inclusion, creativity and learning for all.

Y Whittlesea’s Early Learning Centres provide education and care for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age with long day-care and three-and-four-year-old kindergarten programs.

TofindtheclosesYEarlyLearningcentreto you and book a tour visit childrensprograms. whittlesea.ymca.org.au

The Y’s inclusion support staff provide a holistic approach to education.

Kool Kidz Childcare is coming to Craigieburn in 2023

KoolKidzChildcareandKindergartenissetto open a new, modern childcare centre located in the retail, entertainment and commercial development The Base in Craigieburn.

Kool Kidz will become part of this growing catchmentandwillprovideearlylearningand kindergarten services to families with young children in the Craigieburn community.

With over 25 years of experience in the childcare and early learning industry, each Kool Kidz service is meticulously designed to ensure there is an abundance of indoor and outdoor play and Craigieburn is no exception.

KoolKidzCraigieburnwillbeapurpose-built

new build with 130 places architecturally designed to create a service that not only meets rigid standards but also a service that is welcoming, playful, safe and warm. A place where your children can explore, develop and be inspired daily. KoolKidzCraigieburnwillofferfamiliesan early learning centre that has well-equipped national quality outdoor play areas, divided into areas for 0-2 year olds, 2-3 year olds and kindergarten children. This ensures growing, energetic children have plenty of room to play, while the younger children can also play safely.

Children will learn, grow and thrive with their Kool Beginnings Curriculum specially designed play-based and child-centred curriculum exclusive to Kool Kidz. The service will also provide funded three-andfour-year-old kindergarten led by a qualified kindergarten teacher.

All meals are provided and included in the daily rate. The on-site chef will prepare healthy and nutritious meals that are packed with flavour to provide children with healthy eating habits and fuel for their growing body andmind.Thecentrewillalsocaterfordietary requirements and allergies.

What makes Kool Kidz unique is that each service is family owned and operated and Kool Kidz Craigieburn is no different. The centre will be run by owners who are passionate about giving your children the best start to life. Kool Kidz recruits educators who are dedicated to providing children with early learning support, who care for each child’s well-being.

To express your interest in Kool Kidz Craigieburn, visit www.koolkidzchildcare/ craigieburn or call 1800 566 554.

KOOL KIDZ CHILDCARE & KINDERGARTEN IS COMING TO CRAIGIEBURN!

Kool Kidz Craigieburn will be an Early learning, Kindergarten and Childcare service opening early 2024 with lots of indoor and outdoor play areas for babies to Kindergarten children to develop and grow. Inside our architecturally designed, age-appropriate classrooms, your child will learn and thrive with our play-based learning curriculum. Express your interest today!

5 Dodswell Way Craigieburn 3064 VIC Phone 1800 566 554 www.koolkidzchildcare.com.au/craigieburn

Kool Kidz Craigieburn will be purpose-built offering 130 places.

Ameristralia: Melton’s micronation

As part of Melbourne’s sprawling growth corridor, Harkness in the outer west is home to an increasing number of new dwellings – and as Cade Lucas discovers, the micronation of Ameristralia.

Parentscangotogreatlengthsandexpense to advance their child’s education. Some pay thousands in private schools fees and tutors,whileothersinvestinsportsequipment and musical instruments.

Or, if you’re Melton father David Brooke, you start your own country and appoint your kids to run it.

Yes, you read that correctly.

“We were having a conversation about how thingswereintheworldandhowgovernments go about their policies and treating their citizens and we thought ‘why don’t we make a country,” Mr Brooke said.

“My children are home-schooled and this was just a way to help teach them about government, civics and community engagement.”

SoonFriday,August13,2021(acoincidence according to Mr Brooks), the family’s 650 square home in Harkness near Melton was declared the Sovereign Municipality of Ameristralia. Mr Brooke became His Sovereign Highness Prince David, his wife Her Sovereign Highness the Duchess of Brookfield and each of his five children assumed ministries of state.

A flag, constitution, coat of arms and currency were also established as a suburban street in Melbourne’s outer-west became home to the country’s newest micronation.

DefinedbyEncyclopaediaBritannicaas:“an entity that claims to be an independent state but whose sovereignty is not recognised by the international community,” micronations are something of an Australian specialty.

“Australia really is micronation central,” said professor George Williams, a constitutional lawyer and academic at the University of New South Wales, .

“We’ve got maybe a third of these being calculated worldwide, so more than any other nation that we can see,” said professor Williams who co-authored the book ‘How to Rule Your Own Country: The weird and wonderful world of micronations’, late last year.

“And you know, we tolerate them and I think it’s sort of part of the Australian spirit, thumbing your nose at authority.”

Rather than thumbing their nose at authority,someofAustralia’smoreprominent micronations have shook their first at it.

The most famous of all, Western Australia’s Hutt River Principality, was formed in 1970 out of a dispute with the WA government over wheat quotas and lasted for half a century before closing in 2020.

In Victoria, the Independent State of Rainbow Creek was created in 1979 by farmers seeking compensation from the state government for a bridge damaged during a flood in the state’s alpine region.

At one point Rainbow Creek issued its own currency and stamps and even declared war on Victoria, before its leader Thomas Barnes retired to Queensland due to ill-health.

But for every separatist movement there are dozens more that are far less serious .

“Look, most of these do have an element of humour,” said professor Williams

Some, such as Jimland, the April Fools joke made earlier this year by Jim Penman, owner of the franchise empire of the same name, are outright parodies.

While more serious than that, Professor Williams suspects a bit of fun is being had with Ameristralia.

“I mean, even the idea of setting up your owncountrywiththesymbols,givingyourself

the title, in this case, the Sovereign Prince, it’s clearly tongue in cheek and good on them.”

Even the name, an unsubtle reference to MichiganbornBrooke’sduel(oristhattriple?) nationality, suggests that His Sovereign Highness might be having us on.

“A lot of people kinda laugh ‘oh so you started a country haha,” said Mr Brooke of the initial reaction he gets, before noticing a change when explaining it more.

“When I tell people why they say that’s a pretty nifty idea man.”

Given that idea was to teach his kids about theworkingsofgovernment,MrBrookeleaves the running of Ameristralia to them while he maintains his day job as a mobile technician to pay his family’s and country’s bills.

“You would compare to me to the monarch, I’m the head of state” said Mr Brooke of his largely ceremonial role.

“All of my children are the cabinet.

“We have a minister of immigration and citizenship, minister of education, we have a minister of environment and natural resources, a minister of treasury and investment, health and human services and then foreign affairs and trade, but I am actually acting in foreign affairs in trade.”

And the Prime Minister?

“So instead of a prime minister we have a chief minister and a cabinet and my 14-year-old son Kyson is chief minister.”

A teenage boy as a national leader?

“He does alright,” said his father. “I try to get him to be as formal as I can, but they’re kids.”

Along with gaining hands on experience in civics, Mr Brooke hoped his kids would benefit from Ameristralia’s politics

“We’re very socially progressive country, we don’t believe in war.

“People solve problems by sitting down and having a discussion.

“Maybe this is a good way for them to learn about that so when they grow up they can take that outlook into the world.”

This more left-wing worldview explains another feature of Ameristralia that separates it from many other micronations.

“We pay taxes to the Australian government,” declared Mr Brooke, a contrast to many other micronations that have a secessionist, anti-authoritarian bent.

Professor George Williams said this just reflects the reality that there’s no way for micronations to secede from Australia, even if they really wanted to.

“None of this affects Australian law, none of this affects the fundamentals so it’s performative.”

Professor Williams said this was why governments usually ignore micronations as they are largely harmless and only crave attention.

Neither the Victorian government or Melton council would comment on this story.

However, Professor Williams said micronations can still play a role in drawing attention to certain issues, such as the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Islands which promoted LGBTQI rights and various Indigenous groups who have declared themselves sovereign, a hot topic in the lead up to the Voice referendum coming.

In the case of Ameristralia, having almost 50 registered citizens worldwide means it is effectively a social club.

According to Mr Brooke, it’s a club that continues to grow.

“Some people just kinda go ‘oh really” and theygotothewebsiteandnextthingyouknow a citizenship application comes through.”

‘‘ I think it’s sort of part of the Australian spirit, thumbing your nose at authority ’’ - George Williams

Constitutional and micronation expert, professor George Williams from the University of New South Wales.

Above: Sovereign Prince David Brooke, Ameristralia Head of State. Right: Ameristralia’s flag and coat of arms. (Pictures: Supplied)

Educating in the garden

Over the winter school holidays kids can get their hands dirty during Hume’s edible gardening sessions.

Theworkshopsareallaboutlearningtogrow food and enjoying some time outside in the garden.

The activities in the garden include making newspaper seedling boxes, exploring worm farms, and sowing seeds

Hume sustainable engagement officer Thomas Fox said it’s important to dispel some mythssurroundinggardeningandcomposting.

“It’sreallyallaboutprovidingencouragement and support for beginner gardeners,” he said. Due to the season, leafy greens such as

lettuce,silverbeetandbeetrootswillbeplanted.

However, the session encompasses more than just gardening with education around sustainability a main focus of the session.

“When you start using compost bins and worm farms you realise how much food is being wasted,” Mr Fox said.

“Also thinking about sustainably watering.

“Thinking about how much water and energy we use.”

Details:

https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Latest-News/News-and-MediaReleases/Winter-School-Holidays

Harper Sercombe

Kalkallo’s edible gardening session. (Pictures: Damjan Janevsk) 343153

Sustainable engagement officer Thomas Fox.

Jazzleen, 1.

Left: Rylon, 3. Above: Leah, 9, and Harleen, 11.

Below: Max, 4, and Sean, 6.

Fords fans reminisce

Car lovers flocked to Broadmeadows on Saturday, June 24 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the media release of the notorious Ford Landau.

Eighteen Landaus and LTDs and their ownersmetupattheoldmanufacturingsiteon Sydney Road.

Event organiser John Tsatsakif said event represented the biggest collection of Landaus or LTDs in the one spot at the one time.

“We had people come from Queensland, New South Wales, Canberra and one couple actually flew over from New Zealand just to come see the cars,” Mr Tsatsakif said.

Mr Tsatsakif has only owned a Landau for three years and instantly fell in love with the

car and the community, as he quickly became appointed to organising the meet ups.

“They’re called the land yacht, [it’s] a complete luxury version of anything Ford had at the time,” he said.

The group only usually meets on milestone events, however Mr Tsatsakif said this needs to change.

“Due to the success I think, I’m probably gonna look at making it twice a year,” he said.

“Obviously being the 50th anniversary a lot more people made the effort.

“Everyone had a great time, everyone can’t wait for the next one.”

REQUIRED REQUIRED REQUIRED

Harper Sercombe

The proud owners with their prized possessions.

Ready to roar at the old manufacturing site. (Pictures: Bec McCarthy)

Lights warm up winter

Torrential rain and high winds didn’t deter over 6500 people from attending the annual Hume Winter Lights Festival on June 17.

For the second year, the Broadmeadows town hall precinct was flooded with people from all over Victoria.

Hume mayor Joseph Haweil said the night was “world-class entertainment.”

“[It] rivals anything you would find around Australia,” he said.

“By turning out this year in droves, despite the less than ideal weather, it shows that people will travel from all over Victoria when we showcase Broadmeadows as the vibrant space that it is.”

The crowd remained full of revellers throughout the event, dancing along to major international acts The Potbelleez and DJ Havana Brown as the rain poured down.

The partying accompanied the light and art installations from local artists Lisa Buckland andÖznurAtestogowiththefireworksfinale.

Having fun in the snow.

One of the many art installations at Hume Winter Lights Festival 2023 in Broadmeadows.

Top and above: The crowd dancing away to one of many musical acts. Below: A family loving the lights display.

Young leader honoured

By Harper Sercombe

Craigieburn’s Athraa Yousif has been named young leader of the year in the Victorian Refugee Awards for her passionate support of fellow refugees.

TheVictoriaUniversitystudentfledwar-torn Iraq nearly a decade ago.

Ms Yousif knew very little English when she arrived in Melbourne as a 14-year-old alongsideherparentsandyoungerbrother.Her only Australian contact was an aunt she had never met.

Her commitment to helping others began at age 15 when she became a St Vincent de Paul Society volunteer. She now helps other young refugees in a range of advocacy, support and peer mentoring roles at VU and at Penola Catholic College. Her fluency in Arabic, Assyrian, Chaldean and English is crucial to bridging communication gaps.

“It’s a very fulfilling experience and unique connection that we grow to have with those around us,” she said.

She also helps trauma-affected people rebuild their lives as a community adviser with the Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture, and is a strong advocate for refugee mental health.

The 23-year-old said one of the hardest parts of coming to Australia was seeing the challenges and frustrations her parents faced without the benefit of English.

“My dad ran a taxi business and mum was a university tutor so we were a very well-established family in Iraq. But when they arrived in Australia, they found it difficult to communicate and lost their motivation to work,” she said.

In her early years, she often needed to interrupt her secondary school classes to act as a translator for her parents, helping them fit

into their new country.

Ms Yousif said she was “thrilled” to be recognised as a young leader.

“I have always just wanted to help others,“ she said.

“Being recognised for my efforts and work is a true reflection of the powerful work of having a supportive and caring community.”

Hume adopts its budget

Rates will rise by an average of 3.5 per cent in Hume next financial year, after council adopted its 2023-24 budget.

In a meeting on Monday, June 26, councillorspassedthebudgetfollowinga public exhibition from May 9 to May 30, where 62 submissions were received.

Jacksons Creek Ward councillor Jarrod Bell said there is pressure on the budget but council is making significant investments to services.

“There is a lot to do [and] there are pressures on this budget as there are on family budgets across our city,” Cr Bell said. “However … Hume residents and Hume families depend greatly on the services that council provides.

“These are services that keep us healthy [and] happy, these are services that give our community opportunities, chances for education [and] chances for community gathering.”

Hume council said the budget 2023-24 aims to target areas where support is needed most and commits $128.33 million to community facilities, roads, footpaths, parks and reserves.

Other areas of the significant investment include; libraries, leisure centres, preschools, maternal and child health and aged and disability programs.

After graduating from Hume Central Secondary College, Ms Yousif studied community services before enrolling in a bachelor of psychological studies at VU two years ago.

Although Ms Yousif said she’s “always dreamt of working with UNICEF and I hope someday I can make that happen.”

Aitken Ward councillor Jim Overend voted against the budget, but said he is glad council is continuing to invest in art and culture.

“We will be spending over $80,000 on the development of public art as well as continuingtoencourageartiststodisplay their works in all our three galleries.”

Ashed full of support

TheHumeMen’sShedinCraigieburnhasfound a unique way to give back to the community.

Theshedhasbeenoperatingformorethan15 years and is always creating new opportunities to help others. This time it’s through salvaging cut down trees from the Craigieburn Road widening project.

“Seeing the state government has stopped loggingofhardwood,itwassuggestedwecould use some of the trees from the project and give back to council,” Craigieburn men’s shed president Bruce Triptree said. “Council picked thetreesoutandgavethemtothemen’sshedto be milled. It’s a part of Hume and it’s the last of the hardwood being logged in the state.”

Members went on to use the wood for community woodworking projects, including making a table that now sits in the foyer of the council building in Broadmeadows.

Mr Triptree has been a part of the shed for the last 11 years.

“I’ve made a lot of friends … you can make things and speak to people,” he said.

“If it wasn’t for Men’s Sheds most would be sitting in front of the TV depressed because we’ve got nowhere to go. It’s the only place men that are retired or have had an accident can go and still contribute to the community.”

The act of giving back to the community by working with their hands is a unique way for men to express themselves in creative ways.

“Some people are disabled and so can’t do things like they used to … one guy with one leg made a table for himself at his level so his wheelchair can fit under,” Mr Triptree said.

“I’ve been told by (one disabled member) this is the only place he has friends. It’s really hard for men to find these relationships.”

Hume Men’s Shed with the table that now sits in the Council foyer

Athraa Yousif at the Victorian Refugee Awards. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT

Creative arts and fitness

Banksia Gardens Community Services is running yoga and jewellery making classes every Tuesday.

■ 9309 8531

Craft and Conversation

Craigieburn library is hosting a Wednesday weekly craft group from 1-3pm and everyone is welcome. Join the craft and conversation group and share your love of all things crafty. Bring your current project and make new friends.

■ humelibraries.vic.gov.au

Community lunch in Roxburgh Park

Join the Homestead Team, along with members of the community for a free lunch and make some new friends whilst you’re at it. Lunch will be prepared by the Turkish Women’s Association. The lunch will be held every Wednesday from 11.30am-1pm at Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.

■ www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Roxburgh-Park-Homestead-Communityand-Learning-CentreWeekly-CommunityLunch-317411976767

Tai Chi for health

Come along to Homestead Community and Learning Centre in Roxburgh Park for a lesson in tai chi, a low impact exercise program to build strength. Everyone is welcome. It’ll be held every Monday from 10.30-11.30am.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/Eventbrite/ Tai-Chi-for-Health-317365848797

Adult education

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

■ 9309 8531

Senior citizens meet

The Gladstone Park Senior Citizens Club regularly meets for games of bingo, carpet bowls and a chat over a cuppa, at the coroner of Carrick and Elmhurst drives, Gladstone Park.

■ Beulah, 0411 422 398

Homestead Walking Group

Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful gardens and meet other locals. Volunteer leaders will meet at the Homestead Community and Learning Centre at 9.30am on Wednesday’s for a 30–45 minute walk.

■ https://www.hume.vic.gov.au/ Eventbrite/Homestead-WalkingGroup-493400784027

Community Phone Connect Program

This is a free community service for older people and people with disability, living on their own in the Hume and Whittlesea regions. Through the Community Connect Program, you will receive regular phone calls from a volunteer to check that you are safe, secure and well.

■ 8301 8863

Bicycle riders wanted

Whittlesea Bicycle Users Group runs weekly rides each Sunday morning commencing from various locations, including Epping, Lalor, Thomastown, Bundoora, Mill Park, South Morang and Mernda. They cater for women and men of all abilities. They offer both a shorter, easier ride and a longer ride. Each ride has a break midway at a café for coffee/ snacks and a friendly chat. They invite all interested bike riders to come along and enjoy a social ride with other like-minded people.

■ Glenn, 0434 730 163

Education and community centre

Do you or someone you know need help learning English or understanding Technology? Craigieburn Education and Community Centre is offering Free Beginner English and Computer classes to eligible residents. Small, relaxed and friendly classes, drop in and say hello at 20 Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn.

■ 9308 1477, or https://www.craigieburn.org.au

Whittlesea Historical Society

The Whittlesea Historical Society meets on the third Sunday of each month at Whittlesea Bowls Club at 2pm. Visitors are most welcome to attend.

■ 0414 740 778, or www.whittleseahistoricalsociety.org.au

Indigenous community garden

Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden Members are hosting a monthly open day on the first Saturday of each month 10am-noon, to showcase the gardens. Address: Corner Toora Drive and Redan Court.

■ Eva Mazzei, emmmazzei@gmail.com

Wellah together

Clothing the Gaps Foundation will take participants on a journey using Six Deadly Dares that give everyone simple and sustainable tools to kick-start and keep a healthy lifestyle. Tuesday’s from 6-8pm at Kirrip Community Centre, Wollert, 135 De Rossi Boulevard, Wollert

■ 0413 840 002

Yarning Circle

Yarning Circle on Aboriginal Maternal and Child Health Services. Yarning Circle facilitated by local Koorie mother and grandmother, Nicole. Everyday until Friday

July 14 from 9.30am to 2.30pm. At Boori Children’s Centre, 21a Winchester Avenue, Epping.

■ 9404 8865

NAIDOC Week: Pop-up playgroup

Celebrating NAIDOC Week with a First Nations inspired playgroup. Wednesday July 5. Whittlesea Community Centre, 57-61 Laurel Street, Whittlesea.

■ 9217 2170

NAIDOC Week: Dancing Our Stories

Honouring this year’s NAIDOC Week theme

For Our Elders designed for Koori young people, their friends, and other young individuals aged 12 – 18. Wednesday July 5. Laurimar Community Activity Centre, 110 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen.

■ 9217 2170

Nourishing lunchboxes and meals

Hear from an accredited practising dietitian on how to support children to have colourful, nutritious meals to support their growth and wellbeing.Practical, nutritious tips will be provided in an interactive online presentation. Tuesday, July 11, 10- 11.30 am.

■ 9404 8865

Lalor Library jobs event

Whittlesea council is hosting a jobs event in partnership with YPRL Libraries to provide an opportunity to local job seekers to drop in and have a chat with industry representatives about the job prospects in different sectors. Wednesday, July 12, 9.30am to 12.30pm. 2a May Road, Lalor.

■ 9217 2170

Open day at Youth Central

Discover what’s on at your local youth centre. There are E-games, pool and table tennis, board games and art activities. July

7, 11am to 2pm. Youth Central, 33 -37 Pearcedale Parade, Broadmeadows.

■ 9205 2200

Safer Communities Roadshow

Giving insights into the new clauses of the new Community Local Law, to hear your thoughts before they will be finalised and endorsed by Council in November. In addition to the exploration of new Community Local Law, some of council’s internal services will be showcased.

•฀฀Thursday,฀July฀6,฀6฀to฀8pm฀at฀ Brookwood Community Centre 25 Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen.

•฀฀Sunday,฀July฀9,฀1฀to฀3pm฀at฀Galada฀ Community Centre 10A Forum Way, Epping.

■ 9217 2106

Vietnamese cultural group lunches

Join the Vietnamese Women’s Group in a shared experience of preparing and enjoying lunch together. This program welcomes older people and Vietnamese speakers who would like to connect with others, meet new friends, and celebrate culture over a nice warm meal. Mondays, July 10 to September 11, 10.30am- 3pm. Homestead Community and Learning Centre, 30 Whiltshire Road, Roxburgh Park.

■ 9205 2760

Meditation classes

Weekly meditation and mindfulness workshop conducted by the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga. This practical, hands-on workshop teaches effective, practical techniques that can easily be added to your daily routine. Thursdays from July 13, 11 to 11.45am. Greenvale West Community Centre, 7 Ventura Way, Greenvale.

■ 9205 2200

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Keilor Downs College students of Ongegu (front), Lilly, Sachi, Kayla, Brianna, Mikki and Ruby, who are staring in Chicago the Musical. (Damjan Janevski) 343357_01

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

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

No. 140 316 2 48125 95 6

QUICK CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 Ancient Mexican (5)

4 One of the two major US political parties (9)

9 Indigenous language (NZ) (5)

10 Citrus preserve (9)

5 Related to money and trade (10)

6 Of the finest type or standard (7)

7 Body-structure science (7)

8 Scale of colour (8)

13 Imaginative quality (10)

11 Playground equipment (6)

48 1 19473 4 156

12 Document for travel (8)

14 Dictatorial (10)

15 The solver (3)

17 Ovum (3)

19 City in South Carolina, US (10)

23 Fearless (8)

24 Indian deity (6)

26 Ancient Greek goddess (9)

27 River in Russia (5)

28 Trite (9)

29 Sierra – (5)

DOWN

1 Nearly (6)

2 US writer (1817-62), Henry David – (7)

3 US city known as ‘The Windy City’ (7)

4 Titled woman (4)

16 Leave by will to another (8)

18 Vivid (7)

19 Simple humorous drawing (7)

20 Wither (7)

21 Shakespeare character (7)

22 Leave empty (6)

25 Fast-growing plant (4)

easy 45 7 9658 84 3

DECODER WORDFIT

78 13 62 38 1

24 1 86 94 35

hard

3 87 5 17 4

39 8 93 5 1

medium 78 12 469 53 21

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H A

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12 345678910111213

9-LETTER WORD

P G

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219546387 976428153

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627931845 736184259

easy medium hard

173498562

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M

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487231569 784916235

127895346 631542978

965734821 259378614

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F R A O BUTTE CADET DARES DRABS DRUMS EERIE ERASE ETHER EVOKE FILET FORTE FRONT IRATE MANIA MARIA MEDAL METED MINES MOWED NEEDS

anoint, anti, atom, faint, fiat, font, forint, format, fort, front, infant, INFORMANT, into, intra, iota, mart, martin, matron, mint, moat, mort, motif, nation, nota, omit, raft, rant, ratio, ration, rift, riot, rota, tarn, taro, torn, train, tram, trim, trio

Y 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

No. 140

P A S A I I L O L N M S Y P E A L S R A T I O I G L O O S L A N T M E S S Y

QUICK QUIZ

OCEAN OPENS OUTED PAPER PASTA PEAKS ROARS ROBES SEATS SEEDS SHAMS SMEAR SMOKE SPADE SPATE SPITS STAGE TESTS TIARA TOKEN

UNSET WEIGH 6 LETTERS CARNAL CAUSES ORIENT PAPYRI STAGES UTTERS 7 LETTERS BREWERY CONSORT GONDOLA

INHABIT ONESELF WORSENS 8 LETTERS OVATIONS PATRIOTS RETREATS RETURNED 10 LETTERS EASTERLIES PERMISSION

07-07-23 Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

6 How many squares are there on a Scrabble board?

7 What is the only word in the English language that ends in ‘mt’?

2 Who was dubbed the 'Mother of the modern-day civil rights movement' by the US Congress?

3 What drink’s secret ingredient is code-named ‘7X’?

4 In 2004, Angelina Jolie (pictured) had an image of which animal tattooed onto her lower back?

5 Who played the nefarious J.R. Ewing in the television series Dallas?

8 Do cars travel on the left or right side of the road in Japan?

9 Diverticulitis is a disease that affects which part of the body?

10 What is the highest point in Portugal?

13 26 LY ANSWERS: 1. Daffy Duck 2. Rosa Parks 3. Coca Cola 4. A Bengal tiger 5. Larry Hagman 6. 225 7. Dreamt 8. Left 9. Large intestine 10. Mount Pico

No. 140

No. 140

No. 140

• Campbellfield Chris and Marie’s 1477 Sydney Road

• Campbellfield Barry Road Milk Bar 331 Barry Road

• Coolaroo Meadow Heights Newsagency Shop 16, 55 Paringa Boulevard

• Coolaroo Melba Vale Country Club 1390 Pascoe Vale Road

• Craigieburn Craigieburn Convenience Store 19 Bank Street

• Craigieburn Hume City Council 75-95 Central Park Avenue

• Craigieburn Coles Service Station 42-44 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Connections - Craigieburn 59 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Craigieburn Central Shopping Centre 340 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Harry Brown Liquor G03/420-440 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn The Foodary Caltex 420-440 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Freshplus Craigieburn 420-440 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 10 Craigieburn Road

• Craigieburn Coles Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Windrock

• Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd

• Craigieburn Quality Food Store Cnr Craigieburn Rd & Aitken Rd

• Craigieburn Milk Bar Store 100 Fairways Boulevard

• Craigieburn Nanak Indian Grocery Highlands SC 300 Grand Boulevard

• Craigieburn Woolworths Supermarket 300 Highlands SC Grand Boulevard

• Craigieburn Highlands News & Lotto 300 HighlandsSC Grand Boulevard

• Craigieburn Hothlyn Drive Milk Bar Hothlyn Drive

• Craigieburn Foodworks 130-132 Hothlyn Drive

• Craigieburn Caltex - now Ampol 315 Hume Highway

• Craigieburn Metro Petroluem 330 Hume Highway

• Craigieburn IGA Xpress Grand Boulevard 27-29

Princes Circuit

• Craigieburn Moey’s Milk Bar 2

50-metre pool a reality

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

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR PLANNING PERMIT

(Section 52 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987)

The property affected by the application is located at: 8 Gander Street DOREEN VIC 3754

The application is for a permit for: Variation to restrictive covenant PS640500J to remove restriction 2 associated with Lot 424 to allow for the construction of an outbuilding outside of a prescribed building envelope on the rear boundary.

The applicant for the permit is: G Kynes

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

The application reference number is: PLN-41185

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority: City of Whittlesea, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang. This can be done during the office hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. This service is free of charge.

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

An objection must be sent to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 18 July 2023.

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

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

General Notices

PROPOSAL

1. The proposed 5G upgrade will consist of:

•The reuse of the three (3) existing shared Vodafone and Optus panel antennas.

•The installation of mast head amplifiers (MHAs)

•The installation of ancillary equipment including GPS antennas, antenna mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners and other associated equipment; and ancillary works within the existing equipment shelter.

2. Vodafone and Optus regard the proposed installation as a Low-impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”) based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or comments should be directed to: Ben Lavery at Service Stream Limited, 0497 833 252, TPG.Submissions@servicestream.com.au or Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5.00pm Friday 21 July 2023

4. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3089003

General Classifieds

SPORTS QUIZ

1. Which team has already qualified to play in the 2023 Super Netball Grand Final?

2. Which Australian cricketer made a century in the first Test innings of the 2023 Ashes series?

3. Edgbaston Cricket

4. Which 1992 film features baseball teams including the Rockford Peaches, Racine Belles and Kenosha Comets?

5. Which Australian cricketer made an unbeaten century in the first Test innings of the 2023 Women’s Ashes series?

11. Former Olympians Sally Pearson and James Magnussen are competing in the 20th Australian season of which show?

12. Which former wrestler stars in the Jumanji franchise?

13. How many laps is the Indy 500?

14. In which city is the cricket stadium Old Trafford located?

The Thrilla In Manila contest between which two heavyweight boxers?

Gavin Wanganeen played for which two AFL teams?

selected by the Lakers in the 2023 NBA draft, before being traded to which team?

True or false: former AFL player Marcus Ashcroft’s son plays for the Brisbane

15. In which year did tennis return to the Summer Olympics?

16. Which English women’s cricketer recently became the first to hit a double-century in international cricket?

17. What is the highest possible score for one team in a single end of curling?

18. Which year was the first NRL State of Origin series?

19. Which VFL/AFL player kicked at least one goal in 114 consecutive games where he played?

20. Marny Kennedy and Alex Williams star in a TV show based on which late Australian cricketer?

21. French basketballer Victor Wembanyama was recently drafted by which NBA team?

22. Who did the West Coast Fever defeat in their recent Super Netball minor semifinal?

23. In what year did the famous Winter Olympic’s ‘Miracle on Ice’ occur?

24. Which famous Australian landmark was shut down recently for a 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup launch event?

25. In which year did Adam Simpson become coach of the West Coast Eagles?

26. Which Aussie cricketer scored 99 in the recent one-off Women’s Ashes Test?

27. Which Collingwood AFL player wears distinctive eyewear during matches?

28. How many premierships were Melbourne Storm stripped of due to the 2010 salary cap scandal?

29. Which upcoming tennis tournament will trial the use of AI commentators?

30. Which F1 team competed in only one season in 2009, and won both the constructors’ and drivers’ titles?

Old

Giulia is designed to turn heads

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Alfa Romeo Giulia is a stylish Italian sports sedan built on a rear-drive platform and designedtotacklethemarketsegmentcurrently dominated by the premium European brands.

Although the name Giulia (pronounced Julia)wasaroundinthe1960sandearly1970sit didn’tre-emergeuntil2015when,tothedelight of Alfistis everywhere, the company broke away from using the bland numeric names 156 and 159 and returned to such a distinctively Italian one.

There are five models in the Giulia range: Ti, Veloce, Quadrifoglio, GTA and GTAm.

There’s a huge difference in price, starting fromaround$70,000fortheTiandVeloce,then doubling once to the $143,000 Quadrifoglio anddoublingagaintothetrack-readyGTAand GTAm.

Our test car was the Quadrifoglio, which is Italian for four-leaf clover and has been the symbol for Alfa racing cars for close to 100 years. In modern times Quadrifoglio, often abbreviated to QV, indicates high-performance road cars.

Styling

Giulia Quadrifoglio is a real stunner. It’s very svelte and Italian in its shape and drew plenty of attention wherever we went due in no small partbytherichMontrealGreenversionthatwe tested.

Indeed, one Irish colleague was so smitten by the combination of the colour and the shamrock/clover badges (there is a difference apparently) on the sides that only my mention of the price tag stopped him from rushing off to buy one.

The exterior is highlighted by the traditional triangular shield grille flanked by two lower-mountedgrillesintheapron.Thebonnet has two cooling outlets for the engine bay

There’s a carbon-fibre splitter and large air intakes for the intercoolers as well as the brakes. The side skirts also feature carbon-fibre inserts and there are gill-style outlets either side at the front to allow air to escape from the wheel housings.

The “angry-eyes” headlights, narrow on the inside and swept-back over the front fenders, add to its striking appearance.

Unlike some of its competitors, there is no wagon variant for the Giulia although the recently-released Stelvio SUV Quadrifoglio is there if a more functional interior is needed.

Interior

Giuliaisbuiltclosetothegroundmakingentry and exit difficult for less supple occupants. Consequently, the driving position is lower than we normally like but Giulia is a sports sedan so that’s to be expected.

The dashboard tilts slightly towards the driver.

Our test QV came with optional black leather with Alcantara inserts and green/ white stitching. The front seats have tall rigid bolsters which will challenge ample-buttocked occupants but do provide excellent support.

Cabin storage is adequate, with dual cup holders and a sizeable smartphone-sized alcove at the base of the dashboard and an adjacent USB socket. There are two more USB ports in a smallcentreconsolestorageboxwithawireless phone charging pad next to them.

There’s also a useful small slot in the centre console to fit the keyfob.

The rear does have three seatbelts but the centre seat is not only narrow but it sits on top of a very high transmission tunnel that makes seating, even for children, all but impossible. Perhaps a child seat might just be squeezed in but not much else. Otherwise the fold down armrest, with twin cupholders, will be in place all the time.

On the plus-side the two useable rear seats are large and supportive as well as heated. As with the front seats they are finished in leather and Alcantara. Head and legroom are reasonable and there are twin air vents and a pair of USB ports.

Boot size is a decent 480 litres although access through the narrow opening can be a squeeze. The latest upgrade added a powered tailgate.

Engines / transmissions

Both the Ti and Veloce are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with outputs of 206 kW and 400 Nm at 2250 rpm.

The 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 in the Giulia Quadrifoglio Verde (QV) is something special with its Ferrari-inspired 500 horsepower (375 kW) twin-turbocharged engine. That peak power comes in at 6500 rpm with the redline set at 7000 revs. There’s an impressive 600 Nm all the way from 2500 to 5500 rpm.

All engines are mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox with large aluminium manual gearshift paddles.

Safety

Although the Quadrifoglio hasn’t been tested by ANCAP the lower spec Veloce achieved a five-star rating including an adult occupation protection rating of 98 per cent.

Standard safety features in the Giulia QV include six airbags, active cruise control, rear cross traffic alert, intelligent speed control, driverinattentionalert,trafficsignrecognition, automatic high beam system, lane departure warning and lane keep assist and, forward collision warning.

There’s also active blind spot assist, autonomous emergency braking, tyre pressure monitoring, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors and rear-view mirror auto-dimming, and Isofix child seat anchors in the outer rear seats.

Infotainment

Displayisthroughasmall8.8-inchtouchscreen embedded in the top centre of the dashboard that can, and should be, operated by a new rotary dial on the centre console.

Traditionalists will be happy with the two large analogue instrument dials for the driver with a digital speedometer in between.

As is the norm nowadays there’s a lot of learning needed to operate what is quite a complex infotainment system including a triplesplitscreen.Asalways,giventhatweonly have most vehicles for a week, we try to avoid being too critical of features that owners will

quickly adapt to.

There’s built-in satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay but wired Android Auto as well as an impressive 14-speaker Harman/Kardon system called Sound Theatre.

Driving

As good as the Giulia Quadrifoglio looks it’s also a brilliant car to drive. It’s a true sports model, with an all-new rear-wheel drive

architecturegivingit50:50weightdistribution. It’s the first Alfa sedan to be driven by its rear wheels since the early 1990s. Weight is kept down through the use of lightweight steel and composite materials such as carbon fibre.

Like an increasing number of new vehicles Giulia comes with a start/stop button, many of which are annoyingly tucked away out of sight behind the steering wheel. Determined to be different, the Alfa designers have cleverly positioned the button at the bottom of the steering wheel itself. At least it’s at the bottom oncethedrivergetsintothehabitofparking,as weallshould,withthewheelspointingstraight ahead.

Once pressed the fun starts with the 2.9-litre twin-turbo engine sending out a lovely V6 burble through the four tailpipes.

Around town the Giulia QV is a little awkward with ground clearance of just 100mm needing a fair bit of caution and angled approach around driveways and the like.

The Alfa DNA Driving Mode Selector offers four main drive modes: Advanced Efficiency (for poor traction conditions), Normal, Dynamic and Race. Each of these changes the settings for the dampers, torque limiter, steering, gear shifts, all-wheel drive system, exhaust valve, throttle sensitivity and torque vectoring.

Most drivers, as we did, will spend most of thetimeinDynamicratherthanNormalmode as it provided everything we required.

Extra-large piece aluminium paddle shifters are fixed to the steering column encouraging their use – just for the fun of it.

Fuel consumption is listed at 8.2 litres per 100 kilometres kept down by the combination of auto engine stop-start and cylinder deactivation which shutting down three of the six cylinders when not required. We averaged a touch over 10 L/100km during our test, still pretty good for such a sporty car.

Summing up

Alfa Romeo Giulia QV is a car with the character that you expect from Italy in that combines stunning looks with outstanding performance.

Anyone who is in the market for a mid-sized sports sedan should forget all their pre-conceptions about Alfa and at least take it for a test drive before rushing in and buying one of its mostly German competitors.

The beautiful lines together with the stunning green body is a real head-turner. (Pictures: Supplied)

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio 2.9-litre four-door sports sedan

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

Broncos start to click keeping finals hopes alive

Hume City Broncos late tilt at a Big V women’s championships finals series remains alive with the Broncos now in the top four.

After a slow start, the Broncos have built as they added some key pieces to the puzzle.

The Broncos faced the McKinnon Cougars on Saturday night, with the Cougars sitting fourth on the ladder.

It was a low scoring start with the Broncos leading by three points at the first break. The defences continued to control the game in the second quarter with the Broncos margin increasing to five points.

The match was decided in the third quarter, with the Broncos winning it 27-14 to open up an 18 point lead heading into the final quarter.

The Cougars won the final quarter, but it was too late with the Broncos having already done the damage.

Alexandra McKellar top scored with 18 points for the Broncos. The win moved the Broncos ahead of the Cougars on the ladder.

The Broncos men had no issues at all as it accountedfortheBlackburnVikings,98-62in

the championship division.

It was a strong performance throughout for the Broncos having led from the first quarter and able to build the margin throughout.

They saved their best quarter for last, winning that 25-13.

The Broncos shared the minutes around with the blow out nature of the match, with the nine players who took to the court at least playing 15 minutes.

Five players scored double figures, led by Corey Fiddes with 23 points.

The Broncos sit third on the ladder, having played three less games that the Keysborough Cougars, which sits in second spot, and are only one win behind Wyndham.

In division 1, the Craigieburn Eagles accounted for the Warrnambool Mermaids on Sunday.

The Eagles led by seven points at quarter time, but the margin was back to one point at half time.

Nothing split the teams in the third quarter with the Eagles leading by four points at the

final break.

The final quarter was all the Eagles as they sealed an 80-67 win.

Courtney Strait top scored with 29 points whilealsohaving11reboundsandfourassists.

The Eagles are up to third on the ladder.

In division 2 men’s, it was a tough weekend for the Eagles losing to both Melton and the Whittlesea Pacers.

The first match was against the Thoroughbreds, in a bottom of the table clash, with the Thoroughbreds winning 86-68. Sunday was a top against bottom match, with the ladder leading Pacers rebounding off their first loss of the season, winning 108-66.

The Pacers had seven players in double figures in the win. Abraham Solano top scored with 18 points for the Eagles, the only player in double figures.

Power back in top two

By Tara Murray

Laurimar moved back into the Northern Football League division 3 top two with an important win against Mernda.

Sitting second and third on the ladder heading into the match, the long time rivalry had a bit more at stake on Saturday.

The Power started off well and led by 16 points at quarter time and then 23 points at the main break.

The Demons were able to reduce the margin in the third quarter to still be in the game at three quarter time, just 15 points down.

The Power responded in the last quarter with three goals to none, to seal the win, 10.14 (74)-6.6 (42).

Power coach Jimmy Atkins said the two sides always traditionally have some hard fought contests.

“It was a good win,” he said. “It was good to get one back after last time we played them in round two when they won.

“It was a good hard fought win, it was a

tough game.”

Atkins said there was plenty of pressure around the ball all game. He said they were able to have control of most of the game.

“We had a bit of control, but we didn’t take the opportunity to get a fairly handy lead,” he said.

“It handled the game pretty well. It’s always a good contest.”

Noah Mooney and Micah Vecchio kicked two goals each for the Power, while it was all single goal kickers for the Demons.

Atkins said captains Luke Wilson and Mitchell Thompson were standouts for the Power, while he said Rylan Herrick played his best game for the club.

The win puts the Power into second on the ladder, now percentage ahead of Mernda.

Kinglake sits a game clear on top of the ladder.

Atkins said nothing gets any easier for the rest of the season.

“We lost one game to Kinglake in that tough period and we have another one

coming soon,” he said.

“It’s pretty even this year and we’ll have to fight it out to the end. We are aiming for top two, but it’s never decided at this time of the year, it’ll go down to the wire.”

The Power this Saturday face bottom side Lalor, which is without a win after 10 rounds.

Atkins said they need to make the most of their opportunities and keep putting wins on the board.

The Bloods had a loss to Old Eltham Collegians on Saturday.

The Turtles built the lead throughout, winning 14.17 (101)-5.4 (34).

In division 1, Bundoora fell short against North Heidelberg, 10.10 (70)-7.11 (53), while Whittlesea lost to Heidelberg, 14.14 (98)-5.6 (36).

The Bulls sit in third spot, while the Eagles are bottom without a win.

In division 2, Thomastown beat South Morang while Epping suffered a big loss to Diamond Creek.

Sports shorts

Basketball

Craigieburn’s Ezi Magbegor has been named a reserve for the WNBA All Star game. The Seattle Storm tall is having a career season in her fourth year in the WNBA averaging 15 points and nearly nine rebounds a game. Magbegor was one of 12 reserves named for the game and is the sixth Australian to be selected for the WNBA All-Star game.

FV

Melbourne’s winter has had the FV state league season with several matches postponed due to poor ground conditions. In state league 2 north-west, Mill Park’s game with Geelong Rangers was one that was postponed to the catch up round. Meanwhile, Lalor United suffered a 3-1 loss to Albion in one of the matches that did go ahead in that division. Hume United had to share the points, with a 1-1 draw with Western Suburbs, while Epping City lost 2-0 in a clash with Clifton Hill.

Coates Talent League

The Northern Knights snuck home against the Tassie Devils in the Coates Talent League boys competition on Saturday. The Knights led at the first two breaks, before the Devils kicked five goals in the third quarter to lead by three points at the final change. While the Knights weren’t able to make the most of their opportunities in the final quarter, they did enough to win, 9.15 (69)-10.4 (64). Meanwhile, the Calder Cannons lost to the Sandringham Dragons, 14.7 (91)-11.5 (71).

Coates Talent League

The Calder Cannons had a start to finish win against the Sandringham Dragons on Saturday in the Coates Talent League girls competition. The Cannons kicked the only goals of the first half and led by 19 points heading into the final quarter. The Dragons came hard in the final quarter, but the Cannons did enough to win, 5.10 (40)-3.9 (23).

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Jayde Kirk (Ljubica Vrankovic) 335896_16

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Connell takes charge at Tulla for rest of season

Tullamarine has turned to a familiar face to lead it for the rest of the Essendon District Football League division 1 season after parting ways with Ben Tankard.

On Tuesday, The Demons announced they had made the decision to change coaches 10 rounds into the season, with former coach David Connell to coach the side for the rest of the year.

Connell had been the club’s president this season.

“We wish to advise that the club has made the decision to part ways with senior coach Ben Tankard,” the club said on social media. “We would like to thank Ben for his hard work on and off the field, in particular his efforts to bond the junior and senior playing groups.

“We wish Ben all the very best in his future endeavours.

“On Sunday 25/6/23 David Connell stood down as president, the executive committee met and elevated Michael Fiteni to the executive committee and voted Katreena Barley in as interim president.

“David Connell has since agreed to take on the caretaker coach role for the remainder of season 2023 at the request of the executive committee.”

This was Tankard’s first year in the job, having previously coached at Macedon and Woodend-Hesket.

After being perennial finalists in recent years, the Demons have struggled this season, winning just two games so far. They are currently in the relegation zone. Tankard told Star Weekly a couple of weeks ago, while this year had always been one about rebuilding, the side had been hit hard by injuries which had impacted results.

While there was a new coach on Saturday, the result stayed the same with the Demons losing to Craigieburn.

The Demons fought their way back into the game in the third quarter with four goals to none, to trail by just one point at the final break.

The Eagles finished strongly though, with five goals to one to seal the 14.8 (92)-9.15 (69) win.

Phillip Smith and and Brandon Marlow kicked two goals each for the Demons.

Daniel Devine, Marlow and James Vistarini were named the Demons best.

Despite the loss, the Demons actually moved up the ladder. They now sit 0.2 per cent ahead of Westmeadows, which was heavily beaten by Rupertswood.

The Demons this week face bottom side Glenroy in a massive game in the context of the relegation battle.

Demons show promise

By Tara Murray

The scoreboard doesn’t reflect the progress Tullamarine has made in this year’s Essendon District Football League women’s division 1 competition.

Last season’s division 2 premiers, have just two wins on the board after 10 rounds this season.

Coach Peter Labbad said while there was a massive jump from division 2 to division 1, they had shown a lot of positive signs at this level.

“It has been a positive year and the girls have stuck together and still playing hard at the back end of the season,” he said.

“Iguesswesaythescoresdon’ttellthewhole story. We belted Greenvale in the middle of the ground, but we don’t have the forward line to get the scores.

“Our defence is strong, our midfield is strong and dominating. Without having a strong forward line it makes it hard.”

Labbad said due to a shortage of numbers they’ve had to move players out of their forward line and into the middle of the ground.

Courtney Annett, who is capable of kicking a bag of goals is further up the ground, while Tricia Devine, who can play anywhere, is another having to play in the midfield this season.

Labbad said a lack of depth was also hurting them.

“Everyone is playing with four to eight players on the bench,” he said. “Most games we’re playing without one or just one person on the bench.

“We have zero rotations.

“We’ve got a couple of long term injuries as well. Stacey McDonnell who played a key role for us last year is out for the year.”

Labbad said one big positive for the group was that they were able to reduce the margin from the first time to the second time they played them.

“I commend the girls,” he said.

“We lost to Gisborne by 28 points. The first time we played Greenvale it was 116 points, this time was a massive improvement on that.”

The Demons have also had to play away from home all season while work is being completed on their club rooms at Leo Dineen Reserve.

Labbad said ahead of next season, the league needs to chat to club’s about their positions and decide the grades from there instead of based on last season’s results.

He said women’s football isn’t like men’s football.

Magpies rally too late to win

The Essendon District Football League division 1 competition ladder had another shake up on Saturday.

With four of the top six teams facing each other, it was Roxburgh Park and Hillside that were the losers.

The Magpies faced another finals hopeful in St Albans at Lakeside Oval. The Magpies led by a goal at half time, before the Saints kicked away to lead by 30 points half time.

The margin remained steady in the third quarter, before the Magpies came home strong. It wasn’t enough with the Saints winning 11.11 (77)-9.12 (66).

MichaelFarrellywastheonlymultiple goal kicker for the Magpies with two.

The Magpies sit in sixth spot percentage behind Hillside. The Sharks suffered their second straight loss, losing to ladder leaders West Coburg, 18.16 (124)-5.5 (35). Meanwhile Craigieburn now sits a game outside the top five after a strong win against Tullamarine. The margin was just one point at the final break, with the Eagles kicking five goals to one in the final quarter to seal a 14.8 (92)-9.15 (69) win. Kyle Lamprey was named the Eagles best. The Eagles sit in seventh, a game and percentage behind Hillside and Roxburgh Park. In other matches, Westmeadows proved no match for Rupertswood.

The Sharks led all day at Salesian College, winning 19.14 (128)-12.6 (78).

Aaron Evans kicked five goals for the Tigers to be named their best. Deer Park managed to do enough to get past Moonee Valley, while Keilor Park got its fifth win of the season, beating Glenroy.

In premier division, Greenvale’s finals hopes suffered a setback with a loss to East Keilor. One of the matches of the round, it lived up to expectations with nothing between the two teams all day.

The Jets led at quarter time before the Cougars held a goal lead at half time. The Jets were able to get in front, leading by seven points heading into the final quarter.

“We’ve just got girls that want to play footy,” he said.

“We don’t have VFLW [Victorian Football League Women’s] players. We’ve got some good damn footballers, but they aren’t at that level.

“There is a massive gap and we have 20 girls who just want to play football.”

The Demons faced Essendon Doutta Stars

on Saturday.

After an even first quarter, the Stars kicked out to a six goal lead at half time. They added to that after the break on the way to an 11.7 (73)-2.1 (13) win.

Taylah Hardman was named the Demons best.

Meanwhile, Greenvale suffered its first loss of the season, losing to Burnside Heights.

Three goals to one in the final quarter was enough for the Cougars to win, 12.10 (82)-11.6 (72).

The Jets remain in fifth spot but now sit a game and a massive amount of percentage outside the top four.

Tara Murray

Tara Murray

‘‘We wish to advise that the club has made the decision to part ways with senior coach Ben Tankard’’ - The club

Ben Tankard (Luke Hemer)

Laura Devlyn-Bennett (Jacob Pattison)331331_02

Ranges lock in Kevin Theuma as new coach

New Whittlesea Ranges coach Kevin Theuma couldn’t turn down the opportunity to coach the FV state league 1 side.

Having been let go from Mill Park earlier this season, Theuma had fielded several offers since.

It wasn’t until the Ranges came knocking that he found the right role for him.

“It’sagoodopportunity,”hesaid.“Coaching is something that I love doing.

“I enjoyed a bit of a break. There were a few different opportunities, but they didn’t suit what I wanted to do.

“I couldn’t say not to it. It’s a good club with good facilities and a lot of potential.

“I’m looking forward to working with the boys.”

Theuma said the club was one of the highest ranked teams in the area and believed they belonged back in the National Premier League

competition.

He said there was a really good base in the senior side, it was about making sure they harness the talent at the club.

Theuma said former coach Safi Ayoush did a really good job with putting together the group and their development.

“There’s a lot of potential to help them grow and build up,” he said.

“Last night [Tuesday night] was my first session. There’s a good group of boys and a lot of talent there to work with.

“I want to take them to the next level.”

Theuma said the first aim for the rest of the season was to get the side out of the relegation zone.

After 13 rounds the Ranges were sitting 13th spot with four wins. The club is now up to eighth spot after taking home points in its last three matches.

They also lost four points earlier this season due to an administrative error.

Theuma said they would have hurt the group morally, but would have also had them more in the middle of the table.

Theuma, who has been appointed until the end of next season, said they would like to try and finish this year on a a high and go from there.

“We want to build the foundation this year and finish with a bang,” he said.

“There are good young boys and we want to develop them more.

“We want to get promoted in 2024, that is the goal of the club. We don’t believe we’re a non-NPL club.

“I’ve been brought on board to get them out of trouble in the second half of the year and to get them promoted

“There’s a good foundation for the players to

Hume makes changes

Hume City will have a different look in the back half of the National Premier League season as it aims to get its season back on track.

Hume has been busy in the transfer window with a number of new signings, but have also lost a number of key players.

Former Brisbane Roar Academy player Jacson Riley joins the club.

“Jacson brings a wealth of experience and a commendable track record in the goalkeeping domain,” Hume said on social media.

“With exceptional reflexes,a unwavering commitment, and a true passion for the game, Jacson is set to fortify our defence and elevate our team to new heights.”

Aimilio Kista is another joining Hume. He is described as having an exceptional skill set, lightning-fast speed, and impressive goal-scoring ability make him a formidable force on the field.

Josh Gulevski makes the move from Canberra to the club.

“Josh brings a unique set of abilities to our squad,” the club said. “His vision on the field, precision passing, and knack for creating scoring opportunities will undoubtedly

elevate our game.”

Evan Waldrep joins the club from America and is set to boost Hume’s midfield stocks.

Birhan Elibol returns to the club after a short stint away and will help sure up Hume’s defence.

Some of Hume’s biggest names are on the move though.

Having already announced the departure of Mitch Cooper, the club announced a number of other departures.

HarryMonaghan,whopreviouslycaptained the club is on the move.

“Harry has been an integral part of leading our senior squad, delivering 100 per cent week in week out,” the club said.

“While we will undoubtedly miss his presence on the pitch, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Harry for his unwavering commitment and exemplary leadership throughout his tenure at Hume City FC.”

Goalkeeper Rory Brian departs after 12 monthsattheclub,whileKorayCekic,Yagoub Mustafa and Dylan McGlade are also moving on.

Cekic had been at the club for 11 years after starting as a junior, while the other two were

only at the club for a short time.

Speaking during the week to Hume TV, coach Cameron Watson said there was a different vibe with the new players joining the club.

“They’ve settled in really good actually,” he said. “We’ve got a few boys that have helped out with accommodation and the settling in period... I don’t think that has been too difficult.

“Monday night they were all pretty fresh and we obviously ramped up the intensity at training. A fresh buzz about it, in terms what can they bring.

“You’re trying to add quality for the last seven or eight games for the season. I think we’ve done that doing that, brining in a couple of attacking options in, been quite a bit of an issue scoring goals, hopefully added some value there and they can contribute to the team for the last seven games which are extremely important.”

Hume got a crucial win on Saturday night against Moreland City, winning 3-2.

Hume sits ninth on the table.

take the club to the next level.”

Theuma said they were looking at adding a couple of players in the transfer window, but were keen to back in the group of players already at the club.

The Ranges had to share the points with ladder leaders Altona City on Friday night. The Ranges scored in the first minute before Altona got to quickly to lead 2-1 after 18 minutes. The Ranges levelled the scores in the 58th minute with neither team able to find a winner.

Tara Murray

Four Cannons in Vic squad

Four Calder Cannons feature in the Victoria Metro squad for the under-18 girls AFL National Championships.

A 30-player squad was released late last month following trial games with the side to play three matches against the best players from across the country.

The championships began in April, with South Australia claiming a 35-point win over Western Australia at Pentanet Stadium in the opening match. All remaining games will be played throughout July and August.

Victoria Metro will commence its campaign on Sunday, July 2 when it takes on the Allies in the first game of a double-header at Brighton Homes Arena, with an under-18 boys match between the respect boys sides to follow.

Victoria Metro’s squad features players from the six Coates Talent League metropolitan talent programs, the Calder Cannons, Eastern Ranges, Northern Knights, Oakleigh Chargers, Sandringham Dragons and Western Jets.

Keilor’sSarahGrunden,Strathmore’s Kayley Kavanagh, Aberfeldie’s Kyla Forbes and Brunswick’s Ellie Sbeghen make up the Cannons contingent in the side.

Amy Gaylor, who is part of the AFL Academy Girls program, was ruled out after an ACL injury early this season.

Five players from the academy have been named in the metro squad, Western Jets duo Kristie-Lee Weston-Turner and Kiera Whiley, Alyssia Pisano, Laura Stone and Jess Vukic.

There are six Jets in the squad.

Western-Turner and Whiley are joined by Yarraville Seddon Eagles Sierra Grieves and Krystal Russell, Flemington Juniors’ Lou-Lou Field and Darley’s Tamara Henry are in the squad.

Northern Knights pair Ava Jordan and Zoe Hargreaves are also part of the squad, with their Knights coach Allana Dickie also coaching the Vic Metro squad this year.

Metro played its first game on Sunday, beating the Allies.

Harry Monaghan is on the move. (Jacob Pattison) 330726_06