Star Weekly - Northern - 5th March 2024

Grab a plate of ricotta

A Ricotta Festival is scheduled for Thomastown, offering an aromatic blend of Italian cuisine, community engagement and family fun.

The festival held by That’s Amore Cheese will host cooking demos and masterclasses by chefs and personalities for the first time. Each chef will do a 30-minute cooking demonstration of dishes that include ricotta.

That’s Amore Cheese event coordinator Vanessa Salib said, “[cooking] demonstration has been something we’ve been looking to do. And it was actually requested by people as well.

“People watching will be able to taste what the chefs put up.”

Radio presenter Cameron Smith will curate the demos.

Festivalgoers can enjoy diverse Italian cuisine, including Sardinian food, Sicilian-style barbecue, pies and

Children can enjoy fun activities, including a petting zoo, interactive handball games hosted by the Carlton Football Club and face painting.

The festival will be held on March 17, from 10am- 4pm, at That’s Amore Cheese, 66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown.

The entry fee is $10, and kids under 12 years can attend for free.

Details: https://thatsamorecheese.com. au/pages/ricotta-festival.

Hume wants a university

By Tara Murray

Hume council is advocating for a university to be built in the northern part of the municipality.

In the council’s federal budget wish list sent by the council to local MPs, the council listed a university in Hume among its priorities.

The wish list, which was included in the last council meeting agenda, said the council is calling for the university to be built in the federal seat of Caldwell and the state electorate of Kalkallo.

The council is asking for funding to support the establishment of a university campus, working in collaboration with the state government.

Hume mayor Naim Kurt said Hume is advocating for a tertiary education facility that will offer improved pathways for our residents closer to home.

“As it stands our municipality has the lowest attainment of tertiary education in metro Melbourne,” he said.

“The proposal for a tertiary facility in Hume is one of council’s pre-budget submission items for inclusion in the federal budget in which we hope to achieve collaboratively with the state government.

“Education is the key to breaking cycles of disadvantage, and through better access to improved educational qualifications our residents will be positioned to secure jobs to support their families and assist in the

With thousands of projects completed nationwide, Concept to Clean-up, you can rely on us!

transformation and progression of their local community.

“Additionally, the establishment of a tertiary provider in Hume’s north will also provide much-needed local job opportunities, partnerships for workforce development and the next generation of industry leaders.”

Hume has been without a university since Victoria University closed its Sunbury campus in 2009.

TheclosestuniversitiesareinBundoorawith RMIT and La Trobe and Victoria University’s Sunshine and St Albans campuses.

A new TAFE campus is being built in Sunbury by the state government and will be operated by Kangan, which also has a Broadmeadows campus.

The federal government has primary responsibility for higher education.

The federal government was contacted for comment.

Community-owned organisations are eligible to apply for the regional university study hubs program funding, which may include representatives from local government.

A state government spokesperson said since 2015, the government has invested more than $4 billion in training, skills and higher education.

“Victorians have a wide variety of high-quality training options to choose from, right across the state, including university courses and TAFE and training through private providers.”

That’s Amore Cheese employee Greg Marazita. (Damjan Janevski) 389675_01

SHOWCASE

No place to call home as builder hits the wall

Jess Rodriguez thought her dream was coming true when she purchased a home and land package to build in Ironbark Way, Doreen.

She had saved hard to put down a deposit to beabletohavesomewhereniceandnewforher and her nine-year-old daughter.

Her mum had purchased land next door.

Slowly,MsRodriguez’sdreamcamecrashing down. Her chosen builder, Montego Homes, went into voluntary administration in January and was placed in liquidation last month.

Sam Kaso and Shaun Matthews of insolvency service Cor Cordis were appointed as administrators in January to assess the best way to restructure or recapitalise the business.

There’s also been delays in Ms Rodriguez’s settlement which should have been completed 18 months ago. It is now set to happen by the end of March.

Ms Rodriguez also soon found out that even when the property is settled, she won’t be able to build.

“I’m a single mum,” she said. “We bought a house and land package.

“We later found out that they were separate

contracts.”

Due to a pub and restaurant being built as part of the development, Ms Rodriguez was told her house plan no longer met council size guidelines.

“It’s changed the overlay on the overall site and the council will not give us a planning permit.”

Ms Rodriguez and her mother intially believed that Montego Homes had taken out insurance policies as required of builders, but said they’ve since found out they are not covered.

Key initial findings showed that 63 homeowners are affected by the company not having appropriate insurance in place for deposit holders.

Ms Rodriguez and her neighbours have been calling for the state government to provide assistance, just like it did when Porter Davis collapsed last year.

The state government’s Liquidated Builders Customer Support Payment Scheme paid out the creditors of 16 collapsed builders during the last two years and closed on January 29.

Ms Rodriguez said she and her neighbours were no different from those creditors.

“Mum and I paid $30,000 each,” she said.

“The rest between $15,000-$20,000.

“It’s the same situation as Porter Davis. We only voted this week [in late February] to put them into liquidation.

“It’s not like they didn’t expect it to happen. They [the government] knew the policies weren’t in line with obligations before the scheme ended.

“Everyday gets worse. You listen to the other stories.”

Ms Rodriguez said they had tried to get out of the contract, but were unsuccessful. She said the rental she is living in has mould, so it was all building up.

She and other residents met with state Liberal Party leader John Pesutto when he visited Doreen last month.

“This week, my leadership team met with local residents impacted by the Montego Homescollapseandwhohavebeenleftwithout insurance at no fault of their own,” Mr Pesutto said.

Family’s murder anguish

By Tara Cosoleto, AAP

The mother of a woman murdered in her own bed says the justice system has let them down again after her daughter’s killer was jailed for 36 years.

Aggie Di Mauro believes Luay Sako, 39, should have received a life prison sentence withoutparoleafterheadmittedtomurdering her daughter Celeste Manno on November 16, 2020.

Ms Manno had been asleep in her bed in Mernda when Sako smashed through her bedroom window and stabbed her 23 times.

Supreme Court Justice Jane Dixon on Thursday described the killing as “utterly cowardly“ before sentencing Sako to 36 years behind bars.

He will be eligible for parole after 30 years and has already served more than three years in custody.

MsDiMaurosaidherfamilywasdevastated the justice system had failed her daughter again.

“The court decided to grant him mercy even though he showed Celeste none,“ she told reporters outside court.

“Quite clearly, his right to mercy was more important than her right to life.”

During last month’s plea hearing, the court was told Ms Manno and Sako were briefly co-workers but he began harassing and stalking her after she turned him down romantically.

Over a 12-month period, Sako sent her more than 140 messages from a number of Instagram accounts, with the communication becoming increasingly vulgar and degrading.

Ms Manno went to police and obtained an intervention order against Sako, but the contact only ceased after he was charged with breaching the order.

The day after he was arrested, Sako bought the knife he would use to kill Ms Manno three months later, prosecutor Patrick Bourke said.

Sako used Instagram and Google Earth to locate Ms Manno’s home and drove past the property at least three times.

Hesearchedonlineforthehome’sfloorplan so he could determine where her bedroom was.

On the night before her death, Ms Manno posted a photo of her boyfriend for the first time on Instagram.

A few hours later, Sako broke into her bedroom while she was sleeping and killed her.

Justice Dixon said the Instagram photo was the “final trigger” for an obsessed and jealous Sako and the 39-year-old carried out the killing with “chilling efficiency”.

“Celeste deserved life but you decided otherwise,” Justice Dixon said.

In sentencing, the justice took into account Sako’s diagnosed severe personality disorder, major depressive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder.

She said the conditions impaired his mental function but he was still able to understand the crimes he was committing.

A psychiatrist told the court Sako’s prospects of rehabilitation were limited because he needed intensive treatment that was not available in the prison system.

ButJusticeDixonsaidshewasnotpersuaded that wouldn’t change and his condition would remain untreatable.

She noted while the murder of Ms Manno was a grave example of a grave offence, it did not warrant a sentence of life in prison.

Ms Manno’s family dropped their heads and started crying in the courtroom as the sentence was handed down.

An illuminated blue urn carrying Ms Manno’s ashes was held by Ms Di Mauro

“Due to the mismanagement of the Allan Government,thesefamilieshaveseenthegreat AustraliandreamturnintoaLabornightmare.

“The Liberals and Nationals have called for the immediate extension of the Liquidated Builders Customer Support Payment Scheme and will continue to fight for these families who deserve to be supported.”

Opposition Home Ownership and Housing Affordability Minister and Northern Metropolitan Evan Mulholland said that Porter Davis should have been a wake-up call for Labor.

“The serious issues with domestic building insurance non-compliance clearly have not been addressed.”

“No Victorian should lose a home deposit because of Labor’s incompetence. Jacinta Allan must commit to extending the support scheme until the issues plaguing domestic building insurance are resolved.”

A state government spokesperson said the government is continuing to investigate allegations against Montego Homes regarding the absence of insurance for its customers.

Liberals listen

Cost of living, roads, public transport, health and education were among some of the topics of conversation when opposition leader John Pesutto visited Doreen.

Mr Pesutto, along with deputy Liberal leader David Southwick, Nationals leader Peter Walsh, Nationals deputy leaderEmmaKealy,Liberalupperhouse leader Georgie Crozier, deputy upper house leader Evan Mulholland, North Victoria MP Wendy Lovell and North East MP Richard Welch visited Doreen on February 25.

The group met with Whittlesea council representatives, local residents and businesses.

“Whilst in Doreen, my leadership team and I heard first hand from local residents about the real-world consequences of decades of neglect under Labor,“ Mr Pesutto said.

“From growing cost-of-living pressures, to a lack of basic local road, public transport, health, education and community safety services, the challenges facing Melbourne’s growing outer suburban communities continue to worsen under this government.

“Through our dedicated Shadow Minister for Outer Suburban Growth, Evan Mulholland, my team is focused on delivering better outcomes for areas like Doreen, so local residents can enjoy the same day-today living standard as other parts of Melbourne.”

throughout the sentencing hearing.

Outside court, Ms Di Mauro said she hoped the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Court of Appeal recognised the “true justice” in the case.

She said she would keep pushing for change, noting Victorian Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes had previously met with her over stalking reforms but ignored her recent messages.

“There were lots of promises made - none of them honoured,” Ms Di Mauro said outside of court. “All of them to look the part, say what needed to be said and then dishonour my daughter.”

Ms Symes acknowledged the pain of Ms Manno’s family and said the government was continuing to work on how to better protect victims of stalking.

“This work is complex and takes time,” she told AAP in a statement.

“I stand by my promise to Celeste’s family that we will introduce change that reflects the seriousness of this crime.”

Mr Mulholland said it was great to be able to bring the Liberals and Nationals leadership team to the outer northern suburbs to hear directly from Whittlesea council, local residents and businesses about their concerns about cost-shifting, increased taxes and lack of infrastructure investment.”

The state government was contacted for comment.

Tara Murray

Celeste Manno’s mother, Aggie Di Mauro outside the Supreme Court of Victoria. (AAP Image/Con Chronis)

New Mickleham

By Tara Murray

New northbound lanes have opened on Mickleham Road following the completion of improvements to a key intersection as part of the Mickleham Road upgrade-stage one.

The twin achievements on February 28 marked a huge step toward the project’s goal of safer, more-reliable travel on Mickleham Road for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

Moving traffic onto the new northbound lanes means crews can now begin safely building the lanes on the southbound side of

the road.

TheupgradeofGreenvaleGardensBoulevard, which is now reopened, at Mickleham Road involved the installation of new traffic signals, street lighting, road pavement, kerbs, drainage andanewsharedpathforwalkingandcycling. Following the new northbound lanes opening, Carramar Way has also reopened at Mickleham Road.

Stageoneoftheupgradeisaddingextralanes in each direction between Somerton Road and Dellamore Boulevard to improve safety and easecongestionforthe25,000driversusingthe

Donations matched

Donations made to Big Group Hug will be matched on March 20 for Double Donation Day.

For one day only all donations made will be matched by a group of generous donors who sharethegroup’svisionofworkingtogetherto protect every young person from the adverse effects of disadvantage.

Big Group Hug provides essential items for struggling families such as clothing, formula, cots, prams, car seats and toiletries for newborns to children aged 16 years of age.

The demand for aid is ever-increasing.

In the 2023 financial year, Big Group Hug provided aid for 6002 children, representing a 41 per cent increase on the previous year. Hospitals have been requesting more material aid for newborns, resulting in the need for essentialitemslikeprams,carseats,bouncers, highchairs, and safety gates at an all-time high.

Every dollar raised will help young people,

newborns to 16-year-olds, who have fled domestic violence, are living in kinship care or out of home care, or whose family is struggling to provide the essentials they need to thrive.

Pressroom Philanthropy, Mortgage Choice Charity Foundation, The Growth Collective, SCRgroupandElthamRotaryClubareamong those who will match the donations.

“On Double Donation Day, we call on all supporters to give generously and help us make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children,“ Big Group Hug said.

“It’s a tough time for many right now, but every contribution, no matter how small, will gotwiceasfaronMarch20andwillmakeabig difference to children facing disadvantage.”

Details: www.charidy.com/biggrouphug.

Big Group Hug’s donations will be matched for a day. (Supplied)

road daily.

lanes open

A roundabout at Somerton and Mickleham roads will be replaced with a traffic-lighted intersection including priority bus lanes, to better manage traffic flow.

The project will also build a new traffic light intersection at Aitken College.

Delivered by Major Road Projects Victoria its set for completion mid-2025 with planning and development work is underway to inform the potential Mickleham Road upgradestage two, between Dellamore Boulevard and Craigieburn Road.

Major Road Projects Victoria program director Adrian Furner said they’re excited to have opened the new northbound lanes and Greenvale Gardens Boulevard ahead of schedule.

“Achieving both milestones is a major step towards the upgrade’s aim of safer, more-reliable travel for all users of Mickleham Road.”

“With the new northbound lanes now open, we’llstartworkonthenewsouthboundlanesas we continue toward completing this important project for the Greenvale community.”

TICKETSSELLINGFAST GRANDPRIX.COM.AU

STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

CONTACT US

PHONE \ 03 8318 5777

LOCATION

DISTRIBUTION \ 1300 656 678

ADVERTISING

GENERAL SALES INQUIRIES

CLASSIFIEDS \ 1300 666 808

\ sales@networkclassifieds.com.au

GENERAL REAL ESTATE INQUIRIES

EDITORIAL

GENERAL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ENTRIES

Expo promises furry fun

The annual Pet Expo extravaganza is set to return for the second time as part of the vibrant Whittlesea Community Festival in March.

The event will be a bustling hub of pet-centric activities and informative stalls tailored to cater to every pet’s need.

Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said pets play a vital role in the lives of residents, improving wellbeing and taking their place as important family members.

“Our pets are a beloved part of our family, and we know from the positive feedback we received after last year’s inaugural Pet Expo that this feature of our Community Festival is sure to be a popular place for pet lovers,“ she said.

“In addition to the jam-packed Pet Expo, thereissomuchtoseeanddoattheCommunity Festival, from performers live on stage, free family activities and the announcement of the recipients of our Community Awards.”

Dogobedienceandtrainingdemonstrations will also occur.

There will also be booths promoting pet adoption along with The Pony Pals Playland where kids can pat and groom miniature ponies.

The festival will be held on Sunday, March 17,from10amto5pm,atCivicCentre,Terrace Lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang.

Details: arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Anne Parisianne

Briefs

Four charged

Four children have been charged as part of an investigation into incidents linked to the ongoing tobacco dispute. Warrants were executed at three residential addresses in Springvale, Mulgrave and Pakenham about 7am on Friday. Two boys and two girls were arrested and charged on Saturday morning. The charges relate to an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park, as well as two arson attacks at a Mill Park restaurant and a tobacconist in Ballarat the previous week. A white Isuzu D Max and a silver Ford Ranger were stolen during an aggravated burglary in Wonga Park between 10pm on February 19 and 7am on February 20. The Ford Ranger was then used in an arson attack at a reception centre in Thomastown on February 22.

Stolen cars

A police operation focusing on youth crime in Melbourne suburbs, including Whittlesea, has revealed details about vehicles stolen during aggravated burglaries. Operation Trinity, which covered the 21 municipalities in Melbourne, found 1420 cars and motorbikes stolen during an aggravated burglary in 2023 in Trinity areas. Of those stolen, 163 were stolen in Whittlesea, Banyule, Darebin and Nillumbik.

FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly

Celebrate the day, say residents

By Tara Murray

A petition calling on Whittlesea council to host Australia Day events once again was tabled at the recent Whittlesea council meeting.

The petition was tabled at the February 20 council meeting, calling on the council to look to acknowledge January 26 with events in the municipality.

The council hasn’t held Australia Day ceremonies since 2020. Council administrators voted in December 2020 to

take a different approach to January 26.

At the time chair administrator Lydia Wilson said they wanted to align with the community’s appropriateness, value for money, seasonal risks and community health.

“Council acknowledged that January 26 is a complex and contested date to celebrate Australia Day,“ she said in 2020. “We recognise this causes distress for many people living in our community, and we are committed to moving forward in a way that will build relationships and understanding.”

Working on the railway

Metro Trains gave special recognition to a former Upfield Line staff member, Eugene Accornero, for his 51 years of dedication to working on the railways.

Mr Accornero is among seven members of theMetroteamwhoseworkwascelebratedand recognisedatMetro’sannualMilestonedinner.

At the event, more than 500 team members celebrated those who had worked on Melbourne’s train network for 15 years or more. Mr Accornero reminisced when, in January 1973, his dad said, “If you’re not going to study, you have to go and work“.

Shortly afterward, Mr Accornero’s journey with the Metro Trains began.

He started as a junior station assistant at UpfieldStation.Atthetime,the15-year-oldMr AccorneroworeaPTCuniformandadark-blue colour cap and wrote out tickets manually on a double-sided carbon.

Then, he would open and close the manual barrier gates as trains came and went from the

platform.

Mr Accornero worked on the Upfield Line for 31 years. He moved to Essendon station in 2004 and has been working there ever since.

As time passed, the uniform changed into the Metro uniform.

The network has also changed since Metro started running it in 2009, and Mr Accornero has been impressed seeing the investment in the network.

Mr Accornero has always liked shift work as it gives him the flexibility to enjoy his days.

Metro Trains CEO Raymond O’Flaherty said, “I feel privileged to be able to celebrate the outstanding contributions of so many incredible people who have committed their working lives to the railways”.

“Public transport provides great careers for our people and their wonderful contributions have kept our city moving every day.”

Anne Parisianne

What’s on

The Community Festival is coming soon!

Get ready for the return of the City of Whittlesea Community Festival!

Join the fun with an exciting line-up of live music, cultural performances, cooking workshops, a pet expo, food trucks, community stalls, and a range of activities for all ages.

When: 11am to 5pm, Sunday 17 March 2024

Where: City of Whittlesea Terrace Lawns, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

For more information, visit https://arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Since then the Australian government has changed the rules that council’s don’t have to hold citizenship ceremonies on that day.

The petition presented at council, said they believed it wasn’t the role of the council to decide how Australia Day was marked.

‘We the undersigned petition that council should leave Australia Day alone,” the online petition said.

“Australia Day means different things to many, it is still a day to be proud and acknowledge those who have served, fought, and died under our flag, defending our

freedoms. For some Australia Day may be painful.

‘We believe that the debate about Australia Day is not the role of local councils, who should be focused on local issues.

“We ask that council leave Australia alone and hold community events that celebrate Australia Day, acknowledge Indigenous culture and mark Australia Day with citizenship ceremonies.’

The petition, which was signed by a large number of signatories, was noted by the administrators.

Celebrating cultural diversity week

Join us for this FREE event celebrating our culturally diverse community.

Experience the beauty of multiculturalism through captivating stories, performances, art, music, cultural clothing and delicious cuisine.

There will be dates, water, and a designated prayer space provided for those fasting for Ramadan, and you are welcome to come in your traditional cultural dress.

When: 5pm to 8.30pm, Tuesday 19 March 2024

Where: Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang

For more information, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/events

whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Eugene Accornero. (Supplied)

Police keep the peace at council

By Tara Murray

Police and security were in place at the last Whittlesea council meeting with Palestine supporters rallying outside the meeting, with one member of the public asked to leave the meeting.

Free Palestine chants rang through the council chambers, following a council statementsayingcallsfortheendtoaceasefire in Gaza is the role of the federal government, not local councils

A petition was received by the council at its February 20 council meeting calling for the council to call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. There was also a public question asking the council about its position.

Similar petitions have been tabled at other council meetings, with many councils tabling motions which have passed, calling for the end to fighting in Gaza.

The petition tabled at Whittlesea council said many community members are deeply infected by this conflict particularly those who share religious, cultural and family ties to those in Palestine.

“We ask the council to pass a motion in support of Palestinian,” the petition said. “This motion must contain these several elements, the calling for an immediate unconditional and permanent ceasefire, a call for withdrawal of Israel from occupied Palestinian land… and mourning of the horrific loss of Palestinian and Israeli lives andcondemnationofactstargetingcivilians.”

The petition also called on the council to acknowledge that the conflict didn’t begin on October 7, for the council to fly the Palestine flag on council offices and call on the Australian government to condemn the Israeli war crimes and call for a ceasefire.

The petition was noted and tabled by

the council.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson read out a statement on the behalf of the council about the conflict in Gaza.

“The City of Whittlesea extends our thoughts and sympathies to those in our community who have family and friends directly impacted by the war in the Middle East,” she said.

“We do not condone violence and respect the right of everyone to live peacefully in accordance with their human rights, these international issues are the remit of the federal government as a local council, we will continue to focus our efforts on delivering services for our local community.”

Later in the meeting, a chant of free Palestinerangthroughthechamberforabout 10 minutes. The administrators continued about the meeting as usual during this time.

In a statement, the council said it had been

Boost for Epping female footballers

Epping Football Club is set to receive $1000 from the state government to purchase women’s footy jumpers.

The state government has allocated of more than $694,000 to 560 recipients as part of the latest Sporting Club Grants Program.

The program emphasises supporting, celebrating, and building the capacity of sports volunteers in critical roles, including coaching, mediating, and administration.

Epping president Adrian Onofretchook said it’s been a long-time getting a women’s side together, but it’s finally going to happen.

“Now local women will have somewhere to socialise and keep fit doing it.“

Other sports clubs in the community have also received some funds. Craigieburn Basketball Association received $2000 to upskill volunteer junior coaching staff.

Community Sport Minister Ros Spence said clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers are integral to community sport, and it just wouldn’t happen without them.

“That’s why we’re backing more clubs with help to purchase uniforms and equipment and investing in their future through training and development.

“Thisisabouthelpingtoboostmemberships, supporting volunteers and getting behind grassroots sport, which is a vital part of local communities.

Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said the Epping Football Club is an integral part of the local area and the women’s uniform grant will make things that little bit easier for women to play and the team to grow and succeed.”

Anne Parisianne

made been aware that Palestinian supporters had planned a rally outside the Civic Centre, where the council meeting.

“As part of its standard procedures, council conducted a risk assessment ahead of the meeting and employed security to ensure the safety of its staff and that the meeting could proceed,” the statement said. “Victoria Police were also notified and chose to attend.

“The rally was peaceful, however protestors did enter the council chamber building at one point with a megaphone.

“The group were welcome to sit and observe the meeting. One individual who was using a megaphone was asked to leave his megaphone outside a number of times due to the disruptive nature of the noise. “When he refused to do so he was eventually asked to leave, the remainder of the group were welcome to remain but chose to move back outside.”

Driving change in Hume

The community can now comment on Hume council’s draft transport strategy.

Councillorsadaptedthedraftstrategy at the February 26 council meeting with theagendastatingthestrategywillguide the council in addressing transport challenges and working towards a future that provides greater choice for a vibrant and liveable municipality.

Councillor Karen Sherry said “The past 10 years has seen a revolution of thinking to better reflect the broader spectrum of transport and place outcomes”.

“This has been brought about by a change in demand, for example in the habits of young people towards using public transport more frequently, and enthusiastically embarrassing alternatives such as e-scooters and bikes.”

Cr Sherry said roads and streets are no longer just thoroughfares you travel through as quickly as possible to get home.

“They have a right to be enjoyed,” she said. “The strategy invites us to plan for precincts where we might trial micro transport options such as e-bikes and scooters.

“We could trial proposals where a group of primary school aged children can be traveling together… on e-bikes or scooters.

“We don’t believe that transport is a one size fits all, and I don’t believe we can emulate the inner city.”

The community feedback will be one for four weeks.

Illegal rubbish dumping costs Hume ratepayers millions

Hume council spent almost $5 million removing illegally dumped rubbish in the 2022-23 financial year, with statistics revealing the problem is set to cost ratepayers even more this year.

Councillorsdiscussedthewaystoreducethe cost and the frequency of illegal dumping at a meeting on Monday, February 26, with the cost of potential education campaigns fueling the debate.

Cr Sam Misho said money spent to reduce the amount of illegally dumped rubbish in Hume was an investment.

“Therewere11,000illegaldumpingincidents in Hume, $4.7 million in clean up costs,

$233,000 worth of fines, which I’m not too sure how much of that has been collected,” he said.

“4,881 tonnes of litter and dumped rubbish [were] removed. Craigieburn [has] the highest number of dumping incidents recorded, [and] Broadmeadows[hadthe]highestincidentratio by number of dwellings.

“Despite the $4.7 million spent to remove illegally dumped rubbish, the actual behaviour is on the upper trend.

“This is not a once off $4.7 million, this is rather perhaps every year. So if statistics are saying it’s actually on an upward trend, which means in 2024 we should see more than $5 million perhaps.”

Cr Misho raised a notice of motion to completeamailoutofanA5wasteinformation card with a magnet back, along with a barcode to direct residents to council’s website for more information and to arrange for a collection.

The motion also included a hotline number to report failures to satisfy promises made by council or the contractor, and to investigate options to utilise multi media channels to inform the community and focus on multicultural communication.

This was then amended by Cr Trevor Dance that a report comes back to council in regards to the costings to implement the program, following concerns raised about the cost of the

program. Cr Carly Moore seconded the amendment and acknowledged dumping rubbish was an “enormous” problem in Hume.

“I’m certainly happy to support some of these initiatives but I don’t want to commit to a position… without understanding what exactly is this going to cost,” she said.

“[As well as] what are the resources that are going to be involved and what kind of benefits do we expect to see.”

Thisreportisexpectedtoreturntocouncilat its next meeting on March 12.

Zoe Moffatt

Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny and Community Sports Minister Ros Spence with Epping players. (Supplied)

Law clinic to boost skills

By Tara Murray

A new partnership between La Trobe University and Whittlesea Community Connections has resulted in the La Trobe Law clinic being launched in Whittlesea.

The clinic was officially launched late last month and is part of Whittlesea Community Connections’ new Social Justice Project.

The clinic started operating in July and will offer placements to 200 La Trobe law, criminology, social work, and information technology students.

At the clinic, students work in teams of two to provide legal services across five areas of law. Their work is supervised by an in-house lawyer.

La Trobe Law School Dean Professor Fiona Kelly said offering a diverse range of clinical opportunities to students ensured La Trobe graduates entered the job market with strong practical legal skills and the confidence that comes from managing a legal file and interacting with clients.

“Entering the employment market with practical experience is becoming increasingly important to securing a graduate law position,” Professor Kelly said.

“The La Trobe Law Clinic gives students the opportunity to apply their legal knowledge and interact directly with clients, building a skillset needed for legal practice. It also builds a culture of service, where students provide much-needed legal services to community members who may not otherwise be able to afford a lawyer.”

Sarah Klonis has been on placement at the law clinic.

Shesaidithadbeenareallygoodexperience.

“It’s my placement within my degree, so it has felt nice to put what we’ve learned in class into practice,“ she said. “I’m from the

Whittlesea township and it’s nice as I feel like helping the community that I live in.”

MsKlonishasbeenworkingwith Kildonan Uniting Care focusing on family violence and helping survivors who have received funds due to their abusers.

She said it was nice that people in the local area has somewhere to go.

“People in the local council area have some place t come to and not be judged about what they are going through.

“It’s a free service and they don’t have to be worried about having to pay to get help.”

MsKlonissaidshewashopefulinthefuture that people will be able to turn up without having to be referred.

Businesses in the spotlight

Whittlesea council has opened entries for the 2024 City of Whittlesea Business Awards, focusing on innovation and talent within the local business sector.

ChairadministratorLydiaWilsonsaid the awards offered a unique platform for entrepreneurs, innovators and hardworking operators in Whittlesea to showcase their successes and contributions to the community and industry. “The City of Whittlesea Business Awards are not just about recognising excellence, they’re about inspiring our business community to striveforahigherstandardofinnovation, sustainability and service,” she said.

“Through our business awards, we want to highlight the incredible talent and dedication that drive the City of Whittlesea’s economic landscape.”

The awards will span six categories, including a new addition this year for home-based businesses.

Ms Wilson underscored the integral role of home-based businesses within the community for their innovation, resilience and ties to the community.

The other categories include customer service, innovation and enterprise, sustainability and environment, community contribution, and workplace diversity. The grand award, the 2024 business of the year, will be chosen from the winners of these categories, honouring a business that represents excellence in all areas. Details: www. whittlesea.vic.gov.au/BusinessAwards.

Anne Parisianne

The Whittlesea Law Clinic was officially opened. (Supplied)

Residents petition for bus stop

By Anne Parisianne

Donnybrae Estate residents are urging the Whittlesea council and the state government to address the lack of safe walking paths and a bus stop in their community.

The absence of paved footpaths is along the one kilometre-long road from Donnybrae Estate to the Donnybrook station is a frustration for local residents.

Amber Wood, a local resident, has started a petition to demand a safer commute and improve public transportation in the area. More than 300 people had signed the petition as of Monday morning.

Ms Wood described her experience of walkingalongtheshoulderofan80km/hroad as terrifying.

“The lack of footpaths along Donnybrook Road makes walking perilous, especially for

childrenandelderlycitizenswhoareatgreater risk due to speeding vehicles,” she said.

A Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said they are working together with Whittlesea council and the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA), to identify options to deliver additional sections of footpath along Donnybrook Road.

A Whittlesea council spokesperson said they’re aware of the challenges faced by residents in the growing suburb of Donnybrook, including the accessibility of Donnybrook Road for pedestrians and better bus services.

“Council is aware of the challenges faced by residents in the growing suburb of Donnybrook, including the accessibility of Donnybrook Road for pedestrians and better bus services,“ they said.

“DonnybrookRoadisanarterialroadthatis

theresponsibilityoftheVictoriangovernment.

“Developers are responsible for delivering footpaths as they complete stages of development along Donnybrook Road. The timing of this has left gaps in the footpath network where sections do not join up yet.

“Councilwillcontinuetoadvocatefortimely infrastructure in our new communities and we will continue to work with the Victorian government to find solutions.”

Ms Wood also highlighted that the road from Donnybrae Estate to the Donnybrook station is without a bus stop.

She said adjacent estates now have bus stops, but her estate was overlooked.

Ms Wood said the lack of public transport is not only a safety risk but also adds to environmental harm, particularly carbon emissions, as residents often use their vehicles.

“We believe that implementing these

New amenity block for Doreen

Works on a new public toilet block in Doreen are now underway,

Visitors to the Laurimar Town Centre will soon be able to stay and shop longer, with the new public amenity block set to provide shoppers with somewhere to freshen up.

Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage joined local representatives including Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd and community members to officially launch the works.

The much-needed project was a 2022 election commitment backed by $200,000 from the state government’s Living Local Fund Whittlesea council has also contributed

$200,000 to the project.

The project will include the installation of a fully automated and accessible single cubicle public toilet, as well as landscaping of pathways surrounding the amenity block.

Ms Kathage said Doreen is a vibrant, growing community and Laurimar Town Centre is its beating heart for social and economic activity.

“This amenities block will encourage more people to stay longer and enjoy the best of our local traders,” she said.

“I know how much these toilets will mean to the community. From mums with kids who are suddenly busting, to people with a

disability who avoid the shops.”

Mr Lloyd said the new facility, walkway and accessible parking bay would give people, including parents with young children, older residents and those with disabilities, greater confidence to visit the precinct.

“It’s important that people have access to the facilities they need when they’re going about their everyday lives outside the home,” he said.

“As well as the health and social benefits, there will also be an added economic benefit for local businesses, with customers able to spend longer in the area.”

changes will greatly improve the quality of life for all residents by providing safer routes for pedestrians and better public transportation options,“ she said in the petition. “We urge local authorities in Victoria state government, Department Of Transport Infrastructure (DTI) to take immediate action by installing a bus stop in the Donnybrae estate and constructing footpaths along Donnybrook road leading up to the train station.“

The Department of Transport and Planning spokesperson said they know the important rolebusesplayinourpublictransportnetwork, which is why they are continually reviewing servicestoensuretheyaremeetingcommunity needs, including along Donnybrook Road.

Petition: https://www.change.org/p/ implement-a-bus-stop-in-donnybrae-estateand-construct-a-footpath-along-donnybrookroad.

Airport works underway

Early works are underway ahead of the start of construction on stage two of Naarm Way at Melbourne Airport, which will transform the way people arrive and depart the airport.

Construction on stage two will start this month and will provide a direct connection from the Tullamarine Freeway to new dedicated pick- up and drop-off zones in the T123 car park, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing safety.

Theprojectwillnecessitatetheclosure of up to 2000 parking spaces, which will reduce capacity, particularly during peak travel times.

MelbourneAirportgroundtransport, propertyandretailchiefJaiMcDermott, said there will be temporary inconveniences while construction is underway.

“This project will take an estimated 70,000 cars off Terminal Drive each day and provide a more resilient road network designed to reduce stress for passengerseitherdepartingorarriving,” he said.

“It does, however, mean we have to remove parking spaces in the value car park and in the T123 parking facility to make way for this upgrade, so we encourage everyone to book parking online to secure the best rate, especially during peak times like the upcoming long weekend and Easter holidays.”

The second stage set to open in 2026.

Man arrested, charged after Thomastown arson attack

Police have charged a man following an arson attackatareceptioncentreinThomastownlast week.

A search warrant was executed at a residential address in St Albans shortly before 9am this morning.

A 20-year-old St Albans man has been charged with two counts of criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

He faced court last week.

Heisexpectedtobechargedwithtwocounts

of criminal damage by fire, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, theft of motor vehicle and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

The warrant follows an incident on February 22 where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a reception centre on Settlement Road, Thomastown shortly after 6am.

Police will allege a man exited a stolen Ford Ranger in the carpark of a business next door to the reception centre around 5.50am.

The man allegedly sets the premises alight,

before fleeing the scene in the same vehicle which is later found burnt out on Nathan Court, Bundoora about 6.25am.

Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the building sustained significant damage.

Investigators believe the venue was likely targeted due to an event scheduled to be held there.

Emerald Reception Centre said on social media it was devastated by the incident and was cooperating with the police investigation.

“In spite of this devastating situation, we want to reassure our community that this setback will not deter us,” the venue said. Taskforce Lunar Detective Inspector Graham Banks said they’d seen a number of significant arsons occur over the last week and he can fully understand the community’s concern.

“Our investigations into all of the incidents are progressing,” he said.

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage Whittlesea chief executive Craig Lloyd outside the new toilet. (Supplied)

Coeducation prepares students for the real world

Initially established as a girls’ school in 1964, St Monica’s College in Epping has flourished since it became a coeducational school.

In the 1970s, the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, as well as local clergy and parishioners, saw a need for boys’ Catholic education in the local area. To better meet community needs, St Monica’s College became a coeducational school in 1978.

Brian Hanley OAM, the college principal at St Monica’s College, celebrated his 30th anniversary as principal in 2020. Mr Hanley was awarded an Order of Australia medal in June 2021 for his continued and exceptional contribution to education across a period of over 45 years.

Having seen more than 40,000 students pass through the college, Mr Hanley believes that students benefit greatly from a coeducational schooling experience and that it better prepares students for the real world.

“There are myths associated with coeducation just as there are with single-sex education. These should all be dispelled as we come down to the one, most critical reality – humans live in a coeducational world and consequently enjoying a coeducation experience in school years should form a holistic person; confident and wise,” says Mr Hanley.

Government and Catholic primary schools, as well as all tertiary institutions, represent a cross section of society in that they are coeducational.

Mr Hanley contends that this assists in improving respect, understanding, and positive attitudes among students while also breaking down sexist attitudes, harassment and bullying among genders.

“Being together throughout the day,

feelings of comradeship and friendship develop in a natural way between girls and boys. These mutual feelings and uplifting experiences are inherently valuable to the fully rounded

person,” Mr Hanley says.

“Accordingly, students are better prepared to enter the workforce, more capable of coping in post-secondary educational institutions, and

more confident to involve themselves in discussions and activities with the opposite sex.”

At St Monica’s College, Epping, every student matters, every moment counts.

Principal Brian Hanley with students Lacie Gleeson and Jamil Awad at St Monica’s Epping.

New principal welcomed at Penola Catholic College

Penola Catholic College has welcomed a new Principal in 2024.

Tracey Kift is the fifth principal of the college, and its first female principal.

“I am excited to build on the strong foundationsestablishedbythepastprincipals and to support the college to continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of our students,” Ms Kift said.

Ms Kift has spent 20 years in leadership roles in Catholic education, including as deputy principal of Kolbe Catholic College and Marymede Catholic College.

She also spent time working as a journalist at The Age newspaper, before her passion for education drew her back into the classroom.

“I would be sent out to a school by The Ageto cover a story and find myself not wanting to leave. I realised I was meant to be an educator and that I wanted to be making a difference to the lives of young people,” Ms Kift said.

It was the unique structure of the college’s twocampusesinGlenroyandBroadmeadows that appealed to her.

It can be intimidating for students to come to a large secondary school. Having a dedicated Year 7-8 campus with a team of specialists in middle years education provides students an unparalleled transition to secondary school.

By the time students move to the Senior Campus, they have developed the confidence and independence required to pursue their individual pathway and passions.

“One of the first things I had the pleasure to do as principal was to welcome our Year 12s into our new Senior Learning Centre, the Annie Brice Building. It’s a wonderful environment that feels more like a university thanasecondaryschool,andourstudentsare so excited to have such an inspiring learning

space,” she said. However, it isn’t just students who are a focus for the new principal. Staff Wellbeing is also a key priority for Ms Kift.

“While teaching is a wonderful profession that brings a great deal of joy, it is also

demanding and challenging. In order to support our students, we need to ensure our staff feel supported and valued, and that we minimise all the things that consume teachers’ time and let them do what they do best – helping students learn,” said Ms Kift.

For those new to the community, or considering a place at the college, please visit penola.vic.edu.au to book a tour or apply online.

Tracey Kift, principal

New Penola Catholic College principal Tracey Kift.

College announces second campus to open in 2026

Kolbe Catholic College, Greenvale, a leading institution in educational excellence and spiritual growth, proudly announces the opening of its second campus in Mickleham, for Year 7 students in 2026.

FoundedontheprinciplesoftheFranciscan tradition and named after the heroic St Maximilian Kolbe, the college has long been a beacon of light for students from Year 7 to 12. The college’s commitment to fostering an environment of faith, courage, and

compassion has empowered its students to excel academically and embody the values of selflessness and service.

Withathrivingcommunityof1,200students and counting, Kolbe Catholic College has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. Thisgrowthreflectsitsunwaveringdedication to providing a nurturing environment where every student can grow to reach their full potential.

Theopeningofthesecondcampusmarksan

exciting new chapter in the college’s journey. Slated to welcome Year 7 students initially, with plans to expand to include subsequent year levels in the following years, this expansion allows the college to accommodate more students while maintaining its commitment to personalised education and individual growth.

The turning of the sod and the commencement of construction later this year signify the beginning of an exciting

new era for Kolbe Catholic College. As the college community looks ahead to the future, it remains steadfast in its dedication to Franciscan values, knowing that faith, courage, and compassion will continue to guide the way.

For more information about enrolments and the opening of the second campus, please visit www.kolbecc.catholic.edu.auor contact us on 8339 3060.

McLovin’ it 50 years on

By Mikayla van Loon

As a mere 19-year-old George Caruana had his dreams come true with a job opportunity at one of the first McDonald’s stores to open in Melbourne.

Now,50yearslaterhe’sthelongeststanding employee in Australia for the multinational company and loves every minute he gets to spend with customers.

Celebrating the milestone at his current store in Lilydale, the Epping resident was commended by locals and head office staff over the course of February 23 and 24.

Visiting the Collingwood store in 1974, just afteritopened,MrCaruananeverexpectedto walk away employed.

“Me and mum decided to go and get somethingtoeatandtrythisnewMcDonald’s. It was the third McDonald’s in Melbourne and as we were enjoying our food, a manager came out exactly like I do today.

“He comes out into the dining room and says, ‘G’day, is everything okay with your food? Do you like it?’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I love it’.

“He said to me, ‘would you like a job?’ and he started showing me around the store and hecameouttomumandsaid,‘Igaveyourson a job’. I started the week after.”

For Mr Caruana, getting offered a position at Maccas was more than just a job, it was a chance to shift his future.

“I got sick of working in a factory because I started working at 12-years-old to support mum and I always wanted to get involved in food,” he said.

Moving his way up from the kitchen to customer service to manager, Mr Caruana soon found his calling in promotion and training.

“OncetheyknewallthestuffIlearned,they started moving me from store to store to open them and train new managers and new staff and I just love it so much.”

Still to this day, seeing young people starting their employment journey brings joy to Mr Caruana but he said he wished more would see the potential in making a career at the company.

“I really like to show how important customers are and how to be treated by customers and how to handle them,” he said.

“I want to be involved with the new generation. Hopefully I can encourage them to stay on like me. I don’t think I could see it because a lot of people do not like the food industry anymore or any restaurant business I believe.”

Seeing and meeting lots of people over the five decades, one moment in particular remains stark in Mr Caruana’s mind.

“One day, I was on my shift and we were ready to close the door. In those days we used to shut by 11 o’clock, and we had to be out by 12 o’clock.

“I was so young that I didn’t think I should take a photo with Bette Davis. I didn’t realise how big she was.”

AsecondstarmeetingMrCaruanahadand still cherishes is the day he met McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc.

“I’ve still got him in my heart and I honour him,” he said.

ContinuingeveryyeartosupportMrKroc’s legacy in the charity space, Mr Caruana has been a big supporter of the Ronald McDonald House.

When it came to Australia, Mr Caruana said people were rather apprehensive about where the money was going but over time it has become a well-loved aspect of the brand.

“WhentheRonaldMcDonaldHousecame to Australia, I think I was the first person to startraisingmoneyandIrememberIraised $8,000.

“It’s 33 years this year and I am still collecting money. I think I’ve collected $157,000. I usually raise about $7000 a year just selling McDonald’s and other stuff in McDonald’s and let customers know every penny goes to the kids.

“And I always go and visit the house.

And we put on barbecues for them and

‘‘ I want to be involved with the new generation. Hopefully I can encourage them to stay on like me ’’

- George Caruana

feed them for nothing.”

Seeing the phase out of Ronald McDonald and other characters like Hamburglar, is something Mr Caruana said he was sad to see go.

“Because of the McCafe it’s more of a restaurant compared to in the old days where there used to be families with kids. It’s still happening but not as much as with the characters.”

While the characters may not feature in store anymore, Mr Caruana doesn’t have to look far to see one, with his collection of memorabilia being so extensive.

From original food trays, burger boxes and happy meal toys, over the 50 years, Mr Caruana has collected items showcasing the changes from each decade.

Having worked in up to 40 stores over the years, Mr Caruana said Collingwood would always be his favourite as the first one he ever worked in but Lilydale is certainly up there.

Locals can expect to see Mr Caruana around for many years to come, with his love for the work still driving, and a small sense of competition.

“I’ve just been nominated number one in Australia [as the longest employee] but I am number two around the world.

“There’s a lady in America who is beating me by three years. She must have started in 1970 but she’s older than me.

“If I can stay another five years to beat that record [I will]. I just want to be a proud Australian all around the world. I don’t think afterwards they’ll ever beat me.”

Above: George Caruana celebrated 50 years of employment at McDonald’s with a burger cake and certificates at the Lilydale store on Friday 23 February. (Supplied) Inset: Mr Caruana started as a 19-year-old at the Collingwood store. Below: Staff from head office presented Mr Caruana with a certificate of congratulations in store on Friday. (Mikayla Van Loon)

Above: From the 1974 designed food tray to the burger boxes throughout the decades, Mr Caruana has quite the collection. (Mikayla Van Loon)

Left: Dating back 50 years, Mr Caruana prizes himself on the collection of memorabilia he has been able to acquire. (Maree Beveridge)

Mr Caruana’s very own Ronald McDonald.

Planning panel set up for quarry

Tara

Murray

An independent planning panel will be set up to consider all submissions made about the development of an old Bundoora quarry site.

Whittlesea council at its February 20 meeting agreed to ask the planning minister to set up the panel after the public exhibition of the planning scheme amendment..

The council wants to rezone the land at 149 McKimmies Road from industrial to residential as part of the amendment.

Developer Intrapac Property has bought the site and intends to use the land for medium

density housing.

The council resolved at its September 2022 meeting to seek authorisation from the planning minister to prepare and exhibit an amendment to the Whittlesea planning scheme, with authorisation granted in July.

If approved, the 36.4 hectare site could be transformed by up to 730 new homes.

Thecouncilreceivedninesubmissionsduring the exhibition period, while 13 community members attended a community information session. Issues raised by the submissions include the extent of waterway reserve along Darebin Creek, ensuring compliance with

implementation of statement of environmental audit as part of the next stages of development, traffic and site access issues to McKimmies Road, acoustic and air quality issues, and interfacetreatmentsoftheproposedresidential neighbourhood to the neighbouring bus depot.

DysonGroup,whichhasabusdepot,directly adjoining the development site, submitted an objection to the proposed amendment, which was partly supported by council officers.

One of its concerns centred around ensuring access to the bus depot remained at the same quality.

Administrator Christian Zahra said a

Doing her best to empower others

Tara Murray Kalkallo community advocate Ally Watson wants to inspire others ahead of International Women’s Day.

Ms Watson was among the winners at last year’s Hume council community awards for her work in the community.

She has taken a major role in the Kalkallo Community 3064 Facebook group and has been a huge advocator for improved infrastructure in the area.

For Ms Watson, the day means a day of reflection, hope and empowerment.

“IWD reminds me of the importance of celebrating the significant contributions by women at an industry, national and global level,” she said.

“But more importantly, it is a day

to recognise the quieter, yet powerful contributions women make every day within their local communities to improve the lives of girls and women.

“The annual theme is a foundation for the year ahead to continue our collective work to create a world that is inclusive, fair and kind for today’s women and future generations.”

Ms Watson plans to spend IWD at Hume council’s International Women’s Day event, which she said is always a good day.

She’s also organised something close to her heart at the Kalkallo CFA where they have seven women involved, the most ever.

“To shine a light on this I’ve organised a great photo of the brigade’s women members for our social media to celebrate the various contributions women are making to CFA in the local area. Hopefully it will inspire other

women to get involved,” she said.

Ms Watson has plenty of advice for any woman who is hesitant about getting involved in their community.

“Move from just thinking about it, and start doing, that’s the critical ingredient for success,” she said.

“Dream big, decide what you want to do, set some goals and go for it.

“Reach out directly to women in your community who inspire you or are doing things that interest you and ask to have a chat.

“And remember, it is ok to try different things to help find the best path for you.

“Every woman has her own unique contribution to make. Our stories will all be different, but together our support for each otheriscriticaltoinspireinclusionforabetter world.”

mountain of work had been done on this important and significant site.

“Next steps are important here they are the next phase now of completing these works,” he said.

“Hopefully second and final phase to this point which i think we will see a significant outcome at the end of the process in the public interest.”

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson pointed out that as part of the recommendation that council officers will continue discussions to seek resolution of unresolved submissions prior to the panel hearing.

Company fined over fall

A roofing company has been fined $40,000 after pleading guilty to a single charge of failing to provide and maintain safe systems of work which resulted in a worker falling through a gap in safety meshing.

In September 2023, D Buck Roofing was fined $7500 without conviction after pleading guilty to a single charge of failing to provide and maintain safe systems of work. The original sentence was set aside on February 15 with the County Court instead ordering the companytopayafineof$40,000without conviction, more than five times the original amount. D Buck Roofing was also ordered to pay $3985 in costs.

ThecourtheardthatinAugust2021,a worker fell through a gap in safety mesh while working on the roof of a building extension at a Donnybrook school, falling approximately 4.2 metres to the ground.

The worker required 15 surgeries after suffering a broken fibula and tibula in his right leg and shattering his left heel bone.

A WorkSafe investigation found the installation of safety mesh on the roof was unfinished as the company had run out, while guard railing around the roof’s perimeter was also incomplete.

WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer said there were no excuses for ignoring the well-known risk control measures to protect workers from falls.

“This should serve as a warning to any employer who thinks they can get away with cutting corners – it is just not worth exposing your workers to the risk of injury and opening yourself up to severe financial penalties,” Dr Beer said. “WorkSafe will always look to exercise its right to appeal a prosecution result where we believe it does not reflect the seriousness of the offending.”

Emergency health care in the comfort of your home

A Victorian mother-of-two is urging the community to make use of the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department (VVED).

Teesdale woman Sarah Climpson said her mind was blown after a VVED emergency doctor helped resolve her medical issue via a video call, without her having to travel to hospital.

VVED is an Australian-first video telehealth medical consultation service, run by Northern Health and funded by the Department of Health, for people with nonlife-threatening medical conditions.

Through VVED, highly skilled emergency doctors and nurses can assess and treat

patients virtually, arrange referrals and provide a follow up care plan if required.

Ms Climpson’s husband called an ambulance for her when she suffered dangerous hypoglycaemia as she was unable to effectively take her usual medication, due to gastro.

When paramedics arrived, they decided Ms Climpson needed medication to improve her blood sugar and reduce her nausea.

“Theparamedicswereincredibleandsaidto me… ‘what we’re going to do is call a clinician in the emergency department’,” Ms Climpson said.

“They said it’s called the VVED and we’re

going to go onto this webpage, login and get an ED physician on the phone to have an emergency consult.

“My mind was blown – I’d never heard of this before.”

VVED is available in Victoria 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can treat non-lifethreatening emergencies virtually, with no need to attend an emergency department.

The free service can be accessed by anyone in Victoria with a mobile device and an internet connection,.

“As a mum with two little kids, getting to the hospital can be really challenging,” Ms Climpson said.

“Now that I know this resource is available to me, I absolutely will utilise it in the future.

“Tonotneedtorelyongettingoutinthecar or out in the community, just adds that extra level of availability and accessibility. I think it’s absolutely incredible.”

Importantly, however, if your emergency requires urgent treatment, VVED staff will advise you to go to a hospital or call an ambulance for you.

Details: www.vved.org.au/patients.

Ally Watson. (Supplied)

“Armstrong Green... only a handball away from everything you need.”

Thinking of retirement living? Want to be close to shops, public transport and amenities?

If location is a high priority when considering your next move, look no further. Armstrong Green, in Armstrong Creek is conveniently located across the road from Waralilly Shopping Centre where you will find Woolworths, Aldi, Specialty Shops, Cafés, Doctors’ Offices and the Veterinary Clinic, so you can leave your car at home.

Call 1800 777 898 to view our boutique Villas, today. armstronggreen.com.au

Isabel’s story of caring with the right support

Isabel’s life changed almost immediately with the birth of her second daughter, Elise. Healthcomplicationsmeantthathernewborn needed round-the-clock care and supervision, and home soon became the hospital.

For many months, taking care of their daughter’s additional needs took up to 20 hours a day for Isabel and her husband. Even the less demanding days had to be planned from start to finish. Juggling numerous health appointments whilst ensuring the children were fed, bathed, engaged outdoors and enjoying themselves left little time for a personal life.

“When you become a carer as well as a parent, it detracts from everyone else,” Isabel shared.

“You can’t spend as much time with your husband or your own parents or your other child; it’s very all- consuming. There’s not much room for the spontaneous. There’s just a lot of planning involved to get through our day”.

But gradually, things started to get better.

Elise excelled in therapies and her curious personality began to shine through.

Isabelalsogainedaclearerunderstandingof her role as carer and started connecting with Carer Gateway and other community support programs. Carer Gateway provides essential support to carers, addressing the common issues of isolation, exhaustion and depression. Its free services, including counselling, emergency respite, and peer support, significantly provide relief and assistance to the carer improving their wellbeing.

For Isabel and her family, small milestones, like being able to make it down to the shops as a family, marked steady progress in Elise’s development.

And with Elise getting stronger, Isabel has got better at finding opportunities to take

little breaks, such as enjoying a quiet meal or catching a coffee with a friend.

“It’s taken a lot of work to kind of get her from where she was a few months ago to

where she is now. I want to keep doing that role up until she’s at the point where she can just go to playgroup or kinder or whatever, without an issue.

“It’s because I know I can give her the best chance at life by pouring in that time to her now and by pouring in that effort, it’s because I know her best.”

‘Always had an interest in cars’: Life in the fast lane

CourtneyPrinceisn’twhoyouwouldnormally picture as a professional race and stunt driver.

The 22-year-old fell in love with racing from an early age and would start in go-karts at the age of seven before progressing into formula ford at the age of 16.

Last year she became the first female in Australia to compete in a full season of the Porsche Carrera Cup, the highest level of championship of Porsche racing in Australia.

Prince said racing was something that she loved to do and wanted to make a career out of it.

“I have been in car racing since I was 16,” she said. “It’s not a usual path especially when I was at school.

“Most people wanted to go to university, definitely choose something different. Since I was young I always had an interest in cars and anything that went fast.

“I always wanted to race dirt bikes, but my parentswerelikethat’swaytoodangerous,you can’t race them, if you want to race anything, we can get you a go kart, when I was seven I finally convinced them to buy me a go kart.

“It all started when I was quite young.”

Growing up in Yarrambat, Prince has had todoalotoftravellingforherracing,withjust three tracks in Victoria.

Last year she competed in eight race meets across Australia and New Zealand.

She said the opportunity to race in the Carrera Cup had been massive.

“It was awesome to make the step up to the PorscheCarreraCupfromthesprintchallenge [Sprint Challenge Championship],” she said.

“Ididthatin2022Igotfourthinthatinthat series and I was racing Aussie Racing Cars then.

“The opportunity to step up to Porsche last year were there and I absolutely loved it. “It was a massive step in the deep end to

‘‘ It was a massive step in the deep end ... loved the racing, loved the competitiveness, it makes you a better driver ’’

- Courtney Prince

the main game of Porsche in Australia here and having awesome people who have done super cars or done super car co drives, a lot of experienced drivers in there.

“I really enjoyed my first season in there, loved the racing, loved the competitiveness, it makes you a better driver.”

Princetookherskillsoffracingtrackandhit the big screen as part of a SEEK job-hunting myths exposed program.

SEEK has teamed up with Jamie Hyneman, of MythBusters fame, to bust some of the

biggest myths of the job hunt process.

Prince was part of the second episode that was released on February 29 where Hyneman challenged two ‘job seekers’ to vie for a delivery driver role.

Prince said it was a cool opportunity to be a part of,

“They were looking for a driver that can also do a little bit of stunt driving but is also a professional race car driver,” she said.

“Working with Jamie for the first time ever, wasprettycool.[He]wasreallyknowledgeable.

“It’s really cool to have him out in Australia.

“It went really well, jammed packed days. We were all super busy and it’s going to come togetherreallywell.It’sreallyexcitingandlots of cool content to see, some cool stunts we do on there.”

Prince said is keeping what is next close to her chest, but dreams of driving full time professionally overseas.

https://ow.ly/Fnxc50QJCMi

Courtney Prince. (Supplied)

Dr Backhoy, the first female chairperson of the MGRA

International Women’s Day is the perfect time to acknowledge and honour women who work tirelessly to improve the greyhound racing industry and animal welfare.

Former Greyhound Clubs Victoria CEO Brett Jones has reiterated how thrilled the sport is to have a female chairperson at the Melbourne Greyhound Racing Association (MGRA).

“Barbara’s appointment as the first woman Chair of a metropolitan Greyhound Racing Club, combined with Greyhound Racing Victoria’s Chair, Peita Duncan, underpins the strength of female leaders in senior governance positions in sport,” Mr Jones said.

Dr Backhoy said, “There is so much more women can do to help the greyhound industry be the best it can be. And, on International Women’s Day, there’s no better time to show that women administrators and staff, can make a difference.”

Mr Jones, added “Barbara is a fantastic appointment as Chair. She has a passion for the welfare of racing greyhounds and firsthand experienceafterworkingasanon-trackgreyhound veterinarian since 2002 and as an owner of her own veterinary clinic.”

Expressing her appreciation Dr Backhoy said, “I’ve been in the industry for a long time, and this is a great honour.”

Dr Backhoy has had a special relationship with greyhounds. Her parents were trainers, so she spent many years playing with the puppies.

“I had my first dog when I was about 12 years old and did pretty much all the training with her myself.” Regular veterinary trips with the dogs, led her to a career as a vet. It also sparked an intense interest in the welfare and well-being of greyhounds. “They are a wonderful animal, a great pet, and they actually do love to run. I want to do everything I can to ensure every greyhound is cared for, safely trained and raced and finds a good home in retirement,” she said.

Article courtesy Greyhound Clubs Victoria

Dr Barbara Backhoy, the first female Chairperson of the MGRA.

New Doutta Galla CEO to champion quality aged care

Doutta Galla Aged Care Services Limited (Doutta Galla) is delighted to announce the appointment of Glenn Rappensberg as its new Chief Executive Officer, who commenced in January 2024.

Glenn brings a wealth of experience, both clinical and administrative, from across the spectrum of human services and is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of care within aged care given the significant reform process currently underway. His leadership will be instrumental in guiding Doutta Galla through a period of exciting change and development to ensure continued excellence.

Boasting 35 years in the human services sector, Glenn’s expertise as a CEO spans health, disability, and community service environments, including local government. His impressive track record within the research community, coupled with his deep understanding of funding and regulations at all levels, positions him exceptionally well to navigate the evolving landscape of aged care.

“I’m honoured and thrilled to join Doutta Galla,“ said Glenn.

“This organisation has a rich history of providing exceptional care to all, regardless of background, and I’m committed to building upon that legacy.“

Glenn acknowledged the outstanding leadershipofVandaIaconeseandexpressedhis commitment to upholding the organisation’s core values of accessibility, inclusivity, and compassionate care.

Glenn recognises the challenges and opportunities ahead, including the implementation of the Rights-Based Aged Care Act and the new Aged Care Quality Standards. He assured the community that

Doutta Galla will actively engage in these changes and strive to exceed expectations.

“Retirees often face decisions about where and how to live during their retirement years” Glenn said.

“With an ageing population, there’s a growing interest in housing options such as retirement villages, independent living units, and aged care facilities. However, availability, affordability, and the quality of these options vary, posing challenges for retirees and their families. Amidst these considerations, Queens Park Retirement Living in Moonee Ponds stands out as a very good choice, offering exceptional value. Its commitment to affordability without compromising on quality and location makes it a standout option in the landscape of retirement living.”

Glenn looks forward to collaborating with his team and welcomes their insights in shapingthefutureofDouttaGalla.Hebelieves in the collective strength of the organisation and its commitment to remaining a beacon of compassion, care, and community for years to come.

About Doutta Galla Aged Care Services

Doutta Galla Aged Services Limited is a not-for-profit organisation providing residentialagedcare,retirementliving,respite care, disability and in-home services across Melbourne and regional Victoria since 1991. It is a a non-denominational organisation committed to provide accessible, affordable and quality care, regardless of religious, socioeconomic and ethnic background. Staff aim to provide access to aged care services which are also inclusive of people with diverse experiences and backgrounds CEO Glenn Rappensberg.

Multicultural Dementia Care and Support Centres

Australian Multicultural Community Service (AMCS) has recently added Dementia Care andSupportCentrestoitsrangeofcommunity support initiatives, with no cost to attendees.

Within a short space of time, the feedback from carers and their loved one is extremely positive and more centres are opening on a demand-basis.

The aim of the centres is to recognise and assist both the carer and their loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia. Appreciating that the carer faces many practical and emotional challenges in their role, the centres assist by empowering carers through education and wellbeing sessions and enabling them to meet other carers and share experiences and ideas. They have the opportunity to meet in a friendly and safe environment and to receive mentoring support from experienced professionals.

The program enables people with dementia to engage in activities that are suited to their abilities in a welcoming group setting.

Christina and Chandra have been attending the program along with their carers, Cooper and Praveena. Together, they have formed a friendshipandareoftenchattingandlaughing during group activities and enjoying their free lunch! Sharing life stories and experienceshas brought a strong connection.

Carer feedback includes,”It’s a great place to meet other carers and share experiences. It’s a safe place where you can learn and laugh. I don’t feel alone anymore”.

The FREE Dementia Care and Support Centre program runs over five sessions.

For further information call AMCS (03) 9689 9170

Chandra attends the Dementia Care and Support Centre program.

Helping Francesca at home

Francesca Catroppa migrated from Italy 70 years ago and met her husband in Melbourne. Now widowed, she lives alone in her own home, with the support of a Home Care Package, provided by Australian Multicultural Community Services (AMCS).

At 93 years old, Francesca enjoys the company of other people and struggles to cope with social isolation. As part of her Care Plan goals, she wanted to find a regular activity that would meet her social needs.

AMCS is a not-for-profit organisation and has a strong focus on community engagement and social inclusiveness. AMCS organises her transport and support worker to access her social clubs once per month and

Home Care Support & Community Services

supports Francesca during the activity, as the group doesn’t provide this level of support to members through her Home Care Package funds.

Not stopping there, Francesca also wanted to find a music related activity, as she is talentedsingeranddancer.Previously,AMCS assisted Francesca with finding an Italian speaking association that organises monthly functions for its members, celebrating traditional Italian music and dance.

Francesca is absolutely delighted by her musicalactivityandnowhastheopportunity to sing and dance to the songs of her childhood, with the bonus of socialising with other Italian speaking people.

•

Francesca Catroppa.

Bill’s big day out at the Northcote Rise Festival

Heritage Northcote was a major sponsor of this year’s highly successful Northcote Rise Festival.

Bill,aresidentatHeritageNorthcote,enjoyed thefestival’smusic,foodandcommunityspirit.

For residents like Bill, local community involvement outside the Heritage Northcote home is a chance to spend family time at nearby Rucker’s Hill cafes and restaurants, see a movie at Westgarth cinema, or enjoy local communityeventslikeNorthcoteRiseFestival justuptheroad.

Bill was happy to try his hand at taiko drumming at the festival with Japanese professional drummers, Wadaiko Ringo. Music,football,asenseof adventureandhumour,and24-7professional care in the Heritage Northcote home, are all important to Bill’s ongoing well-being and happiness.

At Heritage Care, staff provide person-centred care you can trust. It means you’re living well - every day, with 24-7 professional care in the home complemented by social and community-based activities outsidethehome.

Bill appreciates the help and attentiveness of the staff at Heritage Northcote – at Northcote Riseandeverydayinthehome.

“TheyalwaysmakesureI’mlookedafterand havewhatIneed,”Billsays.“Whocouldaskfor more?”

To find out more about ‘care you can trust’ at Heritage Northcote, call the friendly Client Service Team on 0460 432 049.

Resident Bill having fun with Wakaido Ringo drummer at the Northcote Rise Festival.

MY PLACE

Craigieburn Basketball Association life member and past president Kerry Monro chats with Zoe Moffatt about his connection with the community and time spent in Hume.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?

I was the eldest of three children born in Echuca and grew up in the Gunbower Island State Forest on the bank of the Murray River. No electricity or other “essential” services were available, just a wood stove and a rainwater tank. Life was hard but we loved every moment.

I love going bush and camping and to return to that type of simple no stress living. I went to the Gunbower Island primary school, one room and one teacher for everyone and then Echuca Technical school viatwobusses.Aftermyfathersuddenlydied when I was thirteen, we struggled to survive for two years until my mother was able to get a widow’s pension and we moved into a housing commission home in Echuca.

I started an electrical apprenticeship in Echuca but when the business was sold, I had to move to Melbourne to continue my apprenticeship. I stayed in the electrical industry for 47 years with the last 20 years as a condition monitoring technician which included ultrasonic and thermal imaging testing,inspectionandreportingonalltypes of high voltage electrical equipment around Australia.

What’s your connection to Hume?

Craigieburn has been home for over 40 years. Our two children attended primary and secondary schools here. Our daughter went to Craigieburn dancing school for many years before attending Melbourne Uni. Our son started playing junior basketball at Craigieburn in 1989 and went on to play through all junior age groups including two

trips to mid-west USA.

I have been continuously involved in Craigieburn basketball since 1989 in almost every aspect of a basketball association, committee, treasurer, BV appointed administrator, coach of many teams, team manager, BigV score table for over thirty years, mentor/advisor to management committees and current chairperson of BV Craigieburn Tribunal panel.

I was awarded life membership of

Craigieburn Basketball Association in 2003.

My wife, Wendy has recently retired from 33 years teaching at Craigieburn Primary School. We were both coaches for a recent BDS group basketball clinics at Craigieburn for the duration of the program.

What do you like about where you live?

When we moved to Craigieburn we had two basketball courts, then three and many years later five. Now hopefully sometime this year

we will have eight. Watching the growth of juniorsportsinCraigieburnover40yearshas been wonderful, there is now an opportunity for almost every child to participate in some form of sport or activity.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

More native bushland areas with walking and cycling tracks for everyone to enjoy and explore. Everyone now more than ever needs a place where they can connect with nature to fully appreciate how necessary and vital it is to our own and the planet’s survival.

Significantly more parking around the train station is essential with the continued growth of Craigieburn.

Where is your favourite local place to spend time?

Walking around Woodlands Park with my cameras looking for something new and trying to photograph as many bird species as possible. Having family birthdays at Woodlands Park with all the family and grandchildren, they also love exploring the park.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you?

I competed in and won numerous state and national angling events and titles in the 1980’s. I was the Melbourne Camera Club Black and White printmakers group coordinator for eight years and still work in myowndarkroom.Ihavehadseveralimages published in the now defunct Austrian Trierenberg Super Circuit world-wide photo competition.

Protection for new church site

By Tara Murray

The new site of a former Wollert church is set to be protected under changes to Whittlesea planning scheme.

The former Wollert Methodist Church was moved from its original location near the intersection of Epping and Lehrmanns roads, Wollert by Major Road Projects Victoria as a result of the Epping Road duplication.

Built in 1878, the Carpenter Gothic-style church, featuring distinctive timber cladding

and lancet windows, had stood for more than 140 years on the corner of Lehmanns and Epping roads.

It was relocated to the Carome Homestead site in 2022, in consultation with the site’s committee of management.

The Carome Homestead has been adapted for re-use and provides a restaurant-cafe on site. It is intended that the former church, which has fallen into disrepair since being decommissioned in 2006, will also be used for something similar.

Whilttesea administrators at the council’s February 20 meeting voted to write to the planning minister to request the preparation and approval of a planning scheme amendment to modify the Whittlesea planning scheme to correctly reflect the new location of the church.

Whittlesea administrator Christian Zahra said the church was an important part of the history of Whittlesea and they wanted to protect it.

“Just because the building has been moved,

RAT-style tests could save newborns

Northern Health is trialing a new test that could detect a common infection in expecting mothers within minutes, potentially saving the lives of 150,000 newborns worldwide yearly.

The test that is similar to the COVID-19 rapid antigen test could spot if there are any Group B Streptococcus (GBS) bacteria in pregnant women.

One in five expectant mothers carries these bacteria.

GBS infection can cause serious complications, leading to preterm births, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

But the infection is easily treatable with

standard antibiotics once detected.

Northern Health is partnering with RMIT University, EXSEN Biotech and Atomo Diagnostics for this trial.

Within the next three years, the RAT-like technology will undergo large-scale clinical trials and be taken to regulators in Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Northern Health chair of research executive committeeanddivisionaldirectorofdiagnostic services Associate Professor Prahlad Ho said Northern Health was proud and excited to be the clinical partner in the project, which will help improve clinical outcomes for babies.

“As one of the busiest healthcare providers in the region, Northern Health is committed to providing the best care for its large volume of clinically and ethnically diverse populations through its research collaborations and partnerships,” he said.

“Northern Health’s clinical partnership, led by Professor Lisa Hui and the Northern Pathology team, will enable the clinical testing of the diagnostic sensor being developed, thereby making it available for wider and equitable use in the community.”

Anne Parisianne

doesn’tmeanitlosesitsvalue,”hesaid.“It’sstill animportantpartoflocalandregionalhistory and I’m so glad we’re taking the appropriate steps to ensure that it is recognised.

“Appropriate protections are maintained. I can think of a couple of places near where I grew up, these issues have perhaps not been as well handled, there’s been a great loss.”

Administrator Peta Duncan said this was a fantastic outcome for the community with Epping Road widened and the church now being turned into something that can be used.

Community grants open

The next round of the Dysons Community Grants program is open in March.

The Dyson Group of Companies, incorporating the legendary Cobb and Co brand, is running the grants program for the fourth year.

The program was established to provide grants in support of the many sporting, educational, welfare and community groups around Victoria, and to date more than 80 grants have been distributed.

Program manager Grant Deacon said the program aims to support a range of community-based organisations at grass roots level.

“The Dyson Group is very happy to be able to support so many community groups,“hesaid.“Wearepleasedthatour grants can make a difference to so many people who work and volunteer with these groups by helping them with their special projects.”

There are two rounds of grants annually, each with $10,000 available with maximum grants of $1000.

Eligible organisations include pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, sporting clubs, not-for-profit groups, charities, welfare agencies, local societies and volunteer emergency services.

Mr Deacon said so many community groups rely on volunteers to deliver their services.

“We are so grateful for their work and excited to be able to support them,“ he said. “The applications we receive demonstrate the aims and achievements of so many hard working people.”

The grants program will open on March 1 and run to March 31.

Details: http://dysongroup.com.au/ about/community-grants

Professor Shekhar Kumta, Thomas Hanly, Mark Muzzin, Associate Professor Prahalad Ho and Professor Vipul Bansal. (Supplied)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

■ https://shorturl.at/cER26

Craigieburn Toastmasters

Craigieburn Toastmasters supports community members in developing and practising their public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. They meet the first and third Thursday from 7-9pm at the Craigieburn Guide Hall, 33 Hamilton Street, Craigieburn.

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, every Monday from 10-11am.

■ 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 Wednesdays for a 30–45 minute walk.

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

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

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 Gardens

Westmeadows Indigenous Community Garden members are hosting a monthly open day on the first Saturday of each month 11am-noon, to showcase the gardens at the corner Toora Drive and Redan Court. All are welcome.

■ Eva Mazzei, emmmazzei@gmail.com

Craigieburn Residents Association

Do you live in Craigieburn and wonder what’s happening re-roads and facilities, or have a concern you’d like to raise so it can be addressed? Go along to the Craigieburn Residents Association and tell them about it. The association liaises with Hume council, as well as state and federal government organisations to get the job done. They also give annual donations to a local charity each year. They meet on the last Wednesday of the month at Selwyn House, Selwyn Avenue, Craigieburn 7.30pm.

■ craigieburnresidents@gmail.com, or 0401 369 311

Home Energy Efficiency

Are you wanting to learn how to save money on bills? Whittlesea council is running a practical home energy efficiency workshop on Thursday, February 22. Home-owners can learn to reduce energy costs and

increase comfort through upgrades. The workshop will be online between 6-7pm.

■ https://ow.ly/W8ea50QAVKx

Repair Corner

Do you have items in need of repair?

Come along to the Donnybrook Repair Corner. The Donnybrook Repair Corner launched on March 2 has free kids activities, face painter, coffee and light refreshments and will run monthly The group can repair all kinds of personal items that you may have otherwise thrown away, giving them a new life and helping reduce waste. The skilled volunteer repairers assess your items to determine if they can be repaired within the allocated timeframe, and do their best to fix or repair items. To have an item repaired please register. The corner is held at the Shared Space, 995 Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook on between 10am-12pm.

■ https://ow.ly/W3HH50QAVMG

Cheese festival

The first and only ricotta festival in Australia is back, featuring huge vats of fresh hot ricotta, Italian food and drinks pop-ups, a local producer marketplace entertainment for the whole family. For the first time, by people’s demand, there will be cooking demonstrations. There’s lots of entertainment activities planned for the day including a petting zoo, a mobile playcentre for the little ones, face painting and handball games. The festival is on March 17 between 10am-4pm at the That’s Amore Cheese factory, 66 Latitude Boulevard, Thomastown.

■ 9463 4202

Community festival

Whittlesea council’s Community Festival will return bigger and better this year on March 17. Highlights of the program include the crowd-favourite Team Dream performance on the main stage, cultural performances and the world kitchen, showcasing the talents of five local cooks providing delicious meals to the community. The event in on March 17 between 11am-5pm at the Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang.

■ www.arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.

Going All Electric

Join energy efficiency assessor Lucinda Flynn as she details how and when to transition different appliances to all-electric to save energy costs and increase comfort. The session is part of Whittlesea council’s sustainable workshop series. The session will run online on March 20, between 6pm-7.30pm.

■ https://ow.ly/SNA050QAVNO

Solar information

Everything you need to know to install quality, affordable rooftop solar and take up Victorian government and Hume Council rebates will be discussed at a Hume solar information session in Broadmeadows on March 27. To make it easier for Hume residents to install rooftop solar, Hume City Council has partnered with not-for-profit energy experts Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) and accredited solar provider Green Home Green Planet to offer quality, affordable solar energy systems.

■ https://ow.ly/QK9B50QAVOU

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of science teacher Sharelle Brownbill, who has been given a $10,000 grant to further her STEM studies.

(Damjan Janevski) 391167_01

To

ACROSS

1, 19-down Author of Alice'sAdventuresin Wonderland (5,7)

4 Practical (9)

9 Controller of meeting (5)

10 Ship’s petty officer (9)

11 Birds of prey (6)

12 Severe or harmful (8)

14 Makes a good point (10)

15 – de toilette (3)

17 Extraterrestrial craft (1.1.1)

19 Black and white (10)

23 Period of instruction (8)

24 Protozoan (6)

26 Music-makers (9)

27 Soldier of Hebrew Bible (5)

28 Replicated (9)

29 Sham (5)

DECODER

DOWN

1 Cabinet (6)

2 Argue noisily and angrily (7)

3 Waitstaff (7)

4 Bars (4)

5 Extremely greedy (10)

6 Govern incompetently (7)

7 Acrobatic apparatus (7)

8 Interpret (8)

13 Group of owls (10)

16 Rump (8)

18 Perfect (7)

19 See 1-across

20 Member of ancient Germanic tribe (7)

21 Breastbone (7)

22 Somewhat (6)

25 Utilised (4)

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

Today’s Aim:

19 words: Good

28 words: Very good

38 words: Excellent

aims, farm, farms, film, films, firm,

No. 175

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS AID AIM AVO EEL EGO ERA EWE HER INN IOU LIE NEE NEW PRO PUT SKI TEE TIE TNT TOT UGH WRY YET

4 LETTERS ARIA BIRD BYES COST DEEM FEDS HEAD PEWS PROD SEEP SLUM SPED STUD TSAR WETS

5 LETTERS ACUTE AGREE AORTA ATONE AWAIT AWARE AZURE CARAT COMET DENIM DETER DOZEN EASED EDGES

1 Who is the creator of comic strip CalvinandHobbes?

2 Myocardial infarction is the medical name for what bodily occurance?

3 Quentin Tarantino’s (pictured) 2021 debut fiction book is a novelisation of which of his films?

4 Belmopan is the capital city of which Central American country?

5 In which decade was the Rubik’s Cube invented?

6 Lion’s mane is one of the largest species of which marine animal?

7 The geometric shape torus can be colloquially described as what kind of shape?

8 The annual music festival Coachella is held in which US state?

9 What is the main flavour of the sweet spread kaya?

10 Novelist and poet James Joyce was born in which country?

No.

No.

No.

FORMALISM,

during the annual fire season for a number of years. Locked gates would be used to close the road, which would be accessible for maintenance and services via a supplied key. The closure is intended to permanently reduce antisocial behaviour in the area, specifically the occurrence of abandoned vehicles and arson in the area.

Council invites submissions on the proposal. Submissions must be submitted by no later than 5pm on 3 April 2024.

Any person making a submission is entitled to request in the submission that the person wishes to appear in person, or to be represented by a person specified in the submission, at a meeting to be heard in support of that submission.

All submissions will be considered in accordance with section 223 of the Act.

Submissions should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, and can be emailed to contactus@hume.vic.gov.au, hand delivered to Council’s Broadmeadows Office at 1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows or posted to the following address:

Chief Executive Officer Hume City Council PO Box 119 Dallas VIC 3047

Any person requesting to appear in person or to be represented by a person specified in his or her submission is entitled to be heard before Council (or a Committee established by Council for this purpose) to be held (if required) at 6:30pm at Broadmeadows Town Hall, 10 Dimboola Road, Broadmeadows on Monday 22 April 2024. Submitters will be contacted closer to the time on how/where the meeting will proceed. A person must clearly state in their submission whether they, or their representatives wish to speak at the meeting.

Further information regarding the proposal may be obtained from David Fricke, Manager Assets on (03) 9205 2200.

be directed to: Sophie Deng at 0427 459 605, or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or Zenith Centre, Level 3, Tower B, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2167, by 5pm, Friday 22 March 2024. If you would like to know more about this site, further information can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au

Toyota coupe in race to catch up

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

It has taken more than a decade but the Toyota 86 has finally been given the boost it has deserved, with the third iteration joining the GR Supra and GR Yaris to benefit directly from Toyota’s multi-championship-winning involvement in international motorsport with Toyota Gazoo Racing.

It has some catching up to do.

Evolving from the original 86, launched in Australia in 2012 signalling Toyota’s renewed commitment to sports-car engineering –remembertheSupra,MR2andCelicaGT-Four - the classic front-engine/rear drive coupe has picked up the pace of the past 10 years.

The GR86, says Toyota, builds on this heritage with improved performance, dynamics, technology and styling, while retaining the affordability and usability of its predecessor. There’s no doubting the engineering advances over the original. The GR86autowillhit100km/hinbetween6.3and 6.8 secs, depending on the model, according to the maker.

However, there are some question marks against the pricing and comfort and convenience of the new car. The GR86 comes in two grades GT and GTS in manual and automatic versions. The new GR86 is priced at $43,240,pluson-roadcosts,fortheGTwiththe GTS (the test vehicle) costing $45,390, more than $8000 over the previous model (from $32,180).

As for comfort and convenience, getting in and out of the car can be fraught. Not only is the vehicle close to the ground, the two doors, on the wide side to allow entry to the back seats,havelimitedopeningintightspotsfound in modern public parking, requiring a degree of suppleness. On the plus side, there’s enough space to take four specialist wheels for a day at the track.

The GR86 is covered by Toyota Warranty Advantage, offering five-year unlimited

kilometre coverage extending to seven-years on engine and driveline, with capped-price servicing for the first five years or 75,000km and each 12-month/15,000m service costing $280.

Styling

On the outside, the GR86 retains the outgoing model’s sporty shape and proportions, while Toyota Gazoo Racing’s global motorsport input has added cooling and aerodynamic improvements with a 0.276 coefficient of drag.

Longer and lower than the previous 86, the new GR86 features a long bonnet, sloping rooflineandtaperedrearendwithaprominent lip spoiler, giving the vehicle a low, planted stance. GR badging front and rear.

The GTS has the advantage of intelligent adaptive LED headlights with auto-levelling and headlamp cleaner, LED daytime running lights and rear fog lights. Dual exhaust pipes and GR badging front and rear, plus 18-inch black alloy wheels with 215/40R18 tyres, complete the sporty look.

Interior

The new GR86 is offered in two trim levels, the GT featuring black fabric upholstery, while the GTS wears two-tone Ultrasuede and leather-accented upholstery in black/silver or black/red. While offering four sports-style deep-set seats, the coupe is strictly a 2+2, with rear leg room something of a myth, even with average-size adults in the front.

The 237 litres of luggage space is enough, Toyotaclaims,tocarrythefore-mentionedfour spare wheels for a day of circuit driving, when the rear seats are folded, or to take luggage for a weekend away.

Infotainment

All variants feature an upgraded 8-inch multimedia infotainment system with DAB+ digital radio and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen is

Toyota GR86 GT Manual and Automatic: $43,240

Toyota GR86 GTS Manual and Automatic: $45,390

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

mated with a configurable 7-inch TFT colour LCD display with a Track Mode, designed with help from Toyota Gazoo Racing’s professional drivers, to provide real-time readouts for circuit driving.

The six-speaker audio system is boosted by Active Sound Control for quality sound reproduction, hence occupant enjoyment.

Engines/transmissions

Powering the GR86 is a new 2.4-litre horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine producing a maximum of 174 kW and 250 Nm, at least 22 kW and 38 Nm over the 2-litre motor it takes over from. Pairing with the unit are either a six-speed manual or six-speed torque-converter automatic, with the latter featuring paddle shifters and a range of drive modes to tailor performance to driver preferences.

Straight-line acceleration is also improved, with the GR86 automatic able to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

Safety

Standard equipment across the range includes seven airbags, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines, ABS brakes, vehicle stability control, tyre pressure warning and front/rear seatbelt warnings.

Automatic models add more active safety equipment including pre-collision braking with pedestrian and daytime cyclist detection,

parking support brake with rear parking sensors, active cruise control, and lane departure alert. GTS grades further add rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitor.

Driving

The naturally aspirated boxer engine provides linear throttle response and the ability to rev effortlessly up scale, with technologies including optimised D4-S direct injection helpingtoprovidesignificantlymoretorquefor better mid-range response.

With pleasant memories of the original 86, frankly, I would have traded in the auto transmissionofthetestvehicleforthesix-speed manual any day. More fun.

Toyota advises premium unleaded fuel and claims a combined urban/highway consumption of 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres. The test car recorded 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres in city traffic and 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres on the motorway.

Multiple advances have been made under the skin, including revisions to the suspension and steering, with larger-diameter front brakes and chassis reinforcements that significantly improve torsional and lateral rigidity.

A focus on weight reduction and a lower centre of gravity result in sharper agility, handling and responsiveness. A limited-slip Torsen differential on the rear axle is designed to maximise handling.

Those wanting to take their GR86 to the trackcanalsochoosefromfivedifferentvehicle stability control settings ranging from full on to being completely switched off.

Summary

The GR(-ed) Toyota 86, from the beginning, presented a few challenges. For a start there was the wallet-stripping price increase, then the need for human contortions to get in and out of the extra-low slung seating and finally, a smooth, if uninspiring, automatic driving experience. However, it’s getting there.

After a decade, Toyota is finally a serious sports car contender with its GR86 sports coupe. (Supplied)

Footy’s back at the reserve as Dallas kicks off

Football will return to Jacana Reserve for the 2024 season with the introduction of Dallas Football Club.

The Essendon District Football League welcomed two new clubs. Merrifield Panthers and Dallas Football Clubs.

Dallas intends on fielding an under-8 and under-10 sides this season, operating out of Jacana which will assist in rebuilding a football presence at the venue.

Club president Nabil Yassine said they’re just happy to have football back in the area.

“In the changing demographic of the area we’ve been able to reach out to different communities and engage them through football,“ he said.

“It’s been awesome to have a lot of people with languages other than English joining in with the love of footy. It was good to have our Auskick program run last year and we had some good responses from the community so we were really excited with the opportunity to

restart up a club back at Jacana Reserve.”

Yassine said the goal for him and the club is to engage as many kids as they can to football, who may not have had the exposure to it otherwise.

“We’re quite positive with numbers, we’re looking at engaging through a few more of the primary schools in the area to engage a lot of those kids who are from different backgrounds that never really played football before,” he said.

“Our biggest aim is to try to provide the opportunity for those kids that have newly come to the country or haven’t had football exposed to them, and bring them to football and engage them in the wider community.

“Especially in the Broadmeadows area where it’s known for kids being disengaged with school, being a school teacher myself I can understand that that’s an issue that we’re trying to address with the support of council, AFL Victoria and the EDFL.”

Long term, Dallas wants to be an established team within the league, growing the junior program into a full fledged senior club but are determined to get the foundations right first and not rush the process.

“We’re focused on building the foundations at the club, bringing in some good people and putting the systems in place to keep it as a sustainable club for future years to come,” he said.

EDFL chief executive Andrew Johnson said heisthrilledtowelcomeDallasintotheleague.

“DallasFCevolvedoutoftheHumeCrescent Auskick Centre which saw great success in its first year at Jacana Reserve and we’re excited to workwiththeclubtoincreasethatparticipation and help establish a seamless pathway into junior football in the EDFL.”

The club is currently seeking players, volunteers and sponsors that are keen to help bring back football to the Broadmeadows area.

Pingers claim victory

By Tara Murray

There were a few nervous moments for Epping in the Northern Region T20 grand final, but the Pingers did enough to come away with the title.

The Pingers faced Rivergum in the grand final with the two sides having had some hard fought battles in recent years, including a tie in the pool matches this season.

The Kookas were restricted to just 7-89 from their overs with Josh Henkel and Billy McKeown taking two wickets each.

At 1-59 the Pingers looked on track to take home the title. The wickets started to fall and the nerves set in, with the Pingers slipping to 7-89.

Then a shout for LBW presented a few nervous moments, but a no ball was called to give the Pingers the win.

The Pingers finished 7-90 with more than four overs remaining.

Pingers coach Daniel Bramich said there were a few nervous moments.

“It was a tight tense game which we didn’t believe it would be [after batting], but it got a

bit close,” he said.

“They’re a strong club and last year we lost chasing 91 and this year we tied, it was one of those games.

“Wegotoutcheaplyandwethoughtwewould get them pretty easily. Once again Rivergum is a good side and pushed us to the end.

“They’re always in the game, it was a good feeling to get one over them.

Bramich, who has won a number of premierships with Rivergum, said it was good to get one over the old mob.

He said knowing the side helped with planningandtryingtorestricttheKookaswith the bat.

“We wanted to restrict them to only scoring singles or twos, not boundaries every over,” he said.

“They’ve got the likes of Matt Perri, Jarrod Bannister and Corey Altis ”

For the coach, the final overs was nerves.

“TherewasstillonebatterbeforeIwasin,”he said. “We lost a wicket and I was scrambling as I didn’t have the bats on.

“Our batter got hit on the bats but it was a new ball and it finished the game. I’m sort of

Panthers launching junior teams

Merrifield Panthers will field sides in the Essendon District Football League junior competition for the first time this year.

Already an existing and flourishing sporting association the Panthers will launch their football club after five successful seasons with their Auskick program.

The club will play out of Merrifield Recreation Reserve, Mickleham and intend to enter under-8, under-10, under-12, and under-14 sides this year.

Junior football director Paul Higginson said it has been amazing to be able to get some kids down, being active.

“It’s been a challenge, however, the goalisthosefourteams,”hesaid.“We’re starting to get the registrations through now,wecouldstillusealittlebitmoreto fill out the teams a bit more.

‘Our under-8s team is pretty much full so we could be going for two teams there and we’re over halfway on our 10s and 12s, just our under-14s needs a little bit more work.”

Being a new and emerging suburb, Higginson said creating a football club to be at the heart of the community is important and a lot can be gained out of it.

glad I didn’t come in, in the end.”

There was no man of the match awarded, but Bramich highlighted the bowling performance ofMcKeownandthenthebattingperformance of Zac Graham.

“Zac set the innings up with the bat and held the innings together,” he said. ‘He’s 19 and in his first year at the club. He took it away from them in the early parts.”

WhilepleasedtohavetakenouttheT20title, the work is just beginning for the Pingers.

ThePingerssitsecondintheDiamondValley CricketAssociationBarclayShieldcompetition heading into the final round.

After falling short last year, Bramich is hoping this win can hold them in good stead.

“Winning a final is good,” he said.

“As the boys spoke last night [Tuesday] we want to take winning form into the Saturday stuffandhopefullygetintoanothergrandfinal.

“Last year we batted into a hole and we rushed the game a little bit. T20 there is still pressure all the time.

“The maturity levels from the players that were playing showed they had more time. They didn’t panic.”

“With the demographic out there, there are a lot of single parent households, there’s a lot of kids that may nothaveparticipatedinsportbefore,”he said.

“Because we’re all relatively new to the area we’re creating friendships that mightnothavenecessarilybeenformed.

“It’s been really good from a community point of view which has been really pleasing to see.”

Higginson said the EDFL has been great, working with the club to make this happen. He said he has even been talking to other clubs within the league tohelpgetsomepointersonrunningthe program.

“I played in the league as a junior and in the seniors, it’s a great league to come out of,” he said. “It’s going to be tough competition and it’s going to be a great competition to be a part of in terms of developing.

“At the end of the day we just want kids to play football, and it doesn’t matter what colours you wear if kids are playing football, we’re happy.”

Yusuf Ozen (secretary), Nabil Yassine (president), Rohail Akhtar (Essendon community manager), and Tarik Yavuzcan (coaching coordinator).

Epping’s Northern Region T20 premiership team. (Supplied)

New look Broncos building after loss

Following a grand final loss a new looking Hume Broncos is gearing up for another strong Big V state championship campaign. Only two players, Jah Soloai and Cory Bellman have returned to the Broncos’ championship men’s roster with five players getting promoted from the club’s youth league team.

Among the departures are Troyce Manassa, Chris Elder, Chris Kaba, Corey Fiddes, Makuel Puondak), Max Vitale, Shaun Prendergast and MJ Foster.

“As with most years there’s a bit of a turnover, this year there was probably a bit more than typical,” coach Matt Foster said.

“It changes the dynamic of the preseason in the fact that we’ve got to add new pieces into the structure of the club and they’ve got to get to know each other and learn how to tell the plays and each other’s personalities and integrate in our systems.

“It’s probably been a bit different to the last

couple of off seasons but it’s exciting as well.”

To help replenish the Broncos’ list is

Keenan Gorski from the Wallan Panthers, Zach McKenzie from New Zealand National Basketball League team the Franklin Bulls and Carlo Camp from the Keilor Thunder in National Basketball League 1 South.

Trevon Clayton has re-joined the Broncos after playing at Hume in the 2017 and 2018 season, averaging 16 points and 12 rebounds per game.

Fellow imports Scottie Stone and Malik McKinney have arrived at the club.

Stone was last season’s scoring leader for the competition averaging 28.9 points per game.

“They’re both talented basketball players but also top quality characters as well so we’re happy to have them on board,” Foster said.

“I’m pretty excited to see if Scottie can replicate the season that he had last year, he’s

a very gifted scorer but he also brings a lot of other elements including leadership to our group.

“Malik is fresh out of college and is a very talented player. The main thing for him is adapting to a different style of basketball.”

Foster said it might take some time for everyone to get to know each other both on and off the court, but he is hoping his side will be able to peak at the right time.

“As a new unit we won’t be at our best in round one but hopefully we’ll be prepared enough to get some early wins and improve throughout the year,” he said.

“We haven’t set any firm goal, obviously we want to achieve as much as we can as a unit.

“To reach the playoffs is probably the main goalatthisstage…oncewe’retherehopefully we can peak at the right time and get some wins there as well.”

The Broncos season kicks off the weekend of April 16.

Hollow to lead Cannons

By Harper Sercombe

New Calder Cannons captain Damon Hollow says it’s an honour to be named skipper of the Coates Talent League side.

Hollow first made his under-18s Cannons debut in 2022 and was made a member of the club’s leadership group last year as a bottom aged player.

“It’s an honour to be captain of the team and it’sdefinitelysomethingthatIwantedtodothis year,” he said.

“It’s something I’ve been thinking about doing for a while, now it’s just about being the best leader possible for the team.”

Hollow said he was first asked by his coaches if he would be interested in being a part of the leadership group again, before being offered the top position after a training session.

“I was a little bit shocked to be honest,” he said. “I was stoked to just be a part of that (leadership group).

Then they pulled me aside after training and said I was going to be captain.

“I was shocked but there was a bit of relief, it

felt good.”

The 17-year-old played his junior football at Westmeadows in the Essendon District Football League and is currently aligned with Epping in the Northern Football League where his father Brad Hollow is senior coach.

He was a Vic Metro under-16 representative in 2022 and has also been an EDFL interleague representative during his junior career.

“Throughout local footy I’ve always been captain and then I had the opportunity to captain the futures team at the Cannons,” he said.

“I’m a very vocal leader, and I always love to help people and try not only myself but other people better for their footy.”

Hollow played 12 Talent League matches last season, averaging 16.6 disposals, 2.4 tackles and kicking 10 goals.

He was cut from the Vic Metro squad last year and he said making a return into the ‘big V’ jumper is one of his main goals for 2024.

“I want to enjoy myself and not put as much pressure on myself,” he said. “Last year I put a lot of pressure on myself and I didn’t enjoy it

Sua Fa’alogo signs with Storm

Northern Thunder junior Sua Fa’alogo will be part of Melbourne Storm’s main 30 man squad for the next five seasons, having been promoted.

The former Mount Ridley College student has signed a five year deal to lock him at the club on the back of a stunning 2023 season.

The 20-year-old has been elevated to the top 30 list for the 2024 season after an impressive NRL and international debut last season.

Fa’alogo said it was a dream come true to sign with Storm having developed his game through the Victorian pathways.

“It is really unbelievable for me to be playing next to guys like Munster, Paps, Harry and Hughesy,” he said.

“I am a proud Melbourne boy and proud Samoan. My family is here and I loved playing footy with Northern Thunder growing up. To have the chance to be part of the Storm is a dream come true.

“I can’t thank Craig and the club enough for what they have done for me over the last couple of seasons and hope I can repay them on the field when my time comes.”

Storm football general manager Frank Ponissi said Fa’alogo had worked hard to secure his spot on the NRL list.

as much.”

“I’ve cleared my mindset and I’ve started to enjoy it a lot more and the form comes off that. I’m hoping to get a good start to the year and get invited to Vic Metro hopefully and go from there.

“Asateam,Ithinkifwesticktoourstructures and game plans and play as a team and not be selfishandthinkwecangoveryfarandbevery competitive.

“We’re all training pretty hard, getting the gains in and getting the kilometres up. We’re looking really fit at the moment and our game is improving every session.”

Making up the leadership group around Hollow is Jayden Nguyen and Isaac Kako as co-vice captains and Nash King, Kieran Gallagher and Hamish Bird as leadership group members.

“We’ve got some class in the leadership group, some good leaders and some good players as well,” he said.

The Cannons kick off their season on March 23 against the Sandringham Dragons at RSEA Park.

“We can’t have asked for any more from Sua since he joined us on a development list contract back in 2021,” he said.

“Anyone who saw his NRL debut and then when he played for Samoa will know he has explosive pace with exceptional footwork.

“We identified Sua when he played inourThunderboltsandSGBallteams and has been patient playing with the Sunshine Coast Falcons last season before getting his chance to play in the NRL.

“He is a great character to have around the club and brings an enormous amount of energy to the group.”

Ponissi said Fa-alogo’s story would provide inspiration for young Victorian players looking to play NRL.

Cory Bellman. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 353161_20

Damon Hollow (third from right) with his leadership group.

Vlaeminck returns to Aus squad

After a wretched run with injuries Plenty Valley’s Tayla Vlaeminck returns to the Australian cricket squad that will travel to Bangladesh next month.

Vlaeminck will get the chance to restart her international career after being returned to the Australian fold for the national women’s team’s first visit to Bangladesh in a decade.

Vlaeminck’s return to the squad caps her latest comeback from a luckless run of injuries, having returned to action with Victoria to play five of their final six games of the Women’s National Cricket League season this year.

The25-year-olddislocatedhernon-bowling shoulder while bowling during an Australia A match in England last July. The innocuous action that led to the dislocation and the likelihood of it reoccurring meant surgery.

ThatAustraliaAtourhadbeenVlaeminck’s

return from a second serious foot injury.

The Victorian was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her navicular bone during the last home Ashes in January 2022 and subsequently missed the ODI World Cup in New Zealand, 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the 2023 T20 World Cup in South Africa.

Her first brush with the same injury ruled her out of the home T20 World Cup in 2020.

Cricket Australia’s head of performance for women’s cricket and national selector Shawn Flegler said he was delighted to see Vlaeminck return to the limited-overs formats.

“Tayla has put in a mountain of work over the past six months after a disappointing setback in England,” he said.

“She has shown terrific positivity and resilience throughout her recovery and we’re looking forward to seeing her back in

Australian colours

“With a T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in September, this tour provides a vital opportunity for our players to experience and familiarise themselves with the conditions and wickets we’re likely to face later in the year.”

The only previous visit to Bangladesh for Australia’s women came in 2014 when they won that year’s T20 World Cup, making the upcoming series Australia’s first bilateral tour to Bangladesh.

All six matches, the dates of which are yet to be officially confirmed but are expected to be held between March 21 and April 4, with the ODI leg first, will be played at the National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.

The ODIs are part of the ICC Women’s Championship for direct qualification to the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in India.

Roos’ positive outlook

By Harper Sercombe

A winless campaign doesn’t tell the full story of the Greenvale Kangaroos in this Victorian Premier Cricket season.

While on paper the Kangaroos’ season may have seemed like a failure, coaching director Ash Cavigan said the win-loss ratio wasn’t at the top of the club’s priorities this summer. With a new coaching group and playing list, it was all about development and getting everyone to settle in at the new-looking club.

“From where the club was at it was about establishing a new coaching group and lots of new players on the list,” he said.

“We had in excess of 35 new players at the club and incredibly young, lots of under 18s’ players.

“It was just about settling in a new coaching group, building the foundations and putting lots of energy and time into our young players.

“We were definitely happy with how our Dowling Shield (under-16) program went, we competed really well, won some games and we think we’ve identified a couple of good young players for the future. The same with

our under-18s.

“They were our main areas of focus to try and get right and we’ve still got lots of work to do but we’re certainly pretty pleased with how that went.”

The other silver lining of the Kangaroos season were the young players that were able to experience first XI cricket for the first time, and perform to the standard when given the chance.

Cavigan thought some of the young players and recruits had done really well.

“Young Ivan Zmak finished with 16 wickets, for an 18-year-old playing his first full season of first XI cricket was a really good effort,“ he said.

“Praveen Dilanka had a really strong year with the ball (23 wickets).”

Kangaroo’s skipper Justin Galeotti was also someone who impressed Cavigan throughout the year with his leadership and batting.

Galeotti scored 436 runs at an average of 29.07 opening the batting this season.

Moving forward, Cavigan said the young core is there, now it’s about recruiting and adding ready made first XI players.

Sports shorts

DVCA

A final round loss has seen Epping slip to third in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Barclay Shield. Facing Heidelberg in a top of the table chase, the Pingers made 7-118 from their overs, with Heidelberg hitting the winning runs with 10 balls to spare, finishing 9-119. The Pingers will now face Macleod in a knockout semi final. In the Money Shield, Bundoora United will face Lower Eltham in the first week of finals, finishing third. Bundoora Park missed out on finals finishing percentage behind fourth placed Greensborough.

NMCA

Rivergum finished the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield season in second spot. The Kookas finished the regular season with a big win against the Reservoir Cobras. The Kookas made 5-400 before restricting the Cobras to 8-57. The Kookas face Holy Trinity in the first week of finals with a grand final spot on the line.

Nike F.C Cup

The first two rounds of the 2024 Nike F.C Cup have been released with 74 teams learning their fate. In round one which will be played on the weekend of March 17, La Trobe University will face Darebin, Roxburgh Park will play the Somerville Eagles. The following weekend in round two, Mill Park will play Kings Domain, Craigieburn City will play the winner of Bentleigh United and Endeavour Hills and Greenvale United will play Doveton.

“We’ve got a solid group of players and a good group that we can move forward with and build on,” he said.

“We’ll be pretty aggressive in the off season and we’re in a position where we think we can offer good first XI players a stable, happy place to play cricket. Great facilities and to be a part of a young group that can only go one way which is up.”

While Cavigan admits it’s still a working progress, he said he doesn’t believe being able to compete with most teams is too far off.

He said the last month of cricket played by the first XI was promising and shows the improvement that has already been made.

“We think if we recruit well and keep doing what we’re doing then we can jump into the middle of the table,” he said.

“Then from there, we’ve just got to keep improving and hope we can keep pushing up and get into a position to be a top four contender. But that’s a bit off for us yet.

“First things first, recruit well this year, not just to strengthen our first XI team but to give our young players good quality players to train around and be around.”

Big V

The Big V season will get underway for division 1 and 2 on March 16 and the championship divisions on April 6. In division 1 men’s, the Whittlesea Pacers set to kick off their season against Gippsland United. In division 2 Craigieburn Eagles’ men’s team will face Southern Peninsula on March 16. It’s a combined division division 1 and 2 women’s competition, with the Eagles starting their season off with a double header against Southern Peninsula and Chelsea Gulls. In state championship, the Hume City Broncos will face Melbourne University on April 6 before both men’s and women’s Broncos sides play Pakenham the following day.

FOR MORE SPORT, VISIT

Web: starweekly.com.au

Northern Star Weekly

@starweeklynews

@star_weekly

Tayla Vlaeminck. (Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Ivan Zmak celebrates a wicket. (Jacob Pattison) 363944_01

Eagles avoid relegation after a final round win

It was tense final day of the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division season, but Craigieburn was able to do enough to survive in the top flight.

The Eagles needed to beat local rival Westmeadows in the final round and hope results went their way.

They were able to tick off the first bit and then it was a waiting game to see whether the Druids would beat Keilor to go back above them.

“As soon as we finished we were in the rooms huddled around a couple of phones watching the Keilor game and that was it.”

Adding to the Eagles nerves. the Blues won with one ball remaining.

Pappin knew they would be in for a tough fight against the Warriors, with the two teams building up a bit of a rivalry the last few years.

Pappin said it was a match that was always

hard to tell how they would go.

The Warriors batted first after being sent in and were bowled out for 130.

Pappin said they were unsure whether to bat or ball if they won the ross, but made the right call in the end

“We got pretty constant wickets early and the bowlers led by James Portou did a fantastic job and got them out for a low total.”

Portou, Chameera Perera and Kane Murfett took three wickets each.

Pappin said while only chasing a low score, it was one that would take some composure to get.

“If you’re chasing a bigger score you have to go after it,” he said.

“We got off a slow start but knew we had the power at the end.”

Callan Tisher top scored with 50.

The win moved the Eagles above the Druids

in the top flight and ensured they would play senior division next season.

Pappin said it was massive for the club.

“It’s a huge moment for the club especially going forward.” he said. “We all want to play in senior division and the key was staying up.

“We’ll take some positives out of the Westmeadows game. They were last year [meant] to be relegated and there were knocking on the door of finals.”

Pappinsaidtheywouldlooktotryandbring some more local into the side next season to help strengthen the side.

He said having struggled this season they had been able to play some younger kids this season which would also benefit them long term.

The loss left Westmeadows finish in seventh, a game outside the top four.

Tara Murray Samual Laffan (Jacob Pattison)382212_06

Warriors fall short again

By Tara Murray

Westmeadows’ premiership dreams ended in heartache for a second straight season in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association women’s T20 competition.

Playing off in a seventh straight grand final, the Warriors were hoping to get some revenge onCarolineSprings,whichwonthegrandfinal last season.

Itwasthethirdstraightseasonthetwoteams were playing off in a grand final.

TheFalconsfirstandgotofftoanervousstart and were in trouble at 2-9 early with Danielle Linton taking both wickets. That brought Caitlin Pretty and My Yen Au to the crease.

The two slowly built a partnership before taking things on late, including 19 runs off the penultimate over, to finish 3-123.

Pretty finished unbeaten on 74 from 53 balls, while Yen Au was run out for 42.

Linton was the pick of the bowlers with 2-18 from her four overs. That partnership would prove to be the difference in the match.

The Warriors started slowly also and were

quickly in trouble at 3-8 and it would soon be 7-55.

Emily Brebner was able to stick around with opener Danielle Linton and the Warriors were finally able to put on a partnership.

It wouldn’t be enough, with the Warriors falling well short, finishing 7-94.

Linton batted the whole 20 overs and was abletomake37notoutfrom44balls,including two fours, but wasn’t able to get enough of the strike to take things on.

Kyah Marum took 3-14 from her four overs to be the pick of the bowlers.

Warriors captain Sammy Devereux said the Falconshadplayedsomereallygoodcricketthe last three years and the premiership was well deserved.

She said her group was keen to come back next year again and continue to improve as they look to get back on top.

She also thanked the club’s supporters for their support with a large group making their way out to watch them.

Falcons captain Alisha Fowler paid tribute to the little rivalry the two clubs have.

“Whether high scoring runs or low scoring runs it’s a good game,” she said.

“We love playing you guys and we love the challengeandthatrivalryandwecanstillcome in and have a beer afterwards too.”

She also paid tribute to the efforts of Linton with the bat and batting through the innings.

The Warriors second XI will be hoping it can go one better, with the side to play finals in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association T20 division 2 competition.

The club finished in the top two.

Speaking before the grand final, coach Bill Clendenning said it was exciting for the program to continue to have success.

“It’s massive,” he said of the record. “Half the girls have played in all seven grand final and there’s some going to play in their first grand final.

“Winning one grand final is massive. The more you win it gets even bigger.

“There’s a pathway for the junior girls and our senior girls help out with them. There’s two girls who were in our under-14s last year who are now playing in the senior comp.”

Bundoora out, Whittlesea through

Bundoora’s premiership dreams are over, while Whittlesea’s remain alive in the Bowls Victoria weekend pennant.

Bundoora was hoping to knock off minor premiers Deer Park in the premier division competition, after Deer Park was disappointing in the first week of finals.

The Parkers though jumped out of the blocks and led 13-0 after six ends.

Bundoora got on the scoreboard in the seventh end and after 22 ends had managed to get the margin back to three.

From there Deer Park was able to get the margin back to eight after 23 ends. Throughout the rest of the match, Bundoora would bring the margin back under five before Deer Park would take it out again.

The Parkers were unable to break Bundoora which was still within four shots after 68 ends.

The margin was nine shots after 74 ends and Bundoora kept pushing, but fell short, losing 80 (12)-74 (6).

Gary Kelly’s rink won 22-15. Cory Wedlock’s won 22-16 and Ben Hubber’s rink won 24-17 but it wasn’t enough for Bundoora.

The deciding rink would be the one between Jay Bye-Norris and Josh Corless, with Bye-Norris winning 32-6 to guide his side into the grand final.

The Parkers who are looking to go back-to-back will face Moonee Valley in the grand final on Sunday at the Dandenong Club.

In the premier reserve competition, Whittlesea has won back-to-back finals to win through to the grand final.

On Saturday, the Eagles were too strong for Fitzroy Victoria, winning 89 (14)-77 (4).

Nick McIntyre’s rink was the big winner for Whittlesea winning, 31-18, while Christopher Watt’s rink won 24-16.

Jack Woodhouse’s rink lost 21-19 and Robby Millar’s rink lost 22-15.

Whittlesea now faces Essendon on Sunday in the grand final at the Dandenong Club.

Essendon finished on top of the ladder, while the Eagles finished in third with one game between them.

Westmeadows fell short in the grand final.