Star Weekly - Northern - 2nd April 2024

Help keep gardens great

It is time to get your hands dirty and help maintain Hume’s stunning Alister Clark Memorial Rose Garden.

Hume council’s landscape planning leader Helen Curtain said anyone can help.

“Regular tasks include weeding, watering, dividing perennials, planting, mulching, raking, fertilising, pruning and garden bed rejuvenation,” she said. “We are presently focusing on rejuvenation of the garden beds to improve the soil, water infiltration and maximising growth and flowering of the roses.”

While the gardens are partially managed by council, they also rely heavily on the work of dedicated volunteers.

“If you are thinking of volunteering, come along, wear clothes that they don’t mind getting dirty, boots or solid shoes, sunscreen, gloves if they have them.

“But most important is a love of gardening or a willingness to learn, and to bring something to share for lunch while you get to know the other volunteers.”

The working bees run on the first Saturday of every month, and this time

Big ticket budget items

By Tara Murray

Whittlesea council won’t seek variation to the state government’s rate cap in its 2024-25 proposed annual budget, with an average rate rise of 2.75 per cent on the cards for residents.

The council released its draft budget at the March 19 council meeting with a number of big ticket items to receive funding.

The council said that the rate cap which was set late last year continues to have a significant ongoing impact on the council’s ability to keep pace with the service delivery and infrastructure requirements.

“Through rigorous budgeting and identifying operational efficiencies council can continue to deliver our critical services within an average rate increase of 2.75 per

cent in line with the Victorian government’s Fair Go Rates System,” the council report said.

“Council is cognisant of cost pressures on individuals and businesses and despite higher inflation rates of 4.1 per cent as at the December 2023 quarter, council will not be seeking a variation to the rate cap for the 2024-25 year and is proposing to increase the majority of non-statutory fees and charges by no more than 2.75 per cent.”

In the draft budget, the council will spent $25 million on family, children, youth and aged services, $22 million on parks and open space, $20 million on roads and footpaths, $16 million on supporting local business and communities and $10 million on leisure, recreation and community facilities

The total capital works budget will be $107.5 million. Last financial year, the council allocated $75 million for capital works.

The highlights include commencement of construction of the Regional Sports Precinct, continued construction of the Granite Hills Major Community Park, completion of the construction of the Aboriginal Gathering Place, continued construction of Patterson Drive community activity centre in Donnybrook and commencing construction of the Doreen splash park and playground.

Waste charges are proposed to increase by 20 per cent or $36.60 per household which will mean a total charge of $219.90 for the average residential household.

Thecouncilsaiditwillcontinuetosubsidise the cost of the provision of kerbside waste

collection services and the state government mandated landfill levy to reduce costs on residents.

Administrator Christian Zahra said a great dealofworkhadbeendonetogettothispoint. He said it was really important that residents and community groups get involved in the next stage and provide feedback on the draft budget.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson she believes the budget strikes the right balance.

“Council has limited income and we need to carefully manage our expenditure to ensure we are delivering the infrastructure and services our community needs now whilst ensuring we are financially sustainable to continue to deliver in the future.”

Details: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Helen Curtain, Kevin O’Sullivan and Barry Roberts at the memorial gardens. (Damjan Janevski) 395814_05

Vistas

Residents want recreation boost

By Gerald Lynch

Calls for already established areas in Hume to not be left behind were voiced in a recent council meeting.

At the March 25 Hume council meeting, the publichadachancetoputforwardideasforthe next budget expenditure, with one passionate Campbellfield resident pleading for more recreational facilities to be built in the area.

Amira spoke passionately about the need for better playgrounds for children in Campbellfield.

‘‘ Our kids deserve better ... we should have it here in our own backyard ’’ - Amira

She said more soccer goals and upgraded basketballcourtsareneededtokeepkidsactive and outdoors.

“Amazing playgrounds are being built in Mickleham and Donnybrook, but unfortunately the established suburbs are forgotten,” she said.

A request was sent in by Hume City Football Club for $300,000 to upgrade the synthetic surface at the John Ilhan Memorial Reserve.

The club said an increase in children using the pitches had led to a need for a resurface of the 10-year-old facility.

“The William Canning Reserve had a new playground put in with all these amazing plants and flowers – nobody uses it,” she said.

“You need to reach out to residents, see what we need, what the kids need. There is one barbecue in all of Campbellfield.”

She said she has long advocated to council for better facilities and feels her pleas have been “brushed off” and there has been a lack of community consultation.

“We don’t want to keep travelling to Mill Park or Wallan or the Fawkner pools… our kids deserve better, we shouldn’t be going to Merri-bek for the best playgrounds, we should have it here in our own backyard.”

Shealsosubmittedaresponseforawaterplay parktobebuiltinBroadmeadows,estimatedto cost $500,000.

Something for all at the market

Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre in Epping is only weeks away from hosting its eagerly awaited Local Connection Market.

From artisanal crafts to farm-fresh produce, there will be something for everyone.

At 9.30am, the doors will swing open, welcoming visitors to explore the offerings.

The Creeds Farm market is an opportunity for community engagement, and for curious attendees to learn more about the centre’s programs and initiatives. Volunteers are

on hand to provide information and foster connections within the community.

Yasmin Al Hasani, project officer at Creeds Farm, encouraged locals to visit the market.

‘’Come down to Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre to enjoy a lovely day, supporting your community local businesses and see what our centre has to offer,” she said.

“Creeds Farm wants to support community and local businesses to expand and be more connected.Theeventwillincludemarketstalls,

display tables for community organisations and social groups’’.

The market is on Wednesday, April 17 from 9.30am,andwillrunonthemiddleWednesday of every month for the remainder of the year.

It will be held in the indoor Fig Tree rooms one, two, and three at the Creeds Farm Living and Learning centre at 2 Snugburgh Way, Epping.

Gerald Lynch

The Gladstone Park Lawn Bowls Club requested $1.2 million to fund a new synthetic green with a dome roof.

Another proposal was made for a $300,000 redevelopment of Destination Park in Greenvale. An anonymous resident said the park needs an overhaul to ‘meet evolving community needs’ including sensory-rich features and accessible structures.

Police catch out hoons

Police have issued 14 car owners with defect notices in a targeted operation in Lalor.

On Saturday, March 23, the Achilles Taskforce took to the streets to target hoon drivers. Fifty-seven people allegedly associated with recent hoon activity in the Hume and Whittlesea areas were instructed to present their vehicle for roadworthy inspection, with 42 attending.

Police issued 14 defect notices for mechanical faults, engine modifications, window tinting and tyre issues.

Seven of those who received defect notices also received infringement notices for more serious defects and other traffic related offences.

A suspended driver who attended will also be charged on summons to appear at court at a later date.

Several car owners who did not attend have either arranged to meet with police at another time or will have their registrations suspended.

In the first two years of Operation Achilles, police charged 363 hoon drivers with 2,931 offences. 375 vehicles connected to hooning were also seized, while almost 791 unroadworthy notices were issued.

Acting Senior Sergeant Sean Foley said “Our focus on stamping out these events will not stop – the minute you cross the line and engage in hoon activity, you won’t be able to hide from police.”

Anyone with information about illegal hoon activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Police plead with owners to lock cars, houses to deter crime

Crime across Hume and Whittlesea increased in the 12 months to December, as police continue to urge residents to lock their houses and cars.

Theft from a motor vehicle was up in Hume, from 1722 reported incidents to 1983, making itthemostprominentsubgroupofcrimeinthe last 12 months.

In Whittlesea, breaching of a family violence order was the highest ranked sub group, with 1649 offences recorded, up from 1421 in the previous year.

According to Crime Statistics Agency (CSA) data, Hume recorded 18,342 offences in the year to December 30, a slight 0.9 per cent

increase from the year prior.

In Whittlesea, the increase in recorded offences was higher at 5.8 per cent, jumping from 12,477 to 13,199.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said the figures show some positive signs.

“When population growth is considered, overall crime in Hume has actually dropped by two percent in the last year,” said the spokesperson.

“Residential break-ins in Hume have also dropped by three percent in the last year.

“Overall crime in Whittlesea is at its third lowest in a decade, it has also dropped by 19.8 per cent since pre-pandemic.

“Recorded residential break-in offences across Whittlesea have increased by around 100 in the last year.

“What we’re hearing from offenders is that they try multiple properties and break into the first unlocked home to steal car keys.

“While police work 24/7 to detect and deter crime, we are also calling on the community to play their part and lock their properties and cars.”

In Whittlesea, Epping was the suburb with the highest number of offences recorded with 3057, a significant increase from 2694 offences the year prior.

Behind Epping was Thomastown with 1958

offences, Mill Park with 1664, Lalor with 1202, and Bundoora with 1096.

In Hume, Craigieburn recorded the most offences with 3278, up from 3213 last year. Sliding to second was Broadmeadows with 3243, a decrease in offences from the previous year’s total of 3259. Sunbury has 2397 offences, Campbellfield had 1337, and Roxburgh Park had 1205. The state average of offence rate per 100,000 people was 7698.2, compared to 7030.8 in Hume, marking a third consecutive year of sittingbelowtheaveragerate.InWhittleseathe rate was 5395.8.

Gerald Lynch

Antoinette Ioannou, general manager of Creeds Farm is ready to welcome locals through the door. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 397273_01

Funds in need for music program

By Gerald Lynch

A group of Hume children’s musical dreams have been dashed by the ending of a music tuition program.

The Pizzicato Effect has been run by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) for the past 14 years providing music tuition free-of-charge for approximately 60 Hume students each year.

The MSO made the call to end the program in mid-August which has left many young musicians devastated and, more recently, raised the attention of one Hume councillor.

The MSO said the delivery of the Pizzicato program was complex and sat outside the existing staffing of the MSO with the employment of ten teaching artists to deliver the two hour twice weekly program.

Despite attracting a loyal group of donors and supporters and receiving a small grant each year from Hume council, Star Weekly understands the program consistently cost around double the amount raised, requiring a significant financial investment from the MSO.

At a March council meeting, councillor Joseph Haweil was supported by his fellow councillors in calling on the council to write to the creative industries minister and local MPs to find funding for the program, which is now being privately ran by parents.

Cr Haweil said he was touched by a story from a local foster parent whose 11-year-old child benefited greatly from the program and wasextremelydisappointedwithitsconclusion.

“Living in out of home care the child had experienced great trauma, struggling with tasks like brushing their teeth, sleeping, eating, and school engagement…and difficulties with social relationships,” he said.

“According to the parent, for their child, teamwork was ‘insurmountably challenging’

and in comes the Pizzicato Effect.

“By the end of the child’s first session, they had a cello in hand and a massive smile on their face, raving about the teacher and fellow students.”

Cr Haweil spoke to the social aspect of the program, explaining how the child even improved their eating habits through participation in the program, including eating fruit with peers that they previously wouldn’t touch, as well as improving their confidence and developing social skills.

While the council advocates for the return of funding, a group of community volunteers and parents are taking matters into their own hands and have started the group back up.

The parents are relying on private funding,

which program organiser Ellen Day says won’t last for much longer.

Ms Day spoke at the March 25 council meeting seeking funding as part of the Hume council budget.

“We are up and running again, though in a very modest form of just one afternoon per week and only four weeks per term. But we are playing music together again and the kids are stoked,” she said. “Our first two terms were fundedbyprivatedonations,andwearehoping to build our donor base to give the program a sustainable future and a chance to grow and to take in new students.

“It’s great that the MSO want to reach more children and nurture an interest in music, but where can the children from disadvantaged

regions like Hume get their start playing an musical instrument if there are no programs offering what the Pizzicato Effect does, free tuition and the loan of an instrument to treat as your own for the time you are studying with us.”

A new MSO program, ‘Jams in Schools’, has beenestablishedseekingtoreachmorestudents in Victoria, engaging them in interactive performance sessions, however it won’t offer dedicated music tuition programs.

Activities will be starting in April at Westbreen, St Monica Our Lady’s, Gladstone Park, Roxburgh Park, Dallas Brooks Community and Meadow Heights primary schools. The state government was contacted for comment.

Kids involved in the current, privately funded Pizzicato Effect program (Supplied)

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Hume calls for communal skips

Hume council is continuing to investigate ways to address a dumped rubbish epidemic throughout the municipality.

AttheMarch25councilmeeting,thecouncil discussed the prospect of communal skip bins being placed throughout the municipality to give residents an easy way to dispose of rubbish without illegally dumping.

Councillor Jim Overend raised the notice of motion to try and help address the huge problem of dumped rubbish.

Councillor Carly Moore said she is in full

support of offering communal skips as part of council’s hard waste collection commitments.

“The problem we are experiencing in our city is very significant, and I don’t think we can say anything is off the table,” she said. “I am worried about just how much rubbish it may attract, but certainly we need to consider all options because it is absolutely out of control.”

Councillor Jack Medcraft said it was time to think outside of the box to combat the influx of dumped rubbish.

“We haven’t got bins out there and it’s

Running for a cure

Wollert father Steve Trowbridge is running from Adelaide to Melbourne to raise money for a genetic condition close to his heart.

Mr Trowbridge’s four-year-old son Levi was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called KCNQ2.

There are only around 1000 kids diagnosed worldwide with the condition for which there is no known cure.

“My decision to embark on this fundraising campaign is to help raise money to help the foundation so they can better their research and development into finding a cure to help Levi and every other kid diagnosed with KCNQ2,” he said.

“Having a child diagnosed with a condition that has no cure and the future remains unknown is tough to live with.

“I’m under no illusion that it will be the toughest and hardest thing I’ll ever do both physically and mentally, but it’s nothing compared to what Levi has gone through in his first four years of his life.”

InAugust,MrTrowbridgewillbeembarking on a 700 kilometre run from Adelaide to Melbourne over the span of 11 days.

He will be running 65 kilometres a day, the same number as the number of seizures Levi had in his first three weeks of life, and will finish on the 11th day, the same day that Levi came off life support.

Mr Trowbridge wants to raise awareness and funds for the KCNQ2 Foundation in the hope of finding a cure to create a better future for those who have been diagnosed with this rare condition.

“We look forward to your ongoing support and love as we strive to achieve our goals in finding a much needed cure for this rare condition that affects our resilient and loving little man,” he said.

Donations will be accepted right up until his run in August: https://www.gofundme.com/f/ levis-run-adelaide-to-melbourne-to-find-acure

Gerald Lynch

What’s on

Have your say on draft Budget and Action Plan

You shared with us what was important to you in your local area, and this feedback has shaped our Draft Budget 2024-2025 and Draft Community Plan Action Plan.

Our $315 million Draft Budget focuses on delivering essential services and new infrastructure projects, while our Draft Action Plan outlines 59 key actions for delivery over the next financial year.

To view the proposed budget and community plan action plan and submit your feedback, visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

encouraging people to dump, and costing us $4.7 million per year,” he said. “If we get a 30 metre bin and we drop it in a dead spot where people are dumping illegally on a regular basis… it would have to be a complete idiot who would dump it on the ground next to the bin.”

Residents in Hume currently have access to a weekly kerbside bin collection service, two tip passes, two hard waste collections, regular mulching days, quarterly Hume clean up days and publicly accessible bins in parks, facilities

and shopping strips-centres.

However, rubbish being dumped illegally throughouttheareaandhascausingheadaches for Hume council, with a clean up cost of $4.7 million in the 2022-23 financial year.

A feasibility study will be considered by council officers and the findings will be bought to a future council meeting.

Councillors had already suggested a motion to send out information cards to residents, with officers to come back with a cost at a later council meeting.

Draft concept for Doreen Splash Park

We heard from you about the play and water play elements you would like to see at the Doreen Splash Park, and have developed a draft concept plan. As well as the play elements, the concept plan includes upgraded public toilets, shelter and seating, drinking fountains, an extended car park, landscaping and new lighting. To share your feedback on the draft concept plan, visit engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au

This

whittlesea.vic.gov.au

Steve Trowbridge with his son Levi. (Supplied)

Youths take power

New leaders have been announced for the Whittlesea youth council.

The first youth mayor will be 16-year-old Zachary Melvaine while 19-year-old Kaynat Virkwillbethefirstdeputymayor,leadingthe new youth council for two years.

The youth council consists of thirteen members aged 12 to 21.

Zachary said being elected as the youth mayor was an extremely rewarding and humbling experience,

“I look forward to leading our cohesive team and making a positive impact for the youth within our community.”

Kaynat said she was honoured to be elected as deputy youth mayor.

“I am grateful for the trust that my fellow youth councillors have put towards me and will ensure to use the opportunity to its

potential,” she said.

“I will work with the team to create the long-term positive recommendations to foster a place for our youth community.”

Whittlesea council chair administrator Lydia Wilson congratulated Zachary and Kaynat on their appointments.

“We are very excited to have our very first youth mayor and deputy youth mayor on board, who will take on a leadership role within the youth council,” she said.

“The youth council will be providing an important voice to council on matters that affect young people within our community, including health and wellbeing, environment and climate change, employment and education, accessibility and inclusion.”

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

Briefs

Arson arrests

Two children have been charged with attempted arson over an incident at Mill Park restaurant, The Link in February. A 14-year-old Mulgrave boy and a 16-year-old Pakenham girl were both charged with one count of attempted arson on Wednesday. The duo will appear at a children’s court at a later date.

Speeding driver nabbed

Police have charged a man and impounded his vehicle after he was caught allegedly driving over twice the speed limit in Bundoora on Thursday, March 21. The Air Wing detected the Audi S3 allegedly travelling more than 200km/h in a 100km/h section of the Metropolitan Ring Road about 11.15pm. The car was tracked allegedly travelling in excess of the speed limits on the Tullamarine Freeway, Plenty Road and through residential streets in Bundoora. The driver of the Audi, a 19-year-old Bundoora man, was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, drive in a manner dangerous, careless driving, probationary driver drive prohibited vehicle and speed offences. His licence was suspended on the spot for a period of 12 months and the Audi was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $884. He will appear in court later in the year.

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Whittlesea Youth Mayor Zachary Melvaine and Deputy Youth Mayor Kaynat Virk.

Former Bronco jailed for rape

By Gerald Lynch

Former Hume City Broncos star Corey Fiddes has been jailed for rape.

The 23-year-old was sentenced in the County Court on Tuesday, March 19 to a minimum 40 months’ jail, and a maximum serve of five years and six months.

He was found guilty of three counts of rape, and not guilty of two other counts.

The incidents took place at a party on December 31, 2020, where Fiddes and the victim both attended, having not known each other previously.

The court heard, as midnight came around, Fiddes’ victim was about to kiss one of her friends when he turned her around and

kissed her.

Fiddes invited her for a game of pool and when she agreed, he led her upstairs to a room and closed the door.

The complainant had told Fiddes she didn’t want to have sex, to which he agreed.

Shortly after, Fiddes removed the complainants pants and asked to perform oral sex and she refused.

He began to touch her inappropriately and when she said she wasn’t interested, Fiddes said “fair enough” and continued.

Fiddes took off his own clothes and laid on top of the complainant and began to perform unconsensual sex, as she told him he wasn’t listening.

After trying to penetrate the complainant

Goats join the workforce

In an innovative twist to vegetation management, the team working on the Mickleham Road Upgrade stage 1 has enlisted a trio of goats to deal with the grass and weed problem on the site.

The Greenvale site, troubled by nuisance plants, now benefits from the appetite of a crew of goats, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to what had been a nagging issue.

The goats, adept at navigating rocky terrains unsuitable for traditional mowing or slashing, have taken charge of a 400 sqm area. Their munching not only controls the vegetation but also mitigates fire and snake hazards, making the site safer for staff.

This method effectively sidelines the need for herbicides, contributing positively to the environment.

This unique approach aligns with the Big Build initiative, aiming for reduced emissions and better environmental outcomes.

The idea sprouted from the mind of Radley Schofield,anenvironmentaladvisorwithBMD Group, a construction partner on the project.

“The goats are doing a great job keeping grass and weeds down, which reduces fire and snakeriskswhilealsoremovingtheneedtouse herbicides. They’re also good for morale, with ourteammembersenjoyingthegoats’presence at the compound,” he said. The goats will remain part of the project until its completion in mid-2025, with a plan to find them a new home afterward. Their introduction has not only solved a practical problem but also brought a unique dynamic to the worksite.

Anne Parisianne

and receive oral sex unsuccessfully, Fiddes left the room and the premises, after telling friends he seemed ‘hated for what he did’.

The complainant provided a victim impact statement, detailing the trauma the offences have had on her.

“Before this nightmare began I was so happy… I have a chronic desire to kill myself,” she said. “(The) trauma of the crime … has led to my mental health plummeting.”

She now sees a psychologist twice a week and said her relationships with family and friends have plummeted.

Dr Phoebe Gall from the Women’s Recovery Network, a mental health facility for victims, said the complainant’s mental health has taken a downward trajectory,

which can be correlated to the assault.

“Her condition has a severe impact on her physical and mental health, it prevents her from day to day functioning, study, or work,” she said in a letter to the court.

Fiddes represented the Hume City Broncos in the Big V competition in 2022 and 2023 and was nominated for Big V awards last year.

In a statement, the Broadmeadows Basketball Association noted that the reported events did not happen while he was at the club, the club was unaware of these legal proceedings during the time with the club and this matter is subject to appeal. It said it would not be making any further comment.

Radley Schofield with the goats feeding on the weeds. (Supplied)

Sports centre one step closer

By Gerald Lynch

The Mernda Regional Aquatic and Sports Centre development has taken another step forward with concept designs for the stadium and outdoor netball courts released.

AttheMarch19councilmeeting,thecouncil releasedthedesignsandprovidedanupdateon where plans for the stadium currently sit.

The plan put forward features four indoor courts and four outdoor courts suitable for netball and basketball, and is fit with ample car parking for a large capacity. The plan said the

delivery of an additional four outdoor courts will be subject to the public tender process.

The plan focuses on having an integrated network of buildings and a parkland precinct, while fitting in with the local context and draw on the history of the side. There will be a wetlands included in the design.

The council said currently 60 per cent of netballers in the area have to travel outside the municipality to play and train.

Administrator Peita Duncan said it was pleasing to see the project come to its final stages.

Upfield kicking goals

Upfield Soccer Club is the recipient of a grant to grow football in Australia.

Football Australia and CommBank joined forces to hand out 121 grants to clubs across the country to support and empower women and girls in football.

Upfield will use the money to subsidised fees.

Upfield Soccer Club president Wally Hanna said the club was grateful for the funding that will assist 50 young women from refugee backgrounds through a fee subsidy for new players.

“This funding will support local families in relieving financial hardship and also help young refugee arrivals feel connected to their community, which is vital during the early stages of their settlement,” he said.

Football Australia chief executive James Johnson said he was proud to be able to help the game grow at every level.

“The Growing Football Fund Community

Grants represent a significant step forward in our efforts to make football the most inclusive and accessible sport in Australia,” he said.

“By supporting clubs and associations at the grassroots level, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for women’s football in our country.”

Head of Women’s Football, World Cup Legacy, and Inclusion at Football Australia

Sarah Walsh said she was ”delighted to recognise the outstanding efforts of our grant recipients in championing initiatives to drive the attraction and retention of women and girls in football.

“Their innovative approach to supporting our game plays a vital role in Football Australia’s chasing its ambitious goal of attracting and retaining 50,000 female participants across Australia over the next two years.”

Gerald Lynch

“The team has put in a lot of work around design and also community consultation, as well as making sure we have scope in the future to build more than the four indoor and up to eight outdoor courts,” she said.

“It is exciting to see this keep going.”

Administrator Christian Zahra said the precinct planning was extremely important for the community.

“This is a big moment for an important project that has been championed by great many people for longer than we’ve been involved on this council,” he said. “We have

to acknowledge their advocacy and support in advancing this over a long period of time.”

The council will soon tender an early works projects package that will come back before council in August. A construction contract award forecasted for the first half of 2025.

The project has sourced $10 million of state government funding for the courts and stadium, with a further $10 million to come further down the line when an aquatic facility is set to be built.

ThefacilitywillbeonPlentyRoadinMernda, north of Bridge Inn Road.

The Upfield Soccer Club girls are set to reap the benefits of a grant from Football Australia and CommBank. (Upfield SC)

Backing gender equity in sport

By Gerald Lynch

Whittlesea council is set to undertake steps towardsachievingmoregenderequitableaccess and usage of community sports infrastructure, and improved experiences for women and girls when participating in local sport.

The council at its March 19 council meeting, released its draft Fair Access Policy which ensures women have equitable access to sporting infrastructure.

The policy seeks to address known barriers experienced by women and girls accessing and using community sports infrastructure, ensure solutions are developed and implemented,

articulate criteria for sports clubs allocations of council facilities, supporting clubs with education and training and aligning with the state government’s fair access road map.

In the Sport Participation Trends Across Victorian LGAS report, Whittlesea ranks 73rd ofthe79municipalitiesforforwomenandgirls participation in organised sport.

The policy is responding to the Fair Access in Sport Policy Roadmap set out to to support gender equity throughout all facets of community sport, both on and off the field.

From July 1, if a council doesn’t have a fully equitable access policy, it will be ineligible for state government sports infrastructure

Ribbon cut on kinder

A new kindergarten has been officially opened in Donnybrook, known as the Murnong Kindergarten.

Murnong means ‘yam daisy’ in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people. Thenamepayshomagetotherootsofmurnong plants, which were an important traditional source of food for Aboriginal people.

The new centre has 33 places for children in 2024.

Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage said another kindergartenbeingbuiltwasimportanttokeep up with the rapid growth of the area.

“Our Donnybrook community is growing fast and so are our little ones,” she said.

“I am so happy that now we have a Donnybrook based kindy that can help our youngest residents learn and play close to home. Even better, when they finish their time here, they can jump the fence and get a

first-rate education at Donnybrook Primary School (next door) which we opened last year.”

The kindergarten has been built on the same site as the school, in line with the state government’s Kindergartens on School sites program, which aims to create a seamless transitionfromkindergartentoprimaryschool for the next generation.

To further enhance the area, the Murnong Community Centre was also announced. The community centre will host a further two modern kindergarten rooms and a suite of services and amenities such as a Maternal and Child Health Service, a community hall, kitchen, two meeting rooms, community lounge and a mini-branch library.

Construction is set to commence mid 2024 with an expected opening date late next year.

Gerald Lynch

funding.

Whittlesea acting manager of active and creative communities Andrew George said the policy falls in line with state government’s new funding eligibility and is an integral move for the community,“ he said.

“For council, the policy will guide both infrastructure and operational planning… For sporting clubs, we will require clubs using council facilities to undertake training and gender equity audits,” he said.

Mr George said council isn’t just adopting the policy to tick a box and thinks the policy’s comprehensive nature should result in Whittlesea rewarded with a good level of

infrastructure funding.

“The policy we have in place goes above and beyond a template policy… actually working with our clubs to drive participation, which is the main evaluation criteria for this funding, will help our chances to receive that type of funding,” he said.

Administrator Peita Duncan said the drafting of the policy was a step in the right direction.

The draft plan is open for community consultation until April 30 and Ms Duncan said she is looking forward to seeing the response of the community. Details: https:// engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/fair-access

Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage and Children Minister Lizzie Blandthorn cutting the ribbon with two enrollees at the official opening of the Murnong Kindergarten. (Supplied)

Heritage Epping transforming dementia residents’ lives

Heritage Epping’s Memory Support Unit (MSU) and Laughter Care program are transforming the lives of residents like Ursula, while strengthening their relationships with others.

Ursula, 91, was the first resident at Heritage Epping to move into the MSU when it opened in December last year (having originally entered the home in early 2020). In just a few months she has experienced a marked transformation, with significantly reduced levels of anxiety and a corresponding increase in her sense of calm.

It’s a transformation noted by her daughter Linda, carers, and management alike.

KateKaur,clinicalcaremanageratHeritage Epping says “Ursula’s newfound tranquility is really shining through lately, showing the care team a happier community member that is connecting with other residents, staff and loved ones.”

Ursula’s move into the smaller 14-resident MSU community has also helped her to relax withotherdementiaresidentsandtrustinnew forms of care therapy - including the Laughter Care program. Ursula looks forward to the weekly visits of laughter care specialist, Penny, who engages with residents in the program through connection, play, and music.

Julie, the lifestyle coordinator, has been a supportive figure for Ursula within the MSU.

“I’m pleased we’ve been able to break down the walls with Ursula,” Julie said.

‘It’s about fostering a sense of trust and connection, being patient, while helping Ursula adjust and feel comfortable in her new surroundings. We want Ursula to feel safe, valued, and heard.”

Linda fully endorses the MSU model, the Laughter Care program, and the quality of staff at Heritage Epping.

”Mum’s life has been transformed since she came into the MSU,” Linda said. “It’s also strengthened our relationship.”

Many families struggle to meet the needs of a loved one living with dementia. At

Heritage Care, staff support people living with low-dementia, as well as high-dementia care needs through dedicated Memory Support Units.

To find out more about the Heritage Epping Memory Support Unit and Laughter Care program – please visit the website: heritagecare.com.au

Ursula and Linda in the Heritage Epping Memory Support Unit.

The federal government is being urged to introduce a superannuation industry anti-scam code.

Advocacy group Super Consumers Australia is urging the federal government to introduce a superannuation industry anti-scam code.

The group said such a code would prioritise the safety of Australians’ 24 million retirement savings accounts, which are worth billions of dollars.

Super Consumers Australia says since 2022, up to 178,000 superannuation members across three super funds have been at a heightened risk of phishing scams due to known super fund data breaches.

A phishing scam involves a scammer sending fraudulent emails or text messages designed to steal a person’s personal or financial information.

Corporate data breaches lead to an increased risk of phishing scams because they expose members’ contact details and other information.

Heather Gray, the lead ombudsman for superannuation at the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), told Super Consumers that superannuation funds have fallen behind the banks in their ability to detect and prevent scams and fraud.

She urged funds to continue improving their scam prevention systems and to collaborate on a “shared understanding… as to what measures will be taken and to make sure that as far as possible, systems are strengthened so that it’s very difficult for scams or frauds to get through”.

According to Ms Gray, the level of scam prevention at super funds varies widely.

How AFCA rules on super scams

If a member complains to their fund about a

scam and the fund doesn’t resolve the matter to their satisfaction, they can then take the complaint to AFCA.

AFCA can order super funds to repay the victim where the fund is liable for the loss.

“We would look at the whole of the circumstances and then assess whether the [super fund] acted fairly and reasonably in not compensating the member for the loss

they suffered,” Ms Gray said. RebekahSarkoezy,policymanageratSuper Consumers Australia, said funds should be held to a much higher standard through the establishment of a mandatory super industry anti-scam code.

She said the absence of an industry anti-scam code is leaving consumers without redress if they do have their super stolen

and claims there are some super funds who refuse to take up even the most basic account security controls like multi-factor authentication.

“A super anti-scam code would give the industry the clarity and incentives it needs to lift its game on scam prevention,” she said.

– Article courtesy National Seniors

Market is a flower and food hub

Ever wondered where independent grocery stores source the fruit and vegetables that go into your favourite dishes, or where florists buy the bouquets of cut flowers used to create colourful decorations at special times of the year such as Easter and Christmas? Anne Parisianne went to the Melbourne Market to find out.

Walk around Melbourne Market in Epping at 5.30am, and chances are you will see buyers busily moving goods from sellers’ establishments into their trucks using small forklifts.

Melbourne Market is Victoria’s wholesale vegetable, fruit and cut flower trading centre.

The market, built on a 67-hectare site, is one of six central fresh produce markets in Australia.

From midnight until dawn, around 2,750 businesses use the market as a base to sell fresh produce for distribution to independent greengrocers, supermarkets, restaurants and food processors across Victoria and Australia.

John De Muri, one of the three brothers who owns Gazzola Farms, has been selling vegetables at the Melbourne Market for many years. Lettuce, celery, broccoli and pak choy are a few varieties of leafy vegetables available direct from his farm.

Gazzola Farms plans ahead of time as some crops can take up to six months to grow. And by getting the growing cycle timing right, Mr De Muri and the farm can produce a high-quality product.

“What we do is an art,” he said while standinginsideacubicleinfrontofhismarket stand.

Like everyone who works at the market, Mr De Muri wears a green vest to ensure safety.

Gazzola Farms also sells vegetables from other farmers.

“In the winter time, we get all our leafy vegetables from Queensland, cauliflower from Werribee, carrots from Tasmania and Mildura, parsnips from South Australia and Brussels sprouts from South Australia and Western Australia.”

Certain vegetables in the market come from other Australian regions due to seasonal weather or the specific growing conditions required by the vegetables.

When Star Weekly visited, Mr De Muri had been at the market since midnight.

He and his brothers typically work 50 to 60 hours per week, which shows their dedication to the business they love.

Mr De Muri, who had been working in the industry for around 50 years, reminisced about how the farming and wholesaling industries had been the best places for him to learn.

“When you come to a market and people give you money, [then] you know how to count. If you go home and you haven’t counted properly, you make a mistake. So you make sure you do it right the first time.”

Inside the Melbourne Market, not all traders grow their own fruit and vegetables.

CK Tropical Produce acts as an agent for Asian types of fresh produce.

CK Tropical Produce owner Henry Huynh explained that “our mangoes… dragon fruits are from growers in Queensland”.

And some of the trader’s goods, such as apples, pears and coconuts, come from overseas.

CK Tropical Produce sells fresh produce to restaurants and retail shops in Victoria.

Before joining the family business eight months ago, Mr Huynh was a civil engineer designing bridges and tunnels for ten years.

MrHuynh’spassionforthebusinessstarted when he helped his parents-in-law last year for a few days while they were away.

“I really like the sales aspect… getting to know [people] and building relationships with all the customers,” he said.

“It’s been quite enjoyable coming to a completely new industry—one that I’ve never been exposed to before.”

Walk past the fruit and vegetables section, and you enter the Flower Centre.

According to the Melbourne Market’s website, the Flower Centre serves as a crucial trading hub for fresh flower producers, with

Victoria contributing approximately 40 per cent to Australia’s national demand for cut flowers.

Grown Farm Fresh owner George Ambatzidis sits on a chair inside his flower-stand area.

His friendly smile adds brightness to the colourful cut Australian native flowers displayed around his market stand.

Mr Ambatzidis said flower demand increases slightly in the lead up to Easter.

“We will be doing a lot of chrysanthemum posies [for Easter],” he said.

“[These flowers] will be filling up churches. We supply these flowers to shops as well.”

Mr Ambatzidis said there was strong demand year round for native flowers, such as protea, waratah, banksia, and silver spurflower.

When asked about people’s preference for native flowers, Mr Ambatzidis said, “It’s probably because we want to go back to our

basics, to our ground roots here”.

While the sellers wait for customers, some buyers are ready to leave.

At around 6am, one of Eden Garden’s owners David Hanno, has finished loading fruit, vegetables, and flowers into a truck.

Eden Garden Fresh Market is an independent supermarket in Mernda that offers various products including fresh produce, flowers, frozen foods and deli meats.

And for its fresh produce and flowers, Mr Hanno and his business partner, Antonio Nissan, buy from the Melbourne Market’s traders.

“Sales toward Easter generally usually go a little bit up,” Mr Hanno said while enjoying an early morning cup of coffee.

“People buy more citrus fruit like mandarin now, because the weather has changed to slightly cooler toward Easter.

“In Australia, we’re so lucky because we get a good amount of produce that can cover

everybody’s [needs].”

Mr Hanno says the products he stocks in his shop are of a quality he would personally choose to consume.

“We do our best to give people the quality and the service, and [at] a lower price, too.

“We work very hard to make that happen.”

His vision for the business is for more than just profit. Mr Hanno cares about the satisfaction of Eden Garden’s customers.

“When people come and appreciate you for what you’ve done… it’s more of a reward.

“This [business] is not just about money, it’s about passion and the love you put into it.”

As the sun comes out, the frenetic activity inside the market subsides.

Buyers’ trucks leave the market, taking vegetables, fruit, and flowers to grocers and restaurants across Victoria.

The ingredients for your next meal may have come from the Melbourne Market in Epping.

Henry Huynh (right).

John De Muri (left), and George Ambatzidis. (Pictures: Supplied)

Eighty years of service

It was a celebration of 80 long years of hard work for the Epping Fire Brigade in March, as members gathered to commemorate the anniversary.

Members, former volunteers and dignitaries came together to celebrate the momentous occasion on Saturday 16 March.

Captain Rob Saitta first joined the Epping brigade in 1994 and said he was most proud of the comradery the brigade has, which he described as second family.

“Wegothroughgoodandbadtimestogether and we’re always there for each other,” he said.

The Epping Rural Fire Brigade was formed on March 6 in 1944 to protect the town from fires and other emergencies.

The brigade’s first station was built in Houston Street Epping, and in 1988 the

station was relocated to its current location in O’Hern’s Road, Epping.

The Epping Brigade has been involved in many major fires across Victoria, most notably the Ash Wednesday Fires in 1983 and the Black Saturday Fires of 2009.

“On Black Saturday our tanker was involved in a burnover with a couple of other trucks. The members who were there saved a family by putting them on the back of a truck as fire overran their house,” continued Mr Saitta.

“The trucks got scorched and burnt and the crews had to put out a mayday but everyone survived.”

Acting Country Fire Authority (CFA) chief executive Jason Heffernan said the event was a great celebration of a brigade with a long history.

“It’s clear from hearing the history of the brigade that Epping has always kept the community at the centre of what it does and to this day it has never lost that focus,” he said.

“I want to thank and recognise all the members past and present who have given so much to Epping over the last eight decades.”

Another notable incident occurred in November2014whenthebrigaderespondedto a house fire in Great Brome Avenue in Epping.

When they arrived firefighters were confronted with a double storey house well alight. Some of the occupants had managed to escape but a father and one of his children remained trapped on the upstairs balcony.

The crews set a ladder to the balcony with hose lines deployed for protection and rescued the father and child.

Mark Aiello

As the first Edmund Rice School in Australia, Parade College has been educating boys for over 150 years. We recognise that boys learn in many varied ways and perform better when they form a connection with their school and do things they enjoy. Our extensive range of subject offerings, wellbeing programs and the many varied curricular and extra-curricular programs from Years 7 to 12, have been developed specifically with this in mind. Through these educational and social emotional learning opportunities, we are able to fully support and extend our students to achieve their very best. Our teachers and staff choose to work at Parade because they love working with our students and their families. This shared partnership between our students, staff and families, is built upon respect, enabling our entire Parade community to work together to ensure the best outcomes for our students so that they can become compassionate young people, who are committed to making the world a better place for all.

We warmly invite families to visit the College to explore the world of opportunities on offer to our students. Enquiries are welcome via our Enrolment Office on 9468 3300 or via email: enrol@parade.vic.edu.au

A day to meet neighbours

While it’s too late for Neighbour Day 2024, Hume residents may soon be able to enjoy a day out with neighbours, courtesy of council.

Neighbour Day is a national initiative that usually occurs in March.

It originated to foster community connection and allow residents to meet and catch up in an informal setting.

The day has already been adopted by nearby council, Brimbank, which runs a program offering $250 to citizens to hold events in their neighbourhood.

Councillor Karen Sherry raised a notice of motion in the March 25 council meeting, and strongly threw her support behind the initiative being adopted by Hume.

She has asked for a feasibility study into how it can work for Hume, and said itwouldhelptoconnectthecommunity.

Councillor Jarrod Bell said his connection to the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) has allowed him to experience first hand the benefits of a neighbour day celebration, and he endorsed the concept.

“Research shows that those who have strong relationships with their communities and neighbours are more likely to help one another and have better outcomes when faced with emergencies,” he said.

Councillors passed the notice of motion, and it will now be further investigated by council officers and be considered for a future year.

1436 Plenty Road, Bundoora, Victoria, 3083

Preston Campus, 8 Clifton Grove, Preston, Victoria, 3072 Phone 03 9468 3300 | www.parade.vic.edu.au | enquiries1@parade.vic.edu.au

12679215-FC14-24

The group came together to celebrate volunteers and firefighters both past and present. (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

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

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

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

Sunbury Art Society

The Sunbury Art Society meets every Friday and Saturday from 10am - 3pm at the Boilerhouse, Jacksons Hill, to paint or draw over a cuppa with other like minded people. New members welcome.

■ Ken, 0407 062 568 or Yvonne, 0429 994 828

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

Toastmasters

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

■ vpm-4185@toastmastersclubs.org

Sunbury Seniors

Sunbury Seniors (55 or older) meet on Mondays and Fridays at 8 O’Shanassy Street, Sunbury, from 10am-3pm. A variety of activities are offered – indoor bowls, cards, snooker, guest speakers, day excursions, subsidised lunches or just a cup of coffee and a chat.

■ 0434 400 754

Probus Club Of Sunbury

Join the Probus Club of Sunbury on the first Wednesday of the month at the Sunbury Bowling club at 9.30am. It’s a friendly men’s group open to visitors and new members, with a number of great events held each month.

■ Greg, 0417 593 035

CWA Woodend Eves

The CWA Woodend Eves Branch is part of the Central Highlands group and meets every third Tuesday at 7pm at the Woodend Neighbourhood house.

All women are welcome.

■ cwawoodendeves@gmail.com

Hume Men’s Shed

The Hume Men’s Shed (Sunbury) is a non for profit organisation, meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 158 Evans Street Sunbury. The group caters for men be it carpentry, welding, metal work, gardening or just to chat.

■ sunburymensshed.com or 0438 677 425

Sunbury Badminton Club

The Sunbury Badminton Club plays social games on Tuesdays and Wednesdays nights from 7.30-9.30 pm, and on Wednesdays 10am-12pm. Monday night is a round robin competition from 7.30-9.30pm. All welcome to attend at Clarke Oval Stadium, 49 Riddell Road.

■ sunburybc@gmail.com

One Voice Sunbury

One Voice Sunbury community choir rehearses each Tuesday from 6.30pm at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House. Fun and welcoming choir, new members welcome, no prior singing experience required. Just join in the fun.

■ sunbury@withonevoice.org.au

This week’s photographer’s choice picture is of Belle Hadiwidjaja ahead of a Maribyrnong skating event. (Damjan Janevski) 397118_01

PUZZLES

ACROSS

1 Creates (6)

4 Not wanted (8)

9 Traditional English sponge cake (7)

11 Mournful (7)

12 Knick-knacks and souvenirs (11)

13 Exclamation of surprise (3)

14 Arduous (8)

16 Union territory of the Republic of India (5)

19 Relating to a sovereign (5)

20 Influenza strain (5,3)

22 Phone program (abbr) (3)

24 Reciprocal (11)

26 Annoying (7)

27 Deviate (7)

29 Accurate shooters (7)

30 Stylish (6)

DOWN

1 Cadge (3)

2 Something signed by a parent, – form (9)

3 Less wet (5)

5 Bug (coll) (6)

6 Girls’ name (9)

7 Fastening (5)

8 Senile decay (11)

10 Collections of songs or photos (6)

12 Prioritising material possessions (11)

15 Type of rocks containing silica (9)

17 Exaggerated self importance (9)

18 Climb (6)

21 In ancient architecture, a horizontal design (6)

23 Metal rod for stirring a fire (5)

25 Celestial being (5)

28 Utter (3)

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 nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

19 words: Good

28 words: Very good

38 words: Excellent

No. 179

WORDFIT

3 LETTERS ADS

LETTERS

5 LETTERS ALIBI ALLOT ALOUD AMONG AROSE ARSON ASIDE BASED CAGED CAPED CASTS CIRCA DENSE EDGER EGGED ERRED FEEDS

1 What is the largest train station in the UK?

2 In relation to trees, what does deciduous mean?

3 Pedro Pascal (pictured) starred alongside Nicolas Cage in which 2022 film?

4 Which continent are capybaras native to?

5 What type of food is a chimichanga?

6 The book cataloguing website Goodreads was launched in which year?

7 Is Paraguay a landlocked or coastal country?

8 True or false: Otzi the Iceman, a natural mummy from 3105BC, had tattoos?

9 The world’s first electric tram line operated in which country?

10 Hazard signs are typically black symbols on what colour triangular background?

No. 179

No. 179

No. 179

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL NEW MOBILE PHONE

39

Epping, Victoria 3076 (Lot 19 on

1.Amplitel as part of the Telstra Group proposes to construct a new telecommunications facility at the abovementioned address. The proposed facility consists of a 35m monopole with a triangular headframe, accommodating three (3) panel antennas, three (3) ‘AIR’panel antennas and associated ancillary equipment including three (3) external remote radio units (RRUs). A new equipment shelter has also been proposed at the base of the facility within Telstra’s new fenced compound at the property.

2.Telstra has sought planning approval in accordance with the Whittlesea Planning Scheme based on the descriptionabove.Theplanningpermitwasgrantedon 08/02/2024 (permit reference: PLN-41989).

3.The proposed infrastructure will comply with theACMA EME regulatory arrangements.An EME Report can be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3076022.

4.We invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or submissions should be directed to Michael Cheung, Aurecon Australasia on 08 8237 9777 or via email to Michael.Cheung@aurecongroup.com by 1 May 2024.

•it

•it

An

application is located at: 22 Tasman Drive BUNDOORA VIC 3083

The application is for a permit for: Variation of Restrictive Covenant F1144897 applicable to Lot 35 on LP: 97752 (9001/617) to enable construction of two dwellings on a lot and remove restrictions relating to material finishes.

The applicant for the permit is: R Easton

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

The application reference number is: PLN-42023

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority: City of Whittlesea, 25 Ferres Blvd, South Morang.

This can be done during the office hours of 8:30am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday. This service is free of charge.

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

An objection must be sent to the responsible authority in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 16 April 2024.

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

For information regarding access to Planning documents relating to this application please contact Council’s Building and Planning Department on 9217 2170.

Petrol power fights back

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

While the battle rages for the high ground of thetoptech,andexpensive,electrifiedterritory of the automotive world, a rear-guard action from the internal combustion engine bargain basement is taking place.

Micro cars such as the MG 3, Suzuki Ignis, Fiat 500 and Mazda 2 are leading the charge to defend ICE(land). The latest call to arms comes from Kia with its upgraded Picanto. What are its chances?

Sadly, gone ta-taas is the popular GT, replaced by a pair of GT-Line legionnaires. Kia says it has called on the company’s footy-like ‘Opposites United’ (How do they think of ’em?) philosophy for the new range, leading to a modern, sporty design highlighted by a new headlamp set-up, ‘ripped’ radiator grille and reshaped front bumper.

Out back, the tail lamps and bumper have been tweaked.

The new Picanto comes in two trim levels –Sport and GT-Line – with prices coming in at $17,890, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level five-speed manual. The four-speed automatic sells for $19,490, while the flagship GT-Line auto tops out the range at $21,290. On test was the latter.

Priceisnottheonlysellingpoint,ForPicanto buyersit’swelcometoKia‘seventhheaven’with the maker’s class-leading seven-year warranty and capped price servicing at 12-month intervals, plus up to eight years roadside assist.

Styling

On GT-Line, further from above, a daytime running light strip extends across the leading edge of the bonnet, pushing out the headlamps with emphasis on the width.

Newly designed wheels – 14-inch alloys on the Sport and a 16-inch machine finished diamond cut quartet for the GT-Line.

Power folding side mirrors with integrated warning indicators are now standard across both trims, with GT-Line boasting heating too. Seven exterior paint finishes are on offer, with Adventurous Green being new to Kia.

Interior

Premium leatherette features as standard on steering wheel and gearshift knob across the range, with the latter also scoring a D-cut sports steering wheel. Leg room, especially in the back is at a premium, while head room is not so.

The driver’s side footwell is not welcoming to larger feet. Pedal space is cramped. Keyless entryistaintedbytheneedtouseitthesteering column lock to start the motor.

Boot space, with rear seat backs up is briefcase-like 255 litres; with the seat backs folded, a respectable 1010 mm.

Infotainment

Gone are the analogue gauges, replaced by a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, making the perfect match for the carry-over 8-inch touchscreen–withAppleCarPlayandAndroid Auto – perched atop the central dashboard, beneathwhichareair-con(noclimate)controls with easy-to-operate large knobs.

GT-Linerearoccupantsalsobenefitfromthe addition of USB-C charging ports.

Engines / transmissions

Nothing (new) to see here – the Picanto carries over the existing 1.2-litre MPI non-turbo engine, mated with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, putting power to the ground through the front wheels.

Safety

With young drivers in mind, the Picanto GT-Line is equipped with a range of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as standardacrossbothtrims.Theseincludeblind spot collision avoidance Assist rear BCA, rear cross-trafficcollisionavoidanceassist,andlane follow and lane keeping assist. difference in performance between the former 1-litre three-cylinder motor and the carry-over four-cylinder unit. Low on torque, the GT-Line auto is in no rush to get going, nor is it up There’s a reversing camera and rear parkingsensorsbutnothingatthefront,which is a pity because of the stubby nose.

Passive safety is in the hands of six airbags – dual front, front side and full-length curtain.

Driving

There appears to be little for smart overtaking while on the run. Tootling around town is more to its liking.

The maker puts the fuel consumption on the combined urban / highway cycle at 6 litres per hundred kilmetres. Over a week of average work the test vehicle recorded 7.1 k\litres per 100 kilometres.

The ride and handling were reasonably comfortable – some bumps and lumps along

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Kia Picanto Sport manual $17,890

Kia Picanto Sport automatic $19,490

Kia Picanto GT-Line manual $19,690

Kia Picanto GT-Line automatic $21,290

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

the way, considering the short wheelbase (2400 mm) and steering came up with good reaction to driver input.

Feedback was solid but the tyres could not avoid chiming in with annoying road noise on course surfaces. However, the Picanto gets a ‘gold medal’ for parking. Pick a spot – almost any spot – and the compact is quick to reward the driver in forward or reverse.

Summary

KialinesupitsPicantotobroadentheappealof its mini hatchback, sacrificing its popular GT in the move.

Kia Picanto GT-Line.

(Pictures: Supplied)

Summer season grand final joy

There’s been grand final fever across Melbourne’s north-west in recent weeks, as the summer sports finish up their seasons. There’s plenty of good stories from across all competitions and here is six of them.

Yarraville

Yarraville Club’s second XI came away with premiership glory in one of the most stunning fashions.

Facing Keilor in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s Patrick Quinn Shield, the match went down to the final over.

Keilor made 8-270 before the Clubbers hit

the winning runs with two overs remaining and only one wicket left in the shed.

The Clubbers finished 9-273 with 17-year-old Jacob Jebara, who was batting at 10 sealing the deal with 15 not out off 13 ballsandshowingcomposurewellbeyondhis years.

Sunbury United

Sunbury United managed to pull off a thrilling win in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup second XI competition.

While both of the clubs first XIs were in semi final action the same weekend, a lot of attention turned to the second competition.

Epping

Epping made it back-to-back titles in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association B-grade competition.

While there was finals heartbreak for the Barclay Shield side, the Pingers second XI brought some joy with another premiership.

The North Eltham Wanderers were sent in and made 9-206 from their 80 overs.

Pingers skipper Steve Trowbridge took three wickets.

There were a few nervous moments for the Pingers as they slipped to 2-4 but were able to bounce back and get the runs with nine overs remaining.

The Pingers finished 7-208.

Jaedyn Kearney top scored with 60, while Jordan Mckernan made 50 not out. It was the Pingers sixth grand final in eight seasons, with the Pingers winning their fifth title.

United made 163 as it was bowled out in the 71st over. Skipper Adam Billinghurst top scored with 44.

Romsey, the reigning premiers, pushed the total all the way, but fell short, bowled out for 161.

James Hughes and Cooper Boyes took three wickets each for United.

Altona Sports

Altona Sports third XI came out on top in the Western Suburbs Churches and Community Cricket Association division 6 competition against Vic Bangladeshi SC Green.

After securing second spot on the ladder in the home and away season, the team led by Varun Kumar played the arch-rivals and top of the ladder Vic Bangladeshi in what was anticipated to be a great game and a spectacle and it lived up to the hype.

Sports decided to bat and ended up scoring a mammoth 228 in 35 overs, led by Ravikiran Girradi who scored 53 and well supported by the veterans Amit Arora with 42, Nilesh Nerurkar with 34, Swapnil Kaushik with 27 and Ali Raza with 24.

Vic Bangladeshi didn’t have a good start with an early run out, but their batmen steadied the ship and were on track with the run rate until Ankit Batra (2-53), Ravikiran Girradi (3-38), Raza (2-12) and Sudhir Sharma and Kumar with one wicket each bowled the opposition out for 204 in 32 overs.

Melton Centrals

Melton Centrals took out the Western Region Junior Cricket Association under-13 mixed B Sunday premiership by defeating Point Cook.

Centrals finished the season on top of the ladder, having gone through the season undefeated.

In the grand final, Centrals batted first and made 6-150 from their overs with Tripjot Singh Saini top scoring with 28.

The match went right down to the wire, withPointCookfallingjustshort,finishing 7-146 off its 24 overs.

Centrals had four run outs while in the field which proved to be the difference.

For his magical batting and outstanding bowling Ravi wherein he picked up two wickets in over to end the opposition innings and win man of the match.

It’s two premierships in the past three seasons, having made the grand final on each occasion for the side.

Macedon Ranges Tennis Association

The Macedon Ranges Tennis Association’s Saturday mixed open competition wrapped up with the ‘Battle of the Blues’

At the start of the season all eyes were on competition newcomers Macedon; however, it was Gisborne Blue captained by Angela O’Brien that quickly captured everyone’s attention.

They were the team to beat all season and finished on top of the ladder.

The two Kyneton teams finished in second and third, while Gisborne Black snuck into fourth spot.

The semi-finals were played in perfect conditions with Gisborne Black, playing its first final in several seasons, proving to be no match for Gisborne Blue which won 42-24 games (6-0 sets).

It was Kyneton Blue which secured a win over Kyneton Yellow 41-28 games (5-1 sets) to set up the battle of the Blues in the grand final.

Kyneton Blue started the match strongly with Chloe Turner and Kerrie Sheawick winning their doubles 7-2, and Lachlan Hooppell and Ting-Yao Kao taking out their doubles 7-3.

Gisborne Blue’s Steve van Emmerick and Keira Simpson played superb tennis to secure a mixed set win in a tie break over Lachlan Hooppell and Kerrie Sheawick, but itwasallKynetonBluefromthere,takingout the remained three mixed sets 7-5, 7-5 and 7-3, and winning the grand final 41-25 games (5-1 sets).

Right: Epping’s second XI. (Pictures: Supplied)

Sunbury United’s second XI.

Melton Centrals under-13s.

Kyneton Blue tennis.

Yarraville Club second XI.

Club

Altona Sports third XI.

New coach sets the tone for Magpies’ season

New Roxburgh Park coach Ross Terranova is seeking to get an even contribution from his side in the Essendon District Football League division 1 season.

Terranova, who has previously coached Glenroy and was an assistant coach at Greenvale last season, said the group had been really buying into what he was trying to do.

“I’m loving it,” he said. “We are getting 50 playersattraining.We’veplayed33playersover thepracticematchessoI’vehadadecentlookat most of the boys.

“There’s still a lot of improvement and they are starting to do the right things.

“Hopefully they’ll keep doing the right things.”

Terranova said there had been a few changes to the squad, but had plenty of young blokes coming through.

He said for them it was about getting in players who wanted to buy into what they’re doing.

“We’ve been looking at players who want to play roles,” he said. “We don’t want to be as reliant on the likes of Jack Elliott and Harley Short.

“We want to lessen the load on those guys. The pre-season has been good and they’re

understanding their roles.”

Among those Terranova is keen to get a look at on field are Seamus Mulcahy, Teronne

One

Eagles ready to attack

By Tara Murray

It will be a more attacking Craigieburn in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition this season.

After a good first season in charge at the Eagles, coach Shane Jacobs has looked to change things up to help close the gap to the top five.

“We have a new game plan,” he said. “A bit more attacking.

“We were very defensive last year and we want to have a better balance between offence and defence, especially early in the season.”

To go with the new game plan, the Eagles have looked to recruit, bringing in some new faces and some familiar names.

Jacobs said one of the areas they lacked in last season was depth.

“It is something we wanted to do,” he said about adding more depth. “We wanted to strength the twos as well.

“We want pressure on in the twos for spots and we’ve achieved that for the senior squad.

“We got some players in and some old players back.”

Nathan and Luke Reichelt return to the club having played at Roxburgh Park last season.

Mitch Wilson joins the club from Aberfeldie while two-time premiership player Jesse Davies is back at the club.

Jacobs said he was also excited to see some under-19s step up into the senior side.

Jacobs said they want to build on last season this year when they finished in sixth spot, two three games outside the top five.

“We thought it was a pretty good year,” he said. “A lot of people wrote us off at the start of the year and that we would be in the relegation zone.

“We were never in that from day one. We were a bit inconsistent last season and we’ve tried to work on consistency this year.

“We’ve got to to be better, it’s not going to

Carroll and Cooper McPharlane moving on.

Terranova said with different targets down there they would find ways to score goals.

Having only joined the club in the off season, Terranova hasn’t set high expectations on what they can achieve. The Magpies finished in seventh spot, three games outside the top five.

“We want to make sure we improve and aren’t reliant on one or two blokes,” he said.

“We want to make sure to do the right things as a club and shape up the way I want them to, first and foremost.”

The Magpies were due to start their season on Good Friday against Craigieburn, after deadline. The two teams finished equal on points last season.

It’s the second straight year the two teams have started their seasons on that day.

Speaking before the match, Terranova said it was set to be a big day at the club.

“The club has done a lot of work to get ready of the game.

“There’s a little bit of rivalry. It’ll be good to have a big day at the club.

Hillside and Keilor Park also started their seasons on Good Friday, after deadline.

Tara Murray

Watson departs Hume

The coaching merry go around at Hume City is in motion again with a coaching change just six weeks into the season.

Despite sitting third with four wins from six games, Hume and coach Cameron Watson have decided to go different ways early into the National Premier League season.

“After mutual agreement, we have decided to part ways,” the club after its round six match.

“We extend our sincerest wishes to Cameron and his coaching staff, Billy Celeski and Baz Sahin, as they embark on new endeavours.

“We thank them for their dedication and wish them all the best in their future endeavours.“

Watson was first appointed head coach of Hume at about round six last season before being reappointed at the end of the season. He was the sixth coach in charge of Hume since the start of the 2022 season.

Hume wasted little time in announcing its new coach.

The club then announced that David Chick would take over as coach on Tuesday morning. Chick started the NPL season with the Bentleigh Greens but departed the club after six rounds.

Chick isn’t a stranger to Hume.

be an easy division. Finals is our aim. The next step is to make finals.”

The Eagles will be on the road for a lot of the early part of the season, with works occurring at DS Aitken Reserve.

It’s meant that training has been held all over Craigieburn.

Jacobs said it would be a challenge early in the season not being able to play at home, but there’s nothing they can do about it.

The Eagles kick off their season on Good Friday against Roxburgh Park, after deadline.

It’s the second year in a row the two teams have faced off on Good Friday.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” Jacobs said.

“It’s pretty much what pre-season has been about, getting ready to face Roxburgh Park.”

Hillside and Keilor Park also started their seasons on Good Friday, after deadline, while there was grand final rematch in premier division with Keilor facing Strathmore.

“David brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached with us from 2014 to 2017, and having held key coaching positions at Northcote City, Pascoe Vale, Dandenong Thunder, and most recently, Bentleigh Greens,” the club said on social media.

Alongside him, we’re delighted to introduce Andy Vlahos as our assistant coach. With four years of coaching experience at Hume and a track record of making finals every year from 2007 to 2011, we are thrilled to have Andy work alongside David.“

The coaching change didn’t seem to affect Hume which beat the Melbourne Knights, 5-2 in round seven.

Hume had a bye on the weekend due to Easter but was in Australia Cup action last week.

Hume progressed to the next round, beating the Albion Rovers, 7-1.

Samuel Laffan. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 350273_12

Roberts-Potter and Travis Cooke

of the areas the Magpies will look different is the forward line with Nathan

Jack Elliott. (Jacob Pattison) 343146_10

World ranking recaptured

By Oliver Lees

Three years after being urged to give up on his boxing career, Greenvale raised Blake Caparello has made a stunning comeback to the ring.

On February 23 Caparello defeated Italian Simone Federici by knock out at a fight held at Paramount Theatre in New York.

The win was hugely significant for Caparello’s career, as it placed him back on the World Boxing Association rankings for the first time in three years.

He is now ranked 14th in the world in the cruiserweight division and at the age of 37 his career is looking better than ever.

But it was almost a completely different story.

AfteralosstoFarisChevalierinMarch2021, Caparello received advice that it might be time to wrap up his career.

He was 34-years-old at the time and had enjoyed a successful career since 2009, but he wasn’t yet ready to throw in the towel.

“My old team wanted me to retire, I thought I had more to offer and wanted to go up in weight,” he said.

“[Winning in New York] was an extra buzz because there were a lot of doubters back home who thought I couldn’t do it because of my last performance three years ago.

“Now I’ve got a new team, new culture.

“This fight was the perfect fight.”

Caparello has now returned to Melbourne with two prestigious boxing belts to his name.

In boxing, competitors are defined by their weight class, which means that professionals must constantly manage their training and diet to fit within a certain category.

After the disappointment of his loss in 2021, Caparello decided that he would move up a weight class from light heavyweight to cruiserweight, which he said has freed him up to focus more on the technical aspects of his preparation.

“Sometimes you can focus more on making weight rather than the actual fight itself,” he said. “Now I just train and eat, I don’t have to worry about my weight.”

While some within his team thought his career was over, Caparello said his then-girlfriend, now-wife Monique encouraged him to keep going.

He has since been going back and forth from Westmeadows to Los Angeles for training sessions since 2022.

“It was good to just focus on boxing and get into a good mental space,” he said.

“Just going back and training over there has reenergised me, I love being in the gym.”

Withthreechildrenundertheageoffive,the juggling of family and boxing has demanded full commitment and support from both Monique and Blake.

Sometimes that means extended time apart, but it can also mean memorable trips together.

The whole family traveled to New York for his fight last month and Blake and Monique

decided to seize the opportunity to have their destination wedding atop the Rockefeller Center.

While he may no longer have the physical exuberanceofhisyouth,Caparellosaidhefeels more sure of himself now than ever before.

“I’m 37, I don’t want to fight the little fights anymore, they’re all strategic,” he said.

“Some thought I was taking a risk getting married [after the fight in New York], they thought I might cop bumps and bruises, but I was very confident.”

Magbegor in Olympic squad

Craigieburn basketball star Ezi Magbegor’s Olympic dream is on track after being named in the Australian Opals squad ahead of the Paris Games.

The Opals named a 26-player squad in preparation for the Games which will be reduced to a final 12-player squad closer to the Games.

The 26-player squad will participate in training camps, tours and fixtures both domestically and internationally against other Olympic-bound countries in the lead up to the Games which begin on July 26.

The squad features 14 combined Olympic Games appearances, 11 members of the FIBA 2022 World Cup team which won a bronze medal.

Magbegor has been a staple in the Opals line up when her commitments overseas allow her to play.

Shewasnamedthemostvaluableatthe recent Olympic qualifying tournament.

Opals coach Sandy Brondello said selecting the squad was an important step in preparations for Paris.

“It’s always an exciting time to announce an Olympic squad and I congratulate all the athletes. They all know what it means to play for Australia, and they all want the opportunity to represent their country at an Olympics,” shesaid.“Oursquadisfullofexceptional talent, and they will make the decision to pick a final 12 very difficult. We have Canada, Nigeria and France in our pool, so we are focused on that and what is required to get onto the podium.”

Push to get club back on track amid downgrade

Epping has a new sense of confidence heading into the Northern Football League division 3 season.

After a number of tough seasons in the division 2 competition, the Pingers were relegated at the end of last season.

While disappointed to go down a grade, Pingers coach Brad Hollow said the club was working hard to reinvigorate itself.

The club kicked off its season on Good Friday against Lalor, after deadline.

“A lot of hard work has been done to get the club back on track,” he said. “We haven’t won many games, three games in the last three to four years.

“Lalor didn’t win a game last year. It’s nice to start the season against the local rival.”

Hollow said they’d done a fair bit of recruiting having kept 80 to 85 per cent of the squad.

Dallyce Taylor, James Tadd, Jaedyn Kearney, Corey Middleton and Jordan Wilkins have all returned to the club.

Adrian Alfonsi, Daniel Geenaccaro, Seb Latina,ReeceField,MichaelGillardandOstinn Bellingham are among the key signings.

Hollow said Latina and Wilkins were two he was excited to see in the midfield, while Alfonsi will be a key target up forward.

“He’s a full forward and the last time I saw

him play, he kicked six goals against us,” he said. “Hopefully there’ll be many more of those bags this year.”

As well as the signings on field, the Pingers have made some signings off field, including that of bringing in a strength and conditioning coach.

Hollow said he had got the group to where they wanted to be at this time of the year.

After little success in recent seasons, Hollow said they were keen to change that this year.

He said they would have a tough first five weeks of the season, playing several of the contenders.

“I think the group is confident in what we have recruited,” he said.

“Theexpectationislikeanyotherclub,weall want to play finals and want that premiership.

“You want to finish in the top part of the ladder and see how you go in finals.

“Division 3 is going to be a very healthy competition.”

In other matches that were scheduled for Good Friday, Greensborough was to host Eltham, also after deadline.

The rest of division 3 along with division 2 will start this weekend, while the rest of division 1 will kick off the following weekend.

Tara Murray Finnen Hoare. (Joe Mastroianni) 280870_02

Ezi Magbegor. (AAP Image/James Gourley)

Blake Caparello after his victory in New York. (Supplied)

Craigieburn women fly in to claim premiership

Craigieburnfiredwhenitwasneededtosealthe Cricket Victoria Women’s Community Cricket Competition shield 3 one day premiership.

The Eagles upset minor premiers Coburg (2) in mid-March to win their third women’s premiership.

Playing coach Kirsty Klempel was just thrilled that they had managed to get another premiership.

“It has been a great season,” she said. “This has been my most favourite season.

“Everyone has done something and it wasn’t left up to one or two people like it has been sometimes in the past.

“It’s been like that all season and everyone has had a ball. One of the juniors, Ojal [Kurl] earlier in the year, not only hit the middle stumpbutsnappeditinhalf,itwassoexciting.”

The Eagles were set for a big task in the grand final. The Eagles won the first game between the two teams, with the second game

ending in a tie.

The Eagles were sent in and made 4-169 from their 36 overs.

Klempel said they were thrilled with that score.

“Tarz [Litara Va’auli] and her daughter Stefania[Pauga]didwhatwerequired.Theyare always there performing.

“Tarz is just the anchor and Stefania, I can’t get over how effortlessly she manages to do things.”

Va’aulifinishedwith55whilePaugamade37.

The Eagles used 10 different bowlers in their bowling attack. They managed to bowl Coburg (2) out for 107, with just two batters reaching double figures.

Klempel was the star with the ball, finishing with 6-17 off 7.2 overs.

“I was determined to win,” she said. “When I get in a zone, I’m so focused, I don’t know how I do it.

“I wanted the to win to reap the rewards for the whole effort.”

Klempel was named player of the match but said it could have quite easily gone to Va’auli or Pauga.

Bulldogs snare shield

By Tara Murray

Twelve months is a long time in cricket with Bundoora United going from heartbreak to premiershipjoyintheDiamondValleyCricket Association Money Shield.

After heartbreakingly just missing out on finals last season, the Bulldogs were keen to redeem themselves this season.

They firstly made finals and then won through to the decider, against Plenty which had been the standout team all season.

The Bulldogs took control of the match on day one in mid-March.

They resumed at 0-1 in reply 143.

The Bulldogs had no issues at all, chasing down the runs with ease, finishing 3-145.

Bulldogs captain Joel Thompson said it was an exciting moment for the whole club.

“It is bittersweet,” he said. “All the hard work we’ve put in and to see the result at the end.

“I’m happy for everyone. It was a really long week and I haven’t played a Saturday-Saturday grand final in a long time.

“It was a tough week, but it was really pleasing in the way that we did.”

Thompson said with all 10 wickets in hand and a deep batting line up they were full of confidence heading into day two.

Hesaidtherewasarealfocusofmakingsure they didn’t leave it up to someone else to do.

After losing an early wicket, the Bulldogs top order were able to get the job done.

They only needed 41 overs to get the runs.

Luke Joyce top scored with 52, while Thompson was at the crease when the winning runs were hit, finishing 43 not out.

“The top order got the job done,” he said.

“For me personally I’ve put in a lot of hard work the last few weeks to get the result.

“It’s amazing for the side and the entire club.”

ScottBarnettwasawardedmanofthematch for his 6-47 off 39.2 overs on day one.

Thilina Herath was the other standout with three wickets and 39 runs.

Thompson said redemption was something they had focused on during the off season.

It’s the third women’s premiership for the Eagles. Kempel said the first one was 10 years ago and they think the other was about six years ago.

Kempel said there were four or five players playing in their first one.

“That was our main focus, we worked so hardtomakesureeveryonehasapremiership,” she said. “We had four juniors in the team. Ashnoor [Saluja] and Stefania have been our young captains in training this season.

“They are such wonderful role models for the younger players and we actually look up them.”

Klempel said the development of the playing grouphadbeenthethingthatshehadlovedthe most.

She said she was keen to keep playing on having reached game 200 this season and hoped all her teammates would be back too.

Tara Murray

Sports shorts

EDFL

The Essendon District Football League premier division and division 1 seasons got underway with Keilor having played Strathmore on Good Friday at Joe Brown Oval. The standalone premier division fixture will be followed by a complete round one on April 13 with all 10 teams competing. The match between Keilor and Strathmore was a rematch of last year’s grand final where Keilor triumphed. In division 1, Roxburgh Park was hosting Craigieburn and Keilor Park was playing Hillside. For the scores, head to www.starweekly.com.au

NFL

Round one of the Northern Football League competition began on the weekend with a fixture between Greensborough and Eltham on Good Friday in division 1, while Epping faced Lalor in division 3. The remainder of the division 1 competition will start their campaigns on Saturday, April 13. Heidelberg will continue its premiership defence at Shelley Park against cross-town rivals North Heidelberg. Elsewhere Bundoora will play Montmorency at home and West Preston-Lakeside will take on Greensborough away from home. To see the result of the Good Friday clash, head to www.starweekly.com.au

Coates

“Wespokeaboutitatthestartoftheseason,” he said. “It was a bitter pill to swallow and missing out by something like 0.3 per cent.

“Even this year the last game of the year was a must a win against Banyule. It just followed from there into the two finals.”

For Thompson, who returned to his junior club a couple of seasons ago, it’s a nice feeling togivebackandhelpthosewhohelpeddevelop his cricket.

The win means the Bulldogs will return to the top flight, the Barclay Shield, next season.

It’ll be there first season back in that grade since the 2015-16 season.

“It’ll be a good challenge in the top grade,” Thompson said. “We want to challenge ourselves.

“We’ll look at our list and hopefully strengthen it.”

In the Barclay Shield, Macleod bat Heidelberg.

Heidelberg made 8-201 with Macleod making the runs with eight overs remaining, finishing 7-204.

The Calder Cannons are ready for the Coates Talent League girls competition to get underway. After a long pre-season, the Cannons season gets underway this weekend. Cannons coach Ross Smith said they were looking forward to the season, which would be longer than previously.

NFL Whittlesea has announced its leadership group for the upcoming Northern Football League division 2 season. Xavier Dimasi has been named skipper with Paul Higgins vice-captain and Mitchell Andrews and Deakin Tennant deputy vice-captains.

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Craigieburn’s women’s premiership team. (Supplied)

Bundoora United premiership team. (Supplied)