Egg-citing Easter fun
The Easter Bunny will hop into town on Sunday, bringing chocolatey treats for kids across Melbourne’s north.
Alara, 2, and Ari, 3 (pictured) are already getting into the spirit of Easter and are eagerly counting down the days until the Easter Bunny arrives.
Easter-themed activities will be held across the north in the lead up to Easter Sunday.
Hume council is hosting egg hunts and craft sessions at Greenvale West Community Centre and Valley Park Community Centre on April 16 and 17, while Yarra Plenty Regional Libraries will have an easter crafts day at Lalor Library on April 16.
2, and Ari, 3. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 469266_03
Driving away congestion
By Tom Ingleton
After years of horn-honking frustration and near-daily gridlock, commuters might be finally getting the green light.
Two major infrastructure announcements are promising to ease the daily frustration for Melbourne’s northside commuters: A major overhaul of Donnybrook Road and an upgrade on Mickleham Road.
AsreportedbyStarWeekly,federalandstate Laborpartypledged$125milliononMarch24 to replace the roundabout at the Donnybrook Road and Mitchell Street intersection with traffic lights.
The project also includes new bridge over Kalkallo Creek, and upgraded safety barriers
for motorists and pedestrians.
That was followed by a $192 million commitment from the coalition on April 1, which would pave the way for the duplication of Donnybrook Road to Epping Road and the removal of the level crossing at Donnybrook station. The coalition said it would pay for the upgrade using money it would reallocate from the Suburban Rail Loop and a planned upgrade of Sunshine station.
Hume and Whittlesea councils have been lobbying for upgrades to Donnybrook Road for a number of years and welcomed the funding pledges.
The road services over 38.000 residents living in Whittlesea and Hume, with thousands more expected to call this area
home in the coming years.
Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon said Donnybrook Road was a “critical transport link”.
“This investment will make a real difference in easing congestion, improving safety and ensuring our infrastructure keeps pace with growth,” he said,
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell said the council looked forward to seeing the long-term benefits the upgrades would create.
“Our residents deserve eased traffic conditions, improved safety, enhanced access to jobs and services, and future-proofing for this critical transport link,” he said.
Federal Labor has also committed $250 million for the second stage of the
Mickleham Road upgrade from Dellamore Boulevard in Greenvale to Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn. This funding commitment is being delivered as part of the federal and state Labor governments’ Road Blitz investment. Cr Bell said the Mickleham Road commitment was crucial for the long-term liveability of Melbourne’s north.
“As our communities in Hume’s northern corridor continue to grow, it’s imperative that our road infrastructure grows with them,” Cr Bellsaid.“Bysecuringthisinvestment,residents in Greenvale, Craigieburn and beyond will have a faster, less congested commute, which means getting them home safely and giving them back that time spent on long commutes.”
Push for Hume candidates forum
By Tom Ingleton
As the federal election draws closer, a local advocacy group is urging Hume council to help give residents a stronger voice in the democratic process.
TheBroadmeadowsProgressAssociationhas written to council requesting it host a public candidates forum, where the community can directly raise concerns with federal candidates and hear their responses first-hand.
The group believes the stakes are high this election, particularly when it comes to the future of local services.
“At our last meeting, it was agreed that the election will affect us all.” association secretary John Rutherford said.
“From infrastructure to health, to how local councils are funded–these are issues that matter deeply to our community.”
Association member Sonja Rutherford said a forum would allow residents to engage meaningfullywiththoseseekingtotorepresent them in Canberra.
“Someissueswearefamiliarwith,andothers we are not,” Ms Rutherford said.
“The council members hold in their hands a lot of our welfare in many ways, so we would
liketoputtotheminsomeappropriatemanner what it is that is concerning us as residents.”
Ms Rutherford highlighted growing community hardship, pointing to food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.
“People are struggling with their eating needs , and that’s being exemplified by the number of food banks in the area, which are only growing in demand,” Ms Rutherford said.
“We need a variety of services expanded to address other issues too–like seeing a doctor whenyou’renotonapension.Therearewaysto address this through clinics.”
Shesaidlongstandingissuesaroundhousing,
Fulfilling activities for all seasons
Every Tuesday morning, laughter, music and creativity fill the Maker Space at Thomastown Libraryasyoungadultslivingwithdisabilities gather for the All Seasons program.
Running from 10am to noon, All Seasons provides young adults living with disabilities –and their families, friends and carers– a chance to explore gardening, nature craft, recycling and music in a community, not just for the creative activities on offer, but for the social bonds that grow along the way.
“All Seasons was inspired by a desire to link hands-on group activities with the changing seasons,” program manager Liz Skitch said.
The group initially focused on gardening in the beautiful courtyard and surrounding woodlands of the library, but organisers quickly adapted the program to better suit participants’ interests.
“Our participants don’t love gardening…so these days it’s about nature craft. It’s a space where creativity and connection come first.”
Facilitator Caz plays a key role in shaping the experience, keeping the vibe light and energetic with music, games and plenty of conversation.
“Caz is fantastic at helping the group bond–everyone has a laugh together, and we’ve seen some great social development as a result,“ Ms Skitch said.
Among the memorable moments was a drumming workshop led by participant Joseph Samarani, a talented Arabic drummer.
After the group spent a morning crafting their own drums, Joseph led a rhythm-filled session.
“They literally drummed up a storm–it started raining,” Ms Skitch joked.
While the program is small at Thomastown Neighbourhood House, the impact is big.
“ I’m super proud of all we achieve here at our little Neighbourhood House. We’re small but mighty. Every day is filled with smiles, beautiful compliments and loads of laughs. We don’t take ourselves too seriously on this side of the tracks.”
Tom Ingleton
education, libraries and community services had been left to councils to manage –often without adequate support.
“These services have gradually been passed down to the council without the proper funding,” Ms Rutherford said.
The association has requested that the council formally consider hosting the forum at its next meeting.
“We want to see real, constructive responses from candidates–not a ‘you say, I say’ type of back- and- forth. The forum needs to be facilitated effectively.”
Hume council was contacted for comment.
Finalists for business awards
Whittlesea has announced the finalists for the 2025 Business Awards, celebrating outstanding local businesses across categories including customer service, sustainability, workplace diversity and innovation.
Among the finalists are social enterprises like Food Collective, community-focused initiatives such as Big Group Hug, and innovative firms like Edlyn Foods and Iconyx.
The awards highlight businesses excelling in their fields while making a broader impact on the community.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, May 29, at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre.
The awards is a key event on the local business calendar
Whittlesea council said previous winners have seen significant growth and increased recognition from their achievements.
Whittlesea mayor Aidan McLindon praised the nominated businesses for their contribution.
“This year’s finalists showcase the innovation, resilience and passion that make our business sector so strong,“ he said.
“We are proud to support and celebrate businesses that not only provide outstanding products and services but also enrich our community through sustainability, diversity and social impact–congratulations to all our finalists.”
TicketsgoonsalefromMonday,April 14 via the council’s website.
For a full list of finalists and information, “www.whittlesea.vic.gov. au/BusinessAwards
Fields of dreams as the battle for votes hits fever pitch
As the countdown to the federal election continues,Humeisalreadyakeybattleground –not just for votes, but for grassroots sport. Major sporting precincts in the region are poised for upgrades, with both the Labor and Liberal parties pledging support for local facilities as they court community favour.
In Kalkallo in the seat of McEwen, the Liberal party has pledged $2.5 million to help upgrade the Dwyer Street Reserve, should it form government.
Liberal candidate for McEwen Jason McClintock said the funding would support Hume council’s existing $5.1 million investment to transform the reserve into a modern community sports hub.
community room and kitchen, four-female friendly change rooms, umpire facilities, trainer rooms, office space, storerooms, and accessible public amenities.
“This investment will support our sporting clubs to keep up with the rising demand in these growth areas and the big increase in female participation,” he said.
Hume mayor Jarrod Bell welcomed the announcement calling it a critical step in meeting local sporting demand.
“The infrastructure our growing communities need can only be delivered with all levels of government working together collaboratively, creating places which foster belonging and connection,” Cr Bell
said.
Meanwhile, over in Craigieburn in the seat of Calwell, Labor is promising to fund a second synthetic pitch at the Hume Hockey and Lacrosse Centre.
The project, in partnership with Hume council, would include LED lighting, new benches, fencing, storage facilities and, most importantly, a second full-sized pitch to cater for growing participation, according to Labor candidate for Calwell Basem Abdo.
The Liberals also made a funding pledge in Calwell, with candidate Usman Ghani promising $225,000 to upgrade John Illhan Memorial Reserve in Broadmeadows.
All Seasons Craft Group, participant Jonathan. (Damjan Janevski)
Labor candidate for Calwell, Basem Abdo, at Craigieburn announcing the $1.9 million Hume Hockey Centre funding. (Supplied)
Kicking for a cure
Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre turned into a field of inspiration on April 11, as World Parkinson’s Day was marked with a first-of-its-kind walking football tournament–a day where fitness, community spirit and fundraising collide.
Hosted by Walking Football 4 Health, the event brought together teams from across Melbourne and regional Victoria, with categories for men, mixed gender and, for the first time in any Australian walking football competition, a dedicated disability category.
“This was the first time anywhere in Australia for a walking football tournament there’s been a separate category for people with disabilities,” Walking Football 4 Health president Michael Trim said.
“We want to raise awareness for walking football in general. We hope that being in Hume we can start programs up here too.”
For Mr Trim, the day held a personal resonance.
“My father-in-law has Parkinson’s and I know other people who are affected by it, so to be able to raise awareness of the disease and try to raise some funds to help, it means a lot.”
The event supported Shake It Up Australia, a not-for-profit organisation, funding cutting-edge Parkinson’s research.
“They raise funds for Parkinson’s research, so to be able to raise money for them and highlight what they do is a great thing, and goes in line with what we are trying to do,”
Mr Trim said.
Locals were encouraged to get involved.
“Come down and enjoy the day even if you’ve never played before, we can put you in a team,” Mr Trim added.
Former Socceroo Paul Wade attended the event.
Briefs
Support for teens
Young people exploring work, training, or study pathways can drop in to Pathways Support Open Door on Wednesday, April 16. Held at Craigieburn Youth Centre from 10am to 4pm, the program offers resume help, job application advice, and one-on-one support from local service providers.
Assault charge
A man has been charged after a string of alleged offences in Bundoora on April 10, including dangerous driving, assault and attempted robbery. Police allege the 29-year-old, of no fixed address, assaulted a man near The Concord before fleeing and later resisting arrest near Carolyn Crescent. Two officers sustained minor injuries, and the man faced Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on April 11.
FOR BREAKING NEWS, VISIT
Web: starweekly.com.au Northern Star Weekly @starweeklynews @star_weekly
Discover the City of Whittlesea - your next adventure awaits!
Whether you're a visitor, a local, or new to the area, the new Explore Whittlesea website is your go-to guide for hidden gems, scenic spots, and unique experiences. What you'll find:
• Gorgeous natural landscapes and walking trails
• Family-friendly parks and outdoor fun
• Cosy cafes and delicious dining
• Arts, culture and local events all year round
Plan your perfect trip and get inspired at www.explore.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Half-price cat and kitten adoptions - all April long!
Looking to add a little extra love in your life? Now's the purr-fect time!
Throughout April, all cat and kitten adoptions are 50% off at the wat djerring Animal Facility.
Whether you're after a playful kitten or a laid-back lap cat, your future feline friend is waiting for you!
Every adopted pet comes health checked, vaccinated, microchipped and desexed. Visit us at 20 Companion Place, Epping. For opening hours or to apply online, visit: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/animalfacility or call 8401 6200.
W4FH president Michael Trim and event coordinator, Ozuem Esiri Onyebolisi. (Damjan Janevski)
Display homes now open
Make your best move yet, today.
Stockland Halcyon Highlands is a new over 55s gated community in the heart of Mickelham with no exit fees or stamp duty. Discover resort-style living for over 55s with architecturally designed, 7-star energy-efficient homes which will redefine your lifestyle so that you can live more and maintain less.
Discover the Halcyon difference and explore our beautifully designed display homes.
Nestled within Stockland’s masterplanned community Highlands, just 30km from Melbourne’s CBD, enjoy secure, gated living near shopping, medical centres and over 30 parks and recreation reserves. At Halcyon Highlands you will have exclusive access to resort-quality facilities including a Gold-class style cinema, pickleball courts, a bowling green, indoor pool and more.
With no stamp duty and no exit fee, you can step into your new lifestyle at Halcyon Highlands with confidence.
Visit our Welcome Centre & Display Homes
1 Whites Lane, Mickleham 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and open by appointment on Saturday
To find out more, call 1800 050 050 or scan the QR code to register for a discovery tour of our display homes.
Artist’s impression. Subject to change.
Artist’s impression. Subject to change.
Artist’s impression. Subject to change.
Thomastown shopping centre
Hop on over to Thomastown Shopping Centre for all your Easter essentials.
From thoughtful cards and beautiful wrapping to fresh fish, produce and delicious Easter Eggs and treats, we’ve got everything you need to make this Easter unforgettable.
The Easter Bunny will be hopping in too, along with his friend Alice in Wonderland and to make the celebration even more delightful, they will be handing out chocolate eggs to spread the Easter joy.
You can meet the Easter Bunny and Alice in Wonderland on Saturday, April 19 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Thomastown Shopping Centre
Celebrate Mother’s Day
at Thomastown Shopping Centre
Looking for the perfect gift to show your love this Mother’s Day?
Thomastown Shopping Centre has everything you need to makethat special persons day extra special!
Gift vouchers – Let them choose exactly what they want
Beauty products – Pamper your special person with luxurious skincare, perfume and beauty essentials
Conveniently located on High Street
Thomastown between Spring St and Pleasant St Thomastown with carparking and public transport right at the door!
Follow Thomastown Shopping Centre on socials to find out more!!
Cards and wrapping – Find the perfect card and wrapping to complete your gift
Dining – give your special person the night off and enjoy an array of dining options and diverse cultural delights either dine in or takeaway
Little athletes leap to success
By Tom Ingleton
A tight-knit community and an inspiring display of athletic excellence were on full show last month as Craigieburn Little Athletics Club celebrated outstanding achievements at the Victorian State Track and Field Championships.
Among the stars was 12-year-old Nana Tiboah who won three gold medals in the 100 metres, 200 metres, and long jump.
Patrick Quigley, competing in the under-11 multi-class category, secured a gold in discus and shot put, and silver in the 200 metres.
Meanwhile, 13-year-old Mason Beattie earnedabronzeindiscusandrepresentVictoria this month at the national championships.
Craigieburn registrar Victor Kroussoratis was proud of the club’s recent successes.
“We’re considered a bit of a smaller club in the region. We’ve only had a track for the last eight years,” he said.
“We are very grassroots, purely relying on volunteers,andthekidswhoareexcellinghave really done well for themselves.”
Beyondcompetition,theclubpridesitselfon its sense of community and inclusivity.
“Patrick is a multi-class athlete with Down Syndrome, and the support from his age group and the other groups is phenomenal,” Kroussoratis said.
“It’s great to see inclusion across all people’s abilities.”
For Mason’s grandmother, Kerry Wright, said athletics has been life-changing for her grandson, who has autism.
“He never trains, but somehow, he made the Victorian team,” she laughed.
“Mason had a pretty traumatic upbringing, but when he’s out there performing, it’s like a different Mason. The under-13 boys just accept him for who he is, and I love that.”
She urges families with children who have special needs to embrace opportunities in sport.
“Just because your child has a disability, doesn’t mean they can’t do anything–they can do anything they put their mind to,” she said.
Patrick’s mother, Rebecca Quigley, echoed thissentiment,emphasisingthetransformative power of inclusion.
“Patrick has been with Craigieburn Little Athletics since he was five. Competing alongside kids without disabilities has helped
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him understand the discipline and focus required, and he’s become a role model himself,” she said.
“He listens to the coaches, he helps the other kids, and just from watching them, he even pulled off a perfect high-jump.”
More than the competition, Rebecca said it’s the friendships and acceptance that makes a difference.
“For him, it’s not just about competing;it’s the in-between moments–kids coming up to him, asking to play down ball, treating him
like any other kid. That’s exactly how we want him to be included in society.”
She wants parents to know that athletics is adaptable for all abilities.
“It doesn’t matter if a child has issues with coordination, sensory processing, or even vision or hearing impairments. Little Athletics Victoria has worked to ensure all kids can compete.”
As Craigieburn Little Athletics club continues to grow, now boasting a record 250 athletes.
Above: Patrick Quigley (middle) on the podium at the 2024/25 State Track and Field Championships. Top right: Nana Tiboah, proudly shows off his gold medals at the 2024/25 State Track and Field Championships. Right: Mason Beattie, proudly shows off his bronze medal at the 2024/25 State Track and Field Championships. (Pictures: Supplied)
You might think putting on the safety gear will take longer than doing the job.
It could be that you’ve done it a thousand times before. But that doesn’t reduce the risk. You may not come back in one piece.
Check you’ve got the right safety gear for the job, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-gear-farm
It’s never you, until it is.
Call to support ‘Nacey’s hospital’
By Katya Ewing
Nacey entered the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) as a baby in the early hours of July 19, 2017.Hismum,JorjaCarter-Smith,remembers him being as yellow as a minion.
After three weeks of investigation, it was discovered that he had biliary atresia – a rare, serious liver disorder in newborns.
Sincethen,hehasrepeatedlyhadvisitstothe RCH.
“He went from being a sick little baby that was a yellow as a minion to 12 months later after his bowel obstruction, he was bigger than his older brother,” Jorja said.
‘‘
They’ve been pretty much like a second home for us at times and Nacey calls it his hospital ’’
-
Jorja Carter-Smith
Today, Nacey, 7, is obsessed with footy, constantly fixated on numbers and scores. He even wakes his mum up at midnight to check the latest scores.
With a mullet like his Essendon idol Sam Draper, he’s strong, resilient, and full of life.
This remarkable transformation is thanks to the exceptional care provided by RCH and its dedicated staff.
Since his first visit, Nacey has spent considerable time at the hospital for treatments related to his bowel and liver.
“They’ve been pretty much like a second
home for us at times and Nacey calls it his hospital,” Jorja said. “It’s not a bad experience whenwegothere,he’salwaysveryexcitedtogo and see his hospital.”
With an open cafeteria, playground, gym, supermarkets and more patients and families have access to a multitude of facilities to make their experience at the hospital more comfortable.
Jorja said they have built good relationships with the specialists, nurses, and staff at the hospital, which has made it a wonderful place to go.
“I always feel very listened to and very heard,” she said.
“I can’t really talk more highly of it and his specialists themselves.”
Jorja recalled a moment last year where she sent an email off saying she was experiencing issues with Nacey’s medication. Next minute, she got a call from Katie Pilkington, Nacey’s paediatrician, on her overseas holiday making sure that he was okay. This sense of continued care from specialists and staff at the RCH has made the journey a positive experience, Jorja said.
“I just feel a sense of calm when I’m at the hospital when I’m under their care.
“I don’t like to go anywhere else because they’re our people.”
Every year Jorja and her family contribute to the Good Friday Appeal which raises money for the RCH.
“They’re a world class hospital and they save the sickest of sickest kids and after knowing that they saved my son I just couldn’t imagine people not wanting to support them,” Jorja said.
How the Good Friday Appeal helps kids like Georgie
Born with a rare disorder called Arthrogryposis (AMC), little Georgie entered theworldunabletomoveanypartofherbody.
Doctors warned her mother Whitney Milson, from Donnybrook, that her condition was likely to be severe.
“Wefoundoutat18weekspregnant,andwe were told it was going to be a lot worse than it turned out to be,” Whitney recalls.
“They said she probably wouldn’t survive birth, and if she did, she wouldn’t be able to breathe or eat on her own. We were told she would never be able to move.”
But Georgie defied those expectations. Now two-and-a-half years old, she is rolling, sitting, grabbing, kicking, and beginning the processofachievingstanding–milestonesthat once seemed impossible.
Her journey has not been easy. Georgie spent her first eight weeks of life at Mercy HospitalbeforebeingtransferredtoTheRoyal Children’sHospital(RCH)at12weeksold,She has since undergone multiple reconstructive surgeries and intensive rehabilitation and therapy.
She is in the process of having her knees reconstructed and visits the RCH weekly.
“It was difficult at the start, especially with covid restrictions still in place,” Whitney said.
“Our middle child was only 18 months old when Georgie was born, so he needed me, but I wasn’t able to be there.”
Despite the challenges, Whitney and her family have adapted.
“We’ve adjusted now – it’s just become life.”
The RCH has played a crucial role in Georgie’s progress, Whitney said.
“They’ve been really good. At the start, it was a bit overwhelming with so many different areas to go to, but now everything is more streamlined,” Whitney explains.
“DrLeoDonnan,herorthopaedicspecialist, hasdoneallherreconstructiveworkandkeeps a very close eye on her progress. She also sees DrDanWilkesandtheplasticteam,whohave been fantastic.”
The family is immensely grateful for the support from the hospital and encourages
people to back initiatives like the Good Friday Appeal.
“Thehospitalstaffaredefinitelyoverworked, and every little bit of funding helps. It allows them to keep updating technology, bring in the best surgeons, and fund research,” Whitney said.
“With something as rare as what Georgie has, there’s not much knowledge out there, so we’re incredibly lucky that one of the few specialists in the world works here.”
Looking ahead, the next major step for Georgie is surgery on her arms to improve mobility.
“At the moment, she can’t bend her elbows, butafterthesurgery,she’llbeabletobrushher hair and eat by herself,” Whitney said.
“Her physio is working extremely hard to get her standing and walking independently.”
While Georgie remains a bright and happy child, she has become more aware of hospital visits and medical procedures.
“She has a lot of anxiety, interrupted sleep, and nightmares about her surgeries. The mental health team works closely with her to make things as comfortable as possible,“ Whitney said.
Whitney’s advice to other families facing similar challenges with their children, is simple.
“Listen to the specialists, but hold hope, and keep motivating and pushing.”
Tom Ingleton
‘‘ With something as rare as what Georgie has, there’s not much knowledge out there, so we’re incredibly lucky that one of the few specialists in the world works here ’’
- Whitney Milson
Whitney Milson and her daughter Georgie.
(Damjan Janevski) 469485_02
Nacey, 7, with mum Jorja Carter-Smith. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 467487_02
No funding to build Bulla bypass
The timeline for building a proposed bypass of Bulla and the duplication of a section of Sunbury Road is unclear, as the state confirmed that there is no committed funding to deliver the overarching Bulla Bypass project.
In a letter from the Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne to Hume council, tabled at the March 24 council meeting, Ms Horne confirmed that the Department of Transport (DTP) and Planning received a letter from the council advocating for duplication of Sunbury Road from the end of
the Tullamarine Freeway to Oaklands Road.
As previously reported by Star Weekly, the letter followed a notice of motion by former councillor Jack Medcraft at a council meeting lastAugust,wherehesaidthat astheroadisa single lane with an emergency lane, excessive traffic congestion is created when four lanes of the Tullamarine Freeway merge into one.
In response, Ms Horner she said DTP acknowledges increased growth in the region is placing increasing pressure on the road network and that this particular road duplication is planned to be completed
as part of the proposed Bulla Bypass and Outer Metropolitan Ring Road Airport Link projects.
In the letter, Ms Horne said that Major Road Projects Victoria recently completed further planning work for a potential bypass of Bulla, including the development of a business case.
In a second letter from Ms Horne tabled at the March 24 Hume council meeting –respondingtoaletterfromcounciladvocating for the Bulla Bypass project and requesting an update following a notice of motion from
Free care at new Aboriginal clinic
A new Aboriginal women’s health clinic will open in the north this year, providing free and culturally safe care for women across the city.
FirstPeoples’HealthandWellbeing(FPHW) will run the clinic from its Thomastown and Frankston sites from mid- 2025, offering services such as screening, diagnosis, and treatment for conditions including pelvic pain, endometriosis, menopause and contraception
The clinic aims to improve healthcare by working with services across Victoria to provide referrals and education, ensuring location is not a barrier to care.
Staff will also help patients navigate the health system, connecting them to diagnostic and treatment services.
FPHW’s clinic is part of the state government’s broader $153 million investment in women’s healthcare, which includes mobile and virtual clinics as well as 20 women’s health centres.
Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny said the clinic would provide much needed specialist care for Aboriginal women in the area.
“With the new clinic in Thomastown,
Aboriginalwomeninourcommunitywillsoon be able to access the specialist care they want, closer to home – tailored to meet individual needs in a culturally safe way.” she said.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said Victoria wants to transform the way women’s health is delivered to Aboriginal women across Victoria.
“This clinic is going to make a significant difference, breaking down barriers to access with free and culturally safe care,“ she said.
Tom Ingleton
mayor Jarrod Bell – she confirmed that there is currently no funding allocated to the project, meaning that the timeline for both of these proposed road upgrades is uncertain.
“The [DTP] continues to work to protect the future Bulla Bypass Corridor and will seek opportunities to deliver this important transport infrastructure in the future,” Ms Horne said in the letter.
“DTP will continue to work with [Hume] to ensure local community issues are incorporated into any future infrastructure developments,” she said.
Construction of the next stage of Mernda’sregionalsportsprecinctisset to begin after the Whittlesea Council awarded a $42.14 million contract for the project.
Approved at the council meeting on March 18, the contract will fund four indoor and eight outdoor sports courts, along with supporting infrastructure, including bathrooms, office space, meeting rooms, a first aid room, and a kiosk.
Landscaping, footpaths, car parks, and connections between courts are also part of the project.
Whittlesea Council mayor Aidan McLindon said the development was a major step forward for the local community.
“The Regional Sports Precinct is such an exciting project for our community, and I am delighted that we have reached this significant milestone,” Cr McLindon said.
“These 12 new sports courts will provide all residents – particularly women and girls – with the opportunity to play their favourite sports close to home while fostering important social connections in their local community.”
The federal government has committed $11.5 million towards the indoor stadium and outdoor courts, while the state government has allocated $10 million for transport upgrades and another $10 million for indoor facilities.
Earthworks are well advanced, and the Plenty Road-Everton Drive intersection upgrade is expected to finish in the coming months.
Tom Ingleton
University health hub designed to heal workforce woes
La Trobe University is addressing Australia’s chronic health workforce shortage head-on, investing$82millionintoanewstate-of-the-art clinical teaching building at its Bundoora campus.
Set to open in July 2026, the facility will be Victoria’s largest interdisciplinary university clinic, offering students real-world training while providing much-needed, cost-effective healthcare to the public.
The new centre will allow La Trobe to train an additional 400 allied health professionals each year, including in-demand roles like physiotherapists, psychologists, audiologists and dietitians.
It will also operate as a fully functioning
clinic open to the public, giving students hands-onexperiencewhilealleviatingpressure on the health care system.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the investment will benefit both students and the wider community.
“LaTrobeismakingasignificantinvestment in health teaching, research and infrastructure across key areas of need, helping address Australia’s serious health workforce crisis,” Professor Farrell said.
La Trobe speech pathology student Margie Eldershaw,said the development couldn’t come at a better time.
“We had 30 students in my cohort and next year it’s going to be 80 just in the masters,” Ms
Eldershaw said.
“They needed to accommodate for the massive influx. There were 800 applicants for the course and the university took on 80, so it’s great timing.”
She said the university’s existing clinical teaching already offers strong support.
“Getting that training before placement makes full-time work less daunting. Mixing uni and placement helps ease you into the real world,“ she said.
Ms Eldershaw has already secured a job through her placement, along with several classmates.
“It shows how desperately places are snatching graduates up,” Ms Eldershaw said.
Professor Russ Hoye outside the building site for new clinical teaching facility at Latrobe University. (Damjan Janevski) 470444_03
Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas, Thomastown MP Bronwyn Halfpenny Karinda Taylor CEO of FPHW and Colleen Kelly, Chair of FPHW. (Supplied)
Your election priorities revealed
Healthservicesandthecostoflivinghavebeen rated as the most important issues for people living in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs ahead of the federal election.
Results from Star Weekly’s federal election survey,conductedlastmonthbeforetheofficial launch of the election campaign, revealed what our readers want the candidates in their area to focus on.
StarWeeklyreaderssaidhealthservices,cost of living, national road and rail infrastructure, electricity prices and immigration and border controlwerethetopfive“extremelyimportant” issues for them.
They ranked broadband and internet access, influence of social media, climate change policies, water infrastructure and immigration and border control as the least important.
The results also revealed that 41.6 per cent of those who took the survey wanted federal funding for local hospitals to increase.
Readers told us they wanted the next federal government to address long waiting times in emergencydepartmentsandthecostofvisiting a GP.
They also called for upgrades to Werribee Mercy Hospital, a hospital in Sunbury and for another hospital to be built in the outer north
to take the pressure off Epping’s Northern Hospital.
Increased federal funding for local infrastructure projects was important for 34 per cent of respondents.
Across the west, readers nominated airport rail as one of their top infrastructure priorities.
Melton readers nominated the Western Freeway and Melton Highway as two of the roads in urgent need of an upgrade.
Readers in Hume and Whittlesea nominated the Bulla bypass and the construction of the Outer Metropolitan Ring Road to connect the M80 Ring Road and Tullamarine Freeway
What issues are important to you
as the most pressing infrastructure projects locally.
In Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, improving public transport – particularly bus services – was considered a priority.
When it came to the cost of living, readers most commonly nominated rising electricity prices as an issue, with one respondent describing the cost of living as “out of control”.
Reducing electricity prices was more important than reducing carbon emissions to 60.4 per cent of survey participants, while the region was fairly divided on its support for nuclear energy.
Federal Election reader survey results
How to avoid bones breaking bad
By Cade Lucas
Australia’s rapidly ageing population will have many and varied impacts in the coming years andanincreaseincasesofosteoporosisissetto be among them.
A condition where bones become weak and brittle and break more easily, osteoporosis can occur at any age, but the risk increases dramatically as people get older, meaning Australia and other western countries with ageing populations and low birth rates, are just going to have to deal with it.
And for women, the odds stacked against them are even heavier, with osteoporosis both more common and occurring earlier than in men.
AccordingtotheWorldHealthOrganisation, osteoporosis affects approximately 6.3 per cent of men over the age of 50, but more than 21 per cent of women over the same age range.
The International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates one in three women over 50 will experience bone fractures related to the condition, compared to one in five men.
As for the why there was such a discrepancy, Alfred Health endocrinologist, Dr Shoshana Sztal-Mazerat, said it was the same reason behind many of the different health outcomes between men and women: hormones.
“Oestrogen, which is a hormone women have before menopause, is protective of bones and during menopause we lose that oestrogen production from the ovary, so we lose that
‘‘ Every women who goes through menopause without taking any hormone therapy will have this rapid decline ’’
- Shoshana Sztal-Mazer
Unfortunately, fragility fractures are just abouttheonlyvisiblesymptomofosteoporosis, meaning diagnosis usually comes after the condition is well advanced.
Andnotonlydotheyhappenmoreeasily,but the consequences of fragility fractures can be far more dire than normal bone breaks.
“It’sabigproblembecauseitimpactspeople’s quality of life and even increases the possibility ofdeath,”saidDrSztal-Mazeratwhonotedthat hip fractures were particularly problematic.
“Usually people have a cascade of fractures leadingtoahipfracture.Onefractureincreases the risk of another.”
The upside is that while osteoporosis is hard to detect, it is easy to treat, with medication, physiotherapy and strength or resistance training known to noticeably improve outcomes.
“You need to go against gravity,” said Dr Sztal-Mazerat of the types of exercises that are effective, nominating skipping and jumping as activities that can help rather than just pumping iron.
protection that goes with it,” explained Dr Sztal-Mazerat, who is in charge of Alfred Health’s osteoporosis and bone research service.
Shesaidwomenexperiencearapiddeclinein their bone density soon after their final period, and that this decline continues for a number of years.
“Everywomenwhogoesthroughmenopause without taking any hormone therapy will have this rapid decline,” said Dr Sztal-Mazerat,
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adding that men experience the same thing, just at a lower rate and from a later start.
Regardless of gender, she said reduced bone density led to increased risk of suffering a fragilityfracture,atell-talesignofosteoporosis.
“A fragility fracture is where you break your bone from minimal or no trauma, usually defined as a fall from standing height or less and that’s because our skeleton is designed to sustain that amount of impact naturally and if it can’t, then it breaks.”
“Putting weight on the bones stimulates the bones to grow strong because they think they need to carry that sort of a load,” she said. As for preventative measures, Dr Sztal-Mazerat said having a diet with plenty of calcium and protein was a good start, while those with coeliac disease and other inflammatory bowel conditions were more susceptible.
Dr Sztal-Mazerat urged those who suspect they have osteoporosis, and especially those who have suffered fragility fractures, to see their GP.
Those wanting to know more about osteoporosis and bone health, both in women and men, can also visit: https://www. knowyourbones.org.au/
Visit Ingenialifestyle.com.au/Beveridge for more information.
Ingenia Lifestyle Beveridge
Endocrinologist, Dr Shoshana Sztal-Mazer, is in charge of the Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Service at Alfred Health. (Supplied)
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Get crafty
Let your imagination go wild and get crafty during a school holiday arts and craft session at Broadmeadows Library, 1093 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows, on Thursday, April 17, from 2-3pm.
libraries@hume.vic.gov.au
Fun and games
Visit Donnybrook’s Gumnut park on Thursday, April 17, 2-4.30pm for an action-packed and fun-filled afternoon for all ages. There will be live music from local artists, basketball games and challenges, classic races such as egg and spoon, sack race, and three-legged race, and giant outdoor games. No booking required. At Olivine MCH Centre, 995 Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook.
youth@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Whittlesea Disability Network
Are you a person with a disability or a carer living in the City of Whittlesea? Come along to a Whittlesea Disability Network community catch to connect with people and share information in a relaxed and welcoming environment. This is a free event with light refreshments provided. The next meeting is at the Whittlesea civic centre, 35 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang, on Wednesday, April 23, 10am-11.30am.
access@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Meet your neighbours
Get to know your neighbours during an afternoon picnic at at Rochdale Square in Lalor on Sunday, May 4, from 2-4pm. There will be games, activities, tea and coffee and snacks. Bring your own picnic and chairs if you can.
lalor.community@whittlesea.vic.gov.au
Scraps to soil
Come along to this informative session that will talk about the benefits of composting and other sustainable practices. This free morning of family fun includes activities and workshops focused on tasty no-waste treats and gardening tips to try at home. Attendees will be eligible for door prizes and receive a free bag of compost. Tea, coffee and snacks provided. At Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre, 2 Snugburgh Way, Epping, on Saturday, May 10, 9am-noon.
9217 2170
Pop-up-playgroup
Grandparents and carers will have the opportunity to hear about local playgroups (supported and community) and Whittlesea council’s children and families services and programs at Ganbu Gulinj Community Centre, 55 Macedon Parade, Wollert, on Wednesday, May 14, 10am-noon.
https://www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1317499
Repair corner
The Donnybrook Repair Corner is open the first Saturday of every month for residents to come and have their faulty or broken items fixed. The repair cafe will be staffed by skilled volunteers from the community. At Olivine estate (next to Shared Cup Cafe), 995 Donnybrook Road, Donnybrook.
9217 2170
Friends of Woodlands Historic Park
You can help preserve Woodlands Historic Park and learn about its history by joining the Friends of Woodlands Historic Park. The volunteers work one day each month in the park on projects including plant propagation and revegetation, weed removal, litter control and other activities.
is of the
470214_01
Becoming a member of the group is easy and free and is open to like-minded people who want to take positive action to maintain the environment. You must be 18 years of age or older and enjoy outdoor activities. The group meets on the first Saturday of each month at the Parks Victoria depot off Somerton Road in Greenvale.
Bevan, 0468 469 514, or bevan@ keepemail.com
Bundoora Probus
Bundoora Probus meets on the second Wednesday of each month at St Peter’s Anglican Church hall, Alma Road, Bundoora, at 10am. Make new friends at excursions, lunches, coffee mornings, walks, craft sessions and Morning Melodies programs. Hear guest speakers at monthly meetings.
Leanne 0419 004 997
Craft and garage sale
Bridgewater Retirement Village will host a craft and garage sale, on Saturday, March 29, 9am-noon, at 9 Wedgewood Road Roxburgh Park. Stall holders wanted.
Liz Munro 0409 712 613
Young parents group
DPV Health’s Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies program in partnership with Whittlesea council, Brave Foundation and Westfield Plenty Valley is a group for young parents every Thursday, from 10.30am –noon during school term.
The group is a supportive space that
allows young parents to form friendships and develop their parenting skills. It also allows for their young children to play and socialise with other children. At The Y at Westfield Plenty Valley, 415 McDonalds Road, Mill Park.
Asha Robinson, 0491 934 819
Community singing group
Join the Broadmeadows Community Singers on Tuesdays at 7.30pm. No previous experience needed, just a love of singing.
Sonja, 0429 587 285
Chatty Cafe
Join Mill Park library’s Chatty Cafe for a coffee, tea, and biscuits and meet new friends. The cafe is open every Thursday, from 6.30-7.30pm, at 394 Plenty Road, Mill Park.
https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/
TAC L2P Program
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) L2P Program is a community-based program developed to assist eligible young Victorian learner drivers between the ages of 16 and 21 who do not have access to a supervising driver, or an appropriate vehicle to gain driving experience required for a probationary licence. Volunteer mentors needed.
Cynthia Petridis, 0435 653 371
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://tinyurl.com/2wbet35x
The Broadmeadows Senior Citizens Club
The club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and first Sunday of the month. It also has indoor carpet bowls, bingo, and snooker and on the third Saturday, and a dance from 7-11 pm. All are welcome.
Liz Munro, 0409 712 613, lizmunro7@ gmail.com
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
This week’s photographer’s choice photo
‘Swing Team’ Sue Giles, Ian Pidd, Katya Shevtsob, Zak Pidd and Sunny Youngsmith. (Damjan Janevski).
For Vietnam veteran Dennis Krake, who has called Craigieburn home for 55 years, the memories of 1969 remain vivid. As Anzac Day approaches, the Vietnam veteran spoke with Tom Ingleton about how war has had a lasting impact on his life.
Reflections on mateship and war
The camaraderie, the mayhem, and the stark reality of war remain deeply embedded in the heart and mind of Vietnam veteran Dennis Krake.
“It was carnage really,” he reflects.
“The people I served with – one day they’re there, and the next day they’re gone.”
Mr Krake was 21 when he enlisted in the army, undergoing the standard basic training before being required to nominate his preferred corps for service.
With guidance from his grandfather, a World War I veteran, he selected Artillery, Intelligence, and Armoured Corps as his top three choices. Ultimately, the Armoured Corps won.
HecompletedbasictrainingatPuckapunyal before moving to Holsworthy, where he received advanced training in armoured vehicle operation and maintenance.
Having grown up on the land in the Mallee, servicing diesel tractors and maintaining weaponry was second nature to Mr Krake. This background proved valuable in Vietnam, where he quickly adapted to servicing and operating V6 diesel carriers and handling armaments.
He served in Vietnam for 11 months as a Lance-Corporal in the 3rd Calvary Regiment, Royal Australian Armoured Corps, taking part in critical operations.
Early days involved learning the workings of 3CAV–road runs, lookout duty, and reconnaissance.
Then, as Mr Krake puts it, “the real stuff started, and it was game on.”
One experience remains etched in his memory.
While returning from a run up to Black Horse and passing through Binh Ba, he noticed something unusual – there were no children running out to wave at them as they usually did.
Trusting his instincts, he remarked to his crew commander that something felt off.
The next day, on June 6,1969, the Battle of
Binh Ba erupted, confirming his unease.
Returning home from war was a different kind of battle, one fought over long periods of time rather than in the trenches.
“It’s a bit distressing, of course,” Mr Krake admits.
“But it’s more 10, 12 years later that it really starts to hit you. As you meet up with the guys you used to serve with, the memories sort of flow over as you sit around and have a discussion, just trying to move on.”
For Krake and many of his fellow veterans, adjusting to civilian life was helped by a strong support network.
“Virtually when we came home, we made a pact to meet up several times a year,” Mr Krake said.
Mentalhealthstruggleswereanunderlying challenge for many returning soldiers, though often left unspoken.
“Our mental health was mentioned, but there was so much happening–getting married for one,” he jokes.
“Throughout the years, we’ve had several functions to meet up with people who served. That was a calming influence. Everybody has a different perspective on it, but in the end, we all agree it was traumatic.”
Now, decades later, Mr Krake acknowledges the frustration of hearing civilian perspectives on war.
“Its annoying that people who have no concept of war come forward with a strong point of view,” Mr Krake says.
“They see it from a civilian perspective, but it’s totally different when you’re there. It’s all happy and games in a comfortable environment, but when you’re taken out of that and forced to look after yourself and your mates, it’s a different world.”
Anzac Day still remains a powerful day of reflection.
“It’s important to reflect, but if you keep dwelling on it too much, you’ll end up in a funny-farm,” Mr Krake said.
“We were a tight-knit group from all over Australia, and we still keep in contact. Unfortunately, in the last few years, we’ve lostabout12mates–earlierthananticipated.”
Looking back on what the general public needs to learn from his experience, Mr Krake is blunt.
“Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but unfortunately, people in power are happy with their little role, which is totally different from being in the real thing. You’re on edge 24/7,”
He believes the government has improved in supporting veterans but recalls unsettling experiences from his return.
“There were things that never made it into the mainstream media,” Mr Krake said.
“There was a ban on letters going to and from Vietnam for six weeks. That created unnecessary anxiety, particularly for the parents. Some soldiers even shot themselves in the leg just to go home because of that lack of contact.”
The journey home for Mr Krake was quite a surreal one.
“We flew out in our army gear, but when we got to Darwin, we had to change into civilian clothes so nobody would recognise us. It was weird,” Mr Krake recalls.
“When we finally landed in Sydney, it was the middle of the night. They took us to a hotel, there were about 20 of us in a room, and we just looked at each other and went, ‘shit, it’s all over–hopefully’.”
Through all the hardships, one thing has remained constant for Mr Krake: the bonds forged through war.
“We all wanted to keep in contact with each other, as a mental reminder that we’re alive, we’re still happy, and we just need to live.”
Vietnam war veteran, Dennis Krake, at Craigieburn War Memorial. (Damjan Janevski)
Dennis pictured in a shell crater during his time in Vietnam.
SPORTS QUIZ
1. Which college team did the UConn Huskies defeat to win the 2025 NCAA Division I women’s basketball championship?
2. Which two college teams faced off in the final of the 2025 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament?
3. Australian Olympic bronze medallist
Matthew Denny recently threw which object 72.07m, the fifth-longest throw in history?
4. Former Wallaby Jordan Petaia recently signed a three-year deal with which California-based NFL team?
5. Washington Capitals ice hockey player Alex Ovechkin recently scored his 895th NHL goal, breaking the record set by which former player?
Former Melbourne United basketballer
Matthew Dellavedova recently agreed to a multi-year deal with which NBL team?
In France recently, a parachutist became entangled in a stadium roof, delaying the start of what sport?
Mac Andrew plays for which AFL club?
Australian golfer Marc Leishman won the 2025 edition of which LIV Golf tournament?
10. Taylor Jenkins was most recently head coach for which NBA team?
11. Which club recently fielded the oldest team in AFL history?
12. Name the object hit back and forth in badminton.
13. Name the super rugby team based in Queensland.
14. Is a netball hoop shorter, taller or the same height as a basketball hoop?
15. In which 2009 film did Mike Tyson have a cameo as himself?
16. Which classic AFL song forms the basis of Derby County Football Club’s anthem Steve Bloomer’s Watchin’?
17. Which AFLW coach will step down after the upcoming season, having led their team to two premierships?
18. Daria Kasatkina recently won her first tennis match representing Australia, having played for which country previously?
19. Tom Sermanni is currently the interim coach of which Australian national team?
20. Name the two Formula One teams owned by Red Bull GmbH.
21. Which AIHL team will play their home games out of AIS Arena in the 2025 season?
22.In metres, how far away from the dartboard is the oche?
23. A twizzle is a move in which sport?
24. When did karate get added to the summer Olympics program?
25. Which sport is prominent in the TV show One Tree Hill?
26. In what year did Lauren Jackson make her national team debut?
27. Aurelio Vidmar coaches which A-League men’s team?
28. How many laps is the Formula One Japan Grand Prix?
29. What is the nickname of Pittsburgh’s MLB team?
30.Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose made up which former WWE faction?
Lauren Jackson
Daria Kasatkina
PUZZLES
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.
ACROSS
1 Attribute (6)
4 Castigate (8)
9 Rodeo ropes (7)
11 Lighthearted (7)
12 Connection (11)
13 Hearing organ (3)
14 Royal family member (8)
16 Doorkeeper (5)
19 Follower of a Jamaican religion related to reggae music (5)
20 Masters (8)
22 Obtain (3)
24 A phrase marked off by brackets (11)
26 Fears (7)
27 Sewer entrance (7)
29 Salad additive (8)
30 Writing desk (6)
1 Unwell (3)
2 Paintings of people (9)
3 Feudal lord (5)
5 Genetic mixture (6)
6 Measurements, – of sugar (9)
7 Idiotic (5)
8 Bold undertakings (11)
10 Meagre (6)
12 Describes a legally protected creative work (11)
15 Ultimate winners (9)
17 Astrological prediction (9)
18 Large bottle of wine (6)
21 Place of confinement (6)
23 Laconic (5)
25 Follower of the main Indian religion (5)
28 Australian bird (3)
Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you
1 What is the science of epigraphy?
2 Mike Myers (pictured) shares his name with the antagonist from which horror franchise?
3 In which year was the element barium first isolated?
4 Which famous politician said, 'In the twinkling of an eye, I found myself without an office, without a seat, without a party, and without an appendix'?
5 What song does Annie Lennox sing in the 1991 film Edward II?
6 How many kilometres is the diameter of the Earth’s moon?
7 What breed of dog was the original Greyfriars Bobby?
8 Which scale is used to measure the spiciness of chilli peppers?
9 Hyson is used to make which kind of drink?
10 Who was known as 'The Champion' in English Test cricket?
Stay on road for a cheeky ride
By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring
A five-door version of the Suzuki Jimny. Who would have thunk?
It should make getting in and out of the back a little easier, not that you would want to volunteer to sit in the back.
And not that the Jimny XL (that’s what it is designated as) is likely to offer that much more legroom than its sibling, but let’s crunch the numbers and find out.
Styling
From the front there’s little to tell the threeand five-door versions of the Jimny apart.
Both feature Suzuki’s stylised five-slot radiator grille, but in the case of the five-door it’s black with chrome accents.
Looks a bit like the seven-slot grille that Jeep is famous for, but while others have got into trouble for copying the design Suzuki seems to have escaped attention.
At the rear the spare wheel sits on the tailgate which has two open positions for ease of loading in restricted spaces.
Essentially, the five-door Jimny will set you back $3000 more than its smaller sibling.
Jimny three-door starts from $34,990 for the Lite; the fully equipped Jimny from $36,490.
Jimny five-door starts from $39,490 for the 1.5 XL AWD manual; the auto adds $2500. There’s also a Heritage model priced from $40,990.
These prices are driveaway.
Our test vehicle was the $39,490 XL manual. Premium paint is $745 extra or two-tone paint with a different coloured roof will set you back $1345.
There are six colour choices, two of them combos: Chiffon Ivory Metallic/Bluish Black Pearl or Sizzling Red Metallic/Bluish Black Pearl.
Standalone colours include Arctic White Pearl, Bluish Black Pearl, Granite Grey Metallic and Jungle Green.
Other accessories that might be of interest include front and rear diff guards at $801 apiece, a bike carrier is $526, ski/snowboard carrier $468 and surfboard carrier $372.
Standard kit includes 15-inch alloys, cloth trim, single zone climate control air conditioning, leather-covered steering wheel, keyless entry and push-button start, adaptive cruise control, auto high beam, dusk-sensing LED headlights, front fog lights, Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), privacy glass, rear parking sensors and traffic sign recognition. Afull-sizealloysparesitsonthetailgate,with a centre cover (we think the cover is standard). Jimny five-door, like its little brother, is covered by Suzuki’s five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing.
Infotainment
XL steps up to a larger 9.0-inch multimedia system, with voice control, Bluetooth connectivity, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto, with unbranded four-speaker audio. There’s one USB-A port in the front and two 12-volt power sockets one front and the other in the luggage area. But, boo-hoo - no satellite navigation.
Safety
Jimmy has not been tested and rated for safety. It comes with six airbags, a rear view camera and the usual array of driver assistance features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) that uses both a camera and a laser sensor to read the road ahead for traffic and/or pedestrians.
However, AEB is available only with the automatic and works at speeds of from 40km/h to 130km/h.
You also get Lane Departure Warning and Weaving Alert to fight fatigue.
Hill Start Control and Hill Descent Control complete the list.
There are two ISOFix child seat anchorages and top tethers in the back.
Engines/transmissions
The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces 75kW of power at 6000 revs and maximum torque of 130Nm at 4000 revs. Transmission is via a choice of five-speed manual or, cough, four-speed automatic, with auto engine stop-start to save fuel.
Driving
Regardless of whether it is the three-door or five-door, Jimny seats four people.
XL has more legroom, but it is still not ready to accommodate what we describe as full-size adults.
With the release of the five-door, they have apparently increased the thickness of the rear seats, with two incline positions to make them more comfortable.
It’s still a bit of a squeeze, even in the front, and as such this is a car that is likely to appeal primarily to younger slimmer buyers.
There’s not much offered in terms of cabin storage either, with no centre console box and two small centre cupholders positioned awkwardly towards the rear.
The power windows are annoyingly controlled by toggle switches that sit at the bottom of the centre stack.
XL is 3820mm long, or 340mm longer than the three-door, but the same height and width, and the XL weighs 90kg more. It has a 2590mm wheelbase (distance between axles), compared to the three-door’s 2250mm (340mm more once again).
At 211 litres the five-door also has almost three times more luggage space than the three-door with the seat-backs raised.
The extra length has seen the turning circle grow from 9.8 to 11.4m.
Braked towing capacity is 1300kg.
The body sits on a separate ladder chassis, as favoured by the off road fraternity, with a spare
wheel mounted on the left-to-right opening tailgate.
Suspension is three-link rigid axles front and rear with coil springs and shocks and it rides on 15 inch wheels with 195/80 Bridgestone Dueler H/T rubber.
Brakes are ventilated disc front and drums rear.
The ladder frame chassis has reportedly been strengthened with the addition of an extra cross-member, while the transmission in the auto is stronger and has a longer prop shaft.
The front suspension has been upgraded with stronger springs, with re-calibrated shock absorbers and a larger stabiliser bar, while front brakes are ventilated discs to dissipate heat.
Drive is to all four wheels via a part-time four wheel drive system, with high and low range options, engaged via a second stubby gear shift to the rear of the main one.
Until you do this, the car operates in rear-wheel drive, much the same as 4×4 utes.
Run it in four-wheel drive on dry pavement and the differentials will bind, and that’s likely to be expensive.
Wait until it rains which will provide some slippage.
With 210mm of ground clearance, it has an approach angle of 36 degrees, ramp over angle of24degreesanddepartureangleof47degrees.
No figure is supplied for water fording, but we understand it’s about 300mm.
The manual change in our test vehicle was easytooperate,withlittleclutcheffortrequired, but the transmission doesn’t like to be rushed.
So, ironically, just like a truck, it’s time to sit back and enjoy the scenery.
Around town the Jimny is easy enough to live with.
The longer wheelbase of the five-door helps to smooth out the bumps. But point it at a hill and it quickly runs out of puff.
We found ourselves pining for some more low end torque, something a turbocharged engine would deliver.
A larger vehicle deserves a larger more powerful engine to compensate.
Alas Suzuki seems to have overlooked this point.
With proper low range gearing, it’s off road that the little Jimny really shines, or so we’re told.
As well as hill hold and hill descent control, which rely on the brakes, it also boasts Brake LSD Traction Control.
It means that if two diagonally opposed wheels lose grip in slippery conditions, it will automatically brake the slipping wheels and redistribute torque to the other two wheels.
It ensures the car has the ability to cover slippery ground with confidence.
However, some knobby tyres and a lift kit would deliver even better results.
Jimny is at best a medium duty 4×4.
We’ve taken this car off road on numerous occasions, including the deep sands of Fraser Island where it is able to hold its own against larger, more fancied 4WDs.
While it’s good, we reckon the previous generation Jimny has the edge.
Claimed fuel consumption is 6.4L/100km for the manual, or 6.9L/100k for the automatic.
Interestingly Suzuki claims the three-door and Five-door use the same amount of fuel, despite the difference in size and weight - but we don’t see it.
With a 40-litre fuel tank, Jimny takes premium 95 unleaded.
We clocked up 492km at a rate of 7.4L/100km in the manual over a week of testing.
Summing up
It doesn’t make any sort of sense but a lot of people have a hankering for a Jimny, be it the three or five-door version.
In reality it’s not quite as good off road as the previous model which we put through its paces on Fraser Island, shoulder to shoulder with much larger 4WDs.
We didn’t get bogged and it was a hoot. In reality, however, few people will take the Jimny off road - they just like the cheeky rugged looks.
Few people will take the Jimny off road - they just like the cheeky rugged looks. (Pictures: Supplied)
Warm weather tests the fitness
The warm weather added another element to early season nerves and gelling of combinations for those on the football field. Star Weekly photographer LJUBICA VRANKOVIC was out shooting some of the action.
Calder Cannons’ Mabel-Jean Flannery. 471374_15
Tullamarine’s Charlotte Jackson. 471437_01
Craigieburn’s Riley Gaylard. 471378_01
Northern Knights’ Maddy Meagher. 471374_04
Epping’s Alec Buchan and Laurimar’s Micah Vecchio. 471379_05
Northern Knights’ Tyson Gresham. 471376_06
Epping’s Liam Waldron. 471379_01
Some of the Westmeadows fans. 471437_06
Roxburgh Park’s Daniel Xerri. 471378_12
Calder Cannons’ Adam Sweid. 471376_01
Perfect season start for a new look Lalor United
It’s a new look Lalor United on and off the field with things getting off to a strong state in the FV state league 2 north-west competition.
The club has made a lot of changes in the past six months to a year with a lot of new faces joining the committee and on field.
Coach John Sapazovski said it had been a really positive start to the season. Sapazovski took on coaching the senior side part way through last season and has continued on.
“It was something that I always wanted to do, in terms of being a senior coach and taking the role,” he said.
“I was fortunate enough that I got the last six games of last season and we finished with a bit of positivity.
“I think the club’s intention was to always offer me the role and it was up to me if I wanted it. With all the changes off field, able to sign a whole new squad and team.
“It has made things a whole lot easier, the
transition.
Sapazovski said he thought having signed some experienced players they were hoping that they would settle into the season quickly.
He said he was a big room in changeroom culture and the group had bought in.
“We had a really big pre-season from October,” he said. “We had a training camp away which helped the boys bond and gel.
“The changeroom atmosphere among the boys is really good and really positive and it has made it easier to manage.”
Sapazovski said for the club their focus was on the whole senior program, not just the seniors. The club’s reserves have two wins after the opening four rounds.
”We are all representing the club,” he said. “We are one club.
“Previously being the reserves coach at the club... I’ve always a believer, one team, one club. That should be the mentality and it keeps the club united and gives the reserves boys an opportunity to aim high.
“They’re not seen as here making up the numbers.”
Lalor United’s top side made it four from four on Saturday with a victory against Mill Park.
Both sides entered the match undefeated, with Lalor United winning 2-1.
Sapazovski said he had been hoping for a good start to the season. The club has set some ambitious goals in the coming years.
“The expectation is there and rightly so,” he said. “The quality player that we have signed and all the changes made.
“We are the hunted at the moment. Our ambition is to win the competition and get promoted.
“We’ve been realistic in what we want to achieve. We believe we are better than a state 2 club facility wise and the way the club is managed and the people behind the club now, we should be playing at a higher level.”
The Eagles sneak home
By Tara Murray
Craigieburn managed to find a way to come away with the win against Roxburgh Park in the Essendon District Football League division 1 clash on Saturday.
Both sides were looking for their first win of the season, with the clash going down to the wire.
Having not led at any of the breaks, the Eagles kicked five goals to three in the final quarter to come away with a 13.14 (92)-12.10 (82) win.
Eagles coach Shane Jacobs said that the Magpies made them work for the win.
“It was a tough one,” he said. “Roxy was really good and they came to play.
“I was really impressed by Roxy, it was good to get the win, We still have a lot of work to do.”
Scores were level at quarter time before the Magpies led by 12 points at half time. It was back to just four points at the final change.
Jacobs said both sides had chances in the
final quarter.
“They twice got out to a 10 point lead,” he said. “We were able to get it back and gere there in the end.”
Skipper Jamie Gorgievski kicked three late goals to ensure his side got over the line.
Jacobs said Gorgievski was their best along with recruit Dayne Middleton, who played well off half back.
While happy to get the win, Jacobs said the side’s connection between the mids and forwards hadn’t been there and it nearly proved costly.
“All the stats showed we dominated inside 50s all day,” he said. “We had a lot more of the ball but we weren’t executing.
“You want to try and get it in as much as possible to give yourself every chance of kicking a score.
“That connection was off and we need to work on that.”
Jacobs said they know that things will take time for them this season after a number of new additions to the club.
New coach for Tullamarine
Tullamarine has appointed Devin Ratnasinghe as coach for the next Victorian Turf Cricket Association season.
The Demons announced on Monday that Ratnasinghe would take over from Peter Labbad, who stepped into coach the side this season having previously coached the club before.
“With a wealth of experience and a true passion for the game, Devin is ready to help take our players to new heights,” the Demons said. “His unique blend of technical expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence will be a tremendous asset to TCC.
“Having been part of the club for the past three years as a player and being involved in some coaching sessions last seasons, Devin is already deeply connected with our club’s values and team members. His familiarity with TCC’s code of conduct and policies will ensure a seamless transition and continuity.”
The club said Ratnasinghe brings extensive experience coaching at junior and senior level, deep knowledge of cricketstrategiesandplayerdevelopment and a strong commitment to nurturing both individual and team growth.
He will kick off a pre-season program in preparation for next season and will also lead the club’s junior coaching academy.
He said there were 10 changes from the side that played Roxburgh Park in the final match of last season.
“We are still finding our feet,” Jacobs said. “It’s not easy with 10 new players in the team.
“It will take some time to get where we know that we can get.
“Being 1-1 is a good spot.”
For the Magpies, Eyad Hegazy and Cooper McPharlane kicked three goals each.
Luke Smith and Bradley Coulson were named their best.
The Eagles now have the weekend off with Easter. They face Moonee Valley on April 26 in round three.
“We have four sessions now before Moonee Valley,” Jacobs said. “We’ve focused on what we need to work on.
“Our pressure was down yesterday [Saturday], we’ll look to do a few drills in that area.”
In other matches, Tullamarine lost to St Albans.
The Saints led all day in the 14.15 (99)-8.12 (60) win.
“We are thrilled to have Devin lead our training programs and guide our talented players into this exciting new chapter for the club,” the club said. “We can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make in the upcoming season.”
The Demons managed to avoid relegationintherecentlyfinishedseason, finishing with three wins in the Steve McNamara Shield.
Jai Robinson. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 471378_10
Tara Murray Anthony D’Ambrosio. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Devin Ratnasinghe. (Supplied)
Strong start to the season for Craigieburn Eagles
Craigieburn Eagles have got off to flier in the Big V women’s division 1 competition.
The Eagles have won their first four games of the season, including a big early season clash with Western Port on Sunday.
Eagles coach Tobi Swinley said he had been happy with how their season had started.
“Three from three is pretty good, not too bad,” he said. “It is a continuation of last season and we’ve added some more pieces.
“It will take some time to get dialled in and it takes time for everyone to get together.”
Swinley said they had been able to add some key pieces who would compliment the line up that they already had.
He said it wasn’t necessarily a case of just adding more depth, having had injury concerns last season.
“Injuries are just a part of basketball,” he said. “I kind of knew a couple of players were looking around and I knew how they played.
“I thought they would fit well with the team.”
Tegan Hindle and Alex McKellar have both crossed from the Hume City Broncos in the off season.
Swinley said Hindle is an unbelievable dynamic guard who is an incredible scorer and defender.
He said McKellar is also really talented, especially on the defensive end.
“They both have high IQ,” he said. “We’ve been building around the defensive end and the players we get in, we try and fit in the defensive end with what we do.”
Swinley said it was nice to be able to attract some local players to the club and it showed that the team and the club were on the right track.
The Eagles finished fifth in division 1 last season, just missing out on finals.
This season division 1 and 2 are separate for the whole season instead of splitting
throughout the season.
Swinley said that was what they preferred with a higher standard of basketball across the whole year.
He said they had kept it similar with what they want from this season.
“The expectation is to have work and work hard,” he said. “I don’t have a lot of expectations as they might change if injuries happen and you have to adjust your expectations.
“If they work hard, that is all we can ask for.”
On Sunday, the Eagles had a hard slog against Western Port.
After trailing by one point at three quarter time, the Eagles did just enough to get over the line 45-43.
Briana Gray top scored with 17 points.
The Tigers break through
By Tara Murray
Westmeadows women’s side has made a real focus on rebuilding its culture, creating stronger connections between players, and making sure everyone feels supported and valued.
After going through the Essendon District Football League premier division season last year with a win, the Tigers have had the chance to reset in division 1 this season.
While the focus has been on the culture on and off the field, a win in round one was a nice feeling for the group which hadn’t won since June 2023.
Coach Gemma Wright said it was nice to finally get that win.
“It was so good personally after not winning a game last season,” she said. “It has been good for the club dropping down a division.
“It gave us time to regroup. We have some pretty decent players who have played high level footy.
“It didn’t come easy enough for me and at
half time I was still worried. It was so good for the girls.
“There’s a few senior players who have stayed loyal to the club and to me, it’s nice for them and me.”
Wright said the biggest focus for the group this season had been changing the culture.
She said the vibe around the club had shifted and the coaching group has been incredible in backing the girls and driving that change.
After having two teams for a number of years,theclubhasgonebacktoonethisseason.
Wright said it made the playing group more accountable and they were pushing each other more.
“The vibe around the club has shifted, and the coaching group has been incredible in backing the girls and driving that change,” she said.
“Wearebuildingthattrustandcommitment andputtingourbestfootforward.Itshowedon the weekend.
While the Tigers lost some players in the off season,they’veaddedsomebackintothegroup
led by Kayla Glazebrook, who Wright said killed it in round one.
Wright said the club and committee was right behind what they were doing and there was that clear investment in the group.
Nat Scott, who had been coaching the reserves side, is working alongside Wright with the senior team this season.
Wright said it was fantastic to have her support,makingiteasieronherbeingaplaying coach
Thegroupisaimingtoplayfinalsthisseason, with Wright making it clear it was about achieving that through playing the right way.
“We want the players to feel proud to pull on the jumper.”
TheTigersmadeittwofromtwoonSaturday as they beat Tullamarine.
ItwasalltheTigersonthescoreboardasthey won, 10.6 (66)-0.0 (0).
Courteney Munn kicked three goals, while Wright was named their best.
Charlotte Jackson, Amy Warden and Emily Angelidis were named Tullamarine’s best.
Westmeadows has added two key pieces ithopeswillbepartofitscoregroupfora number of seasons in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
Having locked in captain-coach Donovan Pell and the core of the playing group,theWarriorshaveannouncedtwo key signings.
The first is Jordan Kosteas who returns to his junior club having played premier cricket with the Greenvale Kangaroos. Sydenham-Hillside skipper Tallan Wright has also come across adding some more experience to the group.
Pell said he had been chatting with Kosteas for a few years about getting him back to the club, where his brother still plays.
“We’vehadsomeconvosthelastcouple of years and he has not been ready,” he said. “He is ready this year.
“He’s always been down at the club and was a junior at the club. I thought we had a chance of getting him this year and then he made 100 for Greenvale, so I thought our chances were shot.”
Wright also brings premier cricket experience to the Warriors.
More recently he’s been playing against the Warriors in the VTCA senior division, with Aberfeldie and then Sydenham-Hillside.
Pell said as a captain-coach it was massive to get someone of his experience into the club.
“Tallan is even bigger for us,” he said. “He is a middle order bat and a left arm bowler, which we don’t have in one person.”
Pell said both players fitted in with what they were looking to build at the club as they aim to move into the top four.
He said they made sure that the core group was signed at Christmas time to allow the group to look to add more players.
“Guys like Angus Price and Stephen [Mihelakos-james] are 24,” he said.
“Myself and Ryan Nankverkis are 30 and Tallan is 31.
“That’s a good age bracket and we can play together over a few years. We went down a batter earlier in the year with Pawan [Wickramasinghe] hurting his knee and needing surgery.
“We were relying on myself and Stephen to make runs. Jordie will bat in that top five and Tallan will be in the top five as well.”
Tara Murray
Tara Murray Ellen Cox. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Ruby Smith. (Ljubica Vrankovic: 471437)
Whittlesea is aiming to right the wrongs
Whittlesea is hoping a slower start to the Northern Football League division 2 season will hold it in good stead come finals time.
The Eagles were the best team during the regular season last year, but a straight set finals exit left them disappointed.
Coach Garry Ramsay said they were doing things differently to make sure that history doesn’t repeat itself.
“Wewanttopeaklaterintheseason,acouple of weeks later this time” he said. “We’ll build towards finals, the last six to eight weeks.
“We looked at how we could do things differently from last year. I haven’t been as hard on them and we haven’t trained as many times.
“From about round 12 we’ll look to train three to four times a week and footy will be the number one focus.
“Last year we were batted up come finals.” Ramsay said they had been able to keep their
core group together and the people they’ve bought in are players looking to return to the club.
He said they had started to bring some younger players into the side as they also plan for the future.
“That is the plan,’ he said. “We have another 18 weeks to get things right. The results aren’t muchbetteratthemoment,buthopefullysome of the younger fellows improve as we are going to need to improve on what we did last year.”
Ramsay said while they had gone two from two, they weren’t at the same level they were at this time last season.
On Saturday, the Eagles made it two from two with victory against Watsonia.
Ramsay said that Watsonia pushed them all game and had the better of them in some areas.
Despite that, the Eagles did enough to come away with a 17.9 (111)-12.12 (84) win.
“Watsonia was more intense than us and I thought they tackled better,” Ramsay said. “We didn’t play well but we were happy to get the win. Credit to Watsonia, they were harder than us.”
Ramsay said half forwards Jaron Murphy and Lucas Hobbs were the difference in the game, with not much else between the two sides. Murphy kicked six first half goals in a best on ground performance while Hobbs kicked three.
In other results Old Paradians and Thomastown are still without wins.
The Raiders were no match for Northcote Park, losing 15.14 (104)-6.8 (44). Best Players
BillyBedfordandMarcusNolanwerenamed the Raiders best.
Thomastown suffered a big loss against Macleod, 23.19 (157)-10.11 (71). Jake Nikolov, and Deakyn Smith were the Bears best. Deakin
Power up for challenge
By Tara Murray
Laurimar comes back to Northern Football League division 3 stronger than before, but knows the challenge will be even harder this time round.
The Power was relegated from division 2 in the off season after one year in the higher division, but wasn’t that far from surviving and staying up there with some competitive results.
Coach Jimmy Atkins said they bring plenty of confidence back into division 3.
“It’s a different challenge,” he said. “It’s a lot stronger than it was two year ago.
“There’s a lot of recruits going through there.
“We’re going back with the same team and some recruits as well. We have a lot of confidence in our ability.
“It’ll be a long year and you need a bit of luck. “
Patrick Fitzgerald who had been one of the premier full forwards of the division 1 competition for a number of years was the biggest signing for the Power.
He is a three-time division 1 leading goalkicker and has been named in the team of the year 10 times. Fitzgerald has played for Vic Metro and represented the NFL on five occasions.
Stephen McCallum also crossed from Montmorency while Jake Francis has crossed for the Old Eltham Collegians.
Atkins said it was more important that they had kept their squad together.
The Power started with a loss, losing to the Fitzroy Stars 15.5 (95)-11.5 (71).
Atkins said they played against a strong side.
“They had a couple of their VFL players available,” Atkins said. Patrick Farrant kicked seven and had a good game and he was difference.
“We didn’t take our chances when we had them.”
Kaiden Arthur, Stephen McCallum and Ethan Frawley were named the Power’s best.
Atkins said getting early wins on the board were important in what is expected to be a close season.
“Hopefully we can get some sooner than later,” he said.
The Power got its first win on the board on Saturday, beating Epping.
Atkins said before the game that it would be another good test for them.
“They are another team the experts have up there,” he said. “We’ve looking forward to facing Epping at Epping, it should be a great
Patrick Fitzgerald. (Ljubica Vrankovic) 471379_17
game.”
After leading by five points at quarter time, the Power got the margin out to 28 points at the main break.
The Pingers came hard late in the second half, but fell short. Laurimar winning, 16.8 (104)-14.9 (93).
Patrick Fitzgerald kicked eight goals in a best on ground performance for the Power. In other results, Mernda lost to Fitzroy
Sports shorts
EDFL
Greenvale has been awarded the points from its round one match with Keilor after the Blues were stripped of the points in the Essendon District Football League women’s competition. The Blues won the match but were found to have played an ineligible player. On Saturday, the Jets lost to Essendon Doutta Stars, 18.17 (125)-0.0 (0) with the Jets having only 14 players available. Riley Anderson, Hannah Masters and Sophie Pettman were named their best.
Northern FL
Bundoora again fell just short of victory in the Northern Football League division 1 competition. After losing after the siren in round one, the Bulls lost to North Heidelberg on Saturday, 13.9 (87)-11.8 (74). The Bulls had led at three quarter time by two points. Zane Barker, Liam Kolar and Joel Harris were named their best. South Morang is also still without a win after losing to Montmorency, 24.13 (157)-16.11 (107). Jesse John Christidis, Joshua D’Intinosante and Davin Cameron were named the Lions best.
NPL
Hume City had a strong performance against Port Melbourne on Friday night to come away with the points against Port Melbourne in the National Premier League competition. Hume led 2-1 at half time before finding a third goal to lock in a 3-1 win. Joel Russell, Joshua Okane and Robert Harker were the goal scorers for Hume. In the Victorian Premier League 2 competition, Whittlesea United beat Geelong on Saturday night, 1-0.
Big V
Stars, 16.16 (112)-10.5 (65).
Matthew Campbell, Lachlan Evans and Lincoln Coffey were named their best. Lalor had a tough day, losing to Kinglake, 17.17 (119)-5.2 (32).
Heath Patton, Hirsi Twomey and Tristian Harrower were the Bloods best.
There is no division 3 action this weekend due to Easter.
Hume City Broncos fell short against Melbourne University in the Big V men’s championship division on Saturday night. Melbourne University led at every break in the 105-97 win. Kavione Green top scored with 27 points for the Broncos. The Broncos women got their second win of the season, beating Warrnambool, 91-68. FOR
Tennant. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
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